Thursday, July 23, 2026

Right HERE



Disgruntled
Down again. The rabbit hole
Not content
Who will come confirm you whole?

Uncertain
Looking for a new way through the pain
Confusion
Is it you or is everyone insane?

Acceptance
Who am I to make any rules?
Rejection
Mocked, I am one of many fools

Obstacles
Who among you are my friends
Deceptions
Your fears trouble you again

Unsettled
I have one place to go
Repentant
Praying for the Spirit to show

Objective
I write all my doubts and fears down
Perspective
Now, only joy is circling around

Peace knowing the Way is Right HERE
All truths point back to Him
Flee troubling paths, the gospel's clear
Partake of His love again

Verse 1] Disgruntled Down again The rabbit hole Not content Who will come confirm you whole? Uncertain Looking for a new way through the pain Confusion Is it you or is everyone insane? [Pre-Chorus] Acceptance Who am I to make any rules? Rejection Mocked, I am one of many fools Obstacles Who among you are my friends Deceptions Your fears trouble you again [Chorus] Right HERE Right HERE All truths point back to Him Right HERE Right HERE Flee troubling paths, the gospel's clear Partake of His love again (Partake of His love again) [Verse 2] Unsettled I have one place to go Repentant Praying for the Spirit to show Objective I write all my doubts and fears down Perspective Now, only joy is circling around [Bridge] Peace knowing the Way is Right HERE All truths point back to Him Flee troubling paths, the gospel's clear Partake of His love again (Partake of His love again) [Chorus] Right HERE Right HERE All truths point back to Him Right HERE Right HERE Flee troubling paths, the gospel's clear Partake of His love again (Partake of His love again)

indie rock, alternative, emo



Spiritual Survival- Tune In

 




I heard the advice again!

This time with ears to hear

This added witness given

The call for action's here


Conference is wonderful

The spirit is felt, tune in

For, they do more than fill

Those impressions? Yes, do, them


We will not spiritually survive

In the coming days ahead

Unless we change our lives

To act on the spirit and be led


If we're to not be deceived

We must feel the spirit always

It is not enough just to believe

For Satan is now cunning in more ways


In such a great time as this

With so many tools for ease

There's also a constant noise

Crowding out spiritual peace


Pray and give thanks often

Fill your mind with God's words

Receive Light to act on

Stay where the spirit's heard


distractions

obstacles

deceptions

These are Satan's tools

Is it any wonder

We've the commandments,

Covenants,

AND the beatitudes?


[Verse 1] I heard the advice again! This time with ears to hear This added witness given The call for action's here Conference is wonderful The spirit is felt, tune in For, they do more than fill Those impressions? Yes, do, them [Pre-Chorus] We will not spiritually survive In the coming days ahead Unless we change our lives To act on the spirit and be led [Chorus] Tune in Tune in Act on the spirit Tune in Tune in Be led by the spirit [Verse 2] If we're to not be deceived We must feel the spirit always It is not enough just to believe For Satan is now cunning in more ways In such a great time as this With so many tools for ease There's also a constant noise Crowding out spiritual peace [Pre-Chorus] Pray and give thanks often Fill your mind with God's words Receive Light to act on Stay where the spirit's heard [Chorus] Tune in Tune in Act on the spirit Tune in Tune in Be led by the spirit [Bridge] distractions obstacles deceptions These are Satan's tools Is it any wonder We've the commandments, Covenants, AND the be attitudes? [Final Chorus] Tune in Tune in Act on the spirit Tune in Tune in Be led by the spirit








Good Morning

The bees live in this old bird bath.

Pondering sage advice

I went for a morning walk

I saw the roadrunner twice

And heard the sounds of nature talk


The sun was over the horizon 🌞 

Today will be a blistering one  🔥 

God's creatures know when to venture around

And greet the dawn with their traveling sounds


It's going to be 115°. I saw a lizard, our front yard bees,  bunnies, a humming bird, a dove, a pigeon, geese flying overhead and my favorite roadrunner.


If i slept in I would have missed it!

Except for the bees who will be fanning their hive entrance with their wings. 




Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Tap Into Life



Tap into that light
That fills you with life
Pray with all your might
Find the love to strive

Tap into living water
Found in Holy Writ
The love of Heavenly Father
Reaches deep within

Tap into His insight
Listen and obey
Trust all will be alright
All will be okay

Tap into the good part
That inspires man
Pray. Believe. God will impart
To you a plan

Why limit yourself
To just a narrow view?
Seek the Lord for help
What would He have you do?

Pursue His love and blessings
Enjoy this life with faith
Each sin is for addressing
Learn the lesson and gain strength

Joseph Smith did all this
For he understood
That when you tap into a tree
It is ever good

You need a little patience
Past the cold seasons of life
The flow is felt warmly
As your Spirit comes alive

[Verse 1] Tap into that light That fills you with life Pray with all your might Find the love to strive Tap into living water Found in Holy Writ The love of Heavenly Father Reaches deep within [Pre-Chorus] Tap into His insight Listen and obey Trust all will be alright All will be okay [Chorus] Tap into life (Tap into life) Pray and believe Pray and believe God will impart God will impart A plan for you A plan for you [Verse 2] Tap into the good part That inspires man Pray. Believe. God will impart To you a plan Why limit yourself To just a narrow view? Seek the Lord for help What would He have you do? [Pre-Chorus] Pursue His love and blessings Enjoy this life with faith Each sin is for addressing Learn the lesson and gain strength [Chorus] Tap into life (Tap into life) Pray and believe Pray and believe God will impart God will impart A plan for you A plan for you [Bridge] Joseph Smith did all this For he understood That when you tap into a tree It is ever good You need a little patience Past the cold seasons of life The flow is felt warmly As your Spirit comes alive [Final Chorus] Tap into life (Tap into life) Pray and believe Pray and believe God will impart God will impart A plan for you A plan for you


The song uses a maple tree sap-tapping metaphor to describe spiritual connection, explicitly referencing Joseph Smith’s prayer from James 1:5 that led to divine revelation.

God's Perfect Plan- The Only Plan





Satan interjected himself above God's plan
For show, he rejected FREE agency of man
Challenging, he opposed God with open hostility
Pride grew and 1/3 arrose trusting in his ability

War should not, shall not exist ever in Heaven!
The rebellious were cast out- even driven!
To gain a body and progress, HOW we all rejoiced!

