Thoughts and stories, by Pal

 I'm not sure how well we taught gratitude to our large family.  I do notice when a child or grandchild thanks me for something I do for them, (or anyone else.)  It's strange but we often will show gratitude to someone not in our family, and take our family members for granted.  It doesn't only apply to material things, but whenever a kindness has been shown, we should thank someone for it.   It is rather obvious that many children, and people of all ages today feel sort of "entitled" to things, and it is important to stop and appreciate them!  In one grandchild's Patriarchal blessing, it counsels them to show others that they appreciate the good that they do through phone calls and short notes of recognition and gratitude.  It says they will be grateful for the love they receive in return.  It is true that when we thank someone, we do receive love back!  I have been the recipient of many "Thank You" notes, and it always warms my heart. ...

Today, I am posting a message given by President Uchtdorf, and saying to all my friends, throughout the whole world that I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  I hope you enjoy it, and have a wonderful Sabbath Day. With Thanksgiving Day approaching, President  Dieter F. Uchtdorf , Second Counselor in the First Presidency, addressed a Rotary Club luncheon in Salt Lake City November 19, 2013, on the topics of gratitude and service and declared that in a time of uncertainty and cynicism, there is “still hope for virtue, moderation, and divine moral principles.”                                           President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. “I believe that it is within our reach to breach barriers of hate and build bridges of brotherhood and understanding between opposing cultures, religions, political ideologies, and world views,” President Uchtdorf told Rotarians at a...

I'm so grateful for Divine Protection!  We have been the grateful recipients many times! I'm beginning this post at 5:30 a.m. because I can't sleep!  Our daughter, Anita,  and her 3 sons borrowed our car to go to California to visit the oldest son Sam's Mission, and people he knew there.   He came home on October 29th, and as all good missionaries do, has missed the dear people he knew and taught.  They borrowed our car, and left yesterday about 10 a.m.  As they were within minutes of their destination, there was a 3 car collision, where they were the 3rd car.  Two cars ahead of them stopped -- I don't know details, but when the car ahead of them ran into the car in front of them, apparently they couldn't stop fast enough.  Air bags came out.  The blessing of the whole situation is that none of them were hurt -- at least not noticeably.  Some may need the help of a chiropractor when they get home.  The car is totaled, but they are...

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Today, in considering what I'd like to write about, I found this paper I had written on October 4, 2011, two days before I turned 77.  I believe I wrote it for my grandchildren.                                 About Life:    'IT IS WHAT IT IS, AND WE'LL DEAL WITH IT!' Money isn't the most important thing in life -- people are .  Use money for wise things.  Live within the money you have and save for emergencies. Thank people who have helped you.  Be appreciative and grateful for parents, family, friends. Spend time with your family whenever you can, as those days will be gone soon.  Remember family birthdays, Father's and Mother's day, etc.  -- Call or visit, write, also grandparents -- and friends.  If they forget your birthday, etc., call them -- don't brood over it, feeling sorry and resentful. Don't hold grudges -- and when a person has truly chan...

------- I thought I had lost this story about Wayne this morning !  When I went to post the other one, I found the draft I though I had lost.  So I guess I'll put them both on, and you can read one or the other.  They are similar. (Started early this morning, Thurs. Nov, 21, 2013) Last night I decided to write today about Wayne, and the miracle that he is still alive.  When the two twins were born at home one month early, and weighed around 4 pounds each, they were not expected to live through the night.  They were given a Priesthood blessing at that time and promised they would live a mature life, and fill their missions in life.   His beloved twin brother Blaine passed away at age 68 of what they considered to be an aortic anurism. (Probably spelled wrong -- hemorhage of the abdominal aorta .). Wayne's health problems began when he developed diverticulitis at around age 60, and was in the hospital a day or two.  Since then he has taken Fibe...

Wayne has been the recipient of many blessings, ever since he was born.  The night Wayne and Blaine were born, each weighing about 4 pounds, they were not expected to live.  They were immediately given a name and a Priesthood blessing, and in the blessing they were promised they would live a mature life, and fill their missions in life.  When Wayne received his Patriarchal blessing, the Patriarch, who didn't know him, stated that he was living today because of the power of the Priesthood.  When he was about 60, he was in the hospital for diverticulitus, but recovered with heavy antibiotics.    Blaine filled his mission in life at age 68, and at age 69, Wayne had a his greatest health crisis.     We had been in Connecticut on a Portuguese speaking mission, and came home in March 2000, early to help my sister Mavis, who was in the middle of a severe chemo series for colon cancer.  (She is still alive thankfully!)  After being with her ...