However long and hard the road

 

The unique burdens in each of our lives help us rely on the Holy Messiah.

 

David A. Bednar

 

"Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier"

 

"The path of modern pioneers is not easy.

 

Burdens carried in the heart can be just as heavy as those pulled in a handcart." 

 

Dallin H. Oaks

 

To the heavy laden it is Christ's yoke, it is the power and peace of standing side by side with a

God that will provide the support, balance and the strength to meet our

challenges and endure our tasks here in the hardpan field of mortality."  

 

Howard W. Hunter

 

"Pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances

rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed."  

 

David A. Bednar

 

No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to enbrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.

 

"Often in our most difficult times the only thing we can do is endure. We may have no idea what the final cost in suffering or sacrifice may be, but we can vow never to give up. In doing so we will learn that there is no worthy task so great nor burden so heavy that will not yield to our perseverance. We can make it. . . however long and hard the road."

Jeffrey R. Holland

If we could look into each others hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance and care.  

Marvin J Ashton

"The tests of life are tailored for our own best interests, and all will face the burdens best suited to their own mortal experience. In the end we will realize that God is merciful as well as just and that all the rules are fair. We can be reassured that our challenges will be the ones we needed, and conquering them will bring blessings we could have received in no other way."

Jeffrey R. Holland

 

Fresh Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas

 

Fresh Spinach and Mushroom Enchiladas

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onions

8 oz mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced

2 chopped Anaheim peppers (optional)
3 cups fresh spinach, washed
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream, low fat works
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
10 (6 inch) corn or  small flour tortillas
1 (19 ounce) can enchilada sauce

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook until onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add mushrooms cook for an additional 3 minutes. Add the garlic and Anaheim peppers and cook for a few minutes until fragrant. Stir in spinach, and cook for about 3-5 more minutes. Remove from the heat, and mix in ricotta cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the spinach mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll up, and place seam side down in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining cup of Monterey Jack.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is lightly browned at the edges.

 

 

Understanding hearts, simply love them

When a Missionary Returns Early

Aaron Olsen

A missionary’s return is meant to be a joyous occasion. But it doesn't always happen that way.

