1903 Rise Beyond the Gray

In 1903, A dream of mankind was fulfilled
Wilbur and Orville made the first controlled powered flight
They'd worked many jobs. But, as inventors, how they thrilled.
For 13 seconds they soared and proved their hopes were right.

They'd done their homework. They knew the laws of gravity.
They had controls, wings and an engine to stay aloft.
They could get up off the ground and brave they proved to be.
They were determined and they did not heed those who scoffed.
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With our goals defined, and if we work diligently.
We will soon be on a controlled path that takes us far
Where self mastery and the Spirit guides us gently.
And choices mirror where our thoughts and desires are.

To lift up our souls we raise our eyes unto the hills.
Where there is brightness above the thick clouds which threaten.
Where there is brilliance so bright that the whole being thrills.
Where shines God's power to lift us up and thus strengthen.

Verse 1] In nineteen-oh-three, a dream of mankind was fulfilled Wilbur and Orville made the first controlled powered flight They'd worked many jobs, but as inventors, how they thrilled For thirteen seconds they soared and proved their hopes were right [Verse 2] They'd done their homework, knew the laws of gravity They had controls, wings, and an engine to stay aloft They could rise from the ground, and brave they proved to be Determined, they did not heed those who scoffed [Chorus] With our goals defined, and if we work diligently We'll soon be on a controlled path that takes us far Where self-mastery and the Spirit guide us gently And choices mirror where our thoughts and desires are [Verse 3] To lift up our souls, we raise our eyes unto the hills Where brightness waits above the thick clouds threatening Where brilliance shines so bright that the whole being thrills Where God's power lifts us up and strengthens everything [Chorus] With our goals defined, and if we work diligently We'll soon be on a controlled path that takes us far Where self-mastery and the Spirit guide us gently And choices mirror where our thoughts and desires are [Outro] Rise with courage, rise with purpose, rise beyond the gray Faith and patient effort show the upward way


14–19, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Jul 2006,
“On the Wings of Eagles, ” Liahona

The Wind Beneath our Wings

What laws of nature will carry us on our flight?
Over high mountains to a destination bright?
A strong forward thrust, a powerful uplift
With faith- the principle power- in the cockpit
We're on a journey, the gospel is at the core-
At the center of our hearts and forevermore

With agency, we choose Jesus as our copilot
With Him we spiritually soar more self-reliant
He's placed His temples as beacons to light our way
Towards Heavenly Father whom we love and obey
Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives
Our Savior teaches us how to prioritize

We have the commandments and we take on our Lord's name
And the test comes in practicing what we proclaim
For if we've Christlike attributes, we've direction
That, if we're contrite in spirit guides the corrections
With faith and hope over oceans of temptations
The winds' beneath our wings for our destination

[Verse 1] What laws of nature carry us on our flight? Over high mountains to a destination bright? A strong forward thrust, a powerful uplift With faith—the guiding power—in the cockpit [Pre-Chorus] We’re on a journey, the gospel at the core At the center of our hearts forevermore [Chorus] With agency, we choose Jesus as copilot With Him we spiritually soar, more self-reliant He’s placed His temples as beacons to light our way Toward Heavenly Father, whom we love and obey [Verse 2] Our safety lies in the virtue of our lives Our Savior teaches us how to prioritize We have the commandments, we take on our Lord’s name And the test comes in practicing what we proclaim [Pre-Chorus] For if we have Christlike attributes, we find direction A contrite spirit guides the needed correction [Chorus] With agency, we choose Jesus as copilot With Him we spiritually soar, more self-reliant He’s placed His temples as beacons to light our way Toward Heavenly Father, whom we love and obey [Bridge] With faith and hope above oceans of temptation The wind beneath our wings carries our destination When the course feels difficult, we will not lose sight His love will guide us safely through the night [Final Chorus] With agency, we choose Jesus as copilot With Him we spiritually soar, more self-reliant He’s placed His temples as beacons to light our way Toward Heavenly Father, whom we love and obey [Outro] The gospel is the center of our hearts forevermore With Jesus as our guide, we rise toward Heaven’s shore

100–103, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Nov 2005,
“Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings,”
Liahona

We Have Joy in Bad Works

We have joy in bad works for a season
As we're complacent and don't listen to reason
Our selfishness makes the heart grow so hard
But, exactly what is there to guard?