Jesus was chosen to execute God's plan
Perfectly to live and to atone for every man
Through trial and error we would learn who we truly are
Repenting as needed looking to our Savior never far

Ever Heavenly Father's plan
Is for our happiness
Perfectly, through Jesus, man
Can eternally be blessed

Verse 1] Satan interjected himself Above God's plan For show, he rejected free agency Of man Challenging, he opposed God With open hostility Pride grew and one-third arrose Trusting in his ability [Pre-Chorus] War should not, shall not exist Ever in Heaven! The rebellious were cast out Even driven! [Chorus] Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Perfectly, through Jesus, man Can eternally be blessed Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Through Jesus Christ, our Savior We are lifted, we are blessed [Verse 2] Mortality is a covenant A moral choice To gain a body and progress We all rejoiced Jesus was chosen to execute God's plan Perfectly to live and to atone For every man [Pre-Chorus] Through trial and error We would learn who we truly are Repenting as needed Looking to our Savior never far [Chorus] Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Perfectly, through Jesus, man Can eternally be blessed Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Through Jesus Christ, our Savior We are lifted, we are blessed [Bridge] When we wander, call us back When we fall, He stays Mercy reaches through the dark And changes all our ways Not by pride, but by His grace We return again Chosen, healed, and home in Him From beginning to amen [Final Chorus] Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Perfectly, through Jesus, man Can eternally be blessed Ever Heavenly Father's plan Is for our happiness Through Jesus Christ, our Savior We are lifted, we are blessed

Thoughts from Elder Bednar message:



Ask in Faith




May the Holy Ghost assist
As we consider meaningful prayer
For when we have faith, we enlist
All of heaven's blessing and care

An example of great faith
Was given to us by young Joseph
Who asked and did not abraid
When he read the first word- if

He believed the words of James
And wanted to know what should be done
With churches of many names
He could not decide on anyone

He went to a grove of trees
And sought prayer after pondering
He humbly expressed his pleas
In him, there was nothing wavering

For faith without works is dead
If there's but one-way interaction
He knew on where his thoughts led
T'wards Jesus Christ and righteous action

When we have increased capacity
Wells of knowledge flow and inspire
To live our lives spiritually
There's power in faith filled desire

A prayer of faith might include
A review of all we've been given
With thoughts based on gratitude
This is the way each prayer should begin

When we pray for missionaries
It also mean we pray to give aid
With faith we will find who carries
A prepared heart with some questions laid

We pray too for the needy
For those who are sick and afflicted
May we do whatever needs be
To show God's love's unrestricted

We each have known anxiety
We can turn to God and petition
When we fear propriety
And become stuck in hesitation

Prayers are consecrated work
Expressed to our Father in Heaven
Prayers of faith require effort
We're not finished when we say "amen"

As we follow this pattern
We are blessed to recognize and act
On the things that we discern
We can seek help to complete our pact

Sometimes prayers may be denied
For we'll not oft receive a witness
Until our faith has been tried
And we increase spiritual fitness

"Not my will, but Thine, be done"
Though hard it is to accept God's will
We can bear as did the Son
In faith, we've prayers of peace that are still

[Verse 1] Ask in Faith May the Holy Ghost assist As we consider prayer For when we've faith, we'll enlist All of heaven's blessing Which lie there [Pre-Chorus] With faith we'll know What should be done We go to God And not to none Nothing wavering He hears the plea Our hearts lean in On bended knee [Chorus] Ask in Faith Ask in Faith He will guide the way Ask in Faith Ask in Faith Then rise and obey [Verse 2] He asked and did not abraid Young Joseph sought the grove He read the first word And still he wanted to know If he believed the words of James He would not turn aside He looked to Jesus Christ And let righteous action ride [Pre-Chorus] For faith without works is dead And prayers are consecrated work We are not finished When we say amen in the church We speak with effort We kneel with care Then watch for light Already there [Chorus] Ask in Faith Ask in Faith He will guide the way Ask in Faith Ask in Faith Then rise and obey [Verse 3] Begin with gratitude For all we've been given Then lift the names Of those who need His healing Missionaries, the needy The sick and the worn Hearts prepared And burdens borne [Bridge] Not my will, but Thine, be done Though hard it is to bear Some prayers are answered After faith is made aware When our faith is tried We grow more still In prayer of peace We learn His will [Chorus] Ask in Faith Ask in Faith He will guide the way Ask in Faith Ask in Faith Then rise and obey

Elder Bednar
Ask in Faith pg 94
May 2008 Ensign


Mark 4: 39
39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind,
and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
And the wind ceased, and there was
a great calm.

James 1: 5-6
5 If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth
to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not;
and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith,
nothing wavering.
For he that wavereth is like
a wave of the sea driven
with the wind and tossed.


Ether 12: 6
6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak
somewhat concerning these things;
I would show unto the world that
faith is things which are hoped for
and not seen;
wherefore, dispute not because ye see not,
for ye receive no witness until after
the trial of your faith.

We Must Be Born Again



May we sing to thee, Thy spiritually reborn?
Prepared and immersed, bless us and adorn.
We want to be more transparently clean.
Baptism transformed us to a new sheen

We want to show faith, and make use of priesthood
Till saturated, continually good.
Blessed as new creatures, from this mighty change,
Help thoughts and desires be pure, rearranged.

May we absorb truths, keep covenants that protect.
Seek line upon line, precept on precept.
Help us stay renewed, with motives refined.
Imperceptibly, with Thee more aligned.

May might, mind, and strength help us take on Christ’s name.
When we do much good, we're never the same.
Complete burial, total immersion.
When we are reborn, it's by conversion.

We speak from the soul with renewed energy,
To all in the land, the bond and the free.
Culminate our steps to change and transform.
Born to preach of Christ, we'll cry and forewarn.

Dear Father shed forth to all who now are true,
More gratitude for the Holy Ghost, too.
Help us feel it warn, when we are amiss.
We want to stay clean and sealed with promise.


