Faith & Purposeful Living

"Faith can become the very wellspring of purposeful living. There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, that God expects us to do something with our lives, and that He will give us help when help is sought. …

"When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force that comes with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. …

"Faith in a Divine Being, in the Almighty, is the great moving power that can change our lives." Gordon B. Hinckley

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In one of our first meetings with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joe told the missionaries he admired their faith. He commented, "When they were "handing out faith in heaven, I must have been skylarking and didn't get in the right line to get faith." The missionaries explained that faith is something we can develop. 

Faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel has changed our lives. It's made the good times better and provides us perspective, purpose, strength, and hope during the difficult times. Faith in Jesus Christ has made all the difference. 

Incomparable Gift

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this Christmas season, our hope is that the light and testimony of the Savior’s divine mission as the Redeemer of all mankind will come into our hearts and be reflected in our thoughts, our words, and our actions.

May each of us be blessed at this joyous season of the year as we acknowledge with sincere gratitude the Father’s incomparable gift to us of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Master. (Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dierter F. Uchtdorf)

Happened to You?

Have you ever come home and found a frozen salmon on your door?

We did.

Had it for dinner that night - delicious!

Faith - Seeds & Flames

"Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me."   Alma 32:28

"What was once a tiny seed of belief for me has grown into the tree of life, so if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine. I know this work is God’s very truth, and I know that only at our peril would we allow doubt or devils to sway us from its path. Hope on. Journey on. Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe." Jeffrey R. Holland

Alma 32 was the very first scripture the missionaries suggested we read as we considered stepping on the path of discipleship of Jesus Christ. We often go back to it and consider the growth of our faith. We have nourished that seed. We have fanned the flame of faith. We are abundantly blessed.  

Easter Sunday 1955

Grandpa & Grandma

Caryl & Florence Holton

Easter - April 10, 1955

Gratitude

Gratitude is a Spirit-filled principle. It opens our minds to a universe permeated with the richness of a living God. Through it, we become spiritually aware of the wonder of the smallest things, which gladden our hearts with their messages of God’s love. 

This grateful awareness heightens our sensitivity to divine direction. 

When we communicate gratitude, we can be filled with the Spirit and connected to those around us and the Lord. Gratitude inspires happiness and carries divine influence. 

“Live in thanksgiving daily,” said Amulek, “for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.” ( Alma 34:38.)  Bonnie Parkin

image November 2013

Chocolate

Trader Joe's does know how to cover things in dark chocolate. Several years ago I tried the dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's. When I went to buy them last year they had already sold out. So - I entered dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's on my November todo list so I wouldn't miss out again. 

While buying the dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's, I noticed this chocolate mousse cake (topped with ganache). Decided to try it to see if it's worth the calories. I'd already determined the dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's were worth the calories. Jury's out on the cake - it's OK but I think the rest of the cake (minus one small piece for tasting) will stay in the freezer until this package of dark chocolate covered peppermint Joe Joe's is gone (and maybe the several that I have in "storage").

Tears

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love."             Washington Irving  

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"My life, despite my numerous missteps, despite the ache of loss, was rich and full of joy. I had enough hope to make me happy and enough sorrow to make me human. I let myself cry, because ..., tears are the words the heart can't say." 

(Rose, Petal, Thorn by Ella Joy Olsen)