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Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls. Moroni in his solitude—even after having witnessed the complete destruction of his people—believed in hope. In the twilight of the Nephite nation, Moroni wrote that without hope we cannot receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God. – President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Nine Greek Squares

I’ve never been a big fan of Apple’s sassy personal assistant, Siri. But I know of one young man who is. Eighteen-year-old Sam Ray was working under his truck last month when the jack collapsed. Suddenly 5,000 pounds of vehicle were crushing his torso and limbs. Sam was home alone when the accident happened; no one could hear him screaming for help. But somehow the home button on the iPhone in his back pocket was pressed: a butt-dial that saved his life. Sam told Siri to call 911 and in no time help was on the way. Sam suffered burns from the hot undercarriage of the truck, as well as several broken ribs and a bruised kidney. But he’s still among the living. Sam’s dad is a Baptist pastor in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Sam will head to college in Mississippi next month, to pursue a career in the ministry.  

Four Feedsack Stars

I really enjoyed playing in the orchestra for Peter Pan in June. Squeezing a play into my schedule meant that several evenings we weren’t able to have dinner together. Many nights my husband had to tuck our daughter into bed without me. I’d struggle to stay awake as I drove home long after my own bedtime. But Peter Pan was worth it. I told myself it was only one musical. I can manage one a year, right? Barely three weeks later I was asked to fill in as substitute accompanist for Pirates of Penzance. They only needed me for six rehearsals. The venue was just a mile away; I could easily be home by ten. I love Gilbert and Sullivan, so I readily agreed. Tonight is opening night and somehow here I am again, wearing concert black and watching the show from the orchestra. Don’t worry. I’m still only saying yes to one musical this year. After all, Pirates of Penzance is a comic opera.

Four Greek Squares

Bob Farrell opened the first Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor in 1963. Ten years later he sold his 55-store chain to the Marriott Corporation. He stayed on as spokesperson while 100 more stores were added. Bob once received a letter from a customer who every week for three years had enjoyed an extra pickle slice on his burger for free. Suddenly a new employee wanted to charge him an extra five cents for his pickle. He stormed out, vowing never to return. Bob sent the man an apology and a coupon for a free sundae. He said, “That’s not the way we run our business. When something happens with a customer, give ‘em the pickle. Do what you can to make things right. At my favorite tire store they literally run to greet me when I step out of my car. I’ve met coffee baristas who draw hearts in the latte foam. Those are all pickles. What are yours?”

10" Feedsack Star

A facebook friend issued this challenge: of 100 Nerd Academy basic training movies, how many have I seen? Quite a few, as it happens. I’ve watched all the Star Wars movies (so far), and everything in the Star Trek series. I liked the Back to the Future series and the Lord of the Rings. I enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. as the Iron Man and Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones. I love The Labyrinth, Dark Crystal and War Games. I even sat through Dune and Avatar, though I don’t remember why. There were a lot of movies in the list I’ve never seen and have no desire to see now. All told I’ve only watched 47 of the 100 nerdy films. So I probably get a failing grade as a nerd. But maybe I should demand a recount. I actually OWN those 47 movies on DVD or Blu-Ray. And I watch them frequently. Surely that should count for something.

6" Greek Square

Target announced last week the words “for boys” and “for girls” would be eliminated from signs in their bedding and toy departments. I was pleased to read this news. I spend lots of time with children and young adults. Some are fine with being told what to play with and what to wear. Others are not. I know boys who wear My Little Pony T-shirts or sleep on Olaf pillows. I know girls who talk about what Lego set kit they’re building or which Avenger they’ll be on Halloween. Target isn’t changing what’s sold in their stores. They’re not trying to turn your boys into girly-men. They’re simply removing a few words whose only purpose was to shame children who don’t fit the marketing department’s narrow mold. If you’re one of the people boycotting the chain for this decision, I’m pleased about that, too. It gives me one less place to run into you.