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.

Saved from a fall.

The pain I feel is hard to bear

Like knives plunged deep into my heart.

I try to stop the hurt alone

Remembering not the Savior's part.

Time and time and time again

Will this cycle never end?

Why do I bother trudging on

Am I worth what He did spend?

I hear a voice, a darkened tone

You are no child of God above.

You cannot win, I am too strong

God left you here, how is that love?

I started to believe the lies

And on a slippery slope I slid.

The speed at which I slid was quick

My sins at last, they would be hid.

The darkness starts to be so thick

I start to fear the final stop.

My mind recalled what I once knew.

It was enough to slow the drop.

Light began to fill my mind

Familiar voices called to me.

I never left you here below

Your eyes were shut, that you may see.

All I have is yours to keep

If you will only heed my word.

The evil one will never win

I AM the one who will be heard!

Rescued from a deadly fall

I'll never doubt his love for us.

He has the power to save all men

But we must in him always trust

What Matters Most

The trip I planned was underway

"Enjoy the view," I heard them say.

I'll be back soon to give report"

"We'll wait for you" was their retort.

Thoughts of what I left behind

Began to fill my foolish mind.

Why can't I work while I'm at play

It won't be much... an hour a day.

Why can't the children just be calm

Or go outside and climb the palm?

I had to finish this small task

In order to remove the mask.

"Look at the sunset in the west"

"Look how in dips below the crest"

"Take a picture," I'll be out

I didn't see the little one pout.

Why does he not spend time with us?

Is it because we make a fuss?

I had forgotten who they were

Please help me find a better cure.

The time had come to let them know

That talk is cheap, it's time to show.

It was just then I felt release

From worldly cares, then came the peace.

Why had I wasted so much time

To make a dollar or a dime?

Those things that mattered most to me

Stood next to me, that much I see.

The trip I started long ago

Taught me what I need to know

I found that I had paid a toll

For things that I could not control.

The glasses now upon my face

Help me see into time and space.

To worry over things mundane

Will cause us worry and much pain.

I now resolve to show more love

To be like him, our God above.

This life that we have journeyed in

Is just a test that we can win.

Have we forgotten America?

Two hundred years have come and gone

Freed from the King, our freedom won.

Betray the King and you were marked

To be free men within them sparked.

The resolution which they signed

They held sacred, one of a kind.

God’s hand was there, no one could doubt

For them he would provide an out.

Shots were fired, many men died

Wives and children mourned and cried.

The blood that spilled still cries today

“Do not forget the price I pay.”

Now we sit in present day

Forgetting all that they did say.

Our freedoms trampled, nearly dead

For this their blood was never shed.

The chains of bondage seem so small

We hardly know they’re there at all.

Wound many times around our soul

They bind us tight and take their toll.

It's not too late to break the chain

Return to God and there remain.

God gave us freedom and a choice

We have to make them hear our voice.

Good will triumph in the end

We cannot fail, we cannot bend.

Outnumbered many, many to one

God will prevail, we will have won.

So choose your side most carefully

That on the wrong one, you won’t be.

At times the battle will be fierce

Our hearts and bodies may be pierced.

Some of our friends are on their side

Deceived by him, the father of pride.

Listen to God, the source of light

He is the one that’s always right.

Although at times we'll disagree

I pray for love for you and me.

For we're all precious in God's eyes

For He is the source of truth, not lies.

This country that we have is grand

And for this cause we take a stand.

Let freedom ring for all to hear

We will not cower, that is clear.

Pioneer Strength!

A temple God told them to build

With blood and stone God’s house was made.

Eternal blessings they had willed

To turn the hearts of men they prayed.

Joy and peace would not last long

The temple soon was broke and burned.

Driven from their homes, they’re strong

For God, from them, will not be turned.

On frozen ground the saints traversed

Leaving blood on snow to follow.

Their foes would laugh, and they cursed

Soon their deeds would all be hollow.

Crossed the plains in hand-drawn carts

Many found their God this way.

Their sacrifice to us imparts

To live worthy every day.

