Try as Hard as You May

Try as hard as you may

To not think about dying

It will still come, some day

There is no denying

It comes to the young

The aged, the sick

The pick of the throng

The halting the quick

We have come from heaven

To return there someday

This mortal life given

Is the path... the way

Live each day as though the last

Spread love all around

Put to bed the bad of your past

Let joy in the present abound

Let joy for the future 

Move you forward

Heaven bound

Dream.  Look upwards!

Verse 1] Try as hard as you may To not think about dying It will still come, some day There is no denying [Verse 2] It comes to the young The aged, the sick The pick of the throng The halting, the quick [Pre-Chorus] We have come from heaven To return there someday This mortal life given Is the path, the way [Chorus] Live each day as though the last Spread love all around Put to bed the bad of your past Let joy in the present abound [Bridge] Let joy for the future Move you forward Heaven bound Dream, look upwards [Final Chorus] Live each day as though the last Spread love all around Put to bed the bad of your past Let joy in the present abound [Outro] Heaven bound Dream, look upwards

LDS.org - Liahona Article - May We So Live

www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?sourceId...locale=0...Cached

You +1'd this publicly. Undo

Next >; Print; E-mail. Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Liahona, Aug 2008, 2–7 ... Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny. Frequently death ...

The Passage of Time

The passage of time dims our old memories
And none too soon fades our sorrows and worries.
The pioneer trail where tears fell like rain
Now is a roller coaster of grief and pain.

While crimes creep higher to spiral upward
Decency careens society downward
And who can escape as the ride moves faster?
This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster!

Can we muster the courage for today?
As modern pioneers can we show others the way?
The path has been laid to eternity
May we blaze its trail bright with morality!

"Come follow me," 

The Master calls to each
Keep remembering

My spirit's within reach 

[Verse 1] The passage of time dims our old memories And none too soon fades our sorrows and worries The pioneer trail where tears fell like rain Now is a roller coaster of grief and pain [Verse 2] While crimes creep higher to spiral upward Decency careens society downward And who can escape as the ride moves faster? This thrill of the moment speeds to disaster [Chorus] Can we muster the courage for today? As modern pioneers, can we show others the way? The path has been laid to eternity May we blaze its trail bright with morality [Bridge] Come follow me, the Master calls to each Keep remembering, my spirit's within reach When every turn unsettles what we know Hold to the good, and let compassion grow [Final Chorus] Can we muster the courage for today? As modern pioneers, can we show others the way? The path has been laid to eternity May we blaze its trail bright with morality [Outro] Keep remembering My spirit's within reach Keep remembering And walk the path we teach

Thomas S. Monson
'Come Follow Me," Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

Our Prophet, We Sustain and Pray For

Our prophet shared from his heart
In a remarkable session
Oh, the spirit we each felt
At this solemn occasion

This day, we were called to stand
Looking back and moving forward
We raised a sustaining hand
And our hands reached heavenward

Now we know, and we pray for
President Monson, our prophet
Whom we love and we support
What we've felt, we'll not forget!

May he be an instrument
To move forward this great work
May we value his judgment
And when called, may we not shirk

May he have continued health
As he travels the world over
May the church have sufficient wealth
To meet its needs, moreover

When he asks, may we hear it
As though, Thou, were the one calling
May he feel of our spirit
And find in us, we're willing

When life is precarious
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Temples- Thou has given us
Help us to go as we should.

He's pledged his life and his strength
To direct the church's affairs
Give his days sufficient length
Ease his burdens and his cares.

[Verse 1] Our prophet shared from his heart In a remarkable session Oh, the spirit we each felt At this solemn occasion! This day, we were called to stand Looking back and moving forward We raised a sustaining hand And our hands reached heavenward [Pre-Chorus] Now we know, and we pray for Our new president, our prophet Whom we love and we support What we've felt, we'll not forget! [Chorus] May he be an instrument To move forward this great work May we value his judgment And when called, may we not shirk (We hear him) (We stand with him) [Verse 2] May he have continued health As he travels the world over May the church have sufficient wealth To meet its needs, moreover When he asks, may we hear it As though, Thou, were the one calling May he feel of our spirit And find in us, we're willing [Pre-Chorus] When life is precarious Is there no balm in Gilead? Temples- Thou has given us Help us to go as we should. [Chorus] May he be an instrument To move forward this great work May we value his judgment And when called, may we not shirk (We hear him) (We stand with him) [Bridge] He's pledged his life and his strength To direct the church's affairs Give his days sufficient length Ease his burdens and his cares (Guide him now) (Keep him near) [Final Chorus] May he be an instrument To move forward this great work May we value his judgment And when called, may we not shirk (We hear him) (We stand with him) May he feel of our spirit And find in us, we're willing

