Setting Aside Differences in the Pursuit of Freedom

My complaints of inefficiency
Corruption, and slander
Are but a cry for decency!
In prayer, let us gather
To ask forgiveness of our faults
And commit to better ways
Lest our land of freedom falls
Let us proclaim peace always

There is power in prayer. It is sustaining.  We need to pray for our leaders!

"Pray for those who are being persecuted or tortured for His sake tonight. Let us pray for their families. Pray for our president and the candidates for 2016. Pray for the congress, secret service and all those who are living a life of error. Let us pray for healing and forgiveness of our faults, that we may be better people tomorrow than today and that our hearts will be utterly transformed. Let us thank The Lord for the gift that will fill our heart with love and compassion for those who despise us and those we supposedly hate. Let us proclaim Peace, love and freedom throughout the land and among all her inhabitants."

Source: http://www.glennbeck.com/2015/04/27/glenn-asks-for-prayers-in-revealing-personal-facebook-message/?utm_source=glennbeck&utm_medium=contentcopy_link

Interfaith Efforts

If terrorists were here today
They would not discriminate
You or I, they would make us pay
That we're of the Christian faith
We should unite 
As our leaders do
Focus on light
And warn others, too!
This is a time for interfaith efforts!
I keep reading of a modern day Christian holocaust and wonder what we can do! I keep praying that our freedoms won't be taken away.  I love America! I keep praying for other nations as well. There are so many good people who are in need of our prayers.

Blessed are Ye

Blessed are they
Who believe
Who have faith
To receive

Lives Can Change

Lives can change dramatically 

Seemingly in an instant

Or ever gradually

Through faithful effort, instead

Put the Lord at the Helm

Put the Lord at the helm
He knows what is best
He'll get you safely home
On a path that does bless

Insight For Being Christlike

If you want to gain insight
On how to be more like Christ
Picture your worst enemy
And the Lord in Gethsemane

Enduring Pain

He stood unruffled and dignified
With unwavering compassion
On the day that He was crucified
His pain was not a distraction

Christlike Attributes- Poise, Concern Loyalty

Poise in the face of provocation

Concern despite personal distress

Loyalty to truth at each occasion

Our Lord modeled the path of meekness

The Gospel is True

It is real
It is true
Pray.  Read.  Feel.
God anew

The Gospel is Meant for All

The gospel is meant for me, us
Each individually
God's hope for us is glorious
And He is there for us, fully

Cancer Prayer

Thinking of you

And wishing it weren't so

I'm praying too

That the cancer won't grow

Having Elder Perry on my mind...

Why Marriage and Family Matter- Everywhere in the World

Everywhere found on the Earth
Marriage and family matter
As the foundation of our birth
Our fondest dreams here gather

Marriage is Still the Ideal

Marriage is still the ideal
As our hope for the future
For love that endures is real
And provides lasting nurture

Why Marriage and Family Matter- Everywhere in the World

Marriage and family
Is central to mankind
We live life happily
When all are well and mind

Marriage and family
Is central to mankind
We live life happily
When welcomed home, we find
marriage and family-centered priorities cut across and superseded any political, economic, or religious differences. When it comes to love of spouse and hopes, worries, and dreams for children, we are all the same.


"Mind your manners,

Your tongue, and your business"

Family matters
Life's training you'll witness

Love You Most

Remember

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

Love you the best and the most

They want for you to receive of light

And the gift of the Holy Ghost

The Greatest Generation of Young Adults - By Elder M ...

https://www.lds.org/.../th...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints

Elder M. Russell Ballard encourages returned missionaries and all young adults to ...Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father each morning and each night? 3. ... “RM” doesn't mean “retired Mormon”! ... Remember that our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ, know you best and love you the most.

Mormon Apostle Promotes Religious Freedom

Religious liberty
A wonderful thing to see-
Conscience, expression, determination,
Values...from faith- self examination

Palestine and Israel Mending Hearts, a report from United Nations Televi...

