Doors of Death

Broken into two songs: 

A crucial component of life
Comes at the doors of death
When we lose a husband or wife
We feel lost and bereft
The separation evokes pangs
Of loneliness and shock
Where this heavy door hangs
There's an unbearable clock

The younger the greater the grief
They're seen as a victim
The tragedy's beyond belief
The loved one's far stricken
Yet, even when the infirm are called
Though it gives them relief
In some way they had stalled
And their last good-bye seems brief

The deepest expression of love
Is to mourn for those we've lost
We've divine command from above
To weep when there's a loss
The only way to avoid tears
Is to remove all the love
Oh, the reunion with our dears
When we return to home above!

God's our primary directive
Spiritually for handling
When we've eternal perspective
We've peace past understanding
Life does not begin with birth
Nor does it end with death
Prior to birth we had worth
We'll go on without breath

As seedlings of God while on earth
We were born to die and then live
From blossoms to flowers of worth
We've a journey with a motive
To everything there's a season,
A time, a plan, and a purpose
We each are here for a reason
And life's lessons will further us

Home Above

Verse 1] a crucial component of life comes at death when we lose a husband or wife we feel lost and bereft the separation evokes pangs of loneliness and shock where this heavy door hangs there's an unbearable clock the younger the greater the grief they're seen as a victim the tragedy's beyond belief [Pre-Chorus] the loved one's far stricken yet even when the infirm are called though it gives them relief in some way they had stalled and their last good bye seems brief [Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above [Verse 2] god's our primary directive spiritually for handling when we've eternal perspective we're peace past understanding life does not begin with birth nor does it end with death prior to birth we had worth we'll go on without breath [Pre-Chorus] as seedlings of god while on earth we were born to die and then live from blossoms to flowers of worth [Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above [Bridge] we've a journey with a motive to everything there's a season a time a plan and a purpose we each are here for a reason and life's lessons will further us [Final Chorus] the deepest expression of love is to mourn for those we've lost we've divine command from above to weep when there's a loss the only way to avoid tears is to remove all the love oh the reunion with our dears when we return to home above

We pass through- not around deaths doors
On a returning trip
To live with the Father once more
Though trials we would to skip
Deaths essential to happiness
And there's life beyond the veil
If we could just peek and witness-
How we'd prepare there to dwell!

For, this much we know within
The real sting of death is sin
As the spirit's mortified
From God, separate, and denied
With opportunity gone
As we see clearly each wrong
That of our sins, we'll not be saved
Except we repent, and have them waived

The twilight of life is long
It's difficult to be strong
We must endure physically
And learn to cope spiritually
We've a divine injunction
To endure till there's no function
With heavy hardships how we lean
But, with them much can be gleaned

We must endure our trials
And suffer long with kind smiles
We'll pattern after the Lord
Through suffering, He loved, adored
And after tribulation
We're promised blessing's station
Our life is temporary
Then there's extraordinary

Returned to God and His home
Where a state of rest is known
This is temporary still
According to our Father's will
The grave must deliver up
The body and spirit cuff
To become a living soul
That's immortal in its new role

Our bodies will be perfect
As they are no longer subject
With eternal laws employed
These bodies can't be destroyed
Then comes the day of our Lord
Where our judgment is offered
There we'll be judged of our works
Presided by Christ and not clerks

Those who've almost to death crashed
Report seeing their whole life flashed
Having a rapid recall
They saw good and bad- It all
There's a sense of returning
And of a bright light burning
Some have seen their ancestors
But, their time was not answered

They live to tell us of peace
We know that life will increase
This is our time to prepare
We can bless others with kind care
Be generous and give thanks
And seal unto your family its ranks
For with loved ones close to enjoy
Death's door will be sweet unto joy

When our departure's at hand
May the veil of death be thin
As loved ones on both sides stand
There's comfort to journey in
Death does not hold one hostage
But, it will come eventually
When we've reached our time full-fledged
Then we slip away ever so gently

