tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79959964617805597322024-02-21T08:10:02.001-06:00The Music of My FaithRyceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-30153844297715932382016-01-24T21:02:00.003-06:002016-01-24T21:05:34.669-06:00Have Thine Own Way, Lord<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today in church I taught the lesson to the Relief Society, or all the women in my congregation ages 18 and up. My topic was <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/yielding-our-hearts-to-god?lang=eng">this talk</a> from LDS General Conference, "Yielding our Hearts to God" by Neill F. Marriott. This woman is in the leadership presidency over all the LDS teenage girls ages 12-18. In this worldwide address a couple months ago, she spoke fondly of her youth in the deep South and how much this Protestant hymn means to her. The lyrics touched me deeply as well, and I sure wish it was in our hymnbook too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!</span></div>
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Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.</div>
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Mold me and make me after Thy will,</div>
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While I am waiting, yielded and still.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!</span></div>
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Search me and try me, Master, today!</div>
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Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,</div>
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As in Thy presence humbly I bow.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!</span></div>
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Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!</div>
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Power, all power, surely is Thine!</div>
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Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!</span></div>
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Hold o’er my being absolute sway!</div>
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Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see</div>
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Christ only, always, living in me.</div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been a difficult weekend for me, and I love this humble plea to the Lord. I learned while preparing and teaching, that God can make our lives so much better than we can. If we hand him our protected hearts, he can mold us and shape us into something so beautiful, so exquisite. May we remember to be yielded and still to the whisperings of the Spirit. </span></div>
Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-1901999939913681202013-10-29T00:16:00.002-05:002016-01-24T21:04:42.134-06:00He'll Carry You<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">I've been listening to this song on repeat.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Seriously, this song touches me so deeply. It is a reminder that our Savior, Jesus Christ, understands heartbreak. It reminds me that, though I loved <i>him</i>, I love Jesus even more. And it's okay to absolutely love my Savior. He is my best friend and He truly KNOWS what I'm feeling. Before my mission, I did not so naturally turn to Him for comfort and support when I went through challenges. I tried to carry them myself. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Usually I cherish songs for their melodic components. Yet this one is pretty simple, nothing too remarkable. The lyrics are what hit home, and Hilary Weeks sings them with such emotion. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">When I talk about the Music of My Faith, this song is the epitome. My faith is what I believe in through the trials I face. Knowing that He still loves me despite my weakness, especially when I maybe thought of someone more than Him at times. One of the most remarkable passages is in Alma 7. We think of Christ's Atonement as covering just our sins, but <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/7.11-12?lang=eng#10">verses 11-12</a> explain that the Atonement is all-encompassing:</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #545559;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i> 11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #545559;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><i> 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Thank you, Pandora, for putting this on my playlist. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knows your heart</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knows your pain</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knows the strength it took just to simply breathe today </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He sees the tears that you cry</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knows your soul is aching to know why </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He hears your prayers each humble word</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">When you said you couldn’t face another day he understood </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knows the path when you walk blind</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Though you felt alone He’s never left your side</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He knew there’d be moments when no earthly words</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Could take away your sorrow </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And no human eyes could see what you’re going through </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He will lift your heavy load and carry you</span></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He’ll bring you peace and leave you hope</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And in the darkest night he’ll comfort you </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Until you know the sun will rise and each new day</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">You will have the strength to live again</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And when there are moments when no earthly words </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">can take away your sorrow </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And no human eyes could see what you’re going through </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He will lift your heavy load and carry you</span></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He hears you when you’re crying in the night </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He hears you when your soul longs to find</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">Till the morning will come </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And the light of the dawn reassures</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><br /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">That in the moments when no earthly words </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">can take away your sorrow </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">And no human eyes could see what you’re going through </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">When you’ve taken your last step and done all that you can do </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #545559; line-height: 18px;">He will lift your heavy load and carry you</span></i></span>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-63143543676356222472013-07-26T16:10:00.000-05:002013-07-26T16:10:33.602-05:00Baptism and RainbowsMany Latter-day Saints grew up singing the song, "When I am Baptized," more commonly known as "I Like to look for Rainbows." Recently two beautiful girls sang this at Elena's baptism.<br />
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<i>I like to look for rainbows whenever there is rain</i></div>
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<i>And ponder on the beauty of an earth made clean again.</i></div>
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<i>I want my life to be as clean as earth right after rain.</i></div>
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<i>I want to be the best I can and live with God again.</i></div>
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<i>I know when I am baptized my wrongs are washed away,</i></div>
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<i>And I can be forgiven and improve myself each day.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Elena with Ellie and Hannah at her baptism</span></div>
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Mormons' beliefs about baptism come from the Bible: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3.5?lang=eng#4">John 3:5</a>). The Savior was baptized to <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/3.15?lang=eng#14">fulfill all righteousness</a>. The Book of Mormon clarifies this phrase:<br />
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<i> "And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water?<br /> "Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.6-7?lang=eng#5">2 Nephi 31:6-7</a>)</i><br />
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Baptism is a <u>commandment</u> and an <u>ordinance</u> where we make a COVENANT, or a two-way promise, with Heavenly Father. <br />
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What do we commit to when we're baptized?<br />
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<li>To Remember our Savior, Jesus Christ</li>
<li>Take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ</li>
<li>Keep His commandments</li>
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A <a href="http://www.lds.org/friend/2013/06/understanding-baptism?lang=eng">church magazine for children</a> explains simply that to take upon yourself the name of Christ means "to put His work first in your life and do what He wants instead of what the world wants." </div>
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What does Heavenly Father promise us in return?</div>
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<li>A remission of our sins</li>
<li>Being born again</li>
<li>The constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, which we receive by the laying on of hands shortly after baptism. </li>
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What a deal! We are definitely receiving so many more blessings for baptism than we are committing to. I'm grateful for my Savior and that I can be clean every time I repent and take the <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/topic/church/question/church-welcome-visitors">Sacrament</a>. I, too, "want to be the best I can and live with God again." </div>
