Moonbeams and Orchids

As elusive as a moonbeam
And fragile as an orchid
A testimony can brightly beam
Or wilt much that we forget

Light comes to the mind
Warmly... the bosom burns
Doubt is left behind
Spiritually one learns



Personal Revelation and Testimony by Sister Barbara Thompson

President Harold B. Lee: “Testimony is as elusive as a moonbeam; it’s as fragile as an orchid; you have to recapture it every morning of your life,”

I have joined a book club for general conference-----
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Always the Savior Saw a Need

On Earth, the Savior knew our needs
And with compassion He was moved
As our Exemplar He still leads
Causing lives to be improved

He is ever one to follow
Let us offer Him to those we find
Giving succor to those in sorrow
Healing wounds of heart and mind

Compassion means to have love and mercy
Desiring to aleve another's pain
To mourn with those who are mourning
Lifting hands that wearily hang

As Sisters we have a duty
To bless the lives we're assigned
Bringing to them life and beauty
Strengthening them, unto Christ

We are the Lord's hands upon the Earth
Souls have been entrusted to our care
As we visit we show another their worth
Making a difference through the Spirit shared

Barbara Thompson
And of Some Have Compassion, Making a Difference
Ensign, November 2010, 119

Mind the Gap

Mind the gap
Reads the sign
For oft toes trap
Along this line

There is a whole
Between what we know and do
Between our goals
And how we follow through

When we are humble
We're led and travel far
And when... we stumble
We've forgotten who we are

And as we move about
We must remember God's love
Lest we think our traps of doubt
Cannot be risen above

When a young woman becomes an adult
Shall she take a leave of absence?
Membership doesn't come to a halt
But fills our gaps to make the difference

Ours it is to strive and progress
Through faith and a sense of belonging
That as sisters we can grow to retrench
As holy women elevated with longings

Then, let your voice be heard
Preaching alongside the faithful
"Beware, and follow God's word
For, without Jesus, life can be painful"

"Valiantly pay attention
And remove yourself from danger
The Lord offers prayer's extension
Waiting...as, of your trials, He is not a stranger"

Mind the Gap
Barbara Thompson
Ensign, November 2009, 118

The Church of Christ

The Church of Christ became perfect
Once the women were organized
Their loving service would boost and affect
As their strength for good became utilized

They went about from house to house
Dedicated to give support
To assist the brethren, they did espouse
And gave aid to the needy and the poor

Let's devote ourselves to giving relief
And being a blessing to those around
May we encourage faith in those who've grief
And succor the weak where ever they're found

May we be prompted to action when comes
That child who's ill, or neighbor with needs
Or a family perhaps that's lost their income
May we assist them back onto their feet

Dear Sisters, each deed can be small
We can lift others in many ways
A smile, a kind note, perhaps a phone call,
Or to kneel and bow with them as one prays

In 1830, Joseph Smith gave this advise:
That the sisters "expound scriptures" and "exhort"
That in them the gospel truths might apprise
To nourish them and lend to them a gift that supports

May we renew those days of faith and hope
That our lessons might be a purifying stream
Which does refresh the heart to better cope
As it restores and edifies us to high esteem

Dear Sisters, may we now step up and be strong
To declare the truth with faith and boldness
May we with the angels rejoice unto song
As we live up to our privilege to witness

We have promise that is finest deep inside us
May we rescue God's daughters for His kingdom
That Relief Society might be a refuge, thus
As we feel blessed immeasurably with love and wisdom

Barbara Thompson
General Relief Society
Now Let Us Rejoice
September 2008, 114