Sunday, January 29, 2012

Be an Example

Be an example, 
In both word and deed.
With warmth, then sample
All that is good indeed.

With brightness felt inside
The Light of Christ shines about,
Your conscience is your guide,
And where you stand, there is no doubt!

Sunday, January 22, 2012

The Temple Lifts Us Exalts Us and Stands as a Beacon for All to See





The temple lifts us, exalts us, 
And stands as a beacon for all to see
Yes, it points us towards celestial glory
Our goal for eternity

At the temple:
The dust settles from our view
The fog and haze clearly lifts
We can find our way anew
Past our problems to life's gifts

The temple is a peaceful, sacred place, 
Set apart from the burdens that we know
We find solemn covenants to embrace
Here the blessings of family sweetly grow

The baptismal font rests on 12 oxen
Like unto Israel's days long gone
The opportunity for us has been given
To do the work for our kin passed on

In ordinance room we can review
God's plan of happiness for us
Here we gain sweet impressions, too
Such that tears or words cannot express

The Celestial room is but a glimpse
Of eternal families, living in love
From the peace and  harmony one can sense
The presence of the Father and the Son, above

In the temple we wear the brightest white
Symbolically, to show purity
Temporarily we leave the world behind
And experience serenity


All I could remember from a talk today was the fog lifts.  I googled this and went straight to the source.  Isn't the internet wonderful?  Click on the above title and it should take you directly to lds.org...


"The temple lifts us, exalts us, stands as a beacon for all to see, and points us toward celestial glory."

"At the temple the dust of distraction seems to settle out, the fog and the haze seem to lift, and we can ‘see’ things that we were not able to see before and find a way through our troubles that we had not previously known."  President Boyd K. Packer

If a Man Die- Shall He Live Again?



If a man die
Shall he live again?
Or shall he just lie?
Is this the end?

Now, what do you suppose?
Do you know Jesus Christ?
In surety, He arose
To give us all new life

This victory was made
He atoned for us
Overcoming death in days
He resurrected, thus

Full of life and breath...
All that was required He kept
He opened the gates of death
And awoke those who slept

Now is a time to prepare
For that great and dreadful day
When at our past we'll stare
And confess- He is the Way


He offers us peace and rest
If we repent and turn
To Him- How we are blessed!
So listen well... and learn!

pondering...
The Victory over Death
President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, Apr 1997, 2     If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14)





Seven Times Seven

This is a song written by Rick (Miller) to me- the tune lost I am afraid- for now

When you came into my life
You turned it into a corner of heaven
And I'd marry you all over again
Seven times seven

Then you said you'd be my wife
The love was so freely given
And I'd marry you all over again
Seven times seven

Time passed by
And the weeks soon turned to years
Filled with so much joy
There were hardly ever tears

Yes your love grew strong
Who had any need for fears
Hand in hand we'd walk
As a golden future nears

Loving you has been so easy
I just know that I've been blessed
Cause it seems I do so little
And then you do all the rest

Such a special love like yours
Is worth believin' in
Yes I'd marry you all over again
Seven times seven

This has to be the best Valentine's poem a wife could ever receive.
He has written me so many sweet poems... they are posted under his name and love poems.

Happy Valentines everybody!

We Were

We were wed for thirteen years
When you went your separate way
My heart was broken, drenched in tears
But I am better off today

      By Rick Miller
We have been married for 13 years tomorrow!

Healing does come
Pray we don't forget
How growth is won
If, in time, we let

From Long Ago- He Knows

Long ago... 
Our sins were placed
Upon the Lord
To be erased
And ransomed for

Each burden too
Was greatly pressed
Perfectly weighed... to know,
Through pain... impressed

Not as the world
But through the Spirit
His love unfurls
As we seek Him

Let not pride 
Block the way
Never hide
From a chance to pray

Look to and receive 
What is already there
From that long ago eve
When we were placed in His care

Every loss we feel
Each dark, lonely thought
He knows they are real
For, of us, they taught

Ours it is to learn
The narrow way
To look up and turn
To God... and pray

He waits with hope,
Answers, and more
He sees the full scope
As our Savior

Unto our Father, thus
He will help us grow
All we need, He offers us
Line upon line to know

