Beauty is...

When I was in my late teens my family had a wonderful couple for hometeachers, Brother and Sister Anderson. They were an older couple, probably in their late 70's. They always had a sparkle in their eyes and a smile on their face(I called it perma-grin). They were filled to the brim with gratitude for everyone and everything around them. I never heard a disparaging remark come out of their mouth. They spoke freely about God, His mercy and blessings. Their testimony of the Savior was not just in word but in the choices they made every day of their lives. They were a beautiful example of charity and oneness in marriage and of Christlike love for everyone. They shined so bright! I loved to be around them and glean from their wisdom.

About five years ago, I saw Brother Anderson in the temple...His physical health had declined for he needed to constantly be on oxygen and he carried a cane but he still had that strong and vibrant spirit... he hugged me and gave his regards to my family. His eyes shined as bright as ever and he still had that warmth of spirit that could soften any frozen heart.

I will never forget this wonderful couple! What an impression they made on me... they helped me see what true beauty is!

Help Me to Freely Forgive

Yesterday was Fast Sunday. I have been fasting and praying for help with many things but one thing in particular has been hardest for me to do.… to let go of hurt feelings and forgive my neighbor. I have a neighbor who I have offended, I’m not exactly sure if it was something I did or my kids did or something I didn’t do??? I don’t know...and she won’t tell me... I wish she would but she refuses to communicate with me.

Just over a year ago we were great friends. Once, I stayed up till midnight helping her make a birthday cake for her daughter. I helped watch her kids all the time and I even let her borrow my car on several occasions. Now she hates me. Many times I have tried to talk with her and figure out what went wrong but to no avail. She avoids me and ignores me when I say “hello”. And when my children go outside to play she rushes hers into the house saying nothing. A few months ago she had the flu so I brought her over some soup … and still no response. It must be about a year that she has refused to even look at me. It hurts. It really hurts. So I’ve been fasting and praying for the ability to forgive her for months now. I need a mighty change of heart. Matt. 18: 23-35 D&C 64: 9-10 has been on my mind all week.

Yesterday we arrived to church early so we had a little quiet time before the meeting began. My 7 yr. old daughter climbed on my lap and asked me if I would read her a story from The Friend (a children's magazine in my church.) As I read to the end of the story my eyes filled with tears. My sweet little daughter had a stack of magazines and hundreds of stories to choose from but this was the one she wanted me to read....perhaps the Spirit guided her. All I know is that it's what I needed and it was a message for me! I’m so thankful for little children and their example of forgiveness to me… it’s no surprise that Jesus said little children are the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Help Me Dear Father
(Children’s Songbook #99)

Help me, dear Father, to freely forgive

All who may seem unkind to me.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Help me, dear Father, to truly repent,
Making things right, and changing my ways.
Help me each day, Father, I pray;
Help me live nearer, nearer to thee.

Meet Ramona

I've been blogging for a couple of years now and along the way I have met many wonderful people. Ramona is one of them. Ramona found my blog in Jan. this year and in return I found her blog. I have gotten to know her a little through emails and have enjoyed our correspondence very much. We share some southern ties. She grew up in the south and my grandma is a southern gal. Ramona and I both love gospel music. I learned to love gospel music from my mom.... (you see when my mom was growing up she belonged to the African Methodist Evangelical church in Wisconsin and that good old gospel music has never left her soul.)

Ramona has a very witty and fun sense of humor. (It must be the southern girl in her.) I think if we were neighbors I would like to sit on my porch and shoot the breeze with Ramona.

Our greatest bond we share is our love for the Restored Gospel. Ramona was kind enough to take the time and share her testimony with me and here she is letting me share it with you:

"I was baptized on Dec 29 2009. No small feat, considering that I had been assigned two in a series of headstrong Sister Missionaries. Sister Paulson and Sister Mulford were 2 of many, and 2 of only 4 missionaries that made it successfully through my front door.

