Reality and Faith

Clarity, truth, and wisdom
Are but a prayer away
The answer of peace will come
Just share with God  your day

Make prayer a priority
The mists of darkness are real
There's one true reality
Which our Father does reveal

pondering http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865669976/2017-Mutual-Theme-challenges-youth-to-Ask.html

and thinking that it takes faith to have reality revealed.  The mists of darkness are all the distractions that confuse true reality.

Have you ever just wanted to know one thing?  Who you really are? Why you are here and where you will go?

wikipedia

Reality is the state of things as they actually exist, rather than as they may appear or might be imagined. In a wider definition, reality includes everything that is and has been, whether or not it is observable or comprehensible. A still broader definition includes everything that has existed, exists, or will exist

I was thinking how this theme goes so well with studying the Doctrine and Covenants. All the revelation was gained line upon line through challenging experiences and pursuing revelation under these conditions.

The Gatekeeper

The keeper of the gate
Knows fully the terrain
And is the first to spot
Those faithful to retain

pondering

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1978/04/the-women-of-god?lang=eng&_r=1

Christ's Infinite Atonement

The warm comfort of love
The relief through kind care
The sustaining of life
The atonement is there

Pondering Carole M. Stephens
First counselor in the RS Gen
The Master Healer
Ensign, Nov. 2016 10-12

Bull's Eye

Know your bull's eye
Before you take aim
Focus and try
Your target to gain

Where your heart is
Becomes the focus
Like a bull's eye
It surrounds us

Pondering Aiming At the Center by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Jan 2017 Ensign

His Arm

His arm of assurance
Is ample and strong
Lean on for endurance
Life's journey is long

Let the Savior be your caretaker. Lean on His ample arm. Accept His assurance.
Elder Robert D. Hales
Come Follow Me
by Accepting Christian love and Service

God's Son Our Gift

How God loves us!
That His only son,
The Lord Jesus,
He gave to everyone

And, the Son like the Father
Was giving in every way
He gave THE Heavenly offer
Of His life dearly to save

The Son of God "At this time of Christmas, this season when gifts are given, let us not forget that God gave His Son, and His Son gave His life, that each of us might have the gift of eternal life." —Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Son of God", Ensign, December 1992

Wise Men Still Seek Him - Modern-Day Story of The Wise Men

Best Christmas poem!

Doers of the Word

Doers of the word
Light up the world
They are swift to hear
And keep the Savior near

The Book of Mormon

The power of this book
Sends what tempts away
Each hour as you look
To seek, ponder, and pray

Listen

Listen
With the heart
Witness
Love impart

Substance of Faith

Believe God's rewards do exist
For those who diligently seek Him
Be obedient and persist
By faith, as the sole means to do them

Christlike Attributes

It's best to learn the gospel

By following in Christ's ways

To be like Him is possible

Light comes as one obeys

Christlike Attributes—the Wind Beneath Our Wings

"To follow Christ is to become more like Him. It is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Christlike Attributes—the Wind Beneath Our Wings"
Topics: Jesus Christ Exemplar

Turn It Over

After doing all I could
I'd only one option still
Pray unto our living God
And turn it over to His will

That is always an option.   There is always an option.

Open Your to Him

Open your heart to Him
God's love is always there
Heed His laws and do them
Receive His tender care

Pondering October 2016 conference Abide in God's Love by Elder Christofferson. God's love is always there.

Joy Above All Things

There is a joy that fills the soul
And warms us from within
It comes from God. He loves us so!
And would we pray to Him.

1 Nephi 11:22-23 and I answered him saying yeah it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; therefore, it is the most desirable Above All Things. And he spake unto me, saying: yeah, and the most joyous to the soul.

Abide in the Lord

Abide in the Lord
Submit to His will
Praise forward His Word
And His love instill

Why Is It so Hard To Quit?

Addictions change the brain
So you may relapse quite a bit
Journal keeping makes this plain
As the 12 step helps you quit.

Intentionally Partake

Plan ahead to arrive
Early to prepare
To partake anew
Reverently, with care

I'm working on my masters in early childhood and there is a lot of talk about intentional teaching by lesson planning.  I am always on time to hear announcements and sing the opening, but most often I haven't said my morning prayers.  Sigh.  I think that is where it all starts. 

