christianity

END TIMES

This past week we recorded two oral histories. One was of a sister leader who had over ten years experience as a YW president and Relief Society President in Limassol, Cyprus. The other was a young woman starting out in BYU-Pathway and loving it! The conversations were up-lifting and faith affirming. The temple can beContinue reading “END TIMES”

Refuge

According to the United Nations, a refugee is a person “forced to flee their own country and seek safety in another country.” As we’ve been studying the history of Limassol, we read about Iraqis who have fled their country, whip marks scarring their backs, Israelis on vacation in Cyprus who want to be baptized into Christianity,Continue reading “Refuge”

You serve where?

The map shows Cyprus as a tiny island tucked into the eastern Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by powerful countries and cultures. As you might have guessed, Cyprus has been ruled by such great nations as Egypt, Assyria, Rome, England, France, and the Ottoman Empire, among others. Each left their mark. Even now, Turkey rules overContinue reading “You serve where?”

Yum!

I found this wonderful dish – Cypriot Lentils. You can make this recipe at https://www.christina-soteriou.com/recipes/cypriot-lentils . If you make it from the recipe below, add the cumin and the stock at the same time as the rice. It is Cypriot comfort food and it was wonderful. We needed sustenance! Even though we weren’t 100% weContinue reading “Yum!”

Whew!

Getting ready for the mission is a lot of work. There are the medical requirements, the packing list, the housing arrangements, the final goodbyes, and the last minute training from the MTC. I thought once I stepped on the plane I could rest a bit, but I was in for a rude awakening in Paris.Continue reading “Whew!”

Mission Newsletters

I love getting missionary newsletters, especially Senior missionary letters. The older missionaries describe the work well, but many times it’s the young missionaries who get the best photo opportunities. This picture below is of a Fijian missionary (far left) on his mission to India. And yes! He really did get to see Mother Theresa! AndContinue reading “Mission Newsletters”

Wisdom’s Ways

Life is a gift that contains a cornucopia of experiences. At times, life can be difficult and lonely. Our individual experiences can separate us from each other and make us believe that no one else can ever understand us. Sometimes the future can look so bleak and scary that even people with great faith areContinue reading “Wisdom’s Ways”

Root of the Problem

The other day I shared my joy at the birth of a long awaited granddaughter. The woman, my neighbor smiled and laughed with me. Then she said, “babies are fine as long as they don’t ruin the planet.” In the distraction of the moment, I didn’t have an appropriate response. But the next morning, IContinue reading “Root of the Problem”

Foundation Stones

Jesus spoke in parables to ensure that those who truly seek Him would find Him. While those who are only interested in being entertained simply hear a story. Parables contain hidden spiritual truth to the sincere seeker of righteousness. Keeping that in mind, please examine this often misunderstood saying found in Matthew 16:15-18. 15 He saithContinue reading “Foundation Stones”

He Is Risen!

Skipping over the trials, the scourging, the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, the miracle of the Risen Lord is revealed. Even to this day, the testimonies of His disciples are irrefutable. He revealed Himself to so many. Giving comfort to His grieving disciples, Jesus first revealed Himself to Mary. Mary bore testimony to HisContinue reading “He Is Risen!”