Setting aside conflicts
For the mending of hearts
Humanity connects
As new respect then starts
May all of us more want
What is best for children
In our hearts, there to hunt
For peace's safe haven

Senator Rand Paul - Susan B. Anthony List Strategy Summit

Babies need nurture,
Love, and respect.
For them, a future,
We must protect

Prayers to Heaven

Prayers to Heaven
Are pouring tonight
As they're given
For men bearing light

I am deeply touched from reading all the comments on Facebook in reaction to the news that Elder Perry and Elder Scott are being challenged by their mortal bodies.  Sigh. What wonderful men!

God Sees

God sees what lies ahead
And hears us from above
Pray and listen to be led
And be His arms of love

Power in Light and Truth

Power to measure
Surely does come
For proof to treasure
Light's from but one

Find and align
All truth unto light
By God's design
It all points to Christ

Thought

Getting the thought
That's a bright thing!
Greatly you're taught
What Christ's Light brings

I love it when a thought comes in answer  to a problem you've been thinking about.

Israel Pauses To Remember

 A whole city can pause

united in a cause.

They can think on the past 

and where they really stand, ask.

Fasting for Rain

Dear Heavenly,
We've fasted this day
For moisture
To come our way

Of pure living water,
Let it rain. Let it pour
Thy saving grace, shower
Upon us ever more

I have been to Fresno, Ca twice recently and coincidentally, it was fast Sunday at church.
Both times they had been fasting for rain.  It rained both times!  Keep fasting Fresno!
Isn't this an amazing picture?  I found here: https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/lightening-929407?lang=eng&category=

The Sun is Up

The sun is up

All aglow

Enough!  Enough!
Get up. Go!

It was so hard to get up!

John Bytheway's "The Sacrament"

Sigh.  Who doesn't need this reminder?

Are you really there
As you partake?
Did you say a prayer
And sins forsake?

I'm Being Chased by a Lion!

I'm being chased by a lion
Who would to prove me wrong
He lurks on my path to Zion
More than ever, I must be strong

Trying to One-Up Another?

Why on earth
Should we compete?
We're of worth
Both at Christ's feet!

Mending a Conversation

Let's talk of Christ
And be like Him
Let's speak of Light
Let's start again

Religious Freedom

 You go your way
And I'll go mine
Allow me to pray
My path to find

What Shall I Flee From?

What shall I flee from?
No, not from truth
I've much to become
I'm yet in my youth

How Can I Reach?

How can I reach
A heart grown sour?
Lord, I beseech
Help me this hour
Let there be light
Let there be love
There's so much right
To see there of

At the End

At the end
We will see
Christ descend
Triumphantly!  

Stylish

You judged. You are right.
Mormonism is not stylish
Still they seek Christ's light!
Through charity so timeless


Who is stylish anyways?  Who says what is stylish? 

Styles come and go
What difference do they make?
Love, serve, and know
That's what in death we take

Mormons Care

We Mormons do care And oh how we try So sweetly to share Truths we cannot deny

We have seen and felt Christ's tender mercy How our hearts swell

To share with those thirsting

I'll Be a Child

I'll be God's child any day
Just like Jesus taught
For that is the path of faith
In trust it must be sought

Anti-Mormon Questioning

My faults are my own.
This is a fallen place.
For us Christ did atone
To save the Human race.

Why need our paths cross?
For you are free to choose
When we're at a loss
Prayer shares God's good news

Satan's Grasp

Fear is the enemy of man
With Adam, Lucifer began
To lie in wait to deceive
Those impatient to receive

Don't let Satan
String you along
He wraps often
Till the bind is strong

2 Nephi 28:22

Scriptures · Book of Mormon · 2 Nephi; 28 .... 22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto ... 29 Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the  .

Heaven's Care

I don't know your heart
What pain lies there
But we've each a part
Of Heaven's care

Loving Touch & Mom's Intuition: Kate Ogg & Jamie’s Story

The intuition of a mother
Is incredibly like no other
Witness the power of her touch...
Skin on skin, we are made for such

This reminds me of the story of a future prophet's birth.  He would not breathe and the grandma's dipped him in alternately warm & cold water to keep him alive.

https://quizlet.com/5249085/living-prophets-final-flash-cards/

All Things are Possible

All things are possible
With the Lord  by your side.
Believe as His people
The Holy Ghost will guide.

