A Musical Tribute to President Gordon B. Hinckley

Celebrate the life of President Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the LDS Church, who died last Sunday at age of 97.
A beautiful musical tribute with music by Josh Groban,
"You Raise Me Up"

Tribute to our Beloved Prophet: Gordon B. Hinckley


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President Gordon B. Hinckley and BYU

President Gordon B. Hinckley had a very special spiritual connection with BYU, Brigham Young University, and with the youth of the Church.

"You are not yet everything you ought to be, but by and large you are very good.
And you can become everything you ought to be. And how very much I love you."



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Wit and Wisdom of Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley

The Wit and Wisdom of President Hinckley

"I wish to be up and doing. I wish to face each day with resolution and purpose. I wish to use every waking hour to give encouragement to bless those whose burdens are heavy, to build faith and strength of testimony. If in the process I should die on some distant strand while speaking to my friends in the church, it would be better than if I were to spend my days, looking out languidly upon the world without purpose or design."

~ President Gordon B. Hinckley, April 5, 1997

Read Entire Article Here

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The Life of President Gordon B. Hinckley

Newest Video from LDSPublicAffairs

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.

The Life of President Gordon B. Hinckley: 1910 - 2008


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Gordon B. Hinckley, Beloved Prophet, 1910-2008

Last night, the beloved Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints died at the age of 97. He will be remembered as one of the most loved of the 15 Prophets of the Church. His compassion, wit, wisdom and humor were known by all members of the Church and people worldwide. He was a humanitarian, a communicator, a Temple builder. He served the Church with total dedication and humility. He served for over 12 years, and for some, he was the only living Prophet they had ever known. (myself, included) I remember him as being totally joyful and fun-loving.

On the news last night, here in Salt Lake City, they interviewed several people at Temple Square about their memories of President Gordon B. Hinckley. One really stood out for me...."What a wonderful life. What a wonderful man. His message....'forgive yourself and get to work!'"

One of his most cherished talks is one he gave to the young people of the Church. In November of 2000, President Hinckley challenged them to set goals for themselves to be grateful, be smart, be clean, be true, be humble, and be prayerful. The six “Bs,” as President Hinckley called them, are a marvelous standard for all Latter-day Saints.

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney issued this press release today:

Today, Governor Mitt Romney released the following statement regarding the passing of Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: "I was saddened to learn of the death of Gordon B. Hinckley. Ann and I respect him as a man of great faith and character. Like all people who knew him, we were deeply touched by his humility, his sense of humor and by the way he inspired so many people around the world. We will miss his leadership."

Gov. Romney will be taking a break from campaigning to attend President Hinckley's funeral in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Prophet of the Lord, Gordon B. Hinckley


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Gordon B. Hinckley - Welcome Home

A video tribute to President and Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley

President Gordon B. Hinckley, world leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was ordained and set apart as the 15th President of the Church on Sunday, March 12, 1995



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Visiting the Rexburg, Idaho LDS Temple

I just returned from the Open House of the Rexburg LDS Temple. It was beautiful, it was amazing! The outdoor temperature in Rexburg was 0 degrees, windchill -10. But inside the warm and welcoming House of the Lord, the sweet peace and powerful spiritual energy was overwhelming. It felt like coming Home. I will never forget it.

Maybe if evangelical Christians would tour an LDS Temple, they would no longer wonder if Mormons are really Christians. They would let go of their fear and judgement. Because the love felt inside the Temple is evidence that those worshipping or working within the sacred walls are simply doing the work of the Lord and following the restored teachings of Jesus Christ.

"A video tour through the interior of the Rexburg Idaho Temple, which was completed in 2008. Temples are set apart as sacred space, as the House of the Lord, where the teachings of Jesus Christ are reaffirmed through ordinances such as baptism and eternal marriage."


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Here's My Heart, Lord

A Classic American hymn sung by the the combined choirs of Brigham Young University,
along with gorgeous slides of Utah's natural beauty.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing



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A Personal Parable for Peace

Let go, let God. Our burdens will be lifted!

I had always fretted about “what if?” As a child, I worried, “What if I don’t get picked?” As a young adult, I agonized, “What if I don’t get asked?” As an adult, I panicked, “What if I’m not good enough?” No matter how much success I had enjoyed earlier in my life, each time I faced a new challenge, my head would ache, my stomach would twist into knots, and I couldn’t eat. I knew it had gotten out of hand when I started having anxiety attacks. I never knew when the attacks would come. As a result I didn’t want to be alone, leave home, or drive the car—not exactly reasonable expectations for a mother of four young children. What could I do? Where could I find relief?

One hot summer Sunday afternoon, these questions were weighing heavily on my mind. It was fast Sunday, and our Church meetings were over. My two sons, aged five and seven, raced to see who could get inside the house and out of the heat first. They stood on the step next to the door, jostling each other for position, each grabbing the door handle and trying to turn the knob and push the door open. The door was locked. I caught up with them, slid my key into the lock, and tried to turn the handle, but the boys were each holding it so tightly that I could not turn the key.

