Our task is to become our best selves. One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final.

In sickness, with its attendant pain, patience is required. If the only perfect man who ever lived-even Jesus of Nazareth-was called upon to endure great suffering, how can we, who are less than perfect, expect to be free of such challenges?

Times change, years speed by, but Christmas continues sacred. It is through giving, rather than getting, that the spirit of Christ enters our lives. God still speaks. He prompts. He guides. He blesses. He gives.

So frequently we mistakenly believe that our children need more things, when in reality their silent pleadings are simply for more of our time.

We are a temple-building and a temple-attending people.

Perhaps when we face our maker, we will not be asked, 'How many positions did you hold,' but rather, 'How many people did you help?

When fear replaces faith, remember prayer.