1 Corinthians 6:19-20

1 Corinthians 6:19-20
 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Sonnet 751 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

So you, who could not fix a broken straw
Or unify all physics, large and small
Or make a spider's web or keep the law
Or beat the common cold or city hall.

So you, a helpless babe to start your days
Impatient, unconcerned and uninformed
Are blessed beyond your merit in the ways
The functions of your body are performed.

This body made with such exquisite skill
This miracle of purpose and of art
This engine of your wants and needs and will
This agent of the mind and of the heart.

You didn't build or even have intent
The Maker made this temple, you just rent.

Acts 3:19-20 #2

Sonnet 749 Acts 3:19-20 #2

It's cool to be a part of something fresh
To be upon the cutting edge of change
To be an actual witness in the flesh
To something that's momentous or that's strange.

And better still to make a faithful note
Of how you felt and what you saw and heard
That someday people reading what you wrote
Will have a better sense of what occurred.

And so take notice of  this rolling stone
That fills the earth with restoration's views
In every writ and prophet's message shown
As earth and heaven's greatest ever news.

You are a witness to this grand event
The preparation for the Lord's descent.

Acts 3:19-20

Acts 3:19-21
 19 ¶Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Sonnet 748 Acts 3:19-20

How many converts in the crowd, we ask
And just a few will “show of hand” reply
While those baptized at eight or so will bask
In the delusion such does not apply.

And some, in fact, neglect the effort to
Become converted, turned, and penitent
And then as their unblotted sins accrue
They lose the way and will to then repent.

Conversion isn't culture or good taste
It isn't learning jargon or routines
It's being born anew, and laying waste
To natural man and all his natural means.

Born in the Church, I hasten to maintain
Is not the same as being “born again”.

Acts 2:36-38

Acts 2:36-38
 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
 37 ¶Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sonnet 747 Acts 2:36-38

The sequence here is classic one, two, three
First, there's the who, the what, the where, the when:
God made the Christ and plain for all to see
This sacred Son was crucified by men.

And second there's the consequence of sin
The problem or the tension of the plot
“What shall we do?” we offer with chagrin
“We're in the wrong, and tortured by the thought.”

Then thirdly there is resolution found
The answer to our anguish can be heard
Remission and the loosing of the bound
Through loving invitation from the Word.

Repent and be baptized my sin-bound friend
And all can be forgiven in the end.

John 17:3

John 17:3
 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Sonnet 509 John 17:3

It’s all in who you know, they sometimes say
In pointing out this commonest of trends
For those who hand out favours have a way
Of serving first the needs of their best friends.

And even God insists that you know him
And Jesus Christ, begotten only son
And this is no negotiable whim
Without it your eternity’s undone.

And such a deal might seem a bit unfair
To those who find no joy in knowing God
But since his invitation is to share
The justice of the choice is no façade.

The tender mercy of the Prince of love
Will freely lift each willing friend above.

John 14:15

John 14:15
 15 ¶If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Sonnet 746 John 14:15

Commandments are a blessing from on high
The inside scoop on how to live your days
Precautions against trouble coming nigh
A compass to direct all means and ways.

Commandments are a blessing from the Lord
Decoding all the mysteries of life
Protection much more potent than the sword
A shield against a world of constant strife.

Commandments are a blessing for the wise
A coach, an aide, a help, a lift, a right
A gift, a boon, a good, a strength, a prize
A way, a truth, a life, a rock, a light.

Commandments are a blessing from above
The means for God and man to share their love.

John 14:6

John 14:6
 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Sonnet 745 John 14:6

We sometimes glide across important words
Not stopping to determine what they mean
But I say pay attention to all thirds
Because they signal places we should glean.

Sometime ago I figured, just for me
That “study” “pray” and “work” engendered most
Of all the concepts bundled up by three
And my response is thereby diagnosed.

So Christ as “way” and “truth” and “life” reminds
Me of those duties that I sometimes shirk
And of the faithful triplet thread that winds
Through all of prayer and study and of work.

Yes He's the way, the truth, the life and so
My study, prayer and work will need to grow.

John 3:5

John 3:5
 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Sonnet 744 John 3:5

There is a Father of your spirit soul
The Great and Grand eternal God of all
Whose work and glory is to make you whole
An heir to life eternal's homeward call.

And you were born of earthly parents too
And so a second father came to be
A gift to make your days both long and true
A branch to seal you to a family tree.

And water and the Spirit give effect
To third rebirth, that miracle of grace
The only way to cleanse and to perfect
The sinner who would seek the holy place.

And when reborn, by this third Father claimed
Commanded and remembered and renamed.

Luke 24:36-37

Luke 24:36-39
 36 ¶And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.
 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Sonnet 743 Luke 24:36-39

The promise of a resurrection day
Is in those marks upon His hands and feet
The evidence He overcame the clay
And rose in death's inglorious defeat.

And more so is the promise to us all
That resurrection counts for us as well
And if we heed to heaven's loving call
We'll rise above the chains of death and hell.