Russell M. Nelson
"Doors of Death",
Ensign, May 1992 pg 72

Doors of Death

[Verse 1] We pass through, not around, death's doors On a returning trip To live with the Father once more Though trials we would skip Death's essential to happiness And there's life beyond the veil If we could just peek and witness How we'd prepare there to dwell [Chorus] For this much we know within The real sting of death is sin As the spirit's mortified From God, separate, and denied With opportunity gone As we see clearly each wrong That of our sins, we'll not be saved Except we repent, and have them waived [Verse 2] The twilight of life is long It's difficult to be strong We must endure physically And learn to cope spiritually We've a divine injunction To endure till there's no function With heavy hardships how we lean But, with them much can be gleaned [Verse 3] We must endure our trials And suffer long with kind smiles We'll pattern after the Lord Through suffering, He loved, adored And after tribulation We're promised blessing's station Our life is temporary Then there's extraordinary [Bridge] Returned to God and His home Where a state of rest is known This is temporary still According to our Father's will The grave must deliver up The body and spirit cuff To become a living soul That's immortal in its new role [Verse 4] Our bodies will be perfect As they are no longer subject With eternal laws employed These bodies can't be destroyed Then comes the day of our Lord Where our judgment is offered There we'll be judged of our works Presided by Christ and not clerks [Outro] When our departure's at hand May the veil of death be thin As loved ones on both sides stand There's comfort to journey in Death does not hold one hostage But, it will come eventually When we've reached our time full-fledged Then we slip away ever so gently

THE SYMBOL OF OUR FAITH

They judged Him, as though He were just a Jew.
He forgave them for they “know not what they do”.
He died in pain, loneliness and misery,
Him, the greatest miracle in history.
Without Christ, what of all who've lived and died?
He arose in power, beauty and in life.
Why do ye seek the living among the dead?
He was not there; He'd risen as He had said.

The day dawned and became the new Sabbath.
So, all man could resurrect, as He now hath.
Although He hung on a cross that tragic day,
Keeping covenants is the symbol of our faith.
To a world wavering, there's a new witness.
We've a Book of Mormon and prophet's preface.
It tells of how Jesus came to our nation.
His love's to all man no matter their station.

As His Saints we've responsibility,
To live good lives to our best ability.
We're thankful He suffered the grave price.
From the tomb, He emerged, as our Living Christ.
Though skin worms may destroy this body,
We'll resurrect and then we'll have eyes to see.
Our Lord above, who's dressed in the brightest white.
He's our strength. He's our comfort. He is the Christ.


Gordon B. Hinckley,
The Symbol of Our Faith
Ensign, Apr 2005, 2-6

Verse 1] They judged Him, as though He were just a Jew. He forgave them for they “know not what they do”. He died in pain, loneliness and misery, Him, the greatest miracle in history. Without Christ, what of all who've lived and died? He arose in power, beauty and in life. [Pre-Chorus] Why do ye seek the living among the dead? He was not there; He'd risen as He had said. The day dawned and became the new Sabbath. So, all man could resurrect, as He now hath. [Chorus] Living Christ, Living Christ You rose in power and in light Living Christ, Living Christ You are our strength tonight (You are our strength tonight) [Verse 2] Although He hung on a cross that tragic day, Keeping covenants is the symbol of our faith. To a world wavering, there's a new witness. We've a Book of Mormon and prophet's preface. It tells of how Jesus came to our nation. His love's to all man no matter their station. [Bridge] As His Saints we've responsibility, To live good lives to our best ability. We're thankful He suffered the grave price. From the tomb, He emerged, as our Living Christ. [Chorus] Living Christ, Living Christ You rose in power and in light Living Christ, Living Christ You are our strength tonight (You are our strength tonight) [Outro] Though skin worms may destroy this body, We'll resurrect and then we'll have eyes to see. Our Lord above, who's dressed in the brightest white. He's our strength. He's our comfort. He is the Christ.

Veil of Understanding

May the veil be taken from your mind

Such that your eyes open to understanding 

That there are angels all around, blessing

Children, disabled with what'er life is handing

Tom Obray on Facebook spoke oh angel experience: his isn't a near death experience but I think it's interesting to post on this site. Our stake had recently changed boundaries for several of the wards. I was serving in the teacher's quorum with a good friend of mine going back 25 years to high school. We had an assignment from the stake to visit the Care Center to pass the sacrament once a month. On one occasion we only had two priests and we needed four priests because there was a sacrament for children under 18 and a regular sacrament meeting for those over 18. The children under 18 were all physically disabled and could not walk, nor talk. My friend and I blessed the sacrament that day in the primary. While he was blessing the water, suddenly I could feel the veil becoming very thin. As I stood there wondering what was happening I became aware that there were angels in the room blessing the children. In my mind I could see them going from one child to the next. After administering the sacrament I asked my friend if he felt anything while he was blessing the water. He said yes there were angels in the room blessing the children. Years later I came across a scripture that best described how I felt during that experience. Doctrine and Covenants section 110:1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

#handicappedchilldren

#disabledchildren

#suffering children

I Asked God

Suffering so...

