Thoughts and stories, by Pal

I came across this true story recently.  A nephew of mine had sent it to his daughter who was a bit discouraged on her mission.  Great story ! Only One Boy by Jack Swalwell, in The New Era, July 1999 This is our grandson Jacob Lieske, (Jake), our last grandchild to go on a mission, in Indonesia.  He returned last July. Also Jake, with a shrimp they caught, and ate!   Only One Boy Based on true incidents in Church history.Could this one ragged boy be the fulfillment of a promised blessing? “Hey, mister. What yuh doin’?” My companion and I turned to find the source of the southern drawl. A 12- or 13-year-old boy, wearing patched overalls, smiled up at us from a freckled face. He had been weeding the huge garden. “Uh, we’re looking for people to share the gospel with,” I answered, impatient to get to the door of the imposing house. “You can share it with me,” he offered, standing up. We don’t have time to spend on young boys, I thoug...

I found this great entry on Brian Mickelson's blog, while checking out which of my blogs had been read this last day.  I wasn't following his blog when this was written.  But I'm including it today, as today I will be starting my Church Service Mission in the Records Preservation Unit here in St. George.  From now on, many of my posts will be on various aspects of finding our ancestors!  It is one of my very favorite topics!   Photo of my dad, Orson Pratt Miles, taken when he was about 40 years old, about  1931, in his barber shop.  Tomorrow, September 7, 2016, would be his 125th birthday!  I hope to honor his memory by how I live my life! From the Other Side of the Veil: “Please Try and Help Us…” 5 Replies I had an interesting, though not-as-dramatic-as-it-is-going-to-sound, experience on Saturday… I had spent a week and a half  planning  to do family history  work. But projects got in the way, and nothing came...

This came out today, and should clarify many points people have been upset about.  One thing I am happy to relate is that children who have already been baptized and received Priesthood ordinances will stay as they are.  It is given to local leaders to interpret the handbook in each individual instance.  It pays to not get too upset too quickly, as the First Presidency have their inspiration from the Lord, and sometimes it isn't immediately explained, but it is RIGHT! Living in a same-sex marriage still needs Church discipline, and isn't acceptable. Thanks to LDS Living for this information! First Presidency Clarifies Church Handbook Changes THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 47 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE STREET, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84150-1200 November 13, 2015 To: General Authorities; Area Seventies; General Auxiliary Presidencies; Stake, District, Mission, and Temple Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents...

The new Church policy on children of married gay couples actually protects both the children and the parents.  This article by Brian Mickelson is very thoughtful and inspiring.  He is an institute teacher in Logan, Utah.  I can understand this new policy from his inspired explanation, and agree with it! New post on  Brian Mickelson.... My Experience With an Update in Church Policy… by  BJM I'll try to keep it brief. I felt some surprise last night when I opened up my browser to find an update in Church policy regarding married gay couples and their children. My gift of being prone to anxiety (with her soul sister, "over-reaction") caused some immediate feelings of either dread, panic, anxiety, or worry (I never can tell which I'm feeling at the outset) at the headline "LDS Church to exclude children of same-sex couples from membership" (thanks to KUTV for adding click-bait drama to an already controversial subject). Of cours...

These are great tips for missionaries to tell their investigators! How to Tell Your Parents You're Joining the LDS Church GREG TRIMBLE -  Those who want to become members of the LDS Church are often fearful of how their families might respond. Here is some great advice for those who want to join the Church but don't know how to break the news to their parents. Over the years, I've noticed that a common reason for not being baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is "my parents would freak out," or "my parents would disown me." There are hundreds of variations on those sentiments, but I think it's safe to say that many people don't officially join the Church because deep down they don't want to disappoint their parents. Those who face that decision don't just read Matthew 10:34-37 . . . they are living it: Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. F...

This was on LDS Living,  Dec. 19, 2014, and came from millennialmormons.com  (That is a good site to check out!)  I thought some of you may have experienced the same type of opposition when you joined the Church.  It would help missionaries to know how to support a new convert who has family opposition. How to Handle Family Opposition After Becoming Mormon BY  LAUREN HARRAHILL  · DECEMBER 17, 2014 One night when I was 17 years old I knelt beside my bed and sincerely asked Heavenly Father for my own testimony. I prayed, “Heavenly Father, if I’m going to do this I have to feel something.” After I said that I could feel something I never felt before, reassurance. I suddenly knew without a doubt not only that this was the one true church but that I had to start working to be baptized. I began to cry not just because of the answer I had received but because I knew it meant I would lose my dad. I’m from a part member family. Growing up my mom was ac...