Thanksgiving Thank You's

~Thanksgiving Thank You’s

Thank you for the Sun, as it rises each new day.

Thank you for the warmth, I feel on my face.

Thank you for your Son, He taught us how to pray.

Thank you for His love, and sweet redeeming grace.

Thank you for Great Men who founded this Nation.

Thank you for their example, of how we should be.

Thank you for the beauty, in all of Thy Creation.

Thank you for hearing prayer, we give on bended knee.

Thank you for the Rainbows, in remembrance of the flood.

Thank you for the fresh new smell, we get after rain.

Thank you for our Savior, who ransomed us with his blood.

Thank you for the Comforter, who takes away our pain.

Thank you for your mercy, in protecting this great Land.

Thank you for our Freedoms, which others do not know.

Thank you for our agency, it is just as we had planned.

Thank you for our trials, that help us learn and grow.

Thank you sincerely, from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for believing in me, in all I have to say.

Thank you for your trust in me, I will do my part.

Thank you for a thankful heart, on this Thanksgiving Day.

~Leland Vance

Thanksgiving Proclamation

~American Patriot’s 2011 Thanksgiving Proclamation

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.


Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.




~George Washington
 

American Patriot’s 2011 Thanksgiving Proclamation

Whereas it is the duty of every red-blooded American Patriot to acknowledge the Hand of Almighty God in guiding this country’s Founding Fathers.  Righteous men who recognized with grateful hearts, the Divine grace which was given to this country as it was formed.  This Land was granted unto our Forefathers as a Land of Promise, to be a Land of Religious Freedom.  That it’s people may be able to worship, who, what or how they may, without persecution. 

Whereas… by unanimous consent, both Houses of Congress should grant its citizens the same religious freedom as was granted to our predecessors and become once again, “United” in acknowledging Almighty God.  That censorship of His name cease among our individual States.  That… the only laws that should be enacted, be those that protect the Citizens of this Country from those that will use the law, and system of Government for personal gain.  That, those laws continue to acknowledge God’s hand in our lives, and that we may always remember by whose power and Grace we remain FREE. 

Now, therefore, I do recommend that we as Patriot’s hold ourselves accountable to God Himself.  That our actions and our votes will be for the good of the Country, and that we govern our lives in a manner that will be Pleasing unto our Benefactor that blessed us with this Land of Inheritance for religious freedom and liberty.  We shall watch and clean those from office, by the power of our collective votes; all those that seek to abuse their office.  We shall stand firm in our resolve to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions.   We shall remove them from office, without pay or severance, when the public trust which they had been granted is broken.

Let us return back to a Government of Wise, Just and Honest Citizens that will be a blessing upon all those that have elected them to office.  Let the Shout be heard across this Country that “WE THE PEOPLE” have a voice and will be heard.  The Silent Majority shall rise up with such a cry for justice that God will hear from the Heavens.  I for one will demand Justice, Resolve to do what is Right, and acknowledgement of Our Creator, as well as, the willingness to follow HIS laws in governing their actions by ANY public official.  Let God know that WE have not forsaken HIM, lest He forsake us for being ungrateful. 

HE alone, knows what is best and I trust in His judgments in my actions and desire to follow His lead, He wishes us to be happy and enjoy life.  As our First President stated…so shall I, “He alone, knows what is best”…

Let us all have, “Thanks in Giving” and remember from where we came, how we got here, and where we desire to end up.

~Leland Vance

Standing on a Soapbox

~Standing on a Soapbox

There is a person, in the very town in which you live, that stands at the crossroads of the busiest street there is.  People walk by each and every day and ignore this man, for he is dressed in rags and looks as if he has not bathed in months.  He has sadness in his eyes for those that actually take a moment to look at him.  His sign is placed near his milk crate, upon which he stands reads, “Love one Another”. 

Everyday he is there, and those that pass him by don’t give him a second look.  Those that draw near him, hear him softly say, “The day is upon us, turn your hearts unto the Lord”.  He does not ask for money, or food, simply to cast away desires for the riches of the world.  He has been at every major city in years past, preaching repentance and a remembrance that God is in control, and is displeased at how we place importance on the vain things of this World. 

