The Night of All Nights of History

The night of all nights of history
Began with the Pascal supper
Soon to end His earthly ministry
The Lord was preparing to offer...

A roasted lamb and butter herbs
Unleavened cakes and vinegar
The table was set for the passover meal
A last symbolic sacrifice before the one real

Jesus gave Himself- His body and blood
There to ransom for sins which forever flood
We eat in remembrance of all He did carry
In Gethsemane and Calvary

The weight of the earth
Rested upon Him
He gave us new birth
And hope of heaven

Remembering the Savior's Atonement
Elder David B. Haight
Ensign, Apr 1988, 7

Fight My Battles

I see death all around me and misery and want
But, through the lord's strength, foes like these will not daunt
For He's given me the sword (to wield), the arm and the brain
That I might fight my battles when all seems in vain


Brigham Young said:

“I can see death, misery and want on the faces of this people. But some may say, ‘I have faith the Lord will turn them away.’ What ground have we to hope this? Have I any good reason to say to my Father in heaven, ‘Fight my battles,’ when He has given me the sword to wield, the arm and the brain that I can fight for myself? Can I ask Him to fight my battles and sit quietly down waiting for Him to do so? I cannot. I can pray the people to hearken to wisdom, to listen to counsel; but to ask God to do for me that which I can do for myself is preposterous to my mind.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses).

After writing 1,000 poems, I am going to start writing a little prehistory of what triggers the writing of each poem:
I was spending the mornings parked at the library because it was shaded and quiet. With fields all around. Peaceful. Then, I saw three men walking towards me. The homeless people I see wandering by the Food For Less nearby. One came straight towards me, one to the front of the car and one to the back. Encircling. I casually continued to write and pretend to not be bothered. A white man with his shirt open said, "hey I see you sitting here every day, and we are wondering what you are doing?" I told them I'm Mormon and I write poetry. The white man said something about that Utah religion. And, the Samoan guy put his head in the passenger window with his arms resting on the door and hands inches from my purse- which looked more like a mail bag at this point because I had dozens of poems ready to mail out. I then proceeded to read a poem about hope that's based on President's Uchtdorf's talk.


No matter how bleak the sky
Or how threatening the storm
Well above, it's brilliant to fly
Midst the sun and the lift of transport

Yet... there's an experience that surpasses
As we lift up our hearts in prayer
For then we've a glorious horizon
Bright with assurance of God's care

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Prayer and the Blue Horizon
Ensign, June 2009, 5 (From where we are there is nearly a view of the airport also.)

So with the white guy in one window, the Samoan in the other and a black man listening in I was interrupted by the white guy and the Samoan said no- let her finish. And he looked at me and said it sounded like the Bible. I finished and told them there is always hope and never forget to pray. The Samoan said, "I see you are from California. I am from Sea Side. I am a Samoan. I told him of my love for the Samoans. They have such big hearts and always smell good. I gave him a bottle of cologne- a random thing I had in the car because my step son was going to throw it away (and I rescued it). He was pleased and walked away.
The white man stayed and told me of his sorrows. He was homeless. Had been evicted for having too many friends over. He was wanting sympathy and said he was hungry. I gave him some trail mix. He said he couldn't take it. I said, but you're hungry take it. The black man did and said "then I will, you're crazy man" and walked off to join the Samoan. The white man told me he still pays his mother's rent. And he wouldn't get money until the 30th. He asked if I would buy him some cigarettes. I told him I don't smoke and this is America- we should be healthy. (I say random things) He put his fist out with tattoos on the knuckles for us to knuckle bump- a friendship thing...and as He wasn't interested in me anymore, he walked off. Looking at him join his buddies, I saw the Samoan had the trail mix and the black man the cologne. Another wonderful Samoan trait- they are generous. Just then my phone rang and I started my car and left. Thankful that I was still alive and strangely also for the experience. I had been praying for the homeless and pondering the pursuit of Zion and the inequity of life.
So, when I told my husband this story ( I waited a day because I hesitated to tell him) he told me there is a reason he gave me a cell phone and that I should have rolled up my windows and locked my doors and proceeded to drive off even if they were encircling the car. Then pretty much what Brigham Young said in this quote. Which I read this morning and immediately proceeded to write this poem! It took longer to write this explanation that the poem. ...

Another interesting note: is the article I read the Brigham Young quote is lost to me. It was stating that we should prepare ourselves by having plenty of supplies, including those dust masks, and things like separate computers for those who are in quaranteen so they can still socialize- kids don't do separation very well. Except they are great at forgetting about mom who is to be left alone. And mom is actually in need of someone to check on her if she needs anything- like a reminder to drink something because her fever is cooking. So the writer's point was: we are supposed to be self- reliant, prepared, and educated about the h1n1 virus.

A Lost Key

A little key
Was tucked away
Where can it be?
I said all day

I looked inside
My favorite places
Where would I hide
That key to my cases?

Then finally
I knelt in prayer
Continually
I pled there

And with a thought
I stood right up
I had found its spot
Inside my pencil cup!

With my search done
I knew what to do
In the name of the Son
I thanked God anew

Time, Something We All Do Have

Time, something we all do have
And let it thus be true
It's good works that we're at
For there's so much we can do

Our Country Under God

Our country under God
Raised for righteousness
On this beautiful sod
May He be found in us

With a Leap of Faith

With a leap of faith
I jumped right in
It was not fate
That we met therein

When two unite
And share in sorrow
There is power's might
For brighter tomorrows

So come what may
Let us be heard
That other's might pray
With faith filled words

In a land that treasures
Freedom to speak
It's but our pleasure
To express and to seek

please read life when life is cheap
see label below

When Life is Cheap

When life is cheap
And times are hard
You dare not sleep
Lest a life they discard...

The police entered
And got my attention
With a poor babe's head dented
Their ounce of prevention

Held by the ankles
Then slammed on its head
A life they did dangle
Then tossed away dead...

