The Moment

The moment I realized

That the Church is true

I wanted to be baptized

As a witness, too

He Conquered

He conquered
And so can you
He suffered
To see you through

Inspired by a Greg Olsen painting where the Savior is suffering in Gethsemane.
https://www.facebook.com/gregolsenfan

If We All Exercised our Freedom of Religion

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

If we all exercised

Our freedom of religion

And kept God before our eyes

We'd be as He envisions


A land healed of what's wicked

To stand united to pray

Where miracles are witnessed

As we keep His laws each day

Shrek the Lost Sheep

This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece gr...

Common Sense Club

This is Shrek the sheep. He became famous several years ago when he was found after hiding out in caves for six years. Of course, during this time his fleece grew without anyone there to shorn (shave) it. When he was finally found and shaved, his fleece weighed an amazing sixty pounds. 

One precious sheep wandered
And for years was utterly lost
Calls for him went unanswered
The gentle shepherd mourned the loss

Then in a cave, he was found!
It had been six weary long years
He appeared to be round
And lost sixty pounds by the shears

From his burden, he was set free!
His every step was made light
Truly, the Lord's yoke is easy
Unto rest, to enjoy life



“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Muster the Courage

Muster the courage
To be steadfast
To truth ever pledge
And learn from the past

Truth is timeless
It does not change
Speak up, confess
Where all truth hangs

God's commandments
Still remain true
Each law make sense
The good we should do

The World Needs Pioneers Today (to stand for truth)

"Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers? I know we can be. Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!"

—Thomas S. Monson, "The World Needs Pioneers Today"

http://www.lds.org/media-library/images/historical

You Never Know

You never know
Nor can you guess
How life will flow
To teach and bless

You never know

What's in your future

What light will show

To be your tutor

You never know 

What is in store

What truth's will show

Always, there's more

You never know

So believe and dream

Let your light show

From living wells, drink

You never know

Whose life you may touch

To lift and grow

Love does bloom of such

Learn from the Past

Learn from the past
Both the good and dreadful
Make memories last
For what you have, be grateful

Speak Kindly

Speak kindly of someone else
It will come back to you
Believing in others helps
You grow in gratitude

Worshiping a False Image

I bowed down to a false image today
In fact I hugged its porcelain curves
The toilet accepted what I heaved away
And received what it richly deserves

Poor Elder Cox says he will not eat Doritos again....

The Wrinkles Tell 2

Those wrinkles tell the focus
And emotions of your life
You cannot hide this from us
Your countenance will not lie

Each experience is told
Be grateful, you've earned each line
As gravity takes its toll
Your wisdom has creased, in time

Love these wood carvings outside of Salinas.

The Devil at Your Doorstep

Do you really want
To invite the devil
To your front door and
Give him the keys as well?

Anyone have an example of when this might happen?

Cottage Door And Window Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures

The Mantle Falls Upon You

The mantle falls upon him
When a bishop's called to serve
A transformation starts within
To learn how to observe

And listen without speaking much
To fulfill the call with love
A kindly shepherd tending flock
Till they return to the fold above

Inspired by Brother Nelson paying tribute to Brother Rasmussen (my mom's past bishop and home teacher who is moving).

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/08/the-mantle-of-elijah?lang=eng

The Mantle of Elijah

BY BRUCE L. ANDREASON

Ensign, Aug 2002

Elijah. “His recorded words are few but forceful, and his deeds are explicit evidences of his strength of will, force of character, and personal courage” ...Elijah approached him and threw his mantle (cloak) over Elisha’s shoulders, signifying Elisha’s call to be his attendant and disciple. Elisha then kissed his parents good-bye, gave away all he owned, and “arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him” (see 1 Kgs. 19:19–21).

1 Elijah confronted King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and reproved them for the murder of Naboth (see 1 Kgs. 21:1–29). 

2Then Elijah twice called down fire from heaven to consume 50 soldiers sent by the king to arrest him (see 2 Kgs. 1:1–12). 

3Finally, Elijah rebuked Ahab’s son King Ahaziah for seeking counsel from false gods, prophesying of Ahaziah’s imminent death (see 2 Kgs. 1:13–17).

Meanwhile.... Elisha was an eyewitness to the power of Elijah’s priesthood keys. In like manner we can be assured that the Lord is preparing mighty leaders today to move His latter-day kingdom forward through their service to the Master, Jesus Christ. 