My husband and I have been married for 10 years and I had noticed that people I didn’t know whose first names were always sister or brother would appear at our door. I wondered if my husband had long lost brothers or sisters he wasn’t telling me about. I also wondered how they found us. We would get calls from Elders and Bishop’s. My husband wasn’t very forthcoming on any info.

We moved again and then the Sisters and Brothers started to tag team. They would ask for Brother Gordy. I would ask, are you my husbands long lost brother? No one would talk. By the time Sisters Paulson and Mulford made it through my door, I wasn’t feeling too sisterly toward them, I thought they were trying to sell me something. I asked them why they came; they said “We came for you.” They also told me that my husband was a Mormon. Are you kidding, he never told me that. I figured that I would listen. I didn’t realize that they represented the Church.


I had always gone to church since I was a little girl. I was born in the South and church going is a way of life. My grandmothers help my reading skills by teaching me scriptures. I always went to church all the time. My grandmother was a serial church goer. She had memberships in at least 3 churches in 3 locations. Most of the time I accompanied her whether I wanted to or not. I discovered that if I could read the scriptures with the rest of the congregation I wouldn’t be bored. I was baptized when I was 8 years old. I decided all by myself. I wanted to go to heaven and meet God.

So, you can imagine my reluctance to be baptized again. The Sisters did their best to explain why I needed to do it again. (Article of Faith #5). One underlying reason for my reluctance was a fear of water. I told them that I would think about it. One Saturday we all went to the Visitors Center to watch a film about Joseph Smith. They seemed to always be talking about this man. They asked me if I knew of him. I said, of course. Everyone knew who he was. In Louisiana, where I am from, he was portrayed as an itinerant preacher who had got himself into trouble and was arrested, but he tried to break out of jail by shooting his way out. Of course I did relay this story quite innocently and with no malice. So we watched a film about Joseph Smith and the Restored Church. I have to say that was amazed at his story. I felt that I could identify with him as a child in search of the right church to go to. I was genuinely sad and angry that he was killed in such a way. Everyone was crying including me. I decided right there to agree to get baptized.

These are some of my favorite scriptures; this is my testimony. I did experience a mighty change of heart.

Alma 5: 12 and according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart. Behold I say unto you that this is all true.

13 And behold, he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end; therefore they were saved.

14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

Luke 24: 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

The Saturday I was baptized was the best day of my life. The Bishop of my church baptized me. As I was lowered into the water, time seemed to stop and when I came up I truly felt that all of my past sins had been washed away.

I love this Church and I know it is true. I believe that Joseph Smith was chosen as a Prophet to restore this church. I know I was born to be here in this time, right now. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ; Amen " - Ramona

Wisdom From Mother Teresa

Yesterday at church a sister spoke about charity and quoted this famous verse by Mother Teresa. It impressed me so much that I wanted to share it:

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."

- Mother Teresa

What a wonderful legacy of discipleship she left for us! I want to memorize this and live by this.

To Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Let's make this a day of service, a day of forgiving others, a day of kindness and pure Christian love toward all people. Let's show our honor for this great American by putting our differences behind us, letting go of hatred and losing ourselves in the service of our Lord as Martin Luther King Jr. examplified so beautifully throughout his life.
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of God! He was a true Christian in every way, a great example for all of us to follow. We would all benefit by living by his inspired words.

"Everybody can be great... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values -- that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Like an unchecked cancer, hate corrodes the personality and eats away its vital unity. Hate destroys a man's sense of values and his objectivity. It causes him to describe the beautiful as ugly and the ugly as beautiful, and to confuse the true with the false and the false with the true." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Let no man pull you low enough to hate him." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Martin Luther King Jr.

My Tribute to Jim

Today I found out that a relative of mine passed away. I just found out about his blog and was reading some of his final entries. He died very young. I've been sitting here crying as I'm reading. What a truly wonderful family and what an amazing man. He had great faith in our Savior and was devoted to being a true disciple of Christ. I didn't know him, he was my dad's cousin. I guess not many people do know their second cousins... But this is a one I really wish I did. I guess I'll have to wait.

