Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Bethlehem


We can journey to Bethlehem
As did the shepherds long ago
In faith,with tender thoughts within
Let's seek and to the Lord then go




Monday, December 30, 2013

Resolve for a New Year - The Spoken Word







With the new year we reach a little harder
And resolve to take ourselves bit by bit farther
Where we can grow and become more
Of what we should be through the Lord

Isn't it a Marvel?

Isn't it a marvel- 
That He hears us when we pray?
He avails Himself to all
As the Light, the Life, the Way!

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Blessings Shine

Like the sun
Fills the day, full
Blessing s come
To the faithful

Do you ever have days where you see blessings shining upon you? This has been an amazing season in our family. Where the spirit has been felt in abundance. That is the abundant life!
  13 Yea, even more abundantly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through the amanifestations of the Spirit.

Midst it All There is Christ

Midst iniquity, strife,
Wars, and tribulation
We  can know the peace of Christ
Wherever we may station

Find some solitude, look to God and live
In faith, unto joy where there is light
Realize there is much you alone can give
And be a source of truth and insight

Maybe 2014 should be the year I learn 
to really feel joy
to really connect with others
to really enjoy living in this body I have been given
to give myself freedom in simplicity
to turn more to relationships than to electronics
 

There is Peace

There is peace
That comes from Christ
Midst life's fast pace
Warmth does arrize

Feel it flow
And fill your breast
Love to know
For peace and rest

I remember someone saying General Conference is boring.  I long for it. And return to it for the feelings that come...and the peace!

Christmas Goodwill

May peace and goodwill
Distill upon this earth
May this day be tranquil
In honor of His birth

Why Christmas?

Christmas is a day for family
for souls to come unto Christ
To turn to our children, happily
And put magic in their eyes

Christmas is a time for remembering
His message of peace and goodwill
That in man's affairs, He is governing
Through His light that shines, sweet and still

Christmas is a time for expressing love
And for the sharing of our gifts 
For turning hearts to God above
To feel pure love that uplifts

I am so thankful for the abundance of videos about the birth of the Savior and for the matchless record in the scriptures of this remarkable day.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Flood Good

Flood good
Over evil
Show love
To all people

Be kind
Unceasingly
Seek, find
What is pleasing

 

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Pride is a Facade

Pride is a facade
A wall put in place
To hide us from God
As sins we embrace

Out in the open
The Savior was born
Before the Heavens
Let us, Him, adore

Come Let Us Adore Him
Elder Bruce D Porter
Dec Ensign 2013

Isn't it a marvel- 
That He hears us when we pray?
He avails Himself to all
As the Light, the Life, the Way!

Monday, December 23, 2013

Freeing our Hearts to Our King

In the meridian of time, for the Jews
Midst subjication, murder, and tyranny
They searched prophecies for signs of good news
And grew anxious for the birth of their King

But, He was born to a family- quite common
Who had the burden of labor to bear
How could teachings of forgiveness and love help them?
Threat was a palpable feeling in the air

Because of the occupation over the land
They wanted someone to bring to them justice
To free them from the present scourge at hand
Instead of hope, they saw trouble from Jesus

Still, He taught those with eyes to see and ears to hear
In the common language....parables to understand
He reached humble hearts and God's ways were made clear
It was faith and good works- that would free this promised land

To look to the world- the arms of the flesh
Only causes battles for power to rage on
Treasonously, they put Him to death
By crucifixion which was heinously long!

He was put to death by them and for them
His compassion and love was expressed
He prayed that they would be forgiven
As, through Him, all mankind would be blessed

Now at this season where we give and receive
And teach our children the wonders of His birth
May we gather with loved ones this Christmas Eve
And seek for the Babe with our hearts, for rebirth

May we hold in our hearts pure charity
And seek to forgive and be forgiven
May we let Him teach us with clarity
His great Sermon on the Mount, once given

May we be as a child and humbly submit
To all that our Father requires
Obey His commandments and recommit
To serve Him who freely inspires

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Beauty is Found in Strength

mormon-temple-marriage.jpg
Beauty is found in strength
Of knowing who you are
Of having faith to strain
So Heaven's not that far

We were talking about how important it is to know you are a daughter of God and to have healthy self-esteem.

