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.