Passover Week

Passover week was a joyous reunion always
Of all the others, for Jesus, this one was different
The scribes and the chief priests had plotted for days
And, He knowing, spoke that His death was now imminent

Yet, none could foresee this by the greeting
That He received while entering the city
A path of palms, the cloths, and hosannas so fleeting
For, lambs were nearby, as on the donkey He was sitting

One last Pascal dinner for Him remained
They were given a large secluded chamber
Commemorating Israel's deliverance so famed
They had unleavened cakes and herbs... bitter

The lamb was roasted on a pomegranate spit
Peter and John with the owner prepared everything
The room was made festive, the lamps were all lit
And...Jesus sat with the twelve and spoke of suffering

The meal was the Savior's to offer
He washed the feet of His disciples in the upper room
And said..."I have desired to sup with you before I suffer"
Judas Iscariot left and the meal resumed

He took the round unleavened bread
And blessed...and broke it, and He said:
"Take, eat- this is my body
This do in rememberance of me"

He then took the cup and gave thanks
Passing it around till each man drank
"This is my blood that will be shed"
Thus, teaching through every word He said

The miracle of His atoning sacrifice
In which He would bleed from each pore
Teaching that redemption came with a high price,
What it was in rememberance of and who it was paid for

He commanded: "Love one another as I have loved you"
As, He covenanted this comforting promise
"Peace I leave with you...my peace I give unto you"
There to not feel troubled if in their part they were honest

All His words had farewell undertones
And Peter asked-"Lord, whither goest Thou?"
"The hour cometh for my works alone,"
He responded. "Whither I goest, thou cannot follow me now"

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

The Scribes and the Pharisees

The Scribes and the Pharisees counseled anew
Not with God...but with each other
If they let this Jesus continue
They'd lose their place to another

The men developed a plot of malice
Reasoning it would save their whole nation
This their best attempt to trip and surpass
They waited with ears, eyes, and lips in station

Jesus left...for His 'time' was not yet at hand
Journeying to Ephraim and the coastlines further away
Then... for the Passover, He went back to the holy land
Unto His sheep that had all gone astray

Traveling among the pilgrims in white
He saw curtains at hospitable doorways
As even strangers had a place for the night
And a Pascal lamb to eat that last day...

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Mary and Martha from Bethany

Mary and Martha from Bethany
Sent word of Lazarus
Jesus was needed urgently
As their brother was dying, thus

"This sickness is not unto death," He exclaimed
"But for the glory of God and the Son"
As, too, "Lazarus is dead," He proclaimed
Still...their four day journey had just begun

Upon arriving,noisy lamentations pierced the air
As chairs and couches were placed upside down
Evidencing all was not right in the dwellings there
Lazarus had been dead for four days, now

"Where have ye laid him?" Jesus asked
They went to a cave and rolled a stone away
And upon a living Lazarus their eyes cast
Many no longer doubted Christ after that day

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Will Ye Also Go Away?

"Will ye also go away?"
Jesus asked of His twelve
"Where would we go?" He heard Peter say
He, being their living well

From that time forth Jesus spoke
Of His ensuing death
Hanging over all like a heavy cloak
He was to become their Living Breath

As His ministry drew to a close
They saw of the Lord, added dimension
How oft shall we forgive- Peter proposed
Seventy times seven...He said...thus too many to mention

His words unleashed new blessings
There was promise for the vilest sinners
As only through forgiveness of transgressors
Will we come across in heaven as winners

This miraculous sermon on forgiveness
Was to be tested in the holy city
When a woman in adultery was witnessed
The scribe and pharisees saw their opportunity

By command, her fate was known
They challenged Jesus... wanting His judgement on this matter
"He that is without sin, let him cast the first stone,"
He answered...and they departed- their hopes shattered

They had thought the trap was set
For Roman law forbid casting
And Mosaic law did contradict
In the end, their own guilt...was proved lasting

The words of Jesus regarding the woman
Broke down the Pharisaic wall
Just as the shouts of Joshua and His men
Caused the walls of Jericho to fall

Who would not now come unto Him
For He truly invited rest and peace
Those who would believe and repent often
Could know the meaning of being truly blessed

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Again the Master Entered

Again the Master entered
Villages dotting Galilee
And to Him people ventured
As He healed all manner of disease

Pronouncing Himself come of heaven-
The Bread of Life that no man hunger
They refused His invitation given
Knowing His parents, He had lived under

The very people He'd fed on the plains
Of the city known for grinding mills
Shunned the words which Jesus proclaimed
As to the man of Living Bread... they turned their heels

After healing as many who reached Him
With each becoming whole... healing them all
They dealt Him only antagonism
He the son of Joseph... ever small

Gone was the awe of the throng
His popularity now had waned
In, this, the city of Capernaum
They'd not faith He was whom He claimed

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Three Little Letters - ity

Three little letters
I. T. Y.
Stand for high standards
Ours...to try

When integrity, fidelity,
And charity come forth
Of generosity, morality,
And quality...there's more

According to our ability
It is our opportunity
Through Christ-like humility
To build an ity community

May i.t.y. words never be forgotten
To be as lights shining before us
May these three letters awaken
Traits bright and virtuous come of Jesus

thoughts from
Let Virtue Garnish Your Thoughts
Bishop H. David Burton
Ensign, November 2009, 76

With Whom Say Ye That I am?

With whom say ye what I am?
Still ringing in their ears
The disciples' trip began
In a ship that the wind steers

Having been with multitudes
Healed and fed by the Lord
Jesus stayed behind to say adieus
And set them off on the sea to fjord

Feeling quite weary
They rested on the ship
The wind grew contrary
And the boat rocked high enough to tip

Jesus descended the mountain crest
Having for hours prayed to His Father
Without a boat...which would be best
He walked directly upon the water

Struggling to keep the boat aright
The disciples saw Him on the sea
Unrecognized...adding to their fright
"Be of good cheer. Be not afraid. It is I," Said He
Oh, how they welcomed Him on this night!

Peter would to walk there, too
He stood with faith... his focus on Jesus helped
But, this proved too hard for him to do
And he started to sink... as fear enveloped

With the wind whipping about
Jesus stretched forth His hand
And taught faith is lost with doubt
As He lifted Peter to stand

Once aboard the rocking boat
The mighty wind soon ceased
New joy in the Lord awoke
As their awe of Him increased

The feeding of multitude...
The walking on the water...
Ever, the Lord did exude
Characteristics of the Father

Easter is Coming!

Easter is coming
Easter is coming
Easter is coming
My heart is saying with cheer!

Filled with loving
I find myself humming,
Smiling, and hugging
For I feel Christ's love so near!

Everywhere I see
Flowers and trees,
Blooms and buddings
Signs of newness. It's Spring!

