God's Greatest Gift

Miracle

In one silent, sacred moment,

He joined the human race;

A tiny helpless infant

Just out of heaven’s embrace-

God’s Only Begotten,

The Messiah, Prince of Peace;

The Savior of us all

Whose love will never cease.

 

It is beyond me to express just how much the Savior means to me. Though born in such humble circumstances, He grew up to be the one and only person who could save the world...one human being, one brother, one sister at a time. He gave His all...to save us all. What deep gratitude I feel for His love, His example, His strength, His sacrifice...that I might have eternal joy and peace if I but choose to follow Him...be the receiver of His great gift.

Invitation

Come
 

Twas only after their journey-

A long and arduous one,

That Mary and Joseph were blessed

With the presence of God’s Son.

We too must take a journey

With humble and hopeful hearts,

To reach Him who’s patiently waiting

All blessings to impart.

Where Is YOURS?

Focus

Joseph, do you see them,

Those people standing near?

They have come to celebrate

Our son’s special day this year. 

They’re gathering together

So they can honor Him

To celebrate His birthday

Complete with all the trim. 

The mood here is so cheery;

The people are so kind.

They are the happiest people

You or I will ever find. 

Just look at all the gifts

They’ve brought here for our son.

It seems as if they love Him;

They know what He has done. 

He served them all so selflessly

Each day throughout the years;

He has loved and healed them

And wiped away their tears. 

He will be so honored;

This wasn’t just a whim.

Oh wait–what are they doing?

I guess they weren’t for Him. 

A Painful But Necessary Process

Reflection

Close observation,

The most intense heat;

Silver is purified,

The process is complete.

Close observation,

I’m driven to my knees;

And He’s a little closer

To purifying me.

There was a group of women in a bible study group, reading the book of Malachi. As they began reading chapter three, they came across verse three, which says: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver”. This verse puzzled the women and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out about the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next bible study.

That week this woman called up a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him work. She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest in silver beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire to let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest so as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding each of us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse that says “He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver”. She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on it the entire time it was in the fire; for if the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” He smiled at her and answered, “Oh that’s the easy part…when I see my image reflected in it then I know it is refined”.

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep His hand on you and watch over you until He can see His image in your countenance.

Sometimes This Seems So Impossible

Stand Aside

Overwhelming sadness

Grips my heart and mind;

I am searching everywhere

But peace I cannot find.

I feel something ominous

Consume my weary soul;

As deepening fear and panic

Spin my thoughts out of control.

Desperately I utter

My requests for some relief;

While doubting the validity

Of my incessant grief.

Then quietly the answer comes,

“My child…change your view;

Let the burden you carry go,

This isn’t about you.

You are not that powerful,

Give up your selfish pride;

This test is for someone else…

You must stand aside.”

  

At times I find myself feeling extreme sadness, anger, or sometimes even fear, about how circumstances surrounding other people are affecting me. The emotion consumes me and I find I’ve made myself to be a “victim” of their circumstances. Time and time again, it’s “all about me.” Through some very personal experiences, I’ve learned there’s wisdom in learning not to internalize other people’s trials. While it’s expected of us, by the Savior, to have compassion…to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort…we must not stand in the way while He lifts and comforts, and strengthens and teaches in a way that only He has the power to do.

Not A Poem...But A True Story

SEEDS

Her name was Julie. She was a cashier at a local grocery chain I frequently shopped at. Young and petite with short honey blonde hair, she had large striking eyes that glistened when she smiled. She had a fair and seemingly flawless complexion and a smile that glowed like the moon on a clear dark night. Over a period of time we came to know a little about each other through short conversations we had while she rang up an assortment of gluten free items I had come in to purchase. She was married and had two children she absolutely adored. She often had photographs of them with her that she’d quickly take out to show me; I knew from the look in her eyes when she spoke about them, she loved them more than she had words to express. A few times I was able to share simple testimony of the importance of the family unit. One day I asked if she had a church she belonged to. She replied that she and her husband attended a church in the community together. I quickly summoned all of my courage and told her I attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints then invited her to bring her family and attend one Sunday in the near future. She thanked me but declined, stating that she was quite pleased with the church she attended. Deep in my heart I felt she would have a chance to hear and accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I was not prepared for the circumstances which would afford her that opportunity.

