Bonus Scripture D&C 130:20-21

Bonus Scripture D&C 130:20-21

20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
 21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

Sonnet 832 D&C 130:20-21

The blessings cannot ever be in doubt
Their promise is decreed by heaven's law
It's not so hard to find the process out
The outcomes are delivered without flaw.

The mystery is why we go so wrong
With clear instructions kindly all around
And guidance for the sinner all along
No blessing should be forfeit or unfound.

And do we have examples of the fate
Of those who flaunt the laws of consequence?
Of course we do, and yet we still debate
Devoid, it seems of simple common sense.

Obey the law! That's what you have to do
And heaven's consequence will come to you.

JS-H 1:15-20 #5

Sonnet 831 JS-H 1:15-20 #5

Oh mysteries of earth and fire and rock
You nevermore will be to us the same
The very dust now quickened to unlock
The truth which sets an honest heart aflame.

The trees that saw the boy step humbly in
And stood in wonder as they must have felt
At least a part of what would now begin
When just a boy in prayer so faithful knelt.

In shadows were his boyish features caught
His mission one to overcome a doubt
Then light in pillar blazoned overwrought
A boy steps in. A prophet's coming out!

So Joseph's face returned to morning light
Out of the grove. And now!  The end of night!

JS-H 1:15-20 #4

Sonnet 830 JS-H 1:15-20 #4

The parsing and the picking of the nits
In any sort of testament of fact
Becomes a battle of contestants' wits
Until the truth is lost in the abstract.

You cannot hope to know it by these means
The fabric of the past is far too torn
And shadows cast upon competing scenes
Obscure our vision of the story sworn.

So how you gonna know if this is true
If Joseph's testimony can't prevail
If argument and evidence won't do
What will expose the truth of such a tale.

When you receive these things you have to pray
And get the same instruction, the same way.

JS-H 1:15-20 #3

Sonnet 829 JS-H 1:15-20 #3

Young Joseph found his sacred grove nearby
No pilgrimage or quest or search was done
No gilded trappings but the morning sky
No other witness than the springtime sun.

And simple faith, and simple study too
That's all that was required to prepare
A simple boy for what the Lord would do
In answer to his simple humble prayer.

And this is but a pattern for us each
A shape of how to gain the Father's voice
The proof of heaven's willingness to teach
The outcome governed by the simplest choice.

So if you have some faith and real desire
Just pick some quiet place and then enquire.

JS-H 1:15-20 #2

Sonnet 828 JS-H 1:15-20 #2

Of course the devil made his fruitless ploy
His shadow giving to the coming light
A backdrop meant, the vision, to destroy
Yet only made the outcome shine more bright.

An unseen actual being fully felt
An enemy, a force, a frantic move
Against a child who dared in faith, and knelt
Unknowing of what wonder this would prove.

And then! A pillared light. The darkness done
Two persons in the air. He hears his name
Then Father introducing Christ the Son
And nothing, nothing, nothing is the same.

This boy, delivered now from dark despair
Was ready for the answer to his prayer.

JS-H 1:15-20

JS-H 1:15-20
15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
 16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvellous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description,standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
 18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
 19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”
 20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, “Never mind, all is well—I am well enough off.” I then said to my mother, “I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.” It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

Sonnet 828 JS-H 1:15-20

Exposed to any story such as this
A listener may wonder if it's true
If this is something safely to dismiss
Or should it be a thing to look into?

All sorts of folks have heard this tale by now
Have listened and considered and resolved
And many, in the millions, do avow
The truth of all assertions here involved.

And this should give you pause enough to test
If learning for yourself is easy done
And if you could be thusly also blessed
With knowledge of the Father and the Son.

Go find a sacred closet of your own
It's there the truth of heaven will be shown.

D&C 131:1-4 #2

Sonnet 827 D&C 131:1-4 #2

And here again the irony is strong
Rewarding up in heaven by this plan
To do the thing that best makes life a song
And come together as a wife and man.

You might expect some test that's arduous
To earn you “top of class” in heaven's place
But no, the thing that works is marvellous
A marriage made in covenants of grace.

And is it not this way with all commands?
We're told to do just what we should desire
The wise man learns and fully understands
That righteousness will always lift us higher.

Amazing that we prove ourselves in this
By taking on the joys of wedded bliss.

D&C 131:1-4

D&C 131:1-4
1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
 2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
 3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
 4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

Sonnet 826 D&C 131:1-4

All these are valiant followers of Christ
The anxiously engaged with might and mind
Resisting gladly when by sin enticed
Their hearts and strength by love of God entwined.

And these are happy, bless-ed, kind and good
Engrained with gratitude for everything
Desiring only to do what they should
Full throated in their praise of God they sing.

Obedience the measure of their ways
And any sacrifice without complaint
Their faith the constant watchword of their days
They pray to God believing without feint.

Celestial glory, heaven's highest place
It doesn’t cost, it pays, to earn that grace.

D&C 130: 22-23 #3

 Sonnet 825 D&C 130: 22-23 #3 The Father

Oh Father. God of Heaven and the earth
Oh Father. Blessed Source of life and all
Oh Father. Hope of everyone's rebirth
Oh Father. Send me Comfort when I fall.

Oh Father. Master of the universe
Oh Father. Maker of the great and small
Oh Father. Healer, Counselor, and nurse
Oh Father. Hear my asking when I call.

Oh Father. With thy kind all seeing eye
Oh Father. Guide me home when I am lost
Oh Father.  Please accept my feeble try
Oh Father. Help me understand the cost.

Oh Father. Send forgiveness when I sin.
Oh Father. Cleanse my vessel from within.

