Ring in the New Year

Ring in the new year
Like it is your last
There's reason to cheer
For yesterday's past

Grab hold of your goals
Announce them anew
2009 now rolls
To the old year adieu

To my chair early
I'll start with a prayer
And as one thirsty
I'll read God's words there

There's no better way
To start the new year
Than to rise and pray
And read the words dear

I'll see my loved ones
With refreshed eyes
Lest all too soon comes
Impatience and sighs

For there I read
The bigger picture
Good thoughts, good deeds
Come from the scriptures

"I promise you that if you will prayerfully read the Book of Mormon, regardless of how many times you have previously read it, there will come into your heart an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord. There will come a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to his commandments, and there will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." Gordon B. Hinckley, Faith, the Essence of True Religion, p. 64

The Race is Not to the Swift

The race is not to the swift
Nor the battles to the strong
It is for those who don't drift
And know to whom they belong

Clearly we've a defined goal
That all can conquer and win
Dearly to each in their role
Is prayer to endure to the end

To all- an invitation
Let us be introspective
To reach our destination
We must see each objective

With continuous effort
We must ever stay on course
We simply cannot afford
To detour for therein's remorse

We must avoid the quicksand
That threatens on every side
And steer clear of each hand
That says there's a way to slide

Our Elder Brother and Lord
Showed the way while yet a boy
He gave to us a watchword-
Of Father's business and joy

As a grown man, He taught us
And, too, He showed us the way
Him, may we evermore trust
Who calms the waters to stay

There's much more to the story
For for our sins, Jesus wept
On the pathway to glory
He taught the laws that must be kept

With faith, hope, and repentance
And ordinances that do clean
We've help to complete the distance
And with the Father be seen

Thoughts from an Invitation to Exaltation
Timeless talks by Thomas S. Monson pages 9-12

Ecclesiastes 9:11
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all

Ever the Majesty of His Touch

Ever the majesty of His touch
Is reaching unto the least of us
Ever our afflictions are discerned
Ever our demons- He has conquered

Ever He's there to lend us support
Of our troubles- He'll never abort
The greatest lesson He ever taught
That for each of us, Satan, He fought

He's carried each burden of sin
And borne all our sorrows within
We must trust in heaven's promises
That not a hair fallen He misses

To take upon us His name
Means to be Christ- like - the same
To follow Him, there to do
What shares of His Light all anew

And ever we will learn, thus
Where to turn and where to trust
And ever we can face life
As we do like Jesus Christ

To succor those who're in need
To find the lost sheep and feed
To lift up hands that hang low
To serve with love there to show

With that kind of love displayed
Light shines that we're not dismayed
And as Christ's splendor is in detect
We daily do and ever connect

thoughts from
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Broken Things to Mend
Deseret Book

We Should

What we can
We should change
Rather than
Rearrange....

We should read
The scriptures
For in there
Peace assures

We should let
And forgive
For we'll get
What we give

We should hope
And move on
There to cope
And be strong

We should bless
Enemies
Their goodness
Then one sees

We should love
Our neighbors
Instead of
Closing doors

We should trust
And more care
When we've much
We should share

We should preach
The gospel
There to reach
New people

The list grows
Ever more
Then one knows
What life's for

We should give
Unto the meek
Hope to live
And to seek

We should fast
Humbly, meek
There to cast
What is weak

We should lift
Those who're down
Those who drift
Can be found

We should stay
Feeble knees
With them lay
Humble pleas

We should lift
Hands that hang
With our gifts
And them thank

We should go
To shut ins
There to show
Where love is

We should be
So happy
When we're we
With family

We should write
And oft quote
With Christ's light
We take note

We should keep
The Lord's day
And not sleep
Covenants made

We should pay
Our full tenth
And more pray
This day hence

We should seek
Out our dead
And then link
Those who're wed

We should find
The temple
And there bind
Our people

We should store
And be wise
Prepared for
Come what tries

We should live
Laws for health
It's our sieve
Unto wealth

God's laws are
Spiritual
And they are
Temporal

First things first
We should ask
What's our worst?
And, take that task!



feel free to add
we should...

This list came quick
For- I know
But the trick
Is to do and go

things to do
reasons to hate
trying new
to not be late

lists distract
unless there's prayer
unless on track
there's naught to share

With the Formation of a Molecule of faith

With the formation
Of a molecule of faith
Came the foundation
That would ever change his fate

And with that first step
He walked away from despair
And with joy how he lept!
For he'd hope unto repair

Broken things do mend
When the gospel is applied
Life does not dead end
When the Lord's light is supplied

Jesus Christ's first words
In His Sermon on the Mount
Were to give courage
To those troubled and in doubt

Each person must brace
Themselves for what life inflicts
And must learn to face
Trials, struggles, and conflicts

Some ever insist
That the flood waters not start
Held back they persist
Into foxholes of the heart

Where it drowns the soul
Like a tsunami in spread
Shattering life's goals
With the emptiness of dread

For the rest we seek
The Lord says, "Come unto me"
Be humble and meek
Where we'll find His peace

