With the World Made Small

With the world made small
Through technology
Friendships are for all
Even across any sea

Through translation
We can converse
Where ere we station
Thoughts can disperse


Com o mundo ficou pequeno
Através da tecnologia
As amizades são para todos
Mesmo em qualquer mar

thank you google translate

What does it mean to take upon you the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?

What does it mean to take upon you the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?

As the family of Christ
We bear His good name
And each sacrifice
Takes us further from blame

May His name we sign
When we give in service
Letting His light refine
Unto joy of purpose

Acceptance

A more accepting ward
Will never be found
As to the Lord we look
Charity abounds

Families Can Be Together Forever

The book opens

To a family

Here, the final chapter

Is to turn out happily

Here, in the ideal setting

Joys and sorrows are learned

While of self, there's forgetting

As to another love is turned

Through daily sacrifice

Good works abound

Sharing the love of Christ

Purely, to be found

Unselfish Service

Coming unto Jesus

Doing as we should

Giving of what's in us

His light ever good

******************

Perhaps when we meet our maker

It will be asked of us

For whom did we labor?

May we answer- Jesus

When we give through service

We are doing as He would

This our true purpose

Furthering all that's good

Your Glass of Life

Your glass of life
is filled halfway
You know that good
will come one day

Look what I found while driving on a beautiful Spring day. Nevada has so many personalized license plates!

When there is Envy and Strife

When there is envy and strife
Evil works build up in store
Gripping one bitterly in life
Creating wounds deep and sore

Never dare to trust yourself
When the glass looks past half empty
Be a peaceful source of help
And sip in daily thanks that you've plenty

Our best choice in any matter
Is to react well to the problem
Not allowing our glass to shatter
By using the golden rule that's proven


Looking for the Good
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign, March 2011, 4

Missionary Hero

What makes a hero?
But someone in that second
Who says to that fear- "no!"
As purpose insides beckons

A young man given to service
Saw a plane go crashing down
He didn't think to be nervous
When gas was spilling all around

He pulled the pilot out
And rescued another
There isn't any doubt
He love's his fellow brother!

click on the post title to go directly to the news and watch a video as well...
LDS missionary helps pull pilot from airplane wreckage An LDS missionary is being credited with helping save a man’s life in a plane crash in California. Read more on KSL Salt Lake City

When I saw the fenced he climbed- that was when I was amazed!

RELIEF SOCIETY (Tribute song)

Sisters have you heard?
This tribute spreading forth
Sharing in song with the world
What Relief Society stands for

Each Dawn Commences

Each dawn commences
Offering but more
May you climb life's fences
And find what lies before

Feeling Loss and sorrow

Feeling loss and sorrow
I wish to hear your voice
Through the veil to borrow
And know you now rejoice

May Your Path of Sorrow

May your path of sorrow
Be brightly lit
Upon each new tomorrow
May heaven's light emit

May you walk with assurance
Blessed and sweet
On the trail of endurance
With steadfast faithful feet

Following Jesus
Who is merciful and kind
Knowing that for each of us
He would we not feel left behind

The Bible is a Springboard

The Bible is a springboard
For leaps of faith and action
Here we can find our Lord
And purpose with expansion

When we've faith, then comes miracles
King James proved this is so
Translating its books and chronicles
That all might read and know

In James 1:5 we learn
We can pray and receive
If in prayer we turn
And have faith to believe

We can pray to know
That the gospel is true
With faith we can follow
In His footsteps, too

James 1:5
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.

upbraid: verb, express criticism towards

http://www.ldsliving.com/story/63598-king-james-version-of-the-bible-turns-400

Because I Knew Their Mother

Because I knew their mother
There's a bond that we share
I can reach them like no other...
With their mother's care

You may ask how I do this?
Oft times it's through prayer
Softening me, to notice
A special love so rare

Someday when, again, I see her
I hope she will approve
Right now it brings, to me a tear
Knowing what death cannot remove

Enoch

Being slow of tongue and speach
Where would his lone voice reach?
With God, he spoke with such force
Even the waters changed their course

Time and Freedom

Time and freedom- we all have
Fill it- with what you will
With that which is great to save
Or amusement, crowds, and thrill

A talk mentioned the old movie:
Man's Search for Happiness
I remember seeing that as I
was a brand new convert.