[Verse 1] May we sing to thee Thy spiritually reborn Prepared and immersed Bless us and adorn We want to be more Transparently clean Baptism transformed us To a new sheen [Pre-Chorus] Blessed as new creatures From this mighty change Help thoughts and desires Be pure, rearranged May we absorb truths Keep covenants that protect Seek line upon line Precept on precept [Chorus] Spiritually reborn Spiritually reborn Make us clean and new Spiritually reborn Take on Christ's name Take on Christ's name We will never be the same Spiritually reborn [Verse 2] We want to show faith And make use of priesthood Till saturated Continually good Help us stay renewed With motives refined Imperceptibly With Thee more aligned [Pre-Chorus] May might, mind, and strength Help us take on Christ's name When we do much good We're never the same Complete burial Total immersion When we are reborn It's by conversion [Chorus] Spiritually reborn Spiritually reborn Make us clean and new Spiritually reborn Take on Christ's name Take on Christ's name We will never be the same Spiritually reborn [Bridge] We speak from the soul With renewed energy To all in the land The bond and the free Born to preach of Christ We'll cry and forewarn Dear Father shed forth To all who now are true [Final Chorus] Spiritually reborn Spiritually reborn Make us clean and new Spiritually reborn More gratitude For the Holy Ghost, too Help us feel it warn When we are amiss We want to stay clean And sealed with promise

19–22, David A. Bednar, May 2007,
“Ye Must Be Born Again, ” Ensign

Steadfast and Immovable

















Steadfast and Immovable, Always Abounding in Good Works
-Built upon the Master- As our foundation

What does it mean to be steadfast and immovable?
That I stand firmly Christ-like and unalterable;
Though mocks and scorns of the world call out to confuse me,
I'll defend virtue, integrity, and chastity.

As Captain Moroni's stripling warrior, I will fight
To maintain my worthiness. I will stand for the right.
My foundation is built on the Lord- Here I stand.
Though mighty whirlwinds blow- There is safety at hand.

I know for myself- I am firm and steadfast- I am free.
As I ponder and follow in faith- God speaks to me.
I'll progress and prepare- one drop of oil at a time.
To refuel my lamp, I will study, pray, and be kind.

I can become consistent in my preparation.
For the best fruit, I will declare my dedication.
My gospel roots can sink deep when they are well nourished.
With steady drops of living water, I will flourish.

Thoughts from Elder Bednar' talk.

Always Abounding in Good Works, Jan 2008, “Steadfast and Immovable, ” New Era

Seek Learning by Faith


As we look forward and anticipate
An ever confused and turbulent time
It becomes essential to seek learning by faith
Where there is spiritual strength and protection in life
And direction in the knowledge that we obtain

Learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart
Hoping for things which are not seen but are true
All that the teacher's spiritually prepared to impart
To demonstrate, persuade and testify anew
Through the Holy Ghost, if we would but do our part

Faith in action enables us to press forward
Assured that we've found the correct understanding
Though we're uncertain and where we are going is hard
We step into darkness from the light where we're standing
Soon, we've new evidence of faith and coil upward

In God's grand division of all His creations
They're things to act and things to be acted upon
We have been blessed with the power to be agents
The Lord safeguards us from Lucifer's rebellion
And we learn to be more morally obedient

When we're receptive our learning is not passive
We become actors and doers of the word
Our pondering invites learning in the process
The Holy Ghost whispers truth of what is heard
And faith opens the hearts pathway for a witness

In Joseph's time ministers told him what to do
In the midst of this war of word and tumult of thought
He went to a grove to pray so he could act on truth
He sought learning by faith, he wanted to be taught
Through faith, the Word of God, spoke to him in his youth

To answer a deep question, no matter what it is
The Holy Ghost is a teacher from the Father
As a member of the Godhead it witnesses
As it enters into the heart of the learner
As a sacred Gift, to the faithful, it blesses

In two thousand five, we were invited to grow
To read the Book of Mormon, in a matter of months
To act and not be acted upon, while here below
The world is trouble, what is it one really wants?
The faith to step in the dark, and trust where to go




Elder Bednar
Sept 2007

Because We Have Them Before Our Eyes




Because we have them before our eyes
We'll learn to hear His voice in the word
A written recording for our time
Is felt in our heart. Where it is heard
For new impressions, to brighten our mind

It takes a life time to come unto Christ
For all that we learn, know and do
Is developed and deepened in kind
As we press forward and learn all anew
For each can feast on the truths there to find

To those who'll hear, He calls "follow me"
As His door is opened unto us
Imagine the things then we will see
Reverent reflecting, one cannot rush
when we record our thoughts, more there will be!

-Elder Bednar
April 2006



The Spiritual Gift of Being Quick to Observe




A message is heard.
It leaves an impact.
It wasn't a word.
Or even a fact.
What made us discern?
Our spiritual ears?
Or observed concern
Mingled with tears?
As new resolve nears.

Without a reserve
We're set, we resolve.
“Be quick to observe,”
As care does evolve,
When we have felt moved.
We know we must leap.
It's time to be proved.
We've promptings to keep.
We are not lost sheep.

Through prayer we're given
Power to detect
What is from heaven,
What not to neglect.
Our growth we'll behold.
Where once was concealed,
Our good will unfold,
Spiritually revealed.
And, resolve is sealed.

Verse 1] A message is heard It leaves an impact It wasn't a word Or even a fact What made us discern? Our spiritual ears? Or observed concern Mingled with tears? [Pre-Chorus] As new resolve nears Without a reserve We're set, we resolve Be quick to observe [Chorus] Be quick to observe Be quick to observe As care does evolve We move when we're moved We've promptings to keep We are not lost sheep (We are not lost sheep) We leap when we know [Verse 2] Through prayer we're given Power to detect What is from heaven What not to neglect Our growth we'll behold Where once was concealed Our good will unfold Spiritually revealed [Pre-Chorus] And resolve is sealed The path is clear When the heart has kneeled We know what is near [Chorus] Be quick to observe Be quick to observe As care does evolve We move when we're moved We've promptings to keep We are not lost sheep (We are not lost sheep) We leap when we know [Bridge] What once was hidden Now comes to light What was within us Turns bold and right No more delay now No more disguise The Spirit has shown us Open our eyes [Final Chorus] Be quick to observe Be quick to observe As care does evolve We move when we're moved We've promptings to keep We are not lost sheep (We are not lost sheep) We leap when we know And resolve is sealed And resolve is sealed (Resolve is sealed

30–36, David A. Bednar, Dec 2006, “Quick to Observe, ” Ensign





God’s Tender Mercies


God’s tender mercies can be found
When our emotions are tightly wound.
A special sign to show He knows and He cares
That He is with us and our troubles He bares.
A favorite Hymn, words in a talk.
Witness to us in whose footsteps we walk.
We feel as though with God our spirit mingles
We are left in awe with loving tingles
.

