Volunteerism
Study Shows Latter-Day Saints are the Most Prosocial Members of American Society
Posted on: June 1, 2015
The story, published in the news in Salt Lake City in 2012, is not fresh, but the fact that it was considered newsworthy is fantastic, so I am doing my part to keep it alive. Feel free to link to this post on Twitter, Facebook, etc. if you’d like to spread the word also.
SALT LAKE CITY —
Volunteerism
According to the data, while the average American volunteers some 48 hours per year (4 hours per month) to charitable causes, an active Latter-day Saint volunteers 427.9 hours annually (35.6 hours per month) — a contribution worth an estimated $9,140 annually.
Of course, much of Latter-day Saint volunteerism is religious in nature; for example, congregants volunteer time to teach youth scripture classes or help prepare the chapel for Sunday worship, among other things. Yet, as the study points out, active Church members also dedicate 151.9 hours annually to serving in the Church’s social and community initiatives, such as Boy Scouts of America or the Church’s worldwide welfare and humanitarian aid programs. Aside from these efforts, the study found that individual members give an additional 34 hours annually to other social causes unrelated to the Church.
Charitable Donations
The results also indicated that 88.8 percent of active Latter-day Saints follow the biblical admonition to tithe (donate 10 percent of their annual income to the Church).
In addition to tithing, an active Latter-day Saint donates an average of $ 1,171 to non-Church related charitable causes per year. They also give an average of $650 to the Church’s social welfare program. In short, an active member not only donates, on average, a full 10 percent of their income to the Church, but donates $1,821 to other social and community causes.
“Overall we found that [Latter-day Saints] are the most prosocial members of American society,” the study said. “Regardless of where they live, they are very generous with their time and money.”
The published findings further indicate that these “prosocial behaviors” are reflective of Latter-day Saint teachings, which emphasize service and charity. Indeed, members believe Jesus Christ commands His disciples to both serve and love one another. This sublime teaching continues to resonate with Latter-day Saints around the world. In a recent address, Church President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we look heavenward, we inevitably learn of our responsibility to reach outward.”
He further stated: “To find real happiness, we must seek for it in a focus outside ourselves. No one has learned the meaning of living until he has surrendered his ego to the service of his fellow man. Service to others is akin to duty, the fulfillment of which brings true joy. We do not live alone — in our city, our nation, or our world. There is no dividing line between our prosperity and our neighbor’s wretchedness. ‘Love thy neighbor’ is more than a divine truth. It is a pattern for perfection.”
DWTS 2014 Season Lineup
Posted on: March 4, 2014
It’s here… It’s FINALLY here…
SEAN AVERY — Former pro hockey player Sean Avery is known for his unpredictable antics on the ice and a humorous personality. During his twelve year hockey career, he played left wing for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings, Dallas Stars, and the New York Rangers. Typically known as his team’s “enforcer,” Avery had a reputation as an outspoken agitator on (and sometimes off) the ice. Controversy followed him wherever he played, and he became known as much for his mercurial style of play as for his eclectic interests. These interests led Avery to many unique experiences including an internship at Vogue Magazine, working under the famed Anna Wintour and André Leon Talley. He has been featured in numerous ad campaigns as a model, including 7 For All Mankind and is currently the Luxury Advertising Director at Playboy. Also an activist, Avery is on the Board of Directors of Athlete Ally, a nonprofit raising awareness about homophobia and transphobia in sports. SEAN AVERY partners with KARINA SMIRNOFF.