The Highest Measure of Success

The highest measure of success
Comes of the Lord who does bless
And when we do our very best
There's a stirring in our breast

One can indeed succeed
Without obtaining stature
This path of success does lead
As in the gospel we mature

Won't you Echo Back to Me

Won't you echo back to me
All the things I just said?
Show me the light was green
And you followed when I led

The Sermon on the Mount

The Sermon on the Mount
Takes us to a whole new level
Of all things, we will surmount
If we heed inspired counsel

We are Striving for Perfection

We are striving for perfection
As the Savior asks of us
Ever seeking His direction
Needing an exemplar, thus

The Savior said- "be ye therefore perfect"
Matthew 5:48: “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is..."

Pondering...what does that mean? When someone hears us say this and they are not striving or do not think perfection is obtainable, what do they think of us?

an interesting article can be found at:
http://ldstempleendowment.blogspot.com/2010/03/be-ye-therefore-perfect.html

Topical Guide:
Perfection, Perfect, Perfectly
see also God, Perfection of; God, the Standard of Righteousness; Godliness; Integrity; Jesus Christ, Exemplar; Just; Man, New, Spiritually Reborn; Man, Potential to Become like Heavenly Father; Whole.

Look Outside Yourself and Serve Others

Look outside yourself
And serve others
Be a source of help
Unto your brothers

Make the World A Better Place

Make the world
A better place
Follow this simple rule

Be golden unto others
As the Savior would do
Love, serve, and by example school

Mapping out My Family

Mapping out my family
Treasuring the past
Searching long quite happily
For links forever cast

A Field of Diamonds

A field of diamonds
May shine bright
In the brightness
Of bright light

Then comes the test
Now away, alone
Does every facet
Remain proudly shown?

Layers of neglect
Can dim each prism slope
Till naught can project
Filmed up, much like soap

Still each can be made clean
The damage then undone
To be brightly seen
In the light of the sun

So, too, each soul
Can shine within
Beautiful and whole
Cleansed from every sin

The baptismal water
The bread and water on the trays
Cleanses like no other
Offering always

We may ink on tattoos
To cover what is lacking
But no matter which you choose
They're naught for light attracting

We are made to shine
And be filled with light
Of Heavenly design
Through choosing the right

We're each a precious diamond
In the Master's hand
Shaped and designed
To be clean and grand

All Aboard

All aboard
The wisdom train
Where thoughts soon stored
Will make a chain


I'm discovering puppets in my Kindergarten room!
We learn conceptually, linking what we learn to what we know

Seeking Promise

The day damp and grey
Never shared the sun
Mountain tops went away
Of airplanes, I saw none

In the still and gloom
I truly felt alone
Imprisoned in my room
Passing minutes counted and known

The trees blackened and bare
Held tight their silent promise
For soon each bud would share
Blossoms none could miss

All around now dormant
Was new life to be seen
Springing to performance
Ranging in pinks, whites, and greens

How it helps to look ahead
Beyond from what lies before
Though at times much seems dead
We can seek for hints of more

For life is more than now
More than what has just passed
Life is eternally endowed
With Christ's light, promise kissed

Though we each will die
New life comes eternal
When comes our last sigh
Our lives will not be final

Thus, the Son offers newness
Spiritually, to be born in us
If we seek our purpose
Budding within comes nobleness

Gone will be the chill of doubt
As principles take root
Our good works will then sprout
Producing the best fruit

If the Lord is the same today, tomorrow and forever, why the change in polygamy?

If the Lord is the same today, tomorrow and forever, why the change in polygamy?

