Thursday, July 31, 2008

May We So Live

May we so live that if we died today
We'd have eternal life with the Master
Then we'd feel peace and be unafraid
When suddenly comes a disaster

When tragedy struck in 2001
Gone were well-laid out plans for pleasant futures
And all raced to their phones to speak with someone
For the precious moment of now it captures

What are we doing with today?
How fragile life. How certain death!
If only for tomorrows we pray
We're wasting away this days breath!

Tomorrows of change rarely come
Unless today we make the first step
Have we done something for anyone?
Opportunity's an endless debt!

There are words to say and gifts to give
There are souls to save and deeds to do
To extend the joy it is to live
Is to share our Lord's light all anew

As we turn from paths that lead us down
We can follow a star toward the light
As we quicken our step with courage found
Our joy's for today- in doing what's right

Can you hear the children's laughter?
Do you too have a song in your heart?
It's joy that we all should be after
That's from giving of what God does impart

For whom do we feel strongest emotions?
Surely it's not for someone we hate
For that is where we'll place our devotions
And regret is a dark friend at the gate

But, darkness can be dispelled with light
With service being the formula for peace
Those who follow the Master enjoy life
And, oh how our love for all does increase

President Thomas S. Monson
May We So Live
Ensign, August 2008, 5

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Teaching Requires Communication

Teaching requires communication
That encourages participation
And as engaged students raise up their hands
This action signifies desire to understand

Thus, permitting the Holy Ghost to teach
A personalized message best to reach
Through the use of agency one is taught
Those who are passive find they've received naught

Richard G. Scott
To Learn and Teach More Effectively
Devotional address 21 August 2007

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Knowledge is Power

Knowledge is power
In the world today
As the fullness of light does shower
Towards the dawning of a brighter day

From all that we learn
And from our talents
We can bless and help others in turn
As learning and teaching does balance

The best known resource
For truth of all kinds
Is when the Holy Ghost guides our course
And spiritual promptings light our minds

Once a thought is lit
Our senses expand
And for our eternal benefit
God's true principles we more understand

Whatever we seek
We see, hear, and feel
As we pray for promptings and are meek
The precious impressions come to avail

With paper and pen
In a secure place
As though a new path of light burst open
We write things that come before our face

We've laws to obey
To gain this wisdom
But by faith, repentance, and prayer each day
The sweet whisperings of the spirit will come
........
Richard G. Scott
To Learn and to Teach More Effectively
Devotional address 21 August 2007

A Passenger Jet Took Flight

A passenger jet took flight
In nineteen seventy-nine
To overlook the sight
Of a world white and sublime

To Antarctica and back
With preset coordinates
But, they were two degrees off track
As they descended for just minutes

The white of the clouds above
And the white of all that was below
Hid, till the panels sounded of
What was all in white- soon to show

It was too late, when they saw in terror
A volcano of 12,000 feet!
Twenty-eight miles off course from one error
Of a matter of just a few degrees!

All the passengers were killed on board
As the plane crashed into the volcano
From an error they went way off course
And became a lesson for all to know

In all our actions and all our roles
The longer it takes to get on course
The greater the distance from our goal
And come when it is too late- Oh, the remorse

When to laws we don't adhere
Irregardless of how we've strayed
The way back is certain and clear
As for us the Lord has paid

As we are agents unto ourselves
We should show gratitude for our lives
And measure our actions as one delves
Treasuring the journey as one strives

The difference between happiness
That's eternal and misery
Oft lies between our repentance
And our knowledge of mapery

A Matter of a Few Degrees
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign May 2008, 57

Monday, July 28, 2008

With Open Eyes We See More Clearly



With open eyes we see more clearly
Of Christ's light to live life fully
And as we exercise humility
We receive loving resiliency

Before us lies a grand smorgasbord
That has been placed brilliantly before
And into us, there's joy to infuse
Where do we start and what do we choose?

As we pause to stand very still
We can see and know of God's will
There's much for us that's brightly lit
If we only seek to lay hold of it

For the meek, comes the greatest gift of all
That fills the soul with joy that enthrals
It is the purest love we can know
It is charity which sets us aglow

Thoughts from reading
Search Diligently in the Light of Christ
Wendy L. Watson
1997 Women's Conference

Economy and Money Flows

Economy and money flows
Who has it now? Nobody knows

Yesterday's conglomerates
Are tomorrows desperates

Sell something, be bold or fold
Or at least take stock in gold

Read the news. What's soon to fail
Is engulfed when it's cheap to bail

From progress to improvements
Old money moves to new movements

Yet, to all can come an inheritance
That's eternal which God to us grants

Given to the chosen, though He love's all the same
It's for the righteous, who are known by Christ's name

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Pioneer Day- Poems From What the Prophets Say

In remembrance of the pioneers


With full faith in their every footstep
The pioneers forged and tempered their souls
Without the Lord, they would be inept
May we too be true, in all of our roles

Elder Wirthlin - General Conference April 1997

Kinship

We have been blessed by the pioneers
They heeded the voice of the prophets with faith.
They showed courage despite their fears
and conquered the uncertainty of fate.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Heeding the Voice of the Prophets,” Liahona, Jul 2008, 2–5


A Defense and a Refuge

After hiking as far as they could,
The apostles and the prophet stood.
High above the valley- their new home.
With God’s blessings no longer to roam.

To a walking stick, they tied a cloth.
On a high peak they waved it aloft.
As an ensign to all from the storm.
A raised standard of works to perform.

Here was "the place" that the Savior chose.
The blossoming desert, a unique rose.
Each pioneer had survived circumstance,
The cause of Zion could now advance!

The gospel message is now ours to preach
To our neighbors our example can reach.
Like the pioneers who had much from them taken.
We, through our trials, gain faith unshaken.

If we are doing the best that we can,
We can light a path for our fellow man.
As a candle placed upon a high peak
Our flame can burn bright for all who may seek.

The Lord is our refuge and our defense
For our homes and our inheritance.
We must not attack or turn flighty
But, in faith, pray to our Almighty.

-President Packer 85–88, Boyd K. Packer, Nov 2006, “A Defense and a Refuge, ” Liahona

The Passage of Time

The passage of time dims bad memories
And none too soon fades our worst worries.
The pioneer trail, where once tears fell like rain
Is now a roller coaster.... a runaway train.

For as crimes creep higher and spiral upward
Decency careens society downward
And who can escape as the ride moves faster?
This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster!

Can we muster the courage for today?
As modern pioneers can we show the Lord's way?
His path has been laid to eternity
May we blaze this trail bright with  morality!

Thomas S. Monson 'Come Follow Me," Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

The Coming Tests and Trials and Glory


We stand today on a mountain peak
Humbled for there is much more to seek
In the midst of the mountains of Israel
There's a panavision that is surreal
To gain the height we have climbed up switches
Past forests of evil where much sin stretches
Past canyons, cliffs and crags where some plummet
We have struggled and reached this high summit:

Along the way, as we upward climb,
We pass roaring rivers of hate and crime
Still, we trudge forward. Sharp rocks cut our feet
How we are leery of jackals that we might meet!
The lion's lair, serpents coiled on ledges...
What is lurking in the brush along dark edges?
Yet, far in the distance, hidden in clouds,
A morning mist on Mt. Zion enshrouds.

This Mount is the grandest peak of all
Where Heavenly angels beckon and call.
Here assemble the church of the first born!
Looking back we see the the trails they have worn.
And the view is glorious! Yes, indeed!
We can hear praise for their every deed,
As Angel Moroni flies high in the midst.
From his trump, lo- hear whispers come up from the dust.

