Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 18

Waters of Shiloah

No to confederacy

Wait upon the Lord

2 Nephi 18 - Christ shall be as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense—Seek the Lord, not peeping wizards—Turn to the law and to the testimony for guidance—Compare Isaiah 8. About 559–545 B.C.

The unbelieving of Judah saw the present danger from Damascus and thought that a confederacy would protect them from that oppression, and they did not need the Lord's help. But a far greater threat than Damascus was beyond the horizon. Look to Him who is mighty to save!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 17

A sign from Heaven

Trust in the strength of the Lord

Virgin conception

2 Nephi 17 - Ephraim and Syria wage war against Judah—Christ shall be born of a virgin—Compare Isaiah 7. About 559–545 B.C.

I love the response to King Ahaz from the prophet--How can you doubt the protection of God when in a little more than 700 years He shall send Immanuel to save all the people?!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 16

Iniquity gone

Holy, Holy, Holy Lord

One tenth shall return

2 Nephi 16 - Isaiah sees the Lord—Isaiah's sins are forgiven—He is called to prophesy—He prophesies of the rejection by the Jews of Christ's teachings—A remnant shall return—Compare Isaiah 6. About 559–545 B.C.

Isaiah saw the Lord, was called to further work in the kingdom and was redeemed from his iniquity. As we turn and hearken to the Lord and work with an eye single to His glory, our iniquity will be taken away, and in His due time we will know as Isaiah knew. Every sacrifice is worth being the Lord's tenth. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 15

Vineyard overrun

Good and evil upside down

His hand stretch'd out still

2 Nephi 15 - The Lord's vineyard (Israel) shall become desolate and his people shall be scattered—Woes shall come upon them in their apostate and scattered state—The Lord shall lift an ensign and gather Israel—Compare Isaiah 5. About 559–545 B.C.

We forego the rich blessings and protection of the Lord when we blindly pursue our interests and fail to recognize His tender mercies. A blinded world is called to look to the Lord's ensign. Who will hoist it?

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 14

Sanctification

Cloud by day and flame by night

Refuge from the storm

2 Nephi 14 - Zion and her daughters shall be redeemed and cleansed in the millennial day—Compare Isaiah 4. About 559–545 B.C.

In Zion, every dwelling place will be a tabernacle of refuge where the protection and comfort of the Spirit abides day and night. "Home can be a heaven on earth..."

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 13

Tongues against the Lord

Destruction and dispersion

Zion desolate

2 Nephi 13 - Judah and Jerusalem shall be punished for their disobedience—The Lord pleads for and judges his people—The daughters of Zion are cursed and tormented for their worldliness—Compare Isaiah 3. About 559–545 B.C.

To Lehi's family, this chapter was not abstract or distant. The elder brothers didn't realize it, but the family really had only two choices: 1) leave fallen Jerusalem and travel under the direction of the Liahona, or 2) leave fallen Jerusalem under the whip of the oppressor.

As Brother Davis of the Brimhall ward put it, "Keeping the commandments is not always easy. But life is always easier when we keep the commandments."

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 12

Lord's house exalted

Spears beat into pruning hooks

The haughty made low

2 Nephi 12 - Isaiah sees the Latter-day temple, gathering of Israel, and millennial judgment and peace—The proud and wicked shall be brought low at the Second Coming—Compare Isaiah 2. About 559–545 B.C

Moses learned that "man is nothing." Each of us must come to that same realization - early or late the cedar of Lebanon will know its place. Zion's homes and temples are the best places to learn this supernal truth.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 11

Three eye witnesses

Lift up your hearts and rejoice

Words of Isaiah

2 Nephi 11 -
Jacob saw his Redeemer—The law of Moses typifies Christ and proves he shall come. About 559–545 B.C.

Nephi, who saw the Lord, found in the words of Isaiah a beautiful expression in human language of the inexpressable power of the message of grace and love and joy that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Great are the words of Isaiah. Do you get it?

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 10

Destroy'd and dispers'd

Great gathering from all lands

Sav'd by grace of God

2 Nephi 10 - Jews shall crucify their God—They shall be scattered until they begin to believe in him—America shall be a land of liberty where no king shall rule—Be reconciled to God and gain salvation through his grace. About 559–545 B.C.