Amazing Example of Faith!

Gladys Knight is one of my hero's and this is why....


She, along with her choir and a three-person band, gave four shows to thousands of members and non-member investigators... She tells Floridians "This is the Light."

She does concerts like these all over the world!

Unselfish Service

I listened to this talk the other day by Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the 12 Apostles from this most recent Conference. I love the whole talk and wanted to share some pieces of it:
"Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others.
“If any man will come after me [He said], let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24–25; see also Matthew 10:39).

[President Hinckley said], “He who lives only unto himself withers and dies, while he who forgets himself in the service of others grows and blossoms in this life and in eternity.”

President Monson said. “He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ In reality,” President Monson concluded, “you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”

Those who are caught up in trying to save their lives by seeking the praise of the world are actually rejecting the Savior’s teaching that the only way to save our eternal life is to love one another and lose our lives in service.

C. S. Lewis explained this teaching of the Savior: “The moment you have a self at all, there is a possibility of putting yourself first—wanting to be the centre—wanting to be God, in fact. That was the sin of Satan”

We live in a time when sacrifice is definitely out of fashion, when the outside forces that taught our ancestors the need for unselfish cooperative service have diminished. Someone has called this the “me” generation—a selfish time when everyone seems to be asking, what’s in it for me?
Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing. Its very concept causes us to seek to elevate ourselves above those around us.

The values of the world wrongly teach that “it’s all about me.” That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth. It is contrary to eternal progress toward the destiny God has identified in His great plan for His children. The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become.

A great example of unselfish service is the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whose vow committed herself and her fellow workers to “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” She taught that “one thing will always secure heaven for us—the acts of charity and kindness with which we have filled our lives.” “We can do no great things,” Mother Teresa maintained, “only small things with great love.” When this wonderful Catholic servant died, the First Presidency’s message of condolence declared, “Her life of unselfish service is an inspiration to all the world, and her acts of Christian goodness will stand as a memorial for generations to come.” That is what the Savior called losing our lives in service to others.

Each of us should apply that principle to our attitudes in attending church. Some say “I didn’t learn anything today” or “No one was friendly to me” or “I was offended” or “The Church is not filling my needs.” All those answers are self-centered, and all retard spiritual growth.

In contrast, a wise friend wrote:
“Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors, . . . to volunteer for an assignment. . . .

“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling.” All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get."

To view the full text of the talk click here: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-29,00.html

And what of dying?

I wanted to feature this post today for Paul Cardall. I don't know him personally but I have been inspired by his music and story of his life and most especially his amazing faith. He is a husband and father waiting for a heart transplant. Click here to view his latest post. http://mytricuspidatresia.blogspot.com/2009/03/and-what-of-dying.html

Pray for him, pray for miracles. And if you can... donate to his cause... go to http://livingforeden.com/

In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles: 1917 - 2008

I am going to miss this giant of a man. His talks always fill me with hope, faith and a greater perspective of life. His sense of humor, wit, humility, faith and love is so inspiring to me. This is a man who lived what he taught! I love Elder Wirthlin! I will miss him.... I will miss him.

Here are a few excerpts from his last talk given in Oct. this year.

Come What May, and Love It

"Over the years I have learned a few things that have helped me through times of testing and trial. I would like to share them with you."

Learn to Laugh

"The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable."

Seek for the Eternal

"Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. We experience hard things so that we too may have increased compassion and understanding for others....Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome."

The Principle of Compensation

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

Trust in the Father and the Son

"He who descended below all things will come to our aid. He will comfort and uphold us. He will strengthen us in our weakness and fortify us in our distress. He will make weak things become strong... The simple secret is this: put your trust in the Lord, do your best, then leave the rest to Him"

"Come What May, and Love It:" Address Given by Elder Wirthlin at October 2008 General Conference

Powerful Mothers

I listened to this talk 3 times this morning by Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President. I agree with everything she says. So I wanted to share it. Of course this is just part of the talk... I have summarized it for the ease of reading and to highlight the points that stand out to a more general audience.

