Calm as a Summer's Morning

In haste, I wrote to Governor Ford

Assuring compliance, without disturbance

The printing press now lay shattered

But, still anger rose up against the Saints

I was arrested, the charges were baseless

But, when I was released, this angered mobs more

Hundreds more now assembled

To destroy the temple and burn homes, they swore

The enemy thought that to destroy me

Would put a final end to our presence

But I knew my blood would not put an end

To their thirst for more blood, in the spirit of hatred and vengeance

For many feel threatened by more than our church

They see how we've filled and prospered the land

The governor was sending occupying troops, I learned

Hyrum came. I knew I was being sent to be slaughtered, just like a lamb

I kissed Emma and each our children, too

"You are coming back,"  Emma said through tears

But I knew this time what the mob would do

And I bravely mounted my horse, and waved off my fears

I was as “Calm As A Summer’s Morning.”

Our horse's gait was steady and strong

I left the peaceful place of Nauvoo

To surrender though I knew they were wrong

And along the street at each gate

In truth, for a last goodbye

Saints stood firm prepared to wave

To call, "I love you!" and to cry

[Verse 1] In haste, I wrote to Governor Ford Assuring compliance, without disturbance The printing press now lay shattered But, still anger rose up against the Saints I was arrested, the charges were baseless But, when I was released, this angered mobs more [Chorus] Calm As A Summer’s Morning Calm As A Summer’s Morning I knew this time what the mob would do And I bravely mounted my horse [Verse 2] Hundreds more now assembled To destroy the temple and burn homes, they swore The enemy thought that to destroy me Would put a final end to our presence But I knew my blood would not put an end To their thirst for more blood, in the spirit of hatred and vengeance [Pre-Chorus] For many feel threatened by more than our church They see how we've filled and prospered the land The governor was sending occupying troops, I learned Hyrum came. I knew I was being sent to be slaughtered, just like a lamb [Chorus] Calm As A Summer’s Morning Calm As A Summer’s Morning I knew this time what the mob would do And I bravely mounted my horse [Bridge] I kissed Emma and each our children, too You are coming back, Emma said through tears But I knew this time what the mob would do And I bravely mounted my horse, and waved off my fears [Verse 3] I was as “Calm As A Summer’s Morning.” Our horse's gait was steady and strong I left the peaceful place of Nauvoo To surrender though I knew they were wrong And along the street at each gate In truth, for a last goodbye Saints stood firm prepared to wave To call, I love you! and to cry [Chorus] Calm As A Summer’s Morning Calm As A Summer’s Morning I knew this time what the mob would do And I bravely mounted my horse

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1/44-a-lamb-to-the-slaughter?lang=eng

Read this to get an understanding of that day.  Joseph and Hyrum actually circled back because he ran into the leader of the troop and they wanted the Nauvoo militia to surrender their weapons.  They helped make sure this happened with peace.

Knowing God's Love for all Mankind- Keepers of His Light

Knowing God's love for all mankind
Let's safeguard the truth's He's given
All over the world He lights minds to find
A glimpse of Him and of heaven

We can be keepers of His light
As we perceive where it goes
God's wisdom pure and bright
To the seeker brilliantly flows

If there is anything virtuous,
Lovely, or of good report
Let us share it more amongst us
And feel warmth through God's support

Then, as with light we speak
Others come to where we stand
Unto our lamp to seek,
Feel, and understand

[Verse 1]

Knowing God's love for all mankind

Let's safeguard the truths He's given

All over the world He lights minds to find

A glimpse of Him and of heaven

[Pre-Chorus]

We can be keepers of His light

As we perceive where it goes

God's wisdom pure and bright

To the seeker brilliantly flows

[Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

[Verse 2]

If there is anything virtuous

Lovely, or of good report

Let us share it more amongst us

And feel warmth through God's support

[Pre-Chorus]

Then, as with light we speak

Others come to where we stand

Unto our lamp to seek

Feel, and understand

[Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

[Bridge]

Let our words be clean

Let our hearts be still

Let our hands give way

To His perfect will

One small flame can call

Many home again

When we shine His love

Heaven leans in

[Final Chorus]

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

We share what is true

And make the dark grow dim

Keepers of His light

Keepers of His light

Through every good thing

We lead them back to Him

(keepers of His light)

Pondering: God's love for man and the internet. How seeing the inspiration of things around us and mentioning it actually draws seekers to the gospel as they search the internet to know more of what is praiseworthy. The Article of Faith- which says: If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. (for they've come of light and truth) Wouldn't it be pleasing to God if we sought after these things more. No wonder the Conference talks quote from many things that show God is lighting all mankind?

