Reach Beyond your Circle of Love and Friendship

Reach beyond your usual ties

Of familial love and friendship

Share with all, the Light of Christ 

Spread forth Christian fellowship

Reach beyond your safe circle 🔵 

What built fence must you hurtle? 🧱 

To mend up a broken heart ❤️ 

With kindness, for a fresh start! 🍪 🍪 🍪 

Awaken within 

A desire through Jesus Christ

To extend His love

To strangers in need of Light

So many struggle

They've problems that don't end

God find those humble

Teach Jesus is their friend

Verse 1] Reach beyond your usual ties Of familial love and friendship Share with all the Light of Christ Spread forth Christian fellowship Reach beyond your safe circle What built fence must you hurtle? To mend up a broken heart With kindness, for a fresh start [Pre-Chorus] Awaken within A desire through Jesus Christ To extend His love To strangers in need of Light [Chorus] Reach beyond, reach beyond Light of Christ, lead us on Reach beyond, reach beyond Kindness is where we belong (Reach beyond) (Reach beyond) [Verse 2] So many struggle They've problems that don't end Go find those humble Teach Jesus is their friend Hold out your hand now Stay near the weary, stay near Give them a place to rest And let Your mercy appear [Pre-Chorus] Awaken within A desire through Jesus Christ To extend His love To strangers in need of Light [Chorus] Reach beyond, reach beyond Light of Christ, lead us on Reach beyond, reach beyond Kindness is where we belong (Reach beyond) (Reach beyond) [Bridge] If their road is rocky Help them see though it's night If the night is heavy Be the open door with light No one is forgotten No one is too far gone When we carry His light We make the broken strong [Final Chorus] Reach beyond, reach beyond Light of Christ, lead us on Reach beyond, reach beyond Kindness is where we belong (Reach beyond) (Reach beyond) Reach beyond, reach beyond Love is where we all belong

Dallin H Oaks

Christmas awakens in us a desire to reach beyond our usual ties of love and friendship. The heavenly message of “peace on earth, goodwill toward men” invites us to extend kindness, not just to those we already love, but to strangers, and even to those we struggle with. May we all feel God’s love and share that love with our neighbors during this special time of year.

https://youtu.be/1R9MnpBWY4I?si=yivvT_X2TcONS--_

Look Up to the Bright Sky and Believe

Look up to the bright sky and believe
In your ability to achieve your goals
Do not allow yourself to grieve
When you meet a set back that forth rolls

This is your time to work hard
With determination and sacrifice
When there's a sin to discard
Hold to the rod at any price

There is a road to recovery always
Along the valleys of life each pass
When you overcome the obstructed pathways
God-like characters are acquired that last

Do not be content to coast along
But apply your talents to achieve
With integrity, face adversity headlong
Then, you'll accomplish beyond your dreams

And in all the pursuits you follow
Surround yourself amidst those who are bright
Remember to give service, lest life dims hollow
And live in a way worthy of God's light



[Verse 1] Look up to the bright sky and believe In your ability to achieve your goals Do not allow yourself to grieve When you meet a set back that forth rolls [Verse 2] This is your time to work hard With determination and sacrifice When there's a sin to discard Hold to the rod at any price [Verse 3] There is a road to recovery always Along the valleys of life each pass When you overcome the obstructed pathways God-like characters are acquired that last [Verse 4] Do not be content to coast along But apply your talents to achieve With integrity, face adversity headlong Then, you'll accomplish beyond your dreams [Outro] And in all the pursuits you follow Surround yourself amidst those who are bright Remember to give service, lest life dims hollow And live in a way worthy of God's light
Elder Huntsman tells Y students to focus on integrity, hard work
Brigham Young University devotional: 'God did not put us here to fail'
By Marianne Holman
Church News click on above title to go to site
Published: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

Always Remember For What Gifts are Given

Always remember
For what gifts are given
In us does slumber
Light which comes of heaven

Spiritually we are offspring
Of our Father above
He who gives life to all things
Would we seek His gifts of love

Gifts of the Spirit come to us
In the form of pure intelligence
Transferred through the Holy Ghost
They enlighten combined existence

For brightened skills and abilities
He opens our eyes of understanding
Thus, one of the greatest tragedies
Is when we recognize naught what He is handing

We ought not to judge ourselves
By what is outwardly seen
Oft gifts are found as one delves
As then the Spirit helps us grow keen

