Real angels surround us, both those who live in this world and those who have passed to the next. We may think of them as our “angel team.” A Favorite Angel Recently we lost my ninety-one-year-old mother-in-law. Her death felt like a graduation. We will miss her, but Mardi Condie lived a full, faithful life even leading the music in church two weeks before her passing. As we planned her funeral and celebrated her life, I was overwhelmed with the... Read more
During our sacred time as full-time mission leaders for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mission miracles were part of our daily lives. We were responsible for preparing our missionaries to represent God’s voice and His work. Basic Goals and and Curriculum In our mission, we often referred to mission service as The Lord’s University for Life. The Lord packs miraculous amounts of spiritual learning and growth into an extremely short period of time. These mission miracles have... Read more
As we travel, rejoice in, and struggle along the road of life, we encounter infinitely varied situations and experiences. Among the contrasts and blessings, many confirm the good we find in our fellow travelers; many do not. Beneficial Blessings I’d like to share a blessing that has been precious to me. My two adult daughters and I share and “collect” times when we see people doing something “good”—beneficial or helpful to others. I’d like to mention two from our collection.... Read more
“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” For what heart treasure would you put away everything else? This decision everyone must make. Decision and Commitment “Everything” is all-inclusive. It goes beyond turning your back on possessions or accomplishments. You will be dedicating and sacrificing your heart. Heart treasure requires commitment and sacrifice. Jacob, brother of Nephi, explained, But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world [if] their hearts are upon their treasures . . . their treasure is their god.... Read more
by Tom Mullen In hope’s light we find our happiness, our confidence, our strength, and our active motivation. Mortality has its perils, and no one avoids darkness and discouragement. A Sports-Lover’s Trial Our daughter Jessica has loved sports and outdoor activities her entire life. At age 12, she required knee surgery, but she worked hard and and was soon physically active again. But knees don’t always cooperate and stay fixed. Over the last several years, Jessica has had 19 surgeries... Read more
Some challenges in this life are meant for one individual, a small number, many, or even an army. When groups work together as one with Gods’s guidance and support, amazing things can be accomplished. Lifting and Acting Together as One Many of us remember with joy and a touch of amusement Dieter F. Uchtdorf‘s account of working with his German brethren to move a grand piano out of chapel into the “adjoining cultural hall.” They tried everything they could think... Read more
We often pray for our Savior’s grace when we fail at something important to us, especially in spiritual matters. But we may not be as sure to recognize and praise Him in times we experience His grace in success. A Gift for All Seasons Emily Belle Freeman described how the Savior blesses us with His Grace in both needs. Christ enables our progress through grace. His saving grace rescues us, heals us, delivers us, and helps us overcome death, sin,... Read more
Two prep years can help you be ready for a lot of life-endeavors. But the complexity and unpredictability of an eternal-quality marriage demands a lot. Russell Ballard provided personal evidence: “My missionary service prepared me to be a better husband and father and to be successful in business. It also prepared me for a lifetime of service to the Lord in His Church.” My own life’s experiences agree with Elder Ballard’s. Expectation and Surprises Before I married the love of... Read more
Gideon was a common farmer, basically ignored and filled with self-doubt; but an angel called him “a mighty man of valor.” With God’s guidance, he was one of those ordinary people who became a hero, freeing his nation from oppressive captivity (see Judges 6-7). Blessed Ordinary People Gideon’s “faith still inspires us today after more than three thousand years,” explained Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf. He continued, The Lord chooses the humble and meek—partly because they are humble and meek... Read more
When marveling at the beauty and symbolism of mountains, I like to think of them as places of heaven touching earth. Thinking of our Savior’s life on this earth, I am reminded of this sacred connection. Time with His Father Jesus went to the mountains to spend time with His Father, in places and at times when They would not be disturbed. We find in the New Testament times when He sought this particular closeness. Jesus went to be in... Read more
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