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/10/sustaining-the-prophets?lang=eng

President Nelson talk with the sustaining of
Thomas S. Monson

Oct 2014

Thinking of All I Have Been Given

Thinking of much I've been given
I prayed, gratefully, to share-
And it was as though a door opened from heaven
With rich treasures of blessings waiting there

For, I sensed, in all I'm regarding
There are messages from Him to be found
What, in life, could be more rewarding
Than feeling His love and presence surround

There is always an abundance Of reasons to give thanks The good in the bad circumstance See His hand in all things

[Verse 1]

Thinking of much I've been given

I prayed, gratefully, to share

And it was as though a door opened from heaven

With rich treasures of blessings waiting there

[Pre-Chorus]

For, I sensed, in all I'm regarding

There are messages from Thee to be found

What, in life, could be more rewarding

Than feeling Thy love and presence surround

[Chorus]

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

There is always an abundance

For Thy mercy holds my days

The good in the bad circumstance

I see Thy hand in all things

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

[Verse 2]

On the road where the questions linger

Light came, kinder than I knew

In the break of the bread, in the work of my hands

Love replaced doubts to faith anew

[Pre-Chorus]

And I keep my eyes on the small things

Every gift that meets my need

Every mercy that wakes up my morning

Every blessing that I did not see

[Chorus]

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

There is always an abundance

When Thy mercy holds my days

The good in the bad circumstance

I see Thy  hand in all things

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

[Bridge]

When the table looks bare

Thou art still there

When the night runs long

Thou make me strong

I will count what remains

And sing through the rain

I see Thy hand in all things

I see Thy hand in all things

[Final Chorus]

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

There is always an abundance

For Thy mercy holds my days

The good in the bad circumstance

I see Thy hand in all things

There is always an abundance

Of reasons to give thanks

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2011-02-0036-president-monson-on-gratitude?lang=eng

pondering President Monson's talk on gratitude

I randomly remembered this from the Holocaust:

 The story of Corrie and Betsie ten Boom highlights the power of gratitude even in dire circumstances. During their time in the Ravensbrück concentration camp, the sisters faced horrific conditions, including infestations of fleas and lice. Despite their suffering, they chose to give thanks for these very pests. Betsie believed that the fleas allowed them to hold worship services without interruption from the guards, as the soldiers avoided their barracks due to the infestation

. This act of gratitude became a profound lesson in finding hope and purpose amidst despair, illustrating the strength of faith and resilience

In its Gleaming Glory

In its gleaming glory
The temple beckons us
Promising the weary
A place of peace and rest

The House of the Lord
Is for the homeward bound
As with all its splendor
Heaven on earth is found

thoughts from
quotes from President Thomas S. Monson
In the special temple Ensign, October 2010, 10

[Verse 1] In its gleaming glory The temple beckons us Promising the weary A place of peace and rest The House of the Lord Is for the homeward bound As with all its splendor Heaven on earth is found [Pre-Chorus] To enter through its doors Holiness is felt The spirit is restored Life's big problems melt [Chorus] House of the Lord Eternal family's here Perspective's found House of the Lord Holiness to Him Peace over us (House of the Lord) (Peace over us) [Verse 2] We bring our list of worries Friends and families suffer Every wounded thought We lay it at the alter The dust falls from our hands The world is left behind In His holy place Our broken hearts align [Pre-Chorus] To enter through its doors Holiness is felt The spirit is restored Life's big problems melt [Chorus] House of the Lord Eternal family's here Perspective's found House of the Lord Holiness to Him Peace over us (House of the Lord) (Peace over us) [Bridge] Let every weary heart Lift up and testify There is healing here There is grace alive Let every searching soul Find shelter in the flame Heart's sanctuary We are not the same [Final Chorus] House of the Lord Eternal family's here Perspective's found House of the Lord Holiness to Him Peace over us Peace over us (House of the Lord) (Peace over us)

