Monthly Archives: January 2009

Miracle Landing of Flight 1549

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Waiting On The Wing
Waiting On The Wing

By now the story of Thursday’s US Airways crash landing into the Hudson River is considered “old news”, however I would still like to personally acknowledge the dramatic event.

Once in a while a story comes along that really grabs at the heart, and reminds us that miracles are real. In a world filled with sadness, pain, and tragic news, it is important to remember that good things can happen, too. Of course, it would have been better if a certain flock of geese had chosen a different flight path on Thursday (for their sakes, as well as Flight 1549!). The resulting heart-stopping panic of those aboard, the wreckage of a large airliner, and a very cold rescue effort can’t really be classified under “good news”. However, the loss of  human life and critical injury that could have happened, was avoided. And that is very good news.

Everyone aboard was safely brought to shore. Kathryn Skaggs wrote a beautiful post over at her “Well Behaved” blog that I can’t top. So, I encourage you to read her post. Before you go, you may want to watch this nice little summary video, created by Brian60093 at YouTube.

The video rightly gives thanks to pilot “Sully”. One more man to thank would be our Heavenly Father. He has blessed our brothers and sisters aboard Flight 1549 with the chance to continue their earthly journey. What will they do with this gift, I wonder? Only time will tell for them. However, one thing we all can be sure of is that there are many more miracles to come.

To Tom Hanks: From An American Mormon Fan

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Dear Tom,

What were you thinking?! You must have been temporarily impaired. It could happen. After all, you were having such a good time celebrating your recent “Big Love” Executive Producer success, maybe it was just too easy to lose track of the refills. Alcohol does that to people. Open mouth – drink booze – insert foot.

I’d like to offer some sort of excuse for you, because quite frankly your latest comments calling Mormon’s “un-American” seem awfully out of character. Of course, Continue reading →

Joe The Dog Provides A Parable

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Joe The Dog
Joe The Dog

Some of you may not have been introduced yet to Joey, our red heeler. If that’s the case, you may want to read “It All Works Out” or “No Empty Chairs” in your spare time. This particular post is the latest in the saga of our dog’s life, and his subsequent misadventures. Forget Joe The Plumber, we’ve got Joe The Dog! Here is the latest “teaching moment” he has provided us:

The Parable of The Dog and The Chili Can

A few weeks ago Continue reading →

Deep In Our Bones

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This weekend was our Stake Conference. [Translation: An LDS Stake is a group of local area Congregations who meet all together twice per year – this is similar to a ‘diocese’ in other religions). The leadership of our Stake was being reorganized, which only occurs each nine years, so there was much excitement and anticipation. During a Stake Conference Weekend, there is typically an Adult Meeting on Saturday evening, and then a combined meeting, where entire families attend together, on Sunday morning. This brings me to the subject of my post.

During the Saturday adult session an invited speaker named Brother Johnson shared the story of his recent surgery. He explained that the bones of his knee had become diseased, and essentially worn away. The result was Continue reading →

Praying To Share The Joy

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I received an invite on my Facebook this afternoon to join a “Global Prayer Rally Event” which a faithful Latter-day Saint has created. I think it is very admirable, and a great reminder for us all to follow the request of a prophet of God! Here is the description which accompanied the Global Event invitation:

At the beginning of our last General Conference, President Thomas S. Monson stated:

President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson

“It has been my privilege during the past six months to meet with leaders of countries and with representatives of governments. Those with whom I’ve met feel kindly toward the Church and our members, and they have been cooperative and accommodating. There remain, however, areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball’s pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith.” – (emphasis added)

This will make a lovely addition to our New Year list, and a great Family Night discussion. What a blessing it is to have a living prophet on the earth today. Let us follow the prophet, and all join our faith and prayers together. May our missionaries be blessed, may the countries of the world open their doors, and may each of us find new ways to spread the JOY of the gospel message near and far!

The Book of Mormon Challenge

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Gordon B. Hinckley

President Hinckley

On October 1, 2008 I Joined the “Hinckley Challenge” (found at hinckleychallenge.com) to read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ in 97 days or less. This was created in honor of the immediate past LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley’s 97 years of life. On Jan. 4, 2009, I completed the challenge! It has been one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. I feel enlightened and invigorated and eager to share this feeling with the world! I also want to share an important new video with you!

book-of-mormonI can’t tell you enough how exciting it was to read this book! I hated to have to stop reading and put it down. Once, I even missed my stop riding the bus because I was so engrossed in my reading. I have carried it everywhere with me in my purse, and any time I found myself waiting in line somewhere or with a few spare minutes, I cracked open the pages and grabbed a few more verses. Nowhere was off limits for reading. The grocery store, lunchroom, bus, elevator, my hair salon, and the bathroom…you name it! Several times, fellow bus riders leaned over and asked me what I was so intently studying. “So, is it a good book?” one man inquired. “Oh yes! The best in the world!” I replied. I gave him a brief summary of the book and told him about the story I was currently reading. He smiled and said, Continue reading →

Wise or Foolish Resolutions?

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The Ten Virgins

Five Were Wise

One of the well-known teaching techniques of Jesus Christ was the art of the Parable. This is a brief fictional story which uses something found in common every-day life to illustrate a moral or religious lesson.

The Savior’s parables are known for their many layers of meaning and applications. The Parable of The Ten Virgins is a lovely and powerful example. I believe it gives us wise counsel as we choose our New Year resolutions, and in turn, set lifetime goals.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins is found Continue reading →