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See also: </div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/when-i-am-baptized?lang=eng">Children's Songbook, Hymn #103</a></div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-32143325600987622102013-07-10T13:49:00.000-05:002013-07-10T13:49:09.429-05:00Blessed and Happy<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2.41?lang=eng#40">Mosiah 2:41</a></div>
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This is the scripture I chose for my mission; that is, it has been my "theme" scripture for the last 17 months. Why did I choose it? I believe it sums up God's plan for us. In the second lesson that missionaries teach we explain our purpose in this life, which is to "have joy and prepare to return to God's <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.25?lang=eng#24">presence</a>." Heavenly Father wants us to be happy! He gave us commandments so we can have true joy and return to Him! It sounds ridiculously simple, and it is! Life is not easy, but the commandments help us <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.27?lang=eng#26">choose liberty and eternal life </a>. </div>
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In the back of our Hymnbooks at church is a list of scripture references where we can look up our favorite verses and find hymns that correlate with them. I had never thought to look up my favorite verse until yesterday, and I found one hymn that references Mosiah 2:41! </div>
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"We'll sing of his goodness and mercy.</div>
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We'll praise him by day and by night,</div>
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Rejoice in his glorious gospel,</div>
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And bask in its life-giving light.</div>
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Thus on to eternal perfection</div>
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The honest and faithful will go,</div>
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While they who reject this glad message</div>
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Shall never such happiness know."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">LDS Hymns, No. 19 <a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/we-thank-thee-o-god-for-a-prophet?lang=eng">"We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet"</a></span></div>
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How fitting that a verse about happiness in following Jesus Christ is found in a hymn about prophets! I am grateful to know that God loves ALL His children and would not cease to speak to them through his prophets (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/amos/3.7?lang=eng#6">Amos 3:7</a>). God continues to be a God of miracles and He has a mouthpiece on the earth to lead and guide us in these Last Days before the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.<br />
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What is God's prophet telling us right now? Read <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-brings-blessings?lang=eng">here</a>!<br /><br />
Learn more <a href="http://mormon.org/beliefs/restoration">here</a>!<br /></div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-45207816213065032482013-06-13T15:00:00.000-05:002013-06-13T15:00:09.659-05:00God Be With You Till We Meet AgainIt's hard to believe that it has already been one year since my childhood friend, Ammon, passed away. Last year I wrote my thoughts about it--and that has been the most-read of all my posts since I started this blog.<br />
Read it here:<br /><br /><a href="http://themusicofmyfaith.blogspot.com/2012/06/losing-friend-gaining-angel.html">Losing a Friend, Gaining an Angel</a><br />
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In the post, I reflected on my thoughts of God's plan of salvation. I shared my knowledge of the Spirit world, how after we die, before we return to God's presence, we are in an in-between state where we continue to teach and learn the Gospel. The New Testament teaches this clearly:<br />
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<li>When Christ was on the cross, He told the man next to him, "Today thou shalt be with me in paradise." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/23.43?lang=eng#42">Luke 23:43</a>). </li>
<li>Later, when Christ appeared to Mary, He told her, "Touch me not; for I have not yet ascended to my Father." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/20.17?lang=eng#16">John 20:17</a>). </li>
<li>Christ did not immediately return to God in Heaven when He died, but had gone to the Spirit world to preach the Gospel (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/3.19?lang=eng#18">1 Peter 3:19</a>; see also <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-pet/4.6?lang=eng#5">1 Peter 4:6)</a>. </li>
</ol>
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Not too long ago, I attended the funeral of a young girl who tragically passed away here in Thompson's Station, TN. The funeral was at a Christian church, but there was still an overwhelming despair that permeated the sanctuary so thickly, you could feel it even if you walked in blindfolded. Many Christians have a faith and hope in an afterlife but not the clarity, answers, and full picture that <a href="http://bcove.me/hb8f1g7s">modern revelation</a> provides.<br />
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I repeat my testimony that The Plan of Salvation is not just something to believe in because it brings peace, but it's a knowledge and an assurance that there really is more than this mortal life. A Prophet asked God about the doctrine of the Spirit World taught in the Bible, and he received <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/138?lang=eng">a revelation</a> that confirmed these truths taught in the New Testament. This has helped me as I've thought about Ammon in the last year, where he is and what he is doing. "Worshipping at Jesus' feet" just doesn't answer enough of my questions.<br />
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If you find yourself continually aching and empty because of the loss of a loved one, ask yourself, "Do I truly, <i>fully</i> know God's Plan of Salvation, and where we go when we die?" Because there are more answers out there. You can have MORE peace and MORE clarity in your life. The Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth in its <i>fulness</i>.<br />
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This hymn is for all who say good bye to each other, either for a temporary time or until the next life.<br /><br />
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<b><i>God Be With You Till We Meet Again</i></b></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again;</i></div>
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<i>By His counsels guide, uphold you;</i></div>
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<i>With His sheep securely fold you.</i></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again.</i></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again</i></div>
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<i>When life's perils thick confound you,</i></div>
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<i>Put his arms unfailing round you.</i></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again</i></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again</i></div>
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<i>Keep love's banner floating o'er you;</i></div>
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<i>Smite death's threat'ning wave before you.</i></div>
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<i>God be with you till we meet again.</i></div>
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<i>Till we meet at Jesus' feet.</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>Talk to a missionary <a href="http://mormon.org/chat">here</a></li>
<li>Learn more about the Plan of Salvation <a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness">here</a></li>
</ul>
Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-24112255696768916252013-04-24T15:50:00.002-05:002013-04-24T15:50:46.158-05:00Music from Conference<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://conference.lds.org/">LDS General Conference</a> was AWESOME.</span><br />
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I especially loved how music was tightly interwoven into the weekend. So many incredible hymns and hymn arrangements were sung, and music was referenced in EVERY session. </span><br />
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In his <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-savior-wants-to-forgive?lang=eng">talk</a> on Forgiveness, Elder Cardon quoted "<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/gently-raise-the-sacred-strain?lang=eng">Gently Raise the Sacred Strain</a>:" </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Holy, holy is the Lord.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Precious, precious is his word:....</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Repent and live;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tho your sins be crimson red,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, repent, and he’ll forgive.</span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">President Henry B. Eyring referenced the hymn, "<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/abide-with-me-tis-eventide?lang=eng">Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide</a>," in <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/come-unto-me?lang=eng">his talk</a>. He described a Sacrament meeting over 65 years ago that drew him close to the Savior. As they sang that hymn, he felt the Savior's love and closeness as well as the comfort of the Holy Ghost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Elder Russell M. Nelson used the lyrics to "<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.328125px;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/families-can-be-together-forever?lang=eng">Families Can Be Together Forever</a>," in <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/catch-the-wave?lang=eng">his talk</a>. </span>He said, "We invite [our inquiring friends] to receive more, especially the glorious truth that through God’s eternal plan, families can be together forever."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.328125px;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 21.328125px;">In Priesthood Session, Elder Tad R. Callister <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-power-of-the-priesthood-in-the-boy?lang=eng">used a music analogy</a>, "</span>There is an old saying: do not die with your music still in you. In like manner I would say to you adult leaders, do not get released with your leadership skills still in you. And President Uchtdorf <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/four-titles?lang=eng">quoted</a> “<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/lord-i-would-follow-thee?lang=eng">Lord, I Would Follow Thee</a>:" "Brethren, if we truly follow our Lord Jesus Christ, we must embrace a third title: healer of souls. We who have been ordained to the priesthood of God are called to practice “the healer’s art.