Our bodies, like the tribes of Israel, shall be destroyed and dispersed in the flesh. But there will be a great gathering. By the grace of the Almighty God of Jacob the lost will be redeemed from death and from eternal death and every knee shall bend and the great family of God will be presented before His pleasing bar!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 9

Subject in the flesh

An infinite atonement

Delight in fatness

2 Nephi 9 - Jews shall be gathered in all their lands of promise—Atonement ransoms man from the fall—The bodies of the dead shall come forth from the grave, and their spirits from hell and from paradise—They shall be judged—Atonement saves from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment—The righteous to be saved in the kingdom of God—Penalties for sins set forth—The Holy One of Israel is the keeper of the gate. About 559–545 B.C.

This chapter has always been a favorite of mine. Trying to fathom the need, realization, and impact of an infinite atonement is a life-long effort and joy. Jacob points out that one result is that we can spend our monies, time, and energy enjoying the highest and best of what life has to offer; those things that bring a fulness of joy. (This entire chapter is commentary on Isaiah's exultant "put on thy beautiful garments.")

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2nd Nephi 8

Look unto the Rock

The Lord shall comfort Zion

Beautiful garments!

2 Nephi 8 - In the last days, the Lord shall comfort Zion and gather Israel—The redeemed shall come to Zion amid great joy—Compare Isaiah 51 and 52:1–2. About 559–545 B.C.

In days of darkness and trouble, Isaiah looked to the mighty Lord of Hosts and rejoiced with joy and gladness and the voice of melody. Temples dot the land!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 7

Is my hand shorten'd?

Come, let us stand together

Morning by morning

2 Nephi 7 - Isaiah speaks Messianically; Messiah shall have the tongue of the learned; He shall give his back to the smiters; He shall not be confounded - Compare Isaiah 50.

In our blindness and pain, we sometimes wonder where God has gone. But He has not departed from us; we have sold ourselves for our iniquity (yes, the etymology is what you think it is). Morning by morning we can exercise our power of agency to return and stand with the Mighty God of Jacob.

Eyes Cast Down

Here is my newest song. He really is always there!

EyesCastDown.mp3

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 6

The Almighty God

The Mighty One of Jacob

Scourg'd and crucified

2 Nephi 6: Jacob recounts Jewish history: Their Babylonian captivity and return; the ministry and crucifixion of the Holy One of Israel; the help received from the gentiles; and their Latter-day restoration when they believe in the Messiah. About 559–545 B.C.

The Creator of Heaven and of Earth did suffer and descend below all things in order to set himself to redeem all who will exercise faith, repent and come unto him. Truly, He is mighty to save.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 5

Keep the commandments

A temple like Solomon's

Way of happiness

2 Nephi 5 - The Nephites separate themselves from the Lamanites, keep the law of Moses, and build a temple; Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites are cursed, receive a skin of blackness, and become a scourge unto the Nephites.

A place of refuge and revelation in their midst; a sweet love, born of faith and obedience in their hearts; verily the way of happiness.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 4

Broken and Contrite

Pondering continually

The low valley path

2 Nephi 4 - Lehi counsels and blesses his posterity; He dies and is buried; Nephi glories in the goodness of God to him; Nephi puts his trust in the Lord forever.

I have always loved the high road, the high seat, the high praise and the high pay. Nephi's prayer and great desire was to walk in the path of the low valley.  I think I may have something to learn about humility and the path to the highest kingdom.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 3

Sorrow, affliction

Promises grown together

A choice seer rais'd up

2 Nephi 3 - Joseph in Egypt saw the Nephites in vision—He prophesied of Joseph Smith, the Latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. About 588–570 B.C.

Out of the wilderness of sorrow and affliction comes the promise of covenants made and honored, leading to the great restoration (through the seer from Joseph's line) that will grow until falsehood is confounded and peace is established.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 2

Safety in service

Opposition: law and grace

Choose eternal life

2 Nephi 2 - Redemption cometh through the Holy Messiah—Freedom of choice (agency) is essential to existence and progression—Adam fell that men might be—Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life. About 588–570 B.C.

We must be free to remain unclean and separate from God, or to offer the sacrifice of our will, our broken heart, and our contrite spirit to be made clean forever.  This sacrifice will entail sacred service that brings growth, wisdom, and joy. Lehi was wise, indeed.

