The Greatest Gift

"It is written that the greatest gift God can bestow upon man is the gift of eternal life.  The greatest
attainment that we can reach is to preserve our identity to an eternal duration in the midst of heavenly hosts.  We have the words of eternal life given to us through the gospel, which, if we obey, will secure unto us that precious gift."   President Brigham Young

However many mistakes you have made....

I believe that this says it all.  Thank the Lord above for providing this most-marvelous of gifts.  We are ever-blessed, especially if we will receive it.  

"I do not know who in this vast audience today may need to hear the message of forgiveness inherent in this parable, but however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don't have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.  It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines."  - Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Laborers in the Vineyard"

Healing Power is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Free from Worldly Traits and Attributes

I am not sure where this message came from as I found it in my files and it's just a copy of a section of a page, but I am thinking it's probably from a lesson manual of some kind, given me to read during a church meeting in the past.  No matter the source - it's filled with light and truth and I've been pondering upon it all week.  This morning I felt to share it.  Enjoy!

"It is manifestly impossible to walk in holiness before the Lord without the edifying presence of the Holy Spirit.  Only by the power and influence of spiritual gifts conferred upon covenant people of the Lord can anyone be holy and free from worldly traits and attributes.  No one can speak, listen, view or participate in the ways of the world and still maintain a spiritual attitude of holiness and worthiness.

Forsaking the world is not accomplished at some instant in time when making a covenant.  That is but the beginning of a lifetime objective of keeping covenants by faithfully striving and enduring to the end in order to ultimately overcome the world and receive the Lord's promised blessings.

Though all of us face unrelenting challenges and temptations, possess wearying weaknesses, and live with an abundance of imperfections, still the Lord provides the encouraging and uplifting strength and power the Lord provides for those who sincerely seek to keep His commandments."

"Just Build Up the Kingdom of God" - Glenn Beck

I was only in the car for 6 minutes this morning as I drove my 15 yr. old daughter to a class.  After I dropped her off I turned on the radio to hear Glenn Beck for my 3 minute ride home - which I often do - to get my fix for the day. (I love and appreciate that good man.)  It wasn't by chance that this occurred.  I'm grateful for miracles that the Lord provides each day!

He was sharing a brief message and then leaving for the day.  His thoughts centered around recent prayers at church as he diligently sought guidance and direction from the Lord (one of the reasons I love him so; and for the integrity of his heart.)

He talked of how he sincerely desired to know the Lord's will and that, as he prayed he received the witness to "Just Build Up the Kingdom of God, and everything else will fall into place."  Instead of continuing to vent the frustrations that so many feel - of our current domestic and global events,  he now will focus more on the things that matter most; and the peace and safety we can each feel as we turn to the Lord and away from pride and selfishness and anger.  He will still keep us informed, yet focus more on what we can proactively do to get our own lives in order.

Gardening

Planting a garden, even a small one, allows for a greater degree of self-reliance. With the right information and a little practice, individuals and entire families can enjoy the many benefits of planting and tending a garden. 

“We encourage you to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard.” (Pres. Kimball, Ensign, May 1976, p. 124).

"There are blessings in being close to the soil, in raising your own food even if it is only a garden in your yard and a fruit tree or two. Those families will be fortunate who, in the last days, have an adequate supply of food because of their foresight and ability to produce their own."  Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, "Prepare for the days of Tribulation, 1980

Planning a Garden

Gardening in Containers

Recipes Using Garden Produce

Links to Gardening Websites

BYU-TV Show: Home Grown

Words about Jesus Christ; from Vickey Pahnke Taylor

From Vickey Pahnke Taylor - we get the following beautiful 

message and words about Jesus Christ.  Thank you, Vickey!!!

"There are no adequate mortal words for sharing my feelings about Jesus Christ, and His loving, perfect Atonement. Here are a few simple thoughts:

1. Easter is a time I revere and in which I joy! How perfect that it comes at the first signs of spring - at least where I live- and I can enjoy the symbolism of the flowers beginning to peek out of the ground, renewed!

2. As a child, my favorite part of Easter was arising early - in darkness- to dress and head to church for the Sunrise Service. After being baptized at age 16 into this Church, I've recalled those Sunrise Service days yearly. I like to get up early and watch the sun come up. What perfect imagery.