CANDACE CAMERON BURE — Actress, producer, New York Times bestselling author and inspirational speaker, Candace Cameron Bure is both outspoken and passionate about her family and faith. Known to millions worldwide from her role as D.J. Tanner on the iconic family sitcom “Full House” Cameron Bure continues to flourish in the entertainment industry as role model to women of all ages. With an acting career that started at the age of five, Cameron Bure grew up in show business alongside her brother Kirk Cameron and has appeared in countless national television commercials, prime-time hits, TV movies and feature films. Mostly recently, Cameron Bure starred in the Hallmark Original Movie “Let It Snow.” In addition, she starred on ABC Family’s hugely popular show “Make It Or Break It” in a three year run as Summer Van Horn. Cameron Bure added bestselling author to her many titles with her book Reshaping It All: Motivation for Physical and Spiritual Fitness, inspiring women to embrace a healthier lifestyle by moving faith to the forefront of their relationship with food. Her second book, Balancing It All, shares her story of successfully balancing different roles and responsibilities including motherhood, work, and Hollywood. Cameron Bure and her husband, former NHL star Val Bure have been happily married since 1996. Together with their 3 children, Natasha, Lev and Maks, they split their time between Los Angeles and Napa Valley, California which is home to their boutique wine label, Bure Family Wines. CANDACE CAMERON BURE partners with MARK BALLAS.
DREW CAREY — Drew Carey is a stand-up comic turned actor and producer who had the distinction of having two hit shows simultaneously: the long-running comedy “The Drew Carey Show,” which ran from 1995-2004, and the improv/sketch show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” on which he was host and a producer. The success of that show led to the creation of “Drew Carey’s Improv All-Stars,” an improv troupe that performs in showrooms across the country. In July 2007, he was named the host of “The Price Is Right,” succeeding longtime host Bob Barker. He began his successful career as a comedian in April of 1986 at the Cleveland Comedy Club. In 1988, one of his first big breaks was competing on “Star Search.” In 1991, Carey landed a spot on HBO’s “14th Annual Young Comedians Special” and appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.” Carey landed his own television development deal with Disney, which led to an opportunity for him to co-star in the series “The Good Life.” He also had the opportunity to work with Bruce Helford, who was a consulting writer on the series and hired him as a staff writer for “The Gaby Hoffman Show.” Their experience led the two of them to decide to co-create a series for Carey. He went on to star in his own comedy special for Showtime, “Drew Carey: Human Cartoon” and performed in Showtime’s “Tenth Anniversary of the Montreal Comedy Festival.” Carey was born in Cleveland, Ohio and currently resides in Los Angeles. DREW CAREY partners with CHERYL BURKE.
MERYL DAVIS — Paired in 1997, Meryl Davis, 27, and her partner Charlie White, 26, are the longest-running ice dancing partnership in the history of United States figure skating. As a child, Davis wished to glide atop the frozen surface of the Michigan Lake adjacent to her home, so learning to ice skate at the age of five was a natural choice. They are 2014 Olympic Gold Medalists, 2010 Olympic Silver Medalists and 2011 & 2013 World Champions. Davis and White are also six-time (2009-2014) U.S. Champions, and five-time (2001-2013) Grand Prix Final Champions. Led by one of the most successful coaching teams in the world, she and White have steadily climbed the ranks of the U.S. and international ice dancing world. In 2006, they made their senior debut on the Grand Prix Series. They dominated the international skating scene this season, standing atop the podium at all six competitions they entered. By winning the 2013 World Championships, the team made figure skating history, becoming the only U.S. ice dancing team to ever win two World titles. The second title cemented their place in figure skating history and positioned them as the team to beat at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. When not on the ice Davis enjoys reading, traveling and learning about other cultures. She is currently a student at the University of Michigan. MERYL DAVIS partners with MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY.
NENE LEAKES — NeNe Leakes shot to stardom as a fan favorite on Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Her popularity as a housewife led to her own Bravo television series “I Dream of Nene: The Wedding.” In 2012, she was cast as coach Roz Washington on “Glee” and later that year landed a starring role on NBC’s sitcom “The New Normal.” Leakes has also guest-starred in BET comedies, “The Game” and “Let’s Stay Together.” She was voted as one of Entertainment Weekly’s Entertainers of the Year and was the recipient of Bravo’s A-list Award for Fan Favorite. She is the author of Never Make the Same Mistake Twice, discussing her fractured childhood, abusive relationship and struggles with being a single mother. Currently, Leakes resides in Duluth, Ga., a suburb of Atlanta, along with her two children and husband Gregg Leakes. NENE LEAKES partners with TONY DOVOLANI.
