A Mother Heart

A mother heart is purely guided
As she senses her identity
She then becomes further ignited
Through her natural ability

How is a mother heart acquired?
But, through a gospel education
With strength and honor, she's attired
To strive without equivocation

Her tongue speaks the law of kindness
As she opens her mouth with wisdom
She eats not the bread of idleness
As she labors amongst God's kingdom

Her hands stretch out unto the poor
To willingly feed from her store
She looks well to her household duties
And her price is far above rubies

Out of small things proceedeth much verve
And, for her family, she delights to serve
Who is a mother heart? Why, it is us!
Before earth we shouted for joy at the trust

And we are here to attain earth life goals
By the side of righteous men each with their roles
Which neither can reach independently
To become endowed exponentially

Our work here is laying a great foundation
And obedience is part of this life's education
Those who're diligent will have much more advantage
As they take their considerable gifts and learn to manage

By developing a mother heart we prepare
To be blessed with a "quiver full" under our care
There is no limit then to what we can accomplish
To make the world a better place if we're conscientious


Julie B. Beck
A "Mother Heart"
Liahona, May 2004, 75

Three Bright Guideposts: Hope, Faith, and Charity

When we are weighed down and feel walled in with worry
We can lose focus and know not where to hurry
Oh, ye who are overburdened unto despair
Come, rest and sit beside me as I have much to share:

Just like this stool you sit on needs three legs to stand
We need three bright guideposts to be always at hand
Hope is the first, it is trust in God's goodness
When we lean unto Him, we hold to His good news

Hope arises out of gratitude and need for the atonement
Then faith in Jesus Christ our next post shines in a moment
Then hope, like a beam of sunlight, rises up and above the horizon
For when we awake unto Christ, He's a brilliant dawn to warm up on...

We see the path of hope step by step as we grow
And the things that we hope in sustain us as we go
So that when we're in darkness we're preserved and upheld
Until we walk in the Light and find our hope has not failed

The things we hope in lead us to the bonds of charity
And with this third post we learn of Christ with clarity
As we put faith and hope into action, we move yet forward
And discover the joy of being Christ-like as we stretch ourselves outward

From life experience, I testify, that this is true

I have been a refugee and felt discouragement, too

It is through our membership we find brightened hope,

And strengthened faith, then charity to help us to cope

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Infinite Power of Hope
Ensign, November 2008, 21

To Behold the Wounds

To behold the wounds which pierced His side
The prints of the nails in hands and feet
I'd humbly tremble with excitement inside
Just to join with the angels to sing of what's sweet

Oh, the eternal joy I'd feel
To join among the Saints there to greet
Oh, the eternal love I'd feel
To gaze upon our Lord and have our eyes meet

He's Felt Every Teardrop

He's felt every teardrop
And each ripened disease
May we step back and stop
To ponder the giver of peace

He showed power and strength
In meekness and suffering
Then at the crosses length
He made His final offering

Punished like a sinner
He comforted the thieves
And told where they'd soon enter
Where hope's learned as one believes

May we ever be grateful for Jesus
Knowing He prays in our behalf
And know He ever believes in us
Thus, where He is now, may we one day be at

Here I Have Come

Here I have come to ponder anew
My past in review and of all that I do
May Thy Spirit dwell inside of me
To testify and bring much to memory

Here I have come to Thy house of prayer
To pay Thee devotions and to rest in Thy care
The world's distressed as peril surrounds
Yet, with reverence I'm sound On Thy holy ground

Here I have come to partake anew
I want to be true and sanctified, too
With Thy son's name, His paths I'll follow
They're set all aglow with His Light there to show

Here I have come to show obedience
To my covenants and to the commandments
He who shed blood and atoned to give life
Is my compass and guide if I am contrite

Here I have come early to prepare and meditate
Before I partake of His emblems and commemorate
His sacrifice of suffering that shows love unto all
That He might redeem us from sin and from the fall

Here I have come to make an offering of sacrifice
I pray that my broken heart might in some way suffice
May the prayers and hymns give comfort to my soul
And witness anew of my destiny and current role


thoughts from reading
Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament
Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, November 2008, 17

To Learn, To Do, To Be

To learn, to do, to be
Requires great will today
And of us others have need
What more can anyone say?