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He later gave a beautiful musical comparison: "In the great Composer’s symphony, you have your own particular part to play—your own notes to sing. Fail to perform them, and with certainty the symphony will go on. But if you rise up and join the chorus and allow the power of God to work through you, you will see 'the windows of heaven' open, and He will 'pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' Rise up to your true potential as a son of God, and you can be a force for good in your family, your home, your community, your nation, and indeed in the world."<br /></span><div class="" style="margin-bottom: 20px;" uri="/general-conference/2013/04/come-unto-me.p10">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light?lang=eng">Sunday morning session</a>, the same President Uchtdorf told a memorable story about Saints in Africa singing in the dark during a power outage. As a "sweet and overwhelming chorus of voices filled the chapel," the members sang one song after another with an energy and spirit that touched President Uchtdorf's soul. "In the midst of great darkness, these beautiful, wonderful Saints had filled this Church building and our souls with light."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Elder Falabella's third <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-home-the-school-of-life?lang=eng">lesson-learned in a home</a> is that </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">A Child Who Sings Is a Happy Child:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The Savior understood the importance of sacred music. After He observed Passover with His disciples, the scriptures relate, 'And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.' And speaking through the Prophet Joseph, He said, 'For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.' How touching it is to hear the song of a little one who has been taught by his or her parents to sing, 'I am a child of God.'"</span><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">
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<span style="line-height: 21.328125px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hymns aren't always the only music referenced. I <i>loved</i> <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/beautiful-mornings?lang=eng">Elder Porter's story</a> about his roommate Bruce, whose cheerfulness showed in every aspect of his life. He was even caught one snowy, miserable, and wintry morning walking around the campus at Brigham Young University with arms outstretched, singing, "Oh What a Beautiful Morning!" from the Broadway Musical <i>Oklahoma. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.328125px;">Elder Porter concluded</span></span>, "In the intervening years, that bright voice in a dark storm has become for me a symbol of what faith and hope are all about. Even in a darkening world, we as Latter-day Saints may sing with joy, knowing that the powers of heaven are with God’s Church and people."</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What song that was sung at Conference was <i>your</i> favorite? Not sure? Check out GC highlights here:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://conference.lds.org/" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://conference.lds.org</span></a></div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-5645489267367705762013-03-29T15:51:00.000-05:002013-03-29T15:57:47.390-05:00He Sent His Son<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"For God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/3?lang=eng" style="font-size: x-large;">John 3:16</a><br />
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Here in the "buckle" of the Bible belt as some refer to it, everyone loves The Bible (the actual Bible, although I hear great things about the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BibleSeries?fref=ts">show</a> on the History Channel too); and from what I have gathered, this is the most commonly-known verse in all of the Old and New Testaments combined.</div>
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I love the simple doctrine taught in this short verse. God is our <b>Heavenly Father</b>. We are His children! He <b>loves us</b> and wants us to return to Him and have <b>eternal life</b>. He is <b>separate</b> from His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son! We will have eternal life if we have faith in and believe in Jesus Christ. We will NOT perish! I know that this is true. </div>
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This week we have been visiting dozens of homes and asking families, What does Easter mean to you?</div>
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Some of my favorite responses:</div>
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<ul>
<li>"A new beginning. For me it's truly when the new year starts."</li>
<li>"Love."</li>
<li>"Everything!"</li>
<li>"Spring."</li>
<li>"The Resurrection, which brings me comfort to know that my Savior is always near."</li>
<li>"<a href="http://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/general-conference-has-something-for-you-b?cid=HP000015&lang=eng">General Conference</a>...because April General Conference is always the same time!"</li>
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This is one of my favorite "Easter" songs. Just like John 3:16, it's simple. It's complete. It expresses my FAITH in my Savior, Jesus Christ. </div>
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<b>He Sent His Son</b></div>
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"How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?</div>
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He sent his Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.</div>
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How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?</div>
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He sent his Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.</div>
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How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?</div>
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He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.</div>
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What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?</div>
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Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.</div>
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What does he ask? Live like his Son."</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">-Mabel Jones Gabbott</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/he-sent-his-son?lang=eng"><span style="font-size: x-small;">LDS Children's Songbook</span></a></div>
Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-16773267276468100672013-03-20T13:32:00.002-05:002013-03-20T13:32:31.596-05:00I Think the World is GloriousHello, Spring!!<br />
<br />To me, the arrival of Spring is like arriving at the end of a long, difficult trial. Like most Californians who are spoiled with warm, beautiful weather year-round, I struggle with the concept of winter. I do not like the cold or any thing that comes as a result of coldness. However, it makes me appreciate the warmth that slowly seeps back into the calendar. Days become longer, tan lines appear, and Mother Nature seems to explode, especially out here in Tennessee, the epicenter of trees, flowers, birds, and insects (and allergies)! The advantage I see to long, icy winters is the chance to experience opposition. I realize now that I took for granted the beautiful Southern California climate, now that I am finally experiencing winter.<br />
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Can you think of how this relates to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Rather than answer that myself, I invite you to share your own insights. <br /><br />
This morning as I stood out on the balcony soaking up the sun's warm rays, I thought about how glorious this world is. An ancient prophet named Alma testified, "All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/30.44?lang=eng#43">Alma 30:44</a>)<br />
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<br />When you look around you, especially this time of year, how can you deny the existence of Deity? There <i>must be</i> a <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/topic/purpose-of-life">Power beyond our own</a> that is masterfully composing this symphonic eruption of life and intelligence. <br /><br />There IS. <br /><br />His name is<a href="http://mormon.org/faq/topic/heavenly-father/question/nature-of-god"> Heavenly Father</a>. He loves us, and <a href="http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness">He wants us</a> to "have joy!" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.25?lang=eng#24">2 Nephi 2:25</a>) <br /><br />
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From the LDS Primary Children's Songbook: <br />
<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/i-think-the-world-is-glorious?lang=eng">I Think The World is Glorious</a>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-15920816418725288252013-03-16T12:39:00.000-05:002013-03-16T12:39:09.892-05:00LuckyA lot of times, when something miraculous happens, we attribute it to "sheer luck" or "coincidence."<br />
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Disciples of Jesus Christ know that it is something much more.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thomassmonson.org/">President Thomas S. Monson</a> said, "Remember that you are entitled to our Father’s blessings in this work. He did not call you to your privileged post to walk alone, without guidance, <b>trusting to luck</b>. On the contrary, He knows your skill, He realizes your devotion, and He will convert your supposed inadequacies to recognized strengths." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/07/sugar-beets-and-the-worth-of-a-soul?lang=eng&query=luck">Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul</a>)<br />
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This quote makes me think of a song from the <a href="http://yourldsmusicstore.com/store/3271/EFY-2011--Believe--Hope--Endure-#.UUOGbheORc0">2011 EFY Album</a>, "He Knows Me Better," by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jenessabuttarsmusic">Jenessa Buttars</a>. The words might not be 100% right because I typed them from my memory.<br />
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<b>He Knows Me Better</b></div>
