Thoughts and stories, by Pal

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OUR FRIENDS!   Next post the day after Thanksgiving !  We are so blessed in every way!  We hope you all have a very Happy Holiday Season. Latter Day Light DAILY DEVOTION ___________________________ The Divine Gift of Gratitude  Nauvoo, Illinois November 17, 2013 SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: Psalms 100:1-2 "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: To shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night." QUOTE OF THE DAY:   Thomas S. Monson   "My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love" ("The Divine Gift of Gratitude," Ensign , November 2010 ).

School Thy Feelings, O My Brother THOMAS S. MONSON President of the Church If we desire to have a proper spirit with us at all times, we must choose to refrain from becoming angry. Play      This was so good, I decided to include the entire talk, given in the Priesthood Conference, in October 2009.  It has very touching stories included, from which we can learn. Brethren, we are assembled as a mighty body of the priesthood, both here in the Conference Center and in locations throughout the world. We have heard inspired messages this evening, and I express my appreciation to those Brethren who have addressed us. I am honored, yet humbled, by the privilege to speak to you, and I pray that the inspiration of the Lord may attend me. Recently as I watched the news on television, I realized that many of the lead stories were similar in nature in that the tragedies reported all basically traced back to one emotion:  anger.  The father...

I learned many important lessons in life from my dear mother, Ruth Allen Miles.  I've mentioned her in here before, and will often I think.  The lesson which I will talk about, I quote from our life story book, page 343: ON ANGER MANAGEMENT: When I was about in the 7th grade, when our family home was still a basement, I remember some Saturday, Mom had left me in charge of my two sisters while she was gone.  I was to see they did their jobs.  I don't remember who came , or what I did or said, but I guess I was quite rude to one of Vina's friends.  When Mom got home, Vina told her of what I'd done, and Mom said, "Pal, why did you act like that?"  I replied, "I was so angry I didn't know what I was doing."  Mother just looked at me thoughtfully for a moment, and then said, "Pal, that is how people commit murder!"  I never forgot that, and have tried hard to control my anger since then.  That is another strong lesson I learned from my m...

 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...

If any of you want to receive my posts on e mail, go to the small box on the right of the screen above the names of each blog, and sign in.  I do hope that something I write may help someone some day!  Love to all!