Finally the Answer- Poligamy

Finally, the answer
That resonates with me
This law to be heard...
A time of poligamy

Who are we to question
God- who of us commands
For the price of admission
Laws... only the Spirit understands

click on the above title to go directly to Dr. Gramps and read the article.

In The New Testament

In The New Testament
God revealed Himself once more
Reemphasizing what was meant
Millenia before

During Christ's ministry, the Apostles
Wrote "they left all to follow Him"
Sacrificing to preach the gospel
Risking their lives unto this end

They walked with Him and knew Him
As a mortal upon the earth
He questioned and taught them
And lifted the weak unto worth

He healed the broken hearted
Those crippled and pushed aside
He cleansed and taught those hated
If faith in them would abide

And when His mortal days ended
This promise extended unto all
As through the atonement He befriended
Every man from the effects of the fall

Thomas A. Wayment
"The Historical Context of the New Testament"
Liahona, Jan. 2011, 20–25

Burdens Can Be Made Bearable!

another amazing video!

Burdens can be made bearable
Through the grace of Jesus Christ
He is more than capable
To purify our lives

We can become as He is
For He changes our very natures
Knowing our Redeemer lives!
Stirs us to tell our neighbors!

Believe In America - Behind the scenes at CPAC 2011

We believe in freedom, in liberty,
And in the American dream
This is the land of opportunity
Shining brightly to be seen

We can be resilient
New jobs can come about
We just need a new president
Who's a patriot throughout

Who still believes in America
That it is a nation under God?
A land born of miracles
With religious freedom being its call?

Who can raise the poor out of the dust
And lift the needy out of the dunghill?
But God's princes placed in trust
Humbly, looking to the heavens still

From the rising of the sun
To the setting in the West
Let our hearts to God be one
Through the Son who gives us rest

The Lord governs the sea and the land
For the blessing of His people
He skips little hills like lambs
Even causing mountains to tremble

Let us look for Him in history
And see He is our help and shield
Unto His name, praise and glory
That we have liberty still
Psalms 113, 114

A Classroom is a Special Place

A classroom is a special place
Deserving of respect
With the teacher guiding the pace
As the focii directs

To interrupt or distract
Causes a break in the flow
For applying all the facts
The students need to grow

Make Your Marriage a Forever Team

Make your marriage a forever team
Never let anything come between you
Look at each other with the highest esteem
While strengthening your commitment too

In honor of National Marriage week

Simply knowing the critical effect marriage has on children and society doesn't make having a happy marriage easy. To succeed in marriage, men and women must overcome the most common weakness of humanity: that of selfishness. We hope that understanding how crucial marriage is will help create some incentive to strengthen your love and commitment to your spouse and family. Here are ten tips to help you do just that. First for the husbands...

Tips for Him

Be Gentle - Your actions, words, and thoughts affect her deeply--be gentle. Complements and suggestions reach the core of her being.

Eliminate harshness or criticism. Resolve any differences in private where you can be open, collected, and kind in your approach.

Be Open and Honest - Total openness is essential for a healthy relationship. Becoming a predictable, blending of each other's mind raises the level of trust and marital fulfillment. Take time to talk. By sharing your interests and feelings you strengthen your relationship.

Share the Leadership - Listen to her, counsel with her and often follow her lead. Contribute to a faith-based home by leading out in prayer, religious study, giving service, and weekly family time.

Concern Yourself With Her - Be genuinely interested in her hair, clothes, peer relationships, and on and on. These things affect her life, so they affect your marriage--be interested in them.

Have Fun Together Pressures will mount and more and more things will demand your individual time and energy, but life together was intended to be full and rich. Make sure it is.

Tips for Her

Appreciate and Admire - Appreciate that he spends most of his time in pursuit of your comfort and happiness. His confidence is increased when you express admiration and appreciation. Look for his goodness and strengths. Let him know he is your hero.