And if you sing that your Redeemer lives
And pray in secret for confirming grace
And ponder on the wisdom scripture gives
And all His kind and good commands embrace.

Then you will find within as proof sincere
A peace that passeth every mortal  fear.

Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19-20
19 ¶Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Sonnet 742 Matthew 28:19-20

There's Superman and Spiderman and Hulk
There's Power Rangers, X Men and much more
These comic superheros come in bulk
With umpteen super powers in the corps.

The notion of abilities beyond
All mixed up with a “good and evil” fight
And triggered by a cape or costume donned
Will fill most any fan with great delight.

And yet we know there's nothing of the kind
Like Yeti and the unicorn or such
These heroes are just constructs of the mind
Imagination overworked too much.

But put a mission badge on any one
And God will make him super til he's done.

Matthew 22:36-39

Matthew 22:36-39
36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
 38 This is the first and great commandment.
 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Sonnet 741 Matthew 22:36-39

If you would know and keep these two commands
There is no better recipe or school
No better explanation of demands
Than what we call the Savior's Golden Rule.

And also there are parables He taught
That put some extra flesh upon this bone
See what the Good Samaritan has brought
Or think of  Sheep and Goats before the throne.

Or you could do a quick review of things
That give you so much joy you lose the cost
If such that turn your mind or pull heart strings
Are selfish or just vapid  then you're lost.

The only true and lasting lifetime art
Is serving God and man with all your heart.

Matthew 16:15-19 (#6)

Sonnet 740 Matthew 16:15-19 (#6) Bind on Earth – Bound in Heaven

In heaven there are passages we know
That will not lock or yield to any key
Except such key be wielded here below
Upon the force of heavenly decree.

Why can't a child be baptized up above
Or temples be among the mansions there
Why must some things be tied or let go of
Down here before God blesses the affair?

I have to think the answer would be clear
If memories of heaven were not sealed
But since we have no recall of that sphere
We have to go with just what's been revealed.

And that gives so much meaning to life's day
Perhaps that's why He worked it out this way.

Matthew 16:15-19 (#5)

Sonnet 739 Matthew 16:15-19 (#5) The Keys of the Kingdom


The concept and the substance of a key
Is matched or messaged in this simple word
The opposite or foil, plain to see-
Where there's a key, a “lock” must be inferred.

While earthly doors and gates are often locked
And keys required to pass through such a wall
There's something much more seriously blocked
And that's the tree of life beyond the fall.

And sin and death and misery yield up
Their hold, to keys the Master forged in pain
Unlocking as He chose the bitter cup
Each banished child from Adam's ball and chain.

And now the Master locksmith shares these keys
With almost countless priesthood appointees.

Matthew 16:15-19 (#4)

Sonnet 738  Matthew 16:15-19  (#4) Upon this Rock I Will Build My Church

The church of God must ever have its seer
Be led in mercy by a prophet's hand
A revelator who can feel and hear
And pass in love to others God's command.

And vital as it is to have this head
A prophet seer and revelating rock
If followers can ever  be misled
That still could be a fatal stumbling block.

So each and every member needs this gift
And gets it by the laying on of hands
To have the Holy Ghost to teach and lift
And guide him through the worst of life's demands.

And standing ever at the door, the Rock
Invites us all to open to His knock.

Matthew 16:15-19 (#3)

Sonnet 737  Matthew 16:15-19 (#3) Flesh and Blood Hath Not Revealed It

The air is full of messages of hope
Of testimony singing in the wind
Beyond all flesh and blood in power and scope
A balm, a joy, a rescue for the sinned.

The witness is a universal thing
The signal ever strong and sharp and true
A light, a burning feeling and a sting
A dream, a gift, delightful as the dew.

But flesh and blood can easily resist
Distract, forget, deny and even lie
It's sinful pleasures cannot coexist
With revelation beyond earth and sky.

So be believing and enjoy the rain
Of wisdom flesh and blood cannot obtain.

Matthew 16:15-19 (#2)

Sonnet 736 Matthew 16:15-19 (#2)  Thou art the Christ

And so the only answer is this one
This vivid, short, expression of a fact
This testimony of the Father's Son
In simple words, straight forward, and exact.

He is the Christ! The Savior of us all
And such a declaration stands alone
As truth upon which nations rise and fall
The ultimate, the crowning stepping stone.

And every man or woman ever born
Is blessed by this atoning agent's love
Invested with the chance to share His scorn
Then take a mansion with Him up above.

And everyone can know that this is true
That's everyone. That's me. That's them. That's you!

Matthew 16:15-19

Matthew 16:15-19
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Sonnet 735 Matthew 16: 15-19 But Whom Say Ye That I Am?

If you would want a temple recommend
Or to be baptized or to be ordained
Then you will be expected to attend
An interview before this is obtained.

And such will be the pattern of the hour
That you will hear this question with your call
“Do you believe through inspiration's power
In Jesus Christ the Savior of us all?”

And all will hinge upon an answer true
The build, the opening, the keys, the ties
That bind and loose. It flows from how you do
With this grand quest. The interviewer's prize.

