tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72275688878347957772024-03-18T20:06:06.850-07:00Have a Great Day!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-89688157542948826292011-09-06T12:08:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:17:30.824-07:00One of the Best<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsLBBp9aJuvJ7y0HagtVhbbO9snF-nO8cYadpN-qVDAA4N0HqYMExObo65eud-R21o7V0WxRFTbv2wSA1jY5d34TDvVKKX4eBRAFrM1S118Uap-tiy-XcBE6hMgNHLUiDB8Y-M_xgHybx/s1600/Holland_medium.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsLBBp9aJuvJ7y0HagtVhbbO9snF-nO8cYadpN-qVDAA4N0HqYMExObo65eud-R21o7V0WxRFTbv2wSA1jY5d34TDvVKKX4eBRAFrM1S118Uap-tiy-XcBE6hMgNHLUiDB8Y-M_xgHybx/s400/Holland_medium.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649327608881631090" /></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a great speech by one of my very favorite apostles. This speech seems really appropriate as there are many new beginnings for many of us right now. Have a great day!</div><div><br /></div>Text:<a href="http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12522">http://speeches.byu.edu/reader/reader.php?id=12522</a><div><br /></div><div>Video:<a href="http://byutv.org/watch/7c1b2fce-20bf-4688-bc0b-622ef958e2c0">http://byutv.org/watch/7c1b2fce-20bf-4688-bc0b-622ef958e2c0</a></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-23076636303700256432011-08-14T16:58:00.000-07:002011-08-14T17:13:35.132-07:00Tap DancingI really enjoy a great tap dance number. Whether it's the snappy rhythms, well dressed guys, or happy songs, I don't really care. All I know is I love a good tap number. Have a great day!<div>
<br /><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IFabjc6mFk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
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<br /><iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D1ZYhVpdXbQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-33306312645673804922011-07-31T09:52:00.001-07:002011-07-31T09:54:07.752-07:00Alleluia<div><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/m9RVcxJHMw8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>This is my favorite song from the "Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" album. It's also one of my favorite words to say, so hey! It's a double whammy!<div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-47918429820066949952011-07-21T10:59:00.000-07:002011-07-21T11:01:47.454-07:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 3px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 3px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><span ><p><b>The House by the Side of the Road </b><i>by Sam Walter Foss</i></p><p>There are hermit souls that live withdrawn<br />In the place of their self-content;<br />There are souls like stars, that dwell apart,<br />In a fellowless firmament;<br />There are pioneer souls that blaze the paths<br />Where highways never ran-<br />But let me live by the side of the road<br />And be a friend to man.</p><p>Let me live in a house by the side of the road<br />Where the race of men go by-<br />The men who are good and the men who are bad,<br />As good and as bad as I.<br />I would not sit in the scorner's seat<br />Nor hurl the cynic's ban-<br />Let me live in a house by the side of the road<br />And be a friend to man.</p><p>I see from my house by the side of the road<br />By the side of the highway of life,<br />The men who press with the ardor of hope,<br />The men who are faint with the strife,<br />But I turn not away from their smiles and tears,<br />Both parts of an infinite plan-<br />Let me live in a house by the side of the road<br />And be a friend to man.</p><p>I know there are brook-gladdened meadows ahead,<br />And mountains of wearisome height;<br />That the road passes on through the long afternoon<br />And stretches away to the night.<br />And still I rejoice when the travelers rejoice<br />And weep with the strangers that moan,<br />Nor live in my house by the side of the road<br />Like a man who dwells alone.</p><p>Let me live in my house by the side of the road,<br />Where the race of men go by-<br />They are good, they are bad, they are weak, they are strong,<br />Wise, foolish - so am I.<br />Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat,<br />Or hurl the cynic's ban?<br />Let me live in my house by the side of the road<br />And be a friend to man.