Every Day Follower of Jesus Christ: Recent Episodes
sharyl allen
The truth is: You can make a difference.
Every act of kindness, every word of courage, every choice to stand for what is right—these shape the world around us. We may not always see the ripple, but history is written by individuals who chose to act when it would have been easier to stay silent.
Ask yourself: Am I settling for what is merely good? Am I choosing what is better? Or am I pressing toward the best—the life of fearless faith, excellence, and service that God has designed for me?
Remember: Good is okay, Better is progress, but Best is God’s way. Let us work today to choose God's way.
Prayer is not only speaking to God — it is also listening. Jeffrey R. Holland, an apostle of Jesus Christ, once taught: “Heaven is eager to hear our prayers, but even more eager for us to listen.”
Righteous Decisions — the choices we make each day that draw us closer to God or further away. Every decision matters, both big and small, because each one shapes our character and our destiny.
Historian David Barton often quotes John Adams, who said: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Freedom thrives when morality guides the people.
Sin is not a question of if—it’s a question of when. None of us are immune to it. But the real question is: What do we do when sin happens?
As a prophet, his voice has been clear, steady, and urgent. He taught: “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” That message calls us to anchor joy in Christ, not in worldly success.
To worship a God who weeps is to know that we are never alone in our pain. He is not a distant observer but a present, feeling Friend. When you cry, He cries with you. When your heart breaks, His heart breaks too.
“However late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed… you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.” - Jeffrey R. Holland
That’s the promise of having an Advocate—there is always hope in Christ.
Elder Robert D. Hales, an apostle of Jesus Christ, once taught: “The unique message of Jesus Christ is that He came to the world not only to die for us, but to live for us.”
You can know Jesus Christ personally. Speak with Him in prayer. Read His words in scripture. Follow His example by loving, serving, and forgiving others.
Why does it matter to know what is truth? Eternal truths guide us to salvation. When we are tossed about like a leaf in a windstorm of opinionaters, confusion is often the outcome. There is no confusion with eternal, unchanging truths. Thank goodness.
The power of hope—it moves us to act, to endure, and to believe in God’s promises even when the darkness is real.
In every faith tradition, hope is not just a feeling—it’s a force that opens the way for healing, strength, and divine assistance.
Peacemaking doesn’t always mean quiet humility; sometimes it calls for being heard. But speaking truth must always be done in love. If we want our nation to endure, to heal, to reflect the best of us, we need peacemakers who are willing to be both bold and gentle.
It is our responsibility to know our inspired documents rather than let others give their opinions as truth. Today is a good day to get started.
"Freedom fails not from force, but from silence—when good people look away instead of standing steadfastly on the side of truth."
This Christmas and throughout 2025, may we be helping hands, feeding His lambs and sheep with acts of love and kindness. And in our darkest, hardest moments, may we allow ourselves to be nourished by His tender care, trusting in His infinite grace.
E.C. Baird wrote in 1922
"I am the Christmas spirit!
I enter the home of poverty, causing pale-faced ¬children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas spirit!
Knowing what we know as His followers, can we hesitate to raise a warning voice to all who will listen so that they may be prepared for the days ahead? Silence in the face of such calamity is sin!
This episode raises a voice of warning so we can be prepared to cast votes that may turn us towards God, our country's founding principles, the Constitution, and towards that which is good.
It is boldly honest and may cause some squirming, it is meant to express truth about cancel culture issues with a heart of love and concern for our nation and its citizens.
When we make a decision: to reject the cheapness of empty, harmful talk and instead speak words that build, heal, and honor the truth, our attitude and perspective change.
We are paying a heavy price for the careless words spoken in our society.
In today’s society, abortion has become a common practice, defended by deceptive arguments. We will examine these deceptive arguments and the falsehoods we often unknowingly accept as truth, instead of recognizing deception that leads to the unthinkable.
We must wake up now—tomorrow is too late! Each of us will be responsible and held accountable before God for what we did to stop this bloodbath of innocent, defenseless lives that have been brutally ended under the guise of choice. It is murder! Last time I checked, murder is still illegal, except for our unborn human beings.
We live in a time when special interest groups, power-hungry politicians, followers of convenience, along with Satan and his minions would all have you believe, “Anything is fine as long as it is what you want.”
Today, we will look at one of the most heinous crimes against humanity—a topic that will be our focus today and throughout the remainder of August 2024.
PRIDE - a sin that leads to destruction, one that is more easily seen in others than self - leading one down a path of complacency and away from God. Learn how to get pride out of the way of your God and family relationships.
We know of angels singing at the birth of Jesus, warning Joseph to flee to Egypt with baby Jesus and his mother. We know of angels appearing throughout the holy scriptures and many of us talk of guardian angels. In these times, we need the angels among us to help us navigate the evils of today.
Most everyone procrastinates. This thief of time can be a plague in our lives. It can be overcome by resolving to ACT NOW.
This is the first in our series: The Time is Now.
Each person on this earth has a God-given purpose to fulfill. Today is a good day to find out what it is if you don't know.
we're reminded of the depth and breadth of Christ's love. It's a love that not only connects us to our Heavenly Father but also binds us to one another in compassion and understanding.
To hold the Son of God in your arms had to be an awesome experience! Most wonderful and beautiful of all, God kept the promise He made before the world began: that He would send us a Savior to bring us the hope of eternal life. For Simeon it was indeed the moment of a lifetime as it showed the fulfillment of God’s personal promise to him
He came as lamb without blemish. And this is life eternal that they might know thee the eternal God and Jesus Christ, our foundation of strength. To know Him, to love Him, to obey Him is to have life eternal.
These growing and learning pains that each of us experience, can bring tears. I know that news that past week brought crocodile tears, from a sense of helplessness and grief for the suffering of others. It is important to remember, The Bible promises that “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain” (Revelation 21:4).
Gifts any of us can give this Christmas include: mend a broken bridge of love. .Seek out a friend with whom you've lost touch. Replace suspicion with trust. Write a letter, as there is something about a handwritten letter that touches the heart. Give a soft answer. Encourage our young people and see in them the light of Christ.
“Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” Let us embrace this message and strive to see the world through the eyes of a child this Christmas season, embracing the reason for the season and the power of repentance.
As we learned decades ago, starting with the end in mind is a fundamental principle of effective planning. When you know your destination, you can create a roadmap to get there. As Jeffrey R. Holland noted, "Don't give up. Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying."
Keeping habits consistently takes attention, awareness and a will. So today, I am asking you to join me for just the next three days to fill the digital frequencies, yep, that is correct fill with what fills you with gratitude. We live in a time of incredible criticism, contempt and comparison. So for just three days we can counterbalance those three C's with simply sharing what brings gratitude.
Upon birth into mortality, one of the gifts that every mortal receives is the light of Christ, to prompt, enlighten and lead us towards that which is good, right and noble. [John 1:9 Bible New Testament]. It is the upward reach to be light. When we do that which is good, right and noble, we find we have a lighter step, we smile more often and our hearts are turned more towards our Redeemer. We are lighter and we radiate light which draws others towards us, if only for a moment to rest in the safety and warmth of our light.
Now, Dolly the donkey, a loyal beast of burden if there ever was one, had been with Balaam through thick and thin. But on this particular day, Dolly saw something that Balaam did not - an angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword. Sensing danger, Dolly did what any sensible donkey would do. She veered off the road into a field.
Remember the story of Enoch, who was told to go throw dirt in his eyes, not once but twice and then to wash his eyes. He obeyed and his eyes were opened to where he could see spiritual things.
"It is loyalty—loyalty to true principles and true people and honorable institutions and worthy ideals—that unifies our purpose in life and defines our morality. When we have no such loyalties or convictions, no standards against which to measure our acts and their consequences, we are unanchored and adrift, “driven with the wind and tossed,” says the scripture (James 1:6), until some other storm or problem or appetite takes us elsewhere for an equally short and unstable period of time." - Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle of Jesus Christ
We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues.
Richard L. Evans said: “Gratitude has not even been born until it has actually been converted into word and deed.”
Each of us can look for ways to say thank you to one another, and we should always show our thankfulness to the Lord by keeping His commandments, to the best of our ability.
"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" is not merely about taxes. It's a directive for all followers of Christ to navigate the complex and sometimes conflicting demands of faith and civic responsibilities. Christians are called to be active and responsible participants in their societies, but they are also reminded that their ultimate allegiance is to God.
"The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself." – St. Augustine
You know this word, you have most likely benefitted from this word. You can apply this word. Join me today in doing so!
By prioritizing compassion in our daily interactions, we step closer to a space where we see one another clearly as fellow spiritual beings in this mortal experience that often need compassion and understanding.
Carolyn Myss once remarked, “Always seek less turbulent skies. Hurt. Fly above it. Betrayal. Fly above it. Anger. Fly above it. You are the one who is flying the plane.” Invisible kindness is about rising above ego, past grievances, and the worldly clamor. When we act kind without seeking validation, we soar higher, above the mundane, touching the divine.
Spiritual poise is not just about being calm; it's about the deep understanding and realization of our place and purpose in the grand design of existence. It's a harmony that transcends our worldly experiences.
The sentiment "people are counting on us" drives home the idea that our actions, decisions, and intentions matter, not just in isolation but in the broader context of community, family, and the lives of others with whom we interact.
Each day pause to count blessings and recognize just how much has been given. I ask this question, "am I my brother/sister's keeper?" The answer is clear, YES! If so, then go and serve, love, and check on them. What are you waiting for?
The funny thing is when we are looking through the proper lens, we see friends and neighbors who can lend helping hands, a listening ear, aid to the single parent, and simply one who is there and responds encouragingly to others. These are those who magnify the good in others by focusing on the chance to lighten another's load.
This freedom of choice was not a gift of partial agency but of complete and total 100 percent agency. It was absolute in the sense that the One Perfect Parent never forces His children. He shows us the way and may even command us, but, “nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” [Moses 3;17].
No power or person ought to be influenced by position - only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile. [D&C 121: 41-42].
Martin Luther King Jr.: "We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."
...people have the false notion that prophets are perfect. You and I know in the core of our being, that prophets since the beginning of time are not infallible. They are mortal beings striving to follow God's will. Do they make mistakes? Of course. The other truth you and I know is that Jesus Christ is the only perfect, omnipotent and thus infallible Being to ever live on this earth.
If we're on the fence, we most often miss the opportunities that await us and the miracles we could be witnessing.
Albert Einstein once said, "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." By this, he implied that observation and reason alone, while powerful, might not be enough to answer all existential and moral questions.
The barrier seemed insurmountable. Yet, on that day, Bannister completed the distance in 3:59.4, proving that the 'impossible' was indeed possible.
This feat reminds us of a powerful scripture from the Bible, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Just as Bannister defied physical limitations, with faith, we too can overcome challenges that seem beyond our reach.
You and I know the price paid in the Garden, on the cross, and the suffering in between these two events our mere mortal minds cannot fully comprehend. Yet you and I know that to Him of whom I stand in amazement at the love He offered me, He who bled and died for me... I know I owe everything to the Savior who bought my salvation. I want more of Jesus in my life. I want there to be no question in the minds of others that my allegiance is to Him. I owe that and more.
Reverend King goes on to say, "I must be measured by my soul." Far too often, we are measuring others by the color of their skin, the accent from their lips, and sadly today it their material stuff - none of which will travel into eternity. Yet the measurement of one's soul and love towards one another will be with you into the eternities.
These are the 'Ever Since' moments that become the landmarks in our story. 'Ever since I took that job,' 'Ever since I moved to that city,' or 'Ever since I met that person...' – such milestones, whether tiny or massive, influence the trajectory of our lives in ways we often can't fully measure at the time.
The Savior is counting on each of us to be our brother's keeper, to stand up for good and be a beacon of hope.
