Taiana ‘Ileiane Kimanamo’ui Brown

The heavens wept when you were born

On that beautiful, sacred morn.

You made your family tree complete

You were your parent’s special treat.

Your smile was a gift from God above

A symbol of His perfect love.

Pure love you gave to all mankind

To help them, their God to find.

Unwavering faith you did possess

Which saved you from a world of stress.

Ancestors who have gone before

Knew greatness for you, was in store.

Your wisdom had no limits here

For you understood and had no fear.

Humble as the day is long

That made you firm and godly strong.

Trials are as a mountain high

Taking us up to touch the sky.

You understood the test of life

Would at times be full of strife.

You passed your test with no regret

You left your mark on all you met.

Tears on both sides of the veil did fall

As you moved on to a greater call.

Nana, we all look forward to the day

When with your family you will stay.

In the presence of our precious God

In majesty and glory shod.

Marion “Rico” Goodrich

Worth of Souls

A single ray of morning light

Destroys the darkness of the night.

A single act of godly love

Tells me that God lives up above.

I am nothing more than a grain of sand

And yet I fail to understand

That grain of sand is but a stone

That becomes a diamond God will hone.

The world is blind to God’s perfect plan

It stands in awe, of that made by man.

Just as man will return to dust

All things man-made will turn to rust.

Open your eyes and you will see

All that you are and what you’ll be.

The child of a celestial king

Who He gathers under His wing.

We must return to His open arms

He will protect us from evil’s harms.

His power and grace, are without compare

We are His greatest work and heir.

I am one

I am one of God’s countless children

Who lived with Him before my birth.

His plan he made for each of us

To gain a  body and come to Earth.

How hard it must have been to leave

Our heavenly home was all we knew.

We put our faith in His only Son

That he would help us make it through.

I am one of many children

Born to parents who love me.

Their love for me fills my heart

They show us what we can be.

My life is not what I had planned

Why does it seem to be unfair?

I try to follow my Savior’s steps.

And not fall into deep despair.

I am one, but I am known

By a loving Father, in heaven above

He knows my suffering, pain and joy

His son he gave to show his love.

A life of trial our Savior lived

He suffered, bled and died for all.

I now have a glorious chance

To be saved from a frightening fall.

He IS the One, Our savior Jesus Christ

The only one to set us free.

One by one he saved each child

So we could like, our Father be.

He is our Savior, God and king

Always near our side He will stay.

Always look to Him for power
For in the end, Christ wins the day.

Father Jack

He gathered all his family near

To share with them what he held dear.

His love of God and family 

Shone in his eyes so all could see.

He beckoned all who heard his voice

To always make a righteous choice.

Live your lives as Christ did teach

That we may out to others reach.

His greatest deed in this short life

Was marrying mom, his loving wife.

A dozen blessings came to them

They cared for them as a precious gem.

Trials came in many ways

Some lasted years, some only days.

Giving back to God a son

Was one that could not be outdone.

He chose to learn humility

And serve his God most faithfully.

Spreading the gospel was his joy

He knew he was in God’s employ.

Many came to know God’s plan

Through service to his fellow man.

He showed his faith by his great work

He never from a task would shirk.

His faith was strong as a mustard seed

As on his knees he would always plead.

He prayed for us by name each day

That from the path we would not stray.

His legacy he leaves behind

Is not of things or gold refined.

But loving God and His only Son

Is what our dad has always done.

Tight Like Unto A Dish

Ether 2:17
And they were built after a manner that they were exceedingly tight, even that they would hold water like unto a dish; and the bottom thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the sides thereof were tight like unto a dish; and the ends thereof were peaked; and the top thereof was tight like unto a dish; and the length thereof was the length of a tree; and the door thereof, when it was shut, was tight like unto a dish.

"Tight like unto a dish" is a powerful phrase, especially if we follow Nephi’s counsel and “…liken all scriptures unto us” (1 Ne 19:23). If we liken the barges to two homes; our bodies, which house our spirits and our physical homes which protect us from the world, and the sea to the influences and temptations of the world, then this scripture is very powerful.
Notice that the top, bottom, sides and even the door of the barges were “tight like unto a dish” against the fierce, unrelenting sea into which they would be placed.
In order to survive, they were instructed to only open the door to get air when they were not underwater. We as well, should not open our doors to any evil or worldly influences. Many times, once that door is opened, it is very, very difficult to close.
Water has the ability to find its way into any opening no matter how small. We are literally like the barges in the sea. At times we are buried in the depths of the sea and it seems that we will perish, but we see that the Lord will be with us always.

Ether 6:6-7
6 And it came to pass that they were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were caused by the fierceness of the wind.
7 And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters.

Trusting in the mercy, grace and goodness of our Heavenly Father we will be able to overcome the evils of the “sea”. We must do the things asked of us, which include: prayer, sincere scripture study, Family Home Evening, and being grateful for all we have and will receive, especially during difficult times. We must also actively fight against evil, no matter what form it has and where it arises, and do all in our power to keep it out of our bodies and homes.
These simple things keep us, and our homes “tight like unto a dish” against evil.
On a side note, their journey upon the sea lasted almost a year, but the Lord never abandoned them.

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.