Each gift is designed to help us transform
And while some lead to wealth, power, and position
There are more subtler forms
Like the ability to discern and make wise decisions

Bazaleel could work with metals, wood, and stone
King Solomon was granted wisdom to understand
Enoch saw not with the natural eye alone
And we've, also, at least one... valuable and grand

Ever we are learning to define Godly traits
As we weep, care for others, and are more patient
Thus receiving a glimpse of what for us awaits
Through the gifts of the Spirit's administration

Jesus received a fullness of God's glory
Possessing truth, knowledge, and power
And... we too can be quickened with bits of glory
To one day be joint heirs with Christ in that hour

For severally and according to God's will
We can receive gifts come by the Spirit of Christ
To instill faith, heal, testify, and perform miracles
Even to speak or interpret languages of all kinds

Let us seek gifts to benefit God's kingdom
Coveting earnestly in the name of Christ
Let us have faith, hope, and charity, even
Desiring to do good...filled with promise and delight


covet earnestly- 1cor 12:31,
at least one gift- D&C 46:11-17
faith, hope, charity D&C 46:20-23
spiritual gifts are available through the manifestation of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them Moroni 10:8
Bezaleel Ex 31:1-5
King Solomon 1Kings 3:5-15
Enoch Moses 6:36

Lane Johnson
How to Receive Spiritual Gifts
Ensign, Dec 1975, 46

Marvin J. Ashton
There are Many Gifts
Ensign, Nov 1987, 20

Relief Society General Presidency
Seeking the Best Gifts
Ensign, Jan 1997, 55

[Verse 1] Always remember For what gifts are given In us does slumber Light which comes of heaven Spiritually we are offspring Of our Father above He who gives life to all things Would we seek His gifts of love [Pre-Chorus] Gifts of the Spirit come to us In the form of pure intelligence Transferred through the Holy Ghost They enlighten combined existence For brightened skills and abilities He opens our eyes of understanding Thus, one of the greatest tragedies Is when we recognize naught what He is handing [Chorus] Gifts of the Spirit come to us (Gifts of the Spirit come to us) Gifts of the Spirit come to us (come to us, come to us) Let us seek gifts to benefit God's kingdom Coveting earnestly in the name of Christ Let us have faith, hope, and charity, even Desiring to do good...filled with promise and delight [Verse 2] We ought not to judge ourselves By what is outwardly seen Oft gifts are found as one delves As then the Spirit helps us grow keen Each gift is designed to help us transform And while some lead to wealth, power, and position There are more subtler forms Like the ability to discern and make wise decisions [Pre-Chorus] Bazaleel could work with metals, wood, and stone King Solomon was granted wisdom to understand Enoch saw not with the natural eye alone And we've, also, at least one... valuable and grand Ever we are learning to define Godly traits As we weep, care for others, and are more patient Thus receiving a glimpse of what for us awaits Through the gifts of the Spirit's administration [Chorus] Gifts of the Spirit come to us (Gifts of the Spirit come to us) Gifts of the Spirit come to us (come to us, come to us) Let us seek gifts to benefit God's kingdom Coveting earnestly in the name of Christ Let us have faith, hope, and charity, even Desiring to do good...filled with promise and delight [Bridge] Jesus received a fullness of God's glory Possessing truth, knowledge, and power And... we too can be quickened with bits of glory To one day be joint heirs with Christ in that hour For severally and according to God's will We can receive gifts come by the Spirit of Christ To instill faith, heal, testify, and perform miracles Even to speak or interpret languages of all kinds [Final Chorus] Gifts of the Spirit come to us (Gifts of the Spirit come to us) Gifts of the Spirit come to us (come to us, come to us) Let us seek gifts to benefit God's kingdom Coveting earnestly in the name of Christ Let us have faith, hope, and charity, even Desiring to do good...filled with promise and delight

Willing Heart

 It is so easy

To step into trouble

Or become sickly

Yes, "life" keeps you humble

You step away from light

A storm clous come chase you

A sign something's not right

Still, you know what to do

It's not God's way or else

He is love, say a prayer

Do this for yourself

Put your self in God's care

Speak from you heart

Say it out loud

Confess be real

Admit you veered proud

Keep a willing heart 

For a change of mind

Blessings will impart

God's love, you will find

Sick?  Remember poor Naaman

Suffering with leprosy

He was told to wash seven times

But this seemed too easy

Pride stood in his way

He wanted the prophet's hands

To command the disease away

And the river had grit and sand

But humbled, he recalled

He would try anything

He washed, though not enthralled

Healed- no flesh was peeling!

