Three Roads by Rick Miller

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
But in my case there were three -
Apologize. Or escalate.
Or perhaps, just let it be.

You Just Lost One...

Satan,
You just lost one
Truth be told
You have not won
Your lies grew old

Eyes do open
Unto the truth
There lies heaven
Good works- the proof

Jonna - Puppets (The official music video)

A beautiful voice was made
For being virtuous and chaste
In stylish clothes she displayed
How a modest woman shows taste

Grace and Peace Be Unto You

Grace and peace be unto you
Is my prayer, always with joy
In that good work yours to do
Which stirs my heart to rejoice

In defense of the gospel
You add to and confirm
The goodness of God's people
That unto my salvation doth turn

Whether it be my life or death
In naught I'll be ashamed
I will witness to my last breath
For me to live is Christ, to die is gain

Phillipians
Paul was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote to the Philippinians.
There is another poem I wrote based on Paul- Grace to You and Peace

Sharing takes Action

Sharing takes action
A whole into parts
Pieced for subtraction
As each then imparts

Cut to the heart
That's what you do
It is like art
Slicing through

One cut per count
But, you can cut right through
If your total amount
Can be divided by two

If not... do your best
Choose your slice last
Slicing equally is a test
Thus...the slices go fast

For some want a lot
Others... they're slender
Me...well I forgot
Licking my finger

What? I woke with this poem running in my head? It must have been the pizza- or was it the pie? All I know is I wrote it on a napkin under my empty glass. Hummm, what makes you thirstier than pizza? I teach we are all scientists. The conclusion is- I am still thirsty!

Whatsoever

Whatsoever is true, honorable, or just
Pure, lovely, or found virtuous
These things are excellent and worthy of praise
And we seek after these things for the rest of our days

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Articles of Faith 13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

The Second Coming - Jon McNaughton

In the light of a new year
Something warms each heart
There's feelings of good cheer
And resolutions start

It all began with Thanksgiving
As offering thanks enlarges us
Then, with love, comes Christmas giving
And our hearts grow more generous

Now is the time to search and build
A heart that's truly deep
Mending what inside can be healed
What, through neglect, fell fast asleep

For fear distracts and grasps us hard
Eating our time so much we stumble
Fear is the habit I shall discard
This year, I will strive to be more humble

From long months of storing and eating well
It is time to ponder life and fast
That Christ's gift inside of me might swell
Filling my soul with joy to ever last

When Jesus comes again to earth
I hope that He shall find
Multitudes filled with rebirth
With hearts selfless and kind

Let us Wait on Him

Let us wait on Him
For renewed strength
And begin again
With resolve to strain

Let's run and not be weary
Going to bed when we should
To be found not fainting
Living health laws ever good

Isaiah 40:28-31

¶Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

He Kept His Word

Have you not known
Have you not heard
That Jesus alone
Keeps His good word

Isaiah 40:28-31

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall erun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Wait on the Lord

Wait on the Lord
Walk in His name
Trust in His laws
And upwardly aim

pondering new years resolution

what do you think the scriptures mean by wait on the Lord?
Does it mean be patient?
Or serve Him?


Isaiah 40:28-31
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall erun, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

For Unto Us A Child Is Born

He lived
He walked
He gave
He talked

Truly
He is
The Son
Jesus

Perfect
In all ways
Humbly
All His days

Stretch Yourself and Smile

Stretch yourself
And form a smile
It will help
When trials pile

here is a poem based on an article
The Golden-Rule Smile By Kathleen Krause Carrington
Kathleen Krause Carrington, "The Golden-Rule Smile", Ensign, Aug. 1989, 24
click on the above post title to go directly to the site
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and in remembrance of Christmas shopping

I worked the checkout
The Express- that day
Inside I wanted to shout
Each time there was a delay

All night I found it hard
To keep the customers flowing
A man fumbled with his card
As the line kept on growing

Patiently I smiled
Hi, I said and called him by name
The groceries behind him piled
He wished me well... and I him the same

Once he could not hear me
I apologized for him too
When I'm old one said goldenly
I hope to know a teller like you

God Carries the Weak

God carries the weak
And lifts them to others
Bonding the meek
Eternally as brothers

