He Who is Full of Grace and Truth

He who is ever full of grace and truth
Wrought work and glory unto creation ... as proof
Of His wond'rous power and intelligence
Over all things, time, and our existence

From His word, of the dust came birth of spiritual life
In a garden was created the first husband and wife
And they being free from known conflict and pain
Were frequently blessed as God, oft, to them came

Then a serpent sought to establish his own plan
And introduced temptation and death unto man
Eve recognized if she were to ever procreate
They would have to leave this wholly innocent state

God came... they were taught and sent on a good path
To experience life midst the offspring they'd begat
Then... to the wilderness they were relocated
Where trial and error, toil and wickedness awaited

Twas for them to experience every emotion
Even midst temptation and commotion
But, the love once nurtured with, they sought for ever still
For, if they could keep that feeling then all would be well

In God's wisdom, they had been taught how to sacrifice
In similitude of the one coming, Jesus the Christ
With Him, they learned they'd never be alone
For He, in perfection, would come to atone

Ours... it is to call to the Father in His name
In faith, believing, for He is mighty to save
He has taught us and labored to redeem all mankind
With a path back to God's presence ever lit to find

thoughts from Moses 1...

Stay on the Right Path

Stay on the right path
My parents called out as I left
And I did as they asked
Until... I overslept

Then... I missed a Sunday
Because I was so tired
And with the afternoon too sunny
To the mall's coolness I retired

There, I met a cute girl
The one of my dreams
And Sunday's our only day
As she works so much, it seems

I brought her to church one day
But, she thought the day too long
Well, I'll just go to pray...
But, also that proved wrong

For though I arrived on time
No one was to be seen
The conference was at nine
So I sat alone to weep

What has happened to me?
I think I've lost my way
Having misplaced my duty
I'd not kept the Sabbath day

From now on I promise
For myself and to God
To never again do this
For to the Lord I'd give my all

Weeks passed... I thought things through
I recognized how much, alone, I lacked
And with such gratitude... I knew
That I was back on the right track

And doing what I truly wanted
I sought a chance to further progress
To serve a mission and make a difference
And share with others how I'd been impressed

I Am Sitting Here Thinking of What to Say by Kerry Cozby

I am sitting here thinking of what to say
Hoping to ease the pain in some private way

He proudly accepted the commotion
Of the children he loved with quiet devotion
Each... made so different, yet the same, too
As his family grew... each addition, fresh and new

How he loved for his house to be full, often
With chatter of children and smells from the kitchen
Soft sounds of whistling, the windows all steamed
On his last day... this is what he spoke of it seemed

Grandpa was human, having a fault or two
But the love in his heart was always true
Though each of us are different- he loved us the same
As we each felt delight to hear him call us by name

Kerry Cozby
my sister

Happy New Year

A season to impart
Of life's lessons... and restart
A reason to give cheer
And welcome a brand new year!

On Thanksgiving Night

On Thanksgiving night, I went to bed
Having enjoyed good companionship and food
Completely satisfied and content
I shared with Heavenly Father a bit of this mood

Then... I opened the scriptures and love poured out
And I feasted on the words with gratitude
...Reminders of creation and what we're about
And, now of Thanksgiving, I've a new attitude

In one thing, today, I had been amiss
For I'd not sought for God all around me
A walk through nature, the sky... heaven's bliss
For surely, this is ours to enjoy and to see

So, tomorrow, is Thanksgiving two
I plan to become breathless upon a high hill
There to thank my Heavenly Father all anew
For His glorious creation, for the view...and for more still

A Ship Sets Out to Sail

A ship sets out to sail
Upon the mighty blue
How my heart does swell
With that last wave of adieu

Silently I wait...
Till it's long out of sight
To walk out from the gate
Into the lone moonlight

Far away across the sea
A light welcomes this ship
Home from its life long journey
Safely moored in Heaven's slip

click on title to go to a site that
summarizes what an LDS funeral is like

 While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil. ~John Taylor

The Lord Commands Be Perfect

The Lord commands -be perfect
Then stands beside to guide
That if our prayers be earnest
We shall soon with Him abide

The Pleasing Word of God

The pleasing word of God
Can heal the wounded soul
It whispers to us all
That each has a sacred role

Jacob 2:8 And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.