As we're our worst enemy
We hide in a foxhole
Then we call for a remedy
And Christ makes us whole

Thoughts from:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Broken Things to Mend
Deseret Book

An Unhappy Young Man

An unhappy young man faced a stream
There he would pace and there he would dream
If only the water would not flow
He could move on and a better life know

And there he relived all his mistakes
Wishing and missing all that life takes
But, no matter- the past is long gone
And his only choice now was to move on

Up or down the stream- away from this spot
Acknowledging errors- he vowed this lot:
To daily be noble and compassionate
To repent happily as one fortunate

And as the way ahead would not be easy
He pressed on with fear, somewhat queasy
With first things first he would begin
To work on his most grievous sin

With priorities set, he chose to improve
For where one's thoughts lie, there one does move
And with the commandments as his handbook
Peace and joy in his life soon overtook

As he embraced the words of the Lord
Gone were homelife's feelings of discord
The emptiness in his soul began to shrink
As more on his family he did think

At church, he attended all his meetings
And accepted and served within callings
And as one who knows of the high cost
He never let the distressed ever feel lost

He'd never let a wedge drive between
As he ever remembered life stuck at the stream
And when he looked back upon his life
He expressed gratitude and gave thanks for strife

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin
Self-Improvement Via Gospel Living
Ensign, November 2003

A Christmas with No Presents

A Christmas day without presents
Can be a time of great pleasure
As Christ's light is still there to sense
And create memories to treasure

When a purchase is wrapped and sent
It is opened to hold and touch
And as an earthly present
It is only made of such

But, a gift- that's something else
It comes with immeasurable love
That, as one gives of themself
Two do share warmth from above

To each is given a true gift
That is good to give and get
It is there to heal and lift
And is for the stranger, yet

As in Christ's name we do and sayeth
God's arms extend and do increase
The gift of service and of faith
The gift of love, self and of peace

How wonderful and secure
It is to know that we belong
For therein's hope to endure
As with charity we're made strong

With riches of the heart and mind
We feel a love that has no bound
When we're thankful and we're kind
Christ's priceless gift is ever found

thoughts from
James E. Faust
A Christmas with No Presents
Ensign, Dec 2001, 2

The First Star in the Sky

That brightest star in the sky
Is the one I gaze upon
It tells me what is nigh
As soon comes the dusk or dawn

Below it I stand and dream
Of my future and my past
Of things that are unseen
But so precious that they last

The first is of God above
Of where I've come and I'll go
And of all those whom I love
Who at present do not show

Those to welcome to our home
Those who have long passed away
And those lost who now do roam
Are whom I think upon today

And when the nights are cold
And the days are so short
I watch that star so bold
And long for its retort

If it could grant one wish
I'd say as quick as a wink
To each question that I ask
Please answer with a blink

One flash for yes, two for no
And if I ever lose my way
Might it fall where I'm to go
And come back the next day

Planted Together

Planted together
In likeness of death
We've His flesh in gather
Where His priests break bread

Here is what's risen
With life that's for sup
Here meekly given
His Spirit- for us

Come in remembrance
That we've been immersed
Come with repentance
In Spirit rehearsed

Here is His body
And here is His blood
Here as His flock we
Are filled with His love

Contrite in Spirit
And with broken hearts
His name, we share it
As fresh, the week starts

Here we are lifted
Unto a new life
Here we are gifted
With Jesus the Christ

Rom. 6: 5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Why Should I Cheapen What Comes From Above

Why should I cheapen what comes from above
By marrying outside of the temple
I should cherish His gift of sweet love
And not worry so much about people

I can tell them I've waited all my life
With a rich and tender longing
For those blessings between a husband and wife
For that eternal sense of belonging

Come the Night When You Feel Like Death

Come the night when you feel like death
Lie unto the Lord, He'll lend you breath
Give Him your sorrows, cast Him your cares
He brightens tomorrows, for His light shares

Come Feast and Enjoy

Come feast and enjoy
Each girl and each boy
And search with your eyes
And plead and give cries
The answers are there
Awaiting to share
Come open the book
Come open and look
There's love and there's peace
For spirit's increase

There's no need to cave
Here's the path Christ pave
Hold onto this rod
Rejoice unto God
His Spirit now nears
To calm all your fears
To speak unto your mind
With answers to find
Oh, may your heart swell
And know all is well

Here's power to forgive
And move on and more live
Here's power to repent
To change and relent
Come feel your heart burn
Come forever learn
In here there's God's love
His voice from above
Come feast night and day
And always, always pray

The Carpenter

He could have carved His own cross for bearing
He could have carved His own sign telling who He was
He could have made His own crown fit for wearing
But, He suffered and He bore, and He did this for us

Do we remember how He suffered?
Do we think of him on the cross?
Do we thank Him for what is offered?
Do we proclaim Him no matter the cost?

