Monday, November 30, 2009

Receiving Revelation From Heaven

We were able to enjoy another Thanksgiving Feast after Church yesterday and spread out our focus of giving thanks.  Yesterday, also officially marked the beginning of turning our hearts to the Christmas season (even though we decorate with Christmas all year) and to think of what we can give and what we have to give to others.

Following the theme of yesterday's Gospel Doctrine Class for Sunday School, we gives thanks to know that the Heavens were opened by the Prophet Joseph Smith as he ushered in this last dispensation before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!  We give thanks for the continued succession of Latter-day Prophets who commune directly with the Lord! 

Which brings us to our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus for today is a quote from a First Presidency Message entitled Continuing Revelation by Pres. James E. Faust , who when speaking about Present Revelation said:  "The ninth article of faith continues: “We believe … all that [God] does now reveal.” For some strange reason it seems easier for many to believe the words of dead prophets rather than those of living prophets. In our lifetime we have been favored with ongoing communication from the heavens, which have been open to the prophets of our time."
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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Heaven Visited Stansbury Park Today

We just arrived home from the funeral service of John Edward Jones and wanted to express the feelings in our hearts. John’s parents live down the street from us. You may have heard John’s name in the news lately – both local and national – as he is the young 26 yr. old man who died in Nutty Putty Caves. John’s body cannot be recovered and the caves will be permanently sealed as his tomb, with a memorial marker placed at the opening of the cave.

The tragedy of his being stuck upside down and the hundreds of rescuers who sacrificed to try and save him has been widely published in newspapers, across the Internet, and in local and national TV news broadcasts.

What I want to address is the incredible witness I received when reading the Jones’ Family Statement that was published, and then again, that same witness today during the funeral service today.

Here's our comment to the Newspaper yesterday as a prelude to our thoughts today:
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bevanmission  Comment 11:46am - Fri Nov 27th, 2009

Thank-you for publishing the family's statement! We are praying that the Lord will comfort the Jones family at this time and in the days ahead. And in reading of their great faith in the plan of salvation for forever families, we find that the Lord is using them as an example to the rest of us in feeling His great Peace while enduring life's struggles. Their expressions of love and gratitude and concern for others emulate the reality of being encircled in the arms of His love.

God bless the Jones family for their grace and loving example of faith as they live through this heart-break!
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Today, while many see his death as a tragic accident, it is clear that this young father was called home by our Heavenly Father! We will never know why some have short times on earth and others a lengthy, drawn out life. The Spirit was overwhelmingly clear that his time on earth was completed. It was clearly evident that John was given the gift from the Lord to be able to use his death as a missionary opportunity to help bring souls unto Christ, in the same manner that John lived his life while on this side of the veil.

If the Lord had called him home in his sleep, or in a car accident, would other’s have been drawn to his cause? Probably only a few outside of his family and close friends. But now, because of the story of his entrapment with the heroic efforts by his rescuers, his story – his unfailing testimony of the Savior and his desire to always be a missionary, has now been sent abroad to touch hearts, invite the Spirit, and share Gospel truths!

What a miracle! Such a miracle! What a blessing to know by the Spirit of the Lord’s ways! What a privilege to have been in attendance at this young father’s memorial service, to feel the touch of heaven and the sweet tender Spirit that attends when being encircled in the arms of His love! What a wonder to have heard and known that the Chapel was full of those from both sides of the veil!


Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus today come from
 Pres. Thomas S. Monson quoting Pres. Ezra Taft Benson: 
Thomas S. Monson. Photo by Brian Tibbets (tibb...Image via Wikipedia

Photo of Ezra Taft BensonImage via Wikipedia

 "Temples really are the gateways to heaven.” He said: “May we remember always, as we [visit and work in these glorious temples], that the veil may become very thin between this world and the spirit world. I know this is true.” He declared, “It is well also that we keep in mind that it is all one great program on both sides of the veil and it is not too important whether we serve here or over there, as long as we serve with all our heart, might, mind, and strength.”

