Gifts and Talents

The magic of Christmas

The floating of love

Have nothing on this gift

From Heaven above!

What special gift do you have that comes from above? Isn't it incredible? 

Caught Up

I am thankful that we share

New expressions that show care.

We speak of high and low moments

And catch up on life's events.

#givethanks

President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude​

How do you heal

From what plagues you, today?

Give thanks that is real,

For all things, as you pray!

#givethanks

I am thankful for being a "passenger on this earth."

Day 1- I am thankful for people- especially little people.

Do Not Fear

Do not fear

What man can do

God is near

And can help you

So speak up

Be not ashamed 

Share His love

And praise His name

Claim His Love

Lay hold upon the Word of God

Find safety for your soul

Know for yourself all that is good

And search there for your role

The path is straight and narrow, too

Christ's love is there to find

Feel His Spirit in all you do

Speak to your heart and mind

Brain Based Learning Lecture Feb2014

Brain based learning, 

Establishes routines.

Through purpose, yearning

We retain new things!

It takes practice 

And errors that try

Perhaps, even, antics

To learn and apply 

Clusters to Manage

Clusters of memories 

dwell inside your mind.

Life's good and bad stories

Are there to remind.

That time you were hurt

Or... you blew your chance,

Can, oft, reoccur 

Given a circumstance.

Learn from life's drama.

Mature in your faith.

Those clusters handled

Opens doors you can face!

Actions Speak Volumes

Your actions may speak for you
In the name of Jesus Christ
Let Him guide the things you do
You, and others, too, may rise!

Actions speak volumes

Learn- listen anew.

Things you say and do

Let's God's Light shine through

Structure

Add structure to your day-

Build in some time to create;

For vision: ponder, pray,

Discern, and lean on faith

Make room for the sacred

Freedom is there,  to find

God's Word pondered, read

Speaks to the heart and mind.

Reading from my birthday present- The Epic Times October 2020. 

Wise habits- 

In High Demand?

https://youtu.be/sKR1c6__Klo

Thank you for reminding us of the power of prayer and God's Word to strengthen us! What a much needed message! So many families are exhausted. 

I have been feeling like there's a never ending demand placed on me as a distance teacher. Parents and students are feeling it, too. Data, data, data! Meanwhile there are too many who can't step up, catch up, or log in. I just love and help them all till there's nothing left. 

When you're in high demand

The days start to blur

Who, best, does understand?

Pray and read His word!

Imagine

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-09-007-brigham-city-temple-art?lang=eng

Imagine a peaceful place

Just to yourself.

Where you can think and feel

And receive help.

Would you not often go there

Seeking more to know

Life's answers, comfort, and care?

Your best side, then, to show?

Would you not tell all you love

Of this grandest place?

Where God's love flows from above

For hope, to embrace

A New Normal | Russell M. Nelson | October 2020

I love this message and need it more than ever.  I teach first grade and the seemingly impossible job of distance learning has added stress and hours to my day.  I worry about my students being further and further behind.  I worry about how they are coping. Have they been given too much computer time? I just want to be a light and help them feel joy in learning and to connect with each other!

We are in the middle of spirit/respect week. I think I am going to take a step back and look for divine potential in my students and myself, this week. Thank you for "getting us" and for having divine direction to get us back on course.



Tired of reality

And the direction you now face?

Assume a new normal

Where divine potential joins its place

See It Through

Just listening to Elder Ballard (November Sunday morning General Conference 2020) speak about feeling distracted from pain from a procedure done on his hand.  He had pressing work to do... How tender his heart his! He inspired me to write:



Distracted and in pain

With pressing work to do

I knelt and prayed and gained

The focus to see it through

Racism and Citizenship

 

Root out hatred.

It spreads like weeds.

Then plant a bed

Of faithful seeds!

President Oaks words were just what we need to hear! Read the following:

President Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency, speaks ... However, as followers of Christ we must forego the anger and hatred with ... Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we must do better to help root out racism.

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2020-10-03/general-conference-october-2020-saturday-morning-session-president-oaks-racism-politics-193993

Let the Book of Mormon Help You Find the Love of God

Let the words of Christ

Rest upon your mind,

Live within your heart,

And build your faith to find

The greatest fruit designed!

I just finished reading the Book of Mormon for the purpose of finding the Godhead.  I marked every name for Heavenly Father and and His Son and the Holy Ghost.  I have mixed feelings.

I highlighted so much of the book that I want to read it with a higher purpose, now. It really is the Word of God and can lead us unto the greatest fruit designed- the love of God. 

Another feeling I have is the weighing feeling of sadness for the destruction of an entire civilization  and how this could have been avoided if only...

Prayer Meets

Share a prayer

Let them know you care.

All anew, 

The words will flow from you!