The Bishop's question echos in your ear
“Whom say ye that I am?” is what you hear.

Matthew 11:28-30

Matthew 11:28-30
28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Sonnet 505 Reflections on Matthew 11: 28-30

The yoke has been a genius way to pack
As long as any cargo has been hauled
You cannot share the power of legs and back
Unless some sort of harness is installed.

And best to be yoked up with someone strong
Enough to lighten any sort of weight
Someone whose help is never slight or wrong
Who offers peace and rest without debate.

And burdens much more grave than gravity
Like sin and loss and grief and death and pain
Are carried in that endless cavity
That such a yoke can lift without a strain.

Why heap your burdens in a careless pile
When He would help you carry them in style?

Matthew 5:14-16 (#2)

Sonnet 734 Matthew 5:14-16 (#2)

How many of us bathed in gospel light
Ordained, baptized and blessed by sacred rite
Deny the breadth, the power and the height
By keeping such a blessing out of sight?

And do we realize our common plight
That having now been blessed with heaven's light
And should we then refuse to fight the fight
We thus commit an unforgiving slight?

And how hard can it be in such a night
With truth and beauty shining ever bright
To sing, to talk, to shout, to share, to write
And glorify the Father with our light?

Forever have the holders of this light
Been told to shine it forth with all their might.

Matthew 5:14-16

The New Testament

Matthew 5:14-16
 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Sonnet 733 Matthew 5:14-16

The virtue of humility is great
A deep and solemn duty of the saint
This opposite of pride-fulness and hate
A friend to love and cousin to restraint.

Yet sometimes it's confused with lesser traits
The reticent, the shy, the timid souls
May think they're humble in their fearful states
Denying the great weakness of these roles.

There's hidden selfishness in holding back
In guarding for yourself against the night
In failing to be kind with those who lack
The joys and the blessings of your light.

So gather up your courage and step out
And let your gospel light shine all about.

Moroni 10:4-5

Moroni 10:4-5
 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Sonnet 508 Moroni 10:4-5

When baking something wonderful and sweet
Like bread or cake or pie or quiche or tart
The recipe for such a pleasant treat
Requires attention to its every part.

You won’t get far if features are left out
(A bread without its leavening won’t rise)
And so the baker wisely is devout
To every step the recipe applies.

And recipes for following truth’s way
Must be a code worth more than any bread
And more important therefore to obey
The rules that lead to such a golden thread.

So ponder each instruction in this verse
The most important recipe on earth.

Moroni 7:45, 47-48

Moroni 7:45, 47-48
 45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
 48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Sonnet 732 Moroni 7:45;47-48

This Christ-like love is quite a bit to bear
You cannot keep your favourites that way
You'll have to dine with publicans and share
The suffering of every man's dismay.

You'll have to learn and try the healer's art
You'll work to set the sinful captive free
The poor and hungry will invade your heart
You'll tell the stranger “Come and follow me.”

And then your loaves and fishes will increase
Your insufficient talents will suffice
And you will find a deep unworldly peace
A pure enduring pearl without price.

This love that only comes through heartfelt prayer
Is worth whatever cost you have to bear.

Moroni 7:41

Moroni 7:41
 41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.
Sonnet 731 Moroni 7:41

We line up for a ticket or a chance
We crowd to get to where the dice are thrown
We pull upon the handle in a trance
True reasons for this madness left unknown.

If questioned we will give the story thus
“We do it for the thrill and for the fun,
It's harmless entertainment – why the fuss?”
And then continue gambling 'til we're done.

We do not seem to understand what makes
Us play until we've been completely skinned
What inner craving falsely by this takes
Our common sense and throws it to the wind?

If we reject the only hope that's true
Some vain and foolish hope will have to do.

Ether 12:27

Ether 12:27
 27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

Sonnet 730 Ether 12:27

A farmer who will not look out for weeds
Is likely to have trouble in his fields
And even if he plants all healthy seeds
There will be disappointment in his yields.

The greatest sin and curse of life is pride
Because the prideful will not see their faults
And thus without perspective they're denied
The perfect way to better their results.

To understand the nature of their plight
The wise and humble of the earth will seek
To fix the things that are not going right
By firstly finding out just where they're weak.

So come to Christ and He will make you strong
By showing you just where you're weak and wrong.

Ether 12:6

Ether 12:6
 6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
Sonnet 729 Ether 12:6

It's not that there's no evidence for it
All things, we're told, denote that God is real
It's just that faith's a future sort of fit
We use it now, then wait for the “reveal”.

We have the testimonies of the past
These records by the gift and power of God
And even current light is widely cast
To show the fear of darkness as a fraud.

So though our faith is tested in a way
Because we cannot see beyond our light
The simple facts are really plain as day
With faith, there cannot be an actual night.

Come on! Don't waste your time in blind debate
The witness and the miracle await.

3 Nephi 18:15,20-21

3 Nephi 18:15,20-21
15 Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.
 20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
 21 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.

Sonnet 728 3 Nephi 18:15,20-21
It's hard to be on duty all the time
To be on watch, on sentry or on call
Your focus fixed upon all things sublime
Attentive to all threats, however small.

