The Lord Has Not Left us Alone

The Lord has not left us alone
We can seek His counsel today
In truth, His words remains known
Saying "Take heed," Watch out," and "Pray"

His teachings keep us on guard
As not all His disciples endured
"Come unto Me" He offers with hands scarred
"Come follow Me" on a path that's made sure

Then... keenly He asks, "Will ye also go away?"
As many of His disciples doubted and left
By not understanding through Him one prays
And spirituality is not casually kept

"Never, no never" is my heartfelt reply
"With Thee I feel love's comforting peace"
"Thou art the Lord whom I'll never deny!"
"I will cling to Thy word and continually feast!"

Neil L. Andersen
Never Leave Him
Ensign, November 29,

"Perfection does not come in this life, but we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keep our covenants. President Monson has promised, “Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe.” We push our spiritual roots deep, feasting daily on the words of Christ in the scriptures. We trust in the words of living prophets, placed before us to show us the way. We pray and pray and listen to the quiet voice of the Holy Ghost that leads us along and speaks peace to our soul. Whatever challenges arise, we never, never leave Him."

The Savior asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?”John 6:67.
Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
“… We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”
John 6:68–69

The American Culture

The American culture
Values strong families and hard work
Invests in the future
And does not see dependency as a perk

Citizens let's unite
And work to curb social ills
Sexual promiscuity- let's fight
Along with pornography and drug thrills

The new and rising generation
Must follow our initiative
And self-promote abstinence education
While seeking opportunities where they live

click on the post's title to go to Mitt Romney Central
The strong family has been, and should continue to be, a source and foundation of American culture.
Couples should get married before they have children. Children benefit greatly from having both a mother and father at home.
Abstinence education should be given to students.
Pornography and sexual promiscuity are great threats to families and our culture.
The United States has always valued hard work, education, and belief in God.
Initiative, risk taking, and opportunity need to continue to be key values of American culture. Dependency is culture killing

Americans are Tolerant

Americans are tolerant
Generous and kind
We oppose bigotry and disparagement
And same-sex marriage, you will find

For 3,000 years unopposed
The world's known traditional marriage as an institution
For the raising of children first and foremost
And we ought to state so in our constitution

click on this post's title and go directly to Mitt Romney Central

“Like the vast majority of Americans, I’ve opposed same-sex marriage, but I’ve also opposed unjust discrimination against anyone, for racial or religious reasons, or for sexual preference. Americans are a tolerant, generous, and kind people. We all oppose bigotry and disparagement. But the debate over same-sex marriage is not a debate over tolerance. It is a debate about the purpose of the institution of marriage and it is a debate about activist judges who make up the law rather than interpret the law.” -- Mitt Romney 12/14/06 National Review Online

Let's Work to Reverse Roe vs. Wade

Let's work to reverse
Roe vs. Wade first
Then let each state decide
Where its people now side

Being compassionate
Let's speak to hearts and minds
Being considerate
Let's see what our efforts find


Click on the post's title and go directly to Mitt Romney Central

“Well, I think all of us — I believe almost all of us in the room would say that we’d love to have an America that didn’t have abortion. But the truth of the matter is that — (applause) — that’s not what America is right now. That’s not where the American people are right now, and so I’d like to see Roe v. Wade overturned and allow the states and the elected representatives of the people and the people themselves have the ability to put in place pro-life legislation.

And of course it’s our aspiration that at some point we’ll see a nation that doesn’t have abortion. But until that time, I certainly believe that allowing states and citizens and their representatives to fashion their own laws to protect the sanctity of life is very, very important.

I recognize that for many people, that is considered an act of murder, to have an abortion. It is without question the taking of a human life, and I believe that a civilized society must respect the sanctity of a human life. But we have two lives involved here: A mom and unborn child. We have to have concern for both lives. And so the expression of our compassion and our consideration — and work to change hearts and minds — and that’s the way, in my view, we’ll ultimately have a society without abortion.” -- 8/5/07 at Des Moines, IA debate

Mothers Who Know — Latter-day Saint Women

Mothers who know
Prepare and then tutor
As through example they show
The way to the future


I am so touched by Sister Beck's words together with this video showing women who know....

If You Have Been Abused

If you have been abused
Make a vow this day
To face your accused
And then go on your way

Don't let another moment
Be claimed by someone else
Make use of the atonement
And through inspiration seek for help

Be steadfast and be free
Rescued to move on
Even if your abuser may flee
For good your experience can make you strong

Thank you Elizabeth Smart for your example
Your willingness to tesify
May rich blessings be yours to sample
As victimhood you defy




http://www.ldsmag.com/lds-church-updates/article/6685?ac=1
Monday, November 22 2010
Steadfast in her Faith, Elizabeth Smart Perseveres
By Becky Robinette Wright

also click on below label- afflictions work together for your good
for another poem and scripture references

Once a Year on this Day

Once a year on this day
We raise a flag of truce
And our own needs we give away
For the babe beneath the spruce

May we then more resolve
For the new year to come
To see our enemies with love
Because of the living Son

Christmas comes but once a year
To teach us all one thing
Truly our Savior is so near
When in friendship gifts we bring

First comes Christmas, a time when much of the world pauses to honor the miraculous birth of the Savior. Even the unbelieving tend to mimic in some way the spirit of Christ by giving gifts to one another. It is no wonder why so many people consider it their favorite time of year, despite weather that often is biting and bitter, and days that are dark and short in the northern hemisphere.