D&C 130:22-23 #2

Sonnet 824 D&C 130:22-23  #2 The Son

The Author and Creator of All Things
The Finisher of Faith and Faithful Friend
Beloved Son of God and King of Kings
The Cornerstone, Beginning and the End.

The Bright and Morning Star, Anointed One
Jehovah and the Seed of Abraham
Begotten, Endless and Beloved Son
The Shepherd and the Healer, Son of Man.

The Way, the Light, the Life, the Prince, the Stone
The Savior of the World, Eternal Head
The Son, the Rock, the Word in Flesh and Bone
Eternal Judge of All the Quick and Dead.

The Everlasting Father and the Lamb
The Christ, the Mighty God, the Great I Am.

D&C 130:22-23

D&C 130:22-23
22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.

 Sonnet 823 D&C 130:22-23 The Holy Ghost

A Messenger, a Friend, a Witness too
A Testifier, Spirit, and a Guide
The Verifier of the good and true
A Comfort touching deep and warm inside.

A Light, a Teacher, and a Still Small Voice
Instructing, calling, warning and supplied
The Holy Spirit, Arbiter of choice
A Comfort touching deep and warm inside.

Companion and a Sanctifier true
The Agent of repentance when applied
The Holy Ghost affirms what you should do
A Comfort touching deep and warm inside.

The Burning in the Bosom's never lied
A Comfort touching deep and warm inside.

D&C 121:36,41-42 #2

Sonnet 822 D&C 121:36,41-42  #2

The reverence God has for agency
Is by this simple scripture verse explained
“No power... can,” by priesthood's virtue be
Controlled, influenced, handled or maintained.

The pow'r that made the heavens and the earth
That set the stars and planets in their place
That guides the very miracle of birth
Is only exercised through love and grace.

Yet natural man must learn this virtue here
Perhaps the best of God's enduring love
To set aside the tools of force and fear
In favour of persuasion from above.

Be careful as you practice priesthood arts
To use these gentle ways to turn men's hearts.

D&C 121:36,41-42

D&C 121:36,41-42
 36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
  41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
 42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

Sonnet 821 D&C 121:36,41-42

We see the awful power of brute force
The crushing strength of anger, pride and guile
The sharpness of deceit without remorse
Persuading by the preaching of revile.

Though none of this connects with heaven's power
On earth it has a fearful savage way
And tempts the weak and greedy hour by hour
To rule through aggression day by day.

The currencies of kindness and of love
Of patience and of meekness and increase
Of gentleness and yearnings for above
Are not enough alone to purchase peace.

But when combined with priesthood power's might
They'll vanquish earthly evil's awful blight.

D&C 107:8 #2

Sonnet 821 D&C 107:8 #2

The people of each stake are gathered twice
Each year to hear the words of life and do
Such business as by officers suffice
To all our faith and confidence renew.

And oft times there are speakers that we love
With messages so timely, wise and great
We learn and feel the powers from above
Renewed by better knowledge of our state.

Yet all this teaching only lasts a while
And needs each conf'rence time to be redone
New visitors, new music and new style
New programs, always once again begun.

But those new elders! There's a lasting note
Eternal priesthood power with one vote.

D&C 107:8

D&C 107:8
 8 The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things.

Sonnet 820 D&C 107:8

We sing in praise of prophets and give thanks
For presidents who guide us in our days
We marvel to have priesthood in our ranks
To teach and bless and organize our ways.

The power and authority is great
The same that made the heavens and the earth
Preparing and extending as we wait
For that return of true eternal worth.

In matters of the Spirit we defer
To all the keys of priesthood held today
The same as what all ages did confer
Administering the Church in heaven's way.

And all the saints uphold with faithful care
The prophet by our confidence and prayer.

D&C 89:18-21 #3

Sonnet 819 D&C 89:18-21 #3

We talk about an athlete training hard
And speak of short term pain for long term gain
But keep the word of wisdom in regard
And gains are short and long and there's no pain.

The genius of this conduct is sublime
A blessing to a people quite immense
No headlines of insane or violent time
Less trouble and less ludicrous expense.

And all this wisdom settles social place
Away from vice below and vice above
A moderate and middle course of grace
Where humble souls can feel the Father's love.

How happy are the saints who learn to give
Obedience to wisdom's way to live!

D&C 89:18-21 #2

Sonnet 818 D&C 89:18-21 #2

The daily headlines do betray a trend
Of conflicts sadly clearly unresolved
Where when a friend is beaten by a friend
There must have been some alcohol involved.

And often accidents are quite bizarre
And so we say the tragedy evolved
Not by the fault of bus or truck or car
There must have been some alcohol involved.

Or sometimes younger people pass away
Their health and vigour seemingly dissolved
And looking at their cause of death we say
There must have been some alcohol involved.

Don't let this be how your fate gets resolved:
There must have been some alcohol involved.

D&C 89:18-21

D&C 89:18-21
 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
 21 And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

Sonnet 817 D&C 89:18-21

The interview is simple and quite short
To give you entrance to the Lord's abode
The questions very measured with import
The highest earthly blessings there bestowed.

The wisdom and great treasures there abound
The weariness of life is there dismissed
And promises of every sort are found
The joy of the Spirit in our midst.

And none of this is given without this
The answer to a question that is true
A key to earthly tasting of a bliss
That without temples only heaven knew.

“The word of wisdom, do you keep it right?”
“Oh yes!” you cry. To enter this delight.

D&C 88:124 #4 Cease to Sleep

Sonnet 816 D&C 88:124  #4 Cease to Sleep

It's not so much the sleep that's wrong to do
We have to have our rest, that's just the deal
But here is where the whole thing goes askew
It's when we go to sleep while at the wheel.

Some failures cannot ever be reversed
There will be time for sleep and other fun
But work and obligations must come first
And sleeping on the job won't get it done.