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It feels like I've only got</div>
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a piece of the picture<br />I'm tryin' to figure out<br />Just where I fit here<br />But there is One who sees<br />All I'm meant to be</div>
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In a world of voices<br />that say they have the answer<br />I escape the noises<br />close my eyes and I turn<br />to the One who sees<br />all the pieces put together<br />He knows me better</div>
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Sometimes I can't see past</div>
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what's on the surface</div>
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But He helps me understand</div>
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the depth in my purpose</div>
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that gives me faith to hold</div>
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as my path unfolds</div>
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He knows every one of us<br />is learning as we go<br />His love is the compass<br />that guides us home</div>
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I consider myself LUCKY to know that my Savior Jesus Christ lives and that He suffered for all that I have and will ever go through.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This was quoted in this month's Ensign article, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/2013/03/the-enabling-power-of-the-atonement?lang=eng">The Enabling Power of the Atonement</a>. Elder Holland originally stated this here: <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1998/04/come-unto-me?lang=eng">Come Unto Me</a>.</span><br />
<br />Some other quotes about <span style="color: #38761d;">luck</span> that I like:<br /><br />
"In every prayer that children hear, there should be thankfulness expressed for God’s hand in all things, for evidences of his presence and influence. He is the God before whom man bows; to him we make acknowledgment and to none other. We live in a world dominated by the concept of 'Lady Luck.' Our children too soon learn that much of their success is attributed to being lucky or to chance." <a href="http://www.lds.org/ensign/1973/10/how-to-teach-the-ten-commandments-to-your-children?lang=eng&query=luck+%22lucky%22">How to Teach the Ten Commandments</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=12&topic=facts">Spencer W. Kimball</a> counseled an audience of women, "If you succeed, it isn’t because of luck. Success comes from faith and work and prayer and from constant righteous effort. It is a question of agency—of what you choose to do with gifts of God—everything upon the earth, wherein there is life" <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1978/10/privileges-and-responsibilities-of-sisters?lang=eng&query=luck">(Privileges and Responsibilities of Sisters, General Conference October 1978). </a><br />
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-72743741080620808452013-02-13T15:09:00.000-06:002013-02-18T11:15:47.031-06:00Serve God with All Your Heart<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Jesus taught us</b> that we should love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, and mind (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/matt/22?lang=eng">Matthew 22:36</a>). He also taught: "O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve Him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day" (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/4.2?lang=eng#1">Doctrine & Covenants 4:2</a>). Heavenly Father isn't one to waste words, so as I pondered these verses, I realized these must be separate and distinct ways to love and serve God. I found that <a href="http://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/how-do-i-develop-christlike-attributes?lang=eng&query=christlike+attributes">Christlike attributes</a> are linked with them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, for the last year I have been topic-studying the <a href="http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon">Book of Mormon</a> with each of these individual ways. Since VALENTINE'S DAY is tomorrow, I thought it appropriate to share about serving God with all your <span style="font-size: large;">Heart</span>, arguably the most important of them all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In the first 160 pages I have already tallied 40 references to the hardness/softness of our hearts (the wicked are hardhearted, Nephi could not soften the hearts of his brethren, etc). I have learned that <u>God really cares about how soft our heart is</u>; i.e. how teachable we are. The Lord requires our hearts so the <a href="http://mormon.org/faq/atonement-of-christ">Atonement</a> can truly work on our behalf. (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.7?lang=eng#6">2 Nephi 2:7</a>). </span><br />
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In the New Testament Paul teaches us that Charity comes from a pure heart (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/1-tim/1.5?lang=eng#4">1 Timothy 1:5</a>). We can serve God with all our heart by having <span style="font-size: large;">Charity</span>. My Dad described it well in his last letter to me: <i>"I think ofttimes charity is just glossed over when studying the Gospel. Many seem to focus on the Savior's atonement or perhaps his teaching of love for one's brother without looking deeper. They think of charity as just giving of your stuff to those who don't have much. But charity is much more than that."</i><br />
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It <i>is</i> more than that. <br />
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Without charity, we are <b>nothing</b>, and we cannot be saved without it. In Lehi's dream, the Tree of Life, which represents the love of God, is the most joyous to the soul (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/11.21-23?lang=eng#20">1 Nephi 11:21-23</a>). We overcome the natural man by becoming full of love (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/3.19?lang=eng#18">Mosiah 3:19</a>). Charity is more than doing good deeds; it is the<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/7.47?lang=eng#46"> pure love of Christ</a>, it is loving others the way that <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.13?lang=eng#12">Jesus Christ loves us</a>. So how do we get this charity? We pray for it. We go out and serve, as I mentioned in an <a href="http://themusicofmyfaith.blogspot.com/2013/01/because-i-have-been-given-much.html">earlier post</a>.<br />
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Another Christlike Attribute associated with serving God with all your heart is <span style="font-size: large;">Humility</span>. Those who are humble recognize that their gifts and strengths come from God (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/4.31?lang=eng#30">1 Nephi 4:31</a>, 9:5-6,17:50-51, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/26?lang=eng">Alma 26</a>). They are willing to trust God's servants (1 Nephi 1:1, 2:16, 4:6-7, 5:5, 5:8). They express gratitude and do not go about their day without constantly praying for help (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/32.8-9?lang=eng#7">2 Nephi 32:8-9</a> , 1 Nephi 18:16).<br />
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Christ's baptism was an act of humble submission (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/31.7?lang=eng#6">2 Nephi 31:7</a>). The Savior was the greatest example of charity and humility and yielding his heart to God (Helaman 3:35). It is so important that we give God our heart (<a href="http://themusicofmyfaith.blogspot.com/p/others-inspiration.html">see the second comment about this</a>). I know that if I am righteous, Satan has no power over my heart (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/22.26?lang=eng#25">1 Nephi 22:26</a>).<br />
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I love the Book of Mormon! I never grow tired of studying it and learning from it. It IS the word of God! It is another Testament of Jesus Christ! As we study the scriptures, we can learn how to serve God with all of our Heart.<br />
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In the song, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, there's a certain line I love the most:<br /><br />"Here's my HEART, Oh, take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above."<br />
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What are some other ways we serve God with all our heart? Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-26840609665259057322013-01-17T17:17:00.001-06:002013-01-17T17:17:19.851-06:00The Song of the Righteous is a PrayerMy thoughts turn to the wonderful people I have been teaching and the questions and concerns that they have had. I also think of my <i>own</i> spiritual needs and the aspects of my faith that I have been actively working to build.<br />
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My mind instantly goes to <span style="font-size: large;">prayer</span>.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/25.12-14?lang=eng">Doctrine and Covenants 25:12</a>, The Lord tells Emma Smith that "the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing." During this time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had been<a href="http://mormon.org/restoration"> restored to the earth</a> but a few months, and it's noteworthy that the Lord thought it essential to call someone to organize the music of the Church so early in its latter-day history. <br />
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I submit that most religious songs are, in essence, prayers. There are songs of praise to our Maker, like "How Great Thou Art." There are songs of Worship and repentance, like "More Holiness Give Me." There are songs of desperate pleas for the Lord's presence, like "I Need Thee Ev'ry Hour." <br />
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In a missionary meeting yesterday, I heard a powerful quote, "Pray as if a child might open his eyes to see if He is really there." <i>(Gold star goes to whomever can find the reference for that first)</i><br />
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WOW.<br />
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I think of the kind of faith a little child has. In General Conference last October, President Henry B. Eyring <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/where-is-the-pavilion?lang=eng&query=pavilion">told a story</a> of his 3 year-old granddaughter's experience in an LDS temple for the first time:<br />
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<span class="story">"She looked around and asked, 'Mommy, where is Jesus?' <span class="story">Her mother explained that she would not see Jesus in
the temple, but she would be able to feel His influence in her heart.
