Thursday, March 8, 2007

   Hi! Two more days left!
"The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through a refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can become like soft clay in the hands of the Master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength."
(James E. Faust)

"The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father."
(Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 2005, 28)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The shadowy figure trots into the room, and she looks around. She is a wolf, with shining green eyes and a shimmery silver coat.The clones look at her, and Emeraulde jumps down and runs over. He rubs against the wolf's front legs like a cat. She licks him and keeps looking around.

Kurama #3: Good evening, miss.

The wolf sits down.

Okami: Good evening. I am Okami Gin-Iro, or Silver Wolf.

The fox pokes up his head from behind Equus, where he was "killing" the cat toy.

Kitsunekun: Bweeeee!

He runs over and pounces on Okami. A brief wrestling match ensues, ending with Okami holding Kitsunekun's head gently in her jaws.

Equus: Everyone, meet Okami and Kistunekun.

Okami lets go of Kit-kun, but she stays next to him.

Okami: (growling) Back off, girls. He's mine. (smiles) Otherwise, glad to meet you!

Emeraulde: God be with you. He and Jesus Christ love you.

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Fact of the day: Foxes are fluffy. XD

"For the gospel to be written in your heart, you need to know what it is and grow to understand it more fully, . . . sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you."
Topic: scripture study
(D. Todd Christofferson, "When Thou Art Converted," Ensign, May 2004, 11)

John 3: 16-17
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Thursday, March 1, 2007

   Hi!
1 Nephi 17: 3
And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.

1 Nephi 18: 3-4, 16, 21
And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.
And it came to pass that after I had finished the ship, according to the word of the Lord, my brethren beheld that it was good, and that the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine; wherefore, they did humble themselves again before the Lord.
[...]
Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.
(Greater strength than I would probably have, but I will try to attain.)
[...]
And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

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Equus and Xihuitl are in the living room. Equus is teasing a little fox with a cat toy.

Xihuitl: Well, Equus didn't ask the guy out, and she isn't going to.

Equus: Nope.

Xihuitl: Sano's very happy about that. But yes, the Gospel is wonderful. It applies to everyone. And actually, Equus has a friend who is getting baptized. ^_^

Haru #8 comes into the living room, Emeraulde in his hand.

Haru #8: There's something outside.

Xihuitl: What sort of something?

Haru #8: It looks like a shadow.

Xihuitl: o.O Okay...

Equus: The moon's out. There are lots of shadows.

Haru #8: But this one looked alive.

Equus: o.o

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"As a young man or woman of this generation, what are you doing to realize your extraordinary potential? Will you nurture it and rise to exceptional heights of accomplishment and happiness?...
"I encourage you to discover who you really are. I invite you to look beyond the daily routine of life. I urge you to discern through the Spirit your divinely given capacities."
~ Elder Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 2003, 41

PS - Thank you, Refi-chan and Alex, for visiting. ^_^
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Wednesday, February 21, 2007

   Love and hugs!
"At the focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched--none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen. Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph--and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby--that's how Christmas began.
"It is for this baby that we shout in chorus: 'Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King! . . . Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth' (Hymns, no. 209)."
(Jeffrey R. Holland, "Without Ribbons and Bows," New Era, Dec. 1994, 6)

"Let us be a people of honesty and integrity, doing the right thing at all times and in all circumstances. "
—President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, May 1999, 89

"The blessings of discipleship are readily available to all who are willing to pay the price. Discipleship brings purpose to our lives so that rather than wandering aimlessly, we walk steadily on that strait and narrow way that leads us back to our Heavenly Father. Discipleship brings us comfort in times of sorrow, peace of conscience, and joy in service--all of which help us to be more like Jesus."
Topics: discipleship, peace, joy, service
(James E. Faust, "Discipleship," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 22 )

"Recounting the faith of that great band of early Saints, Elder Ben E. Rich said, 'This country was unknown to them. They believed that God had given to President Young a vision of the future home for the Latter-day Saints. They had faith in their leader, and they were willing to go into the unknown with him. . . . Who should ever forget the faith, . . . the bravery, of those who had such confidence in Brigham Young as to follow him into these valleys of the mountains' (in Conference Report, Apr. 1911, 104). As modern-day pioneers looking to the future, we must be willing to go into the unknown, having the same confidence and commitment in following President Hinckley and the other constituted authorities of the Church."
~ James E. Faust, "Pioneers of the Future: 'Be Not Afraid, Only Believe,' "
Ensign, Nov. 1997, 44-45)

Here's the first scene. And there's a post from this morning, too, after this. ^_^ Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and bless you!