A Fair Virgin

A fair virgin, sweet Mary, was favoured and adored
She, the chosen pure vessel, was the handmaid of the Lord

She was espoused to Joseph, who from a dream, wed her right
Then they went to pay taxes and Bethlehem was that far site

In a manger she gave birth, underneath a bright new star
Soon to Joseph a dream gave warning and they fled to Egypt afar

Years later in Nazareth, Jesus studied and waxed strong
Till He went to the temple, to do His Father's business that was long

Of Bethlehem then of Egypt, a Nazarene born of Mary
The prophets of old told of Him and of the places that He would tarry

Matt. 2: 1, 5-6, 8, 16
1 Now when Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
• • •
5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
6 And thou aBethlehem, in the land of bJuda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a cGovernor, that shall drule my people Israel.
• • •
8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
• • •
16 ¶ Then Herod, when he saw that he was amocked of the wise men, bwas exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and cslew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the dcoasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

Matt. 2: 23
23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

Matt. 2: 13-15, 19
13 And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
14 When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:
15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
• • •
19 ¶ But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

With God Nothing is Impossible

With God nothing is impossible
The barren and the virgin in birth
In truth anything is possible
For the purpose of saving this earth


Luke 1:37
For with God nothing shall be impossible.

There is a Land that Stands Without Peace

There is a land that stands without peace
As each prays for their own ways more to increase
Here ancient religions battle in conflict
Ever unwilling to be the one to evict

To leave an impression some seek to harm lives
To make oppression they use bomb, guns, and knives
As hate that's extreme swells midst rabid blasts hurled
They excuse and accuse and scare all the world

Martyrs of suicide- one side lauds the act
And the other must decide- what revenge to exact
Thus in the Holy land, there is unrest and spoil
There is bitterness, harsh wishes and toil

May we ever pray for peace that's within
And hope for pure love to strive among men
May we ever pray that God's truth will be known
And good will grow from the awe therein shown

Thoughts from reading
A View of Jerusalem
by Erin Sheely Tolman

The Christmas Bells

The Christmas bells
Sound as one tells
Of our dear Lord
And how He's adored

Come hear them ring
And too with them sing
Now lift up your voice
And join to rejoice

That each with ear
Might anew hear
And spread the joy
Here to enjoy

May we sing Merry Christmas
And share that our Lord is ever just
That He is the gift for all mankind
With none forgotten or left behind

He who has paid for each man at cost
Will speak to each soul that all is not lost
This is our time to give Him our heart
And pray that His blessings might to us impart

May we serve Him and through Him do our best
To overcome evil and thus pass the test
May we give thanks to God above for His plan
And too give thanks for the salvation of man

The Purest Joy

The purest joy in all the world
Does grow when heaven becomes unfurled

It is when we stand near heaven on earth
And mysteries appear to show us our worth

It is when God's light and truth does reach
Unto our souls to lift us and to teach

It is when hearts unto heaven beseech
And then clean hands are given to each

It is when what's sweet, what heaven's made of
Does edify and treat us with love

May we seek for and find true dignity
And leave our sins behind for eternity

And then may our homesteads have what does increase
With Christ's light in our heads ever filling us with peace

May heartfelt prayers ascend above as we strive to hold to the rod
May we then find everlasting love- there to know and dwell with God

An Olive Press

The Bible's word: Gethsemane
Is a name for the olive press
What does this mean for you and me?
Perhaps to use one would impress...

First, the olives are inspected
For when they've a hard green swell
And then to bags they're collected
And dumped into a giant well

A large cylinder crushing stone
Is rolled as several people push
This task that can't be done alone
Is a process that forms a mush

Then with weary legs and backs
This olive pulp is scooped up
And placed into small burlap sacks
Through which oil drops can erupt

But, none comes out until the press
Which works like a large upside down screw
And as such Christ's pain makes address
As one watches what pressure can do

The force of weight on this mush
Descends as one turns the crank
And small droplets form, yet do not rush...
Then pool and trickle down a bank

What load then crushed our Lord?
To lay heavy upon His skin?
A weight of burden His to afford
To free all man from pain and sin

And as this gift was freely given
It not only frees us from dark death
It ransoms us to God in heaven
If we seek and apply His living breath

And as such forever life He will give
Unto those who receive His good news
Or the weight of our sins, we will relive
From the commandments we ever abuse

As we meet each Sabbath day
As we partake: eat and drink
May we become sure in a clean way
That He within us does deeply sink

What more sacred thing can we do?
Than to receive this selfless gift
May we ever partake and renew
Our covenants that forever lift

Thoughts from reading
A View of Jerusalem
by Erin Sheely Tolman

A Single Bell

A single bell
On a golden string
Begins to sound
And starts to ring

An unseen shake
By an unseen hand
Commands: awake
And understand

And too marvel
Give awe, give voice
And too revel
Praise God and rejoice

That we are known
By His angels
Who show they've flown
By ringing what dangles

Let us Sing

Let us sing
And ring each bell
Christ our king
Will soon here dwell

The ransom
Has been for all
Let Him come
Midst trumpets call

To each end
Of all the earth
He will send
Cleansing, rebirth

Us, with tears
Will welcome Him
Giving cheers
We'll sing His hymns

With Christ on
The earth once more
Comes Zion
And end of war

Back Home

Back home-
A cradle
Comforts
A candle

Back home
Clothes so soft
Family
A warm loft

Though fears
Came that night
A warmth
Flowed with light

Humble
Was His birth
Midst dirt
On the earth

Midst His
Nights of sleep
Our God
Did watchkeep

As then...
Angels brought
Shepherds
The lamb they sought

As then...
To uplift
Wise men
Each with gift

A few
Knew His worth
This babe
Here on earth

An Altar of Lace

An altar of lace
In God's holy place
The couple enters
And love within stirs
Each heart is more warmed
From tender words formed

