Topic: Hope from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Nov 11, 2018 11:49PM Joanne58 wrote:

If you're an oldie like me, you may remember the popular phrase from the 70's, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life." It's taken me years to really appreciate that statement and understand its value. I'm grateful that every day is a chance to start over and try our best as if it's the first day of our lives. The Lord provides us with a fresh start when we repent and try to do better, changing what we can and moving forward, away from past mistakes or heartaches. Here's a quote that caught my eye today:

Wishing all a very good "first day of your life!" ;)

Nov 15, 2018 09:51PM Joanne58 wrote:

I've been relying on the beautiful, deeply moving music of the Tabernacle Choir to calm my troubled heart. Here's one of my favorites put to lovely scenes of a river. May it bring you peace as it has me.

Nov 19, 2018 01:34AM Joanne58 wrote:

What a beautiful day at the Newport Beach, CA , temple! I went on Friday and enjoyed every minute.

Nov 20, 2018 03:39AM Joanne58 wrote:

Amen, Debbie! Thank you for posting a lovely poem. Can't imagine walking without the light of the Lord.

Nov 20, 2018 11:30PM - edited Dec 30, 2018 11:38PM by footprintsangel

Dec 6, 2018 12:04PM - edited Dec 9, 2018 02:58AM by Joanne58

I write letters to my dear friend's son who is serving a long prison sentence. He's been humbled and relies on his faith in God, doing all he can to better himself, which is very good news. It gives me hope for him when he returns to society. This video reminds me of him, and of all of us as "prisoners" due to poor choices. But there is hope in Christ, and this sweet song in the video reminds me of the miracle of forgiveness and life, eternal, because of the birth, atonement and resurrection of the Savior of the world. This season is a wonderful time for rejoicing!

Dec 13, 2018 04:22AM Joanne58 wrote:

Here are some quotes I heard at church on Sunday that I'd like to share:

"Service doesn't always require a rake and a shovel. All it requires is love."

"The HOME is the best place to learn the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"I'm thankful for crumbs on the floor to clean, because that means I have food to eat.

I'm thankful to have loads of laundry to do, because it means I have clothes to wear.

I'm thankful to have a leaky pipe because that means I have water to drink.

I'm thankful for wrinkles because that means I've lived longer and grown wiser."

Dec 24, 2018 05:34PM Joanne58 wrote:

Wishing all a joyous Christmas, filled with hope of the redeeming and everylasting love of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Dec 25, 2018 05:10AM Joanne58 wrote:

You're welcome, Debbie, and a very Merry Christmas to you!

I'd like to share a very special song about prayer written and performed by David Archuleta, a faithful member of our church. Here is the story of how he wrote it:

"Something I try to do to each day is begin by saying a prayer in the morning, and then end my day with a prayer at night. Sometimes, however, I fall asleep before I say my nightly prayer. One time almost a year ago I had one of these nights where I fell asleep before saying a prayer. Something unusual happened. That night I had a dream. It was different than anything I had experiences before. In my dream I was praying-having a conversation with God. The conversation was also different. I was singing. I could hear simple chords in my dream that I was laying a simple melody and prayer on top of. As I was having this conversation in music with God, He told me to get up and write this down. I thought and said, "...but... I'm sleeping. I'm not sure I know how to get up from a dream!" He told me "if you don't get up now, you'll forget it in the morning." I tried everything I could to wake up, and I did! There in the middle of the night I went straight to the piano with the words and melody I had spoken in my dream still clear in my head, and wrote it all down. It was the fastest I had ever written a song because I feel this one was given to me. I've sung this song several times this year now and people kept asking where to find it so I felt it would be good to share it during this Holiday season. I hope you enjoy it and find encouragement to begin your own simple and sincere conversations in prayer! #mylittleprayer #prayer #christmas

Jan 6, 2019 02:54AM Joanne58 wrote:

Starting the new, "Come Follow Me" study guide, and I'm really excited about it! In preparing for the discussion in Sunday School tomorrow, I've been focusing on the suggested scripture passage in Matthew 18:21-35 regarding forgiveness. I know with all my heart how important it is to forgive others, especially if we hope to be forgiven for our mistakes as well. It makes sense that the Lord would ask us to forgive others in order to be forgiven, too. What great peace forgiveness can bring with the possibility of compassion replacing anger and sorrow. I've recently experienced one of the hardest trials and deepest hurt of my life, and didn't quite know when or how I would be able to extend forgiveness. It has been only 2 months since the incident, but I'm now ready to wrtie a letter and offer my forgiveness in response to the confession and remorseful letter I received. I owe my ability to forgive, completely, to the Lord and His comfort and encouragment as I've prayed, the healing power of His holy scriptures and to my dear family who has ralled around me and sustained me through this shattering incident. I was told that time helps, and it has, with each passing day. I'm ready to wish this person well.

Jan 13, 2019 10:25PM Joanne58 wrote:

I sure love Sundays and hope you, do, too :) We had what's called "Ward Conference" where our Stake leaders (a stake is comprised of 6 or more wards-- geographically organized congregations) came to speak to us in our Sacrament meeting. It was a spiritual feast, plus our little choir pulled through with a lovely rendition of "For the Beauty of the Earth." It truly applied to our clear blue skies and fluffy clouds with snow-capped mountains today--breath-taking! Here's the Tabernacle Choir singing it, but SOOOO much better, of course ;) I hope we're all thankful for this beautiful world the Lord made for us to enjoy and care for!

Jan 20, 2019 09:19PM Joanne58 wrote:

I hope this link works so you can see a short video tour of the Rome, Italy temple. So excited for the opening to the public next week! Many people who are unfamiliar with church temples will be in awe as they walk the halls, visit the rooms, and learn how temples bless framilies, forever. Enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/ThirdHour.org/videos/2294...

Jan 22, 2019 12:21AM Joanne58 wrote:

You're welcome, Debbie!

Jan 25, 2019 01:35AM Joanne58 wrote:

Let's make it a point to SHOW our love for others by serving them Do something for a neighbor you haven't talked to in a while, or for a family member who needs a little more TLC. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! I know we'll feel better when we show our love and serve others

Feb 20, 2019 02:17PM Joanne58 wrote:

Saw this today and thought I'd share it. Beautiful imagery and so very true :)