PRAYERS AND POEMS
An
Unfinished Symphony a SONG AS PRAYER
The following are not pure poems, neither
are they pure prayer. Not only that,;;
they are not always my own, but some of them are. I started this collection when I was a child, and was not
interested in authors. However, I do
not wish to convey misrepresentation.
Therefore, I will represent the author as Anon if I cannot remember, and
as Eldon when I wrote them.
I AM NOT A POET, I
am, however a collector of prayers. I
am not fussy where I get them, and I am not fussy with whom I share these songs. For example:
Give, said the
little stream,
Give, Oh give, give
Oh give.
I’m small I know but wherever I go,
The grass grows
greener still.
Singing, singing,
all the way
Give, Oh give, Oh
give away
Singing, singing
all, the way
Give, Oh give away
Anon
I am not
original. These prayers {songs} come
from the Book of Mormon, hymn books, Popular songs, and especially Conference
speeches.
Is it not so , the
Choir must sing
Only for the Joy the
moment will bring,
And can this Joy
flow up to Heaven
As the little stream
flows to the ocean.
It may not get
there,
But is not...Heaven
here?
I am putting them on
the internet hoping that someone will contribute to my collection, and who
feels that my contribution can be added to their collection. Pleased be advised that I will modify your
poems as I so desire, and hope that you will do the same so as to fit in your
own collection.
Friend
I cried a tear, you
wiped it dry
I was confused, You
cleared my mind to see.
I sold my soul, You
bought it back for me.
And held me up and
gave me dignity.
Somehow you needed
me.
When I was lost you
took me home with thee.
You gave me strength
to stand alone again
To face the world
out on my own again.
You put me high,
upon a pedestal
So high ...that I
could almost see eternity.
You held my hand
when it was cold.
You gave me hope,
when I was at the end.
And turned my life
back into truth again.
You even called me
friend.
Can I believe its
you?
Can I believe its
true?
I needed you, and
you were there.
I found finally
...someone
Someone to really
care.
Anne Murray/Song
modified
Mirror
Is it not Joy that I
can gather
From this the life
that I’ve been given
And find this
joy----within.
If I cannot respect
my brother
If I serve only what
wealth will bring
If my brother is
used and cast aside.
When his usefulness
is past
Then the “Law of
life”.... prevails
And hate is King.
Wherefore have we
crucified
The first
unblemished lamb
Lord, Am I not pure
And made Eternal
life secure?
And have I then
offended...ever
My offering of
sacrifice unsure.
Dour flocks of
thought
And words as Herds.
I sought.
To justify your
actions...then you find
An
imperfection?.....a flaw?...a wrong unrectified
Without intent, our
thoughtless acts of sin.
Have stained the
spirit held within.
Is it not so the
spirit slain
Is ours alone
when’er we maim
Or hurt and make
afraid the one we love?
And you may have
wronged him too?
And aren’t we all a
little guilty?
Life is but a
truthful mirror
Which reflects the
inner you.
Anon/Modified
Yesterday
Every day is a fresh
beginning,
Every morn is the
world made new:
You who are weary of
sorrow and sinning
Here is a beautiful
hope for you.
A hope for me and a
hope for you.
All the past things
are past and over.
The tasks are done
and the tears are shed.
Yesterdays errors
let yesterday cover.
Yesterdays wounds
which smarted and bled.
Are healed with the
healing night has shed.
Yesterday now is a
part of forever,
Bound up a sheaf,
which God holds tight.
With glad days and
sad days and bad days which never.
Shall visit us more
with their bloom and their blight.
Their fullness of
sunshine or sorrowful night.
Let them go since we
cannot relive them.
Cannot undo, and
cannot atone.
God in his mercy
receive, forgive them.
Only the new days
are our own.
Today is ours, and
today alone.
Here are the skies
all burnished brightly,
Here is the spent
earth all reborn
Here are the tired
limbs springing lightly
To face the sun, and
to share with the morn.
In the chrism of dew
and the cool of the dawn
Every day is a fresh
beginning
Listen my soul to
the glad refrain.
And...spite of old
sorrow and older sinning.
And puzzles forecasted
and possible pain,
Take heart with the
day and begin again.
Anon
Scripture
To teach by the
spirit
Not by fact, but a
fantastic journey
The answers not
always there
But questions...to
anticipate the thought.
To teach of hope
Unblemished and then
proven faith.
And to teach that I
am one
One with the Angels
That I may see
The face of God in
me.
Is hope only just a
fantasy?
And of concern only
to me?
It seems that way
And those concerned
only of faith cannot see.
The Journal songs
and prayers
A lot of words piled
high and deep
And yet the junk of
yesterday
Is seen as great
moments to treasure
That I may see
The face of God in
thee.