The simple way to check your vigilance
To gauge how guarded and alert you are
Is taking counsel from Omnipotence
By making prayer your constant guiding star.

And there are watchmen on the towers too
Who issue warnings of the next assault
It pays to take advantage of their view
And watch and heed those watchers to a fault.

The devil's out to steal your soul away
Remember then to always watch and pray.

3 Nephi 12:48

3 Nephi 12:48
 48 Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

Sonnet 727 3 Nephi 12:48A

A perfect baby cannot even walk
Or understand the consequence of sin
And needs some time to learn to even talk
Before much education can begin.

A perfect child is still in need of aid
Will say and do the very darndest things
His state of immaturity displayed
In what most every daily challenge brings.

A perfect adult now begins to learn
The ways of virtue, patience and of love
To pray and bridle passions and to turn
For comfort and for guidance from above.

While perfect gods are free from all mistakes
The perfect man repents from those he makes.

Helaman 5:12

Helaman 5:12
And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

Sonnet 489  Helaman 5:12

There is no place on earth to build that’s right
To beat the power of wind and wave and storm
No mix of man-made concrete has the might
To save against what nature can perform.

And even sun and water wear out stone
And granite mountains wash away at last
This world cannot be permanency prone
With so much vigour in destructive blast.

And molten white hot lava at the core
Unstable as the water in the foam
That beats against the ocean’s ragged shore
Is threat’ning any time to melt this home.

Don’t build your dreams upon this earthy tent
Foundations that endure are heaven sent.

Alma 41:10

Alma 41:10
10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

Sonnet 726 Alma 41:10

While resurrection patches up some things
Like blindness or a limp or lack of hair
The things that sinful wicked living brings
The simple act of dying can't repair.

That happiness you thought might come from sin
The peace of mind that guilty pleasures spoil
That joy reduced by error to chagrin
Will not be found by shuffling off this coil.

Repentance works its magic now and here
Its cleansing is designed for this estate
Don't let it's easy access disappear
By putting off the clean up till too late.

I hope I never hear this harsh demand
What part of “never” don't you understand?

Alma 39:9

Alma 39:9
 9 Now my son, I would that ye should repent and forsake your sins, and go no more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself in all these things; for except ye do this ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Oh, remember, and take it upon you, and cross yourself in these things.

Sonnet 725 Alma 39:9

Sometimes a common theme is best described
In words uncommon to the listening ear
At first you ask yourself just what's transcribed
But with some effort meanings become clear.

To cross yourself may sound so thusly strange
But here is what this father really meant
To turn, regret, to overcome, to change
Uncommon words for common term: Repent.

Some things we think or do need crossing out
Because, in fact, they sadly cross the line
Or cut across our faith and into doubt
And so we cross ourselves to realign.

And let's not lose what gives this verse its clout
We all have things to cross ourselves about.

Alma 37:35

Alma 37:35
 35 O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.

Sonnet 724 Alma 37:35

Sea captains need an anchor they can trust
In worship there's no substitute for prayer
In building, firm foundations are a must
And working from a corner stone that's square.

In navigation it's the polar star
That fixed and constant point of stellar light
Since finding heaven shows us where we are
And keeps the safe and peaceful path in sight.

And everyone needs principles and truth
To fix and bathe their way with guiding light
And even in the blossoming of youth
The wise will learn to seek for what is right.

And wisdom of the ages shows to me
That keeping the commandments is the key.

Alma 32:21

Alma 32:21
 21 And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

Sonnet 723 Alma 32:21

Some people put their faith in Powerball
Or Lotto 649 or slots or cards
While others can't resist a sirens call
Their virtue sold in hope of cheap rewards.

Still others hope that work will work for them
They toil and they moil and they dig
They hope to find in daily grind their gem
Through bank accounts and houses that are big.

And some require approval of the crowd
Or look for drugs or booze to bring their joys
Or stake their faith and hopes in being proud
Ironically embracing what destroys.

We show our hope and faith by what we do
The trick is to have faith in what is true.

Alma 7:11-13

Sonnet 722 Alma 7:11-13 (#2)

Remember in that board game played with dice
That when in jail you have to roll this way
A seven or eleven or a twice
To move beyond the prison of the day.

So think of that whenever in a bind
The double could be Alma one and two
Then seven and eleven bring to mind
So this citation sticks in mind for you.

Remember. Oh remember as you must
The ways atoning sacrifice can save
Don't ever be forgetful of its thrust
Much more than just redemption and the grave.

Bring all your sickness, sadness and your pains
And Christ will also loose you from those chains.

Alma 7:11-13

Alma 7:11-13
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
 12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
 13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Sonnet 721 Alma 7:11-13

The things we're powerless alone to win
We classify as deficits this way
First there's the awful awkwardness of sin
Then death and lastly sickness and dismay.

These three the consequences of the fall
Inflicted as afflictions for a cause
To turn us to the Savior of us all
As we embrace His mercy and His laws.

