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Monday, August 31, 2026

Everlasting Covenant




God's temple was wonderfully renovated

We opened its doors for all to see

Gloriously completed, we celebrated

And rededicated it as His holy home


Here, we are reminded of our greatest blessings

The plan of redemption and happiness

Constituted for His son's and daughter's progression

Through the new and everlasting covenant, thus


Above all, our hearts fill with gratitude for His Son

For His Atonement, to redeem us from sin and death

His infinite sacrifice, the ultimate expression of love

That we might seek the path to return unto God's presence


Through the everlasting covenant

In this great and last dispensation

His sealing keys of His holy priesthood

Bind beyond the veil families for generations

[Verse 1] God's temple was wonderfully renovated We opened its doors for all to see Gloriously completed, we celebrated And rededicated it as His holy home [Verse 2] Here, we are reminded of our greatest blessings The plan of redemption and happiness Constituted for His son's and daughter's progression Through the new and everlasting covenant, thus [Chorus] Above all, our hearts fill with gratitude for His Son For His Atonement, to redeem us from sin and death His infinite sacrifice, the ultimate expression of love That we might seek the path to return unto God's presence [Bridge] Through the everlasting covenant In this great and last dispensation His sealing keys of His holy priesthood Bind beyond the veil families for generations [Chorus] Above all, our hearts fill with gratitude for His Son For His Atonement, to redeem us from sin and death His infinite sacrifice, the ultimate expression of love That we might seek the path to return unto God's presence [Outro] Through the everlasting covenant We seek the path to return unto God's presence


San Diego temple had upwards 600,000 people visit during its open house and rededication.  Wow!  Families who had been sealed there years ago came and walked through its beauty and were reminded....

“We thank Thee for the plan of redemption and happiness that Thou hast constituted for the eternal progression of Thy sons and daughters. We are grateful that Thou hast established once again Thy new and everlasting covenant in this great and last dispensation. Above all, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the Atonement wrought by Thy divine Son, Jesus, knowing that His infinite sacrifice to redeem us from sin and death is essential to Thy eternal plan. We acknowledge this ultimate expression of His love and of Thy love for us — than which love there is none greater. Unitedly in this moment, we express to Thee and to Him our unending love and gratitude. We thank Thee for having restored to the earth the Holy Priesthood after the Order of Thy Son that offers to Thy children of all generations the foreordained ordinances and covenants necessary for exaltation in Thy presence. We thank Thee for this temple and all temples that have been and will yet be built to Thy name wherein the holiest of these ordinances and covenants may be realized. We thank Thee for the keys of the holy priesthood, including and especially the keys of sealing to bind beyond the veil that which is bound on earth.”


Dedicatory Prayer San Diego Temple D. Todd Christofferson August 2026

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Heroes and Angels

It takes a hero
To put another first
And let all fears go
Regardless of the worst

But, perhaps there is more
Than strength, in the end
Through faith upon the Lord
Unseen hands attend

But, the story goes on
One gunman turned himself in
It did not take him long
For his conscience burned within



Cedar Rapids, Iowa 10-Year-Old Hero Shot Protecting Mom From Gunmen “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13 Masked gunmen broke into 10-year-old Cameron’s house and proceeded to point a gun directly in his mother’s face. Cameron, without hesitation, tackled one of the men, at which point the gun was fired, ripping through the 10-year-old’s forearm. Leaving him and his mother, the gunmen fled the scene, seemingly aware of the reality of what they had just done. Fortunately Cameron will be fine, his wound was fairly minor and he doesn’t regret a moment of his bravery. He says he knows that God was protecting him and his mother that day, and it certainly would seem that way. Read more at http://hopefaithlove.com/10-year-old-hero-shot-protecting-mom-from-gunmen/#WEheXSwQjxjGkc29.99

We Must Ascertain



We must ascertain
What is for our higher good?
What we now obtain
Starts with could, would, and should

There is knowledge we will gain
from each new role that we fill
As we give and, too, restrain
We use our will, feel and instill

We know achievement
Or feel bereavement
But, did we do our best?
That is the true test

We must ascertain
What's for our higher good?
If we rise up with exertion
We are doing as we should

As we advance in what we know
Our scope of influence does grow
From a shared thought, seeds are planted
Soon, progress sprouts and fruits are granted