His message has changed, for the Days of our Probation are past.  The day speedily cometh when our treasures will slip by and we will not be able to grasp them.  Yea they will become slippery and elusive; we will not be able to find them when we seek them.  We have not buried up our treasures unto the Lord, but in our pride hid them up unto ourselves.  How oft have we seen someone in need or in worse circumstance than ourselves and we failed to give aid?  Now is the time when All shall be equal, and those that turned up their noses shall find themselves beggars in the street. 

The man that was ignored never spoke anything contrary to the Gospel of God.  He just reminded us of the plain and simple truths that have been written by the Holy Prophets.  There have always been those that mocked Him and chased him from their Cities.  False Prophets and Pastors that preach for money have tried to degrade and vilify him for his preaching of the truth.  One must ask themselves… why would anyone claiming to be of the cloth, have to ridicule and attempt to turn their congregation against anyone that speaks Gospel principles? 

In their efforts to keep their congregation loyal to their cause it can be said that, they are fearful of losing tithes and offerings.  Is this, what was foretold when God said, “There will be many that preach for power and riches”?  How can clergy condemn an individual or religion when it teaches love, obedience to the Gospel and other eternal principles?  O Ye wicked and perverse generation, how long must our Lord hold back His fierce anger? 

Samuel, is the name of the man on the soapbox, he watches the apathy that has taken root in the people of this land.  His eyes are tearful for he has done as commanded and tried to make people realize the folly of their ways.  He has labored his whole life in service of the Lord and God he loves, it can be said that he also loves his fellow brothers and sisters as deeply.  He is also deeply saddened, for there have been so very few… that would listen to his prophetic words.  Now that day of reckoning is nigh at hand.  Where do YOU, stand?  Where do you place those things you hold most dear?  Love one Another…

~Leland Vance

A Nation Mourns

~A Nation Mourns

America, America, from Sea to shining Sea.

This country, that I Love, was given to You and Me.

I’ll Fight, and even Die, to defend Her Faithfully.

I have lived, My whole Life, with a Title of Liberty.

All My People, they have faced, extreme Adversity.

From Father to Son, Father to Son, We pass down our History.

West of the Mississippi, is where We were told to Be.

The Trail of Tears, Taught a Lesson, for All who will See.

Jackson/Van Buren, with an Army…Forcefully moved the Cherokee.

With One Vote, we began a march, which started in Tennessee.

With No Clothes, and No Food, We truly were in Need.

We walked a Thousand Miles, and the Trail…It did Bleed.

We learned to Watch, the Men who Lead, the Country from D.C.

We see the Writings, on the Wall, from Our own History.

Honest Politicians, are Few and Far Between.

The Self-Serving Congress, it Picks the People Clean.

Although I Mourn, as I watch, the Paths this Country takes.

Our Future will be, of our Choosing, by the Choices we do make.

My Fathers, Fathers, Fathers, really Truly Loved this Land.

I have a Family, I teach my Children, that We must make a Stand.

The Cleaning and the Cleansing, of our House, is Over-Due.

Our Fathers feared a Government, Empowered by a Few.

Rise up my Sons, and my Friends, Choose your Vote Righteously.

We must Not, Repeat the Past, as it did in Tennessee.

My Blood is Red, White, and Blue, we Share in Destiny.

Our Family Tree, it will Show, a Common Ancestry.

~Leland Vance

Trapped in a Temporal World

~Trapped in a Temporal World

My soul cries out at the wretched man that I am.  Forgetful of the realm from that which I’ve descended.  How easily I fall prey to the trappings of this reality I find myself in.  The subtle ways of the Adversary play on my carnal being.  I find myself beset with sin all around me and have guilt upon guilt because of mine iniquities.  I am encompassed about by mine enemies and my heart mourns because of my weakness that leads to sin.

Nevertheless I know that source which gives me strength.  The rock of my salvation in whom I trust.  My God has been my strength, and has lifted me when I have fallen, His Arm, yeah His loving Arm have I felt around me and has washed away my weakness and doubt in an instant.  How glorious the measure of His love towards me and all of His children.  He has never given up on me and has wept as He watched me struggle.  I can feel His pride and love as I pick myself up and start anew. 

He has led me through darkness and been with me in the wilderness.  He has cleared the way when I have been at my weakest and protected me when I had not cared to stand.  He has filled me with His Love which burns as a sweet nectar to my soul…I long to cling to those moments with every fiber of my being.  How patient and understanding My Lord is, and how supportive in allowing me to find my own paths back to Him.  

