Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This is a beautiful article by Brent L. Top, which came from his book "The Life Before".  It came from LDS Living. 9 Things You Have Forgotten About Your Premortal Life BRENT L. TOP - - The restored gospel reveals many truths about what came before our life on earth. Here are a few insights into what you already knew about the pre-existence but forgot along the way. For insights into what comes after this life,  click here. In virtually all of us, there is some sort of innate yearning to know what was before this life and how it affects us here. Fortunately though, for Latter-day Saints, we need no special revelation to tell us we had a life before. Such revelation exists.  Latter-day scriptures and prophetic teachings not only confirm our intimations but also paint a clear picture of just who we are, where we came from, and why we are here. Without this modern revelation we could only guess at what it all means, but with it, the scriptures unveil someth...

I found this on LDS Living, and thought it may be helpful to someone out there.  I know I have had grandchildren who have had a hard time to keep up their attendance in Seminary.  I hope and pray for all our dear youth! 4 Ways to Help Your Teen Go to Seminary (and Be Happy About It) JASON HARWOOD -  Does your teen drag their feet on their way to seminary? Here's how you can help them learn to love it! Remember the good ol’ days? It was one of your favorite classes in high school. With the object lessons, the Tom Trails slide shows, the songs, and the touch of spirituality that added to every day. But now, it seems like your teenager hasn’t yet grasped how fun and important seminary can be and simply doesn’t want to go. Is there anything that you can do? Here are a few things you might try. Fast and pray, first. Before we rush into all the great ways you can persuade your children to attend seminary, don’t forget to get help from your best source: Heave...

I read several other people's blogs, and they really lift my spirits.  I'm including one today from "All our lemmony things" written by Kayla Lemmon.   It is true that one person can change the world!  I love the scripture:  "Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work.   And out of small things proceedeth that which is great."  (D & C 64:33.)  Also in 1 Nephi 16:29 it reads:  And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." One "small thing" was when two of our friends introduced Wayne and I on a "blind date".  Out of that small thing, has come a marriage (60 years next September) 9 children, 29 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren -- and growing! New post on  all our lemmony things The truth about ‘changing the world': And why you fit right in by  Kayla Lemmon It's just one of those days. One of those days where I open my...

I found this interesting article in LDS Living, and it is a very personal story about a missionary who had to return home early because of a mental illness.  He really wanted to stay, and received an honorable release.  This article could help anyone who has had to come home early, or friends and family of a missionary with those problems.  I hope we will all be compassionate and loving.  Returned LDS missionary talks about mental illness and early release Published: Wednesday, Jan. 7 2015 5:00 a.m. MST By  Jason F. Wright ,  For the Deseret News View 2 photos » Elder Logan Groll in the Mission Training Center pointing to the Brazil Manaus Mission, the spot of his initial call, in August 2013. Provided by Logan Groll Jason F. Wright For the Deseret News Summary Logan Groll of Winchester, Virginia, is on a new kind of mission. He wants to help other LDS missionaries who've returned home early for health reasons fin...

My husband, Wayne, is a true missionary at heart!  He doesn't hesitate to "open his mouth" at all.   We have had several experiences in which he has opened his mouth, and talked to whomever -- a man he ran into in a store, a girl who cut his hair at a salon, a repairman who came to our home to repair something -- He loves to find out if they are a member, and if not, to share something positive about the Gospel.  He doesn't plan what he will say, he just starts a conversation!  Sometimes the things he says surprise me, and I wonder if he may offend people.                       Wayne's official missionary picture taken in 1950 One such incident I particularly remember is one time, (when he was a stake missionary, which he was several times) he was walking somewhere in a housing area, and saw a man putting rocks down, in place of grass.  Wayne asked him why he was doing that -- just a simple quest...