Jesus is the Great Physician

jesus-christ-mormon.jpg
Jesus is the great physician
With the healing balm
Without making an incision
He soothes souls to calm

You Have a Beautiful Heart

You have a beautiful heart
Your eyes see ...your ears hear
You are watchful to do your part
You have the Spirit near

http://artsywanderer.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/sometimes/comment-page-1/#comment-606

I just read a beautiful poem about seeing someone cry and wanting to reach out ... 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Do Something and Improve

Do something and improve
And allow others to also
Trust the spirit to move
And touch your mind and heart to know

Climb Upwards

Climb upwards
In a tall spiral
Up towards
God all the while

Paint a Picture in Your Mind

Paint a picture in your mind
Of the life you hope to live
All the joy you want to find
From the heart you have to give

Paint a Picture

Paint a picture
In your mind
Of the Savior
There to find

Paint a picture
In your heart
Of the Savior
To impart

The Song Sang in Me

The song sang in me
And carried me along
I was sorrowing
Till faith made me strong

The Lord is Heard

Reading, listening
Living by His word.
Serving, confessing
Yes, the Lord is heard

Drips of Poison

Drip, drip, drip
Comes poison to the soul
Trip, trip, trip
Our virtue is not whole

Satan Waits with a Backup Plan

Always, with a backup plan
Satan waits by the fence
Those who rise to straddle can
NOT discern the difference

Stand on Higher Ground

Stand on higher ground
To lift another up.
Through Christ, strength is found,
When you have not enough.

Confound the Wise

Confound the wise
Through the smallest means.
Grow, though life tries,
Show your smile beams

Exercise Faith

Exercise faith
Lead by example
It will feel great
Love...you will sample

The Call from Galilee

From the Sea of Galilee
Comes the Lord's own call to feed His lambs
Even to leave the ninety nine
For the lost one in the wilderlands

Share Your Gift

Share the gift
Which you now hold
Care, uplift
Let love unfold

The Spirit Enters In

Invited
The Spirit enters in
Delighted
I feel His warmth within

Salt of the Earth

You are the salt of the Earth
Shimmering in the Light
You are of unique worth
And add flavor to all life

A Peace of Soul

Feeling a peace of soul
I fell asleep at once
I was no longer sad
So freed from what I was

One asked me, "were you bored?"
"Never!" was my reply.
"I was soothed by the Lord.
I tell you, He heard my cry!"

"He answered me this day.
From my sins, I could rest.
I'd turned another way
With His spirit in my breast!"

Peaceful Slumber

Feeling peace in my soul
I fell asleep all at once
Through Christ, I felt whole
So freed of deep cares and wants

The Recommend in Ashes

The man and his home burned to the ground
Soon ashes were all that were left
But, in the midst, beauty was found
From the covenants he made and kept

A charred wallet...unveiled insight
Recommending Him to the Lord
Remarkably, a paper- white!
Reminding all, he was adored


His New Sheep

This sheep was new...
And quite set in his ways.
The shepherd knew
And tied him for days.

For good or bad
This creature of habit
Had to choose and
The stake was loosed from him

That night, the sheep came
In from the pasture, green
Each was called for by name
But the new sheep was not seen

The shepherd found him
And told him he was free.
The tether was rid, then
This for the sheep to see

The shepherd rejoiced
That the new sheep stayed
And heeded his voice
He called, the sheep obeyed!

The Stick

A quality stick was found
And neatly smoothed all around
The laws of God were then engraved
To remind me, here they were saved

I cannot pick up but one end
For the laws of God do not bend
It's all or none.  I must repent
And hold it through the atonement.

Engrave and Engage

Engrave each covenant
With Jesus Christ
Upon you heart and
Live in His light

Think on His word
Act in His name
Help Him be heard
Learn and engage

The Engraving

Here lies upon my heart
My covenants with the Lord
My promises, my part
Of laws I have adored.

