Thoughts and stories, by Pal

The Currant Bush by Elder Hugh B. Brown  (1883-1975) of the Council of the Twelve  Stories from General Authorities.  (From the New Era) Over the years our General Authorities have recounted stories that have touched the hearts of their listeners and changed behavior. Many of these stirring examples come from their own lives or from the lives of friends and acquaintances. All ring as true today as when first recounted.  This story of the Currant Bush is well known.  Elder Hugh B. Brown was a noted Apostle, and a counselor to President David O. McKay.  It is fascinating to put his name in "Google" and read about his interesting and amazing life.  This story can inspire you when you are having problems .   Elder Hugh B. Brown, soldier, lawyer, Mission President, and finally Apostle. ...

This is a very touching story to come from our Conference just passed! The Powerful Story Behind The Choir Member Who Cried at Conference Aleah Ingram April 4, 2016     For many, music is a special conduit to the spirit of God and can express a depth of testimony that is inadequate with words. This is no more evident than in the powerful hymns performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. During the Saturday Morning Session of the 186th Annual General Conference of the Church, members were treated to a stunning rendition of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”      However, something unusual occurred during the song and members around the world took notice. The usually peaceful and composed smiles of the Choir quickly changed as the camera focused on a single member, C. David Belt. Belt was show crying and singing emotionally through his tears. Conference-goers quickly related. We had the opportunity to talk with Belt about ...

When President Snow Called a Girl Back from the Dead: An Incredible Account of the Spirit World By Meridian Magazine · March 31, 2016 This article is very comforting to me, as my dear Wayne is now in the Spirit World. Improvement Era--September 1929 IMPROVEMENT ERA—SEPTEMBER 1929 VOLUME XXXII By LeRoi C. Snow, of the General Board of Y.M.M.I.A.  This story…shows the fulfillment of a prophecy made [to] Lorenzo Snow...when he was 22, [in his] patriarchal blessing, [given by] the Prophet’s father, Joseph Smith, Sen. This blessing was given in the Kirtland Temple. Among other things were these promises: “Thou shalt become a mighty man. Thy faith shall increase and grow stronger until it shall become like Peter’s—thou shalt restore the sick; the diseased shall send to thee their aprons and ...

April Fool's Day was always a fun day, with Wayne around.  He would call various family members, and tell them some outlandish thing, passing it off as truth.  Most of the time they would see through it, and laugh!  They will miss it today.  For my April Fool's Joke, I want to tell fun things about Wayne. A classic April Fool's Day joke was first done by his twin brother Blaine.  They were both teachers, and loved to have fun.  Blaine had told his principal that Lirpa Loof, a Hungarian educator, was coming to their school (he taught in Las Vegas at the time) to visit.  The entire school was taught of how to treat a visiting dignitary, and the whole school assembled in their auditorium, awaiting the visit.  When Lirpa Loof didn't show up, Blaine told the principal "Spell that backwards!".  Of course, his principal, and perhaps others, were quite upset, and disappointed! In our book about our lives, Wayne includes one paragraph about his ...

Don't we look forward to hearing Pres. Thomas S. Monson, and the other General Authorities?  ! ! Uphold the Brethren SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY 3 Nephi 28:34 "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom he hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom he hath sent receiveth not him; and therefore he will not receive them at the last day ."   QUOTE OF THE DAY Joseph Smith "I then made a short address, and called upon the several quorums, and all the congregation of Saints, to acknowledge the [First] Presidency as Prophets and Seers, and uphold them by their prayers. . . . I then called upon the quorums and congregation of Saints to acknowledge the Twelve Apostles, who were present, as Prophets, Seers, Revelators, and special witnesses to all the nations of the earth, holding the keys of the kingdom . ...

This is a very interesting article about communication, not only with grandchildren, but anyone we talk to. The Kind of Communication that Bonds Generations By Fay A. Klingler · March 27, 2016 In July 2015, I wrote an article on bonding generations. The article focused primarily on ways to communicate gratitude and help grandchildren remember fun times with the grandparents. Today’s article expands on the topic of communication between the generations. However, these suggestions work for all conversations, not just those with our grandchildren. Be Present We will see immediate benefits when we remember each morning when we pray to enlist our Heavenly Father’s help in understanding others and communicating effectively. Pray to communicate meaningfully—you to others and others to you. The scri...