Behold He has heard my pleading by day and my prayers by night.  He knows that which I most desperately desire and has guided me along my journey.  The lessons I have had to learn could not be taught by any other means.  I know He Loves me and has listened as I waxed bold in mighty prayer.  My hearts desire He knows well and has protected me as I stumbled in getting to where I am now.  He has carried me away on the wings of His spirit as I needed time to recover from my temporal battles. 

Why am I angry at my afflictions?  Why do I yield to temptations?  Awake my soul and rejoice because of my God, give no place or quarter to the enemy of my soul.  Let the Evil One wander elsewhere to tempt and afflict.  I shall cry unto my Lord and rejoice; yeah I shall praise Him forever.  May I shake at the very appearance of sin, Lord deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies.  Lord may I praise and worship thee all the remaining days of my life, to walk in righteousness and be strict in honoring thy commandments.  May the gates of Hell be closed before me for I am Thine and Thou has spared me for a greater good, may You encircle me in the Flames of righteousness and be with me as I walk on the paths that lead to Eternal Life and Celestial Glory.

Lord I have work to do in building up Thy Kingdom, wilt thou now hedge up the paths mine enemies and make clear my way?  I have trusted in Thee and will trust in Thee forever.  I shall curse the arm of the flesh and listen to the whispering of Thy Spirit in leading me to my brothers and sisters who are lost and stumbling. Wilt Thou assist me in such a great endeavor?  Place within my Heart and Mind the words which shall ring true to their ears…That they are loved beyond measure by He whose Love is without measure.  Yeah I know that God gives liberally to They that ask in faith and humble heart.  Therefore I ask Thee Lord to assist me and continue to walk beside me as I strive to do Thy will.  May the Glory be Thine forever and that I may find place to sup in Thy Kingdom which has no end.       Amen.

~Leland Vance

Let there be Light.

~Let there be Light…

The Light of truth which comprehendeth all things.  This is the Light of Christ and it is the Light of the Sun, the Moon and the Stars.  Let the Light which shineth, which giveth you Light and enLighten your eyes which is the same Light that quickens your Understanding. 

We are intelligences, spirits, embodiments of Light.  We are in the same likeness of our Heavenly Father.  We do not fully understand the significance of these statements…

Einstein was on the right track just prior to his death in his understanding of Energy and the significance it has on our existence.  Our mortal minds can not comprehend the enormity of Who and What we are. 

Light is understanding which Light chaseth away the Darkness.  The Adversary desires all mankind to remain in Darkness-ignorance, of ourselves. 

“Which Light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space---

The Light which is in ALL things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon His throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of ALL things.”  (D&C 88:12-13).

Thomas Edison whether he tried 100 times or 10,000 times in his attempts at creating the Light bulb, matters not.  He reminds me of a Galaxy Quest phrase, “Never give up…never surrender”.  In all His experiments Thomas Edison was having trouble with the strength and resilience of the filament used to handle the Light.  As he would turn on the switch and invite the Light to come forth the filament would break. 

Our understanding of the Eternities is likened unto the Filaments used…we start out with a weak filament and as the Light is invited in, it glows dimly.  We seek to know more and try to gain more Light and understanding, we invite more Light but our filament is weak and it breaks.  We search within ourselves and study until we gain understanding line upon line and precept upon precept.  We reach a point were we desire more Light, we turn the switch to allow more Light and our bulb burns brighter until it breaks again and we fall into darkness.  Our vessels/filament can not bear the purity of the Brightness.  We continue to seek to strengthen ourselves to be able to contain this Light which is brighter even than the noonday sun.  Through our constant efforts and resolve from not giving in to the Darkness we are able to keep the Light burning within ourselves.  This is WHO and WHAT we are, all of us are interconnected with the Cosmos for we are Sons and Daughters of our Creator who said, “Let there be Light”. 

Light is not only figuratively used throughout scripture but has also a very Literal meaning.  When you come to the understanding that You are an eternal spirit that is comprised of Light, the same Light which is in ALL things your personal insight and knowledge will allow you to peer deep into the eternities and pierce the Darkness which keeps you bound to a temporal world and limited in your abilities for personal growth. 