The Best Sermon

The best sermon
Ever once made
Was by the Lord on
Laws that won't fade

Given to the humble
To be highly impressed
Stirs one to tremble
By the love He expressed

He knows every heart
And what lights the mind
He would that we part
From what's dark to find...
He would that we start
To be purely meek and kind

Let us Set our Sails to the Wind

Let us set our sails to the wind
And let the Spirit lead
As one faithful to the end
Let us listen and heed

The Scriptures are the Word of God

The scriptures are the word of God
Here He teaches of His plan
Through His prophets He speaks to all
Lighting our minds to expand

When I read, I know who I am
I'm encircled with His love
I want to serve and obey Him
And return to Him above

I know when I pray, He is there
Through His Son who leads the Way
God hears and answers every prayer
Oft He gives me words to say

Pondering the Primary 2011 theme

New Year's: Look Not behind Thee

Look not behind thee
But unto the new year
Aim high and be happy
Move forward with good cheer

What is waiting
Is part of God's plan
Patiently
Take Christ by the hand

Yesterday is gone
And can't be called back
Tomorrow's our song
There is a right track

We have a Savior
Who helps us repent
The path to the future
Is the atonement

It is time to leave
Our old ways behind
Have faith, hope, believe
There is newness to find

Be not as Lot's wife
Who lived for the past
When given new life
To the known she did cast

So soon she forgot
Each heavy old fault
It was forward or not
Thus she turned...poof.. but to salt

This hit me in a profound way. We just came back from California to see family for Christmas. We started to question our decision to move. When we have so much to be
thankful for. I can see God's hand in making our burden lighter to carry. We have a house in California that for 6 months we have been trying to sell. two and a half times more expensive than what we are living in. Yet we are able to keep up with the payments. We are being blessed and have jobs. But, literally, the grass looks greener- than here in the desert. The bottom line really is- where does God want us to be?

the origin of the thought Look Not Behind Thee comes from Elder Holland's talk
Remember Lot's Wife
Brigham Young University Devotional, January 13, 2009: (click on post's title to go directly to article)
http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/56453/Elder-Jeffrey-R-Holland-Remember-Lots-wife.html


"It is Luke 17:32, where the Savior cautions, "Remember Lot's wife. "

Hmmm. What did He mean by such an enigmatic little phrase? To find out I suppose we need to do as He suggested. Let's recall who Lot's wife was.

The original story, of course, comes to us out of the days of Sodom and Gomorrah when the Lord, having had as much as He could stand of the worst that men and women could do, told Lot and his family to flee because those cities were about to be destroyed. "Escape for thy life," the Lord said, "look not behind thee . . . ; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed" (Genesis 19:17).

With less than immediate obedience and more than a little negotiation, Lot and his family ultimately did leave town but just in the nick of time. At daybreak the morning following their escape it says, "The Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities" (Genesis 19:24-25).

Then our theme for today comes in the next verse. Surely with the Lord's counsel "look not behind thee" ringing clearly in her ears, Lot's wife, the record says, "looked back," and she was turned to a pillar of salt.

In the time we have this morning I am not going to talk about the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, nor of the comparison the Lord Himself made to those days and our own time. Nor am I going to talk about obedience and disobedience. I just want to talk to you for a few minutes about looking back and looking ahead. "

The One I Marry

Oh, the one I marry will have to be
The one Heavenly Father has in mind for me
He knowing the beginning from the end
Is the designer of eternal friends

I pray that he (she) and I will equally know
That our love from Heavenly Father doth flow
May faith and trust ground us well from the start
That our love may grow deeply in the heart

Thus, the one chosen for me
Comes, almost, familiarly
A bit, perhaps, of my Mom and Dad
The best connections I ever have had

It is like gainging a testimony of love
How perfect one is...given from above
The differences- how they make a nice blend
As blessings for each other, gifts in the end

love-
Is it a match, a spark
A flame to dim and grow dark
Or is it a connection
Spiritual for detection

Promising more as the windows of heaven outpour
That individually we each have been framed for
Unto a mirror where lies the future and past
A place to remember promises forever cast

