The Art of Trials

They looked like random pencil lines
Each one alone, they took no form.
How could this be a work of art
It was so far outside the norm.

The lines were twisted as if in pain
It made no sense to me at all.
I wished it all to just make sense
So I would not feel so very small.

Years went by to no avail
To figure out what it all meant.
My finite mind, it could not see
The message that, to me, He sent.

One day a knock came at my door
My closest friend was now with me.
Where is that masterpiece of art
The random one you got for free?

I had not thought of it for years
My life had taken many a turn.
I must go search and hope I find
The art for which I now did yearn.

I found it buried deep beneath
The things I thought that mattered most.
I pulled it from its dusty home
It looked so old, just like a ghost.

I gave it to my dearest friend
Ashamed that It had been misplaced.
He took it from its aged frame
One by one it's lines He traced.

These lines, my son, are trials faced
I was beside you with each one.
Never were you left alone
That lonely task fell to my son.

Now hold that masterpiece up high
Against the grand celestial light.
I now beheld what I could not see
The lines now formed a glorious sight.

The image that I gazed upon.
Was me all dressed in radiant white
The image only could be seen
Because of God's pure holy light.

Choose The Right!!

The choices that we choose to make
Remove or add the weight of sin.
When we were young and full of strength
The added weight seemed very thin.

I can make it on my own
I am strong, don’t need God’s hand.
What has he really done for me?
I really do not understand.

Time and years move very fast
Our heavy soul cries out from pain.
The weight we carried for so long
Has now become a prison chain.

One will tell you all is lost
The other says “Come unto me.”
He has the power to break the chains
Remove your pain and set you free.

Believe and follow all God’s words
That is the only path to take.
The first steps back seem oh so slow
Our God will never us forsake.

One step becomes a million
Each one easier than the one before.
With our eyes set on HIS glory
God will provide us so much more.

As we walk along the path
We must hold fast to the iron rod.
That will ensure we eat the fruit
The everlasting love of God.

Find the One

Night had come, the sun had set

He gathered sheep into the night.

Counting each dear lamb with care

Each one was precious in his sight.

Ninety-eight then ninety nine

One more to find to make it whole.

He searched again to no avail

A lamb was lost, it pained his soul.

He would not rest nor would he sleep

‘Till all were gathered in the fold.

Leaving safety far behind

He journeyed out into the cold.

He searched the high land and the low

For signs of life or of distress.

By name he called the precious lamb

He would not falter nor digress.

Through trees and valleys, fields and streams

The shepherd’s search was resolute.

His eyes turned to the heavn’ly sky

“Please guide me to the proper route.”

No sooner than the words were said

Faint cries he heard from a distant glen.

Rushing to the missing lamb

Into his arms it came again.

Safely home both did return

To join the fold from whence they came.

The Shepherd that we call our Lord

Loves each of us just the same.

Dawn of A Million Rivers

Twenty seven short years ago

I knew I was in love with you.

We felt that love was all we’d need

But really, we did not have a clue.

You have always put others first

Because you felt that you were last.

How I wish that you could see

That in God’s image you were cast.

You have followed his only son

In every footstep, every day.

Loving us with all your heart

You do not know another way.

Why God sent you here for me

I hope to someday understand.

I must have earned his precious grace

To have been giv’n your blessed hand.

I’ll forever be in His debt

For giving me a way back home.

Know, that without you by my side

I would be lost, on my own.

The love we had many years ago

I know now was just a seed.

That seed has grown into a tree

And filled our most important need.

You are the root of that great tree

And from your strength we all are blessed.

It will grow to infinity

Fulfilling God’s perfect quest.

All that we have struggled through

Makes my love for you deeper still.

Everyday I thank God above

For temples and the pow’r to seal.

I cannot bear to even contemplate

Of eternal glory without you.

Heavenly blessings will be ours

If we serve God in all we do.

My heart is overflowed with love

At times I feel it may explode.

To help protect our tender hearts 

God made tears to lighten the load.

A thousand rivers I have cried

And that is just a start for me.

Millions more I hope to cry

Then my love for you, you’ll see.

Proof of Love

Rays of sunlight from above 

Bring me hope of a brighter day.

As they break the darkest night

Thoughts of fear can no longer stay.

Gentle breezes softly speak

Peace and comfort to my heart.