Jake flew around the corner tightly, barely avoiding the brick walls as he chased the pixie. It laughed, a chittering sound, hugging the glowing emerald tightly. "Come back here!" Jake shouted. The pixie dove behind a trash dumpster in the back alley. Jake landed and started clawing behind the dumpster. The pixie wriggled further in and laughed again.
Jake's ear twitched at the sound of a door opening. He demorphed, turning around with an innocent smile. crossing his fingers in the hopes that whoever it was hadn't seen his dragon form.
She was Chinese, about twenty-five, clothed in blue and green. Her black eyes were fixed on him. She almost looked like a ghost in the pale light of a lamp, surrounded by dusk, with a hint of...sorrow?
"Hi." Jake waved. "Nice evening for a stroll, huh?" He glanced at the dumpster. He could still see the glimmer of the emerald twitching as the pixie hovered.
The woman simply studied him. It was probably a good time to leave, even if Granddad would be upset that he'd lost the Killarney emerald. Actually, he could hear Grandfather's voice now.
"They must be nearby."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, we'll find the kid."
Great, Granddad and Foo Dog. "Well, gotta go." Jake smiled nervously and was about to walk off, but the woman looked in the direction of the voices, turned around, and headed back into the brick building she'd come from. As soon as the door was closed, Jake glanced at the pixie--just in time to see it leave. He scowled.
"There you are, Jake." Grandfather hurried forward. "Did you retrieve the emerald?"
"Well, it's a funny thing," Jake laughed. Granddad raised an eyebrow, and Jake sighed. "Sorry, no." He explained what happened.
Grandfather sighed. "We'll continue searching tomorrow."
As they walked away, Jake looked over his shoulder at the apartment building. There was movement at one of the windows, and a hint of blue. Then it was gone. Jake flew around the corner tightly, barely avoiding the brick walls as he chased the pixie. It laughed, a chittering sound, hugging the glowing emerald tightly. "Come back here!" Jake shouted. The pixie dove behind a trash dumpster in the back alley. Jake landed and started clawing behind the dumpster. The pixie wriggled further in and laughed again.
Jake's ear twitched at the sound of a door opening. He demorphed, turning around with an innocent smile. crossing his fingers in the hopes that whoever it was hadn't seen his dragon form.
She was Chinese, about twenty-five, clothed in blue and green. Her black eyes were fixed on him. She almost looked like a ghost in the pale light of a lamp, surrounded by dusk, with a hint of...sorrow?
"Hi." Jake waved. "Nice evening for a stroll, huh?" He glanced at the dumpster. He could still see the glimmer of the emerald twitching as the pixie hovered.
The woman simply studied him. It was probably a good time to leave, even if Granddad would be upset that he'd lost the Killarney emerald. Actually, he could hear Grandfather's voice now.
"They must be nearby."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, we'll find the kid."
Great, Granddad and Foo Dog. "Well, gotta go." Jake smiled nervously and was about to walk off, but the woman looked in the direction of the voices, turned around, and headed back into the brick building she'd come from. As soon as the door was closed, Jake glanced at the pixie--just in time to see it leave. He scowled.
"There you are, Jake." Grandfather hurried forward. "Did you retrieve the emerald?"
"Well, it's a funny thing," Jake laughed. Granddad raised an eyebrow, and Jake sighed. "Sorry, no." He explained what happened.
Grandfather sighed. "We'll continue searching tomorrow."
As they walked away, Jake looked over his shoulder at the apartment building. There was movement at one of the windows, and a hint of blue. Then it was gone.

Fact of the day: Washing your hands actually causes the skin to lose moisture.