When We Speak

When we speak from the heart
The Spirit imparts
Giving us words to say
Blessing us as we pray

A Prayer Group

When in prayer we are gathered
God promises to be there also
Before uttered, the words are heard
As, from Him, what we say oft flows

As we are all in need
There is so much to say
Humbly, on our knees
For each other we can pray

Should we pray by rote
That is not come of spirit
Only the walls take note
Naught is there to hear it
-----------------------------
Should we pray for pay
Who then might advance?
Naught brightens much that way
As to another prayers go askance

How then shall we pray?
But in our Lord, Jesus' name
For He is the Way
And our Savior to all the same

To pray is to keep in touch
With our maker, our Father above
He has blessed us oh so much
Always... let us pray and thank Him, with love

When we speak from the heart
The Spirit imparts
Giving us words to say
It is a blessing to pray

Matthew 18:19-20 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Pondering prayer, wishful thinking, prayer sites, etc.
First- How do we pray?
Where do the words come from?
In whose name do we pray?

I joined a prayer group a long time ago. We were of several churches. I went to support a friend. We would read from the scriptures. Talk about faith, believing that our prayers would sustain each other in our trials. We would each take turns praying for one another, in faith and love. I believe you can pray for strangers. I also believe words are given us to say. It is a time of humility. We offer prayers in Jesus' name and according to the will of God. If we turn to a web site for our prayers to be answered, who are we putting our faith in? There is the heart of the question. We can put God's word before us and come to know and speak with Him- personally. I testify of that. He hears and answers prayers- oft times through other people. But, always He is to whom we pray and the words come of Him to say. We are His children. He is our Heavenly Father. I know that.

I would like to share what we as a church have as "prayer groups". We begin and end all meetings with prayer.
*We open (invocation) by inviting the spirit, giving thanks for our country, its people, missionaries, and those serving our country. We ask prayers for blessings to be upon our leaders (both of our country and church) and ask that the speakers be blessed and that through the spirit we might receive their words.
*We close (benediction) by thanking Heavenly Father for the spirit felt and the words that have touched our hearts and that His spirit might continue with us as well as the thoughts and impressions we have felt. We pray over the needs of others and ask that we travel home in safety. We pray to be mindful of others.
*Our prayer groups consist of: family prayer in family home evenings, all church meetings, home teaching ( two men of the priesthood who are assigned to give a message from the First Presidency and look after the needs of certain families), visiting teacher ( two sisters assigned to look after the needs of certain sisters), etc.
*We pray as a ward, stake, or specific group. We pray in our home, church, temples, etc. It is a privilege to pray to God above and we can take the opportunity to do so at any time.
*I often pray over all that is immediate to me. My family, job, callings, etc.
Prayer is circular. We pray out of need and gratitude- the more we pray the more we are aware of needs and find more to be thankful for. It is a warm blanket of security (peace) and love. Everything can be going wrong and we can just put it into God's hands and know that He is there and we are in His tender care. Sometimes in the worst trials we feel the closest to Him. And that is all that matters....

Lighting the Earth

Lighting the earth
Superb and grand
Jesus brought us worth
We're born of His hand

Condescending
Hethe brightest by far
Come of heaven
He is our bright star

To earth He when born
The sign soon was made
A bright star then formed
Glory was laid

Brilliant, aglow
Upon the wee child
A lamb, forth to go
Perfect and mild

To shepherds angels came
Praising in throng
Declaring His name
Concoursing in song

The shepherds went to see
Light glowed... on Him shone
Swaddled... a baby
Their news to make known

To earthly kings
This night was dismissed
Heaven's offering
Was starlight kissed

Who'll come and worship
Our Savior today?
Who in discipleship
Will preach: "He lights the Way!"

Seeking the Best Gift

Seeking the best gift
That never would wear out
I searched much to sift
And know what you're about

From whom I'm a part of
I desired what would last
Even eternal love
Where there's purpose and a path

Achieving Oneness

Achieving oneness
Is all on us
Through the atonement
Of one- Jesus

His offer stands
As through a door
If we raise our hands
To meekly implore

Differences are Strengths

Differences are strengths
To reach at and define
A chord of greater length
Is stronger when entwined

What Comes of Pride?