There is no lonelier picture in history than that of the Savior upon the cross, alone, the Redeemer of all humanity, the Savior of the World bringing to pass the Atonement and conquering death for every one of us that has been or will be on the earth. Upon the cross, his poignant words, "Abba, Abba, why has thou forsaken me?"
Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet, and Sufi mystic wrote, "Knowledge that is not put into practice is like a book that is never read."
A final thought expressed, before joining hands and hearts in a prayer to our God, "Your prayers, love, notes of encouragement to any who are having a rough time, are needed."
what of Him
Who bought thee with His blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood,
To live life more abundantly, it requires us to reach out to others, those who are lost, in need of a helping hand, an understanding heart, a listening ear...
All great teachers declare that within this body is the immortal soul, a spark of That which sustains all.
Ancient Hebrew tradition held that the heart could think. It is the heart-generated and heartfelt thoughts, those affectively saturated cognitions that influence thoughts, feelings, and actions, those beliefs of the heart—even those beliefs in one’s deepest heart of hearts—it is these thoughts, emotions, feelings that hold great power over us.
In every hour of the day and throughout the night, God communicates through the divine music of the Spirit. Can you hear it?
“All human beings experience disappointment. If this hard fact of development were not so, it would be very difficult to explain the joy of personal growth that often follows setbacks.”
Jacob de Jager, Disciple of Jesus Christ
They say “misery loves company.” We can think of it another way: we can lift one another better when we know each other’s stories. As we are privileged to hold the sacred space with another allowing their stories to unfold, the tempest experiences to be honored, we grow together in recognition of the challenges of life that grow us, when we allow. In it we create sacred and supporting bonds.
He led the debates on the Bill of Rights. He was one of the great men of that day who sought to abolish slavery. To use his words, he pleaded for “the extinguishment of slavery in the United States.” He was the 4th President of our infant nation.
Pride manifests itself in various forms, often deceiving us with its allure. One of its most dangerous expressions is the arrogance of self-exaltation. When we become consumed with our own importance and achievements, we tend to overlook the contributions of others and disregard our dependency on God's grace. As Joyce Meyer once said, "Pride is an independent, me-oriented spirit. It makes people arrogant, rude, and hard to get along with."
Peacemakers find just and gentle ways to resolve conflict. Peacemakers let go of the past and anxieties caused by acts of others. Peacemakers choose the unity of peace over the fragmentation of fear.
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” Is it really true that things which are great proceed out of small things?
These founding leaders, of The United States of America, believed in divine providence and openly sought and acknowledged the guiding hand of the Lord in all that they did.
As human beings, we possess unique talents, passions, and aspirations. Each of us has the potential to achieve greatness in various domains of life. However, it is all too common for individuals to fall victim to complacency or fear, preventing them from pursuing their dreams and realizing their full potential. Menotti's quote serves as a stark reminder of the heavy burden we bear when we neglect to seize the opportunities that come our way.
These men and women were covenant makers, and while their inspired actions were not fully understood through the view of the world in which they lived, they laid the groundwork for God's work and the promises made for the purpose of this land of America.
The term “infallible proofs” translates a Greek word used only this one time, meaning literally “many criteria of certainty,” and it is significant that the inspired Word of God applies it only to the resurrection of Christ.
What is needed is a generation whose glory comes from their capacity to comprehend light and truth, who can with that light and truth then enlarge their capacity to love and to serve, the Lord's way.
Every choice you make matters and has an effect, seen and unseen.You are the micro to the macro. Your choices always take you somewhere - where did you say you wanted to go?
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Within these simple yet profound words, we find the essence of the Christian faith—a divine love so profound that it led God to offer His Son as a sacrifice for the salvation of all humanity.
As spiritual author Marianne Williamson stated, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." This quote illustrates the paradoxical nature of disempowerment. It may come from a place of fear, a fear of our potential, and the responsibility that comes with realizing it.
...altruism essentially means 'living for others.' It manifests in acts of kindness, generosity, compassion, and selflessness, with no expectation of reward. Altruism prompts individuals to help others even when it does not directly benefit them, which starkly contrasts with the idea of 'survival of the fittest.'
The voice of God is often described as a still, small voice. It's not typically an audible dialogue, but rather an internal sense of knowing, a "peace that surpasses understanding" (Philippians 4:7).
Peter is one that calls to my soul in many ways. From leaving his nets behind to follow Jesus Christ to Peter's own crucifixion upside down for his refusal to deny that Jesus Christ is the resurrected Son of God
By being beacon like examples, we help those whose light has dimmed—in some cases almost to the point of being extinguished—as outside influences have come to bear and the sometimes harsh realities of life have been experienced.
Today, labels put on people by others are heavy on my mind. Not all are accurate or encouraging. In case you find yourself with labels you want to shed, this is for you.
When we embrace patience, we develop resilience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. It is through the journey of patience that we uncover hidden strengths and grow into the best version of ourselves.
The flag represents far more than a mere piece of fabric. It embodies the collective aspirations, principles, and sacrifices of a nation. Each element of the flag carries deep meaning. The stars symbolize the states, united and harmonious, while the alternating red and white stripes signify valor and purity. It is a visual reminder of the foundational principles upon which the nation was built.
Like our physical DNA, our spiritual inheritance unites us as a family. It also helps us to know that, regardless of our circumstances in this life, our “spiritual DNA is perfect because one’s true identity is as a son or daughter of God”. As you recognize your true identity, you also recognize your true potential.Like our physical DNA, our spiritual inheritance unites us as a family. It also helps us to know that, regardless of our circumstances in this life, our “spiritual DNA is perfect because one’s true identity is as a son or daughter of God”. As you recognize your true identity, you also recognize your true potential.
We mortals are in very deed the literal offspring of God. If humanity, as a whole, understood, believed, and accepted this truth and lived by it, our sick and dying society would be reformed and redeemed, and men would have peace here and now and eternal joy in the hereafter.
I have my share of scar tissue for being on the edge of opportunities and choosing to be always in the corner of those who others see as simply underdogs. Stepping into the unknown requires courage and a willingness to face adversity head-on. I will stumble and encounter obstacles along the way, yet I know that each of you will be there with hands out, encouraging words, to get up and keep moving forward.
Faith means believing that even though we do not understand all things, He does. Because He has experienced all our pains, afflictions, and infirmities, He knows how to help us rise above our daily difficulties. He has overcome the world [Bible New Testament, John 16:33].
It takes courage to be a real friend. Trust is the foundation of any strong friendship. Trusting someone with your emotions, secrets, and innermost thoughts takes courage. Trusting a friend means risking disappointment, betrayal, or exploiting your vulnerabilities. Genuine friendship requires both parties to demonstrate trustworthiness and integrity; it takes courage to place your trust in someone and be trustworthy in return.
Addressing sensitive topics, expressing concerns, or giving honest feedback takes courage. True friends understand that these conversations are motivated by love and a desire to see each other become the best versions of themselves.
Ever asked another, what is it to you? Sometimes, meaning this doesn't concern you. Well, even Jesus Christ, asks us the same question, when we are comparing to another and questioning their divine journeys. Avoiding comparison, jealousy, or even contempt, is not for followers of Jesus Christ, but rather embracing that each of us has our own unique journey as part of God's plan for our growth, learning, and service; we are called to embrace our work wholeheartedly.
Writing your own story embodies the essence of personal empowerment. It is the realization that we, as individuals, can decide the narrative of our life. It is the acceptance of our past, the control of our present, and the shaping of our future. It's not merely about living our dreams but also acknowledging and learning from our disappointments. It's about facing our fears, embracing our failures, and celebrating our successes.
"Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it." - Muhammed Ali
In this mortal realm, in which we are spiritual beings having a human experience, it is vital to our safety to remember, remember He who has saved us always.
No follower of Jesus Christ, must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer, who gave His life that all men might live
Take a moment today to reflect on the power of love, and let it inspire you to do something extraordinary for someone you care about. You never know how deeply your acts of love and sacrifice can impact their lives and foster a lasting connection.
When we align our thoughts with a group, we tap into its members' collective wisdom, knowledge, and experiences. There is also a dark side to thinking in herds. Groupthink, a psychological phenomenon associated with cohesive groups, can lead to flawed decision-making. In groupthink, the group's desire for consensus and harmony overrides critical thinking and dissenting viewpoints. This can result in the suppression of alternative ideas, the failure to consider potential risks or drawbacks, and, ultimately, poor outcomes.
Learning is not confined to any specific age or phase of life; it is a lifelong journey that continues until our last breath. Embracing the commandment to learn means accepting that there is always more to discover and understand. This humble acknowledgment of our limited knowledge drives us to continuously seek growth and wisdom.
Long, long ago, even before we were born, in an age dimmed by time and clouded from memory, we were invited to embark on an adventure. It was proposed by God, our Heavenly Father. Accepting this adventure would mean leaving the comfort and security of His immediate presence. It would mean coming to earth for a journey filled with unknown danger and trial. It would be developing faith and trust in His plan to which all on this earth, that had/have a body, agreed to leaving the comfort and security we knew for eons of time.
It has been said that history turns on small hinges. So do people's lives. Our lives will depend upon the decisions we make, for decisions determine destiny. Many small decisions that have signifiant consequences can be made well in advance of situations.
From the Dali Lama, "Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isn't anyone who doesn't appreciate kindness and compassion." Regardless of our beliefs, respect and empathy are qualities that transcend religious boundaries, connecting us on a deeper human level.
Throughout various holy writings, humility is consistently extolled as a virtue of great significance. I always figured if it is a virtue of great significance, I should strive to develop the virtue in myself.
Do you know anyone who doubts just about anything including the spiritual experiences of others? A term often used for the doubters of most everything is chronic skepticism.
A mother's love knows no bounds. It transcends time, circumstances, and imperfections. It is a love that is patient, selfless, and unwavering.
It’s important to remember that seeking God’s guidance doesn’t mean we will always receive a clear answer. Sometimes, the answer may come in the form of a feeling or intuition, and other times, we may have to wait for a while to gain clarity. It’s essential to remain patient and trust that God will provide us with the answers we need at the right time. The wisdom o f God often appears as foolishness to mere mortals, but the greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and one obeys, you will always be right.
Mothers, in particular, have a profound impact on their children's lives. They are the first teachers, caregivers, and role models for their children, shaping their character and influencing their choices. Mothers instill in their children virtues such as empathy, kindness, and perseverance, which help them navigate life's challenges.
“Youth fades; love droops; the leaves of friendship fall; a mother’s secret hope outlives them all.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes
Beck out this link and song by The Four Beams - https://youtu.be/f5G7tUzoyCg.
This is the one my grandfather sang most every Mother's Day of his adult life.
"It is not how much we do but how much love we put in the doing. It is not how much we give but how much love we put in the giving." From these two sentences is the action plan for followers of Jesus Christ.
There is power in numbers, as we find in Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." We should never underestimate the power of gathering, whether it is offering prayers with others for specific reasons, showing up at a virtues circle, in church, or in memorial services; gathering is honoring the holy places in our lives and relationships.
"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa.
The crazy thing about ripples is we may never see the impact of the ripple we send by standing steadfast for good, but because we cannot see doesn't mean the impact did not occur.
Not one of us would be on this mortal journey without a mother. Not one! In the realms of our religious beliefs, we find this statement: “The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life” (in Messages of the First Presidency, 6:5). My father used to teach his children, that women are to be honored and protected, they are considered in the halls of heaven to be most holy and hallowed. It is the essence of who we are as women. I recall many very firm conversations my father had with his sons and grandsons about how they are to treat females of all ages.