I feel so happy
Alive, and tip-tappy
Like a chipper bird rapping
Finding new perches to sing!

From the Well-Trodden Paths of Galilee

From the well-trodden paths of Galilee
Jesus and His disciples went to a desert place apart
But peace from the petitioners was not to be
For He had brought such hope to their hearts

Jesus healed more...as the day wore on
And evening shadows came across the plains
For each journeying home the road was dark and long
Two fishes and five loaves were gathered and He prayed

The assembled He caused to sit in ranks
In groups of fifty and even a hundred
Reminiscent of Israel and Moses long ago
The multitude of Bethsada He miraculously fed

After all were satisfied from the peasant meal
The leftovers were collected in baskets
Is it a coincidence that twelve were filled?
Symbolic of the work, yea, of the Apostles

This day, prophecy was in fulfillment
For, in the Lord's day, a meal, as Manna, was shown
Such that... when Jesus said, "Whom say the people I am?"...He meant-
Did they know their promised Messiah was now to be known?

Regardless, they desired that He
Were wont to be crowned as their king
Hoping, that from oppression, He'd save them
Not understanding the ransom He'd bring

"Whom say ye that I am?" Of the disciples, He asked
And it was Peter who answered, "The Christ of God"
Straightway... He sent the disciples unto a task
And the people homeward... that He might pray, alone, from all

Upon Leaving the Placid Sea

Upon leaving the placid sea
Unto Jesus many gathered for relief
And, He, without reservation to any
Gave His healing touch which was gladly received

Among the throng was one...Jarius
A synagogue ruler deep in need
For His daughter's health was precarious
And to go visit her...Jesus agreed

As they walked the distance
Many who suffered pressed against Jesus
And...He knew in an instant
When virtue had gone from Him, thus

"Who touched my garment?" He asked of all
Knowing that one of them had been healed
A woman came to Him and made herself small
Confessing and trembling as tears spilled

"Daughter, be of good comfort!" He said
Teaching that faith had made her whole
And He made way to Jarius' bed
Finding her dead, still he recalled her soul

What possible manner of man is this?
That not only the elements respond
But, the devils and dead take notice
Surely, one mightier could not be found

thoughts from Son of Man
Susan Easton Black
Son of Man

While Setting Sail

While setting sail for distant shores
T'wards the Gaderene countryside
The winds grew turbulent amidst a downpour
Frightening fishermen and disciples alike

The Savior's slumber was undisturbed
Despite the pitching of the sea
He slept peacefully and unperturbed,
Though all feared the craft was in jeopardy

Shouts were made to waken Jesus
"Master, Master! We're going to perish!"
He rose and calmed the mighty storm, thus
And caused them to marvel and cherish

Then, seeing the eastern shoreline
They ended their voyage in bliss
What miracle would Jesus do this time?
Truly, not a one wanted to miss!

It was not long before the answer appeared
As from the tombs a naked man came
And fell down before as slowly they neared
Saying, "Torment me not!" Calling Jesus by name

"What is thy name?" The Lord asked the crazed man
"My name is Legion, meaning many," he replied
"Please," they implored. "Send us into the swine...rather than
Turn us out to the lone countryside"

But, these creatures, once possessed violently ran
Off of a cliff, to a lake and were choked by the sea
While the lunatic went to Decapolis, a cured man
Such that, scared, some begged off the Lord... and they did leave

And so the rest crossed the watery deep
Without storm or noted incident
Each pondering how the Lord had tended His sheep
While, as a man of miracles, He became more evident

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

The Friendship Bond is Unbroken

The friendship bond lies unbroken
As words of love are more spoken
And selflessness is evident
Through service and commitment

There's joy in having life's moments shared
Too, the burdening moments are better fared
When one makes the time to be a true friend
Thus, helping family ties, in the end

Ever Jesus Felt the Need to Pray

Ever felt Jesus the need to pray
As He walked the earth among man
This, I pondered as in His name I prayed
Giving humble thanks that I can

May desire in me be more ignited
To be filled with Spirit and light
That from my past, I can be righted,
Turned toward God's will, and choose the right

thoughts from reading
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Bed of Afflictions

Who does not have a bed of afflictions?
Or vexing demons to be cast out
Thus to be made whole with new convictions
Desiring for goodness to be about

Let us, too, rise from our beds, praising
And desiring to sin never more
That, one day, on the Son of Man we'll be gazing
Giving thanks that our sins were paid for

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

Venturing Forth

Venturing forth upon the byways
And the villages surrounding Galilee
Jesus was sought with wonder and praise
For He'd cured afflictions and maladies

Gone as well was the stigma of sin
Associated with each varied disease
Thinking Him but a worker of miracles, often
They still sought a Messiah, who was to bring peace

One time...a certain nobleman
Besought Jesus...that He would come
And, quickly heal His ailing son
Which Jesus did apart from Capernaum

To each who asked...He made them whole
Oft saying to go and sin no more
Ever He cleansed both body and soul
Even causing lepers no longer to mourn

And watching...judging...were the Sadduces
As they, too, saw Him heal on the Sabbath day
He was charged for working...a blasphemy
Thickening their plot, this young upstart to slay

Jesus, challenging their restrictions
Stated this holy day was for man
To become cleansed of their afflictions
Thus He healed by their faith and through command

But...they continued to not understand

thoughts from
Son of Man
Susan Easton Black

There Was A Boy Known for His Outbursts

There was a boy
Known for his outbursts
Peace was destroyed
As this daily grew worse

The change... was slow
This pattern was ended
A hammer did show
How oft hate descended

With every episode
A nail was driven
This chore grew old
To, then, become seldom

On every day of peace
A nail was pulled out
Ever this did please
As love... grew more about

But...to see the fence
Is a sure reminder
Scars do remain....hence
When one could have been kinder

Click on the title to go directly to the LDS Collection and read the story of the boy...

