Viewing 1 - 9 out of 34 Blogs.

Page:  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Next >  Last >>

This Sunday, 15 June 2008, is Father's Day and though my father is no longer with me, I cherish the sweet memories of him and take time to reflect upon the things that he taught me through his example. In doing so I turn back the pages of time to June 2001 and the Father's Day talk that I presented to my Ward family of the Annapolis Maryland Ward.

Like Father -- Like Son:
Making Sure That Future Generations Remember The Lord

By Brother Keith L. Brown

This Sacrament talk was delivered on Sabbath day morning, 24 June 2001, to the congregation of the Annapolis Maryland Ward in Annapolis Maryland.
 

This morning I would like to take just a few minutes to address the sacred topic of fatherhood and the divine role of fathers in the Plan of Salvation. By virtue of the Priesthood of God and by the power of the Holy Ghost, fathers can and should be the greatest influence for good in the lives of their wives and children. Every father should rise to new levels of leadership and service in his home. Every young man that is not yet a father should prepare himself for this calling in this life and in the eternities.

President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “A father’s duty is to make his home a place of happiness and joy. He cannot do this when there is bickering, quarrelling, contention, or unrighteous behavior. The powerful effect of righteous fathers in setting an example, disciplining and training, nurturing and loving is vital to the spiritual welfare of his children. . .Remember your sacred calling as a father in Israel—your most important calling in time and eternity—a calling from which you will never be released. (Ensign, November 1987, pp. 50-51.)

Concerning this matter of fatherhood, President Howard W. Hunter once stated, “We encourage you brethren, to remember that priesthood is a righteous authority only. Earn the respect and confidence of your children through your loving relationship with them. A righteous father protects his children with his time and presence in their social, educational, and spiritual activities and responsibilities. Tender expressions of love and affection toward children are as much the responsibility of the father as the mother. Tell your children that you love them.”  (Howard W. Hunter, “Being a Righteous Husband and Father,” General Conference, October 1994; see Ensign, November 1994, p.51.)

In latter-day revelation, when the Lord spoke of the great doctrine pertaining to the redemption of little children through the atonement, He declared: “But behold, I say unto you that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; Wherefore they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me; For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.”(D&C 29:46-48) From this we can clearly see that fatherhood carries with it the responsibility of ensuring that their posterity—the future generation, is prepared for the age of accountability.

The most important way that fathers can ensure that their children are prepared for the age of accountability is by bringing “them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, working with their wives as equal partners, are to train up their children in the way that they should go so that when they are old they will not depart from those things that they have been taught. (See Proverbs 22:6). This very valuable lesson was taught to the children of Israel as found in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, verses 4 through 9 and 20 through 23 [read verses to the congregation]. Here in these verses the Lord tells the parents that they could not safely presume that the instructions that He had given them as well as all of the stories of the amazing miracles that He did for them were going to make it from one generation to another. He tells them that they must be very deliberate. He instructs them to tell their children the stories of how He moved among them. They were to talk with their children about the instructions and commands that the Lord had given them and why He gave them to them. This was not to be a one-time event or a ‘whenever you get around to it’ thing. This was to be a daily part of their responsibilities as parents.

In the same fashion, fathers have the responsibility to daily shepherd their families through the principles and ordinances of the gospel, qualifying them for the salvation that is in Christ. Salvation is a family affair and fathers are called to lead the way by: (1) teaching the doctrines of salvation in their homes (D&C 68:25-28), (2) providing for the temporal and spiritual needs of their families (Mosiah 4:14-15) and (3) lovingly presiding in righteousness in their homes consistent with the principles of righteous priesthood service. President Ezra Taft Benson once said, “God established that fathers are to preside in the home. Fathers are to provide, love, teach, and direct.” (Ensign, May 1984, p.6.) President Benson also stated, “Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.” (Ensign, May 1981, p.36.) President Lorenzo Snow taught that “If you ever secure a union in any family in Zion, . . . you have got to bind that family together in one, and there has got to be the Spirit of the Lord in the head of that family, and he should possess that light and that intelligence which , if carried out in daily life and conduct of these individuals, will prove the salvation of that family, for he holds their salvation in his hands.” (HC, 4:309.)