I asked God
And He said no
For how else
Was I to grow?

He Can Turn the Bad Unto Good

He can turn the bad unto good
And bring healing to the soul
If we strive to do as we should
God sends us peace such that we're whole

Ever a diamond shines so bright
When put against the black
So shine away with brilliant light
Trusting God will watch your back

John 16: 33
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

D&C 90: 24
Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and call things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.


President James E. Faust said, “Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. … For some, the refiner’s fire causes a loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process” (Ensign, May 1979, 54).

The pain and adversity we face in this life can be like a refiner’s fire. If we endure our trials well, we can emerge from the fire stronger and brighter.

Jesus Christ was the only perfect person who ever lived on the earth, yet He was scourged, smitten, and suffered all things (see 1 Ne. 19:9). Because He suffered, we don’t have to be alone in our hard times. He understands the pain everyone goes through and offers peace, healing, and eternal blessings if we endure our trials well. Because of the healing and blessing power of the Atonement, we can see our trials as chances to learn, to grow, and, most important, to come unto Christ.

To the sightless or hearing impaired, [God] sharpens the other senses. … With the loss of a dear one, He deepens the bonds of love, enriches memories, and kindles hope in a future reunion. You will discover compensatory blessings when you willingly accept the will of the Lord and exercise faith in Him” (Ensign, May 1996, 25).—Elder Richard G. Scott

D&C 122: 7
And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit,
or into the hands of murderers,
and the sentence of death passed upon thee;
if thou be cast into the deep;
if the billowing surge conspire against thee;
if fierce winds become thine enemy;
if the heavens gather blackness,
and all the elements combine to hedge up the way;
and above all, if the very jaws of hell
shall gape open the mouth wide after thee,
know thou, my son,
that all these things shall give thee experience,
and shall be for thy good.

thoughts while at the dentist office
I have a new dentist!... Dr. Savage
I was delighted to find out he was a member of the church!
I was talking to his assistant about teaching the young women how they stand
out like brilliant diamonds amongst all the black. I miss those girls.

The Pain Was Striking and Intense

The pain was striking and intense
As Christ bore all our sins
With love as an offering
He was crushed in suffering

His agony, underscored,
Not one sorrow was ignored
He sweat blood from every pore
As He taught us what love's for

He heard cries of the innocent
With hands clenched, His heart wrenched
Then in frightful moments fought
All of Satan's darkest thoughts

His disciples lent no support
In sleep, they'd not watchkeep
He was tried and proved our Lord
Let's not weary, we're His sheep

A prayer engaged and delicate
Fleets to the advocate-
Our needs, He discriminates
And with God, He mediates

How can we not remember prayer?
All our pains, He can bear
He knows what we are in need of
As He sends forth love from above

Through His grace comes tender mercy,
Which proves He is discerning

Mommy, Why?

Mommy, why are we leaving home
Where are we going, why must we roam?
Come, come along, my dear precious one
We are going to live in Zion
There we'll build the city of our God
Come follow me, hold my hand and come...

How much longer on the ship? I'm sick
We've traveled so long on this Atlantic
Yes, the quarters are small, the voyage long
But, we're together. Let's sing a glad song
With faith in the Lord we'll be made strong
We'll soon be in Zion, where we belong...

I feel so very sick, I feel so weak
Do you see land? Please, Mommy, go and peek
Yes, you stay with Mary and hold her hand
She has been too weak to even stand
Her lips are pale and I greatly fear
She's soon to pass through this vale of tears...

Why must we bury her out to sea?
Can we sing a song for dear Mary?
The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away
Yes, little child, let's sing and let's pray
If we do according to God's will
He promises us we've His peace, be still...

Why must we walk so long and so far
Can I sit up there, high inside the cart?
We need to keep moving, just to stay warm
Come, and I will hold you under my arm
Here we must step and here we must press on
Until we reach the city of Zion...

Is this our new home, this little dugout?
Is this what Zion is really about?
This quilt can be our door for this winter
For now all we need is quick shelter
We've sacrificed much and we have conquered
May our trials always be remembered...

(One-sixth, died on the journey- there to slumber.)
They did it for you and for me- now- look at our numbers!


Thomas S. Monson, "Come Follow Me,"
Ensign, Jul 1988, 2

I Am As A Wanderer

I am as a wanderer.
My life has been but a dream.
I've been as a conqueror
Fighting enemies unseen.

I am lonesome and solemn.
As a cast out, I'm hated.
I've mourned o'er each new problem,
I've hoped for peace, I've waited.