Is there excitement in some infraction?
Are we angry with some others actions?
If we lose sight and follow the wrong crowd
We'll push the limits to what’s not allowed

Till one day, comes a feeling of remorse
For how far we journeyed down the slippery course
Yet, we've a friend whom we can turn to
If we'd but return Jesus’ love, too?

For He will lift us up. It is time to mend
He can soften the heart. He's our best friend
There’s a lesson every wise man has learned
Perfection only one man has earned.

As we apply principles taught by the Savior
We feel His love change our reckless behavior
Then in humility one prays morning, noon and night
For strength to stay on the path that is right

When we look for good it’s easy to find
When we’re Christ-like we’re patient and we’re kind
We are grateful for the chance to take
Part in joy everlasting with a new heart

[Verse 1] We have joy in bad works for a season As we're complacent and don't listen to reason Our selfishness makes the heart grow so hard But, exactly what is there to guard? Is there excitement in some infraction? Are we angry with some others actions? If we lose sight and follow the wrong crowd We'll push the limits to what’s not allowed [Pre-Chorus] Till one day, comes a feeling of remorse For how far we journeyed down the slippery course Yet, we've a friend whom we can turn to If we'd but return Jesus’ love, too? [Chorus] For He will lift us up It is time to mend He can soften the heart He's our best friend For He will lift us up It is time to mend He can soften the heart He's our best friend [Verse 2] There’s a lesson every wise man has learned Perfection only one man has earned As we apply principles taught by the Savior We feel His love change our reckless behavior Then in humility one prays morning, noon and night For strength to stay on the path that is right When we look for good it’s easy to find When we’re Christ-like we’re patient and we’re kind [Bridge] We are grateful for the chance to take Part in joy everlasting with a new heart Teach us again when we drift and break Lead us home where mercy starts [Chorus] For He will lift us up It is time to mend He can soften the heart He's our best friend For He will lift us up It is time to mend He can soften the heart He's our best friend [Outro] We are grateful for the chance to take Part in joy everlasting with a new heart

3 Ne. 27: 11
11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are ahewn down and cast into the bfire, from whence there is no return.

Live By Faith

 

All over the world, there are good Latter- Day Saints.
As truths are unfurled, faith abounds unrestrained.
Though there are drought conditions we find living waters.
That our homes can be safe midst precarious matters.

The gospel teaches us how to increase our faith.
If we but listen, the Prophet shows us the way.
When we've the Spirit, we serve and lengthen our stride.
From temple's beacon, we're bright, no longer to hide.

When we feel weighed down, we can increase faith and prayer.
Finding emphasized love, to reflect and feel aware.
When we reach hard crossroads, we'll follow Jesus and not fear.
For He shares our burdens and makes them easier to bear.


Live by faith
Not by fear
Lift your face
God is near

70–73, Nov 2007,
Quentin L. Cook,
Live by Faith and Not by Fear
Liahona, November 2007, 70

The Need For A Path

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

“And with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” – Ephesians 6:15

The Need For A Path

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

I Am Many Things to the Lord

I am as a rock unpolished and coarse.
And, I fall and tumble while I'm on my course.
The descent is steep, what am I to do?
Rough edges break off, I'll soon be made smooth.
There is a straight path, here now I must stay.
I know where to roll, it's the narrow way.
1 Nephi 21:2

I am as a bride- My Lord is the groom.
And as the date nears- I've oil in my room.
My prepared lamp burns, in the darkest night.
As I add more oil- one drop at a time.
The groom's paid my debt, and He's done much more!
We'll soon be married- that's what I live for.

