Thoughts and stories, by Pal

  This is a very thoughtful and perceptive article about what we notice about history and what may be sensationalized! It’s Time to Stop Calling Your Grandpa a Liar By  Jacob Z. Hess  · August 17, 2021 The following first appeared  in Public Square Magazine . Part one in a video series on history and truth in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a specific focus on the growing cottage industry of “Mormon”-oriented podcasts and social media influencers, and more especially those whom they have managed to persuade. How many of you were taught in your American history class about a period where the  CIA supported Latin America coups and even some of the right-wing dictators who took over ? Or maybe you heard about  tens of thousands of poor, mentally ill, and racial minority folks forcibly sterilized  in the last century on U.S. soil for being considered “unfit to procreate”?  If not, is that because your American history teacher was...

  This is a wise, and inspiring article, from Meridian Magazine! “What’s Up With the Brethren?!” By  Duane Boyce  · August 15, 202 The First Presidency’s message last week regarding Covid-19 caught many members by surprise. Though many welcomed it, for those who feel that some members of the government and its agencies have been incompetent and hypocritical—and perhaps even dishonest—it felt like capitulation. Or worse, retreat. With shock, some members have found themselves thinking: “For the first time in my life I actually think I disagree with the Church. How am I supposed to think about  that ?” People who have defended the Church from critics are now, in clear consternation, finding  themselves  feeling critical. This reaction is not surprising. Such members feel that in more than one way righteous principles and personal liberty have been under massive attack in our society. (You name the issue. There are many.) To the degree such members feel the go...

  I saved this from almost a year ago.  It is appropriate today also! How Can We Survive This Disaster? By  Joni Hilton  · September 30, 2020 Last week my husband and I drove to San Francisco, about two hours from our home. My ongoing cancer journey includes doctor visits there. And, not surprisingly, it took us through an eerie stretch of hills blackened with soot and the charred remnants of the deadly wildfires that have ripped through California. Dozens of blazes have shattered previous records as flames ravaged more than 3 million acres and claimed 27 lives. Quietly, we stared at the destruction, the twisted tree trunks, the gloomy, lifeless ground. And then I saw it.  They were almost imperceptible, but there they were: Tiny shoots of green grass pushing up through the ashes. Barely a sprinkle of life, but life nonetheless. My heart leapt. Somehow, through complete devastation and ruin, nature finds a way. The Earth yet lives. Grass, shrubs, and wildlife wi...

  On our mission to Sweden in 1994-1995, my husband Wayne and I became acquainted with a fine man in Sweden who had many heartaches.  Among them when he was young, his girlfriend got pregnant, and she wanted an abortion and sought his permission.  He gave his permission, and then probably 30 to 40 years later, he was grieving about it, and just couldn't forgive himself.  I hope he has accepted the Gospel and been forgiven in the Spirit World, as I'm sure he is there now.  He came to see us and stayed for 2 months about 23 years ago.  But he had diabetes, and was alone and we lost track of him. Pal (me) on the left, Elving and Wayne, in Sweden!  Oh how we loved him! A Critical Time to Defend the Sanctity of Life By  RoseMarie Briggs  · August 2, 2021 The Federalist reports, “Last year, a Marist poll commissioned by the pro-life, Catholic organization Knights of Columbus showed that  77 percent  of Americans oppose using taxpayer doll...

This is from Imprimis -- the information that Hillsdale University sends out.  It is absolutely true!  I had a dear girl friend, probably 35 to 40 years ago, for whom I was a bridesmaid at her wedding.   She decided to become a transgender -- now male!  She was the mother of 4 girls!  I feel sorry for people who have those problems.  It was so unusual at that time, but apparently it is quite common now!  SO SAD   ! Gender Ideology Run Amok June/July 2021  • Volume 50, Number 6/7  •  Abigail Shrier Abigail Shrier Author,  Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters Abigail Shrier  is a journalist and author. She received her A.B. from Columbia College, where she was a Euretta J. Kellett Fellow; her B.Phil. from the University of Oxford; and her J.D. from Yale Law School, where she was a Coker Fellow. A member of the Board of Advisors of the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, she has writte...