Be Attractive - Know what his appearance preferences are and wear them. He has a responsibility to maintain his appearance for you as well.

Create Peace and Order - Organize your home. Make it a peaceful place to be where you can listen and share each other's burdens and joys. Try to have at least one meal together every day.

Persuade in Kindness - Compliment, ask and wait. Make sure he understands your needs. He will fulfill them when he can. Respect his counsel and advice. Include him in your decisions. Let him know you appreciate his leadership by honoring his manhood.

Keep Dating - Share his adventures, hobbies and interests. Make time to have fun together. Be fiercely committed. Let nothing come between you. Make yours a "forever" team.

Social science data new and old clearly indicates that happy marriages are the seed bed of society. Join us in celebrating National Marriage Week by doing something to create and protect happy marriages--especially YOURS!

Sincerely,


Carol Soelberg
Chapter Development Director
United Families International


Please help United Families International continue our work by donating today.

Standing Upon the Gospel Sod

Standing upon the gospel sod
I took hold onto a rod
And partook of the whitest fruit-
Purely the love of God

Searching afar I looked to see
Members of my family
Only some answered my anxious call
They partook quite happily

Then, in the distance laughter was heard
In mocking tones, they whispered
Some of my family left, now ashamed
And I in sorrow am deeply stirred

I know not how long they will be gone
I just know where I belong
And mournfully want them back
And would to not hear that worldy throng

pondering Lehi's dream

Standing Firm With Faith in God

Standing firm

With faith in God

I plant my feet

On gospel sod



Here I learn

To be unafraid

And to not turn

From covenants made



Here I wait

With my family

Within the gate

Living happily



The Holy Ghost

Stays by my side

In every act

To be a guide

For Marie and her Activity Day girls being honored at a parent/daughter banquet!

Iran Outlaws Valentine’s Day

Iran Outlaws Valentine’s Day: "pContinuing its quest to become a cartoonish stereotype of an evil empire, the Iranian government has decided to outlaw Valentine’s Day. “Symbols of hearts, half-hearts, red roses, and any activities promoting this day are banned,” announced state media last month, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Melik Kaylan. “Authorities will take legal action against those [...]/p"

You cannot ban the heart
Nor all it can impart
It is a loving symbol
Ever sweet and simple

hearts will be everywhere in my classroom tomorrow

Good Morning America - Notes Left Behind

She found pleasure
In hiding up treasure
Her thoughts were expressed
With a love that knew no rest


thank you - I teach Kindergarten
and I will be thinking of this sweet
girl tomorrow, on Valentines!
Elena Desserich
Notes Left Behind

An Island of Time

An island of time
A window of opportunity
A moment to shine
Comes not of fortuity

God, by design
Has given each purpose
Ours unique to find
To further what's in us

pondering the word expedient mentioned in the scriptures...our opportunity to do- can pass if we are not expedient

America's Dreams

Paychecks fuel America’s dreams
Through them families fulfill their needs
Millions now can’t find jobs they deserve
The financial strain is a shame to observe

Where is the dignity for those in their prime?
For a non liberal tactic- it is now time
I believe in America- in freedom today
We may have lost some years- but we’ve not lost our way

Our concept of liberty gives others courage to conquer
Our tomorrows can be filled with greatness and honor!
Let’s bring back America to its rightful place
A blessing of example for the human race
click on the above post title to go directly to mittromneycentral...

Make Good Choices

Make good choices
We are in school
Lower your voices
Be respectful

When voices compete
We are too loud
Let's not make a peep
Starting right now

When teaching, I love to have silly moments. Kids love to laugh. Getting the class back on track is the hard part. This last week I had some adults come in and they were talking in the back of the room. The room got loud. It is inevitable that voices compete. So they could not hear me- or chose to not hear me. I then discovered that students respond to soft singing when they get too loud. It is a way to get them to hear you through the noise and get them one by one to remind each other that it is time to move on. just keep singing it in a soft sweet calm voice...It's funny, I have written a poem about making good choices before.