Engraved, they are deep-
A sacred part of me.
Honored, I safekeep
This opportunity


Wednesday, December 18, 2013

He Wants To

He wants to live within us,
To strengthen, and empower
To minister unto rest,
While teachings sweetly shower

  1. Jesus Christ Is the Way

    www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation/jesus-christ-is-the-way?lang=eng
    More than anything else, God wants to help us through this life and bless us with eternal life in the next. He sends His Spirit to offer us this help.


Sunday, December 15, 2013

Conception

A new life starts
At conception
As the cells split
For division

http://nationalprolifealliance.com/rlacaa_petition.aspx?pid=1205d&npla=H1CHAA13I

If Not me- Who?

If not me, who?
If not now, when?
I've much to do
I will not bend

For God and family
I'll raise my voice
And sing happily
Of all that's choice

Pondering
Meridian Magazine
Who is My Enemy?

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...
What 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)





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









The Husband and Wife

The husband and wife
Honor each other
Through patience they thrive
Working together

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

They have not made a brief contract
To be quickly absolved
But, with the Lord, there's a covenant
And promises are involved

No matter the differences
If both will turn to the Lord
There'll be rich experiences
Only virtue can afford



Husbands and wives must work together to face challenges and choose to respond with patience and love rather than frustration or anger.

Lady Liberty

Lady Liberty... a welcoming mother
Promises adoption from lands of another
And raising her torch to light the long way
She teaches at her island the honored pledge to say

She lifts up her lamp
Beside the golden door
Here, tyranny stops
And liberty pours

Come of many
To unite as one
This, our country
Through God was won

Her eternal vigilance
Shines a bright example
Let us follow and enhance
Freedoms that we sample

Let the bald eagle
Fly high above her
As clasped in its talon
Peace remains through power

The Woman: A Vessel- A Symbol of Christ


The woman:  a vessel, a symbol of Christ
Physically bears and prepares to give birth 
Through her comes water, blood, spirit- new life
Spiritually of Him, how we need His rebirth!

He offers His body, His heart, His soul
Nothing of Him is superficial
He gave everything to make us whole
Ever... He has proved we are special


Pondering Whitney Permann's (Mercy River) insightful comments read at: Diapers 
http://by159w.bay159.mail.live.com/default.aspx#!/mail/InboxLight.aspx?n=1816231929!n=1006030860&fid=1&fav=1&mid=7733b6bc-6856-11e1-a2ed-00215ad96b9a&fv=1

Feelings Come

Feelings come
Always with a thought
Think... become
Grateful, filled, and taught


Big Enough

Oh that I had a heart
Big enough to hold
Life's lessons that impart
And how they unfold

Read this tender story of a mother who is chronically ill and a sweet son who is making sense of it.

http://journal.segullah.org/essays/paper-cranes/

Happiness of Heart

Happiness of heart
Is a reflection
Of light that imparts
From God's direction

Like a Gerbil in a Wheel

Like a gerbil in a wheel
I ran and got nowhere
Then, too exhausted to feel
I really did not care

But, all this cycling must end
As I go round and round
A new path to comprehend
Where freedom can be found

Midst all this commotion
I stopped dead in my tracks
And reeled in chaotic motion
Fearing major setbacks

Then, when things settled down
I found a place to rest
I resolved to not doubt
And for change I was blessed







Like a Zombie

Like a zombie, I just sat
And put off going to bed
With no energy to chat
My nighttime prayers went unsaid


Warm Your House with Love

Warm your house with love
Put some logs on the fire
With the flames, look up
Believe, dream, and inspire

Adopt a Theme to Live by

Adopt a theme to live by
One that will get you through each day
That in all things may apply
And help you maintain your faith

My Heart is So Full

My heart is so full
When our families meet
To share the gospel
Would make this date complete

I Felt My Faith Grow So Much

I felt my faith grow so much
I thought it might pierce the sky
That Heaven, I could touch
And that angels were nearby

God's Instrument

We are God's instrument
For answering another's prayer
The needs of the moment
Are opportunities to show care

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Daily Consumption

I've started on a journey
To live by the holy word
With energy for burning
Each step uplifts me forward

God's word, I consume, daily
As one not be consumed by food
I now walk without failing
And my feet spring with gratitude

Friday, December 13, 2013

NO Energy

With no energy to spare
I hung my head and wept
So heavy with despair
For the strength I'd not kept

Then, in this crumpled state
I thought that I must pray
The peace I felt was great!
Like a lost soul who'd been saved!