And then- they unite
An utmost delight
They face now kneeling
For words and sealing
What joy and what peace
That will but increase

Their two hands combine
They commit and words bind
Now two families blend
Forever without end
With this promise we glimpse
Loves offering of lips

A clasp from each member
All seek to remember
How humbly they too felt
When they themselves knelt
Each vows to return
And anew discern

Now alone they stand
To view what is so grand
And into glass they see
Who they have come to be
Help meets to each other
Side by side forever

And off to school they go
With faith theirs to show
And of uncertainty
What opportunity
For wherever life them sends
They've hope that never ends

And now on their own
There's scare of debt and loan
They plan on how to spend
And unite unto this end
They vow whate're the price
To tithe and let funds suffice


A tribute to President and Sister Flake
of the Fresno temple
a bishop, an institute teacher,
a sealer, a man we know so well....
a friend, a seminary teacher,
an escort, a help through the veil...
each a blessing to our families

Dominus Flevit

Overseeing Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives
Rests an ancient Catholic church
Named the Lord wept, or Dominus Flevit
A blue and white teardrop atop a high perch

On this hill the Lord lamented His people
And knew of their imminent destruction
The loss of lives and the loss of the temple
Oh, if only they'd heed His instructions

The Lord's holy land
Now lays divided
As few understand
What Christ invited

A View of Jerusalem
Erin Sheely Tolman
click the title to go to

http://www.byujc.org

"As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, 'If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you."

LUKE 19:41-44

Wishing You Love Beyond Measure

Wishing you love beyond measure
Wishing you a Christmas to treasure
May it simply be a humble day
Celebrated in a simple way

Just as the single light on a dark night
Can be a welcome for those in need of sight
We can give dignity to the Savior's lowly birth
That the light of His love may fill the whole earth

May we scale back what's materialistic
And be focused on what's nobly simplistic
The Lord gave us the ultimate gift and His life
May we emulate Him- with charity that is kind

May we think of the children's need first
That their belief in Christmas might more burst
Take them out to see the lights everywhere
Then at home show them the warmth that's found there

Thoughts from the First Presidency Devotional
President Uchtdorf's memories of his childhood

Develop Now an Inner Courage

Develop now an inner courage
It will serve you all your life
And on your journey towards marriage
Beware of the creator of all strife

He would to encourage tolerance
With his many reasons why
And he will tempt you for your clearance
But, school those thoughts and them deny

Together man and woman are not alone
As they control the fountain of life
As such they've mysteries to own
Which the Lord provides the husband and wife

Remember to always be benevolent
To give and pay an honest tithing
When you put faith where you're heart is spent
You will find that God is ever abiding


Pres. Packer encourages students to develop courage

By Greg Hill
LDS Church News
Monday, Nov. 17, 2008

A View of Jerusalem

At Christmas time I need
To think of our Lord's day
Of His precious birth I read
All that the scriptures say

I fill my home with music
Decorations and lights
With olive carvings, rustic
A nativity delights

And I long to journey
To the land of our Lord
To see what He did see
His country He adored

But, what I have is a book
From a student with a pen
Who wrote while too she looked
Out upon Jerusalem

What better Christmas gift
Could one buy for the home
Than a book that does lift
Our minds to where Christ did roam

A View of Jerusalem
by BYU student Erin Sheely Tolman
http://byujc.org
click on this posts title- View of Jerusalem to go to this site

The Fog Encloses Unto Gloom

The fog encloses unto gloom
And soon's forgotten how earth blooms
The warmth of the stove dries the damp
As ever is burning the street lamp

What can lift the soul from darkness?
That takes control with starkness
Perhaps it's sounds of laughter and play
As children pay no mind to days of gray

Though their clothes and hair might get wet
They'd soon forget jackets if we'd let
They'd still want to go to the park
And ask to play beyond night's dark

Let us be more like the children
And not let the new day sleep
Let us find what warms us within
That joy might in us burn more deep

There is a light ever burning
In every living soul
It's bright when to Christ we're turning
May it shine bright as we Him extol

From My Little Notebook

My ongoing notes
Of what I enjoy from day to day
Are like favorite quotes
Of what I have seen today ...

