Thoughts and stories, by Pal

I really love the writings of this dear lady, who had many problems in her life! How the Refiner’s Fire Purifies Our Beliefs By  Darla Isackson  · September 7, 2020 Editor’s Note: Beloved Meridian author Darla Isackson recently passed away. We will continue to share her wonderful insights here periodically. We can lean on the following words from the 4 th  verse of “How Firm a Foundation”: When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. What flames of the refiner’s fire are you currently dealing with? Wayward children, financial reverses, disease, aging? Almost twelve years ago the suicide of my son was that kind of refiner’s fire for me. No event in my life has ever caused me to re-think what I believe as much as that one. As a practicing, believing Latter-day Saint, my identity was intertwined with “forever family” goals and “I am a c...

Watch: Elder Holland’s powerful message of hope might be just what you need in 2020 by Lindsey Williams  | Sep. 03, 2020 From the Church Makes You Think Speaking in April general conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland testified that “the future is going to be as miracle-filled and bountifully blessed as the past has been.” A new inspirational video released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday morning pieces together segments of Elder Holland’s conference address into a beautiful 3-minute video. “We  can  hope, we  should  hope, even when facing the most insurmountable odds,” Elder Holland said. “So, when our backs are to the wall and, as the hymn says, ‘other helpers fail and comforts flee,’ among our most indispensable virtues will be this precious gift of hope linked inextricably to our faith in God and our charity to others.” In his message, Elder Holland spoke specifically about current events...

This makes you think! We don't want to lose our testimonies! How’s Your Testimony During this Pandemic? By  Joni Hilton  · September 2, 2020 The closure of our churches due to the pandemic has left many of us longing to mingle with each other again. We miss taking the Sacrament there. We miss the comradery, the music, the insightful instruction.  And we miss our monthly Fast and Testimony meetings when our hearts can be stirred by the expressions of ward members. Some churches have opened partially, others are still waiting for the green light. Mine is still in lockdown, and I caught myself this week thinking how much I miss hearing other people’s testimonies. And then it hit me: For as long as I can remember, church leaders have told us that our own testimonies strengthen by the bearing of them. President Dallin H. Oaks once said, “We gain or strengthen a testimony by bearing it… testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them tha...

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...