To This End

He gave His life is service
And He did so out of love
To this end was His purpose
Selflessly for God above

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-06-1360-to-this-end-was-i-born?lang=eng

The Savior Suffers in Gethsemane

He felt us all,

And all at once
This was His call
He knows our wants.

As Part of a Whole

To the core, each soul

Is a part of a whole
Of our Heavenly Father

Each a son or a daughter

We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father

"As daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences. And yet our part matters—because we matter."

—Elaine S. Dalton, "We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father", Liahona, May 2013

We Are as One

We as one, are called to the work

We've souls to save. Let no one shirk

Till the harvest comes unto an end

And our Savior returns again

We Are One
"The Lord made it clear at the very start of this last dispensation that we were to take the gospel to all the world. What He said to the few priesthood holders in 1831 He says to the many now. Whatever our age, capacity, Church calling, or location, we are as one called to the work to help Him in His harvest of souls until He comes again."

Henry B. Eyring, "We Are One"

Light

Light seemed to shine
From inside the lid
Treasure to find
The scriptures, it hid

I love my scriptures. I live to read them by flashlight with my old achy feet in the pool, before I go to bed. Tonight I wrapped myself in a blanket to go out. I loved it. I wonder if I can endure through winter?

Step 8: Forgiveness - Larry’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

When you hold a deep grudge
You are poisoning yourself
My anger so fueled by drugs
Only forgiveness was my help

Step 12: Service - Erik’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Within seconds, I was on the floor
It was an overdose!
I didn't want to live anymore
I landed flat on my nose
Shattered and in need of repair
I went to 12 step in spite of my face
Line upon line I came unto care
And my life started to fall into place
Because of what I now know
I return to recover every week
And in new ways, I still grow
To become strong, where I was weak

Step 11: Personal Revelation - Lindsay’s Story about Heroin Addiction Re...

I was resigned to the fact
That I was a junky
I couldn't put on an act
So, I pushed by kids from me
I lived inside my car
And did anything and everything I could
To drift high away far
Then the police..yes, this was good
For heroine is a demon
That you cannot sedate
The detox was mean then
But I had been saved from fate
Thoughts of my childhood
And songs came flooding back
Prayer, I'd not thought that I could!
In hope, I started to bask
Revelation came about
I wanted to do the Lord's will
Now I seek power to carry this out
As I share with Him how I feel


Prayer is now my lifeline

This is why I exist

I pray all of the time

This is how I persist

Step 10: Daily Accountability - Adrienne’s Story about Cocaine Addiction...

I daily take inventory
Of the way, I feel inside
I am a success story
When my true self, I don't hide

Step 9: Restitution and Reconciliation - John’s Story on Drug Addiction ...

I had led a double life

Now exposed, could I explain?
I lost my job and my wife
I "used" more to numb the pain
I did anything to get high
A prostitute worked with me
I kissed my future goodbye
Inside I was empty
Out of control, it was a relief
When I was placed in jail
I sought those whom I'd caused grief
To make amends where I'd failed
Oh, the damage I had done!
Trust was just not there
For years I was shunned
I petitioned Father's care
A new life was given to me
And my prayers were answered one day
When for the first time I could see
My grandchildren at play

Step 7: Humility - Holly’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

I threw my life away
And hid so none could see
I tried to end it one day
But suicide failed me
After detox, I sought
A safe place in which to cleanse
All my character flaws
That founded my addictive sins
I prayed to Heavenly Father
And I felt wrapped in His arms
From this, I was able to gather
Grace to stay safe from harm
I knew I'd shortcomings
And I would struggle each day
But, I knew that everything
Too, was going to be o.k.

Step 5: Confession - Jessica’s Story about Food Addiction Recovery

Secrets pain the soul
You can't stuff them inside
The Lord loves you so
Trust in Him and confide

Step 4: Truth - Austin’s Story about Addiction Recovery

Ashamed, I chose to drink
Always, I was on the run
And I just didn't think
That it would hurt anyone
I tried to quit on my own
Then I sought the Bishop's hand
I found I wasn't alone
Now my life's something grand

Step 3: Trust in God - Sharon’s Story about Crystal Meth Addiction Recovery

I'd rather be dead than fat
I thought some meth would help
But the trouble was that
I was lost in living hell
I tried to overdose
So sick of the "chase"
There was so much to lose
I tried church, just in case
I learned to trust in God
And surrender my will
I found happiness again
From my past, I did heal

Step 2: Hope - Preston’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Fallen and at the end of my rope
I prayed to know if there was hope
I was wrapped in love and lifted in peace
God would help my addictions to cease!

