Ethan Lloyd Jones Slide Show

During the slide show there will be little "movie camera" icons. Click on the icons to view a video.

"Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong" (Ether 12:37)

"We should not be discouraged or depressed by our shortcomings. No one is without weakness. As part of the divine plan, we are tested to see whether we master weakness or let weakness master us. Proper diagnosis is essential to proper treatment. The Lord gave us this remarkable assurance: "Because thou hast seen thy weakness thou shalt be made strong" (Ether 12:37). But wishing for strength won't make us strong. It takes faith and work to shore up a weakened cord of integrity."
--Russell M. Nelson, "Integrity of Heart", Ensign, Aug. 1995, 19

"In the service of the Lord, It is not where you serve but How." David O McKay-

This is an email that was sent to my wonderful brother by one of his YM's Parents, It is a reminder that we can make a difference!!!!

Brother Dickson, A couple of weeks ago Nathan told us something you said that had an impact on him and our family. You said we should treat everyone like they are having the worst day of their life. We had a whole family home evening on that. Thank you so much for being such an inspired teacher. It is so hard to get through to the teenage mind but you did!! :] Have a great week, Tammy McNaughton

“Be still and know that I am God.”

Recently while wrestling in my mind with a problem I thought to be of serious consequence I went to my knees in prayer. There came into my mind a feeling of peace and the words of the Lord, “Be still and know that I am God.” I turned to the scripture and read this reassuring statement spoken to the Prophet Joseph Smith 150 years ago: “Let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” (D&C 101:16.)

God is weaving his tapestry according to his own grand design. All flesh is in his hands. It is not our prerogative to counsel him. It is our responsibility and our opportunity to be at peace in our minds and in our hearts, and to know that he is God, that this is his work, and that he will not permit it to fail.

We have no need to fear. We have no need to worry. We have no need to speculate. Our imperative need is to be found doing our duty individually in the callings which have come to us. And because, for the most part, the Latter-day Saints are walking in faith and working with conviction, the Church is consistently growing ever stronger.
Gordon B. Hinckley, “He Slumbers Not, nor Sleeps,” Ensign, May 1983, 5

Our Mortal Path

"If we constantly focus only on the stones in our mortal path, we will
almost surely miss the beautiful flower or cool stream provided by the
loving Father who outlined our journey. Each day can bring more joy
than sorrow when our mortal and spiritual eyes are open to God's
goodness. Joy in the gospel is not something that begins only in the
next life. It is our privilege now, this very day. We must never allow
our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more
blessings than burdens--even if some days it doesn't seem so. Jesus
said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it
more abundantly." Enjoy those blessings right now. They are yours and
always will be."
— Jeffrey R. Holland

Happily Ever After

The Gospel Is the Way to Happily Ever After

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I understand that, at times, some may wonder why they attend Church meetings or why it is so important to read the scriptures regularly or pray to our Heavenly Father daily. Here is my answer: You do these things because they are part of God’s path for you. And that path will take you to your “happily ever after” destination.

“Happily ever after” is not something found only in fairy tales. You can have it! It is available for you! But you must follow your Heavenly Father’s map.

Gratitude for our Mothers!

It's been a while since I've made a post and have thought a lot about my wonderful Mother and Grandmother's, Aunt's, Wife and Sister. I have thought about service they provide to others, my own Mother serving a lunch and dinner to an elderly couple for years, I think of the service of my wonderful Grandmothers and for their time spent with me being my friend. I think of my sister, taking food to people in her ward and strangers in general and her giving way. I also think of my wife and her service to us as a family and the children of our ward and all the silent meals that are taken to people who need help, I also think of the free hair cuts her and Dell provide to people who my struggle.

My mind is also taken to my Mother and Father for their selflessness, love and support both spiritually and financially. My heart has broken thinking of Grandma Loveless, her years of service to her children and others, and to see her in this condition is where the service needs to turn, and we need to show the same love that has been shown us. I am proud to say that we are who we are because of our parents, to my children and nieces and nephews and grandchildren and grandchildren to come. You are who your are because of your Mother's. Remember where you came from, and remember where you want to go. You are who you are because of them!

President Thomas S. Monson said:

Mother, who willingly made that personal journey into the valley of the shadow of death to give us mortal life, deserves our undying gratitude. One writer summed up our love for mother when he declared, “God could not be everywhere, and so He gave us mothers.”

While on the cruel cross of Calvary, suffering intense pain and anguish, Jesus “saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother!” 4 What a divine example of gratitude and love!