Joseph the Prophet!

Joseph read in the book of James

That wisdom God would give to him.

Within his soul his heart exclaims

Gospel light no longer dims.

In the grove of trees he knelt

To ask of God which church was true.

The answer he had heard and felt

The restoration had come due.

Moroni took him to the hill

Where buried deep were sacred plates.

Penned by those who now are still

To save a world from dire straits.

He lived his life to serve the King

For good and bad would he be known.

To God our praises we will sing

When we all kneel at his throne.

My Daughter!

Born to this world on a winter day

You brought such joy to parents young.

From heaven you had come to stay

Leaving God and friends you dwelt among.

Being the oldest, you did not want

Your siblings need your love and care.

Your humble spirit you did not flaunt

To help all return, with none to spare.

You were saved for mom and me

So we would bring more children home.

You’ve been more than you could be

As you go out in the world to roam.

Remember where you come from first

He is your Father, friend always.

Follow His Son and never thirst

We love you and you we’ll praise.

My Lovely Wife!

Just as sun breaks through the night

Warming all that see it’s rays.

You're as kind as the sun is bright

Spreading joy for better days.

As a mother and a Queen

You fill our home with sweets and love.

God sent you from our home unseen

To take your family back above.

Your earthly life is great and grand

Just recall from whence you hail.

Many folk from this great land

Will honor you beyond the veil.

Remember when the times are tight

That God, from you, has not withdrawn.

Think of the sun, it shines so bright

You're as the sun, You are the DAWN!

My Son!

Eighteen years have come and gone

Since you came to us from heaven above.

The kindness in your heart is real

An example of our Savior’s love.

At twelve you chose to follow him

The priesthood power was given to you.

His power to act and do his will

Will be with you in all you do.

A teacher you would soon become

To act in his eternal name.

Called to watch and teach the saints

You stand for Him, without shame.

Sixteen years would bring more change

Power to baptize, break and bless.

Prepare you must, for time moves fast

If in the field you have success.

The time is now for you to go

And serve the Lord with heart and soul.

This time you spend unselfishly

Will bring you joy and love untold.

Mother's Day

For many years you've been the BOMB!

The world's most awesome, sweetest MOM.

You always put yourself in last

To care for others hard and fast.

The many nights you did not sleep

You didn't whine nor even peep.

Your reward is in their smiles

Their love for you goes on for miles.

Many games you watched with joy

To show your love to your young boys.

You taught your girls to love to cook

To you they'll always want to look.

Gone from home they soon will be

Then their hearts will surely see.

They could not ask for someone more

'cause perfect love is at your core.

I could not ask for a better friend

Whose love and laughter never end.

I chose to love you for always

Far past the dreaded end of days.

Hand in hand we hang on tight

For that is what we know is right.

So on this special Mother's day

I pray that you will get your way.

Feed My Sheep

From Adam to the present day

The message of the gospel came.

To children of our Heavenly King

Each one he knows them by their name.

With Love for each dear child of God

We have been sent to teach his word.

His name is written in our heart

We must go forth and do our part.

We have been given his priesthood power

And charged to watch and feed his sheep.

As servants of the Son of God

We must strive on and never sleep.

For if we are to live with him

Our sacred trust we must fulfill.

That we may stand before his face

And be partakers of his grace.

Christmas King

In a stable far away

Our Father's only son is born.

He gave a star to point the way

Although his son, the world would scorn.

As shepherds watch their sheep each night

An angel speaks "be not afraid".

Following the star to this heavenly sight

The shepherds found the child and prayed.

Wise men from the east set out

To seek their King, the one foretold.

With gifts of love, they did not doubt

They found the Lord of prophets old.

He is our King, our Lord and friend

He came to us from heaven above.

He paid the price that we may mend

And return again to our God of love

Angel Child

Straight to us from heaven above

You taught us what it is to love.

When you smiled, laughed or cried

around your finger we were tied.

Pure as white winter snow

Among the angels you would go.

Our love for you will never cease

For that is what brings us peace.