Today, we had a glimpse into Heaven and the Lord's work that is, indeed, carried out on both sides of the veil!
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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Medley of Hymns of Gratitude


In case you haven't noticed, I NEED music! Why? Because certain melodies invite the Spirit. Certain harmonies stir feelings in my heart and make me feel as if I'm encircled in the arms of His love. Certain musical phrases help me to remember the eternal courts on high where I know I dwelt with Heavenly Parents. Certain notes remind me of my gratitude for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. AND Certain songs and hymns echo the choirs of angels singing "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation! Oh my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation! Join the great throng, Psaltry, Organ and Song, sounding in glad adoration!" "Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee. Surely His goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.  Ponder anew - What the Almighty can do, Who with His love doth befriend thee.  Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore Him!  All that hath breath, join with Abraham’s seed to adore Him!  Let the “amen” - Sum all our praises again, Now as we worship before Him." This Thanksgivin
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 31: (FILE PHOTO) Th...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
g, our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus is 'AN GRATITUDE OF GRATITUDE' by Pres. Thomas S. Monson: "This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help. We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues. A favorite hymn always lifts our spirits, kindles our faith, and inspires our thoughts:   'When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.'   Well could we reflect upon our lives as individuals. We will soon discover much to prompt our personal gratitude. First, there is gratitude for our mothers. Second, let us reflect gratitude for our fathers. Third, all of us remember with gratitude our teachers. Fourth, let us have gratitude for our friends. Our most cherished friend is our partner in marriage. This old world would be so much better off today if kindness and deference were daily a reflection of our gratitude for wife, for husband. Fifth, may we acknowledge gratitude for our country—the land of our birth. When we ponder that vast throng who have died honorably defending home and hearth, we contemplate those immortal words, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The feelings of heartfelt gratitude for the supreme sacrifice made by so many cannot be confined to a Memorial Day, a military parade, or a decorated grave.  Sixth and finally—even supremely—let us reflect gratitude for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His glorious gospel provides answers to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where does my spirit go when I die? His called missionaries bring to those who live in darkness the light of divine truth...He taught us how to pray. He taught us how to live. He taught us how to die. His life is a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. Only He stood alone. He is our Master. He is our Savior. He is the Son of God. He is the author of our salvation. He beckons, “Follow me.” He instructs, “Go, and do thou likewise.” He pleads, “Keep my commandments.” Let us follow Him. Let us emulate His example. Let us obey His word.
 By so doing, we give to Him the divine gift of gratitude."
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Sunday, November 22, 2009

Keeping the Spirit of Christmas All Year

We believe in Year-round Christmas! With Great's name (Gloria) and being born on Christmas Day and my name (Hollie) it's just a given for our home! Our interior is decorated with Nativity sets, which are on display always.




We have 28 Mexican Nativity sets, 2 Swiss, 2 Italian Fontanini, 1 African, 1 Spanish, and 4 American. 




































We tell our Grandchildren that the Nativity Sets are 'very special' and that they aren't allowed to play with them.



 But, we secretly have warm hearts when we find that small hands have repositioned the Baby Jesus, or changed the placement of the lambs and calves,
rearranged the Three Wise Men and Shepherds, and even moved Mary, Joseph and The Angel. 















It's even more of a treat when we catch them singing their Primary songs as they secretly touch the Nativity sets!  Such treasures for our souls!

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus is two-fold: 

First, from Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

reminding us to 'Be Not Faithless':  "believe that it was he who was born to earth in a manger when there was no room in the inn. Well did an angel ask a prophet who had forseen these things in vision: “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” (1 Ne. 11:16.) I suppose none of us can fully understand that—how the great Jehovah should come among men, born in a manger in a vassal state, among a people who would hate him. But at his birth there was an angelic chorus that sang of his glory. There were shepherds who worshipped him. There was a new star in the east. Later, there were wise men who traveled far to bring tributes of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. One can surmise they touched those tiny hands in wonder and awe as they presented their gifts to the new king."


And, secondly, a reminder about what takes place at Temple Square  the day after Thanksgiving: 

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON TEMPLE SQUARE 2009




The Christmas Lights on Temple Square will be turned on Friday, November 27, 2009 at approximately 5:30pm. It is anticipated that they will remain on every evening until about 10:00pm through Friday, January 1, 2010.


Plan on taking your families- your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren!!
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Saturday, November 21, 2009

Gratitude Keeps Us Focused On The Son

We're still awaiting our Grandaughter's birth. Seems as if she has a few last minute details to attend to before deciding to come to earth While we wait, we've been pondering how grateful that we are every night to discover that we made it through another day! And how wonderful it is every morning we awake to a new day!

 It's a safe bet that Great and Great Papa are also counting their blessings when they awake each morning, too!  Here they are at Errol's Birthday Lunch:
And here we are......       We also had another generation at Errol's Birthday Lunch, but she refused to allow us to post her picture.  There's much to be grateful about in having family living so close to us!
 