Just as it moves the limbs and leaves

It nudges me to do my part

Rivers flow from mountains grand

Carving canyons from the stone.

Rocks and stones are tossed and turned

'Till smooth and polished they are done.

Drops of rain from heaven's eye

Tells me that God weeps for me.

He knows and feels all that I do

His grace and mercy make me free.

Through the clouds a rainbow forms

Each color painted by God's hand

No beginning, no bitter end

Eternal life is what He planned.

The great expanse of oceans blue

Remind us that we're very small.

We are His greatest work and joy

And with his help, we will not fall.

Gazing into the darkest sky

Countless stars so brightly shine

Revealing truths so long withheld 

I am your Father, you are mine.

Each of these gifts He freely gives

To show each child the love He feels.

The greatest gift He gave to all

His only son, the one who heals.

A Father's Love

Before he came on earth to dwell

My friend and brother made a choice.

I'll give my life that they may live

And be their mediating voice.

Jehovah was his name of old 

God of Jacob and Abraham.

Mercy flowed from arms outstretched

The one and only great "I Am"

Born to one so clean and pure

Mary brought forth the son of God.

Among the lowly creatures lay

The savior of the world unflawed.

Line by line he learned all truth

He was the master teacher now.

Some did not like his spoken words

We'll rid ourselves of him somehow.

Love and peace would fill his heart

So much that soon his heart would break.

No one really comprehends

The sacrifice that he did make.

Looking down upon his son

God the Father's heart is rent.

To see his son nailed to a tree

His tears came down, all of them spent.

Risen as the third day came

His task fulfilled, mission complete

Returning to his heavenly home

Bathing with tears his Father's feet.

What love for us the Father has

To ransom his begotten son.

We never can repay the debt

For our souls that he has won.

I hope to feel the warm embrace

Of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace 

As I kneel before my king

His love for me will never cease.

Seek the Good

I see a world gone far astray

Hope is lost, I hear some say.

Faith has been replaced with fear

Because our ears no longer hear.

Eyes can't see, for they are blind

We search for things we cannot find.

Hearts are broken, like shattered glass

Help those in need? I think I'll pass.

How sad and dreary life appears     

It seems to bring me only tears.

What purpose does life hold for me?

What can I do, Who can I be?

Do not forget your divinity

Raise your eyes and you will see.

God is there and will never leave

To His son we must always cleave.

Follow the path he laid for you

It shows us what to say and do.

Good deeds are waiting to be done

Will you choose to be the one?

Share your tears and share your joys

Spend some time and play with toys.

Hold someone's hand who's time is near 

Your purpose then becomes so clear.

Look around and you will find

Those to whom you can be kind.

Love and service heal the heart

But you must be the one to start.

Hope is restored, all is not lost

For this peace, there is no cost.

Faith, not fear, lights my way

Seek the good, for that I pray.

The still small voice.

Listen to the whispering voice

Each time you have to make a choice.

It may be difficult to stay strong

But know to God you will belong.

The world has now become so loud

Our heads held high, we are so proud.

We can make it on our own

Until we reap what we have sown.

We must remove the worldly cares

So the voice has room to share.

He's never very far away

His voice is stronger when we pray.

Heaven begins to seem so near

As we take time to make things clear.

Each step we take to change for good

His love for us is understood.

Remove the baggage from our soul

Learn of him, His name extol.

Heed the written word of God

That we may know what path he trod.

Upon our knees we all must go

To learn of God what we must know. 

In quiet places we'll be taught

The mysteries that we've always sought.

Open arms await each one

Embraced by Our Father's only son.

That is our hope, that is our prayer

To be in his eternal care. 

Blessed am I

I sit in pensive recollection

Of all the good that God has done.

My simple mind can't comprehend

The blessings that His son did send.

Then one by one I try to count

The blessings, I find, begin to mount.

It soon becomes quite crystal clear

As I count, I feel Him near.

My family I hold close to my heart

From them I cannot bear to part.

My perfect wife has a sacred place

Next to God's side in timeless space.

My prayer is to always be with her

Of that goal I can be sure.

For if that goal I don't obtain

Forever, will be endless pain.

Each child of mine is a precious soul

Guide them to God is my only goal.

As their father I must always be

The one who loves as God loves me.

Children seem to leave the nest

Long before we think it best.

But trusting God with a broken heart

We learn that God WILL do his part.