Then, we must be insistent
That we remain persistent
For life demands that we compete
And there's objectives that we must meet



[Verse 1] We must ascertain What is for our higher good? What we now obtain Starts with could, would, and should There is knowledge we will gain From each new role that we fill As we give and, too, restrain We use our will, feel and instill [Chorus] We know achievement Or feel bereavement But did we do our best? That is the true test [Verse 2] We must ascertain What's for our higher good? If we rise up with exertion We are doing as we should As we advance in what we know Our scope of influence does grow From a shared thought, seeds are planted Soon, progress sprouts and fruits are granted [Bridge] Then we must be insistent That we remain persistent For life demands that we compete And there's objectives that we must meet [Chorus] We know achievement Or feel bereavement But did we do our best? That is the true test [Outro] We must ascertain What is for our higher good? Step by step, we make the choice To become all that we could

Slopes- Climb the Mountain

The world slides down
Quite a slippery slope
Still, those endowed
Have high reasons to hope

Climb the mountain
You'll find all that you need
Living fountains
Continually feed

Hope for the future
Hope for the family
The Way is made sure
For immortality 




Consistency

Open His holy book
Be meek
Have purpose.  More than just a look
Yes.  Seek

Get into the pages
Be there
The Almighty healer
Shows care

Questions, desires, and needs?
Read on
Then, humbly, on your knees
Pray on

The best of relationships 
Takes time
Let Him touch your heart, your soul,
Your mind





[Verse 1] Open His holy book, be meek Have purpose, more than just a look Yes, seek [Verse 2] Get into the pages, be there The Almighty Healer shows care He meets you there [Chorus] Questions, desires, and needs? Read on Then humbly, on your knees Pray on Pray on [Verse 3] The best of relationships takes time Let Him touch your heart, your soul, your mind Let His truth shine [Chorus] Questions, desires, and needs? Read on Then humbly, on your knees Pray on Pray on [Bridge] Through every page, through every prayer You find His faithful presence there With open hands and a listening heart He leads you gently from the start [Final Chorus] Questions, desires, and needs? Read on Then humbly, on your knees Pray on The best of relationships takes time Let Him touch your heart, your soul, your mind Pray on [Outro] Open the book, be still, seek Walk in His care, be meek Pray on

Put it Away- A Flash of Light- thoughts that put me to sleep

Put it away
That which is dark
Continually pray
Let goodness spark

A flash of light
Is all that you need
To lamp the night
And plant thoughts... to sleep

Safety is found
Peace fills the soul
Sleep comes around...
You awake whole




Verse 1] Put it away That which is dark Continually pray Let goodness spark [Chorus] A flash of light Is all that you need To lamp the night And plant thoughts... to sleep [Verse 2] Safety is found Peace fills the soul Sleep comes around... You awake whole [Bridge] Set down the weight Close every door Rest while the quiet Guards you once more [Chorus] A flash of light Is all that you need To lamp the night And plant thoughts... to sleep [Outro] Safety is found Peace fills the soul Sleep comes around... You awake whole

I was a bit of an insomniac last night.  Thinking of one million martyrs storming Jerusalem to make it their capitol... Prayer and the Book of Mormon restored me.  The Nook went dark and I had a thought: put it away, that which is dark... Which I wrote in the dark on the back of some paper I found in the dark. Interesting- this morning I discovered it was something I meant to read while in 2 Nephi.

http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=4&num=1&id=90

The Passage of Time






The passage of time dims our old memories
And none too soon fades our sorrows and worries.
The pioneer trail where tears fell like rain
Now is a roller coaster of grief and pain.

While crimes creep higher to spiral upward
Decency careens society downward
And who can escape as the ride moves faster?
This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster!

Can we muster the courage for today?
As modern pioneers can we show others the way?
The path has been laid to eternity
May we blaze its trail bright with morality!

