Skip to main content

Spring in Winter

The other day I took the time to walk by a lake, it was a glorious day, the air was fresh and clean, the water was calm, the trees were serene, the light was bright and clear, it felt like a spring day to me, yet it was the winter season. 

I took my jacket for a while and enjoyed the scenery and the mild sunshine and as I was walking I thought to myself that in the course of life, at times we go through difficult moments, but even then, when we stay close to the principles we know to be true, and remain faithful to them, we will see in our lives spring days during our winter seasons!

As I reviewed the teachings of last General Conference I thought of the the following counsel as I reflected upon this matter:

"If we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life" - Elder Carl B. Cook. 

"It is essential that we are able to face - with courage - whatever challenges come our way" President Monson 

At the end of the walk I faced with a magnificent structure with hundreds of years, a castle that was build with a foundation of the solid rock of the small island where it stands. There it was, as a reminder to us, that with a solid foundation we too can withstand the winter seasons of life.
Labels:

Comments

Joao said…
In this way we are very alike. I also enjoy quiet moments to ponder life. Thank you for your message of hope.
November 23, 2011 at 5:53 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do you really know how to do that?

This winter in Europe the trend for clothing and other accessories is knitting , it is all over in display at the most popular stores in Germany.  This was something we use to see when we were in our teens, the only difference then is, that it was produced by our mothers and grandmothers, today they are made most likely somewhere in a factory in Asia . In a walk downtown Frankfurt, Germany the other day my wife said, "I would like to stop to buy some knitting needles and some wool, I would like to knit a scarf" , with a surprised expression I said, "do you know how to do that?" She replied in a mild tone, "my mom did, and my grandmother as well, and they taught me when I was young" , to which I then somewhat unconvinced I said, "OK... why not!" For next couple of days I saw her knitting at a fast pace and things began quickly to take shape and form, first a base for some plates, next a couple of flowers, then a trendy scarf ju
1 comment
Read more

What about spiritual prosperity?

Miguel & João - Salt Lake City, Oct 2011   Many have looked at prosperity solely from a financial perspective, thus to prosper in this narrow vision of things one looks only to the external signs of wealth and consequently soon after the focus becomes on material possessions or the fix idea of having them. Inevitably this arrangement leads to feelings of envy, greed and selfishness and creates an enormous distance between us and the needs of our fellow men, including our families as time is not allocated any longer to what matters most but to what we want the most. What about spiritual prosperity?  A clear understanding that we are children of an Heavenly Father that loves us, that He has a plan of happiness for us which through the atonement of Jesus Christ and our faithfulness allows us to return to Him, and an understanding that He gave us commandments to help us face the adversities of life will guide us to a path of gratitude for everything we have, even when
3 comments
Read more

Snow in the Friedberger Watchtower

The Friedberger Watchtower was constructed in 1478 to replace an existing watchtower from 1350. It belongs to the last watchtowers of its kind ever to be reconstructed by the local army. It was built in late Gothic style and stands proud on the highest point in Bornheim . Furthermore it has a rectangular military yard including a kitchen and a well-room. The Watchtower was only called upon once to fulfil its purpose: In 1546, during the Schmalcaldic War, the local people of Frankfurt defended themselves against Charles V´s Imperial Troops. In 1634 during the 30 Years War , both the tower and military yard were burnt down and destroyed by surrounding Croatian forces. Three years later, in 1637,the Watchtower was rebuilt. After such time, it no longer had a military function. In the beginning, it served as customs station and afterwards as a fire station. Today is a know restaurant! The structure survived the Second World War without any major damage and today is a known restauran
1 comment
Read more