Eliza carefully considered her mother’s response and then seemed
satisfied and said, 'Oh, Jesus is gone helping someone,' she concluded."</span></span></blockquote>
<span class="story">President Eyring explained that no pavilion obscured Eliza's knowledge that God is close to her and she expected to see the Savior in His temple. I love the perfect faith and innocence that little children have! The song I chose for this post is <a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/childrens-songbook/a-childs-prayer?lang=eng">A Child's Prayer</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray</span>. Talk to Heavenly Father. He LOVES you and He wants to hear
from you. He misses His precious sons and daughters. He will help you with any of your challenges.
He is the Greatest Listener. As a <a href="http://mormon.org/missionary-work/#why_mormons_send_missionaries_around_the_world">representative of Jesus Christ</a>, I <b>promise you</b> that Prayer is
essential to helping us become like our Savior and Redeemer. I continue
to have incredible experiences with prayer every day. I had a
particularly special experience last night as I knelt to pray. I <i>knew</i> without a doubt that I was truly talking to a Divine Being, and not to the corner of my bed. He was really there, and he heard and answered my sincere, pleading prayer last night and He answered it!<br />
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What are your experiences with prayer?<br />
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-55913956423139901732013-01-10T14:24:00.002-06:002013-01-10T14:24:15.250-06:00Because I Have Been Given MuchThe Christlike Attribute I am focusing on this year is <span style="font-size: large;">Charity</span>. For some this comes so easily and naturally; for others it takes a bit of work. In this last General Conference, <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/be-anxiously-engaged?lang=eng">Elder M. Russell Ballard told us</a> that the best way to ingrain the love of Christ into our hearts is one simple practice:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In your morning prayer each new day, ask
Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of
His precious children. Then go throughout the day with your heart full
of faith and love, looking for someone to help....If you do this, your spiritual sensitivities will be enlarged
and you will discover opportunities to serve that you never before
realized were possible." </i></blockquote>
The only way we can truly have charity is to constantly be "giving-minded." One of my New Year's Resolutions is to perform one act of service a day, and in order to reach that I have to constantly be searching for the opportunity. For me, it's <b>more</b> than allowing the car to pull out in front of me or holding the door open for someone at the library. Those are givens.<br />
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Charity turns my mind towards the Savior, who performed the greatest act of love man has ever known:<br />
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/15.13?lang=eng#12">John 15:13</a>)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Because I have been given the Gospel, I, too, must give it</span>. Because we have been given the gift of eternal life, we must <a href="http://mormon.org/">share</a> the knowledge of that gift. As members of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, do we fully realize <i>what we have?</i><br />
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<b>Because I Have Been Given Much</b></div>
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Because I have been given much, I too must give</div>
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Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live</div>
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I shall divide my gifts from thee with every brother that I see</div>
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Who has the need of help from me</div>
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Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care</div>
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I cannot see another's lack and I not share</div>
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my glowing fire my loaf of bread, my roof's safe shelter overhead</div>
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that he, too, may be comforted</div>
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Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear lord</div>
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I'll share thy love again according to thy word</div>
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I shall give love to those in need</div>
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I'll show that love by word and deed</div>
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Thus, shall my thanks be thanks, indeed</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/because-i-have-been-given-much?lang=eng"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">LDS Hymns, No. 219</span></a></div>
Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-24224624666613658712013-01-01T17:26:00.001-06:002013-01-01T17:26:18.149-06:00More, Savior, Like Thee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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New Year's!!! My favorite holiday. The excitement of Christmas still lingers as people aren't quite ready to take down trees and lights. And it's a day of new beginnings! Why is goal setting so important? I love to set goals and make plans; to me it is the truest form of repenting because we are making action plans to change and become more like our Savior. It is so important that we are constantly focusing on how we can better ourselves. <br />
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I love this song because to me it is a prayer to Heavenly Father asking Him to help us change. You can also look at it as a list of Resolutions. The final "more" sums it up...More, Savior, like thee.<br />
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<b>More Holiness Give Me</b></div>
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More holiness give me,
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More strivings within,</div>
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More patience in suff'ring,</div>
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More sorrow for sin,</div>
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More faith in my Savior,</div>
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More sense of his care,</div>
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More joy in his service,</div>
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More purpose in prayer.</div>
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More gratitude give me,
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More trust in the Lord,</div>
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More pride in his glory,</div>
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More hope in his word,</div>
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More tears for his sorrows,</div>
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More pain at his grief,</div>
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More meekness in trial,</div>
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More praise for relief.</div>
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More purity give me,
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More strength to o'ercome,</div>
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More freedom from earth-stains,</div>
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More longing for home.</div>
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More fit for the kingdom,</div>
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More used would I be,</div>
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More blessed and holy--</div>
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More, Savior, like thee.</div>
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/more-holiness-give-me?lang=eng"> LDS Hymns, No. 131</a></div>
Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-21776889316537418642012-12-15T18:43:00.000-06:002012-12-17T11:32:02.871-06:00Mary, Did You Know?Word on the street is Cee-Lo Green has a stunning rendition of "Mary Did You Know?" circulating the web. I actually got a chance to hear it at an adult learning class Sister Tauoa and I volunteered at this week, and again when a member played it for us at a lesson. I add my personal "Amen!" with the oohs-and-aahs to this out-of-character performance.<br />
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Back in my Deseret Book days, I was surrounded by amazing illustrations of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Unfortunately, I can't remember my favorite, but I do love the new <a href="http://www.lds.org/bible-videos?lang=eng">Bible videos</a> produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This screen-shot-edited photo is from a scene where the Wise Men bring gifts to the now toddler-aged Jesus. <br />
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I love the Mary in these videos. The actress really helps me ponder on what Mary must have felt and thought as she first <a href="http://youtu.be/xCxV9CbC180">heard the news</a> that she would bring our Savior and Redeemer to this world. I often wonder, did Mary truly absolutely the events that would follow the birth of Jesus Christ? <br />
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Mary, Did you know<br />
<br />Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-17856715757841302202012-12-15T15:05:00.002-06:002012-12-15T15:07:22.743-06:00The Wondrous Gift is GivenOkay, I have repented. I solemnly promise that I will post weekly from now on, unless some dire circumstance comes up. It's Christmas season!! And there are so many songs that inspire me and build my faith! I love hearing songs about Jesus everywhere I go! Like this one: <br />
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O little town of Bethlehem,
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How still we see thee lie.</div>