I am as a lamb- cared for in His flock.
When I go astray, I've not far to walk.
I miss my Shepherd and I heed his call.
I'm known by His name, though I'm stained and small.
When the clouds darken and a storm descends,
My Shepherd saves me- to safety He sends.

thoughts from the scriptures

Nephi Prayed

Nephi prayed continually by day
And his eyes watered his pillow by night
Oft he thought of those who would not pray
For they'd not keep Christ in their thoughts and sight

And He gloried in plainness
He gloried in the truth
He gloried in "my" Jesus
Who'd preserved him since his youth

Nephi hoped to speak as the angels
And to help those who left the narrow path
When he wrote, he oft made parallels
With examples of God's power and wrath

And He gloried in plainness
He gloried in the truth
He gloried in "my" Jesus
Who'd preserved him since his youth
- 2 Nephi 33:3

3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written,
and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially
unto my people. For I pray continually for them
by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night,
because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith,
and I know that he will hear my cry.

The Atonement

Our dear Redeemer secured anchors for our safe ascent.
Below all, He suffered solo as He'd been sent.
Our Redeemer will belay, be our guide on our way.
He knows all and how we crave.
To the Father His paths do pave.
He extends torn hands to all to save us from the fall,
If we simply listen to Him and heed His soft call.
In time the endless paths we face we'll safely clear,
If we seek His guidance and keep all the required strong gear.
The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.

With Gods' own plan as His focus, as His sole compass.
He came to satisfy sheer justice and to strengthen us.
As the innocent lamb He came, His pure life was slain.
From all sin He did refrain,
To gain more than all of our pain.
He came to conquer all thereof mankind’s devoid of.
And show us the perfect love of Father above,
If we center our lives on Jesus the Christ.
We'll find peace throughout our climb and then sweet eternal new life.
The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.

He knows all the slips each man can make when we Him forsake.
And we think our own paths to make, though the wrong we take.
For tender mercies yet bound can place us safely sound.
He's tried and secured the ground.
As once we were lost, we are homeward found.
To endure the climb, we need the rod for pressing up,
Towards Him who knows of us and drank the bitter cup.
His knowledge lifts our spirit, if we would but hear it.
And be Christ-like inherent, praying through His good merit.
The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.

inspired by

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

The Master Bridge Builder

We're as explorers and travelers.
Who're to pass o'er steep precipices.
Yet, below, there's turbulent waters.
And none have prior experiences.

But, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Is proven as Supreme Architect.
His cables are saddled and not spliced.(1)
And His anchors suspend well the great deck.(2)

He's built three bridges for you and me.
And we must cross them to journey home.
They will save us from our sins, for free.
Here He shines light bright so we'd not long roam.

What are these bridges the Savior built?
He, the first to pass- Obedience.
As temptations of winds blow, the cables tilt.(3)
Then a still small voice is heard- “Get Thee hence!”

The next bridge is loaded heavily.
So, tall its towers and deep its piers.
There we can act as one heavenly
Heard are calls for Service for each that nears.

The next bridge, the angels must bear up.
For on there lie the Prayers for us sent.
And the blood shed is inside a cup.
Here we can stay 'till our days are all spent.

-President Monson (T-o-m-m-y M-o-n-s-o-n)


1 At the top of the towers each cable
passes over a cable saddle. At the cable
saddle the cable transfersthe load from the
cables to the tower.

2 Large anchors, or anchorages, at both ends
of the bridge act as counter weights that hold
the ends of the main cables. The anchorages are
normally either a mass of concrete or solid rock.
In the anchorage, the cables splay into separate
strands to distribute the tension load evenly
and safely.