How Do We Become True Disciples

How do we become true disciples
Of our Lord Jesus Christ?
Save by proclaiming divine principles
Through the way we live our lives

Let's love God with all our hearts
Till it overflows unto all man
Becoming a healing that imparts
Power to further His pure plan

This initiates good friendships,
Tolerance, civility, and respect
While overcoming divisiveness
Unto divine hope bright to detect

Since God is love, we can seek and find Him
In the bounties and beauty of nature
In the gentle whisperings of the Spirit
And, in the laughter of children we nurture

If we listen, we'll feel so nobly
The pure love given of Jesus the Christ
For as we grow and become more holy
There's more light with which to align our lives

If we listen, then we shall experience
The blessings of Jesus' pure love
As striving to grow e'er more holy
We align with God's light from above

The Love of God
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Ensign, November 2009, 21

Let My Mind Focus and My Body Be Still

Let my mind now focus
And my body be still
I'm in need of substance
With God's works to fulfill

I've been given to visit
Someone deep in need
May I wear Christ's image
To strengthen one now weak

The Best Talk I Ever Heard

The best talk I ever heard
Was given by one Lindsay
She looked up for every word
While her fingers read away

Imagine the preparation
As she researched and read
Through her example of dedication
I have been spiritually fed

I saw her once out walking
And offered her a ride
She knew me as we began talking
And to her home she did guide

I am left speechless
Of her independence
For even though she's sightless
She's mapped out her existence

As a translator, her career has been set
And as a daughter of God, she is strong
How she has touched me I'll not forget
For she stands out among the throng

braille

We Spiritually Shine More So at Christmas Time

We Spiritually shine
More so at Christmas time
As Christ's love is felt anew
Midst what we see and do

Long ago a star adorned
The precious infant born
And the sky lit up... to promise
Love, hope, peace, joy, and Christmas

Bright above, for all to find
The heavens offered this sign
And with such prophecy fulfilled
Our hearts are lifted still… and thrill

Heavenly Father gave to us
The joyous gift of one- Jesus!
As a lamb... so pure He stayed
Freeing us from sure death… sure pain

Let us strive to be more like Him
And give much to lift and help
So that another might join us to sing
Of what the Christ child... to them did bring

Let us do the impossible
And further feel the miracle
Offer goodwill to an enemy…
That we, with Christ, as friends might be

Peace and goodwill to you
I offer up finally
To pain once full adieu
At last... with finalty

Here's my own personal journey
May you seek yours today
That we with out brother might be
Without regret to pay...

Now with miles apart
And no reason to talk
I've searched within my heart
And found a free path to walk

Gone the sorrow...
And all the pain...
Only wisdom
And thanks remain

No more harrow
No more blame
Life on the morrow
Is ours to gain

Eternal hope
Love, peace, and joy
Eternal home
Forgiveness... a choice

As a young elder, I had been called to the old Primary Children’s Hospital that once stood on North Temple Street in Salt Lake City. There were children to be blessed. It was the Christmas season. I had never been in a children’s hospital before.

As our group entered the foyer, we noticed an attractively decorated Christmas tree, with beautifully wrapped gifts beneath its boughs.

A feeling of sympathy welled up within me as I noticed these tiny children, many with legs or arms in large plaster casts. Some were ever so weak and pale.

A young lad called out to us, “Will you give me a blessing?” Of course the blessing was given. I shall ever remember placing my hands on the tousled head of that faithful boy who was desperately ill. As we left his side, he looked up into my eyes and said, “Thank you, Brother Monson.”

We walked away, only to hear him call out, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” I could scarcely see him for the tears in my eyes. He had that glow about him that comes only at Christmastime. That boy trusted in his Heavenly Father. He acknowledged the priesthood of God. His faith was unwavering. I felt I was on holy ground.

