Hypocrisy

Not long ago we visited family in Idaho. Bob and Parleigh (12) did some intense poetry creations. One subject they explored was that of hypocrisy. I suppose that a hypocrite is one whose outside does not match their inside. The opposite might be someone that you can look at and pretty much know who they are inside? The world would be a better place if everybody was like that. I’d like to hear your definition of hypocrisy. The dictionary says, “the practice of expressing feelings, beliefs, or virtues one does not hold or posses.” Anyway, Bob and Parleigh both worked on the whole poem. Parleigh helped to edit all of it and the last verse is entirely her creation. Way to go, Parleigh!

Hypocrisy is a word most souls try not to deserve.
We fall unto it’s evil power when we pretend to serve.
Watch what’s within our own eyes, when we tell others of their sin.
Only when we see clearly, can we help another win.

We each must learn to look within and pray for light above,
That Jesus in His perfect light will guide us with His love.
That we may be worthy of the Holy Ghost to speak peace to our soul
And guide us to truth and light, that we may choose to grow.

A hypocrite knows what is right, but lies or does not speak
For truth and light, then deep inside life’s fear makes us weak.
Only when we stand firm for Christ will He stand firm for us.
Help us to honor our sacred King and grow in Christ’s pure trust.

Let’s strive to be free from hypocrisy with mind, soul, and heart,
And through our Savior’s perfect love, let’s become more pure in heart.
And when we find hypocrisy is slowly creeping in,
Let’s repent and ask for forgiveness of weakness we each face within.

Don’t heed the hypocrites, just listen to our hearts.
Remember in the final days, the wicked fall apart.
Don’t be a hypocrite or fraud, hold tight unto the iron rod.
This is the only way to live again with our God.


(Parleigh and her grandpa Bob taken a few years ago)

Love the Children

I have recently been working with a woman who is president of a children’s organization in our church. She has been a real inspiration to me because she is passionate and unyielding when it comes to children. She wants everyone who works with her to love the children, and to want to show that love. She is a great example. You can feel the love she has for every one of the children, even those that are not very easy to love. This poem is dedicated to her:

Love the children no matter what may come our way.
Our Lord’s pure charity is what we must seek every night and day.
Only by prayerful service can we share our Lord’s pure love.
Love the children in every way. Teach them of God above.

Love the Children

Love the children, no matter what may come our way.
Our Lord’s pure charity is what we must seek each night and day.
Only by prayerful service can we share our Lord’s pure love.
Love the children in every way. Teach them of God above.

Children are such a blessing, and often a sore trial. How quickly we sometimes justify brushing them aside because we are tired of being bothered. There is more distance (physical) between me and my grand children, and it has helped me to treasure the time I do have to spend with them.

Memories

Yesterday our grand daughter shared a thought with us. We were looking at a wall full of family pictures, and she made the observation that each photo paints a memory with so many layers that you have to look deeper to find the whole story.

Thoughtfulness

We spent the weekend joining with family in my childhood hometown for the burial of my uncle. I became re-acquainted with cousins that I had not seen in decades. I was impressed with the love and thoughtfulness exhibited repeatedly this weekend. Because of that, we can feel safe within our families, and our love grows stronger. Even though we have all gone our separate ways, and the roads we have traveled have been unique, there is still a bond of family that transcends all. I was grateful to have felt that this weekend.

Thoughtfulness is a spiritual strength that builds a happy home.
When we each think of others first, then our loyalty will not roam.
Thoughtfulness endears us to each other as we grow.
Thoughtfulness and prayerfulness increases love and makes us whole.


(One of the 1957 photos shared)

A Love Note

I found this poem that Bob wrote for me years ago. I thought it was really cute and appropriate since Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Bob is a great one to always compliment me, and never to ‘put me down’!

What is my mate to me?
Someone to tell my troubles to,
Someone to care for me when ill,
Someone to organize my bills,
Someone to help me see myself,
Someone to love me for myself,
Someone to cook me meals so fine,
Someone to laugh with all the time,
Someone to hug and kiss a lot,
Someone, and that’s the one I’ve got,
Someone to pray with every day,
Someone that needs me all the way,
Someone to grow through life to be
One in God’s eternity.

Thank you Bob, you’re a keeper!

