Positively

You are important to me

You positively see the best

How you serve Selflessly

Is warm with love, I feel blessed

Do you know anyone yiu can this of? Can this be said of you? I think so....

The Faith Crisis

The faith crisis, "Who am I to become?"

Is puzzling, troubling, and mind numbing

It breaks up a loving marriage, for some

As you are drifting, slowly, far out to sea

Still, don't think you are all alone

Or that no one sees all of the signs

But, for us, what to do is unknown

Turn to prayer and God's Word, at such times

You've got to let Him pull you back in

Let Him help you see the bigger picture

Let His Words, from the shoreline, beckon

The distance to safety, let Him measure

He stands and offers all that you need

To reach that peace of soul you seek

Take a hold! From your crisis be freed!

Heeding His call is how you'll succeed

Breaking to Become

Becoming feels a lot like breaking.

And it's horrifying how long it's taking!

Until you look back at the great ones

And how their trials built them to become!

https://x.com/TaylorSafford/status/2101820530722545884?s=20

When God wants to build us into who we are meant to be, He rarely hands us the destination first. Instead, He gives us the very trials that will shape us. A few examples below: • David was given a giant, not an immediate crown • Joseph spent years in a prison cell before reaching the palace • Esther was met with a terrifying cultural crisis, not comfort • Moses spent decades wandering the wilderness, far from the promised land The Book of Mormon echoes this exact pattern. Nephi didn’t step into his purpose easily—he faced repeated failures, a dangerous task, and brothers who actively plotted against him. Alma’s people weren’t granted a sudden escape; they were given heavy burdens that the Lord subtly made light, allowing them to feel His presence in the middle of their affliction. Even Moroni stood alone in weakness, holding onto the divine promise that coming unto Christ turns those weaknesses into strengths. Becoming feels a lot like breaking. Faith isn't absolute certainty; it's taking the next step while you're still hurting. God doesn’t orchestrate our pain, but He meets us right inside it. He consecrates the broken pieces. As Lehi promised Jacob, God can consecrate our deepest struggles for our ultimate gain. In the dark cold of Liberty Jail, the message remained clear -- these hardships will give you experience and ultimately be for your good. Howard Hunter noted that when obstacles humble and refine us, they become tools in God's hands to elevate our character. Similarly, Orson Whitney taught that no trial is ever wasted if we endure it well—each one cultivates patience, fortifies our faith, and softens our hearts. If you feel broken today, you might just be under construction. God rarely gives the comfortable path we expect. He gives the exact environment required to make us who we need to become. You are not forgotten. You are still becoming.

Amping Up- Revamping

Amping up the youth

To prepare for the future

Leading them in truth

The Spirit is their tutor

It takes a village, a ward

A community of Christ

To help youth grow forward

To know, to want, to do what is right

Each to gain for themselves

Wisdom. There is no other way.

It's only in and through

One's faith- at the end of the day

For a remission of sins

For truth and inspiration 

That when their mission begins

They'll receive direction

Then through some challenges 

Great miracles will come

And bridge changed processes

That their best, they become

He will guide and coach

But, on agency

He will not encroach

Those with faith will see

He will use you

As you choose Him

Of all  He asks 

See you do them

Thoughts from President Woodward speaking at ward conference.  He spoke of changed processes- to expect convert membership to double. They divided the Henderson mission with 80 converts and now? Each mission had 80! 

See our life's challenges 

As new opportunities 

To revamp talents and

Strengthen our communities

"To Death Do Us Part"

 It was a beautiful ranch

Our friends' new chapter in life

We had a luxurious lunch

And toasted them, man and wife

In my mind, as much as I tried

The vows kept coming back to me

A thought, "temporary," I cried

"to death do us part" is not eternity

...yet

https://x.com/ThisMomSaid/status/2101818453925695717?s=20

In Holland During WWII Lived a Family Named ten Boom

In Holland, during WWII
The Jews were being hunted
And like the family called ten Boom
Christians took them in, undaunted

One day, the Nazis laid a trap
Many were killed as bullets struck
2 sisters were sent to camp
In the infamous Ravensbruck

The horrific months were slowly spent
By expressing gratitude for each day
Never did they regret why they were sent
For they had God's word and they could pray

