Hypocrisy

Jeanne 3 Comments

Not long ago we visited family in Idaho. Bob and Parleigh (12) did some intense poetry creations. One subject they explored was that of hypocrisy. I suppose that a hypocrite is one whose outside does not match their inside. The opposite might be someone that you can look at and pretty much know who they are inside? The world would be a better place if everybody was like that. I’d like to hear your definition of hypocrisy. The dictionary says, “the practice of expressing feelings, beliefs, or virtues one does not hold or posses.” Anyway, Bob and Parleigh both worked on the whole poem. Parleigh helped to edit all of it and the last verse is entirely her creation. Way to go, Parleigh!

Hypocrisy is a word most souls try not to deserve.
We fall unto it’s evil power when we pretend to serve.
Watch what’s within our own eyes, when we tell others of their sin.
Only when we see clearly, can we help another win.

We each must learn to look within and pray for light above,
That Jesus in His perfect light will guide us with His love.
That we may be worthy of the Holy Ghost to speak peace to our soul
And guide us to truth and light, that we may choose to grow.

A hypocrite knows what is right, but lies or does not speak
For truth and light, then deep inside life’s fear makes us weak.
Only when we stand firm for Christ will He stand firm for us.
Help us to honor our sacred King and grow in Christ’s pure trust.

Let’s strive to be free from hypocrisy with mind, soul, and heart,
And through our Savior’s perfect love, let’s become more pure in heart.
And when we find hypocrisy is slowly creeping in,
Let’s repent and ask for forgiveness of weakness we each face within.

Don’t heed the hypocrites, just listen to our hearts.
Remember in the final days, the wicked fall apart.
Don’t be a hypocrite or fraud, hold tight unto the iron rod.
This is the only way to live again with our God.


(Parleigh and her grandpa Bob taken a few years ago)

Be Careful of Pride

Jeanne 1 Comment

I’ve been listening to the 187th General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You can listen too from lds.org. I’ve noticed an obvious general theme of being respectful to all people. That advise comes at an appropriate time in our politically angered times. Elder Renlund, a Saturday morning speaker, was very direct about this. Closely aligned with this theme is the enemy of ‘Pride’. So often that precedes our persecution or aversion to individuals or groups of people. I have included 2 poems below. It will look like one poem, but I ran the two together.

Don’t become ‘puffed up’ or proud in who we think we are.
Only those who humbly serve will ever find truth’s star.
Be friends unto those we meet. Respect their agency.
Only when we love each other can we grow truly free.
Be careful of worldly pride, in knowledge, possessions or fame.
Vanity leads us from true charity, unto a world of pain.
Only those who humbly seek will ever truly find,
That service to the poor and weak give us true peace of mind.


Love the Children

Jeanne 1 Comment

I have recently been working with a woman who is president of a children’s organization in our church. She has been a real inspiration to me because she is passionate and unyielding when it comes to children. She wants everyone who works with her to love the children, and to want to show that love. She is a great example. You can feel the love she has for every one of the children, even those that are not very easy to love. This poem is dedicated to her:

Love the children no matter what may come our way.
Our Lord’s pure charity is what we must seek every night and day.
Only by prayerful service can we share our Lord’s pure love.
Love the children in every way. Teach them of God above.


Words

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Over the past few months I have noticed a dramatic increase in hostility among us, as a nation. It seems that the differences between us are wider and deeper, and that there is no longer the desire to reconcile. Compassion and good-will are left behind and replaced with intolerance and hate. We noticed a bumper sticker the other day: “Be The Good”. Have the listening ear. Hear a different point of view. Don’t be so quick to judge. Respect the rights of others. Try our best to do our part in making this world a better place.

Words well chosen can heal a troubled mind.
Words spoke in anger can hurt, maim, or blind.
I’ll choose my words in prayerful thought,
Through all life’s troubled sea.
Kind words can lead a soul to love,
Through hate’s insanity.
Kind words can change illusions
To be both warm and free.
The souls who masters words, My Friend,
Will taste tranquility.

Ooops..sorry, I just realized that we already posted this poem in early January…Oh, well, I think we need a second dose!


Love the Children

Jeanne 4 Comments

Love the children, no matter what may come our way.
Our Lord’s pure charity is what we must seek each night and day.
Only by prayerful service can we share our Lord’s pure love.
Love the children in every way. Teach them of God above.

Children are such a blessing, and often a sore trial. How quickly we sometimes justify brushing them aside because we are tired of being bothered. There is more distance (physical) between me and my grand children, and it has helped me to treasure the time I do have to spend with them.


Memories

Jeanne 1 Comment

Yesterday our grand daughter shared a thought with us. We were looking at a wall full of family pictures, and she made the observation that each photo paints a memory with so many layers that you have to look deeper to find the whole story.


The Umbrella

Jeanne 1 Comment

In the October 2014 Semi-annual general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, President Dieter F Uchtdorf, the second counselor, delivered an address that was so impressive to me, that I did a painting to remind myself of the principle he illustrated that day. The painting is shown below, and a piece of his message is quoted here: “We imagine that God has all of his blessings locked in a huge cloud up in heaven, refusing to give them to us unless we comply with some strict, paternalistic requirements he has set up. But the commandments aren’t like that at all. In reality, Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us. His commandments are the loving instructions and the divine help for us to close the umbrella so we can receive the shower of heavenly blessings.” The entire speech is available at LDS.org, which is an incredible source of timeless information. The title of his message is “Living the Gospel Joyfully”.


Thoughtfulness

Jeanne 1 Comment

We spent the weekend joining with family in my childhood hometown for the burial of my uncle. I became re-acquainted with cousins that I had not seen in decades. I was impressed with the love and thoughtfulness exhibited repeatedly this weekend. Because of that, we can feel safe within our families, and our love grows stronger. Even though we have all gone our separate ways, and the roads we have traveled have been unique, there is still a bond of family that transcends all. I was grateful to have felt that this weekend.

Thoughtfulness is a spiritual strength that builds a happy home.
When we each think of others first, then our loyalty will not roam.
Thoughtfulness endears us to each other as we grow.
Thoughtfulness and prayerfulness increases love and makes us whole.


(One of the 1957 photos shared)

A Love Note

Jeanne 1 Comment

I found this poem that Bob wrote for me years ago. I thought it was really cute and appropriate since Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Bob is a great one to always compliment me, and never to ‘put me down’!

What is my mate to me?
Someone to tell my troubles to,
Someone to care for me when ill,
Someone to organize my bills,
Someone to help me see myself,
Someone to love me for myself,
Someone to cook me meals so fine,
Someone to laugh with all the time,
Someone to hug and kiss a lot,
Someone, and that’s the one I’ve got,
Someone to pray with every day,
Someone that needs me all the way,
Someone to grow through life to be
One in God’s eternity.

Thank you Bob, you’re a keeper!


Words

Jeanne 1 Comment

Words will chosen can heal a troubled mind.
Words spoke in anger can hurt, maim, or blind.
I’ll choose my words in prayerful thought,
Through all life’s troubled sea.
Kind words can lead a soul to love,
Through hate’s insanity.
Kind words can change illusions
To be both warm and free.
The soul who masters words, my friend,
Will taste tranquility.