My America, My Country 'Tis of Thee

After reading Elder Dallin H Oaks keynote address at today's Constitution Day Celebration at the Tabernacle on Temple Square, I was deeply touched with his choice of closing "with a poetic prayer. It is familiar to most Americans because we sing it in one of our loveliest hymns. It expresses gratitude to God for liberty, and it voices a prayer for continued blessings:

Our fathers’ God, to thee,

Author of liberty,

To thee we sing;

Long may our land be bright

With freedom’s holy light.

Protect us by thy might,

Great God, our King!" 

Elder Oaks suggested five responsibilities that we have as citizens of the great country:  

1. Understand the Constitution

2.  Support the Law

3.  Practice Civic Virtue 

4. Maintain Civility in Political Discourse

5. Promote Patriotism

No doubt, we fall short in various areas of #'s 1-4, but, we excell in our Patriotic Attitudes and Enthusiasm! (And not with "short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication" that defines our lives!)

36 Old Testament - Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense

Stand in Holy Places

36 Old Testament - Glory of Zion Will Be a Defense

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We LOVE the SCRIPTURES!

We love the Holy Scriptures! We love the Holy Bible!

Holy Bible and The Book of Mormon
Both are Testaments of Christ

We love knowing that the Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Christ! 



Testaments of CHRIST
The Bible and The Book of Mormon



So, what has prompted this sudden need to declare, testify and witness about the Scriptures?     



LDS Standard Works



A Gospel topic search on the Internet (see Comments) showed that there are just too many out there who are either ignorant to the Word of God, or unrecptive to the Holy Ghost, or even worse, determined to undermine Heavenly Father's Plan for His children. 

And, without even realizing it, my thoughts were akin to those in this month's First Presidency Message by Pres. Henry B Eyring, "The Book of Mormon As A Personal Guide". 

Pres. Henry B Eyring

Pres. Eyring declares that the Book of Mormon "is our sure guide on the way home to God." and then he testifies, "Each time I read even a few lines in the Book of Mormon, I feel my testimony strengthened that the book is true, that Jesus is the Christ, that we can follow Him home, and that we can take those we love home with us."

And then, as a resource for families, the Church has added a section to the First Presidency Message just for Children. Following the theme set by Pres. Eyring, the Children's section is called "A Guide to Help Us Get Home" and immediately asks the reader, "How would you feel if you were lost and didn’t know the way to get home to your family? Would you be happy if you could follow someone who could show you the way?"

LDS Standard Works that we Love!

Above  is the illustration that is given with images of the answers that the Lord has placed in the Book of Mormon that tell us what we need to do to get back home:


Repent and be baptized.


Have bright hope.


Love God and all people.


Follow Jesus.


Pres. Eyring concludes with his testimony, "I pray that we and all those we love will drink deeply and daily from it. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ that it is a true guide." 



The Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible
are 'Maps' from God



Which is exactly what we want to testify, too, that the Book of Mormon contains the doctrine of Christ inorder to be our road-map

that will lead us back to our Heavenly Home!   It teaches us that we must pray always in the name of Christ, not fainting. 

Pres George Washington in earnest, humble prayer

Then, it tell us that if we do this, then we will have the following promise:  “Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life” (2 Nephi 31:20).

Pres Abraham Lincoln in earnest, humble prayer

Pres. Eyring also stated that the Book of Mormon "gives us confidence that we can become so purified in this life that we have no more desire to do evil (see Mosiah 5:2). This hope gives us courage and comfort as Satan tries to tempt and discourage us on our way."

Pres Lincoln loved his Bible

In fact, it contains a sermon from King Benjamin that teaches us that
"When our natures are changed by the power of the Atonement and through our faithful obedience to the commandments, we will be filled with the love of God (see Mosiah 4:1–12).

Pres George W Bush in earnest, humble prayer
with Pres Lincoln and Pres Washington at his side
as angels to assist and comfort

Elder Neal A Maxwell explained that there are many great spiritual events that have gone unseen by eyes "spiritually untrained; therefore, they were lost in the swollen sea of worldly cares, a sea which never rests. One day, the historical record will be complete; but, meanwhile, the scriptures will be our guide concerning those transcending spiritual events in human history which are saturated with significance."

Jesus teaching from the Holy Scriptures

The events of our Savior's atoning sacrifice, crucifixion and resurrection do not have a full correlation within the chapters of the four Gospels, and yet, Elder Maxwell explains, "the important thing is that the tomb was empty, because Jesus had been resurrected! Essence, not tactical detail! Moreover, the faithful, then and now, understand why the resurrected Jesus did not appear to the Sanhedrin, to Caiaphas, or Pilate—but, instead, to the bands of believers at Bethany and Bountiful."

One Nation Under God by Jon McNaughton
shows many who looked to the Lord and the Scriptures to assist them
and others who turned their backs on the things of God.

"....belatedly, the fulness of the history of the dispensation of the fulness of times will be written!



The final mosaic of the Restoration will be resplendent, reflecting divine design and the same centerpiece—the Father’s plan of salvation and exaltation and the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ.




