In Holland During WWII Lived a Family Named ten Boom

In Holland, during WWII
The Jews were being hunted
And like the family called ten Boom
Christians took them in, undaunted

One day, the Nazis laid a trap
Many were killed as bullets struck
2 sisters were sent to camp
In the infamous Ravensbruck

The horrific months were slowly spent
By expressing gratitude for each day
Never did they regret why they were sent
For they had God's word and they could pray

In the end, Corrie survived, Betsie did not
Once out, she taught the war ravaged, of forgiveness
Determined to share what she learned from God
Till, one day came the test for faithfulness

A man approached...she knew his face
He'd been one of the cruelest guards she'd known
And spoke close to her leaving little space
Asking that forgiveness to him be shown

He was now a Christian... seeking for freedom
From the torment of the damned
Wanting a place in God's kingdom
He sought repentance at her hand

Corrie ten Boom looked at his hand held out
Seconds passed...she silently prayed
God forgives those who forgive, she had no doubt
But this moment heavily weighed

Woodenly, mechanically...then
She thrust her hand into his before her
A warm current of healing sprang between them
She said, "With all my heart, I forgive you brother"

For another moment, their hands held
Amidst tears flowing... there was love
Come of God, intensely by both sides felt
This is what forgiveness is made of

For those who eschew evil and live good lives
Who strive for a brighter and more perfect day
Though there's tragedy...things get better as one strives
To follow the Savior who shows us the way

From Gethsemane, the cross, and the tomb
He rose triumphant gloriously
And as it is His countenance we weekly re-assume
We've a duty to live our lives virtuously

thoughts from
Our Path of Duty
Bishop Keith B. McMullin
Ensign, May 2010, 13

And Nothing Shall Offend Them

Through the strengthening power of the atonement
An offense is over-ruled. We triumph
We can live together with at-one-ment
If we petition in prayer for guidance

Keeping covenants requires dedication
And, of the many who've left their covenants
They are in need of our inspiration
We need prayer to break down walls of offense

Why have they not been participating
In the blessings and programs of the church?
Offtimes they're lifestyles are dissipating
And, grievances have turned them away hurt

These are some of the reasons some have cited:
Some felt excluded and without a friend.
Until some have moved or died
Some vow to not set foot in again

With commandments they struggled to live within
They avoided change and went another way
Do they remember the spirit given?
Do they remember what the scriptures say?

Where once they might have viewed us severely
We pray that they might feel of our concern
If we'd visit and ask them sincerely
Perhaps the spirit might help them return

One of the Lord's disciples has proclaimed
It is time to stop feeling offended
Each of us do things of which we're ashamed
It's time for the lost sheep to feel tended

All must act and not be acted upon
As free agents we can choose for our good
It is time to find the faith that we stand on
The Holy Ghost will witness how we should

[Verse 1] Through the strengthening power Of the atonement An offense is overruled We triumph We can live together With at-one-ment If we petition in prayer For guidance Keeping covenants Requires dedication [Pre-Chorus] And of the many who've left Their covenants They are in need Of our inspiration We need prayer To break down walls Of offense [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended We can heal We can come back together We can heal If we turn and believe [Verse 2] Why have they not been participating In the blessings and programs Of the church? Offtimes their lifestyles Are dissipating And grievances Have turned them away hurt These are some Of the reasons Some have cited Some felt excluded And without a friend Until some have moved Or died Some vow To not set foot in again [Pre-Chorus] With commandments They struggled to live within They avoided change And went another way Do they remember The spirit given? Do they remember What the scriptures say? [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended We can heal We can come back together We can heal If we turn and believe [Bridge] Where once they might have Viewed us severely We pray that they might feel Of our concern If we'd visit And ask them sincerely Perhaps the spirit Might help them return One of the Lord's disciples Has proclaimed Each of us do things Of which we're ashamed It is time For the lost sheep To feel tended [Chorus] It is time To stop feeling offended It is time To stop feeling offended All must act And not be acted upon As free agents We can choose for our good It is time To find the faith that we stand on The Holy Ghost Will witness how we should