What comes of pride?
But agony and pain
For it's a weighty ride
When in sin you gain

Home Teachers

Call your Home Teachers
Let your invite be said
Show them you are eager
To be spiritually led

Once the message is told
Let them offer a prayer
Upon your household
Putting you under God's care

Frustration and Anger

Frustration and anger
Must not accuse
For there lies the danger
As words oft abuse

The Bottom Line

The bottom line in all things
Is to feel the Spirit each day
For then inspiration brings
Solutions to improve the way

Come! Let us Wait Upon the Lord

Come! Let us wait upon the Lord
And seek what only faith can afford
With hands and hearts let us reach out
And find what, through service, lies richly about

Good vs. Evil

Evil deeds are done
In darkness and shadow
Contrasting with the sun
Lest someone see and know

Goodness born of truth
Lifts us with delight
Glowing bright as proof
It has come of light


John 3: 16-21

Every Good Gift

Every good gift
Comes from God above
To bless and uplift
And fill us with His love

Our Light Comes But of One

The tide in constant flow
Lies subject to the sun
And we to the Son know
Our light comes but of one

A Smile

A smile, a touch
Having time to talk
Truly means so much
As we daily walk

Humility is the Switch

Humility is the switch
That turns God's power on
Ever pride and faith conflict
As in meekness we're made strong

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Pride and Humility
Ensign, November 2010

Pride is the switch that turns off priesthood power. Humility is a switch that turns it on…Some suppose that humility is about beating ourselves up. Humility does not mean convincing ourselves that we are worthless, meaningless, or of little value. Nor does it mean denying or withholding the talents God has given us. We don’t discover humility by thinking less of ourselves; we discover humility by thinking less about ourselves. It comes as we go about our work with an attitude of serving God and our fellowman

Hold on a Little Longer

Hold on a little longer
With the Lord you will survive
He will help you to be stronger
And be thankful you're alive

Adversity...
Is what we all must face
But with faith we've eyes to see
There's Light and Spirit to embrace

When things look bleak
Know and remember this-
Christ- you can always seek
For you are forever His

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Hold on a Little Longer
Ensign, Jan. 2010, 4–8

.
http://lds.org/ensign/2010/01/hold-on-a-little-longer?lang=enghttp://apostlesandprophets.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/hold-on-a-little-longer/

It may be hard to see that at times, but hold on a little longer, for “eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” and wait for Him (1 Corinthians 2:9; see also D&C 76:10; 133:45).

I bear witness of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the truth of this, His Church. I testify with all my heart and soul that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son and stands at the head of this great Church. We have a prophet on the earth again, even President Thomas S. Monson.

May we ever remember the lesson of Kirtland and hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25).

They Gave Up Their Christmas

The gift of Christmas isn't wrapped in things
It is found as you put people first
Serving others for the joy it brings
Remembering those who hunger and thirst

Who'll freely help the Lord's vinyard
Pruning it well on Christmas day
Storing up for those who'll be hit hard
When a disaster comes their way

This is my gift to the Christ child
It brings great joy to my heart
Giving to Him from my time
Unto others, doing my part

I have worked this vinyard! The rows go on forever- it seems on the hottest summer day. Taking hours for large groups to get to the end. You go out early and hope to end before noon. Inevitably you'll cut a finger- or worse find a spider. You'll hear members talking all around. When a ward finishes early- they don't leave- but go on to help. Some have traveled well over an hour to get there. They come in small numbers and work the hardest. It is not easy laying down the grapes. You cannot step near the paper. It will make a deep footprint and if that rare rainstorm comes the rain will puddle and not run off. The grapes will mold. It is a day to remember!
Now, to go out in the winter- there is fog or frost. Only the men go- I thought. And on Christmas Day. That is amazing!

Seeking Christmas

Christmas isn't wrapped in a present
Nor can it be bought in a store
Yet, freely we feel it more present
As we treasure the birth of our Lord

We can be like the shepherds
And be eager to seek Him out
We can be as wise men in the desert
Following His star, as one devout

We can find this day on a child's face
As we re read to him (her) of our Lord's birth
His Spirit and love is there to embrace
Testifying warmly- we are of worth

For Christmas Eve

For Christmas Eve
Let's join together
And from each home leave
Despite the weather

With scarves, hats, and gloves
Let's go caroling
To share in the love
Christmas does bring

Bring a small bell
I've music sheets, and maps
A delightful smell
This year... hot cocoa perhaps?