In Kintsugi, the repaired pottery becomes more beautiful and valuable than the original piece. The golden lines that fill the cracks symbolize not only the beauty of imperfection but also the idea of resilience, healing, and growth through challenges. The pottery that has been broken and repaired has a unique story to tell, a story of survival and transformation. Similarly, our brokenness can become a source of strength and beauty as we allow God's grace to heal us and transform us.
The concept of mourning with those who mourn comes from Romans 12:15, which says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." This verse is a call to empathy and compassion, encouraging us to share in the emotions of those around us. When someone is mourning, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. However, simply being present and acknowledging their pain is enough. Often there are no words...
The concept of perception and truth is complex and multifaceted.
Religious leaders throughout history have explored this concept and offered their own insights and perspectives. Ultimately, the seekers of truth find it be be a personal quest shaped by individual perceptions and experiences.
As the Christian theologian Augustine once said, "Seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand."
Children are not seen as property or objects to be controlled; instead, they are valued for their unique qualities and are treated with dignity and respect. Children are taught to be respectful of their elders and are expected to contribute to their community's well-being. The Masai's approach to child-rearing is based on the principles of love, respect, and collective responsibility, which are essential for creating a healthy and harmonious community.
Choosing that good part means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else. It means taking time to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teaching, to pray and seek his will, and to serve others in a way that honors him
Jane Manning, an early African American convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faced discrimination and persecution throughout her life. Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast in her faith and perseverance. She once said, "I would rather live in obscurity with my Heavenly Father than live in splendor without Him."
It is important to remember, that God's ways are different than mortals. There are many bible verses that speak to this truth. One such verse is found in Isaiah 55:8-9, which says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Joyce Meyer, a popular Christian author and speaker, has also spoken about the difference between God's ways and man's ways. One of her quotes on this topic is, "God's ways are so much higher than our ways, and His thoughts are so much higher than our thoughts. He's always got a better plan than we do."
Don't you take comfort in knowing there are people praying daily for you? I know it makes me breathe and keep moving forward through adversity.
A Course of Miracles also emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance through prayer. It says, "God's Voice speaks to me all through the day" (Lesson 49)
"The truth is worth pursuing." Nibley believed that the pursuit of truth is a noble and worthwhile endeavor, even if it requires us to change our beliefs. He believed that the truth is a powerful force for good in the world and that we should never be afraid to seek it out.
Sheri Dew is an author and speaker who has written extensively about faith and personal growth. She said, "We don't get to choose what hurts us, but we do get to choose what heals us."
Everyone of us is largely the product of his or her beliefs. Our behavior is governed by these firm beliefs that become our standards of conduct. Like you, I have core beliefs. I have a winnowed list of 8, you may have fifty. It is not about the number, it is about knowing what you believe that carries you through the challenges of life and propels you into eternity. It is these beliefs that help me shed old skin every day and give the old over to Christ, so I can heal. I an open to understanding what the lessons of adversity is teaching me.
No one likes misery. Recently I had a few days that were miserable, simply because I allowed myself to believe I was unwanted, an inconvenience, and unwelcomed. Why not analyze our own selves when we find ourselves in a mood. If I had paused to do so, days would't have been miserable. We will see how we are willingly, willfully making ourselves miserable. No one else, we own it and only we can change. it. Remember while you are doing so, others around you feel the unpleasantness of your state of mind. Each of us most remove moods from our mental mirrors.
The Bible advises believers to "let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6) and to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15).
“The only way I’ve been able to get through it is to think about Lot’s wife,” Karen said. “When the scriptures say she turned into a pillar of salt, I think it’s because she was so taken with the past that she couldn’t move forward. You have to take one step and then another, even if they’re tiny steps. So move forward with faith in Christ. And don’t look back. Don’t be a pillar of salt!”
Easter is a celebration of the risen Lord. Followers of Jesus Christ should lead out their celebration of this most important holiday, declaring the light and truth of The Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means for each of us.
Dallin H. Oaks, a living apostle of Jesus Christ, stated, "The resurrection is the assurance that all mortality is temporary, that death is not the end, and that we will live again with our loved ones who have passed on." This hope and promise of eternal life is reflected in the scriptures, such as 1 Corinthians 15:22, which reads, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
The Garden, The Cross, The Tomb, The Resurrection, The Immortal Son of God who again taught and visited other sheep, is more than a historical fact or a nice story in scripture. For me, it is becoming the most essential experience of my ability to live. We all live because He died and was resurrected on the third day.
First, this is a re-recording for all who couldn't get the recording sound. Hopefully, this is worth the wait as we all join hearts and thoughts in gratitude for ou magnificent Redeemer.
"His great suffering was before he ever was placed upon the cross. It was in the Garden of Gethsemane that the blood oozed from the pores of his body: ‘Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink’." - Joseph Fielding Smith, Modern Day Prophet commissioned by Jesus Christ
Credits: Music written by Sally DeFord and sung by the Sydney Chamber Choir
The agonized Sufferer, void of resentment but full of pity for the heartlessness of His treatment in being nailed to the cross, and blatant cruelty, voiced the first of several utterances from the cross.
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" [Luke 23:34]. It was a plea for those who had brought anguish and death to the Father's well beloved Son, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. It demonstrates the depth of Jesus' compassion, even as he was being crucified. It serves as a reminder to us forgive others, regardless of their actions.
Sources Include: The Day Son by Jeffrey R Holland; Jesus The Christ by James E. Talmage, The Christ Commission by Brad Wilcox, The Holy Bible, The Pearl of Great Price
He suffered. He could have stopped it. He chose to permit it out of love. He did not do it because of Judas, but for Judas and all of us. - Brad Wilcox, Unwavering Follower of Jesus Christ
Jesus continues to teach through parables. "And he disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." [Matthew 13: 10-11] Parables are like a picture with hidden objects. At first we see only the obvious, but the more we search, the more we find.
Palm Sunday and Holy Monday are significant days in the Christian calendar, marking the beginning of Holy Week, which commemorates the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the events of Palm Sunday and Holy Monday.
You simply must understand this, because you were born to lead by virtue of who you are, the covenants you have made, and the fact that you are here now in the 11th hour. No matter how many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you don't have or how far from home, family and God you have traveled, you have not traveled beyond the divine love and the infinite light of Christ's atonement.
Resurrection is hope because it promises new life after death. It signifies that death is not the end, and that there is a greater, eternal reality beyond this life. For believers, the hope of resurrection provides comfort and assurance that death is not the final word, but rather a doorway to a new and better existence.
The Savior of the world said that the purpose of his mission was that we might have life and have it more abundantly. The greatest creation in the world is life, and the greatest form of life is the kind that God himself has; birth, education, death, and the resurrection.
From a spiritual perspective, "Wait to Win" can be seen as a reflection of the concept of divine timing. In many spiritual traditions, it is believed that there is a divine plan for each individual's life, and that everything happens for a reason. When we encounter obstacles or challenges on our path, it may be because we are being guided towards a different direction or a higher purpose.
Let us ponder this question: “What is the worth of a human soul?”
Being your brother's keeper means taking care of your fellow human beings, whether it be your family, friends, or strangers. It means being responsible for their welfare and making sure they are safe and protected.
The idea of a second chance God is powerful, as it offers hope to those who may have made mistakes or strayed from the path of righteousness. It emphasizes that no one is beyond redemption, and that God's love and forgiveness are available to all who seek it. Frankly, His love is always available to all, even when we do not use our agency to seek His love. One of the most powerful records of words of Jesus is when he hung on the cross for you and me, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Sharyl's translation is: 'they are still children and often blind to their actions. I love them and am finishing the bitter cup, because I see them as they cannot yet see themselves.'
The concept of breaking the bands of death comes from the Book of Mormon, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the book, it describes how Jesus Christ, after his crucifixion and death, descended into the spirit world and preached to those who had passed on before him. He offered them the opportunity to accept his gospel and be saved, which they eagerly accepted. He then led them out of the spirit world and broke the bands of death, allowing them to be resurrected and receive their physical bodies once more.
Engage with the virtues which are the foundation of truth and strengths. The is your first step to finding your yes to a spiritually driven life is to connect with your strength virtues, your gifted virtues, your guiding virtues, our challenge virtues. To learn more about how to connect with virtues, contact me and I will send you an invitation to a virtues companioning session that will aid you in gaining clarity.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." Think about what a life without introspection, reflection, and self-awareness yields. According to Socrates, it is important to reflect on one's actions, beliefs, and values to understand oneself better and to live a more fulfilling life. Without such examination, one is likely to live a life driven by societal norms and external pressures rather than by personal values and convictions. Socrates believed that self-knowledge and self-awareness were the keys to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
"Grace is not achieved somewhere down the road. It is received right here and right now. It is not a finishing touch; it is the Finisher’s touch. Grace is not about filling gaps. It is about filling us.” - Brad Wilcox
Jesus paid our debt in full. He didn’t pay it all except for a few coins. He paid it all. It is finished. There is nothing for us to pay, this is not a part-way salvation, it is all the way.
There are things that each of us can do to reduce things to their proper size, and laughing at ourselves helps. If you are taking yourself too seriously, quit. Today is the day you can choose to embrace laughter and joy, facing the world and its challenges with a positive attitude and a light-hearted spirit. Refuse to allow adversity to bring you down, nor let the difficulties of life steal your happiness.
That is the one thing, who is the one person, what is the one attitude...that makes all the difference?
Reflect for a moment, How many times in life have you and I asked the question: “Am I worth it?"
When engaged in character slamming, ask yourself, "am I perfect?" None of us are, all of us are flawed and most more beautiful for having risked, been broken and getting up again for the next day.
Sacrifice is the willingness to give up something important for something more important. When we sacrifice for those we care about, it is not a deprivation but a love offering.
Whatever the cause, it is human nature: without reliable landmarks, we drift off course. So it is with our spiritual lives, when we are off the path, we tend to go in circles.
No matter how far we are off the path Christ leads, we can return to His path and as we restore ourselves to His heavenly light it brightens in us. His light illuminates our soul chasing away doubts, fears, and thoughts of unworthiness,
We have doubts and we have confidence. We experience fear and we experience courage. No one is born into circumstances that are 100% negative. Because of these opposites to which we knew mortality would bring, we also bring with us fire in the belly, a deep sense of purpose and potential. Remember we live in a world of opposites. Life is about experiencing the negative that shapes and sharpens us so we can see the opportunities hidden in every experience that refines us.
When attraction develops into love, it requires more care. The only way we can keep it alive and healthy is through consistent care and attention.
An unknown orator has been tributes with saying that the greatest pursuit of human life is to be loved and to be loved. As human beings, we crave love, we believe in the power of love, we are all drawn to love stories that leave us happy with our own or seeking more. Love is possible.
It is the love of others that shapes our beliefs, molds our character and builds our sense of belonging. It is this love that continually reminds us we are more important than our mistakes. It is this love that corrects and then increases in love.
When the unlikely connect and commit, others may find it odd, at that moment. It is only when we can witness and observe their journey together through mortality that we can sense what pure love means. What two unlikely saw in each other includes: love, loyalty, peace, faith, and the future. Some call it chemistry if you will; maybe there is a little of that, but there is always much more, when love happens.
There is nothing better that we can wish for others than love.
Being in the mindset that God loves you helps in the day-to-day outreach to others with civility, respect, and gentleness of the spoken word. The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Philippians, “But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” [NKJV, Phillipians 2:3]. When we hold others in high esteem, looking with eyes of love and speaking with temerity, our peacefulness and that of others improves.
When we look up, we are able to see how God uses passion. Everything God does is done with a purpose and passion. God acts with His whole heart. In the first great commandment, we are to love God with all our hearts, might, mind, and strength. When we love, really love with all of our heart, there is nothing withheld.
Dream big, think big, and love big! Too often we find ourselves and others settling for less. We can look beyond our natural eyes to see the possibilities.