While waiting here and there
I've a little notebook stored
To write of things I can share
Or reread when I am bored

For time is valuable
And lines get in the way
I use my time table
So impatience stays away

.....
The simplest things can bring such joy...
A child that sings over a toy

A baby bird in its first flight
Soaring up high unto the night

A drifting cloud fluffy and white
That's lifted about till it's out of sight

When the jet streaks the air rumbles
Then over mountain peaks it but mumbles

The roar of the sea is distant from me
But I hear it still in the traffic flowing

With Paper and Pen

With paper and pen
It is time to start
To keep the door open
Unto a humble heart

When thoughts soften and seek
Memories come to mind
As but a small peek
Of thoughts inside to find

And as we remember
Let us live lives anew
May the Light of December
Shine for new beginnings too

May we resolve
To know Christ's peace
That pain might dissolve
As love does increase

May we record
What we see and feel
And thank the Lord
That love is real

May love more endure
From what is written
To be ever pure
Sweet and smitten

The Candle's Glow

The candle's glow
Seen from the window
Promised welcome
To him who'd come

All through the night
It burned tall and bright
But, no one came
To see the flame

Then through the day
The closed curtain stayed
As the widow
Slept with a throw

Not only late
Her guest lost the date
Lost the promise
And knew not of this

Who is alone?
And who feels unknown?
Who does but sit?
Shall we go visit?

I am thankful for the Prophet's example and his warm memories he shares. May we go about visiting those aging and alone...

The Innkeeper Never Got a Second Chance

The innkeeper never got a second chance
To house the holy family
As he was caught up in his own circumstance
He'd lost that opportunity

Then, as the Lord was born in a stable
Did he also miss that bright star?
To honor this guest- he the most able
How this will ever pain his heart

And we, with many rooms in our homes
Should find a place for that sweet babe
By declaring His message to those who roam
And by not dismissing those heavy lade

This is the season to open up our hearts
For there are those in need of God's cheer
And before the pang of remorse starts
Let them know through us God is near

There are gifts to be given
And deeds to be done
There are hearts to gladden
And souls to save through the Son

First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2008
President Thomas S. Monson

In Liberty Lay a Jail

In Liberty lay a jail
T'was as a pit, t'was as hell
Yet, for Joseph, t'was God's house
To prove God's light can't be doused

Captivity without cause
Conspiring men without laws
Midst words as foul as the food
Joseph gained faith and was schooled-

"Hold on thy way and pray on
Believe in good and be strong
And when forlorn- endure yet
God is with thee. Don't forget

Hold on thy way and fear not
Regardless what be your lot
Thy days are known. Bounds are set
God is with thee. Don't forget"

Each trial's designed to teach us
To ever trust in Jesus
As God's wonders do perform
Our darkest days do inform

While we suffer, we ask why
We plea with God and we cry
Then mysteries dance about
As tender thoughts casts out doubt

Glorious answers midst dismal
The dark moment is but small
God is with us through it all
And He answers every call

Though the worthy too suffer
Jesus is there to buffer
And our pain He understands
For it's written in His hands

If we're patient and we're calm
We'll know soothing with his balm
We'll feel His love for all men
Our enemies- He loves them

Cheerfully we will stand still
Waiting for what is revealed
For heaven's powers can be drawn
Midst righteousness God's light dawns

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Lessons from Liberty Jail
CES Fireside for Young Adults
September 7, 2008

Christmas Devotional

Hey, just wanted to mention that at comeuntochrist.org under multimedia are clips of last years first presidency devotionals. It is priceless to watch- how fast time has traveled. And, it was sweet to hear President Hinckley speak again....
Now, in just one year, so much has changed in the world- at least for me. Have yourself and your family a merry Christmas.

If you click on the title you will go to broadcast archives where all the old christmas devotionals are...

What is Best to Keepsake

What is best to keepsake
In a Christmas box to treasure
That next year we'll awake
Unto Christ's light with pure pleasure?

Pictures of the children
As Joseph and Mary
As shepherds and wisemen
With staffs and gifts to carry?

The ornaments that shine
The decorations and the lights
Or of memories- yours and mine
Which the soul feels and delights?

Well, perhaps inside should be
A special Christmas book
That records for all to see
Something sweet upon to look

What selfless gift was given
That lifted someone weary
That to remember again
It still can make one teary

The stories of our elders
And of their childhood
That when they're gone like embers
We'll remember where they stood

And, so, new couples dream
And fill the box with care
As an heirloom to esteem
From memories placed in there

That inside your heart
Might grow a larger place
For Christ's light to start
Nostalgia's warm embrace

Come What May

Come what may
We still will know peace
Come what may
Our souls will then increase

Let our hearts
Be turned unto Thee
For life charts
A course that's challenging

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

We'll be wise
When comes disaster
Though fear tries
Blessings are seen after

We'll endure
The nights dark shadows
For we're sure
We've brighter tomorrows

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

We'll not moan
On trails to Zion
We're God's own
And we shall soon triumph

With life's peaks
The hearts grows heavy
But God speaks
And brings strength from heaven

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

The birds sing
Come now and listen
As bells ring
Come let your eyes glisten

When we're caught
And seized by trials
It's but ought
The wheel of life's dials

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

Know each tear
That clouds up today
Soon will clear
Unto a joyous day

We shall seek
For life eternal
We'll be meek
With peace that's internal

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

God does see
Beyond- to success
And we'll be
Strengthened though we've distress

For each loss
He will compensate
When we cross
Beyond what comes of late

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
That we- lo-ve it

Elder Wirthlin
Come What May, And Love It
Ensign, November 2008, 26

The words came to me
after choir practice
with Once In Royal David's City
still playing in my mind

Elder Wirthlin- A Voice to Remember

A collection of my poems based on Elder Wirthlin's talks
I miss him and have felt sad all week that I didn't write a
poem based on the latest conference... please pass this post
on if you like

A voice worth remembering is full of love
And of memories worth hearing again and again
It is full of sharing of the things from above
As it is intimately heard- from friend to a friend

Life's Lessons Learned

If I were to examine my life,
Would I like who I have come to be?
Have I learned life's lessons though there's strife?
Did I listen to those who coached me?
All I have learned has shaped my destiny.