Determine this day to chase away the darkness of your understanding and seek to gain more truth and knowledge of WHO and WHAT you are. 

Grab the oldest text book you own.  IE.  The Holy Bible and combine that with modern revelation and what you already know of Light.  Then with due diligence seek and you will find that the windows will open and you will receive understanding that will pour out even as the dew on the grass in the mornings. 

Truth is truth wherever it is found; the Light of Truth which shineth is the Light of Christ.

We know this from those that have already strengthened their filaments to be able to contain the Light their words can be found in…

Exodus, Samuel, Kings, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Daniel, Micah, Amos, Zechariah, Matthew, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, 1 Thessalonians, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, John, Revelations, 1 Nephi, 2 Nephi, Mosiah, Alma, Helaman, 3 Nephi, Ether, and the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Whether your efforts amount to 100 attempts at understanding or 10,000 it matters not…what matters is that you continue with a Brightness of Hope and remain NOT in Darkness.   

Strengthen your Filaments to be able to contain the Light you desire.

~Leland Vance

There is a Green Hill.

~There is a Green Hill…

There is a Green Hill far away,

That I long to see.

To give my thanks and Love to Him,

Who gave His life for me.

I do not know, I can not tell…

Just how my Bosom swells.

As I thirst, then I Drink,

From His Eternal Well.

There was none other, who could do…

The things which He has done.

The Battle was fought, the Price was paid,

To Ransom Me and You.

Oh, how clearly He has Loved,

And saved us from our sin.

I shall Love and Worship him,

He is my Brother Beloved.

~Leland Vance

There is Beauty all Around,

~There is Beauty All Around.

Moss covered rocks, and Snow capped peaks…

A suspension Bridge, that sways and creaks…

Fog covered Meadows, and bright sunny Glades…

Dew in the morning, on Kentucky bluegrass blades…

Newly hatched chicks, peeping under momma’s wing…

Flowers show their colors, as they welcome in the Spring…

Double and triple Rainbows, with colors so bright…

A bright and full Moon, that rules the dark night…

Ocean Treasures washed ashore, from a storm out at Sea…

Grey squirrels having fun, in the boughs of a great Oak Tree…

Sunbeams that pierce the clouds, in a dark and stormy Sky…

The flutter of a Butterfly makes one dream that they could fly…

Laying on the grass, finding shapes within a Cloud…

A Colt’s first wobbly steps make Momma really Proud…

The innocence of a Child, as they Laugh and Play…

We can learn Wisdom, in that which they Say…

The first trill of a Bird, as the World it awakes…

Mist in the morning, drifting across the Great Lakes…

The symmetry and grace, of the Petals on a Rose…

The smell it creates, is pleasing to the nose…

The gentle prodding of a puppy’s nose, as it seeks your attention…

The making of Cotton Candy, what a sweet airy confection…

The trickle of water, as it dances among the rocks…

Cute little birds that are found in cuckoo clocks…

A mother with Child, with a glow about her Face…

Knowledge that we’re ransomed, by our Savior’s loving Grace…

~Leland Vance

Best Friends

~Best Friends

Oh where, Oh where… has my True Love gone?

Let my Heart reach Her in the words of my Song.

I’ll pour out my Soul as I sing through the Night.

I’ll continue to sing, until Dawn’s early Light.

Let the Winds of Destiny blow where She lies.

Carrying my tune, beneath the Star filled skies.

I remember vague memories from before we came.

Hiding amongst the Clouds was our favorite game.

We were the best of Friends, for you were my Love.

I pledged to return you, to the Royal Courts up above.

I will continue to search…until You I will find.

And take you to Marriage, with Covenants that Bind.

Sleep now my Love, and dream while I sing.

Someday I will find you, and give you our Ring.

As you wake, to the early Rays of Dawn.

You try to remember…but the Dream, it is gone.

A feeling of Peace will settle in your Heart.

You still remain Hopeful, and that is a start.

I will know you, when into, your eyes I will Look.

And you’ll be able to read me, just like an open book.

The Veil will part, and we both shall See…

That You and I both…together become We.

~Leland Vance

Last Testament

~Last Testament

I Leland make a record according to the Spirit that is within me.  I have read and reviewed the records of my Fathers and make this to add to theirs as another witness to the truth.  I shall not write concerning the history of my people for it is well recorded. 

