In a Day of Bitter and Sweet

In a day where sweet is bitter
and bitter is sweet,
Mankind needs to be more holy
and not take to strong drink.

The Lord's vineyard has been planted
on a fruitful hill.
With the choicest of grafted vines
That's been cared for with skill.

We, too, grow a young seedling
Nurtured from a seed.
Through faith that promotes actions
We've precious fruit that's sweet.

Evil is not good. It is dark,
And so is its fruit.
Soon what's bitter and rotten
May poison to the root.

The bitter fruit tastes very bad
To those with sweet food.
Wo to them who find bitter sweet
When they have what is good.

The Lord's vineyard has been grafted
To preserve each root.
Each bitter branch will be cast off
And soon burned into soot.

He has grieved much as He's labored.
Trying everything.
As the Lord grafts for the last time.
More servants, He will bring.


Isa. 5: 20, 2 Ne. 15: 20
Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil,
that put darkness for light, and light for darkness,
that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Jacob 5

1Nephi8- Thoughts on Seeds

What do you feel when you hold a seed?
After you've gathered grains of every kind?
If you liken them to your own needs-
Behold, visions may come to your mind

Lehi did this while in the wilderness
And he saw a man dressed in a brilliant white
Who beckoned him to pass the dark dreariness
That was engulfing, thus he prayed with all his might

In time he arose to behold a field-
Spacious and wide- and beyond- a tree
Its fruit, sweeter than any plant could yield
With whiteness brighter than any he'd ever seen

His eyes cast round to where his family stood
At the head of the river and near by
Would they partake as he hoped that they would?
“Please come”, he offered with a loud cry

Some did come and of the fruit partook
It fed their souls with exceeding joy
Dark mist arose and it was hard to look
For, he'd yet sons to come eat and enjoy

Then, he saw strangers along a narrow track
Who pressed along with a rod they held to
Some wandered off and did not come back
While others, after eating, withdrew as shame grew

For across the river ever came the loud scoffs
Of the pride filled people in a spacious building
And as they were wearing the finest apparel they mocked
The humble who enjoyed what the beloved tree was yielding

Ever he worried, would his lost sons find their way?
For he knew how easily seeds could be cast off
As in the nearby depths some drowned straight away
While, still, those who were haughty looked down from aloft

They with their hardened hearts, continually scorn
And distance themselves with their seed
While I to my straylings did ever call out and warn
This fruit is sweet and delicious indeed!

-Lehi's vision, 1 Nephi: 8

A Tiny Seed

A tiny seed from a sweet tender fruit
Is planted in our hearts and takes root
Prepared with truths as a fertile rich land
Its roots grow deep by an attentive hand
New life appears to the sun it strives
With word of God and with love it survives
Through covenants and prayers which protect from trampling
From the things that destroy a small sapling

Deep in the depths of a heart a seed is planted a new life can start!
If we but do our part

A tender tree should not be neglected
The growing branches must be trained, perfected
And pruned to reach up and to the sunlight
Where it draws upon God’s love for its might
Until buds of growth promise a good harvest
Where fruits of faith are sweet, are best
And prepare for an everlasting new tree!
There is a balance to what we want and need!

Deep in the depths of a heart a seed is planted a new life can start!
If we but do our part

The heart is the perfect place to grow things
It’s closely tied to our sacred feelings
A heart that’s tried will feel broken and torn
Yet, strongest branches can then be reborn
For when the storm comes without delay
What’s lifeless will soon be broken away
We learn how to plant to prepare a new heart
The fruit to the faithful, our Lord will impart

Deep in the depths of a heart a seed is planted a new life can start!
If we but do our part

A Planted Seed

A planted seed swelleth
And beginneth to grow
Will much good soon sprouteth?
I desire to know

If it be a good seed
If it be a true seed
I will not cast it out
If it expand the mind
If it expand the soul
It will dispell my doubt

A nourished tree springeth
As it taketh to root
Will branches soon spreadeth?
I desire sweet fruit

Patience, long suff'ring
With increased diligence
I won't neglect to wait
Pure above all that's pure
Sweet above all that's sweet
Fruit's the reward of faith

- Alma 32:30-31

On a Journey Far

Book of Mormon-
On a journey far,
We have come to embark.
On high cliffs we will smelt
Where there is much to melt.
For a ship that is tight,
Must be built just right.

Old Testament-
From the mountain peaks,
Prophet Moses speaks.
When a prophet prays.
We are taught God's ways.
I must keep them, too.
The Lord commands anew.

New Testament-
In the waters deep
My feet gently keep.
As the Savior stays
The high and rising waves.
Only look to Him,
Or you will need to swim.

Book of Mormon-
To the misty dark-
There is not a spark.
Grab the golden rod,
To the love of God.
Watch! Hear those mocking calls?
Hold! There one slips and falls.

Old Testament-
In the desert dry
My mouth utters cries.
And, my Savior leads.
For, He knows of my needs.
Gather manna first.
Look to Him as you thirst.

New Testament-
On a prepared path,
His seeds, I will cast.
If our hearts will grant.
Out will rise a plant.
Tend it. Watch it grow.
Let the waters flow.

Book of Mormon-
In a vineyard tall
The Lord tends but all.
The grafts will reroute.
Then he digs about.
He feeds to the root.
To yield the best fruit.

Old Testament-
In the wilderness,
We were neediest.
And for forty years.
We cried many tears.
Covenants I must keep.
Look first, and then leap.

New Testament-
In the pastures sweet
Lie the wand'ring sheep.
Here the Shepherd came
He called each by name.
Here are the ninety nine.
He has one more to find.

Book of Mormon-
From Moroni's hand.
We have counsel grand.
He saw our day.
There's pride in our way.
His Words have been kept.
So we are not left bereft.

Old Testament-
Promise, the Jews found.
Upon holy ground.
For their sacrifice
Which lamb would suffice?
The best of the lot.
A first without spot.

New Testament-
As the wedding nears,
A new sign appears.
Each must carry oil,
For the marriage royal.
Watch and prepare much.
With light within your clutch.

You cannot read from one
Without pouring into the other
See what the Lord has done
And love one another....