Thoughts and stories, by Pal

I have been saving this for a time it seemed appropriate.  It is now! The Unique Latter-day Saint Approach to Knowing Truth By  Wallace Goddard  · July 19, 2020 Editor’s Note: This wonderful insight from Wally Goddard seemed particularly relevant in this confusing time when so many voices are competing for our attention and belief. How can we know what is true? That is one of the puzzling questions of existence. It matters a great deal where we place our trust for truth. In fact, our success in discovering truth depends upon the trustworthiness of our process for discovery.   Five Ways of Knowing Truth Philosophers commonly name five different ways of knowing truth (which they call epistemologies): empiricism, reason, intuition, authority, and revelation (Butler, 1968). Let’s consider each briefly. Empiricism  argues that we learn through observing. We look at our own experience or the experiences of others to learn what works and w...

As we strive to ‘hear Him,’ President Eyring says we can take courage from this verse in Helaman by Lindsey Williams  | Aug. 28, 2020 Makes You Think Lesson Helps Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “ Found in the footnotes ,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The other day I found myself driving down a road in Salt Lake County. Even though I’ve lived in Utah for nearly eight years, sometimes a landmark still catches my eye, and on this day, suddenly I saw a place where I longed to be. The angel Moroni statue rose up over the horizon, sitting atop the Jordan River Utah Temple. Though I had driven the road I was on many times before, for some reason seeing the iconic statue still took my breath away. And oh, how I wished I could go inside. My heart yearned to be there, and when the abrupt reality of coronavirus o...

This is such an inspiring article, especially for mothers--who are tired!  I've been there for sure!  It does end, but not for quite awhile! Epiphany: Stunning Paradigms of Celestial Parenting By  Anne Hinton Pratt  · August 26, 2020 Cover image by  Caitlin Connolly . Anyone who has children knows that parenting is the toughest thing we ever do! Sometimes during that difficult journey of child rearing, we have epiphanies that  stop us in our tracks,   and redirect our course .  I’d like to share the striking experiences of four people… Like a Ton of Bricks Many years ago when my children were small I became very ill, and at one time I thought I might die.  As I thought about that possibility I began to freak out, thinking about my kids and what would be best for them.  I suddenly felt panicked to tell my husband, “If I die, you need to marry again!  Make sure you find someone who will to read to th...

It will be wonderful when people are taught true laws of freedom, and obey those same laws!  The Prophet Joseph taught true principles, and the pioneers governed themselves -- at least those who followed him and his teachings. Joseph Smith on Government By  Craig R. Frogley  · August 27, 2020 Cover image: Portrait of Joseph Smith by Walter Rane. In a time when we all struggle with questions on government, it is noteworthy that Joseph Smith also struggled with it.  He visited Washington DC, many senators and congressmen, and interviewed with the president of the United States.  After Missouri, where the state government seemed to be fully invested in the problems forcing the Saints from their homes and lands contrary to the expectations and rights of U.S. citizenship, it isn’t surprising to find the prophet working with the Lord to understand government’s role as a vessel for the restoration of the global Kingdom of God on earth....