In teaching the principles and ordinances of the gospel in the home, a father must be careful not to create any misconceptions about the Heavenly Father. He must always teach by the Spirit. “For when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Nephi 33:1.)  The following parable of three fathers illustrates how a father could create such misconceptions and how he can easily avoid them.

A parable is told about 3 fathers who each felt the soft hand of his child in his own and realized the responsibility of teaching his child about God.

One felt the awesome responsibility that was his, so he taught the child about the power and might of God.

As they walked down the pathway of life and came to the tall trees in the forest, he pointed up to them and said, “God made them and God can cause them to come crashing down anytime He wants to.” As they walked in the hot sun he said, “This is God’s sun. He made it and He can cause it to be so hot and so intense that the plants in the field will wither and die.”

Again and again he hammered home the power of God and how the child must be obedient to God. Then one day they came face to face with God, and the child hid behind his father, afraid even to look, refusing to put his hand into the hand of God.

The second father also realized his responsibility to teach his child about God. Hurriedly, he tried to teach all the important lessons that he knew.

As they looked at the trees they only stopped for a moment to gaze at them. As they looked at the flowers of the field they hurried on by. He told stories, but they were hurried and crammed together. He filled the child full of facts, but he never taught him how to live or love God. Finally, one day, at twilight they came face to face with God, but the child only gave God a casual glance and turned away.

The third father felt the touch of a tender hand in his and adjusted his steps to the tiny steps of the child. They walked along, stopping to look at all of God’s beauty and grandeur.

They walked in the fields and picked the flowers. They felt the delicate petals and smelled their fragrance. They watched a bird in flight, and another building her nest and laying her eggs and sitting on them until they hatched. They watched all of the beauties of nature while the father told the child stories about God over and over again. Finally, one day in the twilight they saw the face of God, and without hesitation, the child placed his hand trustingly into the hand of his Heavenly Father.

One of the best examples of fatherhood, of course is our Father in heaven.  One of the best illustrations of this is found in the story of the Prodigal Son. I want us to notice a few characteristics about the father of this Prodigal Son. First, he was the provider of his family and stood answerable to God for the well being of his family. In the same way, fathers need to realize that they are to be the providers of their family and they stand accountable before God. In 1Timothy 5:8 we read these words, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” Second, he provided an inheritance for his children.  In Proverbs 13:22 we read, “A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children. . .” A good father wants to leave an inheritance for his children – both physically and spiritually. Third, he recognized his son’s right to choose his own path. Perhaps one of the hardest things for a parent to do is to let their children make their own decisions. Our Heavenly Father allows us to choose our own path and if we choose the wrong path we must pay the price. The prodigal son went as far into sin as a person can go. He had wasted his inheritance and now found himself sitting in a pigpen eating the scraps. He finally realizes that there is a way out of the mess that he had gotten himself into. He arose and started for home. There he found his father waiting for him with open arms. Wayward children always need to know they can come home. Fourth, this father was the priest of the family. He pointed the family in the right direction. He led the family in worship. When the prodigal son came to himself he remembered his father and most of all knew that his father still loved him. Today fathers need to be the priest of the home, giving spiritual guidance and love. Fifth, he prayed for his family. Fathers need to pray for their family. When the prodigal son came home his father was watching for him. He had been interceding in prayer for his son to return home. Sixth, he did not condemn or judge his son. He had compassion on his son. He was thankful that his son had come home and honored his return with a celebration. He restored him back to the family as a son rather than as one of the hired servants. And seventh, this father loved his children equally. He did not show favoritism between his two sons. He loved his older son who had chosen to stay with him. Even though the younger son had wasted his life, his father still loved him and did not hesitate to welcome him home. Regardless of whether a child chooses right or wrong, he or she still needs to know that dad loves them. Our Heavenly Father loves us even when we do wrong and when we repent His arms are open wide to receive us and to restore us without grudge or hesitation.

I would like to close my comments this morning with the words of our Prophet on the subject of Fatherhood:
I repeat that plea to all fathers. Yours is the basic and inescapable responsibility to stand as head of the family. That does not carry with it any implication of dictatorship or unrighteous dominion. It carries with it a mandate that fathers provide for the needs of their families. Those needs are more than food, clothing, and shelter. Those needs include righteous direction and the teaching, by example as well as precept, of basic principles of honesty, integrity, service, respect for the rights of others, and an understanding that we are accountable for that which we do in this life, not only to one another but also to God in heaven, who is our Eternal Father. . . .
. . . .With the obligation to beget goes the responsibility to nurture, to protect, to teach, to guide in righteousness and truth. Yours is the power and responsibility to reside in a home where there is peace and security, love and harmony.
(“Bring Up a Child in the Way He Should Go,” Ensign, November 1993, p.60.)