Saving Each Precious Lost Fruit

A farmer drove his open bed truck
Filled to capacity with sugar beets
But, he lost some each time it was struck
With such potholes that also unseats

He stopped often to rest his back
Stiffening from all of his labor
And took with him a large gunny sack
To pick up all the beets that did neighbor

For each fruit was of such great value
That he wanted not one to be wasted
And we have a similar work to do
For each whom of the gospel once tasted

We should lift up those on the roadside
Who've been caught in the current so deep
And, too, turbulent times tear like a tide
While swirling whirlpools of sin do not sleep

But, all of this just needs not be!
For we have the doctrines of truth
We have the programs and the power to be
Saving each precious lost fruit

Of those who are now the wandering lost sheep
It is time to take a hand and reach a heart
For each is in need of our rescue, love, and watchkeep
There to restore what was engraved at the start

President Thomas S. Monson
Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul
Ensign, Jul 2009, 4–7

Qualified to Serve- Mission

 [Verse 1]

Feeling inadequate and shy I stood there at the edge I hesitated to go on a mission With fear behind my pledge Then pondering what growth I'd deny I heard a gentler call I changed my limited decision And started through it all [Pre-Chorus] What would I become If I stayed the same? What would I lose If I kept that name? Then peace came near And lit the way [Chorus] Now qualified to serve Now qualified to share The Master shaped my back For every load I bear Now qualified to serve Now qualified to stand Each burden placed just right In these strengthened hands [Verse 2] My back has been reshaped to bear The weight I once refused Each burden that has been placed rightly there Found me, and I was moved Not by pride, not by might But by mercy in the seam As I strive to serve and share I'm learning what I mean [Pre-Chorus] What would I become If I stayed the same? What would I lose If I kept that name? Then peace came near And lit the way [Chorus] Now qualified to serve Now qualified to share The Master shaped my back For every load I bear Now qualified to serve Now qualified to stand Each burden placed just right In these strengthened hands [Bridge] I was smaller in my own eyes But Heaven saw more Took my trembling yes And opened up a door Now I walk with calm Where I once would hide Grace has made me ready Grace is by my side [Final Chorus] Now qualified to serve Now qualified to share The Master shaped my back For every load I bear Now qualified to serve Now qualified to stand Each burden placed just right In these strengthened hands Now qualified to serve Now qualified to share I was afraid to go Now I’m there, I’m there

pondering
President Thomas S. Monson
The Lord Needs Missionaries
Liahona, Jan. 2011, 4–6

Now, some of you may be shy by nature or consider yourselves inadequate to respond affirmatively to the call to serve. Remember that this is the Lord’s work, and when we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. The Lord will shape the back to bear the burden placed upon it.

As President Thomas S. Monson promised, “When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”

Clarion Call- Console Death

 

[Verse 1]

At a cemetery I oft visit For contemplating life I found a bench to sit And ponder death and strife Adorning the weathered tombstones Family names were mostly Swiss Pioneers buried long ago When there was little food to subsist Trials surrounding harvests never ceased They worked hard all their lives Now buried, they did rest in peace Their legacy... sacrifice [Chorus] This is the clarion call of Christendom Promising resurrection and peace Surpassing understanding... God's wisdom Providing universal hope for increase [Verse 2] Feeling tender emotions My thoughts went afar to France Where in war's cauldron of commotion Lives were cut short in an instant I reflected on shattered dreams, Unfulfilled hopes, grief stricken hearts On the sorrow that death brings Of lost loved ones...a lone tear starts Thinking back to when I was a Bishop At the bedside of a young man Harrowed between life and the great beyond Pleadingly...he took my hand Looking in my eyes, he said Bishop, I know I'm soon to die. He asked what happens...and I read How we are taken home...unto paradise [Verse 3] For the righteous will be received Unto a state of happiness, A state of rest, a state of peace Freed from sorrows and what troubles us This young father of two Closed his eyes... never again to open And after saying thank you Slipped away to that place of which we'd spoken Each...having come here to earth To live, learn, and progress Just as surely, came with that birth Uncertainty and need for rest [Bridge] The victory over the tomb Was best described in Luke Both Marys came with perfume But found angels when they looked Appearing in shining garments One of the two said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead He is not here, but is risen [Chorus] This is the clarion call of Christendom Promising resurrection and peace Surpassing understanding... God's wisdom Providing universal hope for increase

From “He Is Risen,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. 2003, 2–7.

