Christian Artist, Poet and Full-time Mom

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Evidence of the Reality of God
2008-01-22 00:49:00
My husband and I read this article together last night. I know that God lives and loves us all. We are His children and He loves us more than we could ever comprehend. Evidence s of God's existence can be found everywhere, if we only open our eyes!"Naturalism’s explanations of the origins of life and the miracle of our bodies often appear convoluted when placed side by side with the simple truths of the revealed word and divine scripture.With its 107 million cells, connected to the brain by over 1 million neurons, the eye is more perfect than any camera ever invented. It caused Charles Darwin to humbly admit, “That the eye with all its inimitable contrivances … could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest sense.”1The Psalmist wrote, “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psalm 53:1). Such a foolish disbeliever ought to look at his hands. Seventy muscles contribute to hand movements. Much of the rest of the bo...
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Urge for Tolerance and Civility
2008-01-18 21:45:00
We are taught to be tolerant and civil to all people - this of course does not mean to compromise our values as Christians. But it certainly means that we should focus on the good in others, treat them with respect and never treat someone like they are less than or below us if they don't believe in God or if they don't personally uphold our values. Jesus Christ said unto His disciples, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."- John 13:34 I have pondered on this scripture many times. The Savior of the world is commanding me to love others as He loves me... this is not a small thing. Because I have felt His love for me in so many ways in my life and it passes all my understanding, that's some BIG love. I love Him because He first loved me... And that's the kind of thing that changes the world for the better!!! (1 John 4:19 "We love Him, because He first loved us.")The following is taken from a talk by Presid...
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To Give Understanding and Clarity About My Faith
2008-01-17 18:33:00
Normally I try to share those things that people of all Christian faiths can relate to or understand. There is an increased curiousity world-wide as to what "Mormons" believe or what makes us different from other Christians. Last General Conference one of the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard addressed this topic. I feel it is important to share it with my readers:"Here are four subjects that will help someone today to gain a basic understanding of the Church. Under each of the four headings, there are some simple statements I have found helpful....The four main subjects deal with facts, faith, families, and fruits of the restored gospel.Facts Some facts might include:1. “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”2. The Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith ...
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Self-Control
2008-01-17 02:09:00
" The first and best victory is to conquer self;to be conquered by self is of all things most shameful and vile." - PlatoJames 3: 1-6 "1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall recieve the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the govenor listeth. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."
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Which am I?
2008-01-17 01:49:00
The following poem is by an Anonymous author:"I watched them tearing a building down, A gang of men in a busy town,With a ho-heave-ho and lusty yell,They swung a beam and a side wall fell.I asked the foreman, 'Are these men skilled?And the men you'd hire if you had to build.'He gave a laugh and said, 'No indeed!'Just common labor is all I need.''I can easily wreck in a day or two What builders have taken a year to do.'And I thought to myself as I went my way,Which of these roles have I tried to play?Am I a builder who works with care,Measuring life by the rule and square?Am I shaping my deeds to a well-made plan,Patiently doing the best I can?Or am I a wrecker who walks the town,Content with the labor of tearing down?"-Anonymous

Judging
2008-01-17 01:44:00
This poem I quote the Author, Eliza R. Snow: "Once I said unto another,In thine eye there is a mote;If thou are a friend . a brother.Hold, and let me pull it out. But I could not see it fairly,For my sight was very dim;When I came to search more clearly,In my eye there was a beam. If I love my brother dearer,And his mote I would erase,Then the light should shine the clearer.For the eye's a tender place. Others I have oft reproved,For an object like a mote;Now I wish this beam removed,Oh, that tears would wash it out! Charity and love are healing,These will give the clearest sight;When I saw my brother's failing,I was not exactly right. Now I'll take no further trouble,Jesus' love is all my theme;Little motes are but a bubble,When I think upon the beam." - Eliza R. Snow
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Simple Fun
2008-01-14 20:33:00
I had a fun little simple time with my kids the other day.... the best part is that it didn't cost any money. See, I like to take advantage of my tax dollars and go to the library. I checked out some of the 80's greatest hits on CD- (these were songs I danced to as a kid.) We had so much fun just dancing like maniacs. I love dancing with my kids because anything goes and it's great exercise! I don't listen to music like I did as a teenager... it's funny because... I find myself turning into my mother and listening to the news or talk radio more than music now days. Which is really ironic because, I always gave my mom a bad time about her "boring" radio stations. I wonder if the reason children enjoy life more is because they don't listen to news and talk radio. So, sometimes I get talked out and weighed down with news to the point that these little "music dance breaks" with my kids are a welcome relief from it all. Go find some of your old music and just dance like no...
