Category: Faith

Yesterday we celebrated Easter along with millions of others. Common themes were: bunnies, dyed eggs, spiral-cut ham, purple baskets, plastic eggs filled with surprises, etc. I struggle to keep from being distracted from the awesome reason for the holiday–the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ. I seek never to be complacent about the impact of that message. Because of Jesus, I have hope in a time to come when I can associate with those I love. Death will be no barrier. Easter is the time to bask in His love and promises. (And, yes, to be over-filled with ham and children’s laughter!)

The post below contains the last verses of a poem entitled “Who is Jesus Christ?”.

Jesus Christ suffered for us all on that last great night.
Our sins pressed blood from every pore in Gethsemane’s moonlight.
Judas led armed men unto God’s son. 30 silver coins damned his soul.
They took Christ on the darkest night our world will ever know.

The wicked leaders of the Jews condemned and spat upon our Lord.
Then Pilot, governor from Rome, pled to save him from that blood-thirsty hoard.
The evil leaders of the Jews cried, “Let His blood be upon us?”
Then sent Christ to the place of the skull to satisfy their lust.

Nailed to a cross, between two thieves, Christ asked God to forgive.
Then our Lord gave up his life and went home to God to live.
Christ’s torn body was laid in the tomb as Roman guards stood by.
Angels came and Jesus rose as the third dawn filled the sky.

We believe that Jesus Christ died for every living soul,
And for all who come to know him, our testimonies grow.
Praise to Him from dawn to eve. He is the one true way.
His life and light guide all who seek, learn and obey.

On Sunday, March 20th, the Provo City Temple was dedicated. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints were able to participate by satellite as they gathered in various local churches throughout Utah. We were among that throng here in Magna, Utah.
Several years ago the Provo Tabernacle was destroyed by fire. All that remained was the brick walls that were built with great sacrifice, over 100 years ago by the pioneers. The tragedy was felt deeply by the local saints. Now, fast-forward to today and see the transformation of those walls into a beautiful temple. Those who watched the progress witnessed a marvel in engineering. The outside walls were reinforced from inside. The whole building was placed on stilts as the earth beneath was removed. The entire inside was renewed.
Speakers at the dedication spoke of the Parable of the Provo City Temple. Just as the building itself was renewed, transformed, so we can also be changed, renewed, transformed as we attend temples that are built to open the gates for Heavenly Father’s children to return to Him. It is there that we gain knowledge, increase in wisdom, and receive saving ordinances. This glorious blessing is available to all God’s children.

I found this poem, originally written for our grandchildren, expressing our joy in temple service:

The highest place of learning, of service, and of love,
Is found within our Father’s House. Temples teach us from above.
Like when we climb a mountain, and see earth from on high.
Minds are touched with the splendor of earth, sea and sky.

When we go unto God’s temples, we serve beyond ourselves,
For our ancestors; their joy and eternal wealth.
We seal them as families for all eternity,
Giving all loving souls equal opportunity.

We hear the sacred covenants and we become renewed,
As sacred, holy ordinances are performed and reviewed.
We bask within the spirit that rules time and space,
And find our true connection within this holy place.

We want you to know how much we care for you.
Temples are the highest place to learn what’s pure and true.
Children, please prepare yourselves in worthiness and love,
To serve in sacred temples of our Father up above.

p.s. Temples are earth’s highest universities of our Lord’s eternal love.

Salt Lake City Temple

When trials come, does life seem fair?
Yes, in the dark does someone care?
Are we alone to face the cold?
Or is it true as we grow old
That in Christ’s way we have a friend
To turn to in our darkest end?

When terror fills our troubled souls,
And hatred beams and bullies grow,
And all around seem not to care,
Is it true that Christ is there?

And to each child, a time to search
For inner strength, so in a lurch
When all hell seems to gather ’round
And you feel like you’re going to drown,
Look within in silent prayer,
And ask the question: “Christ, are you there?”

And sweet’s the peace that Stephen knew
As stones caused death, his own light grew
As to our Savior’s love he flew.

Now, child of eternity,
The next time on life’s darkened sea,
Look above; the answer’s clear.
It rings in every life form’s ear.
It’s seen by every living thing,
The universe does have it’s King!

In my search to find myself, I’ve traveled many roads.
The road to fame and fortune sometime can be cold.
For to gain fame and fortune, some men give their souls,
And join a plastic world where truth can never go.
Some lie and cheat to gain success,
And find our when they’re old,
They can’t take money with them.
This thought will leave them cold.

Another road some travel is this road I’m on.
I leave fame and fortune in search of peace of mind.
I look in all directions, sometimes I feel I’m blind.
For of all the roads I’ve traveled, this is the hardest kind.
Step one on this road of mine is the hardest one of all:
Kick out the hate that’s in me and find love for all.
If I can make this first step, the rest will fall in place.
I find you look for good in every single face.
For love breeds love and hate breeds hate,
Or so someone has said,
And every single person has both inside their head.
It would be kind of simple if I could take a knife,
And cut the hate that’s in me and throw it from my life.
Then think no need for guns or bombs, no need to fight a war.
For love’s the key to Heaven. Love opens every door.