President Spencer W. Kimball said Christmas "comes once a year to reveal to us the beautiful and near approach man can make to the divine, to the ideal, to the Christlike life.

"Once a year on this day we raise the flag of truce. All men are friends. We are our 'brother's keeper.' It comes so clearly to us that all mean well, that their greetings are sincere. We lift high the open hand of fellowship. There is no race, no color, no rich or poor, no bond or free. Christmas comes to remind us of the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. It comes to show us the real progress we would make, could all our days be unselfish, friendly, helpful, and clear of bitterness and strife" (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, Bookcraft, p. 47).

After Christmas, much of the world begins to look forward to a new year, and the opportunities it offers for improvement. Goals can be set at any time, of course. But the calendar offers a unique excuse to change with the changing of the year.

A time for reflection
Published: Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005
click on post title to go directly to article

picture is from http://vivrearia.blogspot.com/2009/11/metropolitan-museums-christmas-tree-and.html
THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND NEAPOLITAN BAROQUE CRECHE AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, A LONG ESTABLISHED YULETIDE TRADITION IN NEW YORK, WILL BE ON VIEW FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON FROM 24.NOVEMBER THROUGH 6.JANUARY.2010. THE BRIGHTLY LIT, 20 FOOT BLUE SPRUCE, WITH A STUNNING COLLECTION OF 18th CENTURY NEAPOLITAN ANGELS AND CHERUBS AND GROUPS OF REALISTIC CRECHE FIGURES FLANKING THE NATIVITY SCENE AT ITS BASE, WILL ONCE AGAIN DELIGHT HOLIDAY VISITORS IN THE MUSEUM'S MEDIEVAL SCULPTURE HALL. SET IN FRONT OF THE 18th CENTURY SPANISH CHOIR SCREEN FROM THE CATHEDRAL OF VALLADOLID, WITH RECORDED CHRISTMAS MUSIC IN THE BACKGROUND AND DAILY LIGHTING CEREMONIES, THE INSTALLATION REFLECTS THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

Afflictions Work Together for Your Good

The innocent who suffer will be recompensed
Such that it will accrue to their good
Let us each repent and...fully- from this time hence
As this immutable covenant will be fulfilled as it should


Dear Gramps sent out this email- (where you can go and ask questions ...)
The innocent who suffer will be recompensed for their suffering, such that it will accrue to their good. Little children who are put to death will inherit the glory of the celestial kingdom-a recommpense far greater than the suffering that they had to endure. The Lord has said this:

Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable covenant that they shall be fulfilled; and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good, and to my name’s glory, saith the Lord (D&C 98:3).

2) The guilty, unless they fully repent, will pay the full price to the demands of an eternal justice for all the their wrong doing.


Therefore I command you to repent-repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore-how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not (D&C 19:15).

http://www.askgramps.org/why-does-the-lord-allow-children-to-suffer-needlessly/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AskGramps+%28Ask+Gramps%29

Before We Came to this Earth

Before we came to this earth
Heavenly Father presented His plan
Continuing as from the first
Agency would be given to man

Knowing it would be easy to sin
A Savior would then be provided
Suffering for all who’d repent
But … to follow this plan not all decided

For, saying He could do better than that
Lucifer guaranteed each man’s return
Taking away agency was where he was at
As also for his own glory he yearned

Then Jesus, the beloved and chosen son
Exercised His agency to say,
“Heavenly Father, thy will be done,
and the glory be thine forever to stay

Now, because Lucifer’s rebelled
A spiritual conflict ensued
A third of heaven chose to be exiled
Desiring to follow Satan instead

Today their only power is to tempt and try us
And our safety is to obey God’s commandments
As on this earth, we still follow Jesus
Giving thanks for His perfect life spent

Throughout His life our Savior showed us
How to return to our Father above
As through faith, forgiveness, mercy, and trust
Even His enemies He prayed for with love

In Gethsemane, He chose to suffer all things
That if we would repent we would not have to
We recognize the peace that obedience brings
Thus we consecrate our lives in all we do

Whenever we choose to follow Christ
We are on a planned path of progress
The end of the journey is eternal life
Thus when we sin, we repent and confess

It is not always easy to return to the path
But we have the Holy Ghost as our guide
To the end, let us each devote all that we hath
That with our families, in heaven, we’ll reside

Let us hearken to our prophet’s counsel
And attend to our children’s spiritual growth
That our home life will liberate them from darkness
To not fear opposition where ever they may go

Let us learn to heed the Spirit’s voice
And follow Christ with more exactness
That we’ll come to know Him, to one day rejoice
And kneel before Him and thank Him for His actions

Then let us anticipate our reunion
With our Father who dwells in heaven above
And thank Him for His decision
To give us the gift of agency with love

Elder Robert D. Hales
Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life
 

Children can be Raised Anywhere

If a home is centered on Christ
With scripture study, family night,
And support for goals each share
Children can be raised anywhere!