When you meet, 

A path shows at your feet.

There, in faith, 

Comes strength to go and do

Truth

Rock bottom truth 

Which we can count on

Confirms its proof

It is never wrong

Longing

We long for those who taught us how to love. 

Each precious spirit called to home, above. 

Memories live on such that we know it's true, 

That Christ can bond that love unto Heaven, too!

Passerby

Looking out my window

At my prison wall

I saw a friendly fellow

Welcoming and tall.

Free public domain images of a roadrunner.

The Rescue

I deemed it an honor

To be at the right time and place

To lift your wings skyward

And give you your much needed space

I had just enough time to snap this morning photo before it flew away in grandeur.  Dragonfly photo.

The amazing thing is I had just been talking about having done this before and how I had wished I had made it a free public domain picture so the moment can be shared. Enjoy the magic with me! Share the moment with me! Who have you rescued? Who can you rescue?

Time Out

Go, walk along the timeless shore

Escape your cares and find much more

Breathe in the scent, the salt, the spray

Here is the place to go and pray

Here is the place where life endures

To build up hope, here life assures

Save your cares for another day

Spend time with God. He is the Way.

Now, if you cannot get to there

Know that God is always where

A prayer is said, He can be found

Eternally- He's all around

Picture Him, like you would

All that's holy, all that's good

Ponder where you can see afar

A sunrise, sunset, or a twinkling star

Awarding Power

Having all the power

Is never enough

Empower others,

Share, build them up

Pride

How do you both protest

And keep the Spirit, too?

Confront any presence 

Of pride inside of you

Develop a firm mind 

And an open heart.

The common ground, find

That's the place to start

Thinking about the Book of Mormon and all the wars. When is it okay to protest? Carry arms? 

We can be softened because of affliction...

We can be empathetic and understand the challenge of succumbing to sin, holding on to hatred, and following winds of doctrine that give false hope.

We can humbly seek for confidence, through the spirit, prayer, the scriptures, and guidance of prophets, to worthily fight injustice with a willing heart to, in a righteous cause, lay down our lives in protection of our lives, our freedom, our religion, our families, and our land.

We, then, can have righteous anger, faith, and strength to know what God would have us do as we see the enemy befriend, build up and support each other to undermine, craft evil, kill, and seek to destroy all that is good!

We can remind and try to soften hearts.

We can protest and unite to disassociate/ boycott. 

We can use the rule of law and make injustices known.

We can call on government for protection

We can fight along side government in the protection of our God given rights.

We can carry arms.

Our Driving Identity

Our driving identity 

For how we should act

Is we're of divinity

On a destined path

Glimpse

Christ's light shines upon us all 

No matter our present state

Perhaps that we might recall

God's love... and anticipate...

He is not an observer

Distant and remote

He is light to recenter,

Remind and promote!

Clearly there is much more,

Through faithful search, to find.

Our purpose in the Lord

In our heart, soul, and mind

Change

Turned onto your head

To the things you cannot hide 

To "if only"s and then

To resolve a better side

Pray!

Every prayer counts

As the numbers climb

It effects us all!

What a trying time!

We are all at risk

Of this unseen thing

No one gets a pass

Prayer's such a blessing

I get so sad and then so hopeful! 

Highs and lows Covid-19

New breakthrough in COVID-19 may strongly boost vaccine development

https://knowridge.com/2020/07/new-breakthrough-in-covid-19-may-strongly-boost-vaccine-development/

Stimulous Package

Who'll save America?

Who'll  be first

To save us from our very worst?

Mother, father,

Each family

Raise us a righteous posterity!

God, save America 

Lift us up

We need a miracle!

We need love!

United, we stand

Divided, we fall

Clearly we ARE in need of Thy hand

As CITIZENS- ALL!!!

We need a new beginning 

For hope of a future

A giving up of sinning

FOR GOOD, GOD loving nurture

Chosen "It"

Put

Your

Hand

Out.

No

One

Is

Less.

Each

Gets

A 

Shot.

When

You

Win-

Bless!

Keep 

Your 

Hand

In.

'till

We

Are

Done.

Ok

You

Win.

Ok

You

WON!

What do you do to pick someone in  a group? This is me trying to think of an alternative to "Eenie meany miny Moe". I have discovered it is terribly racist in origin. 

Directions: Everyone to be picked from puts their hand out in a circle. You can even "lock" the circle with everyone putting their thumb in the fist of the person to the left. If it is just two people, they put both hands in.  

The fists can be up or down. 

The winner pulls away and taps each hand in the circle saying:

Ok

It's 

Me

Thanks

For

Your

Trust

Out

Of 

Many,

I'll 

Work!

Out

Of

Many,

I

Must!

The group breaks, raises hand, and says, "Yes!"