While angelic ministrants bless, bearing keys,
What is rolling forth to fill the earth with peace?
A little stone that is cut, all, without hands
Shorn from where the house of the Lord now stands.
As the stone breaks earthly kingdom's damage
Soon, it will smite the Babylonian image.
Then Elders can cry unto these many nations,
"Repent and assemble where e'er one stations!"

We see stakes and temples dotting the ground,
Where gifts, signs, and miracles abound.
As the sick are healed and the dead are raised
And the power of God, in song is praised.
Amidst this toil and sorrowful test
Their sacred covenants strengthen and bless.
God's elect are to progress, tutored and bred
While murderers try their good blood to shed.

We see Nauvoo in flames by those depraved.
We see snow and cold and death and graves.
With a new leader t'wards their promised land
"All is Well," they sing, as in faith, they band.
They lay their all, even their lives, on the altar
And proved, though driven, they will not falter.
They heed the prophet.  Their faith is not weak.
T'wards Mt. Zion, it is God's will that they seek.

As our eyes watch all that lies below
We rejoice that there is much more to know.
With joy, we anticipate the dawn of tomorrow
Though we may face suffering and dampening sorrow.
We know we will yet face even greater perils
As we are proved and tested with our own severe trials.
May our shoes be off, when they are found
For then we stand upon holy ground.

As we ponder and count our bountiful blessings
We climb on and follow the pioneers old treadings.
Crest upon crest along their once charted course
Until, suddenly, we are hit with emotions full force.
So glorious... what we can see causes our hearts to rejoice,
For those with clean hands and pure hearts are sanctified and choice.
Yet, wretchedly, what we can see causes us to tremble,
As we weep for those who'se faithfulness had crumbled.

What wars and plagues which cover earth's kingdoms
As the wayward and worldly abuse rights and freedoms!
Even some of the elect drop to this low pattern
And fall by the wayside bruised, ashamed, and tattered!
But, the Lord's caravan must and does roll forward
To all the nations it presses onward and onward.
More and more missionaries share light and utterance
Ishmael's tribes will have their inheritance!

The now large stone breaks down the last barriers.
We can not stop, be idle, or tarry here.
For, we see saints, of the most high, worshipping
In Moscow, Saigon and in Peking
In Egypt, India, and Africa...
As contrails burst forth from America,
We see Saints of God all the world over
Standing with lights and guides that empower!

The ultimate symbol, brightly triumphant
The new generation takes a virtuous stand!
Crowned with God's power, defending His truth
We see great wisdom of those still in their youth.
This vision's not all sweetness, peace and light
There's greater evils, than at any past time.
As the Saints prepare to meet their God
Sinking depravity rides hardshod!

Hearts become heavy, full of foreboding
While liars, thieves and murderers all are found goading.
With blood, death, and carnage dark everywhere
Mankind's hearts are finding it hard to care.
Adulterers, fiends, and altered sexuals
Take the place of families as usuals.
They glorify all that is lewd and base
As the work of the Lord rolls on, more in haste.

Thus, Satan reigns in the hearts of men
and show his power with Gadiantons.
They'll fill the judgment seats of ruling nations.
They'll overthrow liberty with sedition.
Amist it all, still, there are revelations.
There are prophecies, prayers, and more visions.
There are new gifts, signs, and miracles
Yes, the Holy Spirit of God fulfills!

Amid this believing, souls are born again
Preparing for God and to dwell with Him.
Is it any wonder that we rejoice?
Amid commotion there is a still small voice.
The ungodly will be swept away from the church
As the little stone fills the whole earth.
The Zion of God will be found unmoved.
Amidst great trembling, the Mt. is best proved.

Ahead lies what's dark, dreary and dreadful.
Upon each issue we must be careful.
The blood of the martyrs will poor again
As though doors in Carthage enclose in.
We must heed the Prophet and Apostles
And let their words penetrate our auricles.
As whether in life or death, we will soon see
Our blessed Lord return nigh in Glory!

We will see New Jerusalem coming down
To join the Holy City with peace all around.
We shall mingle with Enoch's pure bright city
While we worship and serve divinity.
From peak to peak, hear the echoing strains?
"Glory to the Lord our God," we will acclaim!
We will sing the Psalms of the Restoration
And among things unlawful to even speak
Will come joy into the hearts of the faithful, meek.

Bruce R. McConkie, Ensign 1980 "The Coming Tests and Trials and Glory"


Give Heed Unto the Prophet's Words

In the promised land
During conference session,
Bad news came at hand...
"There's a stuck procession!"

Those in attendance
Gave heed, nigh at once.
Despite the distance...
They knew of storm-fronts!

They must brave their fears
Time was against them,
To save those pioneers
On the verge of death!

The blizzard stormed.
Twas terrible indeed.
Yet, rescue teams formed
For those in dire need.

In a selfless act
At SweetWater some laved.
Their faith was in tact.
They carried those they'd saved.

When the prophet called
Their love was heroic.
To serve no one stalled
Their wet clothes grew thick.

May we not forget
May we act in like kind
Those in dire need, fret
And, of those may we find

In conference we hear
What's for our best profit
His message is clear
May we heed our prophet


Give Heed Unto the Prophet's Words Elder Quentin L. Cook


"The Sabbath is a Holy Day"

On the Sabbath morning
I felt within my heart
That the Lord's day was holy
And purely set apart
As a soul that rejoices
I speak of heavenly things
Then join the choir voices
And with the angels sing

I rest from cares and labors,
The rushed duties of life,
And with my best endeavors
Reach forth to receive light.
With full dedication,
And feelings of peace and rest
There is education,
Through repentance, I'm blessed.

What I learn from a talk
I can know, "It is true!"
"This is the path to walk."
The spirit tells me anew.
I store up on wisdom.
We teach one another.
The ways of God's kingdom
Shares like no other!

As a memorial
We take the sacrament.
His life, His death, His burial
Gave us the atonement.
And this we must think on
As we partake of His emblems.
And, His ascension
Gladdens us to sing the hymns.

We ought to be careful
And partake worthily.
With tender hearts grown full
We engage more civilly.
We receive blessings
Each time that we partake.
The spirit impressing...
Of our sins, we forsake.

Now the day is not through...
As we attend more meetings.
This we do not simply do,
For that would be fleeting.
We are sustained through each calling
And need not to condemn.
The world would to find us falling
But, we are God's light for them.

In Christ, we must wash our robes
With His blood, they become white.
In heaven there will be more than probes
To see who is in the right.
We have got to arrive at
A state that is ever pure.
The spirit tell us what is fact
Thus, we can know for sure.

May the pioneers inspire.
How they traveled in peril!
The days became more dire.
They soon did not fair well.
Still, they were committed
And rested each Sabbath day.
Gods commandments are written.
Let us, too, show faith and obey.

"The Sabbath is a Holy Day", John Taylor, pg 107 Teachings of the Presidents of the Church


Mommy, Why?

Mommy, why are we leaving home
Where are we going, why must we roam?
Come, come along, my dear precious one
We are going to live in Zion
There we'll build the city of our God
Come follow me, hold my hand and come...

How much longer on the ship? I'm sick
We've traveled so long on this Atlantic
Yes, the quarters are small, the voyage too long
But, we are together. Let us sing a glad song
With faith in the Lord we will be made strong
We will soon be in Zion, where we belong...

I feel so very sick, I feel so weak
Do you see land? Please, Mommy, go and peek
Yes, you stay with Mary and hold her hand
She has been too weak to even stand
Her lips are pale and I greatly fear
She is soon to pass through this "vale of tears"...

Why must we bury her out to sea?
Can we sing a song for dear Mary?
The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away
Yes, little child, let us sing and let us pray
If we do according to God's will
He promises us we have "His peace... be still..."