I am truly grateful for my earthly father and for all of the time, love and patience that he has given me through the years to help mold me into the person that I am today. I am thankful to have a dad that prays for me. I am thankful that even in times when I may have totally blown it, my dad has always been and continues to be there for me. I know that I always have a home to go home to. I guess that you could say that in some ways my dad is my hero. I am also eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that guides my footsteps along life’s pathways. He is the very reason for my existence and I love Him dearly. That I may one day through the righteous example of my earthly father and with the help and guidance of my Heavenly Father become a righteous husband and father is my humble prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters." -- English Proverb

"Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father!" -- Lydia M. Child

"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding."  Proverbs 4:1

"And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers."    3 Nephi 25:6  

Tags: Fathers Family Children

A Living Testimony

A Loving Tribute to My Mother

Frances Mae Harmon Brown (24 September 1937 - 12 June 1997)

Here is a copy of the tribute that I wrote in memory of my loving mother who passed away on 12 June 1997 from breast cancer. She was a very dear and true friend and I miss her very much.

 Webster's dictionary defines the word witness as a person who has observed a certain event; a person who testifies to this observation. The word testimony is defined as evidence; an oral or written statement made under oath. Throughout her humble life my mother witnessed many events and was a living testimony of the fact that God is still God in spite of how a situation may appear. Even during her illness her testimony remained true and her daily prayer was "Jesus, comfort my heart's desire to work and speak and think for thee, that others may see Christ in me". When so many others may have just given up, my mother held on to the blessed promises of God's infallible Word realizing the fact that "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good".

There are so many people under the misconception that in order to be a testimony for the Lord Jesus Christ you have to brow beat people with the Scriptures. They see every situation in life as an opportunity to impress people with their limited knowledge of the Scriptures by quoting partial Scriptures (often out of context) or by preaching a sermon that only falls on deaf ears because the person or persons being preached to realizes that the messenger does not live up to the words of his or her own message. The truth of the matter is, the Lord is not looking for people who only have lip service to offer, but rather He is looking for people who are genuine. The Lord is looking for people whose hearts are pure and who love Him with all of their heart, with all of their soul, with all of their strength, and with their entire mind.

My mother's heart desire was to be the person that God would have her to be. She did not have to quote Scriptures or preach sermons to people whose paths she crossed, but she allowed the life that she lived to be a "living testimony." She fully understood the true meaning behind the Scriptures found in Matthew 5:14-16: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven". Because of the life that she lived and the example that she strived to set, my mother gained the unmerited favor and respect of those that she met along life's way. In fact, she was so much admired and respected by her co-workers that they would lovingly refer to her as "Mom" whenever they would see her.

The life that she lived was definitely a reflection of the type of person that she was. No matter where she would be, she never changed. She did not practice one type of behavior in public and another type of behavior in private. One thing that I can definitely say about her is that she was consistent. Through the example of her remarkable life, I have come to understand what it is to be a "living testimony". I thank God for blessing me with this one so dear and I sincerely realize that in all the world there will never be another exactly like my mother. She was not only my mother but a very true and dear friend. I love her and I miss her very much. Her testimony lives on.

M-O-T-H-E-R

        "M" is for the million things she gave me,
        "O" means only that she's growing old,
        "T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
        "H" is for her heart of purest gold;
        "E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
        "R" means right, and right she'll always be,
        Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
        A word that means the world to me.
        --Howard Johnson (c. 1915  

Tags: Testimony Mothers Examples

The Winds of Adversity

By Brother Keith L. Brown

 

The following Sacrament talk was delivered to the congregation of the Annapolis Ward on Sabbath Day morning, 09 November 2003.

 

          Good morning brothers and sisters. Brother Card has asked me to give a talk this morning based on the Scripture found in Alma 34:38 which reads, “That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.”

 

“Happiness,” in the words of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it.” (History of the Church, 5:134.) Often that path includes affliction, trials, and suffering—physically, mentally, and even spiritually.

