Memorial Day - More Than Just Camping & Backyard Bar-B-Ques

Today (May 30, 2016) in America is a National Holiday we call Memorial Day.  To many Americans this three day weekend is a start to the summer where camping or backyard bar-b-ques are the the most common activities found on this day.  I would be willing to guess that if you asked 100 American adults "What is Memorial Day all about?" that less than 25% would be able to correctly answer your question.

So what is Memorial Day?  Not to be confused with Veteran's Day where we honor all who have served in our country's armed services, Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died while serving.  In my personal opinion those who gave freely of their life in the service of their country are a perfect example of what Jesus was talking about when he said "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends"  John 15:13  I express my gratitude to those all of those who gave their life in defending our country.  Their ultimate sacrifice is not forgotten to me.  I also appreciate and pray for the the families of those who lost loved ones in this manner.  Their sacrifice is one that must not be overlooked.  Wives living on after having lost their husband.  Husbands learning to live without their wives.  Children who must find their way through life without the help of a parent.  To each survivor, you have my love and admiration.

Many of us are now at the stage of our lives where we are unable to serve in the military.  Age, physical abilities and emotional challenges keep us from such service.  So then how can we show our willingness to lay it all on the line for others?  Thomas S Monson, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in an address given in October 1985 related this:

"In the beautiful city of Melbourne, Australia, there is situated in an impressive setting a historic war memorial.  As one walks through the memorial's silent corridors, one sees tablets of marble that note the deeds of valor and acts of courage of those who made the supreme sacrifice.  One can almost hear the roar of the cannon, the scream of the rocket, the cry of the wounded.  One can feel the exhilaration of victory and, at the same time, sense the despair of defeat.

In the center of the main hall, inscribed for all to see, is the message of the memorial. The skylight overhead permits easy reading.  The words almost stand up and speak: 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'

Today, the challenge which we face and must meet is not that we should go forth on the battlefield of war and lay down our lives.  Rather, it is that we, on the battlefield of life, so live and serve that our lives and actions reflect a true love of God, of His Son, Jesus Christ, and our fellowmen."  Click here for the entire text of President Monson's talk  

All of us have opportunities to serve our fellow man.  Somethings are a simple as holding the door open for another as we enter or exit a building.  A smile accompanied by a greeting of "hi".  Opportunities can come in the form of public service like donating to the food bank, or homeless shelters, donations of both money and your time.  Stopping to see if you can give assistance to a stranded motorist is another.  Really the possibilities are endless.  May each of us look for ways to serve one another.  By doing so we will find our world a better place for all of us to live in.


Submitted by:  James Tanner

  

What Temples Mean to Me as a Mormon

 I  know and understand that because God loves us so much that He created a plan for all of us. That plan included our life with Him before we came to earth, we chose to come to this earth in order to learn and obey Him and, we will return to Him one day as we choose do follow His commandments. He also promises us that we will have our loved ones with us. In the Mormon faith we believe that families can be together forever. The temple makes it possible because this is where we can be married for time and eternity, not only until death! It’s a wonderful thing for me to have been married to my husband for time and eternity because I know that we will always be together. Each time I go to the temple and participate in the ordinances, I am reminded that I will be with my husband and family forever. This brings such peace and happiness to me!

For me, one of the great things is that we have a Mormon temple nearby where we can go and worship God as well as serve others! The temple is a special place, different from our church buildings. In the temple we are given blessings and perform saving ordinances not only for the living, but also for our ancestors.

I view the temple as a piece of heaven on earth.  I love to go to not only see the beauty of the building itself, but to feel complete peace and love. It is a quiet peaceful place that helps to calm the storms of my life! I can communicate with my Father in Heaven and feel of His love for me stronger in the temple than anywhere else. Each time I attend I am strengthened not only physically but mostly spiritually! As I make and keep the covenants (promises) I make to our Heavenly Father, I grow closer to the person and individual that I want to be forever!

Please view this video for further information on Temples. Temple video 

Me and my ETERNAL companion!