Why must we walk so long and so far
Can I sit up there, high inside the cart?
We need to keep moving, just to stay warm
Come, and I will hold you under my arm
Here we must step and here we must press on
Until we reach the city of Zion...

Is this our new home, this little dugout?
Is this what Zion is really about?
This quilt can be our door, this short winter
For now all we need is a quick shelter
We have sacrificed and much we have conquered
May our trials always, truly, be remembered...

One-sixth died on the journey, there to slumber.
They endured for us! Now look at our numbers!

Thomas S. Monson, "Come Follow Me," Ensign, Jul 1988, 2


Without freedom
How can one feel safe?
Act with wisdom
Or become a slave

Noah packed up
Though others jeered
Building was tough
But freedom neared

The pioneers
Left the known behind
Despite the tears
They'd freedom to find

What is security
And a comfortable life
Without liberty
And faith to help you strive


The World Needs Pioneers Today
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON
JULY 2013, ENSIGN

Liberty is the value of individuals to have agency (control over their own actions).

We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security and freedom. 
http://www.lds.org/liahona/2013/07/the-world-needs-pioneers-today?lang=eng

Liberty - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty‎

He who sacrifices freedom for security will soon have neither.- Ben Franklin

Those who would give up Essential Liberty
to purchase a little Temporary Safety,
deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Friday, July 25, 2008

The Interviewer Beckons

The Interviewer Beckons
I have only 30 seconds
To highlight who I am
And pass this first exam

Though I'll not speak to excess
I state my name to impress
So my name will stand out
As I tell what I'm about

Where I worked, what I did
That one thing that was splendid
I am just who they need
With my schooling, yes indeed

My name, I'll say once more
Some rapport, I'm hoping for
A lead through another gate
Or ... even a hiring date!

Thoughts after being guided through "the 30 second summary"
beckon

the last definition is a fun one


verb: signal with the hands or nod
verb: summon with a wave, nod, or some other gesture
verb: appear inviting


thank you Brother Rockwood

The Things of Which I Know part 2



Our great creator with His finger wrote
God's commandments unto man
He then condescended to atone
Though the greatest, the "I am"

He who left the royal courts on high
Came to live upon the earth
And with great circumstance to try
He was born of humble birth

He healed the sick and caused the blind to see
He showed compassion unto those infirm
He raised the dead and rebuked the Pharisees
And of His love for all, He then confirmed

As He was ever only the perfect man
He suffered greatly in Gethsemane
He fulfilled the Father's perfect plan
And then in death proved His humility

Gordon B. Hinckley
The Things of Which I Know
Ensign, May 2007

I am Filled- Ever Still

From the Savior
I am filled
With more reasons
Ever still...

For in sorrows
And dark sins
I've afflictions
Deep within

And He suffered
Every one
This He did to
Overcome

With great wonder
I am filled
With more reasons
Ever still...

He descended from
His mansions
To do God's will
And to ransome

He was condemned
Unto death
And now He is
My Living breath

With His Spirit
I am filled
With more reasons
Ever still...

He dwells inside
Of my heart
And how I want
To do my part

I know He is
My Savior
And there's so much
To say more...

Though my father
Passed away
I will see him
Again someday

I've eternal
Family
And together
We will be

I'm so grateful
That God lives
And for the love
That He gives

And I am filled
Ever still
As I strive to
Do His will

Enrique R. Falabella,
“Why Are We Members of the Only True Church?,”
Ensign, Nov 2007, 14–15

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a Wonderful Recipe

The gospel of Jesus Christ
Is a wonderful recipe
For salvation and eternal life
To become what we're meant to be

The perfect dishes we see
In a joyfilled cookbook lend
A promise for following
The steps from the start to end

Every ingredient is used
From the instructions contained
And, as the flavors infuse
The desired taste is attained

If the rules are mistaken
Or if we miscalculate
The proper care is not taken
And once it's cooked- it's too late

Still, looking at the picture
There's motivation to try again
For its promise does assure
What is created in the end

When we think of eternal life
We should have a clear and true vision
We'd then yearn, no matter the strife
To work towards the goal of our mission

With faith in Jesus Christ
And in the atonement
We're baptized in this life
To do as we were meant

But, first we must repent
To have the Holy Ghost
For us it has been lent
And, how we need this host!

Cleansing water begins
Our purification
And the Spirit then lends
The best education

Doing as God commands
We have entered His gate
And made binding covenants
While the world we forsake

In the name of Jesus Christ
We walk the narrow path
With a newness of life
T'wards all the Father hath


With Christ-like service to man
We reach the fatherless and widows
By preaching His gospel we can
To others open heaven's windows

Repenting from moment to moment
We're humble and show remorse
And, too we take the sacrament
As we endure along the course

As a member we're a part
Of the body of Christ
Each with a role we're to play
On the path to eternal life

We pray and fast; and we read
From the Holy scriptures
There's exceeding joy indeed
From the visions the spirit pictures

Elder L. Tom Perry
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Ensign, May 2008, 44

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse

Some matters are so sensitive
That they are seldom mentioned
To further the distress it gives
Is not at all the intention

There is light we all can feel
Through dark clouds to see much clearer
Tenderly, may you see and heal
As to you I hold a mirror

Unrighteous acts unto the weak
Have done what's beyond belief
It's of sexual abuse that I speak
And of the path towards relief

As moral agency's missused
The tides rise with vicious sin
The one who causes the abuse
Violates all that is within

To rectify all that's unjust
Our Savior felt all our pain
And, so, the perpetrator thus
Can repent, and resolve from blame
----------------------------
I testify that the victim
Can radiate happiness
As the atonement works within
T'wards a pure love that can be sensed

There's a journey to recovery
And an end to trepidation
As there's a blessed discovery
The atonement's an invitation

He alone can share the burden
As one exercises faith
And all that once had been hurled in
Is seen and the heart does not faint

But see's the true source of abuse
The reviler of God's laws
Has been the author to accuse
And get inside with his claws

Then, to blind alleys he leads
Where like him, one thinks life's unfair
And then his strategy he breds-
With tragedy comes despair

And in his manipulation
The victim loses faith and trust
And falls to alienation
Comfortless, the heart forms a crust

But, this is not the way to live
Alone with pain too hard to bear
It's so important to forgive
For a broken heart to repair
-----------------------------
It will take a prayerful journey
For understanding of strife
And, oh how the abuser needs
To not be pious in this life...

Oh, how the abuser needs to stop
And seek to be rescued now
As sins make its way to the top
And before God we all we bow

For the healing of harm you've caused
Show the abused how you languish
For them show you've changed- not just paused
Recognize their mental anguish

Through the study of the atonement
And possibly also counseling
All can see why Christ alone was sent
And, oh the joy for this we should sing

Richard G. Scott
To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse
Ensign, May 2008, 41

The True and Living Church

The true and living church-
Is clearly not obscure
With brilliance sure and dauntless
It's light spreads out of darkness

The Lord looks upon us
And all that is within
We must repent ever thus
Or His light in us grows dim

The keys of the priesthood
Will ever lodge on earth
To heaven it seals what's good
May we more realize our worth

To show our obedience
We do what is better
With God there's no allowance
To His laws we must measure

In our hearts we do search
For each way that sustains
As servants of the church
We'll heed those God ordains

We've an invitation
To aid those discouraged
Through our dedication
Those lost are encouraged

Let's range across the land
And give to those in need
Let's extend loving hands
And more spiritually feed

And God above who sees
Will shed forth glorious light
For honoring His keys
And for doing what is right

President Henry B. Eyring
Ensign May 2008, 8
obscure implies a hiding or veiling of meaning through some inadequacy of expression or withholding of full knowledge
dauntless adjective: invulnerable to fear or intimidation
Picture of Nauvoo temple under construction
dellahill.blogspot.com/2008/02/sunday-story.html

Monday, July 21, 2008

Gaining a Testimony of God the Father; His Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost

I ponder continually
Of God and His Son
I've a testimony
How these two are one

People o'er all the world
Do struggle to know
Who's our Savior and Lord?
Does knowledge still flow?