School Thy Feelings

School Thy Feelings
Oh, my brother
Unto healing
Like no other

Cease from anger
Forsake wrath
Let it be a stranger
Stay on the Lord's path

Can one be mad...and not sin?
Let not the sun go down
Upon what storms inside
Then comes the dawn: bright, safe , and sound

Psalms 37:8
School Thy Feelings, Hymn 336 Elder Charles W. Penrose

Let not disputationss
Enter your heart
For contention stations
That daggers impart

The strike comes quickly
When frustrations rise
Be not one sickly
But one who humbly cries

Where Ever I Am- There's a Vial of Oil

Where ever I am in the day or night
There is nearby a vial of oil
Consecrated for blessings of light
If... I but keep myself unsoiled

Always, a call comes as a surprise
With the words, "Please, can you come quickly?"
Ever it is my duty to say, "Yes!" and rise
And administer, to the ailing or sickly

Be Ready
President Henry B. Eyring
Ensign, November 2009, 59

Two Antidotes for Anxiety- Work and Knowledge

Work is an antidote for anxiety,
A healing ointment for sorrow,
A doorway to possibility,
And a strength for others to borrow

Let us set our bodies and minds
Unto glorious excellence
There to roll up our sleeves and find
Hard labor does make a difference

If we constantly put our goals off
We will never see them fulfilled
Don't let time and foolishness rob
You of what endurance instills

And then at times with much to face
Through a love of learning we will witness
Knowledge does away with darkness
As it becomes a light to embrace

Too, let us seek for all that is virtuous,
Lovely, praiseworthy, or of good report
For the added light it brings to us
To drink deeply from the fountains of the Lord


Two Principles for Any Economy
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign, November 2009, 55

'Whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. D&C 130: 18-19

The Prophet Joseph taught, " Knowledge does away with darkness, (anxiety), and doubt; for these cannot exist where knowledge is." '

Leaving the Lone Wilderness of Judea

Leaving the lone wilderness of Judea
His ministry began at the appointed hour
Along the harp-like shore of Galilee
"The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand," He announced with power

The promised Messiah now walked among men
And called, "Come follow Me," for all the invite
Andrew and Simon left their nets and followed Him
They the first of many to walk in His Light

The first journey was to the city of Cana
Arriving in the midst of a wedding feast
Here He produced fruit of the vine...like Manna
The first of His many miracles... but not the least

For here was a foreshadowing of His blood
That soon would be pressed to atone
In agony... His outpouring love would flood
The greatest miracle to be shown

May we, too, be parched to thirst
That..like the ceremonial pots He filled
We may find Living Water never to burst
At His good news which cannot be stilled

thoughts from
Son of Man- Miracles of Jesus
By Susan Easton Black

Placed in a Position of Power

Placed in a position of power
What shall ye do from hour to hour
But, stand upon a rock of honesty
For to step down...what's found is slippery

One lie will lead to another
As pride effects like no other
To admit blame will not get you a pass
For there's the matter of resolving the morass

So...find safety on that rock
A place to firmly walk
And make a lasting impression
Known for your honest manner of expression

'Stand on the rock of honesty,'
Elder D. Todd Christofferson tells students at Duke University School of Law
Published: Tuesday, March 23, 2010
LDS Church News
click on title to go directly to article

'Asked by Dean Levi to offer advice to Duke Law graduates on leading "a moral life" in the law, Elder Christofferson returned to his lasting impressions of the Watergate era.

"As I listened to those hours and hours of the White House tapes and the conversations as they went around and around about how to resolve the morass created by one bad decision after another, I concluded that … the only thing that really is your safety is to stand on the rock of honesty. … If you ever once make an exception, you're unprotected. That's why I'm for being firm on that rock."'


morass
noun: a soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot

The Artifice of Satan

The artifice of Satan
Comes suddenly shockingly near
He would we feel exposed and naked
And hide behind a false veneer

In panic, we without thinking
Act like a child who hides his eyes
Believing, then, others can't see
But, God knows all, no matter what one tries

Who shall we turn our ears to?
To walk openly without shame
Humbly and often to repent anew
For help, we pray to but one name

At every dark turn, may we expose Satan
And his many attempts to deceive
In secrecy, he would we be like him
But we can be freely open and command him to leave

my thoughts from Rick's thoughts (husband)
I wrote this...but he, the real poet
will write his version soon
I just didn't want his thoughts to go away

he having conversed with someone while on his first tour
with Gladys Knight's SUV choir...

ar·ti·fice  

/ˈärtəfis/

Noun Clever or cunning devices or expedients, esp. as used to trick or deceive others: "artifice and outright fakery".

Synonyms trick - ruse - wile - art - stratagem - craft - device

With Determination Born of Faith

With determination born of faith
Each trial and heartache was faced
With unity they worked for the Lord
Oft walking directly into life's storms

Trials and Heartaches of Life


"[The early pioneers] came from a great diversity of circumstances. All faced the universal trials and heartaches of life. Their determination born of faith to serve the Lord and others seemed to take them not around the storms of life but directly into them. Some were young and some old. They were from many lands and peoples, as you are today. But they were of one heart, one mind, and with one intention. They were determined to help the Lord build His Zion."
Henry B. Eyring, "The Enduring Legacy of Relief Society," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 121–22

Standing Beneath the Bridge's Low Arch

Standing Beneath the bridge's low arch
While watching the Somme river's flow
I thought of soldiers who passed here to march
Prepared for battle a long time ago

All too many never came back
A large battlefield became their grave
I remembered one costly attack
Where a battalion refused to cave

Seeing these comrades entrapped
Some of the 77th division advanced
Volunteering...a brave and noble act
On a crusade of love, truly gallant

"Greater love hath no man than this
That a man lay down his life for his friends"
Today, may the rescuing of "lost battalions" still exist
Ever... as the ageless message of Jesus transcends

A Lost Battalion in the world

All too often souls are lost
In the wilderness... left all alone
With varied afflictions that exhaust
This is the worst desolation to be known

The aged, the widowed, and the sick
All too often feel no one cares
Their light of hope flickers so dim
When a rescue of a smile ever shares

A Lost Battalion in the Home...

A father and son had a fight
The worst that they'd ever had
As the boy was leaving, forever, into the night
Stark realization came to the Dad

For peace...an admission should start
Mother was begging for the son to stay
There was such a breaking of hearts
As mother cried on... in sorrowful way

Then came a healing balm
As the father chose to accept the blame
Mending hearts unto calm
Inviting...instead of sending with shame

Lost Battalions of All Mankind

Love is forever the binding band
But... who is perfect enough for all?
Ever the Savior does stand
Responding to every lost call

As no one will escape death
To be redeemed... we are in need of our Lord
He is the provider of breath
And we're the rescue... He alone can afford


First Presidency Message
Lost Battalions
President Thomas S. Monson

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Tambuli, September 1987, 2

The Sinful Mind is Sick

The sinful mind is sick,
Selfish, and alone
There is naught to prick
The heart that's turned to stone

Daily, complaints are swirled
In a spiral of woe is me
Ever angry at the world
With no bonds made lovingly

Oh, how there is a hardened shell
That to hug...the return is stiff
If there is love felt, who can tell?
As all they hold to...are long past tiffs

Who will remind them of who they are?
And how to appreciate life, too?
For they were once, but a rising star
Full of hope... all shimmering new

It is ours to offer love
And build a circle of trust
Offering hope to see above
The bitter dried up crust

It is ours to believe and pray
For all who are having a hard time
Ever we can hold our light showing the way
Unto finding purpose in God's design

Jesus Worshipped God in the Desert Terrain

Jesus worshipped God in the desert terrain
As He fasted and communed for 40 days and nights
Satan came to entice Him. But... He refrained
Ever His mission was fresh within His sights

To use His powers for carnal appetite...held no appeal
Though He could have changed stone to bread
This lacked luster compared to His fast so surreal
For His mouth should be holy as on the Word, He fed

Then Satan promised Him glory and power
Challenging Him to show what He was made of
But Jesus knew to not succumb in this hour
For should He prematurely expect angels to bear Him up?