It should be no wonder
We're all urged to pray
For countries crushed under
Tyranny's heel today

Our prophet has urged
Let our prayers be heard
That closed hearts might turn
And let in the gospel word

For though the blood that's shed
Does cry out today
Naught to God is said
As they know not how to pray

May those who rule
Learn a better way
Life is our school
And power falls away

A leader today
Is a prisoner tomorrow
When tyranny slays
And brings God great sorrow

...And Falun Gong
God bless you
For your people long
The spiritual too

People seeking
But know not where to find
Are now gathering
With likeness of mind

You've been arrested
And sent to labor camps
Your organs invested
As tyranny more clamps

Your persecution
Has been heard
Through executions
And the spoken word

It's our charge, to pray
For easing your trouble
That love today
Might make us humble

For we have taken
What cheaply has been made
And we need to awaken
To the price that's truly paid

Everything's made in China
It is an empire as such
But, where does that find us?
Having accumulated stuff

Let our pursuits
Be for what is lasting
Unto nourishing fruits
As our eyes to God are casting

Let unused hands
Get back to work
To understand
Laborer's perks

Strong backs that toil
Value possessions
And don't let them spoil
They're gift's expression

Each thing that we own
Is but a gift from God
And pray this be known
On the Chinese sod

Let them come and sample
Our country that's been blessed
Let us be an example
Of where gratitude's expressed

Each time we hold something
That's come from a sweat shop
May we hold it treasuring
The laborer who never stops

Think of their hunger
And lack of day's sunshine
Then too remember
To pray for them in kind

Think of the prayers
That would go up to heaven
If for each thing we purchased
We'd said a prayer to make it even

I went to the library and I saw beautiful paintings that said it all.
A Holocaust in China.
July 20, 1999- May 20, 2005

2300 dead from torture
millions illegally arrested
200,000 sent to labor camps
without trial
1,000 abused in mental hospitals


I believe in the power of one- that I can do something. I spent all that afternoon, which would have been spent writing my poetry, reading books about China and falling in love with the country and its people. My heart has turned to them. They are so much a part of us and there must be a better way. My thoughts were of this people all night and I awoke to this poem the next day.
And offer my faith, prayers and talents for these persecuted people.

Please forward

Please click on above title- when life is cheap- to be linked to the Church News regarding our prophet asking us to pray for other nations. I came across this and had forgotten or missed his urge for us to do so. And it hit me that I should. And the next day I went to a random library to get out of the heat because I have only a nightly room while waiting for our house. And it is hot in Las Vegas- need I say more.
I hope this poem inspires you to pray for nations who at this time are without the gospel, and religious freedoms for that matter...

With Increasing Need

With increasing need
That is crucial indeed
We seek out our Father
And His profound power

It is our commission
To be strong Christians
*Who through tragedy have hope
And can help others to cope

*Who overcome temptations
As with covenants they station
*Who are defenders of truth
And, who's faith will not uproot

What is the source of this power?
That sustains us when trials tower
It's our law abiding commitment
To keep all our Father's commandments

We then find through the covenants we enter
That Jesus Christ is at the center
Offering us hope that's everlasting
As to Him we keep our eyes casting

Such that continual blessings flow
And grant us with resources to act
As a steady supply of gifts show
As well as hidden treasure of fact

And along the path we find
That charity never fails
As we're nourished more in kind
With Christ-like attributes that swell

As our faith is made perfect in weakness
We face life with hope and equanimity
Strengthened through the power of Godliness
And the ordinances in which we're participating

The Power of Covenants
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Ensign, May 2009, 19

No Sooner

No sooner than I've tasted the truth
Than greedily I'm wanting more
It's not that I'm search for more proof
But for the nourishment that does pour

Upon Layers of Rich Bedrock

Upon layers of rich bedrock, I Stand
That have been formed from high learning
Such that when a storm is at hand
I can face it without even turning

For having been taught all the basics
Each rock represents an inspiration
And I have gained so much through practice
That I have built up a solid foundation

But, I know that the minute I step down
An evil storm can take me away
And as such I'm continually found
Gathering up some new rocks of faith

My biggest two tests are distractions
And fear of unknown moves of opponents
Such that I've been given a plan of action
As well as gifted with a speaking component

And of it, the amazing thing is it whispers
Inside so other things can be tuned out
From all the worldly voices it differs
As it can warm me with love throughout

As I've grown in my desire
To always listen and then do
My pile has gotten much higher
And I'm seeing things all anew

I realize there's more than me in charge
Yet, in my nothingness I swell in belief
And my freed soul expands to enlarge
As my surety of God's love for me melts deep

Finding Strength in Challenging Times
Elder Allan F. Packer
Ensign, May 2009, 17

Satan Desires to Sift Us

Satan desires to sift us
Until we're lost with common wheat
But, we know we're of the Lord's harvest
And of what we are planted to be

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

Luke 22:31;
3Nephi 18:18

Where Before I Might Play Possum

Where before I might play possum
When there was work that was not fun
Now, I see a chance to serve and blossom
And, I'm the first one to get things done

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

I Am As a Light

I am as a light that can shine forth
And represent God's standards true
Still I can fall and show you much more
Be warned of Satan's hazards, too


Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

We are the Salt of the Earth

We are the salt of the earth
Precious and unique
Each adding flavors of worth:
Humble, good, and meek

We Organize with Unity

We organize with unity
For each is cooperative
That when others would think mutany
We persist with a higher motive

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

There's So Much We Can DO

With willingness and sacrifice
There's so much we can do
Such that with friends it's twice as nice
For there's less bossing of what to do

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

How Can Man Serve Two Masters?

How can man serve two masters?
For, How can he prove he's the best?
As in one way he becomes faster
In another way he must rest

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

I Once Sought For Praise

I once sought for praise
By dressing to be seen
But now I've changed my ways
And I'm dressing to be clean

Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

I Couldn't Believe What I Heard

I couldn't believe what I heard
Going to church is not for our own sake?
But, the more I studied God's word
A new attitude in me did awake

Our Savior said, "Come Follow Me"
And to deny yourself and take up your cross
Soon, with new thoughts of His sacrifice developing
I decided that losing myself was a small cost

Such that each Sabbath I shake
The hand of somebody new
And with my greeting I make
A note if they need anything too

When I enter a classroom
I volunteer for anything
Such that, although I don't know the tune
You will always hear me singing

Now I feel that I'm active
And growing spiritually
As selflessness is my motive
And I'm happy habitually

Unselfish Service
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Ensign, May 2009, 93

Matthew 16:24-25
If any man will come after me (He said),
let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it:
and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

Unselfish Service

Unselfish service
Goes uncompensated
For a higher purpose
Heavenly designated

-----------------------

Whosoever will lose his life
For the sake of the Savior
Clearly is being Christ-like
Unto righteous endeavor

For those who deny themselves
To follow the Master
Lay down their selfish selves
To serve where it matters

----------------------------

We act and serve
For what we give
Which then preserves
Our lives to live

For those who strive
And serve well others
Live longer lives
Enjoying what life offers



Dallin H. Oaks
Unselfish Service
Ensign, May 2009, 93

Helping Others Helps You to Live Longer | TIME.com

healthland.time.com/2013/.../helping-others-helps-you-to-live-long...

Time

Aug 23, 2013 - Those who regularly help their communities 'are 20% less likely to die ... Good news, it can help you live longer The Independent ... effects of volunteering found that helping others on a regular basis — like serving food in a 

Patterns of Life

If we look for them
They will become clear
For the patterns of life
Ever reappear

Life long commitments
Don't happen in a day
But, through small installments
Of what we think, feel, do, and say

To be an example
Of a believer in Christ
We must oft give samples
By what we do with our lives

Something small and simple
May seem like foolishness
But if it points us to the temple
Great things come to pass in us

Living as a believer
Requires a pure and virtuous heart
And this becomes easier
If we write down goals and then start

Ann M. Dibb
Be Thou an Example of the Believers
Ensign, May 2009, 114

1 Tim 4:12
...example of the believers, in word,
in conversation, in charity,
in spirit, in faith, in purity

What is our Highest Mission?

