Category: Family

Relationships, children, and the dynamics between family members.

The Path To True Love

Jeanne Leave a comment

Here’s another poem written for the vow renewal that is happening today!

The path to true love is steep and narrow,
With wondrous vistas along the way.
When two souls share hard times together,
Their confidence grows day by day.
Their trust becomes more real;
Their love becomes more sure.
Through hardships, hearts can heal.
Through prayer, love becomes more pure.

The path to true love requires both
Souls to put each other first,
To listen to each other through
Better, and through worst,
To strive to look for the good with
Patience, when tempers flare,
Allowing for life’s frustrations
To dissipate through the air.

We each have our own weakness,
And if we need to say
Something the other is doing
That blocks our love along the way,
Then’s the time for ears to hear,
As hearts open with care
To listen with real intent;
To try our best to be fair.

We each have different ways
In how we need to be loved.
Affections, appreciation & acceptance,
Lift one’s conscience up above.
Most negative feelings will
Seldom get a start.
The path to true love is understanding,
And each soul must do the greater part.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2015-09-0100-love-at-home?lang=eng

The Vow

Jeanne 1 Comment

So, I’m thinking ahead here. In 4 days we will be cruising to Alaska! One thing we have planned on-board is a vow renewal ceremony, and I wrote this poem to be read at that time.

It is truly a blessing to have a buddy, companion, spouse and friend to share life with. We should all appreciate the precious moments shared, and take care of each other with kindness and patience. A little bit of laughter along the way helps too.

There’s nothing like a buddy
Walking always by your side,
Who laughs with you, and cries with you,
Who you let in your heart–inside.

As years fly by
and age sets in,
More beautiful they be.
They’re bound to us, a part of us,
It’s wondrous, you see.

And now, today we stop to celebrate,
And remember all the things
That have made it all so great.
Again we pledge, again we vow, again we give our heart.
And then we turn to face new days,
Fueled by love, again, we start.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/topics/marriage-and-family?lang=eng


A.A.A.

Jeanne 1 Comment

This poem, written by Bob, is a cute reminder of how precious our children are, and also about how fast they grow up. One day they are crawling, and the next day, they have a family of their own! Our roles as parents are ever-changing. We spend so much time when they are babies and toddlers that I sometimes wonder if we have enough energy or brain cells left to adapt ourselves to our new role as a parent of teenagers, or young adults. The roles seem especially challenging when they leave us and have a family of their own. Where do we fit in? How do we advise and help? How do we handle our frustration and disappointment about not doing a better job?

Being a parent is absolutely a timeless blessing, and sometimes we need to be open enough to take advise, counsel, and inspiration.

Energy unending,
Hurts that need mending,
To him, life’s a constant sea
Of endless curiosity.
Exploring places, pots and pans,
Cats and puppies, garbage cans.
I stand in awe at how he learns,
Each bump and jar it’s value earns.
He lays, then crawls, then walks, then runs,
My boy! My son! My brother! My friend!
Eternal brothers never end.

The following link (to lds.org) is an illustration of a mother’s love, and how prayer will help us through our darkest moments of despair.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-05-009-a-mothers-hope?lang=eng&_r=1&cid=HP_TU-8-5-2018_dPTH_fMLIB_xLIDyM-2_

Be Christ’s Hands

Jeanne Leave a comment

Be Christ’s hands and heart to others here upon the earth.
Look to other’s needs and heartaches, and we will find true worth.
If we think too much of ourselves, our worries grow within.
When we serve the weak and poor, we gain pure light and win.

Recently, our church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, has challenged us to step outside ourselves and to minister unto others, using Jesus Christ as our example. The following short video (less than 2 minutes) illustrates that challenge.

http://www.lds.org/mycalling/ministering/a-vision-of-ministering?lang=eng

We have all been the recipient of well-timed service. I am grateful for those people who were discerning enough to see my needs, and, with the Spirit’s help, know how to meet those needs with simple acts of kindness, usually small, such as a note, or a phone call. Let us all make this world a better place by being Christ’s hands on a more consistent basis.