Keep a willing heart 

For a change of mind

Blessings will impart

God's love, you will find

[Verse 1]

It is so easy

To step into trouble

Or become sickly

Yes, life keeps you humble

You step away from light

And storm clouds come chase you

A sign something's not right

Still, you know what to do

[Pre-Chorus]

It's not God's way or else

He is love, say a prayer

Do this for yourself

Put your self in God's care

[Chorus]

Speak from you heart

Say it out loud

Confess be real

Admit you veered, proud

Keep a willing heart

For a change of mind

Blessings will impart

God's love, you will find

[Verse 2]

Sick? Remember poor Naaman

Suffering with leprosy

He was told to wash seven times

But this seemed too easy

Pride stood in his way

He wanted the prophet's hands

To command the disease away

And the river had grit and sand

[Chorus]

But humbled, he recalled

He would try anything

He washed, though not enthralled

Healed- no flesh was peeling!

Keep a willing heart

For a change of mind

Blessings will impart

God's love, you will find

Keep a willing heart

For a change of mind

Blessings will impart

God's love, you will find

Draws from the biblical story of Naaman, the Syrian commander healed of leprosy.

Lyrics emphasize overcoming pride through humility, as Naaman washes seven times in the Jordan River per Elisha's instructions despite initial reluctance.

2 Kings 5 NIV version
 9 Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”

11 But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.

13 Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.

15 Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.”

16 The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.

To Raise Each Other For Highest Endeavors

To raise each other for highest endeavors
Befitting daughters of infinite worth
The women of the church gathered together
In meeting houses all over the earth

These singular women with remarkable souls
Have surrounded their homes with that which is good
To help those therein create talents and goals
To build up the kingdom and God's own priesthood

And as such these sisters can become weary
And some did not meet lest they'd get behind
To think of their sacrifices makes one teary
For they are ever striving their best to be kind

What speaker could give the sisters perspective?
And help them remain balanced and Christ centered?
But, one born of their influence who is introspective
And speaks in God's name from the high calling he's entered

He said "there are hearts today that harbor deep sorrows"
And there's no "switch to flip" for hurt feelings to cease
For those "sinking in quicksand" know not sweet repose
Till they're saved by two principles that lead them to peace

First, be God-like and create something that did not exist before
In a way that does not require position, influence, or money
Help the world around you and within become much more
As you adorn it with smiles, beauty, and words that are sunny

Next, be God-like and reach out to bless the lives of others
Your service and sacrifice will open the windows of heaven
Assist the young mothers and the discouraged young brothers
Let your eyes open, through God's power for good your gift given

Have faith that God will encircle you in the arms of His love
That discouragement, inadequacy, and weariness will give way
Know that you are as an instrument in the hands of Him above
Draw close to Him and be the answer of those in need who pray

Focus on these two things

Believing in potential

You're a blessing that brings

Loving kindness made special

[Verse 1]

To raise each other high

For highest endeavors

Befitting daughters of infinite worth

The women of the church

Gathered together

In meeting houses all over the earth

These singular women

With remarkable souls

Have surrounded their homes

With that which is good

To help those therein

Create talents and goals

To build up the kingdom

And God's own priesthood

[Pre-Chorus]

And as such these sisters can become weary

Some did not meet lest they'd get behind

To think of their sacrifices makes one teary

For they are ever striving their best to be kind

[Chorus]

Focus on these two things

(These two things)

Believing in potential

You're a blessing that brings

Loving kindness made special

As a spiritual daughter of God

[Verse 2]

What speaker could give them perspective?

And help them remain balanced and Christ centered?

But one born of their influence, introspective

And speaks in God's name

From the high calling he's entered

He said there are hearts today

That harbor deep sorrows

And there's no switch to flip

For hurt feelings to cease

For those sinking in quicksand

Know not sweet repose

Till they're saved by two principles

That lead them to peace

[Pre-Chorus]

First, be God-like and create

Something that did not exist before

In a way that does not require

Position, influence, or money

Help the world around you

And within become much more

As you adorn it with smiles

Beauty, and words that are sunny

[Chorus]

Focus on these two things

(These two things)

Believing in potential

You're a blessing that brings

Loving kindness made special

As a spiritual daughter of God

[Bridge]