It is the mark of a job well done, of two years of sacrifice devoted to God and others. Homecoming for a returned missionary should be a time for family gathering, congratulations, and reflection. For me, it was quite different—depression and bipolar disorder sent me home before my 10th month was up. 
That doesn’t stop others from treating me like I am somehow less than I should be. For thousands of missionaries who come home early—whether due to rule infractions, health issues, or emotional struggles—much of the trauma lies in the treatment given by well-intentioned friends and neighbors.
Conclusion and Consequence
After returning from 10 months of service, I received several letters and comments from friends and acquaintances urging me to “not give up” and “go back.” While generally understanding, the expectations set by others crushed my spirit. I wanted to go back. I loved my mission. I hoped and prayed that, above all else, I could get better and return to the field. And yet I knew that I would not return. I knew I was in over my head. The good-natured but misguided pressure to “just cheer up” hurt deeply.
I learned quickly to keep my mouth shut. At college the few people who bothered to pursue the subject of my age would not accept “20” as a legitimate answer. Some accused me of being dishonest. Those who didn’t would likely ask, “How can you be home from a mission? Did you even go? What did you do to get sent home?” The worst part? I was still trying to sort out those feelings myself.
I recognize that much of the hurt I felt was unintended, or a result of inexperience with this issue. So, in an effort to educate, here are some tips on how to approach an early release missionary—whatever the cause of release—from someone who has lived the disaster.
1. Recognize how traumatic the experience is for the person coming home.
Many early release missionaries feel loss, nostalgia, or longing to be back in the field. Coming home brings both relief and sorrow. It’s akin to graduating from high school and leaving good friends behind. The conflicting emotions are difficult to deal with.
The thought of “What if?” or “What might have been?” is a constant nag, so allow your missionary to work through his or her feelings. It’s ok for them to be sad. It may take months for the wounds to begin to heal. But given time, they will. Let us grieve. In the meantime, supportive friends and neighbors should say, “We love you and you’re worth so much to us,” not, “You don’t have to be sad.” Many of us need to work through our grief to heal. Simply show love to us while we do it.
2. Don’t search for something to say.
You don’t need profound words of encouragement or a prepared speech to address an early release missionary. I recall many moments of pause, confusion, and stammering when I explained that I came home early. What early release missionaries do not need to hear is “sorry.” We want to know that our sacrifice mattered. We want to know that, whether our service lasted 24 months or two, we are still people in your eyes. For me, an arm around my shoulder, a “Welcome home, Elder,” and a warm smile are all I ever wanted coming home. That’s all you have to do. 
3. Don’t be surprised if early release missionaries discuss their problems infrequently.
It may be too painful right after the return, or perhaps it is simply too much of an effort to explain the conditions of the release. I felt that no matter what I would say, my parents and friends would not understand what I was going through. I was largely right. Unless someone has had a similar experience, it is difficult to connect. Don’t feel shunned or unloved if your son or daughter or friend doesn’t share the dark days of his or her mission with you. Encourage conversation when you can, listen intently to understand, be sure they have someone to talk to, but don’t put blame or guilt on early release missionaries for not being “open” about their issues. They have enough on their plate already.
Pep talks and cheering up strategies didn’t work well for me. What helped me most in the awkward transition was moving on with life. Going to school, dating, and working all helped me put the nightmares in the past. Now, six months after the fact, I can look back and reflect with clearer vision.
4. Treat early return missionaries like everyone else, and not as if their situation makes them some kind of an anomaly.
Ask them about their future goals and dreams. Talk about old hobbies they might pick up again. Get reacquainted with your missionary. It is not necessary to discuss his or her difficulties in the mission field in order to reconnect.
New Beginnings
I consider myself exceptionally lucky. I came home to a warm ward, understanding family, and dependable friends. I may have felt alone and inferior at college due to the reactions of some ignorant people, but I do not regret the decision to come home. I served God when He asked, and I earned an honorable release. Every early release missionary should be proud of his or her contribution and willing heart.
I was told an analogy that has struck me inside again and again. In the military, the view of completing missions and of wounded comrades is quite different from our view of similar situations in religious missions. If soldiers rush into battle and are wounded on their first mission or 50th mission, they are treated the same. They are given medals. They are applauded for their service, no matter how long. Their brothers and sisters at arms risk their own lives to rescue and restore those soldiers to their homes. No one looks at them differently. No one says, “Well, you didn’t really help the war effort, did you?” or “Toughen up, man. It’s just a bullet.” These brave men and women are honored and respected for their service.
So should it be with missionaries. We were willing to go where the Lord asked. Sometimes we get hurt. All we ask for is acceptance and love. We return with dread, hoping our partial offering will still be acceptable to those we care about most. My hope is that every missionary will be loved and respected. With your understanding and support, it can happen.
Advice from a Mission President
Craig M. Moffat, an allergist for Intermountain Healthcare in Utah, returned from service as the president of the Washington Seattle Mission in the summer of 2010. He has extensive experience with missionaries who return home early. Here’s what he says:
“When I call parents, the majority of them are understanding. They just want what’s best for their child. They want to know the issues and voice their concerns. Parents are most often confused as to what to do.
“The steps that have to be taken are, first, apprise the leaders and parents and second, keep communication lines open. As a mission president, I don’t have the time to work out the particulars for the missionary’s care when they get home. That is up to the parents.
“The greatest weakness in the system is the transition home. The best advice I’d say is to love the missionary. They have suffered tremendous internal torment, guilt, anger, and fear. They carry a spirit of self-incrimination, saying ‘If only this’ or ‘If only that.’ Parents will do best if they accept them with open arms. And when the time is right, sit down and talk about the issues. Don’t fluff it over.
“The problems come when parents are defensive and angry. These feelings are quickly absorbed by the missionary. They think they’re unworthy anyway. Tell them it’s okay. Get them talking. How a missionary perceives his or her mission will reflect upon how that missionary perceives him- or herself. Put aside stereotypes, don’t worry about the long-term results, and get them help.”

 

Pear Cake Caramel Walnut Topping

 

 

Pear Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

⅛ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed

2 large eggs

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 large very ripe pear, mashed

1 large very ripe pear, cut into ¼-inch cubes

 

Caramel Walnut Topping

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

¼ cup butter

¼ cup heavy cream

 

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Toast walnuts in oven for 10 minutes. While they're toasting, generously grease 9-inch springform pan.

In  small bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. In separate large mixing bowl, combine  brown sugar, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla, and mashed pear. Beat until combined. Stir flour mixture into wet mixture. Stir in diced pear. Pour batter into pan and bake for 25 minutes or until inserted toothpick emerges clean.

For caramel walnut topping, a few minutes before cake is done, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a small saucepan. Bring to boil and boil for 2 minutes. Add the walnuts and boil for another 3–4 minutes. Pour topping over hot cake. Let cake sit for 5 minutes before removing sides of springform pan. Best served warm.

