••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault with one another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.” -Author Unknown: “Doctrines and Covenants,” chapter 88, verse 124
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Don’t tell God how big your problems are . . . tell your problems how big your God is.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Each day I pray,
God give me strength anew
To do the tasks
I do not wish to do;
To yield obedience
never asking why
To love and own the truth
and scorn the lie;
To look the cold world
bravely in the eye.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Go your way in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good; render no man evil for evil, Strengthen the faint hearted, support the weak, help and cheer the sick, honor all men, love and serve the Lord; and may the blessings of God be upon you and remain with you forever.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands, the sun and the stars, the valleys and the hills, the rivers and lakes all disclose your presence. The beasts of the field, the birds of the air bespeak your wondrous will. In your goodness you have made us able to hear the music of the world, a divine voice sings through all creations.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey . . .
I asked for health, that I might do greater things
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things . . .
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise . . .
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God . . .
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life
I was given life that I might enjoy all things . . .
I got nothing I asked for - but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I opened the old, old Bible,
And looked at a page of Psalms,
Till the wintry sea of my troubles
Was soothed as by summer calms;
For the words that have helped so many;
And the ages have made more dear,
Seemed new in their power to comfort,
As they brought me their word of cheer.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I will not wish thee riches, nor the glow of greatness,
but that wherever thou go some weary heart shall gladden at thy smile,
or shadowed life know sunshine for a while.
And so thy path shall be a track of light,
like angels’ footsteps passing through the night.
-Author Unknown: words on a church wall in Upwaltham, England
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“In the cathedral at Lubek Germany near the turn of the century was the following inscription: Ye call me master and obey me not; Ye call me light and seek me not; Ye call me way and walk me not; Ye call me wise and follow me not; Ye call me fair and love me not; Ye call me rich and ask me not; Ye call me eternal and seek me not; Ye call me gracious and trust me not; Ye call me noble and serve me not; Ye call me mighty and honor me not; Ye call me just and fear me not; If I condemn you blame me not.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Just to be tender, just to be true,
Just to be glad, the whole day through,
Just to be merciful, just to be mild,
Just to be gentle, and kind, and sweet,
Just to be helpful with willing feet,
Just to be cheerful when things go wrong,
Just to drive sadness away with a song,
Whether the hour is dark or bright;
Just to be loyal to God and right,
Just to believe that God knows best,
Just in his promises ever to rest -
Just to let love be our daily key,
That is God’s will for you and me.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“May the Lord be as welcome in your world, as you are in His.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.” -Author Unknown: “Book of Mormon,” ‘Doctrines and Covenants,’ Section 6, verse 7
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Someday you will see the light.
But for now just put your trust in Him:
Walk by faith, not by sight.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Sometimes I look up, smile, and say, “I know that was you God! Thanks!” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The Difference
I got up early one morning,
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just jumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
‘Why doesn’t God help me?’ I wondered.
He answered, ‘You didn’t ask.’
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, ‘But you didn’t seek.’
I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
‘My child, you didn’t knock.’
I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
that I had to take time to pray.
by Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The distinction between Christianity and all other systems of religion consists largely in this, that in these others men are found seeking after God, while Christianity is God seeking after men.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The Lord gives us a plan to follow. It is outlined in His commandments. And all those commandments are designed to build stability within us. We are not to excuse our failures and weaknesses: We are not to say we are made the way we are, and thereby justify our sins. The Lord expects us to rise above our weakness, become strong, and pattern ourselves after Him.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The phrase ‘do not be afraid’ is written in the Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder from God to live every day being fearless.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The race is not always to the swift - but to those who keep on running.” -Author Unknown: derived from the “The Bible,” ‘Book of Ecclesiastes,’ chapter 9, verse 11: “I returned, and saw under the Sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
‘The road is too rough, dear Lord,’ I cried, ‘There are stones that hurt me so.’ ‘My child,’ He said, ‘I understand, I walked it long ago.’ ‘But there’s a cool green path ahead, Let me walk there for a time.’ ‘No child,’ He gently answered me, ‘The green road does not climb.’ ‘My burden,’ I cried, ‘is far too great. How can I bear this load?’ ‘Dear One,’ said He, ‘I remember its weight—I carried my cross, you know.’ ‘But,’ I said, ‘I wish there were friends with me, that would make their way my own.’ ‘Oh yes,’ He said, ‘Gethsemane was hard to bear alone.’ And so I climbed the stony path, Content at least to know That where the Master had not gone, I would not have to go. And strangely then I found new friends, My burdens grew less sore, As I remembered long ago He walked that way before.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“When we place our contribution in the collection plate, we are not giving to the Lord; we are just taking our hands off that which belongs to Him.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Whence Comes This Rush of Wings? Whence comes this rush of wings afar Following straight the Noel star? Birds from the woods in wondrous flight Bethlehem seek this Holy Night. Tell us ye birds why come ye here Into this stable poor and drear? Hast’ning we seek the new-loom King And all our sweetest music bring. Hark! how the greenfinch bears his part Philomel too with tender heart Chants from her leafy dark retreat Re mi fa sol in accents sweet. Angels and shepherds birds of the sky Come where the Son of God cloth lie; Christ on earth with man cloth dwell Join in the shout Noel Noel!