"Come follow me," 
The Master calls to each
Keep remembering
My spirit's within reach 





[Verse 1] The passage of time dims our old memories And none too soon fades our sorrows and worries The pioneer trail where tears fell like rain Now is a roller coaster of grief and pain [Verse 2] While crimes creep higher to spiral upward Decency careens society downward And who can escape as the ride moves faster? This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster [Chorus] Can we muster the courage for today? As modern pioneers, can we show others the way? The path has been laid to eternity May we blaze its trail bright with morality [Bridge] Come follow me, the Master calls to each Keep remembering, my spirit's within reach When every turn unsettles what we know Hold to the good, and let compassion grow [Final Chorus] Can we muster the courage for today? As modern pioneers, can we show others the way? The path has been laid to eternity May we blaze its trail bright with morality [Outro] Keep remembering My spirit's within reach Keep remembering And walk the path we teach

Thomas S. Monson
'Come Follow Me," Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

Ambassadors to the Stars

 


To the future academy, We lived a dream come true From the back of the moon we watched The earth show its glory, too Take our big bold endeavors You'll achieve more with faith With others seek God's favor To receive needed strength As new ambassadors to the stars You are the best in the industry Take our accomplishments far And make our moon presence enduring Plant the stars and stripes on Mars For the universe to see Along the expanse of stars What you dream can come to be

To the future academy, We lived a dream come true From the back of the moon we watched The Earth reshow its glory, new [Verse 2] Take our big, bold endeavors You'll achieve more with faith With others seek God's favor To receive needed strength [Chorus] As new ambassadors to the stars You are the best in the industry Take our accomplishments far And make our moon presence enduring [Verse 3] Plant the stars and stripes on Mars For the universe to see Along the expanse of stars What you dream can come to be [Bridge] Carry the questions farther Build with courage, hand in hand Let the work outlive the moment Let hope guide where you stand [Final Chorus] As new ambassadors to the stars You are the best in the industry Take our accomplishments far And make our moon presence enduring Plant the stars and stripes on Mars For the universe to see Along the expanse of stars What you dream can come to be [Outro] To the future academy, The next horizon waits for you



What an inspiring speech!  A real celebration!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCP4WD6oG_U

  • Jared Isaacman, recently confirmed as NASA's 15th Administrator in December 2025 under President Trump.
  • He  envisions bold space achievements beyond viewing Earth from the Moon's far side, by establishing a lasting lunar presence, and planting the U.S. flag on Mars through faith-driven endeavors.
  • You Were There All Along

     A man was fighting the waves

    Taking him out to sea

    He prayed to God who saves

    Only Him he wanted to see


    For a life guard threw him a float

    Yet he said, "Thanks, I'm just fine"

    He knew his best friend would show

    The life guard didn't want a fight


    Next came a life boat, 

    Accepting their float

    On he continued to sea

    Waiting for God, but he did not see

    That it was Him who sent each float


    A day, a night, a day

    Still he floated on

    Then he heard a voice say,

    "I was there twice! You were wrong!"


    Soon, he saw a fisherman

    And waved for him to save

    He knew that God had sent them

    He said goodbye to pride with a wave


    Last, he seemed to hear

    "Whether by my servant or me, it is the same"

    I felt His presence near

    I felt such joy!  All along it was Him who came!



    [Verse 1] A man was fighting waves that pulled him out to sea He prayed to God who saves, “Please come and rescue me” A lifeguard threw a float; he answered, “I’m alright” “My closest friend will come for me; I’m waiting for His sign” [Verse 2] A boat came riding near and offered him a place He thanked them for the float, then turned away his face He watched the water rise beneath the fading blue Still waiting for the hand of God, not knowing what God knew [Chorus] You were there in every helping hand In every voice that called me back to land I looked for You beyond the open sea But every rescue was Your mercy reaching me You were there, You were there all along I mistook Your answer for a different song [Verse 3] A day, a night, a day, he drifted on alone Then a quiet voice replied, “You missed what I had shown I sent the float, I sent the boat, I called you from the waves How many times must love arrive before a heart is saved?” [Chorus] You were there in every helping hand In every voice that called me back to land I looked for You beyond the open sea But every rescue was Your mercy reaching me You were there, You were there all along I mistook Your answer for a different song [Bridge] Then a fisherman appeared and heard him call for aid He lowered down a line, and pride began to fade He whispered, “God has sent you,” and climbed aboard at last The shore grew clear before his eyes; the danger drifted past [Final Chorus] You were there in every helping hand In every voice that called me back to land Whether servant, stranger, friend, or You The saving love was always coming through You were there, You were there all along I was held before I knew where I belonged [Outro] I felt Your presence near, and all my fear was gone Every path that brought me home was Yours all along

    I remember hearing a story similar to this, but the man drowns.  I didn't like that.

