Sunday, December 23, 2018

The Foolish Wise

How foolish the wise
Who hearkeneth not
Who believe but lies
As God they've not sought

good if 2 Nephi 9:29 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/9?id=p29〈=eng#p29

Saturday, December 15, 2018

Will

The will of the flesh
Opens the way
To captivity, death
And even Hell, some day

And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. 2 Nephi 2:29 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?id=p29〈=eng#p29

Sunday, December 9, 2018

Humbly

Humbly in prayer I decided
To seek more of God's Word
To be personally guided
By what  I felt and heard

Eulogy of George Bush Senior

When you look with mature eye's
At the picture of power
You see that no matter what tries
You must lead and empower

I love this article. Bush lead a nation to a better path. He built them up trusting them to not be the enemy again.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/peggy-noonan-history-finally-gives-george-bush-his-due

The Good Part

Choose, again, the good part
It's full of light and truth
It's not too late to start
We are all in our youth
...Good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your soul
2 Nephi 2:30 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?id=p30〈=eng#p30

Heed Please

Along the promised path
No matter where you're at
You must choose. You must act.
So, heed, please! Stay on track!

Imagine signs posted along the path. Words of advice from those who've been there. Endure, press on, caution, and yes,  HEED!
Heed- pay attention, listen , notice, attend, care.

heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon. 15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. 2 Nephi 2:14–15 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?id=p14-p15〈=eng#p14

Revealed

What is concealed before each face?
That the Lord is there, offering grace
Let go of pride and anxiety
Open your eyes to who you are to be
He would that all have eyes to see
His light and love is for you and me

Happiness in and Through the Atonement

Grace and mercy, light and truth
Come in and through the atonement
The love that you feel is proof
That God's holiness has been sent

happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement 2 Nephi 2:10 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2?id=p10〈=eng#p10

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Vision

Let the Lord show you
Great and marvelous things
Go to His House oft.
Pray oft. See what this brings!!

unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men. 3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things. 1 Nephi 18:2–3 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/18?id=p2-p3〈=eng#p2

All You Need

Faith, diligence, and heed
Are the ingredients you need
To know the path to take
For survival indeed.

And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren and the sons of Ishmael and our wives. 28 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith and diligence and heed which we did give unto them. 1 Nephi 16:27–28 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/16?id=p27-p28〈=eng#p27

Endure as the Storm Rages On

The storm rages
And everything's bleak
Look for God's hand
And answers you seek

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-10-22/president-oaks-elder-bednar-visit-florida-after-hurricane-michael-and-answer-why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people-48280

Be Their Voice

For those who've died
Be their voice
See the person
Not the choice

The S Word

A movie about those who have committed suicide from all walks of life.

https://www.documentary.org/film/s-word

Hark Back

It is because of weakness
That we trample under our feet
What is of worth, even meekness
Halt, repent, harken, and God heed

upon plates save it be that I think it be sacred. And now, if I do err, even did they err of old; not that I would excuse myself because of other men, but because of the weakness which is in me, according to the flesh, I would excuse myself. 7 For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his 1 Nephi 19:6–7 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/19?id=p6-p7〈=eng#p6

Harken-  grammarist.com
https://grammarist.com/spelling/hark-harken-hearken

An old sense of the verb hark (which mainly means to listen) was used in hunting with hounds, where the phrase hark back denoted the act of returning along the course taken to recover a lost scent. 1 This is the origin of the modern sense of hark back, which means to recall, to return, or to retrace one's steps.

Hark, harken, and hearken

Stricken in Years

The more one's stricken in years
And declining much
There's a new way that fear nears
As love one wants to touch

17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick 1 Nephi 18:17 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/18?id=p17〈=eng#p17

Cause and Effect


Do not be the cause
Of a family's disgrace
Obey Heaven's laws
And prosperity embrace

17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. 18 Because of their grief and much sorrow, and the iniquity of my brethren, they were brought near even to be carried out of this time to meet their God; yea, their grey hairs were about to be brought down to lie low in the dust; yea, even they were near to be cast with sorrow into a watery grave. 19 And Jacob and Joseph 1 Nephi 18:17–19 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/18?id=p17-p19〈=eng#p17

Venom

Lest you breathe out venom
And your soul destroy
Listen to your elders
Who know the path of joy!

afflictions. 17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should 1 Nephi 18:16–17 https://www.lds.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/18?id=p16-p17〈=eng#p16

Monday, November 19, 2018

Belong


Repent
Repent
Repent and turn your heart to Him
Have faith and begin
A cleansing from sin
For strength to endure
His path is ever sure
Pray on
Read on
Heed on and feel the love of God
Christ lights from within
We've power through Him
For strength to go on
With Him we belong!
Hold on!
Press on!

All In

Be all in-
100 percent.
Be loyal-
Surrender, repent!

Sunday, November 4, 2018

A Shake Up

A shake up
A sifting
A wake up
For lifting

I heard someone say that the changes the church has announced will be a time of sifting.  Meaning some may leave not agreeing with the changes.
Our only true security is the Lord.  When we become comfortable, we are not growing.  It is when things get shook up that we become something more and grow. And who is better to know what we are going through than the Bread of Life?  