As they bring children to this earth

There is nothing of a greater worth.

Grandchildren are sweet angels sent

From God's care, to our children lent.

We now begin to understand

The love God has in his outstretched hands.

If that is all we learn from life

How free we'll be from so much strife.

So many gifts have showered down

We should never, ever frown.

Lets always give God gratitude

To keep a heavenly attitude.

Plates of Gold

To Joseph Smith, Moroni came
Bringing truths from prophets past.
He showed him where the records lay
Beneath a stone, where they would last.

Four long years, he humbly waits
Each year he learns more of God's plan.
At last the plates are in his care
Translation comes from God, not man.

Closer to God you will become 
As you abide the precepts taught.
Believe in Christ is the message clear
That in Satan's trap, you're not caught.

Serve your fellow man each day 
That's how we show our Savior's love.
We don't deserve the mercy shown
That Father sends us from above. 

The natural man, he is my foe
Has always been, since time began.
If I yield to the still small voice
I will become a righteous man.

Pride always comes before the fall
Will that cycle never end?
The great deceiver softly speaks 
Rules are made to break and bend. 

Faith is the key to happiness
We hold fast to the iron rod. 
The seed we plant, nurture we must
So it will grow in gospel sod.

Prayer is what we daily need
It brings our will in line with God’s.
Strength it brings, when all seems lost
To overcome, against all odds.

Christ atoned for all our sins
That the full price we would not pay.
A broken heart and spirit contrite
Will assure with Christ I stay.

Prophecies of Christ abound
He is your savior, you will learn.
He will be born, and he will die
That we, to him, will always turn.

All these truths we have been taught
As words that come from the dust.
The Book of Mormon teaches all
In Jesus Christ we place our trust.

He came for me!!

Thirty three years had come and gone

Since the day a new star shined.

All the prophets testified

Of what he suffered for mankind.

The day began just like before

All just trying to get ahead.

The world would make a drastic change

For it’s creator now was dead.

It groaned and shook for many hours

‘Till all the wicked were no more.

God hid their sins from his wet eyes

It pained Him to the very core.

The Savior of the world had died

His task to save the world, complete.

Back to his Father to report

He did His will, an endless feat.

The world had changed, so much was new

Their homes they did not recognize.

All gathered to the temple grounds

Pleading that God would hear their cries.

From the heavens came a voice

This is my son, how pleased am I.

Jesus came from heaven above

He came to bless and sanctify.

Come touch my side and feel my hands

That ye may know the Great I AM.

I am the shepherd long foretold

Come kneel with me, my precious lamb.

He blessed each child, healed the sick

Prayed to the Father for their sakes.

Each one begged that he would stay

He wept and said, I’ll not forsake.

How I wish we had been there

To bathe his feet, with flowing tears.

His love for us transcends all time

Our faith in him destroys all fears.

Best Friends

Long before this life began,
We stood together hand in hand.
You came first to prepare the way,
I had to wait, so we'd meet someday.

The life you had before we met,
Prepared you for the best life yet.
You weathered storms with awesome charm,
So someday we'd be arm in arm.

You like to call me your shining knight
'Tis you who brought the glorious light.
It blesses all who you have met,
Including both your loving pets.

You have made my life complete,
Filled with joy you make it sweet.
I do not wish it ever end,
Together we'll forever spend.

The love you show our children dear,
Teaches them that God is near.
Your blessed name they'll not forget,
For they're forever in your debt.

You have been my greatest friend,
And that, my love, will never end.
That's the beauty of His plan,
Our families to forever span.

The day will come that you'll be crowned,
Free from trial no longer bound.
You and I again will stand,
With our children, hand in hand.

Return With Honor

Two years have passed as if a dream
The end would never come it seemed.
The days turned into weeks then years
I never thought I'd shed these tears.

A part of me will always stay
With those I helped to find their way.
Some received me as a friend
And others, well...they would not bend.

My clothes are worn, my soles are sore
I wish I could stay one year more.
Two years is just not long enough
To polish stones, that once were rough.

The things I've learned will always cling
Close to my heart, much joy to bring.
This mission does not have to end
If I upon the Lord depend.

Some say it is a sacrifice
I beg to differ, maybe thrice.
The things I've learned and come to know
Have strengthened me and helped me grow.

