Words For The Heart

Dr. Russell M. Nelson performing heart surgery, 1951

As evidenced through the violence, wars, famine, destructive forces of nature, financial crises, personal tragedy and general devastation reported by the media each day, we are surely living in the time of great confusion prophesied by the Lord when he said, Continue reading

Tragedy Or Destiny In Texas?

It’s the worst nightmare any parent of a young Mormon missionary would have to face; learning your child who has dedicated two years of their lives away from home for church service will never return. Last night, not just one, but two families received this devastating news. Today, our world-wide community of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are grieving for the tragic loss of two exemplary young men struck down in their prime on a rural road in Texas. Continue reading

Conference Highlights – October 2011

The Conference Center, SLC Utah

It is impossible to give true justice to a General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a mere summary. However, for the sake of my many readers who may not have had the opportunity to watch or hear the conference yet, or for those who would like my perspective – here are a few of my personal observations and highlights from the recent October 2011 Conference weekend: Continue reading

The Unforgettable Forget-Me-Not Talk

Relief Society

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Saturday September 24th was the global 2011 Relief Society Annual General Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah and broadcast by radio, satellite transmission and online streaming to the world. I was priveldged to be able to watch it by satellite. Each talk was inspiring and made me feel better about myself and glad to be alive. The most “unforgettable” talk was, as usual, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency who delighted us with a modern parable centered on the tiny blue forget-me-not flower. Each of the 5 petals of the flower represent a guiding principle that he hopes women everywhere never forget. This talk is sure to rank right up there with the late President Gordon B. Hinckley’s beloved, and equally unforgettable, “6 Be’s” Talk from Jan. 2000.

Created by Jocelyn at beinglds.blogspot.com

You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine!”

President Uchtdorf’s talk could not have come at a more appropriate time for me personally. Our family has been experiencing some difficult trials over the past month, and I have definitely struggled with discouragement. One of the overriding themes of this women’s conference was Continue reading

For Times of Trouble, Remember The Pioneers

The Brigham Young Monument in Salt Lake City, ...

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This weekend Utah commemorates the first pioneer arrival to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. On July 24, 1847 a weary and ill Brigham Young raised up on his elbow from the back of a wagon, looked out over a vast desert valley, and confirmed “This is the right place!” Soon, that same desert would “blossom as a rose” and Mormons throughout the world answered the call to leave their native land and “come to Zion”. Thus began a gathering of epic proportions which shaped America in powerful ways. The Mormon Pioneer exodus Continue reading

Please Remember Who You Are

At The Back Door by Robert Duncan

One of my mother’s “famous sayings” when I was growing up, [used with increasing frequency and urgency the older my siblings and I became], was  Please Remember Who You Are!” Without fail, as we were running out the door to play with friends, or to have a “sleep over”, attend a party or go to Prom, Mother’s voice could be heard calling after us;  “Please Remember Who You Are!

As time went by, it became an inside joke to see Continue reading

My Easter Story

~~~

Jesus resurrected and Mary Magdalene
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When my heart

Cries out,

“I am alone!”

I look at the cross to my left

And Jesus is there.

Since Friday

He has been

Quietly sharing

my pain

And when I listen

I hear Him Say,

“Lo, I am with you…

Alway.” Continue reading

Sabbath Day

The romanticized woodcut engraving of Flavius ...

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The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew shabbath, meaning “day of rest”. Flavius Josephus (37 – 100 AD) an oft-quoted scholar who lived during the first century after Christ, stated that the Sabbath was a day “set apart from labour [and] dedicated to the learning of our customs and laws so that the people might learn a good thing and avoid sin” (see The Complete Works of Josephus) It is interesting to me how closely this definition parallels the scriptural basis for honoring the Sabbath. Continue reading

What Is An American To Do?

South façade of the White House, the executive...

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I rarely discuss politics or government issues on this site. There are several good reasons. #1. This is not a political blog. #2. I am not an expert on government policy, nor do I feel qualified [or patient enough] to debate the many complex issues facing our nation. [I still have plenty of personal opinions, of course]. #3.  The Pandora Box Syndrome – I’ve noticed whenever politics are mentioned, Continue reading

Being A Latter-day Saint

Latter-day Saint chapel in suburban Salt Lake City

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Elder Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answered the question “What Is A Latter-Day Saint?” during the Sunday session of our most recent General Conference.

“A Latter-day Saint is quite an ordinary individual. Continue reading