Anchor Your Heart to the Lord

Anchor your heart to the Lord
Put your faith and trust in Him
Know He is there, through the storm
Ever and always within

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Joyful Gospel Study

To hallow the Sabbath
And make it more a delight
In the home we'll have
Studies of truth and light

Friday, October 5, 2018

Joseph Smith Honed and Prepared

Honed and prepared
He was in need of strength
Humbly he shared
How he developed faith

I love the new Saints book


https://ldsbookstore.com/saints-the-story-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-in-the-latter-days?feed=Froogle&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl9zdBRDgARIsAL5Nyn1OUdREC4p_JNrevQywQINCt5rL7EgTXzfsFR04eHLuL_H0vMfGm6kaAsYkEALw_wcB

hone a carving knife. to enlarge or finish (a hole) with a hone. to make more acute or effective; improve; perfect: to hone one's skills.

I loved learning how Joseph had laid an ax in the grove knowing he intended to go back there in the morning to speak aloud in prayer. The need for prayer and the assurance that he would receive an answer was not a sudden event.  Thoughts were being planted in his soul and developing line upon line.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Taking Offense

To take offense is a choice
Don't raise a stink or your voice

Be accepting that at times people are clumsy, selfish, and unthinking.

You Don't Have to Make It BIG

You don't have to make it big
To be wondrous and great
Just make the effort and dig
Put your best on your plate

Teachers

We are each a teacher
Sharing what we know
It will be easier
If in light we grow

Impressive

Who is so impressive
That you better strive?
That every day you live
You're happy you're alive

The Savior is impressive-
His selflessness and love
Everything He does does give
Us a chance to look up

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Hymns

Don't let words that swear
Settle in your mind.
Recall hymns to hear
And a prayer you will find

Your Portion

Make haste
To choose the right
Don't waste
God's precious Light

Stay Put

https://youtu.be/9CfmWjEHdJA

Stay by the tree
For eternal life
Endure and seek
The Lord's love and light

History a Foreign Country

https://youtu.be/K_ste5qjZPQ

Consider all history
Like a foreign country
Seek the past for truth and light
And let it improve your life

Purely Sweet

https://youtu.be/Znzx2HXY8fo

Where Justice, Love, and Mercy meet
Is always at the Savior's feet
He'll help you, save you, lift you up
Unto a life made purely sweet

Saturday, August 25, 2018

Increasing God

I must decrease
And put off the natural man
That God increase
According to His will and plan

John the Baptist said "I must decrease and God must increase."  It was time for the Saints to follow Christ and look to Him for leadership.  And, then John suffered imprisonment and humiliation in death.
Under Christ's leadership, no one can say Christ is imperfect/ powerless/unknowing/uncaring and use that as an excuse to fall away. Always point to Him for strength, wisdom and direction; in humility and submit to His will, trusting in His plan, authority, power, and wisdom.

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Connect the Dots

Let God connect the dots,
That ye might see the Son of Man.
The invitation is ours,
As we embrace His mighty plan!

Sunday, August 19, 2018

1 Nephi 8 And Here We'll Stay By the Tree

Narrator one

I pressed forward to obtain the path
That led unto the tree I saw
Where stood a man, a prophet of God
Imparting of the Word He hath
But mists arose, I wandered off
And became lost to what I’d had
And what a cost, an unspeakable cost
I lost insight, temptation's bad!

Narrator two
As mists arose, I caught a rod
And pressed forward clinging to reach
The tree! What fruit!  The love of God!
Freely available to each!
I looked about.  I heard some scoff
Raised up.  Just off.  In pride to teach
And what a cost, an unspeakable cost
I fell away, so quick to heed

 Narrator three
I too pressed on and caught the rod
I’d not wander or fall away
So determined that I would stay
And heed but words that came from God
I reached the tree, fell down to pray
And covenanted on holy sod
To partake of that fruit always
What tree! What fruit! What love from God!

Narrator four
Directionless, I felt my way
Like the others ahead, around
Along a road, It must be safe
But, it was not for many drowned
I with the flow saw what was great
A spacious building.  I had been found!
They dressed me up.  I laughed, pointing to say
"You’re missing out.  Come to high ground!"

Narrator one

This lofty place where all is well
I was content. How can it be?
That I’m now sad, my heart empty
For, I lost it all…in pride I fell

Narrator two

Contemplating, hungering still
My soul.  I came unto myself
The commandments.  What was God’s will?
I soon taught you. (1) We sought God’s help.

Narrator three

You found a friend (4) searching for more
The three of you sought out the tree
To meekly pray, repent, implore
And that was when you came to me

Narrator four

The mists parted I came to see
All I had done.  How my heart tore
I’d laughed at you to mocked and scorn
The Lord is all I now search for
And here I’ll stay. Here at the tree

all
And Here we'll stay.  Here at the tree

Full Speed Ahead

Full Speed Ahead 
on the path of Destruction 
ignoring rules said 
ignoring instruction

Sunday, July 29, 2018

I Believe

I believe in the good in you
And I grieve when you detour too
Remember that path so filled with light?
That is where your future is bright!

Friday, July 27, 2018

The Natural Man

The natural man is impulsive indeed
Telling you to partake of what you don't need
He is impatient to cause resolves to cave
And works hard to derail the changes you crave

How do you suppress impulsivity?
A laid out goal a strategy?
Willpower works until there is stress
Depend on God, who is ready to bless



Sunday, July 22, 2018

My Fondest Wish

My fondest wish,
With God's blessing,
Is to witness
What pure love brings

Bathing Glow

My sins, I've given up
So burning my desire
To be bathed in His love
And purified by fire

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Sunshine

Don't interfere
With your work or play
To sunshine, steer
Make the most of your day

Friday, July 20, 2018

The Heavens are Open

The heavens are open
And we are God's children
Let us work and hope on
That others may feel Him

Let us learn to discern
And to seek answers out
That the spirit may burn
And leave no room for doubt

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Dress Up

Nightmares dress up
Like fairy tales at first
Seeming like love
Then, every hope does burst

Open Up

Let your feelings
See the light of day
They're a part of you
It will be okay

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Heavenly Friendships

I feel as though I know you
Like we've met before
That the other time and place
Was more Heavenward

Self Soothing

Drink at the well
As much as you want
Let your soul swell
With the Lord be one

Do It

"Hang in there!" Is not a gospel truth
For there is nothing that we can't do
When we know it's the will of God
There is strength to see things through

See things through. Be patient
And endure to the end.
For in every occasion
The Savior is your friend.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Would You Rather?