Bittersweet the end has been
These brothers, sisters now are kin
Part of me they have become
Together we're a greater sum.

I left it all in the mission field
Except for faith's perfect shield.
I Return with honor to my name
My head held high no trace of shame

Teaching Tools

The job was finished, all was done
The tools were put into the chest.
The hammer, saw and electric drill
Had done their part, their very best.

Do you see what we just built?
Said the saw to his hammer friend.
This building is a work of art
One I highly recommend.

Hammer replied with heightened pride
If not for me, walls would not be.
Very true, came saw’s reply
The work you’ve done, all can see.

Don’t forget the part I played
Said drill to hammer and to saw.
I tied it all together strong
Not one mistake nor one small flaw.

My little tools why cant you see
The work was done by my own hand.
Because of you much work was done
You were part of a bigger plan.

You were created for this end
To build my kingdom selflessly.
Now all can come and celebrate
Because you worked endlessly

The Invitation - A short story

There once was a young man who was, what some would say, a very good, clean and honest man.  He always did his best to do the right thing.  The holidays were getting closer and people began to talk of a wonderful, exciting social event that would be taking place.  Everyone who was anyone would be there.  There would only be a few personal invitations handed out to the general public for this event.  Those invitations were highly coveted.  This young man did not really think of going because it was not something he felt was that important.  

After work on his walk home, a gentleman stopped next to him in what appeared to be a very expensive, very luxurious car.  He introduced himself and personally extended one of these personal invitations to this young man.  The gentleman told him that he had been watching him and he was impressed with his work and felt that this young man deserved the invitation.  The young man thought for a few minutes and then accepted the invitation with the thought, “It may actually be a lot of fun, I will get to meet many famous people and It may help me improve my position in life.”  

He was picked up in a chauffeured car and arrived at the party, which was an extremely well organized event.  The food and drinks were exceptional and the people who attended were very well known and powerful.  “This is going to be a great experience.” He began mingling with others,  and as he began talking with others, he realized that people knew things about him without him knowing anything about them.  

He began to be uncomfortable and tried to leave the party, but with so many people there, he was not able to find the exit and was constantly distracted as he was trying to find his way out of this now worsening situation.  He was being derided, laughed at for trying to leave this “wonderful, awesome party.”  After struggling for what felt like days, He was finally able to find his way out after much work.  

Upon exiting the party, he was met by his brother, who he had not seen for many, many years.  His brother had a feeling to come, but was not sure why.  Upon embracing, his brother asked why he had come to this party and was told by the young man that he had been personally invited by a very powerful gentleman because he was being rewarded for being a dedicated worker.  The brother asked the young man to point out who had invited him and upon pointing out to his older brother who had invited him, the brother began to weep.  The young man not knowing what was happening asked his older brother what was the matter.  The older brother told the young man that the person who had invited him to the party was directly responsible for destroying the lives, physically and spiritually of many he knew and loved, and the only reason the young man was invited was so that he would be mocked, scorned and made fun of by those who were responsible for the horrible things done to their loved ones, and in that way, ultimately destroy him as they had destroyed so many others.

The young man slowly became aware of who had invited him and began to remember things that he had previously forgot about this individual.  He felt horrible that he had not known more about the man who had invited him.  

His older brother was very understanding and the young man now committed to know everything he could about those who invite him to do things no matter how good they may appear to be. He never wanted to be responsible for hurting those he loved by listening to someone who had caused so much pain and suffering for him and countless others, who had no love for him whatsoever and wanted him destroyed.

Learn to listen, listen to remember, remember to live!

Mountain of the Lord

The first one was a mountain top

Where God spoke to a chosen son.

Remove your shoes from off your feet

For holy ground you stand upon.

The Tabernacle Moses built

It moved with Israel, where they went.

In this house gifts were received

From heaven on high blessings were sent.

Solomon built a temple grand

To worship Him who reigns above.

His people came to serve their God

And he did bless them with his love.

Now to the latter-days we come

Kirtland was the place he named.

Build my house, was his command

Do this now, be not ashamed.

The dedication of this house

Brought fire and angels from on high.

The temple filled with heav'nly song

To those who've gone we now could tie.

Endowed with power from God above

We now can learn the path to take.

As His children we are charged

To give our all, the world forsake.

The pow'r to bind us for all time

Saves us from the devil's grasp.

