You Gave Up Your Tomorrows

Verse 1] They traded in their tomorrows For ours and our children In memory we gather our sorrows In tribute to what you've given [Pre-Chorus] Your days were cut short Some, posterity no more Some left a spouse Some were made fatherless [Chorus] For all of this we mourn For all of this we mourn You gave, and we remember You gave, and we remember [Verse 2] A place at the table stays open For every name we hold We carry the weight of their promise Like fire inside the soul [Pre-Chorus] Your days were cut short Some, posterity no more Some left a spouse Some were made fatherless [Chorus] For all of this we mourn For all of this we mourn You gave, and we remember You gave, and we remember [Bridge] May the years speak kindly May the children know The cost of a peaceful morning The debt we owe [Chorus] For all of this we mourn For all of this we mourn You gave, and we remember You gave, and we remember

Fellow Ministers

We come together Of many faiths And seek what we share This we embrace What we have in common: To minister, our goal We've worth as God's children: We've dignity of soul Love- the foundation Of our hope and joy The atonement, our Savior We have cause to join Those suffering, in need And are lacking the basics We unite for outreach Never playing favorites Love- the foundation Of our hope and joy The atonement, our Savior We have cause to join Blessing others our joy

Interfaith in Rome

Teachers- It's Summer!

Teachers, It's Summer

Vacation time is here

Let go of the nightmares

Remember with good cheer

The laughter in the classroom

How you dressed the part

The victories when students bloom

How each filled your heart

All June and July, sleep well

And fill your bucket with love

Make memories to tell

Your next students what you are made of

Tell them of  passed years

And remind them, they'll come back

For hugs, thanks and cheer

As great leaders, on track

First grade wore me out this year. Each day, I went home ate a snack and fell asleep, then ate dinner and stayed up late. I woke up early and did it all over again.  Rest, recuperate, rejuvenate- teachers. Then go out and make new experiences! 

The Atonement Secures and Anchors

 

inspired by 40–42, Nov 2006, Richard G. Scott,
“The Atonement Can Secure Your Peace and Happiness, ” Liahona

The Making of Our National Anthem

Negotiating with the enemy takes tremendous courage! To stay with the enemy overnight with fierce fighting taking place....What joy to see, in the daylight, that the flag was still there! 

 This banner, the largest battle flag in existence, measures 36 by 29 feet. It was made by Mrs. Mary Young Pickersgill and her two nieces for exactly $405.90. The material was cut at Mrs. Pickersgill's home, "No. 60 Albemarle Street, Old Town" (Pratt and Albemarle Streets, Baltimore), and carried to a nearby brewery, where it was sewed together in anticipation of the British attack on the fort.  

The Star Spangled Banner

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen thro' the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion
A home and a country should leave us no more?
Their blood has wash'd out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O, thus be it ever when freemen shall stand,
Between their lov'd homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust"
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

The Messenger of Christ's Grace

The messenger of His grace

Is the Holy Ghost

In truth and light, is its place

When invited, there, it goes

Through baptism, it transforms us

With holiness that uplifts

As a Spiritual influencer

It inspires talents and gifts

( Chorus )

Oh, Holy Ghost, our friend,

Our gift from Heaven above

Dwell with us till the end

Come, wrap us with God's love

As our companion

We are not left alone

Oh, what compassion

Whispering... love is shown

It also testifies

Of the character of Christ

And helps us mirror Him

To grow in Truth and Light

( Chorus )

Oh, Holy Ghost, our friend,

Our gift from Heaven above

Dwell with us till the end

Come, wrap us with God's love 

What the Atonement Means

 

...To Heaven is where the atonement leads

This is inspired by a talk by

Elder Richard G. Scott

He Lives! All Glory to His Name
Ensign, May 2010, 75

The Purpose of Our Agency

The purpose of our agency

Is to choose God and His plan,

Learn who we are meant to be,

And to love and serve all man

How we need to submit our wills to Him

And not be like Lucifer- who rebelled 

When he wasn't chosen, he raged within

And vowed to cause God's plan to fail

When you are not the first pick

Or when you don't get your way

Remember whose name you bear

And follow Christ's path, always

Then, with us, we feel His spirit

Within to guide along the path

So much at times we hear Him

And rechoose to obey God's plan

Remember whose name you bear

And follow Christ's path, always

When pride comes up in flame We lay it down again

Not my way, but His way Not my way, but His plan

https://x.com/PeacemakingSt/status/2057441691083112800?s=20

Heaven is Family

[Verse 1] Come,

Soften your heart To the gospel truths We each have a part In God's family, roots His standards are clear For moral conduct: His children to rear, Nurture, and instruct [Pre-Chorus] Look on a newborn Yes, the veil is still thin Purity in form... We've His spirit within [Chorus] Heaven is... family Heaven is... family Virtue- pure love Marriage- sanctity With God, above [Verse 2] Listen to the words Of a young babe, a child Like an echo from Heaven, heard They dumfound and teach the wise [Bridge] Heaven is... family Virtue- pure love Marriage- sanctity With God, above