Pondering
You Matter to Him

You matter to Him
From long ago
He sees what's within
To truly know

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Do NOt Drop the Ball




Do not drop the ball
Consider those who've passed
Give to them your all
Give them the gift that lasts


Gordon B. Hinckley,
“Don’t Drop the Ball,”
Ensign, Nov 1994, 46

Friday, January 20, 2012

Courage to Stand Alone



Sanctify the Lord in your hearts
Be ready always to speak
According to how the Spirit imparts
Offering up hope...as one meek

When the time comes to stand up
Let there not be any doubt
That the world could not have enough
Of good men with good works about

Be courageous and prepared
Stand alone- help others rise too
Have faith- do not be scared
And let the gospel shine through you
...There is ever so much to do

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The Pace Gets More Intense

Life's pace gets more intense
As the race narrows to win
Measuring each instance
Against the will to reach the end

For every long step of the way
I hope you will be by my side
The victories of today
Help me to increase my stride

Pondering Mitt Romney's rush letter for contributions.


Why Earth Has a Magnetic Field


The magnetic field protects us
From the harmful rays of the sun
One more sign of God's perfect plan
Truly endless is His wisdom!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Celebrate Life



Celebrate life
Embrace grace
Champion the plight
Of the unborn race


Concerned Women for America
imagine with me for a moment the incredible power 25,000 Statements of Support for the Unborn being presented to pro-life members of Congress will have while the walls of the Russell Building reverberate with joyous cheers from pro-life citizens all celebrating God’s great gift of life...
March for Life rally on January 23.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

One Thing I Have Noticed




One thing I have noticed
Is kindness never hurts
In fact it often opens
Hearts as love inserts

Together with the Bible




Together with the Bible
The Book of Mormon teaches us
How to live the gospel-
Through love for man and Jesus

I want to have more confidence
That He might speak through me
I want that grand experience
Of gathering His sheep

I lost my scriptures which had notes from cover to cover-
all my years of institute!  Hope they went into good hands.  I MISS them!
thoughts from

 "The Book of Mormon—a Book from God” by Elder Tad R. Callister


The Sky is the Limit


The sky is the limit
With emotional IQ  (a)
Learn, feel the Spirit
And enjoy longevity too

In a word emotion is motion
EQ equals success  (b)
With new lifestyles in action
You will be at your best!

In the frontal lobe here lies
Morality, spirituality,
The ability to analyze,
And choose your destiny

The frontal lobe impaired
Lacks foresight, empathy,
You’re hostile-  you’re scared
And of good judgments…there aren’t any

Caffeine overdrive
Offers false starts
Drugs and alcohol
Suppress what this lobe imparts

Vegetables, grains
Fruits and nuts are best**
The sweet tooth wanes
With clear thoughts, we’re blessed

The tv is hypnotic
There’s less discernment
For (learning, family time, pursuits, sleep, intelligence) it’s  toxic
Oft you are bored instead

Get on a seven day cycle
Listen to what your body needs*
Walk briskly, bicycle
Go to bed early, get lots of sleep

Reflect on the past
Plan for the future
Your memory will last
Experience will tutor

The conscience is there
The proverbs enrich
There’s fullness to share
And life becomes rich


 I went to a workshop and found confirmation there.  The word of wisdom and science are making gains to share...

a-      intellectual IQ
b-      emotional EQ
*http://www.biblestudy.org/godsrest/mysterious-seven-day-cycle-in-plants-animals-man.html
** omega 3  best sources are flax seeds, almonds, wheat germ, chia seeds, green soybeans, seaweed
Nedley depression recovery  radio   http://nedleyradio.com/myjukebox.swf
Optimize Your Brain lecture was in Las Vegas: Learn how to improve your mood, energy, emotional wellness and intelligence.