Prayerfully, I'll reflect on my life.
Have I kept the Lord close beside me?
Did I stay strong though there's fear of strife?
Did I say no when things tempted me?
All I have done has shaped my destiny.

I'll set high goals to improve my life.
And create what will inspire me.
Consistently, I will pray through strife.
I will think of those who have taught me,
With my eyes on the things that will shape me.


The Law of the Fast

The day has come at last.
Now, humbly I will fast.
For what purpose, I pray,
Can be strengthened today?
At testimonies feast
I hope faith to increase!

I know spiritual power
Attends the sacred hour.
As testimonies born
Ease burdens heavy worn.
Expressed blessings abound
In grateful hearts they're found.

I love Heavenly Father.
To fast is not a bother.
Although I am hungry,
With prayer it reminds me
Of those who have much less.
To them offerings bless.



This Sunday has Come at Last to Humbly Pray

This Sunday has come at last to humbly pray .
And, now, what purpose will I fast today?
What part of my faith needs fortifying?
Perhaps it's what drains me till I'm crying!

How oft have I let this day slip away?
Without any thought to fast and to pray?
I'll trust and obey it's only for my good-
Thus, loving Heavenly Father, as I should.

I can show my love to my fellow man.
I'll observe this simple plan. Yes, I can.
If I for them do pray, they will notice
The good that comes from this noble practice!

We must lift our heart, our minds, our voices.
A fast will help us make better choices.
With love we'll generously succor the weak.
And lift up hands who in need pray and seek.


The Great Command

They sought to find in Him a flaw.
He would not deride or use a rod.
“Master”, they asked, “What is the great law?”
He replied, “ Thou shalt love thy God.”
Our Savior, they could not defraud.

I will love God, with all my heart,
With all my soul, with all my mind.
I'm known of Him, the Great Thou Art.
And, to self and man, I am kind.
Though men despise, I'll be refined.

When one argues, contentions sway.
We know to be more unified.
This is the more excellent way.
As our Lord exemplified-
With charity all's dignified.

With the love of God, I am filled.
This is the measure of my soul.
With His love, my spirit is thrilled.
And, blessing others is my role.
In service, I will Him extol.

Eternal love lasts forever.
It is patient and forgiving.
To be Christ-like, we endeavor.
He sees beyond what's shortcoming.
We're glorious and becoming.

With Christ's image, we are transformed.
He shares our pain and we soften.
A heart once bitter is reformed.
With perspective, hates forgotten.
And, we feel His love more often.

Obedience is a delight.
Love frees us from the weight of pain.
We are vibrant and carry light.
We want all man to feel the same.
With the Lord we've so much to gain.

Unto the sick, we minister.
To the hungry, we offer food.
And, sacrament's administered
To remember beatitudes.
With these emblems, we are renewed.

Our Savior gives us tools to cope.
He gives water from which we draw.
His Light gives us reason to hope.
His love's for us, and we're in awe.
All things hang upon love's great law.

Our Father in heaven provides
Love infinite, eternal.
With this heart, we improve our lives.
He offers Christ- Love is not final-
Blood sealed- the greatest love of all.

And He offers a gift that guides,
That, when we're righteous it teaches,
Inspires, comforts, and resides.
What behooves us, it beseeches.
From this gift, God's love far reaches.


Come Sunday

When all is suddenly dark
And life seems bleak and stark
I picture a gray Friday
When all seemed to be in vain.
Our Lord was upon a cross.
And, for mankind, all seemed lost.
The earth shook and darkness grew.
What were the Saints then to do?
And, too, the temple was rent.
Where holy prayers could be sent.
The Son of Heav'nly Father
No more to walk on water.
He tortured and killed, what grave sorrow.
Gone was their hope in bright tomorrow.

That Friday was the darkest
In hist'ry, by the farthest.
Devastating sorrow gnawed.
As deep in their souls it clawed.
Their beloved Savior had died.
But, soon hope came, their tears dried.
The worst doom could not endure.
Eternal Life was now assured!
The glorious Lord was now raised.
They cried and upon Him gazed.
Though dark days come. We've Fridays.
Bright days await. We've Sundays.
For us in Heaven there is a place.
There is a Lord and He gives us grace.

And how we each long to see his face!