Would you rather hold a flashlight,
With strangers at your side?
Or a trustworthy flood lamp,
Plus your very own guide?

He Knocks

He knocks at the door
But nobody hears
Engrossed all the more
With distractions and fears

Monday, July 16, 2018

When You Don't Know Why

When you cannot figure "why?"
No matter how hard you try
Raise your question in the Light
Which comes of Jesus Christ

Cast a Golden Light

Cast a golden light
On your soul today
Take upon you Jesus Christ
And His Spiirit obey

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Eminently Close

Satan works his deeds
Alongside of the gospel
Hoping to plants seeds
For weeds something awful

Interestingly, there is a river that flows near the tree of life in Lehi's dream which Nephi noticed in his like dream that the river was filthy with the depths of hell.

Monday, July 9, 2018

The First Time

Help me remember the first time
When I felt Thee near
When the Spirit taught
And how I did cheer

Help me remember how I felt
When I prayed and pled
When I fell and  knelt
And poured the words I said

Help me remember with my heart
How the tears run free
Because im a part
Of a ward family

Help me remember the first time
When I sang and took
The tray to partake
And how my hand shook

Help me remember and give thanks
For each sacrifice
Of Christ's atonement
How can words suffice?

Help me remember and be true
To covenants I've made
To be the Lord's hands
And freely give aid

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Narrow Path



Along the straight and narrow path
You become more aware of your sins
Even from those days now long past
For light sheds brighter as the veil thins

Pondering David J Ridge's book
The Book of Mormon Made Easier

Along the straight and narrow path
You become all the more aware
Of the sins near and past
As the way home becomes more clear

Along the straight and narrow path
Our Elder Brother is there
Exemplifying the way back
Through love He has to share

The narrow path is God's plan
It's the way to return home
Where each of us, His children can
Know pure love sure to hold

Failure is part of that plan
And affliction of every kind
As we fight off the natural man
To become as God designed

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Mormon's lifelong Wish

Some day
Some way
Some how
God's word will profit you
Such that you may feel as I do now

Words of Mormon 1
of my son Moroni, behold I have witnessed almost all the destruction of my people, the Nephites.
2 And it is many hundred years after the coming of Christ that I deliver these records into the hands of my son; and it supposeth me that he will witness the entire destruction of my people. But may God grant that he may survive them, that he may write somewhat concerning them, and somewhat concerning Christ, that perhaps some day it may profit them.

Monday, July 2, 2018

Move On

When life gets messy
Don't just stumble through
Look for the blessing
And start anew

A Chosen Vessel of Light

A chosen vessel of light
Needs the choicest oil, to be bright.
A drop at a time,  pure oil is found;
According to our thoughts, as good works abound.

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Depth of Symbolism

The depth of symbolism runs deep
Depending on where you stand
And your commitment level to keep
What you currently understand

Have you ever pondered the purpose of symbolism in the scriptures and how the message deepens or even changes through time and according to your need?

Sunday, June 17, 2018

Can You Imagine

Can you imagine, that because God's will was done,
The day will come where we will never be  apart again?
With God, family, and friends we will be as one;
Then, every celebration will go on-  forever without an end!
------------------------

Do a whole lot.
Add your faith. Do more!
Give all you've got
For God's will, explore!

------------------------

I have a perfect coach,
Exemplar, and friend
Who selflessly seeks my growth
And will stay with me to the end!

Saturday, June 9, 2018

New Life

Enter into his covenants
Be cleansed and submerged
Step forth unto new life
Of old ways be perged

There will be ups and downs
And pitfalls along the way
But you'll have the holy ghost
As God's covenants you obey

Write in a journal
Remember how you feel
doing what is right...
That forgiveness is real!

Mosiah 18
Fold of God
Bear burdens
Mourn
Comfort
Witness all times
All things
Redeemed
Return

Sunday, June 3, 2018

John the Baptist





John's witness of the Savior started within the womb. So powerful was their connection. Yet, in this life, there was no time for this kin's friendship to bloom. John (https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/john-the-baptist) "was the last of the prophets under the law of Moses, he was the first of the New Testament prophets, and he brought the Aaronic Priesthood to the dispensation of the fulness of times."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_dr9njVzKM

All Things are Possible

How can it be, that anything come of me?  But, with God all things are possible.  I have things to do and places to be. With the Spirit I'm unstoppable.

Luke 1:26-38

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be? The Holy Ghost 37) For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Your Lifeline to the Lord- The Book of Mormon

Stretch beyond anything you have ever done before. 
The Holy Ghost will whisper truth through this lifeline to the Lord.

#beone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I43VRudhMw

Easter is Hope

Can a broken life be mended? Is there hope in the world today? Life in the darkness is ended when we repent, turn to Christ, and pray. Hallelujah, Yes.  Easter is hope, alway.