And choices must be made by me and you
Those times to step up and decide just which
Of all the things that matter we should do
Let's hope we're not found sleeping at the switch.

So get your sleep, but get it when you should
Not when you could be out there doing good.

D&C 88:124 #3 Cease to Find Fault

Sonnet 815 D&C 88:124  #3 Cease to Find Fault

I wonder where the notion gets it's birth
That we can lift ourselves by tearing down
That somehow we increase inherent worth
By knocking off the other fellow's crown.

There is enough of  actual fault within
My own imperfect life, filled to the brim
It keeps me busy weeding out my sin
My neighbour's faults I'll have to leave to him.

And ceasing to find fault with all my friends
Should give me time to see them as I should
Then both of us can better make amends
With focus not of fault, but on the good.

I doubt that by my ceasing to find fault
I'll somehow slow their progress to exalt.

D&C 88:124 #2 Cease to be Unclean

Sonnet 814 D&C 88:124 #2  Cease to be Unclean

The unclean of the world used to be
The lepers and diseased upon the street
Required to declare it by decree
“Unclean! Unclean!” they loudly must repeat.

And being thus compelled to so exclaim
Though ever in their hearts was the desire
To cease to be unclean and lose the shame
Of living in a physical hellfire.

But filthiness of heart prevails today
And unlike lepers, many hell bound folk
Have no desire to cease to be that way
And look upon repentance as a joke.

Those shamelessly promoting the obscene
Might just as well be shouting out  “Unclean!”

D&C 88:124 Cease to be Idle

D&C 88:124
 124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

Sonnet 813 D&C 88:124 Cease to be Idle

To “cease”, in general, means to desist
To put the brakes on something in a spin
To stop, to quit, to end. But here's the twist
To cease in idleness is to begin.

To overcome, by will, inertia's hold
Submitting to the Maker's call thereof
By actions calculated and so bold
They lift you up to works of faith and love.

Because the curse of idleness is not
The worst of all the ways to be untrue
Remember that unless our time is fraught
With good, that idleness might better do.

So go ahead and cease your idle ways
But don't replace your sloth with sinful days.

D&C 82:10 #2

Sonnet 812 D&C 82:10 #2

God keeps a promise. That's just how He is
His word is good. His bond a binding sure
The covenants that matter are all His
The promised blessings open and secure.

Do as I say, He says, and so it is
The burden of decision falls to you
The real rewards that matter are all His
His blessings ascertained by what you do.

The promise of a man is what he is
His character determined by his bond
The measure and the means supremely his
To settle where he fits in life beyond.

If you won't keep a promise here below
Then heaven's is not the place you're bound to go.

D&C 82:10

D&C 82:10
 10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

Sonnet 811 D&C 82:10

“I Did it My Way” What a song!
That anthem of defiant selfishness
Confusing soundly what is right from wrong
That narcissistic hymn of self excess.

“I Did it My Way” What a joke!
A nasty exclamation by a brat
An opportunity gone up in smoke
So fully out of tune, both sharp and flat.

“I Did it My Way” What a waste!
Mistaking bluster for courageousness
Exalting in a life so hubris based
It celebrates the wanting to transgress.

“I'll Do it His Way” That's the song!
A hymn to which we all should sing along.

D&C 78:19 #2

Sonnet 810 D&C 78:19 #2

A certified financial planning guy
Is parked in every branch of every bank
Explaining which investments you should buy
He knows the rates and risks and how they rank.

But often things don't happen like they should
And markets will collapse and bonds will fail
And even when the guesswork turns out good
The pace of growth is usually like a snail.

But here's a better tip for high returns
For adding up the things of earth to you
A guarantee of glory while it earns
A hundred fold in blessings to accrue.

And all you have to do is show your thanks
You won't get this advice at any banks.

D&C 78:19

D&C 78:19
 19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

Sonnet 809 D&C 78:19

We sing about the blessings we should count
Of  listing our good fortunes one by one
Of how rewards in heaven will surmount
Afflictions and the insults to us done.

And gratitude remembered for the good
Is solace to the victims of real pain
But thinking that a list of blessings could
Remove real troubles is a hope in vain.

The way to overcome a load of care
Is rather to accept it as a gift
Receive in thankfulness all things you bear
Not just the things that give an easy lift.

When everything you get, you're thankful for
The ROI's * a hundred fold or more

*Return on Investment

D&C 76:40-41 #2

Sonnet 808 D&C 76:40-41 #2

The earth will be renewed as we believe
And then become a shining paradise
A place where it and people can receive
A glory paid for with an awful price.

That glory, wholly sanctified and sure
All clean and free of sin and any stain
Transparent as a sea of glass and pure
Where future, past and present meld and reign.

And nothing that's impure abides the light
The slightest flaws are burned away by grace
White hot, to finish anything not right
To everything that is, a  warm embrace.

Him crucified and bearing every sin
Invites us to repent and enter in.

D&C 76:40-41

D&C 76:40-41
40 And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—
 41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;


Sonnet 808 D&C 76:40-41

Each day I check the news to see what's new
I listen to the stories of the day
And weather, sports and things the nations do
I like to learn what's going on that way.

And most of what I hear is pretty mean
The troubles and the strife are what they sell
The crime, the plagues and even the obscene
Are all reported faithfully and well.

But there is always news that's always good
Glad tidings, new and ancient, always true
Although not in the nightly news, it should
Be something that I constantly review.

Between the nightly and the glad please choose
The Gospel as most valued piece of news.

D&C 76:22-24 #2

Sonnet 807 D&C 76:22-24 #2

This is the sort of evidence we use
In courts of law to sort out serious things
With solemn witnesses in threes or twos
The consequence of judgment swiftly brings.

