Two Stories BOTH TRUE - and worth reading!!!!

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago . Capone wasn't
famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy
city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.
Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer
for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal
maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.
To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the
money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his
family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the
conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire
Chicago City block.
Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration
to the atrocity that went on around him.
Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly.
Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education.
Nothing was withheld. Price was no object..
And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to
teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.
Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't
give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.
One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to
rectify wrongs he had done.
He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al
"Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some
semblance of integrity.. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob,
and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.
Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely
Chicago Street . But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had
to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay Police removed from his
pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from
a magazine.
The poem read:
"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power
to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour.
Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will.
Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant
Commander Butch O'Hare.
He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the
South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was
airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had
forgotten to top off his fuel tank.
He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back
to his ship.
His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he
dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned
his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward
the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but
defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time
to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.
There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation
of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in,
attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and
out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until
all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip
a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible,
rendering them unfit to fly.
Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier
Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft.
This took place on February 20, 1942 , and for that action Butch became the
Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional
Medal of Honor.
A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home
town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today,
O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some
thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of
Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son

Grandma Thackeray - January 26th 1986

It's been 24years ago that one of God's most precious women left this earth. It was the first time I understood the meaning of a broken heart. Grandma was one of my best friends, she was loving and very kind and always thinking of her family. She was the best cook and still miss her homemade rolls with raspberry jam along with her homemade honey butter. Grandma... I love you and miss you, thanks for my Mom and for your amazing example of love and TRUE Christ like love.

Denzil

"God expects you to have enough faith and determination and enough trust in Him to keep moving, keep living, keep rejoicing. In fact, He expects you not simply to face the future (that sounds pretty grim and stoic); He expects you to embrace and shape the future--to love it and rejoice in it and delight in your opportunities.

God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe."
— Jeffrey R. Holland

True Friend

A true friend is someone who sees the pain in your eyes while everyone else believes the smile on your face. Love you Judy!!

Father & Son's !

“One night a father overheard his son pray: Dear God, Make me the kind of man my Daddy is. Later that night, the Father prayed, Dear God, Make me the kind of man my son wants me to be.”

Daily Gems - 14 January 2010

Who We Will Become

"God the Eternal Father did not give [the] first great commandment because He needs us to love Him. His power and glory are not diminished should we disregard, deny, or even defile His name. His influence and dominion extend through time and space independent of our acceptance, approval, or admiration.

"No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God!

"For what we love determines what we seek.

"What we seek determines what we think and do.

"What we think and do determines who we are—and who we will become."

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 21–22

Topics: Obedience

Youth Gems - 14 January 2010

Controlling Thoughts

“When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind—perhaps the words from a favorite hymn. Your mind is in charge; your body is the instrument of your mind. When some unworthy thought pushes into your mind, replace it with your delete key. Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts (see D&C 25:12).”

Boyd K. Packer, “Prayer and Promptings,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 46

"Peace is Coming"

Peace is Coming - Jon McNaughton
Today as the world is torn by wars and chaos, there has never been a painting more timely than the new masterpiece from artist Jon McNaughton.

Set against the darkened skies of a smoky battlefield, the glorified Jesus Christ moves through the midst of soldiers from all the different ages of time. As if they had stepped from the battle moments before, bloodstained and exhausted, they bow with submission overwhelmed by emotion before the King of Kings.

On Christ's sash is written in ancient Hebrew the words of Isaiah, "They shall turn their swords into plowshares...neither shall they learn war anymore."

Jon is an amazing man, and consider him a friend.

"Copy and past the link to watch the amazing Video"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXAfrSy04R0

What Fire Alarm?

Mormon Journal

By Carol Spendlove

Carol Spendlove, “What Fire Alarm?” Ensign, July 1990, 58
The day started typically enough. I was sewing a dress for my two-year-old daughter, Nancy, and still enjoying the sense of accomplishment I felt after having made a suit for my five-year-old son, David, from one of my husband’s old suits. I would rather have gone to the store to buy clothes for my children, but we were on a tight budget. I knew, however, that this time of financial challenge was only temporary. My husband, Clifton, would soon be graduating from Ohio State University with his Ph.D.