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I am thankful for God's tender mercies.
2008-01-10 18:04:00
My heart is somewhat heavy today. I am thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who I can address through my Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometimes the trials I face can strike a hard blow and tempt me to feel discouraged in life, discouraged in circumstance but mostly discouraged in myself. I find solace and comfort in the quiet moments of prayer where I know that God sees all and knows all and still loves me. He manifests that love through the ultimate sacrifice of sending His only perfect and sinless Son to ransom me from my failings, to redeem me from my sins, to comfort me through trials and offer His complete forgiveness. Oh how my heart is filled with gratitude for His mercy, His patience and His great compassion... it compels me to follow, I want to "pay it forward" in my small little way, it inspires me to love others as He has loved me. I am so thankful for the tender mercies of the Lord and the quiet moments of peace through prayer.The following is one of my favorite poems b...
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Fall of Civilization
2008-01-08 19:05:00
I read this observation in a book a while ago but I recall it every time I see these things manifested in our world today."It's appalling that since the dawn of history no less than 22 civilizations have risen and fallen. When you look for and classify the reasons, they are monotonous in their similarity:1. They lost their religious convictions and flouted basic morality2. They became obsessed with sex3. They debased their money of its intrinsic value and let inflation run rampant 4. Honest work ceased to be a virtue5. Respect for law disintegrated, and violence became an accepted method of achieving individual and group desires6. They reached the point where the citizens were no longer willing to be soldiers and fight for the defense of their nation and their heritage; they resorted to paid mercenaries or tried to buy off their attackers" - Kenneth McFarland
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Where does the time go?
2008-01-05 22:31:00
I am so grateful for this gift of life I've been given. I think it's meant to be spent wisely and purposefully. Of course we can have fun and do leisurely things. But it seems to me that those things that matter most are often at the mercy of that which matters least. I think it's good to put a limit on the amount of time we all spend watching television.I think it's good to put a limit on the amount of time we spend on the computer or web.I think it's good to put a limit on the amount of times we go to the theaters. We can choose to watch good movies, good television, and view good things on the web. We can choose to only entertain those things that have strong moral values and messages. But there is always something better to do than any of these things and you will not miss the media so much if these better things become habit, become first and foremost in your life.It's better to spend time with your kids, to talk with them and get to know them... to show your love by ...
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Advice for Inter-Faith Discussions
2008-01-03 18:20:00
Krister Stendahl - Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Stockholm, Sweden and Dean of Divinity Emeritus, Harvard University gave the following advice for inter-faith discussions:"1. If you're going to ask the question, "What do others believe?" in their various faiths. Ask them... Not their critics, not their enemies.Because what one religious tradition says about another is usually a breech against the commandment, "thou shalt not bear false wittiness."2. If you're going to compare... don't compare your "bests" with their "worsts" - But compare "best" with "best."Most people think of their own tradition as it is, "at it's best" and use caricatures of the others.3. Leave room for "Holy Envy."Let me give you an example of my "holy envy" for the Latter-Day-Saints: We Lutherans, when we lose our loved ones, we have funerals, we have cemeteries... but that ends our concern with those who have gone before. But the Latter-Day-Saints care about their for-bearers that they want to bring the...
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"Peace, be still."
2008-01-01 00:08:00
These past few days I've been studying the Book of Mark in the New Testament KJV. I read some passages that gave me great comfort in today's troubled world. I'll explain:About a week ago my husband was talking with me about the difficulties his job is facing because he works in the housing market. I am sure that there are more people out there than just us who have felt the effects of the economy and have had a little anxiety over it all. The comfort I found was; the other morning I opened my scriptures to Mark Chapter 4, there I read the account of the disciples being tossed about on the stormy sea. When the storm becomes so terrifying the disciples believe they are all about to perish, they turn to Jesus who was sleeping and cry out, "Master, carest thou not that we perish?" The Savior stands up, stretches forth His mighty hand, rebukes the wind and calms the troubled waters, "peace, be still." Instantly there is calm and the storm has ceased. He then turns to His disciples and...
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Christmas Doesn't Have to End
2007-12-27 03:42:00
What a wonderful Christmas me and my family had yesterday. I feel blessed beyond measure to have such an abundant life... I'm not talking about material abundance although I know I have more than most of the people in the world... the abundance I'm talking about is the abundant wisdom, guidance, light, knowlege, comfort, peace and joy found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Herein is found the riches of eternity, riches that will never rust or decay- riches that cannot be stolen by theives on earth... these are where the greatest gifts are found. May I share with you some bits and pieces of a Christmas devotional given December 1992President Monson quoted, “President Hugh B. Brown counseled that the spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Chris...