In these difficult times we face
The priesthood must make endeavor
For then near miracles take place
As for each other we work together

There are those in need of lifting up
To be fed, clothed and given shelter
There are those in swamps of sin- stuck
And there lives are a helter skelter

Ours is a precious privilege
To make a difference in their lives
And we must commit full fledge
To inspire faith as one strives

Let's serve as we've been assigned
And not with timid periodic support
For with the Lord's power we've combined
And assemble to give our best effort

May we yearn more to discern
And learn what we should learn

Too, we should follow through
In doing what we should do

May we seek more to be meek
And more- be what we should be

The priesthood is an honored gift
To which the blessing from heaven attend
It should be used to aid, warn, and uplift
And prepare souls for an eternal end

May the promptings of the holy ghost come
To save us in times of dire need
May we as shepherds find the lost one
And do as the Savior to minister and feed

To learn, to do, to be
Let's yearn anew and see

Thomas S. Monson
To Learn, To Do, To Be
Ensign, November 2008, 60

Lovingly Led

I have been lovingly led
To a woman who completes me
When I was on a path to dread
Prayer helped me to believe and see
...
A recent love
Was a deception
I saw the dirt on her gloves
With prayer's closer inspection

Then in heart ache
I questioned myself
And for pain's sake
Put dating on the shelf

But, as time flew
I made a rebound
I had to move, too
For the right girl, I'd found

This time my vision's not been blurred
I'm with the right person, in the right place
And a prayer has sealed what my heart assured
She's whom I'll marry throughout time and space...

Now: work, love and school
There's no time for rest
Except for the spiritual fuel
I would not ace each test

And what lies ahead?
A sealing date, of course
And from this day, may I be lead
By proven prayer as my best resource
For that is the way to be safe from remorse

Who Shall I date?

Who shall I date?
And what shall I wear?
I hardly can wait
For someone who cares

Someone to laugh
At all of my jokes
And says no thanks, I'll pass
When offered a smoke

Someone who thinks
The same way I do
That alcohol stinks
And drugs are euww

Someone who'll think
I'm not a bore
May our hands link
But, nothing more

For then I'm sure
That things are right
For, then there's no pressure
And respect is in sight

When will we meet?
How will I know?
Each day that I greet
My hope further grows

Our Friendship

Our friendship means so much to me
What we share helps me be my best you see
I know we don't always see eye to eye
But, then I learn to listen when I'm prone to sigh

Let's be friends forever and stay in touch
For I think that heaven is made of such
Though, now, we each go a separate way
That just means there's all the more to say

As we grow old, think of the memories
When they're shared, they are more than stories
And when... through the veil one of us must climb
I know it's not good bye - but until next time

With Clean Hands

I must have clean hands
To prepare my food
It must be healthy
If it's to be good

I'll use water
And also soap
And is the towel fresh?
Well it is I hope

Our bodies know
What goes inside
Our spirits too
Receive and reside

Of what's filthy
We must not near
Whate'er it be
We must stay clear

And when it's touched
We must repent
With prayers and change
And sacrament

Let's Step Back and Kneel to Pray Often

Let's step back and kneel to pray often
That those with closed hearts will more soften

Let's follow the Lord's example
When others would to come and trample

He was once despised and rejected
By accusers who were hate infected

Yet, He showed love for His enemies
As He prayed for them with entreaties

Let Us Not Forget Why We Are Here

Let us not forget why we're here
To discover our unique purpose
For this we've help from God who is near
And we we've a Light from His son Jesus

As We Speak To God

As we speak to God with our lips
For His blessings, we do enlist
But, what of words of gratitude?
For all we've received richly hewed

With Outreached Hands, I Heard Him Say "Mom!"

With out reached hands
I heard him say "Mom!"
Now here he stands
I have waited so long

What a relief!
He'd been on the plane
I'd felt disbelief
Till he called out my name

Who is this man
That's come home to me?
He with a tan
While it's fifty degrees?

All that he owns
Is at this airport
No car, no phone
No college or sport

But what he has
Money can't buy
An elder badge
With a suit and tie

We hugged and we talked
I couldn't help but stare
Unaware where we walked
There was so much to share

Then I realized
He was not the same
As though before my eyes
Pieces of others with him came

A part of him
I've never known
It shows in his grin
And the way that he's grown!

