The Gift of Compassion

The gift of compassion

From a horrific blast

With love now impassioned

To our neighbors our eyes cast

 

Fallen bodies surround

There is so much to do

All’s mangled on the ground

We’ll work until we’re through

 

There’s no time for weakness

The survivors must work

All surreal with meekness

Though horrendous, non shirk

 

United endeavor

To remember those lost

With hearts changed forever

Pain and suffering the cost.

 

To those who’ve endured pain

What does our Savior mean?

Do they pray and not feign

Of His peace do they dream?

 

Our Savior gives havens

For safety and for peace

Temples are our beacons

Where hearts and minds increase

 

To our Savior who knocks

May we open heart’s door

Serve Him while there are clocks

And then forevermore

 

- President Monson

 

My Love

When ere the cold hands of death strike

The sun shines through gloom

And for my dear love I would like

Flowers in sweet bloom.

 

In the darkness of the hour

Before that last breath

May, I feel peace and not cower

As I witness death?

 

A triumphant figure awaits

Where my love now goes

A risen Lord past pearly gates

And my friend He knows.

 

I look to my left and my right- (Hinckley-spoke of Pres. Faust)

And I am lonely still

And though there are tears that I fight

I’ve my life to fulfill.

 

I’ve a kind wise Heavenly Father

He knows what I need.

I’ve a kind elder brother

Who knows how hearts bleed.

 

From a talk by President Monson –

 

Windows

An azure blue sky

With clouds that billow

I’ve picture frames in my mind

As though seen through a window

 

A gathering storm

Our Lord’s wave beckons

A window can be forlorn

Or offer promised lessons.

 

They keep out the rain

They keep out the wind

Some windows may shut in pain

When will they ever open?

 

The last supper night

A lonely vigil

He saw our pictures of blight.

Pain, He alone to fulfill

 

The Lord’s Disciples

Left us their pictures

Of Jesus’ miracles

There’s a view in our scriptures

 

We, too, have windows

And lessons they’ve taught

The place a gentle wind flows

To bless others more than not.

 

I Know That My Redeemer Lives

His it was to die on the cross

His alone to atone for our sins

Though we do suffer when there’s loss

Though we weep when we lose close friends

Our Savior is hope and promise

His covenants we will not dismiss

When we sin His pain is there full

And how long before the drops pool?

As we search and ponder purpose

Is there more than life here for us

Out of the shadows into light

Where we have testimonies bright

 

Crucify Him

What does it mean

To crucify Him anew?

Can it be from

Things that we say and do?

 

If we reject

Or modify what He did

And if we doubt

He's divine- How horrid!

 

Today we have

Testimonies that Christ lives

From a prophet’s

Personal knowledge, He lives!

 

Four Guideposts

When everything is new

And you're put on the spot

Breathe, your heart has not stopped.

You've no need to be blue

It is time to be you.

 

Face your guideposts and think,

It's time for reflection.

To reach a conclusion,

It's not time to shrink.

Or to let your goals sink.

 

Take a glance at the past,

Without dwelling too much.

Just long enough to touch

On your 'thankful for' cast.

With gratitude, hold fast.

 

With faith look heavenward

What's divine will fulfill.

Take a breath and be still.

Avoid quicksand rearward.

Lean to your dreams. Onward.

 

There is more than just you,

Reach outward in service.

Your life will feel of purpose

When, for someone you do...

Old fears will depart, too.

 

Press forward, despite peers

Who tower with pressure

For permissive pleasure.

To harbors, our heart steers

Where safe moorings adheres.

 

-Elder Monson

 

 

Tears, Trials, Trust, Testimony

 

I ponder the worth of a human soul.

What is my potential, have I a role?

In the sight of God, I'm told I am great.

His eyes unto all. He waits by the gate.

 

To confound the wise, the weak are chosen

Our Heavenly Father calls simple good men.

Who'll reach, to teach, to touch each precious soul?

Men of devotion, who've faith and high goals.

 

The Master assures, He'll always abide.

If we give our hearts, His Light there resides.

On the Lord's errand, the pathways are straight.

And out of small things, proceedeth what's great.

 

God counts sacrifice, He measures sorrow.

He quickens mem'ries, to aid tomorrows.