His path was straight, His course was sure
Satan tried to lure Him with treasures and gold
But, what did He have need of, being refined and pure
Fathered and prepared by God- the truth be told...

thoughts from Susan Easton Black's
Son of Man volume II
Miracles of Jesus

As Christ's Body Lay in the Tomb

As Christ's body lay in the tomb
Guarded by His enemies
The new day was of mourning and gloom
For the disciples and their families

But, what joy in the world of those who had passed!
As Christ, in the spirit, came to preach
Unto the righteous who knew Him well
For redemption was promised to each

Christ organized and set up order
So the unlearned could be taught
From every dispensation and corner:
Whether they had rebelled or had known Him naught

For God's people, this day was anticipated
Mercy would be offered to man!
Each Elder to receive a call... delegated
Believing through Christ, in all things, he can!

Each taught... all would be judged in the flesh
To accept or reject Christ's offering
To rejoice, repent and with God mesh
Or choose another way, with one's own suffering

Echoing round paradise the message rang
"Repent of all things and feed lost sheep
Ever to the Lord, all salvation hangs"
Thus His servants in death, still watch keep

And I in my station, what shall I do?
Am I willing to help another in need?
Do I seek much to know and follow through?
Serving His children, am I eager to feed?

thoughts from day 13
14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth
from sugardoodle

Do I Willingly Serve Others When There is a Need

Do I willingly serve others when there is a need?
And ask the Lord what He would have me do?
As His shepherd I know I should feed
Through feeling a prompting and following through

thoughts from day 13

14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth day 13
click on title to go directly to site

On the Most Important Sunday of All

On the most important Sunday of all
The earth shook and a tomb stone rolled away
Conquering the effects of the fall
The Lord was resurrected on that day

We need not have an angel's voice or trump
That of the first Easter, we can testify...
For already eyes tear and throats form a lump
When we pause to think of Him risen and alive

He is the Son of God, the only begotten in the flesh
The promised Messiah, our Lord, and Savior of worth
May we learn of Him and follow Him as we would a compass
For by and through Him there is direction on earth

The fundamental principle of the gospel
Is faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ
He stands, a central and solitary figure,
Offering hope and peace in this life

Through Him, we can gain truth and confidence
Knowing prayers are both heard and answered
Through Him, we can endure with persistence
Personally feeling loved by Him and treasured

thoughts from
14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth
click on title to go directly to sugardoodle and read...

Do the Best We Can

We will do the best we can
Knowing God will help us through
Ever... He, the master of the plan
Has planted capacity to do

We...however great or small
Each have strengths that don't compare
There to combine as we've been called
From the Lord's vinyard... with fruit to share

Do the Best We Can


"The Lord doesn't expect us to work harder than we are able. He doesn't (nor should we) compare our efforts to those of others. Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be."
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Two Principles for Any Economy," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56

Little Boys are a Blessing

Little boys are a blessing
Promising strength yet to come
Through the priesthood for expressing
Father's words to His kingdom

Each budding as a prince charming
Ever exploring right and wrong
Preparing for God's army
Innately, brave and strong

Truly, learning to work hard
As muscles are contouring
Ever, it's pride they must discard
Mastering themself... for conquering

Life...Is But a Precious Drop

Life...is but a precious drop
In the vast eternal pool
Where every moment counts toward
Achieving happiness, our goal


We Must Make Our Own Happiness

“Mortality is a precious drop in the bucket of eternity. Why not make each minute pleasant and fulfilling? We must make our own happiness. As President Spencer W. Kimball once said, ‘Happiness does not depend upon what happens outside of you, but on what happens inside of you. It is measured by the spirit with which you meet the problems of life.’ ”
James E. Faust, “A Vision of What We Can Be,” Ensign, Mar. 1996, 10

I'm in Love with Heavenly Father

"I'm in love with Heavenly Father,"
He said as he melted in his chair
T'was a sunday school to treasure
For we felt the Spirit there



thank you Zane for being a Smart student

Little Girls are a Gift

Little girls are a gift
Sent from heaven above
Ever their voices uplift
When filled with sweetness and love

Their hands so soft and small
Remind us that life is fragile
Ever wanting to grow up tall
They practice at being agile

They abound in varied talents
Through innate abilities to create
Ever there's a list of achievements
Which add beauty to life in ways that are great

After All We Can Do

After all we can do
Let there be peace
For God will help us through
As we've faith upon our knees

Not in our own time
But according to God's will
Tender mercy's there to find
As, spiritually, we're still

Then, life... extraordinary
Shines right before our eyes
Awakened with light to carry
We've brightness to change lives

Claudio D. Zivic,
After All We Can Do
Liahona, Nov 2007, 98–99

We, as members of
the Church of Jesus Christ,
have chosen not to be
ordinary men and women

“For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23).

A Man Walking Along Fell

A man walking along
Fell into a pit
While out doing what's wrong
Thinking... not a whit

Then, seeing no way out
In the darkness deep
He wailed and cried about
A passerby heard him weep

A long ladder was brought
And was lowered down the hole
Tears of joy both men fought
That this sinner was saved whole

Ever, many times again
We are like this poor man
When upon committing sin
We need Christ's saving hand

He alone, having suffered
Has the love and compassion
To ever stand and offer
Redemption from our actions

The atonement makes it possible
To return to the narrow path
Depending on us... this is plausible
For we need to repent and ask

thoughts from primary
“Lesson 30: Jesus Christ in Gethsemane,” Primary 7: New Testament, 101
A man walking along a road fell into a pit so deep he could not climb out. No matter what he did, he could not get out by himself. The man called for help and rejoiced when a kind passerby heard him and lowered a ladder down into the pit. This allowed him to climb out of the pit and regain his freedom.

We are like the man in the pit. Sinning is like falling into the pit, and we can’t get out by ourselves. Just as the kind passerby heard the man’s cry for help, Heavenly Father sent his Only Begotten Son to provide the means of escape. Jesus Christ’s atonement could be compared to lowering a ladder into the pit; it gives us the means to climb out. Just as the man in the pit had to climb up the ladder, we must repent of our sins and obey the gospel principles and ordinances to climb out of our pit and make the Atonement work in our lives. Thus, after all we can do, the Atonement makes it possible for us to become worthy to return to Heavenly Father’s presence.

