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.

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.