What is our highest mission?
But serving in the temple;
For it expands our vision
Of our Father's love for His people.

Behold the field is ripe.
The harvest is ready.
Reap it with all your might-
Steadfast and steady.

They are yours to receive,
These, the newest of the sheaves.
Let us help them, now, to gather
And prepare them for the garner.

That their growth is not wasted...
For then they will have tasted-
The power of Godliness
That, there in, does manifest.

Clearly,when we are baptized
We should have placed before our eyes-
A vision of the higher ground,
That we might be temple bound.

For the whirlwinds will harrow up,
In mighty attempts to interrupt-
The day of sacred endowment;
For there in is empowerment.

Thus we'll leave God's House armed with power
Honorably, with a name and standing;
That the blessings of heaven will shower
By illuminating us unto understanding.

When a new temple's announced
The excitement is pronounced;
That even the bells of Hell do ring
But, we'll not fear such a minor thing!

For as the tribes of hell are on the move
The greater wisdom of God does prove;
That the fire of the covenant burns brighter still
As the Saints have a mission to fulfill.

Elder David A. Bednar
Honorably Hold a Name and Standing
Ensign, May 2009, 97

Alma 26:5
Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye,
for ye did thrust in the sickle,
and did reap with your might,
yea, all the day long did ye labor;
and behold the number of your sheaves!
And they shall be gathered into the garners,
that they are not wasted.

sheaves = newly baptized members of the church
garners = holy temples

A Clap of Thunder

A clap of thunder
Came unannounced
And we ran for cover
For it was pronounced

It was just enough
To soak the ground
This rain from above
What a blessing grand!

This hot desert storm
In the midst of a drought
Is what we prayed for
And leaves us little doubt....

Three Distinct Persons

Three distinct persons in complete unity
God the Father; His Son Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost
As one in celestial and eternal divinity
Stand supreme as the light of which we rely on the most

In the Bible, the Godhead can be so clearly seen
That even a small child can understand
As in the Baptism of Jesus Christ; we see all three
For Heavenly Father was heard and the Holy Ghost flew at hand!

Sometimes we may think a verse too easy
And look beyond the mark with blinders
Yet, all we'll find, is that God is appeasing
For then His light's hidden as our intellect hinders

Yet, little children in their disposition to learn
Have qualities pure, which opens bright doors
As they spiritually tune in to discern
And exercise faith through their love that pours


Elder Gerald Causse
Even a Child Can Understand
Ensign, May 2009, 32

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

There is no infirmity, affliction, or adversity
That, in the garden, the Savior did not feel
Such that when I'm confused in uncertainty
The atonement saves me ever still

The Lord has said let not your heart be troubled
Neither let it be afraid
Such that I can confidently walk where I once stumbled
On a path that's safely paved

Yet, six destructive d's erode to destroy my faith
But I know I can avoid and o'ercome them
By carefully watching the things I think, do, and say
While ever drawing on the powers of heaven...

Along my way, I'll not get discouraged
To tremble full of doubt
For then I will lose focus and courage
As to commitments I'll not be about

Faith is a principle of action
That requires of me more than belief (or I'll have a lack of diligence)
Or I'll spiral lost in distraction
To disobedience and disbelief

My net usable faith is what I have left
After I subtract the sources of the destructive six d's
If the the answer's in the negative, then it's a debt (past feeling)
Caused by these harmful attitudes, habits, and tendencies

But if the answer is with faith clearly in favor
It is a gift from God above
Stemming from a pattern of consistent obedient behavior
And desire for what faith's made of

Desire, hope, and belief are my rising forms of faith
Which starts as but a particle
That spiritually synthesizes through my heart, might, mind, and strength
If I but apply obedience- its lighting principle

Kevin W. Pearson
Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
Ensign, May 2009, 38

I Am on a Plane That Spirals

I am on a plane that spirals (incline plane)
And I must press up or slip down
With my thoughts and actions my rivals
I ever struggle as I move around

If I start each day just right
I might make it through a new loop
But oft as my goal is in sight
My rivals re-engage and regroup

So, if you ask how I am doing
It just depends on the time of the day
And if I'm fresh for the moving
Or if my rivals have caused a delay

Ever my heart is willing
And prepared for the bumpy ride
As with hope I take to drilling
To conquer my rivals where they hide

I Am Thankful For This Time

I am thankful for this time
Without responsibilities
That I might continually write
With extended abilities

While I've awaited a call
To set my life in motion
It's not been a burden at all
But a spiritual explosion

Yet, won't Thou help the phone ring
As I am but a stack of papers
I would to unpack my things
And get to know and love my neighbors

And of my ward I have left
I could have done things better
The times I didn't visit, I regret
For I could have at least sent a letter

I know I've not served the best
But, I always offered a smile
And, I kept the Sabbath day a rest
Especially that laundry pile

How much I loved to teach
And feel the spirit there
That through me light can reach
And enlighten someone somewhere

Ever humbly, I miss
A ward and a calling
Now, I anxiously twist
Because papers are still stalling

What more can I say or do?
Feeling helpless and all alone
Living in a place that is new...
I'll just pray, and write, and grow

Buying a house and renting a room
That I really only visit at night
And when it is dark, I stay inside
Because the bad roaches come into sight

67 days since we put an offer on the house....
but, who is counting?

Dear Library

Dear Library,
Thank you for the comfy chair
And the air conditioning
While I've been uncertain where
I'll be repositioning

I love to look at each person's face
While they've a book they embrace
They sit so still- their eyes so intent
For soon they will turn a page to invent

What a fulfilling way
To spend a hot summer's day
Then... of course the little nap
With that book still on the lap

Such is a place of learning
As it ever extends the mind
These pages keep on turning
For new things there to find

Thank you for keeping it quiet
And placing that best book
Where I'll walk by and spy it
Before someone else is there to look

This is where I have spent four days
WRITING!

She Asked- Who Can Repeat What You've Just Learned?