John 3: 16-17

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and are watching out for you all. ^_^

Alma 7: 11-13
And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
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Thursday, February 15, 2007

/"The greatest single lesson we can learn in mortality is that when God speaks and a man obeys, that man will always be right."
President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, May 2005, 22

"As we study the scriptures, we notice that the Savior ministered to people according to their specific needs. . . .
"Jesus showed patience and love to all who came to Him seeking relief for their physical, emotional, or spiritual illnesses and who felt discouraged and downtrodden.
"To follow the Savior's example, each one of us must look around and reach out to the sheep who are facing the same circumstances and lift them up and encourage them to proceed on the journey towards eternal life."
Topics: fellowshipping, love, guidance, patience
(Ulisses Soares, "Feed My Sheep," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 98)

"are children of God. Each one of us is precious to the point of bringing the Lord God Almighty to a fulness of joy if we are faithfultears if we are not."
Topic: individual worth
("The Atonement and the Value of One Soul," Ensign, May 2004, 87)
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Wednesday, February 14, 2007

   The story!
Here's the first scene. And there's a post from this morning, too, after this. ^_^ Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you and bless you!

Jake flew around the corner tightly, barely avoiding the brick walls as he chased the pixie. It laughed, a chittering sound, hugging the glowing emerald tightly. "Come back here!" Jake shouted. The pixie dove behind a trash dumpster in the back alley. Jake landed and started clawing behind the dumpster. The pixie wriggled further in and laughed again.
Jake's ear twitched at the sound of a door opening. He demorphed, turning around with an innocent smile. crossing his fingers in the hopes that whoever it was hadn't seen his dragon form.
She was Chinese, about twenty-five, clothed in blue and green. Her black eyes were fixed on him. She almost looked like a ghost in the pale light of a lamp, surrounded by dusk, with a hint of...sorrow?
"Hi." Jake waved. "Nice evening for a stroll, huh?" He glanced at the dumpster. He could still see the glimmer of the emerald twitching as the pixie hovered.
The woman simply studied him. It was probably a good time to leave, even if Granddad would be upset that he'd lost the Killarney emerald. Actually, he could hear Grandfather's voice now.
"They must be nearby."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, we'll find the kid."
Great, Granddad and Foo Dog. "Well, gotta go." Jake smiled nervously and was about to walk off, but the woman looked in the direction of the voices, turned around, and headed back into the brick building she'd come from. As soon as the door was closed, Jake glanced at the pixie--just in time to see it leave. He scowled.
"There you are, Jake." Grandfather hurried forward. "Did you retrieve the emerald?"
"Well, it's a funny thing," Jake laughed. Granddad raised an eyebrow, and Jake sighed. "Sorry, no." He explained what happened.
Grandfather sighed. "We'll continue searching tomorrow."
As they walked away, Jake looked over his shoulder at the apartment building. There was movement at one of the windows, and a hint of blue. Then it was gone. Jake flew around the corner tightly, barely avoiding the brick walls as he chased the pixie. It laughed, a chittering sound, hugging the glowing emerald tightly. "Come back here!" Jake shouted. The pixie dove behind a trash dumpster in the back alley. Jake landed and started clawing behind the dumpster. The pixie wriggled further in and laughed again.
Jake's ear twitched at the sound of a door opening. He demorphed, turning around with an innocent smile. crossing his fingers in the hopes that whoever it was hadn't seen his dragon form.
She was Chinese, about twenty-five, clothed in blue and green. Her black eyes were fixed on him. She almost looked like a ghost in the pale light of a lamp, surrounded by dusk, with a hint of...sorrow?
"Hi." Jake waved. "Nice evening for a stroll, huh?" He glanced at the dumpster. He could still see the glimmer of the emerald twitching as the pixie hovered.
The woman simply studied him. It was probably a good time to leave, even if Granddad would be upset that he'd lost the Killarney emerald. Actually, he could hear Grandfather's voice now.
"They must be nearby."
"Yeah, I know. Don't worry, we'll find the kid."
Great, Granddad and Foo Dog. "Well, gotta go." Jake smiled nervously and was about to walk off, but the woman looked in the direction of the voices, turned around, and headed back into the brick building she'd come from. As soon as the door was closed, Jake glanced at the pixie--just in time to see it leave. He scowled.
"There you are, Jake." Grandfather hurried forward. "Did you retrieve the emerald?"
"Well, it's a funny thing," Jake laughed. Granddad raised an eyebrow, and Jake sighed. "Sorry, no." He explained what happened.
Grandfather sighed. "We'll continue searching tomorrow."
As they walked away, Jake looked over his shoulder at the apartment building. There was movement at one of the windows, and a hint of blue. Then it was gone.