 
Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus is from Pres. Marion G. Romney in a talk called 'The Light Shineth': "For, Jesus continued, ” … before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven. “And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place. Such are they who, whether resurrected at his coming or still living in mortality, “shall abide the [great] day” of Christ’s second coming. “And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin.".
 
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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Errol! Everyday IS Heaven With You!


It's been exactly one year since you left the hospital on the day of your birthday! Who could have imagined that the Lord would have kept you alive all those years until modern medicine had advanced to the point that the surgeons could successfully repair your heart! The miracle that the Lord has given you is my miracle, too, as we are eternal companions, side by side together forever. How grateful I am to know that you are my faithful companion! How grateful I am to share the years ahead that will be filled with grandchildren and more!  Enjoy this video - there are many photos that will bring back great memories!!

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus today comes from Elder Marlin K. Jensen in speaking about 'A UNION OF LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING' [which can be said for both husbands and wives]:

"I felt that God was my heavenly Father indeed; that Jesus was my brother, and that the wife of my bosom was an immortal, eternal companion; a kind ministering angel, given to me as a comfort, and a crown of glory for ever and ever.

"Developing Our Capacity to Love

"The teachings of Christ suggest that we should begin our search for an eternal companion with greater concern about our ability to give love than about our need to receive it."

Jesus is considered by scholars such as Weber ...Image via Wikipedia
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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Heavenly Colors Even in Winter in Stansbury Park

Falling Leaves Quilt A Blanket Upon the Snow --
Winter has arrived! This wasn't the first snow storm, but this was the one that knocked most of the leaves off of the trees!  The green, yellow and orange leaves are a blanket upon the snow, and the green leaves actually appeared much more vibrant than the color appears in the photos below. If winter could always be this colorful, then perhaps I could think about liking winter!
Thank-goodness these photos were taken first thing this morning! By the time we returned home from church this afternoon, all of the pretty green leaves upon the snow had wilted (probably just froze) into an ugly brown!
How much more important then are the memories of this morning - about how beautiful the leaves looked in their patchwork quilt upon the snow! How blessed we are for taking time to notice God's handiwork!   

This brings us to OUR INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY thought for today, which comes from Elder M., Russell Ballard in his talk, 'Faith In Every Footstep':  "Joseph said, “Build under the point where the colors fall and you will prosper and have peace.”  The identification of this mountain peak, as the Saints entered Salt Lake Valley in July 1847, confirmed to President Young that the pioneers had found their destination, their Zion, in the tops of the mountains..... [Jens] was unable to walk another step and pleaded with Elsie, “Leave me by the trail in the snow to die, and you go ahead and try to keep up with the company and save your life.” Elsie, with her unfaltering pioneer courage, replied, “Ride, I can’t leave you, I can pull the cart.”  Such was the strength and the faith of many pioneer women on the trail."Posted by Picasa





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Friday, November 13, 2009

Heavenly Bubbles - Even in Stansbury Park

Heavenly Bubbles!After 40 Years, just reconnected to a friend on Facebook! I didn't think much about it until this morning, while preparing to teach my Relief Society lesson
Relief SocietyImage via Wikipedia

 for Sunday, I realized how I was led to do so.

A few weeks ago, as I was watching an interview on TV, a mutual friend's face appeared big as life! So, I checked the alphabet listings on Facebook to see if that friend was listed. On finding the name, I clicked on the list of friends so that I could verify that I had found the right person. On the Friends List, I came across another Friend and felt a strong prompting to reconnect with that Friend instead of the original friend I was searching to locate. I reconnected with my newly found Friend 2 days ago and in catching up, learned that my Friend's mother had recently passed away.  NOW, everything is coming into focus, as I realize that my Friend's mother is reaching out inorder that her family can also be a Forever Family!

It was not a coincidence that I looked up at the TV when I did to see an old familiar face. It was not a coincidence that I would find my Friend while searching for another! So, now I will begin a campaign of posting wonderful videos on my Facebook profile, praying that both of my Friends will click on them and feel the Spirit touch their hearts - as if whispers from Heaven were speaking to them and surrounding them with Heavenly Bubbles of Love! 

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus for today is a tender quote from Pres. Henry B. Eyring from our recent General Conference:  "At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice, But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers, “Love one another as Jesus loves you. Their love helps me to feel more keenly the love of the Savior for our children."
Latter-day Saints believe in the resurrected J...Image via Wikipedia
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Heaven's Dreams Surround Us In Love

[I wrote this after the first time I saw the video Easter Dream. It had such an impact upon my soul that I had to write what I was feeling. Hope you enjoy the music videos when you click on the photos!)