Temples To Dot the Earth

One day the Lord's temples will dot the whole earth
As to these high places throngs of converts will go
To make sacred covenants, celestial in worth
And with their families spiritually grow
Being taught what God would have each of them know
Like unto a living fountain in continual flow

Let us always be found holding a name
And a standing in His holy place
While remembering those who at one time came
And praying over the whole human race
Such is the love we feel here and embrace
As we anticipate seeing the Lord face to face

Elder David A. Bednar
Honorably Holding a Name and a Standing

The Voice of the People Arose

share

Something had been overlooked
A dictatorship can be apposed
Buoyed by Tunisia on Facebook
The voice of the young people arose

Through protest, streets have been filled
The country has been seen by all
A dictator's power has been stilled
And democracy has been called


...a must read article!

Elder Dallin H. Oaks speech at Chapman University School of Law

What religions have in common
Is far more important than how they vary
On this mission we're now called on
To maintain the religious freedoms we carry

So valuable is religious teaching
To our free society today
We must remind all of how far reaching
We are in charitable service and aid

Let us review history and highlight a few
Of our accomplishments on the public square
The Emancipation Proclamation and civil rights too
Were inspired and furthered through religious care

The practice of integrity and honesty rest
Ultimately on our ideas of right and wrong
While law enforcement is limited at best
The influence of religion is long

From the origin of the Constitution
We've defined human worth and dignity
We are a necessary institution
For preserving our nations prosperity

For almost a century
We've limited political power as we should
As we are the cornerstone of democracy
Rallying people for doing what is good


Our Founding Fathers deliberately
Placed religious freedom first in the Bill of Rights
So wanting to maintain the guarantee
Of a nation under God's guiding light

The Choir Boys - Tears in Heaven/video

In innocence
Children feel
His holy presence
God is real

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Hallelujah, Christmas 2010

God's love is what life is all about
Filling us with faith to conquer doubt
Lifting us high as to the angels above
Giving us beauty, for of such is His love

Battle Hymn of the Republic - The Mormon Tabernacle Choir

The battle for freedom lives on
As God's truth marches along
Swelling across every land
Calling to all to understand

What Religions Have in Common- freedom of religion

What religions have in common
Is far more important than how they vary
On this mission we're now called on
To maintain the religious freedoms we carry

So valuable is religious teaching
To our free society today
We must remind all of how far reaching
We are in charitable service and aid

Let us review history and highlight a few
Of our accomplishments on the public square
The Emancipation Proclamation and civil rights too
Were inspired and furthered through religious care

The practice of integrity and honesty rest
Ultimately on our ideas of right and wrong
While law enforcement is limited at best
The influence of religion is long

From the origin of the Constitution
We've defined human worth and dignity
We are a necessary institution
For preserving our nations prosperity

For almost a century
We've limited political power as we should
As we are the cornerstone of democracy
Rallying people for doing what is good


Our Founding Fathers deliberately
Placed religious freedom first in the Bill of Rights
So wanting to maintain the guarantee
Of a nation under God's guiding light

It is Flat Out Unlawful and Wrong

It is flat out unlawful and wrong
To say that churches do not belong
In the court room or the public square
As it is a freedom they also share

When it comes to families and moral values
Who better to help us strengthen statues
To help unite us as one under God
Preserved as a nation with freedoms for all

Let us stand firm to the standard old tradition
Of marriage as it's been made legal by definition
Let the word remain as it has for thousands of years
And let this message open up those with opposing ears

If those that are not one woman, one man
Would like a union- let it be just that
Call it another name-the choice to be theirs
Let us move on to bigger and humbling cares

Let us consider the sanctity of life
And the responsiblity of husband and wife
Let us strengthen these homes for the children they bare
And offer our prayers, support, and kind care