Elder David A. Bednar
“And Nothing Shall Offend Them,”
Liahona, Nov 2006, 89–92

This Day- Probation and Grace

 

[Verse 1] Each day Thou gives us is as a fine treasure, For me and my house to serve with great pleasure. I've sought Thee early to find and to know Thee. Bless this wise servant for what brings cleansing. We have been given probation to improve. While we have bodies ever to control and move, We can know which tasks truly matter the most. Bless me with promptings of the Holy Ghost. [Pre-Chorus] Prayerful reading can set our course each new day. When we submit... we act without a delay. Will my garments be white to go no more out? Help me to know how I can show Thee I'm devout. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Verse 2] We are here to prepare for eternal life. We rejoiced to prove we're faithful despite strife. We can show we will do all the Lord does ask. Help me to choose against temptation's strong grasp. We needed someone with grace and God's favor. Who could perform with love as beloved Savior? We chose Jesus Christ to come qualify us. Help me not procrastinate, while there's justice. [Pre-Chorus] Although we may struggle with complacency, We have been placed purposely since infancy. Though we're seasoned we have not yet done our part. Help me show endurance with a steadfast heart. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Bridge] Though I'm discouraged with my circumstance, I will carry burdens with more confidence. Each day as thy servant I'll follow through. Bless me to know what I can here and now do. I know Jesus suffered my infirmities. He prayed for all men feeling all agonies. He forgave His enemies and their lies. Help me to forgive and build eternal ties. [Chorus] Help me know, help me know Help me know what to do Help me know, help me know I will follow through Help me know, help me know When the moment is here Help me know, help me know And keep my heart clear [Outro] Help me be thankful that I am yet alive. And to recognize that with Thee I do strive. As a small payment for debt from Christ's purchase, Help me share His charity through kind service. Of those who petition Thy aid, help me see. Bless me to hear Thy voice and know their need. Remind me to pray to Thee both night and day. Help me know my Savior, in His name I pray.

Henry B. Eyring
This Day
Ensign May 2007,89

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/05/this-day?lang=eng

Forgive 70 Times 7

So much energy is lost
When we do not forgive.
The loss of spirit is the cost.
Let go. Be free and live!

Troubled by a debtor and unable to sleep,

He plotted for justice, with impatience grown deep.

How quickly he'd forgotten his own impossible debt;

How, through mercy given, he'd been forgiven- the full depth.

Even more: he and his family had been set to be sold

Along with their property no longer to hold.

Now, he would to not forgive but a small loan?

The compassion once known, was not further shown.

In court, the debtor pled hard for time, before the judge.

The forgiven man's demands would not one ounce budge!

The merciful man who had once paid off his enormous debt

Recalled it in full, and from everything he was swept!

Matthew 18:21-35
www.thefreedictionary.com/debtor‎
One who is guilty of a trespass or sin; a sinner. 

legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/debtor‎One who owes a debt or the performance of an obligation to another, who is called the creditor; one who may be compelled to pay a claim or demand; anyone ...

www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/debtor‎

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one guilty of neglect or violation of duty. 2. : one who owes a debt.

When We Keep Hurt Feelings

When we keep hurt feelings
It's a burden that won't let
When we forgive there is healing
That frees us up to forget

Give Peace Another Chance

Let us give peace another chance
May we start with eye contact?
Each did their best in the circumstance
As in truth is was the spirit we lacked

Before one adds fuel to the fire
Let us light a candle, there to talk
Each speaking softly lest the flame expire
That its burning may serve as our clock

One inch, two inches, three
Till we've have rehashed all the old
Till we can talk again of we
And let the wax be all that's cold

Is There Restitution?

