Forgive

How does He see me?
How does He see them?

It doesn't matter the condition of
their heart right now--only mine.

Bind my wounded heart and soul
Help me Savior true
Guide me to cleanse my inner vessel
And draw nearer unto You!

Humbly help me release--not blame
To transfer burdens giv'n.
Seek divine help from fountains pure
As I look up to heav'n.

7-27-17
(Attending a class on forgiveness and pondering what I need to do.)

One for the Team

It wasn't what I wanted
     --selfishness made its case
With love, I made a sacrifice
     and accessed Heaven's grace.

In lifting--I am lifted too
     and both of us feel higher.
I'm so grateful I could give a bit
     to be better--I'll aspire.

I took one for the team!

7-27-17
(On the occasion of being asked by Nathan to go to Education Week in Rexburg, Idaho.  I was not feeling well and was struggling to find the motivation to go on a trip.)

Hope

Develop patience
Feast on the word
Embrace affliction
Receive comfort
Seek peace
Endure well
Wait on the Lord
Exercise faith
Invite Spirit
Acquire meekness
Be true to your mission
Repent sincerely
Pray without ceasing
Access grace
Accept the Savior

7-27-17

Sacrament

Broken bread
          Willing heart
Broken promises
          --a new start.

Healing water
          Cleansing fire
Healing spirit
          --filled with desire.

Binding us to God.
My covenant sign.
I'll partake.

4-9-17  (Pondering during the sacrament--changed 7-25-17)

I Am a Writer

Imagining new worlds
Perceiving life differently
Capturing moments with word pictures
Creating experiences for someone else.

Struggling to find a voice
Persisting through creative lapses
Adjusting constantly to improve
Organizing jumbled thoughts.

Being vulnerable
Illuminating heartfelt feelings
Exposing ideas and thinking
Leaving a recorded legacy.

Waiting for validation and acceptance
Hoping efforts are fruitful
Anticipating a positive reception
Experiencing the joy of connecting.

Wishing to contribute
Reaching for a higher purpose
Feeling satisfied and fulfilled
Realizing potential.

5-30-17 (revised 7-10-17)

I Am Poems

I am a tear
Trickling slowly down a frightened child's cheek
Coursing rivulets from a devastated friend
Pooling threateningly in a proud mom's eyes
Letting the heart breathe.

I am a song
Blaring from a stereo
Bugging parents from another generation
Waltzing in a mind not clear anymore
Bringing everyone together in worship.

I am a smile
Shyly appearing under blushed cheeks
Replying to a friendly face
Reflecting a joyful heart
Making the world a brighter place.

2-21-17 (This was an exercise for a class. I finished the smile verse 7-10-17)

I Am From

I am from
     a desire fulfilled--
     a dream, a wish, a want.

I am from
     skinned knees and
     allergies and outside
     play til dusk.

I am from
     songs round the piano,
     guitar and cello too--
     each melodic strain building
     a symphony in my heart.

I am from
     a punny place
     a battle of wits to share
     the laughter rending a talkative bunch.
     There is appreciation there.

I am from
     a regency romance
     with gallant men and women of the past--
     a guilty escape I truly love.

I am from
     a tender heart
     that feels another's pain or joy--
     my tears flow easily and I love deeply.

I am from
     a simple place
     no fancy stuff for me
     I rarely shop--I am content
     more--I do not need.

I am from
     a teacher's nest
     my fledgling students many.
     They are all children--they've
     my heart and most of my time.

I am from
     a crazy family
     easily entertained
     marshmallow roasts over emergency candles
     or silly inane games.

I am from
     macaroni and cheese from a box
     whenever I cooked as a child.
     roller skating with old metal skates
     you put on your shoes--tightening with a key.

I am from
     a quiet place
     very deep inside of me,
     but a very opinionated place.

I am from
     a mother's heart
     pressed by worry and care.

I am from
     a father's love
     all my burdens to bear.

I am from
     love.