We'll visit Steve
He'll be all alone
Our last stop this Eve
I'd better phone

I'll do the planning
Traditions are fun
And great for sharing
The Light of the son

Merry Christmas

Major New Study of Religion Has Much to Say About Mormons

Major New Study of Religion Has Much to Say About Mormons

The Famous

Those greatly famous
Are worthy of mention
Though it's only Jesus
We revere for perfection

Surely, we receive our call
Through gifts He has given us
And pride is that long fall
When we forget they're placed in trust

Always, let us pray
For each other, and all nations
Following our Lord each day
Where ever we may station

The judge in a courtroom
May he determine what's right to do
The celebrity entering a room
Let's give them the respect that's due

Let us give each credit
For what buds within
And not delete or edit
Because of their sins

When one of us falters
Let's offer prayers not fetters
Working to get past the matter
While saying "you can do much better!"

Famous Mormons

Let me introduce you
To who Mormons are
They are people of faith who
Follow Christ as their Star

They believe in being honest,
True, benevolent, and kind
They strive to be virtuous
And serve all of mankind

Their humanitarian aid
Flows unto all lands
Their lay people are unpaid
They've charity at hand

They love their family
And want them for always
They're Christ's Saints, happily
Seeking to do as He says

By their works ye shall know them
Come, watch, and be thankful
And towards them soften
They're good citizens. Be grateful

Can those who are famous
Stay worthy of mention
Only our Lord, Jesus
Can claim perfection

Always, let us pray
For each other, and nations
Following the Jesus each day
Where ever we now station

Here is a list
Just to mention a few
Whom we notice
Who've good works they do


I've only met two
How many have you?
Steve Young
Andy Reid
Mitt Romney
Harry Reid
Orrin Hatch
Julianne Hough
Marie Osmond
Gladys Knight
Martha Hughes Cannon
Philo Farnsworth
Stephanie Meyer
Jean Eastwood
Archuletta
Orson Scott Card
Steven R. Covey
Kay Whitmore
Russel M. Nelson
James H. Quigley
Kevin B. Rollins
David Neeleman

Unashamed

Stiffen, not slacken
Your spiritual spine
Testify as a lion
Saying "I KNOW" each time


The Prophet Joseph Smith was a remarkable gospel teacher, in part due to his thirst to learn. He could hold the attention of thousands for hours while he preached the truths of the restored gospel. President Brigham Young (1801–77) described the Prophet’s inspired teaching ability: “He took heaven, figuratively speaking, and brought it down to earth; and he took the earth, brought it up, and opened up, in plainness and simplicity, the things of God. … Did not Joseph do the same to your understandings? Would he not take the Scriptures and make them so plain and simple that everybody could understand?”1

Elder Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) recorded an occasion when the Prophet’s extraordinary teaching ability influenced thousands in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “A very large church was opened for him to preach in, and about three thousand people assembled to hear him. Brother Rigdon spoke first, and dwelt on the Gospel, illustrating his doctrine by the Bible. When he was through, Brother Joseph arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power, bearing testimony of the visions he had seen, the ministering of angels which he had enjoyed; and how he had found the plates of the Book of Mormon, and translated them by the gift and power of God. He commenced by saying: ‘If nobody else had the courage to testify of so glorious a message from Heaven, and of the finding of so glorious a record, he felt to do it in justice to the people, and leave the event with God.’ ”

Elder Pratt continued: “The entire congregation were astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. A lasting impression was made; many souls were gathered into the fold.”2

Jay E. Jensen, "The Prophet Joseph Smith, an Extraordinary Teacher", Liahona, Jan. 2008, 30–36

thoughts from reading:
http://sethadamsmith.blogspot.com/2010/11/unashamed-to-be-mormon.html

The Centerpiece

Fastened with golden ribbons
Draped along just so
The ornaments and pineboughs
Set the lamp aglow

The centerpiece now bright
Warmed each heart to bind
Unto that holy night
And the baby...ours to find

The night was filled with music
We recreated the ancient scene
Wearing robes, sheets, and tunics
As by this lamp Jesus was seen

Seth Adam Smith's Blog: The Book of Mormon - Deliver Us

Seth Adam Smith's Blog: The Book of Mormon - Deliver Us: "I've had a lot of requests to repost this video. It's one that I made in 2007 about The Book of Mormon. The video is set to the music 'Deliv..."

