Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This may give you good ideas of things to do on Sunday, as well as other days, to remember our dear ancestors!  It does take time, but helps give you a feeling of family togetherness, and the legacy they have given you. How To Survive Family History (25 Ideas You Actually Want) By  Jennifer Bushman  - Jun 20, 2016 Let’s be honest; at one time or another, we’ve all cringed at the words ‘family history’. But here are 25 family history ideas to make it more enjoyable, accessible, and meaningful for you and your family: 1. Learn an Ancestor’s Favorite Hymn/Song This doesn’t have to be a distant relative, but if you know great-great grandmother’s favorite song that would be something really meaningful. My grandma’s favorite primary song was “Little Purple Pansies”, one I’d never heard before, and it was fun to learn it so that we could sing it together. 2. Learn to Make a Recipe from an Ancestor The first year after my grandpa passed a...

This article from Hey Sigmund is so interesting.  It is not an LDS site, but has wise articles often which agree with our Gospel and how we love families. My own mother, Ruth Allen Miles, was a school teacher for 40 years.  But as we were growing up, my 2 sisters and I could talk to her about anything.  She would remember an experience in her own life which was similar to the current situation we were in, or problem we were having.  She would tell about how she had felt when she was our age, and facing similar problems.  Several of our friends came to talk to our mother when they felt they couldn't talk to their own mothers.  There are great ideas in this article about telling your own children about your life.   Keep the family stories alive by telling them! This is especially appropriate as our granddaughter had our latest great grandchild last night -- invitro, as her husband had leukemia and a bone marrow transplant about 3 years ago!  Th...

I have been gone a week, to a grandson's wedding, and visiting family up north.  It is always good to be home, and have had a safe trip! This is the time of year our thoughts go to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and the early Saints in Nauvoo, in 1844.  In just 5 days it will be the anniversary of his martyrdom.  I had many ancestors who were there at that time. 6 Things You Didn't Know About the Plot to Murder Joseph Smith by Mark Goodmansen  | Jun. 20, 2016 Makes You Think There is more to Joseph Smith's martyrdom than you may think. Read on to find out which famous American figures were involved in a plot to kill the first prophet of the LDS Church. As early as 1843, the Prophet Joseph Smith was aware of plots to have him silenced, whether by placing him back in jail or killing him.      In September 1843, Joseph Smith was shown a copy of a letter from Samuel Owens of Independence, Missouri, and wrote in his journa...

This is a very interesting article which helps us realize that even though we pray about problems, we need to have faith in Heavenly father's plan for us.  President Hinckley used to say to have faith -- that everything would turn out right. The True Antidote to Worry By Darla Isackson  · April 28, 2016 Worry. The more we practice it, the better we get at it. Let me share a personal example of being pulled into old worry patterns. A son recently had a mediation day scheduled, the results of which would affect the quality of his life for the next many months. If he and his estranged spouse were able to resolve their differences they could finalize their divorce (which had already dragged on for many months) and move ahead with their separate lives. If not, she was determined to take it into a full-blown court battle, which her lawyer said would take anywhere from one to two years. In the meantime, they would be in limbo: my son would be unable to go to a ...

These are good ideas when we need to have a difficult conversation with someone.  Helps on how to keep good feelings and understanding. Can We Talk? How to Have a Difficult Conversation How to Have a Difficult Talk Posted by  Hey Sigmund In any relationship, whether it’s with a work colleague, friend, partner, parent, sibling, there will often come a time where a hard conversation has to happen. They’re the conversations that need to be handled gently. The anticipation of them can easily have you imagining your relationship gasping for breath in that cold wasteland fed by misunderstandings, too much honesty, not enough honesty, and drunk texting.  There will always be people who don’t deserve the gentle handling – the ones who cause more pain than joy. If a difficult conversation comes with a very real risk that they will get up and leave your life, let’s call that a reward for your honesty and be done with it. Glorious.  In any r...