Our thoughts provide a place to grow.
Where new enlightenment can flow.
Thus, we store thoughts for good decisions,
And show gratitude for those guided actions.
We ponder the meaning of life in our prayers.
And gain new perspective from one who cares.
We feel as though with God our spirit mingles
We feel highly held by wings of eagles
.

The future holds great mysteries.
We have potential and destinies.
A noble lasting new-found birth.
We will have added glory beyond our worth.
In celestial mansions, we will live.
Dwelling close to Him... who’s Son He did give.
Then we’ll know that with God our spirit mingles
We’ll see we are surrounded by His angels
.



99–102, David A. Bednar, May 2005, “The Tender Mercies of the Lord, ” Liahona

[Verse 1] God’s tender mercies can be found When emotions are tightly wound A special sign to show He cares And He’s with us, our troubles He bares A favorite hymn, words in a talk Witness to us in whose footsteps we walk We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We are left in awe with loving tingles [Chorus] We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We are left in awe, our hearts are humble Held by His love when we stumble [Verse 2] Our thoughts provide a place to grow Where new enlightenment can flow Thus storing all our decisions We are grateful for those guided actions We ponder our life in our prayers Then we gain perspective from one who cares We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We feel we are held by wings of eagles [Chorus] We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We are left in awe, our hearts are humble Held by His love when we stumble [Bridge] The future holds great mysteries We’ve potential and destinies A noble lasting new-found birth We’ll have added glory beyond our worth In celestial mansions we’ll live Dwelling close to Him who’s Son He did give Then we’ll know that with God our spirit mingles We’ll see we are surrounded by angels [Final Chorus] We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We feel as though with God our spirit mingles We’ll see it clear in glory’s light Surrounded by angels through the night

And Nothing Shall Offend Them




Through the strengthening power of the atonement
An offense is over-ruled. We triumph
We can live together with at-one-ment
If we petition in prayer for guidance

Keeping covenants requires dedication
And, of the many who've left their covenants
They are in need of our inspiration
We need prayer to break down walls of offense

Why have they not been participating
In the blessings and programs of the church?
Offtimes they're lifestyles are dissipating
And, grievances have turned them away hurt

These are some of the reasons some have cited:
Some felt excluded and without a friend.
Until some have moved or died
Some vow to not set foot in again

With commandments they struggled to live within
They avoided change and went another way
Do they remember the spirit given?
Do they remember what the scriptures say?

Where once they might have viewed us severely
We pray that they might feel of our concern
If we'd visit and ask them sincerely
Perhaps the spirit might help them return

One of the Lord's disciples has proclaimed
It is time to stop feeling offended
Each of us do things of which we're ashamed
It's time for the lost sheep to feel tended

All must act and not be acted upon
As free agents we can choose for our good
It is time to find the faith that we stand on
The Holy Ghost will witness how we should

[Verse 1] Through the strengthening power Of the atonement An offense is overruled We triumph We can live together With at-one-ment If we petition in prayer For guidance Keeping covenants Requires dedication [Pre-Chorus] And of the many who've left Their covenants They are in need Of our inspiration We need prayer To break down walls Of offense [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended We can heal We can come back together We can heal If we turn and believe [Verse 2] Why have they not been participating In the blessings and programs Of the church? Offtimes their lifestyles Are dissipating And grievances Have turned them away hurt These are some Of the reasons Some have cited Some felt excluded And without a friend Until some have moved Or died Some vow To not set foot in again [Pre-Chorus] With commandments They struggled to live within They avoided change And went another way Do they remember The spirit given? Do they remember What the scriptures say? [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended We can heal We can come back together We can heal If we turn and believe [Bridge] Where once they might have Viewed us severely We pray that they might feel Of our concern If we'd visit And ask them sincerely Perhaps the spirit Might help them return One of the Lord's disciples Has proclaimed Each of us do things Of which we're ashamed It is time For the lost sheep To feel tended [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended All must act And not be acted upon As free agents We can choose for our good It is time To find the faith that we stand on The Holy Ghost Will witness how we should

Elder David A. Bednar
“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,”
Liahona, Nov 2006, 89–92

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Enduring Trials With No End- Keep Rowing





To Those Enduring Trials with No End | Jeffrey S. Bednar | July 2026

When you're in the storm
The trial of your life
Keep rowing toward
Our Savior Jesus Christ

Know that He is there
Not to calm the waves
But to walk with you
And lend His strength that saves

Still the trial continues to storm
And there is no way to escape
So, through faith you're transformed
To endure well with  strength

Through it all comfort is shown
Through the unknown and fear
Still you know you're not alone
Where's the end? It's not clear

Word...a child did not survive
Trust.  The atonement is there
Through Christ to be glorified
and perfected in His care

Another received the news
His strange feelings were ALS
This the Lord would not rebuke
But, still he's not speechless

Spiritually, we understand
And in the storm continue to row
And reach for the Savior's hand
How to be more like Him we seek to know

Preserver through your failures
Through disorders, doubts and disease
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace
Even if your trials never cease
Learn from them even though they don't ease
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace



[Verse 1]
When you're in the storm
The trial of your life
Keep rowing toward
Our Savior Jesus Christ
Know that He is there
Not to calm the waves
But to walk with you
And lend His strength that saves

[Pre-Chorus]
Still the trials continue to storm
And there is no way to escape
So, through faith you're transformed
To endure well with strength
Through it all comfort is shown
Through the unknown and fear
Still you know you're not alone
Where's the end? It's not clear

[Chorus]
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace

[Verse 2]
Word...a child did not survive
Trust. The atonement is there
Through Christ to be glorified
And perfected in His care
Another received the news
His strange feelings were A. L. S.
This the Lord would not rebuke
But, still he's not speechless

[Pre-Chorus]
Spiritually, we understand
And in the storm continue to row
And reach for the Savior's hand
Be more like Him, your true friend to know

[Chorus]
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace

[Bridge]
Persevere through your failures
Through deaths, doubts and disease
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace

[Final Chorus]
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace
Even if your trials never cease
Learn from them even though they don't ease
Keep rowing and reaching for the Savior
Walk with Him, be like Him and know peace

Fresno Fire Department Captain Pete Dern Conquers the Pain to Heal From Each Burn

I've come home and become a part again of what makes Fresno great.
The heart of California, is caring, generous, and first rate!