3. Read Mosiah 14:3–5 and Alma 7:11–12. Discuss how Jesus Christ, through the Atonement, not only suffered for our sins but also suffered our pains, sicknesses, and sorrows. He understands perfectly everything we experience and suffer on earth. Through his love and compassion, he will help us with our problems and challenges.

1 John 1: 5-10
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is alight, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanest us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

I Pondered the Lamanites

I pondered a group of Lamanites
Who upon hearing a small voice
Were converted as day from night
Unto becoming righteous and choice

Others...too, changed their ways
Through, the preaching of the word
By those remembering former days
All... believed what they saw and heard

A gathering of evidence, in fact
That there was an outpouring of Spirit
God was calling the Lamanites back
Through their willingness to hear it

The quality of their conversion
As they layed down weapons of war
Became a total immersion
As with easiness they wanted more

May we too become this sensitive
Unto faith to endure to the end
Being repentant there to live
Prepared for all the Lord does send

As only a softened heart will suffice
To feel the power of the Atonement
Let us prove our willingness to sacrifice
By living a life ever aligned with our covenants

An Easiness and Willingness to Believe
Elder Michael T. Ringwood
Ensign, November 2009, 100


Helaman 6:36
"And thus we see that the lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in His word."

Truly- Thoughts Are Things

Truly, thoughts are things
As in our mind they are absorbed
With plans and ideas forming
To become concrete, owned, and stored


thoughts from
http://www.learningsuccess.com

Trusting Our Father

Trusting our Father...
We draw nigh unto Him
For, truly He is the author
And, our lives come of Him

When we are refined
There is beauty to behold
For... in virtue we find
Our hearts are as gold

May we shine with purity
Showing our true worth
We've value...in surety
Made precious through good works

Refined by Life's Experiences

"Never before has there been a greater need for virtue and purity in the world.

"The value of virtue has been given a symbolic color, like the other values. The color of virtue is gold because gold is pure. It shines. It is soft, not harsh or brash. It is precious. Gold must be refined. As you live a pure and virtuous life, you will be refined by your life's experiences, and as you 'trust in the Lord' (Proverbs 3:5) and draw closer to Him, He will 'make [your] hearts as gold' (Roger Hoffman, "Consider the Lilies")."

Elaine S. Dalton, "Come Let Us Go Up to the Mountain of the Lord," Ensign, May 2009, 120

Topics: Virtue

Where Will You Go?

Where will you go
For truths... to know
If... you walk from God
And His gospel sod

Where will you find
For your family
Covenants that bind
Made eternally

If you turn away now
What of your future
God forever endows
And the Lord is our tutor

The Only True and Living Church


“If someone turns from these restored doctrines, where will he go to learn the true nature of God as taught in the grove of trees? Where will he go to find the doctrines of the premortal existence, baptism for the dead, and eternal marriage? And where will he go to find the sealing powers that can bind husbands and wives and children beyond the grave? “Through Joseph Smith have been restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation.”
Tad R. Callister, "Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 37

There is One Attribute the World Needs Today

There is one attribute
The world needs today
It is courage on route
For what comes our way

The Need for Courage


"As I contemplate all that you face in the world today, one word comes to my mind. It describes an attribute needed by all of us but one which you—at this time of your life and in this world–will need particularly. That attribute is courage."
Thomas S. Monson, May You Have Courage, Ensign, May 2009, 124

Topics: Purpose of Mortality

Genuine Hope

Genuine hope
Is urgently needed
Lest love wax cold
Impatiently cheated

When trials furrow
Shall hearts wax cold?
Faith that's thorough
Sees beyond life's hold



Genuine Hope Is Needed



“Genuine hope is urgently needed in order to be more loving even as the love of many waxes cold; more merciful, even when misunderstood or misrepresented; more holy, even as the world ripens in iniquity; more courteous and patient in a coarsening and curt world; and more full of heartfelt hope, even when other men’s hearts fail them. Whatever our particular furrow, we are to ‘plow in hope,’ without looking back or letting yesterday hold tomorrow hostage (1 Cor. 9:10).”
Neal A. Maxwell, "Brightness of Hope,"Ensign, Nov. 1994, 3

In Part- Life is a Test

In part, life is a test
Requiring our best
With faith... one finds hope
Unto peace, there to cope


Peace Comes through Hope


“Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.”
James E. Faust
Hope, an Anchor of the Soul
Ensign, Nov. 1999, 59

You Have Made an Impact

You have made an impact
On who I am today
Thank you for keeping me on track
In many different ways

At This Teacher Appreciation Dinner

At this appreciation dinner
Let me introduce my teacher
She has taught me to be a winner,
A team player, and a leader

Thank you for the reminders
Of how to behave my best
To organize my binders
And to ace that really hard test

Today I Would Like to Say

Today, I would like to say
I appreciate my teacher
For she has shown the way
As an example and a leader

Of My Teacher I am Here to Say

Of my teacher, I am here to say
She has taught me how to learn
My favorite time of the day
Is when I can speak my turn

Thanks for helping me think
It's like a complete meal
New facts combine and link
Making knowledge tasty and real

My Teacher Gave Me a Thumbs Up Today

My teacher gave me a thumbs up today
As she smiled in that special wise way
Then, she raised it high and spun it around
And, I was so happy, I jumped off the ground

Thank You For Persuading My Mind

Thank you for persuading my mind
And giving me knowledge to find
When you ask me a question I know
I feel so excited, I glow!

I love it when you call my name
And when you make learning a game
I know when I excel... you've more
Keeping me reaching that score!

Soon this school year will end
Thank you for being my friend
As a teacher, you're the best
Because of you...I've been blessed

While Reading the Scriptures

While reading the scriptures and pondering all alone
I was greatly impressed, as I'd never been before
Concerning the spirit prison... a vision then was shown,
For understanding, my eyes were opened, through the Spirit of the Lord

I saw innumerable hosts of dead, from the small to the great
Who had been proved faithful while sojourneying here on earth
Even those who had suffered tribulation in our Redeemer's name
And, I beheld their joy and gladness anticipating resurrection's birth

Having departed mortal life, firm in the hope of an eternal one
They knew their sleeping dust was to be restored to perfect frame
Then...as they were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son
Declaring liberty to the faithful captives, the Savior to them... came

Apart from those in darkness, among these righteous there was peace
To them He preached the gospel, every doctrine that ever was
The saints rejoiced in His words and bowed humbly at the knee
Then... He called them forth to teach the wicked of our Father's ways

There to choose to repent through suffering for all they had transgressed
To await their cleansing unto eternal life so pleasant
That each might be judged according to their days in the flesh
And... here is a list of some, that day, whom I saw present:

Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of us all
Eve, with her daughters who had proved they love God
Abel the first martyr, with his mighty brother Seth
Noah, from the flood and the great high priest Shem
Abraham, the father of the covenant, for all who are faithful
And standing by his promised son Isaac was Jacob from the well

Moses, the great law giver, who'd prophesied of this day
Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the resurrection of the dead
Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the Latter-Day restoration
Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration
Malachi, who spoke of Elijah, who would plant promises in families hearts
All these and many more...(including the prophets of the Book of Mormon,) were waiting for their day of deliverance to start!