At the perfect day, we will see that we have been a part of things too wonderful for us. Part of the marvel and the wonder of God’s “marvelous work and a wonder” will be how perfect Divinity mercifully used us—imperfect humanity."

As we follow our Savior, we will be led to the path to return
to our Heavenly Home. The Book of Mormon is our personal
guide and road map to learn what we must do to follow the Savior.

Gladly, we testify, that He Lives! That the Book of Mormon is true and our personal guide to show us what to do to return home!

20 Gospel Principles - Baptism

Alma Baptizes in the Waters of Mormon

20 Gospel Principles-Baptism

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We Should Glorify Christ

"At the center of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is His unique witnessing to us of Christ’s atoning act, history’s greatest emancipation."

To better understand the depth of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost that literally effect our nature, our being, and our very soul,

Elder Neal A Maxwell

Elder Neal A Maxwell invited us to consider the following statement of Elder Parley P. Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

“An intelligent being, in the image of God, possesses, every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection, of will, wisdom, love, power and gift, which is possessed by God Himself.

But these are possessed by man, in his rudimental state, in a subordinate sense of the word. Or, in other words, these attributes are in embryo, and are to be gradually developed. They resemble a bud, a germ, which gradually develops into bloom, and then, by progress, produces the mature fruit after its own kind.

The gift of the Holy Spirit adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity. It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being.

In the presence of such persons one feels to enjoy the light of their countenances, as the genial rays of a sunbeam. Their very atmosphere diffuse and thrill, a warm glow of pure gladness and sympathy, to the heart and nerves of others who have kindred feelings, or sympathy of spirit…”

Elder Parley P Pratt

(Parley P. Pratt, p. 101-102 “Key to the Science of Theology”)


Elder Maxwell adds:

"In the Holy Ghost’s role in the Godhead, He “witnesses of the Father and the Son” (2 Ne. 31:18), and further He actually glorifies Christ (see John 16:14). Ever relevant, this glorification of our Savior is so vital in the last days, when so many esteem Jesus, the Lord of the Universe, as “naught” (1 Ne. 19:7). Therefore, at the center of the gifts of the Holy Ghost is His unique witnessing to us of Christ’s atoning act, history’s greatest emancipation: “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world” (D&C 46:13).

"There is such a difference between the admiration and the adoration of Jesus!


"Since the Holy Ghost glorifies Christ as indicated, so should we. One of the ways you and I can glorify Christ is by improving and repenting, showing that we take seriously the proffered discipleship that comes from Him. We should care enough about it that it lies at the very center of our lives."

OUR INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY FOCUS continues with Elder Maxwell's testimony: 

"The Church will pass through some turbulence that lies ahead. We will be all right. However, do all you can to be connected with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, and He will glorify Christ. He will give you a precious reassurance about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Faster than we realize, we are being more sharply defined and are seen in ways that are significantly different. We must measure up to our time and say with the ancient prophet Nephi, as he thought upon the ministries of those who preceded him, “I am consigned that these are my days” (Hel. 7:9). These are your days, brothers and sisters. And the intertwining of your lives with the lives of others isn’t simply reflective of this mortal second estate. I so testify to you! I seek to glorify Christ. I know it is my apostolic duty, but it is also my delight."

MAY WE SEEK TO GLORIFY CHRIST AND FIND IT OUR DELIGHT!

34 Old Testament -I Will Betroth Thee Unto me in

I Will Betroth Thee Unto Me in Righteousness

34 Old Testament -I Will Betroth Thee Unto me in

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35 Old Testament - God Reveals His Secrets To His Prophets

God Reveals His Secrets to His Prophets

35 Old Testament - God Reveals His Secrets To His Prophets

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Timetable of the Lord

Dallin H. Oaks was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional

address was given at Brigham Young University on 29 January 2002.



© Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

I watched and listened to the rebroadcast of Elder Dallin H Oaks' devotional address
on BYUTV yesterday morning and was deeply touched with his following personal story:

"If we have faith in God and if we are committed to the fundamentals of keeping His commandments and putting Him first in our lives, we do not need to plan every single event--even every important event--and we should not feel rejected or depressed if some things--even some very important things--do not happen at the time we had planned or hoped or prayed.

Walking with Jesus

Commit yourself to put the Lord first in your life, keep His commandments, and do what the Lord's servants ask you to do. Then your feet are on the pathway to eternal life.

Then it does not matter whether you are called to be a bishop or a Relief Society president, whether you are married or single, or whether you die tomorrow. You do not know what will happen. Do your best on what is fundamental and personal and then trust in the Lord and His timing.


Life has some strange turns. I will share some personal experiences that illustrate this.


When I was a young man I thought I would serve a mission. I graduated from high school in June 1950. Thousands of miles away, one week after that high school graduation, a North Korean army crossed the 38th parallel, and our country was at war. I was 17 years old, but as a member of the Utah National Guard I was soon under orders to prepare for mobilization and active service. Suddenly, for me and for many other young men of my generation, the full-time mission we had planned or assumed was not to be.