Embraced by Father's only Son

You watch o'er us one by one.

As the sun brightens our day

Your memory with us will always stay

Remember as rain falls to the ground

They're tears of joy spread all around.

For we have been greatly blessed

To know one of God's very best.

Lost then Found!!

A broken lock, an open door

Freedom came with a painful price.

I would not know, for quite some time

Freedom's cost to break the vise.

The world says I betrayed a friend

Left by the wayside to save face.

Traveled for days with just one thought

The day will come I’ll ask for grace.

The one thing that I cherished most

Seemed lost to me at present time.

His trust in me had been undone

I now began a painful climb.

Those close to me were now on hold

That pain gnawed at my soul each night.

As each prayer rose, I heard him say

In dark you walk, then comes the light.

My friend seemed always at my side

At times he carried then just held.

I could not grasp his selfless love

His love for me would never yield.

Eternity had come and gone

Since that day I shunned my friend.

We’ve grown close, as brothers now

Light brings darkness to an end.

Those precious things that matter most

Have been restored an hundred fold.

Why did my friend give back to me

When I had left him in the cold?

My eyes were opened, I could see

My friend had paid for all my debts.

He took me in his holy arms

Pure love I felt without regrets.

Years have passed and time has shown

My friend and Savior lends his hand.

Hands and feet though scarred for me

Will lift us all, and with him stand.

I will always show my friend

My love for him to those I serve.

He gave to me the greatest gift

Of which I know I don’t deserve!!

Mission of Love

A servant of the Lord you chose to be

Clothed with priesthood power and glory.

Sent to teach his children the plan

Fulfilled by the Son of Man.

The light in your eyes will shine bright

For you are teaching truth and right.

Far from home you have gone

But never far from the Holy One.

Gospel truth will set them free

From earthly sorrow, you will see.

The lives you touch will honor you

Eternal blessings will accrue.

This time for you will be the best

For you have been truly blessed.

You were saved for these latter-days

To spread his word, and sing His praise.

Love the Lord and those you serve

With all your might, heart, soul and nerve.

The field is white and waits for you

To harvest souls both clean and true.

Return with honor is the cry

Look up to him, your head held high.

The Savior's love will inside you swell

For these two years have taught you well.

See Them As They Are

You came to us from heaven above

We could see Father in your eyes.

You had come to start your life

Filled with love, warm smiles and cries.

Broken dishes, broken hearts

This life was meant to test us all.

As time went by, It was hard to see

The Father in your eyes at all.

Time had taken from my sight

The person that our Father sees.

The world says that you are no good

I pray that God will hear my pleas.

You’ve grown up fast, the time has come

To leave the nest, through our front door.

My sight is slowly coming back

I begin to see what I saw before.

I had a vision of who you are

The veil was taken from my sight.

Before my eyes stood majesty

Clothed in royal, holy light.

I don’t know why it took so long

For me to see you as you are.

I pray to see you in that light

To see you as God sees you are!

The Olive Tree in Gethsemane

He came into my garden sweet

A look of sorrow in his eyes.

He slowly walked beneath my limbs

Fell to the ground, I heard his cries.

Pain and sorrow were infinite

Far beyond what man could bear.

I tried to help but was in vain

My shade was all that I could share.

I saw the angel come to him

To strengthen Fathers only son.

Three times he asked, let this cup pass

But not my will, but thine be done.

As olives in the press make oil

Our Savior's blood dropped to the ground.

My leaves soaked up his precious blood

I stood in awe without a sound.

Now traitors enter at my gates

To take my maker, clean and pure.

A kiss was placed upon his cheek

A sign to those that he was sure.

Mocked and scorned by his own kind

He stood in majesty divine.

“For this purpose I did come

To purchase you and make you mine.”

“Father, Father where art thou?

My work on earth is now complete.”

His pain is swallowed up in joy

For death would suffer great defeat.

I'll always hold close to my heart

That day he knelt beneath my bough.

He spilled his blood for all that day

I won't forget, that is my vow.