The Power of Hope

By Sidne O'Reilly

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

It has been a long time since I have put fingers to keyboard. Forgive my long absence. My book was published a year and a month ago. It seems like a lifetime ago now. So much can happen in one year. So many blessings and with them some challenges. It is almost as if the world has shifted in that year, and not just for me.

How grateful I am that we have prophets to lead us and bless our lives with hope, direction and encouragement. President Uchtdorf’s talk on “The Infinite Power of Hope” in the last conference is lifeline. He instructs us on how to engender hope by reading the scriptures and praying daily. He also talks about keeping the Word of Wisdom, paying a full tithe and obeying the commandments. I have a personal testimony of the importance of daily scripture study and prayer. How we need this anchor in our lives to keep us afloat, particularly in these uncertain times.

Let’s make a promise to ourselves and keep it. Let's challenge each other to pray and read the scriptures daily.

Know that I am cheering for you!

Sidne

Hope for Tomorrow

By Rebecca Talley

I know that Abel Keogh can relate to this post since he is the author of "Room for Two."

Last week a friend of mine lost her 17 year old son to suicide. He was such a good kid with a good heart. He lit up the room when he was around. He loved his family. He was a good student. He cared about his friends. He was so full of life. He was happy.

Suicide leaves so many questions that have no answers. We all attempt to understand the "why" but the truth is, there is no explanation. Perhaps, that's the hardest part, living without knowing, trying to understand why someone would make such a permanent decision to a temporary problem.

Sometimes, a day seems particularly dark, but just as that day will end, another will begin and every tomorrow is filled with hope. Unfortunately, too many don't realize this and they choose to focus on today instead of having hope for tomorrow.

My heart aches for my friend and her family. I've struggled to know what I can say to her since words are so hollow and so insignifcant at a time like this. She doesn't understand why her son made this choice, she just wants him back. I pray that she will be able to see a tomorrow filled with hope and that I will know how to comfort her.

Having Hope

by Terri Ferran

Doesn't it seem sometimes that when really bad news comes, it is tempered by really good news? It's happened in my life more than once.

On Monday we got the news that my husband was being laid off from his job. A huge blow, especially since we are a single-income family. Just one of life's many struggles, however, and you just have to muddle through it.

On Wednesday I got the news that my second book, Having Hope, was accepted by CFI for publication! Excellent news!

It caused a moment of reflection that the Lord provides sustaining moments even through the biggest struggles, and that I need to practice what I preach with regards to my book titles--Finding Faith and Having Hope!