Thoughts and stories, by Pal

This was published on June 3, 2020, in Meridian Magazine.  It has some very good things to consider either now, or in times to come, if this becomes a problem. Protecting Yourself During Civil Unrest By  Carolyn Nicolaysen  · June 3, 2020 The following was originally published on Meridian in April of 2018. In light of recent events, it seemed relevant to publish it again. We have the choice to prepare for the worst, or to pretend that we are somehow immune to the violence. During the past several months I have thought more and more about those who live in large cities and how their preparations need to differ from those living in a suburban or country setting. However, the past two weeks have made me understand we all need to prepare for civil unrest no matter where we live. Civil unrest is a real concern when planning for an emergency event. Any of us may find ourselves in a large city, where violence is more likely, when visiting family, ...

Alma Chapter 5, in the Book of Mormon, has so many questions that it would be good for us to analyze and ask ourselves.  This is a great article! Come, Follow Me for Individuals and Families: “Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts?”, Alma 5-7 By  McKay Christensen  · June 2, 2020 Cover image: “Our Advocate”, by Jay Bryant Ward. Have you been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, “Surely, I can’t look that old?”  Here’s a story from a good sister on the subject… “I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist.  I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name that had been in my high school class some 40-odd years ago.  Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then? “Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought.  This balding, gra...

I totally agree with this article.  I have always loved people of all races, and I am very saddened when people do not show them respect and love.  But this article has such good and honest thoughts about the situation in the United States right now, and I hope you'll read it, and find wisdom in it! The Riots and the Danger of False Narratives By  Maurine Proctor  · June 2, 2020 The Book of Mormon, written specifically for our times, is a warning in so many ways, but there is a caution that we should not miss. That is the consistent and emphatic plea about the perilous and destructive power of false and manipulative narratives. When you look at the book through that lens, suddenly you see it everywhere. Again and again the people are “stirred up to anger”, even to the dissolution of their own nations, by the ideas and arguments that take hold of them with such power they cannot shake them. They hold on to them with self-destructive fero...

This is a very touching and inspirational story!  I'm so glad this fine man found the Gospel! The Burning Book: A Jewish Man’s Conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ By  Jason M. Olson  and  James Goldberg  · May 31, 2020 I was putzing around in my kitchen the day after April Fools’ when I got a call from a number in Utah. “Hi,” the voice on the phone said. “This is Judy, Elder Christofferson’s assistant.  Is this Jason Olson?” “Yes, this is him,” I said. And had she really said Elder Christofferson? Like…the apostle? “Elder Christofferson would like to speak to you about sharing your story in General Conference this weekend.  Are you free to speak with him?” she asked. “Of course,” I said. “I’d love to.”  My wife, Sara, was standing right by me at the time. “Who is it?” she mouthed. “Elder Christofferson,” I mouthed back, feeling a mix of excitement and disbelief. I could barely believe that one of the Twelve ...