Sending increased warm and loving thoughts your way, this Valentine's Day.
“How can we survive if we do not love . . . if we do not love our country, if we do not love one another, if we do not strive upwardly and pay whatever price it may cost to advance our society, our family, our religion?” - Hal Visick
Imagine if your self-talk was only supportive and loving. Imagine if your self-talk focused on your successes of the day. Since the control over self, your time and your thoughts belongs to you, what might shift if there was quiet moments in which you paid attention to and captured your thoughts, tossing away any that missing the loving and cherishing of you.
Did I spend the time I wanted to with those I love most. Did I treat them with unconditional love and acts that made them know they were cherished and loved? Did I take the time to call and express love and gratitude for their influence? Did I?
Agape is the Greek root of a more familiar word to each of us, "charity", that selfless concern for others not evoked by any love on the part of the other. It is a type of love different from eros (erotic love), and phileo (spontaneous, unreasoned, familial love). It is the kind of love manifested on the cross. It is the consistency of a will to be in harmony with God. Charity is the pure love of Christ. When we live from a space of agape love or charity, it is the pure, unadulterated concern, compassion, care and holy love for our spiritual brothers and sisters that surround us.
In the words of our friend, Og Mandino, "greet this day with love in your heart, laud your enemies, do good to them which use you, despise you and treat you with contempt." Look upon others with love in our heart, and where disdain may be creeping in your mind and heart, silently say over and over, "I love you, I love you." Repeat as many times as necessary until your mind lets go of the criticism, the contempt and replaces it with compassion, caring and love.
Humans live in continuous fear of being hurt. This often creates big drama wherever we go. The emotional wounds of jealousy, betrayal, hurt, and anger often drive fear. The fear of not being accepted by others. The fear of not being good enough for someone else leads to pretending to be what we are not. We practice this to try to be good enough for someone else. All of this is driven by fear of rejection. There may be moments when we are tempted to justify our actions by believing that the end justifies the means. We might even think that being controlling, manipulative, and harsh will be for the good of others. Not so, for the Lord has made it clear that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance.” Is there a better way to be motivated and to motivate?
A prayer was offered to a congregation of people gathered, here is a line from that prayer: “Dear Father, we thank Thee that Thou hast loved us." While we may not be able to fully comprehend the love of our Heavenly parents, we can continue to strive to learn more.
Love is a fragile thing. Life has many elements in it that test the strength of love. Much damage occurs if we are not in tender, caring and loyal hands. The need for pure love in relationships is reflected in our partner's future that is placed in our hands for safekeeping. In showing how we love others, we would never allow someone to rain on their parade, be critical of ones we love, cast gloom, doubt, or defeat upon them.
Love is the remedy for ailing families, ill communities, and sick nations. Love is a smile, a wave, a kind comment, and a compliment. Love is sacrifice, service, and selflessness.
Knowing that we are all children of God gives us a vision of the worth of others and the ability to rise above prejudice. His message is love. His life on earth was love. His resurrection is love. Love for each and everyone. We are all alike unto God.
Did you know learning any concept or principle or changing any behavior pattern requires five important steps? First, you have to expose a person. Second is the law of repetition. Third is to give understanding, the why. People of all ages want to know the why's when asked to support a change or to change.
As the Savior said, “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon these things … that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow." Clothing for the soul comes by living principles of righteousness, pondering and praying about that which we learn as we seek to be followers of Jesus Christ.
It is not always easy to achieve an appropriate balance. In addition to what we read in social media posts, we can have brought right into our homes in color most of the problems of an entire world. We also have our own personal ups and downs and challenges. The stresses of life are real and rather constant. There is, however, a defense against much of this.
There are significant numbers of youth who are striving to identify a path that will bring them satisfaction—a sense of belonging and of self-worth. A sense of belonging is critical to the wellbeing of our children. Ensuring that home is a safe and stable place, a place where belonging means being seen valued and appreciated. I have come to learn to be fully present to children no matter what other demands are pressing upon my time.
When encountering those who have a rebirth of spiritual life, my eyes are often teary with happiness for their journey to the Savior and partaking of His atoning sacrifice. How beautiful, how tender it is to see the heart changed, the lost found, and the blind restored to sight. Though we may not understand how it happens, we know why—because God loves His children. A love that transcends our doubts, our sins, our afflictions, our worries. A love that is never removed.
excerpts for this podcast taken from writing of Lloyd D. Newell
The Atonement cleanses us and it also completes us. The Atonement brings us comfort and it also compensates for our shortcomings in mortality. The Atonement liberates us from death and it also lifts us higher on Christ's path as we follow Him back home.
There are two deaths, physical and spiritual. According to a young child, "Jesus beat the pants off of both."
Physical death came in the Fall of Adam and Eve. "Jesus Christ has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light. " [2 Timothy 1:10, Bible New Testament]. As a result all humanIty will overcome physical death by being resurrected and obtaining immortality.
Jesus Christ commanded us to forgive others seventy times seven times [Matthew 18:22, Bible New Testament]. Why is it so hard for us to believe He would also forgive us more than once? Too many people think that if they commit the same sin again, and again, it's all over. That is not true. We will mess up again and again, and the Atonement of mercy is ours to claim through repentance. Each time we repent, we will make progress step by step.
We know he sweat great drops of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him. A good friend of mine, a medical doctor and founder of pain study centers commented, "for a person to sweat great drops of blood from every pore would mean the capillaries in their system all burst, just one of two is such excruciating pain that we cannot ease that suffering, every pore, the pain is inconceivable." - Dr. Crew
We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death.
We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name.
When we put together the teachings from the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph, it is clear that love, forgiveness, judge not and the giving of second chances over and over leads to love and fulfilling relationships. Happiness rests in understanding that it is natural to love others, to feel their pain and help, to forgive no matter what, and build relationships that bring hope and peace one person at a time.
This day is all any of us have, so with the moments you have left of this day, what can you do to lift another? What will you see in this day that fills your soul and propels you to action?
In order to avoid an eye for an eye, we must learn to curb our tongues. We should always remember that spoken words can never be recalled and may be remembered in sadness and regret forever. Not everything we feel has to be said. Almost nothing we think in anger should ever be said.
Because agency and the right to choose is an eternal principle that was part of our pre-mortal rights, our choice to come to earth and be tried and tested, left the need for a Savior. One who could pay the price of justice and through mercy and grace, provide a path of repentance that would allow us to be claimed as worthy of eternal life.
There is no one that is void of expectations. These can be violated by developing circumstances and if we are not meek, the surprise or disappointment by the violation of such expectations can throw us off our stride and even cause us to stumble. This has certainly happened to me several times in the last few months, to the point that it seems like I'm drowning in quicksand. It is the climb back of our having expectations of anyone that is even more brutal as one recognizes that pride, disappointment, valueless thoughts rage through the heart and mind.
...meekness is so much more. It also has to do with things of everlasting and salvational significance. In the opening words today, there are two references to scripture around the meek. Let's add another one, "God arose to save all the meek of the earth." [Psalms 76:9] Jesus Christ, whom we strive to follow, describes himself as being meek and lowly of heart. He continues His counsel by encouraging us to walk in the meekness of His spirit. Walking in the meekness of His spirit as we learn of Him and follow Him, enables us to have personal revelation from heaven in our lives today.
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." [Matthew 5: 14,16] In this ever increasing world filled with confusion and anything goes, each of us needs to let our good works shine and glorify our Father and Mother in heaven. It is this that combats the trash the fills the minds and carnal desires of humanity.
Our brother, our Redeemer is not going to then, now or ever bestow cheap grace on us, and He wasn't going to ask for that Himself. With things of the spirit we need to develop patience and recognize that we, too, will struggle to know our standing before God.
When looking back on his life accomplishments and his generosity to others, he was not ordinary in our eyes. He spent a lifetime striving to emulate, Jesus Christ, no ordinary man.
the entire Buffalo Bill team and some Bengals, kneeling and praying over their teammate, led to prayers being uttered all across this country. In that moment, football was reduced to its proper size as just a game. The first and most important element, was the status of a colleague, friend, family man.
The practice of reviewing the past and setting new directions for the future is a very healthy one, a scripturally encouraging one, in which we can beneficially alter our lives. I recommend the practice to you, especially if it is thoughtfully pursued and the resolutions made clothed in righteousness, bringing behaviors and attitudes that truly bless your lives and the lives of others. Shakespeare once wrote that one should live so that “Eyes, / That borrow their behaviours from the great, / Grow great by your example and put on / The dauntless spirit of resolution” (King John,act 5, scene 1, lines 48–53).
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the King, behold there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, "where is He that is born King of Jews? For we have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him." - Matthew 2: 1-2, Bible New Testament.
Little one, do you recall
The King who was born in a cattle stall?
Who left His royal throne on high
That still and starry Christmas night?
He came from Heaven to Bethlehem
And hope was born within the hearts of men
Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. It can be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. It is a good time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its personal meaning. It is a powerful time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God.
The world needs your light. You see, each human being is unique and came to mortality with a key part to play, at this time, wherever you are planted. Perhaps it is your friendly hello and with a smile that lights the world today, for someone who was feeling a bit discouraged. You are essential.
With all the inward and outward disappointments in the lives of many coupled with the wanderings, the searchings, and unsolved problems, it is Christ who has said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” [Job 19:25, Bible Old Testament]
"Our prayers were answered as we had an incredible agent, who kept working with us as one of the coaches and I just kept searching and believing in possibility.
The most amazing thing about the Christmas story is its relevance. It is at home in every age and fits into every mood of life. It is not simply a lovely tale once told, but eternally contemporary. It is the voice crying out in every wilderness. It is as meaningful in our time as in that long-ago night when shepherds followed the light of the star to the manger of Bethlehem. [Joseph R. Sizoo, Words of Life, p. 33]
Christmas is so often interpreted by children. The other day, I was in my home office when my 3-year-old came to visit me. She had sensed that a part of me was burdened and sad. Her words carried such weight, "Meme', your love goes right into my heart, it's ok." A few minutes later, Meme' your love is the greatest gift I have. I love you." She quietly hung out with me for over two hours and, at times would come to get on my lap to snuggle against my shoulder. The greatest gift appeared in her heartfelt and powerful words.
"Brother John" she said, "the Savior's address is in my heart and it is also in my home." This was the story of the widow's mite all over again. Then she said, "What may I give the community?" I have no money but I have extra clothing, extra bedding, bottles of fruit and canned meat. Please let me help."
One day we will all return home to the arms of the Savior and feel His love. I want you to pause for a moment and think about what it means to be on the earth at this time when the fullness of Christ's gospel established with apostles, during His first time on earth is back. A time when it will appear that the dark clouds of evil are winning the war. At times, when commercialization seems to dominate our Christmas celebration earlier and earlier, each year. I certainly believe we should make time for Christ every day, year-round beginning and ending each day in prayer with our Heavenly parents, and seeking His perfect will for our day. When it feels like the jaws of hell are opened and you are the prey, seek the power of Jesus Christ, which will be more readily available as we make time to really know Him every day, not just in crisis mode.
It was Jesus Christ Himself who taught us to look to children as an example. The New Testament records His answer when His Apostles disputed who should be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus answered their question with a small yet powerful object lesson. He called a little child to Him and set him in the midst of them and said:
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 18: 3-4]
When we look at the life of Christ and his apostles, we, like His apostles need to answer, are we meant to be givers or receivers, lifters or leaners? Our hope and the hope of others this Christmas season can be wrapped in being seekers, givers and lifters. The Lord and his disciples were always lifting people up not being leaners on others.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, wraps her firstborn child tenderly and lays Him in a manger. God sends angels in glorious light to announce to humble shepherds that the long-promised Messiah is born. And Luke tells us that choirs of angels were sent to celebrate this greatest of gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to His children.