Step 1: Honesty - David’s Story about Sex Addiction Recovery

I ran my life into the ground
Because I couldn't stop
The only way out, I found
Was to let walls of lies drop


Step 1

He Knows

He knows my desires
And all that I need
All that He requires
Is that I let Him lead

Recognizing God's higher power can give you strength;

Step 6: Change of Heart - Aram’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

It was that last straw
Somehow I had missed
I knelt and asked God
"Will you take this?"

Colors, colors - ¡Colores, colores! - Spanish Songs for Kids

Creatively, give a name

To each role that do

Make it a colorful game

And sing of them too

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsRKoZGaoEM&index=4&list=PLJuf9HnxGVrwqds69uP2KmxYkAfwg0n8t

Colors

Wholly, immerse yourself

Reflect and absorb light

Joy is universal

Be colorful and bright

Go For It!

With a forward thrust

Journey anew

Be true to the trust

Vested in you

Go For It! "As we journey through mortality, let us remember from whence we came; let us be true to the trust vested in us. Let us remember who we are and what God expects us to become."


—Thomas S. Monson, "Go For It!"

A Bridge to Heaven

Prayer is not a crutch
To get you through "that" day
Nor is it a crush
Till you find another way
What prayer is is a bridge
That warms your heart just so
It reaches heaven's edge
And lights your mind and soul

Wading in Search of Light

Keep on wading
In truth and light
Pray, unfailing
To know what is right

Eternal Progression

All your grievances and sins, put them away

Let your heart glow in love's expression
A testimony is not just for today
But for your eternal progression

“We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect. People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way.
“Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord’s way.
“Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.
“Lay your burden at the Savior’s feet. Let go of judgement. Allow Christ’s Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another. The merciful will obtain mercy.”  

 https://www.lds.org/church/news/2012-general-conference/sunday-morning?lang=eng

President Uchtdorf April 2012

Pure Intelligence

Pure intelligence
Those sudden strokes of ideas
Come through diligence
When we're humble, there, light is

What If You've Hit a Learning Plateau?

Through eyes to see and ears to hear,

curiosity is won.

The Holy Ghost brings wisdom near,

once wonderous searching has begun.

Based on something Elder Bednar said.

Is There a Limit to Our Potential?

We've each the capacity

to be a noble and great one.

What's required? Humility

That we heed the voice of the Son.

Abraham 3:22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
Deuteronomy 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

Understand the Doctrine of Marriage

In the broader context, marriage can be seen
Through the sure lens of God's plan
When sealed to the Savior, we join His team
For the salvation of man

Based on something Elder Bednar said.

Know What's Happening in the World

Be an agent who acts
And read up on the facts
Discern what is going on
Be part of the good not wrong

Life Gets Messy

Life gets messy
As we move along
Keep on pressing
Seek help to be strong!

Measuring Happiness

Happiness is measured

By the spirit felt inside

And how you face problems

Despite life's storm outside

I did a silly and expensive mistake today.  I got the paint from the storage room and decided to touch up the dirty walls in my classroom.  IT WAS SEMI-GlOSS and I needed flat.  So I bought some paint and it doesn't match.  Tomorrow is our open house and I am tired...  burning the candle at both ends.  (going three nights in a row to College)  Lowes opens at 6:00.  I can do it!
"Happiness does not depend on what happens outside of you but on

what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life."

—Harold B. Lee, "A Sure Trumpet Sound: Quotations from President Lee"

Make Up Your Mind

---

Make up your mind!

You can accomplish that goal!

It may take time

Have confidence, it's YOUR role!

I love receiving Daily Messages as emails. I just started going back to school after 20 years.  This message couldn't have come at a better time.  I am out of my element and everyone around me seems to be on top of their game.

Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant "I believe that we can accomplish any object that we make up our minds to, and no boy or girl ought to sit down and say, because they cannot do as well as somebody else, that they will not do anything." —Heber J. Grant, "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant" Topics: Goals, Confidence

Questions

Write your questions down
And to God, confide
Then carry them around
Let the spirit guide

There's Always a Way

There's always a way
To do what is right
Search, ponder, and pray
With all of your might

How Far Will You Go

How far will you go
To know and fight the foe?
Though trials you will face
Stand firm and keep the faith

Value Learning

Value your learning
Write about it. Give it thought
While to light turning
To be spiritually taught

Pull It Together

Pull it together
And exercise faith
What you know gather
And your troubles face

Treachery

Treachery is despicable
And requires a black heart
Lives become disposable
And the means a work of art

Priesthood Cement

To stand firm and true
The priesthood is the cement
That glues us to Christ
To His light and Atonement

Nearer to Thee

1. Where for be of good cheer
2. Have faith and 3. Do not fear
Are commandments!
The Lord stands ever near!

Doctrine and Covenants 68:6
Where for be of good cheer and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand with you

You Are Not Alone

The world goes on as you stew
And sadly feel alone...
Jesus wants to hear from you
What you need, He'll make known

Love, hope, purpose,
A new path, to be heard
Pray, ponder, trust
Humbly search His word

Listening

We have two ears and a mouth for a reason
That we open our minds for a season
And explore what listening makes known
Thoughts, dreams, and feeling are shown

Suffering

How you suffer
Through no fault of your own!
Lean to the Savior
Who, for you, did atone

Dare to Dream Big

Let your dreams come from Heaven
Move outside your comfort zone
Dare to find greatness given
Divine potential will be shown

Read Elaine S. Dalton
Dare Great Things
And dream big
BYU Idaho devotional
11 Oct 2011

Pressed

The press of the people
Was always upon Him
He set the example
And prayed oft for them

Nevada School Law Test Practice and Info

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBUUgQ_snq8



For your peace of mind

It is good to know what to expect

And where you can find

The resources to pass the test

Purifying Blood and Hyssop

When Jesus said, "I thirst!"
He meant to save mankind
He saves us from death's worst
For paradise to find

A dipped hyssop stalk was used
Just as in Israel's day
The destroyer's power was then loosed
Wine was the cleansing way

I've always thought they were being mean by giving Jesus wine vinegar.  Now I have found another theory, which I love!


John 19:28–30

Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant,and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 

When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” 

With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Psalm 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Exodus 12:21–23
Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go at once and select the animals for your families, and slaughter the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin, and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.”

Peace of Mind

To pacify the whim
Of the beautiful Salome
Herod gave her the head
Of John the Baptist to own

Jesus, now, in Herod's presence
Awaiting His own sentence to find
Could have seen it as His chance
To give him a piece of His mind

I marvel that Jesus could stand in Herod's presence during his trial and not speak against Herod. Here was His chance ( also His last chance) to give Him a piece of His mind. 

Extend Your Gospel Roots

Extend your gospel roots
As quickly as you can
The enemy of truth
Would to destroy the heart of man

In all times both hard or soft
Let your roots find what's pure
And deeply drink from there oft
For the strength to endure




https://www.lds.org/liahona/2016/08/young-adults/rooted-in-christ?cid=HP_WE_17-8-2016_dPFD_fLHNA_xLIDyL1-A_&lang=eng   by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught” (Colossians 2:6–7).

Teaching the Savior's Way

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/category/teachings-bible-images?lang=eng

Yeah for the church's new manual.  https://www.lds.org/manual/teaching-in-the-saviors-way?lang=eng

We attend a Christian school

Where we learn the Savior's way

Through the spirit's voice, His light is shown

We can practice what we learn

As we apply it and discern

We gain the confidence to stand alone

Hark! Hark! Hear the Spirit whisper

As we cry out much with love

For we open up our minds

To our place in God's designs

Our Divine nature comes from above

We can be the Savior's hands

And fulfill, through love, His plans

Though the stretched of service is long

We are Gods in embryo

In our talents, watch us grow

As through opposition, we're made strong

Hark! Hark! Hear the Spirit whisper

As we cry out much with love

For we open up our minds

To our place in God's designs

Divine nature comes to us from above

We have reservoirs from which to tell

How the spirit fills us up to swell

As we learn to see with different eyes

We have goals we want to reach

In simplicity, to teach

And apply the gospel in our lives

Hark! Hark! Hear the Spirit whisper

As we cry out much with love

For we open up our minds

To our place in God's designs

Divine nature comes to us from up above

We can fan the fire of faith

In these trying times we face

We can rally and unite in courage bold

We can pray and sing a hymn

And invite the spirit in

To refine us as sweet miracles unfold

Hark! Hark! Hear the Spirit whisper

As we cry out much with love

For we open up our minds

To our place in God's designs

Divine nature comes to us from up above

Greed

What sinister scheme
Have you been a victim of?
It's a common theme
When greed is what we love!