And... this labor continues even to this day
Thus the faithful elders who depart from this life
Go forth helping others repent of their ways
There to await ordinances unto Jesus Christ

There is now a welding link between the dispensations
As temple work for the dead has been ushered in
This is the day revealed and promised at the earth's foundation
And as we seal our loved ones the veil becomes evermore so thin

D&C 138 Joseph F. Smith's vision of the righteous dead assembled in paradise- present with the Redeemer came, before His resurrection, to preach and organize the teaching of those in the spirit world.

I wrote this... days passed and I went to the temple. The scriptures opened to this page. I added more... with gratitude ... from my own feelings of anticipation

A Man of Compassion

A Man of Compassion
Born of his youth
In the days of Depression
His works were the proof...

He gave up prized rabbits
That stomachs would fill
Exemplifying family habits
Of offering good will

At the tender age of sixteen
His life of service was foretold
That among his fellows, he would lead
And indeed, this blessing did unfold

At age twenty-two
As Bishop he was called
85 widows ever knew
His visits never stalled

Then... as a mission president
Over Canada's vast land
It became more evident
A born leader was at hand

Finally, at but thirty six
He was ordained an Apostle
Blessing us through the way he lives
Testifying how all things are possible

Now... as our prophet today
In one eternal round
He speaks through experience
With compassion...we should be found

found info at mormonwiki...

The Inspired Words of Prophets

The inspired words of prophets
Given again in our day
Are as scriptures whereby we profit
If we listen and obey

We believe all that has been revealed
And that prophesy will continue on
With truths shone lest we be deceived
As we grow closer towards our God

We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. From: The Articles of Faith #9

The Pearl of Great Price

The Pearl of Great Price book
Contains scriptural writings
Through Moses, Abraham, and Joseph*
Come read and treasure their findings:

1. The Book of Moses clarifies teachings
Revealed to Joseph of the Bible long ago
With priceless information concerning
The creator and of visions that we should know

2. The Book Of Abraham is a translation
Of an ancient scroll found in a catacomb
This too contains valuable information:
The creation; God, His priesthood, and kingdom

3. The last is written of our day
Containing the history of the church
The Savior's Articles of faith
Along with Bible translations to search

*Joseph Smith

On This Day Christ Was Charged

On this day Christ was charged, convicted,
And sentenced to be crucified
Too, He was mocked with stripes inflicted
Humiliated in any way they could devise

Having sought to prove Him blasphemous
They asked “Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”
When all knew... He had been in their midst as Jesus…
Thus to close His ministry the way it began… "I Am,” He said,

“And, ye shall see the Son of man sitting
On the right hand of power
And coming in the clouds of heaven”,
He prophesied of an unseen day and hour

Too… this day, Peter, a worthy disciple
Denied knowing Jesus…three times!
With His name, we are His people.
How, He brings a light to our eyes!

thoughts on day 12
14 day walk with christ- oviedo ward youth

Far From the Scenes- John the Baptist

Far from the scene of soft flowing linens
And self-serving embracers of religion
A lone voice from the wilderness was heard
"Repent and be baptist, prepare for the Word"

Many paid heed and cast off evil ways
With hope in their hearts they measured the days
Then, John the Baptist, while standing at the river
Spied a man, whom many thought a commoner

He was the Son of God, the very one of whom he'd taught
"I have need to be baptized of Thee," he said distraught
But, Jesus descended, ever beneath all things
For the fulfillment of righteousness eternally it brings

Then straight away as John pulled him out of the water
The heavens were opened, lo a dove, and the voice of the Father:
"This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," He said
And Jesus entered the wilderness to be spiritually fed

thoughts from
Son of Man: Miracles of Jesus Vol II
by Susan Easton Black (Author),
Liz Lemon Swindle (Illustrator)

Matthew 3:13- 16
Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be
baptized of him.
But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee,
and comest thou to me? 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer
it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
Then he suffered him.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the
Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 3:17 And
lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am
well pleased.

He Suffered

He suffered for the most miserable wretch
For only He could love like that
I know, to comfort, His arms out stretch
To heal us of any habit

With a Cascade of Thoughts All Centered Around Jesus

With a cascade of thoughts
All centered around Jesus
I searched within my heart
And thrilled, how He loves us

thoughts from another's thoughts while reading C.S.Lewis' The Great Divorce
http://chosenrebel.wordpress.com/2010/03/13/longing-for-holiness/#comment-131

A Pretty Bird Sang Its Song

A pretty bird sang its song
Lively, loud, and long
Hoping you would hear and see
And smile happily

The world is filling up with love
Springing forth promising to share
And lift from what winter's made of
As newness buds everywhere

I am so excited about spring
and saw the most delightful birds
at Claudio's blog
http://www.vervida.blogspot.com/

Let Your Spirit Awake- Seek and You Will Find

Let your Spirit awake
Unto what you want to know
There's precious fruit to shake
As your faithfulness does grow

I used to shake the limb of our lemon tree and all the lemons that were ready would fall to the ground. (Much easier on a heavy branch)

Gospel Seeds Bloom Like No Other

Gospel seeds bloom like no other
As they are planted in the heart
With light they burst to flower
Fruit that's joyous to impart

The Fruits of the Gospel

The fruits of the gospel
Are delicious indeed
For they lead us to the temple
Unto covenants we need

May we partake often
And tell others too
Help their hearts soften
Through good works we do

An Invitation for Service

An invitation for service
Is a call for unity
With each finding purpose
Through Christ-like charity

We're Planting Gospel Seeds

We're planting gospel seeds
When we reach out to others
For our example leads
Them unto our Brother

When we're sharing our light
Seeds sprout and take root
Which brings much to sight
Unto delicious fruit

The Same God Who Set Us Free

The same God who set us free
To live here in darkness
Also, sent us light to see...
Through one with perfect meekness

Ever shining in us and above
Distilling messages to be heard
Giving us hope, peace, light, and love
Ever from He, the Way, the Life, the Word

To reach us as a truly gently voice
For pondering and retention
Never boisterous... it's there for choice
Reaching the heart warmly for detection