"The gospel of Jesus Christ transcends mortality. Our work here is but a shadow of greater and unimaginable things to come."
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, May 2005, 28

"As we study the scriptures, we notice that the Savior ministered to people according to their specific needs. . . .
"Jesus showed patience and love to all who came to Him seeking relief for their physical, emotional, or spiritual illnesses and who felt discouraged and downtrodden.
"To follow the Savior's example, each one of us must look around and reach out to the sheep who are facing the same circumstances and lift them up and encourage them to proceed on the journey towards eternal life."
Topics: fellowshipping, love, guidance, patience
(Ulisses Soares, "Feed My Sheep," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 98)

"[Warren M.] Johnson wrote . . . : 'It is the hardest trial of my life, but I set out for salvation and am determined that . . . through the help of Heavenly Father that I [would] hold fast to the iron rod no matter what troubles [came] upon me. I have not slackened in the performance of my duties, and hope and trust that I shall have the faith and prayers of my brethren, that I can live so as to receive the blessings' (quoted in Jay A. Parry and others, eds., Best-Loved Stories of the LDS People, 3 vols. [1997-2000], 3:107-8)."
Topics: determination, trials, blessings
(Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Press On," Ensign, November 2004, 103)
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   Hi-za!
"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!"
(Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24)

"The issue for us is trusting God enough to trust also His timing. If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart, may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best? The same is true with the second coming and with all those matters wherein our faith needs to include faith in the Lord's timing for us personally, not just in His overall plans and purposes."
(Neal A. Maxwell)

"I express special gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ. I am thankful for His loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him (see Matthew 11:28-30). I marvel at His matchless power to heal. I testify of Jesus Christ as the Master Healer. It is but one of many attributes that characterize His incomparable life."
(Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ--the Master Healer," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 85)

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Love from the crazy crew at Equus's farm! And Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you, too. ^_^ Don't forget that.

Xihuitl: Equus had fun at the dance.

Sano: I'll say. She had us dancing almost every song--except the slow ones.

Equus: ^^; That was a good time to sit down. Or get a drink of water.

Xihuitl: In reality, she had a lot of fun dancing by herself and with friends. And her one friend had fun, but her other two friends got depressed, and she was a smidget depressed. But she also had lots of fun and got to see her brother Lobster, his wife, and their three kids. Along with other friends.

Equus: I might ask that guy out again....

Sano: What guy?

Equus: ^^; In reality, hon, not here.

Sano: I still don't like it.

Xihuitl: Oops.

And in the work of the Lord, carry on!

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Fact of the day: When water is freezing, it actually becomes smaller in volume, then it becomes larger as the ice molecules "lock" into place. (I learned that somewhere....)

"I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase 'the tender mercies of the Lord.' Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Truly, the Lord suits 'his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men' (D&C 46:15)."
(David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005, 99)

"Those who have felt the touch of the Master's hand somehow cannot explain the change which comes into their lives. There is a desire to live better, to serve faithfully, to walk humbly, and to be more like the Savior. Having received their spiritual eyesight and glimpsed the promises of eternity, they echo the words of the blind man to whom Jesus restored sight: 'One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see' (John 9:25)."
(President Thomas S. Monson, "Anxiously Engaged," Ensign, November 2004, 58)
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Friday, February 9, 2007

   Yeah, we have kitties. XD
"There is no substitute for kindness in the home."
~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness", Ensign, May 2005, 27


Doctrine & Covenants 18: 10-18, 21-24, 26-28
Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.
And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.
[...]
Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.
And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;
Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;
[...]
And now, behold, there are others who are called to declare my gospel, both unto Gentile and unto Jew;
Yea, even twelve; and the Twelve shall be my disciples, and they shall take upon them my name; and the Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart.
And if they desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart, they are called to go into all the world to preach my gospel unto every creature.

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Equus: I'm going to a dance tomorrow!

Xihuitl: This will only be her second semi-formal dance. She enver went to her prom.

Equus: ^_^ Of course, I have to get my vest done, so this will be quick.

Xihuitl: God your Father and Jesus Christ love you all and bless you and want to bless you.

Equus: Pocket hugs! Ooh, my outfit is a white dress with a red vest and matching detached sleeves, with the dress's white sleeves big and poofy on my arms. And silver and purple for the makeup and jewelry...or gold and red...

Xihuitl: Good night, and we love you. Take care. ^_^ Hope you enjoyed the quotes. And we'll start working on the Jake Long story.

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Fact of the day: White animals are susceptible to a tumor, I believe it is. One reason that white isn't the most common color in mammals like horses. Or light grey, for that matter, at least in the wild. It's dangerous.