Golden? Before Friday Fun

We gather in a circle on Fridays and celebrate who has been a good friend. Each takes a turn calling out the gold and they are really good at it!

[Verse 1]

Calling out the gold Before Friday fun begins Who has worked real hard? And been a kind-hearted friend? Our class is made great By those who follow the rules Those who quietly let Others learn at school [Pre-Chorus] We see the steady ones The ones who show the way Small good choices Make the whole room shine today [Chorus] Who has been golden? Who has been golden? Who has been golden? You know your name Calling out the gold Who has been golden? You helped the class grow And you do not chase fame [Verse 2] Who has been that one Who helped you out the best? You got your work done To prepare for a test? You kept your focus up You shared your pencil too When someone needed help You knew just what to do [Pre-Chorus] We see the steady ones The ones who show the way Small good choices Make the whole room shine today [Chorus] Who has been golden? Who has been golden? Who has been golden? You know your name

Calling out the gold Who has been golden? You helped the class grow And you do not chase fame [Bridge] Kind heart, steady hands Quiet wins we cheer Little acts of good Bring a brighter year [Final Chorus] Who has been golden? Who has been golden? Who has been golden? You know your name Calling out the gold Who has been golden? You helped the class grow And you do not chase fame

[Chorus] Calling out the gold Calling out the gold You helped make this week the best Calling out the gold, it's true I call the gold on you Because of you, I feel blessed

[Verse 1] Calling out the gold before Friday fun begins Who has worked real hard? And been a kind hearted friend? Our class is made great By those who follow the rules Those who quietly let Others learn at school [Pre-Chorus] Who has been golden? And been a good friend to you We have much to learn And a good friends helps much too [Chorus] Calling out the gold Calling out the gold You helped make this week the best Calling out the gold Calling out the gold Because of you, I feel blessed [Verse 2] Who has been that one Who helped you out the best You got your work done To prepare for a test? You showed up with care And gave your best each day With a steady smile You helped us find our way [Chorus] Calling out the gold Calling out the gold You helped make this week the best Calling out the gold, it's true I call the gold on you Because of you, I feel blessed

Memorial Day Flag Pole Explained

 

You've Carried Our Fate

 

You've carried the weight 

Of our freedom's fate

We love you and thank you

For all that you do!

You've seen our best die...

The cost- duty does try...

So we can live out each day

Sovereign and safe

We will not forget

Our colors will not let

Your part has not been small!

You've answered your call

One nation under God

United in brotherhood

United in sisterhood

Serving, the proud, the good

We give our gratitude

Veterans Day 2025

 Trump said at the Memorial Amphitheater:

"Today, to every veteran, we love our veterans, we say the words too often left unsaid, thank you for your service. Thank you very much. And we want to also say thank you for carrying America's fate on your strong, very broad, proud shoulders. Each of you has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire nation. We love you, we salute you, and we will never forget what you have done to keep America safe, sovereign, and free."

Lesson From Normandy, France

 You’re probably familiar with John 15:13, 

which says, “Greater love has no one than this: 

to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This story includes the enemies…

The U.S. medics set up in a church 

to treat all the injured French

When the Germans broke in to seize

To help their wounded, they did not flinch

But, as they were in the house of the Lord

They asked the weapons stay at the door

Then, hidden snipers who were prepared

To shoot them, thought better… because of care

So much that when Normandy was reclaimed

These snipers surrendered peacefully, unashamed

The doctors concern was in preserving lives 

And many soldiers and wounded were saved on both sides

Always lay down sin's weapons

And enter for the saving of your soul

Lay down your pains at the feet of the son

His church is a hospital, also

“I saw an example of that firsthand recently, in a memorial to World War II soldiers in Normandy, France — which I discussed with Stuart Shepard recently on the CitizenLink Report. It was in the stained-glass window of a church near the scene of some particularly bloody battles, where scores of Americans died while trying to liberate the French people from the occupying German army.
Two U.S. medics had set up an aid station inside the church, but when it was captured by German soldiers, they asked if the medics would work on Germans as well. The Americans said they’d work on anybody, as long as everyone left their weapons at the door. This impressed two German snipers, who were watching, unnoticed, from their hidden position in the church’s belfry. Shortly afterward, the town was recaptured by the Allied forces — and the snipers, whose perspective of the enemy had been changed, peacefully surrendered.