What made the glow emanate from the presence of this faithful boy? It was the Christmas spirit. Why does peace come closer to reality at this season than at any other? Why is it that more friends are remembered and more enemies forgiven at the Christmas season than at any other time? It is the Christmas spirit.

Thomas S. Monson
What Is Christmas?
Liahona, Dec 1998, 3

Time that Get's Away

Time that get's away
Cannot be called back
A log for every day
Allows one to keep track...

Join the now and be found present
Lest it flee forever flown
For that missed once planned event
Might be the best one ever known

how bad is it to miss your own
son's birthday?

Believe

When you have naught of hope for your day
Know this is Satan who would to deceive
Thus turn to Heavenly Father and pray
Share how you feel blessed... have faith... believe

For with His love this monster won't stay
As when light floods the darkness leaves
But, don't be fooled- pray oft- for still there's grey
Lurking in the shadows waiting for eve




Woke up to this poem after having a nightmare...

To Hearts Grown Heavy- Be of Good Cheer

My heart grows heavy
When uncertainty is near
I'll not cave to this enemy
But fill my soul with good cheer

Shall I drown my sorrow
In a bottle for escape?
No, I'll pray for the morrow
That to a bright day I'll awake

An injection, a pill, a drug formed to eat
A pinch under the lip- are but paths of self-deceit
Which confuse the mind and create such a daze
Unto a morning of headache, sluggishness, and haze

Meaning and fullness can come to our lives
Unto a calm of comfort and clarity of mind
Through the sanctifying power of Jesus the Christ
We can leave all our sins and sorrows behind

And start all afresh unto a new day
Knowing our Lord stands and awaits ever near
To offer up hope and show us the way
With His name, His spirit, and His voice sweet to hear

Who with such knowledge would not want to share
Amidst this our times of tragedy, fear, and gloom
That we have found joy and perfectness of care
As with Christ our happiness brightens and blooms

O ye my servants.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” (D&C 68:5–6.)

Marvin J. Ashton
Be of Good Cheer
Ensign, May 1986, 66

Lo I Am with Thee

Lo, I am with thee
Be of good cheer
Give not unto fear
I stand ever near

Bear record of me
For I live today
And I can be found
Teach to man always


Lo- pay attention
express wonder or surprise

“Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.

“Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.” (D&C 68:5–6.)

I Pray to Thee Each Night

I pray to Thee each night
Why? But for a bit of light

To glow
To show
To grow

That I might know
How love flows

May our Apostles Ever Know Peace

May our Apostles ever know peace
That the work of the gospel might more increase
For we are so blessed by their presence and words
And the message they bring to us needs to be heard

Let us be prayerful in their behalf
Ever thankful they're a blessing we have
May the Lord's work continually roll forth
As the will of the Father, in faith, we seek for

pondering sister Wendy L. Watson's remarks
of how overwhelming peace calmed her in the
face of four men wishing her husband harm
and to kidnap her. what a blessing we enjoy
to have our apostles travel and strengthen us...

click on above title to go to article
Apostle's wife felt comfort despite attack
By Sharon Haddock
Deseret News
Published: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009 9:32 p.m. MST

Unaware of the Risk Involved - An Unstable Foundation

Unaware of the risk involved
A gradual landslide evolved
And the house on this unstable ground
Was eventually condemned as unsound

And what unsettled this home's sure foundation
Was it a child's need for special education
Or a serious illness, the stress of divorce
A business failure or a child off course

Perhaps it was the worst to fall and subtly slip in
Which is Satan's influence to get us to sin
For surely his strategy of rationalization
Diverts one from recognizing temptations

Here is a list of what slowly moves us from what's sure
That loosens our foundation and ability to endure
The simple failures to do what's right daily
To not have Family Home Evening or keep the Sabbath day holy

A first lingering look at pornography
A small discretion while we're out dating
A minor infraction of the Word of Wisdom
Political correctness, social prominence, cynicism

