Random Thoughts from Denise » Quotes

Quote Time

denisethinks — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:40:29 +0000

“Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich by promising to protect each from the other.

~Oscar Ameringer

Brilliant C.S. Lewis

denisethinks — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:25:23 +0000

C.S. Lewis was a brilliant man! Besides being known for the Chronicles of Narnia, he had invaluable insights into humanity. Here’s an amazing quote I came across on Mark Levin’s site today.

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.”

– C.S. Lewis

Humanitarian Service

denisethinks — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 03:33:00 +0000

“All about us there are many who are in need of help and who are deserving of rescue. Our mission in life, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, must be a mission of saving. There are the homeless, the hungry, the destitute.”
~President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Our Mission of Saving,” Ensign, Nov. 1991, 59

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

~Matthew 25:40

Today I went and worked for the second time in the Humanitarian Service Room over at the Deseret Industries on Craig and Allen. It was really awesome! I just wanted to share my experience with you all, and encourage you to go, if possible.

Today we worked on making quiet books that will be sent out to orphanages. It was a blast. Not only did I get to work on solving some problems they were having with the books, but I got to do a fun and creative activity, have fun, and be spiritually uplifted. Last time I was there, I worked on finishing a baby quilt and worked on making handles for school bags. I thought that would be disastrous, as I was working on a commercial sewing machine, but the Lord must have been with me because it all worked out well. It was good practice, too. I have to tell you that these two experiences have been so rewarding, I can’t wait to go again! It’s just really gratifying to know that what I am doing will help a child somewhere. Sometimes we get so caught up with all that we have, that we forget how truly blessed we all have been. We have so much. It just feels so right to give something, even if it is just my time.

They have a picture on their wall there of a sweet little girl holding a little towel like she would a baby doll. The towel had been wrapped around something that had been sent over there. Since she didn’t have a doll, she just used the towel. That story touched me so much. I want to do whatever I can, in my own small way, to help people like this little girl and her family. There’s just something really right about it.

Both times I’ve gone, I haven’t wanted to leave when I needed to. I would gladly stay there all day and more, if I could. I have had a ton of fun, and been very gratified. I would really encourage anyone who has a spare hour or two to go down there, and help. I think most of us could probably find and hour or two a month. There is so much stuff to do there, and you can kind of pick and choose what you want to work on. They have all the materials, and all they need is the manpower. I believe you can even get stuff to take home and work on and bring back. You can also donate things there to be sent to Salt Lake, like hygiene kits, newborn kits, etc.

They are open right now on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10 am to 4 pm, but according to their newsletter, they are looking to add Mondays and Fridays soon. You can also schedule an evening if you wish (649-8191 ext 134). They ask that you schedule for big groups, but individuals can just go in whenever. Go and try it. I promise you’ll love it!

For people that are not in Las Vegas, click here to find out how you can help. (And, you do not need to be a member of the Church.)

For more information on the Humanitarian Services of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, click here.

Ronald Reagan’s profound statement

denisethinks — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:48:00 +0000

I’ve been reading The Reagan Diaries, which I am really enjoying. I’ve really loved getting to know this side of Ronald Reagan. I have to say that the more I learn about him, the more I admire him. He was a remarkable man, with remarkable character. The other day I was reading his entry from when he was shot in an assassination attempt. One paragraph in the passage really hit me hard. Here’s what he writes:

“Getting shot hurts. Still my fear was growing because no matter how hard I tried to breathe it seemed I was getting less & less air. I focused on that tiled ceiling and prayed. But I realized I couldn’t ask for Gods help while at the same time I felt hatred for the mixed up young man who had shot me. Isn’t that the meaning of the lost sheep? We are all Gods children & therefore equally beloved by him. I began to pray for his soul and that he would find his way back to the fold.” (The Reagan Diaries, pg. 12)

Wow! I can’t imagine. Had I been in that situation, I don’t think I would be concerned for the welfare of the soul of the person that had shot me. This is truly amazing to me! This just speaks to the character of Ronald Reagan. What an incredible man. I just have so much admiration for him!

Love it!

denisethinks — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 03:29:00 +0000

I read this quote and absolutely love it!

I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do nothing.” ~Ronald Reagan

Reagan really was a brilliant man!

Great quote!

denisethinks — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 23:22:00 +0000

“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding one’s self in the ranks of the insane.”
-Marcus Aurelius