Does anyone out there remember President Spencer W. Kimball’s plea for us to “Get around to it; Do it!”? After he preached this over the pulpit, the church manufactured some flat, round things with words printed on it. I can’t remember how they spelled the words, but I believe it was “tuit”. Thus someone might say, “Do you have a round tuit? Somebody refresh my memory!

Anyway, we wrote a poem about getting around to it:

Get around to it; Do it, when we choose a righteous goal.
As we choose what is right, then we will surely grow.
Throughout this life of joy and sorrow, we each must choose our way.
The choices we have made determine who we are today.

Let us live our lives right now. Now’s the time to do it right.
When evil temptations surround us, we can look unto the light.
We can say a silent prayer, and the Holy Ghost will know.
The strength will flow from Heaven, and we will surely grow.

Our choice to be baptized is the right thing to do.
The gift of the Holy Ghost can help us to stay true.
It’s up to each of us to fade, or grow in truth’s pure light.
The more we read and learn of Christ, we grow in Heaven’s might.

Remember to get around to it. Study, fast and pray.
Commit to god to do it each and every day.
Repent and ask forgiveness whenever we are weak.
When we are sincere and humble, god helps all who truly seek.

p,.s. Our weakness turns to strength as we serve the poor, sick and meek.

Ether 12:27
Matthew 3: 13-15

Last week Bob (dressed in Santa attire) and I (like Mrs. Santa) gathered up three of our grandchildren, who wore elf hats, and visited an assisted living center. Our 10-year old grand daughter, Parleigh, wrote a poem for the occasion. I was most impressed, and have chosen it for our poem this week:

Decorations, feel cheer,
Christmas time is finally here.
Christmas wreath, mistletoe,
Star on top, lots of snow.
Ornaments and evergreen,
Polish angels ’til they’re clean.
Snowman, cookies, flying reindeer,
Santa, sleigh bells, stockings cheer.
Garland, presents, family & friend.
Never let your happiness end.

Presents and stockings are okay,
But what about the manger filled with hay?
On a silent, chilly night,
A child born, filled with light.
A manger for the Lord of Earth,
Who blessed the world with his birth.

Some shepherds, wise men (far, not near),
Came to see and feel and hear.
The star on the tree is the Christmas star,
The shepherds followed from afar.
Praise and follow Christ the Lord,
For kindness, love is his sword.
He sacrificed and died for us,
So must we sin and hate and cuss?
Enjoy your presents by the fire,
But remember Jesus and God are the ones you admire.

Many years ago, I rocked my 3-month old firstborn baby boy, and pondered the spirit I could see in his eyes. I was overcome with gratitude and awe, and penned this poem/song:

I know of a baby just as small as you,
Born in a country that the shepherds knew.
A host of angels sang a song to him.
Birds chirped praises and ox kept time.
Stars shone brightly on the night divine
For the little boy born in Bethlehem.

He was born that night for you and me,
So we could grow to perfect be,
and live in joy forever, together.

See the star high up on the Christmas tree,
Filling our hearts with a glow so heavenly.
The packages, tinsel and shiny bows
Remind us of the gifts so long ago,
Giv’n to the babe in the manger hay,
For the very first time on Christmas Day.

He was born that night for you and me
So we could grow to perfect be,
And live in joy forever, together.

And now as I rock my baby tenderly,
I see in his eyes a spark of divinity.
I think of the babe of Bethlehem
Born to crown his fellowmen
And set us free to sing in joy
In remembrance of Mary’s baby boy.

He was born that night for you and me
So we could grow to perfect be,
And live in joy forever, together.

I entitled this painting “Silent Night” in an attempt to visualize–“Silent Night, Holy Night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heav’nly hosts sing alleluia.”

This time of year, this holiday season, really is magical. There seems to be a warmth that comes from the heart and overtakes us. We are more charitable, kind, happy, tolerant, and grateful. There really is a spirit to Christmas that has nothing to do with shopping or gift giving. I believe it is the spirit of Christ that is generously poured out, and I do wish everyday could be like that.

When Christmas comes with winter’s snow,
Each family has it’s certain glow.
The children’s eyes shine like the star
Three wise men used to guide afar
In search of the young Prince of Earth,
Born to Mary of virgin birth.

If there were but one day to use,
And God gave me the right to choose,
I’m sure my choice would always be
The Lord’s birthday eternally.

For after Christmas Day is through
And spring creeps in with green and blue.
As Christmas Day fades into dust
And man makes room for mortal lust,
He turns back to his life of sin,,
Outside he smiles, but cries within.

If there were but one day to use,
And God gave me the right to choose,
I’m sure my choice would always be
The Lord’s birthday eternally.