I shall however record those things that are most precious unto me.

Time and time again our Fathers have testified to our people that inasmuch as they keep the commandments of the Lord they shall prosper in the land.  The promise is fulfilled time and time again as our people humble themselves and live accordingly as would please the Lord.  Being a stubborn and a stiffnecked people it is not long before they wax strong in iniquity.  Riches of the world are gathered and hoarded, the poor go without and our people are puffed up in their pride according to their own accomplishments.  My heart mourns for my people.  How quickly they forget the Lord their God, who led our fathers out of captivity and loosed the chains that bound them.  Our merciful Father in Heaven has kept His arm outstretched still for those that will but believe in His name and come unto Him. 

Knowing that our Savior had come to redeem our souls, and as a lamb to the slaughter, He who was without sin or guile was mocked and rejected by his own.  He was made a mockery and crucified.  Tho He could command legions of angels He bore his pain and suffering with regal grace.  Upon the cross He hung and few there were that mourned his passing.  How glorious the knowledge that He is risen.  My soul rejoiceth that Our Savior sought his other lost sheep.  Our fathers were diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord.  They have kept the record from the time their fathers left Jerusalem, writing only those things that are delightsome and of eternal benefit to man.  The record has passed among many hands with all making an entry until time to hide it up to be brought forth by the power of a loving God to be another testament to our people of Gods mercy and Love unto all his creations. 

This Sacred record was brought forth in our dispensation that we can learn and benefit from the words contained therein.  How marvelous a work, in seeing the grace of God time and time again, as His word is fulfilled.  This record of our people continues to go forth unto the convincing of the Jews and all those who lack a true knowledge of the Christ.  Our fathers were persecuted and contended often with their brethren even to the shedding of blood in defense of their testimonies.  They were mocked and the Evil one, the Master Deceiver binds the weak with chains of everlasting damnation, to stir them up unto anger to persecute and punish the Faithful followers of Christ. 

The Word has been fulfilled; the book of Judah and the book of Jesse have come together and testify that by the words of two witnesses’ shall the truth be verified.  I add this record that by the words of three shall it add strength to the Eternal truths that bind Heaven and Earth.  The Lord states that other sheep has He; in the Isles of the Sea, in the North, and the South, the East and in the West, His word is among them all, and the day shall come when all records shall be gathered together and they shall be as one…all testifying of the same eternal principals.  Thus we see the loving nature of an Eternal Parent, who is no respecter of peoples, but loves all His children equally and has forsaken none.  The Prophets of Old are validated, the Prophets of our Fathers who were led away to escape the destruction of Jerusalem are validated.  Our Latter-Day Prophets add to the growing list of living testimony that Jesus is the Christ, He is our Redeemer and that no other way save it be by His glorious hand can man be saved.  He is Risen.  His word will be fulfilled in keeping the commands of His Father.  The day speedily cometh when the wicked will be destroyed.  Our brethren continue to wax strong in iniquity.  The whole of the World has grown ripe for destruction.  We have fought many battles in the defense of Liberty, for our own and for our brethren across the seas.  We are well acquainted with war and the instruments of destruction.  Our children fall in battle and yet we continue to battle the wicked.  The wicked fall by the instrument’s of war for the protection of the Lord doth not fall on the heads of the wicked.  Many Wars and contentions have we fought and continue to fight.  Woe unto our people as our Leaders follow Not the promptings of the spirit but are puffed up in pride to the strength of their arm and their own understanding.  The Lord has withheld His righteous anger and has yet stayed His arm.  The day speedily cometh, when He shall fulfill all prophesy, for the Lord can not look upon Sin in the least amount of tolerance, and the end of our Probation grows nigh.

My righteous brethren, oh stalwart sons, prepare for battle for the conflict is not over.  Put on the full armor of God that ye may withstand the fiery darts.  Hold firm to the words of your mothers and trust in God whose royal children we are.  Stretch forth your arm and stand firm in the Last Day.  As the world crumbles around us let us stand together as an Ensign unto all nations that God is just and His Word will be fulfilled even every last one.  Gather together those humble, with contrite spirit, listen as you are led to find the lost sheep.  When all is safely gathered in, we shall fight one last battle.  Be unwavering and stand firm when the World comes against you.  Take heart in the sure knowledge that ye are on the Lords side and He shall fight your battles with you. 