She asked- who can repeat
What you've just learned?
So I arose from my seat
Then... I pointed and turned

These friends behind me
Know all the right answers
Because I heard them talking
In chuckles and light whispers

Always the trouble
Comes from the back
Always a couple
Doing the yack, yack

I Love to Fold Up My Arms

My heart is like a small clock
And, how it likes to talk
Bumpity, bump, bump it goes
And my favorite time it knows

I love to fold up my arms
Really close to my heart
For then it's like an alarm
Announcing a prayer's to start

I love my Heavenly Father
And I know that He loves me
That to Him it is no bother
To hear me and set my heart feeling

I Love to Look at My Teacher

I love to look at my teacher
And see that sparkle in her eyes
It shines bright when I reach her
And say thank you before our good byes

Jesus Christ Gives Us Warm Love

Jesus Christ gives us warm love
That is ever full of light
Brighter than the sun above
It helps me see what's right

If I Were a Bishop Today

If I were a bishop today
What counsel would I give to you?
That each day and night you should pray
And let the scriptures speak to you

May you find time for quiet reading
While being thoughtful and introspective
As in them are the insights you are needing
For the love affair with inspiration it well gives

As you search, your mind will be enlightened
Such that you will spiritually uplift
And your day will ever be brightened
As back to a scripture your thoughts drift

P.S.
At first it may seem to be tedious
But that will change through time
Into an experience wondrous
With thoughts and words of things divine

The Light Within You
President Gordon B. Hinckley
Ensign, May 2007, 116

Do You See Us Wearing Your Ties?

Do you see us wearing your ties?
Notice them as we sing
We thought that we'd make you cry
From the sweet message it does bring

Thank you for being a model for us
Of a hard worker who provides
And for your wise counsel which we trust
For you then let us choose what to decide

At church, the primary children
were wearing their father's ties
to sing for them. Sweet!

We Had it All

We had it all
In a house too small
Now, I regret
We didn't value that small debt

Although I had been discontent
With all the crammed tight content
Now, in this large house, what do I get?
More room and the largest debt yet

Where Shall I Build My House?

Where shall I build my house?
On the sand or on the rock?
For I know floods surely come
As to both the storm does knock

To each there is no escape
But on the rock I can endure
As the storm descends its face
I've a foundation that is sure

Raphael E. Pino
Faith in Adversity
Ensign, May 2009, 41

When You've Naught- But to Start Over

When you've naught but to start over
How does one reinvent one's life?
Reassess and uncover
The origin of your strife

Or, in deed it will be a do over
Of, but, repeated events
Instead of a make over
With freshness so pleasant

This is but your journey
And Christ can give you care
For He knows of all your needs
And awaits for you in prayer

My Dear- I Know My Limitations- continues

My Dear, I know my limitations
And you're more than I can take
What's more I have reservations
About the choice of friends you make

It's not that I don't love you
You are such a part of me
That the drama that you do
Is just too hard to see

So where does that leave you?
That is for you to decide
You're in need of rescue
Not just where to reside...
But of decisions made inside

This is but your journey
And Christ can give you care
For He knows of all your needs
And awaits for you in prayer
--------------------------------------
Grandma... seeing your tears
Now chooses to get involved
Your move in soon nears
Love melts what's not resolved

With promises to compromise
Each gave in some hard way
Each with rules that tries
Being careful what to say

The tears melted the ice
Such that friends are welcome... if
They are respectful, quiet, and nice
And grandpa doesn't raise a tiff

As you are an adult
She knows your time's your own
And she'll not add insult
But, if you keep her sleepless, how she'll moan

If you choose to drink
Although it's more than we can bare
She'll not raise a stink
But... some tears she still will share
---------------------------------------------
Where else but the family
Is there patience, love, and sacrifice
As offspring try amply
It's grandma's home of peace that will suffice

What other institution
Can melt away behaviors
And start peaceful resolutions
But the home a grandchild adores

What other place
Than where aunts and uncles come
And with them cousins chase
Delighting in some fun

In the family line
There are others who too chose
To rebel and give hard times
Which makes yours just part of current news

And in the path of forgiveness
Some how this makes a difference
As so many come to bless
Unto hope of repentance
-----------------------
O.k. you moved in with a friend
And your things went here and there
Your car took a nasty end
Too you job... your pocket's bare

Grandma is your second chance
A place to feel you've promise
To lift your circumstance
Look ahead and take notice

You don't have much this time
To unpack in your room
Some friends had been unkind
And sang a selfish tune

Humility and hope
Are the right mixture
To lean towards health to cope
And make happiness a fixture

What better Christmas gift
Than a chance to begin again
And from the past... set it adrift
As with grandma you find a friend

Do You See Us Wearing Our Ties?

Do you see us wearing our ties?
We walk all day as we tract
We knock on doors... oft someone hides
Alone the strength for we'd lack

Sometimes you'll see us singing
This helps us feel close to Christ
How we smile when our phone's ringing
It makes up for every sacrifice

As we've left our homes for this foreign land
And, for now, this is our sole purpose
To preach the word of God to man
As we give our message through service

We believe in the power of prayer
And that many pray for us too
That we'll be led to those prepared
And now today that someone's you

Can you feel that warm loving feeling?
That is the spirit of Christ
It is ever spiritually healing
Those who accept it into their life

We will only be here for a while
As we travel without purse or script
But it is worth every mile
To prepare someone to be dipped (baptized)

As Real As a Heavy Coat on a Hot Day

It was as real as a heavy coat on a hot day
Such that I held my scriptures while I prayed
I'd been overcome with darkness and despair
Till I was restored with light that shed near

Living the Scriptures
Elder Elias Miller
Taipei Taiwan Temple
Deseret Church News
March 14, 2009, 2

When I Express Validation

When I express validation
It's not of flattery or praise
But an honest evaluation
That I sustain you with hand up raised

When Jesus Christ was baptized
Heavenly father said He was "well pleased"
Not to boast or to aggrandize
But, to offer appraisal's appease

Thank you for your dedicated service
For the higher journey that you take
You help to fill my life with purpose
As through you, there's changes I make

Of which in turn you thank me
Such that we feel unity
Is not this what Zion should be?
A form of mutual society?

From back page
Church News
March 2, 2009
Express Appreciation


i spent some time thinking
why do i write
who is it for
what's to come of it
is it any good
and i just feel the spirit
that's my validation
and i love it so much
i will just plug away
and enjoy the process
so if i write from you words a lot
thank you
thank you

Love Was Stitched long

Love was stitched long
Then it was passed on
From one bed at a time
Until it was mine

If this quilt block
Could only talk...
How the memories
Would warm and please

Because it's well worn
It's now an art form
Given with love...
What family's made of

Old Quilt Becomes symbol of Family Love, Memories
Carol Roundy Pett
Satuday
March 21, 2009
Mormon Times

I was so touched by this inventive story
Everyone should have a quilt this old
to part out and display on the wall

The Quest for Zion Awaits Us

The quest for Zion awaits us
It's time to define our journey
To create unity and holiness
And uproot the world's poverty

Zion is not a spot on this earth
But a condition absolutely real
There to recognize we are all of worth
And there's a celestial bond we can feel

Zion- Place, Condition Awaits
Wayne Brickey
Saturday Mar 21, 2009,3
Mormon Times

We Simply Cannot Afford It

We simply cannot afford
To be anchored to anything less
Than the Rock of Redeemer, our Lord
Of whom when we're anxiously engaged, does bless

When Alma said that the word
Can be compared to a seed
I just realized what I heard
The two mean the same thing, indeed

From the words before our face
Come- the things that we learn
And when they are planted by faith
They, like seeds, sprout and to the sun turn

A testimony does grow
Through time as it takes root
Then like a watered plant it throws
Marvelous blooms through its shoots

As a tree that's become seasoned
Knows, well, where nutrients are found
We can search deep and with a reason
To find abundance that abounds

Those who survive life's storms
Have built well upon the Rock
For then the power of the word forms
And the hidden nutrients unlock

Rock of Redeemer
And Power of the Word
Scott Taylor quoting Elder Jay E. Jensen
Church News
Mar 14, 2009, 5

Anything is Possible

Anything is possible
When Christ is our leader
Even the impossible...
Faith enabled Peter!