What a wonderful message in these troubling times and families moving about.

"As his father had done, Elder Cook taught his children to set goals and evaluate how their actions and activities affected reaching those goals. The Cooks also set goals as a family that were focused first on the gospel. Elder Cook believes that if a family observes appropriate religious practices, such as family prayer, family scripture study, and regular family home evenings, children can be raised righteously anywhere."



Jeffrey R. Holland, “Elder Quentin L. Cook: A Willing Heart and Mind,” Ensign, Apr 2008, 18–23

Laie Hawaii Temple Rededicated

The temple shines as a beacon
To all who will follow its light
As a jewel it has become
A standard for doing what's right

As a landmark of serenity
We enter here in Christ's name
Seeking to serve Him with purity
When we leave we are never the same

Let There Be Light!

There was no light
During wars long ago
The blackouts at night
Were for safety to know

The nighttime so long
War seemed without end
Till someone wrote in a song
That lights would come on again
---------------------------
Today the enemy is back
Threatening our homes
Tis the greatest attack
As its Satan who roams

Let there be more light!
As morals dim he's hard to see
If we choose the right
His works won't deceive

Let those with light discourse
Upon the public square
Teaching of the bright course
Making each more aware

Elder Quentin L. Cook
Let there Be Light!
Ensign, November 2010,

We should both participate ourselves and support people of character and integrity to help reestablish moral values that will bless the entire community

The Three Rs of Choice

Scarcely an hour goes by
But what we are called to choose
And prove ourselves for the right
As bearers of good news

When faced with hard choices
Courage is needed to decide
In the battle of many voices
Which keeps us on the Lord's side?

We've worthy goals to reach
Along the path so true
There is strength given to each
To work, and serve, and do

If ever we are found off track
We've only ourselves to blame
Repentance is the way back
Requiring prayer in Christ's name

Let us look to our Savior
He cleanses us of sin
Then for Him let us labor
On His errand unto the end

The Three Rs of Choice
President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, November 2010,

Vanity Enhanced to Flaunt

Vanity enhanced to flaunt
Was caught for photography
Alluring to ever haunt
And flash as pornography

In the pursuit of money
An image is displayed
Hoping to make one hungry
For nudity on parade

Virtue in the eyes of many
Has all but lost its luster
Focusing instead on "beauty"
That "virtually" one lusts for

My Body is a Temple 2

My body is a temple
For my spirit found inside
This is my time to sample
All that earth life does provide

With each of my senses
I'll develop my smart brain
Avoiding all pretenses
I'll be real. There's much to gain

I will rise up with the sun
And make each new day golden
Exercising will makes things fun
And my covenants... I will hold them

I will honor the priesthood
Come of God, I'll dress nobly
Seeking after all that's good
I will attract the best to me

"My Body—a Temple,”
Friend, May 2002, 18

Remember to Look Up and See

Remember to look up and see
The source of blessings so full
Not as a hog beneath a tree
Who sees but what's for sample

So much we daily receive
Ought we not to be grateful?
God knows us...ever believe
And even of trials we should be thankful

thoughts from
All This and the Gospel Too
President Ezra Taft Benson
New Era, November 1991, 4

Do Good and Fear Not

Do good and fear not, little flock
Let earth and hell combine against you
For if ye are built upon my rock
They CANNOT PREVAIL for I AM with you


"Therefor fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, THEY CANNOT PREVAIL!" ~D&C 6:34

Things We can all Agree on

Things we can all agree on
The joy of a good night's sleep
The power of freedom's song
The fullness of love grown deep

Let's Go for More

Let's go for more
Time on our knees
To pray and implore
God knows our needs

Let's go for more
Time spent outside
The world in splendor
Shan't be denied

Let's go for more
Faith and service
Let gratitude pour
Through new found purpose

Let's go for more
Love in the home
Building rapport
Graciously shown

Let's go for more
Pursuit of good things
Lighting us for
Heaven's offerings

The Husband and Wife

LDS.org - Support Materials Chapter - Responding to Challenges in Marriage

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

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

They've not made a contract
To be quickly dissolved
But, with the Lord, there's a covenant
Promises with Him are involved

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

The bottom line in all things
Is to feel the Spirit each day
For then inspiration brings
Solutions to improve the way

Lesson 4: Responding to Challenges in Marriage,” Marriage and Family Relations Instructor’s Manual, 18

Purpose:
To help participants learn that husbands and wives must work together to face challenges and that they can choose to respond with patience and love rather than frustration or anger.