Wherever I travel, I try to pay a visit to the town cemetery. It is a time of contemplation, of reflection on the meaning of life and the inevitability of death. In the small cemetery in the town of Santa Clara, Utah, I remember the preponderance of Swiss names which adorn the weathered tombstones. Many of those persons left home and family in verdant Switzerland and, in response to the call “Come to Zion,” settled the communities where they now “rest in peace.” They endured spring floods, summer droughts, scant harvests, and backbreaking labors. They left a legacy of sacrifice.

Alma 40:
11 Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.
12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Luke 24:2-6
2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:
5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
6 He is not here, but is risen...

The Book of Mormon is True

 [Verse 1]

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 [Pre-Chorus] 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 [Chorus] The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true It bears record of His life And it stands in the light The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true It was saved for us in this last hour For joy and safety in view [Verse 2] 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 [Pre-Chorus] 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 [Chorus] The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true It bears record of His life And it stands in the light The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true It was saved for us in this last hour For joy and safety in view [Bridge] 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 [Final Chorus] The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true Preserved in the earth like treasure God's love is here in view The Book of Mormon is true The Book of Mormon is true Therein partake of in good measure Unto joy and safety as it's heard

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

Let Your Light Shine- Again- Today

 

A chink in our armor,

From a lapse in our faith

Harms us like no other

As darkness takes more space

Turn to our Savior, from death

And our Redeemer, from sin.

He is our Advocate, what debt!

His light strengthens us within!

Let your light shine again

That others may see

That which comes from heaven

goodness and purity

goodwill and charity

 Let your light shine today

Stand out as bright, clean, and uplifting 

Shine in how you dress, speak,
 treat your body
Let your light shine 

show how to lead AND have fun
When you compete, show how this is done

Be the light than shines in darkness

That others whose light has gone dim can see

He is “the light which shineth in darkness.”

Here is my outline notes from President Monson's October 2015, "The Center of Our Lives"

Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”¹ 

How will they see it?

“Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”²

Be an example in:

1. in word and conversation, lift and inspire

          love and respect,
          clean language
          that doesn't wound or offend
          with tolerance and kindness
          Why? Your mind will be enlightened.

2. charity, “the pure love of Christ.”:

          brighten the lonely
          lift the discouraged

          bring hope to the hopeless

          strengthen to the weak

          help the sick

          assist those who can't walk

          give aid to the blind

          teach the deaf

          grieve with those who grieve

          visit those need
          Why? When you bless others, you feel love that renews.

3. spirit, have in our lives:

          kindness, 

          gratitude, 

          forgiveness,

          and goodwill.

These qualities will provide for us a spirit which will:

          touch the lives of those around us.

          help them feel the spirit

          cause them to want to be around you

          and follow your example out of appreciation.

          Why? You will feel a joy that lifts.

4.  faith, trust in the Lord and in His word.

          possess and nourish beliefs let them

                   guide thoughts

                   and actions.

                   influence all that we do.

          scriptures and prayer anchors us for

                   clarity of thought

                   and conscience

Why? You will walk in Christ's powerful light that can dispel darkness..

Said the Lord, “Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good.”⁵

5.  purity: in body, mind, and spirit.

          the body is a temple, to be treated with

                   reverence

                   and respect.

          Our minds should be filled with

                   uplifting and ennobling thoughts and

                   kept free from those things which will pollute.

Why? Purity will bring us peace of mind and will qualify us to receive the Savior’s promises, said He, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”⁶

As we do so, our light will shine for others to see.

1. For all have the Light of Christ.

2. When we have His light, we light the way for others.

As we prove to be examples in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in purity, we will qualify to be lights to the world.

          we will stand out as bright, clean, and uplifting in how we
                    dress
                   speak-
                   treat our bodies
                    have fun
                   compete
                    lead
                   do sports
                  
         

 As we make Christ the center of our lives,

our fears will be replaced by the courage of our convictions.

Life is perfect for none of us, and at times the challenges and difficulties we face may become overwhelming, causing our light to dim.