'In 1855, in an address delivered in the Bowery at Salt Lake City, Elder Parley P. Pratt, an early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said: "We would do well to look into the bearings of the history of nations, and the dealings of God with them, as impartially as we can, at all times, and cull out all the good there has been, is, or may be, and acknowledge the hand of God in all things, in His dealings with the nations as well as in other things" (Journal of Discourses, 3:42).'
Elder Pratt's thoughts echo the teachings of some ancient American prophets. Permit me to quote from the Book of Mormon:


'And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue. (Mosiah 3:13; emphasis added)
For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have. (Alma 29:8; emphasis added)
Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.... I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth...For I command all men...that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.... I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. (2 Nephi 28:30; 29:7, 11, 12; emphasis added) '


'How very fortunate for mankind that God's word was given in diverse ways to the people of India, of Persia, of Babylon, of Arabia, of China, of Greece, of Rome, and of America. Each spark of inspiration, each revealed law, and each guideline for living was an expression of God's limitless love for the family of Adam. It mattered not whether the word came in high or low places or whether it was conveyed in loud or in muted voices. Some of God's light was reflected through a religious leader in ancient Arabia; additional light was received by an American religious leader in the nineteenth century. What mattered was that saving truth was received by man from God-the divine fountain of eternal truth. And what mattered even more was whether those who received such truths had sufficient reciprocating love and faith to live accordingly.'
'On 15 February 1978, the First Presidency of the LDS Church issued a statement to the world regarding God's love for all mankind. I desire to read portions of that statement. As I do so, you will note that thoughts previously mentioned are amplified. '
'Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father.
The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers, as well as philosophers including Socrates, Plato, and others, received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals...
Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come...
Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father.'

God's Love for Mankind
Elder Carlos E. Asay
Mormons and Muslims: Spiritual Foundations and Modern Manifestations, ed. Palmer, Spencer J., (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University 2002), 51-61.

Here I Can Breathe- understanding depression

 

My heart has flat lined

And feels no joy

There's no light designed

That I enjoy

A smile would crack

My worn face

In strength, I lack

I need grace

My chemistry's off

Stress makes it worse

I see others laugh

I'm way off course

In a sea drowning

Trying to catch my breath

You see me frowning

It's because I feel like death

I float in the pain

As I sleep in bed

Though no rest, again!

I try food instead

And then I walk

To keep my calm

Here I can talk

To God, my balm

Here I can breathe

I can see God's hand

And in my breast

Warmth, He understands

[Verse 1]

My heart has flat lined

And feels no joy

There's no light designed

That I enjoy

A smile would crack

My worn face

In strength, I lack

I need grace

[Pre-Chorus]

My chemistry's off

Stress makes it worse

I see others laugh

I'm way off course

In a sea drowning

Trying to catch my breath

You see me frowning

It's because I feel like death

[Chorus]

Where can I breathe

(To catch my breath)

Where can I breathe

Such anxiety

Clutching my breast

With cold gripping hands

[Verse 2]

I float in the pain

As I sleep in bed

Though no rest, again!

I try food instead

And then I walk

To keep my calm

Here I can talk

To God, my balm

[Pre-Chorus]

My chemistry's off

Stress makes it worse

I see others laugh

I'm way off course

In a sea drowning

Trying to catch my breath

You see me frowning

It's because I feel like death

[Chorus]

Here I can breathe

(Here I can breathe)

Here I can breathe

God's hand is on me

Warmth in my breast

Warmth, He understands

[Bridge]

Here I can talk

To God, my balm

Here I can breathe

And I can see God's hand

When I'm worn thin

He understands

[Final Chorus]

Here I can breathe

(Here I can breathe)

Here I can breathe

God's hand is on me

Warmth in my breast

Warmth, He understands

Here I can breathe

(Here I can breathe)

Here I can breathe

And I can see His hand

Depression symptoms like emotional numbness, anxiety, insomnia, and physical distress while highlighting faith-based relief through prayer and walking and talking to God as a "balm." feeling His hand, and that He understands.. drug resistant depression

Time is a Funny Thing- Where Did Time Go? a song about aging and dementia

Time is a funny thing

It likes to play memory tricks

In games like Hide and Seek

Or watch as its long hand slowly ticks

As though to say, "

It’s time we upped the antics!