God does delivers us
This history has taught
With miracles if we trust
But, first, He has to be sought

Awesome Christmas Music Clip! Very moving and powerful!!!

Thinking of Mary
With no place to lay
Her burden to carry
How this must have weighed

Thinking of Joseph
His role to provide
He must have felt inept
As he kept by her side

What could they offer
The Christ child this night?
Lowly to suffer
In a place without light

The animals were there
The place was unclean
But, through God's tender care
A star was soon seen

Light must have wrapped them
In both love and peace
Warming them from heaven
Their fears must have ceased

http://lds.org/topic/christmas/

http://lds.org/topic/christmas/

Christmas Message from Missionaries

No matter where we're from
The message is the same
The promised child did come
And Jesus is His name

The Greatest Gift

Thanks be to God
For His unspeakable gift
Oh, wonderous awe
He is able to lift


2Cor 9:15

What Touches my Heart Stirs me to Write

What touches my heart
Stirs me to write
To sketch out in part
That bloom of delight

Thankfully, to find
Much with new eyes
Lighting the mind
To enrich and apprise

There is room still
For color and scheme
To experience and feel
What leads one to dream

The Family is a Nursery

The family is a nursery, hospital, and school
A building block raised for the golden rule
It is a refuge, a place of leisure and rest
And from here society finds the very best

Margaret Thatcher, when she was prime minister of Great Britain, expressed this profound philosophy: “The family is the building block of society. It is a nursery, a school, a hospital, a leisure centre, a place of refuge and a place of rest. It encompasses the whole of the society. It fashions our beliefs; it is the preparation for the rest of our life.” In Nicholas Wood, “Thatcher Champions the Family,” The Times, May 26, 1988, 24.

photo-work provided by Chris Collins of the Margaret Thatcher Foundation

Barefoot in the Snow

Barefoot in the snow
A boy peered through a window
There were so many shoes
Any pair- he would choose

He prayed...would God hear?
Soon a woman came near
Seeing him shivering and cold
Quickly shoes were sold

She washed his feet, gave him socks
Extra pairs were put in a box
In wonder, he looked up and asked,
How his prayer was heard so fast

She just smiled and walked away
Warmed by the boy on this cold day
She must be God's wife at last he thought
And called out, "Please tell God, THANKS... a lot!"


from an email title: Are You God's wife?

Swiss incest push demonstrates where marriage compromise leads

Swiss incest push demonstrates where marriage compromise leads

WHAT?


Plugging in words like "core values"
And "non-discrimination"
The Swiss Green Party now moves
To decriminalize incestual relations

What happens when we compromise?
The slope slips down another notch
Let this be a lesson before our eyes
And commit to always be on the watch

To the Sunshine of my Life

To the sunshine of my life

How I love you so

You are my eternal wife

And you set my world aglow


Inspired by an email from Dr. Stan- Today is our wedding anniversary! So, to honor the "sunshine of my life," I'm giving you a gift of 10% off my vitamin D products: Primivia D and Primivia D5. These are great for helping your immune system and giving you the sunshine that is difficult to get during the winter months. You can order these on my website, by clicking on the present. Merry Christmas and enjoy the sunshine, even if you have snow. Dr. Stan



get timely information on healthy alternatives: stangardnermd.com

Christmas Food Court Flash Mob, Hallelujah Chorus - Must See!

