Stronger Through Him

  A big cold blast and winter storm is on its way and in checking in with a friend, we realized that we both own generators that have never been used but neither of us is even sure if we have the correct fuel or connectors that would be needed. So I went to the expense and trouble of buying the generator but didn't bother to pick up the fuel. And now the storm is approaching. This would make for a great parable, right? Oh, wait....that one was already taken....some lamp oil comes to mind..... What excuse would we possibly be able to give when it was needed for our safety and survival? I didn't get around to it? I thought step one was good enough? Life is full of excruciating difficulties that will only be spiritually survivable with the aid of Jesus Christ and His atonement. I have seen many of these in the lives of those around me this week. Death, illness, effects of the evil actions of others, job loss, and storms - real and spiritual. But Sister Amy Wright testified abou...

 What other families does your family know well? What other fathers and mothers do they see in action?  Do your children ever sit at the table or in family home evening, or kneel in prayer with another family? Elder Marion D Hanks asked those questions. He then followed up, “With children, as all of us know, life is often a matter of following the leader, and wise parents will want their children to enjoy the influence of other families whose convictions and example will offer them strong incentives to build happy relationships in their own homes.” Every time my adult children come home we hear over and over again about the many good people who have helped shape them. And I am grateful.   And hope we’ve been able to provide, and continue to provide that for others as well.   What a blessing it is to be in  this world together!  Who can you reach out to this week?

  Today I was at a toboggan run with my family. I made one run with them, but spent much of my time watching and taking pictures. I watched as families and groups picked up the heavy sleds and with coordinated efforts carried them up the hills and then up the staircase to the tower.   Then they would awkwardly pile onto the toboggans in the specified manner and squeal with delight as they raced down the hill at 50+ mph.   The ride down the refrigerated track lasted less than 30 seconds.  It occurred to me that life is a lot like that.   Most of the good things in life require work.   And far too many voices in our society are saying that somehow there is something wrong with hard work. That needing to do hard things isn’t fair, or isn’t right or isn’t dignified.   So what does scripture teach us? Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Do not be deceived!  Paul knew that messages woul...