Father, Mother, Daughter, Son

Sealed for all time in eternal clasp.

Temples now do dot the earth

Fulfilling prophecy of old.

Faithful we must ever be

To get the blessings long foretold.

Sweet Forgiveness

The battle that I fight inside
Has been, at times, a long hard ride.
My humble heart and natural man
Have been at war since life began.

Holding on to pain long past
Wears me down so hard and fast.
The longer that I hold on tight
My heav'nly goals drift out of sight.

The one who was the fallen star
Tells me that I've gone too far.
That what I've held to for so long
Will give me pow'r and make me strong.

Just as he lied to Adam and Eve
His lies will never give reprieve.
Added to the load each day
Each lie becomes a price to pay.

I fear of letting loose my grip
It could become a quickened trip.
To ends unknown and places dark
I feel my life will leave no mark.

My heart is tired, my soul is spent
To find true peace, I must repent.
Come back to me the whisper speaks
I'll take you on to higher peaks.

Place your burden on my back
I paid the price, took up the slack.
I'll carry you that you may rest
And give you strength to pass the test.

I suffered all to understand
The pain you hold within your hand.
Now's the time to loose your grasp
Reach out to me, my hand to clasp.

Forgiveness is so very sweet
Far better than the richest treat.
The peace will linger for all time
Just give to Him your heart sublime.

Why did I put this off so long
I'll praise my God in deed and song.
He set me free from tragedy
Because of his great love for me.

Trials Of Life

When times of trial weigh us down

Don't be discouraged, don't even frown.

Our faith in him who can do all

Will be what saves us from a fall.

He wants us all to look to Him

To show the way on paths so dim.

His light breaks through the darkest night

To guide us toward all that's right.

His only son paid the price

That sin would not be our vice.

Our pain and sorrow, he too bore

That he may comfort even more.

It may at times seem way too much

That we turn away from his touch.

Remember, He's the only one

Who can undo what has been done.

Why does he do this we may ask

It seems I fail at every task.

Look to his feet, look to his hands

You will begin to understand.

The day will come, when at his feet

We all will bow with hearts replete.

We then will know with clarity

Why he suffered for you and me.

This time on earth will end one day

And with God we'll always stay.

That's why we came from heav'n above

To pass the test and feel his love.

Forever Friends

As long as I remember life

I wanted to become a wife.

I saved myself so I’d be pure

Despite the worlds alluring cure.

Time went by it seemed so fast

Was I forgotten, had I been passed?

A whisper came, “Trust He who reigns”

I soon was placed on higher planes.

Trusting God brought so much peace

It gave to me a brand new lease.

I did not wonder, “What’s in store”

I only knew there would be more.

From across the mountains came

My friend who barely knew my name.

He listened to the still small voice

Then saw my smile and made his choice.

Time has gone so very fast

Our friendship will forever last.

He with God and I make three

A sacred bond to make us free.

We enter in his holy house

And promise to be the only spouse.

When I look into his eyes

I understand God heard my cries.

My friend I cherish above all

Together we will never fall.

With power given from on high

We can with angels learn to fly.

When we meet our Savior dear

Our eyes will open and be clear.

You kept your covenants to the end

Because you were the best of friends.

Marion Goodrich

Written for Shayanna and Steven.

Eternal Brothers

From the time they came to earth

These brothers were of greatest worth.

Hyrum stood strong as a mighty oak

Joseph's light you could not cloak.

Joseph took on a world of sin

When from the grove truth did begin.

Not once could he deny the truth

He learned of God while yet a youth.

Cumorah held a precious book

Hid from the world that Him forsook.

With power from God it came to light

To show the way of truth and right.

Hyrum remained at Joseph's side

His humble spirit blocked out pride.

Faithful to his brother dear

His earthly fate he did not fear.

Chosen both as prophets true

They would see God's work clear through.

Many times from families torn

Could any man be this forlorn?

To prison they were wrongly sent

They suffered pain, their spirits spent.

God spoke to Joseph once again

My only Son bore all the pain.

Life is pain, life is sorrow

Know the sun will rise tomorrow.

I try my people to be sure

That their hearts are clean and pure.

Off to Carthage as a lamb

Both brothers soon would meet I AM.

They sealed their word with precious blood

A witness of their greatest good.

Together from beginning to end

Their final act one must commend.

Brothers they will always be

For they live on eternally.