955. Beautiful thoughts for this Sabbath Day, and Christmas Season!

At this beautiful Christmas season, I am including the pencil drawing by my grandson, Sam Lieske, of Del Parson's painting of Jesus Christ holding a lamb.  Sam is very gifted, and pursuing a degree in architecture.

December 2, 2017 Trails are a Sign of the Times

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY 1 Peter 4:12-13 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

QUOTE OF THE DAY John Taylor "We complain sometimes about our trials. We need not do that. These are things that are necessary for our perfection. We think sometimes that we are not rightly treated, and I think we think correctly about some of these things. We think there are plots set on foot to entrap us; and I think we think so very correctly. At the same time we need not be astonished at these things. We need not be amazed at a feeling of hatred and animosity. Why? Because we are living in a peculiar day and age of the world; which is distinctively called the latter days" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, p. 203).

November 25, 2017 Be of Good Cheer

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY Doctrine & Covenants 61:36-38 "And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; and inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not."

QUOTE OF THE DAY Spencer W. Kimball "Do not be unduly fearful about conditions in the world. Be noticing. Be aware. But be of good cheer, and also be about your Father's business. The Lord has promised us, again and again, that He will watch over His people and lead them along" ("Acquiring Spiritual Literacy," BYU Devotional, September 9, 1980).

November 20, 2017 Gratitude for the Holy Ghost

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY Doctrine & Covenants 11:12, 13 "And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good---yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy."

QUOTE OF THE DAY Heber J. Grant "The Lord gives to many of us the still, small voice of revelation. It comes as vividly and strongly as though it were with a great sound. It comes to each man, according to his needs and faithfulness, for guidance in matters that pertain to his own life" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant, p. 182).