Insights

Walk of life

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:38:00 +0000

In our walk of life we as parents were blessed with wonderful children that have given us many reasons to be grateful. Our middle son João turns today (19 July) 21 years of age, these last two years he spend serving a mission in New York and for this reason we have not been able to be with him, yet we are today closer to him then ever before!

His mission will be concluded on August 5, 2010 and we will pick him up and looking forward to hear all the stories and experiences of his mission.

Want to know more about the reasons why João went on a mission? and which Church he represented these last two years? Check this link!

Mormon: The People, The Church, The Prophet

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:31:00 +0000

"Mormon" is a term commonly applied to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church is sometimes inaccurately called the "Mormon Church" because its members believe that the Book of Mormon is an additional volume of scripture to the Bible. The Book of Mormon is named after Mormon, a fourth-century prophet-historian who compiled and abridged many records of his ancestors into the Book of Mormon. See more in the New Website that explains the meaning of the term.

Doing good things for the right reasons

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 07:38:00 +0000

There are good youth in these times. Young men and young women that have good values and principles and want to maintain high standards and do good things in life.

Quote from President Thomas S. Monson in Ensign of February of 1997

Youth is not a time of ease nor of freedom from perplexing questions. It wasn’t then, and it surely isn’t today. In fact, as time passes it seems that the difficulties of youth increase in size and scope. Temptation continues to loom large on life’s horizon. Accounts of violence, theft, drug abuse, and pornography blare forth from the television screen and appear constantly in most daily newspapers. Such examples blur our vision and fault our thinking. Soon assumptions become generally accepted opinions, and all youth everywhere are categorized as “not so good as yesteryear” or “the worst generation yet.”

How wrong are such opinions! How incorrect are such statements!

True, today is a new day with new trials, new troubles, and new temptations, but hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saint youth strive constantly and serve diligently, true to the faith, as their counterparts of earlier years so nobly did.

Light

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 31 May 2010 13:55:00 +0000

We went for a walk by the river in Frankfurt; a new place we found on the other side of the Main that is perfect for some exercise. After a good 30 minute walk, dark clouds form announcing rain in a few minutes. We rushed back to the car and as we did I grab the camera and took a few shots, here it is... amazing the effect of light.

A place of beauty and peace

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 23 May 2010 13:39:00 +0000

Along the valley the Rhine offers spectacular places to relax and appreciate nature. One such place is found in the city of Boppard, about 50 minutes away from our home, where the Rhine makes an enormous loop. We took the chair lift to the top of the Hunsrück Hills to see a unique panorama.

There are evidence of the presence of the "Celts" in this city and we know was under the rule of the "Romans", was annexed to France and latter to the Kingdom of Prussia. It is a place of beauty and peace where a walk is always pleasant!

Quality of life

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 17 May 2010 08:44:00 +0000

A quote we like!

"The quality of our lives". It's an interesting phrase. I suspect most people think of this concept in terms of the comforts and conveniences they enjoy. But I prefer to think that the quality of our lives has more to do with substance than style.

A quality life is one that positively influences others and makes the world around it a better place in which to live. A quality of life is one that that is filed with love and loyalty, patience and perseverance, kindness and compassion. A quality of life is one that is based on eternal potential and not confined to this life only.

M. Russel Ballard, Our Search for Happiness

A story of commitment

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 10 May 2010 10:26:00 +0000

New video in Youth website!

Final Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 02 May 2010 14:11:00 +0000

"Final Reflections" - Missionary Journal - Written at the end of my mission in March of 1982

How can I be thankful for so many blessings? My mission was the best school in life; I learned so many things... in particular how to trust the Lord and serve others diligently and worthily!

I know that many years after this experience my children and future generations will be blessed because of it! When I left on a mission I had then a strong testimony of the restored truth, now that testimony is stronger and I have gratitude in my heart for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Reflections for my son on a mission

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 22:33:00 +0000

Photo taken by Ana

In this day and age we can receive an electronic message in our cell phone and send a reply instantly, we can follow the activities of friends and family over the internet, read, listen and see “live” what is going on not only in our town but around the world, expectations and demands have never been so high in our interactions. For many the pace, speed and quantity of events that takes place in life today can be overwhelming. For this reason, I wish to discuss for a brief moment how we can find balance, peace and inspiration in a world where so many are seeking for our time and attention.