PS read the comment.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 2 Nephi 1

Land of liberty

His great and marvelous works

Arise from the dust

2 Nephi 1 - Lehi prophesies of a land of liberty; His seed shall be scattered and smitten if they reject the Holy One of Israel; He exhorts his sons to put on the armor of righteousness.

We live now in the great land of liberty promised to those who remember their covenants and put on the whole armor of God.  But how often do we find ourselves covered in the dust of the cares of Babylon.  Awake and arise from the dust, ye noble ones!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi 22

Covenants reveal'd

Wrath: blood, fire, vapor of smoke

Righteous need not fear

1 Nephi 22 - Israel shall be scattered upon all the face of the earth; The gentiles shall nurse and nourish Israel with the gospel in the last days; Israel shall be gathered and saved, and the wicked shall burn as stubble; The kingdom of the devil shall be destroyed, and Satan shall be bound.

As Nephi explains the prophecies of Isaiah to his brothers, and speaks of the foundation of a mighty nation upon the lands of the children of Lehi, followed by the teaching of the gospel to the scattered tribes of Israel throughout the earth, followed by the testimony of blood and fire and vapor of smoke, he four times states that the righteous will be saved and need not fear.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi 21

Graven on my palms

I will lift up my standard

Children shall be saved

1 Nephi 21 - Messiah shall be a light to the Gentiles and shall free the prisoners; Israel shall be gathered with power in the last days; Kings shall be their nursing fathers - Compare Isaiah 49

Great are the promises to the faithful parents of Zion! Although earthly eyes see distress and destruction, yet shall the Mighty One of Jacob redeem the sons and the daughters.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi 20

Called from the water

Stay upon the Lord of Hosts

The first and the last

1 Nephi 20 - The Lord reveals his purposes to Israel; They have been chosen in the furnace of affliction and are to go forth from Babylon - Compare Isaiah 48.

That we have been called does not secure our inheritance; we must press forward, feasting and serving with a heart full of charity, taking the Holy One of Israel as our Guide and Stay.

1 Plus 1

So, after Grandma's funeral, I was thinking about her and Grandpa being together again. And I wrote this song about my thoughts. Stephanie did the awesome backup vocals that complete it. She, however, would not do the video for me. So, if anyonne *Stacy, cough, cough* would like to re-do some pictures for the video, I'll send you the MP3.

You can listen on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbg9SST0gVI

Book of Mormon Haiku -1st Nephi 19

For a wise purpose

Until further commandments

One eternal Round

1 Nephi 19 - Nephi makes plates of ore and records the history of his people; The God of Israel will come six hundred years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem; Nephi tells of His sufferings and crucifixion; The Jews shall be despised and scattered until the latter days, when they shall return unto the Lord.

It may seem strange to select the first few verses of this chapter of testimony of the Messiah for the Haiku, seemingly focusing on the command to make two sets of plates. But it is precisely because of the preeminence of Nephi's testimony of our Savior that the making of the second set of plates was so vital to each of our lives.

Book of Mormon Haiku -1st Nephi 18

Great was the soreness

Praises to God, four days long

There was a great calm

1 Nephi 18 - The ship is finished; The births of Jacob and Joseph are mentioned; The company embarks for the promised land; The sons of Ishmael and their wives join in revelry and rebellion; Nephi is bound, and the ship is driven back by a terrible tempest; Nephi is freed, and by his prayer the storm ceases; They arrive in the promised land.

Being teachable, being humble, knowing your place in God's eternal perspective, sensing the unspeakable greatness of the Almighty--this is the beginning of patience, obedience, faith, hope, and charity.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi 17

The way is simple
 

Behold the serpent of brass
 

Look to God and live

1 Nephi 17 - Nephi is commanded to build a ship; His brethren oppose him; He exhorts them by recounting the history of God's dealings with Israel; He is filled with the power of God; His brethren are forbidden to touch him, lest they wither as a dried reed.

Moses divided the waters of the Red Sea; Nephi built a ship; All things are possible with God; Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies; Press forward, relying wholly on Him who is mighty to save!

Book of Mormon Haiku: 1st Nephi 16

The Liahona

 

The daughters of Ishmael

 

Bless'd exceedingly

1 Nephi 16 - The wicked take the truth to be hard; Lehi's sons marry the daughters of Ishmael; The Liahona guides their course in the wilderness; Messages from the Lord are written on the Liahona from time to time; Ishmael dies, his family murmur because of afflictions.