    @Scottobix




    Begging for a Sign

     Suffering, in pain with cancer

    and given just months to live

    How I wish God would answer

    How I beg Him for any sign


    How I want to believe

    For I know death is eminent

    It would b a relief

    A strength as cancer does not relent


    I pray many times a day

    Literally begging for a sign

    A feeling a sense of presence

    Something to hold to that is mine


    I don't want grief to be my answer

    I don't want to die and leave my family alone

    Help me feel holiness linger

    I pray Thou would make Thyself known


    Help me to be a patient patient

    Still my time is running out

    That when I pass, my children

    Will know to believe I'm still about


    Verse 1] Suffering, in pain with cancer Given just months to live How I wish that God would answer How I beg for any sign to give [Pre-Chorus] I want to believe, I want to hold on Though I know the end is drawing near If relief could come with morning Let it leave me stronger than my fear [Chorus] I pray many times a day Literally begging for a sign A feeling, a sense of Your presence Something I can know is mine I don't want grief to be my answer I don't want to leave them alone Help me feel Your holiness linger I pray, Lord, make Yourself known [Verse 2] I know death is drawing nearer And the cancer will not relent Still I search the quiet moments For a kindness heaven might have sent [Pre-Chorus] I want to believe, I want to hold on With my children gathered close to me Give me one small thread of comfort Something stronger than uncertainty [Chorus] I pray many times a day Literally begging for a sign A feeling, a sense of Your presence Something I can know is mine I don't want grief to be my answer I don't want to leave them alone Help me feel Your holiness linger I pray, Lord, make Yourself known [Bridge] Help me be a patient patient Though my time is running out When I pass beyond their seeing Let them know what love's about Let them know I am not vanished Let the bond remain somehow Hold my family when I cannot Be their shelter, even now [Final Chorus] I pray many times a day Still begging for a sign A feeling, a sense of Your presence A peace I can call mine I don't want grief to be my answer I don't want to leave them alone Help me feel Your holiness linger I pray, Lord, make Yourself known [Outro] And if my voice grows quiet Stay near the ones I love Let them feel the love I carried And the mercy from above




    Dissonance vs. Light



    Dissonance is awful
    We are prone to fight
    But, the music of the gospel
    Introduces light

    Displace the darkness
    And introduce light
    Dissonance grows less
    When we are Christ-like!

    Like a child on a violin
    The lessons grow less painful
    Don't give up, you'll grow within
    And your heart strings will be grateful


    [Verse 1] Dissonance is awful We are prone to fight But the music of the gospel Introduces light [Chorus] Displace the darkness And introduce light Dissonance grows less When we are Christ-like [Verse 2] Like a child on a violin The lessons grow less painful Don't give up, you'll grow within And your heart strings will be grateful [Chorus] Displace the darkness And introduce light Dissonance grows less When we are Christ-like [Bridge] Give grace when the notes don't agree Let patience shape what we become Step by step, in harmony We learn the heart of Kingdom love [Final Chorus] Displace the darkness And introduce light Dissonance grows less When we are Christ-like Dissonance grows less When we are Christ-like [Outro] Introduce light When we are Christ-like



    "Dissonance in the home is like darkness in a room. … We must displace the darkness by introducing light."
    —Wilford W. Andersen, "The Music of the Gospel"
    Topics: Change

    A Young Man in a Large City

    A young man in a large city
    In a home of affluence
    Was selfish and knew not pity
    As he abused his influence

    In the best school money could buy
    A life of bounty stood before him
    Though he had the smarts, he would not try
    For he'd naught work ethics to begin

    The man's father sought the advice
    Of an old man reading a book
    "Well, make him pay and he'll think twice"
    (For he knew the young man did naught but took)

    And when the young man could buy no more
    How he shouted and had a big fit!
    Then he got a job and improved his scores
    And told Grandpa he was thankful for it

    when AI takes over and you love it!.......Still, Grandpa and his wisdom saves the day!