Atoning for the painful path of sin
Arising from the grasping grip of death
And lifting life's extremities therein
The Savior beckons us with every breath.

Our freedom and this absence and our pain
Were all planned out for our eternal gain.

Mosiah 4:30

Mosiah 4:30
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

Sonnet 495 Reflections on Mosiah 4:30

Some principles have proxies in the writ
Alternative or stand-in words that point
To something more important than the bit
Of meaning that the words themselves anoint.

To show it, here’s a test you ought to try
Replace a word with something else and see
If meanings are unlocked when you apply
The proxy to the passage as a key.

Now where you read “remember” say “repent”
Then think if that expands the verse’s aim
And next, see if it adds to what is meant
If you give “watch yourselves” the same new name.

First principles are rife with proxy friends
The scripture student’s magnifying lens.

Mosiah 3:19

Mosiah 3:19
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and
becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.

Sonnet 493 Mosiah 3:19

Who wants the artificial anymore?
Promotions of what’s natural are bold
Just look around in any grocery store
It’s natural that cries out to be sold.

And in our “feels good” value sort of way
We laud the basest instincts of the man
No talk of rising up above that fray
We hunker down, accepting any plan.

But God would have us reach a new plateau
Not artificial, but more real by far
Put off the ordinary and the low
And climb above your nature, to a star.

And how to climb is irony supreme
Put on his easy yoke and find your dream.

Mosiah 2:17

Mosiah 2:17
 17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Sonnet 720 Mosiah 2:17

There is no better tonic for your health
No better medicine or drug or cure
It's better than the benefits of wealth
It's sanctifying strengthening and pure.

There is no smarter way to carry on
No plan of life that beats or matches it
No building up of muscles or of brawn
That gives a fraction of its benefit.

And it's a constant source of love and joy
The happiness and kindness that it brings
The banishment of things that might annoy
Without it nothing smiles, delights or sings.

Through selfless service of  your fellow man
You take an honoured place in heaven's plan.

2 Nephi 32:8-9

2 Nephi 32:8-9
 8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.
 9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

Sonnet 719 2 Nephi 32:8-9

The devil doesn't love or even care
He doesn't wish you happiness or well
His misery is all he wants to share
Well, that and all the wretchedness in hell.

But God declares and demonstrates His love
His mission is to give eternal life
To qualify you for a home above.
And lift you up to joy and out of strife.

And all you have to do is make a choice
Expressed perhaps in this the simplest way
By giving an affirmatory voice
In answer to the question - Will you pray?

And if your answer's no, or even faint
You set yourself a course of sure complaint.

2 Nephi 32:3

2 Nephi 32:3
 3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Sonnet 718 2 Nephi 32:3

You don't need special guidance to be good
The path of gospel living's easy found
There isn't much to be misunderstood
Just do what's right and never mess around.

But you have something greater to become
There's valiant epic missions to be mined
And heights and depths of sacrifice to plumb
Potential that you need to search and find.

For that you have to feast, to fast, to pray
To study and to listen and in fact
To ponder and to hearken and obey
And as you see your way, you need to act.

Imagine how much can be made of you
If Christ has told you all things you should do.

2 Nephi 31:10-20

2 Nephi 31:19-20
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
 20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Sonnet 717 2 Nephi 31:10-20

From time to time we feel the Spirit's touch
And get enthused about the holy writ
We read, we ponder, and make notes and such
But other times, I guess, we just forget.

And sometimes we are full of honest hope
We see the light and joyfully submit
We pray, we serve, we have eternal scope
But other times, I guess, we just forget.

And sometimes we have love for God and man
Our hearts with everyone seem firmly knit
We give, we share, we do more than we can
But other times, I guess, we just forget.

We have to make remembering a trend
That's what we call enduring to the end.

2 Nephi 28:7-9

2 Nephi 28:7-9
7 Yea, and there shall be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die; and it shall be well with us.
 8 And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
 9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.

Sonnet 716 2 Nephi 28:7-9

Instead of overeating we might fast
Instead of drinking we should turn to prayer
And making merry isn't going to last
Obedience should be our first affair.

Remember we were set apart for more
For higher things than “party all the time”
We need to be a comfort to the poor
And nothing ever justifies a crime.

Don't buy the line that we can mess up now
Just have our fun and later see the light
Sow wild oats and then repent somehow
Such doctrine is the darkest of the night.

The purpose of this life is to prepare
Not party til you're caught in Satan's snare.

2 Nephi 25: 23, 26 (#2)

Sonnet 715 2 Nephi 25: 23, 26 (#2)

Those little listening ears can hear it all

They're learning, leaning, sifting what we say

And even as they're testing out their crawl

Absorbing verbal clues is child's play.

And what do these, our infants, hear from us?

Complaints? Concerns? Corrections? All our cares?

Or prattle, gossip, idle talk and fuss?

Our focus will most likely become theirs.

And what do we record for future eyes

What will our great great grandkids find of use

If they explore our blog or journal tries

Will they find mostly just our daily blues?

But those who often write and speak of Christ

Deliver pearls of wisdom greatly priced.