Although diversions and temptations arise
Individuals can choose the help of Jesus Christ
He offers a perfect foundation that will not fall
There to weather each storm as we heed more... His call

Desire to be good, be clean, and reverent
Strive as we should to be ever obedient
Be kind, be consistent, and be diligent
To come off as conqueror with Christ's strength that is lent

With Him we are anchored on a path of safety and joy
Graced with the highest of blessings ours to enjoy
Such that we will not fail, for faith has no limit
Worlds without end- for perfect love's in it


Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional: A firm foundation
By Marianne Holman
click on title to go to site
Published: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009
A firm foundation is necessary to withstand spiritual landslides in life, Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, told BYU-Idaho students during the weekly devotional held in the Hart Auditorium on Nov. 10.

A Call Has Been Given

A call has been given
For fasting and prayers
That our Father in heaven
Might hear of our cares

Let us reach out
And beseech all our neighbors
Ask in faith most devout
As we plead for God's favors

Jeffrey R Holland Book of Mormon LDS Conference Talk Oct 2009 179 HD (2/2)

They were ready to die

Rather than deny

That the Book of Mormon is true

The Americas had prophets, too!

When Joseph and Hyrum
Started for Carthage
They brought God's book with them
And found comfort in its page

They took the words to heart
That they would be made strong
For its message did impart
They'd be with God before long

Then Hyrum turned down the corner
To ever mark each hungered word
And add upon their witness
That the Book of Mormon was read and heard

Then later to the guards
Joseph bore again his witness
That the Holy book was from God
And its truths reach warm within us

And now the question remains
For those who have not read
Why would these men take such pains
Then... to be fictitiously led

No man would die to prove
A lie of blaspheme
They had found what soothes
The soul for strengthening

Never mind the sorrow of their widows
Or the cries of those fatherless
The Book of Mormon was published
To provide all with God's solace

Now, many years later
The book remains with us still
Though targeted and hated
To faithful millions, it is real

No wicked man would write
Of God's word to reprove
And no good man would create
Unless translated just from truth

For the fullest measure of peace
Let us then consume
If of it our reading would increase
Our Spirits would fine tune

Those who resist would to leave the church
Save they find this book a stone of stumbling
For from a rock of offense, they cannot turn
Unless they crawl all over it unto humbling

I did not hear King Benjamin's sermon
Nor sail with the brother of Jared
But, I've read the Book of Mormon
And have felt the spirit declare it

Now to all who believe in Christ
Judge ye of this book's light and power
For it bears record of His life
And was saved for us in this last hour

And those who would to treasure
Partake of this sacred word
For therein is God's love in measure
Unto safety as it's heard


Safety for the Soul
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Ensign October 2009, 88

There are Times at Night

There are times at night
When I nearly fall upon my Book
That it might bring to me Christ's light
And hope as I therein open and look

For it is as a tree
Filled with life and love
If I just read and believe
It lifts me to God above

1 Nephi 8:30
Until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree

The Love of God is Shed Abroad

The love of God
Is shed abroad
Unto the hearts of man

A voice to trust
A tender touch
Our God does understand

The love of God
Is shed abroad
Unto the hearts of man

A voice to trust
A tender touch
His mercy is at hand

For today is heard
His pleasing word
Which leads us to all that's good

The path of truth
Gives healing as faith's proof
Of His power and priesthood

His Love is Like a River

His love is like a river
Flowing warmly through my soul
As it touches me so purely;
He heals my life and makes me whole

A Skeletal Sonnet's Answer- Come

An Aeronaut to His Lady by Frank Sidgwick
I
Through
Blue
Sky
Fly
To
You.
Why?
Sweet
Love,
Feet
Move
So
Slow.