<div class="line">
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep</div>
<div class="line">
The silent stars go by;</div>
<div class="line">
Yet in thy dark streets shineth</div>
<div class="line">
The everlasting Light.</div>
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The hopes and fears of all the years</div>
<div class="line">
Are met in thee tonight.</div>
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</div>
<div class="line">
For Christ is born of Mary,
<br />
<div class="line">
And, gathered all above</div>
<div class="line">
While mortals sleep, the angels keep</div>
<div class="line">
Their watch of wond'ring love.</div>
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O morning stars, together</div>
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Proclaim the holy birth,</div>
<div class="line">
And praises sing to God the King,</div>
<div class="line">
And peace to men on earth.</div>
</div>
<br />
<b>How silently, how silently
</b><br />
<div class="line">
<b>The wondrous gift is giv'n!</b></div>
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So God imparts to human hearts</div>
<div class="line">
The blessings of his heav'n.</div>
<div class="line">
No ear may hear his coming;</div>
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But in this world of sin,</div>
<div class="line">
Where meek souls will receive him, still</div>
<div class="line">
The dear Christ enters in.</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/music/library/hymns/o-little-town-of-bethlehem?lang=eng">LDS Hymns, No. 208 O Little Town of Bethlehem </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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Isn't that awesome? It's a "wondrous gift"--a perfect gift--we get to enjoy year after year! We get to unwrap it again and again each day as we strive to follow the example Jesus Christ set while He was on the earth.<br />
<br />
My companion, Sister Tauoa, says, "It's sad that most of the world only thinks of Jesus Christ around this time of year....we should remember Him every day!" I agree. The Spirit of Christmas should continue January....February....March through November. Hey, even BlueBell, the best Ice Cream in the South, has "Christmas Cookies in July" flavor! If an ice cream company can do it, we can! ;)<br />
<br />
So, what's your favorite Christmas song about the Savior? Why?</div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-65383371902480684452012-12-03T11:48:00.002-06:002012-12-03T11:49:15.293-06:00The Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Imagine my elation when one of my lifelong favorite and less well-known hymns was sung in <a href="http://conference.lds.org/">LDS General Conference</a> last month. I remember flipping through the hymn book as a teenager and stumbling across "Does the Journey Seem Long?" and reading the words for the first time. The words spoke peace, hope, and courage to my heart.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Does the Journey Seem Long?</b><br />
Does the journey seem long,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The path rugged and steep?</div>
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Are there briars and thorns on the way?</div>
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Do sharp stones cut your feet </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you struggle to rise</div>
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to the heights thru the heat of the day?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Is your heart faint and sad,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Your soul weary within,</div>
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As you toil 'neath your burden of care?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does the load heavy seem</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You are forced now to life?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Is there no one your burden to share?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let your heart be not faint</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now the journey's begun;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is One who still beckons to you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So look upward in joy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and take hold of His hand;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He will lead you to heights that are new--</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A land holy and pure,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where all trouble doth end,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And your life shall be free from all sin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where no tears shall be shed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For no sorrows remain.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take his hand and with him enter in. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Text: Joseph Fielding Smith Music: George D. Pyper</span></div>
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This week especially, I hope you and I remember to "look upward in joy and take hold of His hand" as He leads us to new heights. </div>
</div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-86409244116768845052012-11-21T14:36:00.004-06:002012-11-21T14:36:44.844-06:00It's Up to Me to Be the ChangeA song of my faith....is by JOSH GROBAN??<br />
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Yes, it is.<br />
<br />
This is on his Christmas CD, but it definitely applies to our holiday tomorrow. We often seem to turn our hearts to thank our Heavenly Father for all He gives us once a year. As our beloved Prophet Thomas S. Monson <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude">said,</a> "To express gratitude is gracious and honorable, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live with gratitude in our hearts is to touch heaven." My faith is living with gratitude in my heart for the many blessings He gives me each day.<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving! Count your blessings, and count them once again. I know I will be. :)<br />
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<u>Thankful</u> <i>by Josh Groban</i> (I recommend looking this up on YouTube.)<br />
<br />
Some days we forget to look around us<br />
Some days we can't see the joy that surrounds us<br />
so caught up inside yourselves<br />
we take when we should give<br />
<br />
So for tonight we pray for what we know can be<br />
and on this day we hope for what we still can't see<br />
it's up to us to be the change<br />
and even though we all can still do more<br />
there's so much to be thankful for<br />
<br />
Look beyond ourselves<br />
there's so much sorrow<br />
it's way too late to say<br />
i'll cry tomorrow<br />
each of us must find our truth<br />
it's so long overdue<br />
<br />
Even with our differences<br />
there is a place we're all connected<br />
each of us can find each other's love<br />
<br />
So for tonight we pray for what we know can be<br />
and on this day we hope for what we still can't see<br />
it's up to us to be the change<br />
and even though this world needs so much more<br />
there's so much to be thankful for<br />
<br />
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<br />Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-38603224005818394642012-10-18T12:05:00.000-05:002012-10-18T12:05:36.136-05:00Do You Love Me?In General Conference and yesterday at a missionary training meeting, I learned about the importance of showing our Savior how much we love Him.<br />
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<div>
In Elder Holland's memorable talk, <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/10/the-first-great-commandment?lang=eng">"The First Great Commandment,"</a> Elder Holland recounts the history of the apostles who returned to fishing after the Savior left the earth, and His appearance to them on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus taught them that they were to continue to feed His sheep if they truly did love Him. Elder Holland stated, "So we have neighbors to bless, children to protect, the poor to lift up, and the truth to defend. We have wrongs to make right, truths to share, and good to do. In short, we have a life of devoted discipleship to give in demonstrating our love of the the Lord. We can't quit and we can't go back. After an encounter with the living Son of the living God, nothing is ever again to be as it was before. The Crucifixion, Atonement, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ mark the beginning of a Christian life, not the end of it."</div>
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<div>
Like many others, this talk really struck me. The Natural Man wants to be comfortable, to return to the known and familiar, and to be lazy. It's obvious that I can't succumb to the natural man as a missionary, but neither can we as disciples of Jesus Christ!</div>
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One of the shortest, simplest, and yet most powerful hymns in our LDS Hymn Book is "Love One Another." Watch and listen to this beautiful arrangement sung at a Priesthood session of General Conference last week.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>As I Have Loved You</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Love One Another</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This New Commandment</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Love One Another</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>By this Shall Men Know</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ye Are My Disciples</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If ye Have Love</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One to Another.</i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/SlQltG4lD4U?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<a href="http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/hymns.htm/childrens%20songs.htm/308%20love%20one%20another.htm#JD_Hymns.308">"Love One Another," LDS Hymns, No. 308</a></div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-41769926013019426292012-10-04T12:41:00.000-05:002012-10-04T12:41:10.545-05:00Come, Listen to a Prophet's VoiceSorry, I've been slacking on sharing the hymns and music of my faith and testimony. <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference?lang=eng">General Conference</a> begins in TWO days, and I am so excited! This morning, Sister Hill were studying the commandment, "Follow the Prophet." We read and discussed how truth is always the same, even though the world may change, and that God has always called and ordained prophets to lead His people on the earth. <a href="http://mormon.org/jesus-christ">Jesus Christ</a> organized His church with apostles and prophets, who direct the church by revelation. <br />