Easter Music and the Spoken Word

How I Escaped

When, once, hunger was all I could feel
and music was my escape;
only the scars makes this time real
and seeing that old landscape.

How does hatred for a race come to this? Be one. Always we are all children of GOD!

How I Escaped The Holocaust



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcc8xCZ35KI

Break Through All Your Fears

Write down and break through your fears
On a piece of wood, karate chop!
Strengthening confidence appears
When you name your fears and say, "Stop!"

The young men went to camp and did this exercise. Some of the boys couldn't break the wood alone, just like we sometimes need help to get through scary times.

Saturday, June 2, 2018

Be One


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I43VRudhMw




On every continent and on the isles of the sea, the faithful are being prepared where 'er they might be to walk across bridges of cooperation and peace; united as Saints and as one big family

Sunday, May 27, 2018

A Change in Tune

Luke met Duke while in grade one
And grew huge in attitude
They abused the rules to poke fun
In music, they were quite rude!

Luke's mother has not a clue
For at home he is so cute
He's kind and does not argue
To amuse, he plays his flute

Duke, like a human statue,
Refuses his mom's every rule
Oft in the refuse she must rescue
His band uniform for school

One day, Luke's mom got a call
He had said a word like mule!
She did not think this cute at all
He had to pay for her fuel

Rude is not so popular
That night mom had barbecue
While poor Luke washed the car
And ate what prunes he could chew

His mom made him wear a suit
The next day.  His mood was blue
He told Duke he was a brute
This change in tune was past due!


Change tune - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/change+tune
to change the manner of a person, usually from bad to good, or from rude to pleasant.

Great poem to teach long u, manners, and idioms.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

The Book of Love -The Book of Mormon

When you feel far away
And that you don't measure up
Find a quiet place and pray
And go to the book of  love

President Nelson listed 12 things of what we need to do:
seek
pour out our hearts
find a quiet spot
listen
write it down
humble yourself
and do these day by day

stretch beyond
increase purity
exact obedience
earnestly seek
Daily read the scriptures and feast- especially the Book of Mormon
Commit to regular family history and temple work

At the Helm


Though a gun is to your head
And your plane is crashing down
Know that God is at the helm
And His angels all around


Our prophet was preserved for our day (twice)
For the times that we live in
He has been given words to say
Oh yes!  How, we sustain Him!

http://www.ldsliving.com/When-Angels-Saved-President-Russell-M-Nelson-s-Life-What-We-Know-About-Heavenly-Messengers/s/80645 (Yes, the gun pointed at his head did not go off for a reason.)

Men's Hearts Shall Fail Them - LDS.org

https://www.lds.org/.../2011-11-020-mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?...
Elder Russell M. Nelson shares a personal story to give encouragement for when we feel "weak in the heart." (Yes, the plane did not crash for a reason. Miraculously, the precipitous dive extinguished the flames...)


At the helm | Define At the helm at Dictionary.com

www.dictionary.com/browse/at-the-helm
In charge, in command, as in With Charles at the helm, the company is bound to prosper. This phrase transfers the idea of steering a ship to directing other enterprises

Firm and Steadfast

What we did in the past.
Is now not enough.
Be both firm and steadfast
Be faithful.  It's tough!

Steadfast vs Resolute - What's the difference? | WikiDiff

https://wikidiff.com/steadfast/resolute
is that steadfast is fixed or unchanging; steady while resolute is firm, unyielding, determined

Ask Seek Knock Believe

He whispers in our ears
And enters the heart!
Life's confusion, He clears,
If we do our part!

Spiritual Sensitivity

Vast, sweeping world events
As spectacular as they may be
Dwelled on too much prevents
Spiritual sensitivity

A Community of Saints A Ward

What we lack in numbers
We make up in unity
We are not just members
We are a community

Don't Leave

Don't leave!
Stick it out!
Believe!
God's about!

Dig In Your Heels

Dig in your heels
Tell Satan, "Be Gone!"
Apathy steals
Testimonies, strong!

Dig in your heels
Hardness can break
The Spirit heals
Tell your heart, "Awake!"






Dig heels in - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/dig+heels+in
To cling stubbornly to one's beliefs, position, or wishes. Please let me tell my side of the story before youdig your heels in on this, OK? I told Grace she can't go, ..

Hit the Ball

Knock that ball
Out of the park
Give your all
Prayer is the start

Aim with faith
Make that contact
Face to face
There's strength to act

Hit the ball out of the park is an idiom that means to do something extraordinarily well.
What better thing to do exceptionally well, than to teach the gospel to a golden contact.

Unified Desire

Sharing, in hope and weakness,
With loving open hearts;
We, in all our meekness,
Desire what God imparts.


Take Heart

Trust in His plan
And roll with the punches
Pray for His hand
For, He heals what He touches

Trust God. He knows
Ask Him, "What is my part?"
Mercy, He shows
To His words then, take heart!

take heart 
meaning: to feel encouraged, take comfort

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Harness Light

Come out of the darkness
Step into the light
Awaken and harness
A wealth of insight

Reverence and Awe

Speak in reverential tones
And contemplate in awe
How the Lord alone atoned
And did so for us all.!

I love The Infinite Atonement by Tad Callister. I hope to finish reading it some day.

Your Friend

Christ is our friend
Unto the end
Offering love
From God, above

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Your True Colors

Your true colors show
When you are stressed and confused
When you are in pain
And all resources you've used

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Ministry Assigned

Be a tool in the Master's hand
For the eternal life of man
Minister to those you're assigned
And love them as the Lord's designed

Ministry

This ministry's new
Let the Spirit confirm
These changes are true
Its blessings to learn

Willing

What are you willing to forgo?
What are you willing to give up?
So on the Lord's path you may go
Satisfied that you have enough!