As Elijah and Elisha approached the banks of the Jordan River, Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water with it. Then something occurred that hadn’t happened since the days of Joshua over 450 years before: the water “divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground” (2 Kgs. 2:8; see also Josh. 3:14–17). This was witnessed by 50 of the sons of the prophets.

If you don't remember the story read on to find out how Elisha finally received the mantle upon him and others knew it! (as they should...)

The Goal is to be Golden

The goal is to be like gold,
Bright with depth, purely refined
Soft and malleable for God
To conduct His power, in kind

Resistant to corrosion
We do not react with much
Made bright for devotion
The iron rod strengthens us

In the heat of the refiner's fire, our
Hidden impurities rise,
Weaknesses show in that dire hour
So our true value we can apprise

The heat of the refiner's fire bubbled

And troubled what I thought was my life of gold

My weaknesses showed, I was humbled

But, I also saw my true worth unfold!

In this exposed state of existence

I purely sought for God and His help

He skimmed off my scum of persistence

Which I never could have done myself!

Speak Highly of Others

Speak highly of those you know
Help them rise by deeds you show
Integrity quickly is learned
By faith, as greater light's discerned
 

The Drape of White Lenin

The drape of white linen 

Covers what is to be seen

Here lies the Lord's emblems

That our broken lives may be clean

I ponder the Last Supper

Of all Christ did for man's sake

He said, "Love one another"

And of His body, broken, partake

I ponder the tomb, where He lay

The bloody wounds and torn flesh

The folded cloth that Sabbath day

Yes, He gives of Himself to bless!

As I look at the table where the young priests bless the sacrament, the white cloth draped over the emblems of the Lord’s Supper remind me of the linens draped over His body, broken for my sake.- Gramps http://www.askgramps.org

Christians United for Israel

There was a time a hand was enough

But increasingly, these times are tough

Here is my shoulder to help lift you along

My friend, together, Israel will stand strong

http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/07/23/watch-glenn-speaks-before-christians-united-for-israel-event-in/

Cosponser Life at Conception

A life is a special thing
Heaven's little offering
Each in some simple way to bless
This trembling world with much unrest

We are each born with a talent...We need each other.  We teach each other.  And some of us are missing.

For the voiceless, I think I just found ears to hear.

I opened up this email and it hit me (besides everything else) that we are missing out on untold talents through all these abortions.
jenni.h@prolifealliance.orgDear Kelly , 

Did you see Martin's email below? Your immediate action could make all the difference. 

We are in the middle of our Life at Conception Act cosponsor blitz, and your Congressman Joe Heck has not yet cosponsored the Life at Conception Act. 

An extra, personal push from you could make all the difference. 

If you haven't already done so, please click here to send him a personal email, using Martin's sample message below, or give him a phone call at 202-225-3252.

Please contact him immediately and urge him to cosponsor the Life at Conception Act. 

If you have already contacted him, please forward to a friend. 
Email Me - Thank You | Congressman Joe Heck

Thank you for contacting me to share your support for H.R. 374, the Life at Conception Act.  I share your strong concerns and appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this important issue I am a cosponsor of H.R. 374. This legislation, introduced by Representative Duncan Hunter on January 20, 2011, would give the right to life guaranteed by the Constitution to every human beginning at the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual comes into being. H.R. 374 has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.  I strongly agree that we should do all we can to protect life and prevent abortions, with rare exceptions in the case of rape, incest, or when the life of the mother is in danger.  Many affordable options are easily available to prevent unintended pregnancies, but abortion is not an acceptable form of birth control. You will be pleased to know that I co-sponsored H.R. 3, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which passed the House with my strong support by a vote of 251-175.  I also voted for Rep. Mike Pence's (R-IN) amendment to the FY2011 Continuing Resolution (H.R. 1) that prohibits federal funds from going to Planned Parenthood. Though abortion is legal in the United States, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for these procedures.  Current federal and state laws prohibit the use of family planning dollars for abortion-related services, and mechanisms exist to enforce and monitor compliance with those laws.  Important family planning services and birth control options are available to help families prepare for the future, but taxpayer funds should not be used to pay for or promote abortion-related services.  Should additional legislation on abortion issues be considered by the House of Representatives, please be assured that I will remember your support for this legislation. For additional information, please visit my website, http://www.heck.house.gov. From this site you can access statements about current events or pending legislation, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for Nevadans.  Again, I appreciate your thoughts and it is an honor to serve you in Congress. Your suggestions are always welcome, and if ever I may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,           DR. JOE HECK           Member of Congress

The Beat of Pain

The beating of drums
Pounds on with the singers
As deeply is sung
Of pain that still lingers

A tribute to Sandy Hook...
http://youtu.be/KvW_zfxgz9o

Life is Not Fair

Life is not fair
Nor was it meant to be
Work on who YOU are
And have integrity

Calling America - Alex Boye (A song of patriotism and tapestry from an i...