In the end, Corrie survived, Betsie did not
Once out, she taught the war ravaged, of forgiveness
Determined to share what she learned from God
Till, one day came the test for faithfulness

A man approached...she knew his face
He'd been one of the cruelest guards she'd known
And spoke close to her leaving little space
Asking that forgiveness to him be shown

He was now a Christian... seeking for freedom
From the torment of the damned
Wanting a place in God's kingdom
He sought repentance at her hand

Corrie ten Boom looked at his hand held out
Seconds passed...she silently prayed
God forgives those who forgive, she had no doubt
But this moment heavily weighed

Woodenly, mechanically...then
She thrust her hand into his before her
A warm current of healing sprang between them
She said, "With all my heart, I forgive you brother"

For another moment, their hands held
Amidst tears flowing... there was love
Come of God, intensely by both sides felt
This is what forgiveness is made of

For those who eschew evil and live good lives
Who strive for a brighter and more perfect day
Though there's tragedy...things get better as one strives
To follow the Savior who shows us the way

From Gethsemane, the cross, and the tomb
He rose triumphant gloriously
And as it is His countenance we weekly re-assume
We've a duty to live our lives virtuously

thoughts from
Our Path of Duty
Bishop Keith B. McMullin
Ensign, May 2010, 13

Words Alone Cannot Convey

Words alone cannot convey
What I'm feeling in my heart
So overcome with love today
Born of Spirit that imparts

Its voice is not loud 

Tumultuous or harsh

There is no thunder

Just perfect mildness

That is still and small

Soft that it might enter

Whispering truths, that help me learn,
Teaching me things which I should do
While piercing my soul that my heart burns
As I feast on Christ's words anew

Its voice is not loud 

Tumultuous or harsh

There is no thunder

Just perfect mildness

That is still and small

Soft that it might enter

I strive and pray to understand
What is being taught that I might grow
As, never with a wandering hand
Will living waters instantly flow

Its voice is not loud 

Tumultuous or harsh

There is no thunder

Just perfect mildness

That is still and small

Soft that it might enter

thoughts from:
Youth Gems
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The Voice of the Spirit


"The voice of the Spirit is described in the scriptures as being neither loud nor harsh, not a voice of thunder, neither a voice of great tumultuous noise, but rather as still and small, of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it can pierce even the very soul and cause the heart to burn. The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting."
Boyd K. Packer
How Does the Spirit Speak to Us?
New Era, Feb. 2010, 3

Topics: Holy Ghost

Circling the Hemispheres- Say the Word "Temple"

Circling the hemispheres
Our brain sends messages
As we see, think, feel, and hear
Unto our inner edges

Upon the left a word's said anew
And on the right emotion's felt
That in the forefront it is processed through
Till a need for action's felt

As we are moved then more to do
The word circles again
To light us up all anew
As an eternal friend

What word in us could shower
And fill us up with such a need?
Flowing through us with power
The word "temple" -holy indeed

All those who are addicted
Bypass this trail of thought
And the forefront is afflicted
In fact it's used for naught

They in deed have self inflicted
Wounds so thoughts cannot chart
But, when faith is reinspected
Emotions clear a path to start

The forefront lights anew
And the past is then inspected
That remorse might then flow through
As the conscience is detected

Those who pray and mediate
Will find strengths theirs to own
As in truth this activates
The best part of the brain known

Those in constant stress
Lead the brain to confusion
And bypass being impressed
For the forefront's in exclusion

Fear, too, shuts off this path
And gone is organized thought
To be stuck where you're at
Till with prayer it is fought

This is where gender is schooled
And our character is developed
That as we work and strive for good
Our talents light with love enveloped

thoughts from-
A Brain Gone Wrong
Dr. Dean Belnap
It is so interesting to read about the
development of the forefront of our brain
and the importance of family, baptism at 8,
all the youth programs, the 12 step program,
the performance of conscience, and the ability
to learn from mistakes all start to make sense

Boyd K. Packer
The Temple, the Priesthood
Ensign, May 1993, 18

Say the word temple. Say it quietly and reverently. Say it over and over again. Temple. Temple. Temple. Add the word holy. Holy Temple. Say it as though it were capitalized, no matter where it appears in the sentence.

Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have described the house of the Lord!