You may believe, or not, it's up to you
Your agency allows you to decide
And even, once believing. What to do?
How should this testimony be applied?

Whatever you may choose to do, or not
On record now is evidence quite clear
This makes you bound, accountable and caught
You can't pretend there's nothing to see here.

I say, embrace the facts. The Savior lives!
What comfort this sweet testimony gives!

D&C 76: 22-24

D&C 76:22-24
 22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
 23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
 24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and               the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

Sonnet 490 D&C 76: 22-24

The voice I’ve heard is not the voice of man
But such as only heart and soul can feel
Yet stronger and more true than any plan
Devised to prove that something else is real.

And so because of this I know it’s true
The testimony of this Joseph Smith
A declaration meant to best renew
The faith that Christ is not some ancient myth.

And since, the witnesses have multiplied
Until in millions saints affirm the Christ
And though they each have truly testified
Still, for the rest, it does not yet suffice.

Each must just ask to hear from Him that gives
The voice, at last, that testifies: He lives!

D&C 64:9-11 #2

Sonnet 806 D&C 64:9-11 #2

The trespass may be grave or slight, who knows?
But somehow failing to forgive is worse
No matter how the first offence arose
The greater sin evokes a greater curse.

And while this seems a mystery at first
Unfair to victims innocent of guile
A second punishment to be disbursed
Upon the guiltless, yet another trial.

This simple fact in doctrine should be clear
Atonement makes account for every sin
And no one earns or bears the highest sphere
Until he leaves all judgments up to Him.

Since heaven is no place for keeping score
You need to check that baggage at the door.

D&C 64:9-11

D&C 64:9-11
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
 10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
 11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

Sonnet 805 D&C 64:9-11

When final judgment finally is wrought
I'll want for help and mercy to be sure
I'll need for sins forgiven and forgot
It takes a lot of grace to be judged pure.

And tragic would it be to have on hand
The silly sin of unforgivingness
The stupid simpleminded stubborn stand
That I should be the judge if you transgress.

Let God be judge of me, and more, of you
Forgive each brother freely and be free
Of such a mortal sin as wanting to
Be judge of those with whom we disagree.

I hope, for your sake, you've forgiven me
And that, for my sake, I've forgiven thee.

D&C 58:42-43 #2

Sonnet 804 D&C 58:42-43 #2

This business of repentance is the best
The ultimate in fashion and in style
The end of sins forsaken and confessed
Beats out all other blessings by a mile!

And how about a God who just forgets
Who takes you back to where you were before
Erases every aspect of regrets
And won't bring up the subject anymore!

Is there a pattern here for us to know
To blank out all offences, slights and wrongs
To move on, saddle up, and let it go
Forget the blues and sing more happy songs.

I hope the Christ-like virtue list's not set
I'd like to add a virtue: To forget.

D&C 58:42-43

D&C 58:42-43
 42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
 43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.

Sonnet 803 D&C 58:42-43

The miracles began and never quit
He turned some water into better wine
He made the blind to see with clay and spit
He cast demonic spirits into swine.

He woke the dead as if they were in sleep
For multitudes he multiplied their food
He walked across the waves above the deep
And at his word the tempests were subdued.

He put a severed ear back in its place
He withered barren fig trees at a glance
And healed a withered hand right in the face
Of Pharisees and scribes on Satan's dance.

Then finally, atonement, well and full
The gift of turning scarlet into wool.

D&C 58:27 #2

Sonnet 802 D&C 58:27 #2

Of course there's much that's given by command
The line of proper action is defined
And covenants and callings can expand
Endeavours to which saints have been assigned.

And such as duty and command require
Is much and must be carefully observed
But do not think it takes your whole desire
There's other wants and wishes to be served.

The One who went about just doing good
Displayed the way to freelance your free will
So rise above just doing what you “should”
Let constant love of righteousness fulfill.

And be a better boy scout, just this way
By doing lots of good turns, everyday.

D&C 58:27

D&C 58:27
 27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

Sonnet 801 D&C 58:27

I see them every day, and it is sad
Those men engaged in things of little worth
Anxiety for causes small or bad
The champions of the trivial or worse.

Sincere, involved, concerned, enthused, caught up
They may attempt to recruit you as well
And similarly make your daily cup
No better than a porous empty shell.

Though all of us have some desires to build
Be not deceived. Large action in small things
Expends your force and makes you fill fulfilled
But nothing good or real or lasting brings.

So choose your cause with careful prayerful zeal
And make of your free will a first-rate deal.

D&C 46:33 #2

Sonnet 800 D&C 46:33 #2

What are the constants in your daily walk
What habits are the measure of your way
What interests consume your idle talk
What marks the nature of your day to day?

Perhaps you have a love of lovely song
Or are you one to follow every game
Or is the workplace where you're really strong
Or do you seek for riches or for fame?

There's some who seem in trouble all the time
And others always focused on their looks
I s'pose there's some who toil away at rhyme
And others who do nothing but read books.

But if you must do anything a lot
Be sure that virtue occupies that spot.

D&C 46:33

D&C 46:33
 33 And ye must practice virtue and holiness before me continually. Even so. Amen.

Sonnet 799 D&C 46:33

Most things take practice to improve at all
The skills in others we admire so
Do not appear by simple beck and call
But rather by the force of practice grow.

Perhaps to play piano or the flute
And make pure melodies through constant care
Is not so diff'rent from the special route
That leads to virtue, holiness and prayer.

The Savior of the world even grew
And waxed strong in the spirit and was wise
Thus learning by the grace of God to do
The mighty works required to win His prize.

So pick a virtue, practice it, and tell
How holiness can grow when practised well.