Let His Words Become a Part of You

Let His words become a part of you
Pray and feel Him near
Continually, He can speak anew
Open your heart and hear

Monday, December 9, 2013

2013 Christmas Devotional- In the Spirit May We All Take a Trip to Bethlehem


In Spirit, may we all
Take the trip to Bethlehem
And warm our hearts with awe
At all we have been given

Let the bright star guide us
To where the promised baby lay
God's gift to us, Jesus
Let us witness, this holy day

Let us be touched anew
With tender feelings from this night
And our covenants renew
To carry and share of His light

Offering for sampling
His kindness, gentleness,
Hope, love, understanding...
His light of holiness

May hearts soften, forgive,
And more kindly reach out
To where those in need live
Who, in some way go without

May Jesus reshape our thinking
He lived and died for us
May there be more time for giving
May we share of Him, thus

Thoughts from President Thomas S. Monson's words




Sunday, December 8, 2013

Window Nativity to the Past

Story of Christmas - an infographic Click to learn more about the story of Christmas.

This window nativity to the past
Has a glorious story to share
Of a light from Heaven that cast
Down, upon the Christ child found there

Is there such a thing as a one week advent calendar?  This would be great for that!  What would be behind the pictures?  Love... Truth ...Light...Wisdom...Faith...Assurance...Wonder...Praise????????????

Here are My Burdens Lord

Here are my burdens, Lord
I have brought them all
I kneel amongst this load
In need, weak and small

Help me to cast a portion
That I can walk anew
Help me re-position
So I can serve you too

The major overhaul
Began with mighty prayer
To then receive a call
With lessons great to share

Anyone else buried in a house filled to the brim? My husband and I are changing our ways one room at a time.  We are empty 'nesters' holding on to things our minimalist children don't want. Inbetween this I am thinning a 1" stack of papers with starts of poems...

Pouring Love and Kindness

Let us pour forth more love
And kindness unto all
Show them we are part of
Our Savior's last days call

Let us pour love on our neighbors
Our acquaintances and friends
Let us serve and pay them favors
And express the love the Lord sends

I love the definitions of favor!
  1. Definition of favor (n)

    Bing Dictionary
    1. kind act: an act of kindness performed or granted out of goodwill
    2. approving attitude: an approving, friendly, or supportive attitude
    3. preference: preferential treatment shown to somebody
    Synonyms: good turn · errand · kindness · courtesy · service · indulgence

You Are a Beam of Sunshine

You are a beam of sunshine
A sweet smile in bloom
A prayer whispered so fine
You brighten up the room

Have you ever known people who just brighten the world with their smile, their words, their prayers?

Searching



A few weeks ago
On a cold dark winter's night
The stars seemed aglow
Millions, beautiful and bright

I turned to read again
With great wonder and awe
About the creation
What Moses learned from God

There are worlds without number!
Created by the Son
Each through His priesthood order
For God's purposed, done

Hubble scientists say
We are but one galaxy
Of billions far away
All for His work and glory

To fathom that He knows me
And waits for my return
Helps me ponder where I'm going
And for what do I yearn?

I am a part of all that I see
The light which I fell
From God there is no hiding
I know He is real

I want to please Him
And tell others, too
He is the reason
I smile anew

  1. “This Is My Work and Glory” - general-conference

    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2013/04/this-is-my...
    LDS.org; General Conference; ... A few weeks ago, on a cold, dark winter’s night, my wife, ... so large and so vast are God’s creations.
  2. I found the beginnings of this poem and finished it only to find that I had completed it and published it a while ago. How long has it been since you saw a night sky filled with stars?  I was at my parents and it was so cold I didn't last long! No shooting stars for me!