Come by Kelly Miller

Come
Fly
By
Fun
One
Sky
High
Run!
Take
Flight
Make
Light
Soar
More


for fun
14 words
a-b-b-a,
a-b-b-a,
c-d, c-d,
e-e rhyme scheme

John Ciardi,
“How Does a Poem Mean?,”
New Era, Aug 1987, 44

Tossed Upon the High Seas

Tossed upon the high seas
With no land in sight
I was thrown down on my knees
By a wave I could not fight

Amidst the dampness of spray
And the roar of the storm
I earnestly prayed
That my sail not be torn

With the salt in my eyes
I wiped at them again
Looked up at the skies
And knew it would end

A promise of light
Was in the distance
The day would be bright
Through God's insistance

And I in my boat
Stayed on my wet knees
With a sob in my throat
I thanked Him who knew my needs

I had taken this trip
To be freed from life's stress
Yet found peril's grip
As to my knees I was pressed

I learned there is no escape
From all that life sends
And that it is through faith
We are saved in the end

I have Fought a Good Fight

I have fought a good fight
I have finished my course
I have kept the faith
...With God as my source



Apostle Paul
2 Timothy 4:7

Let Me Confirm Your Words Inspire

Let me confirm your words inspire
For in truth they teach faith all anew
And strengthen resolve that would tire
For there is always so much to do

Look Up to the Bright Sky and Believe

Look up to the bright sky and believe
In your ability to achieve your goals
Do not allow yourself to grieve
When you meet a set back that forth rolls

This is your time to work hard
With determination and sacrifice
When there's a sin to discard
Hold to the rod at any price

There is a road to recovery always
Along the valleys of life each pass
When you overcome the obstructed pathways
God-like characters are acquired that last

Do not be content to coast along
But apply your talents to achieve
With integrity, face adversity headlong
Then, you'll accomplish beyond your dreams

And in all the pursuits you follow
Surround yourself amidst those who are bright
Remember to give service, lest life dims hollow
And live in a way worthy of God's light

Elder Huntsman tells Y students to focus on integrity, hard work
Brigham Young University devotional: 'God did not put us here to fail'
By Marianne Holman
Church News click on above title to go to site
Published: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

The Book of Mormon is True

The Book of Mormon is true
It is safety for the soul
I testify of this too
As did the prophets of old

Come find love, healing, and hope
Within the holy pages
For, there, we're lead unto Christ
As what's spiritual engages

Primary Sacrament Meeting Presentation 2010

Random poems from next years primary theme

I prayed to the Father
In the name of the Son
And by the power of the Spirit
His answer did come

---------------------

The Holy Ghost speaks
To our minds and our hearts
To comfort and teach
Through light that imparts


----------------------

Important decisions
Invite the Holy Ghost
I know I must listen
To this soft spoken host


-----------------------

As a glove is a cover
In which something can hide
In us we discover
Our spirit's inside


------------------------

Here's what I do to live the gospel
And come closer unto Christ
I study His example
And see my life with brighter eyes


-----------------------


By the power of the Holy Ghost
We may know the truth of all things
There to be taught from what's foremost
As we ponder thoughts and feelings


-------------------------

Jesus Christ
Is the Son of God
And His light
Shines forth from all

He's in you
And in me
For high morals,
Truths, and schooling


----------------------


From the scriptures
I can almost picture
Jesus upon the earth
Teaching us of our worth

I can almost see Him
With His arms reaching out
Expounding and preaching
Amidst good works throughout


---------------------

Heavenly Father
Sent us to earth
We've His qualities
Of spiritual birth


------------------------

I Have in My Heart a Knowledge

I have in my heart a knowledge
That our Savior lives and loves me
With a hand on my heart I pledge
To come unto Him, solemnly

solemnly-
dignified manner, committed to keeping promises

pledge- promise

Sister Lant said that while living on earth, the Savior directed that the children be brought to Him.

"We are under the same commitment today to bring the children to the Savior so that they might know Him."

Children today need to know that their Savior lives, she said. "If they can have that in their hearts they will be OK."