This Christmas we are blessed to light others lives with the Light of Christ by our acts of kindness. It is our willingness to emulate our Savior whose life and birth we honor this Christmas season followed by every day of the year. Throughout communities are toys for tots, giving trees, efforts by different groups to provide anonymous assistance to others.
Paramahansa has written, "the whole world has forgotten the real meaning of the word love. In the universal sense, love is the divine power of attraction in creation that harmonizes, unites and binds together...Those who live in tune with the attractive force of love achieve harmony with nature, and their fellow beings, and are attached to blissful reunion with God." As you take in this story, may the divine power of love leave warmth in your soul.
Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa Claus himself stepped out behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.
"What are you doing..." I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone, gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all knew.
He then answered me with a simple statement, "teach the children."
There was a family with several small children, a father whose lay-of a few months earlier was ensuring that Christmas for these children would be one where gifts would include just being together. Having parents that love children and the excitement of gifts asked all of us to forgo Christmas gifts and instead ensure that these children had a Christmas filled with food and gifts.
The morning became more bearable as my spirit led and peace descended with a clear answer as to what I needed to do next. The Lord lets us know He knows where we are and then the phone rang. My church leader was on the line asking if I could speak a few minutes in church that same day about gratitude and share my testimony of Jesus Christ.
t is important to recognize that trials and challenges are what we signed up for in our pre-mortality choice to follow Jesus Christ. The road was never going to be easy. We learn from Lehi that “it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things” and from the Doctrine and Covenants that “my people must be tried in all things.”
“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. … Let us with caution, indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. … Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."
What will be different today than yesterday? Will we look a little closer to see how we can serve those in need? Will we praise God every day for His mercy and perfect love? Will will lift someone feeling sad? Will we take time every day to count our blessings? I hope so.
"I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow citizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of Events...
Charles Dickens penned words that resonate with all of us from a Christmas Carol and old Marley’s reflection:
At this time of the rolling year I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which guided the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light might have conducted me!"
Children are able to express thankfulness for the simple things in life, the moon, grass, snow, stars, Hocus Pocus 2, parents, bed, favorite blankets, Jesus. The simple things in life. What might those be as adulthood and its complexities arise?
Everything the Savior did and said was for the benefit of humankind. His Atonement, His example, and His teachings—everything was to help us not only to have a more abundant life on earth but also to attain the most abundant of all life—even eternal life. For His Atonement, which overcame death for all of humanity and He claims us. What do we have to offer Him for this sacrifice?
I, Sharyl, having been born of goodly parents seek to find deeper faith, learn to love all who cross my path and choose to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Let me tell you about learning to love those who cross my path. My dad was a generous man. To our home came all manner of humanity, the stranded Israelis bikers, the Serbians
“When they began to shoot rockets in our region, near our apartment — a rocket hit our building — the Lord blessed us, and the rocket did not explode. We survived. We grabbed our bags and food and left our home,” Sergei said.
The Jericho Road or Parable of the Good Samaritan surely had three people expressing gratitude: the man who fell among thieves, the innkeeper and the Samaritan. When do we pause to express thanks to God during our afflictions for the mercy that is still given to us?
“We have de-emphasized the indebtedness and overemphasized the gratitude, and they belong together,” explained Jenae Nelson,
The spirit of every human being is different. We were meant to be different. Each person was created differently to play a particular part in the divine plan of the universe. You have a part to play that no one else can play. Until you find out way down deep who you really are – you are not ready to play your part.
Their work in bringing forth the potential within every human being - especially our children in five simple steps shows easy ways adults can change their language, seek the teachable moments, set clear boundaries that keep others and self safe, honor the human spirit that is within each person and learn deeply listen to others and walk alongside them in genuine companionship. The key is to learn to recognize the virtue(s) another has as a strength such as compassion, justice, gentleness, and forgiveness, to mention a few (there are hundreds of virtues). Also the growth virtue or the one needed for the moment such as cleanliness, fortitude, patience... I wish you could have been with us.
Those who mourn need time to grieve their losses, and they need supportive friends and family to be with them through that experience. The amount of time needed for grief to run its natural, healthy course varies from person to person, depending on several factors. Was the loss sudden or agonizingly anticipated? Some people might need to avoid things that remind them of their loss, while others might find comfort in memories. I'm in the avoidance category as the length of time needed to grieve is long and the reminders often start the grief process over again.
All of us are faced every day with the decision of how to react to the actions of others. The past few months have been filled with adversity, and I have allowed the adversity to affect my thinking, increase frustrations, and even my health. The crossroads is what will be next. In looking at Frankl's work, I was reminded that no matter what the action of another, I have this small moment where I can breathe and bring the spirit of Christ that rests within me to the forefront of how I might react and realize that I choose. I choose, not someone else.
When the $28 million dollar pitcher took the mound, fans were either cheering or booing. It had me wondering why sports stadiums are filled with fans who pay a lot of money these days for a ticket to attend. The striking answer was it creates a sense of belonging to something. Often times athletes and sports teams become the idol for people, buying gear, dressing up, and spending limited resources to show that they are devout followers of their team and players. I can relate, I used to be one of those rabid fans of the SF 49rs and the Phoenix Suns. Today, I find that I choose to be a devout follower of Jesus Christ and seek that which is eternal vs. temporary. Is there pleasure in seeing individuals play at high levels, knowing they dedicated themselves to this excellence, certainly!
But, as I watch the increasing numbers of the homeless, the abandoned, and the orphans in our nation, I have a hard time balancing the behemoth stadiums that are built on taxpayer dollars and state waivers of paying taxes, and pondering do we have our priorities straight?
we are all battling the mortal appetites that cause us to stray from God's side of the line, human beings have the light of Christ within them and a constant meter of right and wrong. I also believe God when it was stated, "this is my work and glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of all mankind." The constant battle to be on the right side of the line requires each of us to sacrifice.
Sacrifice is the medium by which we learn to know what we really love.
The royal courts on high are the only destination that really matters. A glorious reunion awaits us. What is more reasonable or wonderful than children going home? As children of heavenly parents going home to where an eternal now awaits each of us, should encourage us to pursue the path that Jesus Christ marked for us with His atoning sacrifice. Come Follow Me, are His encouraging words.
Now don't misunderstand; there are inspired children that can show us the better part. Children often have the “thoughts and [the] intents of [their] hearts” focused on the Master. Though not full of years, such children are full of faith! The scriptures assure, “little children do have words given unto them many times." [Alma 32:23, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ] The resurrected Jesus revealed things to the Nephite children, who then taught adults and their parents “even greater” things than Jesus had taught [3 Nephi 26:14, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ]
Children do remind us of our better selves...
In the last presidential election, only 66.66% of eligible voters exercised this vital right and responsibility. According to the PEW Charitable Trust, the US ranks 24th in the world among nations that hold elections where the people vote. I remember when the people of Iraq had their first election, 99% of the people voted. A right, responsibility and a privilege.
Today as birthdays are celebrated around the world, like every other day of the year, I'd like to help us capture an understanding of what you are worth, a question that can be deeply contemplated each birthday of our lives.
“So what are you worth?”
The realities of living in our limited, imperfect world mean that we have no choice but to make do with an approximation—to admit and accept imperfection. Whether it is jumping over cracks to avoid the or, the way people speak to us, the failures that haunt us. We are human beings in a mortal experience and we make mistakes. Life is full of problems and routes to solutions.
The law of occupied space states that an object can only occupy one place at a time. As it applies to the mind, both faith and fear, self-belief and self-doubt, or simply positive and negative thoughts, cannot occupy the mind at the same time. When we allow the fear of missing out to drive our thoughts and actions, it begins to solidify the habits of our mind and the actions that follow.
What do we place before God, in our lives, today and in doing so, strengthen the power of the Destroyer. Evil seems about to engulf us like a great wave, and it feels that truly we are living in conditions similar to those in the days of Noah before the Flood.
During the time of Jeremiah, one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament, the people preferred to worship idols made out of wood than the Living God. Are we too, worshipping idols in our homes and communities that are made out of wood, and synthetics? What would your inventory unveil?
This day, wherever you are, I greet you as my friend.
Someone has said, “A friend is a person who is willing to take me the way I am.” Accepting this as one definition of the word, may I quickly that we are something less than a real friend if we leave a person the same way they are found.
The Savior has never made excuses for our behaviors and I don't believe He would make excuses for us now. I believe He would remind us that he suffered in Gethsemane and on the Cross so we would be able to repent of our sins and wrongdoings toward others. I believe He would also remind of the enabling power of the Atonement that is ours to access.
If you live where it is car season, and animals dart across the road where at night it is difficult to see them their eyes blinded by headlights and your reaction rates too slow, pray, pray, pray, for God's help. If you are thinking, well that is good and fine for you, Sharyl, but not for me, I encourage you to take the test of prayer and patience. Remember, Christ came despite the masses that would not receive him. God speaks even when our ears are closed. Animals are kept off the road, because it is a good thing to seek with faith and firm belief.
There are biologists who claim to have the scientific knowledge to declare that human life is not more valuable than animal life and to claim so is a moral evil. Richard Dawkins has gone on to suggest there is a benefit of "culturing" meat from human cells to help human beings overcome their repulsion to cannabalism. Let me warn you - today this sounds awful but such people whose suggestions dismiss God from our lives, will not stop. They will continue to suggest such evil and discount human life until you become tolerant of their view points. Get on the watchtower today and speak up for God's word and ways and debunk the Richard Dawkins of the world.
We all know that the moon is only a few days away from us at present speeds of travel. (The speed is about 25,000 miles per hour when the astronauts leave the vicinity of the earth. Their rocket continually slows down, however; otherwise, at 25,000 mph, we could reach the moon in ten hours.) Four hundred times as far away as the moon is our sun, the nearest star. If we could maintain the 25,000 mph speed, it would still take almost six months to reach the sun.
On distant Pluto the sun would appear only as an extra-bright star, giving off enough heat to keep Pluto at about 400 degrees below zero, a dark, cold, inhospitable place indeed! On the vast scale of distances in space, even Pluto is practically on top of us.
“We are the children of God. That doctrine is not hidden away in an obscure verse. It is taught over and over again in scripture. These clear examples are from the Bible:
“‘All of you are children of the most High’ (Psalm 82:6).
“And: ‘We are the offspring of God’ (Acts 17:29).
The fulfillment of hopes and dreams rests in self-mastery; the self-discipline to wait upon the season that will foster new hopes and dreams. We are responsible for our success or failure. Remember, the most fundamental need of every human being is to be loved and needed. However, we choose.
Our free agency is our most priceless possession, the power to choose. With that power we must also recognize that we must take the consequences of our free choices. As we continually build dreams and then put foundations under them, it is upon us to answer the question, “What will be the result of my choice, my hopes and dreams?"
So many wonderful things are ahead. In the coming days, we will see the greatest manifestations of the Savior’s power that the world has ever seen. Between now and the time He returns “with power and great glory,” He will bestow countless privileges, blessings, and miracles upon the faithful.
Nonetheless, we are presently living in what surely is the most complicated time in the history of the world. The complexities and challenges leave many people feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
If we do not know our one thing, we will be life a leaf in the wind, blowing to and fro.
What is the meaning of life for you?
Your answer will be found as you seek God's purpose for you.
Even as the prophet Jeremiah was told as a twelve-year-old boy that he would be called to open his mouth as God directed, meaning he would be a prophet of God, you too, have a purpose...
We too, without a clear destination, may find ourselves going in circles, instead of on the path to our divine destination. In the holy writings we find, "Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury they talent that it may not be known." [D&C 60:13]. Using our time well, should be a priority for each of us. The key to improving our time is "adjusting our idle",
Here is what the President of Notre Dame shared, the Rev. John Jenkins, that his decision to cover the murals was not intended to conceal anything, but rather to tell “the full story” of Columbus’s activities.