For he walked on water
To become like the Master
Until his thoughts bothered
Unto a near disaster!

Peter was knocked silly
By a single fact of nature
Yet, when faith was willing
His spirit soared to mature

1. When we focus on Christ
We overcome self doubt
For there is so much more light
When we have Him about

2. But, still, we are given
To sink in "woah is me"
Yet we'll lift to heaven
When gratitude breaks free

3. Now's the time to get lost
From what is overwhelming
Free service is the cost
To lift us from anything

4. But, let's still remember
That our self reliance
Fans to flame life's embers
From, save, a Christ-like stance

Like the call to walk on water
Brent Top speaks to single adults
Molly Farmer
Mormon Times
Deseret News
2009-05-17

The Greatest Gift of Value

The greatest gift of value
For mankind here today
Is the Book of Mormon
The keystone of our faith

Prepared by the Lord's hand
O'er a period of many years
In fact more than a thousand
To testify so clear

In our day, the Lord's borne witness
That the words there in are true
That it contains the gospel fullness
Telling what great faith in Christ can do

It laid the sure foundation
For the restoration of all things
And as our path of inspiration
It's a gift with solemn warnings

For once received unto righteousness
A journey of faith begins to crown
That when we trifle with and think it less
Our spirit darkens on its way down

The word testament means covenant
Thus we've the old and the new
But, we've another covenant
We've the Book of Mormon too

The early Saints were rebuked
For treating this great book lightly
It should be a lifetime pursuit
As a keystone holds things highly

This central stone of our religion
Like an arch would crumble without
It lies there to keep us safe from sin
That unto good works, we're about

It's testimony is undiluted-
Of the divinity of our Savior
And its power can't be disputed
As its promised witness is prayed for

It teaches in plain language
As it was written for our inspection
And the warnings keep us on edge
From those who fell to destruction

It provides a complete explanation
Of what the Atonement means
And of doctrines required for salvation
Indeed it's the book of our dreams

Unmistakably, it points to Christ
As they knew of His miraculous birth
And they awaited signs in the sky
That would tell them He was on the earth

And as all things seem to parallel
Moroni saw what's similar with our day
This gave him hope through his peril
For he could, at least, warn us of what's coming our way

The evils of secret combinations
The path of persecution and apostasy
The downfall of pride upon the nation
All this, he saw, in graphic and chilling reality

Through the book we learn how to live in times of war
And that wickedness never is happiness
We find words that give us power and comfort
For its a marvelous work and a wonder that does witness

A man can get nearer to God by its precepts
As with it we've Him more in our daily walk
For we're blessed constantly with His presence
As through prayer and the book we can talk

As we read a power does flow
To help us resist temptation
And of how to repent we'll know
As it assists our education

....lastly, it lifts us from condemnation

Hunger and thirst for each truth
And prayerfully put them to test
Help teach and expound to our youth
And hold to the rod for the best!

The First Presidency Message
The Keystone of Our Religion
President Ezra Taft Benson
Ensign?
From: A Witness and a Warning
Salt Lake City
Desert Book Co, 1988

Thy House of Prayer

Thy house of prayer
Is a holy place
With Thee to share
And our sins erase

We offer up
On Thy holy day
The sacred cup
And bread to partake

The prayers spoken
Reach our humble hearts
That are broken
For what light imparts

The tables laid
Thy conferred will speak
The shepherd's paid
That we might be meek

He the I am
Who perfectly taught
Was as a lamb
The firstling of flock

He felt our sins,
Sweat in our sorrows
And He did win
For us tomorrows

His slaughter worn
Through pure hands and feet
Midst pain lone borne
Nailed on a thieves tree

Here in is grace
And truth fully seen
The human race
Can now be made clean

Here we accept
Our Lord's sacrifice
Though we're inept
To know the high price

His offering
Gives us His great name
His suffering
Shields us from sin's blame

We of His sheep
Still remember Him
For His watch keep
We offer each hymn

Here we rejoice
For we have His name
We know His voice
Through doctrine's we've gained

We eat and drink
Ever love does fill
Less we now shrink
We seek for Thy will

Our wounds He heals
And ever they're lifted
Our pain He feels
How we've been gifted!

Ever once more
We've covenants remade
Through our Savior
Thy path Thou has laid

As though from food
The sacrament soothes
From soul to foot
Our spirit then moves

Heavenly Father,
Perfect love Thou sent
As living water
We drink of what's lent

How can Thy Son
Remember us still?
Our lives, He won
Of this we do thrill!

Heavenly Father,
For mercy we plead
Thou the author
Knows best of our needs

Wilt Thou bless us
With hope for these days?
Brightened by trust
Of Thy tender ways

L. Tom Perry
As Now We Take the Sacrament
Ensign, May 2009

Dear Adam- Please Forgive Us

Dear Adam, please forgive us
As in life we have moved on
For you now live with Jesus
And with Renny, Demara is strong

When you died, she nearly vanished
As her heart whithered away
As a soul ever famished
Till dear Renny came her way

Truly you were a giving man
And you said to do the same
Moving on was in the plan
If the war your life did claim

Thank you for your brave life
We miss that precious smile
How you cherished your wife
Please know we miss you all the while

For a drop off and Vacation

For a drop off and vacation
We loaded up our van
For our daughters education
We'd go to their college town

The vehicle stopped with a jerk
As we crossed the hot desert
Then into flames it burst
Thankfully... none were hurt

We'd grabbed what e'er we could
Then watched the flames which darted
Straight unto our salvaged goods
To finish what they had started

When the firemen arrived
Nothing of the van was left
But our smiles had survived
Because our faith had leapt

My recommend was unburned
And a violin was intact
Such that to the hymns we turned
Which amazed the firemen in fact

There on the scorched roadside
While offering up our hymns
The fireman did decide
"Why, these folks must be Mormon!"

Linda Rehart
Left with a Violin and a Hymnbook
Ensign, January 2009, 58

Faith to Ford the River

Raphael Mateo and his son
Eyed the rushing waters
As it was growing swollen
From the stormy showers

They were already drenched
From trudging the downpour
On a journey that was stretched
With a need to do but more

The water moved so swiftly
As the father stepped in first
And, almost, he was set adrift
When a hand thrust him from the worst

Now safely standing on the bank
He realized something grand
Twas not his son he must thank
But an unseen heavenly hand

He had crossed this river
Many times up to his chest
But this time his deliverer
Saved him unto rest

Could the sole good reason
He was safe with his son
Be because of his service
Which fulfilled a higher purpose?