"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!"
Topics: submissiveness, sharing, humility
~ Neal A. Maxwell, "Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24

Many years ago, when I was called as a bishop, I had a desire for the bishopric to visit those who were less active in the Church and see if there was anything we could do to bring the blessings of the gospel into their lives.
One day we visited a man in his 50s who was a respected mechanic. He told me the last time he had been to church was when he was a young boy. Something had happened that day. He had been acting up in class and was being noisier than he should when his teacher became angry, pulled him out of class, and told him not to come back.
He never did.
It was remarkable to me that an unkind word spoken more than four decades earlier could have had such a profound effect. But it had. And, as a consequence, this man had never returned to church. Neither had his wife or children.
I apologized to him and expressed my sorrow that he had been treated that way. I told him how unfortunate it was that one word spoken in haste, and so long ago, could have the effect of excluding his family from the blessings that come from Church activity.
“After 40 years,” I told him, “it’s time the Church made things right.”
I did my best to do so. I reassured him that he was welcome and needed. I rejoiced when this man and his family eventually returned to church and became strong and faithful members. In particular, this good brother became an effective home teacher because he understood how something as small as an unkind word could have consequences that extend throughout a lifetime and perhaps beyond.
Kindness is the essence of greatness and the fundamental characteristic of the noblest men and women I have known. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes.
Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. One day, when I was in college, a man seven years my senior congratulated me on my performance in a football game. He not only praised how well I had done in the game, but he had noticed that I had showed good sportsmanship. Even though this conversation happened more than 60 years ago, and even though it’s highly unlikely the person who complimented me has any recollection of this conversation, I still remember the kind words spoken to me that day by Gordon B. Hinckley, who would later become President of the Church.
[...]
“My older brother and I were going to school, near to the building which was known as Joseph’s brick store. It had been raining the previous day, causing the ground to be very muddy, especially along that street. My brother Wallace and I both got [our feet] in the mud, and could not get out, and of course, child-like, we began to cry, for we thought we would have to stay there. But looking up, I beheld the loving friend of children, the Prophet Joseph, coming to us. He soon had us on higher and drier ground. Then he stooped down and cleaned the mud from our little, heavy-laden shoes, took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped our tear-stained faces. He spoke kind and cheering words to us, and sent us on our way to school rejoicing.” 1
~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness", Ensign, May 2005, 27
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Wednesday, January 31, 2007

   Hello, Kitty!
"Let us be no more tossed to and fro by every worldly wind and doctrine of man (see Ephesians 4:14). We declare to the world that the heavens are open and the truth of God's eternal plan has again been made known to mankind. We live in the dispensation of the fulness of times. We live in a day when we have the witness through the scriptures of the great plan the Lord has given to His children from the beginning of time down to this present and last dispensation. The evidence is well documented; we are not left alone to wander through mortality without knowing of the master plan which the Lord has designed for His children. He has bound Himself by solemn covenant to give us the blessings of heaven according to our obedience to His law. Oh, remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God has revealed these eternal truths unto us."
(L. Tom Perry, "The Plan of Salvation," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 72)

"Along your pathway of life you will observe that you are not the only traveler. There are others who need your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save."
~ Thomas S. Monson

John 4: 13-14, 25-26, 34, 39, 41-42
Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
[...]
The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
[...]
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
[...]
And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.
[...]
And many more believed because of his own word;
And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.

We can hear Him through His scriptures and prophets, and His Holy Spirit. God the Father and Jesus Christ love you. Don't give up on yourself or loved ones, and let's try to always forgive.

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Xihuitl: Remember, you are God's child and have great potential, to become like Him. Don't give in to that which is unworthy of God and His family.

Equus: Yes, I know the moon and cheese aren't the same. ^^; But it was still fun to type. Thank you, DarkLynx9701, and welcome to Wensdayskitten. Hope you continue to enjoy the site.

Xihuitl: Gotta run, Equus's dinner's getting cold. Love and hugs.

Equus: God our Heavenly Father loves you and blesses you. Take care.