D&C 25:13 #2

Sonnet 798  D&C 25:13 #2

What habit could be better than this one
To lift your heart, rejoice and be glad
For all the things the Lord for you has done
A tonic to dispel what's sad or bad.

Today may disappoint or set you back
A lot of things may seem to go all wrong
But joyfulness will keep you on the track
So live your life as if it was a song.

Don't be so thoughtless of your blessed state
Remind yourself, instead, of promised peace
Impressions of depression will abate
When joyfulness begins and grumblings cease.

Rejoice, rejoice! Make that your daily choice
Rejoice, rejoice! Make that your daily voice.

D&C 25:13

D&C 25:13
 13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

Sonnet 797 D&C 25:13

A life without a covenant is vain
Without a promise solemn made and kept
A life without commitment is profane
A waste, a loss, it's squandered and inept.

But covenants with God give life it's zest
A reach for something higher than your own
The way to rise triumphant in the test
A purpose and a sceptre and a throne.

So cleave unto your covenants with zeal
Rejoice to have great meaning and the means
To guide your heart and soul with such a keel
Against the winds of chance and change of scenes.

A kite can never fly without a string
And that's the sort of power that covenants bring.

D&C 19:23 #2

Sonnet 796 D&C 19:23 #2

The Lord hath said it well and truly so
There is no peace unto the wicked souls
No rest, no sweet refreshment where they go
No rescue from their wrecks on wretched shoals.

The peace and safety promised is to penitent
Contrite and broken hearted lowly sons
And daughters who accept the heaven sent
Forgiveness promised to all humble ones.

There is no peace unless you're right with God
Obedient and diligent and good
Unless you learn to worship and applaud
The gospel message rightly understood.

So learning, listening and walking true
Is what you do to bring His peace to you.

D&C 19:23

D&C 19:23
 23 Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

Sonnet 795 D&C 19:23

And here's that threesome counsel yet again
Three things to do to earn a promise true
It's learn, and listen, walk in meekness, then
The peace of God will come, with Him, to you.

As usual these three duties are not new
They represent a very common theme
As “study”, “pray” and “work”, is what we do
To keep our daily progress on the beam.

Don't let a day go by without a touch
Of learning of the word in holy writ
And no one ever listened overmuch
So praying always is a benefit.

And, thirdly, work should be your daily walk
No meekness ever grew just out of talk.

D&C 19:16-19 #2

Sonnet 794 D&C 19:16-19 #2

The Lord must really love a metaphor
In allegory, irony and such
He teaches us with parables galore
To give His doctrine lessons, common touch.

And here He teaches with the bitter cup
Remember, upper room, where first He gave
His loving friends the charge to drink it up
And then Gethsemane. The cup. The save.

And finally upon the awful cross
In irony triumphant did he cry
For having paid the full and awful cost
“I thirst” from having drunk the bitter dry.

And every week the cup is passed to you
Reminding of a debt that's always due.

D&C 19:16-19

D&C 19:16-19
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
 17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
 18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
 19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

Sonnet 793 D&C 19:16-19

Because there is no happiness in sin
And since the fall temptation came about
We all know some of misery within
And even some of suffering without.

And with this understanding comes the need
To lift the consequences from the soul
Erasing every evil thought and deed
To meet eternity both clean and whole.

And so a loving Father, God and King
Decreed a plan for ending all such pains
It called for someone else to bear the sting
Of all the awful hurt that sin sustains.

Because the Savior drank that bitter cup
Each fallen sinner can be lifted up.

D&C 18: 15-16 #3

Sonnet 792 D&C 18: 15-16 #3

And some may labour all their days, I fear
And never see, in life, the joyfulness
Of bringing even one soul to or near
The Holy One who wants to own and bless.

Some even serve a mission for two years
And knock on doors and cry repentance loud
And overcome temptation and their fears
And yet can't pick a convert from the crowd.

And seeing others easily succeed
Can't help but be discouraging to such
Who, giving all they can, still humbly plead
For someone, somewhere, sometime they can touch.

That saint, in joy, will have a great reward
For having brought his own soul to the Lord.

D&C 18: 15-16 #2

Sonnet 791 D&C 18: 15-16 #2

Just yesterday a flicker of this light
As I was working in my temple role
A patron sitting, smiling, to my right
A lovely, worthy, happy, favoured soul.

Reminded of a blessing from the past
I knew her from my seminary days
She came, a stranger, yearning, learning fast
And left a member, baptized in our ways.

Between the sealings I called out her name
And she, “My seminary teacher. Hey!”
And then, “My favourite student!” I exclaim
A joyful moment brightening the day.

Reunions up in heaven much like this
Will surely be the stuff of heavenly bliss.

D&C 18:15-16

D&C 18:15-16
 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

Sonnet 790 D&C 18:15-16

It's too late now for me to meet this test
I've spent too many days in sheer neglect
I haven't always tried my very best
My missionary zeal has been suspect.

But even in my accidental ways
I've stumbled to success a time or two
And tasted of this joy in my days
By doing what good missionaries do.

And much as anyone who should repent
I need to keep in mind these joys I've had
And over come the forces that prevent
Me from pursing things that make me glad.

I guess if I would “labour all my days”
I'll have to start today to change my ways.

D&C 18:10-11 #2

Sonnet 789 D&C 18:10-11 #2

To know the value of most any thing
A guess, a wish, or hope will not suffice
And even an appraisal has a swing
So great it only sets an asking price.

And tougher yet to cost out souls on earth
No catalogue of these is found in play
And so, as with the things, the person's worth
Is only set by how much one will pay.

But here a final price point has been set
A payment that is infinite and firm
Retirement of all of mankind's debt
Atonement made completely and full term.

There is no pain, no loss, no fault or sin
That Christ cannot redeem.  Just come to Him.