The fire captain, "on top of things"
Walked onto the roof that day
You never know what each fire brings
The flames were not kept at bay
The fire swallowed him whole, it seemed
As he suddenly disappeared
It was a nightmare- the worst dreamed
Death was certain, everyone feared
An heroic effort was made
To rescue "one of their own"
They cut through to where he laid
It was the worst two minutes known
He had been engulfed and nearly consumed
When they carried his body out
70% burned, DEATH was presumed
But, this was NO time for doubt
Still... searing pain has been the only way back
As this man works to rise up and walk again
He gives thanks for each series of healing skin grafts
And the support of loved ones and friends

Verse 1] The fire captain, on top of things Walked onto the roof that day You never know what each fire brings The flames were not kept at bay The fire swallowed him whole, it seemed As he suddenly disappeared It was a nightmare, the worst dreamed Death was certain, everyone feared [Pre-Chorus] An heroic effort was made To rescue one of their own They cut through to where he laid And pulled him back from stone to bone [Chorus] No time for doubt No time for doubt He was taken down But he came back out No time for doubt No time for doubt Seared but still alive Still here, still proud [Verse 2] He had been engulfed and nearly consumed When they carried his body out Seventy percent burned, death was presumed But he was not built for doubt Still, searing pain has been the only way back Every step cost blood and years Every scar on his skin marked what he lacks And what he fought through here [Pre-Chorus] A hundred hard days in a row Each one a tighter test But the hands that helped him grow Kept lifting him through the rest [Chorus] No time for doubt No time for doubt He was taken down But he came back out No time for doubt No time for doubt Seared but still alive Still here, still proud [Bridge] As this man works to rise up and walk again He gives thanks with every breath For each series of healing skin grafts For the love that outran death [Final Chorus] No time for doubt No time for doubt He was taken down But he came back out No time for doubt No time for doubt He gives thanks today For every hand that stayed

Poems based on Elder Holland's talks

The Tongue of Angels 
April 2007  https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2007/04/the-tongue-of-angels?lang=eng



I want to be named near a perfect man.
If I not offend in word, then I can.
A voice that utters fervent prayers and sings,
Is not the voice that destroys and demeans.
When we curse, it ought not to be so.
A bridle controls where a horse might go.
So it is the tongue we pray to tame.
As we call out to thee, in Christ's name.

Bless us to use caution, when ever we speak.
To have tongues like angels, we now do seek.
By constraint of the spirit and with care
Help us to now feel peace though there's much we do bear.
When we're unruly, it oft breaks soft hearts.
When we criticize, the spirit departs.
Yet words are a gift that's from above.
Help us to proclaim faith and much love.

We can forgive and be tenderhearted.
Help us see when the Spirit's departed.
Help us stay hopeful and not estranged.
Bless us to see our own faults, with our thoughts changed.
Life has many problems, there's much to face.
Help us look for what's good and speak with grace.
Our tears can be dried, our hearts then healed.
Bless us with more faith 'till doubts are stilled.

A voice can be tender and oh, so kind,
An extension of a good frame of mind.
There are those much plagued with varied disease.
Bless us to speak unto the least of these,
As the still small voice speaks to the spirit.
It edifies those who will but hear it.
Help us to love and to speak today.
May we serve Thee Lord more now we pray?

[Chorus] Tongues like angels Help us now Tongues like angels Teach us how Bless us to speak with caution Bless us to speak with grace May love be in our mouths And faith upon our face

A great scripture to read is James 3
Taming the Tongue...

- Elder Holland

WELCOME TO THE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE


What I wish every new member knew
and every lifelong member remembered


Now that you're baptized, you're on a journey.
There are vistas as far as the eye can see.
There are wonders and beauty and a glad song.
Be of good cheer, Christ will lead you along.
He gives us wisdom to finish and with joy.
To a celestial reward we will enjoy.

Now that you're baptized you're on a journey.
Don't let this day be forgotten and flee.
We cannot flag or fail or halt halfway.
Those who endure are guiltless the last day.
Jesus our Lord will judge all from this world.
Someday earth's events will become unfurled.

We can wash garments in blood of the Lord.
With faith, we repent. He's shown we're adored.
With contrite Spirit and heart broken.
By way of covenant, we are now chosen.
Where ere we walk, there's a light in the path.
If we love the Lord, and do as he hath.

As garments are washed in blood of the Lord,
Now, there is much joy for you to live for.
Avoid backward glances where there's darkness.
Walk with the angels, you'll see much progress.
Our paths ascend up hills most of the days.
And, we've the Godhead's help in divine ways.

We've been urged to put our hands to the plow.
Some things the Holy Ghost can not allow.
This Gift is part of a Heavenly Kingdom.
We're asked to keep God's words of great wisdom.
Our eyes have not seen, nor have our ears heard,
Yet, we're enlightened and we move forward.

We've been urged to put our hand to the plow.
There is something more the Lord will endow.
As we press on, there is brightness and hope.
And the Holy Ghost dwells and helps us to cope.
He is our guide, on the path we should stay.
He's there on the path. He's there night and day.

We have our trials. They're suited to us.
We need not compare or think they're unjust.
We can have a constant companionship.
If we consciously pray and seek for it.
Promptings' warm feelings give light on our way.
And, help us discern what might be in gray.

We have our trials. They're suited to us.
Though we have them, we endure and we trust.
We've blessings more than we have burdens.
The church is a community of friends.
We'll help each other find eternal worth.
Here you will find help from Heaven on earth.