The Best Investment

The best investment
You will ever make
Is that installment
That never does retake

In fact it increases
With blessings untold
As from God, He then leases
Great returns that are bold

If you always pay
An honest tithing
Temptations break away
As to God we're not hiding

As we're found confessing
The heavens windows open up
And pour out such blessings
We cannot receive enough of

The Israelites were chastened
For being robbers unto God
But, soon they returned and hastened
And were no longer the outlawed

As we first pay this obligations
We learn wisdom and good judgment
For this, why make hesitation?
As we've needs that are consistent

We've a joy that's deep and inward
When we pay our tithing in full
For our investments yeild best reward
As eternal links gather and pull

Thoughts from reading,
Sheldon F. Child
The Best Investment
Ensign, May 2008, 79

Snap Out of It

I should snap out of it
And kneel unto faith
Yet, when I feel unfit
My posture is afraid

The more I then postpone
I find it hard to breathe
And so I sigh and moan
While inside I seethe

This is exhausting
As there is no peace
And my night's spent tossing
Till I do what helps it cease

I then Snap out of it
And seek for perspective
As unto God I admit
What His love does give

I had felt doomed
And forgot where to turn
I had been consumed
Till unto God I yearned

In my pain, Why'd I ditch
The power from above?
But now, like a light switch
I feel His warmth and love

God Hath NOT Given Us the Spirit of Fear

God hath not given us the spirit of fear
We can be assured, He is ever so near
Full of power and love that is ours to find
May this knowledge calm us unto a sound mind

These words were written by the Apostle Paul
While he was imprisoned by a dungeon wall
And, soon to be "offered", he wrote to Timothy
Zealous in his desire to bear his testimony

What was this power that He spoke of and clung to?
The power of the priesthood and what it could do!
And his underlying faith, was the antidote for fear
Which strengthened him, although his sentence loomed more near

There is something worse than facing death of torture
Even if it's by scorch or wounds that puncture
It's the burden of shackles from the heavy load of sin
Which has to be the worst as it ever gnaws within

Fear has many faces: ridicule, loneliness, failure and ignorance
And when we fear the present we're thus defeated of future chance
But, regardless of the forms of fear, Satan lies at the root
And he would to knock us down and trap us by his boot

But, the Lord has said, "Look unto me in every thought"
And He would that we be faithful- to doubt not, and fear not
For His love can bridge the chasm of fear and despair
That we might overcome and witness He is ever there

And when we are free of worry and discouragement
We can move forward ever learning as we were meant
To walk in faith on the road that leads to our Father, hence
Ever gaining light and wisdom for the glory of intelligence

May we not give in to what is tawdry due to ridicule
But, live and love with sound minds unto the golden rule
Let us repent of any wrongdoings and be free from each sin
That we might be ever hopeful with virtue and peace within


President Hinckley
Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2

2 Timothy 1:6-7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

There is a mighty strength

There is a mighty strength that comes
From knowing who we really are
And that vision step by step sums
As we dare to dream of God afar

On one step mercy, on the next grace
Which reveals purpose to use our strengths
But, then comes temptations with trials to face
Which we can conquer unto higher lengths

May we leave a note on each step
That if we descend we'll refind
The joy for each commandment kept
So we'll not get lost or be left behind

Let's rise up with a mind that's sound
And not have fear to look below
For there are lines which keep us bound
And beyond lies a panavision set aglow

Thoughts from reading
God Hath Not Given us the Spirit of Fear
President Hinckley
Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2

What Better Place to Dream

What better place to dream
Than underneath the sky
To think of things unseen
There to ponder and ask why

For as the sun arises
It sets the world aglow
And seems to make promises
Only the heavens know

And as the sun sets down
It seems to show to me
That it is rich to own
Each glorious day indeed

The beauty of our world
Is filled with light and love
And this is best unfurled
As we daily look above

Christian Courage

We are Christians by works and by name
Though some antagonize us just the same
Shall we defend ourselves when we stand accused?
No, we'll remember what Jesus did when He was abused

For, as He was despised and rejected
His message on this matter was perfected
And He used not a formula nor a set script
Against those who would to make Him trip

Sometimes silence is the best response
But, this is not out of fear or nonchalance
Nor is it to be seen as a found weakness
But, an act of kindness and of meekness

At a moment that we would like to put up our dukes
We can withhold hostility and use (at the most)- rebukes
In such cases that warrants protecting what is sacred 
But, whatever we do, we will not give in to hatred!