D&C 18:10-11

D&C 18:10-11
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

Sonnet 788 D&C 18:10-11

The Scottish poet begs to have the gift
To see ourselves as others see us too
And while that might provide a social lift
Far better to see me as God sees you.

The issue here is clarity of sight
Of recognizing value where it lies
In overcoming tendency to slight
The value seen so clearly by God's eyes.

And even when we see the worth of souls
We later on forget just what we've seen
Confused by all our lesser mortal goals
Forgetting who we are and where we've been.

To help remember, singing's what I do
“I Am a Child of God”. And so are you.

D&C 13:1 #3

Sonnet 787 D&C 13:1 #3

Moroni held the keys to prove the cause
And so he laid the word at Joseph's door
A gift that put an end to the long pause
According to all prophesy before.

And so as Joseph had the proof in hand
The power next conferred upon his head
As angels came as needed to expand
The keys to govern how this work would spread.

These visits from iconic ancient men
Elijah, Moses, Michael, Peter too
And James and Johns and Gabriel and then
Some other angels that we never knew.

So with the word, the power and the keys
The Gospel now restored will spread with ease.

D&C 13:1 #2

Sonnet 786 D&C 13:1 #2

The order and the genius of these rights
That give a place of service to the young
Preparing for the necessary heights
Allowing upward progress rung by rung.

This priesthood is important needed power
And every holder ought to comprehend
Though higher office should begin to flower
He's still a deacon to the very end.

It can't be small to hold the angel's keys
To minister to basic needs of men
To turn them from uncaring to their knees
Ensuring that the sinner's born again.

I hope, for me, these duties never wain
Just cause the sons of Levi come again.

D&C 13:1

D&C 13:1
1 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

Sonnet 785: D&C 13:1

Imagine if you will the thrill of this
Of John the Baptist calling you by name
And if, in such a moment of pure bliss
“My fellow servant” did he too exclaim.

My habit, with a similar address
Is to begin with “We your brethren lay
Our hands upon your head”  to lift and bless
And keys, a call or comfort thus convey.

The fellowship of saints is first and last
The unity and love and friendship must
In deed and every word be kindly passed
Acknowledging the order of the just.

And even here between the dispensations
Some words to show the parity of stations.

D&C 10:5 #2

Sonnet 784 D&C 10:5 #2

I testify of music as a prayer
The holiness of melody that's strong
The remedy for darkness or despair
I praise the healing and the gift of song.

I sing of earth and heaven and of life
I cast out fear with lovely lullabies
I charge the battle front with drum and fife
And every song's a prayer, a sign, a prize.

I join the chorus in triumphant airs
Or make a joyful noise within my heart
Delighting in my choice of tuneful prayers
I worship with my voice as blessed art.

And this is how I conquer Satan's force
With happy sacred music as my course.

D&C 10:5

D&C 10:5
 5 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

Sonnet 783 D&C 10:5

Those grasping hands of demon devotees
Commanded by a devil without heart
Can be defeated if you make your knees
The place on which your days will end and start.

And praying is a shield and weapon too
Against the evil forces of the day
For nothing has a chance to conquer you
If you will make the time to always pray.

You cannot pray a lie.  As Huck would say
And so the truth will fortify the saint
And set you free as Christ explained the way
That we ought always pray and not to faint.

Since how to conquer is so clearly said
You wonder why the losing's so widespread?

D&C 8:2-3 #3

Sonnet 782 D&C 8:2-3 #3

In every life there's moments of despair
When enemies assail and close the way
When hardship becomes more than you can bear
And all seems lost and hope is in decay.

And backed up to the water of the sea
Was Moses and his people in retreat
And seeing that they could not fight or flee
They agonized and murmured in defeat.

But Moses had this special power to save
The gift of revelation from the Lord
To see a way to pass through any wave
A Word much stronger than the strongest sword.

So when in seas of trouble you seem drowned
The Spirit's there to help you find dry ground.

D&C 8:2-3 #2

Sonnet 781 D&C 8:2-3 #2

There is a battle royal in your chest
Of forces which would dwell within your heart
And that which you would want to nourish best
Will have the chance to occupy that part.

You furnish and equip that dwelling spot
According as your choices have matured
By your profane or by your holy thought
The comfort of your tenant is assured.

So think about your life in just this way -
What sort of guest does my heart best accord
Is what I think and say and do each day
Inviting to the devil – or the Lord?

And is it time to renovate your suite
And build a much more spiritual retreat?

D&C 8:2-3

D&C 8:2-3
 2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
 3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

Sonnet 780 D&C 8:2-3

If you can Skype a cousin in L.A.
Or phone or Facetime someone further still
If you can click and speed along its way
A message of intention or good will.

If you can play on-line what's all the rage
Or tweet your every move throughout the day
And make and keep a friendly Facebook page
Or buy and play a song the iTunes way.

If you can feel the music of a Bach
Or ponder on the life of Socrates
Or sculpt a figure from a marble block
Or taste the miracle that comes from bees.

All this without much knowing on your part
Then why can't God speak to your mind and heart?

D&C 6:36 #3

Sonnet 779 D&C 6:36 #3

You may protest that such a bold command
As that to tell you not to fear or doubt
Defies the normal way we understand
That feelings such as these can turn about.

We tend to think we're powerless to change
The course of unbelief or faith or love
That fate or circumstances will arrange
And we the victims more or less thereof.

But if the Lord commands us to believe
And tells us not to fear or faint or doubt
Then clearly that's a thread that we can weave
An outcome in our pow'r to bring about.

And in this verse the pattern is explained
Control your thoughts and faith will be sustained.