Band of Brothers
In the fires of shared experience
Come some of the closest friendships
They form bonds based on love and trust
Where otherwise emotions crush
From a shared grief or happiness
Comes an amplified tenderness
When we struggle, we must gather
To share what really does matter

To preach the gospel, To change lives
To leave home comforts, To baptize
To serve God and build His kingdom
And humbly seek out for wisdom
United by a common goal
To usher in another soul
As we link our arms together
We soon journey towards forever

Never forget the value of
A great cause and of selfless love
Captain Moroni rent his coat
And to his countrymen, he wrote
In memory of our religion,
freedom, peace, wives and our children
Once united, he could lead them
To transcend their lives to his vision

Threatened by familiar neighbors
The two- thousand stripling warriors
Were needed to fight in the war
They prepared for what was in store
With armory, swords, and knives
They trusted God would save their lives
And they knew why they too must fight
To help their fathers keep their plight

They learned of faith from their mothers
To fear's a thick fog which smothers
When we are loyal and faithful
The impossible is possible
Each night we can write down new goals
For each labor and varied roles
So each day we'll learn, as we grow
Keeping bonds, for Christ our hero


Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst

To journey from Judea to Galilee
The Savior journeyed to Sychar
T'was a shorter route, for His ministry
He stopped at Jacob's well, though without a jar

Though Jews and Samaritans never mixed
Jesus requested some fresh water
And the woman was all the more perplexed
To hear He was the gift of Heavenly Father

Of living water she was intrigued
How could one drink and never thirst again?
The thought physically appealed indeed
With fancies of magic, which are of men

Throughout history men have sought for youth
A fountain that springs everlasting life
Yet, the fountain is Jesus Christ in truth
It is vain to think of avoiding age and strife

Only the faithful can tap the well
Where we quench our thirst for happiness
Without keeping commandments, we fail
He told her she currently slept in this

He told the things that she ever did
Astonished, she left her lone water pot
Her amazement just could not be hid
She told others to believe it or not

A crowd arrived to see and hear Him
To gain knowledge, they asked and they delved
They besought that He'd tarry with them
They knew they heard the Messiah himself

He refreshed them and quenched their yearning
In our day many spiritually thirst
For meaning and direction they're searching
May we run and tell them where the well bursts

A cool satisfying drink of insights
Is for those who crave knowledge and are parched
Whose spirits cry out for what sustains life
There to enliven their withering hearts

Many have been deceived by craftiness
For truth- they know not where to find it
The gospel's a cup of happiness
Bubbling forth from our living prophet

If we hold a cistern that is broken
We will be parched and suffer from drought
The water shares mysteries of God spoken
Which dries up when good works are not about

May we be refreshed continually
And be anointed- for our Lord endows
May we find His spring habitually
And drink deeply in His Holy House

Live in Thanksgiving Daily

In a day of Thanksgiving,
What should be abundant?
Gratitude for just living
Marks a soul triumphant!

I'll do your chores, you do mine
Thankful for what each does.
We will contribute in kind.
In service, without fuss.

There's lots of things we don't have.
Are we then unhappy?
On God focus, and not cave
We will then feel happy.

It takes a little talent
To exercise each day
Three things yield powers immense.
With goals along the way.

First, we must open our eyes.
And see what's bountiful.
The brilliance of the skies.
Makes earth so beautiful.

Next, we must open our hearts.
And fill our souls with good.
Repent, rejoice- there is fresh starts
In living as one should.

Last, we must open our arms.
And serve our fellow man.
With our love to those in alarm-
We're God's help, and we're His hands.

Every day's a new canvas
For this we are grateful.
And with thanks for all that's vast.
We feel joy that's delightful.


Jesus Concern for the One

How oft did He find time for solitude?
When the needs of the lost were not done.
While surrounded by the multitudes
He always had concern for the one
We've been commissioned to do likewise.
May we see others through Christ-like eyes.

Today some are weary and have strayed
When we've ninety-nine who should we seek?
One who may be different? Or heavy lade?
Of the way they look, act, think and speak
Do they think that they're not befitting?
And from the flock find themselves slipping?

But, the Lord who has peopled the earth
Placed us as a vibrant orchestra
Each of us as fine instruments of worth
That adds to complex beauty and spectra.
In every single personality
Lies a depth rich with ability

The miscellanea of creation
Is a testament of self-esteem
We are like God in variation
Black and white, male and female, bond and free
One flesh is not above another
For, in fact, spiritually we are brothers

Whenever a Saint trips, slips or falls
Who is the best to help one back up ?
He's the Master, and for each He calls
He who submitted and bore the cup.
Let's lend encouragement and support
For we are all imperfect and fall short.