WE KNOW

We know who wins in the end

Don't let fear take hold

Humility is our friend

Our days were foretold 

Thinking of the Book of Mormon and when the Savior came.  Such a loving covenant making community was developed that there was peace in all the land for generations.  No one cried out for their rights of government or for protection. 

Our Melting Pot

Blazing a trail

With a melting pot.

Sometimes you fail

Like it or not.

Ladybug

Ladybug, ladybug,

You're welcome, always.

The flowers are blooming

And I want them to stay!

I just heard that eenie meany miny moe is racial in origin. Isn't it wonderful that someone altered it so the catchy choice making phrase can become innocent of harm?  Well I just thought I would alter Ladybug ladybug your house is on fire and your children will burn. Not exactly friendly!

Feeling Blessed

How good it feels to have what you need

And to be blessed with even more

Give thanks and pay it forward, indeed

For then, Heavenly blessings are in store

Judgment

Our words, works, and thoughts 

Will judge us in the end. 

For we have been taught

And warnings God did send!

It is not what we have done

That will prepare us for "that day".

It is by what we have become-

How we have changed along the way. 

Alma 12:14 we shall not be found spotless;...and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God.

#ElderDallinHOaks:"From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts-what we have done. It is acknowledgement of the final effect of our acts and thoughts- what we have become." 2010 conference 

Troubled

Oh afflicted heart

Troubled, in need

Remember thou art

Favored indeed!

Before the day grows long

Send fears away

Fill up your soul with song

Look up and pray

Have You Ever

Have you ever heard someone's story and marvel how they have 'kept it all together' physically,  emotionally. Spiritually? 

The journey is long

And laborious, indeed!

One has to be strong

To let the Lord teach and lead.

Becoming a Disciple

Our words, works, and thoughts 

Will judge us in the end. 

For we have been taught

And warnings God did send!

It is not what we have done

That will prepare us for "that day".

But of what we have become-

How we have changed along the way. 

Alma 12:14 we shall not be found spotless;...and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God.

#ElderDallinHOaks:"From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts-what we have done. It is acknowledgement of the final effect of our acts and thoughts- what we have become." 2010 conference 

Wrong

A new wrong

Doesn't correct the first

Before long

The matter is but worse

Each has a moral compass

To cultivate and heed

The conscience points north for us

To correct our paths, in-deed

#presidentnelson #georgefloyd

https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/faith/lds-church-president-issues-personal-statement-on-recent-events-over-the-death-of-george-floyd/article_f04d3dfd-3b32-5307-9ff8-71edcee79783.html

Trace Each Name Into Another

Trace each path that they left-

Where they put their roots down.

What marriage vows were kept?

Have all the children been found?

Circle Back

Circle back around

Get your bearings straight

Jesus can be found

When you find your faith!

Hyper Alert

Hyper alert?

The body keeps the score!

Where do you hurt?

Tense it to relax it more!

Trust

Trust God,

even when it's storming

He's got

Love's miracles forming

Press On

Press on through the pain

Though thick it may be 

In sunshine or rain

Christ is there for saving.

My Heart

My heart, like a vessel

Is filled to the brim.

I, one of God's people,

Feel so much love from Him!

Resiliency

http://www.hoando.comebook

Have you ever had a thought

And just then it came true?

In that moment you are taught

To search for meaning, too.

I woke up this morning dreaming about swinging on a trampese and trusting my hands won't slip. The inevitable, I woke up! I'm one of those height phobic types.

Then, here it is evening and I watch this video. I would love to have resilient students. I worry what the near future brings for them. 

So I will search for meaning in this free ebook. 

Change the station 

In your mind.

Pay attention

To what you find.

The Savior's Caseload

No task is too big

No caseload too large

In all His doings

He cares for each charge

Thinking about having so much time on my hands and how poorly I am managing it. Thinking of those who are working nonstop caring for patients. Who feel there is not enough of themselves to do it all and then I think of the Savior and His caseload. In perfect orchestration He manages it all. With priesthood and angels. Homes, hospitals, Heaven... He is there. 

Enduring Lines

The hardest thing to do in the sun

Is stand in a long long line

But a nice cold Coke and a soft serve cone

Can make the experience fine

Now how do we make enduring this quarintine a positive experience?

Preparing for General Conference

Think deeply and often,

"How do you hear Him?"

Does love within soften?

You've no need to fear, then!

Earthquakes and viruses

can cause us to tremble

or awaken purposes

as we become humble!

Nothing can stop a soul

from seeking God in prayer!

Such blessing is the Gospel

to share how "God is there!"

HOPE!

Thinking Cap Memory

This is a memory game

There is nothing new

Put on your thinking cap

And recall a time or two!

Give clues and see if memories match. 