3 Because they are relatively light and flexible,
suspension bridges are all susceptible to wind.
They vibrate and move, both vertically (up and down)
and laterally (sideways). The challenge for the bridge
engineer is to keep this motion within safe limits.
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine1.htm

4–9, Jan 2008, “The Master Bridge Builder, ” Ensign
President Monson

Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?

It is true there are wars and rumors of wars.
But, our hearts shall not fear, nor will we ignore
The reasons we have to rejoice and live for.
We've our Lord's atonement- we've forevermore.

And despite all of our downward tendencies,
We can have light and hope amidst challenges.
For, these too shall be but for experience.
Let's rejoice and sing songs - and depart not hence.

The gospels sweet message enlightens our mind.
Warms our heart, no matter what troubles we find.
Our eyes change and we leave old viewpoints behind.
Then we can focus on- being meek and kind.

Our Lord has divine power that lifts to new heights.
His grace is sufficient, He helps raise our sights.
When burdens are too great, He'll help make them light.
Let's turn to Him with all- our hearts, soul and might.

What is the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?
It's good news, glad tidings, it is truth and light.
No other name given brings eternal life.
He declares in plainness - and our souls delight.

We've the first principles and we've ord'nances.
Our faith is unshaken, we'll prove we're steadfast.
We offer broken hearts, there's second chances.
We are as new creatures- we've divine guidance.

And what does it mean to endure to the end?
The straight and narrow path, takes us past hard bends.
And as we hang on tight, this command He sends:
From sunrise to sunrise- love your fellowmen.

Jesus Christ wants us to succeed in this life.
Though mountains shall depart, He is ever kind.
He'll help us be faithful, though there's sins and strife.
The Savior heals our hearts- and our wounds He binds.
-Elder Uchtdorf

Where Do I Make My Stand?

In an increasingly unjust world,
Is there a message of hope at hand?
When there is turmoil and all is swirled,
Unequivocally faithful we'll stand.

We can find joy no matter what may come.
When innocent suffer with great pain,
Is trust unshaken, do we succumb?
We hold to what's sacred, and don't blame.

When our prayers aren't answered as we'd wish.
And those deep in sin have all they need.
We will not of them judge or banish.
The Lord is separating the chaff from wheat.

The pure love of Christ is our motive.
We've come to earth to prove we're loyal.
With full trust in the Lord, we must live.
Until death and glory crowns us royal.

When we've been dealt blows that crush and grind.
Some become hardened, past feeling.
While others are softened to refining.
And are blessed with a spiritual healing.

Each of us needs a storehouse of faith.
To rise above all the troubles that surround.
Here we can draw from the well for strength.
Where we'll replenish faith and feel sound.

We need to be tried for constancy.
So where should each of us make our stand?
We can exercise moral agency.
To find joy everlasting and grand.

-President Faust

18–21, James E. Faust, Nov 2004,
“Where Do I Make My Stand, ” Liahona

These - Our Little Ones

Parents behold each child
Who wonder with joy mild
When they see the new babe.
How still then they behave.
Love them, teach them, respect them,
Pray with them and for them.
They are your piece of heaven
To lift up and to leaven.

They have sensitivity
For our Lord's nativity.
Sing to them of Jesus.
Share the Light of Christmas.
Love them, teach them, respect them,
Pray with them and for them.
Let them feel of your sweet love
And God's love, pure, from above.

They're soon our rising future
Lead them to paths that endure.
Be your best example.
Tread softly, don't trample.
Love them, teach them, respect them,
Pray with them and for them.
They can reach heights with God's strength.
To grow in depth, breadth, and length.

-President Hinckley

4–9, Dec 2007, Gordon B. Hinckley,
Our Little Ones, “These, ” Ensign

O Remember, Remember

If we write down just a few things that happen each new day,
We'll see the hand of God reaching to our fam'lies today.
Although we don't remember God and His Beloved Son.
If we seek Him, God will show us the things which He has done.
The Holy Ghost can bring light through a veil of dark blindness.
A journal shows a path to God. We'll recognize kindness.
O remember, please remember how you have been so blessed.
And establish, writing habits and of His hand confess.