'I Know My Savior Lives' is 2010 Primary theme
New, improved outline to help children and teachers
By Sarah Jane Weaver
Church News staff writer
Published: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009
click on above title to read church news article

A Loving Couple

A loving couple
Journeyed uphill
Unto the temple
With much to fulfill

Each bearing a name
With works to do for
A link theirs to claim
For forever more

Theirs to complete
At the alter's feet
Midst a reunion
Of their own sweet union

And the words there said
Newly then fed
The love and joy
They felt and enjoyed

A trip of caring
Made for sharing
As names combine
Line upon line

Let he with priesthood
Pray as he should
There to protect
His family yet

Their future is bright
They are doing what's right
Lovingly, they've loyalty,
Fidelity, and intregrity

Born of obedience,
Truth, and diligence
Their family thus grows
As faithfulness shows

genealogy...
be surprised and find
what's at new.familysearch.org
click on title to go to the site

Fun Was Had by All

Fun was had by all
Still, I missed you there
So, I thought I'd call
And tell you that I care

Something Happens

(point to heart)
Something happens
And we feel it
Our heart opens
It's... the spirit

The Holy Ghost Sends

The Holy Ghost sends
Light through a window
As wisdom it lends
That I might then grow

It's Been Said

It's been said
Live, laugh, learn
Might I add
Send, save, serve

Mend a heart
Go, give, greet
Then impart
Milk, milk, meat

Spiritually feed
The wounded soul
Line upon line
This is our role

Ask, knock, seek
To know what to do
Ever meek
Then follow through

Primary Service Sharing Time

ways to serve-
keep using the same towel through out...
each time ask- what is a way we can serve our family?

Hold up sign that says- what are you doing?
Have class ask question each time

Love is a verb ( make a V with two fingers)
Requiring action (swing arms like running)
Love is doing ( move arms like giving something)
With interaction (clasp hands together and shake them)


Actions are mimed
then poem read

What are you doing?

One bent over rubbing sore back

One kneading the dough ( play dough)
Then covering it up
with a towel

go over to rub back
now person can stand

Kneading muscles
Proves a surprise
For once I'm done
Then you can rise


What are you doing?

washing a window
smile, leave
another sits and looks out window
smiles

Our service is like
A sunshiny window
Opening t'wards heaven
As our good works then show

What are you doing?

pretend to play a violin
then look at it
and wipe it

other person is praying and crying
violinist gives comfort and dries tears with cloth


I am as God's instrument
Responding to a call
For when a plea filled prayer is sent
I can be God's answer though I'm small

What are you doing?

two fighting over a towel
then...
one let's other have it

Let there be peace
May it begin with me
If I have what you need
I'll wait patiently


What are you doing?

Pretend to brush teeth and
then wipe mouth

smile and wave
have everyone wave back

I am showing a brighter smile
That another can walk that extra mile


What are you doing?

wear towel on back like a cloak
have kids come give a hug and pretend to sew
different colors of yarn and stick
it to the towel

Little things are the big things
They make us feel like we're kings
Like a thousand threads of love
That's rich in colors from above

Break sing-
fun to do, ask for suggestions, or review actions from skits
- serving with you is fun to do,,,

Opening a door, Playing with a child
Resisting the temptation to... scream and be wild (is always best to do)


What are you doing?

take rubber bands and
create a bunny out of towel

give it to someone

Create something
That was naught before
For the joy it brings
To the person it's for


What are you doing?

One pretends to be working
wiping sweat, working

other brings a wet towel...

Hours in the sun
Cannot be much fun
So relieve the sweat
With a towel that's wet

What are you doing?

Fill a gallon size zip lock bag
with humanitarian items

someone takes the bag
pass it around
another takes out the towel
gives to the girl
who hugs it

A girl in a devastated land
Had naught a single thing
Till a soft towel was placed in her hand
What a grand smile it did bring...