Be Whole

Be whole in the Lord
And apply the gospel
In all your walks of life
Yes, it is possible!

Teachers Council

In a prayerful council
Observations are confirmed
Your heart turns to each pupil
As true needs are discerned

Shed a Little Light

By Lienhard Schulz at the German language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44517

Shed a little light
On each subject at hand
Seek for Jesus Christ
To help you understand

I'm so excited to be teaching at David O McKay Academy in Henderson where we can do this and feel the spirit teach both the teacher and the students.

Service with a Smile

Serve with a smile
Don't wait to be told
Go the extra mile
With a heart of gold


This poem was inspired while I was watching the CubScout training.  They have such beautiful pictures and I loved this thought!

Stick to It

Stick to it
And don't give up!
Bit by bit,
You'll pass what's tough!

Stick to It

Stick to it
And don't give up
Bit by bit
You'll pass what's tough

Make the Best of Each Day

Make the best
Of each day
You'll be blessed
If you pray

Create a Space

Create a sense of place
where the world goes away.
Where in your heart there's space
for the spirit to stay.

I am getting so excited about David O. MacKay Academy, named after a prophet and great teacher. What an opportunity for students to feel the spirit in a school environment in LasVegas and Henderson Nevada. Doors are opening for this great event and the excitement, closeness, and joy is amazing!

Live for the Day

http://www.gregtrimble.com/elder-holland-prays-everyday/

Oh wouldn't it be nice,
If Christ were on His way!
I wouldn't think twice,
Of what I'd throw away:
That ugly wall of pain,
The burden to forgive,
The sins that daily drains,
With Him here, how I'd live!

Live for the Day

http://www.gregtrimble.com/elder-holland-prays-everyday/

Oh wouldn't it be nice
If Christ were on His way
I wouldn't think twice
Of what I'd throw away:
That ugly wall of pain,
The burden to forgive
The sins that daily drain
With Him here, how I'd live!

True Intent

If you really want to know
Just ask God and listen
An experience will show
And make a warm impression

Oft, it comes in a thought
From something you read or hear
You will know you've been taught
For you'll feel the spirit near

True Intent

If you really want to know
Just ask God and listen
An experience will show
And make a warm impression

Oft it comes in a thought
From something you read or hear
You will know you've been taught
For you'll feel the spirit near

Start Where You Are Weak

Start where you are weak And work to perfect yourself To self-correct seek, Continually, the Lord's help After pondering this quote, I thought it is perfect that we start where we are weak because then we are made humble to be taught. Words of the Prophet: God Will Make a Way ""Said the Savior to His disciples, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). This is the commandment which is before us. Regrettably we have not reached perfection. We have a great distance to go. We must cultivate the faith to reform our lives, commencing where we are weak and moving on from there in our work of self-correction, thus gradually and consistently growing in strength to live more nearly as we should."" —Gordon B. Hinckley, "Words of the Prophet: God Will Make a Way", New Era, January 2002 Topics: Faith, Endure to the End

Like a Broken Vessel

Midst life's thorns, thistles, and obnoxious weeds You can become trapped and develop disease Defeated with stress high and energy low The frazzled mind takes a psychic blow

Like a broken vessel

You can hold no more

This is very dreadful

You have naught to pour

Coping skills shut down, you're in need of rescue As you can't think your way out or know what to do Thoughts are stuck feelings in a circular fashion To break the cycle you must pray with passion

For a broken vessel

Must come to itself

And pray oft with passion

The Savior will help
A hymn is a prayer and a soothing balm Hum them, sing them and your heart will calm Believe in the atonement and, for you, Christ did pay And then your tears will flow in a different way

Though a broken vessel

Think kin Sui Gee

God glues you back with gold

To become a thing of beauty

Then fill your vessel with good things

Life's lessons, your blessings, treasure up

Record your feelings. Let them go

And with the Savior, weekly sup

As a renewed vessel

You hold the holy spirit wihtin

Fill it with holy light

Go where the Lord whispers and the veil grows thin

Be a vessel shining bright

Just pondering this subject from what

I have experienced...