    Verse 1] A young man lived in a crowded town Where polished towers filled the view In a house where the wealth came pouring down He took what he wanted, as rich boys do He wore his father's name like a coat And leaned on every door he knew If someone needed help, he'd miss the note But called it clever when he pushed on through [Chorus] You can open every door in the world And still refuse to walk inside A gift is only worth the work it takes And pride can make a fool of a guide [Verse 2] The finest school that money could find Placed every chance upon his desk He had a quick and capable mind But chose the easiest road at best His books stayed shut, his hours slipped by While silver spoons kept making noise He thought tomorrow would never ask him why And mistook his comfort for a choice [Verse 3] His father went to an older friend Who sat with a book beside the fire “Let consequence become his teacher, then; Remove the rope that feeds desire Make him pay for every needless thing Let empty pockets clear his sight A lesson carried by a broken spring May hold when lectures never might” [Chorus] You can open every door in the world And still refuse to walk inside A gift is only worth the work it takes And pride can make a fool of a guide [Bridge] When the young man reached for one more treat The cupboard answered, “Not today” He stamped and shouted through the street As every borrowed comfort rolled away No driver came, no tailor called No easy answer, no family shield The world looked different when he stood small With his own two hands to make a meal [Verse 4] He found a job and rose before dawn Learned the weight of showing up He earned each mark he once had pawned And slowly filled his empty cup The work was hard, but the days grew clear He saw what effort could repair Then he thanked his grandpa, year by year: “You taught me how to meet my share” [Final Chorus] You can open every door in the world But you must choose to walk inside A gift becomes a life when effort joins it And humility can be your guide [Outro] So if fortune sets a table wide Take your portion, then do your part The hand that learns to give with pride Has finally grown a grateful heart

    Sometimes the Sun Doesn't Reach Us- The Spirit of Revelation

    Sometimes sunshine doesn't reach us
    Yet we still know when it is day
    Here lies a lesson to teach us
    How revelation comes our way

    Inspiration can brightly sun
    Touching us from head to toe
    Or line upon line become
    A glowing part of us and what we know

    The spirit of revelation
    Is available to each
    Who've received the Holy Ghost 
    To inspire, guide, and teach

    In feelings, dreams, visions
    Conversations, a thought
    In a scripture, an impression
    Line upon line, we are taught

    Ever we are to pray
    To search and ponder
    Looking for a light ray
    To receive God's answer

    When you sense something is wrong
    Walk in the Light of the Lord
    What is dim within can glow strong
    Be still, and ponder His Word





    [Verse 1] Sometimes sunshine doesn't reach us Yet we still know when it is day Here lies a lesson to teach us How revelation comes our way [Verse 2] Inspiration can brightly sun Touching us from head to toe Or line upon line become A glowing part of us and what we know [Chorus] The spirit of revelation Is available to each Who've received the Holy Ghost To inspire, guide, and teach [Verse 3] In feelings, dreams, visions Conversations, a thought In a scripture an impression Line upon line we are taught [Bridge] Ever we are to pray To search and ponder Looking for a light ray To receive God's answer [Verse 4] When you sense something is wrong Walk in the Light of the Lord What is dim within can glow strong Be still, and ponder His Word [Chorus] The spirit of revelation Is available to each Who've received the Holy Ghost To inspire, guide, and teach [Outro] Ever we are to pray To search and ponder Looking for a light ray To receive God's answer

    thoughts from
    The Spirit of Revelation
    Elder David A. Bednar
    Ensign, May 2011,

    Stomach the News? We Are Not a Stranger

    Just how much of the news
    Can you stomach at one time?
    Before you get the blues
    All this happens on Christ's dime!

    For His bowels of mercy 
    Extend to the whole human race
    He knows how we are hurting
    And offers each His throne of grace

    The sick, depraved, demented
    All tragedies and pain
    Things that could have been prevented
    Like addictions that chain

    He stands at the door and knocks
    He waits for an answer
    Nothing about our lives shocks
    We are not a stranger

    He will heal the broken heart
    And bind up the wounds within
    He has known your name from the start
    On the palms of His hands, yours is written





    Verse 1] Just how much of the news Can you stomach at one time? Before you get the blues All this happens on Christ's dime! [Verse 2] For His bowels of mercy Extend to the whole human race He knows how we are hurting And offers each His throne of grace [Chorus] He stands at the door and knocks He waits for an answer Nothing about our lives shocks We are not a stranger [Verse 3] The sick, depraved, demented All tragedies and pain Things that could have been prevented Like addictions that chain [Chorus] He stands at the door and knocks He waits for an answer Nothing about our lives shocks We are not a stranger [Bridge] He will heal the broken heart And bind up the wounds within He has known your name from the start On the palms of His hands, yours is written [Final Chorus] He stands at the door and knocks He waits for an answer Nothing about our lives shocks We are not a stranger [Outro] He has known your name from the start On the palms of His hands, yours is written