The words “If you would just let go for a minute, I could turn the key and let you in” tumbled out of my mouth. Almost immediately, my sons relaxed their grip. I turned the key, and we were inside the house.

As I said those words, an image popped into my mind. I imagined the Savior standing next to me, repeating my own words back to me: “If you would just let go for a minute, I could turn the key for you. Let go. Let me help.”

I had my answer. I realized that by letting go of the fear and worry, I could open myself up to the love of the Savior. My fears may or may not materialize, but when I trust in the Lord, somehow things work out for the best.

As I let go of my worries and put my trust in the Savior, I have gained a testimony that through the Atonement, our most difficult burdens can be lifted.

by Nancy M. Christensen,

Ensign, Jul 2006

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Beyond Testimony, Total Conversion

Wheelwright discusses complete conversion

At the first devotional of Winter Semester 2008, BYU-Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright told the audience that there is a difference between testimony and conversion. He also gave four daily minimum requirements to help a person move toward complete conversion.

"True conversion, that is the Lord's kind of whole or complete conversion, is much more than a simple testimony," he said. "Entrance into the Lord's Kingdom requires our complete conversion, not just a testimony."

Wheelwright quoted many passages from the Bible of Peter's going from having a testimony of Jesus Christ to becoming fully converted, as illustrated in Acts. "We all recall the resurrected Lord’s interaction with Peter on the shore of Galilee, where Peter is asked three times if he loves the Lord. Each time he responds affirmatively, to which the Savior’s response is 'Feed my sheep.' Within a short time Peter can be found doing exactly that," Wheelwright said.

"Throughout the Book of Acts and the remainder of the New Testament, the 'transformed' Peter demonstrates his motivating faith through his fixed and controlling determination to carry out any commandment, whether it be taking the gospel to the Gentiles, building the kingdom throughout the known world, or defending the Savior before kings and emperors," the leader of BYU-Hawaii continued. "His love of God firmly defines him and how he lives his life."

There are three levels of conversion, Wheelwright explained. First, a believer gains a simple testimony and plants the seed; second, a believer nurtures the seed and tries to follow Christ; third, the love of God becomes so settled in the believer's heart that the person's only desire is to serve God.

To help disciples of Christ become fully converted, Wheelwright presented four minimum daily requirements: obtain doctrine, implement doctrine, look for results, and say thank you. Meeting these goals daily will rapidly improve one's spirituality in moving toward complete conversion, he said.

"Together, these four 'minimum daily requirements' will help us reach our goal of full conversion the way the Lord intends. They will empower us with a truly motivating faith to live the gospel and share the gospel. Our commitment to our Savior will be so securely embedded in our hearts that it will have become who we are, not just what we do," Wheelwright stated.

Tuesday's devotional was the first for many students, also new to a Church-owned school. "To be able to have devotionals, mixed in with education, is amazing to me. I love this school because of that," said Nichole Manco, a junior, who came to BYU-Hawaii from Germany. Manco continued, "President gave us a 'how-to'. His talk gave answers to questions."

BYU-Hawaii's president concluded his talk by reminding students, faculty and staff who they are, and how he believes they can gain true happiness. "We are all sons and daughters of God. He loves us and wants us to be happy. But He knows that true happiness comes not just from gaining a testimony of the Savior and His Atonement, but from settling in our hearts our commitment to follow Him and obey His commandments."

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Mormons Invited to Blog About the Church

During a speech at the commencement ceremonies at Brigham Young University - Hawaii, Elder M. Russell Ballard encouraged graduates to join the conversation about Mormonism on the Internet.

Elder Ballard Invites Mormons to Join Internet Conversation


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Consider the Lilies of the Field

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings Roger Hoffman's arrangement of Matthew 6:

Consider the Lilies of the Field

Consider the lilies of the field,
How they grow, how they grow.
Consider the birds in the sky,
How they fly, how they fly.

He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky.
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sheep of His fold,
How they follow where He leads.
Though the path may wind across the mountains,
He knows the meadows where they feed.

He clothes the lilies of the field.
He feeds the birds in the sky,
And He will feed those who trust Him,
And guide them with His eye.

Consider the sweet, tender children
Who must suffer on this earth.
The pains of all of them He carried
From the day of His birth.

He clothes the lilies of the field,
He feeds the lambs in His fold,
And He will heal those who trust Him,
And make their hearts as gold.

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"Day of Praise" Blog Mission Statement

I noticed another blog with a "Blog Mission Statement", so I decided to pray and ask what the mission statement should be for "Day of Praise". The answer came quickly and powerfully...


"I did look unto my God and I did praise him all the day long."

(1Nephi 18:16)


What is your blog's mission statement?

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Press On in Gratitude

As we begin the New Year, many of us make New Year's resolutions. Resolutions can be as ordinary as losing weight, getting more organized or reading more good books.

Or resolutions can be truly 're-solutions', finding new solutions...or acknowledging and clinging to the only real solution...total daily gratitude to God.