I think it's sad how children are valued less now days and motherhood is seen as a burden instead of the great blessing it really is. I know it's not always easy. I'm a full-time mom of 3 with one on the way. Some days are overwhelmingly hard. But, there is no one else whose influence is greater than a mother.... so why do we let the world influence our little ones? There is nothing that gives me greater joy and greater fulfillment than teaching, leading, loving and nurturing these precious gifts God has given me. It is no small thing to raise a child in righteous principles. It's a noble calling that I am proud, very proud to be a part of.

Here's the clips from that talk I liked so much:
God bless you!
Alicia

"The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they "wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12).1 However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children....."

"Mothers who know desire to bear children. Whereas in many cultures in the world children are "becoming less valued,"2 in the culture of the gospel we still believe in having children...."

"Mothers who know are nurturers....Nurturing requires organization, patience, love, and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women."

"Mothers who know are leaders. In equal partnership with their husbands, they lead a great and eternal organization. These mothers plan for the future of their organization..... They do not abandon their plan by succumbing to social pressure and worldly models of parenting. These wise mothers who know are selective about their own activities and involvement to conserve their limited strength in order to maximize their influence where it matters most."

"Mothers who know are always teachers. Since they are not babysitters, they are never off duty. A well-taught friend told me that he did not learn anything at church that he had not already learned at home. His parents used family scripture study, prayer, family home evening, mealtimes, and other gatherings to teach."

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."

- Julie B. Beck, General Relief Society President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints- Given in World-wide Conference Oct. 2007

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah

My heart is full and I feel very humbled. I watched a powerful movie last night called, "Emmanuel's Gift." If you have never seen this movie I recomend you go find it and watch it as soon as you can. You will see your life very differently after this!

Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah grew up a disabled orphan from Ghana. He rose above poverty and severe physical, enviromental and cultural challenges to become in my mind one of the greatest hero's of this Century... not just because he overcame these increadible odds for his own life but because he lives to inspire, help and encourage others to rise to the greatness within themselves too and contribute their own gifts back into society.

He is a true Hero! He is beautiful, absolutely beautiful! This man is completely inspired by God and a gift from heaven to the whole world. His story has touched my life!
I've created a link to Emmanuel's website where you can donate or find out information to help the disabled and encourage you to visit here. http://www.eefsa.com/
"The ultimate measure of a man or woman is not where he or she stands in moments of comfort and convienience; It's where they stand in times of challenges and controversy." - His Majesty, Osagyefuo Amoatio Ofori- (Akyem Abuakwa Kingdom in Africa)
Another man featured briefly in this movie is Jim MacLaren http://www.jimmaclaren.com/
Go visit his website and see his amazing story too. I can't believe the courage and perserverance of Jim MacLaren... What a beautiful, inspiring and increadible man.
Man! I have such a cushy life! And what am I doing with all that I am given? What do I complain about? Man Alive! this just puts my tiny little problems into a whole new light!
There are events and circumstances we all experience in our life we could label as a "tradgedy" or as a "gift." It's up to us what we will make of it.
This morning I read in John chapter 9:1-3 and it was the perfect follow-up to watching this movie.And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
This was not a curse from heaven brought upon the man born blind.... he was born blind that the works of God should be made manifest in him. In a way his blindness was a gift not just to him but to the world for generations to come. It's all how you look at it.
Now what am I going to do with the gifts I've been given? I am grateful for the stories such as these that "open my eyes" and help me to see where I've been blind.
God bless you my friends!
Alicia

Road to Jericho

Painting by: Walter Rane

This morning I read the parable of the Good Samaritan. In a world that seems to be filled with hate, anger and violence I like to imagine hope restored, peace to reign and love to abound by seeking to forgive, lift, care and exercise compassion. We can make a difference... one person at a time. I really believe that.