It's Rough Stuff

It's rough stuff
Growing up this way.
It's enough
To fight and struggle every day.

It's rough stuff
Growing up today
But, enough
Look to God and pray

Never

God never puts on your shoulders
More than you are able to bear.
As He'll help you with your burdens
When you turn to Him, He is there!

Even with temptations!

1Corinthians 10

13 There hath no temptation (trial, obstacle, burden, pain) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted ( challenged) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial, obstacle, burden, pain) also make a way to escape (endure), that ye may be able to bear it.

I Well Remember

I well remember that day
Of blackness both within and without.
The spirit was far away,
As I'd turned back to old sins and doubt!
As I'd not any good works about!
As I broiled in bitterness about!
As I seethed and raised my voice to shout!

I well remember the day
I came to myself, all alone.
All I could think of was to pray.
I grieved for the good I had known!

Heavenly Father Knows

Heavenly Father knows
All the details of our lives
And His love for us shows
Through His gift, Jesus Christ

I Love The Gospel

How I love the gospel!
And my family ward!
All things are possible
Because I've found the Word!

What a Blessing

What a blessing it is
To know Jesus rose again
To serve Him and witness
That through Him life has no end

The War Rages

The war rages on
Against the husband and wife.
Speak up, sure and strong
That it's the first fruits of life!

Prayer is My Anchor

Prayer is my anchor
Lest I blow away
For know the Savior
Calms me when I pray

He Faced It and Shunned It

A Timeline Of Talks On Service By: President Thomas S. Monson


He was faced with temptations
And offered lands and nations
He could have proved His strength was strong
But He shunned it all...He the Son


It brings me to glad tears to think of this good man, President Monson, through the years giving his life in service for the Lord.
It brings me to glad tears to think of the Savior withstanding anything that Satan put in front of Him and then taking all that we succumbed to and suffering for us!

"Come Unto Me" President Thomas S. Monson

Family prayer
What a sight
Happily there:
Love and Light!

Meeting Your Goliath

God hears your prayers

No matter the sin

Our Father cares

To gather us in

Prayer is Life's Anchor

Faith Becomes an Anchor

“An abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives.”—President Thomas S. Monson, "Frame Your Life with Faith."

Prayer is life's anchor
As you've help through a storm.
For what is labor,
Alone, without the Lord?

Then as the winds blow
And the waters rise high
Safety you will know
Come what may and waves try

Faith becomes an anchor

As we apply it in faith

As we turn to our Savior

In the trials that we face

Judge Me and Not My Faith

Judge me yes, 
but not my faith.  
Life does test. 
Just God is great.

Questions

Pondering, I like to let questions 

settle in my heart. 

I then might take them to the temple

Where light does impart.

Judge Not

Jesus said,
"Judge not."
He then led
A LOT!

Save Jesus, we are all a work in progress!

Name Calling

Jesus said, "Love one another!"

It was a call to us all.

How can I help you, my brother,

while you treat me so small?

 

I was called "stupid" today...  

Cheryl A. Esplin

Do not bury
Your light in the ground
You are bearing
Truth- pure to be found

Cheryl A. Esplin

Let's fill our home with light and truth

And withstand life's pressures found

Answers to prayers will be the proof

That the spirit dwells around



Let's fill our home with light and truth

And withstand life's pressures found

Visions and dreams will be the proof

That the spirit dwells around

Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth

"Strong eternal families and Spirit-filled homes do not just happen. They take great effort, they take time, and they take each member of the family doing his or her part. Every home is different, but every home where even one individual seeks for truth can make a difference."

—Cheryl A. Esplin, "Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth"
Topics: Family

Full Speech: Rand Paul announces 2016 presidential bid

We've come to restore America's light
As a shining beacon of liberty
The Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Grant freedom's foundation brilliantly

#RandPaul

The Law of Moses

The law of Moses given
Points our souls to Heaven,
On the path of Jesus Christ
Whose light shines forth for what's right.