D&C 6:36 #2

Sonnet 778 D&C 6:36 #2

Some people train a horse with seeming ease
Or show old dogs the workings of new tricks
A few can even teach a cat to please
Or make a circus out of fleas and ticks.

And others, well they like to train their hair
Or build their bodies into muscle shows
They do it with astounding time and care
And why they do it no one really knows.

But did you ever think to train your thoughts
To make them servant to your needs and wants
Not letting them run loose or tie in knots
Or settle in their own unhealthy haunts?

We're told to look to God in every thought
I think about that challenge quite a lot.

D&C 6:36

D&C 6:36
 36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

Sonnet 777 D&C 6:36

I'm not sure how this works if one is blind
But for the sighted, something one should know
The looker, in the end, is sure to find
That where he looks is where he tends to go.

Of course this can be good or bad for him
Depending on the focus of his sight
An evil seeker's future will be grim
A righteous looker's prospects will be bright.

And there is much distraction out there too
Carcinogens dress up to look benign
The competition for your point of view
Began as soon as earth was in design.

So watch the things you watch my sighted friend
Remember, where you look is where you'll end.

D&C 1:37-38 #3

Sonnet 776 D&C 1:37-38 #3

The precious word of God. Eternal! True!
Restoring all the ways ordained at first
Outlasting earth and heaven, and yet new
An everlasting covenant now versed.

Declaring boldly that the prophets' tongue
Is equal and a proxy for His own
The unison of God and prophet sung
Identical in meaning and in tone.

If you would keep the first and great command
To love your God with all your heart and might
You must apply your mind to understand
His Word and make its practice your delight.

And never without casting out the King
Can you discount the words His servants bring.

D&C 1:37-38 #2

Sonnet 776 D&C 1:37-38 #2

Oh yes, the hunt is on. The search for truth
For wisdom of the open public kind
And mysteries demanding more the sleuth
The plain and precious and the hard to find.

And here's the promised place to win that search
A guarantee of finding all your needs
The scripture that designed the Savior's Church
A guiding light for anyone that reads.

So hardly could you find a better place
In which to search for clues for living right
This latter-day description of His grace
The modern Way of Truth and Life and Light.

These true and faithful covenants for you
And doctrine, promises, commandments too.

D&C 1:37-38

Doctrine and Covenants

D&C 1:37-38
37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

Sonnet 775 D&C 1:37-38

I give my cheers of gratitude and love
A grand Hurrah! And happy hoot Hooray!
Then Hallelujah! To my God above
Hosanna! For this restoration day.

My shout is meant to come from deep within
And spread, I hope, across the universe
The message of respite from death and sin
Commandments overcoming Satan's curse.

And ordinances and the promised law
And prophesies and blessings and the word
Chastisement mixed with wisdom without flaw
The doctrine by its covenants conferred.

Hosanna! For this book of prophesy
And Hallelujah from a bended knee!

Revelation 20:12

Revelation 20:12
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Sonnet 774 Revelation 20:12

What's with this opened book of life I see
The one for works both well or poorly done
How can it miss the most and best of me
My list of good intentions one by one.

So many good things that I meant to do
Should count for something on the judgment day
My heart was pure, my thinking oh so true
My wants and wishes ever on display.

And I was always generous to a fault
In noticing the pressing needs of men
I should not be denied my place exalt
Because I could not make some time for them.

I do not think a judgment is ideal
That seems to favour those whose works are real.

1 Peter 4:6

1 Peter 4:6
 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Sonnet 773 1 Peter 4:6

Each year the teaching pool among the dead
Is raised by 50 million more or so
The volume of the task, it must be said
Ensures the work will be there when you go.

And even down on earth the count goes up
As birthing beats the dying day by day
And so that work too overflows its cup
You're needed in a missionary way.

So preaching to the living and the dead
Amounts to quite a job, I have to say
And clearly we won't ever get ahead
Until that bright millennial array.

And since there's so much of this work to do
How wonderful it's joyful, through and through.

James 2:17-18

James 2:17-18
 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Sonnet 772 James 2:17-18

The argument continues even now
On one side,  “born again” and “saved by grace”
And on the other “work” and  “hand to plough”
And each will find some writ to make their case.

It's true, of course, that Christ has done it all
That no one earns salvation on his own
And nothing else releases from the fall
That each must bow, in faith, before His throne.

And yet the sheep and goats are sorted plain
By what they do for others and their Lord
And sermons and His parables explain
That one must give of all he can afford.

Without both faith and works, your faith is dead.
That should have put the argument to bed.

James 1:5-6

James 1:5-6
 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Sonnet 771 James 1:5-6

The answers are no problem. They come fine
For giving wisdom liberally's the task
That marks the mission of the great Divine
But what we have to do, in faith, is ask.

And every honest convert knows the drill
To offer earnest prayer as Joseph did
And finds when “nothing wavering” the thrill
That warm embracing answer to his bid.

And children raised where Joseph's story's taught
May be believing all throughout their youth
But such a faithful childhood comes to nought
Unless they make their own request for truth.

If you still lack the wisdom that you need
Go ask in faith. An answer's guaranteed.

Hebrews 12:9

Hebrews 12:9
 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Sonnet 770 Hebrews 12:9

If reverence is hard for you to take
And being subject makes you ill at ease
Or if correction of a clear mistake
Is worse to you than any dread disease.

If you're with those who say they'd rather die
Than be subjected to parental will
Well that's a rule to which you will comply
As such a death-wish does the law fulfill.

Obedience means life or death to man
You choose to live when choosing to obey
And sadly in the vast eternal plan
The disobedient don't go that way.

It's up to you, but this advice I give
Be subject to the Father's will... and live.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

2 Timothy 3:15-17
 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Sonnet 769 2 Timothy 3:15-17

If Twitterland and Instant Messageville
Is where you live each minute of the day
With brevity, the all consuming skill
Is that enough to help you on your way?