“A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
“And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
“And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
“And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
“And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”
The Savior could easily ask each of us, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?”
And we would answer, “He that shewed mercy on him.”
Jesus would advise us to, “Go, and do thou likewise.”3

With these words on my mind I searched through an archive of talks and found this to go right along with the Parable I read this morning.

President Thomas S. Monson observed:
"Jesus provided us many examples of compassionate concern. The crippled man at the pool of Bethesda; the woman taken in adultery; the woman at Jacob’s well; the daughter of Jairus; Lazarus, brother of Mary and Martha—each represented a casualty on the Jericho road. Each needed help.

To the cripple at Bethesda, Jesus said, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”4
To the sinful woman came the counsel, “Go, and sin no more.”5
To help her who came to draw water, He provided a well of water “springing up into everlasting life.”6
To the dead daughter of Jairus came the command, “Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.”7 To the entombed Lazarus, “Come forth.”8
The Savior has always shown unlimited capacity for compassion.
On the American continent, Jesus appeared to a multitude and said:
“Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you. …
“… And he did heal them every one.”9 "

"One may well ask the penetrating question: These accounts pertain to the Redeemer of the world. Can there actually occur in my own life, on my own Jericho road, such a treasured experience? I phrase my answer in the words of the Master: “Come and see.”10 We have no way of knowing when our privilege to extend a helping hand will unfold before us. The road to Jericho that each of us travels bears no name, and the weary traveler who needs our help may be one unknown. "- President Thomas S. Monson

May we all "go and do likewise".
God Bless you my friends,
Alicia

Prodigal Son

Painting by:Clark Kelley Price

Today in Sacrament Meeting a young man got up and bore his testimony of the saving power of Jesus Christ. He said it had been 10 years since he had come to church and how grateful he was to be back. I didn't know him personally but was extremely touched by his pure and simple testimony. It made me recall the parables of the Prodigal Son, and the Lost Sheep in the New Testament and also the story of Alma, the younger, from the Book of Mormon. I felt like celebrating for this brave young man and to encourage him to "press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men"... and to "press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end." 2 Nephi 31:20

Jesus taught, "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing." - Luke 15:4,5 "

"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea, I say unto you,... that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy." - Alma 36: 17-21

I'm so proud of that young man who shared his beautiful testimony in church today. I feel a greater desire to reach out to those who are lost that they too may know the saving power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
God Bless You!
Alicia

Funeral of President Hinckley

I had the privilage of attending President Hinckley's funeral today. Words cannot adaquately express how I have been uplifted, inspired and encouraged to stand a little taller...to give my heart more completely to the Lord by watching the example of Gordon B. Hinckley. On the back of the funeral program was printed three quotes by this inspired man: these are beautiful words, filled with wisdom, peace and hope. I would like to share them with you:

"We must never adopt a holier-than-thou attitude. We must not be self-righteous. We must be magnanimous and open and friendly. We can keep our faith. We can practice our religion. We can cherish our method of worship without being offensive to others. I take this occasion to plead for a spirit of tolerance and neighborliness, of friendship and love toward those of other faiths." - Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 2002

"May the Spirit of our Lord accompany us and remain with us. We know not what lies ahead of us. We know not what the coming days will bring. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the polar star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith."- Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 2002

"May there be peace and harmony in your homes. Husbands, love and treasure your wives.... Wives, encourage and pray for your husbands.... Parents, treat your children with great kindness.... Now, as we separate for a season, God bless you, my beloved associates. I so pray, as I say good-bye, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." - Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 2007

And then this scripture spoken by our Savior, Jesus Christ:
"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).

Now these other quotes were not on the back of the funeral program but were referenced in the services. They are beautiful and inspire me to be a little kinder, to be a little better - the essence of President Hinckley's prayer for us all.