Oft the Exemplar sent prayers
To His Heavenly Father
And the scriptures declare
Of their love for each other

Tender obedience
And glorious trust
United as one in stance
And in their love for us

The Father and Son are real
As two distinct beings
I can know what I feel
And that truth- I'm receiving

If any lack wisdom
They can search in prayer
To the humble, light will come
James 1:5 makes this clear

A witness comes from heaven
To teach us of the Son
And to Joseph Smith was given
This pattern for how it's done

First we must have a desire
That quickens our soul
Then to pray, we retire
With obedience our goal

We pray in the name of
Our Dear Savior, Jesus
As our mediator above
He has proved that He loves us

If you truly believe
With all of your heart
Then in surety you'll receive
And this is only the start...

What has been shown to me
Can be made known to you
The Holy Ghost is the key
To reveal what is true

Elder Robert D. Hales
Ensign, May 2008, 29
Gaining a Testimony of God the Father;
His Son, Jesus Christ;
and the Holy Ghost

Stance: More general:attitude, position, posture
More specific:attention, erectness, uprightness

James 1: 5
5 If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally, and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Woman, Why Weepest Thou?

Who is mourning, full of heartache
And no longer hears the bird's song?
Who suffers in sins that they make
And feels that they do not belong?

When said Jesus "Why weepest thou?"
To Mary first seen at the sepulchre
His words were for each of us here below
And, for all the ways that tears occur

When we've sorrow, pain or remorse
Or feel overwhelmed- deep in strife
We can walk in faith in our true course
O'er the rough cobblestones of life

We face what's complex on our walk
And though some have much, some have not
As we reach deep into the bedrock
We'll find the faith to do our lot

Our depth of belief is measured
In our gratitude for Jesus
When the atonement is treasured
We've greater courage and purpose

In the garden, darkness closed up
He was pressed as though in a womb
Blood, sweat, and tears- He filled the cup
He knew death, and escaped from the tomb

The first words of the risen Lord
Were for us, "Peace be unto you"
It's peace we all can afford
What's beyond this world leads us anew

James E. Faust
Ensign, Nov. 1996
Woman, Why Weepest Thou?

I Have a Message- Alcohol is Bad

I have a message
Alcohol is bad
Not even a drop
For man should be had

It wounded my heart
And killed my brother
He drove while drinking
And he killed another

This was not the start
Nor is it the end
Of my life lesson
More did descend

For he had a son
That never knew him
He had a daughter
That idolized him

My niece found a man
Just like her dad
He could beat and drink
Doing all that's bad

He killed her baby
While still inside her
And her, too, maybe
As there was naught inside her

She went back to him
With booze on the shelf
She ignored his faults
And thought naught of herself

And when he drank
It did not matter
Though she too was drunk
Her head still did shatter

There is more I've learned
Again and again
Not a single drop
I wish it would end

When I see you smile
With a raised up glass
I see only pain
While you see only class

I will leave right now
Drinking's not that fun
You may think it's cool
But, soon the bottles done

Enjoy your laughter...
Tomorrows the day
When my brother died
What more can I say?

When you are sober
And are able to walk
I have a shoulder
And an ear if you'd like to talk

Do you have control?
Then you are lucky
As others cannot
And, I think that is sucky

The cost for each pour
Does not seem enough
For it is much more
For body bags to stuff ($50.)

A comment I have sketched
(For I like to draw)
While my heart was wrenched
I put it on a straw

Soon these words reached
Unto every glass
Before you entertain to sip
Please say "no thanks, I think I'll pass"


For all the babies
Who too had to drink
Can you please pour this
Down the nearest sink?

For all the drivers
Who've been hit and died
Please remember them
And their last joyful ride

For those who've been raped
And for all who've been abused
Can you please turn away?
And leave the drink unused

For the homeless children
Who've naught where to go
Please hear their crying
May your love for them now grow


Who knows but drama?
There's a better life!
Full of promise
Though not without it's strife

You have to want it
And put away the past
With your eyes straight ahead
To the future, they should cast

There is a message
Inside a bottle
It says drink, drink, drink
But, don't taste a jottle

There's Joy to End All our Worries

There's joy to end all our worries
The atonement has taken place
All iniquities and injuries
With His help, we can face

When we're drowned in sin's we're dealing
The Lord has strength we can borrow
When we repent there is healing
And we are saved from our sorrow

Our Lord is equitiy, truth and grace
Full of mercy and long suffering
He patiently wants to embrace
May we partake of His offering

Each soul and body will be restored
And those who've risen above tribulation
Will be washed in the blood of the Lord
And will wear the robes of salvation...

Part two to Why Weepest Thou
President Faust

Saturday, July 19, 2008

When We're Grief Stricken

When we're grief stricken
With a wayward child
May our hearts quicken
Unto love that's mild

We'll not wring our hands
With no way to cope
For we understand
And we ever hope

Although satan lulls
Our loved one to sin
We've been given tools
For attack- to win

The path is simple
And we're not helpless
For, we'll not crumble
We've Christ to enlist

We have perspective
And we know of grace
God is protective
When to Him we race

Our faith must lengthen
Whene'er we are tried
As then we're strengthened
And we're sanctified

The heart knows not rest
Till each temple day
The name is addressed
By all those who pray

We'll fast for success
Sealed to a promise
Though there is distress
Our loves not amiss

We've faith in Christ's name
For He's redeemed us
And He can reclaim
With power that's just

When it's the right time
And it's the right place
Our wayward child
Will see the lord's face

Thoughts after reading
Rescuing a Wayward Child
Larry Barkdull
http://www.ldsmag.com/rescue/080716rescue.html

Our Lord's Love for Us is Perfect

Our Lord's love for us is perfect
And He's forseen our potential
When we do His will, we dedect
Blessings from above that's torrential

May I write down what He has done
How I have grown to be like Him
When I've loving actions like the Son
I am learning who I really am

We Live in Troubling Times

We live in troubling times
I'll pay it not much heed
There's much to do and find
With the Savior who does lead

Rise Up and Be Counted

Rise up and be counted
We've high morals and purpose
With the Lord we've mounted
And integrity's in us

We'll reach a critical
Crossroad often- as there's strife
But, it's not difficult
When we've the Lord in our life

We can't hide who we are
As it shines from within us
We've unseen strength and power
That's given from our Lord, Jesus

Stand up and search your soul
Be identified as one
Who's immovable in his role
Come, be a follower of the Son

Stand Up and Be Counted
President Faust
New Era Aug 1990, 4

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

See the End from the Beginning

We can see the end
From the beginning
As with hearts we tend
To righteous living

If we trust the Lord
And learn to obey
We are in accord
For a chosen way

The priesthood we bear
Is a force for good
We extend God's care
And do as He would

When we're positive
And self- disciplined
We've freedom to live
And with laws we blend

God's hand's over us
He knows what's latent
There is much to trust
That's beyond this moment

We have potential
And God knows each strength
What is essential
To reach high at length?