Pray for help from our Heavenly Father,

Seek the light and support of others,

Regain that light which illuminates your path once again and provide the light others may need.

 yours will be the glorious blessing of returning to live with Him forever.

: “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

[Verse 1] A chink in our armor, From a lapse in our faith Harms us like no other As darkness takes more space Turn to our Savior, from death And our Redeemer, from sin He is our Advocate, what debt! His light strengthens us within! [Pre-Chorus] Let your light shine again That others may see That which comes from heaven goodness and purity [Chorus] Let your light shine today Let your light shine today Stand out as bright Clean and uplifting Let your light shine today (shine today) [Verse 2] Shine in how you dress, speak, treat your body Let your light shine show how to lead AND have fun When you compete, show how this is done Be the light than shines in darkness That others whose light has gone dim can see [Pre-Chorus] Let your light shine again That others may see That which comes from heaven goodwill and charity [Chorus] Let your light shine today Let your light shine today Stand out as bright Clean and uplifting Let your light shine today (shine today) [Bridge] From the shadow to the open From the empty to the full We can walk with grace and courage We can live what heaven pulled Let your light shine again Let it reach the darkest places Let your light shine today Until hope is on their faces [Chorus] Let your light shine today Let your light shine today Stand out as bright Clean and uplifting Let your light shine today (shine today)

Ice Storm Wedge

[Verse 1] A faller's wedge placed in a tree Remained where it ought not to be. The branches grew and swelled around. And then one night without a sound- An ice storm weighed the burdened trunk. And down the branches went- kerplunk. [Verse 2] Some feelings hurt and trouble so. But, to others they do not know. It festers much and builds inside, Though how hard one might try to hide. Till one day it resurfaces. And lays more blame with purposes. [Chorus] A hidden wedge, long ago Has pierced my heart and claimed my growth A hidden wedge, long ago But I can let it go A burden shared is always best We solve hurts, lay them to rest A burden shared is always best And life was meant to be enjoyed [Verse 3] Where it can canker easily. Imagined hurts and jealousy Must be resolved, and then destroyed, For life was meant to be enjoyed. [Bridge] The enemy becomes a friend. When we forgive there is an end. We close the gap, we sort it out. That's what life is truly about! [Chorus] A hidden wedge, long ago Has pierced my heart and claimed my growth A hidden wedge, long ago But I can let it go A burden shared is always best We solve hurts, lay them to rest A burden shared is always best And life was meant to be enjoyed

The Peril of Hidden Wedges
4–9, Jul 2007, Thomas S. Monson,
“The Peril of Hidden Wedges, ” Ensign

He Who Notes the Fall of a Sparrow

 

He who notes the fall of a sparrow
Surely hears the pleadings of our heart
Remember where'er we lack in wisdom
It's through prayer that our Father imparts

To those who are struggling with challenges
With difficulties large or small
Prayer is what moves those door hinges
That the love of God may come to call

Speak to Him... then listen
As miracles are wrought
That, this time, as tears moisten
It's from a wondrous hope filled thought

Know... no matter that where you live is crowded
And millions of people surround
Answers come from heaven... though once doubted
When we're searching... God can be found

Long ago... one named Daisy
Had been taught the seeds of truth
Time passed... something stirred her heart
She wished again for that time of reproof

She saw missionaries at a distance
And prayed fervently to Father in Heaven
There to promise... if given a new chance
She would open her door and heart unto them

Meanwhile... missionaries too were praying
And working to find someone to teach
They searched old records of tracting
And knew... Daisy was the one to reach

Such it was that very day
That they knocked upon her door
Through a passport of prayer and faith
All were taught... as love did pour


Matthew 10:
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.


President Thomas S. Monson
“Be Your Best Self,” Liahona, May 2009, 67–70

Doorway of Love

 

Sins never tire
They ever cross the wires
Shades of Sodom...
The dregs at the bottom
Has Pandora
Yet glimpsed at Gomorrah?
Our wicked world
Screams loud and insults hurl
Each sordid fact
Exposes evil stacked
They've Light so dim
From all their sins within

Must we suffer
The twin cities' fate here
Where ill is bred
Without balm in Gilead?
Are there lovers
Of God or of pleasures?
From old Noah
Were great lessons not taught?
This time it's sin
That the world's flooded in
And what does reign?
Unholiness and pain