Pause

Pause before you pray
And think about the day
Imagine a brilliant door
That awaits unto the Lord

Thoughtful Prayer

Meditate
Contemplate
Spend some time in prayer
Feel the spirit there

The Grocery List Prayer

Sometimes when I pray
It's like a grocery list
Of what I need I say...
And sadly so much I missed!

Have You?

Have you ever dreamed and thought
About the people that you love
And all the things they have taught
Did you share this with God above?

My mom does this as a cancer survivor.  She prays for everyone she can think of while she is getting scanned.  It can be a scary time if you are claustrophobic or have an itch!
#HowDoYou #Prayer

The Fruits of Your Labor

When the fruits of your labor
Are selfishly sought
There's a bitter flavor,
Bruises, and even rot!

When the fruits of your labor
Are selfless and clean
There's a ripe sweet flavor
And purity is seen

By our fruit we produce we will be known.

God Only Knows

God only knows
What America needs
What our vote shows
Still He never impedes

He lets man run life's course
And we cycle in and out
Of remembering He's the source
Of blessings that come about


We could be so much better!

Rand Paul sparks abortion uproar with democrat

Prevent violence and murder
And protect each baby's rights
Up to one pound...never further;
As then we fight for their lives!
I am not for abortion. Is he totally against abortion or starting at one pound? A one pound baby is 26 weeks/ 6 months and the mother is feeling life stir within her! Regarding abortion conceived through rape/incest- (my view) I see it as another innocent victim.

Full Speech: Rand Paul announces 2016 presidential bid

A greedy government
Gobbles up prosperity
This is not what we want!
As it steals from liberty

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/04/07/full_text_of_sen_rand_pauls_campaign_launch_126179.html

With the Constitution Clutched in One Hand

With the Constitution clutched in one hand

And the Bill of Rights firm in the other

Let us draw bills we can understand

That unite us one with another

Americans want to be free

Enjoying their liberty

In the pursuit of happiness

In the way we know that will bless

Top five steps-
 looking for the best president:
1. loves and believes in America
2. loves his wife and family
3. stands for American values and religious freedom
4. walks in truth and light
5. is civil

So I found one that inspired these two American poems today
at a Las Vegas rally... #Rand Paul.

Here is a great speech to read:http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2015/04/07/full_text_of_sen_rand_pauls_campaign_launch_126179.html

A Marshmallow on the Inside

Though he was tough and gruff
On the outside
He was a marshmallow
On the inside

His crust, but dark and burned
Bore the scars of life
Inside, his softness yearned
For love sweet and light

Obedience to The Ten Commandments

Moral absolutes
Will always exist
Christ-like attributes
Yield blessings promised!

In the Light of the Moon

Always light
Reflects right at you
Look back, Christ
Will teach you anew

Isn't it beautiful
to walk along a moonlight lake
And see the moon full
Follow reflective thoughts you make

Be a Reflection

Be a reflection
Of what you'd like to see
Point your direction
To Christ, righteously
You'll find life refreshing

Music Video: I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus – Emily Brown

Share your love of Jesus;
Lift someone today.
When we're kind, He's with us;
Love is found that way!

Full Speech: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland at California's Chapman University...

All things are possible
Trusting makes it so
Let us be God's people
And interfaith show

Give Me Boring

Give me boring every day
If that's how you think of Christ's way
Peace and safety, joy in life
Comes from being filled with light

Go the Extra Mile

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-08-2830-going-the-extra-mile?lang=eng
Go the extra mile

Lift another, smile!

When we show we care

Light within is there!

I have had a painful time with an abscessed tooth in my front tooth.  It is nice to get the root canal twice  :~) and antibiotics.  Now I can smile again.

Two Faiths Find Common Ground at Vancouver, Washington Easter Concert

Reach a common ground
Expressed in charity
There the spirit's found
In Christ for unity

My husband sings in Gladys Knights Saints United Voices.  They did the same thing a couple of Christmases ago in Las Vegas.  It was wonderful!