Mount Up with Eagle's Wings

Mount up with eagle's wings
Prepare to go far
Whate're each day brings
Trust. Know who you are

With light to harness
Even the gates of hell
In all its darkness
Shall not prevail

Be not weary
Be not faint
You've His glory
You're a Saint

You've His name
He will prosper you
The heaven's will shake
For your good too

Beyond adversity
Lies the final chapter
Where you will journey
To your happily ever after

Your Happily Ever After
President Deiter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign, May 2010,

“Our Father in Heaven has promised that you will ‘mount up with wings as eagles; [you] shall run, and not be weary; and [you] shall walk, and not faint.’ You ‘shall not be deceived.’ God will bless and prosper you. ‘The gates of hell shall not prevail against you; . . . and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’ ”

It is our Duty- Thanksgiving

It is our duty
To solemnly adore
And give thanks fully
To Jesus our Lord

Having been given
Divine providence
Let us more give Him
Sincere penitence

Under His nurturing hand
There's prosperity and peace
May we unify across the land
And let all strife and tension cease



FOR AS MUCH as it is the indispensable Duty of all Men to adore the superintending Providence of Almighty God; to acknowledge with Gratitude their Obligation to him for Benefits received, and to implore such farther Blessings as they stand in Need of: And it having pleased him in his abundant Mercy, not only to continue to us the innumerable Bounties of his common Providence; but also to smile upon us in the Prosecution of a just and necessary War, for the Defense and Establishment of our unalienable Rights and Liberties; particularly in that he hath been pleased, in so great a Measure, to prosper the Means used for the Support of our Troops, and to crown our Arms with most signal success:

It is therefore recommended to the legislative or executive Powers of these UNITED STATES to set apart THURSDAY, the eighteenth Day of December next, for SOLEMN THANKSGIVING and PRAISE: That at one Time and with one Voice, the good People may express the grateful Feelings of their Hearts, and consecrate themselves to the Service of their Divine Benefactor; and that, together with their sincere Acknowledgments and Offerings, they may join the penitent Confession of their manifold Sins, whereby they had forfeited every Favor; and their humble and earnest Supplication that it may please GOD through the Merits of JESUS CHRIST, mercifully to forgive and blot them out of Remembrance; That it may please him graciously to afford his Blessing on the Governments of these States respectively, and prosper the public Council of the whole: To inspire our Commanders, both by Land and Sea, and all under them, with that Wisdom and Fortitude which may render them fit Instruments, under the Providence of Almighty GOD, to secure for these United States, the greatest of all human Blessings, INDEPENDENCE and PEACE: That it may please him, to prosper the Trade and Manufactures of the People, and the Labor of the Husbandman, that our Land may yield its Increase: To take Schools and Seminaries of Education, so necessary for cultivating the Principles of true Liberty, Virtue and Piety, under his nurturing Hand; and to prosper the Means of Religion, for the promotion and enlargement of that Kingdom, which consisteth "in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.And it is further recommended, That servile Labor, and such Recreation, as, though at other Times innocent, may be unbecoming the Purpose of this Appointment, be omitted on so solemn an Occasion.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)

wikipedia is looking for funding to keep its wonderful service growing. I am thankful for wikipedia!
Wikipedia is about the power of people like us to do extraordinary things. People like us write Wikipedia, one word at a time. People like us fund it, one donation at a time. It's proof of our collective potential to change the world.

The Country Long at War

The country long at war
Declared a holiday
Though the land grown torn
They paused to give thanks and pray

Many lost their lives
Doing what was right
Unafraid of hard times
They sought God to help them fight

A Soldier Stood Last

A soldier stood last
On the battle ground
His eyes alone to cast
Upon the bodies all around

His to live and tell
Why the war was fought
Why each side then fell
And the message that this taught

Neither side would cave
And let the other win
Not a white cloth would wave
And they lost all in the end

While swimming in Sin's Ocean

While swimming in sin's ocean
I was pulled out too far to see
The way back from pride's notions
Was the gospel light's safety

The only way to keep from drowning
Was to pray again and again
And to stop foolishly following
The calls of my lost friends


How?

LDS Music - The Olive Tree

Of God, the fullness of the earth is ours
From the beasts of the field to the fowls of the air
For food, He gives us the seasons and flowers
With gladdened hearts, let us give thanks as we share


"The fulness of the earth is yours," says the Lord, "the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and that which climbeth upon the trees and walketh upon the earth; yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards; yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul. And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man; for unto this end were they made to be used … And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments" (Doctrine and Covenants 59:16-21).

Lengthen Your Stride

Lengthen your stride
Increase your pace
Be on the Lord's side
As the finish you face

We Held Hands in Prayer

We held hands in prayer
And gave thanks for the meal
For the love we share
And God's care we feel

Thanksgiving toast

May mine and yours
Give thanks this day
Unto the true sourse
Of all that comes our way

The Horn of Plenty

The horn of plenty
Is filled this night
With love and bounty
Praise and delight

Thanks to God

Thanks be to God
For blessed care
We stand in awe
His love so rare

Above All

Above all
Praise God
And give thanks
In all things

Return To Virtue

Be a guardian of virtue
Praising all that's good
Ever let your light so shine
Do as the Savior would

.,.,.,.,,.,.,.,.,.,.,.,..,.