 

Settle this in our hearts

“In our own storms in life the Savior is our solace and our sanctuary.

If we seek peace, we must come unto Him.”

“…On a hill called Calvary, while helpless followers looked on, His wounded body was nailed to a cross. Mercilessly He was mocked and cursed and derided. And yet He cried out, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’  The agonizing hours passed as His life ebbed. From His parched lips came the words, ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.’  As the serenity and solace of a merciful death freed Him from the sorrows of mortality, He returned to the presence of His Father. At the last moment, the Master could have turned back. But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save all things.”

Thomas S. Monson

“I believe when we determine within our hearts that by and with the blessings of God our Heavenly Father we will accomplish a certain labor, God gives the ability to accomplish that labor; but when we lay down, when we become discouraged, when we look at the top of the mountain and say it is impossible to climb to the summit, while we never make an effort it will never be accomplished.”

Heber J. Grant

“Somehow, some way, we must find the healing influence that brings solace to the soul. Where is this balm? Where is the compensating relief so desperately needed to help us survive the world’s pressures? The offsetting comfort in large measure can come through increased communion with the Spirit of God. This can bring spiritual healing.”

 

James E. Faust

 

“When compared to eternal verities, most of the questions and concerns of daily living are really rather trivial. What should we have for dinner? What color should we paint the living room? Should we sign Johnny up for soccer? These questions and countless others like them lose their significance when times of crisis arise, when loved ones are hurt or injured, when sickness enters the house of good health, when life’s candle dims and darkness threatens. Our thoughts become focused, and we are easily able to determine what is really important and what is merely trivial.”

Thomas S. Monson

 

“How many times do we conclude our prayers with, ‘Let this cup pass from me’? Under circumstances when the symbolic cup might represent sickness, pain, anxiety, or the suffering of a loved one, are we able to continue our prayer with, ‘Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt’? This very word, this key word nevertheless, conveys the firm conviction that we are placing everything in the hands of the Lord.”

 

Angel Abrea

 

The Lord will never forsake or abandon anyone. You may abandon him, but he will not abandon you.

You never need to feel that you are alone.

 

Joseph B. Wirthlin

 

Consecration involves pressing forward “with a steadfastness in Christ” with a “brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men … while feasting upon the word of Christ”. Jesus pressed forward sublimely. He did not shrink, such as by going only 60 percent of the distance toward the full atonement. Instead, He “finished His preparations” for all mankind, bringing a universal resurrection not one in which 40 percent of us would have been left out.

Along this pathway leading to consecration, stern and unsought challenges sometimes hasten this jettisoning, which is needed to achieve increased consecration. If we have grown soft, hard times may be necessary. If we are too contented, a dose of divine discontent may come. A relevant insight may be contained in reproof. A new calling beckons us away from comfortable routines wherein the needed competencies have already been developed. One may be stripped of accustomed luxury so that the malignant mole of materialism may be removed. One may be scorched by humiliation so pride can be melted away. Whatever we lack will get attention, one way or another.

John Taylor indicated that the Lord may even choose to wrench our very heartstrings. If our hearts are set too much upon the things of this world, they may need to be wrenched, or broken, or undergo a mighty change.

Consecration is thus both a principle and a process, and it is not tied to a single moment. Instead, it is freely given, drop by drop, until the cup of consecration brims and finally runs over.

Long before that, however, as Jesus declared, we must “settle this in our hearts” that we will do what He asks of us. President Young further counseled us “to submit to the hand of the Lord, … and acknowledge his hand in all things, … then you will be exactly right; and until you come to that point, you cannot be entirely right.

That is what we have to come to”.

Thus, acknowledging God’s hand includes, in the words of the Prophet Joseph, trusting that God has made “ample provision” beforehand to achieve all His purposes, including His purposes in our lives. Sometimes He clearly directs; other times it seems He merely permits some things to happen. Therefore, we will not always understand the role of God’s hand, but we know enough of his heart and mind to be submissive. Thus when we are perplexed and stressed, explanatory help is not always immediately forthcoming, but compensatory help will be. Thus our process of cognition gives way to our personal submission, as we experience those moments when we learn to

“be still, and know that I am God”.

Then, the more one’s will is thus “swallowed up,” the more his afflictions, rather than necessarily being removed, will be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ”.