When you are on an errand
That's been called for by the Lord
Have faith you are entitled
To His help there in to Ford

Yours may not be a river
Or a mighty rushing stream
But He will still deliver
If to Him you trust and lean


Faith to Ford the River
Adam C. Olson
Ensign, January 2009, 26

Psalms 18:16-17
He sent from above, he took me,
he drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy.

You Are Not Truly A Soldier

You are not truly a soldier
Till you've put your life on the line
And carried someone on your shoulders
And felt heat around you shine

Thus, you must practice drills
Midst leaders screaming in your face
That you might have adrenaline chills
Which makes the heart stop and then race

You are not truly a soldier
Till you leave loved ones behind
Who misses you so deeply
That they're always on your mind

Dear Soldier, May you fight for their freedom
Awaiting the day that you'll reunite
And know that all the little weesomes
Are praying for you tonight

What's a country without the brave
Who are willing to sacrifice?
That to tyranny we'll not cave
No matter what the price

I am ever thankful for the land
That's protected from above
And for the soldier who understands
Truly what it is to serve and love

Dear Adam, I still miss you
As a mother does her son
In our hearts we are ever true
To our link forever strung

A Father to Grown Children

A father to grown children
Has but his best advice
That if they but then do them
They'll be safe from strife and vice

A Father Has a Sacred Trust

A father has a sacred trust
To show children what is just
Ever, their eyes are on the look out for
Something to look up to and strive t'wards

A father has a sacred trust
To admonish well what is just
Though at first they might be prone to fit
They will discover, ponder, and... profit

It is a process of development
That one day they'll look back and see what you meant
For now they must study all things out
And make choices of what they're about

Dear Father- You're a Wonder

Dear Father, you're a wonder
That all men I measure under
Thankyou for doing your best
And being an example that never rests

I Am Capable of Much Moving

I am capable of much moving
When I am spiritually fed
Let me engage in doing
Once I move from beside my bed

My Journal Reads: Let It Rain

Our Stake President once encouraged us
To start writing our thoughts drop by drop
As such now I've a reservoir of trust
That's developed from a pen that cannot stop

Kersten Campbell
Ensign, January 2009, 69
My "Let It Rain" Journal

That You Might Not Suffer

That you might not suffer hardship's price
Ever your father offers his best advice
He has learned through the years
And would to save you from those tears

Oft family patterns repeat
While performing the same feat
Save yourself and listen well
That you may leap when others fell

My Faithful Gardenias

My faithful gardenias in a pot
Produce their blossoms when it's hot
But one season they did not
I brought them in... Then I forgot...

Then one day while yet in January
Something happened that was extraordinary
My gardenias bloomed! With fragrance worth sharing
But, my dear friend found it more than caring

"How did you know? My favorite!" She said
As she lay there wilting upon her death bed
"I didn't, but God did", came my reply
T'was a miracle for her, we could not deny

For Heavenly Father was fully aware
That Anita was in need of tender watch care
And that she'd not make it until Spring
Well, back last year, He knew of this thing....

See her resting in her casket?
And of all the flowers lying near in baskets
A single white lay on her to rest
Pinned to what endows her the best

Wendy Foutz McKinney
Gardenias in January
Ensign, June 2009, 60

You Already Have All the Cool Stuff

You already have all the cool stuff
So, I couldn't think what to buy
Till I remembered I was too rough
With that thing which I used to pry

Perhaps while I am at it
I will clean up your tool shed
For I scattered what wouldn't fit
So it wouldn't land upon your head

On a Virtual Tour

On a virtual tour
Of my very own home
I see how I live
And of what's mine to own

Compared to what I want
How do I compare?
With all this shown up front
Where does the spirit lie there?

For if Christ were to visit
Would I be ready?
Have I a place He could sit?
And a room for clean bedding?

He is welcome any time
So I'll carefully prepare
That His spirit, He will find
To let Him know He's welcome there

Gary E. Stevenson
Sacred Homes- Sacred Temples
Ensign, May 2009

There is a Simple List

There is a simple list
To keep us safe from harm
With perhaps this being first:
Lean not upon thine own or man's arm

For, with God we know who we are
And where He would we be moving
Thus we should not drift so far
That we forget the "why" for doing

Those who apostate oft
Were strong when they had commenced
But, to own paths they wandered off
When they left God's rod to take offense

Ever mists of darkness
Cause Saints to lose their way
When their owns sins aren't addressed
And they forget to hold on and pray

Yet, the tree of life still awaits
With fruit that's precious to eat
If to God's words they would awake
And lay their burdens upon Christ's feet

Each Sabbath that's started right
Includes the Lord's bread and water
For then we've Christ's spirit and light
To help us taste the love of our Father

He would we serve our fellow men
And help them to find their way
Let's recognize what's noble within
And heed what the spirit does say

Then, too, let us not forget
What lies beautifully between heaven and earth
The temple's our safety net
For the highest blessing of celestial worth

Elder Claudio D. Zivic
Avoiding Personal Apostasy
Ensign, June 2009, 26

When Lehi received the vision of the tree of life,
he saw that "there arose a mist of darkness;
yea even an exceedingly great mist of darkness,
insomuch that they who had commenced in the path
did lose their way,
that they wandered off and were lost" (1 Nephi 8:23).

See Our Country Flag?

See our country flag
Wave upon the breeze?
May it never still nor sag
But flow lovely like the trees

May it ever flutter far
Freely to be seen by all
Like the sun, moon, and stars
May our freedom never fall

I Once Knew What Alone Meant

I once knew what alone meant
As an addict without hope
But, now through the atonement
I have Christ to help me cope

He took my sins away
But, for now, not the urge
For that I still must pray
Till I learn enough to purge

For now He grants me patience
That I might endure well
To solidify my change hence
Unto peace there in to dwell

For now he plants my feet
Where they are safe to walk
And he helps me there to meet
People with whom He'd have me talk

Lia McClanahan
Addiction Recovery
Healing One Step at a Time
Ensign, June 2009, 61

Dear Daddy

Dear Daddy,
With all of my heart this day
I love you more than I can say
And I thank you for all you do...
As your example shines so true

Thank you for providing
Us with a home and a car
And for ever guiding
Even when you travel far

Thank you for the time you spend
Doing the things you know I like
And for your shoulders you oft lend
On life's mountainous endless hike

I want to grow up to be like you
Faithful, strong, and valiant
And, I pray to Heavenly Father, too,
That I might share in some of your talents

I Need to Talk to My Father

I need to talk to Father
When something happens bad
Any hour- it's no bother
Time for me- he'll always have

I seek for his perspective
As it's solid as a rock
He'll listen then he'll give
Sound words each time we talk