My brothers fight me in arms
What pain they have inflicted.
How blood-thirsty hatred harms!
And my family's afflicted!

Although I've tribulation.
And soon will go to my grave.
If I could teach salvation
All will not have been in vain.

[Verse 1] I have walked as a wanderer 

Life passing like a faded dream 

Every victory a whisper 

Every battle fought unseen 

Lonesome in a crowded valley 

Silent where the crowds all sing 

Carrying a quiet sorrow 

Still I wait for peace to bring [Chorus] 

If I could teach salvation 

If one heart turns 

One soul is brave 

Then all this pain and tribulation 

All will not have been in vain 

All will not have been in vain 

[Verse 2] Brothers standing there before me 

Yet they raise their hands as foes 

How their anger cuts in secret 

Deeper than a soldier’s blows 

Family faces lined with worry 

Shadows in their tired eyes 

I have wept for every burden 

Lifted up unheard replies

 [Chorus] If I could teach salvation 

If one heart turns 

One soul is brave 

Then all this pain and tribulation 

All will not have been in vain 

All will not have been in vain 

[Bridge] I am lonesome I am solemn (oh) 

Set outside the laughing crowd 

Still I whisper to the darkness 

I will not be turned to proud 

If one cry becomes an answer 

If one seed outlives my name 

Then my grave will hold a story 

Written in redeemed hearts’ flame 

[Chorus] If I could teach salvation 

If one heart turns 

One soul is brave 

Then all this pain and tribulation 

All will not have been in vain 

All will not have been in vain

With a long glance in the rear view mirror,

With a long glance in the rear view mirror,
I think how I've been so defective.
To the Father, Humbly, I plead in prayer.
I long for His love and perspective.

He knows of my shortcomings and despair,
The things which easily beset me.
And for what I need best, He is aware.
I will follow His paths to safety.

How far from sin will be a safe distance?.
My life has missed the best scenery.
I want joy in life, not just existence.
I want vistas and to see clearly.

My Savior, all alone, through His suffering
Knows of the darkness of my despair.
How can I not receive what He's offering?
A second chance, a life with repair.

Traces

My body bears traces of whom I'm yet to be
I can discover talents of divine quality
Then my Spirit will soar as I learn unique purpose
Though crossroads yield temptations- as Satan chases us

My body bears traces of what I was in my youth
Yet my Lord, He erases the pain of sin, this is truth
It's my Spirit that soars though there's disease, just the same
Pain and sorrow, He bears- when I cry out in His name

We must train up each child to be prepared for trials
With Celestial Self-Esteem one faces them with smiles
Through patience and long suff'ring we have much yet to learn
And, those distant traces cause us to strive and to yearn

Though we are forgiven, when we repent, the consequence can
still remain. We are free to make choices, we are not free to
choose the consequences. We must learn in our youth what ways
we will be tempted, how to resist evil, how to hold to the rod,
how to recognize the Spirit and have deep gratitude
for the atonement, how to repent, and how to forgive.

2Nephi 28:15,16, 20-22
1. Pride in our hearts (arrogance, self-centeredness, bragging).
2. False doctrines (false teachers, false religions).
3. Whoredoms (immorality, immodesty, lust, passions).
4. Reviling that which is good (mockery of God, religion, chastity, or marriage).
5. Anger at good (persecution of the righteous).
6. Carnal or worldly security (excessive desire for money or other worldly possessions).
7. Flattery (insincere praise).
8. Deception and lies (claiming there is no God, devil, sin, or hell)

Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3,
Lesson 5: “How Art Thou Fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer”

The Root of Christian Doctrine

We cannot forget, We must not forget, The loving Savior, Our Dear Redeemer, He bought, with purchase, Our pain to save us. The righteous remnant Felt wounds with their hands. It was evident That He broke death's bands, Our burdens, His all. We are saved from the fall. Where else would we go? Our hearts have felt and know Our climb to belay Oh, Lord hear us cry. When we are awry, Please show us the way. Please keep us from sin. Our souls Thou did win. Please root into hearts, Thy suffering and death. And as this week starts, Please grant us with rest. Please help us obey, Thee, the Life and the Way Where else would we go? Our hearts have felt and know

- Thomas Griffen

12–16, Aug 2007, Thomas B. Griffith, “The Root of Christian Doctrine, ” Liahona

WITH A GLANCE IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR

With a glance in the rear view mirror,

I turn to my Father in prayer.

I know I need perspective.

Tender mercy and care

Where, from sin, I am freed.