Hardships may beckon, let no man then shirk.

The furnace burns hot, He who serves must work.

 

He who notes the sparrow's fall.

Won't neglect the servant's need.

To whom He extends a call.

God qualifies to do the deed.

 

-President Monson

To the Widow Who Grieves Her Son

Many years ago a young man died.

He, the only son of a poor widow.

Now, all alone, how she grieved and cried.

A star of gold upon her window.

Oh, how she dreamed and longed to see him.

And, sought for comfort, would he live again?

What could be said to give her new hope;

Deep in despair, with no way to cope?

 

 

Perhaps the best way to start is prayer.

She humbly knelt and pled in his behalf.

To be reassured that God does care.

Does He have love for her son? He hath!

Fear of unknown and death did concede.

For the Father knows our greatest need-

To rise again. So, He sent His son.

Born in the flesh, the Begotten one.

 

 

Then she felt of God's great sacrifice

How He gave up His prized and beloved son.

For her son, she thanked God for this price.

Now, her journey of faith had begun.

Many years have passed... for her, at last.

She smiled for all her blessings vast.

Alone, as she took her very last breath.

Her son to see... she tasted of death.

 

- President Monson

(Dedicated to Mrs. Patton)

 

The Master Bridge Builder

 

We're as explorers and travelers.

Who're to pass o'er steep precipices.

Yet, below, there's turbulent waters.

And none have prior experiences.

 

But, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Is proven as Supreme Architect.

His cables are saddled and not spliced.(1)

And His anchors suspend well the great deck.(2)

 

He's built three bridges for you and me.

And we must cross them to journey home.

They will save us from our sins, for free.

Here He shines light bright so we'd not long roam.

 

What are these bridges the Savior built?

He, the first to pass- Obedience.

As temptations of winds blow, the cables tilt.(3)

Till a still small voice is heard- “Get Thee hence!”

 

The next bridge is loaded heavily.

So, tall its towers and deep its piers.

There we can act as one heavenly

Heard are calls for Service for each that nears.

 

The next bridge, the angels must bear up.

For on there lie the Prayers for us sent.

And the blood shed is inside a cup.

Here we can stay 'till our days are all spent.

-President Monson (T-o-m-m-y M-o-n-s-o-n)

 

 

1 At the top of the towers each cable passes over a cable saddle. At the cable saddle the cable transfers

the load from the cables to the tower.

 

2 Large anchors, or anchorages, at both ends of the bridge act as counter weights that hold the ends

of the main cables. The anchorages are normally either a mass of concrete or solid rock. In the

anchorage, the cables splay into separate strands to distribute the tension load evenly and safely.

 

3 Because they are relatively light and flexible, suspension bridges are all susceptible to wind. They

vibrate and move, both vertically (up and down) and laterally (sideways). The challenge for the bridge

engineer is to keep this motion within safe limits.

http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/TNBhistory/Machine/machine1.htm

 

Building an Eternal Home

 

The home is the basis of a righteous life.

And no other instrumentality can take its place.

A home is founded by love, respect and sacrifice.

Our thoughts and deeds, and how we live, can build a founding base.

Our homes can withstand the rains of adversity.

The home can be built for eternity.

 

A home is a house of order and of prayer.

If divided against itself it shall not, can not stand.

A house of order can be a bit of heaven here.

A house that's wise is built upon the rock and not the sand.

Our homes can withstand the floods of opposition.

We each can improve our disposition.

 

We must learn our duty, act with diligence.

The service we perform can have eternal consequence.

We cannot afford to skip heavenly assistance.

We pray as we step up to serve with more obedience.

Our homes can withstand the turbulent winds of doubt.

The home is what our service is about.

 

-Thomas S. Monson

 

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 now does grow.

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!

 

 

 

Miracles of Faith

 

A cruel circumstance...

We are left in tears.

If only we'd one more chance

To call back the years.

 

If, why, where, and how-

Will not call back time.

All we have is here and now,

For our onward climb.

 

Then, of someone's worse account...

We see through new eyes.

What trials they did surmount!

We, too, want to rise.

 

And those strugglings in the mind

Mean no more to us.

As old dreams are left behind,

We are free from fuss.