My own mother may not have read to me from the scriptures; rather, she taught me by her life and actions what the “Good Book” contains. Care for the poor, the sick, the needy were everyday dramas never to be forgotten.

Family Prayer

A prominent judge was asked what we, as citizens of the countries of the world, could do to reduce crime and disobedience to law and to bring peace and contentment into our lives and into our nations. He thoughtfully replied, I would suggest a return to the old-fashioned practice of family prayer.

Gordon B. Hinckley

Best Brothers Ever

Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero.

Marc Brown

How precious is this picture? My two wonderful brothers, Murry on the left and Denzil on the right. Death separates them now but only for a time. The Gospel is a Glorious thing . I love my Brothers. . . . . . . . .

"Testimony"

Tanner Dickson & Margaret Loveless. You will see Great things come from these two cousins They are Great People.

Quotes by Gordon B. Hinckley
"Paul wrote to Timothy: God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord (2 Timothy 1:7-8). I would that every member of this Church would put those words where you might see them every morning as you begin your day. They will give you courage to speak up, they will give you the faith to try, they will strengthen your conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Gordon B. Hinckley - quotes website

“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior's doctrine of losing one's life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.”
( Gospel Ideals, [1953], 551.)
David O McKay

Happy Mother's Day

“A beautiful, modest, gracious woman is creation’s masterpiece. When to these virtues a woman possesses as guiding stars in her life righteousness and godliness and an irresistible impulse and desire to make others happy, no one will question if she be classed among those who are truly great.” (Gospel Ideals, p. 449.)
“Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life. The mother’s image is the first that stamps itself on the unwritten page of the young child’s mind. It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world. True, there comes a time when Father takes his place as exemplar and hero of the growing boy; and in the latter’s budding ambition to develop manly traits, he outwardly seems to turn from the more gentle and tender virtues engendered by his mother. Yet that ever-directing and restraining influence implanted during the first years of his childhood linger with him and permeate his thoughts and memory as distinctively as perfume clings to each particular flower.” (Gospel Ideals, p. 452.) David O. McKay

"BYU" Graduate 2010

Dear Melanie,
We just wanted to take a minute and tell you how proud we are of you. You have been such a good example to us. You really are an Amazing Mother. We know it has been hard for you and Brian to raise a family and go to school, but you have persevered and done it.
Congratulations on your graduation YOU DID IT!!!!. That is no small task in any circumstance but to do it while being a new wife and Mother and months and months of morning sickness It quite the accomplishment to say the least. We love the way you put your family and the Lord first in your life. We know that our grandchildren are in great hands with you and Brian as parents. Thank you for living up to your potential and covenants. You truly shine with the Spirit and radiate the love of God.
It's amazing to think that our little girl is a grown woman raising a family of her own. We cherish the memories of the past and the present and look forward to future memories. We truly have been blessed with a remarkable Daughter we are so proud of you Well Done!!!! Sweetheart

All our Love
Dad & Mom

Contribute

I challenge others to contribute to this blog!!!

Look at my Sweet Parents! They are as close to perfect as you can get!!!

Church History Gems - 7 December 2009
Eternal Credit
HollandJR_04_rgb.jpg

"Five leaders of the Church, including the Prophet Joseph, marching under a flag of truce, approached the camp of the Missouri militia near the small settlement of Far West, located in Caldwell County.

"As it turned out, the flag of truce was meaningless, and the Church leaders were immediately put in chains and placed under heavy guard. The morning after this arrest, two more Latter-day Saint leaders, including the Prophet's brother Hyrum, were taken prisoner, making a total of seven in captivity.

"Injustice swiftly moved forward toward potential tragedy when a military 'court' convened by officers of that militia ordered that Joseph Smith and the six other prisoners all be taken to the public square at Far West and summarily shot. To his eternal credit, Brigadier General Alexander Doniphan, an officer in the Missouri forces, boldly and courageously refused to carry out the inhumane, unjustifiable order. In a daring stand that could have brought him his own court-martial, he cried out against the commanding officer: 'It is cold-blooded murder. I will not obey your order. . . . And if you execute these men, I will hold you responsible before an earthly tribunal, so help me God' (in History of the Church, 3:190–91).

"In showing such courage and integrity, Doniphan not only saved the lives of these seven men but endeared himself forever to Latter-day Saints in every generation."

Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lessons from Liberty Jail" (Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Sept. 7, 2008), 1