2 Nephi 25:23,26

2 Nephi 25:23,26
23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Sonnet 506  2 Nephi 25: 23, 26

We sometimes play a game of hide and seek
Or scavenge hunt for objects just for fun
Or share the secrets of Nimrod’s technique
In deer camp while we polish up our gun.

Also we tease our children to pursue
Things lost. To learn the joy of what’s found.
And have the faith and confidence anew
To search for truth where counterfeits abound.

But do not be deceived or fail to note
Your child will sometime feel he’s lost… depressed
His sin will bring eternal loss of hope
Unless he knows the source of peace and rest.

So if your children will avoid torment
They must be taught, by you, how to repent.

2 Nephi 9:28-29 (#2)

Sonnet 569 2 Nephi 9:28-29 (#2)

Unless they take a bearing from the sun
Or stars or even far off mounts or trees
Their balance being critically undone
The lost will simply circle in the breeze.

And while the fit and hardy make good time
And cover much more ground than those less trained
If they’re just turning circles on their climb
There’s nothing by this fitness to be gained.

However, much of good is magnified
When fitness and obedience collude
A prospect true but very seldom tried
Since vanity is bred by aptitude.

Remember if you want to stay on track
Keep counsel so you never circle back.

2 Nephi 9:28-29

2 Nephi 9:28-29
28 O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish.
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels
of God.

Sonnet 568 2 Nephi 9:28-29

We hear of those who know of just enough
To to themselves and others danger bring
Or put another way, we sometimes bluff
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

But if a little can be bad, it seems
A lot of knowledge may be even worse
As such a learned person in their dreams
Is prone to bring upon themselves a curse.

They tend, in vanity to thus confuse
How wisdom differs from the learning curve
And end up caught up in the age old ruse
That they are smarter than the God they serve.

Thus giving counsel to the God of light
Is certain proof that someone’s not too bright.

2 Nephi 2:27

2 Nephi 2:27 Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all
things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to
choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men,
or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power
of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto
himself.

Sonnet 534 2 Nephi 2: 27

I take my table at this house of pain
And study such a menu as I can
The choices range from sacred to profane
To tempt the every appetite of man.

It all looks very good, at my first glance
But then I cast my eyes towards the price
Each item’s cost is shown in advance
Precise, clear-cut, exactly and concise.

To those who focus on the end result
The meal is chosen easily that’s best
No need to worry study or consult
Ignore the false descriptions, now undressed.

And so I order up, and catch my breath
I’ve chose between eternal life and death!

2 Nephi 2:25

2 Nephi 2:25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might
have joy.

Sonnet 532 2 Nephi 2:25

When Adam fell the devil danced with joy
His mission, so he thought, was on its way
And more than just to bother and annoy
He guessed he’d put all heaven in delay.

Yes he supposed he’d pile his misery
Unfettered upon Adam’s hapless sons
And watch them lose their hard won liberty
Like all his first estate devoted ones.

He should have understood, as others did,
That falling opened up the way for man
To come to earth and make a precious bid
To put in practice heaven’s happy plan.

So his was not a joy to last at all
Twas rather ours to be from Adam’s fall.

1 Nephi 3:7 (#2)

Sonnet 498 1 Nephi 3:7 (#2)

It can’t be fun to do as Nephi did
Oh sure we envy faith like his a lot
But we don’t line up for his type of bid
What he is selling isn’t often bought.

We buy instead the line that other’s sell
The one that says we have to think ahead
And only do what common sense will tell
Be safe, be sure, plan every step you tread.

All Nephi had to work with was his trust
Not knowing in advance the how or when
That God upon declaring what he must
Had done the preparation for his win.

Yeah, that can’t be much fun. And stressful too!
I’ll stick with doing things the way I do.

1 Nephi 3:7

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 3:7
 7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Sonnet 357 1 Nephi 3:7

We speak of testimony from the start
Expressions of belief are shared in love
And simple faith from deep within the heart
Is poured out like the sunshine from above.

And then when pure belief is on display
I ask a simple question with a smile
"Will you accept a call?" is all I say
And quick there comes the answer without guile.

So many Nephis in the church today!
Who never think to murmur or protest
Who think of nothing else but to obey.
And answer "Yes!" before they hear the test.

I hope that I'm the sort, when called, who stands
And goes and does whatever God commands.

Malachi 4:5-6

Malachi 4:5-6
5 ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Sonnet 714 Malachi 4:5-6

I did some temple work just yesterday
For people born four thousand years ago
And in my heart a moment of dismay
For why this work can be so very slow.

And later on I watched a fresh recruit
Her eyes filled up with kind and happy tears
Kneel silently and gather in the fruit
Of hearts now joined from independent spheres.

And then I thought of couples who that day
As proxies for the dead renewed their vows
There eyes and hearts and hands a grand display
Of blessings only such a place allows.

The temple is that turning point for me
Where my heart turns to where it ought to be.