Where's the doorway?
Hurry, find it I pray
Where the Lord stands
Waiting with knocking hands
Written above
Reads: The Doorway of Love
It's on high ground
That our dear Savior's found
And as you near
There's echoes you can hear
"Open the door
You are, who I knock for "

Love causes change
As our lives rearrange
Love has its price
It requires we're nice
And God loves us
So He gave us Jesus
The great teacher
To love one another
He also taught
Of higher laws of thought
To understand
where love can best expand

Love's not like weeds
That spreads from wind and seeds
Love's not like rain
Dripping where e'er it came
Love can perish
When it is not cherished
So, we have Christ
Who has paid a high price
He loves each one
For us, His work was done
For each person
He bore sin's hard ransom

Little children
Can learn the Lord's lesson
"If you love me
Do as I'm commanding
As I love you
Now, love each other too"
Where's our haven?
Our safe place to live in?
It's where honor
And loving symbols are
Where contention
Has no place to station

God's found in love
As blessings from above
Where there's virtue
His love resides there, too
It's apparent
We've premortal parents
Heav'nly Father
And our Heav'nly Mother
And when love's gone
The sobbings of those wronged
Ascend up high
Against those who've shown pride

Our happiness
Hinges on righteousness
The path to joy
Comes to each girl and boy
With faithfulness
We'll press on t'wards fullness
Let there be peace
May it begin with me
A soft pillow
Helps those whose lives are low
This we'll not know
Unless our hearts do grow

Vagrants asleep
Are in need of watch keep
What can be done
In the name of the Son?
To those hungry
May our compassion be
A sparrow falls
The Savior hears its calls
He sees service
He knows concern's purpose
All love imparts
Catalysts for big hearts

Those who show care
Are often more aware
That violence
Does not cry of strength
Yet, compassion
Cries with Christ-like passion
What's of value?
Our last gifts of adieu?
This mom's locked box
T'would only hold small rocks
As she'd nothing
Why bother opening...

As though treasure
Photos of past pleasure
A young couple's
Sealing date ink bejeweled
And last inside
A child's note, "I love you"
Hearts were tender
Voices soft, eyes moister
Louis's note
A Valentines he'd wrote.
A locked box viewed
With a new attitude

We see Christ's love
Reflected in true love
At Christmas time
One finds people are kind
You can hear it
As you believe in it
You can see it
And anticipate it
You can feel it
As you grandly share it
It's yours to own
But, never just alone

Twas years ago
A class was troubled so
What could be done?
The solution, but one
The problem child
With love, must become mild
She confessed
She asked him, and was blessed
And now the boy
Became her greatest joy
And, aged, she still knew him
Through her gaze became blank and dim

In her nineties
She'd not eat... her fork teased
She knew no one
And not a word she spoke
When lunch ended
And... the words one-sided
He stood to leave
And you would not believe
He said "God Bless "
And she- "Why you're Thomas!"
She kissed his hand
Love... passed the aging sand

"How I love you,"
She said. There were tears, too-
On hands bestowed.
Now, those hands were hallowed
The air was cool
Outside the sky was blue
An azure blue
The snow was white
A crystal white
The words of the Master
Were felt deeper
"Woman, behold thy son!"
As she'd beheld this one

A wondrous gift
Graced by God was given
Heavenly blessings
Were there for receiving
At a doorway
Patiently, He'll await
Till... us He hears
And with love... Christ enters
Through a doorway
That's opened... with our faith
Through a doorway
Of love... where all is okay

This poem is best understood
if read after reading Monson's talk
Thomas S. Monson
The Doorway of Love
Ensign, Oct 1996, 2

From Birth to Rebirth- Jesus

 

Yes, more than 2,000 years ago
Christ, our Savior; as promised, was born
Mortal...as a babe to grow
Perfectly, so we might be reborn

There is very little written of His boyhood
Save He increased in wisdom and stature
Gaining favor, as He went about doing good
The son of the Father lived pure

He was baptized by John in the river Jordan
Called forth apostles, testified, and healed-
A man of miracles to all before Him
That ancient prophecy might be fulfilled

He provided a perfect example and taught us
Even as His mortal mission drew to a close
Giving the last supper with His Apostles
Then.. onto Gethsemane and Calvary, He arose