Next, be God-like and reach out

To bless the lives of others

Your service and sacrifice

Will open the windows of heaven

Assist the young mothers

And the discouraged young brothers

Let your eyes open

Through love's power for good your gift's given

Have faith that God will encircle you

In the arms of His love

That discouragement, inadequacy

And weariness will give way

Know that you are as an instrument

In the hands of Him above

Draw close to Him

And be the answer

Of those in need who pray

[Final Chorus]

Focus on these two things

(These two things)

Believing in potential

You're a blessing that brings

Loving kindness made special

As a spiritual daughter of God

Focus on these two things

being creative, giving service

Believing in potential

You're a blessing that brings

Loving kindness made special

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Happiness Your Heritage
Ensign, November 2008, 117

Your Hole in the Ground

 Little by little and without help

You can fall into temptation

And dig a hole for yourself

Stay if you like. It's no vacation

The longer you stay...now you're stuck

Repent and cry out unto Jesus

He rescues.  But, the hole remains

Stay clear of the edge, it's dangerous

But, beware the day... the hour

Your pride grows. You think you have power

And as quick as a step. Your back in your hole

And with your self-esteem it will take its toll

Pray every day. That hole will not let!

Tell friends.  Put signs up.

Pray every day and never forget

How it's Jesus who saves us

Verse 1] Little by little and without help You can fall into temptation And dig a hole for yourself Stay if you like. It's no vacation The longer you stay...now you're stuck [Pre-Chorus] Repent and cry out unto Jesus He rescues. But, the hole remains Stay clear of the edge, it's dangerous [Chorus] Pray every day Pray every day That hole will not let! How it's Jesus who saves us How it's Jesus who saves us [Verse 2] But, beware the day... the hour Your pride grows. You think you have power And as quick as a step. Your back in your hole And with your self-esteem it will take its toll [Pre-Chorus] Repent and cry out unto Jesus He rescues. But, the hole remains Stay clear of the edge, it's dangerous [Chorus] Pray every day Pray every day That hole will not let! How it's Jesus who saves us How it's Jesus who saves us [Bridge] Tell friends. Put signs up. Pray every day and never forget How it's Jesus who saves us [Chorus] Pray every day Pray every day That hole will not let! How it's Jesus who saves us How it's Jesus who saves us

The phrase "that hole will not let" typically implies a situation where something is trapped or unable to escape. It canbe interpreted in various contexts, often metaphorical, suggesting that a person or object is stuck in a difficult situation or unable to move forward.

Love is Found There

Oh, be consistent

Your spirit needs it

Scripture study, prayer

Time in nature, God is there

In these quiet moments

All else falls into place

Something inside opens

A freed smile's on your face

Heavenly Father loves effort

Express the feelings in your heart

He can bless you beyond imaginings

Even you Red Sea,  He can part

Be His servant

Act more in His behalf

Give kind service

Oh, what joy you will have

But, maybe you've had a rough life

Seeing Hell many times over

Still there is nothing Jesus Christ's

Atonement cannot cover

Spend time in prayer

Love is found there

Speak your thoughts, bare

Repent. Share.

Spend time reading

Love is found there

God answers.  Seeking

He freely shares

[Verse 1] Oh, be consistent Your spirit needs it Scripture study, prayer Time in nature, God is there In these quiet moments All else falls into place Something inside opens A freed smile's on your face [Pre-Chorus] Heavenly Father loves effort Express the feelings in your heart He can bless you beyond imaginings Even your Red Sea, He can part [Chorus] Spend time in prayer Love is found there Speak your thoughts, bare Repent. Share. Spend time in prayer Love is found there Speak your thoughts, bare Repent. Share. [Verse 2] Be His servant Act more in His behalf Give kind service Oh, what joy you will have But, maybe you've had a rough life Seeing Hell many times over Still there is nothing Jesus Christ's Atonement cannot cover [Pre-Chorus] Heavenly Father loves effort Express the feelings in your heart He can bless you beyond imaginings Even your Red Sea, He can part [Chorus] Spend time in prayer Love is found there Speak your thoughts, bare Repent. Share. Spend time in prayer Love is found there Speak your thoughts, bare Repent. Share. [Bridge] Spend time reading Love is found there God answers. Seeking He freely shares [Final Chorus] Spend time in prayer Love is found there Speak your thoughts, bare Repent. Share. Spend time reading Love is found there God answers. Seeking He freely shares