Filter Out the World One Day In Seven

Where was my filter
To shut the word out?
I was in error.
There is no doubt!
I am so sorry.
For I know you're in pain.
How I do worry!
Yes, the word was profane!

************************
Break From the World We Share

It's "in the moment"
That the world comes out
The ears lie open
And listen about
Walk away and sing
So you won't later grieve
Hold to the spirit
Say goodbye and leave

Still, there's no escape!
Again and again
This audiotape
Is stuck at the end!
What am I to do?
I'm filled with dispair!
The Sabbath, renews?
Do not doubt.  I'm there!

Break from the world we share!
One day out of seven
And show the Lord you care!
His day is like Heaven

Sunday, April 15, 2018

Love the Lord

An image of a young man and an elderly woman, combined with a quote by Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “Our example should be such that no one can deny that the Latter-day Saints love the Savior.”

The Lord asked, "Peter, Lovest thou me?"
Three times in the end
One for each time he'd denied Him
We all forget our friend.

Love the Lord. Don't deny Him
If you do... NOW! Repent!
You know naught what did try Him
For you, to what extent

Broken Homes Can Mend

Broken homes can mend
Bettered by Jesus Christ
Pray now this begin
So children can be all right

Kintsukuroi Master Refiner

 Image result for kintsugi

Broken.  Shattered, in fact.
One feels SO of no use.
But, our souls can be put back!
Oh, how this is good news!

The Master refiner of gold
Picks up the pieces, the shards
And makes beauty out of the old
Us, He never ever discards

Transformed out of our pain
There's awe in what we've been through
See now what was once plain?
Wow!  What His atonement can do!


;The belief of kintsukuroi is that the piece is more beautiful for being broken. This is a great metaphor for our lives. In the Bible, Job declares his belief that when his trials are over, he “shall come forth as gold.”https://www.ldsdaily.com/personal-lds-blog/this-beautiful-japanese-technique-of-fixing-pottery-teaches-us-gospel-truth/

Refiner; Refining Definition and Meaning - Bible Dictionary

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/refiner-refining/

REFINER; REFINING. re-fin'-er, re-fin'-ing: Two Hebrew words have been translated "refine": (1) tsaraph, literally, to "fuse" (Zechariah 13:9; Isaiah 48:10; Malachi 3:2,3, etc.). The same word is rendered also "tried" (Psalms 66:10); "melt" (Jeremiah 6:29 the King James Version); "purge" (Isaiah 1:25). (2) zaqaq, literally, to ...

You'll Not Get Home on the Lazy River

A painting of three men men in a small fishing boat during a storm at sea.
storm boat sailors sea wave new testament seminary teacher manual lesson 122
You'll not get home on the Lazy River
Expect to get tossed about
You may experience your faith waver
But do not give in to doubt

You Are In Good Company


Friends, you don't think you have any,
Because you feel quite beat up.
Know, you are in good company.
The Lord drank up your bitter cup.
In truth, this was just one of many.

Second Coming


A painting by Harry Anderson showing Christ in white robes and a red sash, standing on a cloud with His arms outstretched.

“His eyes as a flame of fire"; 
May they penetrate my soul

Arrayed in His brilliance of light
May His touch ignite me whole

And his voice," the rush of great waters", 
May He prepare me for glorious matters

How glorious will be that day
Of The Truth, The Light, The Way!

“His eyes were as a flame of fire;
 the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; 
his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; 
and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters”  
Doctrine and Covenants 110:3

Minister Again and Again

An image of Christ with a text overlay quoting Elder D. Todd Christofferson: “The greatest service we can provide to others … is to bring them to Christ.”

Just as dew daily comes, let Heaven
Nourish and bathe you in light    
Fed with faith, in thanks, given
Minister much through insight.

Minister- give time, converse, encourage

“It takes time, conversations 
and encouraging experience 
that will help rebuild faith,” 
Andersen said. 
“It comes more like the dew from heaven 
than a one-time blast from a fire hose. 
You have to minister again and again 
as you help someone turn back to God, 
again relying on the Savior 
and his atonement.”

Friday, April 6, 2018

Chew On It

God nourishes us
A nibble at a time
How this encourages
For His new thing to try

Monday, April 2, 2018

Take the First Step

Please, take the first step
And I'll invite you in
Lean. I will forget
That you hurt me in sin.

Dampen

The soul, filled with light
Does make the devil mad
Ever he does fight
To dampen life in man

Dampen | Definition of Dampen by Merriam-Webster

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen
Define dampen: to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : deaden; to make damp; damp — dampenin a sentence.

Preserved



Oh, to think and dream with light
Protected in the night
Preserved from what harms
To sleep well in Thy arms

Heaven's Prized Gift

A girl with long brown hair bowing her head while two men in suits place their hands on her head to confirm her a member of the Church.

Heaven's prized gift
To be treasure the most
Is freely given
It is the Holy Ghost

Rest and Feel

Rest from all daily labors
And that which weighs you down
Turn to our loving Savior
Feel His Spirit more around

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Perfect pitch

Strike a perfect pitch
Tune in to the Lord
Life is enriched
When you heed His Word

How exciting to hear from and learn of our new prophet's life and family. I love BYU half time conference.