There's only so long your brain can perform in fight or flight mode and full steam ahead. The frontal lobe of reason and planning will shut down and you'll function at a lower level. You may think you are thinking but you are just feeling thoughts and you are literally in a rut as you do this again and again. You tell the brain this is how you cope. Sleep and food don't help, nor does advice. You need to write all those thought feelings down so the brain doesn't have to remember it all. Then seek the peace that comes with the spirit. Engage in scripture reading and higher reasoning, pray and sing. And give thanks.

I teach and sometimes panic sets in as pressure builds and starts to grip you.There is a schedule to keep and you've expectations of what the kids should know. I have a picture of me in the back of the room and I know I am smiling with love, joy, and the spirit. It warms me and reminds me and sometimes shocks me that I am that person.

KIN-tsu-gi.(gee)

The Sixth Sense

Though some see this as a deterrent
Listen and you will find your sixth sense
Which allows for sound discernment
A spiritual side, in essence

The Eternal Struggle

Uncovered and without any mask
People are embracing what was wrong in the past
Marxism, socialism, communism, too
Is changing the hue of the red, white, and blue

Inspired by Glenn Beck on the radio and the direction politics has headed.
It is an eternal struggle to keep the Constitution, to follow conscience, and fight off hidden agendas that steal our freedom to follow the American dream.

The Need For A Path

When the Savior spoke of staying on the path
It was related to what they knew to be true
For the journey is long and it takes all that you have
And the last thing you want is to break a shoe!

Unto All the World

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-11-022-unto-all-the-world-the-gospel-in-russia?lang=eng

To spread the gospel
Unto all of the world
Is not impossible
If it's the will of the Lord

I just watched a beautiful video of Russia when Elder Nelson was given the responsibility, through President Benson, to open doors where countries did not allow missionaries.  It took six years and it was an amazing time.  What memories! It eas families that had left Russia, joined the church, and then returned to their homeland that made it possible.  Russia required 20 members.  How else could that happen when missionary work was not allowed. Beautiful.

Of Those Who've Gone Before

Death does not congeal the lips
Of those who've gone before
They are as close as your fingertips
And would you sense them more


Elder Charles Callis: “Death does not congeal the lips of those who go before us; they are not far from us and they help us more than we know.”

If you have wondered and hungered to know concerning loved ones who have passed on, this is a sweet site to read and consider:
https://aftertheyaregone.com/

I knew when my grandma died, though I was very far away.  It was a sacred experience!

Keep Your Thoughts Pure

Isn't this a great song with a deep message?

THE BOYS AT THE RIVER

HONEST WOMEN KEEP THEIR VIRTUE ABOVE THE GOSSIP OF THE CROWD.
HONEST MEN KEEP THEIR GUTTER THOUGHTS TO THEMSELVES

Keep your thoughts out of the gutter

From the filth, that can clog your head
And stay away from the shallow water

Drink deeply from integrity, instead

Breaking Down Walls of Misunderstanding

Get through that thick skin
And break down those barriers
Work to love, not win
To reach hearts, first bear yours

This morning was a Glenn Beck on the radio wake up.  He summed up by saying to reach others you have to work to love, not win.  It's true.  We have to connect not butt heads.

If Only

"If only" sounds hollow
Against the echoes felt
Lives won't see tomorrow
For ugly shots were dealt!

Endure We Must

Endure to the end, we must
Charity and humility is the way
On a path of obedience and trust
We look forward to a more perfect day

Tear Down The Wall

Tear down those walls

And protest no more.

Each life matters.

America, restore!

Picking Sides Picking Fights

Always look for light
Through God, we are connected
What is black and white?
Let goodness, be detected

There are good and bad people everywhere.  It is easy to get deceived and let fear or anger take your better side, but choose what will put light and love into your life. Choose the path that Christ made and feel Him by your side.

Hold On Families are Forever

Families are forever
Hold to this thought when
Someone you love suffers
And will die in the end

Families are forever
Hold to this thought when
There's a fight and anger
Peace will come to you then

Prepare and Be Ready

Prepare and be ready
To testify of Christ
Stand strong and be steady
And be a source of light

You don't have to carry
Your burdens, all alone
The Lord is set for sharing
His love, for you He did atone

A Work in Progress

Bear with me please
As I learn and grow
I'm a work in progress
Christ's atonement, I know

His Hand Rests Upon This Land

God's hand rests upon this land
For the bettering of man
That He might turn the world aright
Through the truth revealed here with light

The Ultimate Pioneer

Christ, the ultimate pioneer,
Set His example for us
Conquering pain, sin, and fear
Displaying faith, hope, and trust