The Way of the Master
2007-12-23 05:26:00
The following is a clip from a talk given by one of my favorite Apostles, President Thomas S. Monson. I feel it very appropriate for the Christmas Season because it encourages people to give the very best gift and that is a life dedicated to following Jesus Christ.Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “The Way of the Master ,” Ensign, May 1996, 50 to view the full Talk click on this link http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgn extoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d8262 0aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=be147cf3 4f40c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hide Nav=1“Two questions, spoken at an earlier time, roll as thunder to the ears of each of us: “What think ye of Christ?” 13 and “What shall [we] do … with Jesus?” 14 I proffer these three suggestions:1. Learn of Him. “Learn of me,” He pleaded, “for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” 152. Believe in Him. The writer of the proverb urged: “Trust in the Lord with...
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Asperger's Syndrome
2007-12-21 04:17:00
My oldest has been undergoing studies for just over 3 years now and the Dr.'s have come to the conclusion of Asperger's Syndrome ... it's a high functioning autism. My child is a very good kid and has a heart larger than life but sometimes the meltdowns and tantrums can be almost too much to bear. Tonight my child was having one of those episodes when my husband walked in the door from working a long 10 hour day. He said he would take care of everything, not to worry and to go out for the evening. So I'm here at the library where it is nice and peaceful and I'm able to clear my mind a bit. I'm so thankful for my husband's support. I don't know how I could face each day without the teamwork he offers me.Having a child with Asperger Syndrome does not discourage me but it is a real challenge at times. I have greater sympathy for the mothers out their who have children with disabilities and I know their are many that have far greater and far more overwhelming situations. I...

What God has Promised
2007-12-19 22:43:00
I read this poem today and it touched my heart. I've heard it before but I always love to hear it again. I believe that God, our loving Father in Heaven hears our every prayer and every cry. We may not get the answers we always want or in the way we want... but he knows what's best and sees the greater picture... and He will never fail us. I know this for myself!"God hath not promisedSkies always blue,Flower-strewn pathwaysAll our lives through;God hath not promisedSun without rain,Joy without sorrow,Peace without pain.But God hath promisedStrength for the day,Rest for the labor,Light for the way.Grace for the trials,Help from above,Unfailing sympathyUndying love."- AnonymousMay you have a wonderful day! And even if you don't believe in God - He will never stop believing in YOU!!!

Thanks for the Anonymous Gifts
2007-12-17 18:53:00
Someone has been leaving gifts on our door step these last few days. They might not ever see this blog entry... but just in case, I want them to know how grateful me and my family are for their generosity and kindness. In our prayers each night we have asked the Lord to pour out blessings upon whoever is behind these secret gifts. Thank you with all our hearts - you have brightened our home and fill our hearts with joy. Merry Christmas!
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Offended
2007-12-15 20:46:00
I had a good conversation with a friend of mine the other night. The subjects varied from casual to serious. Among the subjects of conversation, the one that stood out to me most, was offences and pride. Sometimes those of us who claim to be Christian deny our convictions for fear of scorn or fear of not being accepted. Or a more common thing is we deny our convictions because someone offended us... for example: we set high expectations for our fellow Christians leaving no room for weakness or mistake by those within our own congregation - wherewith if a person says or does anything that offends us we refuse to return to that place of worship, hold onto grudges and turn bitter.This morning I awoke with this subject of "offence" on my mind. I knelt to pray before beginning my morning study of the scriptures and then opened up the Bible. I found it to be no coincidence that my eyes fell upon these verses;"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate on...
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Political Neutrality
2007-12-13 18:59:00
I clipped the following from a Church News Article. I hope you find it informative and helpful.SALT LAKE CITY 6 December 2007 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today re-emphasized its long-standing position of party political neutrality in response to a large number of calls from the news media over the past few days.The statement of political neutrality has been posted on the Church’s Newsroom web site for the past year and has been widely disseminated to journalists. It says:The Church’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, not to elect politicians. The Church’s neutrality in matters of party politics applies in all of the many nations in which it is established.The Church does not: Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to.T...
