We have been asked
to love one another,
treat each person
as our sister or our brother.
We have been asked
to love one another,
treat each person
as our sister or our brother.

by Marilyn M. Irwin
Today I did something that I have never done before. I bought a card from the “Happy Birthday Dad” section. See, I was brought up by an amazing, single mother and never needed to peruse the card options with the “dad” labels. It was never something I longed to do or something that made me sad or filled me with a concern that I was missing out. I was always perfectly happy skipping those cards and moving on to other options labeled “Uncle” or “Grandfather”. These card options have always been ones I read and chose from twice a year- birthdays and Father’s Day. The men with these titles hold a special place in my heart. They were the male figures I admired and went to for any type of paternal advice that the matron of my home couldn’t give because she was, well, the matron. My uncle and my grandpa both raised quite amazing kids of their own so I figured, they had enough experience to help me with my life too. They had good references if I ever needed them. They have always been there for me and I am blessed that they could make up for one’s lack.
by D. Todd Christofferson
There has got to be a reason why this was a such a prominent theme during conference.
Let us gather together
as long as we are able
so throw a log on the fire
while we sit ‘round the table
In my opinion, we are born with a desire to trust our parents. Our love for our parents is innate. It comes naturally. It’s pretty obvious that not all parents continue to earn trust and love from their children. Some of us, are blessed to be born to good parents. Not perfect people because perfection in people does not exist. But we are fortunate to be born to parents who try. That’s all we really need I think. And in their efforts, they do a pretty good job. We are the lucky ones – if luck has anything to do with it (and I doubt it does).
Will you take care of me
when I’m old and gray –
when my get up and go
has completely gone away?
My original plan was to explain yesterday’s post on my Facebook page. But my explanation became quite lengthy. So, an extra post this week it is.
My mom had just been diagnosed with CLL. My family rejoiced in the fact that she defied the odds and was still with us despite a very close call. She was thinner, older, and tired but she was fighting.
Sometimes when you’re at the beginning
Of a long trip, it can look frightening.
I’ve been where you are now –
And I’ve made it this far somehow.
I know little of what will happen,
Before you reach the journey’s end.
Though I cannot ease the fear,
Or promise good times to be always near,
I can share what I’ve learned,
When I had my turn.
Always have a smile and a kind word.
Learn to love life and live it for all it’s worth.
Stay true to what you know in your heart,
Don’t let the world tear your dreams apart.
Remember, be thankful each and every day,
Your family is there to help you along the way.
Above all else, the Lord will help you through,
And always know I am there for you.
I realize this isn’t much to give.
But I know now, life is to live.
With only paper and pen,
I am trying to share – friend to friend,
All the lessons I have found,
Because it seems they go around.
I’ve given you my most humble counsel,
And I hope life treats you well.
Know somebody always cares,
And you are in our daily prayers.

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In a world that can hold so much fright,
I feel all I can do is hold on tight.
I never knew what hope could do,
Till I looked Behind Nicole’s Eyes.
When my soul was a little gray,
I looked outside and saw a dark day.
I felt no hope till I looked down,
And the answer I found,
Behind Nicole’s Eyes,
Beats the rhythm of her song.
Behind Nicole’s Eyes,
Is the hope of a new dawn.
And when I try to dream,
What the world can be
The answer screams
And I realize,
Our hope lies,
Behind Nicole’s Eyes.
They have been known to hold fire and heart,
Sometimes a world apart.
Usually filled with hope and fun
And as always the magic’s done,
Behind Nicole’s Eyes.
When I’m feeling I can’t go on,
I look for the rhythm of Nicole’s song,
Behind Nicole’s Eyes.

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