Thoughts and stories, by Pal

SCRIPTURE STUDY  The Precepts of Men By Ted Gibbons  · December 23, 2014 in Meridian  Magazine The words in 2 Nephi 28:14 have led me to serious reflection: “they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men ” (2 Nephi 28:14). I am going to make the assumption that the “humble followers of Christ” include faithful members of the Church. Even these good people err “in many instances” because they are taught by the precepts of men. I have tried to be one of those humble followers of Christ, but I wonder if the world and its influences are so pervasive that I have made errors because I allow myself to be shaped by the influences of the world around me. Mormon’s teachings in Moroni 7 suggest three ways in which we are placed in a position where we allow ourselves to be taught by the world...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU DEAR PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD.  I HOPE YOU HAVE YOUR HEARTS DESIRES, AND KNOW THAT JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU! I have read several wonderful articles today, and it is hard to decide which one to share with my dear reader friends.  I believe this one is appropriate for the day before Christmas.  My husband is again in the hospital, with low oxygen and kidney problems.  He feels better today, but we hope he will be home tonight to talk to our dear missionary grandsons who are in Indonesia and Taiwan.  Christmas Eve is their Christmas morning -- they are 12 or 13 hours ahead of us. December 24, 2014 LINE UPON LINE Beggars at the Manger By Maurine Proctor  · December 23, 2014 I have seen many beggars and their haunted, disheveled eyes have stuck with me. A fully-grown man, stunted so he was only half my height, caught up to walk beside me at a train station in India. I had come to see the Ta...

I hope whoever reads this has a few minutes to ponder these testimonies about the Prophet Joseph Smith, whose birthday is today.  Part of these words were written last year on this day, and probably will again next year! --------------------------------------------   It is actually impossible to even understand how much the Prophet Joseph Smith has done for all of us, and this world.  It will last through the Millenium and to the end of the world.   The Gospel he restored is the same Gospel Adam had. Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ had it also, with the same Holy Priesthood!  Any man who has received the Melchizedek Priesthood can trace his authority back to Jesus Christ.          The Prophet Joseph Smith was born 209 years ago today, December 23, 1805,  and he was killed on June 27th, 1844, at age 38 and 1/2 years.   He never denied any of his testimony, and died a martyr.  A Painting of the Prophet Joseph S...

Today I am including 3 Christmas stories .   Entries # 303 and #304 are also family Christmas stories.  The first one today was written by my granddaughter Skye , who is on a mission.  In her mission they were asked to write a Christmas story, to be read in a missionary Christmas party.  This is hers:  ( blog #210, was her profile on Mormon.org) It can be found at:   www.mormon.org/me/FDSG/Skye  ) This was taken at one of Skye's baptisms.  She is on the left. The other two are timeless classics.  I hope you enjoy them!  First: Skye's Story ---------------------------- The sun disappeared behind the city of Bethlehem on a cold winter night.  The sky darkened, torches lined the small streets as many inhabitants thronged into the city, seeking for shelter at the inns.  Among the throng, a man entered into the city, his hand guided a weary donkey.  On top of that donkey was sitting a woman being great with child....

Today was our daughter Pam's birthday, and our grandson Cameron's birthday.  I need to write a "This is your Life" for Pam, and also our son Jeremy, whose birthday has passed, but it will have to be in a few days.  Perhaps a few weeks -- life has been quite busy lately, and we have a wedding on January 15th to help plan.  Life events are really special aren't they! ! ! I really enjoyed this article, and it has a very important message for all of us! LINE UPON LINE Is There a Dependability Gene? By Joni Hilton  · December 17, 2014, in Meridian Magazine A couple of weeks ago the Ward Financial Clerk called to remind me about my tithing settlement appointment with the bishop. I asked him if he had to call everyone who had signed up. He did.   I wonder if he had any idea that, twenty years ago, no one needed a reminder call. People cared enough to write appointments down and remember them. I suppose I’ve joined that generation of...

This was from mormonwomenstand.com -- 7 Ways to Replace Stress with Peace During Christmas W e know that this season is often an incredibly busy and sometimes stressful time for many families . We all want to have a happy and peaceful Christmas so we can remember the real reason for the season.We tell ourselves that this year will be different. But every year, the hustle and bustle creeps in and things get frantic and unbalanced. Throw in unforeseen trials like financial problems, illness, family issues, selling a house, moving, or getting (or losing) a job, and things can become a bit overwhelming. With all the to-do lists and people pulling at you from every angle, it can be hard to feel peace and the spirit of Christ. Many voices from the world in which we live tell us we should live at a frantic pace. There is always more to do and more to accomplish. Yet deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can re...