The Six Be's
"Be grateful. Let a spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights. Work at it.
Be smart. You need all the education you can get.
Be clean. Avoid evil talk. … Choose your friends carefully. … Don’t waste your time in destructive entertainment. … [Respect] the body which the Lord has given you. Stay away from [pornography] … and … from illicit drugs. … They will destroy you.
Be true. Be loyal to the Church. … Be true to your own convictions. You know what is right, and you know what is wrong.
Be humble. [Be] willing to listen to the whisperings of the still, small voice.
Be prayerful. You need [the Lord’s] help, and you know that you need His help. You cannot do it alone."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, New Era, January 2001)

No Basis for Racial Hatred
"I have wondered why there is so much hatred in the world. We are involved in terrible wars with lives lost and many crippling wounds. Coming closer to home, there is so much of jealousy, pride, arrogance, and carping criticism....no man [or woman] who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church of Christ....Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children....there is no basis for racial hatred...If any within the sound of my voice is inclined to indulge in this, then let him go before the Lord and ask for forgiveness and be no more involved in such."- President Hinckley- Ensign, May 2006

President Hinckley was once asked what his favorite scripture was. He said he had so many it was hard to choose, but if he had to pick one it would be this:
"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers." (D&C 112:10)

The world would be a better place if we could all follow these basic truths, how thankful I am to have been fed such a feast of wisdom from hearing this mans counsel. I pray for the strength of God to help me live by it every day of my life.

Have a wonderful day, my friends! God bless you!
Alicia

"Did you think to pray?"

I was studying the 6th Chapter of Luke yesterday, verses 1-12: The scribes and pharisees were so self-righteous that instead of trying to come to know Jesus, to really listen to His teachings and soften their hearts, they were consumed with finding fault and seeking to find accusation against Christ.

It is on the Sabbath day and Jesus has healed a man with a withered hand. Instead of rejoicing in this and acknowledging His power they find fault and question in their hearts why Christ is healing someone on the Sabbath.

Jesus, knowing their thoughts, turns to them and asks, "Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save life, or to destroy it?" Then Jesus tells the man He just healed to show his hand to the scribes and pharisees... did they now understand who Jesus was? Were their hearts softened by His power....they just witnessed a great miracle! Now would they follow Him? NO! In fact, the scripture says they were furious, "they were filled with madness" and they talked about how they would destroy Jesus!

How disappointing and frustrating, after all the good the Savior did to see them not only close their eyes and harden their hearts but seek His destruction. And how did Jesus respond to this? (I know how I would have responded...and it wouldn't have pretty.) What did Jesus do after this encounter? In verse 12 it says, "He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." He prayed!!!

What was He praying for? Could it be He prayed for the very thing He taught in His sermon on the mount? "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matt 5:44 & Luke 6: 27,28) Wow, what an amazing example of humility and meekness!

When I apply this to my own life... I think of the times I have been falsely accused and despitefully used. I think of the times when my religion has been persecuted, falsely accused and even openly hated and sought to be destroyed. How do I respond? Do I lick my wounds and let anger consume me? Or do I follow my Savior's example and teachings?

I pray to my Father in Heaven to give me love like His Son, Jesus Christ... give me strength and humility like His during times of persecution and trial. I can't do it without Him - I need His Grace, I need His enabling power!

After I read my scriptures this morning, this hymn kept playing in my mind:

Hymn #140 in the LDS Hymn Book: "Did you think to pray?"

"Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a sheild today?

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray."

I will miss President Gordon B. Hinckley.

Last night I heard the news that the man whom I revere as a Prophet of God died at age 97. President Gordon B. Hinckley has been the President of my Church for the past 13 years and prior to that served for 14 years in the First Presidency. My church is a non-paid ministry... no person, male or female is paid any money for their church services and callings. President Hinckley served for more than 77 years in this church and did not receive one penny for it. I just think that is so cool... it inspires me. Of course, this is just one example of the many things that inspires me about him. Oh, how I will miss him. Words cannot express the love, respect and admiration I have for that man. He has made such a positive and profound impact on my life.