When we're faithful God protects us and helps us to prosper.
Then is the time that we harden and think God's laws hamper.
It's easy to forget blessings, and thus we should give heed.
For what's inside our hearts can change the blessings eyes have seen.
So, too, the grind of poverty and distress darkens hope.
Then it's hard for the Holy Ghost to prompt what helps us cope.
O remember, please remember how you have been so blessed.
And establish, writing habits and of His hand confess.

There is a cure and a pattern in the sacrament prayers.
We promise God and our natures change as we know He cares.
The Holy Ghost is His Gift that reveals things through a veil.
We'll see God's hand in our service. He strengthens what is frail..
Our warm feelings can stir others so they will remember.
When we've Christ's name that's upon us, there's mercy that's tender.
The atonement helps us live lives that lead us toward God.
And we have help to remember the paths He helps us trod.

-President Eyring

66–69, Henry B. Eyring, Nov 2007,
Remember, “O Remember, ” Liahona

Live by Faith and Not by Fear

All over the world, there are good Latter- Day Saints.
As truths are unfurled, faith abounds unrestrained.
Though there are drought conditions we find living waters.
That our homes can be safe midst precarious matters.

The gospel teaches us how to increase our faith.
If we but listen, the Prophet shows us the way.
When we've the Spirit, we serve and lengthen our stride.
From temple's beacon, we're bright, no longer to hide.

When we feel weighed down, we can increase faith and prayer.
Finding emphasized love, to reflect and feel aware.
When we reach hard crossroads, we'll follow Jesus and not fear.
For He shares our burdens and makes them easier to bear.


Live by faith
Not by fear
Lift your face
God is near

70–73, Nov 2007,
Quentin L. Cook,
Live by Faith and Not by Fear
Liahona, November 2007, 70

He Heals the Heavy Laden

Of each ailments of man- He knows how they feel
But, though not limited, His span. Faith is left for us to heal
May we learn of Him who is most worthy to trust
May we follow Him, who is our Savior, even Jesus

With His yoke upon us, may our burdens be made light
For He has healed the sick and lame; and He has restored sight
One way or another, each man becomes inadequate
When faced with afflictions, we wish that they would quit

Whether our sicknesses are spiritual or mental
Or emotional or more, He has healed them all
For by His hands the deaf did hear and the blind did see
Those withered were restored even those with leprosy

He knows us to each hair, for He has born our anguish
He paid the price for sin and it's for Him that we languish
For He carries our burdens by giving us more patience
Or understanding or strength for growth and experience

Each man, lest He fall to despair where it's hard to endure
Must be healed while heavy laden- unto faith that is made sure
We can come unto Christ, take His yoke and be perfected
By the power of the Atonement, He'll cleanse what is infected



Dallin H. Oaks
Liahona, Nov 2006, 6-9
He Heals the Heavy Laden

An Ensign to the Nations

We’re His ensign to the nations,
To light wherever man stations.
We are all in this together,
As with the Lord we endeavor.
We’re working as one in this cause.
And, there is time for us to pause-
To ask the Lord whose work this is
For sufficient light which is His.

There’s never reason to despair.
The Lord thy God is always there.
His work will always go forward.
This is our time to press onward.
The Lord is a living fountain
And His house is on the mountain.
Here, on His path the righteous stay.
He will teach us along the way.

We cannot shrink nor turn aside.
We’ve a mandate we must abide.
There are forces all around us.
We can flee from what is boistrous.
Regardless of the circumstance
We will not soften our stance.
With our eyes on truth's objective-
Of goals we will be protective.

With the whole armor of our Lord
We will stand firm with one accord.
Be strong in the lord in His fight-
True to what we know to be right.
We do not wrestle flesh and blood
But against darkness' rampant flood.
There’s much out there that’s seductive,
But we’ll stay clean and productive.