Soon we all shall turn to dust and come forth in the resurrection, either to bask in Eternal Glory or weep in Eternal Damnation.  Our Agency has always been our own for the Lord will never command our Free Will.  Therefore, every man and woman will account for the state that they shall inherit and none can deny that the judgment was just.  I go to make amends with My Creator and prepare for my battles, my brothers and my sons I exhort you to not delay your own preparations that you may stand Firm and be an instrument of God as the battles rage.

~Leland Vance

In the Care of Angels

~In the Care of Angels

The risk of mortality is to have given your heart.

To someone you trust and have it broken apart.

To never have loved is a horrible fate.

For we have been born to love and not to hate.

As we pick and we choose to whom we will talk.

Hoping our partner can really walk the walk.

How does one know if our time is wisely spent?

Is the person a player, and can they pay their rent?

Life experience can certainly skew our view.

In matters of the heart, what can one do?

Countless hours have been spent on bended knee.

I search for the love that was promised to me.

I hold to my faith, and whisper a prayer.

I will search for my friend and a life I will share.

Into the arms of Angels I will commend my heart.

Until I meet my Love, I will do my part.

~Leland Vance

Shooting Star

~Shooting Star

As the lesser light rules the night…

I sit and marvel at the beautiful sight.

That man might have joy in this life I was given…

The promise I’m told it came straight from Heaven.

Father I marvel at all thy creations…

Thy beauty abounds in all the worlds’ nations.

Thou knowest my heart, the thoughts in my mind.

Daily I pray for the promised joy to find.

For the shooting star I patiently wait…

I’ll petition heaven; for my one special mate.

Somewhere out there is a searching soul…

Whose one desire is to be made whole.

She sits and she looks at the same starry night…

Wishing the same wish, that I wished tonight.

Father help us to see what each posses…

Gently guide us with thy careful caress.

Help us to hear your whisper to our heart…

Confirmation we have found our missing counterpart.

~Leland Vance

Title of Liberty

~Title of Liberty

Lord how I mourn for my brothers and sisters that have given their lives in the service of protecting our liberties and values.  As Captain Moroni in ages past petitioned his government for provisions and support for his Army; actively engaging the enemy in the protection of His people’s liberties… I see similarities in our dispensation. 

The Kingsmen have taken over our Government, it is ripe with iniquity.  I embrace Truth and Righteousness but I can not sit idle and let the corruption go unchallenged.  Wars are now engaged, not for the sake of protecting freedoms but in underlying causes of the politicians who play God and toy with the lives of innocents.  Our service men and women are being sent to fight battles all across the Globe without the full support that they should expect from their Nation when battling tyranny and oppression.  Congress cuts their salaries, lessens their benefits while they endure hardships abroad and their families receive less than what they should for their support at home. 

I fear that the People’s Militia will not stand by and watch their Liberties and their right to bear arms be taken from them by a weak and selfish Government that grows fat on the backs of it’s taxpayers.  Corruption and secret combinations abound in the once Sacred Halls of our Highest Courts.  Who shall stand and have the courage to Raise the Title of Liberty once again?  Do we sit by idle and content to watch our country crumble and die a death from within?  Lord how can we ask for Divine intervention when we have removed thy Holy Name and stricken it from being uttered in our public offices and places where our young ones are taught and indoctrinated? 

Father have mercy upon this thy chosen People, the Adversary is among us…his minions wallow in our midst, and we feel the sting of his fiery darts.  Men of Valor come forth and speak with boldness in support of truth and righteousness.  Take action and fear not for God is on our side, we have been preserved for this moment in time.  We have been prepared since before the World was, to come and do battle against the sin that abounds around us.  Remember who ye are!  Sound the trump of warning to the four corners of the Earth and stay faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord.  His Arm encircles us with protection and we shall stand firm in our resolve to do what is Right. 