Submitted by:  Lee Tanner

Choices

I write, in gratitude to my Loving Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful for this beautiful plan He has created so that I can return to live with him someday. I am grateful, that in this plan He has called a prophet, to guide us in these latter days. I am thankful for His Prophet Thomas S. Monson, who leads us and guides us today. In this past General Conference, I had the wonderful opportunity to hear from our beloved prophet. He gave a profound talk, titled, "Choices." In his talk, he spoke about how the choices we make will, in large part, determine whether or not we reach our goal: to obtain celestial glory. To live with our Heavenly Father again. He relates this to the classic novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. He says, "You will remember that she comes to a crossroads with two paths before her, each stretching onward but in opposite directions. As she contemplates which way to turn, she is confronted by the Cheshire Cat, of whom Alice asks, 'Which path shall I follow?' The cat answers, 'That depends where you want to go. If you do not know where you want to go, it doesn’t matter which path you take.' Unlike Alice, we know where we want to go, and it does matter which way we go, for the path we follow in this life leads to our destination in the next life." The path we take does matter! And the choices we me make determine which path we follow. Let us be faithful, in making righteous decisions, so that we may be able to live with our Heavenly Father again. I close with my favorite quote, from President Thomas S. Monson, quote, "May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong." In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Watch President Monson's talk From April 3, 2006 in its entirety here:

Submitted by Elder Cameron Walker

Mothers Come In All Shapes, Sizes, and Circumstances

Today is a day that has been set aside to recognize and honor mothers.  My hope is that each person on this earth of ours would honor their mother, not just today but every day of the year.  After all, if nothing more, your mother walked through the valley of death in order to give birth to you.  She experienced her body making extreme changes in order for you to develop.  She suffered considerable pain and discomfort to just get you here.  It has to be one of the most unselfish acts that a human being can do.

Mothers have the divine responsibility of giving their child the early lessons in life. Their influence upon us can not be measured.  Check out this video for examples of what I am referring to.  

Each mother is unique with varying sets of circumstances, just as each of us as their child is unique.  The challenges each person faces can become lighter when we turn our attention to the lord.  Sister Linda K Burton, General President of the Relief Society said this: “No matter what circumstances we are in—if we are married, widowed, divorced, or single; if we struggle with infertility or have had miscarriages; if our children have wandered; if our children have special needs—if we are keeping our covenants, we have a great cause to rejoice. When we keep our covenants it allows the Lord to make up the difference in the weaknesses we see in ourselves.”

To me, my mother was the perfect mother with no weaknesses at all.  I know many of my friends feel the same way about their mother.  I wish the entire world would feel that way.  I imagine if I were able to talk with my mother about this she would say that she is far from perfect but the simple fact is she is perfect for me.  Any weaknesses she may have had, the Lord made up the difference.

Just as my mother was perfect for me, so is my wife.  This amazing woman continues to treat me as a king.  She selflessly give of herself to our children and our grandchildren.  She wears responsibility of mother as a crown of honor, which of course it is.  She has my never ending love, admiration, and dedication.

It is my prayer that today each person may remember, honor, and have a greater appreciation for the women in our lives who have nurtured them, taught them, and gave unselfishly of themselves for them.  Each mother and wife, no matter their circumstances, weaknesses, or situations, deserve to be treated as royalty for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make in our behalves. 

Submitted by: James Tanner  

The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness

One of my favorite talks from the 186 Annual General Conference, was given during the Saturday Morning Session. By Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy, titled "The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness." Of coarse, I liked all of the talks, but this one stuck out to me. There were a few things that he said, that gave me a new viewpoint for somethings. And I think they were things I need to hear at the time. One of the things he said was, quote, "When we apply the healing ointment of the Savior’s Atonement, He will soften our heart and help us to change. He can heal the wounded soul." I loved that, because I know that's true! It is through the Saviors atonement, that I am a way different person, than who I use to be about a year ago. I also love how its a continual thing. It's not just a one time deal and then your done. But the Atonement can help you in every moment of you life. Another thing he said which stuck out to me was, quote, "The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. … Every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.” I am grateful for this wisdom. I have gone through a lot of hard things in this life, and I know I have my fair share of trials and tribulations to come. I am just as giddy as ever to know that the Lord will replace all of my sorrow and suffering with joy a hundred fold. It gives me strength and courage to do the harder right. One last thought that I loved, from Elder Duncan's talk was, quote, "We all have, in our own lives, Saul-like individuals with Paul-like potential." We are all continually trying to become better than what we are, but sometimes, I have felt like I have a lot to improve on and I find it really overwhelming at times. And at the time I heard this talk, I felt about the same way. And this really seemed to help me. It reminded me, that through my Savior's Atonement, I can change. I can become like Paul, who once was Saul. I am grateful for this gospel, and for the strength and peace it brings me. And for the added happiness it has brought into my life. I am grateful for a living Prophet, and faithful church leaders, who guides us and directs us to our loving Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ. I love my Savior and Redeemer, these thoughts I leave with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Click here to read the full text of this talk or to watch it as it was given.


Submitted by:  Elder Cameron Walker