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
Painting by Fra Angelico "Christ's Journey To Hell and Release of Old Testamentary Persons, beginning with Adam" - image via Wikimedia
Where was Jesus for the 30-35 hours between His death on Friday, and His Resurrection on Sunday? The answer unlocks the mystery of death and gives us a glimpse of God’s Great Plan of Happiness for all of His children. Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Quorum of the Seventy stated:
“…the significance of what He [The Savior] did during those hours provides the doctrinal foundation for building [Latter-day Saint] temples across the earth. Furthermore, a testimony of what He did can greatly console those who mourn the death of a loved one.” Continue reading
~~~
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
Image by raphic - off:) via Flickr
The Wisemen found Jesus because our Heavenly Father had prepared a special star, a new light in the heavens to guide them. They watched and searched, and then followed the star.
The star that led the Wise Men to the Savior was real. But it also was symbolic of the light that came into the world with the Savior’s birth.
We each have the chance to become a Wiseman or Wisewoman. This Christmas, consider how you will be following the light, and seeking the Christ child.
Image via Wikipedia
The following story was told by Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
“In a recent stake conference, the tender mercies of the Lord were evident in the touching testimony of a young wife and mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq in December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband’s death, she received his Christmas card. Continue reading
This is a story about how one unlikely girl fulfilled her dream of becoming a cheerleader. It’s really a story about hope, and love, and what’s still right with the world. Continue reading
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ” – Plato
Never give up, never give in! You were born to win!
David Foster
When Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer David Foster collaborated with Grammy-award winner Carole Bayer Sager to write ”The Prayer“, it was a match made in heaven. Their song debuted in the 1998 animated film Quest for Camelot, and went on to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Written with lyrics in both English and Italian, ”The Prayer” was first recorded as a duet between Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli. In 2008 it was recorded by Dion & Josh Groban, and in 2009 Groban and Bocelli gave a memorable performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Over the years this song has been translated into many languages, and recorded by multiple artists. It also likely ranks as a “top hit” to be belted out in the privacy of showers and automobiles everywhere.
As our hearts are aching for the people of Haiti, and so many other sorrows throughout the world both public and private, I cannot think of a better time to offer up this musical prayer for peace, love, safety and comfort.
For Info on this recording click here / Video courtesy MoTabChoir01
“The Prayer” Lyrics
I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe
La luce che tu dai
I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restera
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.
Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita
La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love
Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe
E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera
On today’s Wordpress home page there is a simple poll. The question reads:
“Are you optimistic for 2010?”
The 24-hr. vote shows that the answer “Yes” garnered 84%. Wow! It is nice to know that despite a world filled with troubles, we can still find a majority filled with optimism.
This knowledge makes me feel more cheerful and more optimistic, seeing that vote of confidence!
After consulting two online-dictionaries for the word “Optimism“, here are a couple of definitions I enjoyed:
1. “Having a state of positive beliefs”
2. “The belief that the universe is improving and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.”
Take a minute to read some other words in the family of optimism:
anticipation, assurance, brightness, buoyancy, calmness, certainty, cheer, confidence, easiness, elation, enthusiasm, exhileration, expectation, good cheer, happiness, idealism, positivism, sureness, trust…
And one my personal favorites … Hope!
It is my hope that reading those words filled you up with as much positive energy as it did for me! Today, I join with you in sharing New Optimism for our New Year!
The Power of HOPE