........................
Turn a towel over showing
a picture of a possum

then someone ignoring another
person asking them to do something

It's oft said
That I'm lazy
For I play dead
To make you crazy

show a picture of Jesus
and letters C T R

redo situation
and this time person cooperates

Where before I might play possum
When there was work that was not fun
Now I see a chance to serve and blossom
And I'm the first one to get things done
(have whole class say I'm)

Service takes willingness and sacrifice
And with a friend it goes fast for it's twice as nice

pair up kids
give each child a wet wipe to wipe chairs down
and remind them how we should take care of our church building

give each child a small towel of their own as a service towel

There's a Light That Shines in Her Eyes that Smile

There's a light that shines
In her eyes that smile
And of what she knows
There is no denial

Sweetly, she has been gifted
With a witness of the truth
Warmly and so deeply
That her eyes shine as the proof

thoughts from Elizabeth's baptism

After Being the Center of the Home

After being the center of the home
And seemingly needed by all
This aged mother was oft by a phone
Hoping and waiting for a call

Then in this long season of putting away
She came to be needing much care
To but sit by the sidelines of each passing day
While others were too busy with no time to spare

Who will come and thaw the old memories
And warm the sunsets seen through a window
Who will listen patiently to the stories
And learn from her what she would that we know

...This new and rising generation
Full of energy and song
Could entertain and receive an education
And witness a bond that is strong

Come be grateful and be touched
Through this opportunity to serve
For love is made of such
And it does ever preserve

What Have I Done For Someone Today?
President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign November 2009, 84

On the Most Difficult Journey of All

On the most difficult journey of all
Mists of darkness arose all about
With the safe and narrow way now lost
There was fear, confusion, and doubt

This family of travelers soon grouped
With either of the opposite sons
Those faithful and determined still trooped
Unlike the weaker, ungrounded ones

Then midst jeering taunts and alluring paths
Those steadfast pressed their way forward
Holding fast to an rod of iron they'd grasped
While the others fell away wayward

Thus only some reached their destination
To a splendid tree found at last
Twas God's love in manifestation
With the most delicious fruit too sweet to pass

The other group became lost or carnal
While continually loved ones called and invited
But most of their hearts had failed or hardened
Due to the choices on which they'd decided

Safety for the Soul
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Ensign, November 2009, 88

It's One Thing to Have An Empty Home

It's one thing to have an empty home
And another to be house bound
The first is still able to roam
The other has naught but what comes around

And of one- she took in the homeless
Offering them a place in her garage
But soon she became anxious
As she collected an entourage

Then when she noticed a strange smell about
She called her son who'd not been by for a while
And quickly he came to straighten things out
To evict and to remove the bed piles

He stayed a few days and mended the fence
Then stockpiled her kitchen with food
But as he was needed with his family thence
His short visit had to conclude

Imagine Having Unpaid Tennants

Imagine having unpaid tennants
Damaging your precious home
That is us without repentance
For Satan moves in to ravage what's owned

The greatest thing we possess
Is our ability to choose
And satan hopes we'll not notice
That when we sin there's so much we lose

There will Always Be Something

There will always be something that breaks away
As what's firm continues to rise
Shall we go down and study what shifts and shakes
When we can stand firm holding to all that binds

The Bread and Wine was Brought Before Him

The bread and wine was brought before Him
As He stood before those at His feet
And of the bread He brake and blessed it
Then to all commanded they should eat

This done to remember His body
And that His Spirit might be with them
Thus to testify to the Father
They do remember Him and witness

Then He offered the wine of the cup
And commanded all to drink of it
In remembrance of the blood he'd shed
While promising anew His Spirit

Thus, they fulfilled the Lord's commandments
And witnessed to God their willingness
To do always as was asked of them
In humility and remembrance

He then offered them one great promise
Saying they were now built upon rock
That when floods came and the winds blew
The gates of hell, for them, could not knock

He then offered them one great caution
That they pray always to be kept safe
Lest they be tempted by the devil
To be sifted as wheat blown his way

Whatsoever they ask the Father
In His name believing it is right
Shall Be given amongst their families
As they righteously hold up His light

What is this light which the Lord spoke of
But the example of his pure life
That they might come, see, feel, and then do
With the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ

If You Turn From the Church

If you turn from the church
Where might you go?
To feel the spirit
That you might grow

Thus, endure, have faith
And let the Lord heal you
For great blessings await
Those who seek to know and do

Faith in a Church Leader

Our faith in a church leader
Should be on where he is strong
An example of this is Peter
Who worked but three things wrong