Too, let us find those who would seek an abortion
And offer them hope, or at least a small portion
Let us open their eyes unto the best option
The beauty of life, family, and adoption

Let us match up the unborn ever voiceless
With couples who are mourning they are childless
Let us think long of the generations to come
And what our nation, united, can then become


"This isn't about denying anyone rights. It's about changing the definition of a word that carries significant doctrinal and historical significance for many people of faith. I'm all for allowing ALL people regardless of the sexual orientation the same rights as a married couple when it comes to taxation, visiting rights, inheritance law, etc. However, I stand firm on my position that the word Marriage remain the same as it has for thousands of years.
Posted by: bjsworld | February 10, 2011 7:44 PM "

"Churches of all denominations have every right to speak out on issues that are central to their beliefs without jeopardizing their tax status. That has always been true whether the issue was slavery, civil rights, gambling, temperence, war and peace or any number of other "political" issues that touch upon a communities deeply held beliefs.
Furthermore, unlike other tax-exempt organizations the tax exempt status of churches in not only derived from the internal revenue code. It is inherent in the constitutional protection of religious belief. As the Supreme Court has stated in another context, "the power to tax is the power to destroy." Therefore churches also derive their tax exempt status from the Constitution itself.
Posted by: Rom08 | February 10, 2011 4:42 PM"


http://onfaith.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/michael_otterson/2011/02/mormons_speak_for_the_faith.html

The Beats of Music Spring life to our Step

The beats of music spring life to our step
Reaching within where emotions are kept
Creating power for good or bad to then awake
Some tempering appetites we need to break

The sacred hymns come of the Scriptures
Can calm our minds with peace that endures
Hummed or sung, rich feelings keep coming back
Offering us a measure of what we lack

Soothing us with the love of God unto reverence
Lighting us to Christ who makes the difference
This blessed music can linger well within the head
Such that we feel we've been spiritually fed

They can turn off bad thoughts and temper moods
Even to the point of calming family feuds
Whether it be faith or repentance that we seek
The hymns can lifts us when all seems bleak

Hum one's melody, for inside them lies
A prayer to God who hears our cries
Singing a hymn can help us when we are tired
Inviting the Spirit for they are inspired

revisiting an old poem- that was pretty bad...

When Everything is Going Wrong

When everything has gone wrong
Let not your vision go askew
Look within hard and long
Seek for the broader view

For among all humanity
There's joy despite mistakes
Regain your lost sanity
Looking to God is all it takes

If you stress out your precious mind
It will function without reason
Regain Christ's peace and you will find
Life's lesson for this season

A Work in Progress

Parable of the Freethrow Line

It is in the doing
That goals do not fade
Through endless freethrowing
The best is displayed

You can make history
Through hours of labor
But for whom goes the glory
Without the Savior?

Presented with a great shot
He knew this was one to make
Thus, a mission life was saught
As precious souls were at stake

I am a work in progress
To himself, he oft says
Thus he would keep his promise
Made in childhood days

Being one to labor
Having vision, to give his best shot
He'd represent the Savior
On a mission, and give it all he's got

In Heavenly Father's Church Everyone Belongs

In Heavenly Father's church
Everyone belongs
Each can ponder, pray, and search
And be heard among the throngs

I thrill to know
In whose image we are
That in us does flow
Light to shine far

Even the homeless person
And that man whose been locked away
Can know Christ will build us up in purpose
And help us change our ways

Each with ears to hear
Come heed and believe
To have the Spirit near
All you have to do is receive

Who is willing to obey
God's plan that leads to peace
In this the Latter Day
Restoration has brought an increase

Peace is Knowing

Peace is knowing
Things will be ok
That we are growing
Through Christ always

The Things I Know

The things I know
I try to live
Thus I strive to grow,
Love, and forgive

When e'er I fail
I keep moving
For time does tell
Life's for improving

For God can make
Great things of me
As I reawake
To covenanting

God can make great things out of each of us and we've each purpose here upon the earth.