To each of us, pass that rock around.
As a nation we are hurting.
Like an Ebenezer to be found.
We must hold on to liberty!

911 inspired this song?  That was a day of real men... heroes!

1 Samuel 7:12 Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!”

A Second Chance for the Jews

In the greatest love story every known

There was a parting of ways, tragically so

But, immediately, a second chance was shown

As American Jews embraced Jesus, years ago

Now in the latter-days

He is saving the best for last

To restore the Jews to His ways

As, one last lamb is slain for the past

Always there are second chances
Someday you (His people) will celebrate
That in different circumstances
You had peace through Jesus, I can hardly wait!

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/ephraim?lang=eng

In the Old Testament, the second son of Joseph and Asenath (Gen. 41:50–52; 46:20). Contrary to the traditional manner, Ephraim received the birthright blessing instead of Manasseh, who was the elder son (Gen. 48:17–20). Ephraim became the father of the tribe of Ephraim.

The tribe of Ephraim

Ephraim was given the birthright in Israel (1 Chr. 5:1–2; Jer. 31:9). In the last days their privilege and responsibility is to bear the priesthood, take the message of the restored gospel to the world, and raise an ensign to gather scattered Israel (Isa. 11:12–13; 2 Ne. 21:12–13). The children of Ephraim will crown with glory those from the north countries who return in the last days (D&C 133:26–34).

The stick of Ephraim or Joseph

A record of one group from the tribe of Ephraim that was led from Jerusalem to America about 600 B.C. This group’s record is called the stick of Ephraim or Joseph, or the Book of Mormon. It and the stick of Judah (the Bible) form a unified testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, his resurrection, and his divine work among these two segments of the house of Israel.

• A branch of Ephraim will be broken off and will write another testament of Christ:JST, Gen. 50:24–26, 30–31;
• The stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph will become one:Ezek. 37:15–19;
• The writings of Judah and of Joseph shall grow together:2 Ne. 3:12;
• The Lord speaks to many nations:2 Ne. 29;
• The keys of the record of the stick of Ephraim were committed to Moroni:D&C 27:5;

No One Gets a Pass

Imperfect men

Is all our Father has

To do His work and

No one gets a pass

On the Lord's side

All are desired

None are denied

Each call.. inspired

Don't you love the fact that no matter what age, weakness, or inability we have, the Lord still says, "Come."

Golden Thoughts

What we habitually love and desire
Becomes our focal point
Let this be of good things that inspire
Like golden thoughts that join

An Endless Feast of Peace

The rising generation

Has much within reach

For gospel education

It's an endless feast

The Word brings a peace

That comes to our homes

Where love can increase

And build up our hopes

Just thinking about all I have put on my phone since December.  I have the gospel at my fingertips!

1. For Peace at Home - general-conference

   www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/for-peace-at-home?lang=eng‎
   

   
   

   • Who could have imagined not very many years ago that the full standard works and years of general conference messages would fit into your pocket?

Life's Sail

Life's sail is a gift
That's ours to govern
The currents are swift
We've distance to cover

Then in a moment
The wind becomes calm
Almost to comment
"Be still and know God"

1. Psalms 46:10 - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

   www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/ps/46.10‎

   God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in His city, does marvelous things, and says,Be still and know that I am God.

2. Doctrine and Covenants 101:16

   www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/101.16?lang=eng‎

   The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints .... let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine a hands; be still and b know that I am God.

The Earth is a Gift to Fill

The earth is a gift
That is ours to fill
Each birth ours to lift
Unto joy to feel

Love Is In

Love is in a hug, a word, a glance

Where the heart strings tug then skip and dance

The Lord is Leading Us

The Lord is leading us
To comprehend
The quickening process
To God in the end

The Memories of their Courtship

The memories of their courtship
Live on in the hearts of their children
The joining of two spirits in worship
Through blessings from heaven given

I hope there are some children out there who think their parents are living the best love story they ever heard! Anyone out there meet at church? 