One Day

Jeanne Leave a comment

Last month we took an extended vacation to one of our most beloved places: the Oregon coast. Almost as a last minute thought, we decided to take our 3 oldest grandchildren along (ages 14, 13, and 7). To be honest…I had my doubts that we could successfully endure 17 days. There would be a lot of driving on several days, probably 8+ hours, and those kids usually complain after 1-2 hours! And, I’m not sure they really are into appreciating scenery. Will we be able to have enough for them to do? Enough to EAT? Will they fight and quarrel to the point of driving us insane? We both decided to give it our best effort, and to really try to show them how much we love them. And now, looking back on it, I think perhaps it is one of the best trips we’ve ever taken. Those 3 were a positive delight. Their exuberance at their first ocean sight and encounter forcefully reminded me of how wondrous the ocean really is. I saw it all through different eyes, the eyes of children.

There is definitely something about being together, away from home, for more than just a few hours. Bonds were reinforced, connections made, and love grows. Memories will fuel me for a long time, and I hope that will also be true for them. I hope in years and decades to come, that they will reflect upon events of this trip, and find comfort and strengthen in them because they know of our love for them, and they will know that they are important, valued and treasured, just as was expressed by Russell M. Nelson, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He shared a profound family acronym about his feelings for his children and grandchildren: LAWN: Loved, Adored, Wanted, Needed.

The following short video expresses the value of spending time together as a family. I can strongly relate to the comments at the end by the grandparents, expressing that phone calls just don’t take the place of time together.

http:///www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-09-015-our-fun-family-vacation?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2013&lang=eng

There is so much beauty in one day,
If man can open up his eyes,
To look at God’s great canvas,
From a flower, to the skies,
From the delicate color
In a butterfly’s wings,
The the majestic blues and greys
On the mountain side.
For here lies God’s creation,
My testimony and eternal progression
To those who follow love.


Child of Indifference

Jeanne Leave a comment

Child of indifference
Please open up your eyes.
The eternal now awaits you.
So many different flowers shout in colors,
Sing in silence, touch in fragrance.
Child of bitterness
Please open up your ears
To hear the cries of morning as each new day appears.
So many different love songs are waiting to be heard,
From the cooing of a white dove,
To the thunder of a storm,
From the laughing of a young child who feels both safe and warm.
Child of many sorrows
Please open up your heart,
For only you can understand what part in life you play.
Child of tomorrow, let’s work for you today.

http://www.lds.org/friend/2018/03/heavenly-father-listens?lang=eng

Memories

Jeanne Leave a comment

Waves of reflection play upon our souls,
Like children free and laughing. Too soon we have to grow.
Like footprints on a sandy shore that fade then wash away.
Some memories, like singing birds, can brighten up our day.
Memories of lives shared through sweetness and despair.
True friendships are forever. Life teaches us to care.
To trust and love each other, unto a better day,
Then truth becomes our brother, and love becomes our way.

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-009-a-good-samaritan?lang=eng&_r=1

When Trials Come

Jeanne Leave a comment

Seems that I am always trying to say something profound, especially to my children and grand children…something that is definite and final, that which tips the scale and as a result they are able to make good choices and avoid all that is out there; and there is a lot out there to run from: drugs, alcohol, gangs and all that comes with that, peer pressure, and those who have evil intentions but wear sheep’s clothing and are able to deceive so many of our youth, and adults as well. But, alas, I’m still writing. I’m sure that my life will run out before I can accomplish the influential things I desire.

This poem is written to youth, and dedicated to light houses everywhere; those beacons, not unlike our own porch light that remains lit until the last have entered in for the night. A light house says, “Come Home!”…and when you are there, you are warm and safe.

