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!

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

 1 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—

 2 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—

 3 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.

 4 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—

 5 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.

 6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, ^apure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.

 7 And, again, ^astrong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.

 8 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.

 9 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 

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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