The Gospel is the Good News

The gospel is the good news
The path for hope and change
Freely given you can choose
The gate where "welcome" hangs

Wear the Gospel

Wear the Lord's gospel
Like you would the best clothes
The complete ensemble
From your head to your toes

In Our Extremities

In our extremities
When we lose what is dear
We can know in such times as these
We can call the Lord near

While the Lord may chasten his people as punishment or even as purification, we can have peace in knowing that not only will our chastening be for our spiritual development, but that the Lord's promises are sure.(9)In our own extremities when we lose what seems most precious to us, we can find strength in what the Lord told the Missouri Saints, "be still and know I am God."

Meridian Magazine - Doctrine & Covenants Lesson 27"They Must Needs Be Chastened and Tried, Even as Abraham" - Page 2 - Meridian Magazine - LDS, Mormon and Latter-day Saint News and Views

Governor Boggs

The LDS church is two blocks away  (15 Chapel Hill Drive)

Napa, CA 94558

Just to mention the name
Of Governor Boggs today
Stirs the mind, him, to blame
For that extermination day

But, in a grander design
This Governor's grave is close
To a church in our time
In its shadows, I suppose

His past home and his grave, both
Lie in the shadows of the church
As though by an unknown oath
With a meaning that's ours to search
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=pv&GRid=6414158&PIpi=2095521

Gov. Boggs grave / Chris Rutter | Manuscript Collection Descriptions ...

findingaid.lib.byu.edu/viewItem/FA%205/4.2.3.1.2/‎

Feb 16, 2012 - Report by Brigham Young University folklore student Chris Rutter. Joseph Smith curses Lilburn Boggs that his grave shall have no grass upon it and shall lie in the shadow of a Mormon church. Chris verifies these outcomes. ... Note: Item was collected in Napa, California. Preferred Citation: Gov. Boggs ...

English: Site of w:Lilburn Boggs home on the w:City of Zion plot in w:Independence, Missouri where w:Porter Rockwell was accused of shooting him in the head. The steeple of the w:Independence Temple by w:Temple Lot is obscured by the trees. A marker on the sidewalk commemorates the event and is part of the Mormon Walking Tour. The marker is in the cleared snow to the left of the blow up. Text of the plaque: 14 BOGGS HOME, LOT 131 GOV. BOGGS ISSUED THE 1838 EXTERMINATION ORDER THAT LED TO THE EXPULSION OF THE MORMONS FROM MISSOURI. IN 1842 O.P. ROCKWELL WAS ACCUSED AND ACQUITTED OF AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AT THIS SITE. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION author: Americasroof, March 2009

Extermination order 27 October 1838

The Cautionary Tale

Missouri:
The cautionary tale
Of misery-
What happens when we fail

The land was bought
In this frontier
Midst outlaws, fraught
Warnings were clear

But, Zion was lost
In their hearts, first
And at a high cost
As mobs saw their worst   ( disaffected Mormons )

God knows
Our hearts
Where flows
Sin's starts

In Sunday school we talked about how the Saints were in Missouri for the groundbreaking for things to come at a future date.
Such as the miraculous storm and surrounding events in:

1. Doctrine and Covenants 105:14

   https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/105.14?lang=eng‎

   14 For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil—I will a fight your battles.

   
   

   which prepared great men to become leaders in the church.

Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit

In the depths of my poor heart, I searched
To find the Lord in me
Then, to the bowels of my soul, I turned
Filled with humility

As a lone beggar, I hunted
To be saved from life's worst
For, for the Lord's love, I hungered
As living water, to thirst

I, then, offered up my will
To be swallowed up in Christ
That I might help to fulfill
His glorious work of light

Joe Klein: How Service Can Save Us

The bonds of brotherhood
Can be regained at home
As they serve the neighborhood
It restores them to hope

Recapture the Joy of Living

Capture close to your heart
The spirit of giving.
Of your self impart
Feel the joy of living.

acclimating from trauma... a must read!

1. The Community Service Approach to PTSD in Recent Veterans

   danapress.typepad.com/.../the-community-service-approach-to-ptsd-in-re...‎
   

   
   

   Jul 10, 2013 - Returning soldiers with PTSD face enormous difficulty acclimating to life... In the July issue of Time Magazine, the article “Can Service Save ...

Plan B

Through the grace of the Lord
Your plan B becomes shown
A path through a new door
Beyond what you have known

There is always a Plan B
On the path that is straight
As we seek God's hand, we
Grow in faith as we strain

Blessings are restored
In unimaginable ways
We are known by the Lord
His plan is true, always!

Don't Drop the Song Like a Dead Bird

Don't finish a song
Like you dropped a dead bird
To the end be strong
Catch that last long breath, heard

My husband gave me some feedback on my conducting.  I just drop my hand like a dead bird at the end of the song, instead of closing my hand in the air...