Against the Backdrop I Wondered- Who Am I?

Against the backdrop
Of a black sky
A shooting star shot
And burst to die

I pondered the earth
Small in this vast
And of my own worth,
Future, and past

I felt timelessness
And marveled more
In how I've been blessed
To know the Lord

Pondering an article that stated with all the big cities we are missing the stars and the connection with the bigger picture of life.

  1. Shooting stars are dying stars? - Yahoo …

    answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101011003210AARTDk8
    • Resolved · 
    • Last updated: Oct 11, 2010 · 
    • 7 posts · 
    • First post: Oct 11, 2010
    Oct 11, 2010 · Best Answer: Shooting starts are not actually stars, they are meteorites, fragments of space rock that glow when they enter our atmosphere and start to ...

Saturday, December 7, 2013

By His Names He is Known

Jesus can be everything
To everyone, everywhere.
He lifts broken hearts to sing,
And fills us with light to share.

Each title Jesus holds
Does testify of Him;
With meanings to unfold
As to Him, we open.

Where does one begin
To share what He has done?
How He is a friend-
For all that He has won!

He is the Chosen One
Born to the virgin, Mary.
Heavenly Father's own Son
Bore all our pains, to carry.

He is the great Healer-
The Physician of our souls.
He is the great Teacher:
Yes, one reaps what one sows.

He, as our Exemplar
Did but the Father's will.
Perfect, He, our Savior
Commanded, "Peace be still."

He is the Scapegoat called forth
To be tried as the great I Am;
That our sins could be paid for
By Him, the Sacrificial Lamb.

He is the Corner and Capstone,
The Carpenter who prepares
A place, with the Father, called home;
While, here, He builds and repairs.

As our Counselor, He listens
And Mediates our prayers.
As our Advocate, in God's presence,
All of man's load, He bears.

He is the Good Shepherd, 
He calls for us by name.
Through prayer, His voice is heard.
Our safety is His aim.

He is the Light, the Life, the Way-
To the humble, who repent.
We have His gospel here today.
His priesthood keys have been sent.

As the Living Water and Bread,
He cleanses and sustains.
Where once, spiritually, we were dead,
He washes our sin's stains.

Where does one begin,
To show forth gratitude?
We're to be His friend-
To love, forgive, and be good.

Christmas Lights

How grey winter is
Until the lights come on.
Made bright with Christmas
They are warm to look upon

click on this link to see time-lapse of the lights coming on at Temple Square, Salt Lake City.
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-square-clothed-in-christmas-beauty

Where Shall I Begin?

Jesus means so much to me 
Where shall I begin?
To describe that you might see
How He is my friend!

Long ago, my first prayer
Was a wish in a tunnel
I placed myself in His care
My life a fearful puzzle

Why do my boyfriends all feel to drink
As unfaithful company?
From this, myself, I had learned to shrink
And I would not date any!

I felt more than I heard
I would meet someone quite grand
My first prayer was answered
On Monday, I met His man!

He was more than I could believe
He was my path to God!
There were covenants I could receive
My loneliness was gone!

But, a day came that was a test
Would I stay true, all alone?
I did not help his man be his best...
Unfaithfulness was made known!

Could I stand on my own two feet?
I had much to learn!
It would not be an easy feat
For what did I yearn?

After a long and bumpy road
That at times was but dark
I learned the dearest thing to hold
Is the Lord in my heart!

And with my heart grown quite warm
I came to know the Lord
I grew to trust in His arm
And to read from His Word

My life has not been perfect
But He has been with me still
My prideful path to reject
To surrender to His will

In belief of my own worth
Mercifully... like a dream
A new romance came to birth
Like a king has met his queen!

The first kiss, shall I tell?
Was after we made our vows
This our covenant as well
With the Lord who endows

Put the Lord first, before your face
Trust in His will and timing
For, great things will be put in place
From Him all love comes, shining

Jesus is My Guiding Light

Jesus is my guiding light
In all ways He helps me see
Even in the darkest night
I know He is there for me!