For him I am so grateful
He ever offers to provide
That when a day seems fateful
I lean on his strength to guide

The World's in Turmoil

The world's in turmoil
Upside down in fact
I must do more than toil
If I want to stay in tact

Jesus, set my gaze aright
T'wards what is enduring
Unto potential and light
Where of social ails there's curing

In Thine eyes the first is last
And the poor are ever rich
Help lead me where best to cast
Unto Thine school of fish

Acts 17:6
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
Thoughts while reading
James C. Howell
The Beatitudes for Today

See the Bigger Picture

See the bigger picture
Of what's in the scriptures
The offer of so much more
To those whose spirits are poor

We have so little to give
And yet everything to receive
If through the Lord's guidance we live
And we choose to do and believe

Read the Beatitudes
In the Savior's company
And be fed as with rich foods
Which fills our heart's new opening

Each phrase is as a pearl
That's strung into a necklace
To make a better world
That's brighter with white newness

Come and be adorned
While hungering righteousness
There is beauty from the Lord
That to the meek, He does bless

He'll help our hearts be pure
As our minds discern
His words ever endure
As to them we read and turn


Thoughts while reading
James C. Howell
The Beatitudes for Today

Thou the Savior and Redeemer of Man

Thou, the Savior and Redeemer of man
Hath lived out perfectly God's plan
How can I thank Thee enough?
Thou hath filled my life with love!

And as I express my mind
I even more do find
That as my thoughts expand
I see more of Thy works at hand

Thus, ever I am in debt
And ever I am blessed
Such, that again I've wept
From thoughts newly confessed

Empathy

I have felt such pain
That I now feel deeply
And when I see tears rain
I am too found weeping

Now, I see your pain
Though inside you keep
For your smile does wane
From bottled tears so deep

You are now distraught
Let me lend an ear
And we will both be taught
As we sense God's comfort near

When Empathy is Learned

When empathy is learned
Our heart to another is turned
As births buds of charity
That we can comfort with clarity

From our own pain we see
And feel with deepened depth
Such that it is the seed
Of love's flower we'll not forget

The Spirit of the Lord Poured

The Spirit of the Lord poured
Into the depths of my soul
As with the Holy Ghost I bore
A testimony that was whole

I spoke of Jesus Christ
And what He means to me
My gratitude for the price
Of His work of atoning

I invited others then
To share from their heart
And such spirit did descend
That great wisdom did impart

Jacob 7:8

Why Does My Heart Weep?

Why does my heart weep?
And my soul sorrow?
Such that I am weak
Unto sleep on the morrow

Awake my soul
No longer droop in sin
Rejoice, oh my heart
And let my prayers begin

Lord, may I praise Thee forever?
As the rock of my salvation
Wilt Thou make my paths straight for endeavor?
That in deed I accomplish my life's education

Let not a day drift unto regret
But, make my heart and hands Thy tools
Help me that I might not forget
That to feel the spirit is my crowning jewels

2 Nephi 4

The World Has Been Turned Upside Down

The world has been turned upside down
And is ever in need of Christ
We must stand steadfast as Zion
By being upright and oh, so nice

Thoughts while reading
James C. Howell
The Beatitudes for Today

In Celestial Mansions

In Celestial mansions I picture
Cultivated hearts and minds
As well I see our heavenly parents
Exquisitely and perfectly refined

Just to see their faces, what pleasure
Such that's it's inconceivable to me
With each utterance angelic and measured
Their home must exhibit purity and sincerity

What would be found there for entertainment?
A library filled with masterful works?
Surely paramount to our literary attainment
Would be the scriptures and holy words

And if we could peek through a heavenly veil
With each scene would drift glorious melodies
Next to which all we've known on earth pales
As we'd keep company with these tunes in our memories

May we prepare for the coming of our Lord
By cultivating refinement where we live
That as His own, foreordained and favored
We're prepared for what our heavenly parents give

Elder Douglas L. Callister
Our Refined Heavenly Home
Ensign, June 2009, 55

The Lifestyles of the Famous

The lifestyles of the famous
Show that they try so hard
To shock and outrage us
As of morals they discard

The world says they have it all
Beauty, money, and prestige
But, in one second they can fall
When someone else the new does seize

Unchain the Divinity Within, 14 Day Con't day 2

Unchain the divinity within
Begin today through earnest prayer
Then search through the scriptures now written
There you will find... you are almost there

In humility, seek to know the Master
And accept His invitation to become like Him
Then when comes a day of disaster
The weight of it's trial will lighten

James E. Faust
First line...
When in South America he said:
...a seasoned group of outstanding missionaries was asked, "What is the greatest need in the world?" One wisely responded: "Is not the greatest need in all the world for every person to have a personal, ongoing, daily, continuing relationship with the Savior?" Having such a relationship can unchain the divinity within us, and nothing can make a greater difference in our lives as we come to know and understand our divine relationship with God.
We should earnestly seek not just to know about the Master, but to strive, as He invited, to be one with Him (see John 17:21), to "be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man" (Eph. 3:16)
....
It is my testimony that we are facing difficult times. We must be courageously obedient. My witness is that we will be called upon to prove our spiritual stamina, for the days ahead will be filled with affliction and difficulty. But with the assuring comfort of a personal relationship with the Savior, we will be given a calming courage.

14 Day Walk with Christ -Oviedo Ward Youth

Day 1

The literal Son of God
The Creator of Heaven and Earth
Condescended and walked upon sod
To lead mankind unto great worth

Let's take a walk with the Savior
And journey His paths to tread
While pondering the world's unique flavor
Let us know that by Him we are led

Let's awake and arise our faculties
To measure what's divinely in reach
That we might attain new ability
As we practice what the Master does teach

Then with built character, we will rise up tall
To experience virtue, knowledge, and temperance
While being increasingly humble- lest we fall
Thus following our Savior with more diligence

click on title to go to the sugar doodle site to go the the 14 day walk
I have written a poem to go with every day.  See labels below...
D&C 130:18
Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life
it will rise with us in the resurrection

intelligence= truth and light
temperance= the ability to moderate oneself

Imagine Yourself at the End of Your Life

To imagine myself at the end of my life
With the slow tick of time as my trial of strife
Then left only with memories of what used to be
What would I look back at and tell the now me?