 

When we learn to walk as meant,

Though there is no sight.

We do not need smooth pavement,

To find new delight.

 

If, why, where, and how...

Rephrased in my mind.

A new future, now.

Where we feel life's kind.

 

The miracles of Jesus...

The blind made to see.

When others avoided thus,

He cleansed leprosy.

 

If, why, where, and how...

Our Savior used His priesthood.

By faith, we are healed.

If we believe as we should,

New hope is revealed.

 

- Thomas S. Monson

 

WE SET ASIDE

 

We set aside, knowing we'll be blessed.

With faith, we let the Lord do the rest.

And we are filled with peace, when someday there's despair.

Now is our time to prepare.

Blessings come as we obey.

We learn a debt of gratitude as we

Pray for self-reliance.

In His name.

 

We put God first, by paying tithing.

We're grateful that our faith is rising.

We're building protection from what may be tempting.

Without the Lord we're empty.

(With the Lord first we've plenty)

Blessings come as we obey.

And with a debt of gratitude we do pay.

To Him who insures our way.

 

Compassion lies within each of us.

To those with less we're generous.

With things we can afford, or with things we have stored.

These are as gifts from the Lord.

Blessings come as we obey.

And with a debt of gratitude we can share.

For Him, we give and show we care.
A STONE HAS ROLLED

 

A stone has rolled in the latter days

To break the world of its darkened ways.

Twas started in an obscure place

And now extends to the human race.

 

A stone represents revelation,

Restoration, and elevation.

Twas fashioned without tool or hand

To break tendencies that destroys man.

 

The stone is the solid strength of God

He rules and reigns with the iron rod.

If we turn our hearts toward Him

He'll show us how to become a gem.
Pioneers learned from a rock

 

When the towers babbled, Moriancumer did pray.

Four years they set up camp, much content the Northward Way.

Then he led without prayer, and was rebuked to remorse.

Twas time for eight vessels to take an uncharted course.

When a light was needed, he prayed the rocks would be bright.

This Prophet then did learn that prayers' faith brings treasured sight.

Pioneers need much faith, to find their promised land.

They need to remember, to seek the help of God's hand.

 

When Israel did thirst, Moses could not ignore it.

The Lord did take his stand, above the rock of Horeb.

Moses obeyed with faith; once again he used the rod.

Once again Israel saw, the lifesaving power of God.

We should stand on the rock, and look towards our Savior.

Then we'll best benefit, from his life giving favor.

Pioneers need much faith, they know on whom they depend.

They learned repeatedly, that the desert's not their friend.

 

Bountiful was heav'nly, after an eight year long walk.

But, they'd much more to go. Nephi melted tools from rock.

Laman and Lemuel tried to throw him out to sea.

If Nephi was found dead they thought that they would be free.

But, the Lord did shake them. And they helped to build the ship.

Set for the Promised Land, 'cross the ocean as their long trip.

Our Pioneers are taught through faith. A rock contains the tools,

For curious workmanship, if they'd but apply the rules.

 

When the saints were expelled, they tracked the mountainous trail.

Though starved and though frozen, with handcarts they would not fail.

They crossed at Sweet Water, with three young men as their bridge,

Then faced a two- mile wall. They climbed up the Rocky Ridge.

Exhausted and dying. Their faith was not based in vain.

Brigham Young sent rescue. Soon new saints could come by train.

Pioneers need much faith. Twas on a rock they prayed.

Twas at the height of pain. They were rescued and were saved.

 

Pioneers need much faith and are taught by a great stone.

They seek to find Zion, with God, no longer to roam.

Twas only possible by faith in God of this earth,

Who is our Savior. Who died to give all rebirth.

His suffering was the key. The atonement turned the lock

To final'ty of death. He 'rose from a tomb of rock.

Now we are each waiting, for his glorious return.

He'll stand on the cleaved rock. The Great Day for which we yearn.
SWEET LITTLE BABY JESUS

 

Sweet little baby Jesus with tiny hands and feet,

Turned his head towards me, I knew our eyes would meet.

No other night in hist'ry can compare.

He looked in my heart with his wide eyed stare.

I saw the answer to prayer.

I saw the answer to prayer.

 

Sweet little baby Jesus lies below a bright star.

