Thoughts and stories, by Pal

With the New Year coming, it would be an excellent time to make a goal of doing more FAMILY HISTORY WORK! I'm not sure where I got this old photo, and I honestly don't know who they are, but the photo is so interesting!  If you recognize any, let me know! I've taken the liberty of putting some of our old photos inserted in Brian Mickelson's article.  Each of these have a story, and want their Temple work done, if it hasn't been already.  I love genealogy and Temple work! New post on  Brian Mickelson.... From the Other Side of the Veil: “Please Try and Help Us…” by  BJM 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 of it. Finally, I determined to sit down and just do something. Anything , really. So I spent about three hours browsin...

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....