    Isaiah 49:  "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me" (NIV)

     Psalm 147:3, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds"

    The phrase "bowels of mercy" appears in Colossians 3:12, emphasizing deep compassion and kindness. In this context, it signifies a profound emotional response, suggesting that true mercy comes from the innermost being, akin to how one might feel physically in their bowels. This metaphorical use of "bowels" in scripture often represents deep feelings and moral virtues.

    Colossians 3:12  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering".


    Hebrews 4:16
    Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.


    Saturday, August 29, 2026

    The Symbol for Christ

    What is the symbol, we carry of Jesus?
    But His light we hold high on a hill;
    There to be seen as it shines outward through us,
    As we serve Him, obedient still.

    Not in a cross, nor a skyward steeple
    A photo, an image, or even a shrine
    It is, in deed, in the heart of His people
    His living light doth so beautifully shine




    Light on the Hill

    Verse 1] What is the symbol we carry of Jesus? Not made of silver, or fashioned in stone; His light on the hill is the witness we offer, A mercy made visible, living and known. [Chorus] We hold His light high on the hill, Let every window of kindness shine; Serving with hearts that obey His will, His living love through our lives entwined. Not in a cross or a steeple tall, Not in a picture, a shrine, or sign; Christ is revealed when His people call The weary to hope through a life made kind. [Verse 2] No carved-out image can carry His presence, No painted likeness can speak what He gives; Deep in the hearts of His faithful people, His quiet light rises wherever love lives. [Chorus] We hold His light high on the hill, Let every window of kindness shine; Serving with hearts that obey His will, His living love through our lives entwined. Not in a cross or a steeple tall, Not in a picture, a shrine, or sign; Christ is revealed when His people call The weary to hope through a life made kind. [Bridge] When hands are open, His grace is shown; When feet go gladly, His path is known; When truth and compassion meet, His light makes every service sweet. [Final Chorus] We hold His light high on the hill, Let every window of kindness shine; Serving with hearts that obey His will, His living love through our lives entwined. Christ is revealed in His people still, A living promise, a love divine; We carry His light high on the hill, And let it shine, let it shine.



    His Living Light

    Verse 1] What is the symbol we carry of Jesus? His light we hold high on a hill; There to be seen as it shines outward through us, As we serve Him, obedient still. [Chorus] Not in a cross, nor a skyward steeple, A photo, an image, or shrine; But in the heart of His faithful people, His living light beautifully shines. [Verse 2] When hands reach out to the weary and lonely, When truth is lived quietly, Mercy and patience make worship grow holy; Christ is revealed for all to see. [Chorus] Not in a cross, nor a skyward steeple, A photo, an image, or shrine; But in the heart of His faithful people, His living light beautifully shines. [Bridge] Let every kindness carry His presence, Let every word point the way; Walking in love, we become His reflection, Serving Him faithfully each day. [Final Chorus] Not in a cross, nor a skyward steeple, A photo, an image, or shrine; But in the heart of His faithful people, His living light beautifully shines. His living light beautifully shines. [Outro] His living light beautifully shines.

    The Symbol for Christ
    April 1975
    Gordon B Hinckley
    https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1975/04/the-symbol-of-christ?lang=eng



    The Cross is a Symbol- Sharing His Light As HIS Christians And Saints

    What is the symbol, we carry of Jesus?
    But His light we hold high on a hill;
    There to be seen as it shines outward through us,
    As we serve Him, obedient still.