A Nation of Prayer- America

 

As a nation we've woven our trust In and acknowledge Almighty God And ask, once more, His provident hand be over us Humbly, we rededicate this land with awe He planted seeds And they gave root His laws, our deeds Growth that bears fruit Woven in our character Is to give thanks and obey Unto Him, our creator As His people, we pray We have always been And still are A nation of prayer We unite in prayer In suffering when We need care He is there We have always been And still are A nation of prayer We unite in prayer In great struggle, when through His hands Triumphs there We have learned In whom to turn For courage and strength To walk the path He wants for us In hope and faith and trust That prayer brings out the best in each of us

Worth- Heavenly Father's Love

[Verse 1] You have worth For you are His Life is work And He knows this As much as you want His care And you feel He loves you best [Pre-Chorus] For He is always there He offers love that never rests He sees the pieces you hold And He still calls you blessed [Chorus] Say, I love Thee, Heavenly Father! Hear Him answering, I love you more! Say, I thank Thee, Heavenly Father! We each are whom He sent His Son for I love Thee , I give my heart I thank Thee, with all my heart [Verse 2] When your heart is tired He stays When your hope runs thin He makes a way In every hour of night And every day His mercy finds you And holds you safe [Pre-Chorus] For He is always there He offers love that never rests He calls your name so gently And never lets you fall too far [Chorus] Say, I love Thee, Heavenly Father! Hear Him answering, I love you more! Say, I thank Thee, Heavenly Father! We each are whom He sent His Son for I love Thee , I give my heart I thank Thee, with all my heart [Bridge] So take Thy Son's bread And lift it up Lay down the fear And drink Thy Son's cup We are known We are kept We are His And He never forgets [Final Chorus] Say, I love Thee, Heavenly Father! Hear Him answering, I love you more! Say, I thank Thee, Heavenly Father! We each are whom He sent His Son for I love Thee , I give my heart I thank Thee, with all my heart

The Sacrament's My Time

 

The sacrament's my time for thought.
Am I living as I ought?
Is His countenance on my face?
Do I imagine His embrace?
Have I spent my week serving Him faithfully?
This is my time to pray to Him more fully.

When I hear the sacrament prayers
Do I cast on Him all my cares? ​​
Do I feel that He prays for me?
That He shed blood in agony?
He is my Savior and He died for all.
He's the conqueror, delivering us from the fall.

When I eat the Lord's sacrament,
Do I think of His atonement?
Do I take His name unto me?
Do I live His laws contritely?
I feel am blessed by His angels' keeping.
They're aware of us and of each shortcoming.

When I drink from the Lord's blessed cup,
Do I see His face as I sup?
Do I feel those drops shed for me?
Am I His servant, witnessing?
Do I feel that His spirit dwells inside me?
As I strive to be like Him most lovingly?

Three Choices- Three Pairs of Shoes- Their Shoes- Your Shoes-And the Shoes You Follow

 

The wicked cannot stand
Feelings of unacceptance
They don't understand
From sins, we keep our distance
And, so persecutions come
As we're not understood
The commandments make us one
That is when we feel good
In the face of persecution
It takes faith to not give up
To not make retribution
But show tolerance and love

We all have three choices

to put yourself in their shoes

show them the shoes you wear

Or point out the shoes you follow

Can you do all three?

And reach an understanding

To walk together side by side

And put our differences aside
You have three choices- put yourself in their shoes, show them your shoes, or point them to the shoes that you follow. Can you do all three?

Overcome in Peace

 

I was standing in my office

Having prayed for Christ's sweet peace

When I came to know His purpose:

To overcome, that evil cease

I thought I saw before me

A covered immense pit

One corner lifted slightly

For a dark brief instant

The depth of evil, the vastness

Caused me to fall back, overcome

I collapsed, quite shocked and breathless

And cried silently to the Son

How can we ever come to hope?

Or survive such vast darkness?

While injustices are shown...

Ought they, forever, to harm us?

Then, these words came to my mind

"Be of good cheer, I have overcome"

For God, the world, and  mankind!

Jesus has marked the path and won!