<br />
In these latter-days, The Lord called a prophet <a href="http://mormon.org/restoration">once again</a> to lead His Church. <a href="http://mormon.org/commandments">The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a living prophet</a>. I <i>know</i> this is true.<br />
<br />
We must have faith in our prophet and follow His teachings. If we do, we will be blessed. "Those who listen to and follow the counsel of living prophets and apostles will not go astray. The teachings of living prophets provide an anchor of eternal truth in a world of shifting values and help us avoid misery and sorrow. The confusion and strife of the world will not overwhelm us, and we can enjoy the assurance of being in harmony with God’s will" (Preach My Gospel, 75). <br />
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What an incredible promise!! <a href="http://www.lds.org/church/events/members-and-friends-of-the-church-invited-to-participate-in-october-2012-general-conference?lang=eng">Click here</a> to find out when and where to watch General Conference.<br />
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<b>Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Come, listen to a Prophet's voice, And hear the word of God.</div>
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And in the way of truth rejoice, and sing for joy aloud.</div>
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We've found the way the prophets went who lived in days of yore.</div>
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Another prophet now is sent, this knowledge to restore.</div>
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<div class="BVerse">
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"The gloom of sullen darkness spread Thru earth’s extended space</div>
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Is banished by our living Head, And God has shown his face.</div>
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Thru erring schemes in days now past The world has gone astray;</div>
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Yet Saints of God have found at last The straight and narrow way.</div>
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<div class="BVerse" style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"’Tis not in man they put their trust Nor on his arm rely.</div>
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Full well assured, all are accursed Who Jesus Christ deny.</div>
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The Savior to his people saith, “Let all my words obey,</div>
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And signs shall follow living faith, Down to the latest day.”</div>
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<div class="BVerse" style="text-align: center;">
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"Then heed the words of truth and light That flow from fountains pure.</div>
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Yea, keep His law with all thy might Till thine election’s sure,</div>
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Till thou shalt hear the holy voice Assure eternal reign,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While joy and cheer attend thy choice, As one who shall obtain."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="BVerse" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=1&searchseqstart=21&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=21&searchsubseqend=ZZZ">LDS Hymns, "Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice," No. 21</a></span></div>
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Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-46325985533164216732012-08-30T15:54:00.002-05:002012-08-30T15:54:42.392-05:00Be Still"Be still, and know that I am God." -Psalm 46:10<br />
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"Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God." -Doctrine and Covenants 101:16<br />
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Sometimes we just have to Be Still. We must stop and listen to the quiet, gentle voice of the Holy Ghost teaching us, directing us, or comforting us. (Pictures are of Reelfoot Lake here in Kentucky!)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Be Still, My Soul</b></div>
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"Be Still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side;</div>
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With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain.</div>
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Leave to thy God to order and provide;</div>
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In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.</div>
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Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"Be Still my soul: Thy God doth undertake</div>
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To guide the future as he has the past.</div>
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Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;</div>
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All now mysterious shall be bright at last.</div>
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Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know</div>
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His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.</div>
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"Be Still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on</div>
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When we shall be forever with the Lord.</div>
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When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,</div>
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Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.</div>
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Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past,</div>
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All safe and blessed we shall meet at last."</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
-Katherina von Chlegel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lds.org/cm/display/0,17631,8763-1,00.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><a href="http://www.lds.org/cm/display/0,17631,8763-1,00.html">LDS Hymns, No. 124</a></div>
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<br />Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-57303601021750406702012-08-04T11:32:00.000-05:002012-08-04T11:35:51.950-05:00Faith is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Faith is knowing the sun will rise, lighting each new day.<br />
Faith is knowing the Lord will hear my prayers each time I pray.<br />
Faith is like a little seed:<br />
If planted, it will grow.<br />
Faith is a swelling within my heart.<br />
When I do right, I know.<br />
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Faith is knowing I lived with God before my mortal birth.<br />
Faith is knowing I can return when my life ends on earth.<br />
Faith is trust in God above;<br />
In Christ, who showed the way.<br />
Faith is strengthened; I feel it grow<br />
Whenever I obey.<br />
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<a href="http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/childrens%20songbook.htm/the%20gospel.htm/faith.htm#JD_CS.96">LDS Children's Songbook</a><br />
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Faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To me it so complex, yet so simple. In the <a href="http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon">Book of Mormon</a>, Faith is defined in this way: "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore, if ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.21?lang=eng#20">true</a>."<br />
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I am constantly working on my faith. In the same chapter I just quoted, Alma challenges readers to try an experiment with faith. Plant a little "seed" of faith in your heart: a simple desire to believe. As you see the results of that, it will begin to:<br />
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<ul>
<li>enlarge your soul </li>
<li>enlighten your understanding </li>
<li>be delicious to you (<a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.28?lang=eng#27">Alma 32:38</a>.) </li>
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As you continue to nurture your seed, it will grow into a tree that will produce good fruit. Regardless of where you are in your life, you can always increase your faith. I work towards the day when I have <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/ether/12.30?lang=eng#29">faith to move mountains</a>. (See also: <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/jacob/4.6?lang=eng#5">Jacob 4:6</a>, <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/8.24?lang=eng#23">Mormon 8:24</a>) </div>
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<br /></div>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-69521465275682494942012-07-24T16:23:00.002-05:002012-07-24T16:23:30.395-05:00Pioneer Children Sang.......as they walked and walked and walked and walked...most of us know how <a href="http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/childrens%20songbook.htm/heritage.htm/pioneer%20children%20sang%20as%20they%20walked.htm#JD_CS.214">the song goes</a> about the <a href="https://www.lds.org/gospellibrary/pioneer/02_Nauvoo.html">Mormon Pioneers</a> who trekked westward to the Utah Valley to have religious peace and freedom.<br />