-Author Unknown: traditional
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault with one another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.” -Author Unknown: “Doctrines and Covenants,” chapter 88, verse 124
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Don’t tell God how big your problems are . . . tell your problems how big your God is.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Each day I pray,
God give me strength anew
To do the tasks
I do not wish to do;
To yield obedience
never asking why
To love and own the truth
and scorn the lie;
To look the cold world
bravely in the eye.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Go your way in peace. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good; render no man evil for evil, Strengthen the faint hearted, support the weak, help and cheer the sick, honor all men, love and serve the Lord; and may the blessings of God be upon you and remain with you forever.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“How wonderful, O Lord, are the works of your hands, the sun and the stars, the valleys and the hills, the rivers and lakes all disclose your presence. The beasts of the field, the birds of the air bespeak your wondrous will. In your goodness you have made us able to hear the music of the world, a divine voice sings through all creations.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey . . .
I asked for health, that I might do greater things
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things . . .
I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise . . .
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God . . .
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life
I was given life that I might enjoy all things . . .
I got nothing I asked for - but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed!
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I opened the old, old Bible,
And looked at a page of Psalms,
Till the wintry sea of my troubles
Was soothed as by summer calms;
For the words that have helped so many;
And the ages have made more dear,
Seemed new in their power to comfort,
As they brought me their word of cheer.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I will not wish thee riches, nor the glow of greatness,
but that wherever thou go some weary heart shall gladden at thy smile,
or shadowed life know sunshine for a while.
And so thy path shall be a track of light,
like angels’ footsteps passing through the night.
-Author Unknown: words on a church wall in Upwaltham, England
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“In the cathedral at Lubek Germany near the turn of the century was the following inscription: Ye call me master and obey me not; Ye call me light and seek me not; Ye call me way and walk me not; Ye call me wise and follow me not; Ye call me fair and love me not; Ye call me rich and ask me not; Ye call me eternal and seek me not; Ye call me gracious and trust me not; Ye call me noble and serve me not; Ye call me mighty and honor me not; Ye call me just and fear me not; If I condemn you blame me not.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Just to be tender, just to be true,
Just to be glad, the whole day through,
Just to be merciful, just to be mild,
Just to be gentle, and kind, and sweet,
Just to be helpful with willing feet,
Just to be cheerful when things go wrong,
Just to drive sadness away with a song,
Whether the hour is dark or bright;
Just to be loyal to God and right,
Just to believe that God knows best,
Just in his promises ever to rest -
Just to let love be our daily key,
That is God’s will for you and me.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“May the Lord be as welcome in your world, as you are in His.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich.” -Author Unknown: “Book of Mormon,” ‘Doctrines and Covenants,’ Section 6, verse 7
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Someday you will see the light.
But for now just put your trust in Him:
Walk by faith, not by sight.
-Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“Sometimes I look up, smile, and say, “I know that was you God! Thanks!” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
The Difference
I got up early one morning,
and rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
that I didn’t have time to pray.
Problems just jumbled about me,
and heavier came each task.
‘Why doesn’t God help me?’ I wondered.
He answered, ‘You didn’t ask.’
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
but the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn’t show me.
He said, ‘But you didn’t seek.’
I tried to come into God’s presence;
I used all my keys at the lock.
God gently and lovingly chided,
‘My child, you didn’t knock.’
I woke up early this morning,
and paused before entering the day;
I had so much to accomplish,
that I had to take time to pray.
by Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The distinction between Christianity and all other systems of religion consists largely in this, that in these others men are found seeking after God, while Christianity is God seeking after men.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The Lord gives us a plan to follow. It is outlined in His commandments. And all those commandments are designed to build stability within us. We are not to excuse our failures and weaknesses: We are not to say we are made the way we are, and thereby justify our sins. The Lord expects us to rise above our weakness, become strong, and pattern ourselves after Him.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The phrase ‘do not be afraid’ is written in the Bible 365 times. That’s a daily reminder from God to live every day being fearless.” -Author Unknown
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“The race is not always to the swift - but to those who keep on running.” -Author Unknown: derived from the “The Bible,” ‘Book of Ecclesiastes,’ chapter 9, verse 11: “I returned, and saw under the Sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.”
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
‘The road is too rough, dear Lord,’ I cried, ‘There are stones that hurt me so.’ ‘My child,’ He said, ‘I understand, I walked it long ago.’ ‘But there’s a cool green path ahead, Let me walk there for a time.’ ‘No child,’ He gently answered me, ‘The green road does not climb.’ ‘My burden,’ I cried, ‘is far too great. How can I bear this load?’ ‘Dear One,’ said He, ‘I remember its weight—I carried my cross, you know.’ ‘But,’ I said, ‘I wish there were friends with me, that would make their way my own.’ ‘Oh yes,’ He said, ‘Gethsemane was hard to bear alone.’ And so I climbed the stony path, Content at least to know That where the Master had not gone, I would not have to go. And strangely then I found new friends, My burdens grew less sore, As I remembered long ago He walked that way before.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
“When we place our contribution in the collection plate, we are not giving to the Lord; we are just taking our hands off that which belongs to Him.” -Author Unknown
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Whence Comes This Rush of Wings? Whence comes this rush of wings afar Following straight the Noel star? Birds from the woods in wondrous flight Bethlehem seek this Holy Night. Tell us ye birds why come ye here Into this stable poor and drear? Hast’ning we seek the new-loom King And all our sweetest music bring. Hark! how the greenfinch bears his part Philomel too with tender heart Chants from her leafy dark retreat Re mi fa sol in accents sweet. Angels and shepherds birds of the sky Come where the Son of God cloth lie; Christ on earth with man cloth dwell Join in the shout Noel Noel!
-Author Unknown: traditional
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