For irregardless we shall not retaliate
As we've Christian courage and we do not hate
Our Lord loved and suffered for one and for all
And as His disciple this too is our call...

There is one sure way to respond to our persecutors
It is to love them as He would- for there in is His power
And, though it may only subdue these false accusers
Other's interest in the church grows from concern of that hour

As their heart are touched, they become investigators
Who search deeply for the greatest gift which does save
And as they see that we do not act or think we are better
They sense the privilege of honoring Christ and the life that he gave

We are Christians by works and by name
Though some antagonize us just the same
Shall we defend ourselves when accused?
No, we'll remember what Jesus did when abused

For, as He was despised and rejected
His message on this matter was perfected
And He used not a formula nor a script
Against those who would to make Him trip

Sometimes silence is the best response
But, this is not out of nonchalance
Nor is it to be seen as a weakness
But, an act of kindness and of meekness

At a moment we would to put up our dukes
We can withold hostility and use (at the most)- rebukes
In such cases that warrants protecting what’s sacred
But, whatever we do we will not give in to hatred

For irregardless we shall not retaliate
As we've Christian courage and we do not hate
Our Lord loved and suffered for one and for all
And as His disciple this too is our call...

There's one sure way to respond to persecutors
It's to love them as He would- for there in is power
And, though it may only subdue these false accusers
Other's interest in the church grows from concern of that hour

As their heart are touched, they become investigators
Who search deeply for the greatest gift which does save
And as they see that we do not act or think we are better
They sense the privilege of honoring Christ and the life that he gave

Elder Robert D. Hales
Christian Courage
The Price of Discipleship
Ensign, November 2008, 72

I Lived in Heaven As a Spirit

I lived in heaven
As a spirit
Before I came to earth

I have been given
As His child
A body, life and worth

I have been given
Family
Forever mine from birth

I have been given
Jesus Christ
He who offers all rebirth

Thoughts from the primary program

The Walls of Jerusalem Fell Down

The walls of Jerusalem fell down
And the temple was torn to the ground
Then God's kindgom was to be found no more
For they were to be servants of hard chore

Left unprotected for they had done wrong
They now belonged captive to Babylon
Then after 70 years... a second chance
Through humility taught with circumstance

They accepted the challenge to rebuild
And power of belief and will in them filled
Then the Kingdom of God was built within and without
As the people served with new faith and love came about

Nehemiah

My Heart Has Broke

My heart has broke
Won't Thou come in
And heal me of
What lacks within

The words Thou spoke
I can still hear
Yet, I so want
More of what's dear

May I invoke
A special prayer
That new scriptures
Will be made bare

For the world does choke
In pride and doubt
May Thy words then bring
Excitement about

And once awoke
From passive faith
May all listen more
To do as Thou sayeth

Under an oak
A hidden box
Treasure that's hid
Under some rocks

Let's open the lid...
Not lifted but slid

And peak inside
What once was sealed
No longer does hide
But, is revealed

The words of ancient
Like unto a gift
State what's expected
That we might not drift

If it's not inspected
Good will be detected

The faithful are blessed
And rewarded thus
Those prone to doubt or jest
Find not hope nor of trust

Who For God is Searching?

Who for God is searching
But, knows not where to look?
If they went a churching
Perhaps to one they'd hook

But, if they sought in prayer
Humbly and completely
A feeling would declare
Warmly and most sweetly...
That He's been ever there

He's been in the seasons
In the wind and the rain
He's given us reasons
To value a good name

He's been inside each heart
Helping us to feel love
Knowing this may each start
To pray to Him above

Here We Are Now in Perilous Times

Here we are now in perilous times
With lovers of selves doing unholy crimes
Shall the endowed scoff and fall away?
No- we'll choose the good and righteous way

Our Savior taught that we should not hate
When we've been harmed we'll not retaliate
Shall we gather now to help the family?
Yes- we've hope and faith that will not leave

What Do the Prophets Mean By Perilous Times?