Eldon/Jan. 19, 1992
Life is a
challenge...meet it, life is a gift...accept it.
Life is an
adventure...dare it, life is a sorrow..overcome it.
Life is a
tragedy..face it, Life is a duty..perform it.
Life is a
game...play it, Life is a mystery... unfold it.
Life is a
song...sing it, Life is an opportunity... take it.
Life is a
journey...complete it, Life is a promise...fulfill it.
Life is a
beauty..praise it, Life is a struggle...fight it.
Life is a
goal...achieve it, Life is a puzzle...solve it.
Anon
Spring
And there shall come
a day...in spring
When death and
winter loose their chill white hold...quite suddenly
A day of sunlit air,
when winging birds return
And Earth her gentle
bosom's bare..
That new thirsty
life may nurture there.
When daffodils and
crocus bloom
And lilacs shed
their purple light
On such a day, I
shall return to you
Not dead...not even
gone
And we will talk of
every lovely thing
When I return in
Spring.
Miller
Helping
There’s no such
satisfaction
As the satisfaction
true
Which comes from
helping others
In the work they
have to do.
There’s no such
thrill of gladness
Like that sweet and
happy thrill
Which is born of
helping others
Who are trudging up
the hill/
If you want to know
contentment
And be truly
satisfied,
Just go out and help
your brother
When his soul is
being tried.
Edgar A Guest
The first and
greatest victory is to conquer yourself
To be conquered by
yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.
Plato
Life’s scars
They say the world
is round,
And yet, often think
it square
So many little hurts
we get
From Corners here
and there.
But one great truth
in life, I’ve found
While journeying to
the west-
The only folks we
really wound
Are those we love
the best.
The man you
thoroughly despise
Can rouse your wrath
‘tis true:
Annoyance in your
heart will rise
At things mere
strangers do.
But those are only
passing ills
This rule all lives
will prove;
The rankling wound
which aches and thrills
Is dealt by hands we
love.
The choicest garb,
the sweetest grace
Are oft to strangers
shown.
The careless mien,
the frowning face
Are given to our
own.
We flatter those we
scarcely know;
We please the
fleeting guest.
And deal full many a
thoughtless blow
To those who love us
best.
Love does not grow
on every tree
Nor true hearts
yearly bloom
Alas, for those who
only see
This cut across a
tomb.
But soon or late,
fact grows plain
To all through
sorrow’s test;
The only folks who
give us pain
Are those we love
the best.
Guest
Six
I never kiss; I
never neck
I never say hell,
never say heck.
I’m always good, I’m
always nice
I play no poker,
shake no dice.
I never gossip or
spread the dirt:
I have no line or
funny tricks.
But what the heck,
I’m only six.
It
is not easy
To apologize
To begin over
To take advice
To be unselfish
To admit error
To face a sneer
To be charitable
To keep trying
To be considerate
To avoid mistakes
To endure success
To profit by
mistakes
To forgive and
forget
To think and then
act
To keep out of a rut
To make the best of
little
To subdue an unruly
temper
To shoulder a
deserved blame
To recognize the
silver lining
But it always pays
Anon
Giving
It is in loving
Not in being loved
The heart is blest.
It is in giving
Not in seeking gift
We find our quest.
Whatever be your
longing
Or your need
That give.
So shall your soul
be fed,
And you indeed......
shall live.
Anon
The little things
The little things
are the things worth while
The words of praise,
the pleasant smile
The helpful thought,
the handclasp true
The kind of things
you mean to do.
Just the little
things that help along
And fill one’s life
with joy and song.
Anon
Life is sweet just
because of the friends we’ve made,
And the things which
in common we may share.
We want to live on,
not because of ourselves
But because of the
people who care.
It’s the giving and
doing for somebody else
On all life's
splendor depends.
And the joys of this
life when you sum them all up.
Are found in the
making of friends.
Anon
Mirror
Never let a persons
failings
Make you to his
virtues blind.
Good you’ll find in
all about
If your trying good
to find.
Ere you judge another's
actions
Or against him you
decide
Place him in your
position
This will be your
surest guide.
You can never hate a
person
Unless you’ve
wronged him too.
The be careful in
your judgments
For the wrong may be
in you.
If you find life’s
full of pleasure
You must to yourself
be true.
Life is but a
truthful mirror
Which reflects the
inner you.
Anon
If you think you are
beaten you are.
If you think you
dare not;, you don’t.
If you like to win,
but you think you can’t
It’s almost certain
you won’t.
You’ve got to be
sure of yourself before.
You can ever...win
the prize.
It’s all in the
state of mind
You’ve got to think
high to rise.
Life’s battles don’t
always go
To the stronger or
faster man.