God's Word in Your Heart

Let it go the distance.

Right into your heart.

That in every instance

God's Word can impart!

https://youtu.be/OBolZkX-ASQ

Trust.

God has made His judgment to rest

For a light unto us all.

His righteousness is here to bless

And to help us when we fall.

I know HE is our source of rest

As HE truly looks after all

I feel His love. I know I'm blessed.

To Him, my needs are never small!

I love 2Nephi 8:2-5

Hope is Always There

Hold fast to what you know 

It's through love that you can cope

And through faith that you grow

As through Christ that you find hope. 

Problem Solve

"Well that didn't help." You say to yourself. "What else can I try? For I know 'the why'!"

"What else can I do?" I pause to regroup. "What resource is here?" Problem solve, with prayer.

Crazy times right now. Talking to other teachers and hearing that their husbands lost their jobs. LasVegas is shutting down. I have what I'm hoping is a cold. I want to get out of town and go for a hike. Cough, sniff. Well my sneezing has atopped.

Circling

Keep circling back

It's not a boring view

Nigh, see the enemy attack?

He'd like a claim on you!

Keep circling around

For a higher view

Heavenly things can be found

Through the Lord anew

We get daily chances

Weekly, monthly, too!

Though Satan advances

See how the Lord saves you!

Read daily

Partake weekly

Fast monthly

Conference twice a year

New focus each year

It keeps circling back

We learn grow and do

Trust in the Lord

Trust in the Lord.

Set your doubts aside.

Speculate, no more.

In the now, reside. 

The veil awaits.

There is much to do.

Before those gates

Unveil unto you!

Listen and heed

Revelation. Truth.

That is all you need.

Till Heaven lifts the roof.

Stick to the doctrine. 

To living truth, today.

Seek God's word, often

Uplifted? Christ's The WAY!

I love to read near death experiences and dream of the day.  But these experiences, second hand, hold no authority. They are very personal and if anything should bring us a desire to serve more, love more, and pray more.

Pondering Presiden Oaks November 2019 Trust in the Lord

CGI Animated Short Film "The Cliff House" by Yore Production | CGMeetup

Keep looking up

Work hard and believe

Build in your heart- love

That will never leave

God Operates

God operates

In ways we don't expect.

He heals, uplifts, and saves. 

His plan is that perfect!

plan of Salvation

Do your best

Every day

You will be blessed 

Believe and pray

Trust in His eternal.plan

Always remember Jesus Christ 

He who atoned for every man

Offers help at any price

The Holy Ghost is here for man

To testify of what is right

According to our Father's plan

He is our source for truth and light

Our prophet is here also

To move God's church ahead

That, in faith, we each might grow

As by the spirit we are led

That our obedience be exact

We set our hearts upon the altar

To recommit, to do- in fact

And to repent where we falter

Look to the lighthouse of the Lord 

He will lead us safely home

He is there through any storm

We are never left alone

He live.

He loves.

He waits for us.

As we navigate this life.

It is for us to learn to trust

And follow His guiding light

despise the shame

Despise the shame of every sin 

And give praise to God on high

We can return to Him again

Because of Jesus Christ

Christ- Strength- Blessings

Thoughtlessness invites danger
Of Satan's swift attack
Repentance is the answer
Know the Lord has your back

Lay on the alter

Prayerful sacrifice

Ever be after

What brings you unto Christ

Combat complacency
This is Satan's attack
Hold to your agency
Stay on the covenant path

With your eyes on the goal

Train to be in tune

Aim high for the gold

And for the Lord make room

Keep your body pure
Temptations await
Satan tries to lure
Us to think sin is our fate

The Lord is there for us

In good times and bad

As we learn to trust

Our blessings add and add

Remember His Constant Care

In good times and bad
The Lord is there for us
Remember when you're sad
The path you're on and trust.

Covenant and Partake

Take the Holy Spirit
To be your daily guide
Seek it, feel it, heed it
And with the Lord abide

Wise

Wisdom is possible
as we consciously strive
to live the restored gospel
and to feel spiritually alive!

Searching for the Christ Child

All "holiday" traditions
Originate with Christ;
If you look hard enough
You'll  find His source as light

Sounds, smells, glows,
Thanks, gifts, feasts,
Bells, balls, bows,

Life, love, and peace

I was surprised at all the gift giving and decorating that went on at a private school I worked at long ago.  I believe I was the only Christian and yet the school was full of the signs of Christmas!

What great things the Lord hath done

What great things the Lord hath done for me and my family? 

I have only just begun to trust in His hand, ever happily.

Listen

Listen to the hurt,
as a loved one confides.
Compassion converts.
Here, the spirit abides.

You don't have to be an expert,
as a loved one confides. 
Just listen to the hurt and
trust, The spirit stands by.