Qualify, Recognize and Follow

When we receive a Christmas present or a birthday present, that means someone loves us.

When I was 16, I did not get a car for my birthday. I wanted one, but I didn't get it. If I had, that gift would have come with qualifiers. Learn to drive, pass the test and maintain a safe driving record. If not, the car sits in the garage in standby mode. The gift of the Holy Ghost also comes with qualifiers. The gift means that Heavenly Father loves us. He doesn't want us to be alone, without guidance. But there are qualifiers for being able to use the gift of the Holy Ghost. We have to be worthy, we have to recognize it and we have to follow it.

Why wouldn't we do that? There are lots of reasons - time contraints, distractions and lack of understanding. But the gift is there, the promises that come with it are there. We must take advantage of the gift that Heavenly Father has given us. He loves us and wants us to have that cmfort and insight.

Don't park the car in the garage and leave it.

Prayers for Haiti

The First Presidency message on Haiti was read in our Sacrament Meeting this morning. It was sweet and tender and called for members of the Church to donate "as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters". It acknowledged the difficulty that many are experiencing because of the recession, and the donations that have already been made.

Then it went on to the other needs; it took me back to my questions about prayer. The statement says:

"Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue."

Goodness knows that Haiti is not the only troubled nation, I guess I should be praying for all or at least most of them. And who doesn't need a spirit of calm and peace? And how many are frightened, bewildered and wholly uncertain about their future?

I know individuals and families who are dealing with illness, sorrow, family issues and economic crisis. The Lord's instruction is help where possible and pray for them. I think my prayer roll has become a reality. I will remember the people of Haiti in my prayers and I will remember you.

Humility

This time it's not about me! Honest!

I was reading a story about the president. He was talking about the need for healthcare for everyone. In doing so, he brought up a campaign worker who had developed cancer with no health insurance in place. She fought the good fight and lost. Upon her death, she left instructions that she be buried in an Obama t-shirt.

Now, if he had told her story, focusing on her courage, the tragedy of her loss and left it at that it would have made his point perfectly. But he carried it one step too far, and turned the focus back on himself. It was all about him again.

Which brought to mind a song that I've always liked. Well, always since 1980 when Mac Davis recorded it. So I went to my friend You Tube to find a video of the song. And then my focus changed. While I still think this applies to the president; the video is too cute because it features one of my favorite TV characters, Anthony (Tony) DiNozzo.

So here you go!