Thoughts and stories, by Pal

The photo below has a group of our grandchildren in our family room, about 15 years ago!  Seven of them are married now! Grandkids are the Greatest, and We Can be their Champions By Richard and Linda Eyre  · December 18, 2016 Sign up for Meridian’s Free Newsletter, please  CLICK HERE Editor’s note: This is the second article in a three part series on “Mormon Grandparenting”. The first article  can be read  here , and the third and final article will appear in this space in one week. The fact is that we can and should play a powerful role in teaching our grandchildren to live for responsibility and reputation rather than ease and entitlement…our family, and the legacy we leave, will not be measured by how rich we are or how many titles we had but by the family we started and the caliber of those family members. One of the worst and saddest things we can do is abdicate our role as grandparents, becoming passive and uninvolved ...

Our grandson Sam Lieske, is an artist, studying to become an architect at the University of Utah.  He drew this picture above from an original by Del Parson, called "The Lost Lamb", while on his mission in California. Charitable Giving SCRIPTURE OF THE  DAY  Doctrine & Covenants 104:17 "For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves." QUOTE OF THE DAY George Albert Smith "I am sure the Lord loves those humble, faithful souls who are willing to reach out and touch those who are in need whether it be with food or clothing or bedding or kindness because that is a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ" ( Teachings of Presidents of the Church: George Albert Smith , p. 219 ). December 14 Caring for Others SCRIPTURE OF THE  DAY  1 John 3:17-18 "But whoso hath this ...

This is truly an amazing story!  You just know it wasn't an accident that this young kidnapped child in India ended up in a loving LDS family.  I am so impressed with what his adoptive parents did to help him remember his native language, etc., and how they were so happy he found his birth parents! How a Boy Kidnapped in India and Raised LDS in America Miraculously Found His Way Home After Nearly 20 Years by Jamie Armstrong  | Dec. 14, 2016 Makes You Think Mormon Life Comments Kidnapped from his village in India and sold to a Christian orphanage. Adopted and raised in Utah by a loving LDS couple who was told his parents were dead.  Taj Rowland’s incredible journey  is filled with twists and turns that would rival a blockbuster movie. And just when he had given up hope of ever seeing his birth family again, the Lord led him down a path that would defy all odds and guide him back home. On a snowy night in...

This photo of Wayne doesn't go with the article, but I really like it.  This was when he was writing his memoirs for our life story book.  He found the cap from the "Gripsholm", the ship he sailed in to and from Sweden for his mission there in 1950-1953.  Also, Jasper, sitting in the chair, is what Wayne found at a yard sale once, and he loved to put him out on St. Patrick's Day.   13 Different Ways to Practice Mindfulness – And the Difference it Can Make Posted by  Karen - Hey Sigmund What if there was something that could give you a stronger, healthier brain, lower your stress, help protect you against anxiety and depression, give you a better sleep, and improve your mood – all without any side effects except a happier, healthier, calmer version of you? What if science could back it up its restorative, protective, healing powers with countless research studies? And what if this remarkable, restorative gem was in your hand...