Let me begin now, this very night, to emulate Christ. Cast off forever will be the old self and with it defeat, despair, doubt, and disbelief. To a newness of life I come--a life of faith, hope courage, and joy. No task looms too large; no responsibility too heavy; no duty is a burden. All things become possible.

Not surprisingly, as the pioneer theme is presented, each goes back in memory to his or her own family line. There are usually examples to identify and which fit the definition of a pioneer: "one who goes before, showing others the way to follow." Some, if not all, made great sacrifices to leave behind comfort and ease and respond to that clarion call of their newly found faith.

Each heartfelt prayer, each Church meeting attended, each worthy friend, each righteous decision, each act of service perfomed all precede that goal of eternal life.

When we treat people merely as they are, they will remain as they are. When we treat them as if they were what they should be, they will become what they should be.

A woman needs to be told she is beautiful. She needs to be told she is valued. She needs to be told she is worthwhile.

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference.

Do we give thanks to God 'for his unspeakable gift' and His rich blessings so abundantly bestowed upon us?