Faith

Faith in something greater than ourselves enables us to do what we have said we'll do, to press forward when we are tired or hurt or afraid, to keep going when the challenge seems overwhelming and the course is entirely uncertain." - Gordon B. Hinckley

I've been focused on humility the last couple of days. Sometimes I get running in all directions and forget that the Lord will bless me if I just take time to ask him. First I have to figure out what my goal is in asking, and then I pray specifically, according to my desires. This helps me focus on what I really want and changes me from an overanxious, whining child to a humble follower of Christ who desires a blessing. Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. D&C 112:10

The Savior's Open Arms

“May I be bold enough to suggest that it is impossible for anyone who really knows God to doubt his willingness to receive us with open arms in a divine embrace if we all will but come unto Him . . . I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he find that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands.” Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, “Come Unto Me,” April 1998, 19.

Atonement

We are saved by Grace. For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. 2 Nephi 25:23

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. Alma 7:11

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13

Grace is divided into four powers: Resurrection, redemption, healing and strengthening. (Ensign April 2012, 39)

Strength

David A. Bednar, April, 2012 Ensign:
“Oh, Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound. 1 Nephi 7:17. Nephi did not pray to have his circumstances changed. Rather, he prayed for strength to change his circumstances.

At Season's End, Five Star Rating

Here’s a Five-Star read! Don’t miss it!
Season of Hope
There was Paw in the lead goin’ as hard as he could, then Maw, Tim next, and me tryin’ to catch up knowin’ they must all be crazy. Even the river didn’t stop Paw. Clothes and all, he jumped into the whirlin’, swirlin’ waters of the great Columbia.
At this Maw let out a scream. Mebby she thought Paw was goin’ to end it all. Then Tim yelled, “Oh, no, Paw!” But I was too surprised and scared to say anythin’.
I suppose it was just a second or two, but it seemed like minutes before he came up again to show us he had two heads and four arms. Then the mighty water turned him over to prove he had four legs. That was when we realized Paw was holdin’ on for dear life to a young drownin’ boy.
Hit hard by the Great Depression, Sal’s family loads up an old Buick and heads out to find work wherever they can. Driving from place to place, living off the little they can make, they soon realize they’ll never be able to afford to settle down again.
Then, when tragedy strikes, Sal and her brother must learn to fend for themselves. In a world of harsh realities, there’s no room left for romance. But that can’t stop Sal from dreaming of a life with Ben—a boy from another migrant family—even though she knows she may never see him again.
This heartwarming story about growing up in a troubled time is sure to resonate with modern readers of all ages.
Eric Hendershot, a writer/director has produced several family friendly films and documentaries. At Season's End is one of the most heart-warming stories I’ve read in a long time. Hendershot’s writing style is smooth and engaging. His character development is superb as this family goes from hilarity to tragedy as the pages slip by. The book is engaging and a fun easy read.
Paw and Maw become migrant workers during the great depression. They, along with their children Tim and Sal, create an old-fashioned family filled with kindness and morality.
Trouble devastates this family, and Tim and Sal learn to live by their wits. Will Sal ever see Ben, the boy she truly loves again? Odds are against it.
I highly recommend this read.
Christy

Discouragement

Wisdom is oft-times nearer when we stoop
Than when we soar.

- William Wordsworth

Life

Ralph Waldo Emerson - “Life consists in what a person is thinking of all day.” This is a good reminder for myself to stay our of the negative thinking I get into sometimes.

He Lives

And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:22 - 23)

Success

Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can't lose. ~Bill Gates

Identity

The strongest force in the universe is a human being living consistently with his identity.
- Tony Robbins
Good reminder for me. I often forget this.