But soon or late the
man who wins
Is the man who
thinks he can.
Anon
The world stands out
on either side,
No wider than the
heart is wide.
Above the world is
stretched the sky
No higher than the
soul is high.
The heart can push
the sea and land
farther away on
either hand.
The soul can split
the sky in two
And let the face of
God shine though.
But east and west
will pinch the heart.
That cannot keep
them pushed apart.
And he whose soul is
flat--the sky
Will cave in on him
by and by.
Edna St Vincent
Millay
I dim
I dim
I have no doubt
If someone blew, I
would go out.
I did not,
I must be stronger
than I thought.
Anon?
Life’s lesson
To be serene amid a
losing fight,
To meet with equal
courage dark or light.
To hate all sham,
and with persistent might.
To do brave deeds as
in a masters sight:
This is to learn
life’s lesson,
Reach the height.
Dousson
Where do you fit
Where do you fit in
this world of ours.
With its hustle and
bustle and work.
Are you one of the
throng..that helps it along.
Or are you with
those who shirk.
Do you hit the job
with a smile or a frown
Do you carry a
grouch all day.
Are you one of the
flock that watches the clock
Are you working for
more than pay.
Is your job
man-sized and worth the while?
When you’ve tallied
up your score:
Are you keepin' fit
and doin’ your bit?
And perhaps a wee
bit more.
Are you one of the
average just driftin’ along;
Are you listed for
profit or loss,
Are you stallin’ for
time or startin’ to climb
How much are you
puttin’ across.
Just pull in your
slack and count up your score.
Locate what your
aimin’ to hit.
Don’t waste
ammunition, and all your ambition:
But find out just
where you fit.
Anon
What we are at this
moment is the result of millions of years of past action.
Yet all of the
future is waiting to see what we shall do with this moment.
Malcolm Schloss
The happy marriage
comes not because either are perfect,
but because there is
in each other just what the other needs to make him strong.
It is sort of a
battle, A battle for development
What is there that
is between them that is divine?
What is it that
makes it glorious?
The man who never
makes any blunders seldom makes any good hits.
Outlook
Forget
Forget each kindness
that you do
As soon as you have
done it.
Forget the praise
that falls to you
The moment you have
won it.
Forget
Forget the slander
that you hear
Before you can
repeat it.
Forget each slight,
each spite, each sneer,
Whenever you may meet
it.
Remember
Remember every
kindness done,
To you, whatever its
measure
Remember praise by
others won,
And pass it on with
pleasure.
Remember
Remember every
promise made
And keep it to the
letter
Remember those who
lend you aid
And be grateful
debtor.
Remember
Remember all the
happiness
That comes your way
in living.
Forget each worry
and distress
Be hopeful and
forgiving.
Remember
Remember good,
remember truth
Remember heaven is
above you.
And you will find
through age and youth
True joys and hearts
to love.
Anon
Snow star
While walking down a
lonely street
My footsteps tired
and slow,
There fell upon my
jacket sleeve
A pointed flake of
snow.
In all its gentle
loveliness
The perfect crystal
lay
Like a star for just
a moment.
Then it blurred and
slipped away.
But beauty lingered
in its place.
My feet fell light
as on I trod
Because I held, just
for a breath
A little star from
God.
Mary E. Wood
While walking down a
lonely street
His footsteps tired
and slow.
There fell upon his
jacket sleeve
A little child, you
know.
In all its gentle
loveliness
That moment in
beauty lay.
Like a star or flake
of snow
Then it blurred and
slipped away.
But beauty lingered
in it’s place
Christ’s feet fell
lightly as he trod.
Because he held just
for a breath
A little child of
God.
I have my cross, but
it is light
For God has made it
so.
To lighten then my
burden
To help me on my
way.
I have a place to
go.
Eldon/ Jan 1, 1988
. (one moment) ADAM Nov. 22, 1997 ( one day)
My God has need of me?
The thought is
strange...but its not new.
And giving me...a
purpose too.
Yes, God is playful
with that he’s giving..
A purpose for
living.
.
Oh sleep is long,
and long the night
Oh lets not cry, nor
should we weep
If what we want has
gone to sleep.
I have a mission to
perform
However small. is mine
And yet I know that
what I do
I do in a very short
time..
I promise you that
what’s been given
You will like.......
if only you knew.
You would beg me for
this chance too.
What great adventure
will he give?
I asked the Lord,
then what is wanted.
How he wanted that I
live.
Arise ,”he said”,
and you shall see.
Oh, it couldn’t be
as great,
Besides, I want to
rest - and be.
Then I got down,
down on my knee.
And thanked the Lord
for what he wanted to see.
Can then we play,
and can I too?
And share this play
together?