I found over the years that a time of inner reflection and worship at Church made all the difference for me and for our family. When our children were small, going to Church was the highlight of the week; the preparations for Sunday were a time of unity rather than a time of stress, we took pleasure in teaching basic principles of reverence to our small children and of being together with them at Church. Today all of them are grown up, but going to Church and attending Sacrament Meeting continues to be the highlight of the week.

Sacrament meeting is a blessing for every member of the Church; it is a time of renewal, a time of inner reflection, a time of inspiration, a time a learning and a time of peace. Friends and those that are learning about the Gospel of Jesus Christ can feel the same as well.

Budapest: Last time here 20 years ago!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:35:00 +0000

I liked this statue downtown Budapest

Last time we were in Budapest together was twenty years ago. The Buda Castle was just beautiful reflecting the light in the Danube river.

In 2002 the UNESCO pronounced that alongside the Buda Castle Quarter and the Banks of the Danube the Andrássy road and its historic surroundings will also be a World Heritage Site. The Buda Castle Quarter is the most important monument group of the country; it forms a close unit that includes the rows of houses on the banks of the Danube, the bridges, the Basilica, etc.

On the side of the river where I took the picture is the impressive Houses of Parliament, another remarkable piece of architecture.

Easter is around us

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:29:00 +0000

By the Main River, Germany

Easter is all around us now in Germany, flowers begin to blossom, easter symbols are in the stores with soft colors of spring, and of course sunshine and blue skies!

Easter is a central event of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. This video explain well the spirit of Easter.

That's exactly what we did!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:04:00 +0000

Panorama view from the Opel Zoo in the Taunus

The Taunus area is known by many as the living room of the Frankfurt Area, the landscape and views of the area are truly beautiful and peaceful, besides the many charming villages through this area, makes it a top choice for many to live. The largest community in the Taunus ad our favorite is Bad Homburg.

The Opel Zoo is located in the Taunus and offer an excellent park for children and family to enjoy a good day, that's exactly what we did for a couple of hours this week!

From Sundance to Boston

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Miguel's new and favorite sport... Ski. Bishop's bowl is located in Sundance, Utah. With a vertical drop of 2,150 feet and elevation level of 8,250 feet, Sundance offers a vast diversity of terrains, including one of the finest intermediate-expert bowls in the Wasatch range called Bishop's Bowl. With Mount Timpanogos signaling its beauty in the distance. Sundance receives an average of 320 inches of snow a year. 450 acres of pristine wilderness beckoning skiers to powder paradise. Sundance is owned by actor and director Robert Redford.

In the picture is Miguel in Boston during a short visit he made to the east coast of the USA.

Gutenberg

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:11:00 +0000

A smile from mom after a good walk in the old told of Mainz and some Mexican food at "Mexico Lindo".

Mainz is a the home of the Gutenberg-Museum.The world changed with Gutenberg's invention of the printing press, one of the first books printed in Europe was the Bible plublished in Mainz by him. The "Biblia Latina" of 48 lines per page of 1462, was printed in Mainz by Gutenberg's partners shortly after the first edition, it considered the most beautiful of the first 4 printed bibles, was printed in 48 lines instead of 42 of the first version and in beautiful Gothic characters. An original copy of the rare bible is at the "Biblioteca Joanina" of the Coimbra University.

Never seen this much snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 22:02:00 +0000

Never seen this much snow in all the years we lived in Germany, for weeks now the snow persists on the ground, with the low temperatures ice is formed on the roads... and the need for more careful driving! The white is beautiful on trees and parks in the city!

Mom and Ana are enjoying the season just outside our home in Frankfurt! It was a good 30 cm of fresh snow in the ground!

European Manhattan

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:59:00 +0000

There are many trails along the Main river in Frankfurt, that make a very pleasant walk in any day of year, including in a winter day like today, the skyline of this "European Manhattan", makes a photograph an original experience all the time.

Life goes on!

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:24:00 +0000

After 5 years Miguel returns to Frankfurt, Germany, he walked in favorite places, spoke in Church and retrieved the rusty German to find out that it is still there...

Life goes on and today he departed to the USA to prepare himself to enter in Medicine again in the University of Utah where is was accepted! we already miss him, but are happy for him and his accomplishments.

