The last few years have brought financial ruin to many corporations, families, and individuals. Michelle is always saddened when the “mom and pop” stores go down.

This unique store in St George seems to defy standard expectations. It services a most unlikely combination of needs (read the sign on the store front). They seem to have weathered the financial crisis with their very unusual inventory. One success story for the little guys. Yeah!

We live in a fast paced world. Lots of pressures and many deadlines. At times we are guided by guilt, feeling like we have to fill every moment of every day wtih “meaningful activity.” Yet we run in such high gear that we may not take time to ponder and to feel. These are not lazy-man, meaningless pursuits. In many ways, pondering and feeling are the most important things we can do. I am grateful when I have quiet, peaceful moments.

For some, religion is a crutch, an unnecessary expenditure of energy and time. Yet these same voices might speak out loudly of the improtance of the family and the need to strengthen and help family units through these turbulent times. 

My faith is more than tradition or habit. It is a source of live-changing and life-enriching power that can be found in no other way. It brings meaning to the importance of family in this life and in the life to come. Because of my faith, I have learned to truly love and appreciate my family at a depth that I could not have known possible in my younger years.

I was impressed with a related teaching by President Harold B. Lee that was recently shared by Elder M. Russell Ballard.

“Remember another of President Lee’s insightful phrases—that the Church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families.”

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, newborn babies can be given a priesthood blessing in which the name of the child is confirmed and words of blessing are pronounced. Modern revelation states the following: 

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70).

This beautiful young girl was blessed on Sunday. She was born to great parents and three wonderful sisters. From the blessing it was clear that she will have an important role in helping her family with their spiritual journey on this earth.

Richard sent this photo today (May 5th). What a great thing it is to spread a little cheer. This is one of those tidbits of humor that brings on the groans at first but deep down is appreciated by many. Thank you Richard for making our day a little brighter.

The caption with the photo reads: “Happy sinko de mayo”