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And children today <i>still</i> sing about these pioneer children. Who also apparently sang.<br />
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Fun, huh?<br />
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Sunday I had the privilege of hearing <a href="http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Curriculum/music.htm/childrens%20songbook.htm/heritage.htm/to%20be%20a%20pioneer.htm#JD_CS.218">this song</a> sung by the ward's primary:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">You don’t have to push a handcart,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Leave your family
dear,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Or walk a thousand miles or more</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To be a pioneer!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">You do need to have great courage,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Faith to conquer
fear,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">And work with might for a cause that’s right</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To be a pioneer!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-32866238203292384922012-07-12T14:08:00.000-05:002012-07-20T16:04:52.104-05:00When He Comes Again<span style="font-family: inherit;">My words this week are actually my mom's. I asked her to share with me her favorite song and why:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Dear Daughter,<br />My favorite song is '<a href="http://www.lds.org/churchmusic/detailmusicPlayer/index.html?searchlanguage=1&searchcollection=2&searchseqstart=82&searchsubseqstart=%20&searchseqend=82&searchsubseqend=ZZZ">When He Comes Again</a>.' I have always liked it as a child and even now because I often thought, what would the world be like when Christ came? I think of <a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/17?lang=eng">3 Nephi</a> when He blessed the little children and they looked into His face, and I always wanted to be one of those children. That thought never gets old, and I believe we all want to have that experience. It's not about the destination we all seek, but it is the journey and how we deal with situations that is more important because that will determine OUR Eternal Destination."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My mom has been through quite a lot on her "journey!" I have seen her positive attitude day after day, year after year, and she has inspired me to be a better woman and missionary. How beautiful will that day be when we can each individually look into our Savior's face and thank Him for giving us everything. I know that He lives and that His Church is on the Earth in its fullness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>When He Comes Again</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wonder, when he comes again,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will herald angels sing?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will earth be white with drifted snow,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or will the world know spring?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I wonder if one star will shine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Far brighter than the rest;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will daylight stay the whole night through?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will songbirds leave their nests?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m sure he’ll call his little ones</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Together ’round his knee,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because he said in days gone by,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“Suffer them to come to me.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. I wonder, when he comes again,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Will I be ready there</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To look upon his loving face</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And join with him in prayer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Each day I’ll try to do his will</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And let my light so shine</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That others seeing me may seek</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For greater light divine.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, when that blessed day is here,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He’ll love me and he’ll say,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">“You’ve served me well, my little child;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Come unto my arms to stay.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Words and music:</i> Mirla Greenwood Thayne, 1907–1997</span></div>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-34573474768071816752012-07-03T13:01:00.000-05:002012-07-03T13:02:17.800-05:00Star-Spangled.<span style="font-size: large;">The National Anthem.</span><br />
We hear it before every baseball game. We sing it at the top of our lungs at karaoke parties. We hum it in our cars. We hear our kids practice it on the tuba for marching band. Last week, a 10 year-old boy named Jaxon told me it is his favorite song to sing. And he does a great job of it, too. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"The Star-Spangled Banner."</span><br />
What is that? Yes, it's about the American flag. Our flag has 50 white stars, representing the 50 states of the United States of America.<br />
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According to dictionary.com, to <u>spangle</u> means to sprinkle or stud with small, bright pieces, objects, or spots. To Francis Scott Key, our 50 stars spangle our banner and represent life, liberty, and all that we stand for as Americans. Did you know he wrote two other verses? Here's the last verse, which reminds us from Whom we got this free land.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Oh, thus be it ever, when free men shall stand<br />
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation!<br />
Blessed with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land<br />
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!<br />
Then conquer we must when our cause it is just,<br />
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust!"<br />
And the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave<br />
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!</blockquote>
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After serving in Fort Campbell, I gained a lot of patriotism as I looked into the eyes of these men and women and saw, for a moment, what they saw when they left their homes and their families for "the war's desolation." I saw how alone they felt, how scared they were, how BRAVE they were, and how determined they were to give up everything they had, even their own lives, to protect the freedoms we declared 236 years ago: Freedom of speech. Freedom of the press. Freedom of religion.<br />
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If it weren't for freedom of religion, Joseph Smith would never have grown up in a burned-over district where many churches professed their truth. He would not have searched for truth and prayed to Heavenly Father for an answer. <br />
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Prophets of old saw our land in a vision when they arrived in the Americas: <i>"We have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed....And if it so be that they shall serve [God] according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them."</i> (2 Nephi 1:5-8).<br />
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The question for you all today is, How can we "spangle" our lives with bright things?<br />
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</div>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7995996461780559732.post-53597460193279224082012-06-23T14:56:00.001-05:002012-07-17T15:38:50.630-05:00Choose the Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Choose the Right</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Choose the right when a choice is placed before you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the right the Holy Spirit guides;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And its light is forever shining o’er you,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When in the right your heart confides.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Choose the right! Let no spirit of digression</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Overcome you in the evil hour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There’s the right and the wrong to ev’ry question;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be safe thru inspiration’s pow’r.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Choose the right! There is peace in righteous doing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Choose the right! There’s safety for the soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Choose the right in all labors you’re pursuing;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let God and heaven be your goal.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Choose the right! Choose the right!<br />
Let wisdom mark the way before.<br />
In its light, choose the right!<br />
And God will bless you evermore. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My favorite part of this song is that we have the freedom to<span style="font-size: large;"> choose</span> for ourselves! We can receive so many blessings if we do our part. Heavenly Father is willing and ready to bless us. One thing we can choose to do is read the scriptures. <span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I read the Book of Mormon every single day and do specific topic studies as well. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The wisdom of the prophets of old truly do "mark the way before" us.</span></span></div>Ryceejohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04127301547572825540noreply@blogger.com0