Nephi uses the phrase "blessed of the Lord exceedingly" only once--in connection with his marriage to one of the daughters of Ishmael. Verily, verily, it is not good for man to be alone.

Book of Mormon Haiku : 1st Nephi 15

Rod - the word of God
 

Flaming, dividing justice
 

Tree - the love of God

1 Nephi 15 - Lehi's seed are to receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days; The gatherng of Israel is likened unto an olive tree whose natural branches shall be grafted in again; Nephi interprets the vision of the tree of life and speaks of the justice of God in dividing the wicked from the righteous.

The Rod and the Tree are the Good News of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved. Amazing Grace!

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi 14

Wrath of God pour'd out

Saints of God throughout the earth

Arm'd with righteousness

1 Nephi 14 - An angel tells Nephi of the blessings and cursings to fall upon the gentiles; There are only two churches: the Church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil; The saints of God in all nations are persecuted by the great and abominable church; The apostle John shall write concerning the end of the world.

This chapter gives us powerful impetus to look on each person, people, time and place with generosity and charity. Judge not. Be humble. Look to God, and live.

Book of Mormon Haiku: 1 Nephi 13

One group under wrath

Humble reading of the Word

One receives mercy

1 Nephi 13 - Nephi sees in vision: the church of the devil set up among the Gentiles; the discovery and colonizing of America; the loss of many plain and precious parts of the Bible; the resultant state of gentile apostacy; the restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of latter-day scripture, and the building up of Zion.

Nephi sees that Lehi's descendants, having lost all scripture, are under God's wrath. (interesting word, wrath.  See the other English words from the ancient wr)  He sees that the gentiles with the Book are humble and blessed by grace.  Even with many plain and precious parts removed, the Word is a mighty seed.

Book of Mormon Haiku - 1st Nephi Chapter 12

Destruction, then peace

Apex of Nephite hist'ry

How art thou fallen?

1 Nephi 12 - Nephi sees in vision: the land of promise; the righteousness, iniquity and downfall of its inhabitants; the coming of the Lamb of God among them; how the twelve disciples and the twelve apostles shall judge Israel; the loathsome and filthy state of those who dwindle in unbelief.



It is difficult to image Nephi's emotions as he viewed the future history of his children. Through it all, he knew that the Lord's promise of restoration was absolutely certain!

Book of Mormon: 1st Nephi Chapter 11

The tree which bore fruit

The Son of the most high God

Power, great glory

1 Nephi 11 - Nephi sees the Spirit of the Lord and is shown in vision the tree of life; He sees the mother of the Son of God and learns of the condescension of God; He sees the baptism, ministry, and crucifixion of the Lamb of God; He sees also the call and ministry of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The love of God is the central fact of our lives.  As we become ever more aware of this absolute center of gravity, all around falls into proper focus and harmony glows.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 10

Savior, Redeemer

from Foundation of the world

Both Gentile and Jew

1 Nephi 10 - Lehi predicts the Babylonian captivity; He tells of the coming among the Jews of a Messiah, a Savior, a Redeemer; He tells also of the coming of the one who should baptize the Lamb of God; Lehi tells of the death and resurrection of the Messiah; He compares the scattering and gathering of Israel to an olive tree; Nephi speaks of the Son of God, of the gift of the Holy Ghost, and of the need for righteousness.

The Savior was anointed at a place and time long before the birth of nations.  By the power of the Holy Ghost, through faith on the Son of God, all the sons of Adam and all the daughters of Eve have access to revelation and salvation. Worlds without end.

Blessed Easter!

Publish glad tiddings

Vict'ry over death and hell

Risen Redeemer

The Book of Mormon

1st Nephi Chapter 9

God knoweth all things

For purposes I know not

Be wise and obey

1 Nephi 9 - Nephi makes two sets of records; Each is called the plates of Nephi; The larger plates contain a secular history, the smaller ones deal primarily with sacred things.

Humility is a precursor to faith.  Faith engenders wise obedience.  Scoffers, being deficient in both humility and faith, call such obedience "blind". 

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 8

Great Mists of Darkness

Pressing forward to the tree

The rod of iron!