</p></span></span>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-63040647725010876272011-07-16T21:26:00.000-07:002011-07-16T21:34:42.484-07:00Just a Little Post"Ah music! A magic beyond all we do here!" - Albus Dumbledore<div><br /></div><div>Hey, why don't you go listen to a great song? A symphony, a movie score, a country tune, a pop hit, a classic rock ballad, a hymn, whatever it is, go enjoy it. Nothing quite like a song, nothing quite like it all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-10481125844161248552011-06-22T08:23:00.000-07:002011-06-22T08:29:45.233-07:00A Noiseless Patient Spider<span class="Apple-style-span" >A Noiseless Patient Spider<br />By Walt Whitman<br /><br />A noiseless patient spider,<br />I mark'd where on a little promontory it stood isolated,<br />Mark'd how to explore the vacant vast surrounding,<br />It launch'd forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself,</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them.<br /><br />And you O my soul where you stand,<br />Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space,<br />Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Till the bridge you will need be form'd, till the ductile anchor hold,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere,<br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>O my soul.</span></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-90036259188851699312011-06-21T13:54:00.000-07:002011-06-21T13:55:15.922-07:00A Worthy Cause<a href="http://www.vivint.com/givesbackproject/charity/4"><img src="http://media.vivint.com/www.vivint.com/en/images/givesbackproject/givesback_banner_728x90_version_2.gif" alt="Vivint is giving away $1.25 Million to charities. Help us win!" width="728" height="90" /></a><br /><br />Vote everyday and help Now I Can win the grant! Thank you so much!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-59720014911202594842011-06-13T12:16:00.000-07:002011-06-13T12:22:29.935-07:00An August RushEnjoy!<br /><br /><iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JiFXuj5I5Do" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-86874116302281011332011-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:19:22.542-07:00The Art of James Christensen<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzMVwBTTa9W8dojHv7BcGeT_T0aIRw-vZ8ZwBygkOC5k93N7-m6wTLv7JYfy3EVIhikh13MhmrkqUPsnVfA73jThLQ4UnwtpNiskN9oxZsseL5M5Fo8AQJ0cDLeWBX6HQY67tlkNl4eUg/s1600/Men+and+Angels.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzMVwBTTa9W8dojHv7BcGeT_T0aIRw-vZ8ZwBygkOC5k93N7-m6wTLv7JYfy3EVIhikh13MhmrkqUPsnVfA73jThLQ4UnwtpNiskN9oxZsseL5M5Fo8AQJ0cDLeWBX6HQY67tlkNl4eUg/s400/Men+and+Angels.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612343298660946050" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy_U7ZGAt_QfvUjoo0a70iVgNVg-m0jTm3X8U6VYV5I4yYJbwstXVArD5Di4lJrfyzHvoYbOZz_34L5MZBfzsVobSsJda60I6ws4O9kQxFfUORfxZzdHXDC7YfM9dg7GmIWYIM12Mhn5a/s1600/Jellyfish+on+a+Stick.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy_U7ZGAt_QfvUjoo0a70iVgNVg-m0jTm3X8U6VYV5I4yYJbwstXVArD5Di4lJrfyzHvoYbOZz_34L5MZBfzsVobSsJda60I6ws4O9kQxFfUORfxZzdHXDC7YfM9dg7GmIWYIM12Mhn5a/s400/Jellyfish+on+a+Stick.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612343213971855538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChpKsRDjwU-a9lNU1gyUKcZDQFHomonSF_ClPZ7L7bZZhtGz-FmYK-BNz5modBZ_igZQIcvPj5erPgtyKZjhLkVKkqu90Te5OTijQEOdoiov57yOhYIqvluWPBpC78mLGdI_aZZMB48hr/s1600/poofyguyonashortleash.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChpKsRDjwU-a9lNU1gyUKcZDQFHomonSF_ClPZ7L7bZZhtGz-FmYK-BNz5modBZ_igZQIcvPj5erPgtyKZjhLkVKkqu90Te5OTijQEOdoiov57yOhYIqvluWPBpC78mLGdI_aZZMB48hr/s400/poofyguyonashortleash.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612343150516676818" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb5qel-frfGYSFu7C-4819IJNetEUtIhXr3C6EOaoYip0WaEYyHZKGjZzDP4beDovVWMqdY6emQCN3ZgX2NHENM3Y7s_IvgS9PEJ9mntKTwgKXsw6FUQWW2hQHEtSfXxTRokDSnftqHaP/s1600/Resistance+Training.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 371px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqb5qel-frfGYSFu7C-4819IJNetEUtIhXr3C6EOaoYip0WaEYyHZKGjZzDP4beDovVWMqdY6emQCN3ZgX2NHENM3Y7s_IvgS9PEJ9mntKTwgKXsw6FUQWW2hQHEtSfXxTRokDSnftqHaP/s400/Resistance+Training.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612343085408828946" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DjAtDH0paGSJ2V0KEcK2RlXodUZjKWmZ4D4eg0K_do0veP7q1FtfDU7XyHvfvI36EIq4UGqkeep4vGhHW_Lsv4wAyJARRR2xW6Gxu3jTnZKVwi-Tdw4DHQxmmphAeRZghSj8KqHw1feH/s1600/Spirit-Touches-Us-through-our-weakness.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8DjAtDH0paGSJ2V0KEcK2RlXodUZjKWmZ4D4eg0K_do0veP7q1FtfDU7XyHvfvI36EIq4UGqkeep4vGhHW_Lsv4wAyJARRR2xW6Gxu3jTnZKVwi-Tdw4DHQxmmphAeRZghSj8KqHw1feH/s400/Spirit-Touches-Us-through-our-weakness.