For the Strength of Youth
Gives temple standards
We must live its truths
To our core innards

Though we are challenged
With uncertain times
We're not discouraged
There's work, as one climbs

Doubts we entertain
And frustrations too
Help Satan to reign
Our ears are his tool

He whispers "give up,
You will not succeed"
But, that's not enough!
We know God does lead

We know we must learn
To follow God's will
For this we must yearn
For this we must thrill

The Spirit tell us
Whom we should follow
Our Beloved Jesus
Our Lord, we'll all know

May we recognize
Our need to convert
The atonement buys
We must not revert

Immortality!
Plus eternal life!
Principality
Bought with all our strife

It is for this end
That we can see now
May our heart now tend
To what God would to endow

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign May 2006

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

A Sense of the Sacred

I sense what is sacred
While in God's holy house
With quiet shoes, I tread
Wearing hose, skirt and blouse

Not to seem of stature
But, clothed to revere God-
I'm His, it's my nature
To groom without facade

Holiness to the Lord
It reads on the temple
I'll avoid what's abhorred
His home, I'll not trample

I'll not be immodest,
Sloppy or casual
I want to be impressed
With what is spiritual

And, on His holy day
I'll wear my Sunday best
In a way it does say
I'm thankful, and I'm blessed

I want to look the part
As a Latter-Day Saint
His spirit fills my heart
And, it cannot be restrained

Some things deserve respect
As well as some events
I've reverence for our Prophet
As, our Lord, he represents

I've also reverence for
The scriptures, they are God's word
I use them, they're not ignored
When He speaks, He should be heard

The day I was baptized
Everyone dressed with care
And the day was more apprised
From this reverence they did share

As I became washed clean
As the newest member
As a new Saint I am seen
And I dress to remember

I choose to walk with grace
In our Savior's footsteps
As I long to see His face
I'll abide in His precepts

And as I practice reverence...
Some things are so sacred
Words... in a trust that is immense
...In my heart they're kept instead


Elder D. Todd Christofferson
A Sense of the Sacred
CES November 7, 2004

Preach the Gospel

Preach the gospel
Unto all people
Teach what is true

Be Thou humble
And fill the temple
There is work to do

Come and unite
With oil for light
Awake and watch keep

Do what is right
The goal is in sight
Call in the lost sheep

Keep the mind pure
There's help to endure
Great blessings await

There is treasure
Of greatest pleasure
On the path that is straight

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Preach My Gospel



Preach my gospel
Unto the people
Give them my love
And Father's above

Help them to know
My waters still flow
Teach of my ways
And how best to pray

Those that hear it
Will feel the Spirit
Which testifies
That I hear their cries

As they begin
To reach towards heaven
They'll find treasures
Within in the scriptures

Please be my voice
The rest is their choice
Bless you my son,
From the Beloved One

Friday, July 11, 2008

We Are Daughters of Heavenly Father

We are daughters of Heavenly Father
And we offer Him our obedience
We've divine nature, as His daughters
Which is reflected in our countenance

We walk in virtue and understand
A chosen peculiar person has worth
Our dignity shows in how we stand
And we've retrenched to arise and shine forth

To be the worlds one bright shining hope
We have been called to be immovable
We've power, love and sound minds to cope
Combined, our strength is incalculable

You will find us standing on high ground
For we've drawn a line where we will not go
We have shown our line to all around
And hope for others to come see and know

We have our own style that protects us
As our time's not spent looking like the world
Our dress is modest and free from fuss
And, we're comfortable when our posture is curled

Our temple grounds are constantly groomed
To reflect the sacred spirit inside
And as daughters of God, how our light blooms
When we're good on the inside and outside

Elaine S. Dalton
Arize and Shine Forth
BYU Women's Conference 2004

retrench- to cut down, to reduce or diminish,
to curtail, or to economize
"Retrench in everything that is bad and worthless, and improve in everything that is good and beautiful"- Susa Young Gates, MIA, Deseret News, 1911

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Washed Clean

When our conduct is based on values
We're on a path filled with light
As we put the Lord's doctrines to use
Our hope grows through new insight

The gospel can change behavior
Quicker than any behavioral study
With the first we've hope to be pure
With the latter truth's matter is muddy

It is truly exhilarating
To ask and become spiritually cleansed
We are consoled. It is liberating
When we are not harrowed up by our sins

Just as we are obedient to laws
There are laws for ordinances too
The gospel can wash us of flaws
With values that cleanse and renew

Boyd K. Packer
"Washed Clean"
Ensign May 1997, 9
Best baptism poem ever

Boyd K. Packer penned this:
Washed Clean (Friend, Apr. 1999, inside front cover)
If we could only understand
All we have heard and seen,
We'd know there is no greater gift
Than those two words-"Washed clean!"

Alma 36:17-19
17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

Modesty Starts in Your Heart

Modesty starts in your heart
Where the spirit can take part
It's more than what's on your skin
As it is all that flows within

It is music and dancing
Love's courtship, romancing
It is wholesome and tasteful
It is respectful and chasteful

It's not cleavage and armpits
And bare waists and high slits
What is underneath won't show
As you bend, reach up and throw

It is not having to straighten
Pick at, pull or rebutton
While with another you're visiting
What it shows, is you are interesting

It is not flaunting the curves
And watching who observes
It is feeling alive and grateful
While not being disdainful

It is recognizing worth
And enjoying life on earth
Not just because we have bodies
But for the knowledge it embodies

I pulled these thoughts together
after reading lds mormon network
comments on modesty

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

The Bitter Cup

The bitterness in the cup
Caused His body to shrink
He would that He not sup
But, as the Father wilt, He did drink

While trembling from all the pain
He bled from every pore
Our pain will be the same
If we void what He remitted for

Oh, that we might not suffer
But repent with sins denied
With His Holy Spirit to buffer
We can become clean and sanctified

thoughts after reading
G.G. Vandagriff's
Taking the Cup of Christ
Click on the title the Bitter Cup to read the article
Meridian Magazine

Press Forward with Steadfastness in Christ

The road is difficult
The journey is long
When the winds tumult
I'll not drift from my song

For with hope grown brighter
I will anchor my soul
So, I'll step lighter
And spring towards my goal

I have faith in the Lord
That He leads my day
With armor and sword
For His will, I will pray

I'll not murmur or faint
For I am steadfast
As a Latter-Day Saint
On my Lord, my eyes cast

2Nephi 31:19, 20
19And now, my beloved brethren,
after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path,
I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you,
Nay; for ye have not come thus far save
it were the word of Christ with unshaken faith
in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him
who is mighty to save.
20Wherefore, ye must press forward
with a steadfastness in Christ,
having a perfect brightness of hope,
and a love of God and of all men.
Wherefore, if ye shall press forward,
feasting upon the word of Christ,
and endure to the end, behold,
thus saith the Father:
Ye shall have eternal life.