Israel cries to be remembered O’ Lord, the promises made shall come to pass.  How can we let our Secretary of State insult thy covenant children, our only allies and hope for Democracy in the Middle East?  I strain to hear the cry of our modern day Pahoran who has been cast out and replaced by wicked men and women in our political seats of power.  Where is the call to our good Generals to gather our troops and cleanse the cesspool of corruption that abounds within our government?  How long do we sit idle and watch the Kingmen run their secret combinations and broker deals with our enemies?  Father…They have already weakened us from within by demoralizing our society and allowing Carnal and Temporal ideals to be taught and sought after as an acceptable reward.  How can we receive guidance O Lord when we are kept from praying and our children grow up thinking that it is wrong to recognize thy hand in all we do? 

Our hearts have been broken and our will hangs by a thread as society reels in sin and corruption, Socialist ideals have crept into every facet of our lives and the moral decay of our country is almost complete.  Lord have we learned nothing from History?  It truly does repeat itself.  I call upon all the Moroni Men and Women as well as Helaman’s Warriors to step forth and take our country back, let us stand together and beat back the tide of filth that has crippled our country.  Fear not to speak,  there will be many that say our words are Harsh, but they ring of truth and righteousness and the Righteous embrace  truth in all it’s forms.  Open thy mouths and the Lord will place within them the very thing which ye should speak in that very moment.   Keep faith alive in thy Hearts that this is still the chosen land and as long as we remain righteous it shall receive our Lord’s blessing.  Even so, Amen.

~Leland Vance

Nothing Ventured...Nothing Gained

Nothing Ventured…Nothing Gained

To be cautious and careful when you deal with the heart,

is to be expected once it had been ripped apart.

Nothing ventured results in nothing gained. 

A heart needs to heal once it’s been pained.

I feel the excitement when the heart string is pulled.

Creates a fear that the heart can be fooled.

To live alone is a fate worse than death,

as I venture forward I am holding my breath.

As I feel the pull of forces unseen,

I can hear my heart as it starts to sing.

Can I at last have found my match?

And in me will she think, she has caught her catch?

The heart string is pulled as the music starts playing,

I strain to hear just what it is saying.

Therefore I will do all that I must,

to see if this woman with my heart I can trust.

I shall open up and let her in,

a kindred spirit I hope to win.

Then together as one we will venture in life,

and I shall rejoice that I have found my wife.

~Leland Vance

Friends

~Friends

We each have our own thoughts on what we are looking for, just don't let the time constraint issue prevent you from corresponding with someone that may have been placed in your path for a reason.  God’s thoughts are not our thoughts nor are his means.  It has taken me over a decade to realize that, and usually it all makes sense with careful reflection on the issues I think about.  Just the realization that a thousand of our years only equals one of heavenly fathers days, lets us know that we are only here for only a very short time and must make the most of our days on earth.  Whether I recognize the person God intends for me as a soul mate in this life, or not… I will still share the message that God loves us all and will NEVER give up on us.  The prophets have told us to seek worthy people to be friends with and not end up, "poor" in friendships.  Another thing that I have had to work on...I have always placed a very high standard upon those that I choose to be my friends, hence I have lived most of my life, "dirt poor" in the friends category.  It always seems risky placing oneself out on a limb extending the arm of friendship to another, but I'll do my part.  We should still be careful about who we choose to be our "Good" friends but don't let that stop us from making new ones.  In speaking of “Good” friends, my Father used to say when asked why he didn’t call someone for help…”If I have to ask someone for help, then I don’t want it.”  Not that he didn’t need it, but felt if he had to ask then he didn’t want it.  Friends should see and recognize NEED without having to be asked for it. This goes back to scripture about caring for one another and recognizing their needs.  What kind of a friend will we be today?  Have I helped anyone in Need?  Service, Compassion and Love are three principles that will enable us to be exceptional individuals and worthwhile friends.

~Leland Vance

Game Day

~Game Day

The much awaited game is finally here.  All the victories and defeats during the season all culminate into one final game to determine who shall be crowned in glory. 

Opening kick is high and caught. The game has begun in earnest.  The players of the opposing sides use different tactics and strategies, both trying to gain advantage.  Possession passes from side to side.  Players have conditioned themselves to the point of perfection just to play in this singular event.  Some have dreamed a lifetime for such an opportunity.  Dreams and expectations all culminate in one final game of the season. 