What do the prophets mean by perilous times?
That governments will fail and wars will abound?
No, it's the growth of the base and unrighteous crimes
Here's a list of some of the things to be found:

The lovers of self, the traitors, the proud
Those who apostatize bent to what's not allowed
The blasphemers, covetous, and the unthankful
The false accusers, the truce breakers and those who are boastful

The list goes on of what is not good
The lovers of pleasures more than that of God
The high minded and the heady who resist the truth
And those who remain rebellious far beyond their youth

We have been given counsel in this latest conference
Let's hold it as our defense for good works and for reference
May we pray and discern the words that were said
That we remain thankful, obedient, watchful, and led

2 Timothy 3
Paul describes apostasy and perilous times of the last days—The scriptures guide man to salvation.
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But acontinue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

With Clarity and With Warning

With clarity and with warning
I must speak of what's alarming
When reverence for life is lost
The unborn are who pay the cost

For God has promised prosperity
To those who don't commit atrocity
And when laws pass that sanction this act
What justification can excuse this fact...

To define meaningful life by gestation
Cannot be done by vote or legislation
For wonders begin when the first cells unite
As DNA's established unto a new life

With fifty million deaths each year
The senseless assault has been made clear
That the innocent and the voiceless
Have not been heard and are thus choiceless

They're the casualties of a war
That's against the purpose we're here for
Which is to gain bodies of destiny
For eternity, as heirs to rest in peace

Just like an astronaut who is set for space
One cannot abort once the lift off is made
For the journey goes on in life, then in death
And can't be stiffled by the prevention of breath

And thus one cannot unchoose a consequence
As trails lead to parenthood beyond a fence
"Quick there's a way to repent and make repair
Surrender that child to another's kind care...

Dear Mother, of the fetus with two hands and feet,
Once you've felt it move inside, can you still that heart beat?
How sad the fact it will never know a kiss
And my eyes mist for all the joy this life will miss"

Can there be repentance- with God's laws so exact?
Is there any hope for those who've chosen this act?
The answer is YES!- to those who truly repent
Then the sinner's no longer harrowed up and bent

Anyone's life is not meant to be destroyed
We're all part of God's creations here to be enjoyed
And as life comes from life without accident
May we reverence God, that we're each heaven sent

Elder Russell M. Nelson
Abortion: An Assault on the Defenseless
Ensign, October 2008, 32

Letting a Child Go Early

Letting a child go early
Sets them a topsy turvy
But holding on too long
Weakens what could be strong

A moment of decision
Requires much faith and vision
And a child needs an example
For the belief to then sample

A parent must model
And also not codle
With a balance of the two
Comes the wings for flights to new

After listening to Dr. James Dobson
The Focus on the Family

His to Own

Foxes have holes and birds have nests
But, our Lord was born without a home
And so it began- His life of tests
Which He fulfilled perfectly, His to own

Ingratitude

If ingratitude be numbered

Amongst the most of grievous sins

Then before this day has slumbered

May we pray that gratitude in us wins

In everything give thanks

For this is the will of God

Let us sit on the river banks

And smell the sweetness of the sod

Let us go there alone to relax

And ponder our role in His dealings

Let us kneel while the sun warms our backs

And confess to Him, His hand is in all things

May we gain the perspective to go on

Knowing that He is aware of our every need

May we know that there is a plan just beyond

To help us find joy in the journey- indeed

(For through our trials our souls can be freed)

Thoughts on President Monson's talk
Finding Joy in the Journey
Ensign, Nov 2008, 84

Our Prophet Has Felt Impressed

Our prophet has felt impressed
To share of what stays on his mind
The subject of change, he expressed
Is ever constant and not always kind

As we become so busy with now
Sometimes change seems incremental
Then comes life steadily marching on
And the past collects to become monumental

And all too soon regret shows its face
As we see where we spent all of our time
Where were all the I love you's with an embrace?
Perhaps they were lost in the pursuit of the dime

Perhaps they were misplaced in daily requirements
That make home and living more comfortable
Or in the service of others and their tenements
Of what we do, what becomes the most memorable?

Is service or sacrifice too high a price
As we get involved with the people that surround
What alone for our future will suffice
To bring pleasant memories that will abound?