Be a guardian of virtue
Praising all that's good
Brighten up the world, too
Doing as the Savior would

General Young Women Meeting Highlights

Look into the mirror
Eternity's beyond
Becoming ever nearer
As with virtue we stand strong

Our True Identity

Look into the water
And see who you really are
Born of Heavenly Father
You are beautiful by far

Ten Year Anniversary! by Richard Miller

It's been ten years, and now I know
How deep committed love can grow
Here with our family all around
Life's choicest experiences abound

It's been ten years- the barest start
On how long you shall own my heart
This span of time has proved to me
I'm yours for all eternity

A rediscovered poem that's still true and a few years later...
From Rick to me

President Dieter Uchtdorf - Of Things That Matter Most

When an aged tree
Is cut to the ground
You can easily see
How its measure is found

For every lone ring
There's a season and a year
When the times are lean
The rings grow ever near

When the weather is good
The tree shows how much
Having added more wood
To reach and to touch

We, like the trees
Ought not to feel bad
If through our needs
We slow down just a tad

When stress levels rise
We can apply this same rule
Unto our scheduled lives
And let life teach its school

God's plan of happiness
Allows that we proceed
Enjoying life's fullness
According to our needs

Let there always be time
To study, ponder, and pray
Being still enough to find
His light bright'ning the way

Let us simply, then
Share His love in the home
Strengthened in the end
To know we're not alone

The heavens are open
The gospel's on the Earth
What matters the most, then?
Feeling of divine worth

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Of Things That Matter Most
Ensign, November 2010, 19

The Dated Notepad

I get a dated notepad
Each year as a present
It's then passed around and
Signed by those present

As to say "hi" on their birthday
They write something to me
In this the simplest way
I'm found remembering

Each birthday's a surprise!
Already... it is here?
Then to the phone I rise
And surprise them with a cheer

Satan Would to Extinguish Light

Satan would
To extinguish light
If he could
He'd make evil right

Turn from Him
Who darkly confuses
Pray often
For light diffuses

One Family Name Stood Out

One family name stood out
As the key to the past
Leaving little doubt
Miracles come to pass

For through a single name
Comes another and another
Till each is identified:
Children, fathers, mothers

just thinking this book would be a great gift
with first names of family members scattered
all over the inside jacket...it could be passed
around Christmas day recording the day

We Asked God to Leave us Alone

We asked God to leave us alone
And took Him out of our schools
Since then government has grown
Replacing Him with new rules

Now many reach out their hands
Seeking for government's help
While breaking what God commands
And suffering too with their health

One day... there was a distaster
Too big to comprehend
The government could not work faster
And many turned to God in the end

They asked, "How could you let this happen?"
There is destruction everywhere
He reminded they wouldn't have Him
And offered peace through their prayer

I got an email that turned out to be snopes.
But, this part said something to me:
( I would love comments)

Billy Graham's daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her 'How could God let something like this happen?' (regarding Hurricane Katrina).. Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, 'I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?'

The Easiness of the Way

Oh, the easiness of the way
To turn to God to pray
To speak to Him and find
What He lights unto the mind

Oh, the peace then to feel
...And witness He is real
All is right and okay
When the day starts this way

Oh, how straight and true
Is the narrow path laid too
To weekly then partake,
Remember, and forsake

Oh, the hope then to know
Within His house to go
Lifting as a mountain
Here truths flow and fountain

Skit for Pack Meeting

ok- this is not poetry- but coming up with a skit is hard to do and I made up one of the jokes prayerfully with minutes to spare for an extra boy (which is a good thing) guess which is mine...
the echo
anyone have other suggestions? My turn is coming up again in three months.




1-Guys, guys, I'm looking for a joke for Pack Meeting- Does anybody have an idea?

2-How about my pizza joke?
1. OK let's hear it
2. never mind, it's too cheesy

3. I know, I've got a joke about tortillas
1. all right. Let's hear it.
3. Ahh. No. It's too corny

4. I have one about echoes
1. sure, let's hear it
4. Well I can't repeat it

5. Have you heard the story of the germ?
1. I don't think I so
5. Too bad, I don't want to spread it.

6. Hey I know: what sound does a giraffe make?
1. dunno what?
< smack, smack, smack > (make large eating motions with lips)

All I can say is cub scouts are great at silly skits and the giraffe made my day

Context and Controversy

Context and Controversy

Even Jesus Christ, our Lord
Perfect in every way
Was deliberately misheard
To make a viewpoint OK

His rebuttal was to quote
From what they knew to be true
To ask questions and note
What their intentions were too

click on the above title to go directly to the LDS Newsroom and read the Church's response to the media taking something out of text to create attention and controversy

What Better Way for a Picture to Speak

just discovered a great poem by Greg Olsen (and put a face with his name also... discovered his facebook)

BESIDE STILL WATERS-
it's on my Christmas list (he is also selling Christmas cards)
click above title to go directly to gregolsenart.com


What better way for a picture
To speak, teach, and impart
Than for the artist to tutor
And write of it from his heart

http://www.gregolsenart.com/catalog/21/108

Sharing the Light of Christ

For an orphanage, a woman seeking help
Turned to a school of bright children
There was one who deeply felt
He wanted to go and help them

Believing charity and service
Continually links to faith
He started raising funds with one purpose
To exemplify the Lord's example and name

Believing that resources would come
He has proved faith can change lives
Tangiable evidence, to children, of love
Involves investing years as one strives

Brandon has not only magnified his light
But has passed it on to never go out
The Light of Christ can grow more bright
When we bring hope to those who go without

thankyou Brandon Jackson

In the Spirit of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks for all that we are
For our personal talents to journey far
For adversities and for God's plan
For the blessings we receive from His hand