He cut an ear in anger
His faith at times was weak
He denied Christ in the face of danger
Yet... it was him the Lord did seek

Let this be our lesson
Each leader should be prayed o'er
Lest it be our transgression
That we didn't support them more

Then think of brother Joseph
Who did so very much
A debt of gratitude we owe him
For all he did for us

Knowledge of the Godhead
Modern revelation here on earth
Baptism for us and the dead
Midst the church coming to birth

The restoration of all things
The Book of Mormon too
Keys and precious callings
And words of wisdom are but a few

Shall we dwell on what is odd
From a time that's not our own
He was a prophet of God
The greatest to be known

Tad R. Callister
Joseph Smith
Prophet of the Restoration
Ensign, November 2009, 35

I Believe Love Conquers All

I believe love conquers all
For I have faith in Christ
He's redeemed us from the fall
And paid salvation's price

I know He would to preserve us
And keep our families safe
That if we'd come to Him and trust
Our marriages, He would save

If we'd cultivate a desire to know God
And ponder the things of heaven
We'd have a softened heart to heed the call
Of our Savior who would we come to Him

The companionship of the Spirit
Makes efforts become worthwhile
That of our light we share it
As feelings from thoughts compile

There is a God

There is a God. I know He lives
And would we speak to Him today
For oft I ask and His Spirit gives
Loving truth to Light my way

You May Know with Surety

You may know with surety
Today, that God is heard
For if you search with sincerity
He speaks to you as you read His word

Circling the Hemispheres

Circling the hemispheres
Our brain sends messages
As we see, think, feel, and hear
Unto our inner edges

Upon the left a word's said anew
And on the right emotion's felt
That in the forefront it is processed through
Till a need for action's felt

As we are moved then more to do
The word circles again
To light us up all anew
As an eternal friend

What word in us could shower
And fill us up with such a need?
Flowing though us with power
The word "temple" -holy indeed

All those who are addicted
Bypass this trail of thought
And the forefront is afflicted
In fact it's used for naught

They in deed have self inflicted
Wounds so thoughts cannot chart
But, when faith is reinspected
Emotions clear a path to start

The forefront lights anew
And the past is then inspected
That remorse might then flow through
As the conscience is detected

Those who pray and mediate
Will find strengths theirs to own
As in truth this activates
The best part of the brain known

Those in constant stress
Lead the brain to confusion
And bypass being impressed
For the forefront's in exclusion

Fear, too, shuts off this path
And gone is organized thought
To be stuck where you're at
Till with prayer it is fought

This is where gender is schooled
And our character is developed
That as we work and strive for good
Our talents light with love enveloped

thoughts from-
A Brain Gone Wrong
Dr. Dean Belnap
It is so interesting to read about the
development of the forefront of our brain
and the importance of family, baptism at 8,
all the youth programs, the 12 step program,
the performance of conscience, and the ability
to learn from mistakes all start to make sense

Boyd K. Packer
The Temple, the Priesthood
Ensign, May 1993, 18

Say the word temple. Say it quietly and reverently. Say it over and over again. Temple. Temple. Temple. Add the word holy. Holy Temple. Say it as though it were capitalized, no matter where it appears in the sentence.

Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have described the house of the Lord!

May God grant that we may be worthy to enter there and receive the fulness of the blessings of His priesthood, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen

please click on the title to go to lds.org for summaries of talks on the temple

The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas

The wondrous and true story of Christmas
Softens hearts and raises voices to sing
That we find anew His peace is within us
Unto being given to serving and doing

For kindness and mercy is reenthroned
And we ponder our Heavenly Father above
To sacrifice and offer up His own
Teaches what infinite love is made of

From the start it was a lesson in sacrifice
With each of us being the beneficiaries
Only the purest lamb of unselfishness could suffice
To bear our grief as all sorrows He carries

Gordon B. Hinckley
The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas
Ensign, Dec 2000, 2

to go to
Christmas
messages of the first presidency
click on above title