JAMES MASLOW — James Maslow is best known as the star of the hit television series “Big Time Rush” and as a member of the worldwide bestselling music group of the same name. Maslow has headlined sold out tours across the globe, most recently the Big Time Rush Live 2014 World Tour, performing at some of the largest venues across North & South America. Maslow began his acting career on the popular series “iCarly” and completed the fourth season of “Big Time Rush” last year. As one of the most popular music groups internationally, Big Time Rush has won countless Kids’ Choice Awards, and a 2012 Parade Magazine poll named Big Time Rush the “Best Boy Band in the World,” topping other well-known bands such as One Direction and The Wanted. Maslow has collaborated with many popular recording artists, such as Jordin Sparks, Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic and with Snoop Dogg on Big Time Rush’s international, chart-topping hit single “Boyfriend.” Born in New York and raised in San Diego, Maslow began performing at an early age, training at the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, and the Coronado School of the Arts.JAMES MASLOW partners with PETA MURGATROYD.
DANICA MCKELLAR — Danica McKellar, best known as Winnie Cooper on “The Wonder Years” and Elsie Snuffin on “The West Wing,” is a New York Times bestselling author with her three groundbreaking books, Math Doesn’t Suck, Kiss My Math and Hot X: Algebra Exposed. She is also the author of Girls Get Curves: Geometry Takes Shape. A summa cum laude graduate of UCLA, McKellar wrote a theorem that has been dubbed, “The Chayes-McKellar-Winn Theorem,” and was published in Britain’s esteemed Journal of Physics. Her recent acting roles include appearances on “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Big Bang Theory.” DANICA MCKELLAR partners with VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY.
DIANA NYAD — 25 million people worldwide rooted for Diana Nyad last September as she approached the Florida shore, at long last achieving her 35-year-old dream of becoming the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida. Nyad is not one to quit. On her fifth attempt, speaking the words “Never Ever Give Up” to the wildly cheering crowd on a Key West beach on September 2, 2013, Nyad may have been dazed and physically spent, but she showed the world what persistence and belief can manifest. Nyad stroked the amazing 110.86 miles in 52 hours, 54 minutes, 18 seconds. Daring to reach for the stars, this swim beginning to seem impossible (after her four attempts and other strong swimmers trying and failing since 1950), Nyad has motivated the world at large to be bold, to live fearlessly, to chase one’s dreams with unwavering commitment. The second statement the victorious 64-year-old made on that Key West beach? “You’re never too old to chase your dreams.” And her third statement on that historic day: “It looks a solitary sport, but it’s a TEAM.” A prominent sports broadcaster, reporting for National Public Radio, Fox Sports, ABC’s Wide World of Sports, The New York Times for thirty years, Nyad has carved her place as one of our compelling story-tellers. She has written three books and is currently writing her memoir for Knopf, due out in 2015. Nyad is a talented linguist, speaking three foreign languages fluently. She has also earned the reputation of a uniquely entertaining and inspiring public speaker. DIANA NYAD joins first time professional partner HENRY BYALIKOV.
AMY PURDY — Amy Purdy had a typical childhood until losing her legs at 19 as a result of Meningitis, which has led to an adulthood of extraordinary accomplishments. Currently training for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia she is the top ranked adaptive snowboarder in the U.S. and three-time World Cup Para-snowboard winner. Purdy is the Co-Founder of Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization which helps disabled youth, adults and wounded veterans get involved in action sports. AAS was instrumental in getting adaptive snowboarding added to the 2014 Paralympic Games. Purdy’s positive outlook has opened many doors to other opportunities including being featured in a Madonna music video, a lead acting role in an award winning independent film and multiple modeling projects. She is an accomplished motivational speaker who has shared her story with audiences around the world. In 2013, Purdy was named by the International Olympic Committee as one of the top 15 most marketable Para-athletes in the world. AMY PURDY partners with DEREK HOUGH.