They raised their voices
Full...in surround sound
How my heart rejoices
I feel so proud

awesome

In the Candle's Glow

In the candle's glow
Children learn to talk
Opening up to show
The trail they daily walk

Focus on the Family is looking for stories that strengthen family and...donations that will be generously matched to doubly bless others.
https://mystory.focusonthefamily.com/

Look to the Light

One cannot contain
The tears in cleansing flow
As through repentance gained
Christ's love comes pure to know

From the darkest hole once in
He lifts the sinner out
Unto brightness to begin
A changed life with Him about

Come awake from darkness
Unto light and love
Our Lord has the warmest
And biggest grizzly hug

In the Lonely Vigil of Helping Others See

"I am the light of the world, no follower of mine shall ever walk in darkness."

In the lonely vigil
Of helping others see
We've a lovely candle
For bright company

Burning bright within
Is our Savior's Light
Bringing us to Him
If we choose the right

Ours to burn always
And share high upon a hill
So, those who know dark days
Can find Him through us still

Ours to speak of warmly
Unto all who will hear
Ours to welcome freely
If their hearts will come draw near.

Thank you Pam Mills for the thoughts

Book of Mormon - Pepsi Commercial Spoof!

What is a smile worth?
Well I just found mine
Your joyful outburst
Was quite a find

Newest Apostle Song Video 2009

The Apostles come from
Such varied lives
What have they in common?
Their testimony of Christ

Christmas Song From The Elders

With what memories are made of
Missionaries bond
Through service, sacrifice, and love
That's above and beyond

Mormon missionary does the Charlie Brown Dance

A moment caught in time
A new talent discovered
No matter how you try
It now cannot be smothered

Mormon Missionaries doing the HAKA

Embracing culture
Missionaries
Grow and mature
Where ever they tarry

At the Heart of the Family

At the heart of the debate
We ask, "what is rational law?"
Is it what society can tolerate
Or rather what is best for all

Children do best on every measure
When raised by their mother and father
Marriage is an institution to treasure
As it provides stability like no other



"At the heart of the debate is whether marriage as between a man and a woman benefits society and is therefore a rational law. We know the answer to those questions is undoubtedly "yes"--as well as the fact that kids do best on every measure of well-being when raised by their mom and dad. Not only do children benefit from marriage, though: couples who are married are much more likely to be healthy and financially stable."

"We fully expect that this case will eventually find its way to the U.S. Supreme Court and become a landmark case on the issue of marriage. We will continue to keep you updated on the case's progress and how it could impact your family and what your children will be taught about marriage in public schools."

"Thank you for your prayers on behalf of marriage and for our elected officials in Washington. "

For faith and family,

Tom Minnery
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Policy

He is the Reason for the Season

Christ's birth is the reason
For the Christmas season
Of all the billions born to earth
He alone could prove our worth

Half human, half immortal
His genes were a miracle
Perfectly made for sharing
He was without spot and purely caring

He alone will stop wars and bring peace
To all lands- even the Middle East
Delivering Earth for the righteous
Unto a state- paradiasical, thus

Spiritually, we can journey
To His time of nativity
Unto the place of Bethlehem
And offer our hearts unto Him

pondering
A Child is Born
by W. Jeffrey March

In This Season called My Life

In this season called my life
I treasure the words of Christ
Amidst storm, darkness, and strife
There is safety, love, and light

Ecclesiastes 3:2

Major religious leaders release statement supporting true marriage | LifeSiteNews.com

Major religious leaders release statement supporting true marriage | LifeSiteNews.com

We join together and affirm
Our commitment ever firm
That marriage is a union
Of one man and one woman

Naturally
The family
Is fundamentally
Good for society


“Marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. As such, marriage is the natural basis of the family. Marriage is an institution fundamental to the well-being of all of society, not just religious communities.”

“As religious leaders across different faith communities, we join together and affirm our shared commitment to promote and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman.”

The release of this letter happened the same morning that oral arguments on the Proposition 8 case began. In August, Judge Vaughn Walker had ruled California’s Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional, based in part on the claim that defining marriage as between a man and a woman lacked any rational basis, and instead reflected nothing but religion-based hostility to homosexual persons. This ruling has been appealed and its hearing is scheduled for today, December 6.

“Today is the moment to stand for marriage and its unchangeable meaning. We hope this letter will encourage just that,” Archbishop Dolan said.