May God grant that we may be worthy to enter there and receive the fulness of the blessings of His priesthood, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

please click on the title to go to lds.org for summaries of talks on the temple

I Gave the Dreaded Message for Healing in the Home

I gave the dreaded message
I did not want to give
For I knew it would injure
Those pained by sin's motives

The sweet and precious children
Along with the wives of purity
Had to listen while the brethren
Were condemned for infidelity

While my words were meant to prick the hearts
Of the fathers and husbands who had come
The women sobbed -felt my words like darts
As many tears in streams did run

Yet, ultimately it was for their welfare
And that of all the souls attending
That I blatantly laid the vile sins bare
While, with the love of God extending

Jacob 2:9
Wherefore, it burdeneth my soul that I should be constrained, because of the strict commandment which I have received from God, to admonish you according to your crimes, to enlarge the wounds of those who are already wounded, instead of feasting upon the pleasing word of God have daggers placed to pierce their souls and wound their delicate minds.

We Can Do Better Than That- Make a Wish

Cancer has it's moments of punishment
Yet hope does not stop when one's struck
Additionally some respond when a wish is sent
Like the child allowed a ride in a fireman's truck...

The sirens blared as they toured the town
With the boy in a passenger seat on the side
And when they let him spray the hose all around
It became a memorable, wonderful ride

Weeks passed with a time of remission
And to the family all seemed well
Then from the hospital, came the decision
And a medic called the firemen to tell

Could they pay him one last visit
And perhaps help pass the time with a chat?
But, as men of this profession don't sit
They said, "We can do better than that!"

Calls were placed to hospital authorities
They were to expect some noise from his crew
And with a ladder instead of formalities
In came these men through the curtains they drew

There is not much more I can say
As my tears course anew I find
For these firemen have showed the way
To be heroes of another kind

For they stayed and talked about the Head Chief
Which is Jesus, whom the boy said was holding his hand
Then he closed his eyes one last time in belief
And from this boy "make-a-wish" did grow and expand

When we are asked to give service
Do we give, but- the least amount?
Or do we hold true and promise
And do something that really will count


click on the title to read about the
7-year-old Frank Salazar (his family called him "Bopsy") the first child to be helped by the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illness.

The sirens blared as they toured the town With the boy in a passenger seat on the side And when they let him spray the hose all around It became a memorable, wonderful ride Weeks passed with a time of remission And to the family all seemed well Then from the hospital, came the decision And a medic called the firemen to tell Could they pay him one last visit And perhaps help pass the time with a chat? But, as men of this profession don't sit They said, "We can do better than that!" Calls were placed to hospital authorities They were to expect some noise from his crew And with a ladder instead of formalities In came these men through the curtains they drew There is not much more I can say As my tears course anew I find For these firemen have showed the way To be heroes of another kind For they stayed and talked about the Head Chief Which is Jesus, whom the boy said was holding his hand Then he closed his eyes one last time in belief And from this boy "make-a-wish" did grow and expand

To Recognize the Savior

http://www.stormfront.org/forum/t59000/

His head in frame is like a lion,
With a main wavy, long, and thick;
His beard parts and points to Zion,
And from nose to forehead He is one straight stick

His eyes are an emerald fire

His hair, the purest snow

In the likeness of our Father

His countenance is aglow

Above any flames' pure brightness
He is the Light, the Life, the Way

His voice sounds as rushing waters

To be heard at any time of day

He is as promised, the first and the last

He lives on still, though He was slain

He is our redeemer on to whom we cast

Our worst troubles, for hope to gain

It is for Him that we wait

And we will recognize Him

We will fall before His feet

And with our tears, we will bathe them!

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Sunstone  Nauvoo temple

Hospital Courage Beads

Living in a misty fog
Between hope and reality
The added beads seemed to log
The fight against futility

With every needle stick,
Added tube, and new test
Came a courage bead to pick
To string with all the rest

Days became weeks and then months
A pump worked for the heart
For a donor, the Doctor hunts
The cost... tears one a part

The long strand adorned a tree
Christmas slowly came and went
Cheering up this family
The now six months they have spent

Then, and suddenly
A donor's match was found
Proving, lovingly
For, on Valentines, to her it was bound

Beads of Courage Celebrating Child Life Month
Pondering the family in Oregon with five children- all with heart conditions
dilated cardiomyopathy
http://www.lpch.org/clinicalSpecialtiesServices/COE/ChildrensHeartCenter/bingham-family.html

You're a Catch!