 On the evening of June 3, 2005, the local news jolted me from my state of semi-awareness, demanding my immediate and undivided attention as the news anchor announced that Julie and her children had been murdered…presumably by her husband. I was too shocked for tears; my mind went crazy with denial…there must be a mistake. They have her confused with someone else. This just cannot be true. In my head I tried to rationalize in so many ways, but my eyes verified the truth of what my ears refused to believe when a photograph of her family flashed blatantly on the TV screen. I was too horrified to hear or see any more, and quickly tried to divert my attention back to preparing dinner. But I’d lost my appetite and it seemed a hopeless cause.

Two days later, I boarded a flight for a previously planned trip to Salt Lake City, Utah. On that beautiful late spring afternoon, my sister and I visited Temple Square, where we soon found ourselves wandering toward the North Visitor’s Center. Upon entering, we slowly made our way up the ramp that led to the statue The Christus. Suddenly overcome with fatigue and a jumble of emotion, I quickly found a place to sit. In an attempt to silence my weary mind and calm my troubled heart, I looked up into the face of the Savior and let a flood of tears wash down my face. Memories of my friend Julie flashed through my mind, and though I really just barely knew her, the hole her death had created in my heart had become too enormous to bear. This was the first opportunity I’d had to contemplate that horrific event, but the questions that barraged my mind had more to do with her “here and now” rather than the circumstances surrounding her death and the deaths of her children. “Is she afraid? Who are they with? Did someone she know come to ‘get them’? Are they being taken care of? Did she know I counted her as a friend?” As a youth I’d sat through many lessons that focused on the life hereafter, and I’d already experienced the loss of loved ones, but somehow knowing Julie’s life had been violently snatched from her shook my faith in ways I had not expected. 

Softly and quietly, the peace and comfort I was so desperately seeking came. “Do not weep for her,” the Spirit whispered to me. “She is finally safe.” Slowly, my eyes were drawn to the outstretched arms of the Savior as I heard a sweet and loving message of reassurance. Those arms…His arms…had held her and her children; had comforted them and escorted them through the passageways of heaven to a place where they would be encircled in love and enveloped in the security of peace. They were in good hands; they are in His hands.

Always Remember...Never Forget

Humility

Pain, Heartache

Illness, Grief

He knows them all–

Art thou greater than He?

How well He knows us. How well He knows our struggles.

Do You Know How Much He Loves You?

Scars

Some scars deep and ugly

Are hidden well from view

While others stand out cruelly

No matter what we do. 

Reminders of our lessons

In patience and endurance;

And strength to overcome

With Heaven’s reassurance.

Some years ago on a hot summer day in South Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hold behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an aligator was swimming toward the shore. His mother in the house was looking ou the window, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother. It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator. Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches were his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved. The vewspaper reporter, who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my harms, too. I have them because my Mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle He's been there holding on to you. The scriptures teach that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way. But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with  with peril--and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

The Choice Is Yours

Inventory

Looking on the surface

One would never know

If I will hesitate

Or if I’ll choose to grow.

No one knows my struggles;

No one hears me cry

In the lonely darkness

As I’m pleading to know why.

In that desperate silence

The choice is mine to make;

In a learning moment

Do I allow my heart to break?

Or do I pray for strength

To finish in this race;

Not quit, but go the distance

No matter how I place.

Each time I meet temptation

I ask myself once more

If I have what it takes;

Then I dig deeper and explore.

How Long Must He Wait?

Patience

My eyes fly open;

The race is on!

Before I know it

The hours are gone.

Worn out I sleep

And one more day,

He waits for me

To kneel and pray.

In One Single Moment

Resolve

For one tiny single moment

The hands of time stand still;

As I ponder at the crossroads

 Do I cave or bend my will?        

There is obvious opposition…

The choice is mine to make;

I will have the final say

If I fail it’s my mistake.

If I see the glass half empty,

Choose sunshine over clouds;

All depends on how I think

What mind-set I allow.

How positive my attitude,

The world cannot define;

 No one can decide for me…

The power to choose is mine.

The Big Picture

Gentle Reminder

I watch my children struggle

Make choices they’ll regret

But when I try to intercede

The spirit cries “not yet!”

My aching heart grows heavy,

And I begin to pray

“I love them, Father, so much

There are not words to say.”

Then quietly the message comes

“I know, I love them too;

Though hard for you to understand

I love them more than you do.”

“How could that be?” I wonder

“You know, I am their mother;

I would give my life for them

I love them like no other.”

And patiently, He chastens me

“Remember, cherished daughter;

They’re yours because I sent them,

But I am still their Father.”