[Verse 1] Now that you're baptized You're on a journey There are vistas ahead As far as you can see There are wonders and beauty And a glad song Be of good cheer Christ will lead you along [Pre-Chorus] He gives us wisdom To finish with joy To a celestial reward We will enjoy Don't let this day Be forgotten and flee We're called to press on And stay faithfully [Chorus] Now that you're baptized Keep going on Now that you're baptized Don't turn back, don't He'll lead you along He'll lead you along (He'll lead you along) [Verse 2] We cannot flag Or fail halfway Those who endure Are guiltless that day Jesus our Lord Will judge all from this world Someday earth's events Will become unfurled With faith, we repent With contrite hearts By way of covenant We're set apart [Pre-Chorus] Where'er we walk There's a light in the path If we love the Lord And do as He hath As garments are washed In blood of the Lord There is much joy For you to live for [Chorus] Now that you're baptized Keep going on Now that you're baptized Don't turn back, don't He'll lead you along He'll lead you along (He'll lead you along) [Verse 3] Avoid backward glances Where darkness grows Walk with the angels And watch your soul grow Our paths ascend up Hills most of the days And we've the Godhead's help In divine ways We've been urged To put our hands to the plow The Holy Ghost teaches What we need now [Bridge] We've got trials Suited to us We need not compare Or call them unjust If we pray and seek We'll feel His hand Promptings give light When the road seems bland [Final Chorus] Now that you're baptized Keep going on Now that you're baptized Don't turn back, don't He'll lead you along He'll lead you along (He'll lead you along) There's more ahead Than you can see Here with the saints You can still be free (He'll lead you along)

- Elder Holland


Precious Purity

Personal Purity

A plain and precious truth
Must be taught to our youth.
Though one craves the heat and wants to feast,
Once without restraint it is a beast.
The souls at stake with winds around.
And, there’s a lit match upon the ground.

With much boldness of speech,
To the youth we must reach.
Wait until you've met a good true love.
Who, God will confirm with signs above.
With covenants made and hearts melted-
With sacred seal, love is welded.

If you wait till wedded,
You will not regret it.
The best gift is you, as one you will live.
To your love be true, and wholly give.
The joining can create a blend mild.
Spiritually God’s own- sealed your child.

There’s strength when you waver-
Scars heal through Christ’s favor.
Don’t be deceived and don’t be destroyed.
There is more than now to be enjoyed.
There are legions of youth who stay clean-
Fighting for what’s right, to Christ they do glean!






[Verse 1] A plain and precious truth Must be taught to our youth. Though one craves the heat and wants to feast, Once without restraint it is a beast. The souls at stake with winds around. And, there’s a lit match upon the ground. [Pre-Chorus] With much boldness of speech, To the youth we must reach. Wait until you've met a good true love. Who, God will confirm with signs above. [Chorus] Wait until you've met Wait until you've met A good true love If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it. If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it. [Verse 2] With covenants made and hearts melted- With sacred seal, love is welded. The best gift is you, as one you will live. To your love be true, and wholly give. The joining can create a blend mild. Spiritually God’s own- sealed your child. [Pre-Chorus] There’s strength when you waver- Scars heal through Christ’s favor. Don’t be deceived and don’t be destroyed. There is more than now to be enjoyed. [Chorus] Wait until you've met Wait until you've met A good true love If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it. If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it. [Bridge] There are legions of youth who stay clean- Fighting for what’s right, to Christ they do glean! Hold fast, hold fast When the path gets thin Hold fast, hold fast And let truth win [Final Chorus] Wait until you've met Wait until you've met A good true love If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it. If you wait till wedded, You will not regret it.

- Jeffrey R. Holland

The Only True God and Jesus Christ
Whom He Hath Sent

October 2007




Here, in the premillennial inning
To a boy whose life was just beginning
Came the answer that's been sought out by man
"Who is the incomprehensible God?"
"To Him, can I pray and be heard?" Yes, I can.
And, learn of Him through an iron rod.

Joseph Smith prayed to know which church is true.
He, confused and not knowing what to do.
At first he was claimed by purgatory
Then in the grove a flood of light soon shown.
And with embodied and majestic glory
The Father and the Son came risen and aglow.

And why did Jesus Christ also appear?
He to the left of the Father so dear.
Sinless, He'd redeemed us and set up justice.
He, with the Father came to earth in the flesh
To end confusion with their living witness.
We're led by divine beings whose purposes mesh.

[Verse 1] Here, in the pre millennial inning To a boy whose life was just beginning Came the answer that's been sought out by man Who is the incomprehensible God? To Him, can I pray and be heard? Yes, I can. Pray. Revelation is not gone! [Pre-Chorus] Joseph Smith prayed to know which church is true. He, confused and not knowing what to do. At first he was claimed by dark purgatory Then in the grove a flood of light, glory! [Chorus] Who is the incomprehensible God? Yes, I can. Who is the incomprehensible God? Yes, I can. Pray, revelation is not gone [Verse 2] And with embodied and majestic glory The Father and the Son came risen and aglow. And why our Savior, Jesus, also appear? He to the left of the Father so dear. Sinless, He'd redeemed us and set up justice. He, with the Father came to earth in the flesh [Bridge] To end confusion with their living witness. We're led by divine beings whose purposes mesh. [Chorus] Who is the incomprehensible God? Yes, I can. Who is the incomprehensible God? Yes, I can. Pray, revelation is not gone

- Elder Holland

For Times of Trouble





Make each day count
Avoid self doubt.
Evil is there
When e'er there’s despair.

It will work, it will grow, it will spread,
It will fill our lives with more dread.
As a germ it is fed. It is bred.


Wake up late and walk through the sand.
We’re open for sin, we just can’t win.
One poor thought, with no strength and we’re caught.

It can erode
Charity, faith and hope.
We turn inward-
It's then that we look downward.

We’ll feel shame and pity, woe is me.
It will fill our lives with more need.
With increase- soon it will be a disease


And again we will surely be.
It is troublesome and burdensome-
And it builds, as it yields blind fields.

A panic bold-
Soon fear takes a hold.
An evil twin
Grips and it sweats within.

No more breath, no more depth, feels like death.
It will fill our lives till we’re deaf.
Fear and self doubt have met and they fret


Panic and despair lead us nowhere.
The times of trouble now are double.
Where one stops one begins and hops.

It will attract.
It seeks to distract.
With misery-
You don’t think so clearly

Don’t give up, don’t give in, you can change.
All thought patterns will rearrange.
Free of filth, free of mange, there’s more range.


We must confess- our sins address.
Make restitution, make ablution.
And we will feel cleansing that’s real.

Preparation
Acts as a prevention.
From self defeat-
The three cannot meet

We will work, we will grow, we will spread.
And, yes we’ll use our head, to where lead.
We’re ahead; it’s our bread, now we’re fed.


Preparation is our cure for this.
Being more aware coupled with prayer.
The prepared are not impaired.