Jesus is my one True Hope

Jesus is my one true hope
He warms my heart to sing
I want everyone to know
He means so much to me

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Glimmer of Hope

God will assist us in our labors
To be a light unto our neighbors
A wave, a smile, a "welcome to our home"
Offers Christ's light with a glimmer of hope

One Plants the Seed

One plants the seed
Another shares Christ's light
One fills a need
And a faith becomes bright

Step up to the Plate

Step up to the plate
Before it's too late
Share the gospel truths
As the Spirit moves

It is ours to find
Members of all kinds
Young, old, rich, and poor
Each one Christ paid for

These are They

These are they
Who are grateful
Those who say,
"I am thankful!"

Get Over It

Get over it
With gratitude
Love will uplift
As we see the good

A Perfect Soul

A perfect soul
In an imperfect body
Has but one role
To receive from everybody

Have you ever wondered if some spirits were so wonderful that all they needed to do to progress on Earth was to gain a body?

Stand Strong in the Lord

Stand strong
In the Lord
Right wrongs
Through His Word

Repent
And obey
Covenants
For always

I Know the Church is True

I know the church is true
Through the test of time
As I hold on and trust
God's will becomes mine

Fan the Flame of Faith

Fan the flame of faith
That it continually grow
That, trials, you may face
With the light of Christ, aglow

The Church is True

The church is true
Despite its members
It is a school
To convert sinners

When Comments Come

When comments come
And questions rise
Don't be undone
Where's the surprise?

When comments come
And questions rise
Pray for wisdom
To make you wise

The Thorn of Contention

The thorn of contention
Hurts our progress
Each painful connection
Adds weight and stress

Meridian Magazine - Jewish Activists Seek New Access to Temple Mount - Meridian Magazine - LDS, Mormon and Latter-day Saint News and Views

Here, the greatest lesson was taught
Of our Heavenly father's love
In similitude, Issac's life was sought
To teach of His Son, thereof

As Abraham prepared
To sacrifice his son
He was faithful, yet scared
Doing what should be done

Then, just at the moment
The knife would slit the throat
An angel spoke, who'd sent
A ram as a scapegoat

The only human life
God would ever require
Would be of Jesus Christ
His only begotten, sire

Perfect in every way
This would grieve God on high
To redeem man this day
As His son would comply


Meridian Magazine - Jewish Activists Seek New Access to Temple Mount - Meridian Magazine - LDS, Mormon and Latter-day Saint News and Views

  1. Dome of the Rock & Palm | Israel News Report

    israelnewsreport.wordpress.com/2013/11/29/dome-of-the-rock-palm
    Nov 29, 2013 · The Dome of the Rock sits at the Temple Mount ... over the rock where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac and where Solomon built the Jewish ...

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Monday, December 2, 2013

Be Not Left Behind

Be not left behind
With the words you hold.
There is more to find-
Good news to unfold.

A record was saved
To bring to us light.
Of things that were said
By Jesus the Christ.

Great prophets were taught
And lessons were learned.
Then, through pride, they lost
That for which they yearned.

A righteous civilization
Soon wasted away!
For our education
We've their words today.




We Are Christians

We are Christians
We follow Christ
We serve missions
To share His light

Sunday, December 1, 2013

His Spirit Walked to Find Me

His Spirit walked to find me
Like in the days of old
To be His missionary
His gospel to unfold

It does my heart and spirit
Great good to follow Him
To preach to those who'll hear it
He is the path to Heaven

Honestly, I love fast and testimony meeting.  These words were from someone I esteem to be one of the churches best missionaries.  She spreads love.  His love! Warm and inviting.

A Hopeless Cause

I pray that his mind might open
And receive keen insight
Direction from Heaven
To turn this land aright

I didn't get to say a word to Harry Reid.  But I did shake his hand at church today.  He has so much power and we are in need.  If he followed the churches standards we'd be okay.  Self-reliance, government as public servants like King Benjamin, individual accountability, belief in the family, and real leadership like Moroni- without padding pockets and paying favors. We don't need any Coriantumer's that is for sure.

Mother Earth

http://hdw.eweb4.com/out/654923.html

The Earth received her breath of life
As it spun in and out of light.
Her land, a mass, a solid ground
Became fertile, life soon was found.