 

Adversity, or what we perceive to be adversity, enters into the life of every individual at various times and in various forms. Adversity may be the consequence of willful disobedience to the laws of God. However, even those who with righteous desire seek earnestly to learn and strive diligently to do God’s will experience adversities in their lives. It is primarily to that audience of people which I wish to address my remarks this day.

 

Adversity in the lives of the obedient and faithful may be the consequence of disease, accidental injury, ignorance, or the influence of the adversary. To preserve free agency, the Lord also at times permits the righteous to suffer the consequences of evil acts by others. (See 1 Nephi 18:16.)

 

Some may respond to such innocent suffering with resentment, anger, bitterness, doubt, or fear. (See 1 Nephi 17:20.) Others, with a knowledge and testimony of the divine plan of salvation, often respond with faith, patience, and a hope born of that “peace … which passeth all understanding.” As we are taught in the Scriptures in Philippians 4:6-7 which reads, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

         

      The Savior himself “learned … obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8.) Prophets and Apostles, ancient and modern, have struggled with adversity in their own lives, as well as with trials associated with their divine callings. No one is exempt.

 

However, Paul teaches us in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Similarly, the prophet Lehi assured his son Jacob with these words: “AND now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first–born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness.  And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren. Nevertheless, Jacob, my first–born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.” (2 Nephi 2:1-2)

 

How, then, shall we respond to undeserved adversity in our own lives? How may our responses to affliction and suffering draw us closer to the Savior, to our Heavenly Father, and to the realization of our own celestial potential? May I suggest a few examples and role models found in the scriptures?

 

The sons of Mosiah, in the course of their missionary labors, “had many afflictions … both in body and in mind … and also much labor in the spirit.” (Alma 17:5.) Partly because of such experiences, they became “strong in the knowledge of the truth; … men of a sound understanding … [who] searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. …

 

“They had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation.” (Alma 17:2-3.) Through their positive response to adversity, they grew spiritually.

 

In the time of Nephi, son of Helaman, “the more humble part of the people … [suffered] much affliction”; but they fasted and prayed frequently and became “stronger in their humility, and … firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation.” (Hel. 3:34-35.)

 

From their examples, we learn some positive responses to our own adversities in life.

 

As they did, we should look to the Savior for divine assistance. Paul reminds us in Hebrews 4:14-16 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

 

And in Alma 7:11-12 we are taught, “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” Therefore, we should follow the counsel of Amulek: “Let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.” (Alma 34:27.)

 

Next, our prayers should be accompanied with daily scripture study. The eternal perspective attained thereby reminds us of who we are, what the true purpose of this mortal experience is, and who placed us here. The availability of divine help is repeatedly reconfirmed. Daily scripture study also makes us continuously conscious of covenants we have made with the Lord and of his promised blessings.

 

As we fulfill our baptismal covenant, we “bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light,” and our own burdens are lightened. We “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” and we receive comfort. When we “stand as witnesses of God … in all things,” we feel his redeeming love and see our present circumstances more clearly in the perspective of eternal life. (Mosiah 18:8-9.) In a sense, we are thereby accepting the Savior’s invitation: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

 

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

 

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30.) Is it not probable that bearing his yoke and his burden includes forgetting self in service to others?

 

Patience must also be part of our response to adversity. Ammon, son of Mosiah, recalling personal challenges, acknowledged, “Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.” (Alma 26:27)

 

In our day, the Lord has counseled us as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 98:1-3, “VERILY I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament—the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name's glory, saith the Lord.”

 

In modern revelation we are instructed, “Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:68.) Ancient prophets teach us that “when he shall appear, … we shall see him as he is; … [and] be purified even as he is pure.” (Moro. 7:48; see also 1 Jn. 3:2.)

 

The Lord’s own way of preparing us to see him as he is may well include the refining furnace of affliction, that we may “offer a sacrifice [to him] … of a broken heart and a contrite spirit,” the promised reward being “peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.” (D&C 59:8, 23.)

 

Each of us is the spiritual offspring of God. We came to this earth to prepare to return to his presence, there to share a fulness—that is, eternal life. Without adversity, we may tend to forget the divine purpose of mortality and live our lives focused on the transitory things of the world.