Brilliant Mind- Tender Heart

Endure and You SHALL Triumph

Endure
And you shall triumph
Secure
Seek from the highest

https://youtu.be/ENDfYD-4giE

Friday, March 30, 2018

Research

Research and tuck in your heart
Your heritage and records
For roots' origin, start
You'll be blessed for your efforts

Brave the Storm

With much to face
Go. Brave the Storm
Gathered in faith
Hope does restore

Heaven's Light

The search for wisdom,
Is a human right
Religious freedom
Spreads forth Heaven's light

https://youtu.be/_XnNpDylGlw

Gone But Not Forgotten

The work of a lifetime
Can be gone in a minute
Go and serve...and be kind
Love, offer, and visit

https://youtu.be/_XnNpDylGlw

Heritage

We all need each other
Through the highs and the lows
As we love one another
Faith's community grows

https://youtu.be/_XnNpDylGlw

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Ripples

What's a perfect pebble
Without waters, still?
Oh then it's great impact
To expand and thrill!

Beyond the Veil

Blessings come from on high
As we attend to our kin
They know of mortal life
They need us and we need them

What do you think? Is this thought true for you?

There is a link beyond the veil.
Sealed to our kin we will not fail.
And what of them? They can progress.
This is Heaven: to love and bless.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

The Sabbath

Deepen your faith
Strengthen your home
Each Sabbath day
Frame it for hope

Kirkland Temple Blessing

Arm yourself with power
Face the challenges of life
Spiritual blessings shower
When you turn your life to Jesus Christ

It is worth every effort
To take upon His name
You'll know strength and comfort
And no longer be afraid

Come. Embrace His gospel...
The doors of Heaven await
All things are possible
If we exercise our faith

We can leap into the dark
And face the jaws of death
We can know inside the heart
Relief from sorrow's debt

The Master's Touch

Staggering in sin
Faultering much
I searched within
For the Master's touch
For the path to take
I pondered. I prayed.
I plead. "Point the way
Out...from the choices I made!"

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Staggering Fool

I am as a fool
Staggering in sin
Ignoring this great rule:
I've the Lord, within.

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Do Tell Do Ask

When you are in need of help,
How you need Him, tell.
He'll come to your side.
His love will abide,
Indeed, purely to swell.

Imagine being able to say: “I have always needed the help of the Lord, and I have always asked for it,”5

My Shelfari Bookshelf

Shelfari: Book reviews on your book blog

Blog Archive

power to change

power to change
comes from words from the heart

Popular Posts

The Captain of the Soul- Invictus/ The Soul's Captain by Elder Orson F. Whitney

Invictus by William E. Henley
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance,
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

The Soul's Captain [The Answer]
by Elder Orson F. Whitney
of the Quorum of the Twelve
Art thou in truth? Then what of him
Who bought thee with his blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood?
Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but him could bear.
The God who died that man might live,
And endless glory share?
Of what avail thy vaunted strength,
Apart from his vast might?
Pray that his Light may pierce the gloom,
That thou mayest see aright.
Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree.
Thou, captain of thy soul, forsooth
Who gave that place to thee?
Free will is thine — free agency
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto him
To whom all souls belong.
Bend to the dust that head "unbowed,"
Small part of Life's great whole!
And see in him, and him alone,
The Captain of thy soul

He's Been There Before

He's Been There Before by Elder Troy Whittle
The alarm bell rings at 6:30, I stumble to my feet
I grab my companions bedding and pull off his sheets
A groan fills the room, is it already time to arise?
It seems like just a second ago I was able to shut my eyes

The morning activities follow- study, prayer and such
When it's time to leave the apartment, you feel you haven't accomplished much
"We have a super day planned," My comp. says with a grin
I lowly utter a faithless breath, "Yeah, if anyone lets us in."

With the word of God and my faithful Schwinn, we ride off in the street prepared to
Face another day of humidity and heat
It's 9:30 in the evening, the day is almost through
My champion and I are riding home not accomplishing what we thought to do

We ride up to the mailbox, hoping to receive a lot
Only to look inside and hear my echo reverberate "air Box"
We go up to our apartment, the day is now complete
The only thing to show for our work is a case of blistery feet

It's past 10:30 p.m. My companion is fast asleep,
Silence engulfs me all about and I begin to weep
In the midst of sadness, I kneel down to pray
I need to talk to father, but I'm not sure what to say

"Oh, Father" I begin, "What happened to us today?
I thought we'd teach somebody, but everyone was away
My hands, my aching hands- worn, hurt and beat;
If our area was any smaller, we'd have knocked every street"

"Why on missions are the days so much alike?
The only difference about today was the flat tire on my bike
Will you send some cooler weather? The heat is killing me
I sweat so bad, it gets in my eyes, it's very hard to see"

"Why do I have to wear a helmet, isn't your protection enough?
People always laugh at me, and call me stupid stuff
Please send us investigators so I may give them what they lack
I want to give them Books of Mormon, the weight of them hurts my back"

"And what about my family: They don't have much to say
I'm sick of not hearing from home day after day after day
Oh Father, Why am I here am I just wasting time?
Sometimes I just want to go home, I'm sorry but that's on my mind"

"My companion, Heavenly Father, what are you giving me?
"The way he rides his bicycle, I don't think he can see
Now you have it, I can't go on, I don't know what to do
That, my Father in Heaven, is the prayer I have for you"

My prayer now finished, I stand up, then jump right into bed
I need my rest for tomorrow, we have another long day ahead
Sleep start to overtake me, I seem to drift away
Then it seems a vision takes me to another time in another day