He took your breath away

You smoothed your clothes, your hair

You thought of him all day

And looked for him everywhere

You knew he might walk by 

There, you posed, smiled and waved

He stopped and asked you out

Your heart skipped a beat! A date!

After two dates, though, it's time to get real

It is time for things to get messy

Starting with barbecue ribs as a meal

What's odd in you, you are confessing

He takes your hand and shares his own

Peculiar ways of doing things

How it bothered other girls he'd known

They felt a bond that honesty brings

Two misfits once alone, 

Somehow make a match

The good, the bad is shown

And he says, "You're a catch!"

[Bridge] No polished pose, no perfect plan Just sauce on both your hands You laugh at every strange detail And find someone who understands [Final Chorus] Two misfits, once alone Somehow make a match The good and bad are shown And he says, “You’re a catch!” [Outro] You’re a catch Through every odd mismatch You’re a catch

Dating is a time when you are trying to impress each other. 3rd date rule. Spill. Be real. Eat BBQ ribs and see that life is messy. Enjoy it. Think that you are two misfits that somehow fit together and appreciate each other.

Remember Why- Settle This in Your Hearts

The marriage of your life

And on to eternity

Is now filled with strife

A rocky road angrily

The mind will work its tricks

And think you're better off

Perhaps there are better picks

This hot potato, drop!

Remember why... how

Your promise, in love

Peace be still, allow

Heaven's help above

Settle this in your hearts

See things eye to eye

Stare into each other's soul

Open up and cry

You have forever

Pride takes time to unravel

Christ's way is better

It is the road less traveled

Remember why... how

Your promise, in love

Peace be still, allow

Heaven's help above

Be like Nephi when sent

"I will go, I will do!"

The Holy Ghost will lend

Wisdom to see this through

Believe in the eternal seal

Believe in the atonement

Christ's healing hand is real

Believe love is Heaven sent

Remember why... how

Your promise, in love

Peace be still, allow

Heaven's help above

Thinking about Elder Neil Andersen's BYU talk. Reading the comments. 

@DefendersofTheBrideinWhite3 days ago


Settle this in your Heart. the Lords way is better than our way. Follow the Road less traveled. The gift of the Holy Ghost is needed in our every moment. If ye believe all these things see that you do them.

I will Go I will Do.

“Settle This in Your Hearts” | Neil L. Andersen | September 2026

https://youtu.be/W23OZiA221Y?si=TE95sJeNEHipeMwT


With so many choices and alluring paths before you, it will require strength of heart and mind to boldly, without distraction or deception, “settle this in your heart” and walk the road less traveled toward the Savior.

Mosiah 3:19

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Hold Gently- Your Heart

The world's allure takes claim

It's mysteries captures your mind

Each piece you want to name

It's a rabbit hole, soon you find

Set your foundation well

That when shifting thoughts appear

Your core values remain to tell

Don't be fooled by what you hear

Marvel at what you know

How the speaks to man

Seek to spiritually grow

Serve, let love expand

Hold to the promptings of old

That brought you to where you are

How definitively they told

And guided you as your north star

Those feelings settled in your heart

And have shaped who you've become

When the draw of the world starts

Don't let your heart unravel undone

Doubts and fears, depart

Speculate no more

Hold gently, your heart

You've given it to the Lord

Marvel at what you know

How God speaks to man

Seek to spiritually grow

Serve, let love expand

thoughts from a BYU devotional

“Settle This in Your Hearts” | Neil L. Andersen | September 2026

Day By Day- Grief

 Alone with the ticking of the clock

And the shadows growing longer

The bed holds an empty place for love

And a memory of when I was younger

I sleep all alone

In a room dark and grey

I am on my own

I keep going- day by day

Still I've a purpose out there

It is for me to find

I lean hard to God in prayer

To put sorrow behind

I'll stretch my boundaries 

And reconnect with life

My best advice for those married

Oh, cherish your sweet wife!

for Scott Morgan

https://x.com/ScottMorgan1950/status/2100774002872504524?s=20

Like a Gerbil in a Wheel

Like a gerbil in a wheel
I ran and got nowhere
Then, too exhausted to feel
I really did not care