1. What are the things that truly do matter?
Set all the rest to the wind there to scatter
2. Don't fritter away time being discontent
If something's amiss, now's the time to repent
3. Develop yourself: be creative, invent
Value your family, where time is best spent
4. And more than anything done on this earth
Get to know God, for death is a rebirth

thoughts from reading
What Got You Here
Won't Get You There
By Marshall Goldsmith

I was attracted to the picture on the cover
A man standing on the top rung of a tall ladder
and out of reach another ladder hanging in the sky

I skimmed it to the end and found this jewel:
Pause and ask the person you will be when you are old and dying.
What will that elderly person say to you?
He said when death bed persons are asked what really matters
it isn't money
but
relationships, happiness, following dreams, and meaning

We Are Ever Free to Choose

We have the right to choose
To morally act
This we will never lose
If we keep to laws exact

As such we can predict
Each eventual outcome
For there's habits which constrict
That when we quit, we blossom

There was a war in heaven
To defend and preserve agency
Now, I still must fight Satan
Or he'll be the master of me

The father of all lies
Seeks to deceive and blind men
But no matter how hard he tries
In bondage, we get sick of him

For there's but one destination
When he makes all the rules
And that's called domination
As of those dependent on him, he fools

And thus we each can see
Choices have opposites
In the war of agency
Each must decide where one sits

Today, at every turn, much does confuse
And it seems traps are set everywhere
But, if of God's laws we don't abuse
Then we can find safety in His care

As members, we are so blessed
With soul saving gospel light
And of this we do oft attest
With confirmations of what is right

Oh, how great the goodness of our God
He has prepared a way for our escape
That though sin and death is our lot
It's in and through redemption that we're saved

For as it is easy to detour
We need a path that's chosen well
Even in deed an exemplar
Who's good works do perfectly tell

Good choices rise as does a ladder
With added rungs each time we learn
That we're happier and not sadder
When to our potential we turn

Just think of the potential
Of seeing higher and farther
And, too, being introspective
While listening to our Father

Such that we bask in lofty freedom
Amidst the mighty sky and wind
Which does not fade in the darkened season
For we're confident of a new rung in the end

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Moral Agency
Ensign, June 2009, 46

THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI
CHAPTER 2
Redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. Between 588 and 570 B.C.
1 And now, Jacob, I speak unto you: Thou art my first-born in the days of my tribulation in the wilderness. And behold, in thy childhood thou hast suffered afflictions and much sorrow, because of the rudeness of thy brethren.
2 Nevertheless, Jacob, my first-born in the wilderness, thou knowest the greatness of God; and he shall consecrate thine afflictions for thy gain.
3 Wherefore, thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother, Nephi; and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God. Wherefore, I know that thou art redeemed, because of the righteousness of thy Redeemer; for thou hast beheld that in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation unto men.
4 And thou hast beheld in thy youth his glory; wherefore, thou art blessed even as they unto whom he shall minister in the flesh; for the Spirit is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And the way is prepared from the fall of man, and salvation is free.
5 And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever.
6 Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.
7 Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.
8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.
10 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement—
11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.
12 Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God.
13 And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away.
14 And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.
15 And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.
16 Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not bat for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.
17 And I, Lehi, according to the things which I have read, must needs suppose that an angel of God, according to that which is written, had fallen from heaven; wherefore, he became a devil, having sought that which was evil before God.
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
19 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth.
20 And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth.
21 And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents.
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men care, that they might have joy.
26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the Law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.
27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and call things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.
28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit;
29 And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
30 I have spoken these few words unto you all, my sons, in the last days of my probation; and I have chosen the good part, according to the words of the prophet. And I have none other object save it be the everlasting welfare of your souls. Amen.

Through the Gift of the Holy Ghost

Through the gift of the Holy Ghost
I have found what I need the most-
A comforting feeling like unto love
That testifies to me- God dwells above

I Found Myself

I found myself
Midst the humble prayer I did speak
In my plea for help
T'was for wisdom I did seek

And then, I could not hide
My past and all that was undone
Such that I felt inside
To share in the name of the Son

I Have a Bra I Live to Wear

I have a bra I live to wear
More too, I've holy underwear
But, I'll not share much more than that
As it's covered modestly where e'er I'm at

My Body is the Temple

My body is the temple
Of my spirit that's unseen
And so I'll dress it nobly
As though I were a queen (king)

Thou Alone Knows

Thou alone knows what's inside my heart
Let it be broken at each weeks new start
Let the atonement set me free
That twards eternity, I can see

In the Shadow of the Temple 2

In the shadow of the temple
I'm reminded of who I am
God's child- plain and simple
To do great things, I can

I Have Something I Know

I have something I know
With every fiber of my being
That the Spirit does flow
When we're spiritually being

May My Prayers Ascend

May my prayers ascend
Beyond the ceiling
As from God descends
Guidance and healing

I Read Your Sweet Story

I read your sweet story
It could have been me
Living out the same tale
Wondering what was to be

We've been richly blessed
Though from far different lands
Each has taken a test
That we scarce understand...

At age fourteen, I met a preacher
Who taught me of the Master Teacher
From that day on- I knew Jesus Christ
And He became a part of my life

For three years I prayed in His name
I would tell Him of all that came
How I felt and what I wanted
Soon, my faith became undaunted

I constantly received
Promptings, for I believed
And knew I was not alone
That to God, I was known

Through this pattern, I was prepared
For the gospel that was then shared
As one day, God said, "It is time"
Which He spoke to me inside my mind

I studied and searched around
Until His church, I truly found
Such that I remember my first meeting
And the missionaries I took to greeting

But, it was the Spirit that taught me the most
Through the promptings of the Holy Ghost
Where once I was without purpose and drifted
I have been called... and more I have been lifted

I once felt small and insignificant
But knew from the sky something was magnificent
The answers came one step and a time
And now I share this journey that has been mine

Susana Lyou Mantle
Finding My Purpose
Ensign, June 2009, 44

It is Ever Magical

It is ever magical
To find one's self
In another's tragical
And... unto God's help

I Found Myself While in Prayer

I found myself while in prayer
For I thought above my cares
And as to God I beseeched
Clearer insights I then reached

Through the Language Barrier

Through a language barrier
God speaks to each of us
As through the spirit carrier
We bond unto great trust

The Morning Sun Rises High

The morning sun rises high
Before it is then seen
But, I'll still rise and awake
From my nice and long dream

For in that quiet hour
When all is serene and still
I have time with my Father
To ask humbly of His will

I Am Living in my Car

I am living in my car
Except for the nightly room
And the waiting is so hard
As it's still not nearly noon

Let Me Dream of Beauty

Let me dream of beauty
In the sky and on the earth
Then I'll see things newly
When arises a new days birth

I've Three Lovely Sisters

I've three lovely sisters
That I look up to quite often
They tend to me like sitters
And lift my heart, there to soften

With Faith walking before me
Holding up her lamp
I try not to stumble
While she moves with a "can do" stamp

One step and then another
I find Hope steady and keen
Soon all will work together
Through her confidence, serene

Still, I've one more sister
Her name is Charity
Who to my path now enters
Offering assistance with clarity

Soon, to our brother's path we'll find
As her steps are so like His
For her works are ever kind
Without pride or want of notice

I am glad for my family
They are gifts from above
And I learn from them amply
As they lead me out of love
To Father...the best there of

Larry Hiller
Hope: The Misunderstood Sister
Ensign, June 2009, 8

click on the label
Hope the Misunderstood Sister- below
and find several other poems based on this Ensign article