Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This is an excellent article about parents teaching their children to be  intelligent, disciplined, mature, functional, empathetic human beings capable of seeking, recognizing and honoring truth. Parents and Family: Protection Against a Dysfunctional Culture By Sutherland Institute  · March 9, 2016 The following was written by Stan Rasmussen. With increasing frequency, respected thought leaders are discussing legitimate concerns about what passes for intelligent discourse in the current presidential campaign season – a particular lowlight of which is the element of anger. Not just a feature of the dialogue (so-called) among the candidates, it seems as if anger is becoming the one socially acceptable and validated emotion. Additionally, what previously may have been thought of as “allergy to boundaries” (or as resistance to the gravitational pull of principle, common decency and common sense) seems rapidly to be morphing into an increasing...

I have been writing about Wayne, and trying to document the challenges he went through his last almost 2 years.  It is taking longer than I expected.  But some beautiful thoughts about him have come to my attention.  This below is from a grandson, Ben.   Wayne and I wrote regularly to him on his mission in Taiwan, and he returned last July.  I don't know the date this letter was written, but it had meant so much to Ben, that he kept it, and posted this on facebook a few days ago. I have been kind of avoiding this, but my Grandpa passed away last Sunday. There is a letter that he sent my while I was on my mission that I feel like I need to share.   “It’s always good to be on the winning side of things. When I was coaching little league baseball teams, I always told the boys that losing wasn’t fun. I told them if they weren’t there to learn something and have fun at the same time, to go home. Otherwise if they listened to what I was about to...

It was 2 weeks ago today that my dear eternal companion, Wayne D Eckman passed away early in the morning.  I am going to write my memories of the last 2 years or so, to the best of my memory.  He truly went through so many trials, some of which I'm not very aware, because he didn't complain.  I will probably include some of those stories in later blogs. The photo above is of Wayne, before he began his almost 2 years of poor health, with a small great granddaughter, Ruby.  This is quite a natural happy look to his face! But for today, these thoughts below are truly inspiring! QUOTE OF THE DAY Thomas S. Monson "What does it mean to endure? I love this definition: to withstand with courage. Courage may be necessary for you to believe; it will at times be necessary as you obey. It will most certainly be required as you endure until that day when you will leave this mortal existence" ("President Monson Calls for Courage,"  Ensign , Ap...

This article written Feb. 23rd, has been sitting in my e mail for around 10 days, because I haven't had time or interest to catch up on my e mails.  Just 3 days ago was the funeral for my dear husband Wayne.  I'm not quite ready to write about him.  I have been attending to many mundane but necessary things, such as checking on life insurance, retirement money, Social Security, writing many many thank you's, etc.  I'll get back to writing my blog more regularly in a few more days.  Just know, dear readers, that I am okay, and I feel a great peace about my dear husband.  It was truly his time to leave this "frail existence", and be with his identical twin brother who passed away almost 17 years ago, and his parents,  and several siblings. More to come -------------  Enjoy this article.  It is very touching. Friends in Paradise By Rynna Ollivier  · February 23, 2016 A year ago I became critically ill due to a very...

Great article!  This is very timely!  We all need to check our status in being prepared! Heeding Modern-Day Warnings By Darla Isackson  · February 18, 2016 The morning was fresh and beautiful at the Haun’s Mill settlement. The children laughed and played and chased each other while the adults went about their daily tasks with no premonition. Yet many were living their last hours on this earth. The saddest part of that story is, had they followed the Prophet’s counsel the mob would have ridden in to find the settlement deserted. John Lee was an eye witness to an important conversation on 26 October 1838. He recorded the Prophet Joseph’s words to Jacob Haun: “Move in, by all means, if you wish to save your lives.” (Writing of John D. Lee, p. 60. Several other books also include this quote.) Haun replied that if the settlers left their homes all of their property would be lost and the Gentiles would burn their houses and other buildings. Joseph replie...

This is an inspiring article on how to love other people -- our spouses, friends, children, etc.  It can apply to any relationship.  Love makes the world go round!  Just an update for those who read my last blog.  My husband Wayne is home from his 2 day hospital stay.  He still has many health problems, but is staying cheerful and loving life. 31 Powerful Love Lessons for any Relationship! by Nate Bagley, Feb. 10, 2016 from: http://loveumentary.com/31-powerful-lessons-on-love-in-31-years/ I’ve dedicated my life to helping people better understand what love is and to create amazing relationships in their lives. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about love in my lifetime.   1. Love is a choice you make every day. You don’t just choose to love someone on your wedding day, and then you’re set for life. Consciously making the same choice to love your partner every single day is incredibly powerful. N...