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612342947044188866" /></a><br />One of my favorite artists is James C. Christensen. Though his work is easily recognizable by many, I always enjoy it. If you want an entertaining and inspiring hour or two, flip through "Men and Angels: The Art of James C. Christensen," a book of his paintings. Art is just another way we can feel the beauty of life and I'm grateful that Mr. Christensen has helped me to learn and feel things in new and beautiful ways. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-43831825809854431712011-05-01T22:59:00.000-07:002011-05-01T22:59:25.748-07:00Carpe Diem!<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/qQtmGcdSDAI?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My favorite moment in the movie "Dead Poets' Society." Have a great day!</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-66001987999899697442011-04-18T05:33:00.001-07:002011-04-18T05:44:58.224-07:00I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrzGMmY1dj8i2ux7SdJ-EyG0ZwujBT_9SnxofDIwBjDBiR8GHu-Ysjp_m7-7xaeNUeUausfv8WlYIwhlwQ0SxpgeohGh-cj0UjYRP7hrtyZFL2uiyTBhL-uf98geJ-51QGi0pla9lE5AD/s1600/Clooney+and+Gange.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrzGMmY1dj8i2ux7SdJ-EyG0ZwujBT_9SnxofDIwBjDBiR8GHu-Ysjp_m7-7xaeNUeUausfv8WlYIwhlwQ0SxpgeohGh-cj0UjYRP7hrtyZFL2uiyTBhL-uf98geJ-51QGi0pla9lE5AD/s400/Clooney+and+Gange.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596903350775238802" /></a><br /><br />I love the movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" Maybe its just because I also use pomade to style my hair or simply the fact that nothing beats three men wandering through the wacky and wild wilderness of the south. Either way, its a great movie with many a memorable quote. Here's just a few.<br /><br />George Nelson: Cows! I hate cows worse than coppers!<br />[fires his Tommy gun at them]<br />Delmar O'Donnell: Oh, George... not the livestock.<br /><br />Ulysses Everett McGill: We're in a tight spot!<br /><br />Delmar O'Donnell: Them syreens did this to Pete. They loved him up and turned him into a horny toad.<br /><br />Ulysses Everett McGill: Well, I don't want Fop! I'm a Dapper Dan man!<br /><br />Delmar O'Donnell: They... left... his... heart!<br /><br />Homer Stokes: Is you is, or is you ain't, my constituency? <div><br /></div><div>Ulysses Everett McGill: What's the meaning of this Big Dan?<br /><br />Delmar O'Donnell: Hey mister! I don't mean to be tellin' tales out of school, but there's a feller in there that'll pay you ten dollars if you sing into his can.<br /><br />Delmar O'Donnell: What are we gonna DOOO?</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-40822521856789981972011-04-14T09:32:00.001-07:002011-04-14T09:49:15.632-07:00The Giving Tree<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG0jbWlLiVIQhufv-mpwATP3bSWox4n3omn8rt9dW6EwiEweBFSmU_7yNPrXRGZfog-tBHLOtq5YiHdCDxILsIYCQzWl4wNKevcSZG6c7tKcoAe6cj4WKv-Nt1m9dj4Yp0zoKP8MUwWOu/s1600/The+Giving+Tree.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG0jbWlLiVIQhufv-mpwATP3bSWox4n3omn8rt9dW6EwiEweBFSmU_7yNPrXRGZfog-tBHLOtq5YiHdCDxILsIYCQzWl4wNKevcSZG6c7tKcoAe6cj4WKv-Nt1m9dj4Yp0zoKP8MUwWOu/s400/The+Giving+Tree.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595478453509318914"></a><br />Here's a plug for one of my favorite children's books <font></font><i> The Giving Tree</i><font style="font-style:italic;"></font> by Shel Silverstein. Its a simple story with a simple message, but it is an important one. Have a great day!Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-69446201975710740002011-03-27T18:02:00.000-07:002011-03-27T18:22:57.975-07:00Have a Great Week!I hope that all of you have a great week this week! <br /><br />Here's some things that motivate, uplift, and encourage me. Hope they will do the same for you.<br /><br />My Favorite James Taylor Song<br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pkAhQBbK-oM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />A Favorite Dr. Seuss Quote<br />"So be sure when you step, <br />Step with care and great tact. <br />And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. <br />And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) <br />Kid, you'll move mountains." <br />"So... <br />be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray <br />or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea, <br />you're off to Great Places! <br />Today is your day! <br />Your mountain is waiting. <br />So...get on your way!" <br /><br />The Words of a Prophet<br />Doctrine and Covenants Section 128, Verse 20, 22 <br />"Now, what do we hear in teh gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth;....Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing!"Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-65309010166414992142011-03-19T12:06:00.000-07:002011-03-19T12:08:28.824-07:00A little touch of Maurice, Philip and Verdine.This song is guaranteed to put a smile on my face. Hope it does the same to you!<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2S8ZrQG0y6g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-28941408050498360702011-03-13T15:46:00.000-07:002011-03-13T15:58:17.653-07:00You are the handicap you must face.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBpfnek1xG3lE3gjIWi51l2XvWV9NERr5EqaJ3_o3v5ts7bECDS_K44Nc1jx3ezarzeo8XPzqSigzSeMOQLaL_EOdgkKDitx3K0YIz0EVO2n872hE2IV9K34TqbEGJ204lQULWlZ-45FE/s1600/Newsies.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 175px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583702168218679042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBpfnek1xG3lE3gjIWi51l2XvWV9NERr5EqaJ3_o3v5ts7bECDS_K44Nc1jx3ezarzeo8XPzqSigzSeMOQLaL_EOdgkKDitx3K0YIz0EVO2n872hE2IV9K34TqbEGJ204lQULWlZ-45FE/s400/Newsies.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This poem was recited at church today by a very enthusiastic Brother Buckley. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Equipment by Edgar Guest</div><div></div><br /><div>Figure it out for yourself, my lad.</div><div>You've got all that the greatest of men have had.</div><div>Two arms, two hands, two legs, two eyes.</div><div>And a brain to use if you would be wise.</div><div>With this equipment they all began.</div><div>So start for the top and say, "I Can."</div><br /><div>Look them over, the wise and the great.</div><div>They take their food from a common plate,</div><div>And similar knives and forks they use,</div><div>With similar laces they tie their shoes.</div><div>The world considers them brave and smart,</div><div>But you've got all they had when they made their start.</div><br /><div>You can triumph and come to skill.</div><div>You can be great if you only will.</div><div>You're well equipped for the fight you choose.</div><div>You have arms and legs and a brain to use.</div><div>And the man who has risen great deeds to do,</div><div>Began his life with no more than you.</div><br /><div>You are the handicap you must face.</div><div>You are the one who must choose your place.</div><div>You must say where you want to go,</div><div>How much you will study the truth to know.</div><div>God has equipped you for life, but He</div><div>Lets you decide what you want to be.</div><br /><div></div><div>Courage must come from the soul within.</div><div>The man must furnish the will to win. </div><div>So figure it out for yourself, my lad.</div><div>You were born with all the great have had.<br />With your equipment they all began.</div><div>Get hold of yourself, and say: "I CAN!"</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-50938950992148358712011-02-15T20:59:00.000-08:002011-02-15T21:00:57.209-08:00A Little Love Poem<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(122, 122, 122); font-family: Arial; "><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >Love - by Billy Collins</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >The boy at the far end of the train car<br />kept looking behind him<br />as if he were afraid or expecting someone</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >and then she appeared in the glass door<br />of the forward car and he rose<br />and opened the door and let her in</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >and she entered the car carrying<br />a large black case<br />in the unmistakable shape of a cello.</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >She looked like an angel with a high forehead<br />and somber eyes and her hair<br />was tied up behind her neck with a black bow.</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >And because of all that,<br />he seemed a little awkward<br />in his happiness to see her,</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >whereas she was simply there,<br />perfectly existing as a creature<br />with a soft face who played the cello.</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >And the reason I am writing this<br />on the back of a manila envelope<br />now that they have left the train together</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >is to tell you that when she turned<br />to lift the large, delicate cello<br />onto the overhead rack,</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >I saw him looking up at her<br />and what she was doing<br />the way the eyes of saints are painted</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); text-decoration: none; "><em><strong><span class="Apple-style-span" >when they are looking up at God<br />when he is doing something remarkable,<br />something that identifies him as God.