Thoughts and stories, by Pal

I actually remember at least 2 times I was "bullied" in my elementary years.  They both involved things being said to me that were unkind.I won't go into what happened, but it really hurt my feelings, and made me feel like people didn't like me.  I probably kept that feeling well into high school.   I remember telling my children the first of each school year to watch and if they saw someone, especially a new student in the school, that seemed lonely or ignored by others, to be sure and befriend them. The Worth of Souls and the Problem of Bullying By Jonathan Cox Psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Brigham Young University By teaching our children the appropriate principles and skills, we can help them avoid being bullied—or becoming bullies themselves. Photo illustration by David Stoker In this dispensation, the Lord made it clear in a revelation to the Prophet  Joseph Smith  that “the worth of souls is great in ...

This article has much wisdom, for living after the manner of happiness! LINE UPON LINE 10 Evidences that We Are “Living After the Manner of Happiness” By Gary and Joy Lundberg  · October 13, 2015 Most of us are familiar with the words of Nephi: “And it came to pass that we lived after the manner of happiness”. The fact that he said this in the midst of extreme hardship causes us to wonder what the real meaning of living after the manner of happiness is. With the help of scriptures, Church leaders, and other respected individuals, we offer these evidences of what it might mean in our lives. 1. We have the blessings of the temple. Temples are being built all over the world. They offer the saving ordinances of the gospel that cover us with protection against the evils of the world. One of the first things the Nephites did after separating themselves from their enemies was to build a temple (2 Nephi 5:16). What a blessing that must have been to them. What ...

I should have posted this 2 days ago, on Columbus Day!  Aren't we thankful for the inspiration that Christopher Columbus received, and then acted upon!  We too should act upon inspiration we receive, as he did! This same article was posted last year in LDS Living. I posted this last year on October 12, 2014.  But it is worth posting again! SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2014 249. What You Should Know about Christopher Columbus and the Restoration. From LDS Living -- Appropriate on Columbus' Birthday today! This article from LDS Living is so appropriate today, on Christopher Columbus' birthday!  It appeared in LDS Living on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014.  It is very interesting! What You Should Know about Christopher Columbus and the Restoration CLARK B. HINCKLEY -  Though everyone knows his name, most people know surprisingly little about Christopher Columbus and the way he shaped the modern world. Fewer still appreciate the role he played in t...

This is a great article from Meridian Magazine, which helps us realize how unusual our Church is, and the reasons why we are willing to live the Gospel, serve in callings, and help each other.  It renews my faith to read this, and makes me realize all over again just why I love this Gospel! LINE UPON LINE How Do You Get Them to Do All That?: The Miracle of the Church By Steve Dunn Hanson  · October 11, 2015, in Meridian Magazine Occasionally, with my tongue firmly lodged in my cheek, I’ll say: “This Church’s such a class outfit, I’d belong to it even if it weren’t true.” Then quickly add, “Of course, it’s a class outfit because it  is  true.” Years ago while serving in the stake presidency of the Orange California stake, I received a phone call from a prominent protestant minister asking if I would be willing to share with him what our Church does to help its members prepare for emergencies. We met, and for all of five minutes we discusse...