Bottom of the Barrel

We're at the bottom of the barrel
When with others we quarrel
Alone, there's strength we lack
Repent and get the spirit back

(figuratively) of low quality or poor character.

Fine Music

Fine music breathes
A heavenly breeze
That lifts and stirs
Up life’s answers

I love uplifting music.
It calms the anxious heart,
clears the frazzled mind,
and speaks to the wounded soul.

http://www.yourldsblog.com/2014/05/20/heavens-breeze/

Let Your Soul Delight in Song

Let your soul delight in song as your heart vibrates along. May the pains you feel depart and may Heaven, too, impart.

Benefits from Hymns

They…
1.invite a spirit of worship
2.spiritually elevate
3.spiritually stimulate
4.praise God
5.invite sermons
6.unify
7.teach truths
8.preach sermons
9. provide opportunities to pray
10. invite blessings
11.express thanks
12. cause our hearts to rejoice
13.succor
14.prophecy
15.strengthen
16. support
17. comfort
18.help us forget our troubles and trials
19.illustrate and depict events
20. help us appreciate the Godhead
21.let us sing with the angels
22.strengthen testimonies
23.intensify emotions
24.provide an outlet for tears
25.crowd out dark thoughts
26.bring us into harmony with the Holy Ghost
27. increase faith/ stir up courage
28.establish feelings of fellowship
29.prepare us
30.express what words cannot say
31.reverberate in our minds
32.express emotions, even one day everlasting joy!

Doctrine and Covenants 45:71 And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.

http://www.yourldsblog.com/2014/05/28/let-soul-delight-song/

Father's Day Wallet

This Father’s Day wallet
Is full of love … and more.
These coupons inside it,
You can’t find in a store.

Here are the instructions now, to assemble this cool wallet for Dad or Grandpa or another man who loves and cares for you!

Construction Paper Bi-Fold Wallets

1. Hold a brown piece of construction paper horizontally.

2. Fold it in half like a book.

3. Open it up.

4. Turn the paper vertically.

5. Fold the top down to the mid-fold.

6. Open it up.

7. Fold the bottom up to the mid-fold.

8. Open it up.

9. Turn the paper horizontally.

10. Make a 1/4 ” fold along the top.

11. Make a 1/4 ” fold along the bottom.

12. Turn the paper vertically.

13. Fold the top back down to the mid-fold while keeping the 1/4 ” fold.

14. Fold the bottom back up to the mid-fold while keeping the 1/4″ fold.

15. Glue the side folds together on each end so there is only one mid open pocket.

16. Wipe the excess glue off with a paper towel.

17. Hold the sides for one minute while the glue dries.

18. Fold the wallet into a bi-fold.

19. Color over the wallet with a brown crayon.  (a great addition would be those black ‘mustache’ stickers. Add one!)

20. Place the “coupons” inside.

Good for: an ice cold drink, a hug, a patriotic song, the remote, an uninterrupted phone call, a car wash, 30 minutes of quiet, taking the trash out, 30 minutes of games/sports, a back rub, a clean room, breakfast in bed, respect, an apology, a joke, words of appreciation, three reasons why I love you, a list of the top ten daddy moments.

http://www.yourldsblog.com/2014/06/15/fathers-day/

We Are Free

We are all free to choose
To cleave to God's good news
To be a glimpse of light
That shines forever bright

Freedom of conscience... what a gift!

Be a Pioneer

Be a pioneer
On the frontier of faith.
Beware!
Trials near…
Your greatest fears to face.
Lead others to success.
Let Christ’s Light show you the way.
Work hard, be ingenious,
And seize the good of each day.
You’ll be a hero, someday!

For Family Home Evening share a story of someone who has led the way for you to get where you are today with your faith, career, or goals. What qualities does a pioneer have?

From yourLDSblog staff:  We also found a link to a wonderful mommy blog – Blue Skies Ahead.   (Click the image below) Great section on crafts for Pioneer Day.  Have fun with these ideas for your FHE on July 21!

http://www.yourldsblog.com/2014/07/19/pioneer/