While we all eagerly waited for the race to begin, I began asking people their relationship to Billy. The stories flowed, "every morning at 6:00 a.m., Billy runs by my house, I cheer for him as he runs by. Another, as Billy is out running, I make a point of running a few steps with him as a sign of encouragement, and Billy is supported by the community." As the gun sounded, my daughter pointed out the runner to watch. Billy soon became the chant of the crowd, as he quickly pulled ahead of the the other runners.
Our problems are for us to solve them. Often, that is why the Lord placed us where we are in life. This lesson is one that we are generally reluctant to learn. We would rather throw our problems like monkeys to land on the back and shoulders of others, relieving us from the hard work. Put your mind, and strength to the work of solving what is calling you and then seek guidance from the omniscient God
The prophet of the world commented, "The Savior provided an infinite atonement. He has rescued us from all." This Atonement was suffered so sin and death was overcome. "Men and women who turn over their lives to Jesus Christ will find His love has more for us than we can do."
We are taught that all good things come from God. Blessings are a good thing and frankly are never earned, but rather our small acts of faith are seen in heaven. Heaven smiles as we continue on our progression of this mortal testing time.
You see, it wasn't me. It was the four involved in phone calls, and most importantly, it was the Lord's answer to a plea "please open minds and soften hearts." I could visibly see the change taking place. Enthusiasm by others for involvement had changed so positively and the burden I had been carrying physically left my body and went to the Divine. I saw God's hand at work in my life and witnessed a personal mircale.
The Saturdays of indulging our carnal desires, may be one of those barriers in our progression that needs our attention. Avoid being one of those who succumb to "there's nothing I can do." You have self-discipline, you have the Savior on your team, you have abilities that have not yet been applied. If you need to clean-up your accounting with God, then be about it now.
As children of God, we have responsibilities. We are commanded to “love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). This is one of our greatest responsibilities. Who are your neighbors? When Christ was asked this question, "who is my neighbor" (Luke 10:29)?, he responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 18:4]. This is something to continually nurture in our children. While guiding their self-confidence and self-esteem, we need to teach them the qualities of selflessness, kindness, obedience, lack of pride, civility, and genuineness.
Do you wonder to what Jesus was referring when he asked Simon Peter this question? Since the Savior's death, what had happened to the man who would become the leader of the Savior's church, as the chief apostle? What if the Savior asked us the question,
The Lord often reminded the Israelites that the land belonged to Him, but was given to them for their use as His people. This is a good reminder to each of us today, that the land belongs to God but he gives, not sells, it to us for our use as His people.
Some time ago a great actor in the city of New York gave a wonderful performance. There was thunderous applause at the end of the performance. Some man in the audience thought he would like to hear this man read a scripture. He rose and said, “Sir, would you read for us the 23rd Psalm?”
Then the actor, being a great speaker as well as a great actor, said, “Why, yes, I know the words of the 23rd Psalm.” And as such a man would read, he did read that wonderful psalm. When he finished, again there was thunderous applause. But the actor arose and signaled for silence and said, “I appreciate your response, but there is a man sitting down here whom I happen to know. He is an elderly man. I would like for your benefit to have him come and really read the 23rd Psalm.”
The old man, of course, was frightened, but he yielded to the invitation, staggered to the stand, and read as only such a man could read the 23rd Psalm. He sat down, and there was complete silence; many were wiping their eyes. The great actor arose and said, “Ladies and gentlemen, as I told you, I know the words of the 23rd Psalm, but this man knows theShepherd.”
This invitation is not to a location that family's spent thousands of dollars for folks to gather. This is not to where the learned of the world convene. It does not require you to purchase new clothing, this is a come as you are with all of your weaknesses, struggles, needs and the desires of your heart.
It is our time to determine if each of us will fulfill our citizenship responsibilities. Let's be clear.
If you are not for American Law & Liberty, you are against America.
If you are for lawful & alien conspiracy simultaneously, you are against America.
If you are against God and moral law, you are against America.
Be clear by your actions and deeds that others know where you stand.
The U.S. Constitution is the oldest living document of its kind. It stands the test of time because God's hand was seen over its creation and the establishment of the United States of America.
We live in a time where some would have you believe because our founding fathers had weaknesses (just like all people throughout the ages), that the Constitution is flawed. This is such a sorry approach to opinionating. Instead of believe the latest opinions, take time to read and study the document.
There are times that the journey of mortality is really hard. Do you ever wonder when we met in the councils of heaven about coming and getting a body, if we took a deep breath know courage would be required? We were taught that this life would be a time of probation in which we would be faced with trials and tests, but if we were found true and faithful and thankful in all things, we would inherit all that our Heavenly Father had prepared for us.
There are really only two explanations for life's origin. The work of a higher intelligence, known as an omniscient God or blind chance. The confusion we experience in society today did not begin during our lifetimes. To which do you ascribe and why?
Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped.
Our Savior proclaimed, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. [John 10:10]”. This message from the Savior is He came that we might live and have a more abundant life. When we get caught in the game of comparison, we can always find those we perceive have more abundance than ourselves. But what are we truly comparing?
Robert L. Stevenson observed, "You cannot run away from a weakness. You must sometimes fight it our or perish; and if that be so, why not now and where you stand?"
The challenge for educators, and for parents -- the first educators -- is to bring forth the best within. The process of bringing forth the best begins with recognizing the potential and responding to it. The best within is strengthened by providing opportunities to act on it, encouraging the best, and then acknowledging efforts to develop the best.
Every child comes prepared to learn -- (s)he is learning even when no one is formally teaching. The vast majority of what a child learns comes from observation, thought and practice.
God uses imperfect people on the path to eternal perfecting. This is such glorious news and well worth shouting from the rooftops. God uses me and I am imperfect! What about you???
Some decisions may seem insignificant to you. It is only because you cannot see the ripple effect yet.
Do we stand up firmly for our children, being steady, stable guides? Do we question what others deem invaluable to teach our children or do we simply give up the terrain? Do we make certain as a teacher, that we teach correct principles? It is such an awesome responsibility to be a great teacher
Our hearts, our souls, our minds have potential beyond our greatest imagination. We can become anything we want if we just remember who we are and if we do not choke off our powers by brooding over some small fault or by feeling inferior.
Music by Sally DeFord - Because He Lives
I need you and your optimism to put one step in front of another when hard things and hard times hit. I need you to remember God and our fellow spiritual brothers and sisters who are struggling, living in war-torn regions, are homeless, hungry and hoping another answers their silent plea for help.
Music: Hymnal I Need you
Accompaniment: Sally Deford
Performer: Allyse Smith Taylor
If you are in the business of selling, which most professions would be classified here. You will find to be truly successful you need to develop the ability to anticipate the needs of others and to be able to walk where they trod. When we find ourselves in the space of empathy, it inspires us to be giving and selfless.
Music: Every Child a Priomise by Keiki O Ka 'Aina and Robi Kahakalau
When we consider 1440, the number of minutes in each day, we know that there is not another human being on the planet that can bank time. The question becomes, what is different in how people use their time allotment?
As kids of all ages join teams and strive to get a little playing time on the court or field, the thought comes to my mind. Are we exerting as much effort to be on the Lord's team? Serving on the Lord’s team does not happen by chance.
Music by Sally DeFord sung by: James Loynes and Allyse Smith Taylor "Because He Lives"
"True love, selfless love, does not wither as life becomes more complex and difficult. If anything, the roots and branches of our love grow deeper and wider with each shared experience—even unexpected or challenging experiences." [Lloyd Newell, Music and the Spoken Word, March 20, 2022]
Music by Sally DeFord, Sung by Allyse Smith Taylor "An Angel to Watch over Me"
I had a friend that shared the following, "Sharyl, I don't do weight loss anymore, because when you lose something you tend to find it again." Weight release has a nice ring to it.
Life isn't always good or bad. Sometimes life just is what it is. However, it is always what we say it is. What are you saying today? Our perspective transforms life experiences into what we want them to become.
around the bend of the road, was the light blue flag. I parked and approached the camp. It was the place. I had a map but needed some good guidance by one who knew the different family camps and I needed the faith to follow that guidance.
“What we think is less than what we know: What we know is less than what we love: What we love is so much less than what there is, and to this . . . extent, we are much less than what we are”
We all are underestimated at different points in our lives. We can add to the list, Sir Isaac Newton who was last in class; Thomas Edison who was labeled dumb. Og Mandino who was called a worthless drunk. We can go through the books of history and find many example of those who were underestimated. No matter the views of others, don't give up on your own positive approach with others. Look for the good and avoid the dark side of the times in which we live, learn, and love.
On average, children laugh 400 times a day, while adults laugh about 15 times. Do we need to cultivate a different attitude? Humor is in the way we see things, the way we think. It’s an attitude, not an event. Perhaps the key lies in becoming more childlike. [Palmer, The Power of Laughter]
In 1906 Rockefeller told a newspaper reporter for the New York American: “I believe the power to make money is a gift from God . . . to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind”
We have second chances over and over, as many as it takes because of our elder brother, who paid the price necessary to ensure we understood, that we have a God of innumberable chances.
When you think about the power of family, the bonds are near impossible to break, it we but make the effort for those ties to become stronger and stronger.
How often, when we are tested or must sacrifice, do we charge God foolishly and ask the question, “Why me?" There is simply sacrifices that are made to be on the path of discipleship and to choose better in our lives and society.
“Why do we say what we say, when we know what we know?” Doing we contribute to the fragility of others? C.J. Waisath’s counsel: “We need to use our words to bless, uplift, and edify each other. . . . As we strive to be architects with our words, we can build a better world together, one person at a time. It’s that simple.”
"Complete and constant integrity is a great law of human conduct. There need to be some absolutes in life. There are some things that should not ever be done, some lines that should never be crossed, vows that should never be broken, words that should never be spoken, and thoughts that should never be entertained."
Let us go a step further to the New Testament where there's just 14 words that tell us what Jesus Christ did to develop himself from age 12 unto his formal ministry at age 30.
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” [Luke 2:52].
How much more spiritual wonder, can and should we feel towards Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on our journey toward eternal life. This wonder is the sensation of emotion, awe, or amazement common to all who fully center their lives on the Savior and His teachings and humbly recognize His presence in their lives.
God knows that some of the greatest souls who have ever lived are those who will never appear in the chronicles of history. They are the blessed, humble souls who emulate the Savior’s example and spend the days of their lives doing good.
“O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh” [2 Nephi 4:34].
Russell M. Nelson stated, “It is important for you to know who you are and who you may become. It is more important than what you do, even as vital as your work is and will be. Some people on life’s journey forget who they really are and what is really important. Without sure identity and priority, blessings that matter most are at the mercy of things that matter least.”
I was fortunate to have a mother who lived every day preparing to meet her Savior. She was gracious, kind, loving, and always hopeful that good would prevail. She studied her scriptures daily, prayed often, and had unwavering hope in the promises of our Redeemer. She taught her children to always hope for a better day despite the trials and adversities that plagued our lives. Hope, an example from a goodly mother.
We have reason to shout for joy, recognize that opposition will come, but also the rising of a new day as we cast not away our confidence into a pool of doubts and fears. With Jesus Christ as captain of our team, there is no need to fear or let our confidence falter.
We cannot earn our way into heaven; the demands of justice stand as a barrier, which we are powerless to overcome on our own.
But all is not lost.
The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope.
Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the plan of mercy appeases the demands of justice “and [brings] about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.“
Pausing and thinking of Walt Disney and the labors of his life to create a magical place where worries could be left outside the gate, reminded me of how God inspires each of us to pursue that which is good. Walt pursued that which was wholesome and good
We are eternal beings. We lived as intelligent spirits before this mortal life. We are now living part of eternity. Our mortal birth was not the beginning; death, which faces all of us, is not the end.