A New Year

On January 1st, I’m usually thinking of how I ought to improve myself. Well, today I feel sad and concerned for a number of individuals in my neighborhood who have serious health problems right now. One dear sweet young lady died last night. another lingers on the brink. Another young lady continues a valiant battle with cancer. Another friend is recovering from a serious accident that will take months to recover from. There’s a heart problem, a shoulder problem, and bowel problems. And so I’m feeling sad today and turned to a journal entry on Memorial Day that expresses my sadness, but also opens the windows of sunshine. I’d like to share it with you. It is written about my Dad.

“I visited your grave today…green grass, the monument, your name, the dates–reminders of a time when you were here. I can visualize your face, and hear your voice. I remember many things: places, holidays, road trips, meals, good times and bad times. I feel the emptiness of your absence and the sadness in it’s wake.

The pain and loss, I think, would be too much to bear, if I thought at all that you yourself really lay beneath the ground. But, no, I do not feel, in fact, indeed, I know, you still live on, the very same, just beyond somewhere. I do not need to see or hear, or even know the place. I only know you live again and we will be together–another place, another time.

I am consoled. I feel hope and rejoice in the reality of a plan that allows me the chance to associate with those I love so much forever, only to be tested with a brief separation that we call death, but is, in reality, just a mysterious journey to an unknown land.

I will not disappoint you. I will not waste time pining about the past and let your absence disable me. I know you would want me to care for others like you cared for us, and to create an existence with an abundance of love and laughter, hope and good things. And so I will revel in the associations I have now. Each minute, each encounter and event is a sacred opportunity and chance to feel and share love, like you gave to me, with those I love her and now.

So Memorial Day means to remember all those whose graves we visit, and to honor them by building timeless, loving memories with my special family I am so fortunate to share my time and space with.

The Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree has become quite legendary. It’s truly one-of-a-kind with more than 200 elephants hanging, or sitting on the branches! We call it ‘The Elephant Tree’. It is on a rotating base so that we can view all the ornaments that surround the tree. If there is an ornament on the tree that is not an elephant, it has some special significance: a vacation, a beloved memory, etc. Such as, The Goose (pictured below) that Bob’s Mom made, but was not found until after her death. We also have a Christmas village of ceramic houses we painted. One of the painted village represents the old Burgoyne Store that our ancestors operated in Montpelier, Idaho. We put our own words to the familiar song, ‘O Christmas Tree’, reminding us of the decorations in our home. Christmas is a great time of remembering as we honor family traditions. What are some of the things you do?

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, you turn so very magically!
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, your ornaments are lovely!
They tell of things we’ve done before, of memories that we adore,
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, All blessings spin before us.
With elephants both great and small; round and fat, and thin and tall.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, the pachyderms are ruling.
The bubble lights go flowing by, as rainbow stars delight our eyes.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, We love your laden branches.
Dear Mother made the goose we found, we think of her each time around.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree, with ornaments made lovingly.
The village lights glow warmly; Burgoyne Store to Christmas tree,
Above the town the nighttime sky has stars that shine so brightly.
The fireplace shows Nativity of Jesus Christ born humbly,
With shepherds and the wise men too, worshiping with me and you.

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Thank You

This is a post-Thanksgiving poem to remind us that it is always appropriate to be thankful. Today I’m thankful that it is snowing and I don’t have to drive to work.

Thank you God for everything
For mountains high, for rivers that sing
For oceans wide with endless sky
For mammals, fish and birds that sing and cry.

Thank you God for family
For grand kids, sweet, where joy runs free
For each child and married spouse
For foods to eat and a cool warm house.

For a wife that cares and honors me
For time to enjoy our family
For vacations amid the cares of life
For trials to share in toil and strife.

Thank you God for thy pure Son
Who gave his all for everyone
Who lived and died that we might see
How we can grow both pure and free.

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Praise the Lord

Why is it that the fall colors: red, yellow, orange, brown….make us feel peaceful and grateful? Tradition is strong. Memories of sitting around the Thanksgiving table with family are powerful, and I am led to give thanks for family, past and present. Another year of peace and plenty. How truly blessed we are. May our thoughts, hearts, and help be turned to those who are in want; the numberless masses without shelter, or food, or even family.

Praise the Lord with heart and mind, by what we say and do.
Thank the Lord for everything we see and know that’s true.
Each day we live, each trial we face; in peace and also war,
The more we praise our Lord and King, the more our joy will soar.

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