Section 89

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, 27 February 1833 (see History of the Church, 1:327–29). As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently, he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result. The first three verses were originally written as an inspired introduction and description by the Prophet.
1–9, The use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks is proscribed; 10–17, Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; 18–21, Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.
 A aWord of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the aword of wisdom, showing forth the order and bwill of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
 Given for a principle with apromise, adapted to the capacity of the bweak and the weakest of all csaints, who are or can be called saints.
 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of aevils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of bconspiring men in the last days, I have cwarned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
 That inasmuch as any man adrinketh bwine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
 And, again, astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
 And again, tobacco is not for the abody, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
 10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome aherbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
 11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with aprudence and bthanksgiving.
 12 Yea, aflesh also of bbeasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used csparingly;
 13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be aused, only in times of winter, or of cold, or bfamine.
 14 All agrain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
 15 And athese hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
 16 All grain is good for the afood of man; as also the bfruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
 17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, ashall receive bhealth in their 

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The State is No Judge of Religious Truth

The state is no judge of religious truth
It must be mute on such matters
History, alone, gives us the proof
To civic peace it has been disastrous

Each man must tend to his own conscience
Coming to know for himself what is right
Learning to self-govern and to be cautious
Of what puffs itself up to take freedom and light

Religion is that transcendent link
To God and community
That each might spiritually drink
Moral fiber for unity

pondering:

Is religion special?

Desert News

Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 



any comments are appreciated... as I am still pondering

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Power of God



The Priesthood of God is priceless
To bear it, nothing compares
Glory to Him in the Highest,
For this power, in trust, He shares

The power to act in His name
And bless all those who seek
The heart, then is never the same
In fact, it is selfless and meek

Sunday, January 8, 2012

It is Time to remember

It is for us to remember
God's covenant with the Jews
They are ours to help recover
By spreading His good news

It is time to fast and pray
To focus on the gospel
The great and dreadful day
Is a message to all people

Let NOt a Day

Let not a day
Go by without
Taking time to pray
With faith about

Freely He gives
To those who ask
Through Christ who lives
And bears... as we task

The Golden Thread of Freedom

Throughout the gospel plan
There lies a golden thread
Giving free agency to man
To choose where one is led

Defend the constitution
Each freedom it provides
Safeguard it from pollution
And strengthen it with your lives

Give of yourself in service
As it is vitally important to activate-
Those finer qualities of purpose
That refine us and are a joy to radiate


To summarize our capacity to influence those around us, President McKay said the following half a century ago:
There is one responsibility which no man can evade and that responsibility is personal influence. Man’s unconscious influence, the silent, subtle radiation of his personality. The effect of his words and acts. These are tremendous. Every moment of life he is changing to a degree the life of the whole world.
Every man has an atmosphere which is affecting every other. Man cannot escape for one moment from this radiation of his character. This constantly weakening or strengthening of others. He cannot evade the responsibility by saying it is an unconscious influence. He can select the qualities he would permit to be radiated. He can cultivate sweetness, calmness, trust, generosity, truth, justice, loyalty, nobility, and make them vitally active in his character. By these qualities he will constantly affect the world. This radiation to which I refer comes from what a person really is, not from what he pretends to be. Every man by his mere living is radiating sympathy, sorrow, or morbidness, cynicism, or happiness or hope, or any other hundred qualities. Life is a state of radiation and absorption. To exist is to radiate. To exist is to be the recipient of radiation.
"To radiate our positive influence in civic affairs, we must become righteous and moral; we must, as Ghandi once said, be the change we wish to see in the world. We need to learn and abide by the principles found in the Constitution, for as President McKay taught: "Next to being one in worshiping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than in upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States!" (Instructor Magazine, 1956, 91:34). We must take that knowledge and understanding of the Constitution, and infuse our political system with its disinfecting simplicity and principled restraints; we must become leaders and work diligently to support good people in public office, or seek office ourselves. And finally, we must radiate our influence by exposing ourselves to those who might be impacted and uplifted by our actions, words, and character."


http://www.connorboyack.com/blog/the-civic-duty-of-the-latter-day-saints

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Powerful Inspirational true story...Don't give up!



Imagine all who stand by
Beyond the veil, helping you endure
Cheering for you to always try
The Savior is there, I am sure

Do not give up when you feel torn
Think of all who cheer you on
Finish the call to which you were born
Let your faith help you be strong

Recognizing God's Hand In our Daily Blessings

We Have Been Invited

Jesus has invited us
To receive daily bread
For help and sustenance 
Like Manna.... to be fed

Quite literally, the Lord's bread
Can sustain us each new day
Through faith on the word's said
He is The Truth, The Light, The Way

Unto our Heavenly Father's hand
And the hope of things to come
That we might better understand
What we are to become


Facing financial ruin


Facing financial ruin
In tears, I prayed a lot
I felt comfort within
While huge bills I fought