But, all this cycling must end
As I go round and round
A new path to comprehend
Where freedom can be found

Midst all this commotion
I stopped dead in my tracks
And reeled in chaotic motion
Fearing major setbacks

Then, when things settled down
I found a place to rest
I resolved to not doubt
And for change I was blessed

[Verse 1] Like a gerbil in a wheel I ran and got nowhere Then, too exhausted to feel I really did not care [Chorus] But, all this cycling must end As I go round and round A new path to comprehend Where freedom can be found [Verse 2] Midst all this commotion I stopped dead in my tracks And reeled in chaotic motion Fearing major setbacks [Verse 3] Then, when things settled down I found a place to rest I resolved to not doubt And for change I was blessed [Outro] I knew I had passed a test And vowed to do my best

The Husband and Wife

The husband and wife
Honor each other
Through patience they thrive
Working together

Frustration and anger
Must not accuse
For there lies the danger
As words oft abuse

They have not made a brief contract
To be quickly absolved
But, with the Lord, there's a covenant
Great promises are involved

No matter the differences
If both will turn to the Lord
There'll be rich experiences
Only virtue can afford



Husbands and wives must work together to face challenges and choose to respond with patience and love rather than frustration or anger.

 

[Verse 1] The husband and wife Honor each other Through patience they thrive Working together [Verse 2] Frustration and anger Must not accuse For there lies the danger As words oft abuse [Chorus] They have not made a brief contract To be quickly absolved But, with the Lord, there's a covenant Great promises are involved [Verse 3] No matter the differences If both will turn to the Lord There'll be rich experiences Only virtue can afford [Outro] Only virtue can afford

We Have a Duty to Do

We declare, we've a duty to do
Our part of a promise to keep
In service we vow and seek for anew
The Lord's own, now floundering sheep

His Atonement is real
To be seen all around
To lift us , to heal
That hope might abound

Which one is but a sleeping giant
A leader for great things to come
For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on
A symbol of what we can become

Let friendships be made
To spark this remembrance
Then don't let it fade
Through neglect, sin, or distance

[Verse 1] We declare, we've a duty to do Our part of a promise to keep In service we vow and seek for anew The Lord's own, now floundering sheep [Chorus] His Atonement is real To be seen all around To lift us , to heal That hope might abound [Verse 2] Which one is but a sleeping giant A leader for great things to come For the wayward- a shoulder to cry on A symbol of what we can become [Bridge] Let friendships be made To spark this remembrance Then don't let it fade Through neglect, sin, or distance [Chorus] His Atonement is real To be seen all around To lift us , to heal That hope might abound

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

You don't have to win a debate

Or be the loudest in a crowd

You don't have to promote hate

Or stand tall over those who shout

Blessed are the peacemakers

Do no think of them as weak

It takes a lot of restraint

To breathe and politely speak

Reconcile adverse positions

Listen to the issues at hand

Work towards negotiations

Pause and seek first to understand

Know that we are all children of God

Seek a divine vision where peace is found

You don't have to compromise core values

Find and build friendships on common ground

Let them know they matter

That you see the good within

Help them get past anger

Find a common goal, begin

-

Verse 1] You don't have to win a debate Or be the loudest in a crowd You don't have to promote hate Or stand tall over those who shout [Chorus] Blessed are the peacemakers Do not think of them as weak It takes a lot of restraint To breathe and politely speak [Verse 2] Reconcile adverse positions Listen to the issues at hand Work towards negotiations Pause and seek first to understand [Bridge] Know that we are all children of God Seek a divine vision where peace is found You don't have to compromise core values Find and build friendships on common ground

[Bridge] Let them know they matter That you see the good within Help them get past anger Find a common goal, begin

[Chorus] Blessed are the peacemakers To be like Jesus, they seek It takes a lot of restraint To breathe and politely speak

https://x.com/OaksDallinH/status/2100664143326126229?s=20

Matthew 5: 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Love Me

Plain White Tees opened a concert. I love this song.
It is so sweet.