Seventy years ago, Lord Moulton coined a perceptive phrase, “obedience to the unenforceable,” describing “the obedience of a man to that which he cannot be forced to obey”. God’s blessings, including those associated with consecration, come by unforced obedience to the laws upon which they are predicated. Thus our deepest desires determine our degree of “obedience to the unenforceable.” God seeks to have us become more consecrated by giving everything. Then, when we come home to Him, He will generously give us “all that He hath”.

The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!

Consecration thus constitutes the only unconditional surrender which is also a total victory!

May we deeply desire that victory, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Neal A. Maxwell

 

 

Sour Cream and Bacon Potato Salad

Sour Cream and Bacon Potato Salad

A Bountiful Kitchen

5 lb bag of red potatoes
6 hard boiled eggs, peeled
1/2 lb bacon, cooked crisp and diced, divided
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 1/2 cups sour cream (light is fine)
1 1/2 cups mayo
3 tablespoons Spicy Brown Mustard
3-4 drops hot pepper sauce
salt and pepper

Wash potatoes and place in a large pan. Fill pan with enough water to cover potatoes by about one inch. Boil on high for about 30-40 minutes, or until potato is soft and knife is easily inserted into potato. Drain water from pan and let potatoes sit for a minute to cool.
While potatoes are still hot, quarter or cube potatoes and place in large bowl.
Salt the potatoes generously.
Chop one egg and set aside for garnish.  Reserve a few tablespoons of chopped bacon and a bit of parsley, also for garnish.
Quarter the remaining 5 boiled eggs, and add to the potatoes in the bowl. Add the parsley and remaining chopped bacon and toss all ingredients lightly.
Whisk the sour cream, mayo, spicy brown mustard and hot pepper sauce in a bowl and add to the potato mixture. Taste the salad and add more mayo or sour cream, depending on how creamy you like your salad.
Heap into a serving bowl and garnish with the reserved chopped egg, bacon and parsley. Refrigerate until ready to serve, or serve immediately at room temperature.
Serves 10-12 as a side dish

Fear retreats into the shadows

Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed,

for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

 

 

"As individuals we are strong. Together with God, we are unstoppable!

 

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

 

Hold fast to what you already know & stand strong until additional knowledge comes.

You have more faith than you think you do.

 

 Jeffrey R. Holland

 

Our confidence is either waxing strong in the Lord or waxing strong in Satan…..

Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God.

 

Richard C. Edgley

 

“The Lord loves you too much to let your life be easy. If your life were easy you wouldn’t grow, you wouldn’t learn, you wouldn’t become strong and courageous and experienced. If everything happened exactly the way you wanted, you’d never know what you were made of.”

 

John Bytheway

 

"You can be excellent in every way. You can be first class. There is no need for you to be a scrub. Respect yourself. Do not feel sorry for yourself. Do not dwell on unkind things others may say about you. Polish and refine whatever talents the Lord has given you. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face,

but with great and strong purpose in your heart.

 

Gordon B. Hinckley

 

"The spirit must be freed from tethers so strong and feelings never put to rest, so that the lift of life may give buoyancy to the soul. In many families, there are hurt feelings and a reluctance to forgive. It doesn't really matter what the issue was. It cannot and should not be left to injure. Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals."

 

Thomas S. Monson

 

If the bitter cup cannot be passed DRINK IT & BE STRONG. Jeffrey R. Holland

 

You Never Know How Strong You are Until Being Strong is the Only Choice You Have

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. -Deuteronomy 31:6

 

Be Strong and of Good Cheer, Rise up!. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 

The Lord’s counsel to Joshua is His counsel to you today: “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) You are not alone!

 

Elaine S. Dalton

 

Don't pray for life to be easy, but pray for yourself to be strong.

 

“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might… by casting off the works of darkness, and putting on the armor of light” “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”

 

Brad Wilcox

 

 

 

 

Braided Cheese Onion Bread

 

 

Braided Cheese Onion Bread

 

Roll out the dough, spread with onion cheese filling.

 

 

Separate strips and form into long "ropes".

 

 

Begin braiding the ropes into a long loaf, tuck ends under.

Weird, that kind of looks like a chicken leg.

 

Braided Cheese Onion Bread

1 package dry yeast
¼ cup warm water
4 cups flour
½ cup butter or margarine, melted
½ cup milk
½ cup hot water
¼ cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten

Filling:
1 cup onion, finely chopped
¼ cup butter, melted
4 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1 teaspoon paprika
½ to ¾ cup cheddar cheese

In large mixing bowl, mix yeast and ¼ cup warm water. Let stand 10 minutes. Stir in 2 cups flour, melted butter, milk, ½ cup hot water, sugar, salt and egg. Blend at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Stir in remaining flour. Cover and let rise in warm place until double in bulk (about 1 hour). While dough is rising, mix all filling ingredients. Set aside. Stir down dough. Toss on floured surface until dough is no longer sticky. Roll to a 12” x 18” rectangle. Spread filling over dough. Cut lengthwise into three 4” x 18” strips. Starting with 18” side, roll each strip around filling. Seal edges and ends. Braid into one large or two small loaves. Cover and let rise in warm place until double in size. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes (until golden brown). Yield: 1 large loaf (or 2 small loaves).