    Not in a cross, nor a skyward steeple
    A photo, an image, or even a shrine
    It is, in deed, in the heart of His people
    His living light doth so beautifully shine


    The cross is a symbol
    Of a dying Christ
    And we as His people
    Remember Him alive

    He is not a cross or a tree
    As He called Himself a lamb
    Living water of purity
    The Alpha, Omega, and I Am

    OUR cross is the giving up
    Of each worldly sin
    Having, too, a humble heart
    Striving to obey Him

    We are Christians, it is true
    Sharing His light as He asks us to
    Inwardly and through
    Showing our allegiance, too

    We are His Saints, it is true
    Sharing His Light as He asks us to
    Inwardly and through
    Showing our allegiance, too

    Verse 1] The cross is a symbol Of a dying Christ And we as His people Remember Him alive [Verse 2] He is not a cross or a tree As He called Himself a lamb Living water of purity The Alpha, Omega, and I Am [Chorus] Our cross is the giving up Of each worldly sin Having, too, a humble heart Striving to obey Him [Verse 3] We are Christians, it is true Sharing His light as He asks us to Inwardly and through Showing our allegiance, too [Chorus] We are Christians, it is true Sharing His light as He asks us to Inwardly and through Showing our allegiance, too [Bridge] We are His Saints, it is true Sharing His Light as He asks us to Inwardly and through Showing our allegiance, too [Final Chorus] Our cross is the giving up Of each worldly sin Having, too, a humble heart Striving to obey Him [Outro] Sharing His light as He asks us to Showing our allegiance, too

    The Symbol of Christ
    April 1975
    Gordon B Hinckley


    The Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day belief, the cross is viewed as a symbol of the dying Christ. This perspective emphasizes that while the cross represents Christ's death, the focus of the faith is on His resurrection and living presence.

    Symbolism of the Cross

    • Dying Christ: The cross is primarily seen as a representation of Christ's sacrifice and death.
    • Living Christ: The message of the LDS faith centers on the resurrection and the living Christ, which is why the cross is not commonly displayed in their places of worship.

    Cultural Practices

    • Lack of Display: The LDS Church does not typically use the cross in its buildings or services, reflecting a focus on the living aspects of Christ rather than His death.
    • Personal Choice: While the Church does not officially discourage the wearing of crosses, many members choose not to wear them.

    There Was a Test in the Spirit World
















    There was a test
    In the spirit world
    Ending peace and rest
    As words were hurled

    One third of heaven
    Forever failed
    God's plan was given
    And they rebelled

    Before we were born
    We were all taught
    Heaven became torn
    As a war was fought

    We stood by our Savior
    Without any doubt
    While Satan lost all favor
    And to earth, was cast out

    Now, knowing us as we truly are
    He has an unseen advantage over us
    To tempt and try...he is never far
    Yet... we've helps to be morally courageous

    The greatest being the Atonement
    Given through the works of Jesus Christ
    With His Spirit, if we are repentant
    We'll be led unto eternal life

    The scriptures are our guide
    As we read them with the Holy Ghost
    Too, as faith and prayer is applied
    We receive what we need the most

    Communication with God helps banish fear
    Such that our hearts fill with faith and love
    As through the priesthood protection nears
    Come of our Father in Heaven above

    Then, even if we are cast into a deep pit
    By evil hands that would to destroy
    Still, shining for us, is the Holy Spirit
    Our greatest blessing, on earth, to enjoy


    Verse 1] There was a test within the spirit world As words were hurled and peace was cast aside A third of heaven turned from what was given And chose rebellion over truth and light [Verse 2] Before our birth, we learned the choice before us Heaven was torn as conflict filled the skies We stood beside our Savior without doubting While Satan fell from favor, cast aside [Chorus] Now he knows us as we truly are And waits to tempt us where we are But help is near when courage feels so small The Savior’s grace is greater than it all [Verse 3] The greatest gift is Christ’s Atonement His mercy opens paths we cannot see And through His Spirit, when we turn repentant He leads our hearts toward life eternally [Chorus] Now he knows us as we truly are And waits to tempt us where we are But help is near when courage feels so small The Savior’s grace is greater than it all [Verse 4] The scriptures guide us as we read them The Holy Ghost makes every promise clear With faith and prayer, our hungering is answered We find the strength and wisdom needed here [Verse 5] Our prayer to God can drive away our fear And fill our hearts with faith and patient love Through priesthood power, shelter draws near us A sacred gift from our Father above [Bridge] And if we fall into a deep pit By hands that seek to take our joy The Holy Spirit still will shine within A blessing none can destroy [Final Chorus] Now he knows us as we truly are But Christ has placed His light within our hearts With faith and prayer, we will not stand alone His Spirit leads us safely home [Outro] His Spirit leads us safely home
    Moral Courage
    President Henry B. Eyring
    Ensign, March 2010, 5