Juxtaposed from evil

I felt peace rise, to judge well

With a love for all people...

There is a way out of hell

I felt deeper appreciation

For the intensity of suffering

Of the Lord, for our salvation...

And, was overwhelmed by this offering!

I felt peace in His power

To repair, reclaim, and cleanse

To save us in that hour

Good WILL triumph in the end!

I was standing in front of a chair in my office pleading with the Lord to help me understand how such evil could have been perpetrated. I did not see but rather sensed an immense pit with a covering over it. One corner of the covering was lifted slightly for just an instant, and I perceived within the pit the depth and vastness of the evil that exists in this world. It was greater than I could really comprehend. I was overcome. I collapsed into the chair behind me. The experience seemed to take my breath away. I cried silently, “How can we ever hope to overcome such evil? How can we survive something so dark and overwhelming?”

In that moment there came to my mind this phrase: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Seldom have I felt such peace juxtaposed with the reality of evil. I felt a deeper appreciation for the intensity of the Savior’s suffering and had a better, even frightening, appreciation for the depth of what He had to overcome. I felt peace for the man who was before us for judgment, knowing he had a Redeemer, whose grace was sufficient to cleanse him and also repair the injustices he had suffered. I knew better that good will triumph because of Jesus Christ, whereas without Him we would have no chance. I felt peace, and it was very sweet.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/03/you-are-free?lang=eng 

Power of Music- Get Well Soon

 When you can't move 

Let music move you

To a happier day 😊 

When you were ok

Truth Gets Twisted

 Truth gets topsy-turvy

Still there is a black and white

It is good verses evil

Pray to know when you've crossed the line

Christ's Foundation

His foundation holds us up

To see who we really are

To find clarity of mind

He is our guiding star

Relying on the Savior

 When you rely on the Savior

He will strengthen your life

He can assist any endeavor

Even lengthen your stride

The Cheat Sheet

 The commandments 

Are a cheat sheet

To a covenant path

For those Heaven set

The Soul of our Nation Rooted in Christianity

With true penitence of heart

In reverent devotion, publicly upon our knees

We give thanks and acknowledge

The providence of God who brought us across the sees

His Almighty hands plants dreams in our hearts

For ourselves, our families and our land

And we trust that even the seas He parts

To bless us as we do as He commands

He inspires us to seek for light

As we pray both day and night

That is what makes our nation bright

When dark clouds hang over us and cause us to doubt

We know to do what Christians through history have done

We place our eyes to heaven and turn our faith to God

And witness anew the love of the living Son

Shaping our homes across this great land

To become a city upon a hill shining bright

Expanding, innovating making things grand

While raising the next generation filled with truth and light

He inspires us to seek for light

As we pray both day and night

That is what makes our nation bright

From the deepest depths of any soul

To the limitless darkness of the unknown 

We know God is there, His glory is shown

If we seek Him, He makes Himself known

He inspires us to seek for light

As we pray both day and night

That is what makes our nation bright

Honoring our rededication to God, these thoughts were inspired by Secretary Marco Rubio.  https://x.com/SecRubio/status/2056063668706496588?s=20

The banjo and folk music has often been used as a tool for social change, addressing issues like civil rights and war.

A Rededicated America

 

inspired from:

AJ Inapi (Allan)

@aj_inapi

·

14h

Honoring America’s Rededication: A Grateful Heart from Papua New Guinea My dear American friends, From the warm shores and rugged mountains of Papua New Guinea, I write with a heart overflowing with respect and quiet emotion. My name is Allan, a Papua New Guinean who grew up in a Christian home, where faith in God was woven into daily life even if my own walk has been one of simple belief rather than deep devotion. https://x.com/aj_inapi/status/2055971814921363723?s=20

It takes an outsiders eyes to see and appreciate what a great nation we have!

From the grateful homes along distant shores

Midst the rugged mountains of other lands Christians are watching us rededicate ours Unto God and His laws He commands America, how deeply blessed are we As we remember our roots, our start The world is watching our homecoming Our giving of prayers as one of heart And we restate that all men are created equally and endowed with unalienable rights Repenting- for, corrupted, we have deviated From history, from those who had pledged their lives Blessed is a nation whose God is the Lord See them prosper in faith and innovate See them pour out treasure to those in need See them strengthening other lands, to liberate America once brought the message of God's love In the form of schools and hospitals with compassion As at home each division, we rose above For we recognized we were God's nation Renewed, we now put God back at the center Opening our doors for healing and unity once more To again be that shining city seen as one enters Showing God is faithful to those who serve the Lord This song was inspired by the words of AJ Inapi: Honoring America’s Rededication: A Grateful Heart from Papua New Guinea ...“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