I knew things would work out
That the Lord would prepare a way
That a change would come about
Thus, I continued to pray

Perhaps a thought would come to mind
Or some resource would appear
Until then, continually I did find
Feelings of assurance, near

Though I suffered then
I am grateful now
I was not stricken
But, with faith endowed

I learned to pray
With true intent
To listen with faith
As one fully present

The Appeal

We can appeal to God
For the help we need today
Believe and you will receive
In faith and deed always

Resolve

Resolving to do better
For a wise and holy purpose
I committed to the letter
To apply this growth to service


Opening Our Homes to God's Care

Remember to do the small things
Like scripture reading and daily prayer
Having Family Home Evening
That in the home, there's more love to share

Becoming More Christ-like

Becoming more Christ-like
Is a daily pursuit
Always lean to the Light
And live in gratitude

Growth and Change

As a person, growth is slow
It requires that we prep
Through pondering we grow
Inside and add more depth

pondering:
Recognizing God's Hand
In OUR DAILY BLESSINGS
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, Jan 2012, 17

My Father Rescued Me

Snuggled in our sleeping bags
Lying on a mattress
In a covered pickup bed
We traveled in the darkness

A flaw in the truck's design
Caused exhaust pipe's to leak
Unaware, we slept in time
Then... my father stopped to peek

He found us both unconscious
And worked to give us breath
He and a friend rescued us
From the deep, dark pit of death

Many times in life I know
My dad has thought to look on us
As promptings often grow
Born of the Holy Ghost

A few times I thought I was well
My crisis unknown to me
But he revived me, I live to tell
He acted on each prompting

My Father Rescued Me
Greg W. Haws
Ensign, Jan 2012, 15

We Have a Duty to Do

We declare, we've a duty to do
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep

Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become

The Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound


Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance









Quiet Miracles

Quiet miracles
Bless us every day
Our eyes see, as love spills,
From God... like no other way

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

MyWeightLossTeam.com ~ Inspiration Video #3


I used to belong
To an awesome team
I left... I was wrong
I let go of my dream


I lost 30 pounds at myweightlossteam.com
years ago and then stopped the membership
thinking I was done. Having established
healthy habits. But, now I have moved and
am a little older... and with the holidays
it hit me that I have gained 20 pounds back!

Here is me getting back on track...

Push yourself to the limit
Starting today....and go slow
Through baby steps you will witness
Results... long term to know

this is now a free site by the way, and the profile page alone is worth it...

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Children Gather Around Near

Children gather around near
Show me you are here to learn
It's the teachers time to steer
And find who is eager for their turn

Believe, Dream, Imagine

Believe, dream, imagine
Show forth faith, hope, and love
There is much strength within
When we seek it from above

Pondering President Monson's First
Presidency message for Jan 2012

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Look Up!

When using a measuring stick
To see how you are doing today-
Look up to the opinion that counts
And remember always- to pray!

Always look up, and heavenward
To what anchors all of our lives.
This should be a lifelong endeavor
For constancy as one strives.

Look Up
Elder Carl B. Cook
Ensign, 2012, 26

President Thomas S. Monson
"Amidst the confusion of our age,
the conflicts of conscience,
and the turmoil of daily living,
an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives."


Definitions of constancy:

  • noun:   the quality of being free from change or variation
  • noun:   faithfulness in personal attachment (especially sexual fidelity)
  • noun:   the tendency for perceived objects to give rise to very similar perceptual experiences in spite of wide variations in the conditions of observation


Gifted


When someone is found gifted
Indeed it has been passed on
From heaven, for us to be lifted
That our journey here not seem so long

Learning from the Expert

To succeed we must give up pride
In the balance, hangs lives and souls.
We are all in need of a guide
For experience in our roles.

As a surgeon, I am often asked,
"How have you gained such skills?"
Supposing it came from one class-
But it is mentoring that instills.

Learning from the expert
Is to be carefully taught.
Both must stay alert
And the best mentor must be sought.

Let the Savior lead-
He has been there before.
His knowledge we all need.
He stands and waits at the door.



Learning from the Expert
George C. Robinson
Ensign, January 2012, 80

We All Love

We all love to feel
Loved, needed, wanted.
Indeed, love is real
When virtuously planted

Marriage should be vibrant-
A sharing of two souls.
Do what is important...
Then let faith fill in the holes!