Through this Heavenly Father is near
Such that fresh tears moisten
I know I have nothing to fear
If I trust and listen

Like Rushing Water Pushing Through

Like rushing water pushing through
Finds the path of least resistance
Satan is ever pressing too
Testing with insistance

Who will fill our cracks
And raise us up
Save us from attacks
Only Jesus

Praise Heavenly Father

Praise Heavenly Father
By doing what's right...
Serving another
Sharing His light

Our Righteousness Should Far Exceed

Our righteousness
Should far exceed
Those in wickedness
That light might lead

Reconcile

Reconcile
And repent
That the adversary
Might relent

We'll Never Forget

We will never forget
What's not repented of
It just will not let
As a principle of love

Whether in this life
Or the next
Self inflicted strife
Remains to test

Let it canker, fester, pus
And rupture now to see
We've repentance through Jesus, thus
Yes... continually

Infinitely
We can be healed...
Once and for all.. finally
As... the spirit yields

And, if this sin comes back
There is the proof
A portion was slack
And remained aloof

Then... may our plea be as he
Sobbingly:

O lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot
displeasure.

For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.

There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither
is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.

For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden
they are too heavy for me.

My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.

I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day
long.

For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no
soundness in my flesh.

I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the
disquietness of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid
from thee.

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of
mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my
kinsmen stand afar off.

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they
that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all
the day long.

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that
openeth not his mouth.

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no
reproofs.

For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.

For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me:
when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.

For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.

But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that
hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries;
because I follow the thing that good is.

Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.

Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.

Psalms 38

We've Light Enough

We've light enough
To daily live
Though sea's be rough
They're but a seive

Filtering out
Coarser dark elements
Vanity... deceit... doubt
Unto our faithful segments

When We Kneel in Prayer Often

When we kneel in prayer often
Our hearts open...and soften
To receive heavenly wisdom and joy
The richest of blessings to enjoy

Is It Fasting When We've Naught to Give Up?

Is it fasting when we've naught to give up
No meal of substance or snack there of...
That another might feast and know God's love too
Let us think of them, as our covenants we renew

Our temporal rich comforts come from God above
Let us bless those with less unto light and love
All around us there is hardship, misery, and need
Through our offerings, we can help, there's many ways to feed

MormonTimes - Sister Bednar speaks of experience with Christ's loveMar 4, 2010 ... "It is only a fast when we have food, and we choose not to eat it," ... Although Sister Bednar admits that being the wife of an apostle is ...
mormontimes.com/around_church/general_authority/?id

In Gratitude- the Sacrament

In gratitude... it is truly a blessing
To ponder the Lord's offering... and partake
There, through covenant and thoughtful expressing
Comes love, cleansing, and commitment to forsake

Here it can be like an emergency visit
Requiring a blood transfusion to live
That through another's offering we benefit
Ought we not, humbly, thank that one who did give?

Lengthen Your Stride

Lengthen your stride
Enlarge your vision
Change your sights
Fulfill a mission

Move out into the world
Opening the doors of new nations
That the gospel might be unfurled
Building in new lands...gospel foundations

Behold the end draweth nigh
When the Lord will prune His vineyard
Let us prepare for this last time
As the chosen laborers of His steward

You of the rising generation
Are the fulfillment of prophecy
Visit each clime of every nation
Go forth boldly and nobly with brilliancy

A Call to the Rising Generation
Elder Brent H. Nielson
Ensign, November 2009, 95


"I did not realize those many years ago, as we prayed for the borders to open and the missionaries to go in, that I was praying for our son. Most importantly for you of the rising generation, our son Eric did not realize that he and his companions were the answer to the prayers that had been offered by thousands of faithful Saints so many years ago. You of the rising generation are the fulfillment of prophecy that in our day “the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 4:540)."


“Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.

“Wherefore, let us go to and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is for the last time that I shall prune my vineyard” (Jacob 5:61–62).

More Fully Than Any Other Time

More fully than any other time
God's plan of happiness has been shown
Such that any single person can find
The greatest blessings to be known

Through the Lord's priesthood keys
The way has now been opened
For the living and deceased
To work for and obtain sacred tokens...

Today, in love, God affirms
His highest standards unto Him
As no respecter of persons
He commands we learn His laws and then do them

In the doctrines and principles
Many are finding a sure anchor
With opportunities for temples
Sanctifying them through the Savior

Blessings of the Gospel
Available to All
Elder Joseph W. Sitati
Ensign, November 2009, 103

Elder Sitati noted how the Savior after His resurrection signaled that the time had come for the gospel to be taken to the gentiles.

"He had revealed that the gentile nations would be visited and invited one after the other. … The blessings would be the same irrespective of the order of the invitation."

Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, "the Lord revealed that the determining criteria for the order in which the gentile nations are invited includes the capacity to spiritually and temporally nourish the kingdom of God as it is established on the earth for the last time," he said.

"I have seen the good fruit of the gospel blossom in my home continent of Africa," Elder Sitati continued. "After just 30 years, there are 300,000 saints. … A new celestial culture is developing in homes. … Many are able to break free from the shackles of traditions that restrict the exercise of their agency."

In Nineteen Sixty Seven- A New Heart

In nineteen sixty seven
A heart was transplanted
Prolonging death and heaven
Miraculously granted

But this was not a simple end
Blood cells went on the attack
The heart being found foreign
It took many pills to fight them back

Soon the patient felt so good
And forgot pills here and there
The missed follow ups that one should…
Couldn’t show the damage of lassaiz faire

In a case of denial
That's truly disobedience
The result can be fatal
And must be corrected, hence..................>

A mighty change of heart
Also takes place spiritually
As we repent and restart
To be Christ-like habitually

At first we feel so great
We forget to be on guard
But, prayers and scriptures can't wait
For hearts tend to be stony hard

Lest spiritual death threatens
These are things we must do
For then spirituality deepens
Through a heart continually renewed

Let us rejoice in Christ
Even to teach with vigor
That our homes come alive
Lit with passion and fervor

Preserving the Heart's Mighty Change
Elder Dale G. Renlund
Ensign, November 2009, 97

Ezekiel 36:26
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

All People Everywhere- We've the Doctrine and Covenants

All people everywhere
You are now invited
To hear the Lord herein share
His good news reignited

In this book of revelations
Hear His tender but firm voice
Reinstate God's regulations
Through doctrines and covenants ever choice

In a pattern of inquiring
The Savior reveals His Word
Unto prophets desiring
To grow, learn, and then be heard

Herein lies His wisdom
Given unto man
Preparing for God's kingdom
Directly...that we might understand

The Lord's love now showers
To bless the entire earth
Through redeeming power
He has shown us all our worth