Now I understand why I traveled so far,

To see the promised son born of Mary.

A humble birth yet extraordinary.

The star pointed down on earth.

And, angels proclaimed his birth.

 

Sweet precious lamb unspotted and without blem,

Born among nature's sweet, to sacrifice for men.

He will pay the price for man from the fall.

And be the Savior for one and for all.

Here lays our shepherd to greet.

The animals lie at his feet.
 

In a world that's bound in sin he came to purify.

He came to give new birth this child meek and mild.

His birth was to show of father's great love.

The long awaited gift from above.

I saw the answer to prayer.

I saw the answer to prayer.

As the shadows of night flee, the spirit speaks to me,

That I saw divinity, as a sweet baby.
The Atonement

 

Our dear Redeemer secured anchors for our safe ascent.

Below all, He suffered solo as He'd been sent.

Our Redeemer will belay, be our guide on our way.

He knows all that we do crave.

To the Father His paths do pave.

He extends torn hands to all to save us from the fall,

If we simply listen to Him and head His soft call.

In time the endless paths we face we'll safely clear,

If we seek His guidance and keep all the required strong gear.

The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.  

 

With Gods' own plan as His focus, as His sole compass.

He came to satisfy sheer justice and to strengthen us.

As the innocent lamb He came, His pure life was slain.

From all sin He did refrain,

To gain more than all of our pain.

He came to conquer all thereof mankind’s devoid of.

And show us the perfect love of Father above,

If we center our lives on Jesus the Christ.

We'll find peace throughout our climb and then sweet eternal new life.

The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.
He knows all the slips each man can make when we Him forsake.

And we think our own paths to make, though the wrong we take.

For tender mercies yet bound can place us safely sound.

He's tried and secured the ground.

As once we were lost, we are homeward found.

To endure the climb, we need the rod for pressing up,

Towards Him who knows of us and drank the bitter cup.

His knowledge lifts our spirit, if we but hear it.

And be Christ-like inherent, praying through His good merit.

The Atonement Can Secure Our Peace and Happiness, as He anchors Gods' love inside each one of us.

 

Richard G. Scott
On A Night

 

On a night where light shone down from the bright skies,

 A town was burdened by kindred’s' with long ties.

And last to arrive: Joseph and Mary.

In labor she's pressed. Soon she should not tarry.

Yet God provides. He'd prepared for them a warm manger.

Of a kind keeper who would welcome a stranger.

Wonder of wonders on this eve,

The babe from heav'n soon here to be.

 

On a night where light shone down from the bright skies,

The sheep and Joseph alone hear her birth cries.

And first to be born when there was no room.

A small babe had struggled to leave its safe womb.

God did provide, a place for the babe from the nights chill,

Where all could welcome the babe quiet and still.

Oh night of nights a humbling sight,

The Christ child under bright star light.

 

On a night where light shone down from the bright skies,

The angels came down to announce Jesus Christ.

The least to be first, the first to be last.

And a star burst forth and on the babe it did cast.

For God had prepared. The lights did direct shepherds witness.

The babe lay asleep on this night of sweet bliss.

Wonders of wonders so sublime

One could hear angel’s trumpets chime.

 

On a night where light shone down from the bright skies,

Far from the east came men noble and most wise.

They paid tribute to our new born king.

And on camel’s backs: three great gifts did them bring.

And God prepared. The nights had clear skies for them to chart.

They knew the distance to travel from the start.

A king a king is born this night

The gifts had to be just right.

 

As we watch the stars shine bright in the night skies.

We think of that star and then try to devise.

All that occurred that night so long ago.

When a star light shone and made the babe aglow.

We can prepare a kind place to ponder in our hearts

And honor His birth; he'll lead us to fresh starts.

Prepare, prepare inside your heart,

On this day near New Year to start.
God's tender mercies

 

Gods' tender mercies flowing down like rain.

Lighten our burdens as they ease our pain,

Giving us hope and guidance from above.

Gods' tender mercies fill our lives with love.

 

When we're discouraged thinking all is lost.

Our older brother knows of all the cost.

He'll guide us to the narrow way to heaven.

He'll lift us up as does the breads' leaven.
Here's a Small Secret

 

Here's a small secret of what some nights I do.