Is there restitution
That I might make?
With a resolution
I'll wrong sins and awake

I'll seek for a gift
It's called charity
And others I'll lift
Without variety

With Christ's perfect love
I'll cast off my fears
Make prayers to above
And right the past years

Man Shall Not Smite

Man shall not smite
Nor should he judge
Man shall not fight
Nor should he grudge

The soul cankers
When we feel hate
It's an anchor
Of heavy weight

We're kept at bay
And can't progress
All that we say
Sounds one address

Who will rescue
To journey on?
With thoughts askew
One's often wrong

Trade that anchor
For a new one
Leave your anger
Call to the Son

He'll carry the load
Set you a drift
Direct your boat
And make it swift

When a storm comes
You'll still go far
As God becomes
Your guiding star

From shore to shore
And sea to sea
You're going towards
All you should be

The Peril of Hidden Wedges

A faller's wedge placed in a tree
Remained where it ought not to be.
The branches grew and swelled around.
And then one night without a sound-
An ice storm weighed the burdened trunk.
And down the branches went- kerplunk.

Some feelings hurt and trouble so.
But, to others they do not know.
It festers much and builds inside,
Though how hard one might try to hide.
Till one day it resurfaces.
And lays more blame with purposes.

A hidden wedge placed long ago.
Has pierced my heart and claimed my growth.
Where it can canker easily.
Imagined hurts and jealousy
Must be resolved, and then destroyed,
For life was meant to be enjoyed.

A burden shared is always best.
When we solve hurts, lay them to rest,
The enemy becomes a friend.
When we forgive there is an end.
We close the gap, we sort it out.
That's what life is truly about!

- Thomas S. Monson

4–9, Jul 2007, Thomas S. Monson,
“The Peril of Hidden Wedges, ” Ensign

Thou Who Knows Of All Suffering

Thou who knows of all suffering,
Please help me to love and to forgive.
When my doubts turn to murmuring,
And I dwell on the pain that I relive.
Till my heart grows so cold and so dim.
Please help me to change from within.
Please help me to forgive all men.

Please prompt me that I will keep my resolve,
And set my mind for when a tragedy strikes
That I'll pray hatred can quickly dissolve.
This I'll do before resentment spikes.
When I forgive, my thoughts will not distort.
And I won't folly through some retort.
I will seek Thee, for Thy love and comfort.

How oft I don't know, I'm prone to sin.
Till I repeat an offense from my past
And I feel the warmth that's from my chagrin.
Then I know all my weaknesses are vast.
If I will falter and make rules to bend,
Help me to admit and to not defend.
Help me to confess and to make amend.

Please help me to be the Lord's disciple?
Help me see how the Son suffered for me.
Help me to be a Christ-like example.
Help me to become all I'm meant to be.
Help me to value those with sound judgment.
Help me to improve how my days are spent.
Help me to forgive without postponement.

And of those who are hardened criminals.
Who avoid facing all their deeper needs.
Help them face judgment unto prison walls.
Where we can begin to plant in them seeds.
They, also, have much pain to undergo.
For what price it takes to repent with woe.
Help me share with them the sweet peace I know.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness
- President Faust

67–69, James E. Faust, May 2007,
“The Healing Power of Forgiveness, ” Ensign

This Day

Each day Thou gives us is as a fine treasure,
For me and my house to serve with great pleasure.
I've sought Thee early to find and to know Thee.
Bless this wise servant for what brings cleansing.
We have been given probation to improve.
While we have bodies ever to control and move,
We can know which tasks truly matter the most.
Bless me with promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Prayerful reading can set our course each new day.
When we submit... we act without a delay.
Will my garments be white to go no more out?
Help me to know how I can show Thee I'm devout.
We are here to prepare for eternal life.
We rejoiced to prove we're faithful despite strife.
We can show we will do all the Lord does ask.
Help me to choose against temptation's strong grasp.

We needed someone with grace and God's favor.
Who could perform with love as beloved Savior?
We chose Jesus Christ to come qualify us.
Help me not procrastinate, while there's justice.
Although we may struggle with complacency,
We have been placed purposely since infancy.
Though we're seasoned we have not yet done our part.
Help me show endurance with a steadfast heart.

