Sunday was our Fast and Testimony Meeting. This Sacrament meeting is held once a month. Essentially we fast for 2 meals and give the portion of money that we would have used for food as a Fast Offering. These funds are used to care for those who have temporal needs. During Fast and Testimony meetings members are encouraged to come to the pulpit and share their testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As I sat there listening to a few of the testimonies, I felt the spirit and desired to share my own testimony. The meeting was sweet and the spirit was present.The ward members are humble and testimonies were deeply felt.
As the afternoon meetings concluded we were busy talking with two individuals that have temporal needs. As I listened to their pleas for assistance; my heart ached for them. There is so much poverty within our Inner City Mission. So many of these needy souls have a hard time coming and requesting help. Their hearts are tender and tears are often shed.
In the evening the verses to the hymn; "Dear to The Heart Of The Shepherd" came to my mind and continued on this morning.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are the sheep of his fold;
Dear is the love that he gives them, Dearer than silver or gold.
Dear to the heart of the Shepherd, Dear are his "other"lost sheep;
Over the mountains he follows, Over the waters so deep.
Out in the desert they wander, Hungry and helpless and cold;
Off to the rescue he hastens, Bringing them back to the fold.
Enjoy listening to all of the verses by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
There are so many out there that are hungry and helpless and cold. The Savior will come to their rescue but He needs us to seek out and find these poor and the needy brothers and sisters. The following are familiar verses in the New Testament.
Luke 15: 4-7 :
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.Our Living Prophet of today President Thomas S. Monson is known for rescuing the one.
"Tears came to my eyes when I read of a mere boy in one of our eastern cities who noticed a vagrant asleep on a sidewalk and who then went to his own room, retrieved his own pillow, and placed it beneath the head of that one whom he knew not. Perhaps there came from the precious past the welcome words: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me’ (Matt. 25:40)."
"Each of us, in the journey through mortality, will travel his own Jericho Road. What will be your experience? What will be mine? Will I fail to notice him who has fallen among thieves and requires my help? Will you? Will I be one who sees the injured and hears his plea, yet crosses to the other side? Will you? Or will I be one who sees, who hears, who pauses, and who helps? Will you?"
"The desire to lift, the willingness to help, and the graciousness to give come from a heart filled with love. The poet wrote, ‘Love is the most noble attribute of the human soul.
"At the final day, the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame.He will ask if we ministered to the sick. gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we reach out to the least of Heavenly Father's children, we do it unto Him. That is the essence of the Gospel." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 2007, p 28). Let us all seek out and find those wondering sheep. Let us reach out in love to those in need.
If any of you would like to follow my Inner City Mission Journal Blog please email @
templetop@msn.com It is by invitation only.
I am grateful for -
.a living prophet today
.the scriptures
.the priesthood of God
.for prayer
.for service
.for the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
.for my Heavenly Father
.for my Savior, Jesus Christ
.for the Spirit of the Holy Ghost
.for my Eternal Companion
.for my Forever Family
14 comments:
"my forever family..." I love that! Beautiful list.
Thanks for stopping by Buttercup's. I hope you will visit often!
The topic of radical hospitality has been on my mind lately as I start preparing for leading a women's retreat at my church next month. I love the story of the boy who got his pillow for the homeless person. That is the essence of hospitality isn't it? Making people feel like they matter. Like they belong. Great post.
I would love to follow the mission blog. Thanks!
=)
Wonderful post! You have such a tender spirit and I always feel uplifted as I read your posts. Often they give me much to ponder as I wonder how well I am doing with my fellow man. Am I truly following the
Savior and do I look for those who need a helping hand when I have so much. I love the quote from Pres. Monson. Thank you. Nola
I think this is one of the most beautiful sounding choirs in the world!
What a wonderful description this is of what our fast and testimony meetings are like, for what it really means. For those who don't know, it is a perfect thing to read.
You are so spiritual, LeAnn, an inspiration I'm sure, to many people like me.
And I love the way you brought in the Tabernacle Choir and that beautiful song. It has always been a favorite of mine. Thanks for a beautiful post!
I felt your your sweet testimony, the essence of our fast and testimony meetings and the tender spirit which can always be felt there no matter where you attend... Ours too was a wonderful Sunday filled with heartfelt gratitude from so many. First at the Young Single Adult ward we attend at the Jordan Institute and then our own family ward.
The words of , 'Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd ' was a wonderful way of expressing the tender and humble hearts of our brothers and sisters you are blessed to serve. (They are truly blessed to have you in their lives at this time!) There is such a need of wonderful and dedicated missionaries like you and husband to serve those who are in need. Bless your hearts for being there for them and for serving! ~♥
Your grateful list is pretty much the same as mine, imagine that.
Sandy
Beautiful thoughts! I guess I need to remember to help those along my Jericho road. Thanks! Melody
Loved listening to the music:) Such a wonderful choir and such control in the music. I had my children listen and they love it my son likes the organ music:) he says is likes the key board:) he is learning to play the piano. I will have that beautiful melody/song playing all day in my head...Thank you for that:)
Thanks for passing my party post on to your daughter. I am hoping to start a virtual party planning business so really searching out some great parties to share.....
Fast and Testimony meetings sound great. It was a treat stopping by to read about it.
Your Fast and Testimony meetings sound both uplifting and a very practical well to give to those in need.
Thanks for linking up with NOBH!
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