As we prepare to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001 – one of America’s saddest days, there is opportunity for reflection, healing and peace. In this powerful video, survivor Victor Guzman describes his personal journey from the tragedy and trauma of 9/11, to hope, healing, and renewal.
In light of the “pandemic panic” which is presently creeping through our nation, and the world, I think it is important to step back, and put things into proper perspective.
Nothing captures the imagination like a new scourge, and too often we worry about remote risks while ignoring real dangers…The best antidote for this kind of fear is the facts – Marc Seigel, MD, NYU School of Medicine
Let’s take a look at just a few of those facts. Globally in developed countries the yearly leading cause of death is Heart Disease (over 3 million) , and in Developing Countries: HIV/AIDS (over 2 1/2 Million) In America alone, the average annual death rate from heart disease is over 650,000. Cancer: 550,000. Our alcohol related deaths are over 75,000. And regular old influenza and pneumonia: anywhere from 36,000 to upwards of 64,000 nationally (due to conflicting data). Now, contrast that with the recent “Swine Flu” tally. Mexico = a few hundred. USA = 1. A Mexican toddler visiting Texas, who contracted the virus in Mexico and had “underlying health problems”.
What the world needs now is healing by staying calm, and coming together. That can only happen if we refuse to buy into the media rumor mongering. We must reject panic & fear, and embrace peace & faith. (more…)
Jesus often taught his followers to “fear not“. In today’s world climate of anxiety and uncertainty, Christ’s parable of the lily is more relevant than ever, and offers us great comfort and proper perspective.
In the Master’s sermon on the mount, imagery from nature is used to remind us of God’s power over all things. (see Matthew 6:28-33)
Composer Roger Hoffman explained that he desired to set the Savior’s words to music as an expression of his personal gratitude to the Lord for “[always sending] help, just when we needed it.”
Hoffman’s beautiful music has been performed by many artists and choirs throughout the world, and has touched countless souls. I would like to express my own personal gratitude to the Lord for His tender mercies with this visual tribute to Hoffman’s song. (see MoSop Movie attached below).
“He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky. And he will feed those who trust him, And guide them with his eye.
Consider the sweet, tender children, Who must suffer on this earth. The pains of all of them he carried, From the day of his birth…He feeds the lambs in His fold, And he will heal those who trust him, And make their hearts as gold.” – R. Hoffman
This video highlights prophetic words of modern Latter-day prophets and apostles spoken over the past 30 years, up to the present. Our world is undergoing rapid change, much of which is destructive, catastrophic and devastating. People everywhere are suffering pain, discouragement and fear. However, there is HOPE, even in these dark and troubled times. God desires to lead each of us to higher ground. Listen to these timely and prophetic words of warning, love and peace. Remember, The Lord has promised;
Please take a few minutes to watch this powerful video of the last words of LDS leader President James E. Faust before his death on August 10, 2007. President Faust tells about The Greatest Gift we can give to ourselves and to others this year.
“Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Psalms 30: 4-5 Play: Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’
“Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” And like Paul we can answer: “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 18–21
“Our journey into the future will not be a smooth highway stretching from here to eternity. Rather, there will be forks and turnings in the road, to say nothing of the unanticipated bumps. We must pray daily to a loving Heavenly Father, who wants each of us to succeed in life…I remember reading the account of a man who, just after the passing of his wife, opened her dresser drawer and found there an item of clothing she had purchased when they visited the eastern part of the United States nine years earlier. She had not worn it but was saving it for a special occasion. Now, of course, that occasion would never come.In relating the experience to a friend, the husband of the deceased wife said, “Don’t save something only for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion…The words ‘someday’ and ‘one day’ are fading from my vocabulary. Now I take the time to call my relatives and closest friends. I’ve called old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I tell my family members how much I love them. I try not to delay or postpone anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives. And each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. Each day, each hour, each minute is special.” – Thomas S. Monson, “Treasure of Eternal Value,” Liahona, Apr 2008, 2–7
Some who have spent a long winter of guilt and spiritual starvation emerge into the morning of forgiveness. That great morning of forgiveness may not come at once… Do not give up if at first you fail. Often the most difficult part of repentance is to forgive yourself. Discouragement is part of that test. Do not give up. That brilliant morning will come.”Boyd K. Packer, “The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” New Era, Apr 20054
“Part of our precious legacy—to be remembered and renewed—is that though deepening trials throng our way, we know that our afflictions can be consecrated to our good. Good can come from trouble. Trauma can enliven the heart and enrich the soul. Clouds do have silver linings, and the leaf will burst again on the dry branch. “Weeping may endure for [the] night,” sang the psalmist, “but joy cometh in the morning.” (Ps. 30:5.) …To all of you, I express my love and my compassion, and I give you my blessed witness that our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ live and sustain us and that the Comforter witnesses within us—even now—that our personal joy can be full.” – Elaine Cannon, “Reach for Joy,” Ensign, May 1982, 95
The news journal Ottowa Citizen recently published a feature article on the singer Gladys Knight, entitled “Sharing The Gospel”. The personal interview discusses her trials and achievements, her new autobiography , her 2006 Jazz recording, the death of her son, and her conversion in 1997 to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is well worth reading!
I have so much love and respect for this amazing woman. (more…)
Today the United States of America celebrates Memorial Day. It was first titled “Decoration Day”, derived from the decorations placed upon graves of fallen Civil War soldiers in the 1800s. This day has become set apart to officially remember those who sacrificed everything on our behalf.
On May 2, 2000, President Bill Clinton issued a memorandum, which stated the following: (more…)
God our Father has a Gameplan, and we’re all on the team! If He had a “playbook”, He might borrow a few play titles straight from daytime TV; “As The World Turns“, “One Life To Live“, “Guiding Light“, and “All My Children“. He could certainly include “Search For Tomorrow“, and “Another World“. For simplicity, this [...]
A very historic and sacred event in history was commemorated this weekend. In June 1978 the Priesthood was extended to “every worthy male” member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I remember that prophetic day. I would have been 12 years old. My mother picked me up from school and told me [...]
We have been experiencing a little taste of spring weather lately in Northern Utah. The other day it was unresistable, and I had to get out and enjoy it while it lasted! I believe I made my dog the happiest
Hush,
Nothing captures the imagination like a new scourge, and too often we worry about remote risks while ignoring real dangers…The best antidote for this kind of fear is the facts – 
Jesus often taught his followers to “
“Wherever you live on this earth and whatever your life’s situation may be, I testify to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the divine power to lift you to great heights from what appears at times to be an unbearable burden or weakness. The Lord knows your circumstances and your challenges. He said to Paul and to all of us, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” And like Paul we can answer: “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (
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