</span></strong></em></p><p style="font-family: Arial; color: rgb(122, 122, 122); font-size: xx-small; text-decoration: none; "><strong><em><span></span></em></strong> </p></span>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-91945494721936578922011-02-03T23:16:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:36:51.305-08:00Praise to the Lord!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID_9vJzPWrrRTHMH8y5OxCup6qFlqtIP3u3rwW_eXAp71bRJ2I7ocOBl67IZTrjXvKKEYIj8-v3Gl9Cnp8Uut9KvyBJ9IMIm9pjG7R1UPyKmgHqVr4fTcqKdxTA9nnE2lySjyDSEqnuz0/s1600/Timp+sunrise.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 295px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569735066428631650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgID_9vJzPWrrRTHMH8y5OxCup6qFlqtIP3u3rwW_eXAp71bRJ2I7ocOBl67IZTrjXvKKEYIj8-v3Gl9Cnp8Uut9KvyBJ9IMIm9pjG7R1UPyKmgHqVr4fTcqKdxTA9nnE2lySjyDSEqnuz0/s400/Timp+sunrise.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This song is so true!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Praise to the Lord the Almighty<br /><br />Praise to the Lord the Almighty, the King of Creation!<br />O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!<br />Join the great throng,<br />Psaltery, organ and song,<br />Sounding in glad adoration!<br /><br />Praise to the Lord! Over all things, he gloriously reigneth!<br />Bourne as on eagles wings, safely his Saints he sustaineth.<br />Hast thou not seen<br />How all thou needest hath been<br />Granted in what he ordaineth?<br /><br />Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy way and defend thee!<br />Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee!<br /><strong>Ponder anew<br />What the Almighty can do,<br />Who with his love doth befriend thee!</strong><br /><br />Praise to the Lord! Oh let all that is in me adore Him!<br />All that hath breath, join with Abraham's seed to adore Him!<br />Let the Amen<br />Sum all our praises again<br />Now as we worship before Him.<br /><br />(listen to a stellar choir sing this and it'll be absolutely brilliant.)<br /><br /></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-15446512516980741222011-01-26T15:47:00.000-08:002011-01-26T15:56:30.829-08:00The Darkling Thrush<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cNB_rcN7In0Q9QDv7JnVd-3CTXu4L0EP-3fxQGQGilnV3N0GiayRkIEv8BBhgJSatvn10ZFZtfDc3nEnpzVqJXcS-MllVxOoUIK4K7mTvX-cDNRAz4Gdzv7BhPpLALRHUi80LO8qyVKH/s1600/thrush.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4cNB_rcN7In0Q9QDv7JnVd-3CTXu4L0EP-3fxQGQGilnV3N0GiayRkIEv8BBhgJSatvn10ZFZtfDc3nEnpzVqJXcS-MllVxOoUIK4K7mTvX-cDNRAz4Gdzv7BhPpLALRHUi80LO8qyVKH/s400/thrush.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566647571064377890" /></a><br />The Darkling Thrush <br />by Thomas Hardy<br /><br />I leant upon a coppice gate <br /> When Frost was spectre-gray,<br />And Winter's dregs made desolate<br /> The weakening eye of day.<br />The tangled bine-stems scored the sky<br /> Like strings of broken lyres,<br />And all mankind that haunted nigh<br /> Had sought their household fires. <br /><br />The land's sharp features seemed to be<br /> The Century's corpse outleant,<br />His crypt the cloudy canopy,<br /> The wind his death-lament.<br />The ancient pulse of germ and birth<br /> Was shrunken hard and dry,<br />And every spirit upon earth<br /> Seemed fervourless as I.<br /><br />At once a voice arose among<br /> The bleak twigs overhead<br />In a full-hearted evensong<br /> Of joy illimited;<br />An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,<br /> In blast-beruffled plume,<br />Had chosen thus to fling his soul<br /> Upon the growing gloom.<br /><br />So little cause for carolings<br /> Of such ecstatic sound<br />Was written on terrestrial things<br /> Afar or nigh around,<br />That I could think there trembled through<br /> His happy good-night air<br />Some blessed Hope, whereof he knew<br /> And I was unaware.Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-55519372487674285722011-01-17T07:23:00.000-08:002011-01-17T07:25:43.859-08:00Enjoy!Here's something that always makes me smile!<br /><br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu23HHmOG48?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yu23HHmOG48?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-83106742548740833602011-01-02T21:15:00.000-08:002011-01-02T21:29:05.316-08:00Homeward BoundHere's a song that I have been listening to a lot lately, especially with the new year and all the changes it brings.