Though I'm discouraged with my circumstance,
I will carry burdens with more confidence.
Each day as thy servant I'll follow through.
Bless me to know what I can here and now do.
I know Jesus suffered my infirmities.
He prayed for all men feeling all agonies.
He forgave His enemies and their lies.
Help me to forgive and build eternal ties.

Help me be thankful that I am yet alive.
And to recognize that with Thee I do strive.
As a small payment for debt from Christ's purchase,
Help me share His charity through kind service.
Of those who petition Thy aid, help me see.
Bless me to hear Thy voice and know their need.
Remind me to pray to Thee both night and day.
Help me know my Savior, in His name I pray.


Henry B. Eyring
This Day
Ensign May 2007,89

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2007/05/this-day?lang=eng

There's a Force

The Son of the Morning was cast from God's presence.
The heavens wept o'er him and there was sadness.
He's practiced at persuading others to him.
He took with him a third of the hosts of heaven.
Now he's the bad force bent to destroy us.
He's ever expanding. He's ever devious.
He's smart from experience and not from skill.
His lies will blind men until captive to his will.
He seeks to be in control, his own purpose to fulfill.

He will try incitements and use deceitful ways.
Pretense and sophistries, he weaves in last days.
“All is well we prospereth, so all is well”.
He says as he leads man carefully down to hell.
Now he's a lion seeking whom he may devour,
Ever wanting glory, dominions, and power.
We say “get thee hence, Satan, Imitator.
We refuse to hear your entreaties any more.
We pray for the day you're gone. And your dominions by force.”

The devil cites scripture, if it suits his purpose.
The more we draw to God; he's there to thwart us.
The minute the Saints revolt, what comes from God.
He'll take a hold and have us singing his ballad.
We need to be sober and vigilant this day.
As in the Lord's work we anxiously engage.
We can and do roll back bad input on us.
Through our brother and Savior, our Lord Jesus.
Through him we hold God's priesthood.
We hold God's powers in trust.

We're given gifts from God. We can have discernment,
If we live to obey all God's commandments.
Although Satan knows to sins' our tendency,
He has no real authority, we've agency.
He has no real power, unless we permit it.
A wicked spirits' bound, by law and limit.
We can resist him more than we now realize,
If we heed the counsel of those who do preside.
And allow the Holy Ghost to be our companion and guide.

A wolf in sheep's clothing, He's a thief in the night.
He'll send plagues and break hearts. He'll try to snuff life.
Yet, he needs our bodies for all they can do.
We can render him powerless, if we've faith to.
There is no soul that's safe. That he would not destroy,
For he has legions under his employ.
They are the masters of speech, and they whisp'reth.
“There is not a hell or a devil,” they flatt'reth.
Of this they'll persist to way beyond the umptieth.

We must warn young people of his sly devices.
Before they succumb to his vain entices.
He'll seek to divert them from their future path.
He'd like to hold us within his fingerless grasp.
We have our strong bodies to command him, “retreat”.
Resist him, be righteous and then he will flee.
He'll tell us there's no hope, once we transgress,
But, we've been given our agency to progress.
We can repent of our sins 'though they may be most grievous.

We can voice a warning sound against the devil
And against his angels, who mainstream evil.
On the Saints, he will increase use of power.
As the kingdom of Heavenly Father grows stronger.
We believe that Satan's ever-expanding efforts
prove all the truthfulness of the gospel work.
We will need greater spirituality to perceive
his attempts to pacify and then deceive.
He will intrigue the naive. We can have wisdom or grief.

He'd love to destroy us. Mostly of our usefulness
in carrying the gospel into its fullness.
Yet, we have the still small voice for our stopping.
And if we don't listen, we'll fall to tempting.
This mechanism can't stay when we're weakened.
So, we need to help those who have lost this friend.
Heavenly father, please bless us, when we are weak.
And generously, please, forgive when we misdeed.
Help those in need of solace. And keep us from pride and greed.

President Faust

4–9, James E. Faust, Jan 2007,
“The Forces That Will Save Us,” Ensign