Christmas in Germany

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:16:00 +0000

When the Advent season opens, Christmas markets also crop up in nearly every German town, large or small. The town squares are lit up and buzzing with activity during this time. Townspeople gather together, listen to brass band music, and enjoy the hearty traditional fare of the region. Vendors peddle baked goods, including gingerbread hearts, sugar-roasted almonds, crepes, cookies, stollen, cotton candy and other sweets. Christmas tree decorations, seasonal items, and handcrafted articles are also sold.

Christmas markets date back to at least the 14th century and were one of the many markets held throughout the year. It was here that people bought everything they needed for the Christmas celebration: baking moulds, decorations, candles, and toys for the children. In fact, until well into the 20th century, the Weihnachstmärkte were the only place for people to buy such seasonal items.

Markets differ from place to place; each has its own regional imprint. The market at Aachen, for instance, is known for its gingerbread men. The regions around the mountain range are famous for their handmade wooden crafts. Augsburg has a life-sized Advent calendar and opens the holiday season with its famous "Angel Play." At the Frankfurt Christmas Market, visitors will find almond cookies.

The most famous Christmas market is the Nürnberger, which is known for its gold foil angels and locally produced gingerbread cakes. At least 375 years old, it is one of the oldest, and with over 200 vendors participating each year.

In the photo: Mena, João and Neia

Ginger project

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Nothing makes a more impressive centerpiece during the holidays than a homemade gingerbread house, mom always have a fun time doing this every Christmas, this year is not just one house but a condominium.

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:32:00 +0000

At the end of a long day after traveling from the S. Filipe in the Fogo Island to Praia in the Santiago Island and various meetings Filomena takes a break to take a photo with good friends in Cape Verde.

The future is bright

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 22:09:00 +0000

It was great to see so many young adults, some married some single getting together in a reunion to remember a time of service in Brazil, specially to see them make good choices and pursuing righteous goals in life.

When I look at this impressive group of young people I always think that the future is bright!

Titanic

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 22:37:00 +0000

While in Belfast Northern Ireland we visited the Parliament building and gardens and the The Thompson Dock which is essentially Titanic’s footprint..

At the time of its construction The Thompson Dock was the biggest Dry Dock in the world, built for the biggest ships in the world. RMS Olympic was the first ship dry-docked in this dock in April 1911, followed later by Britannic and Titanic.

History at my fingertips

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Miguel visited recently the Nauvoo Temple while he was in the University of Iowa. This Temple was the second temple constructed by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons. The church's first temple was completed in Kirtland, Ohio, United States in 1836. When the main body of the church was forced out of Nauvoo, Illinois in the winter of 1846, the church attempted to sell the building, finally succeeding in 1848. The building was damaged by fire and a tornado before being demolished.

In 1937, the Church reacquired the lot on which the original temple had stood. The Church built a temple on the original site whose exterior is a replica of the first temple, but whose interior is laid out like a modern temple. On 27 June 2002, this new temple was dedicated as the Nauvoo Illinois Temple.

Chatburn and Downham

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 23:11:00 +0000

These two villages were the scene of the most spiritual experience in Elder Heber C. Kimball's 1837-1838 mission in Britain. Here he had success and baptized dozens of people, and during his last visit in 1838 as the children walked the mile from one village to the other singing hymns and holding hands and their parents called down blessings upon Elder Kimball from their houses.

As we visited the extraordinary village of Downham, that as been preserved by it's owner's pretty much the same way it was in the 1800's you could still fell the peace of that location in the beautiful landscape of England.

Pleasant woods and plentiful springs of water.

noreply@blogger.com (Jose A. Teixeira) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:18:00 +0000

In the photo is the Town Hall of the city of Sintra, this town has remained even nowadays the "noble town surrounded by many estates, pleasant woods with plentiful springs of excellent water", referred to by various old authors.

A tourist region par excellence, Sintra is one of the most delightful places to be found in Portugal. With its extensive range of green bills with its crags - the Serra de Sintra - so picturesquely situated and offering stupendous views of the coastline with its impressive beauty, Sintra is indeed "a garden of the earthly paradise".

There is no visit to Portugal without a stop in Sintra, we spent an afternoon here walking the narrow streets and admiring the hand painted tiles.