Thoughts and stories, by Pal

 Pres. Thomas S. Monson quote, and  an article from Meridian Magazine:  "15 New Year's Resolutions from the Prophets for 2015."  I posted it last year, and it's great for this year also! At the advent of a new year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life. A in my ABCs refers to attitude. B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles. C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently. 15 New Year’s Resolutions from the prophets for 2015 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve speaks at general conference. (Im...

Is there someone you can visit, or call and talk to, before the holidays are over?   Many of us have a bit more time now before we head back to our usual work and duties after New Years.  This is a beautifully written article, telling how much our "presence" means to loved family and friends.   WORTH READING!   Presence Means More Than Presents By Darla Isackson  · December 29, 2015 This week after Christmas is often a let down. The presents are all opened and some already broken. The weariness from all the buildup and activity settles in. We might draw a deep breath and reflect about what really matters. In that frame of mind, I thought of times when a grandchild has been sick. When a little body aches and fever rages and a little head hurts, that child doesn’t want new toys. He only wants to be held by someone who loves him. When I am hurting emotionally, I don’t want my husband to give me a gift. I too just want to be held and...

I came across this article in LDS Living, and I couldn't copy it.  So I'm including the link, so you yourself can go in and read it.  It is so inspiring! You'll have to copy and paste the link right below, to make it work, but it's worth it!  Be sure and wait until the pictures have loaded! http://www.ldsliving.com/Our-Favorite-Facebook-Posts-from-the-Apostles-in-2015/s/80878?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=email Our Favorite Facebook Posts from the Apostles in 2015 by LDS Living Staff  | Dec. 29, 2015 Famous Mormons Humor Fun Mormon Life Comments It seems like just yesterday that we heard the announcement that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve would be opening their own Facebook accounts, and now our week just wouldn't be complete without seeing at least one of their inspiring posts! Though some post more frequently than others, each of these inspiring men have shared some fun and uplift...

This letter touches my heart!  I have known people with physical flaws, and their hearts and spirits are usually very kind and understanding of all others.  Perhaps Richard Paul Evans' experiences mentioned below have given him the insight and inspiration to write such great books! http://www.richardpaulevans.com/index.php/2014/12/29/woman-church-sent-anonymous-letter/ To the woman at church who sent me an anonymous letter By Richard Paul Evans He is writing this last year's most read entries on his blog.  It can be found here: Dear Friends, please help me get this letter to the person who needs it by sharing it on your Facebook page, email and Twitter. Thank you. Dear Anonymous, I was very much disheartened by your anonymous letter. I was saddened that you hadn’t the courage to include your name so I could help you understand the truth. Since I must believe that you wouldn’t possibly “friend” a “man like me” on your...

 What will be your plan for the New Year? Today, in our Church meetings, one speaker stressed really thinking at this time of the year, what good priorities we could concentrate on in the coming New Year.  His goal was to learn more about our Savior Jesus Christ, by reading scriptures, and other talks, etc., about His life.   In thinking about his challenge, I have realized that we have several books which would help me have a better understanding of His wonderful life, teachings, and atonement.  We have the 3 volumes of "Doctrinal Commentary on the New Testament" and "Mortal Messiah" both by Elder Bruce R. McConkie.  We also have "Jesus the Christ" by Elder James E. Talmadge, and one or two other books about the atonement, etc.  Along with the Book of Mormon, which we will study in Sunday School, I plan to read more of those types of books.  Also, wherever you get the BYUTV station, (channel 15 in St. George, Utah) on Sunday they have 2 half-...