 

The quiet nudges from heaven

One Little Leaf

by Emily Freeman

It was a typical busy Saturday. We were running late.  Again.

With all of the kids in tow we were rushing from game to game, trying to remember shoes, jerseys, jackets, keys.

We pulled up to my son’s game and started running in.  His shirt was inside out so I was trying to flip that around while running alongside him and making sure my daughter didn’t run into the street.

All the while, I was pushing him and the rest of the kids along with a “hurry, hurry.”

I felt like I was herding cats.

We were about to go into the door, which was being held open by a gentleman we didn’t know,

 mixing in with the swarms of people coming and going.

I think the door holding man got stuck in service for a good ten minutes

Right in the midst of all of that my son turned around in a jolt, like he had forgotten something, and ran back.

Before I could get the scold out of my mouth I saw him run up next to a single, solitary fallen leaf on the sidewalk.

He reared up his leg, gave it a good stomp, giggled, then ran right back into the gym at full speed.

I rolled my eyes with a smiling smirk.

I was so impressed with the lesson that he taught me to slow down, that I applied it right then and there.

I stopped the sea of pressing parents to take a picture of that little leaf.

And they all must have thought I was nuts!

But I like my picture of the little leaf that Christian crunched.

A little leaf that is going to remind me not be moving so fast.

Or I might miss the chance.

To see, or to hear, or to feel something.

The quiet nudges from heaven.

Divine errands that need running.

Compassionate detours.

Or maybe just the crackling sounds of fall.

Toffee and Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salted Chocolate Drizzle

 

Toffee and Chocolate Chip Cookies with Salted Chocolate Drizzle

A Bountiful Kitchen

1 cup butter, slightly softened (microwaved for 20 seconds)
1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
1- 8 oz package Heath English Toffee Bits
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips for cookies

topping:
1 1/2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips for drizzle
flaked or coarse salt

Preheat oven to 350 convection or 375 regular bake.
Cream butter and sugars using low speed on  mixer, just until smooth.  Do not over beat.
Add two eggs and vanilla. Mix just until incorporated and smooth, about 20 seconds.
Add flour, soda, salt, Heath Toffee Bits and 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips to mixing bowl. Mix just until flour disappears.
Scoop cookies onto cookie sheet, I used a 1 1/2 inch cookie scoop.
Place on parchment paper or lightly greased cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes or just until golden.
Remove and let cool completely on cookie sheet.
After cooled completely, place the remaining 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips in a Ziploc bag. Microwave for about 30 seconds or until chocolate is softened and melted enough to drizzle.
Press the melted chocolate toward one corner of the bag. Squeeze out any excess air, fold down the top of the bag and snip a tiny corner of the bag off. Drizzle the chocolate over the cookies and sprinkle immediately with flake or coarse sea salt.
Let the cookies sit until the chocolate is set up.
Makes about 30 cookies.

 

More, Savior, like thee.

 

 

As we emulate the Savior, we show our love to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ,

and we become more like Them

 

 

Jesus Christ must become the motivating influence in all that we do.

 

 

There must be more striving within in order to follow the great example set by the Savior if we are to become more like him. This becomes our great challenge.”

 

 

I believe that if we could truly understand the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, we would realize how precious is one son or daughter of God. I believe our Heavenly Father’s everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another. At the heart of the English word atonement is the word one. If all mankind understood this, there would never be anyone with whom we would not be concerned, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, or social or economic standing.

 

 

We would strive to emulate the Savior and would never be unkind,

indifferent, disrespectful, or insensitive to others.

 

 

He who is without sin may cast the first stone.  He was without sin and He did not……  

 And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

 

 

More holiness give me, … More sorrow for sin, More faith in my Savior, … More joy in his service, More purpose in prayer. More gratitude give me, More trust in the Lord, More pride in his glory, More hope in his word, More tears for his sorrows, … More meekness in trial, ... More purity give me, … More longing for home. More fit for the kingdom, … More blessed and holy— More, Savior, like thee.