1 Nephi 8 - Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life; He partakes of its fruit and desires his family to do likewise; He sees a rod of iron, a strait and narrow path, and the mists of darkness that enshroud men; Sariah, Nephi, and Sam partake of the fruit, but Laman and Lemuel refuse.

We become accustomed to the darkness of this world.  If we are not daily connected with the Word, we can be overcome by the mists of darkness around us, and hardly notice.  We must both cling to the rod of iron and let our light shine for our fellows.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 7

Exceedingly wroth

Rebellious and murderous

Delivered from death

1 Nephi 7 - Lehi's sons return to Jerusalem and enlist Ishmael and his household in their cause; Laman and others rebel; Nephi exhorts his brethren to have faith in the Lord; They bind him with cords and plan his destruction; He is freed by the power of faith; His brethren ask forgiveness; Lehi and his company offer sacrifice and burn offerings.

Petty jealousy grew slowly into that measure of enmity that invites murder.  At every crossroads with another, we choose enmity or charity.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 6

I desire the room

Come unto Christ and be saved

Fulness of intent

1 Nephi 6 - Nephi writes the things of God; His purpose is to persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham and be saved.

We need to preserve space and time in our lives for those things that are most important. What are you doing today?

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 5

Exceedingly glad

From Joseph, son of Jacob

Preserve commandments

1 Nephi 5 - Sariah complains against Lehi; Both rejoice over the return of their sons; They offer sacrifices; The plates of brass contain writings of Moses and the prophets; They identify Lehi as a descedant of Joseph; Lehi prophesies concerning his seed and the preservation of the plates.

Later, Lehi will declare: 'Man is that he might have joy.' Here we see that our happiness is the great purpose of scripture and commandments. When we glimps the enormity of God's love and purposes we are filled to overflowing with exceeding gladness.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 4

Brothers murmur still

Nephi heeds the still, small voice

Led by the Spirit

1 Nephi 4 - Nephi slays Laban at the Lord's command and then secures the plates of brass by stratagem; Zoram chooses to join Lehi's family in the wilderness.

When we do not hear the still small voice, it is time to turn down the world and stop murmuring. The touch of the Master's hand will return sight to our eyes, and hearing to our ears.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 2

Lowliness of heart

God, diligently sought for

Nephi murmured not

1 Nephi 2 - Lehi takes his family into the wilderness by the Red Sea; They leave their property; Lehi offers a sacrifice to the Lord and teaches his sons to keep the commandments; Laman and Lemuel murmur against their father; Nephi is obedient and prays in faith; the Lord speaks to him, and he is chosen to rule over his brethren.

How we view ourselves and our circumstances is inexorably tied to our understanding of and our faith in the Supreme Creator of all things.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 3

As the Lord liveth

Record of the covenant

I will go and do

1 Nephi 3 - Lehi's sons return to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass; Laban refuses to give them up; Nephi exhorts and encourages his brethren; Laban steals their property and attempts to slay them; Laman and Lemuel smite Nephi and are reproved by an angel.

There is something profoundly important about the knowledge of the eternal promises made to our fathers. In fact, the story of Laban's sword unmistakenly teaches us that this knowledge is vital.

Book of Mormon Haiku

1st Nephi Chapter 1

Because of their faith 

Tender mercies of the Lord 

Unto deliv'rance

1 Nephi 1 - Nephi begins the record of his people; Lehi sees in vision a pillar of fire and reads from a book of prophecy; He praises God, foretells the coming of the Messiah, and prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem; He is persecuted by the Jews.

Winter in Mesa

Yeah, it's true. Winter in Mesa is just brutal. This is a shot of Jillian and Stacy braving the dark Phoenix days of winter. They actually had to find outer clothing with LONG SLEEVES!

These girls are tough, I'm telling you!

You can't really see it in this shot, but I think that could be a goose bump on Jillian's left wrist.

Well, Summer is only a few months away. Soon the bleakness of these dark days will fade to the dull haunting of a bitter memory.

An eye single to the Glory of God

And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.(Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:5)

Lynette and I were at the Superstition Mountains last night. And the glory of the Lord shone round about!

119 Gimel

119 Gimel.mp3

And here is the 3rd song in the 119th Psalm cycle!

Гимель

17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
19 I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20 My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.
21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.
22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.
23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.
24 Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

BTW: The Hebrew word translated here as "thy testimonies" is just as often translated as "thy congregation". I could think all day about that. :-)
In fact, I think I will.