We are meant to sense and live happily
With joy, let us relish life as we live it
And share our love with friends and family
Before we run out of the days that God giveth

Finding Joy in the Journey
Thomas S. Monson
October 2008 Conference, 84

A Prayer Which Asks for Nothing

Dear Father, I am thankful for the sacrament
And for Thy Beloved Son, whom for us Thou has lent

That He walked upon the earth with a life so pure
That He taught us how to pray and how we might endure

I am thankful for His Spirit which lights my way
And for the priesthood that's been restored today

When I'm confused I feel Thy love comfort new
And I see Thy hand through tender mercy, too

I know Thou governs over all the universe
And how grateful I am that with Thee I can converse

I am thankful Thou hast given me a gift
That guides and comforts me that I might not drift

I want nothing more than to thank Thee this day
To ask nothing but to enjoy this time to pray

I will treasure this moment and keep it in my heart
And keep Thy love close that to others it might impart

I love Thee dearly and long to know Thy face
Just to think of this warms my heart to race

I am thankful for all the things Thou hast done
And I say these things in the name of Thy Son

...My Lord and Savior- Jesus the Holy One

A prayer which asks for nothing...
Thoughts from conference

Elder David A. Bednar
Pray Always
Ensign, November 2008, 41

My Book of Prayers

My book of prayers and gratitudes
Are ever linking, ever growing
May I increase Christlike attitude
That I might see what God is showing

Your Ship Has Come In

Your ship has come in
What will you do?
Beware of sin
For this is all new

I have done my best
To help you along
Now this is your test
To find how you are strong

What do you intend
To accomplish?
Will you be content
With this new ship?

I hope you conquer the wind!
May it be found at your back
And when your journey ends
May there be nothing you lack

I Have a Spirit Inside of Me

I have a spirit inside of me
It helps me feel and helps me see
Not with my eyes and not with my skin
But with my heart and soul within

In Heavenly Father's image and form
We were a spirit before we were born
Now of our bodies we've stewardship
And God's words of wisdom for our ownership

We've also Christ's Light that shines for all
That helps us know what's right- to there stand tall
May those desiring God find their way
And do what is good till that perfect day

In the Godhead there are three
The Holy Ghost can dwell inside of me
Guiding my day if I listen for it
As it speaks to me spirit to spirit

Unto all, Jesus brightens each endeavor
As our exemplar, He's shows with love as our Savior
For, though a God, He condescended to our earth
And atoned for us, to lead us to God and our eternal worth

The Central Message

The central message of our Lord and Brother
Is that we should respect and love one another
May we urge kindness to our fellow citizens
That to wed's Holy, for the children it lends

And, regarding those who feel same sex attraction
We'll not be cruel or exact a harsh infraction
But, we'll not condone or accept the worlds moral slip
As wrongful behaviors can't be the price for good friendship

And, so with our freedom of expression, we now say
It's time to voice our conviction and to pray
There to ask "what's marriage according to God's plan?"
And, "should liberty extend to a lower moral's span?"

Then what of tradition and society's needs
As the slippery slope grows only more with these seeds
We will need courage for the social ostracism
For if gay marriage is passed we'll know criticism

Let's extend love, compassion, and humility
And do what benefits social stability
Let's gather our families and churches together
And give our best effort to serve our Elder brother

He would that we walk in faith and in purpose
And that we do what is right for God and for us
Shall the churches and states go on a collision course?
No, we’ll band as religions to become a good force

Elder Cook October 2008
Thoughts from segments of a broadcast to Californian Church members addressing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints doctrine of marriage and the Protect Marriage Coalition

Those Sirens You Hear

Those sirens you hear are calling for me
Of what I've just done the whole world will see

It started with one thought that came and then dared
It blossomed though in fact to no one I shared

On the one hand I'm thankful that now I will stop
But, unfortunately that means I must talk to that cop

On the other hand, what else am I to do?
So, I'll confess and address and turn myself in too

Some Temptations Do Persist

Some temptations do persist
But, we have tools to help us resist

Hymns help us make continual prayers to God
And The Word guides us on His path with a rod

So, let's choose a hymn and sing with might
And read from the scriptures in search of Light

In The Stage of Our Mind

In the stage of our mind
Our thoughts continually flow
And except at sleep we find
The curtains never close

If we could control our thoughts
We'd conquer our bad habits
Thoughts are as imps before us
Who make a show with grand fits

They command our attention
And lurk alongside the shadows
All too eager for dissension
To lead virtue out the windows

Still more they are persistent
To be seen as though they're harmless
But, they're rehearsing with the intent
That we'll reinact what will harm us

But, we can add a sound system
That will send them off the stage
For whenever we hum or listen
They're upstaged and leave in rage