Such humility and gratitude I feel for Heavenly Father's wisdom. Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done, but I'm so thankful for divine direction...and for those teaching moments that come when I've made a mistake, that help me do better.

Undeniable Reality

Wings To Fly

I want to hold you close,

Keep you by my side.

I want to grant permission

For you to run and hide.

I want to protect you

From every mortal pain;

I want to make it easy

When I hear you complain.

I want you to choose, child,

What I consider right.

Do everything required–

Don’t hesitate…don’t fight.

But that is not God’s plan;

He gave you wings to fly.

And often I’m reminded

I need to let you try.

"Don't Judge Me Because I Sin Differently Than You Do"...

Stones

Unkind words and judgments,

Stones thrown by those so proud;

Rarely miss their destination,

Quiet targets in the crowd.

The single woman down the street

Who lets her children be

Unruly and disgraceful imps

Who’re better off unseen;

The family all observe in church

Whose house looks like a dump;

Some assume that is expected

From a woman rather plump;

The man who cannot hold a job

They glare at with disgust

And carelessly they gossip

Sharing feelings of mistrust.

Those who claim to follow Christ

Despite the way they live;

Who err when “no ones watching”

And expect God will forgive.

He that hath no sin among you

Cast a stone, they heard Him say;

And those judging cast their stones

To the ground and walked away.

Dedicated To My Beautiful Daughter

Eternity

Kneeling together

To never part;

Clasping hands,

Binding hearts.

Across the altar

I get a view,

A tiny glimpse of

Forever with you.

The experience behind this poem is too personal and sacred for me to share. However, it causes me to reflect often on the beautiful summer morning when, in the LDS Seattle Temple, I knelt across the altar from my “very soon to be” husband to be married for time and all eternity. Behind each of us was a large mirror which, when we faced each other, created reflections within reflections of the two of us together. It seemed to have no end and symbolized the eternal union of the two of us on that day…and forever. What incredible blessings await us in Heaven; how wonderful to know I will share them with him, who I learn to love and cherish more and more with each passing day.

No Greater Love

Because I Love You

Roman soldiers stood spitting…

Right in my face no less―

 And yet I understood, this was

The beginning of the test.

While laughing loudly and mocking,

They tore my clothes away;

Then harshly placed a crown of thorns

Upon my head to stay.

Carelessly, they chained and beat me;

It seemed a contest now…

Who could inflict the greatest pain,

Take courage from my brow.

Now tired and weak they placed me

On the cross still on the ground;

The mallet used to drive the nails

Made a horribly deafening sound.

Then struggling to raise me,

They shoved the towering tree

Into a hole deep in the earth,

And they kept mocking me!

“If thou art Christ, the chosen God,

Thy power let us view!”

But I prayed “Father, forgive them

They know not what they do.”

Then searching, I found my mother,

Tears spilling down her cheek.

I gave her to John to care for;

No words of regret did I speak.

Then humbly I spoke “it is finished;”

I died on the cross that day.

But knowing you needed a Savior,

I knew there was no other way.

“I love you,” He quietly told me;

Then calling me by name

He held out His hands to show me…

Now I’ll never be the same.

Peace That Only He Can Give

Compassion

I see your tears; I feel your pain;

Your suffering is my own.

How well I know Gethsemane;

Thou dost not weep alone.

-Karla Claybrook

This just stirs my soul…to know that in my deepest darkest hours, He whom I love and reverence weeps with me and does not leave me alone.

Truth Be Told...

Logic

The fire of negative emotion

Burns hot, intensely bright

Until the flood of love puts out

The flame and makes things right.

This was inspired by an experience I had with my eldest son. He and I got into an argument on the way to my dropping him off at the bus stop one morning. As he got out of the car, he slammed the door and I breathed a sigh of relief that he was going to be gone for a few of hours. On my way back to the house, I had an impression that I should bake him a batch of cookies and leave them on his bed with a love note. I quickly decided that he was not deserving of such treatment and dismissed the impression. However, it came to me again…this time a little more firmly. Needless to say, I did end up baking the cookies and making him a card and as I did so, my heart was softened and filled with compassion toward him. When he returned home several hours later, he came inside, slammed the door and went straight to his bedroom. Only a few minutes passed before he came out and exclaimed “You sure do make it hard to be angry at you”. He hugged me and thanked me for the cookies and card and we had peaceful interaction between us for the rest of the day.