It's at the Lord's Church we find doctrine
That's redemptive- full of charity
Where we can lose ourselves and begin
To give service with variety
For this we'll consecrate talents and skills
According to as the Father wills


For the entire membership of the Church
General Conference is an inspiring time of the year
As we're instructed and edified
We learn how to act upon the laws we hold dear

Great things are happening in God's kingdom
We are moving forward as never before
The great mountain will fill the whole earth
And if we are righteous, we'll see so much more


We Can All Benefit by Looking Deep Inside

We can all benefit by looking deep inside
During reverent moments of worship
To be proved true, there's nothing we will hide
As we journey in our membership

Each Sunday's a spiritual checkup
That helps navigate life's highways and byways
During sacrament meetings while we sup
We can get our bearings and see the right ways

To stay on the narrow path of faith
With the Bishop, we've worthiness interviews
Have we pursued what's foolish or vain?
It's easy to get diverted from what is true

Truth provides virtues unto our lives
Steadfast, loyal, honest, and just are but a few
In our career paths, as one strives
We must not serve two masters, but always be true

With full faith in their every footstep
The pioneers forged and tempered their souls
Without the Lord, they would be inept
May we too be true, in all of our roles


Never Give Up, Never

Never give up, never
Persevere to the end
Why would you risk or want to sever
The hope of fullness with our Lord, our friend

The course is the easy way
When the goal stays in sight
Even when there comes a trial of faith
And there's sorrow, temptation and blight

This opposition helps us
So that we'll not be passive
But ever following Jesus
For there's help He alone can give

For us, He's paved the course
Through His suffering and death
He knows our every sorrow and remorse
And each pitfall to the very depth

He will endow us with gifts
If we but remain true and sure
Having His Spirit in us uplifts
And strengthens us so that we'll endure

May we more learn to be like Him
And seek to know the Father's will
When there's lost sheep, may we tend them
For we've each a course to fulfill


Come What May

Come what may
The Lord is but our peace
Come what may
In Him we have a place

May our hearts
Find Him continually
Though life charts
A course that's challenging

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
It's for our benefit

Come be wise
In the face of disaster
Though fear tries
Light shines that we're after

Come endure
The darkest of deep shadows
Love's the cure
There's brighter tomorrows

The rainbow
Each color that we see
Sets aglow
Hope for the family

Though we moan
On the path bound for Zion
We're God's own
And we shall soon triumph

At strife's peaks
Our sad hearts grow quite heavy
Yet God speaks
And brings strength from heaven

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
How we did benefit!

Let us sing
Come now, give heed, come hasten
Christ's offring
Hope to all who will listen

When we're caught
And seized by rocky trials
It's but ought
How experience compiles

For all men
Christ paid the price
In the end
But pure love could suffice

Know each tear
That clouds up here, today
Soon will clear
Unto a joyous day

Come let's seek
A life that is eternal
To the meek
There's peace that's supernal

For each loss
He'll compensate
We will cross
Beyond what comes of late

God does see
Beyond grief, may this impress
May He be
Your strength through life's distress

We're made strong
When we know from whence we came
We belong
God knows us all by name

Come what may
We will profit
We will say
Life. We- lo-ve it

Elder Wirthlin
Come What May, And Love It
Ensign, November 2008, 26

The words came to me
after choir practice
with Once In Royal David's City
still playing in my mind

Come Sense Christmas

While crisp air we breathe
December appears
And those fair believe
And sing of what nears

Midst music and lights
The nights feel cozy
As Christ's love ignites
A warmth that's rosy

And this warmth more blooms
As to homes we give
Spices and perfumes
To sense and to live

May we breathe the air
And think of Christ's birth
And be more aware
Of joy here on earth

The sights, sounds, and scents
Sweetly descended
For the babe to sense
God's love extended

The babe received gifts
That were fit for kings
While to sleep he drifts
As His mother sings

So fill your senses
With scents of candles
And meals with spices
Midst the songs of Handel's

For life's made of such
Come see, smell, and hear
Come sense what does touch
And know Christmas is here

And, then might we share
The joy in living
And be more aware
Of what life is giving

The Candle Light

The candle light
Put on a show
While chasing night
With its warm glow

And from afar
It welcomed on
Like a small star
To dream upon

And, long ago
A new star shone
That all might know
We're not alone

It promised love
And happiness
From heaven above
Unto each of us

Dress is a Language that We Employ

Dress is a language that we employ
To express who we are in our conduct
And those who choose to flaunt or exploit
Lack in tact as well as in cloth that they construct

While those who dress to be found modest
Are aware of the prevailing standards
They've put moderation high on their list
While practicing social virtues and good manners

Our daily preparations to impress
Should be preceeded by this question
Do I remember the naked and needy who stress?
Or does my attire require too much attention?

There's one more thing for consideration
As we balance function and decency
It's the matter of appreciation
To God of whom we've dependency

For our bodies are but gifts from Him
That we're to care for both inside and out
We're like a temple with an adorned garden
To preserve that we might have God's spirit about

John S. Tanner
To Clothe a Temple
Ensign, August 1992, 44

God has Mixed Us Like the Sands of the Sea

God has mixed us like the sands of the sea
And has given us life, love, and family
Then one day that's unknown from before
He sends us newness from a neighboring shore

Now consider the possibilities
For growth, enjoyment, and traditions
As we rise to new knowledge and abilities
We can improve our culture and conditions

So, too, we can become corrupted
As some things are stronger than others
And what is good can be interrupted
In the efforts to embrace our new brothers

So we must stay on the solid ground
Where we know there's safety in storms
And lift others to where we are found
To bond with a trust that transforms

For, if we were the ones in newness
Where would we look for safety?
Among those playing in looseness
Or among those risen up safely?

Matthew 7
24 ¶ Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.