Happy memories flood my mind as I remember these men and women who sacrificed for me and shaped my character. We all believed that families were a forever unit and the bonds we created on earth continued in the next life, when we would return home to our Heavenly parents and Savior Jesus Christ.
The look should never cause you to become cynical. “Cynicism is an intellectual cop-out, a crutch for a withered soul, a thin excuse for inaction and retreating commitment. Do not become cynical about government or education or civic affairs or relationships or religion or the human race or the time in which you live.” - Jeffrey R. Holland
Because of creation and the wonders we experience on this earth, an early morning walk, a hike in the mountains, a plane ride across the expanse of an ocean, sunrise, sunset, a field of wild flowers, all around us is the goodness of creation.
Today is a good day to take stock of where we are on the path of discipleship. Do we have spiritual momentum? Have we cast Satan out of our lives? Do we let God prevail in our lives?
Self-pity was a daily companion that drained my strength, darkened my attitude, and left me in a void of despair. "Nothing dissipates our strength faster or more quickly drives away those who would truly wish to help us than self-pity.”
“I will never consider defeat and I will remove from my vocabulary such words and phrases as quit, cannot, unable, impossible, out of the question, improbable, failure, unworkable, hopeless, and retreat; for they are the words of fools. I will avoid despair but if this disease of the mind should infect me then I will work on in despair."
This mortal journey isn’t just about focusing on your own life. No, this path inevitably leads you to become a blessing in the lives of God’s other children. It leads us to echo the words of a child on a series saying, “I am blessed because of you.”
There have been times that I have not acted as I would if I could see the Savior next to me, I know that even when we make mistakes and choose to do the wrong thing, Jesus stays near us and watches over us anyway, waiting for us to reach out and hold His hand again. Because He loves us so dearly, we are always in His watchful care, even when we don’t know it, and someday we will all look back and realize how close He was, just when we needed Him.
The basic truths are always the same, but the emphasis needed will be made by the living prophets under inspiration from the living God.
We may be rowing upstream against class 5 rapids in our world today, but we must teach our children that sin is sin. As you recall situational ethics or the new aspirational ethics would negate that right is right, wrong is wrong. We must teach our children every day that sin is sin and repentance is available. This is what builds their integrity.
This discussion reminds me of Thoreau’s admonition in Walden? He told us if we have built castles in the air our work need not be lost, for that is where they should be. The he urged us to put foundations under them.
We cannot know when our privilege to extend a helping hand will unfold before us. The road to Jericho, where the good Samaritan found himself and where each of us travels, bears no name, and the weary traveler who needs our help is often unknown to us.
George Q Cannon, an early apostle of Jesus Christ in the fullness of times, asked. "Do angels take the Lord's name in vain? The idea is so ridiculous that we scarcely like to ask the question…How dare we do that which angels dare not do? Is it possible for us to argue that that which is forbidden in heaven is praiseworthy on earth?"
What are you that God is mindful of you? That God counts the hairs on your head? That God magnifies you? and sets His heart on you? Finally, what are you that God weeps over you?
There are four very simple steps that must be implemented to stop the flood of youth loss of purpose and value to others. Today’s complexities whether perceived or real require greater simplicity. He who forged the path for you and I leads and communicates in simplicity. Keep the Commandments. Come, Follow Me. Lay your burdens at my feet. God is for you. You are a Child of God…, Talk to me.
Awakening this morning there thoughts occupied my mind: (a) Doubt your doubts not your faith. - Deiter F. Uchtdorf (b) the worth of souls, including my own are great in the sight of the Lord. (c) Avoid getting caught in the trap. Oh how subtly Satan works to ensure us and will use innocents to further his work, unknowingly. It always helps to spend a few minutes in the scriptures and words of the Lord.
Cooperation is necessary in order for faith to develop. Faith is a living thing that grows and develops. It can die if we are not mindful. If we are unable to act upon faith, it dies. When we look upon others with distrust then failure is the expected outcome before the spirit of cooperation can be tested.
Without the ability to connect at the soul level any progression is fleeting and unfulfilling. It begs the question, what is holding me back? Followed by holding me back from what? The what is your infinite potential, the purpose for which you are on this earth that only you can accomplish.
Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.
In celebrating the 246th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, certain divine facts stand out above all others—that God rules in the affairs of man and nations; that righteousness produces great nations and sin destroys them; that virtue exalts a nation, while sin is a reproach to any people; that in guiding the destiny of nations the Lord has given to man his free agency—the right to choose between good and evil
You must read the Declaration of Independence to feel its inspiration. You merely need to study history to recognize that a group of fledgling colonies defeating the world’s most powerful nation stemmed from a force greater than man.
Our Constitution, unlike the Declaration of Independence has a spirit that is undeclared, unspoken; the spirit of our Constitution would be revealed through the actions of the American pioneers, entrepreneurs, spiritual leaders, and citizens, through processes and through events that would express the unfolding demands of a shifting world and history.
We will immerse ourselves today in the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, to learn more about how the enemy amongst us operates.
Would we want to live without a free press? Absolutely not! However, while first amendment rights are broad enough to protect the rights of unpopular minorities, originally the historical and structural core was to safeguard the rights of the popular majorities against a possible unrepresentative and self-interested Congress. Congress was singled out to be restrained by the First Amendment precisely because it was less likely to reflect the majority will.
Voltaire once said, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it!” We would all be wise to echo Voltaire. We must not be part of what Professor Arthur C. Brooks of Harvard’s Kennedy School describes as “a culture of contempt — a habit of seeing people who disagree with us not as merely incorrect or misguided but as worthless.”
In its clearest statement to date, the court said that if a state uses taxpayer money to pay for students attending nonreligious private schools, it must also use taxpayer funds to pay for attendance at religious schools. For all practical purposes, the decision thus invalidates provisions in 37 state constitutions that ban the direct or indirect use of taxpayer dollars for private religious schools.
Chief Justice John Roberts said that when the state pays tuition for students at nonsectarian private schools, but not religious schools, "that is discrimination against religion."
Modern day prophet, Ezra Taft Benson, clearly conveyed a message from God, when he said:
It would be erroneous for us, however, to conclude that the document was the sole genius of the Founding Fathers. Theirs was a combined wisdom derived from heavenly inspiration, knowledge of political government from ages past, and the crucible of their own experience.
“We may define a republic to be a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period or during good behavior. It is essential to such a government that it be derived from the great body of the society, not from an considerable proportion or a favored class of it…”
Avoid delusion. The Constitution of the United States is a miracle that saved America. Its founders were men and women who sought God in holy scriptures, many of who studied the Geneva Bible. The founders who sought inspiration from heaven. They prayed, they studied, they listened and followed the promptings of God through the Holy Spirit. They put their trust in God.
They asked the question we wrestle with today, anytime we are striving to ensure that agency is protected and the rights of all humanity are fought for, "are we doing the right thing?"
"it was immoral for one generation to pass on its extravagance to another in the form of debt. We shall consider ourselves unauthorized to saddle posterity with our debts."
History is not an accident. Events are foreknown to God. The past, present, future are one eternal round. His superintending influence is behind the actions of his righteous children, because those seeking God's will are also seeking God's help, or in other words exercising their agency, to ask for His aid. This is an important reminder to each of us.
"The first principle is popular sovereignty, the principle that the government’s power comes from the people being governed. “Sovereignty in the people necessarily implies responsibility in the people,” he said. “Instead of blaming their troubles on a king, on a cabal of military leaders, or on some distant group of wise men, citizens who are sovereign must share a measure of the burdens and responsibilities of governing."
As James Madison wrote in the preface to his notes on the Constitutional Convention: “There never was an assembly of men, charged with a great and arduous trust, who were more pure in their motives, or more exclusively or anxiously devoted to the object committed to them.” Truly, the U.S. Constitution was established “by the hands of wise men whom [the Lord] raised up unto this very purpose.” (D&C 101:80.)
Every September 17 we observe Constitution Day. While it is not filled with parades, barbecues, and fireworks, it is hopefully filled with each of us studying this document more deeply. We are the only nation on earth that has a Constitution over 230 years old. It is the fundamental law we point to that is the foundation of our national life.
Today, tyranny surrounds us and these are times that will require each and every follower of Jesus Christ, to determine where the Lord's side of the line is and where we find ourselves, in mists of darkness or on the covenant path of Christ.
The Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States—rest on the bedrock of the love of the Lord and of liberty, became the foundation of our Republic. From this foundation has come the greatest civilization on the face of the earth.
"Man is a spiritual being, a soul, and at some period of his life everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the Infinite. . . . There is something within him which urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body and all things physical and live in a higher and more beautiful world."
"When the issues are determined, whether we stand with the winners or the losers, of this we may be sure: To make the proper choice on any issue is of far more importance to us personally than is the immediate outcome of the issue upon which we make a decision. The choices we make will affect the scope of our agency in the future. As of now, we have the right of decision. What we will have tomorrow depends upon how we decide today."
Deborah’s greatness lay not in her physical strength but in her moral leadership, in the confidence she inspired that the Lord would aid those who fought for a righteous cause. She spoke the language of faith in all conversations. Can we not follow her example and do the same?
Finding joy in the moment is often heightened by two companion virtues to joy. Forgiveness and love. The depth of joy is found in the feelings that flow through us when we pause and breathe in beauty. It is found in that moment when you release the old baggage you have been carrying around from past mistakes, impressions or self-images that really are not you. It is found in the ability to receive the hand of love.
“The living of one protective principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ is better than a thousand compensatory government programs—which programs are, so often, like ‘straightening the deck chairs on the Titanic.’”
A dear colleague of mind consistently stated, "choose not to be offended." In other words, keep your head up and realize that someone else's words or actions are about them, so choose what you think and do.
And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
This wonderful life can change in the blink of an eye. How good it is to know that one shall live after death and the plan of salvation continues. Shall a man live after death? I stand with the billions of others who echoed, Yes! There is hope shining brightly in the knowledge that has been known since the time of Adam and Eve.
Since the beginning of time and the billions of people who have walked on this planet, there has never been another with your mind, your heart... Never before and none that follow think exactly like you, talk exactly like you, dream exactly like you, nor love exactly like you.
It is the stretching of our minds and utilizing the skills of our hands that lifts us from the stagnation of mediocrity. When we determine to be better in each moment of the day, we are leaving behind mediocrity.
If we are not willing to grapple with the frustration that comes from interpreting others actions as meaning one thing when it could be something else, we may never develop the kind of spiritual maturity that is necessary for our ultimate preparations.
An important truth about the spirit body: it is perfect, not hampered or hindered by physical defects or disabilities. At death the spirit body is liberated from the adverse effects of aging, disease, or handicaps.
life is a gift and God has a plan for each of us. He knows what each of us need and often when we know as well, we ignore it to feed our carnal appetites.
“When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed. . . . The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature . . . , and changed men [and women] can change the world.”
Keep in mind this is near impossible if you are not awake to human psychological tendencies that include but are not limited to: the herd mentality, collective illusions, obedience to authority and conformity of emotions.
One of the greatest needs we have, is to retain and develop the innate qualities of little children, for they are alive in Christ. They have no guile, they extend friendliness to all other children regardless.
Consultation is not a process that requires compromise or dilution of our commitment to the truths we understand. It is a process where opinions are queried in search of the truth, whether it is a small or great matter. Truthseeking is foundational in consultative communication.
We need to be able to quiet our minds so we can hear with our hearts what we need to light and strengthen our days, where clever deception is sent our way nearly 24/7.