Ether 12:4
4Wherefore, whoso believeth in God
might with surety hope for a better world,
yea even a place at the right hand of God,
which hope cometh of faith,
maketh an anchor to the souls of men,
which would make them sure and steadfast,
always abounding in good works,
being led to glorify God

with thanks to:
"Press Forward with a Steadfastness in Christ"
2 Nephi 31-33 By Maurine Proctor
click on above title to go to Meridian Magazine

Monday, July 7, 2008

A Common Thread for Priesthood Holders

We've common thread, we're priesthood holders
We've the power to act in God's name
A sacred trust, to worthy shoulders
And much is expected from this claim

We've opportunities that await
There's a heavenly inheritance
We've seen a glimpse while in this estate
As with His power, we're mighty to advance

On a pathway with forks and turnings
We've obstacles, pitfalls, and snares
We've courage, for "no" on these journeys
As there's a destiny and we've shares

The call for courage comes constantly
And requires that we oft say "yes"
The Prince of Peace pleas, "follow me"
For, there are souls in need, we're to bless

We're strong in our faith and fear not
To stay pure, it's become apparent
That when we've misstepped we should "get out!"
And be led by a wise parent

The Lord's with us on the paths we take
We'll not cower, but show dignity
We've been promised He will not forsake
We'll not affront, but live decently

We've bravery to die manfully
As we'll face all opposition
We'll not compromise to those unruly
We'll master and reposition

We'll touch the hearts of those we serve
While time marches our duty calls
Our hands will raise up God's torch with verve
While we're blessed from His heavenly halls


Thomas S. Monson,
“The Call for Courage,”
Ensign, May 2004, 54

Introduction- Preach My gospel



Preach My Gospel
Is a book that's flexible
Read all the stories
For in them principles are seen

Rise and commit
To pray and seek the spirit
Much lies before
There's suggestions where to find more

Prepare every day
Rehearse what you will say
There are many lessons
That will answer basic questions

Also, there are quotes
And, margins to write your notes
Before your very eyes
Your testimony will gently rise

Daily make a record
What you learn from the Lord
Memorize a scripture
Let it be a lifetime treasure
Best wishes to you on this endeavor

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Press Forward and Be Steadfast

We've a gift for our journey
And it helps us be steadfast
God's aware of all our yearning
Unto Him our eyes are cast

Let us not look back with longing
But, press forward full of faith
We can see where we are going
As towards Him, we turn our face

Though resistance blows more fiercely
We shall gain experience
Our goal does not come simply
But, we quest for excellence

There's a light that's shining brightly
In our eyes for all to see
May we be strong and mighty
As Moroni- may we be

He had perfect understanding
He was also firm in faith
May we rise to each new landing
As each steep hill we embrace

Alma 48:11-13
11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man;
he was a man of a perfect understanding;
yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed;
a man whose soul did joy in the liberty
and the freedom of his country,
and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell
with thanksgiving to his God,
for the many privileges and blessings
which he bestowed upon his people;
a man who did labor exceedingly
for the welfare and safety of his people.
13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm
in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn
with an oath to defend his people, his rights,
and his country, and his religion,
even to the loss of his blood.

Elaine S. Dalton,
“Press Forward and Be Steadfast,”
Ensign, May 2003, 105

What a Joy to Have a Prophet

What a joy to have a prophet
We are privileged to be taught
May his words to us now uplift
May we follow as we ought

Here the joy is universal
As we're spirits of our God
Now the gospel's in dispersal
May we sing hymns to our God

We've been blessed by pioneer Saints
They showed courage through the years
Following the prophet with faith
We feel kinship with their tears

Our Lord's redeemed every human
And His work has been unfurled
Now the gospel's reaching to them
By those around all this world

God speaks with a perfect clear voice
Through His watchmen on the towers
He calms fears and our hearts rejoice
As we're blessed with love He showers

There's a balm in Gilead assured
As we become diligent
Through the prophet, we are encouraged
May we do as we've been sent

May we learn wisdom and order
And find within given strength
Peace will be a lovely border
When we've the Lord close at length

2 Nephi 31:3
3 For my soul delighteth in plainness;
for after this manner doth the Lord God
work among the children of men.
For the Lord God giveth light unto the
understanding; for he speaketh unto men
according to their language, unto their understanding

Mosiah 4:27
27 And see that all these things are done
in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite
that a man should run faster than he has
strength. And again, it is expedient
that he should be diligent,
that thereby he might win the prize;
therefore, all things must be done in order.


Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
“Heeding the Voice of the Prophets,”
Liahona, Jul 2008, 2–5

The Bar is Rising



Continually, the bar is rising
For the missionaries prepared to serve
Surprisingly, there's no downsizing
As we've plenty and they show great verve

The message can not be memorized
As from the scriptures the truths will come
And a testimony must burn bright
So it can be shared with that special one

And may they see through your example
How to humbly pray and know for themselves
Then nothing can weaken or trample
The plant grown where one continually delves

Sanctify Yourselves

Brethren, Be clean
Who are the Lord's vessels
Be sanctified
And ready to act
There is a war
And where you stand is crucial
As we need you
With your priesthood intact

Priesthood bearers,
With emblems of God's power
Flee temptations
And follow righteousness
Come some moment
Unknown 'til that hour
We need your hands
For you've power to bless

Please don't leisure
To where there's diversions
Wrestle with God
As did brother Enos
Engage yourselves
In the clean excursions
There's much to face
As the world's against us

Do not adopt
Neutral ground to battle
The force afield
Knows each square inch taken
They rush headlong
May your faith not rattle
You've the Lord's power
We shall not be forsaken

Be strong, be clean
And revere your priesthood
Prepare, and bless
And pass the sacrament
In your labors
May you choose what is good
As physicians
May you go where you are sent


Jeffrey R. Holland,
“‘Sanctify Yourselves’,”
Ensign, Nov 2000, 38–40

Joshua 3:5
5 And Joshua said unto the people,
Sanctify yourselves:
for to morrow the Lord will do
wonders among you.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

To Cleave

Along the coasts of Judea near to Jordan
The people came to be with Christ and resort
And, as He was wont, He taught them again
From the Pharisees' questions, He asked a report

They asked, "what of a spouse that is put away?"
He answered them by asking what Moses did
"He wrote bills of divorcement," one did say
Then, Jesus responded with words purely candid..

"In the beginning, God made male and female
Then, when a man leave his father and mother
He should cleave to his wife with all that entails
That, they twain shall become one flesh joined together"

He added that "no man should put them asunder
But, because of hardness of hearts- there's a bill"
What happens then? One is given to wonder
A higher law of marriage, would He instill?

As later, amongst the disciples, he explained
That a man who puts away his wife for another
Or a wife who puts away her husband for another
Commits adultery- what then?... is unexplained


In the Latter-Days, the truth has been restored
We've learned how precious a marriage really is
As we receive the counsel of the Lord
We can be eternal families and be His

As the husband learns to provide and preside
And bear the priesthood to bless and to serve God
So, too the wife heeds the spirit for her guide
To rear up children upon a righteous sod

The institution of marriage is brilliant
Though Satan would to confuse with disruption
A couples love can be proved resilient
As they look to each other for resumption

Are there situations meriting divorce?
As doubts lead to mistrust and then contention
When intimacy's broken, is there recourse?
Perhaps, if both hearts swell in distension
And seek tender mercy at its truest source


There is a promise to those who have been sealed
May they return to the temple oft to pray
There, contention can be balmed as well as healed
Where the break becomes strong to cleave a new way

Mark 10
6 But from the beginning of the creation
God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his
father and mother, and cleave to his wife.
8 And they twain shall be one flesh:
so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together,
let not man put asunder.

cleave- come or be in close contact with;
stick or hold together and resist separation;
a powerful action word meaning to adhere closely

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Her View of Life Had Now Become Marred

A child has so much to investigate
When we've an answer, we should not hesitate
And when there's a question about faith
A parent can pray for the right thing to say

A window opens and lightens the mind
And a new discovery one can now find...
Here's an example from my dinner meal
When my daughter confessed how she did feel


Her view of life had now become marred
She asked why life had to be so hard?
How can I, a parent, on this shed light-
And provide God's viewpoint to give her insight?