It's Just Me

Just Me.mp3

This is a song I wrote this winter. It's what I imagine my girls might want to say to me sometimes. Maybe a lot of the time. Edward Partridge was told that one of his sins was blindness of heart. I have the same problem. Hence my "J" resolution for 2009. Enjoy.

Psalm 119 - Beth

119 Beth.mp3

Here is the second of 22 songs from the 119th Psalm. If Todd can memorize it, I decided, I can put it to music.

Бет

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

(BTW: It may be worth considering that the Hebrew word here for "statutes" can also be translated as "task, job, stewardship". Or even, in modern Mormon vernacular, "calling".)

February Ensign

Here are some phrases that J-Jumped at me from the February 2009 Ensign:

"the universal power of the Holy Ghost" - Dieter F Uchtdorf (p.6)

"take care to connect the evens of the Sacred Grove with real life and with present circumstances" - F Burton Howard (p.13)

"relationships are of supreme importance" - James D MacArthur (p.16)

"a reflection in the mirror opened my heart" - Michelle tassell (p.18)

"turning and constantly returning to the Lord" - Susan W Tanner (p. 23)

"recognize that He magnifies those whom He calls" - Gayle S Iliff (p. 26)

"intensley wonderful and joyful" - Michelle Bowden (p. 27)

"They are always learning." - Margaret S Liferth (p. 28)

"quietly and thoughtfully and introspectively" - Gordon B. Hinckley (p. 32)

"I stand at the place my Son needs me most" - Marcy Zabriskie (p. 35)

"through sheets of tears" - name withheld (p. 38)

"the saddest I have ever felt" - name withheld (p. 39)

"it was love at first sight" - Joseph B Wirthlin (p. 3, insert)

"all of us stood with tears" - name withheld (p. 42)

"a pillar of strength" - Stacie Lloyd Duce (p. 44)

"Quiet, the guys over there are praying" - Terry O'Brien (p. 47)

"they would not be brought to justice" - Wall Southwick (p. 52)

"thorny places to protect us" - Donnell Allan (p. 53)

"Sam, this has got to stop." - Samantha D Hansen (p. 55)

More to follow...

Testing Day

Testing Day.mp3

I was preparing a lesson for the gospel essentials class about the pre-mortal existence and wrote this song.

Please Tell Me a Story

Please Tell Me a Story.mp3

Here is a song from when Isabelle was little. It's kind of a family favorite. At least in my little brain. Let me know what you think.

My Princess

My Princess.mp3
This is the song I sang to Lynette just before proposing marriage. I had written it 5 years earlier, when we were 16. :-)

All Things

All Things.mp3

Hopefully, here is a песня that I wrote based on Alma 30:44 and, of course, Moses 6:63

"The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God"

"And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me."

(This is an early recording and needs to be redone. Just using it to check the feasibility of post mp3s here.)

' (ёд)

So, I've been thinking about the one-word new year's resolution thing, and the 1st decade of the 1st month is nearly gone (по-русски decade is 10 days, not years); I had better get down to it.

I was going to pick "see". As in "seeing is loving", especially after learning how often I look at people, but don't really see them. Stephanie and I each wrote a song about that over the past few weeks. Seems like a good choice. But I think I may have to go with the Hebrew letter Yod. Does one letter count for the one word?? Yod stands for light and truth, which pretty much gets right deep into what I really want to say with "see", that "see" just doesn't quite get to. Especially since Yod also equates to Faith, that great prerequisite to all vision, understanding, and yes, loving.

So I go with J (German transliteration for yod). Faith, Light, Truth, Emanating and Receiving Light, Hope and Love.

J Jump Joyful
Yoooooooh D(ude)

So I'm certifiable. But every sunrise and sunset and sparkling eye and teary eye will remind me of Yod, and my promise to open my heart and soul to the truth of those around me.

After thought: Yod is the 10th letter of the alphabet. Sam used to call me "Untle Ten". Took me long enough to catch on to what he was trying to tell me.

Hey, if I can pull this off, those I love best will be happier in 2009. Wish me luck.

Aleph - The Beatitude

Aleph.mp3

Алеф
Psalm 119:1-8
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way who walk in the law of the Lord."