Whatever the case, womanhood and motherhood provides for a direct partnership with Creator in fulfilling the plan of gaining a body. It is something that brings a sense of awe and sacrifice. In November 1942, the prophets at that time stated, "motherhood-the highest, holiest service … assumed by mankind.”
While the Lord does not give us the day when prophecies will be fulfilled, He does give us the context, the season. Further, whatever the Lord has declared concerning the past was literally fulfilled. We should expect the same of all prophecies yet to be fulfilled, in our day. It is on us to study and learn the prophecies for our day and what our role can be now.
Professor Harold Hill, in Meredith Willson’s The Music Man,cautioned: “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you’ve collected a lot of empty yesterdays.”
What freedoms are you willing giving up for a mess of pottage? What influencers have you welcomed into your mind, your thoughts, and that of your family because you are are spiritually asleep rather than being alert to all influencers around you?
Accountability means we have moved far beyond "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die."
It was and is a shock to my system as I’ve worked to stay on the Lord’s side of the line, and thinking I was secure, it was quickly exposed, how I was in the silken cords of Lucifer.
"All creatures that walk the earth including humanity possess the instant to cry for help. Are not our cries a form of prayer?
There has never been another with your exact mind, or heart. No one that came before you and no one that is on this earth today can do what you can do. Each of us came to this earth by our choices in the pre-mortal war in which we chose to follow Jesus Christ. You are here at this particular time because you can do what no other can do.
I was struck by how powerful the act of giving this statement was and how it left a sense of trust and comfort. What would happen if we all lived by that simple statement?
Enduring litters the path of discipleship. To be His people, requires being tried. The pattern is clear in the holy writings of all sacred traditions. How are you being tried and are you enduring your lessons well?
It is no accident that you are here, in the 11th hour. You! Will you live up to your privileges?
An ancient prophet that was a witness to the destruction of his own civilization asked questions, that are pertinent today. How would each of us answer the questions?
Virtues are principles that have stood the test of time and as such as seen as unshifting truths. What virtues keep you away from the shifting sands of life?
When is the last time you engaged in a straw story? What exactly is a straw story? Listen on and learn.
Like the Holy of Holies of old, there are requirements to enter a temple when dedicated to the Lord.
As you recall from the holy scriptures, the Lord cast multiple devils out of her. When she faltered, there is a scene in which Mary quietly shares, "I am so ashamed." The reply from Jesus was, "what, did you think you would be perfect and never sin again? All I want is your heart, you still have that to give... I forgive you."
It has been stated, the greatest events of history are those which affect the greatest number for the longest periods. By this standard, no event could be more important to individuals or nations than the resurrection of the Master. Let us join in humble awe as we review key truths.
"We are here on the Sabbath, and much is happening after the death of Jesus and on the other side of the veil. Join in affirming your love for our Savior Jesus Christ this day.
He goes before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin. They had already determined what they would do with Master Mahan aiding their plot. A judicial murder, false witnesses, find him guilty of blasphemy and say, "He is worthy of death."
John immediately acts, as he gently and lovingly leads this mother away from her dying Son...
Betrayal is a choice and the decision Judas made, influenced by Satan, was his choice, it was not something that was foreordained or predestined. He agreed to 30 pieces of silver, the price for the death of a slave. He mocked the Savior by kissing him on the cheek, a greeting of the time between friends. However, Jesus Christ, knew what was ahead and to Gethsemane He went.
The scriptures are sparse in teaching us about Mary. However what we do have and post writings give us insights into the pure love and discipleship of Mary Magdalene. Mary was a true friend of Jesus Christ. We know that Mary was at the cross at Jesus’ death, she accompanied his body to its tomb. She wept at the tomb when the body of Christ was missing. She is the first witness to Christ’s resurrection.
They had plotted all night as to how to deal with this man who threatened their very existence. Having spent all night with how to rid themselves of this Jesus, they had opened their minds and hearts to murder as a viable option, just like Cain of old. Group think justification about this man who dared to clean their temple, embarrassing them, challenging their authority, He had to go!
He returns and with it a message to those responsible for keeping the house holy, a clear message as to their actions: "ye have made it a den of thieves."
Similar to the challenges or mortals today, less than five days later, many in the crowd would be shouting ”crucify him” a heartbreaking contrast to the Hosanna shout.
I wondered whether they felt their progress or whether they were more aware of “a furious wind” and the “many times [they were] buried in the depths of the sea” (Ether 6:6). Were they able to feel the Lord’s guiding hand through the “mountain waves which broke upon them,” the “great and terrible tempests,” and “the fierceness of the wind”
When we pause and really think about it, we are in the midst of the great ones every day, and the names that can fill our book of "greats" creates volumes. The older I get, the less I need to be reminded The Greatest of All is our Savior Jesus Christ. Because of Him:
When people lose their last bit of hope, they give up on themselves. They let all their dreams fade away. Too many stop trying and move to just existing. But then a sliver of optimistic light touches them with the kind word of another, a expression of appreciation for their place on this earth, a reminder of love and a thought that comes from heavenly realms, "you may find yourself in this moment, devoid of hope, but to Me, you are of infinite worth."
To be able to answer this question, we must know Him-no ordinary man. There are those who would say, he was just a great teacher, reflecting lack of understanding or teaching about who is this Jesus we call the Christ.
You and I can do something about supporting the faith it takes to plant in dry earth that shows the devastation of drought...
My younger sister, Little Lady passed away shortly after her birth when the local doctor had a choice in front of him. Save this baby girl or save this beautiful mother who had six children who would be motherless if he didn't immediately go to work to save her life
We are not self-sufficient. We do not make the rains fall or the earth to give of her abundance. Everything is in order and obeys the voice of the Creator. God who created the heavens and the worlds without number, including our earth still controls the affairs of this world. The Lord is the giver of all good things.
When we are not content with what we have and think that happiness comes from having more or acquiring more, we are often headed in the wrong direction.
Given to each of us equally is the power of doing good or bad exactly as we choose, hence we are rightly praised or blamed for our choices. This is why the prophets of the ages appeal to humanity to do good and reject evil. Irenaeus further explains, "God wants men to do good". But you and I know that we came to this earth to be tried and tested to see if we would choose God's ways. We came here with our agency, the right to choose and choose we do.
It is true, each of us look different from another, our fingerprints are unique to each of us, our vocal tones are different, yet we are made from the same material that creates humans and the spirit of life is in each of us creating human beings who are always in debt to our Creator.
Dwight indicated that to have a positive, high-performing work environment, there was a dangerous problem. He identified the problem as complaining and the underlying affects of complaining. This problem is like a cancer, underneath the surface of your culture, yet it grows and spreads until it has consumed lives and organizations.
What will you decide to day to move beyond a mediocre effort, attitude and view of your value?
You may be thinking, "goodness, what interview are you talking about? I've never heard about this interview."
The small and simple acts of our lives have unseen ripple effects. Have you ever attempted to skip stones on a water's surface, and watched the skip and ripple multiple times? What you may not have seen were the unseen ripples beneath the surface of the water. So it is with life.
He left Germany in 1932, running for his life. Ultimately immigrating to the U.S., he spent his life defining good. He sought to give us the means to recognize and fulfill "the good" within each of us, thereby enriching our lives. By applying these principles on a broader scale, we could enrich our world and make it a place of more "goodness" and peace. He is best remembered for being the father of Values Axiology and the development of the tool to measure our internal and external views of good - the Hartman Assessment.
We know that broken promises break hearts. We know that lack of loyalty creates doubt in our ability to be trustworthy. In each of these cases for the ones most afflicted, indeed the sky may feel like it is falling down on them.
"Welcome, we are so glad you are here, for when you are here, we're here also." When the memory of our loved ones is forgotten, are they also forgotten? This is one reason why memory keepers are so important
There is a lot of distractions pulling for your time and attention. In determining what your masterpiece of this day will look like, we must have tools to dispel the tinny things of this world. Right now, I could spend all night watching March Madness basketball, and yet there are pulls for time and attention away from screen time that matter more. It is always the question of what matters most.
ust like our work lives, our family lives, our community lives, our social lives, our political lives, there are times our spiritual lives need simplifying. What does this mean?
Let's be blunt, some of the things we are asked to endure are so heavy and painful, that for some the pain is so deep and kept secret that the only way in the moment the can be seen to stop the pain, is
With the attention and focus on "me", we have a propensity to welcome pride to influence our behaviors. Let's begin with the wide world of sports one of our best laboratories where we can observe the sin of pride.
Today, regardless of whether there is an increase in "nones" doesn't mean that Holy Week doesn't impact all of us, just like the many nonbelievers, agnostics and atheists that welcome gifts at Christmas.
There is a sense of urgency in the world today. Things of religious and spiritual nature that have been prophesied for over 4,000 years for our times, are being fulfilled. Are you ready?
There was Mick, a young man whose life was good and one day at a party he dove into a pool, it was too shallow, landing on his head, broke his necks cause complete paralysis and the need for breathing machines. In a brief moment, his life utterly changed.
Do you ever feel like you are the Esther of our time? "If I perish, I perish" reflects courage and love. Do we have the courage of Esther today? It is needed. Are you the one?
When Christ was taken to Calvary there was a group of women, devout followers who went where Jesus went and helped him. Luke records, "All Christ's acquaintance and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off,
Shane gives us a glimpse of loving himself and refusing to allow another's viewpoint define his hope, Martel is telling him, "...you'll never be anything more than a scrub."
The other day, I broke one of the 10 commandments in a moment of fear. My soul jolted my being and left this moment in the front of my mind.
The crazy thing is that you do not have to even say a word, your countenance carries the power you are using or not using.
You are a person who collects and surrounds yourself with gems of wisdom. What do you collect?
As we change our course from sinning and thinking, eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die and it's all over anyway, we can find ourselves in a mindset that "my" sins can never be forgiven" or "I am who I am and it is too late for me to change". I would challenge you to ask, "says who?"
There is a divine destiny for America. Our founding fathers knew it. The early citizens of America knew it. It was in every corner of our young nation. Today, over 50% of our citizens know it, and still we dropped the ball. What will we do about it?
We have awoken to a Russia that has attacked and invaded Ukraine and for the first time in the history of the United States, we have a government of paralysis. Pray fervently for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
"There are those among us who would recoil in horror at the thought of stealing another person’s money or property but who don’t give a second thought to stealing another person’s good name or reputation."
"As we grow older, we understand that love is more than a paper heart. Love is of the very essence of life." - Gordon B. Hinckley
When we hear or utter phrases like "God will never give you more than you can handle..." today it is more than we can handle and the plea to God, is I can't take anymore and need you to lighten this burden of pain, grief, loss. In these moments, with tears flowing uninhibited, I find an answer in the Book of Titus 1:2, of the Bible New Testament.
Learning from examples in the holy scriptures. Today, we get a glimpse into Abraham's early adversities and what we can learn.
at the core of our well-being, is the answer to Tevye's question, "do you love me?" Golda's response, was I show you so many ways that I love you, but Tevye needed to hear the words, "I love you".
If it is true, that everything begins with desire, then we would want to be very alert to the desires of our heart, because desire leads to thoughts and thoughts lead to choices and we are accountable to our Creator for our desires and our choices. Thank goodness!
Your perfect God, is waiting for you to Hear the messages just for you. Can you hear Him?
When natural disasters strike, in the world, the call for help is heard. To the rescue, we can go.
What is success? How many second chances are there for me? Never ever give up are messages found in this podcast from An Every Day Follower of Jesus Christ
When the littlest of things get in the way of your better self, STOP, clear it out and move closer to God.
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://sharylallen.wordpress.com/2022/01/18/an-every-day-follower-of-jesus-christ-12/
This particular parable is given by Jesus Christ and the interpretation as well. What kind of soil are you?
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://sharylallen.wordpress.com/2022/01/15/an-every-day-follower-of-jesus-christ-11/
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