Where did time go?

I say and can't recall.

When did I grow

To not remember at all?

As time, now, has fallen into a deep sleep crawl

[Verse 1] Time is a funny thing It likes to play memory tricks In games like Hide and Seek Or watch as its long hand slowly ticks As though to say, It’s time we upped the antics! [Pre-Chorus] Oh time I see your face As you demand attention And I watch, just in case I've a moment to mention [Chorus] Where did time go? Where did time go? I swear it was here a minute ago Where did time go? [Verse 2] Oh, where did time go? I say and can't recall. When did I grow To not remember at all? As time, now, has fallen Into a deep sleep crawl [Pre-Chorus] Oh time I see your face As you demand attention And I watch, just in case I've a moment to mention [Chorus] Where did time go? Where did time go? I swear it was here a minute ago Where did time go? [Bridge] If I blink, it slips If I chase, it drifts Through my hands like rain Through the cracks and the gifts [Chorus] Where did time go? Where did time go? I swear it was here a minute ago Where did time go?

Metaphorically 

describes memory loss =time playing hide and seek- "Where did time go?" 

Time slipping "through my hands like rain." 

The confusion and forgotten moments= time "falls into a deep sleep crawl." 

 First Mom 

Now Dad 

Time teaches and reaches= a face demanding attention

Our Inspired Constitution

inspired by

 Dallin H. Oaks,

Ensign, Feb 1992, 68
“The Divinely Inspired Constitution, ”

We have an inspired constitution
What exactly does that mean to me?
Through the law and through obedience
I can enjoy life and liberty

How did the quest for freedom begin?
What led these men to struggle within?
How many of them each other knew
Did they speak from where their yearnings grew?

For checks and balances more seasoned
Our founding fathers met and reasoned
As common cause became their goal
It united them with purpose whole

A miracle did unite this group
Though they could not pay for their own troupe
With borrowed money and with debt
They had much work that they must do yet

A bill of rights, sovereignty
How to treat each man with dignity
How to maintain the rights of all flesh
Yet politically combine and mesh

Dallin H. Oaks,
Ensign, Feb 1992, 68
“The Divinely Inspired Constitution, ”

Doors of Death

Broken into two songs: 

A crucial component of life
Comes at the doors of death
When we lose a husband or wife
We feel lost and bereft
The separation evokes pangs
Of loneliness and shock
Where this heavy door hangs
There's an unbearable clock

The younger the greater the grief
They're seen as a victim
The tragedy's beyond belief
The loved one's far stricken
Yet, even when the infirm are called
Though it gives them relief
In some way they had stalled
And their last good-bye seems brief

The deepest expression of love
Is to mourn for those we've lost
We've divine command from above
To weep when there's a loss
The only way to avoid tears
Is to remove all the love
Oh, the reunion with our dears
When we return to home above!

God's our primary directive
Spiritually for handling
When we've eternal perspective
We've peace past understanding
Life does not begin with birth
Nor does it end with death
Prior to birth we had worth
We'll go on without breath

As seedlings of God while on earth
We were born to die and then live
From blossoms to flowers of worth
We've a journey with a motive
To everything there's a season,
A time, a plan, and a purpose
We each are here for a reason
And life's lessons will further us

Home Above

Verse 1] a crucial component of life comes at death when we lose a husband or wife we feel lost and bereft the separation evokes pangs of loneliness and shock where this heavy door hangs there's an unbearable clock the younger the greater the grief they're seen as a victim the tragedy's beyond belief [Pre-Chorus] the loved one's far stricken yet even when the infirm are called though it gives them relief in some way they had stalled and their last good bye seems brief [Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above [Verse 2] god's our primary directive spiritually for handling when we've eternal perspective we're peace past understanding life does not begin with birth nor does it end with death prior to birth we had worth we'll go on without breath [Pre-Chorus] as seedlings of god while on earth we were born to die and then live from blossoms to flowers of worth [Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above [Bridge] we've a journey with a motive to everything there's a season a time a plan and a purpose we each are here for a reason and life's lessons will further us [Final Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above

We pass through- not around deaths doors
On a returning trip
To live with the Father once more
Though trials we would to skip
Deaths essential to happiness
And there's life beyond the veil
If we could just peek and witness-
How we'd prepare there to dwell!

