Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This year, 2016, I reconfirm my testimony which has been shared 4 times now -- 2013, 2014, 2015, and now 2016. I have loved the Prophet Joseph Smith, and learning about him as long as I can consciously remember!   I was born of goodly parents who also loved him and taught me of him.  I love to read of his life and teachings.  I know that he is a true prophet!  This same entry was posted on his birthday since I started this post in 2013 (with alterations each year).  I hope you enjoy reading it!  (in 2014) I hope whoever reads this has a few minutes to ponder these testimonies about the Prophet Joseph Smith, whose birthday is today.  Part of these words were written last year on this day, and probably will again next year! --------------------------------------------   It is actually impossible to even understand how much the Prophet Joseph Smith has done for all of us, and this world.  It will last through th...

Knowing we have a Fast Day once a month, makes this even more interesting. NEUROSCIENTIST SHOWS WHAT FASTING DOES TO YOUR BRAIN & WHY BIG PHARMA WON’T STUDY IT ARJUN WALIA DECEMBER 11, 2015   We're creating a positive news network. We need your help. Donate Below is a TEDx talk given by Mark Mattson, the current Chief of the Laboratory of Neuroscience at the National Institute on Aging. He is also a professor of Neuroscience at The Johns Hopkins University, and one of the foremost researchers in the area of cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying multiple neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.  advertisement -  learn more I chose to include ‘Big Pharma’ in the title because that’s exactly what it is. There have been countless examples of the manipulation of published research at the hands of pharmaceutical companies in recent years. This is why Harvard Professor of Medicine Arnold Symour Relm...

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 ...