Thoughts and stories, by Pal

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! I can relate to this article in Meridian Magazine on Oct. 30th, because it is what I have been through!  Only yesterday I was sort of complaining to my husband, about how busy our children are, doing exactly what we did years ago, and that our lives are not filled with tight schedules and places to go.  Have fun, all you families with children, especially on this HALLOWEEN NIGHT!  We have only 15 or 20 visit our home now, as we don't live on a busy street.  ENJOY THE MOMENTS! This was our family in 1975, just before our oldest, Wayne M., left for his mission to Ecuador.  On the back row was Wayne, (Dad) then Anita, 16, Allen, 15, McKay 13, and Pal, (me).  Bottom row was Wayne M., 19, holding Jeremy, almost 1, Pamela, 5, Delsy, 17, Angela 10,  and Tacy 8. BUSY YEARS! PARENTING Swiftly Fly the Years By Darla Isackson  · October 30, 2014 The “I’ve had it with these kids” tone in her voice was...

Today is the 176th anniversary of the Hawn's Mill Massacre.  This tells the sad story, from LDS Living. The Truth Behind the Hawn's Mill Massacre BRENT M. ROGERS - 6 HOURS AGO It was 176 years ago today that Missouri militiamen attacked Latter-day Saints living in the Hawn's Mill settlement. From Brent M. Rogers, Church History and Joseph Smith Papers coeditor, find out more about the events before, during, and after the massacre. George Edward Anderson 1907 photograph of original Haun's Mill millstone. Church Archives, via  Juvenile Instructor .  On October 30, 1838, more than 200 Missouri militiamen attacked the Hawn’s Mill settlement located on Shoal Creek in Caldwell County, Missouri, where dozens of Mormon families lived. On that day, the Missouri militia opened fire on the small community, shooting into the small crevices of the blacksmith’s shop where several Mormon men and boys had taken refuge. The organized Missouri militia then entered t...

This is a fascinating article.  You can read it here, or go to the URL --   http://ldssmile.com/2014/10/27/44-reasons-why-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints-is-true/ If you copy and paste the above URL, you can access the links which lead to other important references. 44 Reasons Why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is True OCTOBER 27, 2014  BY:  JOHN HUNTINGHOUSE Many times those who so adamantly oppose  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  will deploy a “Big List” tactic to convince members or other individuals that the church is not true. What we wanted to do here is the exactly same thing only in reverse. Ultimately one doesn’t become truly converted without a testimony being born by the Holy Ghost but we figured if they have their “Big List” we ought to produce one of our own. Sometimes you just need to play a little offense and not constantly be on the defensive. On their own, no on...

Below are 2 very inspirational true stories.  They tell of miracles which happen these days.  Have you had any miracles in your lives recently that would inspire and encourage the rest of us?  If you'd like to e mail me at:    paralee.eckman@gmail.com     I'd love to share them!  Both stories were sent to me by my dear sister Vina.  She received this from one of her friends. If You Think The Lord Isn't Aware Of His Children, You Gotta Read This!     A member of our ward shared this amazing experience that he had this week    He was in an airport and was trying to find a kiosk that would allow him to charge his phone.  He still had plenty of battery strength, but felt he should charge it nonetheless.  He found several kiosks, but they were all full.   He finally found a place and was sitting across the table from a young Asian woman who seemed vis...

This post was on LDS Living today, Oct. 26, 2014, about Priesthood Blessings. I have been the recipient of many Priesthood blessings, both with the healing Consecrated Oil, and as a comfort blessing when I had emotional or other concerns.  I am so grateful for the Melchizedek Priesthood which my husband holds, and my sons, and several grandsons.   This entry is how to hold a Family Home Evening teaching about Priesthood Blessings.  I will reprint it as it was in LDS Living.  If it is too late for this Monday night's home evening lesson, perhaps you can use it another time.  I love the story, and it even has a cookie recipe! FHE: Priesthood Blessings SHAUNA GIBBY -  "In these times of worldwide turmoil, more and more persons of faith are turning to the Lord for blessings of comfort and healing. We have this priesthood power, and we should all be prepared to use it properly." - Dallin H. Oaks Conference Talk:  For more information o...