Carry the calm-
With focus the balm.
Composed to fight
Attack new goals with might.

We will work, watch the time, thoughts are seen-
And we’ll burst at the seam.
When we’re keen, how we dream and we beam!


Having a vision, for our mission.
And, we’ll work out a plan- one that we can.
With each step we will holler, yep!

Off to the school
With the golden rule.
We’re on our own-
From home we’ve flown

Off we go it’s a test, on our breast
We will wear the BYU crest
Do our best, and with zest we’ll not rest.


In each class we’ll pray. Always we’ll say-
We’re so thankful with hearts so full,
For this chance for minds to enhance.

-Elder Holland- to a tune similar to
the caissons go rolling along
And may BYU remain strong!

The Atonement of Jesus Christ  
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2008/03/the-atonement-of-jesus-christ?lang=eng  March 2008

The atonement was done
of the Only Begotten Son of God
It is the crucial foundation
upon which all Christian doctrine rests
Upon which every law,
principle and virtue of the gospel draws
And the plan hinged from
the significance of this single pivotal event.

The foreordained Atonement of Christ
was the voluntary act.
He offered His life and spiritual anguish
as a redeeming ransom.
As the Savior to those who will repent,
He will keep justice intact.
Those not spiritual, He'll still save
from physical death, and to them woe will come.

Our Lord has already offered
the atonement in our behalf
He has done His part to make
man's eternity a reality.
Counting those who've died before maturity,
He has already saved half.
Now it's up to all the rest,
how the demands of justice will be for infinity.









[Verse 1] The Only Begotten came to bear what none could bear The weight of every broken law the sorrow and the tear Before the world was settled the rescue was His own He took the road of sacrifice and made the way to home [Pre-Chorus] He gave His life in full He paid what must be paid Justice still stands unbent and mercy found a way [Chorus] Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met At the cross, at the cross the debt was held and kept Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met He made a living path for every soul He let [Verse 2] He saved the little ones from death before they knew He covered all who never had the years to choose and prove And for the rest of us the answer still remains Will we receive the gift He gave and answer to His name [Pre-Chorus] He gave His life in full He paid what must be paid Justice still stands unbent and mercy found a way [Chorus] Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met At the cross, at the cross the debt was held and kept Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met He made a living path for every soul He let [Bridge] If He has done His part then let my heart be clean Let me repent in truth and trust what I have seen The plan was never small it reached eternity The Son gave all to hold us close and make us fully free [Final Chorus] Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met At the cross, at the cross the debt was held and kept Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met He made a living path for every soul He let Justice and mercy met justice and mercy met Now I will answer Him with all that I have left

The Garden of Gethsemane    
 The Atonement March 2008
(Holland's retelling of Orson F. Whitney's dream)



I had a dream, I was in Gethsemane
And soon to witness the Savior's agony
I stood behind a tree in the foreground nearby
As He came through a wicket gate at my right.
He asked Peter, James and John to pray
He passed to the other side away
He knelt and prayed that the cup would pass from Him
Nevertheless, He'd do as the Father wilt.

Why did He suffer? Why did He plead His case?
As He prayed great tears streamed down His face.
I was so moved at the sight, I wept also
Out of pure sympathy with His great sorrow.
My whole heart went out to Him. What love I felt!
I longed for Him as I longed for nothing else.
Then He arose and found the Apostles asleep.
He gently shook them and asked them to watch keep.

He returned to His place and He prayed again.
Then to the Apostles- and He awoke them
To admonish...And then He prayed as before.
Three times this happened- I knew His face and form.
He of noble stature and majestic mien.
He was lowly as a child, Our God was meek.
And, I was familiar with His appearance.
Then, at once things changed to a new circumstance.

The scenery changed, Jesus was to my left.
He soon to ascend, I grabbed His knees and begged.
He stooped and raised me up so we could embrace.
His bosom was warm, I gazed unto His face.
He said, "The Apostles work was done for them.
You must stay and finish yours." I clung to Him.
"Promise me, that I will come to you," I tried.
He smiled sweetly and tenderly, and replied-
"That will depend entirely upon yourself."
I awoke, a sob was in my throat- and, I was all by myself.

Same Gender Attraction



What drew me to him was the pain in his eyes
Though he was pleasant, he did not oft smile
Of his membership, he said, "I'm not worthy
I am attracted to men -I've strong feelings
Just why am I this way? With feelings so real?"
However, he'd not acted on how he'd feel
He would not violate the law of chastity
For he sought to keep his life in harmony

He spoke for a while we each were in relief
This man showed courage to live within beliefs
For he did not act upon what was in him
I assured him that attraction's not in sin
Whatever the cause of how he now does feel
It does not matter his worthiness was real
He's worthy to serve and enjoy fellowship
He still did belong and with his membership

I told him much more from spirit to spirit
And of every single word, he wanted to hear it
I told him thank you for wanting to be clean
That this attraction was not differently seen
Heterosexuals and homosexuals, too
Have the same requirements that they must do
I gave him assurance and he sat up straighter
Sex is a small part, On Christ we must center

With hope in his eyes, newly detected
Not feeling rejected, next steps were directed
With a recommend, he could simply endure
For during this life, there might not be a cure
God loves his children, we don't know all meanings
And what we now feel may not be as it's seemings
When we're unworthy, may we act to repent
Let's love each other, we're all so different

To you who struggle :

When we've fears we're quick to feel offended
Please recognize that to harm was not intended
We can do things to keep weeds from choking
And when we've faith, great blessings we're invoking
Like anyone else there's lessons in gardening
And things to do to keep soils from hardening
For spiritual nourishment there's things we must do
Like scripture reading, worship, fasting and prayer, too.