What Happily Married Couples Do
Douglas Brinley
Ensign, January 2012, 12

Dear Parent

Tell that bedtime story
You tell again and again;
I never find it boring-
It has become my best friend.

Wrapped in blankets securely
I feel my eyes half close.
I picture it so surely-
I'm oft there, I suppose!

I've come to see what they saw
And know the things they knew.
Of their faith,  I am in awe-
I want to be like them, too!
-------------------------------
There is so much to discover
Inside this ancient book.
Read it from cover to cover-
It testifies... if we look!


What does a child need to know
From a parent- of this book?
Understanding, testimony, enthusiasm-
And the desire for themselves to look!


Helping Children Love the Book of Mormon
Clyde J Williams
Ensign, January 2012, 10

My To Do List

I have a long "to do" list
Be kind is at the top
As it helps me more persist
I never check it off

Visiting Teachers
Led Me to Jesus Christ
Jayne P. Bowers
Ensign, January 2012, 8

Dear SIster

Dear Sister, I have come to listen-
To roll up my sleeves and serve.
I can do both as we visit.
I am not afraid to work

Visiting Teachers Led Me to Jesus Christ
Jayne P. Bowers
Ensign, Jan 2012, 8

Visiting Teaching Watchcare

Consistent, prayerful watchcare
Shows one is more than benevolent;
For the charity that we share-
Is an effect of the Lord's Atonement!

When we do our visiting teaching
It is a blessed opportunity;
To set faith forward... reaching-
Warmed by the Spirit, with charity.

Dear Sister, We have said a prayer
To know just what you need.
We brought a lesson to share
And we ask the spirit to lead.


For... divine inspiration
Comes from our Father on high.
He needs no explanation-
He rules the Earth, Sun, Moon, and sky!

Watchcare and Ministering through Visiting Teaching
January 2012 Visiting Teaching Message
Ensign, January 2012, 7

President Henry B. Eyring
"Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement."

Captain Moroni

Like a captain with courage
Who held his banner high
To your highest standards, pledge
Hold to what you cannot deny

Truth, liberty, and faith
Must be held in place
No matter how the flag sails
Hold it high before your face

Captain Moroni
Ensign, January 2012, 6
I wrote this on the blank banner on my Ensign.  What a cute boy!

Pray for Safety

Pray for Safety
NO matter the storm
He will see you through, safely
With strength and comfort

Courage to Weather the Storm
Maddison Morley
Ensign, January 2012, 6

Living the Abundant Life



We cannot direct the wind
But we can adjust the sails.
NO matter the storms we are in,
It's a good attitude that prevails!

Map out a course of action
Follow it to the very end.
Have courage, avoid distraction,
And be honest with your fellowmen.

Discouragement takes its toll.
Like a soldier you must fight hard!
With peace as your daily goal,
Do not give up when you are tired!

We can know the abundance
Of success, goodness, and more
If, with faith, we go the distance
Believing this is what we came to the Earth for!

Living the Abundant Life
President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, January 2012, 4

There is Peace




Difficult days lay ahead
Sin is on the increase
But we need not be ashamed
Yoked with Christ, there is peace

With the Lord we are ready
And we not be so scared
The path is sure and steady
To those who are prepared

The whole of human kind
Will know of His return
For now He is ours to find
As to His laws we turn

The peace and Joy of Knowing
The Savior Lives
Elder Russell M. Nelson
Ensign, Dec 2011, 17

God has Been My Support

God has been my support
Through wilderness and sea
Offering strength and comfort
While guiding me

There is a promised land
A soil we should touch
Where we come to understand
We are loved so much!

Happy New Year

Be of good cheer
It's a new year
We can start over
And over, and over

Put on a new face
Give yourself space
And smile anew
Energized to do!

Happy New Year!

Settle Your Mind and Listen

Settle your mind
And with God's word think
Seek and you'll find
That spiritual link

The Light of Christ guides
Our conscience to do
The Holy Ghost resides
Testifying what's true

We have tools in place
All, with faith, that we need
Right before our face
If we listen and heed

When we know naught of peace or rest
We have the fullness of more
The priesthood to speak to us and bless
And we can go to the House of the Lord



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Popular Posts

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

Followers