I drew the gravitational pull
Through prayer, this object lesson became my tool
I showed tugging from two great forces
That do shift us unto opposing courses

One is as black as the darkest night
From what's dim we progress to the brightest bright
We move in stages t'wards either one
And light increases like the stars, moon, and sun

We can each become Christ's disciple
And lead others to light through our example
But as one converts unto what's bright
Satan will jerk back to tempt, frighten, and fight

Those who are an investigator
Need to be warned of this instigator
Satan holds a great chain in his hand
Desiring to capture poor souls who can't withstand

When darkness surrounds to devour
We can pray it depart through heavenly power
As we journey towards an increase
We grow in strength for we've not moved with ease

When we're baptized, we sacrifice
Our sins- of which Satan would to us entice
This is the first level on our path
Towards all that Heavenly Father hath

The path to the Father has been perfectly paved
Through the works of the Son and His grace we are saved
I can picture the Savior running t'wards me
In His eagerness to shine His light for me

As He calls me, there's more He does teach
And, I've His splendid light more within my reach
He's there waiting till our day is through
With sanctification, after all we do

In Christ, we can become perfected
And from Satan's grasp we can be protected
The Holy Ghost is our special guide
T'wards spiritual muscles where the light resides

Our whole bodies can be filled with light
As with singleness we keep God in our sight
We can't substitute our Father's love
We're either being pulled below or more above

A member starts with light like the moon
With phases of reflected light in bloom
As it is borrowed- the tests will come
We need our own access to the brightest sun

This comes through our temple endowment
We’ve passed through the orbit where we circumvent
And we vow to show dedication
Through a life of service and consecration

In this bright light we see each weakness
To motivate us and not move us to bleakness
As we learn from more and more mistakes
Our heart's softened to do whatever it takes

Oh, that we could love as our Lord does
To feel sorrow and empathize just because
Both are but two sides of the same coin
Where a depth of love for people and Christ join

When we've this much light, we are God's friends
Not as servants but followers to the ends
Like still waters, His peace will run deep
And, we'll sense that "glorious thought, I am with Thee!"

Bruce C. Hafen
A Disciple's Journey
Devotional Address
5 February 2008

To Let Go

To let go is to sense
And not live in pretense
I've my own faults to see
My own set of shortcomings

To let go is to do
To conquer and subdue
And when I would to seethe
I will relax and just breathe

To let go is to tell
What will set me to dwell
For when I would to fret
I will ask "have I prayed yet?"

To let go is to stand
With dignity at hand
When others need rescue
My support is not askew

To let go is to hear
With a listening ear
It's a need I can address
I'll offer prayers and fear less

To let go is to know
We've each areas to grow
To let go is to trust
We've each a path to Jesus

To let go is much more
There's so much to live for
There's hope for those who thirst
With God's help, as He's put first

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The Captain of the Soul- Invictus/ The Soul's Captain by Elder Orson F. Whitney

Invictus by William E. Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The Soul's Captain [The Answer]
by Elder Orson F. Whitney
of the Quorum of the Twelve
Art thou in truth? Then what of him
Who bought thee with his blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood?
Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but him could bear.
The God who died that man might live,
And endless glory share?
Of what avail thy vaunted strength,
Apart from his vast might?
Pray that his Light may pierce the gloom,
That thou mayest see aright.
Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree.
Thou, captain of thy soul, forsooth
Who gave that place to thee?
Free will is thine — free agency
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto him
To whom all souls belong.
Bend to the dust that head "unbowed,"
Small part of Life's great whole!
And see in him, and him alone,
The Captain of thy soul

He's Been There Before

He's Been There Before by Elder Troy Whittle
The alarm bell rings at 6:30, I stumble to my feet
I grab my companions bedding and pull off his sheets
A groan fills the room, is it already time to arise?
It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes

The morning activities follow- study, prayer and such
When it's time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven't accomplished much
"We have a super day planned," My comp. says with a grin
I lowly utter a faithless breath, "Yeah, if anyone lets us in."

With the word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the street prepared to
Face another day of humidity and heat
It's 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through
My champion and I are riding home not accomplishing what we thought to do

We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot
Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate "air Box"
We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete
The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet

It's past 10:30 p.m. My companion is fast asleep,
Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep
In the midst of sadness, I kneel down to pray
I need to talk to father, but I'm not sure what to say

"Oh, Father" I begin, "What happened to us today?
I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away
My hands, my aching hands- worn, hurt and beat;
If our area was any smaller, we'd have knocked every street"

"Why on missions are the days so much alike?
The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike
Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me
I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes, it's very hard to see"

"Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn't your protection enough?
People always laugh at me, and call me stupid stuff
Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack
I want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back"

"And what about my family: They don't have much to say
I'm sick of not hearing from home day after day after day
Oh Father, Why am I here am I just wasting time?
Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my mind"

"My companion, Heavenly Father, what are you giving me?
"The way he rides his bicycle, I don't think he can see
Now you have it, I can't go on, I don't know what to do
That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for you"

My prayer now finished, I stand up, then jump right into bed
I need my rest for tomorrow, we have another long day ahead
Sleep start to overtake me, I seem to drift away
Then it seems a vision takes me to another time in another day

I'm standing alone on the hill. The view is very nice
A man walks to wards me and says, "My name is Jesus Christ"
Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet
"Arise," He states, "Follow me to the shade. You and I need to speak"

My attention's towards my Savior, total and complete
He says, "Your mission is similar of what happened to me
I understand how you feel, I know what you're going through
In fact, it would be fair to say I've felt the same as you"

"I even know how you felt when no one listened to you
At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do
I know you don't like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be sweet
Just remember the donkey I rode wasn't equipped with 21 speeds"

"I understand you don't like sweating, in fact it's something you hate
I remember when I sweat blood from ev’ry pore, oh the agony was great!
I see you don't like your companion- you'd rather have someone else-
I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth"

"It's hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you
I remember when they put thorns on my head and called me King of the Jews
So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack
I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back"


"Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day
I guess when they pounded nails into mine, I ached in a similar way
It's hard not to hear from home when your family's not there to see
I lost communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

"We have a lot in common, but there's a difference between us you see
I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me"
He embraced me with His arms and His light filled me with His love
With tears in my eyes I watched as He went back to the Father above

I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head
I listened and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed
My companion let out a groan, "6:30 already, no way!"
I sat up and said, "Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures today!"

No matter what we go through, when we feel we can't take more
Just stop and think about Jesus Christ, He's been there before
By Elder Troy Whittle
Texas Houston Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

These poems are my own thoughts and impressions as I study the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints

I encourage you to read from the Book of Mormon and the standard works, and listen to modern day prophets, also, that your mind and heart might be touched.