When trials come upon us, they come in many ways.
We each face many choices through dark uncharted haze.
We each can pray for guidance to help us through life’s storms.
The Holy Ghost will guide us and keep us safe and warm.

And when we near the harbor, look for the lights on shore.
They’ll guide us to the channel, safe from the oceans’ roar.
The light house calls to us and shines pure, straight and true.
Through all our hardest trials, Christ’s love will see us through.

Now, child, you sail through waters where we have never gone.
We pray that Christ will bless you and your family will grow strong.
God gives to each of us weakness to teach us humility.
Remember to turn to Christ and His strength will set us free.

Pray for the strength to do the things that you’re inspired to do.
Don’t run faster than the spirit’s voice, or you won’t hear what’s true.
Take time to serve in sacred things and God will guide your way…
Like prayers, church and God’s holy house, and you will reach the bay.

Now, children, you know we love you from the bottom of our hearts.
We strive and pray for you and hope you’ll do your part.
We sense the heavy burdens that you are called to carry through.
Our prayers, hope & faith call for our Lord to comfort you.

This is a painting I created after our 2014 Oregon Coast trip. It is a composite of seascapes from Bandon, Cape Blanco, and even from a previous vacation to Pigeon Point in California.

The following message (about 2 minutes) speaks of light houses and youth:

http://www.lds.org/youth/video/this-way-to-safety?lang=eng

Words of Love

Jeanne Leave a comment

We have all witnessed the miraculous power words of love can have on others. A few months ago my daughter collected 70 quotes from friends and family that answered her question to them, “Why we love Jeanne”. Then, in celebration of my 70th birthday, she presented me with a large framed collection of 70 quotes. Each one is simple, and yet reaches down into my heart, and are never to be forgotten. On the other hand, all of us have been at the receiving end of hateful words that often leave scars we carry for a lifetime.

It’s not what goeth in the mouth that defileth a soul
But what cometh out the mouth; kind words can make us whole.
I wish that I could find,
A tool, like an eraser,
To erase each hurt-filled line
Of all those words of anger
That leave my world-stained mind,
And pierce the hearts of loved ones,
So tender and so kind.
For words of love do strengthen
And lift each troubled soul.
Yes, words that lift the fallen
Will help each child to grow.
So I will try to master
That tongue within my head,
For one day, I’ll account for
The words that I have said.
It’s not what goeth in the mouth
That defileth the soul,
But what cometh out the mouth,
Kind words can make us whole.

Matthew 15:11

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-06-0001-love-grows-at-home?category=social-media-shareable-videos&lang=eng


Love Unafraid

Jeanne Leave a comment

Overcome space and we’re faced with a place we call “here”.
Overcome time and we’re left with the hour of now.
Live while the rivers still flow and the sun lights today.
Tomorrow’s too late and we’re faced wrong to see yesterday.
The moment we’re in is alive if we live it right now.
It withers and dies if we set it aside for tomorrow.
Look at me now and hear what my song has to say:
Now is the time, here is the place for living today.

Overcome fear and all that we’re left with is free.
Overcome blindness to create reality.
Open your eyes and see all the real that is there.
Set your mind free to be yours and to be aware.
Life’s not a game, but there’s rules to direct destiny.
We’re bound by our fears locked inside, now set them free.
You can put peace in your mind if you reach out unafraid,
To discover a world full of truths God, with nature, has made.

Overcome pride and you’ll find in it’s place there is love.
Overcome hatred and feel what true peace is made of.
First be your own friend then give of your friendship and share.
You and your brother can learn understanding through care.
It never was meant that your ship is to be sailed alone.
Find a seaworthy crew and together is better than one.
Now is the time to tear down the walls we have made,
To be everyone’s brother, to share, and to love unafraid.

2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Doctrine & Covenants 67:10 “And again I say unto you…that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears…the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am…”

http:///www.lds.org/media-library/video/2017-01-0004-live-by-faith-not-by-fear?lang=eng