In his new book, "Press On - Messages of Faith, Hope and Charity ", Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin adapts many previous talks and addresses and inspires us to "Press On" in our spiritual journey.

In one of my favorite chapters, Chapter 25, entitled "Live in Thanksgiving Daily", Elder Wirthlin emphasizes the importance of daily Gratitude.

Here is a brief snippet from Chapter 25:

" Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten everything around them. They make others feel better about themselves. They tend to be more humble, more joyful, and more likeable.

You might be surprised to know that to be grateful is a commandment of the Father. 'Thou shalt thank the Lord they God in all things' (D&C 59:7), the Lord has commanded in these latter days. He has also said, 'In nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.' (D&C 59:21).

In the Book of Mormon we learn that we should 'live in thanksgiving daily'. (Alma 34:38) ....

I believe that many people are unhappy because they have not learned to be grateful."

So check out "Press On". Reading this new book is a great way to begin your New Year and may even help you to make and keep your 're-solutions', with gratitude and joy.

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Arise and Shine Forth !

"Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
an holy nation, a peculair people;

that ye should show forth the praises of Him

who hath called you out of darkness,
into His marvelous Light." (1Peter 2:9)


Arise and Shine Forth!



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Praise and Gratitude As A Saving Principle

By President James E. Faust
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

Ensign, Dec 1996, 2

"I desire to discuss gratitude as an expression of faith and as a saving principle. The Lord has said, “And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments” (D&C 59:21). It is clear to me from this scripture that to “thank the Lord thy God in all things” (D&C 59:7) is more than a social courtesy; it is a binding commandment. "

Read entire article

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"The Works of God continue...."

Some lyrics from the hauntingly beautiful song,

"If You Could Hie to Kolob"

"The Works of God continue....

There is no end to Virtue
There is no end to Youth
There is no end to Union
There is no end to Light
There is no end to Wisdom
There is no end to Love
There is no end to Truth
There is no end to Glory
There is no end to Being
There is no death above"

I've just discovered this amazing song. It reverberates through my heart, soul and being! It brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it. I'd love to know the history of it.

I've found a couple versions of it online I wanted to share with you and I am so hopeful that some of you will share your favorite versions with me.

Jeremy Lamb's Version here Truly Amazing!

Version by Lex de Azevedo with beautiful,inspiring images



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.

Did You Think to Pray?

Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor,
As a shield today?

O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.

When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?

O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.

When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was bowed in sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?

O how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day;
So when life seems dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray.

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New Year's Resolutions

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions

“Keeping New Year’s Resolutions,” Tambuli, Dec 1990, 45

Liahona » 1990 » December

Do you start out each new year with lots of plans to improve your life but, after a few weeks, lose your enthusiasm? If so, here are a few ideas to help you keep the best of your New Year’s resolutions:

Make realistic resolutions. Don’t try too much too quickly. For example, if you are presently not reading your scriptures at all but your resolution is to read half an hour every day, you may be setting yourself up for failure. It may be more realistic to resolve just to read something, even if it is just a few verses, every day. After that becomes habit, then you can work on increasing your goal.

Set a series of smaller goals. Divide your big goal into smaller sections. Say, for instance, you want to save money. Instead of leaving your goal so vague, plan a reasonable amount to work toward in the first month, then a larger amount to have saved at the first quarter of the year.

These smaller goals will keep you encouraged as you make progress.

Make reminders. After you decide the things you would like to work on, make several reminders for yourself. The old method of taping a sign on your mirror or somewhere where you will see it regularly might work. But if you usually ignore your signs, try something different. Sometimes simple things can work. Take the resolution to read your scriptures every day, for example. When you get out of bed in the morning, place your scriptures on your pillow. It will be difficult to say you forgot when you have to move them before going to bed.

Be kind to yourself. If you find you’ve made resolutions that are making you miserable, be willing to change them. After all, they are your resolutions. Sometimes you can resolve to do things that are really too big to handle. Instead of giving up as a failure, modify your goals so that they will be a true help and result in improvement.

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Seek to Feel the Lord's Love

Seek to Feel the Lord's Love

"The Savior's invitation is clear and direct, and importantly for
us, it is constant: 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden. . . . Take my yoke upon you, . . . for . . . my burden is light'
(Matthew 11:28-30). This is the Lord's promise to me and to
you.
"My prayer for each of us is that we will remember when the
Lord has spoken His peace to us and has encircled us in the arms of His
love. And just as important, will you, if you haven't felt that love
for a while, seek to see it and feel it as you go about the ordinary
tasks
of your life. As you do this, over the days and months and years of
your
life, the memories of those interactions with the Lord will become
sweet
gifts to open a second time--or many times--to bolster
you when life is difficult.
" 'Peace I give unto you,' the
Lord promises, 'not as the world giveth, give I unto you' (John
14:27). Peace. Strength. It is what we long for and what is possible.
We
only need to turn toward His reaching arms."

(Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006,
112)

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