Thanksgiving Daily

Living in thanksgiving daily
We cultivate an attitude
Where we seek the good each day brings
And express our gratitude

Church Supports Principles of Utah Compact on Immigration

Church Supports Principles of Utah Compact on Immigration
These are my thoughts: A Responsible Approach

A responsible approach
To immigration reform
Is to cause those who encroach
To respect laws and conform

Nations have the right
To enforce law and order
To seek out and indict
Illegals who've crossed the border

A just and caring society
Maintains love for its neighbors
While balancing propriety
As for its citizens it labors

There's an ever present need
To gather families home
May those separated leave
And strengthen up his own

Gratitude in All Things

You are the things I'll never be;
Opposites attract it's clear.
But, I look back -yes, gratefully;
And our friendship I hold dear!


In this season of gratitude, I want to say thank you to a couple I have fallen away from due to a business situation where we each lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Years of friendship enjoying their admirable traits. ( we are not anyone to be impressed with- the fact that our California home is not selling attests to that) Maybe friendships are meant to be more equally yoked or is that pride talking? I wish only the best for them and their family. Rick and I have been blessed, despite the hardships we have been through and life is good. I was thinking of this during sacrament meeting and how gratitude heals so many things. I am thankful for this and the Savior, our Exemplar in all things. God bless any who have also been burned financially- to not only forgive and move on- but to feel grateful....

Through Common Ground we Build up Bridges

Through common ground
We build up bridges
Here friendships are found
Not on the fringes

I Glory in Plainness

I glory in plainness
And in gospel truths
I glory in Jesus
For my soul He moves

In the pursuit of intelligence
With what should I fill my mind?
The hallmark of our existence
Is to increase in light.. ours to find

The hand of God can be seen
In all the fields of learning
If to Him one humbly leans
And to His Word we are turning

Pondering the 13th Article of Faith, Joseph Smith
James 1:5 and signing up for a BYU Independent Study class - a Citizen's Guide to American Politics- In the welcoming comments it states that while growing in knowledge, if we're honest and trustworthy- following the model of the Savior- we grow spiritually stronger, our character is developed, and our intelligence is enlarged.
http://ce.byu.edu/is/site/courses/free.cfm

2Nephi 31:3 For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

D&C 93: 36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.

D&C 42: 68 Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
JS-H 1: 11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Thank You Veterans!

How can our thanks be enough?
As you sacrifice so much.
You are what we rely on-
To keep our freedom strong

Sunflowers

As sisters we follow Christ's light
Like sunflowers before the sun
Spiritually we ever shine bright
As we look faithfully to the Son

Our faces can be found all aglow
With virtue that comes of Him
We have a message for all to know
His Spirit can be felt often

The Temple is a Place of Learning

The temple is a place of learning
In Jesus' day it was so
Let us be there oft for turning
Our minds to Him to feel and know

Always the Savior Saw a Need

On Earth, the Savior knew our needs
And with compassion He was moved
As our Exemplar He still leads
Causing lives to be improved

He is ever one to follow
Let us offer Him to those we find
Giving succor to those in sorrow
Healing wounds of heart and mind

Compassion means to have love and mercy
Desiring to aleve another's pain
To mourn with those who are mourning
Lifting hands that wearily hang

As Sisters we have a duty
To bless the lives we're assigned
Bringing to them life and beauty
Strengthening them, unto Christ

We are the Lord's hands upon the Earth
Souls have been entrusted to our care
As we visit we show another their worth
Making a difference through the Spirit shared

Barbara Thompson
And of Some Have Compassion, Making a Difference
Ensign, November 2010, 119

Hope Through the Atonement of Christ - Neal A. Maxwell

Ultimately, what shall we hope for?
But the atonement of Jesus Christ
With faith, charity, patience, and more
We're preparing for eternal life

Still...there's a chill in the air
And actions dampen our hearts
For it is natural to despair
As self-centeredness starts

Then... through ripening storms
God's ways gather attention
Humility and repentance restores
Our hope despite apprehensions

Let us not hesitate
To seek God in our weakness
He makes weak things great
As we show forth more meekness

Elder Neal A. Maxwell
Hope Through the Atonement of Christ
Ensign, November 1998, 61

Dr. Rick Upward Reach Introduction.mov

Within each there is a call
A desire to reach upward
When we're caught away and fall
There is a light to climb toward

Reaching for virtue
There is therapy
Resources to use
To help yourself and be happy

Dr. Rick has created a non-profit resource site for self- help concerning common things that trouble the soul- depression, pornography, etc.

I Do Solemnly Swear

I cried for Adam today
My tears a long downpour
Not in the old familiar way
But for what he stood for

Under God, as man of his word
He kept his solemn oath
The extended call, he heard
Though he'd done the time he owed

With but one small reserve-
A short weekend honeymoon
Again he stood to serve
Then...fallen, he died all too soon

In support of the Constitution
He defended it to his death
With courage his contribution
As a hero he took his last breath

I have been studying the constitution's birth- seeing the sacrifices and the inspiration in it. I was hit with emotion when I learned what I guess I'd forgotten-the oath is in support and defense of the Constitution.