Malachi 3:8-10 (#2)

Sonnet 713 Malachi 3:8-10 (#2)

It can't be wise to steal from God above
And punishment for such an awful thing
Though ministered in fairness and in love
Would have to be a fire and brimstone thing.

So I would sooner focus on the good
The promise to the payer of his tithes
Make sure I've well and fully understood
What God has said will be the payers prize.

So here's a little list of things I've heard
Insurance against  all the fires of hell
And blessings both abundant and preferred
Protection, peace and confidence as well.

And if God's window's open, well that's when
There is a better chance you might see in.

Malachi 3:8-10

Malachi 3:8-10
8 ¶Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
 9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
 10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Sonnet 712 Malachi 3:8-10

In law the punishment is extra strong
And earns another measure of disgust
If someone's theft or hurt or harm or wrong
Is classified in crimes as “breach of trust”.

That's when we  have the care and keeping of
Something for someone else in our affairs
And we betray their confidence and love
By taking for ourselves what's really theirs.

And most of us would understand this end
And never want to be among the cursed
Who cheat or hurt their very trusting friend
Those sorts we number as the very worst.

Yet everything we have is as a trust
And God asks only that we share a crust.

Amos 3:7

Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

Sonnet 515 Reflections on Amos 3:7

Who doesn’t love to learn of secret things
Like truthful treasures, valuable and rare
That’s why they market those decoder rings
To those who want both secrets and to share.

And peeping wizards too and magic men
Will make a claim to special powers of sight
By checking out your tea leaves now and then
Or gazing into certain stars by night.

Yet even if these sorceries were true
No value to the information found
Has ever been confirmed upon review
Such secrets being patently unsound.

But God reveals his secrets one by one
To prophets before anything is done.

Ezekiel 37:15-17

Ezekiel 37:15-17
 15 ¶The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,
 16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:
 17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

Sonnet 711 Ezekiel 37:15-17

A “quad” is pretty heavy, really thick
But you can lift and hold it with one hand
A modern version of Ezekiel's stick
Exactly as the Lord had said He planned.

This scripture is prophetic evidence
Of forethought and compassion and of love
A testimony of benevolence
That blesses down below from up above.

The Bible and Book of Mormon thus
In harmony and love and power too
Unite to offer this eternal plus
That God planned all of this for me and you.

But none of this will help or bless a lick
Unless you take the time to read the stick.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

Jeremiah 1:4-5
4 Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Sonnet 710 Jeremiah 1:4-5

When God calls anyone to do his best
At almost anything we do in church
That one is set apart and fully blessed
As he embarks upon his holy search.

And ancient prophets were, or so we're told
Ordained before they even came to earth
Thus called and their positions well foretold
In blessings given long before their birth.

And don't you think when your time came as well
When you were you but not yet born of man
But ready for a time on earth to dwell
That you were also ordained to a plan?

And that your greatest challenge is to find
And follow what your God thereby assigned.

Isaiah 58:13-14

Isaiah 58:13-14
 13 ¶If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
 14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Sonnet 709 Isaiah 58:13-14

What are the odds of winning Powerball
Or taking Bingo or Blackjack by storm?
What is the chance of being born real tall
Or being strong much more than just the norm?

Are you the lucky one who wins at cards
Or hits a homerun ball with simple ease?
Do you write sonnets better than the Bard's
Or can your charm bring scoffers to their knees?

It's things like this that happen to a few
Not everyone is blessed with luck like that
And almost never will it work for you
But there's a sure thing no one could lose at.

Just keep the sabbath holy through and through
And God will bless you more than luck could do.

Isaiah 58:6-7

Isaiah 58:6-7
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?
 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Sonnet 708 Isaiah 58:6-7

The root of all discipleship is this
To bridle all your passions with restraint
To discipline yourself and to dismiss
The urges that disqualify a saint.

And so to navigate from deadly sins
Like gluttony and greed and lust and wrath
And envy, sloth and pride a saint begins
By fasting as a tool to find the path.

And as you use this offering to share
Some bread, some shelter and some clothing too
This simple key unlocks the vault of prayer
And pours out heaven's blessings upon you.

This fasting is a win win thing for sure
You build yourself and also bless the poor.

Isaiah 53:3-5

Isaiah 53:3-5
 3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
 4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Sonnet 513 Isaiah 53:3-5

Some words are deep and heavy, wise and strong
With meanings that add feelings to insight
That lift from common prose to lovely song
And generate a special truth and light.

“Grief” and “sorrow”, are such weighty terms
And “sticken”, “smitten” and “afflicted” too
And “bruised” and “wounded”, in a word, confirms
The sacrifice that was atonement’s due.

And for us words of equal weight and strength
As we are offered “peace” by what he did
And added to our peace we’re “healed” at length
Through his “chastisement” in this awful bid.

It’s a good deal for us, by any test
He bears our transgressions and we get blessed.

Isaiah 29:13-14

Isaiah 29:13-14
 13 ¶Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.

Sonnet 707 Isaiah 29:13-14

I would not dwell upon the reasons why
Or vanity of lips and mouths of men
Or darkness even of the noonday sky
To those whose hearts have lost what should have been.