Get on Board

Get on board
Don't miss the boat
Receive the Lord
And all He wrote

Come journey
Where you're to go
He channels needs
As living waters flow

Who Am I?

Who am I
To receive this call?
To qualify
I'll give my all

Please lead me along
And speak peace to my soul
Help me be strong
To fulfill this new role

discussion today about receiving callings that are difficult. For then we stretch from the uncomfortable position and grow in faith. Who am I....?


Doctrine and Covenants 130:20-21
20There is a alaw, irrevocably decreed in bheaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all cblessings are predicated—
21And when we obtain any ablessing from God, it is by bobedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Being a Mormon

Being Mormon- we pay tribute
To God for all that we are
Wishing then to distribute
His Word as a guiding star

In the most trying times
God is a prayer away
As the seeker then finds
Faith and hope today

No, you don't have to be Mormon
To enjoy a wonderful life
But, we've good news for all men
The gospel blesses lives

Religion is for the weak
For those who seek for more
Being truly meek
To ask what we're here for

Spiritually Jesus was Led

Spiritually, Jesus was led
To commune with God- alone
That His Spirit might be fed
And prepared to atone

For forty days and nights he fasted
Manifesting who He really was
For no matter how long temptation lasted
He could withstand all that would tempt us

Whether on a pinnacle, plain, or mountain
His answer was always to quote
From God's word, springing forth as a fountain
Knowing all, of Him, each prophet wrote

Often during His ministry
He went off a ways to pray
And recommune with God in purity
He the Truth, Life, and the Way

May we each set forth a time
To fast with God- apart
That within we might find
God's words flowing from our hearts

That no matter what may tempt and try us
We can remember who we are
Having the scriptures, thus
To guide as our pillar star


Matthew 4: 1-11 (click on the post's title to go directly to the scriptures-)
Then was Jesus aled (TG Guidance, Divine.) up of the Spirit into the wilderness bto be ctempted of the devil.(JST Matt. 4:1 … to be with God.)
And when he had afasted bforty days and forty nights, che was afterward an hungred.
And when the atempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bbread.
But he answered and said, It is written, aMan shall not blive by cbread alone, but by every dword that proceedeth out of the emouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the bholy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And saith unto him, bIf thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not atempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the bkingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, aSatan: for it is written, Thou shalt bworship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Then the devil leaveth him, aand, behold, bangels came and ministered unto him.

Parable of the Super Bowl

The Lord wants us on His team and by His side
There are but two teams and no one hides
Blood, sweat, tears, and pain all now come to play
In the preparation for this last day

There is excitement for this great event
To some people it will be magnificent
The gospel is here for us all to embrace
And all of the players must get in place

For one team it is futile for the outcome is known
The Lord's side must take care to not lose of their own
While watching for the signs and playing by the rules
Balancing offense and defense as the other team fools



inspired by Brother Bateman's testimony today

Fasting is a Beautiful Thing

Fasting is a beautiful thing
For the Spirit and blessing that it brings
A special way to express our faith
And pray for someone while making off'rings

To give up pride and our rebellious ways
To distinguish black and white from all the greys
To go without that another might have
While acknowledging all the bounty that one has

pondering our Fast and Testimony meeting...

Each Song We Sing- Teaching

Each song we sing
Or drill we say
Helps us move along
And improve in some way

You Know Enough

You know enough
I feel to say
For when times get rough
You know to pray

Pondering
Elder Niel L. Andersen
You Know Enough

Prior to His Second Coming

Prior to His second coming
Our Lord has restored His word
Preparing us for what's forthcoming
As through the Spirit it is heard

Through a line of Apostles and Prophets
We've new revelation and scripture
Which have been recorded for our profit
To help us prepare well and endure

Upon this continent, centuries ago
There lived a people chosen of God
Who preserved their record- that we might know
God's word is for holding as a rod

Their record, made on plates of metal
Was buried in a hill nearby
Starting from the days of babel
They were last sealed up by Moroni