Or maybe you have earbuds locked in place
With lists of songs you simply have to play
So melody and rhythm fill your space
Is that enough to help you on your way?

But if you make a quiet time for God
A time to read from scripture every day
To be corrected, taught and even awed
Is that enough to help you on your way?

The wisdom of your Maker, I would say
Can't be discovered any better way.

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

2 Thessalonians 2:1-3
1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Sonnet 759 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3

The prophet Paul saw better far ahead
Than most of men today see looking back
He understood the weaving of the thread
That signals heaven's angle of attack.

There is a detailed plan of all these days
The seasons and the centuries defined
The dispensations, ages and delays
All organized, predicted and aligned.

And so of course the time we call our own
This final restoration of all things
These latter-days were wisely, kindly shown
In prophesies declared on angel's wings.

And so we see foretold, revealed and planned
The day of Christ's return is close at hand.

Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13
 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Sonnet 758 Philippians 4:13

For better or for worse, in thick or thin
In good times or in bad, or sink or swim
Like Sister Wirthlin, Paul says with a grin
That “Come what may and love it” works for him.

And this is not a boast of Paul's own strength
But rather an expression of delight
That he could take life's blows to any length
Through Christ who saves at any depth or height.

And all the weak and weary can abound
And all the high and mighty be abased
Through Christ they all can happily be found
United in a strength by heaven graced.

Whatever is your circumstance or test
When you endure through Christ you'll come out best.

Ephesians 4:11-14

Ephesians 4:11-14
 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Sonnet 757 Ephesians 4:11-14

The officers are there to steer you right
To brace you from those winds that push and pull
They keep you from the cunning and the sleight
Protecting you from wolves in clothes of wool.

Your bishop and your president of stake
The prophet and the other brethren there
Will mark the safest path without mistake
Give them your faith and confidence and prayer.

The member who will love his leaders well
Is grateful for the the things that they advise
And will not criticize God's personnel
Is safest from deceit and crafty lies.

Perfecting of the saints is the design
And that can't happen when they're out of line.

Galations 5:22-23

Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Sonnet 756 Galations 5:22-23

The harvest of the Spirit in your days
Is love and joy and peace and patience too
And gentleness and goodness in your ways
To make a faithful, meek and temperate you.

While yielding to the flesh throughout your life
Will drive away the Spirit and replace
All love and joy with wickedness and strife
Long suffering and meekness with disgrace.

There is a constant battle for your soul
Between the Spirit and the lusts of man
And fruits of goodness ought to be your goal
So here's a wise and certain harvest plan.

Whatever kind of fruit you want to grow
Is governed by the seeds you choose to sow.

1 Cprinthians 15:40-42

1 Corinthians 15:40-42
 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

Sonnet 755 1 Corinthians 15:40-42

It's snowing as I read this verse today
The sun, the moon, the stars..., seem out of reach
And glory seems so very far away
I'm asking, “What does stormy weather teach?”

These clouds will test my faith, it seems to me
And fog will clog the memory of light
And even wind distracts so I don't see
The heavens as they are, though still in sight.

The thing is that I must, on cloudy days
Remind myself of what I really know
The sun, the moon, the stars..., those glory ways
Are waiting there for me beyond the snow.

And when I keep my faith through stormy days
My resurrected glory's bound to raise.

1 Corinthians 15:20-22

1 Corinthians 15:20-22
 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Sonnet 754 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

The logic of the resurrection plan
Is flawless as it weaves between the roles
Of God and Christ and Adam and of man
But logic doesn't capture hearts and souls.

It's Handel wrote the music to this song
And legions sing and listen to its airs
It's time, my friend, for you to sing along
To testify to what the writ declares.

For “Since by Man Came Death” is what it's called
“MESSIAH” Forty Six in Handel's book
A piece by which you will be so enthralled
I beg, I urge, I promise, “Have a look!”

And learn to feel, to shout, to sing, to cry
“In Christ shall all be made alive!” that die.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 #2

Sonnet 753 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 #2

And then there is that “body beautiful”
The worshipping of tans or abs or hair
The tender care of every cuticle
And so much of ado with “what to wear”.

And some will body-build or run for hours
Or cleanse and fast or gorge and purge and such
They focus all their time and all their powers
On sculpting or renewing over much.

Some other out of balance some will choose
Neglect, abuse, or sloven carelessness
Or mutilating piercings or tattoos
A bad attempt at metamorphosis.

Your body is a temple, fair or plain
But temple worship's something else again.

Malachi 4:5-6 #3

Sonnet 752 Malachi 4:5-6 #3

Elijah came to Kirtland with the keys
And things began to change across the earth
Societies for genealogies
At last and first were wisely given birth.

Elijah came to Kirtland with the keys
And angels of assistance were unleashed
And spirits in a sort of long deep freeze
Could hope and know they now could be released.

Elijah came to Kirtland with the keys
And you still have the choice. “What to do?”
But if you choose to turn your heart to these
Your Fathers' will, in turn, be turned to you.

Elijah came to Kirtland with keys
And brought a curse of darkness to its knees.

Malachi 4:5-6 #2

Sonnet 750 Malachi 4:5-6 #2

Could simple curiosity explain
This yearning to complete my family tree
To fill in all the links that make the chain
Of life that led, at last, to little me?

These mysteries and challenges pertain
To wrack me with this awful need to know
What is it that I hope to find or gain
Why is it that I work this puzzle so?

There's more than just the finding, I declare
There's something so exquisite with this pain
It's how my heart has softened through this care
A gift of love I almost can't contain.

For as I search and widen out my scope
Somehow my loss is overcome by hope.