The game is fierce and brutal, both sides taking casualties.  There are rules that both sides must abide in order to play.  As they break the rules the penalties may grant the opposing side the advantage.  Players in the heat of the game make mistakes and earn a penalty that affects their whole team.  Coaches on both sides have spent their lives trying to teach, instruct and train their players to be the best for this singular event.  Careless mistakes caused by players are not gone unnoticed by the referees.  Frustration mounts on both sides, by players and coaches alike.

Players that have listened well and studied the game, react instinctively to the situations as they arise.  Those same players practiced and honed their bodies to be able to endure the rigors that would be expected of them.  Even with the most stringent training, there are those that make mistakes and become injured.  Some injuries are severe enough to have them removed from the game.  Some will never play again.

When the time has run its course there can be only one winning team.  It required a coordinated effort from all the team members to gain a victory.  It goes to the team that had more heart, was better coached, and took their training seriously.  They made minimal mistakes.  They are crowned with glory and celebrate a victory that was justly earned.  To the victor go the spoils.  The defeated team gains nothing other than the knowledge that they have lost the battle. 

Is that not the reason why we are here in the Super Bowl of mortality?  We chose our teams in the pre-existence.  We hone ourselves to be able to resist and endure the rigors we will face in this game called life.  We have life coaches that teach, implore and instruct us in the rules of the game and how to train ourselves to endure.  Despite all the training there will be those that don’t take their training seriously enough.  Some will make careless mistakes that will cause serious injury in their ability to finish the game. 

The game is a rough contest of wills.  Those that lose their heart will lose the game.  For those that desire the ultimate trophy, training in the off season is not only necessary it is crucial.  To be able to react to any situation in the correct way must be instinctive.  Seek out the best coaches and study the playbook of eternal salvation.  Never give in to the opposing side, put your head down and dig and drive for the end zone.  Scoring points will take you one step closer to the final victory.  Always keep your eye on the goal.  Defeat or Victory is a matter of choice in how you train and perform in the game of Life.

~Leland Vance

Knowledge

~Knowledge

We are intelligent beings that have existed since the dawn of time.  We will continue to exist forever more.  The state that we will exist after we leave this state we are currently in…is entirely up to each individual and the extent that they have broadened their intellect. 

Our mind is a muscle that must be exercised daily.  Just as in training your major muscle groups in preparation for a singular athletic event, one must also train their brain or it will fail to perform at its best when needed the most. 

For the health conscience, I’ve but one question to ask.  What have you learned today about your true potential and the extent of your intellect?

No greater race shall we run in this life than the race to broaden our understanding and expand our minds. 

Ask yourself why the general public is so quick to jump on the latest bandwagons of: strength and physical training, diet and exercise, and beauty and health?  Then ask why is it that the general public fails to explore different avenues of learning and awareness?

With greater knowledge, comes greater responsibility and accountability!

Fear is ignorant based.

Confidence is gained by doing.

2 Nephi 2:4

For the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

There is opposition to ALL things:  Knowledge in opposition to Ignorance.

2 Nephi 2:14

Paraphrased:  All things have been created to Act, or be Acted upon…which are you?

~Leland Vance

Prose

~Prose

To put pen to paper with written prose,

Attempting to share, that which he knows.

Can possibly sway the way people think,

And cause hells dominion to possibly shrink.

~Leland Vance

Moondance

~Moondance

As the leaves change from Green to Gold,

Don’t make me wait until I am Old.

I need you now, to have and to hold.

The Moon follows the Sun on an Eternal Chase,

Never to feel the warmth of that Special Embrace.

Tears freely fall down on His Silvery Face.

The Air turns brisk and then it turns Cold.

I’m a helpless Romantic, or so I am told.

My Love’s not for sale, it can not be sold.

The whole World watches the dance across the Sky.

A Romantic tragedy that can make a grown man Cry.

The one Eternal truth is that you are born, then you Die.

Tides rise and fall in response to Passions call.

The seasons change as Summer into Fall.

To find the Love of my Life I must give it my All.

Watching the Sun drop from its perch on high,

I feel the wind on my face as it passes on by.

Upon the wings of Eagles I wish I could fly.

The Moon slowly rises to Lovers delight,

The sky slowly changes from Dusk into Night.

I marvel at the Heavens, what a beautiful sight.

My Heart still seeks you as the World slowly turns.

As hot as the Sun my passion still burns.

Until I find you, I shall wait our turn.

~Leland Vance