Love me for who I am,
Who I can and want to be
There's nothing better than
Having you believe in me

Help me to rise back up

Teach me to laugh when I fall

That pain just helps me be tough

Help me remember this when I feel small

Love all the memories

The funny, good and the bad

They all make great stories

Together, they add

Up to I love you

Heavenly Father wants us to have confidence in potential.

Our Nation Under God- Religious Liberty

In the balance of religious faith, individual liberty

and the common good in American democracy

Is there a better way to inspire and assure unity

As faith becomes more and more a matter of delicacy?

At center stage for those in distress

Are not the deeper needs of liberty

But for safety, the family and hope

That the down trodden be treated fairly

Let the diverse faiths find a better way

To embody the love of God in public life

offering hope for unity and a morel framework

To move forward in a divided world with God's light

As there will always be people who disagree with us

May we apply the Constitution's divinely inspired principles

Understanding that ultimately power lies with the citizens

And that society is governed by law rather than by individuals 

We are a nation framed on self-government

Individual rights and the rule of law

May divided groups build up coalitions

To act together for the common good, for all

We have seen history tell a tale of trial and error

Push and shove, give and take, compromise and concession

As a quest for freedom, fairness, and equality strives along

A bumpy, twisty, never-ending course of compromise through discussion

May religious groups find a better way to model

Negotiation and legislation

Rather than contention and litigation 

That we shine God's light upon this nation

United we stand

Divided we fall

Model good's at hand

Our nation's under God

Verse 1] In the balance of religious faith, Individual liberty, And the common good we seek a way To keep our nation free. Can unity be gently built When faith is held with care? Can every conscience find a place Within a common prayer? [Verse 2] For those who carry heavy days, The deepest needs are clear: A safe home, a faithful family, And hope that justice hears. Not liberty alone we ask, But dignity and peace; That those pushed down may rise again, And every burden cease. [Chorus] Let every faith find room to serve, And bring God's love to light; Give hope a place in public life, And heal a divided sight. Though we may disagree in words, Let law and truth prevail; United by the common good, Let compassion guide the scale. [Verse 3] The Constitution calls us forth To govern from the ground; The people's voice, the people's trust, Where lasting power is found. No person stands above the law, No will can rule alone; A nation framed by self-rule Makes justice its cornerstone. [Verse 4] We are a people bound by rights, By freedom's careful frame; May divided groups build coalitions For more than pride or name. Together let us act for all, With courage, thought, and grace; The common good becomes more strong When every neighbor has a place. [Bridge] History has taught through trial and change, Through give and take and strain, That freedom, fairness, equality Are journeys, not a gain. A bumpy road, a winding course, Still open to our voice; Through discussion, compromise, We make a people's choice. [Verse 5] May faith communities learn to show Negotiation's art, Legislation over strife, And listening heart to heart. Not contention without end, Not litigation's wall; But wisdom seeking common ground, And mercy offered all. [Final Chorus] Let every faith find room to serve, And bring God's love to light; Give hope a place in public life, And heal a divided sight. Though we may disagree in words, Let law and truth prevail; United by the common good, Let compassion guide the scale. [Outro] United we stand, Divided we fall; Let goodness guide our hands, And God's light shine on all. Our nation under God, Our nation under God.

https://www.youtube.com/live/e6-VRFOvGvU?si=CnynUzaCZk83fq3I

If Not me- Who?

If not me, who?
If not now, when?
I've much to do
I will not bend

For God and family
I'll raise my voice
And sing happily
Of all that's choice

For what's right seek

On what's right speak

Each word, with love

I am enough

Pondering
Meridian Magazine
Who is My Enemy?

[Verse 1] If not me, who? If not now, when? I've much to do I will not bend [Chorus] For God and family I'll raise my voice And sing happily Of all that's choice [Verse 2] For what's right, seek On what's right, speak Each word, with love I am enough [Bridge] When the road asks more I'll meet it at the door With an open heart And a steady start [Final Chorus] For God and family I'll raise my voice And sing happily Of all that's choice For what's right, seek On what's right, speak Each word, with love I am enough [Outro] If not me, who? If not now, when? I've much to do I will not bend

The Engraving

Here lies upon my heart

My covenants with the Lord

My promises, my part

All His laws, now adored.

Engraved, they are deep-

A sacred part of me.