Let us read from these pages
And come more unto Him
He the God of all ages
Would we read and heed often

thoughts from The Doctrine and Covenants
Explanatory Introduction
In the revelations the doctrines of the gospel are set forth with explanations about sPresidency, the Council of Twelve, and the Seventy, and the establishment of other presiding offices and quorums. Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ—his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his redeeming power—makes this book of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth.
uch fundamental matters as the nature of the Godhead, the origin of man, the reality of Satan, the purpose of mortality, the necessity for obedience, the need for repentance, the workings of the Holy Spirit, the ordinances and performances that pertain to salvation, the destiny of the earth, the future conditions of man after the resurrection and the judgment, the eternity of the marriage relationship, and the eternal nature of the family. Likewise the gradual unfolding of the administrative structure of the Church is shown with the calling of bishops, the First

Over Ourselves and Others We've Stewardship

Over ourselves and others we've stewardship
Given of God as a sacred trust
We're to assist and fellowship
Those abroad and all around us

To be found faithful and wise
One must care for his own and his property
With righteous dominion there to exercise
While looking after the poor, sick, and needy

As a parable...there was a man (grandpa)
Who built a ranch near a life giving spring
He set up a fence there to span
And preserve what was found pure and clean

He raised his family, aged, and moved into town
But, dreamed of going back there some day
A grandson took him ( Elder Cook)...but what was found
Cattle... polluting it, oh the dismay!

Likewise we must safe guard chastity
And virtue, that wellsprings of life are kept pure
Forever we've this responsibility
Just as providing food, clothing, and shelter

So too we must value what we've been given
To discover and make use of our talents
Lest we be increasingly like the world... driven
As unwise and unprofitable servants

In all of our stewardship efforts
May we try to emulate the Savior
Giving humanitarian support
To be qualified for His promise of favor

Thus, draw out thy soul to the hungry
And satisfy the afflicted soul
That thou shalt be like a spring of water
Raising up generations whole

Then shall thy light rise in obscurity
And thy darkness be as noonday
Saved from drought unto surety
As thou finds living waters today

Old waste places can be restored
And waters can be recleansed
As thou follows the path of the Lord
He repairs the breach and mends

Stewardship- a Sacred Trust
Quentin L. Cook
We serve our fellow men because that is what we believe God wants us to do...
Ensign, November 2009, 91

Isaiah 58: 10-12
And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.
And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Matthew 25:34-46
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Matthew 51: 19
And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life.


qualified
prove capable or fit; meet requirements
make fit or prepared
describe or portray the character or the qualities or peculiarities of
pronounce fit or able
make more specific
Example: "Qualify these remarks"
specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
add a modifier to a constituent

I was going to use the word qualifier- but found it's meaning different
a contestant who meets certain requirements and so qualifies to take part in the next stage of competition

Like Any Other Day...Tempered

Like any other day
I was driving home
An object bounced my way
From a semi...it had flown!

I dodged to the left
But should have veered right
For the tire leapt
Wildly like a kite

It smacked onto my windshield
One would think I'd be lacerated
Yet the glass was slow to yield
Then shattered like beads separated

Though this tire flew and caught
I had not been endangered
Pondering more...a lesson was taught...
On the meaning of being tempered

Glass evenly heated takes more stress
Such that there's less harm when broken
We can better endure life's press
When peace to our hearts is spoken

Indeed our very souls
Can be strengthened in all things
Through self-discipline as our goal
We're moderated for what life brings

Where e'er our course lies
May we also seek for peace
Ever through Jesus Christ
Who strengthens us to increase

Let us learn in this dispensation
From the impatience and uncertainty
When hearts are angered in disputations
The first thing gone is security

Let us learn from our beloved Savior
Who was oppressed yet opened not His mouth
Then when we face others risen in anger
Let the heat of it temper us more sound

Elder Kent D. Watson
Being Temperate in All Things
Ensign, November 2009, 38

moderated- having elements or qualities
mixed in proper or suitable proportions;
especially made less severe

1 Cor. 9: 25
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Alma 7: 23
And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

Alma 38: 10
And now, as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.

D&C 12: 8
And no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care.

From the Time of Adam- Sacrifice

From the time of Adam
Until Jesus Christ
Animals were given
As a sacrifice

God's people gave their best
As an offering
Showing their willingness
To obey for furthering

Jesus gave up His life
According to the Father's will
Suffering every strife
Till the atonement was fulfilled

The bread and water of today
Represents our dear Lord
As we sacrifice in a new way
In remembrance... He did afford

Come by way of command
We're to offer a broken heart
Contrite in spirit to understand
What we can give to do our part

In Jesus' day a long time ago
A rich man asked of what he could do
He was told to sell his riches and follow
Of this...out of measure...astonishment grew

To which was the Master's reply
Sacrifices now are opportunities
For blessings being multiplied
Even an hundred fold in the eternities

Let us show who we truly love
And become one filled with charity
Trusting more our Father above
Let us comprehend this law with clarity


“Chapter 23: Sacrifice,”
Gospel Fundamentals, 130

Sacrifice Brings Blessings That Can Come in No Other Way
Sacrifice helps us become unselfish. We learn to serve our Father in Heaven and help other people. We learn that doing things for others makes us happy. We learn that doing what Jesus commands us to do is more important than any material thing we can have on this earth. We learn that serving others is better than thinking only of ourselves. When we sacrifice willingly, we also find that our Father in Heaven gives us blessings that are far better than whatever we have given up.

Sacrificing for others helps us understand better what Jesus did for us. He loved us enough to give His life for us. As we sacrifice things for our Father in Heaven or for other people, we love them more. We begin to become loving and more like Jesus and our Father in Heaven.

Having many possessions is not bad. Our Father in Heaven sometimes gives us these things so that we can help others. But it is hard not to love our belongings and money. We work hard to get them. Some of these things are necessary in order for us to live. However, we must not care so much about these things that we will not give up whatever our Father in Heaven needs to help His other children.

How Long is That Phone Tree?- Prayer

How long is that phone tree
That left me in queue
I am forever waiting
With other things to do

How I want a real voice
To complete this call
Now I must make the choice
To wait or let that tree fall...

After having gone this far
Shall I quit and start again
No, I'll imagine Myanmar
Who, from there, I will make a friend

Meanwhile, if only I could choose
What I must listen to
Better music or the news
Or silence... there to think and do!

With all the people on the earth
I'm so thankful God is ever nigh
I don't have to wait to be next of worth
For at any time He knows and hears my cry

Does it seem to anyone else that the longer the phone tree, the further and remote is the person who answers?

“Access to our Creator through our Savior is surely one of the great privileges and blessings of our lives. I have learned from countless personal experiences that great is the power of prayer. No earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace. He is reachable at any time and any place.”
James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002, 5