No mere mortal can conceive the full import
Of what Christ did for us on that night
He Himself said He suffered and bled at every pore
Both in body and spirit- to the fullest height

Following this agony...drained of strength
He was seized by rough, crude hands to stand accused
Cursed, spat upon, and crowned with thorns of cruel length
Blood coursed His face as He was scourged and abused

His flesh tore from bones and sharp metals
Ripping Him with striking blows repeatedly
For any other this would have proved fatal
As He, racked with pain, was mocked heatedly

Then, He walked to Calvary...the way not foreign
With stumbling steps, He carried His own cross
Till another shouldered the burden for Him
When He could go no further... His strength lost

Finally, on this hill, for all to see
While His helpless followers looked on
His wounded body was nailed...what humility
For His enemies were not yet gone

He was mocked, cursed, and derided
Yet He cried out, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"
Then His spirit, to God, He commended
And the serenity of death freed Him, unto the Father's presence, too

At that last moment, the Master could have turned back
But He did not. He passed beneath all things that He might save
He doing for us, alone, when our own strength we lack
That a path to the Father might be paved

Hurriedly...gently, His body
Was placed in a borrowed tomb
No words of Christendom have more meaning
Than were said to Mary when she came with perfume

Spoke by the angel: "Why seek ye the living among the dead?"
"He is not here... but is risen"
Thus answering the question Job posed centuries ahead
If a man die....yes, he shall live again!

We can take comfort in our hour of deepest need
In the sure knowledge that soon...will come the day
When God shall wipe away all tears, that no man weep
For there'll be no more death or sorrow...as these shall pass away

He Is Risen!
President Thomas S. Monson
Ensign, November 2010,

Revelations 21: 4
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Job 14:14
"If a man die, shall he live again?"

That His Light Can Be Seen

 

The battle cry has been given

For a standard of righteousness

Who in purity can be proven?

Who can avoid permissiveness?

The seas of peer pressure causes

Forfeited blessings and shattered dreams

As onto jagged rocks it tosses

Those who ignore the light’s strong beams

[Chorus]

Come be an example

in both word and in deed

That others can sample

Christ’s goodness we all need

Who will commit without hesitation?

To their heritage, and stand to honor it?

Who will hold at bay all worldly temptation?

While their example lets good news transmit?

When life's goals become shallow

A gospel upbringing is forgotten

And opportunities soon narrow

When codes for conduct falter and soften

[Chorus]

Come be an example

in both word and in deed

That others can sample

Christ’s goodness we all need

May the words of Mount Sinai

Come to thunder on those with ears

The commandments are our allies

Wherein a celestial glimpse appears

Who will open their heart to remember

That day of confirmation?

And how the Holy Ghost in ember

Was gifted without reservation?

[Chorus]

Come be an example

in both word and in deed

That others can sample

Christ’s goodness we all need

Who'll be influenced by that sweet voice

Which testifies and whispers of truth?

Who'll be alert and make the good choice

When temptations prey on the dreams of youth?

Who will be known among the believers?

Those with charity and purity of thought!

Those who in example are the achievers

For in spirit and in faith they have fought

[Chorus]

Come be an example

in both word and in deed

That others can sample

Christ’s goodness we all need

That His Light can be seen

read about what inspired this: 

1 Tim 4:12

Be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity,

in spirit, in faith, in purity

Be Thou An Example

Thomas S. Monson

Ensign, May 2005, 112

It's Complicated

Life is less complicated
When we don't do it alone
When we are dedicated
To the one who did atone

Keep Your Lamp Lit

Build up your testimony strong and deep
There are commandments you must keep
Live your covenants they help you along
You have the Lord, the Master Builder Strong,
To help you, when you are in the wrong

Pondering President Monson's priesthood talk. See others as they may become.

A Sacred Trust

We have entered a sacred trust
That blesses us from within
Much is expected of us
May we ever stand with Him
“He that is not with me is against me” (Matthew 12:30)

Love is the Remedy

Love is the remedy
for what ails the earth.
Remember Gethsemane
that each man is of worth!

Go For It!

With a forward thrust

Journey anew

Be true to the trust

Vested in you

Go For It! "As we journey through mortality, let us remember from whence we came; let us be true to the trust vested in us. Let us remember who we are and what God expects us to become."


—Thomas S. Monson, "Go For It!"