Kelly Miller

153 Countries Visited! June 2015


Global Statistics
Visits from 153 countries registered.
No.CountryDate of Last VisitPercent & Number of Visits ↓
1
United States
June 15, 2015
82.86%25,281
2
United Kingdom
June 14, 2015
2.61%795
3
Canada
June 13, 2015
2.42%737
4
Australia
June 13, 2015
1.81%551
5
Philippines
June 14, 2015
1.35%412
6
New Zealand
June 14, 2015
0.99%303
7
India
June 14, 2015
0.79%241
8
Brazil
June 14, 2015
0.58%176
9
Germany
May 15, 2015
0.49%151
10
Mexico
June 3, 2015
0.40%121
11
South Africa
June 8, 2015
0.34%105
12
Russian Federation
Apr 20, 2015
0.26%80
13
France
June 3, 2015
0.21%64
14
Malaysia
June 5, 2015
0.14%44
15
Czech Republic
Apr 17, 2015
0.14%42
16
Pakistan
Mar 21, 2015
0.13%41
17
Spain
Apr 28, 2015
0.13%41
18
Italy
June 8, 2015
0.13%39
19
Netherlands
May 28, 2015
0.12%38
20
Europe
June 11, 2015
0.11%35
21
Indonesia
May 18, 2015
0.11%35
22
Cote D'Ivoire
May 17, 2015
0.11%35
23
Japan
Apr 17, 2015
0.11%33
24
Singapore
May 28, 2015
0.11%33
25
United Arab Emirates
Apr 25, 2015
0.10%32
26
Argentina
Apr 27, 2015
0.10%31
27
Korea, Republic of
Feb 1, 2015
0.10%31
28
-
May 10, 2015
0.10%31
29
Thailand
Apr 5, 2015
0.10%30
30
Ireland
May 19, 2015
0.10%29
31
Jamaica
June 1, 2015
0.09%28
32
Turkey
June 14, 2015
0.09%28
33
Trinidad and Tobago
May 18, 2015
0.09%26
34
Sweden
May 8, 2015
0.09%26
35
Guatemala
May 5, 2015
0.08%24
36
Denmark
May 10, 2015
0.08%23
37
Saudi Arabia
May 1, 2015
0.07%20
38
Nigeria
Apr 4, 2015
0.07%20
39
Hong Kong
Apr 18, 2015
0.07%20
40
Colombia
May 29, 2015
0.07%20
41
Chile
Mar 23, 2015
0.06%19
42
Finland
Mar 25, 2015
0.06%19
43
Taiwan
Mar 28, 2015
0.06%18
44
Romania
May 17, 2015
0.06%18
45
Fiji
Feb 27, 2015
0.06%17
46
Ghana
May 8, 2015
0.06%17
47
Belgium
May 30, 2015
0.05%16
48
Switzerland
Apr 12, 2015
0.05%16
49
Poland
Apr 6, 2015
0.05%15
50
American Samoa
Apr 10, 2015
0.05%14
51
Ecuador
Feb 23, 2015
0.05%14
52
Serbia
Mar 10, 2015
0.05%14
53
Austria
Apr 8, 2015
0.04%13
54
Senegal
Nov 24, 2014
0.04%13
55
Norway
June 1, 2015
0.04%13
56
Uruguay
Aug 18, 2014
0.04%12
57
Peru
Apr 13, 2015
0.04%12
58
Portugal
Apr 6, 2015
0.04%12
59
Kenya
Oct 29, 2014
0.04%12
60
Tonga
Dec 9, 2014
0.04%11
61
Dominican Republic
Mar 12, 2015
0.04%11
62
Hungary
Feb 16, 2015
0.03%10
63
Guyana
Apr 28, 2015
0.03%10
64
Bangladesh
Jan 19, 2015
0.03%9
65
Algeria
Feb 5, 2015
0.03%9
66
Kuwait
Mar 30, 2015
0.03%9
67
Egypt
Apr 4, 2015
0.03%9
68
Belize
May 8, 2015
0.03%9
69
Costa Rica
Feb 4, 2015
0.03%8
70
Bahamas
Jan 9, 2015
0.03%8
71
Israel
Feb 27, 2015
0.03%8
72
Ukraine
Jan 24, 2015
0.03%8
73
Asia/Pacific Region
June 9, 2015
0.03%8
74
Honduras
Feb 6, 2015
0.02%7
75
Cyprus
Mar 21, 2015
0.02%7
76
Guam
Apr 10, 2015
0.02%7
77
Greece
June 2, 2015
0.02%7
78
China
Dec 16, 2014
0.02%7
79
Panama
Apr 7, 2015
0.02%6
80
Morocco
Mar 3, 2015
0.02%6
81
Sri Lanka
Sept 28, 2014
0.02%6
82
Iraq
Feb 25, 2015
0.02%6
83
Togo
June 6, 2015
0.02%6
84
Botswana
May 7, 2015
0.02%6
85
El Salvador
Apr 23, 2015
0.02%5
86
Vietnam
Oct 30, 2014
0.02%5
87
Cook Islands
June 3, 2015
0.02%5
88
Bulgaria
Oct 27, 2014
0.02%5
89
Lithuania
June 23, 2014
0.02%5
90
Slovakia
Jan 19, 2015
0.02%5
91
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mar 23, 2015
0.02%5
92
French Polynesia
Nov 23, 2014
0.02%5
93
Bahrain
Nov 11, 2014
0.02%5
94
Slovenia
Jan 16, 2015
0.02%5
95
Grenada
Mar 10, 2015
0.02%5
96
Qatar
Jan 15, 2015
0.02%5
97
Saint Lucia
May 8, 2015
0.02%5
98
Puerto Rico
Feb 27, 2015
0.01%4
99
Tunisia
Jan 23, 2015
0.01%4
100
Malta
Mar 22, 2015
0.01%4
101
Croatia
Jan 20, 2015
0.01%4
102
New Caledonia
Jan 13, 2015
0.01%4
103
Barbados
Apr 29, 2014
0.01%4
104
Azerbaijan
Jan 14, 2015
0.01%4
105
Moldova, Republic of
Nov 29, 2014
0.01%3
106
Lebanon
Feb 11, 2014
0.01%3
107
Zimbabwe
July 23, 2014
0.01%3
108
Benin
Feb 19, 2015
0.01%3
109
Antigua and Barbuda
Aug 1, 2014
0.01%3
110
Isle of Man
Dec 20, 2014
0.01%3
111
Bhutan
June 8, 2015
0.01%3
112
Venezuela
May 14, 2014
0.01%3
113
Georgia
Mar 3, 2015
0.01%2
114
Namibia
Oct 22, 2014
0.01%2
115
Armenia
Jan 12, 2015
0.01%2
116
Virgin Islands, U.S.
June 20, 2014
0.01%2
117
Jordan
May 19, 2015
0.01%2
118
Mozambique
June 23, 2014
0.01%2
119
Uganda
Aug 4, 2014
0.01%2
120
Marshall Islands
Jan 28, 2015
0.01%2
121
Mauritius
Feb 20, 2015
0.01%2
122
Oman
May 12, 2014
0.01%2
123
Curacao
Apr 29, 2015
0.01%2
124
Sierra Leone
Apr 26, 2015
0.01%2
125
Samoa
Nov 1, 2013
0.01%2
126
Saint Kitts and Nevis
June 30, 2013
0.01%2
127
Macau
July 18, 2014
0.01%2
128
Albania
Aug 17, 2014
0.01%2
129
Dominica
Mar 12, 2013
0.01%2
130
Ethiopia
Jan 8, 2015
0.01%2
131
Estonia
Mar 20, 2015
0.01%2
132
Cape Verde
May 27, 2013
0.00%1
133
Cayman Islands
July 27, 2014
0.00%1
134
Cambodia
Sept 16, 2013
0.00%1
135
Myanmar
July 18, 2014
0.00%1
136
Lesotho
Jan 12, 2013
0.00%1
137
Mongolia
Mar 14, 2015
0.00%1
138
Zambia
Apr 22, 2013
0.00%1
139
Montenegro
Nov 19, 2014
0.00%1
140
Kazakhstan
Jan 9, 2015
0.00%1
141
Nicaragua
May 29, 2014
0.00%1
142
Paraguay
Mar 10, 2013
0.00%1
143
Haiti
Feb 1, 2015
0.00%1
144
Timor-Leste
Feb 21, 2013
0.00%1
145
Iceland
June 20, 2014
0.00%1
146
Aruba
Jan 9, 2014
0.00%1
147
Liberia
Jan 3, 2014
0.00%1
148
Northern Mariana Islands
Oct 9, 2014
0.00%1
149
Gibraltar
Jan 27, 2014
0.00%1
150
Swaziland
June 16, 2014
0.00%1
151
Jersey
Mar 30, 2013
0.00%1
152
Niue
Nov 30, 2014
0.00%1
153
Latvia

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