His final message was meant for us
As he'd seen a vision of our day
And as he knew our greatest weakness
He warns us of what will come our way

Like his people newly destroyed
We must beware of what might snare
As pride is what we should avoid
For the natural man is found there

He testifies of the appearance
Of Jesus Christ to this land
A second witness for adherence
Of God's laws, He helps us understand

They had seen the star of Bethlehem
And felt the earth groan at His death
He truly then came and spoke to them
And taught God's laws and precepts

The book contains a special promise
That if we pray, we might know
The sacredness of its witness
That to the seeker it does show

Through this nation destined to be free
The priesthood was restored
That with the spred of liberty
We have temples unto our Lord

Let us ever be watchful
Of conspiracies today
Without freedom all would be awful
Let us self educate and pray

The path of losing the peace we know
Involves an insidious plan
Of getting power and gain to overthrow
The freedoms of each land

First, we must awake to our judges
Who can usurp power and destroy
Our rights, freedoms, and even justice
While limiting the pursuits we enjoy

Let us not be apologetic
Of our faith, hopes, and dreams
Being righteous and not apathetic
Let us insist on sovereignty

Let us each lean more to God
For the answer to our needs
While holding to the iron rod
And enjoying where that leads

Let us look to that perfect day
When our Lord will return again
And be to all the Word and Way
With evil coming to an end

Because He Makes Her Cry

“From page 14 I'm emotionally caught
Through this book, I know I'll be taught
The characters are so real to me
That in my imagination each I can see

In this book that quickly speaks of tears
I am moved by the quiet faith that with them appears...”

Having finished this book. I want to read another in the series- so in love with the characters. Krogh is also a wonderful poet. His poems can also make you cry. He must have a very big heart.

Jarem Frye - Athlete, Amputee, Mormon

When given the chance
To live and move on
He improved his circumstance
And fashioned a body strong

Learning

Learning comes in many ways
As through study the effort pays
With banks of thought leaving a trail
To then resurface if saved well

♫ Father runs triathlon with his son in tow

Will you be my legs to the finish
And carry me today
That in the wind I might witness
What it is like to play

Let me feel the rhythm of motion
The sway of symmetry
Let me take that joyous potion
Only sweaty movement brings

Then, freed to travel far
I feel to say "I can!"
Following this dream's star
I close my eyes and feel I ran!

Shannon's Words

The Lord looks on the heart
And knows our every need
If we do our part
To great places He will lead


At birth she fit in one hand
And her development was slow
Academics was hard to understand
But she shone in ways most will never know

For she could play a tune by ear
And sign to the deaf
With the Spirit near
She became quite adept

Through a burning desire
She was called on a mission
This truly did try her
As shyness was an admission

She trusted in her call
That the Lord knew her best
Humble, she gave her all
And let the Spirit do the rest

She doesn't remember what she said
As a man sat beside her
He asked her about what she read
She opened her mouth, and let God guide her

Proving prepared to hear
The words that she could sign
His loved ones soon drew near
All a part of God's design

You don't have to be smart
To serve our Heavenly Father
Just desire to do your part
And He'll take you that much farther

I was watching this video- and saw that the mission president and his wife were faces from the past. My old Bishop! Over 20 years ago!

The world is oh, so small-
and getting only smaller.
Through the internet and all.
And the design of Heavenly Father.

God is My Salvation

God is my salvation
I will trust and be not afraid
He watches over every nation
Through His plan carefully laid

With joy, I drink from water
That springs forth ever giving
The love of Heavenly Father
For faith and righteous living

pondering 2 Nephi 22 in a sleepless night

How Great Shall Be Your Joy

How great shall be your joy
In bringing souls to me
With light that they rejoice
From the beauty that they see

Then find your faith renewed
From the tears that they share
As you see the gospel viewed
With new eyes tender there

pondering the First Presidency Message in this month's Ensign