<div><br /></div><div>Homeward Bound as performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir</div><div><br /></div><div>"In the quiet misty morning</div><div>When the moon has gone to bed, </div><div>When the sparrows stop their singing</div><div>And the sky is clear and red,</div><div><br />When the summer ceased its gleaming,</div><div>When the corn is past its prime,</div><div>When adventure's lost its meaning,</div><div>I'll be homeward bound in time</div><div><br /></div><div>Bind me not to the pasture</div><div>Chain me not to the plow</div><div>Set me free to find my calling</div><div>And I'll return to you somehow.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you find its me you're missing,</div><div>If you're hoping I'll return,</div><div>To your thoughts, I'll soon be listening</div><div>And in the road, I'll stop and turn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then the wind will set me racing!</div><div>As my journey nears its end,</div><div>And the path I'll be retracing</div><div>When I'm homeward bound again.</div><div><br />Bind me not to the pasture</div><div>Chain me not to the plow</div><div>Set me free to find my calling</div><div>And I'll return to you somehow."</div><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AVr26_lUvcY?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AVr26_lUvcY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-89883182226881882672010-12-21T11:06:00.000-08:002010-12-21T11:21:28.170-08:00A Season's Greeting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoFSD8aJndq7dXOIilo7ilBgc-tYIKpq3kC09BNvyoutSgMK93sTsA3uvUZ2Q23_v1q9lKzHLNVhvkFAQqtlPUovnOAabgix-wAlli6MOnPGSVs9QmuHp-BoYayDEBCLbHov4G2aHRJ8U/s1600/It%2527s+A+Wonderful+Life.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpoFSD8aJndq7dXOIilo7ilBgc-tYIKpq3kC09BNvyoutSgMK93sTsA3uvUZ2Q23_v1q9lKzHLNVhvkFAQqtlPUovnOAabgix-wAlli6MOnPGSVs9QmuHp-BoYayDEBCLbHov4G2aHRJ8U/s400/It%2527s+A+Wonderful+Life.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553217591407935282" /></a><br />I love being able to say Merry Christmas to people. Maybe it is because you can't say it any other time of the year, but there is something very special about wishing someone a Merry Christmas. For one time of the year, for a moment in life, we can stop and say Merry Christmas, and for that second, share the Christmas spirit. Sometimes, there is more yuletide feeling in that simple phrase than in any presents, cookies or songs. When someone says Merry Christmas to me, it reminds me that this really is Christmas time, life is great, and no matter what presents you get, what you do, how much snow falls, or who you see this season, you can have a Merry Christmas if you want to. <div><br /></div><div>So I sincerely wish you all a very Merry Christmas! </div><div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-34627484915086897102010-12-11T13:38:00.000-08:002010-12-11T13:58:56.698-08:00A Donny Osmond ChristmasBelow are some lyrics from my favorite Christmas album of all time:<br /><span></span><i>Christmas at Home</i><span style="font-style:italic;"></span> by Donny Osmond<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" >"It happens each time December draws near,<br />A child is reborn this time of year when I,<br />Start wrapping the presents and hanging the lights!<br />Start making a list and checking it twice!<br />Start hanging the holly and the mistletoe!<br />And off I go! Back to what I used to be.<br />Its funny how Christmas brings out the kid me!"</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>- <i>The Kid in Me</i></span></div><div><i><br /></i><span class="Apple-style-span" >"Some are born to greatness, some are born to fall.<br />Some are bound to be forgotten, like they never lived at all.<br />We're all born to know Him and stand before His light<br />Like the soldier who found his King tonight."<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>- <i>The Soldier's King</i></span></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >"I've been looking for Christmas on the streets, on the faces passing by,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >I've been searching for Christmas, and its right there in your eyes."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- <i>I've Been Looking For Christmas</i></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >"Far beyond December, I will remember.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >After the carols fade away, after the Yule fire dies down,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >There are no longer dreams to open and see.