I Dreamed A DREAM


Last night I dreamed a dream of old; The scenes of the Gospel told;
I dreamed I saw Him on the Mount, His arms held out to the crowd.




He blessed and fed two fish and bread 
While they pondered the words that He said
And then He turned and looked at me-  I could hardly believe my eyes!


The Son of God knew who I was   And beckoned me to His side. 
My faith fulfilled with-in my sleep;  Yet, how real as I knelt at His feet.




He is my Friend, my Savior.


In reverence flowed my tears of love.  He is my Lord, My God.


I thank Thee Father up above   For blessings given, answered prayers, 

Forgiveness through Him – my Redeemer.



And then I dreamed again a dream   Of Calvary – so it seemed.   I saw Him nailed upon the Mount,  His arms held out to the crowd.  With love He spake to those who cried, Who stood below as He died. 

But, first He turned and looked at me – I could hardly believe my eyes!


The Son of God knew who I was  And beckoned me to His side.   My faith fulfilled with-in my sleep;  Yet, how real as I knelt at His feet.

He is my Friend, my Savior.  In reverence flowed my tears of love.  He is my Lord, My God.


I thank Thee Father up above   For blessings given, answered prayers,


Forgiveness through Him – my Redeemer.


And then the third time dreamed again.  I found His tomb and went with-in.  Then turned and saw Him clothed in White.  His arms held to calm my fright.


I saw His wounds and touched His hands.  His death was real – now He stands!


And then He turned to look at me – 
I could hardly believe my eyes!


The Son of God knew who I was

And beckoned my to His side.



My faith fulfilled. I know He Lives!


And I knelt at His feet  (Washed clean with my tears.)  He is my Friend, my Savior. In reverence flowed my tears of love.


He is my Lord, My God.



I thank Thee Father up above  For blessings given, answered prayers,  Forgiveness through Him – my Redeemer.




Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY thought for today comes from Joseph Fielding McConkie when speaking about the Twelve Witnesses of Christ's Birth:  "We know that he dreamed dreams and received instructions from angels. He displayed unquestioning obedience in taking Mary, already carrying a child, as his wife after “the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 1:20)."

Power of Heaven - Holy Ground

Here is the place where Heaven truly meets Earth! What a blessing that we live less than a half an hour away!  We've placed this video here so that you can play it when you need to feel the Peace of Heaven. It's for those times when you desire to feel something holy and want to feel encircled in arms of His Love.  Enjoy!

Posted by Picasa Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus today comes from "SPECIAL WITNESSES OF CHRIST": Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Russell M. Nelson speaking from the grounds of Temple Square in Salt Lake City. "The ultimate blessings of the Abrahamic covenant are conferred in holy temples."




  
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Drinking from Heaven's Cup

My Cup Overflows With More Than Chocolate!


I've never made a fortune, and it's probably too late now.


But I don't worry about that much, I'm happy anyhow

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



Haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough

But I've got loving ones all around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank GOD for his Blessings, and the Mercies HE's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer, 'Cause my cup has overflowed.



I remember times when things went wrong, My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeped through again.
 
So LORD, help me not to gripe, about

the tough rows I have hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



If GOD gives me strength and courage,

When the way grows steep and rough.

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already Blessed enough.



And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads..

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.



When I think of how many people in this world have it worse than I do, I realize just how BLESSED WE really are.

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY focus for today comes from the Easter talk by Elder David B. Haight on 'Remembering the Savior's Atonement':  "My thoughts of late have been on our Savior, His atonement, and the effectiveness of our sacrament meetings. When we contemplate the most sacred meetings in the Church, sacrament meeting is one of the most important."
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Monday, November 9, 2009

25 Thoughts to Point You To Heaven

Twenty Five Beautiful Sayings to Uplift, Inspire, Encourage and Adopt:







We want to THANK the unknown author/photographer for these Beautiful Pictures and Worthy Sayings!

Our INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY thought today is by Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley:


"I wrote these beautiful words as President David O. McKay spoke them to a small group some years ago.
David O.McKay, LDS PresidentImage via Wikipedia

Said he:



“As absolute as the certainty that you have in your hearts that tonight will be followed by dawn tomorrow morning, so is my assurance that Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, the Light that will dispel the darkness of the world, through the gospel restored by direct revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith.”


Our beloved President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.


“He is my friend, my Savior, my Lord, my God” "
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