The cross is too heavy
for the old church to bear.
It must be removed at once.
It can no longer be there.
Continue readingThe Heavy Cross
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Lessons from a Tree
This tree is a block away from me. I pass it when I go on my lazy “just around the block” walks. In the summer, I didn’t notice it. Not until the leaves had all fallen and I could see the definitive skeletal remains. This tree has a message for us. This tree is a motivator.
Continue readingThe best confidence booster
Unless you are some kind of super human I’m going to assume you have some kind of weakness. A vulnerable spot. Something you just don’t have much confidence in. I’m going to share a secret with you. Maybe you already know it but for those that don’t here it is: the best way to build confidence is by accomplishment.
Continue readingBest advice
I am full of advice. That’s because I am an observer not a participator. From the sidelines, I have a different perspective than being in the field. Ask me anything, I’ll explain my view to you. That’s what I do, I attempt to solve things.
Continue readingBecoming Good
In the movie City Slickers (1991), Curly tells Mitch the secret of life. “One thing. Just one thing.” Mitch asks, “What is the one thing?” To which Curly replies “That’s what you have to find out.” Now, I’m not going to profess I know what that “one thing” is for everyone but I will give a suggestion on one thing that may be a lifetime pursuit. That is to be a good person.
Continue readingHelping
It may not get better. But you will.
I didn’t mean to do it. I didn’t mean to say it. But she needed some comfort and assurance. I hugged her tight and the words slipped out of my mouth because I didn’t know what to say. Continue reading
General Conference thoughts: Fear Not to Do Good
by President Henry B. Eyring
Let me sum this one up quickly. This is what a testimony will do to you and for you. A testimony will prompt you to do good things. Continue reading
December 23rd: Scrooge’s Unknown Prayer
“’At this time of the rolling year,’ the spectre said, `I suffer most. Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!‘
Scrooge was very much dismayed to hear the spectre going on at this rate, and began to quake exceedingly.
`Hear me!’ cried the Ghost. `My time is nearly gone.’
`I will,’ said Scrooge. `But don’t be hard upon me! Don’t be flowery, Jacob! Pray!’
`How it is that I appear before you in a shape that you can see, I may not tell. I have sat invisible beside you many and many a day.’
It was not an agreeable idea. Scrooge shivered, and wiped the perspiration from his brow.
`That is no light part of my penance,’ pursued the Ghost. `I am here to-night to warn you, that you have yet a chance and hope of escaping my fate. A chance and hope of my procuring, Ebenezer.’” (A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens, emphasis added).
Why was Marley permitted to visit Scrooge that fateful Christmas Eve night? Why was he allowed to warn his old partner of his impending fate? Maybe there was a silent prayer offered from the heart of Scrooge himself. It was so silent he wasn’t even aware he said it. From some hidden corner of his heart a plea was sent up. Maybe, just maybe this is what that hidden corner of his heart asked for on December 23rd. Continue reading
A small act of kindness
It was a simple act. I wonder how many people even noticed? Surely if I saw it others must have too.
Brother So-and-so was saying the Sacrament prayer for the bread. Apparently, it was that kind of day for him. The words just couldn’t make their way out of his mouth correctly. He started several times. This is one of those instances that have the potential to embarrass someone. For some people, it could even drive them to obscurity. Slip away, slip away into safe, comfortable surroundings. Why bother trying?
ck's days 