In one way or another
We can each follow Him
Be a light to our brother
And show the veil can grow thin

Disciples

There is someone you know
Who inside some questions grow
Who's been prepared to hear
So invite the spirit near

Beautiful America 240 Years!

https://youtu.be/EmP9LvHgcaA
It's been 240 years
Since we declared independence
Through blood, sweat, and tears
And freed man to his conscience

A Land Prepared

America was set aside
And prepared for each of us
That in faith we could reside
And spred the gospel forward thus

Importance

We are each important
With unique roles to play
Evidence of God's plan
Shines through what we do and say

Family Ties

To strengthen the family
Extend and branch out
Learn from every member
Answers will come about.

I am hearing many ancestry stories where answers come, bonds are made, and things make sense. History repeats so it really helps to connect with those who share what you are going through or have been where you are.

Bathing in Blessings

Bathing in the blessings
Of forgiveness and love
I feel cleansed while confessing
Mercy comes from above

Nothing Can Replace this Better Side of Me

Even if
I'm left alone
I'll not drift
From where I'm known

Once you have
The Lord in you
His sure path
You've entered to

Only those
Who share this joy
Can suppose
What I enjoy

Family, friends
Through me, please see
Love transcends,
In Christ, newly


I cannot leave
My comfort, guide
Oh, how I'd grieve
For what dwells inside

The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship

"Be strong. Live the gospel faithfully even if others around you don’t live it at all."

—Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Cost—and Blessings—of Discipleship"
Topics: Discipleship, Faith

Played a Fool

More than anyone, Judas knew
What it meant to be played a fool
The weight of his payoff, how it grew
For the sting of remorse is cruel

Choices

Choices make you
In the long run
Weighed down and blue
Or light like you've won

Keep Going

The Savior is there
Offering strength to keep going
Through His loving care
There is support for growing

Wishing Well

Well.  That's a deep subject
For someone with a shallow mind.
Dig a little deeper
Living water you will find.

Panic Prayer Time

Never panic.
You can pray!
Let God handle it
He knows the Way

Woods

I take my deep thoughts to the woods
The coulds, the woulds, and the shoulds
I raise my thoughts to God above
And His light filters down with love

Remember Your Kin

Mal 4:6
The time has fully come
To care for your kin of yore
And make sure their work is done
That we might all return to the Lord

I overheard a conversation that this scripture subject matter is in all the standard works. I need to research this.

Father

You help us on every turn
While giving us room to learn
You are there when we're in doubt
And help us to figure hard things out

Platform

Establish a platform 

Through study and prayer 

Let the spirit confirm 

You hold  light to share

Just the best stuff...

Summarize 

Then wrap it up

Seen through your eyes

Share where you stand

And how you feel?

Let all u understand 

Your thoughts are real!

Don't seek for  fame

Just coach and lead

Share how you came

To see the need

Success

Measure success with your heart
And how you feel inside
Did you overcome something hard?
What light was your guide?

You're a Father

The news broke
After the water
Goodness, bloke,
You're a father

Then the ordinary man became extraordinary. He learned a dependent can change and raise each plan.

Essential Oil

The one true
Essential oil
Can heal you
Because it's royal

Trust in the Answer

See the eagle soar
High above us all?
Seemingly to answer,
"Here I know my call!"

Have you ever felt certain about changes and decisions, but only because you are in a place where you have faith in what is just ahead. You get into a new environment and worry sets in.  Trust and remember when the answer came and you flew with it.

Isaiah 40:31

Verse Concepts

Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.

Preservation

while most slept a battle to save lives went on

Thoughts of family
And your future goals,
As life's founding,
Fills us when we've holes.


“Another man and I packed his wound to stop the bleeding and we kept him conscious by asking him about his family and what he was going to do in the future. I hope we kept him alive.” https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/1269999/florida-mass-shooting-biggest-massacre-american-history-fifty-dead-killer-omar-mateen/

I think it is stories like this that help us to get through tragedies.  Remember to point a person to hope in the future and remember loved ones.  Of course, the greatest hope we have is our Savior.  Of course, the greatest love comes from God.  Of course, the greatest need is to exercise our gift of choice, our conscience, and to heed the still small voice...

I was also deeply touched to see the scarred policeman's helmet that saved his life.  It's hard to believe just a little while ago people were down on police.  Look at the tremendous courage they have within them.

Pulse massacre 
Orlando, Florida.