I close my eyes with the light on, I feel warmth too.

There's a grin on my face and my heart sings.

Thoughts of God’s love bring joyous feelings.

These are my small Godly meetings.

For I want to feel His presence is near.

 

We'll this is my small secret that I hold dear.

I've warm feeling from that light on, I shed a tear.

With thoughts of His love I almost can see Him,

While choirs of Angels are singing hymns.

These are my small secret anthems.

And with angels' praising hymns I do hum.

 

The Light of Christ's been in man through all the years.

I know that the Savior helps me. This calms my fears.

The stars, moon and sun denotes there is a God.

If you look skywards you'll also nod.

There is a light bright in the night.

And I'll trust Him to help me do what's right.
He brightens my sight.

The honeybees track bright flowers by the sun.

As God's Angels serve and help we follow just one.

The tallest trees can watch the sun all day long.

If you have high goals, you can't go wrong.

So, remember you're of great worth.

And you have been loved since before you're birth,

And prepared for earth.

 

So, if you like to sleep with the night light on

Try my secret when nights begun.

Dream of the Son.

And picture Angels brighter than the noon day.

And of their kind message they would say.

If angels should visit your room.

They would look as though they'd swallowed the moon.

 

I'm married to a man with a real long arm.

He'll reach to turn off the bed light.

He's full of charm.

He'll kiss my cheek and whisper, “Night, I love you”.

He's in my dreams of peaceful rest too.

When my eyes close for the last time,

This loving kiss tells me that he's mine,

Sealed beyond time.
We Are the Freedom Fighters

 

There is North, South, East and West,

And when I am facing north.

I am lined up with the earth.

I'll salute the flag thus forth.

Its stripes point from East to West.

The sun rises from my right.

This is where our laws are formed.

They were founded on God's light,

By settlers of other lands.

Who for freedom pledged to fight.

 

Our flag is red, white and blue.

Just what do their colors mean?

Red is the badge of courage.

Much blood has been shed for me.

Of those who enlist to prove,

They’re white with integrity.

They are patriots of heart.

They do stand with dignity.

Under skies blue united,

Vowed to protect liberty.
With a hand upon my heart,

I know that I too must vow.

For when I look at the stars,

Down on earth they seem to bow.

They're as eyes that look at me.

How they twinkle with wisdom,

On our corner of the earth.

Leading men from each kingdom,

Who came here to prosper in

Our country of freedom.

 

We represent all the earth.

We've responsibility,

To serve all our fellow man.

To each man's ability.

We need more freedom fighters.

And together we must stand.

We are founded on God's laws.

We must all righteously band.

We have men from ev'ry land.

We must give and lend a hand.
Building an Eternal Home

 

The home is the basis of a righteous life.

And no other instrumentality can take its place.

A home is founded by love, respect and sacrifice.

Our thoughts and deeds, and how we live, can build a founding base.

Our homes can withstand the rains of adversity.

The home can be built for eternity.

 

A home is a house of order and of prayer.

If divided against itself it shall not, can not stand.

A house of order can be a bit of heaven here.

A house that's wise is built upon the rock and not the sand.

Our homes can withstand the floods of opposition.

We each can improve our disposition.

 

We must learn our duty, act with diligence.

The service we perform can have eternal consequence.

We cannot afford to skip heavenly assistance.

We pray as we step up to serve with more obedience.

Our homes can withstand the turbulent winds of doubt.

The home is what our service is about.    Thomas S. Monson
There's Magic in Hearing from Someone Far Away

 

There's magic in hearing from someone far away.

Time fades as you listen to loving words they say.

All our thoughts blend as though two hearts can speak as one.

We are as breathless as though a victory was won.

To hear their voice none worry of the cost.

We're trying to make up for time that we have lost.

We'll feel joy so high as though by angel’s wings we are tossed.

 

When prayers are said do angels delight and bear a record?

How oft we forget to show our God, He's adored.

The angels know some of what awaits me and more.

Do they wish Id pray to Him who does wait at my door?

It seems that there’s no limit to shared love.

Once inside our hearts, love's meant to travel above,

From where heavenly love gently descends as though a dove.
I PRAY IN FAITH