Instead I marvel at what is restored
What wisdom, work and wonderment is come
This great and awesome undeserved reward
Of infinite from out a finite sum.

I revel in the revelations won
I marvel in the miracles attained
I tremble in the temples of the Son
I preach of prophets prayerfully sustained.

All this will end the wisdom of the wise
As Israel gathers to receive its Prize.

Isaiah 5:20

Isaiah 5:20

21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

Sonnet 706 Isaiah 5:20

Like toddlers out in traffic we cavort

In constant mortal danger unobserved
Our safety measures always falling short
Unless we take direction gladly served.

There's two great dangers blind us on the road
The first, that devil monster blowing smoke
Befuddlement his navigation mode
He wants to blind, to bind, and even choke.

But even worse, perhaps, is self defeat
The wilful blindness of the proud and vain
The child who thinks he's smart about the street
And holds all wise correction in disdain.

But God provides a wise and prudent way
For everyone who chooses to obey.

Isaiah 1:18

Isaiah 1:18

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Sonnet 705 Isaiah 1:18

The beauty and the poetry of this

The red and white and crimson and the wool

Togetherness as kind as any kiss

The scarlet and the reasoning with snow.

A message of eternal love and hope

An invitation reconciling sin

Atonement in its meaning and its scope

A melody to cancel all chagrin.

Come now, come now, come now. The plea

The parent pleading, promising and mild

Come now, don't wait, come now and be-

Come pure and clean, and mine, beloved child.

The sweetest kindest invitation yet

An everlasting life without regret.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

7 ¶Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

Sonnet 491 Proverbs 3: 5-6
(With apologies to George Macdonald and C.S. Lewis)

The natural man, and I mean “he”, not “she”
Is loath to seek directions on his way
Although he may find map reading a key
His instinct is to try each path in play.

And preference for going his own way
To even being on the better track
Can set into his nature day by day
Until he’s lost all want for coming back.

And since he now has not the will to say
In truth and love to God, “Thy will be done”
Then God will sadly say to him some day
In truth and love,“Thy will be done, my son.”

Oh grant me strength to ask, to plead to know
The path for me that God would gladly show.

Psalm 127:3

Psalm 127:3

3 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Sonnet 704 Psalm 127:3

Most miracles are very soon forgot
If even ever noticed as they came
But even interventions humbly sought
May burn a while then die out like a flame.

And some rewards are quickly gone away
There's some we eat and others that get broke
And some get lost or simply go astray
Or tossed in trash or go straight up in smoke.

But children are an everlasting gift
A miracle eternal owned and named
And even if they stray or go adrift
Their spirits can through sealings be reclaimed.

When all is said and done for time on earth
The family is the thing of greatest worth.

Psalm 119:105

Psalm 119:105

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Sonnet 703 Psalm 119:105

We know from writ* that God is Word and Light
The light and life of every man from birth
That darkness comprehended not the sight
Of light that shineth over all the earth.

And this is light and knowledge so profound
That metaphor explodes into the real
All meaning and direction can be found
Because of what the word and light reveal.

So move your feet and scurry on your way
Employing as you go in faith the lamp
That shows the only path in night or day
Upon which faithful saints should want to tramp.

He is the Way, the Word, the Light, the Lamb
The Truth, the Rock, the Bread, the Life, the Lamp.

* John 1:1-9

Psalm 24:3-4

Psalm 24:3-4

3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

Sonnet 702 Psalm 24:3-4

I wouldn't like to judge another's heart

Or even make a judgement of his hands

But much of common culture and its art

Must even seem unclean to total fans.

So much of what is popular is vain

And wickedness and narcissism rules

And more and more, embracing the profane

Is standardized procedure for these fools.

But you should want to stand above this waste

To climb towards the Lord for His embrace

Be clean and pure and temperate and chaste

Empowered by His everlasting grace.

So make your stand for holiness succeed

Through cleanliness in every word and deed.

1 Samuel 16:7

1 Samuel 16:7

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

Sonnet 701 1 Samuel 16:7

There seems to be a market for good looks

There's lotions and there's potions and there's gels

There's surgery enough to fill up books

And it seems like almost any option sells.

Add in tattoos and liposuction too

And jewelry and wigs and botox shots

And there is almost nothing we won't do

To change appearances that life allots.

Does anyone remember in this haste

To mutilate with plastic body art

That God is unimpressed with such a waste

His vision being focused on the heart.

Don't fret or worship at your looking glass

It didn't come to stay, it came to pass.

Joshua 24:15

Joshua 24:15

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Sonnet 700 Joshua 24:15

Sometimes the truth is elegantly found

And stated in a way that clears the mind

And this, a declaration so profound

Is of that elegant and truthful kind.

The fundamental answer to this test

Should be as Joshua has said so well

“I'll serve the Lord ahead of all the rest.

And any other master I'll repel.”

And if you take you family on this course

And covenant in sacred binding ways

You'll wed your feeble efforts to a Force

That makes a glory of your earthly days.

You fought the war in heaven for this right

So make and keep this choice with delight.