I'm standing alone on the hill. The view is very nice
A man walks to wards me and says, "My name is Jesus Christ"
Tears of joy well up inside, I fall down to His feet
"Arise," He states, "Follow me to the shade. You and I need to speak"

My attention's towards my Savior, total and complete
He says, "Your mission is similar of what happened to me
I understand how you feel, I know what you're going through
In fact, it would be fair to say I've felt the same as you"

"I even know how you felt when no one listened to you
At times I felt not quite sure what else I could do
I know you don't like to ride a bicycle, for you a car would be sweet
Just remember the donkey I rode wasn't equipped with 21 speeds"

"I understand you don't like sweating, in fact it's something you hate
I remember when I sweat blood from ev’ry pore, oh the agony was great!
I see you don't like your companion- you'd rather have someone else-
I once had a companion named Judas who sold my life for wealth"

"It's hard to wear a helmet and have people make fun of you
I remember when they put thorns on my head and called me King of the Jews
So you feel burdened down by the weight of your pack
I recall how heavy the cross was when they slammed it on my back"


"Your hands hurt from tracting and knocking on doors all day
I guess when they pounded nails into mine, I ached in a similar way
It's hard not to hear from home when your family's not there to see
I lost communication on the cross and cried, "Father, why hast Thou forsaken me?"

"We have a lot in common, but there's a difference between us you see
I endured to the end and finished my mission, so follow and do like me"
He embraced me with His arms and His light filled me with His love
With tears in my eyes I watched as He went back to the Father above

I stood with awe and wonder when a beep rang in my head
I listened and heard the alarm, then realized I was in my bed
My companion let out a groan, "6:30 already, no way!"
I sat up and said, "Come on, I'll even carry your scriptures today!"

No matter what we go through, when we feel we can't take more
Just stop and think about Jesus Christ, He's been there before
By Elder Troy Whittle
Texas Houston Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

These poems are my own thoughts and impressions as I study the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints

I encourage you to read from the Book of Mormon and the standard works, and listen to modern day prophets, also, that your mind and heart might be touched.

