Thoughts and stories, by Pal

Today this was on the Utah News several times.  I don't know if it was as well known in other states, or especially among Church members in other countries.  So I decided to post this, on January 27, 2015, as it is quite a significant action for our Church leaders -- to take a stand on religious and other types of intolerance. Topics: Mormon Report / Official Church Info Breaking News: Church Leaders Call for Protection of LGBT & Religious Rights source: LDS Living This morning, the Church held a press conference on the subject of religious tolerance and non-discrimination.  This morning, the Mormon Newsroom announced a special news conference to be held on Temple Square. The topic they revealed as "Religious Intolerance and Discrimination." Speakers at the conference included Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Sister Neill F. Marriott, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. Each took a few minutes to share some of the churches thoug...

This is a great new article which I just read today from LDS Living!  You'll love it!  I will add my testimony to the many which have been given -- that I know it to be a true translation by a modern day Prophet, Joseph Smith! 3 Ways the Book of Mormon Stands Up to Critics RANDAL A. WRIGHT - When it comes to the origin of the Book of Mormon, there are two possibilities: either Joseph Smith translated it or he wrote it — and either way would have taken a miracle. Learn three reasons behind why. As Elder Mark E. Petersen observed, “The Book of Mormon is a literary and a religious masterpiece, and is far beyond even the fondest hopes or abilities of any farm boy” (“It Was a Miracle!”  Ensign , November 1977, 11). From its discovery to its translation and publication, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was simply miraculous—and the book itself continues to be a miracle in the lives of people all over the world. Here are three reasons why the Book of Mo...

This is a new post of Brian Mickelson today.  It is a sweet story about a small service Pres. Monson did.  People remember small kindnesses, and I hope we will all try to find some small kindness, even a smile, that we can do for someone today. New post on  Brian Mickelson.... Thomas S. Monson, Maddox Restaurant, and Crab…. by  BJM Since my grandmother passed away a few weeks ago I've been stopping in to see my grandfather each week on my way home from work. I love the visits. I ask him a bunch of questions and he tells stories to answer. I'm learning a lot... For example: Years ago Grandma and Grandpa were enjoying a meal at Maddox  (if you live anywhere near Northern Utah and don't know Maddox, stop reading, get up from your chair, and drive to Brigham City right now...get this problem solved). I don't know what Grandpa was eating, but Grandma had ordered crab. Apparently she wasn't super experienced with cracking crab open, et...

This morning, I went to an endowment session in the St. George Temple.  This article today in LDS Living has some great ideas to help us have great experiences while attending the Temple. S. Michael Wilcox: 10 Ways to Get More from Your Temple Experience EXCERPTED FROM  HOUSE OF GLORY  BY S. MICHAEL WILCOX -  This list of tips, excerpted from  House of Glory  by S. Michael Wilcox, will help any member have more powerful and personal experiences within the walls of the Lord's house. Most of us have a vivid memory of the first time we went to the temple to receive our endowments. I was a newly called missionary and had traveled to the Los Angeles Temple. I did not know what to expect. Although some aspects of my own endowment were wonderfully edifying to me, much of it was confusing. I left bewildered and a little frightened. I have since discovered that my experience was not unique. I have also discovered why my first experience was not all ...

I found this inspiring article in Meridian Magazine this morning.  It has already made my day, and hopefully it will yours also.  It is a bit long, but every word is needed to understand the profound thoughts expressed.  I have highlighted parts of this article. “Most Putts Don’t Drop, Most Beef is Tough” By Maurine Proctor  · January 21, 2015 I have a friend who has a beautiful building lot in the neighborhood where she lives in a rented house. She has the plans ready to go for building her new home. They include a lovely playroom for the children and a swing set in the backyard. Yet year after year went by and the money and opportunity did not materialize for her to build that home. The children grew beyond playrooms and swing sets while they lived in the rented home. The empty lot was there as a standing rebuke to her beautiful idea of what her life would hold. Sometimes she wept with disappointment.  To be human is to create, and amon...

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...