Importance of Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

Family partaking of The Sacrament

I was taught the importance of Sabbath day worship from a young age - but, have found, that perhaps many others' haven't.  In that spirit I share the following wonderful message from President Spencer W. Kimball.  I've loved it for many years and thought it might be instructive to those who maybe haven't yet gained a strong testimony of the importance of the Sabbath day and it's real purpose.  Happiness to you all!

"We have become largely a world of Sabbath breakers. On the Sabbath the lakes are full of boats, the beaches are crowded, the shows have their best attendance, the golf links are dotted with players. The Sabbath is the preferred day for rodeos, conventions, family picnics; even ball games are played on the sacred day. “Business as usual” is the slogan for many, and our holy day has become a holiday. And because so many people treat the day as a holiday, numerous others cater to the wants of the fun-lovers and money-makers. …

"To hunt and fish on the Lord’s day is not keeping it holy. To plant or cultivate or harvest crops on the Sabbath is not keeping holy the Lord’s day. To go into the canyons for picnics, to attend games or rodeos or races or shows or other amusements on that day is not to keep it in holy remembrance.

Our Thoughts and Prayers for Those in Tornado Areas

Today our sincere thoughts and prayers are for those affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and surrounding areas.  Many have lost precious loved ones, homes, places of worship, schools, livelihoods  etc.  Most of us are far from those areas and unable to do much physically, but we pray for and want them to know that we care very much and will do what we can to help.

Photo from the Deseret News

Here's a link to the Red Cross site - where all can donate.  100% of the money goes directly to the cause.   Red Cross - Oklahoma City

We encourage all to do as they are able.
Prayers are appreciated.
Contributions are needed.
Humanitarian Aid is within the grasp of most of us.
Mormon Helping-Hands will most-assuredly be out there soon (if they aren't already) to assist!

Thank you for all the good that you all do!  We're in this together.  We have a commission from the Savior to bless and help and lift and serve our fellowman.

The Crucial Test of Life

My sweet 15 yr. old daughter texted me late last night and said "Mom, I think you might like to read this talk by Elder Packer.  It's very good." So, this morning, after taking her to a class, I came home and felt to read through it.  I actually watched and read at the same time.  You can also do so at "The Choice".

We will reap what we sow...

I'll share a few clips here that stood out for me today.  One of them was that this life seems to be a constant battle of good and evil, light and dark, right and wrong.  One of the things that I've struggled with over the past several years - is the quest for Zion and how far from it we often may be - in our own neighborhoods and amongst those who seem to desire the same things yet are at different places on the path.

I've spent many, many hours reading, researching, studying, fasting, praying and seeking further light and knowledge concerning the preparing of Zion vs the contrast of what is actually happening around us.

Provo Canyon this Morning

It was SO beautiful this morning that I had to stop and take a photo.  This is looking west - over Deer Creek Reservoir.  The sun was spotlighting the mountain perfectly and the green rolling hills seemed extra majestic against the long-awaited beautiful blue sky!

Provo Canyon - overlooking Deer Creek Reservoir - May 14, 2013

A little further on (closer to Provo from Heber) was this beautiful scene.  I had wished for my son to be there and take the photos.  But, I had to use my cell phone.  Nevertheless, it was a powerful site and great reminder of the beauties that we have been given to enjoy.  I just couldn't let the moment pass without making a more permanent record to share.

Happy or Unhappy Mother's Day?

Consider the Lilies of the Field

Whether you are a mother or not, or whether you had a good day yesterday or not - we honor you.  We submit our sincere support and love to all - whether lives are easy or difficult.

A dear friend recently lost her mother by way of a severe and heartbreaking 'disowning'.  My soul has swelled in her behalf many times and I don't know of many who could have endured all she has in her hard life.  I admire her courage and tenacity amidst heartbreak and sometimes even utter despair.  She's overcome more than anyone I've ever known and is a continual example to me of how her faith has gotten her through and how the Lord has been her closest companion all of her life - particularly when she was on the streets at age 14.

To all who suffer or struggle or who have grieved the loss of an ideal situation - we share our love and support.  We know, by personal experience, that off-times life is very hard and not 'fair'.  Some who seem to 'have it all' are often unaware, or perhaps negligent, of those in their midst who may be in great pain.

"Inspire My Life" - Sat. May 4, 2013

Inspire My Life! is a new conference coming to Salt Lake (Cottonwood High School) this Saturday, May 4th from 9-5 p.m. There are  many wonderful artists and presenters: Charley Jenkins, David Christensen, Vickey Pahnke Taylor, Curtis Jacobs, Daniel Beck, Katherine Nelson, and Jessie Clark Funk. 

Get your FREE tickets now by going HERE: 

Any donations will go to help single moms at People Helping People.       

Saturday, May 4, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - Registration
10:00 - Introduction
10:15 - Daniel Beck
11:00 - David Christensen
11:45 - Katherine Nelson
12:30 - Lunch
1:45 -  Jessie Funk
2:30 -  Curtis Jacobs
3:15 -  Break
3:30 -  Vickey Pahnke Taylor
4:15 -  Break
4:30 -  Charley Jenkins

Inspire My Life is designed to motivate, educate and inspire women to develop deep reservoirs of strength and optimism regardless of life’s challenges and to heighten their own self-worth, bring about constructive change and build meaningful relationships.     ----   www.InspireMyLife.com

Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor

“The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life. To maintain and to merit this high dignity she must possess those virtues which have always, and which will ever, demand the respect and love of mankind … [because] ‘a beautiful and chaste woman is the perfect workmanship of God.’”  To occupy the highest place of honor places a responsibility on...women to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all places.  

One of humankind’s greatest blessings is for righteous womanhood to hold “the highest place of honor in human life” and to be “the perfect workmanship of God.” I love to hear my wife, Ruth, and our daughters say, “I am glad I am a woman.” This tells me they have the vision of their divine destiny. Hopefully you will find joy in your womanhood during all stages of your life."    - Elder James E. Faust