Kelly Miller

153 Countries Visited! June 2015


Global Statistics
Visits from 153 countries registered.
No.CountryDate of Last VisitPercent & Number of Visits ↓
1
United States
June 15, 2015
82.86%25,281
2
United Kingdom
June 14, 2015
2.61%795
3
Canada
June 13, 2015
2.42%737
4
Australia
June 13, 2015
1.81%551
5
Philippines
June 14, 2015
1.35%412
6
New Zealand
June 14, 2015
0.99%303
7
India
June 14, 2015
0.79%241
8
Brazil
June 14, 2015
0.58%176
9
Germany
May 15, 2015
0.49%151
10
Mexico
June 3, 2015
0.40%121
11
South Africa
June 8, 2015
0.34%105
12
Russian Federation
Apr 20, 2015
0.26%80
13
France
June 3, 2015
0.21%64
14
Malaysia
June 5, 2015
0.14%44
15
Czech Republic
Apr 17, 2015
0.14%42
16
Pakistan
Mar 21, 2015
0.13%41
17
Spain
Apr 28, 2015
0.13%41
18
Italy
June 8, 2015
0.13%39
19
Netherlands
May 28, 2015
0.12%38
20
Europe
June 11, 2015
0.11%35
21
Indonesia
May 18, 2015
0.11%35
22
Cote D'Ivoire
May 17, 2015
0.11%35
23
Japan
Apr 17, 2015
0.11%33
24
Singapore
May 28, 2015
0.11%33
25
United Arab Emirates
Apr 25, 2015
0.10%32
26
Argentina
Apr 27, 2015
0.10%31
27
Korea, Republic of
Feb 1, 2015
0.10%31
28
-
May 10, 2015
0.10%31
29
Thailand
Apr 5, 2015
0.10%30
30
Ireland
May 19, 2015
0.10%29
31
Jamaica
June 1, 2015
0.09%28
32
Turkey
June 14, 2015
0.09%28
33
Trinidad and Tobago
May 18, 2015
0.09%26
34
Sweden
May 8, 2015
0.09%26
35
Guatemala
May 5, 2015
0.08%24
36
Denmark
May 10, 2015
0.08%23
37
Saudi Arabia
May 1, 2015
0.07%20
38
Nigeria
Apr 4, 2015
0.07%20
39
Hong Kong
Apr 18, 2015
0.07%20
40
Colombia
May 29, 2015
0.07%20
41
Chile
Mar 23, 2015
0.06%19
42
Finland
Mar 25, 2015
0.06%19
43
Taiwan
Mar 28, 2015
0.06%18
44
Romania
May 17, 2015
0.06%18
45
Fiji
Feb 27, 2015
0.06%17
46
Ghana
May 8, 2015
0.06%17
47
Belgium
May 30, 2015
0.05%16
48
Switzerland
Apr 12, 2015
0.05%16
49
Poland
Apr 6, 2015
0.05%15
50
American Samoa
Apr 10, 2015
0.05%14
51
Ecuador
Feb 23, 2015
0.05%14
52
Serbia
Mar 10, 2015
0.05%14
53
Austria
Apr 8, 2015
0.04%13
54
Senegal
Nov 24, 2014
0.04%13
55
Norway
June 1, 2015
0.04%13
56
Uruguay
Aug 18, 2014
0.04%12
57
Peru
Apr 13, 2015
0.04%12
58
Portugal
Apr 6, 2015
0.04%12
59
Kenya
Oct 29, 2014
0.04%12
60
Tonga
Dec 9, 2014
0.04%11
61
Dominican Republic
Mar 12, 2015
0.04%11
62
Hungary
Feb 16, 2015
0.03%10
63
Guyana
Apr 28, 2015
0.03%10
64
Bangladesh
Jan 19, 2015
0.03%9
65
Algeria
Feb 5, 2015
0.03%9
66
Kuwait
Mar 30, 2015
0.03%9
67
Egypt
Apr 4, 2015
0.03%9
68
Belize
May 8, 2015
0.03%9
69
Costa Rica
Feb 4, 2015
0.03%8
70
Bahamas
Jan 9, 2015
0.03%8
71
Israel
Feb 27, 2015
0.03%8
72
Ukraine
Jan 24, 2015
0.03%8
73
Asia/Pacific Region
June 9, 2015
0.03%8
74
Honduras
Feb 6, 2015
0.02%7
75
Cyprus
Mar 21, 2015
0.02%7
76
Guam
Apr 10, 2015
0.02%7
77
Greece
June 2, 2015
0.02%7
78
China
Dec 16, 2014
0.02%7
79
Panama
Apr 7, 2015
0.02%6
80
Morocco
Mar 3, 2015
0.02%6
81
Sri Lanka
Sept 28, 2014
0.02%6
82
Iraq
Feb 25, 2015
0.02%6
83
Togo
June 6, 2015
0.02%6
84
Botswana
May 7, 2015
0.02%6
85
El Salvador
Apr 23, 2015
0.02%5
86
Vietnam
Oct 30, 2014
0.02%5
87
Cook Islands
June 3, 2015
0.02%5
88
Bulgaria
Oct 27, 2014
0.02%5
89
Lithuania
June 23, 2014
0.02%5
90
Slovakia
Jan 19, 2015
0.02%5
91
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mar 23, 2015
0.02%5
92
French Polynesia
Nov 23, 2014
0.02%5
93
Bahrain
Nov 11, 2014
0.02%5
94
Slovenia
Jan 16, 2015
0.02%5
95
Grenada
Mar 10, 2015
0.02%5
96
Qatar
Jan 15, 2015
0.02%5
97
Saint Lucia
May 8, 2015
0.02%5
98
Puerto Rico
Feb 27, 2015
0.01%4
99
Tunisia
Jan 23, 2015
0.01%4
100
Malta
Mar 22, 2015
0.01%4
101
Croatia
Jan 20, 2015
0.01%4
102
New Caledonia
Jan 13, 2015
0.01%4
103
Barbados
Apr 29, 2014
0.01%4
104
Azerbaijan
Jan 14, 2015
0.01%4
105
Moldova, Republic of
Nov 29, 2014
0.01%3
106
Lebanon
Feb 11, 2014
0.01%3
107
Zimbabwe
July 23, 2014
0.01%3
108
Benin
Feb 19, 2015
0.01%3
109
Antigua and Barbuda
Aug 1, 2014
0.01%3
110
Isle of Man
Dec 20, 2014
0.01%3
111
Bhutan
June 8, 2015
0.01%3
112
Venezuela
May 14, 2014
0.01%3
113
Georgia
Mar 3, 2015
0.01%2
114
Namibia
Oct 22, 2014
0.01%2
115
Armenia
Jan 12, 2015
0.01%2
116
Virgin Islands, U.S.
June 20, 2014
0.01%2
117
Jordan
May 19, 2015
0.01%2
118
Mozambique
June 23, 2014
0.01%2
119
Uganda
Aug 4, 2014
0.01%2
120
Marshall Islands
Jan 28, 2015
0.01%2
121
Mauritius
Feb 20, 2015
0.01%2
122
Oman
May 12, 2014
0.01%2
123
Curacao
Apr 29, 2015
0.01%2
124
Sierra Leone
Apr 26, 2015
0.01%2
125
Samoa
Nov 1, 2013
0.01%2
126
Saint Kitts and Nevis
June 30, 2013
0.01%2
127
Macau
July 18, 2014
0.01%2
128
Albania
Aug 17, 2014
0.01%2
129
Dominica
Mar 12, 2013
0.01%2
130
Ethiopia
Jan 8, 2015
0.01%2
131
Estonia
Mar 20, 2015
0.01%2
132
Cape Verde
May 27, 2013
0.00%1
133
Cayman Islands
July 27, 2014
0.00%1
134
Cambodia
Sept 16, 2013
0.00%1
135
Myanmar
July 18, 2014
0.00%1
136
Lesotho
Jan 12, 2013
0.00%1
137
Mongolia
Mar 14, 2015
0.00%1
138
Zambia
Apr 22, 2013
0.00%1
139
Montenegro
Nov 19, 2014
0.00%1
140
Kazakhstan
Jan 9, 2015
0.00%1
141
Nicaragua
May 29, 2014
0.00%1
142
Paraguay
Mar 10, 2013
0.00%1
143
Haiti
Feb 1, 2015
0.00%1
144
Timor-Leste
Feb 21, 2013
0.00%1
145
Iceland
June 20, 2014
0.00%1
146
Aruba
Jan 9, 2014
0.00%1
147
Liberia
Jan 3, 2014
0.00%1
148
Northern Mariana Islands
Oct 9, 2014
0.00%1
149
Gibraltar
Jan 27, 2014
0.00%1
150
Swaziland
June 16, 2014
0.00%1
151
Jersey
Mar 30, 2013
0.00%1
152
Niue
Nov 30, 2014
0.00%1
153
Latvia

Followers