 

There are encouragement and comfort in knowing that we will not be tested beyond our capacity to endure, that we will benefit from our adversities, and that the resources and circumstances necessary for us to do so will be provided. (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) From the Book of Mormon comes another illustration:

 

Those with whom Alma shared the inspired teachings of Abinadi entered into the baptismal covenant and began to live the gospel fully. There was no contention among them; they were knit together in unity and in love one toward another, caring for the poor and needy and for one another temporally and spiritually. Because of their industry and the harmony among them, they prospered. (See Mosiah 23:15-20.) Certainly they did not deserve adversity. However, they were provided with the opportunity for further spiritual growth.

 

The scriptural account continues with these words: “Nevertheless, the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.” (Mosiah 23:21.) Notwithstanding their righteousness, these faithful people suffered much affliction. Understandably, they pleaded with the Lord for relief, perhaps hoping that the burdens would be removed. In response to their pleadings, the Lord comforted them and assured them of his help. (Mosiah 24:8-14.) Then he strengthened them “that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” (Mosiah 24:15.) Eventually, because of their faith and patience, they were delivered from their afflictions. Having been further refined spiritually, and with increased faith, “they gave thanks to God.” (Mosiah 24:16-22.) 

 

In the final days of the Nephite civilization, the prophet Mormon wrote a letter to his son, Moroni, describing the wickedness, cruelty, and depravity which caused innocent people to suffer. Then he added these words of admonition and comfort:

 

“My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down … ; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, … his mercy … and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

 

“And may the grace of God the Father … and our Lord Jesus Christ … be, and abide with you forever” (Moro. 9:25-26), which is also my prayer for each of us this day, in the sacred name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ, amen. 

Tags: Trials Faith Patience Endurance

Tags: Questions Answers

Tags: Faith Power Blessings

Former ‘Silver Spoons’ star, current Mormon, Ricky Shroder reflects on religion 

 

By Molly Farmer
MormonTimes.com writer

Published: Sunday, May 18, 2008 12:48 a.m. MDT  

Throughout his childhood and adolescence, actor Ricky Schroder thought religion was for others, not for a person like himself.

Now a recently called assistant executive secretary in his ward, Schroder, who converted to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2000, said he can see the influence divinity has had throughout his life.

''As I reflect on my youth and childhood, I can see God had his eye on me,'' Schroder said. ''Whenever I was struggling ... it seemed a hand was given to me to help lift me up. And eventually I would take it ... sooner or later.''

Schroder and his wife, Andrea Schroder, were the keynote speakers at Saturday's session of the second annual Single Adult Conference for Salt Lake area singles 31 years and older. An event organizer, Duane Millard, estimated 1,000 people attended the Schroders' addresses, during which both got teary-eyed.

In each of their speeches, the Schroders, who have four children, spoke in part about inherent talents children of God are given, and how those can be developed.

 

Ricky Schroder said that despite his limited formal education, he wrote the screenplay for a film titled ''Black Cloud,'' which he also directed.

''It took an enormous amount of effort, but I was able to discover a talent I didn't know I had,'' he said. In doing so, he overcame fears of inadequacy concerning his writing and grammar ability, and it was a growing experience that took initiative on his part.

Schroder is probably best know for his role in the TV series "Silver Spoons."

''We are teachable -- all of us,'' he said. ''I believe we're extremely changeable and moldable creatures.''

Andrea Schroder, who spoke first, said every individual has a purpose in God's plan, and it's their responsibility to find out who they are and what their role is.

''God has (made) us with this infinite potential ... it's beyond our comprehension,'' she said.

Instead of comparing their abilities to others', people need to see ''God as our gauge ... because we're all created as unique individuals,'' she said.

Citing examples from her own life, Andrea said the plans and goals people have don't always come to fruition, which was a sentiment Ricky also mentioned.

''We can make the right choices and not have the desired results,'' he said. ''But if you've tried, if you've grown, if you've experienced, then (life) was a success.''

Ricky closed by saying people have the power to bring into their lives the things they desire and think about.

''I learned that as a young boy, that I could think about things and make them happen. I think we all have that kind of gift. If we can look for things and make them come into our lives, we better look for good things.''

Tags: Converts Religion Faith Testimony

Today is Memorial Day. This is a day that is set aside to remember and honor the brave men and women who presently serve in the armed forces, but more importantly, it is a day that is set aside to commemorate those who have served and have given their lives to protect the freedoms that we s