CODY SIMPSON — With over 6.4 million Twitter followers, over 6.7 million Facebook likes and nearly 200 million YouTube views, 17-year-old pop star Cody Simpson has taken the world by storm. Simpson recently released “The Acoustic Sessions” EP that followed the release of his sophomore album, 2013’s “Surfers Paradise” that debuted top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and features the Top 40 hit single “Pretty Brown Eyes.” He recently wrapped his sold out US and Canadian Acoustic Sessions Tour and had previously been touring with Justin Bieber on Bieber’s Believe Tour. In 2013, Simpson released his first book Welcome To Paradise: My Journey published by HarperCollins. CODY SIMPSON joins first time professional partner WITNEY CARSON.
CHARLIE WHITE — Paired in 1997, Charlie White, 26, and his partner Meryl Davis 27, are the longest-running ice dancing partnership in the history of United States figure skating. White, who grew up just down the street from his partner began skating at the age of three. They are 2014 Olympic Gold Medalists, 2010 Olympic Silver Medalists and 2011 & 2013 World Champions. White and Davis are also six-time (2009-2014) U.S. Champions, and five-time (2001-2013) Grand Prix Final Champions. Led by one of the most successful coaching teams in the world, they have steadily climbed the ranks of the U.S. and international ice dancing world. In 2006, they made their senior debut on the Grand Prix Series. They dominated the international skating scene this season, standing atop the podium at all six competitions they entered. By winning the 2013 World Championships, the team made figure skating history, becoming the only U.S. ice dancing team to ever win two World titles. The second title cemented their place in figure skating history and positioned them as the team to beat at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. White is an avid sports fan, particularly hockey. An accomplished hockey player himself, White was part of a State Championship-winning team. Believing education is important, he is currently a student at the University of Michigan and hopes to attend law school in the future. CHARLIE WHITE partners with SHARNA BURGESS.
BILLY DEE WILLIAMS — Legendary leading man, Billy Dee Williams, was often touted as the ‘black Clark Gable,’ especially after his co-starring role in “Lady Sings the Blues,” opposite Diana Ross. George Lucas tapped him to play the scoundrel Lando Calrissian in “The Empire Strikes Back,” and “The Return of the Jedi.” He also played the district attorney Harvey Dent in 1989’s “Batman.” Williams many films include “The Ladies Man,” “Undercover Brother,” “The Visit,” “Fanboys,” “Barry Munday” and “Constellation” opposite Gabrielle Union. Most recently, the iconic Williams appeared in the blockbuster film “The Lego Movie.” In 2006, the NAACP recognized Williams for his immense contribution to the arts by awarding him the Lifetime Achievement Award. His television appearances include “Lost,” “Private Practice” and “Scrubs.” In addition to his impressive acting career, Williams is also a very accomplished artist and has a painting on display at the Smithsonian. BILLY DEE WILLIAMS partners with EMMA SLATER.
Dale Partridge, Family Man, Author, Co-Founder of Sevenly.org, Social Good Entrepreneur, and Follower of Christ.
Dale Patridge has it going on…
He’s a motivational guru, author, husband, father, entrepreneur, and blogger. Plus, he can ride a unicycle and kickflip on a skateboard.
So, it’s understandable that this motivational guru, musician, mother, entrepreneur and blogger who can ride a bicycle and almost stay on a skateboard would feel a kinship. Yes?
Well, I do. I just started following his blog, The Daily Positive, as opposed to visiting it in cognito, and figured I ought to share one or two of his change leadership tips with my few but well-loved followers.
So, here are the unmistakable, unchangeable, secrets, according to Dale, that truly create a perfect life:
- Family – We can’t escape it. For some it causes joy, for others pain. But family is more than blood. It’s those who are greater than friends. Those who have remained with us for years, even decades. They have chosen to do life by our side. These people are the ones who truly bring us joy. Let’s not forget that. Instead of investing in a hobby, in a project, or in a job. Let’s invest here.
- Friends – I follow a few neurological blogs (I know… how boring), a scientist from Yale University confirmed our minds are unmistakably designed for community and love. Friends offer both. Think about the happiest moments of your life, who was there? We spend so much time searching for happiness when it can likely be had in a simple conversation with good friend. Call them, today.