For, this much we know within
The real sting of death is sin
As the spirit's mortified
From God, separate, and denied
With opportunity gone
As we see clearly each wrong
That of our sins, we'll not be saved
Except we repent, and have them waived

The twilight of life is long
It's difficult to be strong
We must endure physically
And learn to cope spiritually
We've a divine injunction
To endure till there's no function
With heavy hardships how we lean
But, with them much can be gleaned

We must endure our trials
And suffer long with kind smiles
We'll pattern after the Lord
Through suffering, He loved, adored
And after tribulation
We're promised blessing's station
Our life is temporary
Then there's extraordinary

Returned to God and His home
Where a state of rest is known
This is temporary still
According to our Father's will
The grave must deliver up
The body and spirit cuff
To become a living soul
That's immortal in its new role

Our bodies will be perfect
As they are no longer subject
With eternal laws employed
These bodies can't be destroyed
Then comes the day of our Lord
Where our judgment is offered
There we'll be judged of our works
Presided by Christ and not clerks

Those who've almost to death crashed
Report seeing their whole life flashed
Having a rapid recall
They saw good and bad- It all
There's a sense of returning
And of a bright light burning
Some have seen their ancestors
But, their time was not answered

They live to tell us of peace
We know that life will increase
This is our time to prepare
We can bless others with kind care
Be generous and give thanks
And seal unto your family its ranks
For with loved ones close to enjoy
Death's door will be sweet unto joy

When our departure's at hand
May the veil of death be thin
As loved ones on both sides stand
There's comfort to journey in
Death does not hold one hostage
But, it will come eventually
When we've reached our time full-fledged
Then we slip away ever so gently

Russell M. Nelson
"Doors of Death",
Ensign, May 1992 pg 72

Doors of Death

[Verse 1] We pass through, not around, death's doors On a returning trip To live with the Father once more Though trials we would skip Death's essential to happiness And there's life beyond the veil If we could just peek and witness How we'd prepare there to dwell [Chorus] For this much we know within The real sting of death is sin As the spirit's mortified From God, separate, and denied With opportunity gone As we see clearly each wrong That of our sins, we'll not be saved Except we repent, and have them waived [Verse 2] The twilight of life is long It's difficult to be strong We must endure physically And learn to cope spiritually We've a divine injunction To endure till there's no function With heavy hardships how we lean But, with them much can be gleaned [Verse 3] We must endure our trials And suffer long with kind smiles We'll pattern after the Lord Through suffering, He loved, adored And after tribulation We're promised blessing's station Our life is temporary Then there's extraordinary [Bridge] Returned to God and His home Where a state of rest is known This is temporary still According to our Father's will The grave must deliver up The body and spirit cuff To become a living soul That's immortal in its new role [Verse 4] Our bodies will be perfect As they are no longer subject With eternal laws employed These bodies can't be destroyed Then comes the day of our Lord Where our judgment is offered There we'll be judged of our works Presided by Christ and not clerks [Outro] When our departure's at hand May the veil of death be thin As loved ones on both sides stand There's comfort to journey in Death does not hold one hostage But, it will come eventually When we've reached our time full-fledged Then we slip away ever so gently

For Now This is Goodbye

 

You died suddenly,

I was unprepared to let you go

I feel for our family

And how to grieve, we want to know

Some share their own stories

Their experience is a comfort

I know I'm not along

And I've found the help I've sought for

You were so special to me

There's a hole in my heart

I shake my head, it's crazy

I won't see you again, it's hard

No more laughter and long talks

No more being real on long walks

No more time with you my friend

But, I know this life is not the end

So here I am saying goodbye

I've been told it's ok to cy

I love you and I miss you

For now, this is goodbye

Verse 1] You died suddenly I was unprepared to let you go I feel for my family And how to grieve, we want to know Some share their own stories Their experience is a comfort I know I'm not along And I've found the help I've sought for [Chorus] For now, this is goodbye For now, this is goodbye I love you and I miss you I hold you in my mind [Verse 2] You were so special to me There's a hole in my heart I shake my head, it's crazy I won't see you again, it's hard No more laughter and long talks No more being real on long walks No more time with you my friend But, I know this life is not the end [Chorus] For now, this is goodbye For now, this is goodbye I love you and I miss you I hold you in my mind [Bridge] So here I am saying goodbye I've been told it's ok to cy I love you and I miss you For now, this is goodbye [Chorus] For now, this is goodbye For now, this is goodbye I love you and I miss you I hold you in my mind

Rene Cain, grieve all you need.