If we'd upload a single hymn
For our recall when e'er there's a need
It will interrupt the bad imps
And we'll control where our thoughts lead

Boyd K. Packer
Worthy Thoughts, Worthy Music
New Era, April 2008, 6

Your Love Matters

Your love matters in every way
"Pitter-Patter", my heart seems to say

Could eternity be long enough...
Please return to me in strength and in love

Let's unite and renew what we have vowed
Do what it takes as the Lord's endowed

God is on our side, never to leave
If only you'd try, if only you'd believe

I miss your face, your confidence
This time can't erase, nor can your distance

It's all up to you- I promise to try
For now I will hope, believe and I'll cry

Love comes with links and not with chains
We're connected and so my heart pains

I will not force nor try to control
But, for you, a red carpet I'll unroll

The Temple

Would it be a sacrifice
To travel there so far?
Selling all for the price
To reach by bus, plane, then car

Would I have to go alone?
What of my family?
I'd give all that I own
To bond eternally

With just enough to sustain
I ate food that is simple
Then for blessings to obtain
I stepped inside the temple

The tears flowed as I was found
With street shoes off my feet
(For God's house is holy ground)
To get here a forgotten feat

This day, I'll not forget
Oh, the beauty and the peace
Now, I'm sealed and I'm set
Endowed to but increase

And if I could go often
The visions I'd receive
I've tender feelings that soften
Which strengthens my belief

Dedicated to those Sister Allred spoke of
who made tremendous sacrifice to reach
the temple. May those who can -go often
and those who can't... may the temple come to them.

Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants

United in our desire
To strengthen sisterhood
We'll not let our faith expire
As we strive for what is good

The most sacred place on earth
Is the Lord's Holy temple
Here we find eternal worth
And promise as God's people

We've brought gifts for the altar
A heart that's pure, as we're contrite
And then in dress we alter
To show reverence that's clean and white

We must do all that we can
To experience and proclaim
The peace of our Father's plan
And the need to bear His name

Let's attend to our family
And maintain a recommend
We'll give our love more amply
As with names, to there we send

Dear sisters let's oft meet
And return to the holy ground
The highest blessings are sweet
Alongside loved ones safely found

Silvia H. Allred
Holy Temples, Sacred Covenants
Ensign, Nov 2008, 112

Here I Come

Here I come to partake
Of the sacrament
What tempts me, I'll forsake
To be clean and repent

May my heart be contrite
As we humbly meet
I ponder what is right
To worthily drink and eat

Have I served His children
And followed His will?
Have I prayed unto Him
For His peace to be still?

Here I come thankful for
His Spirit and His name
And I think of our Lord
How He suffered my blame

With my might, With my mind
For all that I'll be
I pray that I will find
What the Lord see's in me

To prepare for the day
Of His great return
Might His love light my way
With oil there to burn

A Bargain's Sought

A bargain's sought
Purchased and bought
Then comes regret
And a large debt

Buyers remorse
Closure on course
A choice to choose
Someone will lose

But, wait- a bail out
Rescue and new clout
Gone consequence
A broadened fence
------------------
A night's union
A life's begun
A choice to choose
Abort or lose

A family tree
Of bigotry
A stilled live birth
Of little worth

It's rights were failed
A mother bailed
And without love
Was disposed of
------------------
The issues blend
As morals end
Our big bail out
The world's in doubt

Where is our fight
For choosing right
Excused freedom
Clouds our kingdom

And consequence
Will come... soon hence
Those without belief
Will soon show grief

First light and dark
Gray came to park
And we've forgot
What the Savior bought

Enjoyed amused
Abandoned, used
And without blame
There is no shame

Let's separate
Stay within the gate
Remain faithful
Worth is beautiful

Striving for Simplicity in Life

Striving for simplicity in life
Brings peace in times of troubles
For when there is hardship or strife
Each struggle grows and doubles

Although the storm's tumultuous
We know what's beyond the dark shadows
Thus, it will not get the best of us
For prayers light does shines through our windows

As then we sense the best is yet to come
And take moments to escape the frontal attack
To pause, reflect beyond thoughts that succumb
And recognize that with the Lord, there's naught we lack

There are but four things that we need:
Food, clothing, shelter, and fuel
Then of our time and effort we are freed
To apply these things to what's spiritual