- Fitness – Without our health, not much else matters. About 6 years ago I got very ill. I was diagnosed with an inner ear disorder which caused extreme dizziness for months a time. It was horrible. I became depressed, anxious, and border-line suicidal. It made one thing very clear. Without our health, life is short, depressing and hard to enjoy. But this is an area where many of us dig our own graves. We eat poorly, we don’t exercise, we take prescription medicines that treat symptoms rather than heal the problem. Let’s fight for our health. Go for a walk. Buy organic food. Go vegan for 90 days. Whatever it takes to protect this precious element of your life.
- Food (and drink) – We can’t live without it. We were clearly made for it. It’s a source of joy and community for the human soul. Like anything, it can be abused. But let’s talk about a healthy value of loving food. I think there is a reason Jesus chose communion (which means community with food) as his way to be remembered. We have been created with an amazing ability to taste and to even feel different ingredients. Food is what brings us together, it heals us, and it provides a way for us to survive. Never feel bad about investing into quality food with great people. It’s these moments that make up the best times of our lives.
- Faith: Now I know all of you might not agree on this one, but that’s okay
– For many of us, faith in a Creator, does not make us weak, it offers us connection, community, joy, safety and most of all, purpose. For me personally, my faith has offered me incredible transformation and consistency. By knowing what I believe it allows me to create a life that aligns. It helps me through the toughest times and provides me a super natural ability to love people. If this is something you desire, reach out to God. Get to know him. I believe it is wiser to live as if there were a God and find out there wasn’t, than to live as if there is no God, and find out there was.
What do you think? He’s got a pretty great outlook on life and how to live it, dosn’t he?
Comments or additions to his list are welcome. Don’t be shy. I’d love to hear from you.
Texans, Please Sign
Posted on: February 15, 2014
In 2011, 3147 accidents on Texas roads were directly caused by drivers who were distracted by using their cell phones. 40 of those were fatal crashes. Every year thousands of preventable accidents are caused by people who use their cell phones while they are driving, and this is simply unacceptable.
Everybody has heard the alarming statistics regarding cell phones and driving: talking on the phone while driving is similar to driving while intoxicated at the legal limit, texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to cause an accident with injury, and the time it takes you to read a text is about 4 seconds, enough time to cover a football field while driving at highway speeds.
Tens of millions of dollars are lost each year in auto repairs, medical bills and lost wages. People are killed and lives are ruined because there is no law against texting while driving.
Join me in asking Governor Perry, Senate President Dewhurst and Speaker of the House Straus to make texting while driving illegal. Bills were introduced over a year ago and have been sitting on the shelf since then while countless Texan lives have been ruined and lost because of texting and driving. 39 other states have strict laws against it, why hasn’t Texas joined them?
Tags: Auto Accidents, Change.org, David Dewhurst, Governor Perry, HB63, Highway Deaths, Jordan's Petition, Law, Petition. Bill, Politics, SB28, Speaker of the House Straus, Take a Stand, Teen Auto Accidents, Teen Deaths, Texas, Texas Bills, Texas Deaths, Texas Laws, Texas Politics, Texas Teen Deaths, Texting, Texting While Driving
On February 5th 2014, the FDA issued a press release regarding a voluntary recall of 3 brands or dog and cat food by ProPet LLC. According to the FDA, fortunately there have not yet been any reports of illness caused by this contamination.
Read the whole story at http://theilovedogssite.com/recall-alert-3-dog-cat-food-brands-recalled-for-salmonella/#llRe60MDD0Qqu2Od.99
Please note that the above images are examples only, and may or may not represent the packages of your food. For the complete and accurate list, please see the table provided below by the FDA.