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Fact of the day: Some animals, including desert foxes and bunny rabbits, help control their body temperature through their ears and the veins those contain. ^_^

"You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life."
~ President Thomas S. Monson, "Be Thou An Example", Ensign, May 2005, 115

"How we treat our family members, our neighbors, business associates, and all we meet will reveal if we have taken His name upon us and do always remember Him."
~ Elder Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 25
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Thursday, January 25, 2007

   Love and hugs! Be careful out there!
Leviticus 26: 2-6
Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;
Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.
And your threshing shall reach unto the vintage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing time: and ye shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.
And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

Doctrine & Covenants 6: 15-16, 21-24, 35-37
Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth;
Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart.
[...]
Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things.
Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?
[...]
And now I command you, that if you have good desires—a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven—then shall you assist in bringing to light[...]
[...]
Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you.
Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

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Xihuitl: Equus and Sano are getting their picture taken out in our orchard, where the cherry trees are blossoming. Yes, it's winter, but in the world of imagination, we can make it spring or summer or autumn for a few minutes. However, come Saturday or next week, Equus will be back to post.

Emeraulde: Until then, God be with you. Jesus Christ loves you. Take care, and be happy and joyful in peace of mind and heart and life.

Haru #8: Here are your pocket hugs for the day.

Hatori-clone: Guaranteed hypoallergenic.

Xihuitl: (whisper) He's visiting from Refi-chan's site. God bless you.

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Fact of the day: In Islam there are the seven pillars of faith, which basically correlate with believing in one God and His prophet(s), fasting, tithing, and travelling to God's sanctuary. There are four others, but I don't remember them right now. From my Middle East class. ^_^

"You need His help, and you know that you need His help. You cannot do it alone. You will come to realize that and recognize that more and more as the years pass. So live that in good conscience you can speak with the Lord. Get on your knees and thank Him for His goodness to you and express to Him the righteous desires of your hearts. The miracle of it all is that He hears. He responds. He answers--not always as we might wish He would answer, but there is no question in my mind that He answers."
President Gordon B. Hinckley

These marvelous young people in this choir are typical of the young people that we meet all over the Church. How we love them. How grateful we are for you, our youth. Nothing is more precious than our children, our youth. And it is to you, our youth, that I speak. Several years ago in Africa I learned how dangerously invisible crocodiles can be. I then warned our youth about unseen spiritual crocodiles lying in wait to destroy them.
Those invisible dangers have greatly increased in number, and now there are many kinds of them.
[...]
If you are one who's been wandering off course, now is the time to return. You can, you know."
~ < ahref="http://www.lds.org/features/frames/0,5963,2286-1-190,00.html">President Boyd K. Packer, "The Word of Wisdom: The Principle and the Promises", Ensign, May 1996, 19
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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

   The Family.
"As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we add our witness to the solemn testimonies of millions from the past and present that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of the Living God, the Redeemer and Savior of the human race, the Eternal Judge of all people, the Chosen and Anointed of the Father--the Christ."

We love you. It is true. God blesses you all with His love and with life and with anything and everything that is good in your life. If it is good, it testifies of Christ and gives you a reason to worship Him and love Him.

"The Lord has His eye upon you. He loves you. He knows you. He knows your triumphs and your trials, your successes and your heartaches."
~ Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign, Nov. 1999, 39

All human beings--male and female--are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gener is an essential characteristic of indiviudal premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens[...]
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
~ The Family: A Proclamation to the World

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Equus: Probably the American Dragon fic. ^_^ This should be interesting, I hope.

Xihuitl: And Takai and Mel-chan have returned to DarkLynx9701's site.

Equus: And I have another pic project in mind.

Xihuitl: After she works on her other projects.

Equus: ^^; Jesus is the Christ, our Saviour, Redeemer, Healer, and Friend. He loves us. Love Him and God our Father. Take care, and have faith. God bless you.

Xihuitl: Pocket hugs!

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Fact of the day: Cheese is made out of the moon. XD

"Is it possible to reclaim a life that through reckless abandon has become so strewn with garbage that it appears that the person is unforgivable? Or what about the one who is making an honest effort but has fallen back into sin so many times that he feels that there is no possible way to break the seemingly endless pattern? Or what about the person who has changed his life but just can't forgive himself? . . .
"The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means--total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: 'There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ' ("The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20)."
~ Shayne M. Bowen, "The Atonement Can Clean, Reclaim, and Sanctify Our Lives," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 33

" 'Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best--better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His' (Neal A. Maxwell "Patience," Ensign, Oct. 1980, 28).
"We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable."
~ Robert C. Oaks, "The Power of Patience," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 16-17

1-800-622-5595
To talk with Church representatives about the Savior's teachings. ^_^
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