Graced with Love- Never Forget

Never forget

In God we trust

Mothers have wept

For good men lost

That we might be

Graced with liberty

Never forget

His grace, His love

To Him our debt

Give gratitude

That we yet be

Filled with liberty

United we stand

Divided we fall

America, this land

Our God's laws here call

Humility frees

Live righteously

[Verse 1] Never forget In God we trust Mothers have wept For good men lost That we might be Graced with liberty Tears on the flag And names in the dust [Pre-Chorus] Never forget His grace, His love To Him our debt Give gratitude That we yet be Filled with liberty Lift up your head And say it true [Chorus] Never forget Never forget Graced with liberty Graced with liberty United we stand Divided we fall (Hold us together) (Hold us together) [Verse 2] America, this land Our God's laws here call Hands to the plow And hearts made small Humility frees Live righteously We bow down low To rise above all [Pre-Chorus] Never forget His grace, His love To Him our debt Give gratitude That we yet be Filled with liberty Lift up your voice And sing it through [Chorus] Never forget Never forget Graced with liberty Graced with liberty United we stand Divided we fall (Hold us together) (Hold us together) [Bridge] Mercy on this road Justice in our hands Keep us true Across this land If we remember We can still be free God keep us Graced with liberty [Chorus] Never forget Never forget Graced with liberty Graced with liberty United we stand Divided we fall (Hold us together) (Hold us together)

Men You Are Needed

Men you are needed

There's no time for booze

Get fit, power up

Without you, we lose

No man left behind

You have great value

To protect our kids

Your women need you

Come back to us

We have need of you

No man is worthless

Come back anew

The UK is having rivaling protests- I loved this post.  Men have been devalued.  How they are needed!

https://x.com/Mschatnoir/status/2055680434491519453?s=20

Men need to get their power back..you get fit, you jog...put the booze down, find a group, grow...protect your women and kids...every single one of you is needed...no man left behind, no man worthless come back to us

Faith- God Has a Plan- So

Believe good things can happen

Pray for your stronger good

Your Father in heaven

Can answer "what" you should

Trust in the Lord

He shows the way

Right here.  Right now

For His will, pray!

He can lead you "where"

New growth can be seen

Get advice for "how"

And with your "why", dream

Trust in the Lord

Send doubts away

Answers appear

Pray, "when"? always

inspiring words Egor has to say about his faith after announcing his departure for the NBA. "God has a plan for each, all of us. So... "    This song is the so....

Hang it on the Framework

The gospel provides the framework

Upon which to build your life

Opportunities open

When your eyes are filled with light

Find the balance in all things

As you make time for the Lord

Too many to count, blessings

He stands and waits at your door

Focus on Christ's love

In all that you do

And be uplifted

Let His Light shine through

What you cast your eyes on will grow

May it be upon the scriptures

From there, truth and light flows

This is a sacred time to treasure

Focus on Christ's love

Midst what life offers you

And be uplifted

Let His Light shine through

Every worldly wisdom you find

Hang it on this framework

Let Christ's light, filter out the lies

Focus on truths that work

Seek to progress and learn

What the Lord would have you do

On your knees, always return

Giving thanks to Him, anew

Focus on Christ's love

In all that you say

And be uplifted

His Light shines as you pray

Casper Yeow, a Malaysian born, Australian who became a convert and returned to his birthland on an Singapore mission that included Malaysia.  His family was originally Buddhist. Years later, he is currently a bishop in Australia. I found his life and message so inspiring.  Also, Singapore has a place in my heart. They contribute half a million views of nearly three million views.  They are second to the US= 1M. The interesting thing is that almost all of those views have been in the last year. I have zero views in Australia.  Maybe Casper will see this in X (where I saw the interview) and then I will have had one!   

@CasperYeow X.com

Always Keep a Prayer in Your Heart

 

Always, keep a prayer in your heart
Look for the blessings that impart
Always, ponder upon the truth
Be a living example, as proof

Always, remember who you are
With God you've promise to go far
When there is a glitch, do your best
And believe it will pass. It is a test...and try to get some rest.

for KC Cook He's tired in more ways than one.

1. Glitch - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary

   www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glitch‎
   

   
   

   a : a usually minor malfunction glitch in a spacecraft's fuel cell>; also :bug 2. b : a minor problem that causes a temporary setback : snag. 2. : a false or ...