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ETHER 12:27 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.-Ether 12:27 Our
lives are filled with trials and tribulations that are here for us to overcome, learn and draw closer to our Heavenly Father.
We are all God's children and He loves us. Just as our earthly parents teach us to live when we are children under their care,
so it is with God's love for us that he gives us the gift of free agency to chose between good and evil. Therefore, I am of
firm belief that it is not the severity of the consequences that we suffer by the choices that makes us who we are--but
rather what defines us is how well we rise after falling. -- Michael F. Bavota I
recall being in Jamestown, Virginia watching a glass blower make a beautiful green vase. After each turn of the rod and
a gentle puff of air he would return the vase to the smelting fire and reheat the glass. Once more he would gently
turn the rod and puff upon the vase. This step he repeated many times until finally the vase was refined and perfectly formed. With
a sharp tap of a tool he separated the vase from the rod and the vase was done. As such, we too are continuiously
placed into the refiner's fire at the hands of our Creator until we might one day become perfect in the eternities beyond
the curtain of this life. Be of Good Cheer. Make the Choice to be Happy Today and Bring Joy to Others Through Good Serivce. |
A tattered old man stands second
in line at a neighborhood fast food establishment. The husstle of everyday living is all about as patrons grab their nurishment
and go on their way. He wears a ship captain's hat, his hands are rough and worn. It is his turn to order and he asks for
a cup of hot coffee as he hands over one quarter and a dime.  The clerk looks down at the change from his shaking hands and shakes her head. "Coffee is forty five-cents!" The old man stands confussed, digs
through his pockets and places his quivering fingers to his mouth. "This is all I have. I would like a cup of coffee,
please." Once more the clerk looks at the change
in her hands and shakes her head. "Coffee is forty-five cents." She returns the coins and suggests that the old
man step away from the line so that others may order.  (What is the worth
of man? Is it really forty-five cents?) The old man shoves the coins back into his pocket, goes to a table and takes
a seat. His clothes are soiled and his hair is gray. The frail frame of his body suggests that he is without shelter or proper
nurishment. He is just a bum, many will think as they watch him take up space in a restaruant with no means to purchase even
a hot cup of coffee. What is this worth of this man who cannot even muster up a mere forty-five cents?  And yet, a teenager rises from his
table leaving some half eaten fries and a burger on his tray. He walks over to the man and removes five one dollar bills from
his jeans and places them before the old seafarer.  "Here, old timer. This is all
that I have as lunch money for the week, but today you will eat. Tomorrow I will fast." The
tattered transient smiles and walks to the service counter. He makes his way to the front of the line.  "I would like a large coffee
and a burger meal, please." The clerk gladly accepts his money
and processes the order. It is just another routine order of hundreds in the course of a long monotonous day for the clerk.
For the old man-- IT IS A GOOD DAY!  (What is the worth
of man?) |
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