Another example: After I served as president of BYU for nine years, I was released. A few months later the governor of the state of Utah appointed me to a 10-year term on the supreme court of this state. I was then 48 years old. My wife June and I tried to plan the rest of our lives. We wanted to serve the full-time mission neither of us had been privileged to serve. We planned that I would serve 20 years on the state supreme court. Then, at the end of two 10-year terms, when I would be nearly 69 years old, I would retire from the supreme court and we would submit our missionary papers and serve a mission as a couple.


I had my 69th birthday last summer and was vividly reminded of that important plan. If things had gone as we planned, I would now be submitting papers to serve a mission with my wife June.

Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Four years after we made that plan I was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles--something we never dreamed would happen.

 Realizing then that the Lord had different plans and different timing than we had assumed, I resigned as a justice of the supreme court. But this was not the end of the important differences. When I was 66, my wife June died of cancer. Two years later--a year and a half ago--I married Kristen McMain, the eternal companion who now stands at my side.


How fundamentally different my life is than I had sought to plan! My professional life has changed. My personal life has changed. But the commitment I made to the Lord--to put Him first in my life and to be ready for whatever He would have me do--has carried me through these changes of eternal importance.

Faith and trust in the Lord give us the strength to accept and persist, whatever happens in our lives. I did not know why I received a "no" answer to my prayers for the recovery of my wife of many years, but the Lord gave me a witness that this was His will, and He gave me the strength to accept it. Two years after her death, I met this wonderful woman who is now my wife for eternity. And I know that this also was the will of the Lord.

Jesus Is Our Pilot

I return to the subject with which I began. Do not rely on planning every event of your life--even every important event. Stand ready to accept the Lord's planning and the agency of others in matters that inevitably affect you. Plan, of course, but fix your planning on personal commitments that will carry you through no matter what happens.

Anchor your life to eternal principles, and act upon those principles whatever the circumstances and whatever the actions of others. Then you can await the Lord's timing and be sure of the outcome in eternity."

18 Gospel Principles Faith in Jesus Christ

Salvation cometh to none…except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Mosiah 3:12)

18 Gospel Principles Faith in Jesus Christ

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Have I Done Any Good Today?? ¿He Hecho Bueno Hoy?

Have I Done Any Good Today?  

el Templo de Madrid

We are immensely grateful for the blessings of the Internet and even Facebook that have created the medium to reunite us with beloved friends and companions across the world!

With the admonition to always be a missionary and the goals to uplift and inspire, we decided to create a 'Photo Album' on Facebook that contained images of people and places from our 2 year mission to the Madrid Spain Temple 2001-2003.

Hollie and Errol - Madrid

And then, we created another 'Photo Album' that contained 'current' photos of our special friends.

Dick and Sandy Merrill

Many of the photos in both of those albums are photos from our friend's own personal profiles - which means those photos were already posted and published on the Internet for some time. 

However, most of the photos actually posted on our friend's 'Walls' previously have had NO comments from other friends.

However, those very same photos that are NOW duplicated in our Albums are currently being tagged with friend's and other friends of friend's comments who are all thrilled, excited, and grateful to be reunited with those whom they hold dear and cherish!

The miracle IS that people all over the globe are finding each other with-in our two meager but humble Photo Albums and they hadn't been able to 'find' each other on Facebook previously. 

Amanda and Bert DuPont

We received a phone call with-in 24 hours of posting our Album from dear friends in Hawaii thanking us for the phone calls and emails that they had been receiving all day in reuniting with former missionaries, companions and friends as a result of the photos in 'OUR' Facebook Albums.

 They are being reconnected with those with whom they served in Chile, Columbia, Kansas, and more over thirty years ago! They are being contacted daily with well-wishes and words of love!  More and more friends are branching out and finding them and each other!

In many respects, these reunions through the Internet are similar to the great reunion of Alma with his beloved friends, the sons of Mosiah.  Elder Jeffrey R Holland
describes it in an article entitled "Real Friendship":

Alma the Younger – “Alma rejoiced upon seeing that his formerly rebellious friends ‘were still his brethern in the Lord’ and that ‘they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth.”

"After 14 years of long, hard, demanding missionary service—service that had included sorrow and opposition as well as miracles of every kind—Alma and the sons of Mosiah were reunited briefly before continuing their work for the Lord. The description of that reunion reveals how strong their friendship and love had become, even in their prolonged absence from one another.


“Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.


“But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God” (Alma 17:2–3).

This is OUR INSPIRATIONAL FAMILY FOCUS!!

Marina y Mayca
¡Son todavía fuertes en la fe y sirviendo como gran ejemplos a muchas jóvenes mujeres!
Both are still strong in the faith and serving as great examples to many young women!

Similar experiences have been happening for other friends, too. 


It's amazing!

It's one miracle after another across the earth!

It's a blessing from our Heavenly Father!

It's a gift from God!

{Many thanks to my sweet sister's comments as we spoke on the phone:  Said she: "In the eternal scheme of things, doing my laundry and cleaning my house today really aren't going to matter. What you are doing does matter: You're saving the world!"}

Day of Great Joy!
Five Leaders of the African Branch Received Their Temple Blessings