"Both ABUNDANCE and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which
SECRET GARDEN


we will tend...
when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives
but are grateful for the ABUNDANCE that's present-
love,
health,
family,
friends,
work,
the joys of nature,
and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]-
the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth."

Sarah Ban Breathnach quoted by Pres. Thomas S. Monson, Finding Joy in the Journey, Oct. 2008

Miracles

"By unwavering faith, we learn for ourselves that "it is faith that miracles are wrought."

Generally, those miracles will not be physical demonstrations of God's power-parting the Red Sea, raising of the dead, breaking down prison walls, or the appearance of heavenly messengers. By design, most miracles are spiritual demonstrations of God's power-tender mercies gently bestowed through
impressions,
ideas,
feelings of assurance,
solutions to problems,
strength to meet challenges,
and comfort to bear disappointments
and sorrow.

These miracles come to us as we endure what the scriptures call a 'trial of [our] faith."

Elder Robert D. Hales, Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets
October 2007

I Plead With You

"I plead with you
to control your tempers,
To put a smile upon your faces,
Which will erase anger;
Speak out with words of love
And peace, appreciation, and respect.

IF you will do this,
your lives will be without regret.
Your marriages and family relationships
Will be preserved.
You will be much happier.
You will do greater good.
You will feel a sense of peace that will be wonderful."

President Gordon B. Hinckley
October 2007

His last conference

Heavenly Father Loves Us

"Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us-

even with all our flaws!
His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves,
He NEVER WILL.

We see ourselves in terms of
yesterday
and
today.
Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of
FOREVER.

David B. Wirthlin
October 2007

God's love, heavenly home

"There is no spirit but what was pure and holy when it came here from the celestial world...He is the father of our spirits; and if we could know, understand, and do his will, every soul would be prepared to return back into his presence and when they get there [this is my favorite part] they will see that they had formerly lived there for ages, that they had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner, with the palaces, walks and gardens; and they would embrace their father, and he would embrace them and say, 'My son, my daughter, I have you home again.' And the child would say, 'Oh my father, my father, I am here again.'" (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 4:268)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I must have read this many years ago because it has become part of my soul. I yearn to have this memory restored to me; to walk the gardens and remember every nook and corner. Most especially I yearn to be in the arms of Heavenly Father and to see His face and hear His voice. Sometimes when in the temple these images come to mind and the yearning only becomes deeper rooted in my soul.

God Loves You

"We're the children of God
and as his children there is no attribute we ascribe to him that we do not possess,
though they may be dormant or in embryo.
Now this is the truth,
we humble people,
we who feel sometimes so worthless,
so good for nothing,
we are not so worthless as we think.
There is not one of us but what God's love has been expended upon.
There is not one of us that He has [not] cared for and carressed.
We may be insignificant and contemptible in our own eyes and in the eyes of others,
but truth remains that we are the children of God
and He has actually given His angels
-invisible beings of power and might-
charge concerning us,
and they watch over us and have us in their keeping."

President George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Canon (quoted by A.G. Kapp, You are Better Than You Think, p. 42)