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Excerpt from Predident Gordon B. Hinckley's Message
2007-12-11 18:25:00
I revere President Gordon B. Hinckley as a Prophet of God. This is an excerpt from the December Ensign, a monthly magazine distributed from my Church. This is only part of his sermon but I love to hear him speak.I think that people of all faiths could benefit from and appreciate the following message:"If I may be pardoned for suggesting the obvious, I do so only because the obvious is not observed in so many instances. The obvious includes four imperatives with reference to children: (1) love them, (2) teach them, (3) respect them, and (4) pray with them and for them.There once was a commonly seen bumper sticker that asked the question, “Have you hugged your child today?” How fortunate, how blessed is the child who feels the affection of his or her parents. That warmth, that love will bear sweet fruit in the years that follow. In large measure, the harshness that characterizes so much of our society is an outgrowth of harshness imposed on children years ago.Do you want a spirit ...
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I'm Proud to be a Woman and I'm Proud to be a Mom
2007-12-10 19:39:00
Nothing has ever given me more joy and fulfillment than my children. My life revolves around them. By having children, nurturing them and taking care of them I catch a small glimpse of God's love for all of His children, you and me and everyone on this earth. There is nothing that my children could ever do, nothing so bad that would ever change my love for them. True, someday they may cause me great pain, disappointment or heartache.... but my love for them will never change... it can't!!! Because, they are mine! I carried them and nursed them, I stayed up at night with them. From the moment they awake until I tuck them in at night I watch over them and pray for them. How could you not love those you willingly serve, those you constantly pray for? How could you not love those who you willing give your time, money and all that you have to? How could you not love those you would willingly lay your life down for? It's impossible to stop loving them when they are embedded ...
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A Couple of Christmas Thoughts
2007-12-09 00:50:00
I am so thankful for the generosity of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. I am continually amazed at their faithfulness and mercy so freely given to me in my life! Their love and forgiveness is the greatest gift I've ever known. I am indebted forever to Them.I love these two quotes and desire to share them with you:"He before whom a few gifts were laid in that lowly manger has spread so many gifts before us, thereby providing an unending Christmas . In fact, from Him for whom there was no room at the inn there comes to the faithful so many blessings 'that there shall not be room enough to receive [them]' (Malachi 3:10)"- Elder Neal A. Maxwell"God's gifts, unlike seasonal gifts, are eternal and imperishable, constituting a continuing Christmas which is never over! These infinite gifts are made possible by the 'infinite atonement'."- Elder Neal A. Maxwell
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Moromon or LDS?
2007-12-07 19:07:00
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Many people don't know that "Mormon" and "LDS" are only nicknames. When someone asks me what church I belong to I prefer to tell them the full name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints." I want people to know that Jesus Christ is the foundation of my beliefs and maybe by hearing the name, "mormon" or "LDS" confuses people to think it's a church about Mormon or a church about Saints but it's not.... It's a church about Jesus Christ. He is at the very core and center of it's teachings. I am so thankful for Jesus Christ. He is my personal Lord and Savior. I love Him and revere Him with all of my heart. I know that it is only through Him that I can be saved. I will praise and honor Him for the rest of my days.When He was on the earth He taught us the straight and narrow way. He taught us to have faith in God. (Matt 4:17) He taught us to repent and be baptized in His name. (Mark 11:22, Matt 3:13-17)...

What Matters Most
2007-12-06 03:28:00
I've been thinking about events such as the Tsunami that hit Indonesia a few years ago, Hurricane Katrina, September 11th and so on. Events like these really caused people to think about what really matters most.One person who was in New Orleans during Katrina said that the most common question they heard come from peoples lips was, "where is my family, my children, my loved ones... are they alright?" I worked in a nursing home a few years ago and I recall that the most common question among the residents there too was"where is my family, my children, my loved ones... are they alright?" Completely different circumstances but both faced with the frailness of life.Can you imagine when you are faced with the possibility of dying tomorrow saying, "Oh I wish I could just spend one more hour at the office" or "I wish I could have one more chance to watch my favorite sitcom or play my favorite video game." Guaranteed that these will not be what we are thinking about.We will be wonderin...
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If Tomorrow Never Comes
2007-11-30 17:44:00
For part of our Sacrament Meeting in church last Sunday, a little 9 yr. old girl gave a great talk she put together herself about showing love for our families and following our Savior today.... because tomorrow may never come. Part of her talk she quoted from Elder Claudio Costa who spoke in the world-wide broadcast this past October. This is what she read:"We can lay down our lives for those we love not by physically dying for them but rather by living for them- giving of our time; always being present in their lives; serving them; being courteous, affectionate, and showing true love for those of our family and to all men- as the Savior taught.We don't know what could happen to us tomorrow, and that is why today is the time to start showing your love through small acts such as a hug and an 'I love you' to your spouse and children and those around you.I recently read a text which expresses the urgency of not leaving for tomorrow what you can do today. In July of this year Brazi...
