Sunday, May 17, 2009

Onward, Ever Onward

Mom and I went to church for the first hour this morning, while Andy stayed with dad. As we stood and sang one of dad's favorite hymns I realized how fitting it is. Those who share our faith often think of the hymn "Called to Serve" as the missionary anthem, but forever more I will think of it as dad's anthem. Now more than ever I recognize how much dad cares about each of his friends. He is constantly focused on being a testimony of the existience of God.

Called to serve Him, heav’nly King of glory,
Chosen e’er to witness for his name,
Far and wide we tell the Father’s story,
Far and wide his love proclaim.

Called to know the richness of his blessing—
Sons and daughters, children of a King—
Glad of heart, his holy name confessing,
Praises unto him we bring.

[Chorus]
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;
Onward, ever onward, as we glory in his name;
Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing.
God our strength will be; press forward ever,
Called to serve our King.


This morning dad's over easy eggs got over cooked because he was praying for a family he read about in the news whose little boy died in an Albuquerque park. His heart is so big. As you pray for him make sure that you are also praying for others who might be suffering at this time... that is what would make him the happiest. Happy Sunday!!!

4 comments:

  1. You made a great choice Hannah!
    Nan

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  2. Happy Sunday to all of you. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
    Love you,
    Chris and Mel

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  3. Mike & Carol BakerMay 17, 2009 at 2:28 PM

    This blog is terrific! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers - and more, especially today.

    With love,
    Mike & Carol Baker

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  4. Hannah, I didn't know how to post a comment until just now. FYI, when I served my mission years ago, I'm not sure "Called to Serve" was even in the hymnbook yet. In later years, when we would sing it and I heard returned missionaries speak fondly of it, I couldn't appreciate it. I didn't feel any connection with it. To me it was just another new Primary song that had little special meaning. But Sunday, when you were there, as we stood and sang it, for the first time I began to ponder the meaning behind it. How wonderful it is to proclaim the Father's story, that we are ALL his sons and daughters, and what a rich blessing it is to confess the name of Christ and to serve the King of Glory. How wonderful it would be if everyone who reads this blog could sense this. You are right. This is your Dad's passion, and we are all better for it.

    It was good to hear him on the radio tonight.

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