There is what is sleazy and uncouth.
The tawdry rich seek for our youth,
Life is better than they portray,
They seek your soul and then betray,
They grow rich from high admission,
And for salacious exhibition.
What a waste of time and money,
Though the sin-drunk think it's funny.

The mountain’s full of God’s forces-
Chariots of fire and horses.
Open your eyes and you may see
Legions of angels, God’s army.
God will bless and magnify you,
If you do what you’ve been taught to.
Those with us are more than with them.
We can pray when there’s a problem.

Fear not little flock and be good
And pray for sound minds, as you should
Doubt not, fear not, you will not fail.
Those built upon a rock will prevail!
D&C 6:34

-President Hinckley

51, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov 1989,
“An Ensign to the Nations, ” Ensign

Rise to the Stature of the Divine Within You

We know we shall reap
Whatsoever we sow
We promise, we keep
Wherever we go
We need not look far
To find gratitude
We share a bright star
For good attitude,
To live as we should

It’s time to rise
With stature divine,
With virtuous eyes,
And a wholesome mind
With love for the land
And the sky above
We labor by hand,
We give and we love,
And we do not shove

A struggling mother
Much marred by abuse,
Needs hope not smother
To feel she’s of use
As a morning star
We shouted for joy
For just where we are-
With life to enjoy
For each girl and boy

With minds full of light,
We’re full of glory
The oppressed now bright
Know a new story
A broad horizon
Can master one’s fate
For daughter and son-
It is not too late-
For love’s bloom, not hate!

We can cultivate
Beauty all around
Through prayer and not fate
We are safely sound
To safeguard from sin,
Stand above evil
And rise and begin (clean the drab within)
Speak against what’s ill-
And, harvests then fulfill

– Gordon B Hinckley

94, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov 1989,
“Rise to the Stature
of the Divine within You, ” Ensign

Ofttimes

Ofttimes we worry and perplex
Upon grave subjects so complex
Childhood of birthdays and cupcakes
Threshold to chances of mistakes
Now dreams and hopes and longing thought
Lead us onto paths more than not

This season explodes with knowledge
And we must seek high goals full-fledged
With high goals we’re not left to chance
We’re robust- we sing and we dance
Be humble and pray and be true,
Be grateful and smart and clean too
-------------------------------------
We know what is right
We know what is true
Repent and be bright,
With God we belong

We know what is right
We know what is true
With these goals of light,
We’ve help to be strong

From Gordon B Hinckley’s
6 Be’s

8–9, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun 2001,
“The Prophet’s Counsel: The Six B’s,”
Liahona

Stay on The High Road

As daughters of God, we pray to stay on the high road
When the dust settles it won't matter which car we drove
We pray that we´ll find our own bit of divinity
And, it may make a difference through all of eternity

With body, spirit, and mind our paths are on the high road
To reach the vistas it will matter which way we drove
Our Father rules o´er the earth, and thus He'll hear us pray
As we strive for excellence and there´s help along the way

Our prophet taught us there´s modesty on the high road
We need to obey for there´s tragedy some will know
He calls for high morals. He calls to each girl and boy
And he humbly asks we not think him as a killjoy

A one-time false move- carelessness can leave a deep scar
Our prophet counsels that we need to raise our bar
Some stumble and fall when the storm comes and it descends
And we must seek shelter, wisdom and good friends

Then when heavy laden, the Lord offers to give us rest
For times of distress our Lord's pillar star is at breast
His way is easy and his path is peaceful to trod
With faith there's a beacon a light towards our God

Though lonely at times, there is safety on the high road
There's vistas plenty to stop and check where next to go
And when there's mistakes, temptations can take us off track
Our father knows us best, and he´ll help us to get back

- President Hinckley
8–9, Gordon B. Hinckley, Jun 2001,
“The Prophet’s Counsel: The Six B’s, ” Liahona