With food- comes the word of wisdom
With clothing- modesty of dress
With shelter- living within means and income
And with fuel- our oil serves us best

Elder L. Tom Perry
Let Him Do It With Simplicity
Ensign, November 2008, 7

I Went to Sit in the Chapel

I went to sit in the chapel
While no on was there
To be alone with my troubles
And with the Lord them to share

And, while I was praying
I thought upon a song
This sacrament hymn lifted me
With that for which I did long

As never before
The words meant so much
I clung to each sweet phrase
As to my soul they did touch

The sacrament's meaning
Became dearer to me
As the love of our Lord
Became clearer to see

What could be more pressing
Than to have His Spirit close?
Alone, I expressed my thanks
Then wiped my eyes and arose

For Everything Give Thanks

For everything give thanks
And give glory unto God...
Memories of lying on creek banks
Midst smells and softness of the sod

The wind rustling in the trees
Sails leaves upon moving water
While too its blossums fly their seeds
As though gifts to Heavenly Father

The sights and sounds of nature
Soothe our senses with enjoyment
When we've stress it is the cure
Consistently there for sustainment

For everything give thanks
And give glory unto God...
With His angels, join the ranks
Share His message far and abroad

Unto every nation
And isles of the sea
Let there be celebration
That with our God we can be

He loves the old and young
And looks not upon our skin
Though we speak a different tongue
We can feel His love within

For everything give thanks
With glory unto God...
A man is of what he thinks
For this end we have a quad

May we sit under the sky
To ponder all our blessings
And unto our Lord cry
For peace and for destressing

With faith filled uttered words
May we speak with our Father
And be assured that we're heard
As alone our thoughts, we offer

Morning and Evening Prayers are Inseparably Linked

Our lives become more meaningful
As we counsel with the Lord
And blessings become bountiful
As we pray to our Father adored

It's natural and instinctive
Right and good and in accordance
To pray for protection and directives
As obedience grows in importance

Through a morning preparation for the day
First spiritually, then temporally we create
And the primary focus for which we do pray
Is based on the Lord's pattern of how to behave

Then comes a moment for anger and we are not
A moment to speak harshly and we are kind
How thankful that morning prayer was not forgot
As silent gratitudes collect in the mind

Because it's from prayer that we improve
When the evening comes we give account
Still, there were moments we'd to remove
And plead to the Father for counsel about

Thus, to the morning and evening, there's a link
As prayer ties together days without ceasing
And if at times we'd ask for nothing but give thanks
Our heartfelt gratitude would be ever increasing

And, as we learn to emulate the Savior
We learn to pray with and in others behalf
Even enemies whom we hate we pray for
As we learn of the love our Lord for them He hath

And while our prayer links are forever growing
Earnestly with sincerity, faith and care
Might those who hear our prayers for them flowing
Also seek for the love and strength that's in prayer

Elder David A. Bednar
Pray Always
Ensign, November 2008, 41
stance- uprightness, attention, errectness

May the Blessings of Heaven Attend

May the blessings of heaven attend
As our conference has come to an end
We so humbly and sincerely pray
To become inspired from this day
That we'll know exactly what to do
As phrases come to mind, we'll reprove

For now, to our homes we have returned
What's in our best interest is discerned
As families we will confess each truth
Held dear to our hearts and not aloof
We've been uplifted and edified
How to stay this way each must decide

-President Hinckley

The Right Aircraft Attitude

How does a plane master altitude
To arrive at its destination?
A thrust, a lift, and aircraft attitude
Is my simplified explanation

In truth, it must be equal to the task
In design systems and in programs
Thus, I give the basics to those who ask
Without the use of complex diagrams

Too, I contemplate investigators
Who ask basic questions theirs to explore
Which reminds me that the simplest is what's greater
And at the heart of the gospel's unchanging core

And as such, what is at our center?
For growth and spiritual progress
Perhaps it should be on the covenants we enter
As inside us the correct principles impress

That we might become more like the Savior
And develop Christ-like attributes
Where proper use of agency leads the way t'wards
Spiritual self-reliance, and safety from disputes

May our faith gain thrust and our hope carry us
So we'll cross o'er the deep oceans of temptations
And, o'er mountains of afflictions that confront us
To reach that glorious and eternal destination

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Developing Christlike Attributes
Liahona, Oct. 2008, 2