Lessons in the Key of Life: 2009

What Child Is This?

“. . . Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.” – Luke 2:15

The Christmas season is upon us once again. As we approach the dawning of another Christmas morning, our hearts and minds are focused once more on those wonderful events that took place in the little town of Bethlehem during the night of miracles that occurred over 2000 years ago. On that night of nights a tiny baby boy was born. However, we should carefully note that this was no ordinary baby. Little did the world know or realize that this One who was born in the city of David on that starry night would change the course of the world forever.

Dec

The Meaning of the Christmas Carol "The Twelve Days Of Christmas"

What do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? You may find the answer to that question to be very interesting.

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

Nov

Faith Among Shadows

"Faith Among Shadows" by Malcolm Leal is not just another story. This is an amazing story of courage and commitment, but most of all, it is a story of the faith of one man's great-grandmother that ultimately through the trials and tests that he endured in his own life, became his faith, his story, his TESTIMONY. This is a book about faith in action. Though we have never met in person, I am honored to call Malcolm my friend, but more importantly my Brother.

Oct

ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND - THE TESTIMONY OF AN APOSTLE

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave one of the most powerful and stirring testimonies of the Divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon and of the Prophet Joseph Smith that I believe I have ever heard. My sincere gratitude and appreciation goes to Seth Adam Smith for his hard work and diligence in putting this video together for everyone to see.

Oct

Jason McElwain - Keeping the Dream Alive!

This is another true life story of hope and encouragement. This is the story of one person who was determined to keep their dream alive! Jason McElwain, nicknamed "J-Mac", is a young man with autism who made national news in 2006 when he played for four minutes during a high school basketball game and scored twenty points.

Born on October 1, 1988, to David and Debbie McElwain, Jason and his family lived in Greece, New York, a suburb of Rochester, New York.

Sep

Infinite Power Of Hope

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, shares how hope encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

You can read President Uchtdorf's message "The Infinite Power Of Hope" by going here or you can watch the entire General Conference address from the October 2008 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by going here.

Aug

Likening the Scriptures Unto Ourselves

And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning. – 1 Nephi 19:23

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Odenton Ward in Odenton Maryland on Sabbath Day afternoon, 24 March 2002.

Jun

Go Ye Therefore, And Teach All Nations

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Severn Ward, of the Annapolis Maryland Stake, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Sabbath day morning, 23 March 2003.

Matthew 28:19 - 20:

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Jun

Studying the Scriptures

Prior to being baptized and becoming a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 10 March 1998, I told the missionaries that were teaching me at that time that I would not make a final decision regarding baptism until after I had read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price each in their entirety.

May

Enter Into His Gates with Thanksgiving

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. – Psalm 100:4

Traditionally, every fourth Thursday in November is set aside for the celebration of Thanksgiving Day. On that day there are Thanksgiving parades on television in the morning, followed by football games in the afternoon. It is a day when family, friends, and loved ones gather together to share a bounteous meal and enjoy one another’s company.

Lessons in the Key of Life

Lessons that I have learned as I journey through life.