I am so thankful for his leadership, his words of wisdom, his humor, his optimism, his guidance and counsel.... most especially, I am thankful for President Hinckley's, humility, his deep love and devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and for his powerful and constant witness of the Savior's life, sacrifice, teachings and ministry right up until the very end. Here is a link for more information about his life and ministry as a special witness of Jesus Christ: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/beloved-church-president-gordon-b-hinckley-dies-at-97

In memory of this man who I love so dear, I leave with you a few of his own words:

The Healing Power of Jesus
"Jesus of Nazareth healed the sick among whom He moved. His regenerating power is with us today to be invoked through His holy priesthood. His divine teachings, His incomparable example, His matchless life, His all- encompassing sacrifice will bring healing to broken hearts, reconciliation to those who argue and shout, even peace to warring nations if sought with humility and forgiveness and love." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, November 1988)

Marriage
"True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion." - Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, May 1971)

Mercy
"How godlike a quality is mercy. It cannot be legislated. It must come from the heart. It must be stirred up from within. It is part of the endowment each of us receives as a son or daughter of God and partaker of a divine birthright. I plead for an effort among all of us to give greater expression and wider latitude to this instinct which lies within us.... Mercy is of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The degree to which each of us is able to extend it becomes an expression of the reality of our discipleship under Him who is our Lord and Master." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, May 1990)

Home
"I speak to fathers and mothers everywhere with a plea to put harshness behind us, to bridle our anger, to lower our voices, and to deal with mercy and love and respect one toward another in our homes." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, May 1990)

Truth
"As a Church, we encourage gospel scholarship and the search to understand all truth. Fundamental to our theology is belief in individual freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression. Constructive discussion is a privilege of every Latter-day Saint." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, September 1985)

Valiance
"God is weaving His tapestry according to his own grand design. All flesh is in His hands... We have no need to fear. We have no need to worry... Our imperative need is to be found doing our duty..." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, May 1983)

Optimism
"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." - President Gordon B. Nickle (Ensign, November 1984)

Jesus Christ
"None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship His Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love He offers me." - President Gordon B. Hinckley (Ensign, November 1986)

I, like millions of others, will miss President Hinckley. I can honestly say, with all my heart and soul, through prayer and through the whisperings of the Holy Spirit, that President Hinckley was called of God that he was truly a great Prophet, Seer and Revelator. I feel honored and privileged to have lived during his ministry.

Faith of a Child

My oldest boy has been learning to pray on his own. These are some cute experiences I have had with him concerning prayer:

I couldn't find my keys to the car and we all had an appointment we were late for. I looked everywhere and was begining to lose my patience too... I went outside to buckle my kids in thier seats anyway. I got my younger two strapped in and called to my oldest to hurry. I walked back in the house, frustrated, because now I not only had to find my keys but I had to find my son as well. Impatiently, I searched for my keys while telling my oldest to hurry. Then I saw him... he was kneeling down by the couch and stood up with a big smile on his face... excitedly he said, "Mommy, I know right where your keys are. I said a prayer and now I know. I asked Heavenly Father to help me and He did." Then he ran straight to where my keys were and handed them proudly to me. "See I knew Heavenly Father would help me. I knew it." It was humbling for me.

My son loves to pray about everything. I told him how proud I was of his faith. "Never lose that faith," I said. He responded, "Ya, I just know Heavenly Father will help me with anything I ask... He always does. I have really great faith!"
"Yes, you do" I said, "And I am so proud of you. You are a very good example to me."

The other night, for dinner my son gave the prayer on the food... this was his prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank Thee for this food and for our blessings. Thank Thee for Jesus... and... please bless me that when I go back to school it won't be winter anymore... that next week at morning recess I will go outside and it will be 90 degrees..... And Heavenly Father, I know that You hear my prayers even if they aren't always answered as I expect them to be.... in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

No wonder Jesus taught:
"Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 18:3
"Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 9:14