“The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment” is being circulated nationwide

He sends a Child

When God has a mission
To be fulfilled
So long is His vision
He sends a child

When He was ready to send
His Only Begotten to Earth
First He sent Him a friend
To proclaim of His worth

From one womb to the other
A witness was felt
Proving to each mother
Who in them developed

pondering
A Child is Born
by W.Jeffrey Marsh
Author of Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration

First Presidency Offers Christmas Wishes to the World

First Presidency Offers Christmas Wishes to the World

Seeking that bright star of Bethlehem
There is no better time than now
To let the Light of Christmas in
To linger long after the tree is down


pondering the wonderful First Presidency
Christmas devotional
and the special gift we have of
an updated lds.org- I love it!

And...my Christmas tree isn't up yet-
This is a busy season and I am thankful
to be teaching at a school that has a
"Christmas Sing Program!"

Don't Cross Christ Out Of Christmas

While the year is nigh to sleep
Hearts glow warm with Christ's light
For as to the new babe we seek
We find hope, peace, joy, and life

If we were to cross His name out
The earth would become dim
Peace would change to doubt
For we would be lost without Him

Let us share how much this pains us
And with the angels sing
Proclaiming our love for Jesus
And how He means everything

This Christmas Let their be More

This Christmas let there be more
Joy in the eyes of children
Not by what comes from the store
But from that which lights up the heavens

Let there be more peace in our homes
Feeling close ties to those we love
Following what charity imparts
Through more prayers to God above

This Christmas let there be less
Loneliness and sorrow
Harsh words that cause distress
And less despair felt for tomorrow

Let there be less bitterness, hate
Quarreling, and strife
Less ill wishing another's fate
And less wasting of life

And at the end of the day
When all is said and done
Let us remember to pray
And give thanks for the Son

Let His name be said
With respect and awe
As through Him we are led
On a path towards God

The Spirit of Family

Our youth would quickly fall away
If we did not teach them how to pray
If they did not understand
Our Heavenly Father's plan

What more can we do?
To nurture them anew
But let them know they belong
And we need them to be strong

Speaking with love and respect
As the Holy Spirit directs
We can show them happily
The joy of home and family

visiting teaching message December

"Without nurturing, our rising generation could be in danger of becoming like the one described in Mosiah 26. Many youth didn't believe the traditions of their fathers and became a separate people as to their faith, remaining so ever after. Our rising generation could likewise be led away if they don't understand their part in Heavenly Father's plan. So what is it that will keep the rising generation safe? In the Church, we teach saving principles, and those principles are family principles, the principles that will help the rising generation to form a family, teach that family, and prepare that family for ordinances and covenants—and then the next generation will teach the next and so on. As parents, leaders, and Church members, we are preparing this generation for the blessings of Abraham, for the temple."
"We have the responsibility to be very clear on key points of doctrine found in the proclamation on the family. Motherhood and fatherhood are eternal roles and responsibilities. Each of us carries the responsibility for either the male or the female half of the plan. We can teach this doctrine in any setting. We must speak respectfully of marriage and family. And from our example, the rising generation can gain great hope and understanding—not just from the words we speak but from the way we feel and emanate the spirit of family." Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president.
Our Responsibility to Nurture the Rising Generation
Ensign, September 2010

Like the Shepherds of Old

We, like the shepherds of old
Need to say within our hearts
"Let us see this thing which is come to pass!"
Which from heaven to us imparts

Then, let us glorify and praise
The Holy One once in the manger,
In the temple, on the mount, on the cross,
And never be found a stranger

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Can We See the Christ
Ensign, December 2010, 4
First Presidency Message

The First Fall of Snow

The first fall of snow
Enchantlingy drifts
Unto a new world to know
And magically uplifts

thoughts from:
The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of a world and wake up in another quite different, and if this is not enchantment then where is it to be found?
J. B. Priestley

Challenge Your Thoughts

Challenge your thoughts
They're not always true
Doubts and fears oft
Influence them too

For the brain never sleeps
And collects what it finds
Grooving pathways deep
From formed habits of mind

How we self talk
Replays freely to share
It is time to balk
And replace what is there...

Watch what you read
Prepare what you'll say
Thoughts are but seeds
To feed a new day