The Lord's aware of each current circumstance
Fight the good fight. We can take a stance
We can promote the law of chastity
Whatever our situations here might be
Dear Father, in regards to those who have this struggle
Help them overcome all the thoughts that juggle
We weep for them. We've admiration and respect
Of what we can do to show love, let us detect

[Chorus] Let's love each other, we're all so different Let's love each other, we're all so different On Christ we must center On Christ we must center We're all so different We're all so different

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Helping Those Who Struggle With
Same Gender Attraction

My Dear- I Know My Limitations- continues



My Dear, I know my limitations
And you're more than I can take
What's more I have reservations
About the choice of friends you make

It's not that I don't love you
You are such a part of me
That the drama that you do
Is just too hard to see

So where does that leave you?
That is for you to decide
You're in need of rescue
Not just where to reside...
But of decisions made inside

This is but your journey
And Christ can give you care
For He knows of all your needs
And awaits for you in prayer

[Verse 1] My Dear, I know my limitations And you're more than I can take What's more I have reservations About the choice of friends you make It's not that I don't love you You are such a part of me That the drama that you do Is just too hard to see [Pre-Chorus] So where does that leave you? That is for you to decide You're in need of rescue Not just where to reside... [Chorus] This is but your journey This is but your journey Christ can give you care Christ can give you care For He knows of all your needs For He knows of all your needs And awaits for you in prayer And awaits for you in prayer [Verse 2] I have stood here with you Through the hurt and the noise Watched the same old shadows Steal the edge from your voice But I won't close the doorway No, I won't turn away I can only speak the truth Then let your heart obey [Pre-Chorus] So where does that leave you? That is for you to decide You're in need of rescue Not just where to reside... [Chorus] This is but your journey This is but your journey Christ can give you care Christ can give you care For He knows of all your needs For He knows of all your needs And awaits for you in prayer And awaits for you in prayer [Bridge] When the road is broken And your hands are full of fear There is still a Savior Who is patiently near Take the step before you Let the old weight fall He will meet you in the question He will answer when you call [Chorus] This is but your journey This is but your journey Christ can give you care Christ can give you care For He knows of all your needs For He knows of all your needs And awaits for you in prayer And awaits for you in prayer
--------------------------------------

At the door, I stood my ground 
my welcome, for peace only
If you want to be around
You'll need another story

Grandma... seeing your tears
Now chooses to get involved
Your move in soon nears
Love melts what's not resolved

With promises to compromise
Each gave in some hard way
Each with rules that tries
Being careful what to say

The tears melted the ice
Such that friends are welcome... if
They are respectful, quiet, and nice
And grandpa doesn't raise a tiff

As you are an adult
She knows your time's your own
And she'll not add insult
But, if you keep her sleepless, how she'll moan

If you choose drugs and drink
Although it's more than we can bare
She'll not raise a stink
But... some tears she still will share



Verse 1] At the door, I stood my ground my welcome, for peace only If you want to be around You'll need another story Grandma... seeing your tears Now chooses to get involved Your move in soon nears Love melts what's not resolved [Chorus] The tears melted the ice Such that friends are welcome... if They are respectful, quiet, and nice And grandpa doesn't raise a tiff [Verse 2] As you are an adult She knows your time's your own And she'll not add insult But, if you keep her sleepless, how she'll moan If you choose drugs and drink Although it's more than we can bare She, too, will raise a stink And her tears, how she will share! [Chorus] The tears melted the ice Such that friends are welcome... if They are respectful, quiet, and nice And grandpa doesn't raise a tiff [Bridge] With promises to compromise Each gave in some hard way Each with rules that tries Being careful what to say [Final Chorus] The tears melted the ice Such that friends are welcome... if They are respectful, quiet, and nice And grandpa doesn't raise a tiff


---------------------------------------------
Where else but the family
Is there patience, love, and sacrifice
As offspring try amply
It's grandma's home of peace that will suffice

What other institution
Can melt away behaviors
And start peaceful resolutions
But the home a grandchild adores

What other place
Than where aunts and uncles come
And with them cousins chase
Delighting in some fun

In the family line
There are others who too chose
To rebel and give hard times
Which makes yours just part of current news

And in the path of forgiveness
Some how this makes a difference
As so many come to bless
Unto hope of repentance

You saved some of your income
And kept your job as required
You along with some friends
Found a place, for new freedom desired




[Verse 1] Where else but the family Is there patience, love, and sacrifice As offspring try amply It's grandma's home of peace that will suffice What other institution Can melt away behaviors And start peaceful resolutions But the home a grandchild adores [Chorus] Grandma's home of peace Grandma's home of peace It will suffice What other place Than where aunts and uncles come And with them cousins chase Delighting in some fun [Verse 2] In the family line There are others who too chose To rebel and give hard times Which makes yours just part of current news And in the path of forgiveness Some how this makes a difference As so many come to bless Unto hope of repentance [Bridge] You saved some of your income And kept your job as required Then, you along with some friends Found a place, new freedom desired [Chorus] Grandma's home of peace Grandma's home of peace It will suffice What other place Than where aunts and uncles come And with them cousins chase Delighting in some fun

-----------------------
O.k. you moved in with a friend
And your things went here and there
Your car took a nasty end
Too you job... your pocket's bare

Grandma is your second chance
A place to feel you've promise
To lift your circumstance
Look ahead and take notice

You don't have much this time
To unpack in your room
Some friends had been unkind
And sang a selfish tune

Humility and hope
Are the right mixture
To lean towards health to cope
And make happiness a fixture

What better Christmas gift
Than a chance to begin again
And from the past... set it adrift
As with grandma you find a friend





[Verse 1] O.k. you moved in with a friend And your things went here and there Your car took a nasty end Too you job... your pocket's bare Grandma is your second chance A place to feel you've promise To lift your circumstance Look ahead and take notice [Pre-Chorus] You don't have much this time To unpack in your room Some friends had been unkind And sang a selfish tune [Chorus] Grandma is your second chance (Grandma is your second chance) A place to feel you've promise To lift your circumstance What better Christmas gift Than a chance to begin again And from the past... set it adrift As with grandma you find a friend [Verse 2] Humility and hope Are the right mixture To lean towards health to cope And make happiness a fixture The boxes on the floor The coat by the doorway You learn a little more About a softer new way [Chorus] Grandma is your second chance (Grandma is your second chance) A place to feel you've promise To lift your circumstance What better Christmas gift Than a chance to begin again And from the past... set it adrift As with grandma you find a friend [Bridge] When the old world lets you down And the pieces don't align A steady hand can turn you round And give you back your time [Final Chorus] Grandma is your second chance (Grandma is your second chance) A place to feel you've promise To lift your circumstance What better Christmas gift Than a chance to begin again And from the past... set it adrift As with grandma you find a friend

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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
listen to this as a song
Mission
https://ldspoetrybykellymiller.blogspot.com/2008/06/hes-been-there-before.html

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 -views 2015 a decade ago


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

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