The wordings of the current oath of enlistment and oath for commissioned officers are as follows:

"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).

"I, _____ (SSAN), having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God." (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)

Army Sgt. Adam W. Estep
Died April 29, 2004 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom

23, of Campbell, Calif.; assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed April 29 when a rocket-propelled grenade hit his patrol in Baghdad.California soldier killed in Iraq ‘never showed fear’

Associated Press
Army Sgt. Adam W. Estep - Honor the Fallen - MilitaryTimes.com
SARATOGA, Calif. — Sgt. Adam Estep was remembered Tuesday by friends and family as a soldier who never showed fear, even in the most violent battles.

Estep, a 23-year-old tank driver, died April 29 in a rocket-propelled grenade attack outside Baghdad.

“Every day he touched lives in ways that cannot be erased,” friend and Marine Sgt. Jason Steele said at the funeral. “We should all aspire to be like him. You all must rejoice in the memories we have of him and know that he will always be with you.”

Estep, who was active in ROTC in high school in San Jose, joined the Army in 2000 and drove tanks for the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment and 1st Cavalry Division.

He had been stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and served a six-month tour in Kuwait. In December, the Army extended his commitment for 14 months. He left for Iraq in March.

His wife of two months, Demara Estep, said her husband longed to attend college and start a family. He lined his letters with sophisticated sketches.

Chiasmus, Poetry and Literary Forms - Book of Mormon Evidence

Temple Square - The Law, Governments, Liberty, The Way

lll

The Way

Some day when we see that pair of hands 

That sacrificed perfectly for us

May our hands, too, show we understand

What becomes of selfless service

A Higher Law

To live a higher law

Is to look to God

And give your all

To what is good

Liberty is

Where the Spirit is
There is true liberty
It is glorious
To live life lovingly

Our liberty

Comes from above
Life's opportunity
Is a plan of love

We must be righteous and moral
Keeping our covenants with our all
Can we become more like the Master?
For all things in life, He is that answer

The Constitution

It is a glorious standard
A heavenly banner
Cool shade, refreshing water
Come of our Father

Knowing God's Love for all Mankind

Knowing God's love for all mankind
Let's safeguard the truth's He's given
All over the world He lights minds to find
A glimpse of Him and heaven

We can be keepers of His light
As we perceive where it goes
God's wisdom pure and bright
To the seeker brilliantly flows

If there is anything virtuous,
Lovely, or of good report
Let us share it more amongst us
And feel warmth through God's support

Then as with light we speak
Others come to where we stand
Unto our lamp to seek,
Feel, and understand

pondering: God's love for man and the internet. How seeing the inspiration of things around us and mentioning it actually draws seekers to the gospel as they search the internet to know more of what is praiseworthy. The Article of Faith- which says: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (for they've come of light and truth) Wouldn't it be pleasing to God if we sought after these things more. No wonder the Conference talks quote from many things that show God is lighting all mankind?

'In 1855, in an address delivered in the Bowery at Salt Lake City, Elder Parley P. Pratt, an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: "We would do well to look into the bearings of the history of nations, and the dealings of God with them, as impartially as we can, at all times, and cull out all the good there has been, is, or may be, and acknowledge the hand of God in all things, in His dealings with the nations as well as in other things" (Journal of Discourses, 3:42).'
Elder Pratt's thoughts echo the teachings of some ancient American prophets. Permit me to quote from the Book of Mormon:


'And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue. (Mosiah 3:13; emphasis added)
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have. (Alma 29:8; emphasis added)
Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.... I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth...For I command all men...that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.... I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 28:30; 29:7, 11, 12; emphasis added) '


'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'

God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.

Won't thou Read of Jesus

Won't thou read of Jesus
And believe in Him?
He is ever with us
As our link to heaven

Then with His pure love
Won't thou also pray?
Unto the Father above
Filled with much to say

Let this be an Ensample

Let this be an ensample unto all
Come of the humble and meek
When moved upon by the Holy Ghost
Then righteousness ye will seek

The Writing's on the Wall

The writing's on the wall
As in the days of old
Repentance is our call
Let this ancient story be retold

found at
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-writing-on-the-wall.htm
The Book of Daniel in the Old Testament contains the first known reference to the writing on the wall. In Daniel 5:1-31, Belshazzar, the King of Babylon, holds a drunken feast where he displays holy items stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem. When the King and his subjects hold the items, writing begins to appear on the wall, and Daniel is brought in to interpret the words, which seem to have little meaning. Daniel warns the King that his days are numbered, and his kingdom will soon be destroyed.

Daniel’s interpretation is, of course, correct. King Belshazzar is killed that same night and the country is sent into disorder as Darius of the Medes takes over the kingship. As Daniel predicts from the writing on the wall, the kingdom is split between the Medes and the Persians, and signifies the end of Babylonian supremacy.

The specific writing on the wall in Daniel are the following words: Mene, Tekel, and Parsin. Mene translates as toll, the price the Babylonians will pay. Tekel means weight, or judgment, and Parsin means division and is also a corruption of the word Persians, the race that will claim part of the Babylonian kingdom.