As it is from life, that new life flows
The Earth is alive, her wisdom grows.
Thus, from her dust we came to be.
Yes, she provides for her offspring.

Water wells to quench her thirst.
Just like mankind, she is two-thirds.
Her inner core bellows with fire.
Her energy flows to inspire.

She testifies of Jesus Christ.
Her beauty shines with His pure light.
Every living thing is a sign
Of her creator by design.

Then, when Adam and Eve fell
She groaned at the weight and fell too!
For with Satan, here to dwell
There is much more work for her to do.

For as temptations tempt and try,
The innocent cry out in pain.
And she, too, with us does cry.
Then... one day, how she did rain!

She immersed her whole self
In Christ's own living water;
And promised her all to help
God, our Heavenly Father.

Thus, she quakes at His command,
And her mighty oceans heave,
Her lofty mountains fall or stand,
And His love does never leave.

Her spirit is all aglow,
As from space, she is seen.
For a sign, she sought to know
When will come her King?

Then the star, at last appeared!
And touched her very soul.
Soon angels sang and heaven neared.
It was then she felt whole.

Christ taught of her beauty-
How she pointed to Him!
She grew in her duty
Miraculously, often!

Then, His blood covered her.
She was sick, nigh unto death.
When He died, she shuddered.
Perhaps, she held her breath?

Then, she received his body-
So torn, and bruised, and spent.
Her burden...was too heavy-
From  her, life also, went.

Darkness covered all the Earth.
She reeled and lost control.
This, for her, by far the worst
Part of her lonely role.

But, then, something happened-
He arose, breathing again.
The Holy Ghost... hers for sampling-
God had sent to her a friend!

Jesus came and went,
Preaching to her isles.
Blessings too were sent.
She was filled with smiles.

But, the day came- He left,
And one by one the righteous, too.
In darkness she was kept.
Just to live, seemed all she could do.

Then, one day, some came to treasure
Christ's records which she held.
Oh how this gave her such great pleasure;
And hope within her swelled.

Many sought for religious freedom.
This, she would provide!
They wanted to receive wisdom,
In Zion to reside.

A young farmer prayed to know
Which of the churches were true.
First, Lucifer tried to show.
The boy prayed, light burst through...

God the Father and His Son!
Their warmth, the Earth now felt!
Her restoration was begun.
She thought that she would melt!

One by one there were temples-
Heaven was coming to Earth!
For every land and people,
There were sealings for rebirth.

As for good and evil, people yearn
She's in a constant state of change.
She hopes and waits for the Lord's return.
When she'll be relieved of Satan's chains!

The weight of the wicked people
Causes her to lose her strength.
The world grows ripe with evil
While less and less she hears, "thanks".

She has enough and to spare!
And yet there is greed, hate, and envy.
Pride seems to be everywhere,
As the hearts of men go empty.

Still the church, grows of God
And lights her as never before.
This helps her to give her all,
While anticipating the Lord.




After watching Glenn Beck's The Man in the Moon, I thought about the Earth and how it is a living thing.  I read many scriptures and struggled how I would write this.  One Sunday I thought about the Earth receiving the blood the Savior spilled.  How horrible that must have been!  This thought stayed with me for a week and then the next Sunday morning, the whole story came to me except for a few edits. It was an amazing experience!  I hope it stirs someone to think as I did and that new thoughts might settle in the heart to feel joy in the blessing of Mother Earth!







I Came to Myself

With all my friends wasted
I came unto myself
Of what I'd once tasted
That made my heart so swell:
Love, peace, family, home,
And the Savior's light.
His glorious hope,
And sage strength in life!

To, then, stand on higher ground
Where there is peace,
Where the gospel is found,
And where love does please.
Look, friends
See where I now stand?
Pain ends
Come and understand!

He Sees Us Through Trials- Not Around

Christ our King
Sees us through
Offering
Strength anew

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

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

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

He's Been There Before

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

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

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

Kelly Miller

153 Countries Visited! June 2015


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

Followers