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Govern the Tounge, Pray for Charity
2007-11-28 20:55:00
I was inspired to write this poem after studying the following verses in the Bible:Luke 5:44. John 13:34, 35. 1 Corinthians 2:9-14. 1 Corinthians 13:1-4. Galatians 5:16-26. Ephesians 4:29. James 3:3-17.Compared to the ship itself,The helm is rather small;But it’s the helm that turns the shipAnd guides it though it all:So this is with our tongue,This tiny little member-Can blaze destruction like a fireFrom the smallest of an ember.If one gives a blessing,And then they turn to curse another:Sings praises to our God aboveBut loathes and hates his brother…Which master do they follow?What are the seeds then sown?Discern the works of righteousness,By their fruits they shall be known.If something does not edifyAnd encourage greater love,How can it truly be of God-Or claim wisdom from above?If I preach great words of knowledgeAnd have the gift of prophecyMy words become as sounding brassIf I am void of charity.Let us then control our tonguesOf speaking ill of others,And rid our hearts...
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Christ Praying to Heavenly Father
2007-11-23 19:31:00
I was inspired to do this sketch one day after studying two different accouts in the Bible:John, chapter 17, where Christ offers the great intercessory prayer and in Luke 22:39-44 when He prays in the Garden of Gethsemane just before Judas betrayed Him. When I read these I could feel the passion that Jesus felt as He cried out to God the Fath er for all of us.I know our Savior loves us so much. I can't explain it but I feel it. The tears in this sketch are born of a love that is bigger than the universe and spans across eternity. He is praying for us to let Him into our lives, into our hearts. If you choose to let Him in... your life will be sweeter, you will love greater, you will see clearer, He will make more out of you and your life than you could ever dream of. I know it's true. It's happened to me... and it continues each day as I decide to let Him in, as I decide to follow His teachings and live by His example... amazing things happen.A wise man once said that anything that...

Thanksgiving
2007-11-23 06:10:00
Today has been a wonderful Thanksgiving . I am grateful for the freedom to believe as I choose. I am grateful to be able to practice my religion. This is what the pilgrims came to this land for and I thank God that they did. My greatest treasures are my religion, my faith in God and His Only Begotten Son, my family and my Country. I have riches not measured by money. I have riches that cannot be stolen or taken from me. I have riches that bring real and lasting happiness. These riches are embedded within my heart. I thank my Father in Heaven for helping me see where real treasures are found!
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Quotes on Gratitude
2007-11-22 03:18:00
"As gratitude is absent or disappears, rebellion often enters and fills the vacuum... I refer to rebellion against moral cleanliness, beauty, decency, honesty, reverence, and respect for parental authority. A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love and well-being." - James Faust"There isn't a word in all the English language with more magic in it than the word gratitude. Love makes fertile the soil for things to blossom and to grow, and love begins with gratitude."- Geraldine Anderson"Thankfulness is measured by the number of words; gratitude is measured by the nature of our actions." - David McKay"It has been said that the sin of ingratitude is more serious than the sin of revenge. With revenge, we return evil for evil, but with ingratitude, we return evil for good." - Eugene Hansen"Think to thank. In these three words are the finest c...
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For the Child Who's Mother Died
2007-11-21 17:14:00
My friend told me that her sister died yesterday. She was only 30 yrs. old. She left behind her daughter, a cute little 5 yr. old girl. In consolation my friend told her niece that everything will be alright, she has an Angel for a Mommy. I wrote this poem for that 5 yr. old girl.An Angel for a MommyMy mommy’s deep love for meGoes beyond the brightest star.She keeps me as a treasure,Like a moonbeam in a jar.She whispers to me gentlyWhen it’s hard to make a choice,And guides me through decisionsWith a calm and soothing voice.Each day she stays close by me,She is often at my side-And though you might not see her,I can feel her there abide.At night, when I am sleeping,I can feel her kiss my head-Singing songs that angels singAs I’m lying there in bed.She tells me of the SaviorSays, “His name is Jesus Christ,”Then whispers the sweet StoryOf the Greatest Sacrifice.She says that He’s my Brother,Because God’s His Father too.*Once He lived upon the earthJust the same as me and...
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