Related topics Writing On The WallWriting On The Wall Book
In modern usage, people often see the writing on the wall prompting action. For example, you could use the phrase in the following sentences. “She knew she had to get a new job immediately. She had seen the writing on the wall and didn’t want to wait until the company started their downsizing efforts.”

With the Sun Setting Fast

With the sun setting fast
Upon long years in school
The graduating class
Had feelings tug and pull

Each had come to a wall
Their future to discover
Being compared to all
Oft feeling like a number

With a race to meet the finish
Their best must be displayed
Within financial limits
As budget plans are laid

Though darkness lies ahead
Soon will come the new dawn
Where one is brighter lead
If the Son is looked upon

I wrote this last summer and rediscovered it... almost threw it away. I will have to send it to my son, Shawn, who graduated from BYU with his wife. 

To The Rescue: President Monson and Warm Fuzzies

I witnessed warm fuzzies today
It was our Fast and Testimony day
One by one, up came our youth
And testified to us of the gospel's truth

We, the adults, we truly needed it
The flow of tears was immediate
It was their way to say Happy Birthday to an Apostle
To share in His witness of Christ and prove all things are possible

Happy Birthday President Uchtdorf!

Putting Christ Back into Christmas

Wanting to put Christ back into Christmas Day,
A family turned the lights off, lit a candle to pray

Reading from God’s word, they then sang a song
While watching the candle dancing along

The house grew quiet as each pondered in thought
Of Bethlehem’s star and the new babe they sought

Feelings grew tender, Dad wiped at his tears
As he was given to when the Spirit more nears

The light of Christmas... so sacred, they knew it was real!
Could it last longer? They wanted to feel

At church the next day, they were more reverent
From the peaceful night they lovingly spent

Now, a candle remains on their table to stay
Bringing memories back of that sweet Christmas Day

The Freedom To...

What Freedoms are you Thankful For?


What freedoms are you thankful for?
Given time and purpose to pursue
Line upon line, we will fulfill more
If we thank God for all we have and do

Living as families
Together in love
Awaking daily, happily
Can we give thanks enough?

Let us not be held back
Limited by circumstance
But look to God in all we lack
For the faith to advance

And... especially
Let us pray for
Those who've not liberty
That doors open unto more

Putting Christ Back into Christmas

Wanting to put Christ
Back into Christmas Day
A family burned a light
In an old fashioned way

The house was in near darkness
Everything was turned off
They read by glow of candle
And found the babe they’d sought

With all the distraction gone
They each did naught but talk
The Light of Christ burned strong
The candle was their clock

They did this every night
Melting down an inch
They found they did not fight
And in reverence they were rich

When they went to church
They felt more of the Spirit
Preciously, they’d learned
To have the Spirit, you must hear it

Thus from one night came
A gift to last all year-
Reverence for Christ’s name,
As, symbolically, towards light they drew near

To Increase His Stature

To increase his stature
A child put another down
But being more mature
The other stood his ground

He said, “Belittling is low
And shrinks one’s own good name.
Those who want to grow
Don’t play this fallen game!”

You can be a Hero

You can be a hero
In the eyes of someone small
When one is treated like a "zero"
You can help them stand up tall

thought from a New Era's Mormonad:
Be Big Don't Belittle

Elder Robert D. Hales - Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life

Agency is:
The ability to choose
To act well or resist
As our conscience moves

We are all accountable
To God, self, and man
We can be responsible
And feel free or be caught in sin

The Faith of Abraham Lincoln

The choicest bounties of heaven
Have been ours, richly given
Preserved with peace and prosperity
Only to forget God because of vanity

Now, in war, we need to ask for clemency
And pray humbly for forgiveness
We are in need of God's mercy
To feel His hand once more upon us

Time passed, everything seemed stricken
I got down on my knees to pray
Mightily to God in heaven
And felt all my fears wash away

For this war was His war
And our cause was His
Though this nation now was torn
God would resolve this whole business

“We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which has preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us, then, to humble ourselves before the offended power, to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” [March 30, 1863]

“Well, I will tell you how it was. In the pinch of the campaign up there (at Gettysburg) when everybody seemed panic stricken and nobody could tell what was going to happen, oppressed by the gravity of our affairs, I went to my room one day and locked the door and got down on my knees before Almighty God and prayed to Him mightily for victory at Gettysburg. I told Him that this war was His war, and our cause His cause, but we could not stand another Fredericksburg or Chancellorsville… And after that, I don’t know how it was, and I cannot explain it, but soon a sweet comfort crept into my soul. The feeling came that God had taken the whole business into His own hands and that things would go right at Gettysburg and that is why I had no fears about you.” [July 5, 1863]

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Because of Your Faith

To you of sacred splendor
With the angels I say, "thank you!"
For all you do for the Lord
In bringing His gospel bright to view

Because of you, I pledge anew
To be more faithful, kind, devoted
More charitable, and true
That as His servant, I'll be noted

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Because of Your Faith
Ensign, November 2010,

What Happens During a 6 to 7 Week Abortion (Not Graphic)

Oh, the beauty of life
The nurture of the womb
Let no vacuum or knife
Create this into a tomb

this is not a graphic video