Honored, I safekeep

This opportunity

Engraved, each covenant

With Jesus Christ

Upon my heart to

Live in His light

I have His word to

Act in His name to

Help Him be heard to

Free souls from shame

Verse 1] Here lies upon my heart My covenants with the Lord My promises, my part All His laws, now adored [Pre-Chorus] Engraved, they are deep A sacred part of me Honored, I safekeep This opportunity [Chorus] Engraved, each covenant With Jesus Christ Upon my heart to Live in His light [Verse 2] I have His word to Act in His name to Help Him be heard to Free souls from shame [Chorus] Engraved, each covenant With Jesus Christ Upon my heart to Live in His light [Bridge] Let every promise guide my feet Let every deed make mercy known With humble hands and steadfast faith I’ll serve the One I call my own [Final Chorus] Engraved, each covenant With Jesus Christ Upon my heart to Live in His light [Outro] Upon my heart to Live in His light

The Stick

A quality stick was found

And neatly smoothed all around
The laws of God were then engraved
To remind me, here they were saved

I cannot pick up but one end
For the laws of God do not bend
It's all or none.  I must repent
And hold it through the atonement.

Every choice leads to outcomes

Every choice gives a lesson

It's a choice to be mindful

Learn to pray and to listen

[Verse 1] A careful hand found a strong-hewn staff And smoothed each edge until it passed Then sacred words were carved in grain To keep their charge through loss and change [Chorus] I reach for one end, but the whole thing turns A promise held is a promise learned No half-way road, no borrowed part The law stays firm; it shapes the heart [Verse 2] I cannot take just what feels light And leave the weight outside my sight The path is whole, the choice is clear I bow my head and draw You near [Chorus] I reach for one end, but the whole thing turns A promise held is a promise learned No half-way road, no borrowed part The law stays firm; it shapes the heart [Bridge] Each decision plants a seed Each consequence can teach my need Make me mindful, make me still Teach my ears to hear Your will [Final Chorus] I reach for one end, but the whole thing turns A promise held is a promise learned No half-way road, no borrowed part The law stays firm; it shapes the heart [Outro] So I will listen, pray, and mend And hold the truth from end to end

A Peace of Soul

When you find that going to church isn't boring...

Feeling a peace of soul
I fell asleep at once
I was no longer sad
So freed from what I was

One asked me, "were you bored?"
"Never!" was my reply.
"I was soothed by the Lord.
I tell you, He heard my cry!"

"He answered me this day.
From my sins, I could rest.
I'd turned another way
With His spirit in my breast!"

Verse 1] I fell asleep at once My sorrow slipped away The weight I carried through the night Was lifted with the day [Chorus] Peace came gently to my soul I was freed from what I was You heard me, Lord, when I cried out And held me in Your love [Verse 2] They asked me, “Were you bored?” “Never,” was my reply “You soothed my heart, You heard my prayer You met me where I cried” [Chorus] Peace came gently to my soul I was freed from what I was You heard me, Lord, when I cried out And held me in Your love [Bridge] You answered me this day From sin I found my rest I turned and walked another way Your Spirit filled my breast [Final Chorus] Peace came gently to my soul I was freed from what I was You heard me, Lord, when I cried out And held me in Your love [Outro] Your Spirit filled my breast In You my heart finds rest

RSVP- For You He Has a Place

Respond, if you please,
To the Lord's  invite.
Through time on your knees
There's rest for insight

You can never out stay
His welcome of grace.
He is there night and day.
For you, He has a place!

He asks that you bring
A contrite and humble heart
This is your offering
That your journey with Him may start

Please come. Respond soon
The day is full of promise
Love will gently soothe
Yes, you will not want to miss

Verse 1] Respond, if you please, To the Lord's invite. Through time on your knees, There's rest for insight. [Chorus] You can never outstay His welcome of grace. He is there night and day; For you, He has a place. [Verse 2] He asks that you bring A contrite and humble heart. This is your offering, That your journey with Him may start. [Chorus] You can never outstay His welcome of grace. He is there night and day; For you, He has a place. [Bridge] Please come, respond soon; The day is full of promise. Love will gently soothe; Yes, you will not want to miss. [Final Chorus] You can never outstay His welcome of grace. He is there night and day; For you, He has a place. [Outro] For you, He has a place.