| Product | Best By | Lot Code | UPC Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 2A | 1219033878 |
| 40 lb Hubbard Life Happy Hound Dog Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 1A | 1219033878 |
| 18 lb Hubbard Life Cat Stars Cat Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 1A | 1219033873 |
| 40 lb Hubbard Life Maintenance Dog Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 2A | 1219033875 |
| 15 lb Joy Combo Cat Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 1A | 7065407721 |
| 40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 1A | 7065407713 |
| 40 lb Joy Combo Cat Food | 05 06 14 | 096 13 SM L2 2A | 7065407713 |
| 20 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food | 05 07 14 | 097 13 SM L2 2A | 2351780103 |
| 40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food | 05 07 14 | 097 13 SM L2 2A | 2351780104 |
| 40 lb QC Plus Adult Dog Food | 05 07 14 | 097 13 SM L2 1A | 2351780104 |
Anger
Posted on: June 20, 2013
When I was younger I used to get angry easily. Things were go wrong, people didn’t act the way I wished they would, or somebody’s words would rub me the wrong way and I would lose my temper. It would fill up my head and spill out, usually as what my mother called a temper tantrum, but as I got older I would say things that hurt other people before I even realized I was angry.
But as i got older I started to realize that truth be told, I was usually angry because I couldn’t have my own way. I didn’t have the strength to deal with all the negative things that were happening to me so I let my anger fight my battles for me.
Having a relationship with God has helped me understand my early years – my anger and my inability to deal with my environment. Prayer helps me still the frustrations. Faith helps me understand that whatever is happening to me will pass if I can just wait it out. The Holy Ghost helps calm my soul, helps me breath when fear paralyzes me, helps me feel at peace when turmoil surrounds me. And the scriptures hold God’s answers to the questions that leaden my heart.
Nehemiah 9:17
A God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.
Psalm 145:8
The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.
Psalm 30:5
For His anger endureth but a moment; in His favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
James 1:19-20
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy Spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
Proverbs 14:17
He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.
Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Proverbs 22:24-25
Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.
Psalm 37:8
Cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Colossians 3:21
Fathers, Provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry and sin not. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is His glory to pass over a transgression.
Proverbs 21:19
It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Matthew 5:22
But I say unto you, that whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgement.
Tags: anger, Colossians, Ecclesiastes, Ephesians, James, Matthew, Nehemiah, Proverbs, Psalm, Scriptures
3 Steps to Jesus
Posted on: June 13, 2013
1) Admit that we are sinners in need of repentance.
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
~Romans 3:23
2) Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who paid the price for our sins that we might be saved.
For the wages of sin is death [eternal separation from God]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
~Romans 6:23
3) Call upon God.
If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
~Romans 10:9
Who said it had to be complicated?
Tags: belief, death, Eternal Separation, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Romans, Romans 10:9, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Salvation, Scripture, Sin
My Scriptures
Posted on: June 6, 2013
Whatever the need of the moment… support can be found in my scriptures.
Whatever questions about God I think up… the answer is in my scriptures.
Whatever I’m feeling or hoping for… clarity can be found in my scriptures.
When I’m feeling especially alone or afraid, or if I’m wondering what God has to say to me about salvation, faith, pride, repentance, etc, my scriptures provide both wisdom and comfort. They are my road map for how I will live the rest of my life.
It amazes me how so much food for our minds, hearts and souls, how much healing power, peace of mind, and love can be found in such a small amount of space. The scriptures really are a miracle.
Change
Posted on: May 28, 2013
Change isn’t easy. Changing the way we live requires us to change how we think. Changing how we think often requires us to change fundamental beliefs about life. Not a simple task to accomplish.
When we make our own misery, and most of do from time to time, we sometimes cling to it even when we want desperately to change… The misery is something familiar — comfortable even.
So usually change is a slow process, but not always. Sometimes (rarely even?) our lives can change for the better in one moment of grace — winning the spiritual lottery — or perhaps a miracle. Something so powerful can happen — someone so special come along, some precious understanding descend upon us — so unexpectedly that it pivots us in a new direction, changing us forever.
Have you had a moment like this? If so, would you share it with us?
Compensation for the Pain
Posted on: May 21, 2013
When I am lying awake in bed at night, racked with pain and kept awake by grief, it helps to focus my thoughts not on all I have lost, but what I have in this world that I might never have aquired if the object of my grief had not been in my life.
I believe God gives us compensation for our pain, right here, right now, in this world… not just in the afterlife. It’s our responsibility to have faith that the compensation is here and to strive to find it, accept it, and allow it to help heal us.
Always compensation for the pain… If we can but see it.
bonnieandtilly 