Since there was an extreme housing shortage, I was grateful to be in our own little upstairs apartment, even though it was in a World War II army barracks that had been converted into married student housing.

Engrossed with my sewing project, I was startled back to reality by a loud fire alarm. I acted quickly, knowing that my children and I could be trapped upstairs in a wooden barracks apartment. I hurriedly picked up Nancy and took David by the hand. I opened the door and ran to the hallway stairs. They were clear, so we ran down the stairs and out of the building.

Sure enough, there was a fire in the furnace room directly below our apartment. Firemen were frantically working to put it out.

As we waited outside for them to subdue the fire, I noticed that no one else was standing outside the building but me and my children. I was curious. After the fire was out, I asked the firemen, dirty and exhausted from fighting the fire, why no one else had left the building when the fire alarm had sounded. When they told me there was no alarm in the building, I was speechless. I knew I had heard a fire alarm!

Did I imagine that alarm? Although no serious damage resulted from the fire, we had certainly been in danger, since our apartment was directly above it. This incident has become a testimony to me that the Spirit can be with us and warn us if necessary.

So cute!! Denzil this sounds like you!!!!!!

When I�m a little old lady

Then I�ll live with my children and bring them great joy

to repay all I�ve had from each girl and boy

I shall draw on the walls and scuff up the floor;

run in and out without closing the door.

I�ll hide frogs in the pantry, socks under my bed

whenever they scold me, I�ll just hang my head.

I�ll run and I�ll romp, always fritter away

the time to be spent doing chores everyday.

I�ll pester my children when they�re on the phone.

As long as they�re busy won�t leave them alone.

Hide candy in closets, rocks in drawers,

and never pick up my clothes from off the floor.

Dash off to the movies and not wash a dish.

I�ll plead for allowance whenever I wish.

I�ll stuff up the plumbing and deluge the floor,

as soon as they�ve mopped it, I�ll flood it some more.

When they correct me, I�ll lie down and cry,

kicking and screaming, not a tear in my eye.

I�ll take all their pencils and flashlights, and then

when they buy new ones, I�ll take them again.

I�ll spill glasses of milk to complete every meal,

eat my banana and just drop the peel.

Put toys on the table, spill jam on the floor,

I�ll break lots of dishes as though I was four;

What fun I shall have, what a joy it will be

To live with my children, like they lived with me!

ksl.com - High 5 for Kaysville plumbing company

ksl.com - High 5 for Kaysville plumbing company

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf!

If ever you are tempted to become discouraged or to lose faith, remember those faithful Saints who remained true in Kirtland. Hold on a little longer. You can do this! You are part of a special generation. You were prepared and preserved to live at this important time in the existence of our beautiful planet earth. You have a celestial pedigree and therefore have all the necessary talents to make your life an eternal success story.

The Lord has blessed you with a testimony of the truth. You have felt His influence and witnessed His power. And if you continue to seek Him, He will continue to grant you sacred experiences. With these and other spiritual gifts, you will be able not only to change your own life for the better but also to bless your homes, wards or branches, communities, cities, states, and nations with your goodness.

It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).

I bear witness of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of this, His Church. I testify with all my heart and soul that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son and stands at the head of this great Church. We have a prophet on the earth again, even President Thomas S. Monson.

May we ever remember the lesson of Kirtland and hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25).

