SMILE

  While reading through the scriptures, I have noticed there are lots of places that one could make some really good acronyms. And that’s where my thought is from today, is one my favorites it is smile. It comes from the Book of Mormon, the book of 2 Nephi 9:39.

  "O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal."

  From the being of that scripture you may be thinking how does that have to do with smiling?! But as you look at the last 5 words of the scripture you see that being Spiritually-Minded Is Life Eternal. The devil is trying so hard to make us think that following him brings happiness. But we know that those things are not pleasing in the eyes of God. But being spiritually minded will bring us eternal life. This is the greatest of all of the gifts of God. Remember that smiles are contagious, when you see someone smiling; it is so much easier to smile. So let’s be happy not only now but in the life to come that will come as we remember to smile each day!                                                

Mothers

  I was given this idea by my very good friend again. I really liked the idea, because I realized, well I won't be on my mission for mothers day and I know how much my mother has meant to me and there have been a number of influential mothers and women through out the scriptures and time so I will take the time to talk about a one of my favorites.

   The first of course being my own mother. She has helped me so much throughout my life and has helped to teach me so many key lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today. One of my favorite scriptures growing up, that comes from the Book of Mormon talks once again about the great importance of mothers. It is Alma chapter 56 verses 47 & 48: "Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." This to me is so great because when we are taught these key truths from our youth, to put our trust in God, He can and will deliver us from harms way.

   There are many other examples from the scriptures I could use such as Mary and how she was such special woman that she was chosen to be a mother of our Master, Jesus Christ. When we take the time to think of what a special role mothers have in bringing our Heavenly Father spirit children into this world, it is sad to see how little respect is given to women. As we look into the world we live in we can see how the values and morals of all people are being diminished. What a sad thing this is that the people of the world are not treating one another with the respect that they deserve, especially women. Mothers have such a key role in the way a child learns and grows, that if they stop caring in the way they raise their kids what will it do to the world? The young men I talked about in the scripture above, they were able to do so many great things because they were taught to trust in the Lord from their childhood. I am not saying that dads are worthless, because I have learned so many lessons in life such as the importance of hard work and to keep going even when you are tired or don't want to go anymore that have greatly blessed my life. Women just have such a great love and spirit about them that we must respect love and cherish them. This is what the Lord wants us to do.

You Never Know Who is Listening

The story that I have here is a forward that someone sent to me that was too good to keep to myself so I will share it today.

"A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door. She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! 'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice… I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question. 'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really; really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.' 'I beg your pardon?'  said the pharmacist. 'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?' 'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you, 'the pharmacist said, softening a little. 'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.' The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?' 'I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money..' 'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago. 'One dollar and eleven cents, 'Tess answered barely audible. 'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.' 'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents--the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.' He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.' That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, A surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. 'That surgery,' her Mom whispered, 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?' Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost.... one dollar and eleven cents... plus the faith of a little child. In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a higher law. I know you'll keep the ball moving! Here it goes. Throw it back to someone who means something to you! A ball is a circle, no beginning, no end. It keeps us together like our Circle of Friends. But the treasure inside for you to see, is the treasure of friendship you've granted to me. Today I pass the friendship ball to you. Pass it on to someone who is a friend to you.

MY OATH TO YOU... When you are sad... I will dry your tears. When you are scared... I will comfort your fears. When you are worried... I will give you hope. When you are confused...  I will help you cope. And when you are lost... and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon... shining ever so bright. This is my oath... I pledge till the end. Why you may ask? Because you're my friend. Signed: GOD"