The Grandparent Chronicles

                               O F  T R E A S U R E S  I N  H E A V E N  A N D  E A R T H      Recently we had the opportunity to visit the “ Mezhyhirya Mansion” which is called by the people of Ukraine- “ The Palace of Corruption.” or “Monument to corruption.” Why would such a beautiful place as this be called such a name? Let us tell you the story! Clear back in 2010 a man by the name of Victor Yanukovych was elected as the 4th President of Ukraine on February 7, 2010. ( 4th since the collapse of the Soviet Union on Dec. 26,1991-) He began almost immediately spending and expanding his complex in Mezhyhirya. The winter of 2014 is called “Winter on Fire” as the people revolted against the political corruption. The people gathered at Kyiv’s Maidan Square and eventually, more than 100 people were killed, many by sniper fire, in clashes between protesters and police. ...

                                                        THE LAW OF THE HARVEST                  September 2019 Here in Ukraine, fall is in the air and farmers markets are displaying a colorful assortment of fruits and vegetables. It’s harvest time ! Our favorite season. We have always loved gardens and have known some very amazing gardeners. Grandpa McAllister grew an incredible bounty of fruits and vegetables on his little garden in Washington Terrace, every year.  Grandpa Wade (Big Al) could grow tomatoes like nobody’s  business ( and a pretty good crop of weeds by seasons’ end.)  Grandpa Stone always had the best garden in North Ogden which helped feed his large family of 9 growing children. In Wellsville, even though our growing season was short, the soul was rich.  Blake a...

                                       Is The Holy Ghost YOUR Constant Companion?                            Not long after Joseph Smith was martyred, he appeared to Brigham Young in a dream . “Tell the people to be humble and faithful and to be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the still small voice; it will teach them what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it.”      Of all the messages Joseph could have shared with Brigham to teach the people, the importance of keeping in tune with the Holy Ghost was most important.  Gary E. Stevenson of the quorum of the 12 Apostle...

                                    FAITH OF OUR FATHERS ( and MOTHERS !)      In the very last verse of the very last chapter in the very last book of the Old Testament we read “And he shall turn the heart of the father’s to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” (Malachi 4:6). We usually associate that scripture with genealogy and the need to do Temple work for our ancestors. This time of years we have other reasons to turn our hearts to our fathers.  Hymns # 84 reminds us that it is the Faith of our Fathers (and of course our Mothers) that should endear us to them and to which we must be true.  I especially like verse # 2 - “ Faith of our Fathers, we will strive to win all nations unto thee, and thru the truth that comes from God, mankind shall then be truly free. Faith of our fathers, holy fait...

                                       A  W h o l e  N e w  W o r l d ! When the new version of Disney’s Aladdin recently came out, we were privileged to take our Sacramento grandchildren to see it.  I love the story, the symbolism and messages even parallels of life that can be seen throughout the movie- even “A whole New World!” Come with me as if on a “magic carpet ride” as we view this amazing scene through spiritual eyes. A poor street urchin meets a wonderful young woman and catches a vision of what life could be. He takes risks and gets out of his comfort zone. Though dangerous, he dares to go where few others go and discovers a magic lamp. With this lamp comes a gift, a new companion, even a Genie who declares - “You ain’t never had a friend like me!” This amazing new friend and companion helps him become a new person- even- “ Prince Ali- Marvelous He!” T...

                                                          A   S T E P   O F   F A I T H          One of my favorite heroes is Indiana Jones, the movie character played by Harrison Ford, who is part Archaeologist, part Adventurer in search of some ancient relic or location which always takes him on a life threatening journey.      In one scene we find Indiana Jones being chased through a cavern by those who would take his life.   Suddenly he stops abruptly at what looks to be the end of his escape and probably his life! He finds himself standing on the edge of a huge un-leapable precipice with no way around or over. As his enemy in pursuit draws nearer, he remembers an ancient legend and realizes he must take a Step of Faith.  If the legend is true, he must step off the edg...

  T H E   T E S T   O F   D I S C I P L E S H I P Mark 10: 17-22 tells of an interesting encounter of a rich young man with Jesus. “ There came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good master, what shall I do that I might have eternal life?”  Jesus listed the commandments but the rich young man responded, “ all of these have i observed since my youth, then Jesus beholding him loved him and said unto him, one thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Here was this young man’s Test of Discipleship. As a young man, I dreamt of serving a mission. With the encouragement of my older brother Byron, we  enrolled in a speech class together in High School. I was very shy and recognized this as a way to overcome my shyness and prepare for a mission.  I enjoyed that experience so much that the next year I joined the de...