Welcome Contradiction

Welcome contradiction

As you would an old friend

It's a gospel tradition

That builds faith, in the end

When you would ask, "How can that be?"

Trust that there is a lesson

Coming your way eventually

On the path of progression

In it every dispensation

God tried man's faith 

Asking for what's contrary 

to what the scriptures say.  

It started with Adam and Eve. 

They were told to have children.  

They were told to not eat of the tree...

What seems like a contradiction in our day?

Verse 1] Welcome contradiction As you would an old friend It's a gospel tradition That builds faith, in the end [Verse 2] When you would ask, "How can that be?" Trust that there is a lesson Coming your way eventually On the path of progression [Chorus] When the answer turns the other way And the road is hard to see Hold fast through the mystery There is purpose yet to be When the promise meets the question And your courage feels thin Walk on with faith and patience Let the lesson enter in [Verse 3] In it every dispensation God tried man's faith Asking for what's contrary to what the scriptures say [Bridge] It started with Adam and Eve They were told to have children They were told to not eat of the tree... What seems like a contradiction in our day? [Chorus] When the answer turns the other way And the road is hard to see Hold fast through the mystery There is purpose yet to be When the promise meets the question And your courage feels thin Walk on with faith and patience Let the lesson enter in [Outro] Welcome contradiction As you would an old friend What seems unclear in this moment May build your faith in the end

The Road to Salvation Walks Where He Walked

The road to salvation
Passes through Gethsemane
It's there for education:
Our afflictions are many

The road journeys inward
With the striking pain (of/from) sin
That we might look onward
And know His love within

The road leads to a summit
Where utterly we're alone
As for sin we suffer
Knowing for whom He did atone (point to yourself)

The road of our Savior
Shares light from what He taught.
To know whom He paid for
We must walk where He walked!

Verse 1] The road to salvation Passes through Gethsemane It's there for education: Our afflictions are many [Verse 2] The road journeys inward With the striking pain of sin That we might look onward And know His love within [Chorus] The road leads to a summit Where utterly we're alone As for sin we suffer Knowing for whom He did atone [Verse 3] The road of our Savior Shares light from what He taught To know whom He paid for We must walk where He walked [Bridge] Through every wound and sorrow Through every fearful night The path becomes surrender The darkness opens light [Final Chorus] The road leads to a summit Where utterly we're alone As for sin we suffer Knowing for whom He did atone The road of our Savior Still calls us to obey We follow where He walked before us And find the living way [Outro] We follow where He walked before us And find the living way

Shining Moments- The Need to Read the Scriptures

The need to read the scriptures

Surpasses everything

For light and truth then enters

God's love is nourishing!

The lessons are not ancient

They are needed for our day

To list'ning ears grown patient

Each message now awaits

The path they pave is narrow

By Christ made straight and true

May it, like a pure arrow,

Prick your heart to feel anew!

May faith abound as you read

May repentance be your call

What light and truth do you need?

God knows the great or small!

I had Improve the Shining Moments in my head as I wrote this.  How appropriate! May you and I have shining moments by reading the scriptures.

I had not read the scriptures for several days.  I just felt empty inside.  People I love were hurting and deep in drama. A youth went into a 72 hour lock up for suicidal actions and another almost went to jail for absolute untruths- both in consequence of a person that is bipolar and can manipulate lies in dangerous ways. Yes I need the scriptures! I was reminded of this when I read an email subscription: Daily Messages, I recommend you get it at: https://www.lds.org/daily-messages?lang=eng

Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

Posted: 17 Jan 2015 09:00 AM PST

"Don't yield to Satan's lie that you don't have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!"

—Richard G. Scott, "Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority"
Topics: Improvement

Verse 1] The need to read the scriptures Surpasses everything For light and truth then enters God's love is nourishing! [Verse 2] The lessons are not ancient They are needed for our day To list'ning ears grown patient Each message now awaits [Chorus] The path they pave is narrow By Christ made straight and true May it, like a pure arrow, Prick your heart to feel anew! [Verse 3] May faith abound as you read May repentance be your call What light and truth do you need? God knows the great or small! [Chorus] The path they pave is narrow By Christ made straight and true May it, like a pure arrow, Prick your heart to feel anew! [Outro] May faith abound as you read May repentance be your call What light and truth do you need? God knows the great or small!