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >Because you are hope, joy and peace, because you are the only gift I need,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >My heart the season will remember, after December slips away."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- <i>After December Slips Away</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >"In our darkest of hours, wherever we are,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >The shadows are parted, by the light from His star.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >From all men and women, there rises a song,</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >A Savior is born! The age has begun when the meek and the mighty are one!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" >When we all, to the manger come."</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span><i>-Come to the Manger</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><br /></div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-45560041662155703762010-12-07T16:06:00.000-08:002010-12-07T16:11:10.857-08:00Amen to them!<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/skgrFTu6KTI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/skgrFTu6KTI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-68840350130302209452010-12-07T15:46:00.000-08:002010-12-07T16:06:55.731-08:00Wow!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1kVnDbsdp-1N9NrV8r-094D6VIj_aY2IClVypbLLiXS55Msa0feQaZDAKh011Xo26cGXCyLof7uC77h3GX_PFeJvHwZUII70eLlk0FTEdifLWM1Gff-MpfLn_2ATPue221MbN4Q9xkfj/s1600/Christmas+Light.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 204px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX1kVnDbsdp-1N9NrV8r-094D6VIj_aY2IClVypbLLiXS55Msa0feQaZDAKh011Xo26cGXCyLof7uC77h3GX_PFeJvHwZUII70eLlk0FTEdifLWM1Gff-MpfLn_2ATPue221MbN4Q9xkfj/s400/Christmas+Light.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548095981764739378" /></a><br />Here is a line from one of my new favorite Christmas songs by Coldplay. <div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; ">Like some drunkard Elvis singing</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium; ">I go singing out of tune</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><div style="text-align: center;">Saying how I always loved you, darling</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I always will."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was thinking today that this applies, in a weird way, to so many things in our life. There is so much greatness out there! With music, and friends, and thoughts, and activities, and Christmas, and the gospel, and love and everything else, we are saturated with greatness. And yet, I feel that when I try to thank my Heavenly Father for these gifts, or try to express to others how grateful I am for their influence on my life, I am afraid I sound like "some drunkard Elvis." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I won't stop singing and thanking those responsible for my wonderful life, but it may sound out of tune or I might forget the words. Nevertheless, I want the world to know that I am grateful for the life I lead, the friends I have, the family I love, and the things I know. I'll never stop "saying how I always loved you, darling and I always will!"</div></span></span>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7227568887834795777.post-20415747904429884862010-11-27T16:32:00.000-08:002010-11-27T16:42:49.432-08:00Its a Great Time of Year<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK24scbVrFqUr-D4_zZhc6Pv6za9f5jvXC_i1iucre9jEECKa4XgZwKparvKA12W9FaHMRrsFOApQNfzwaYfRryhfI-uCNoKhl6xcUndfrCW2W7_6Rs8g5r0yXzzKBrfoqcotmHUYn_9lR/s1600/Timpanogos.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK24scbVrFqUr-D4_zZhc6Pv6za9f5jvXC_i1iucre9jEECKa4XgZwKparvKA12W9FaHMRrsFOApQNfzwaYfRryhfI-uCNoKhl6xcUndfrCW2W7_6Rs8g5r0yXzzKBrfoqcotmHUYn_9lR/s400/Timpanogos.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5544394490200726770" /></a><br />Life is funny. Sometimes, you are just going through your day, nothing out of the ordinary, and then, out of the blue (or grey, depending on the sky at the time) something hits you and makes you feel happier than you've felt all day. It's only for a moment and it's over before you really know why, but whether it be a sunset, a song, or a smile, that's what makes my days extraordinary. The little extra moments. <div><br /></div><div>Have a great day!</div>Benhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06879337380148297147noreply@blogger.com0