One Amazing Man

10 Facts Concerning Moroni

---

1. How did Moroni get his name? Alma 48:11-13, 17

11. And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

12. Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

13. Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

17. Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

2. Moroni finished his father's record. (Mormon 8:1, 12, 35 and 5:6)
3. He abridged the Jaredite record. (Ether 1:1-6)
4. He wandered 37 years alone (Moroni 1:1-3 ...385-421 A.D.)
5. He wrote the sealed portion (Ether 4:4-7; 2 Nephi 27:6-11)
6. He was promised Eternal Life (Ether 12:37)
7. He saw the Savior (Ether 12:39-41)
8. He saw the Three Nephites (Mormon 8:10-11)
9. He dedicated several temples in Utah, one of which was the Manti Temple (Life of Heber C. Kimball, p. 447)
10. How did Moroni die? (Moroni, H. Donl Peterson, p. 77; Charles D. Evans, Manuscript 3864, Church Archives) Secondary Source:

Don't QUIT

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must--but don't quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
as everyone of us sometimes learns,
and many a failure turns about
when he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up, though the pace seems slow-
you might succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than
it seems to a faint and faltering man,
often the struggler has given up
when he might have captured the victor's cup.
and he learned too late, when the night slipped down,
how close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out-
the silver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
so stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit.

Good Lesson on Determination

When Heber J. Grant was only nine days old, his father, Jedediah M. Grant (a member of the First Presidency), died, leaving the frail infant and widowed mother in what after a short time was almost poverty. Many felt the delicate baby would not survive—and he would not have survived, had he not received the best of care from his mother.

When Jedediah’s widows finally could not meet expenses, the lovely home and property on Main Street in Salt Lake City was sold and the money divided among the Grant heirs. Heber’s mother received five hundred dollars. With this money she purchased a little house and helped support herself and Heber by sewing for others.

Heber learned from his mother that the Lord would bless them if they had faith, worked hard, and kept the commandments. As a boy he knew times of scarcity. “There were blustery nights with no fire and a meager diet that allowed only several pounds of butter and sugar for an entire year. One Christmas [Rachel Grant] wept because she lacked a dime to buy a stick of candy for [Heber’s] holiday” (Ronald W. Walker, “Heber J. Grant,” in The Presidents of the Church, ed. Leonard J. Arrington [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1986], p. 218).

Once during a heavy rain, at least a half dozen buckets were on the floor to catch the water that came through the leaky roof of the poor little home. Bishop Edwin D. Woolley (President Spencer W. Kimball’s grandfather) came over and offered to take money from the fast offerings and put a new roof on the house. Widow Grant refused, saying she would get along until her son grew into manhood and built her a new house.

Amid these adversities they always worked to please our Heavenly Father by the way they conducted their lives and lived the gospel.

The faith of this mother and son, during these trying times, embedded determination into their character. Heber’s mother took in boarders to help provide the necessities for her and her son. Heber learned to work hard and never used the circumstances at hand as an excuse to complain. Later Heber did succeed in building his mother a nice comfortable home, and he invited Bishop Woolley to dedicate it when it was finished. This experience enabled a great sense of gratitude and accomplishment to soar within the young Heber J. Grant.

Moral Discipline Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In most of the world, we have been experiencing an extended and devastating economic recession. It was brought on by multiple causes, but one of the major causes was widespread dishonest and unethical conduct, particularly in the U.S. housing and financial markets. Reactions have focused on enacting more and stronger regulation. Perhaps that may dissuade some from unprincipled conduct, but others will simply get more creative in their circumvention. There could never be enough rules so finely crafted as to anticipate and cover every situation, and even if there were, enforcement would be impossibly expensive and burdensome. This approach leads to diminished freedom for everyone. In the memorable phrase of Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, “We would not accept the yoke of Christ; so now we must tremble at the yoke of Caesar.”

In the end, it is only an internal moral compass in each individual that can effectively deal with the root causes as well as the symptoms of societal decay. Societies will struggle in vain to establish the common good until sin is denounced as sin and moral discipline takes its place in the pantheon of civic virtues.

Moral discipline is learned at home. While we cannot control what others may or may not do, the Latter-day Saints can certainly stand with those who demonstrate virtue in their own lives and inculcate virtue in the rising generation. Remember from Book of Mormon history the young men who were key to the Nephite victory in the long war of 66 to 60 b.c.—the sons of the people of Ammon. Their character and discipline were described in these words:

“They were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

“Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him” (Alma 53:20–21).

“Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47).

“Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).

Families!

“If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people.”