Thoughts and stories, by Pal

If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis in their faith, this article gives great ideas on how to not get too lost and discouraged, and to hang onto truth. Surviving a Faith Crisis (and How Church Members Can Help) by Patrick Q. Mason, adapted from "Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt"  | Nov. 17, 2015 Makes You Think Mormon Life Church members can experience a crisis of faith for a variety of reasons. Whether stemming from a discovery of an unflattering but true account of Church history, a negative interaction with a Church leader, or a recent change in the  Church Handbook,  each person’s reason is valid and should be treated as such. Here are ways those experiencing a faith crisis can cope, as well as ways loving members can support them. Anatomy of a Faith Crisis For many people who undergo a faith crisis of profound propor­tions, their whole world comes crashing down because that world ha...

The counsel President Gordon B. Hinckley gave in October Conference in 2001, just after the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers and other places, is just as appropriate today as it was then.  We have several Muslim friends, who are really good, kind, and peaceful friends.  It is the radical terrorists that are bad! President Hinckley on Muslims, Fighting Terrorism & How We Can Find Peace Despite Attacks, Death by LDS Living  | Nov. 16, 2015 Mormon Life When Gordon B. Hinckley approached the pulpit at general conference in October 2001, the heinous attacks on September 11 were fresh in the minds of everyone listening around the world. Today, as yet another series of coordinated terrorist attacks have taken the lives of at least 129 in France, memories of those earlier attacks are awakened once again. The counsel President Hickley gave  the Saints that October over a decade ago still hold true today and...

Some family news!  I haven't written for a few days.  Many things have been on our minds.  We watched the news so much over the weekend, because of the terrible attacks that were in Paris, France.  Time will tell what that will lead to.  We pray for the many people who are grieving at this time. This morning, Monday, Nov. 16th, 2015, Wayne had another endoscopy.  It was to see how well the radiation had reduced the cancer in his esophagus.  The doctor said they couldn't see any at all, but they did some biopsies and we will hear the results of that in a day or two.  Our daughters Anita and Delsy each brought one of their sons, and together with Wayne and me, we played 6 handed Rook, Wayne's favorite game!  He won also!  They wanted to help celebrate the good news, but we'll feel better after we hear about the biopsies and hope they don't show any residual cancer.  But we do know that he is so much better than he was about the begi...

This came out today, and should clarify many points people have been upset about.  One thing I am happy to relate is that children who have already been baptized and received Priesthood ordinances will stay as they are.  It is given to local leaders to interpret the handbook in each individual instance.  It pays to not get too upset too quickly, as the First Presidency have their inspiration from the Lord, and sometimes it isn't immediately explained, but it is RIGHT! Living in a same-sex marriage still needs Church discipline, and isn't acceptable. Thanks to LDS Living for this information! First Presidency Clarifies Church Handbook Changes THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS OFFICE OF THE FIRST PRESIDENCY 47 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE STREET, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84150-1200 November 13, 2015 To: General Authorities; Area Seventies; General Auxiliary Presidencies; Stake, District, Mission, and Temple Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents...

When I was 18 I was privileged to be a typist for a then 88 year old Patriarch.  I did this for around 2 years, and it was a great blessing in my life.  I know that each blessing is given exactly to the person as Heavenly Father dictates.  For one instance, one grandson's blessing tells him that on his mission he "will learn to have respect and a great love for people of all nationalities, races, and religious backgrounds."  And he is now in Indonesia , which is 87% Muslim, with Buddhist, etc. and other Christian religions represented.   I recently received a copy of my great grandfather Samuel Miles' Patriarchal Blessing.  He was of the tribe of Benjamin, but his son, my father, and I are from the tribe of Ephraim.  It is so interesting!  He was a Patriarch for about 2 years before he died, and his son, William Gustavus Miles, my grandfather, was a Patriarch about 8 years before he died.   6 Ways to Get More from Your Patriarchal ...