Lifted from doubts and despair,

From things that so easily beset me.

Where there is love that naught can compare.

With the spirit I can see what needs to be...

I want to know, where I need to go.

For I want to grow.

Who can know what lies before each of us?

I turn to my father, dearly.

For He can lead me to a distance.

Line upon line to grow, slowly.

I turn to Him humbly and fully.

And He raises me to see more clearly.

I recognize, it is the vistas I need

In the past, I'd missed the best scenery!

With the spirit I can see what needs to be.

I want to know, where I need to go

For I want to grow.

When I strive to reach new heights,

I think of my Savior in prayer.

Will I ever grasp all He has done for me?

As He suffered great pain to bear?

He alone, understands where I've been

Who I am when no one's there

He, alone, sees beyond my frailties.

My greatest fears, with Him, I can share.

With the Spirit I can see, 

He died for me.

I want to know How I can show

That I love Him so.

A Moment Intense

A moment intense
With problems immense
Drops us to our knees,
Enveloped with strong pleas.

Our prayers can be brief,
Or burdening with grief.
He is there to hear.
For He is ever near.

When we need guidance
We're not left to chance.
His words do impart
Inside our minds and heart.

If we desire it,
Prayer will calm and quiet.
For what's expedient,
Prayer's the ingredient.

The more we struggle
To daily juggle.
Our character grows,
As our gratitude flows.

- Richard G. Scott

8–11, May 2007, Richard G. Scott,
“Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, ” Ensign

Prayer

When Life is intense and we feel lost- powerless,
The wise seek humbly for direction- with passion
And yearning, from God. He knows what is for our best.
We've new conviction that we need his compassion.

Our prayers can be brief, or take the time that we need.
He is there for us, though we may feel forsaken.
For He's our Father to Him we pray and we plead,
With urgent problems, He who knows best does listen.

To feel His guidance, we must find peace and quiet.
We need to reflect and to ponder where to start.
What is expedient? He'll calm us when thoughts riot.
He will impart words into our mind and our heart.

The more we struggle, our character grows and grows.
To find solutions, we must study trials out.
And ask the Father- what's best for us, for He knows.
As has been promised, peace of mind will come about.

Here I retire, to contemplate, mankind's fate.
With all of my heart, I pour out thanks. He knows me.
How am I doing? Am I staying in the gate?
Life is bittersweet and I am in need of Thee.

- Richard G. Scott

8–11, May 2007, Richard G. Scott,
“Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer, ” Ensign

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

Our Solemn Group

Our solemn group, stands between the many headstones.
With a gun solute, we fold a flag that no longer waves.
Here some family surnames come to a close.
For this great cost the soul moans.
There are so many at war, for a moment, my whole heart caves.
Yet there is pride for those who died with a purple heart.
And for their faithful wives who will oft visit graves.
Who wait alone trusting in a love torn apart.
How can one not hope and rejoice in our Savior
Who art in Heaven awaiting to reunite great love.
When we depart.

Many dear children say to a grave, “I love you, Dad”.
They have tales of courage as their lingering memories.
Families wanting all that they never had.
There's good with bad. And it's sad.
At every grave site rests a casket filled with lifelong stories.
One understands why a hand is placed upon the heart,
Overwhelmed by thoughts of wars price for victories.
For those who died, courageously, who did their part.
How can one not hope and rejoice in our Savior
Who art in Heaven awaiting the righteous who believed liberty,
Was the better part.

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

Rise to the Stature of the Divine Within You

We know we shall reap
Whatsoever we sow
We promise, we keep
Wherever we go
We need not look far
To find gratitude
We share a bright star
For good attitude,
To live as we should

It’s time to rise
With stature divine,
With virtuous eyes,
And a wholesome mind
With love for the land
And the sky above
We labor by hand,
We give and we love,
And we do not shove

A struggling mother
Much marred by abuse,
Needs hope not smother
To feel she’s of use
As a morning star
We shouted for joy
For just where we are-
With life to enjoy
For each girl and boy

With minds full of light,
We’re full of glory
The oppressed now bright
Know a new story
A broad horizon
Can master one’s fate
For daughter and son-
It is not too late-
For love’s bloom, not hate!

We can cultivate
Beauty all around
Through prayer and not fate
We are safely sound
To safeguard from sin,
Stand above evil
And rise and begin (clean the drab within)
Speak against what’s ill-
And, harvests then fulfill

– Gordon B Hinckley

94, Gordon B. Hinckley, Nov 1989,
“Rise to the Stature
of the Divine within You, ” Ensign