All Things Denote There is a God- Our Small Light is Enough
Lighthouses have played an important role in the safety and commerce of sea-bound vessels. This small lamp in the Yaquina Head lighthouse on the Oregon coast seems unimpressive. Yet, with the help of fresnel prism technology, the reach of this tiny lamp is magnified and can be seem from ships that are 20 miles out to sea!
Likewise, we may also feel that the light we can offer to the world is small and unimportant. But with the magnifying influence of God and His gifts in our lives, our small light can have an important and far-reaching influence. God is the “Fresnel Prism” in our lives. May we trust Him fully and allow his power to magnify our ability to do good.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast
Joy in the Journey- Where is the Progress?
Much of life can seem routine and even tedious. We may feel like we are on a merry-go-round, spinning quickly, only to repetitively find ourselves back where we started. But if we seek God and His will for us as we journey through life, He will give each of us a customized agenda that will allow improvement and perfection. Spiritual improvement is slow by mortal standards and requires patience and an eye of faith to appreciate this important growth for each of us. As with the assent of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse stairs, we do go around and around but we also slowly climb upward, incrementally becoming more Christlike in our character and in our actions.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Oregon Coast
Gratitude- Clouds
For some reason I am smitten with clouds. I love the fact that they are different every single time they appear in the sky. I came across this scene on my way to work and noted the striking contrast of dark and bright elements, punctuated by the very interesting shape of the cloud. I knew at the moment, that this image would show best in black and white, accentuating the beautiful tones in the sky that morning.
Tonal Clouds, Las Vegas
Gratitude- The Provo City Center Temple
The Provo Tabernacle was dedicated in 1898 by George Q. Cannon. It was the home to many cultural and religious events for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until it was destroyed by fire December 17, 2010. On October 1, 2011 President Thomas S. Monson announced that the remains of the Provo Tabernacle would be used to build the Provo City Center Temple. LDS Temples provide great blessings of light and truth to many communities throughout the world.
The Provo City Center Temple
Gratitude- The Temple, a Christmas Gift
At its core, Christmas is about the gift of Jesus’ birth. He is our Savior and our Redeemer. He is our only sure hope in a troubled and wicked world. The temple itself, and all that is taught within the temple walls, point toward Jesus and His great mission and work to bless, uplift and redeem each of us. Therefore, the temple is the ultimate Christmas gift, a gift that helps us become more like Christ Himself. I am most grateful the temple is in our valley. Experiences in the temple have shaped my life in a powerful way, giving me greater love for and trust in the Lord.
Las Vegas Nevada Temple