And I would have God
share with me.
The life that’s
given me.
This moment he has
given there.
A day with Adam in
my care.
Eldon Jan. 2, 1988.
Nov. 22, 1997
A Vision
Blessings of spirit
are given in prayer,
They need a path to
guide it there.
Is it not so the
choir must sing,
Only for the joy the
moment will bring?
And we can take this
joy with us
The path to God
which Christ has trod.
A path to heaven?
Eldon
SHADOW
The following is
only a shadow, a shadow of what I call LIFE...my life. The life of:
Joseph
Eldon Toomey
Born: July 28, 1923
When this child was
a child, he thought like a child.
And this child spoke
like a child
And this child spoke
of the beginning of hope,
And this child spoke
of the beginning of faith,
And this child spoke
of the beginning of courage
And these were all
shadows.
There’ll be shadows
in the moonlight,
Darling;, I’ll meet
you after midnight.
Hand in hand we’ll
go
Dancing through the
milky way.
Though the night is
young,
I’m gonna make you
glad you’ve come.
Just bring your love
for me,
Darling then I’ll do
the same
There’ll be shadows
in the moonlight
Then I’ll meet you
after midnight,
Hand in hand we’ll
go.
Dancing through the
milky way.
Anne Murray
There was one big
cloud that cast its shadow on this little boys life.
That cloud was
called apostasy.
This little boy had
two mothers living in the home.
The one who gave him
birth died in an automobile accident.
She died when he was
Nine.
His father was
constantly seeking another wife.
But he was looking
in bars, and honkytonks.
This little boy
remembers many nights when his drunken father
Crept into his bed
because he was not welcome anywhere else.
And he would wet the
bed.
Yet this little boy
would honor his father and would listen.
He would listen as
he would describe the great Satan..Heber J. Grant.
Wherefore have we
crucified
The first
unblemished lamb.
Lord, am I not pure
And made Eternal
Life secure?
And have I then
offended ...ever
My offering of
sacrifice unsure.
Dour flocks of
thought
And words as
herds,...I sought.
To justify your
actions...then you find.
An imperfection?...
a flaw?...A wrong unrectified.
Without intent, our
thoughtless acts of sin
Have stained the
spirit held within.
Is it not the spirit
slain...
Is ours alone
when’ere we maim
Or hurt and make
afraid the one who loves.
And may you...have
wronged him too?
And aren't we all a
little guilty?
Life is but a
truthful mirror
Which reflects the
inner you.
Anon
But then this little
boy had a Bishop named Arthur Godfrey.
When his father was
excommunicated..This Bishop did not excommunicate the family.
This is the shadow
he remembers.
He remembers the
Bishop putting his arm around him
And this Bishop
asked him to hoe his garden..
Even though he had
his own children
Who were capable of
doing it.
And this Bishop
would take little walks
And he would talk,
and the little boy could feel the respect.
That he had for this
little boy.
He would walk with
me,
And he‘d talk with
me..
And he’d tell me I
was his own.
And the joy we’d
share as we tarried there.
None other had ever
known.
A song
And then there was a
seminary teacher named Jedediah Grant.
I think he was a
brother of Heber J. Grant.
And he had a
standing joke that he gave to the class.
“I hope that you all
have more than a picket fence
Running around your
house.” But I was Sterile
I once met a teacher
Is a teacher special
in this life?
Was there a more
exalted calling
In Christ's life?
Teacher, can you
tear the clouds of doubt in two
Can you make the
face of God shine through
If only for a moment
When ;prayer is
there...teach me then to pray.
I once met a teacher
On my journey of
life.
Is there one who
is called
To turn a persons
life?
Its not how much
I have to do.
For love is
blinded by a spirit too.
Each enchanted
evening...and the day.
And I saw the
face of God.. That way..
And then another
shadow came.
This young man
got the mumps.
And these mumps
went down,
And he was told
because of this
He would never
have children.
I have a dream, a
vision of the night.
And there in my
dream...just within sight
I saw myself and
I was sitting
Without a
dream...of hope that’s fled.
When hope is gone
and closed within
The walls pushed
in.
And heaven so
very far away
On he whose heart
can’t hold them in.
I dreamed I
saw...and dimly seen
A bridge...a
prayer
And hope within
For hope is all
that I can see...to carry me.
Who was it
said...I am the light?
I am the
life...the hope
Oh Father, God in
heaven
Give to me this
day, I pray...a dream.
Eldon
And then another
shadow came my way.
I received a
Patriarchal Blessing.
It never told of
Principalities, and Kingdoms.
Never an exalted
throne.
What it said was
that I was of that rebellious tribe of Israel.
What was said, and
clearly repeated many times...
That I should listen.
Listen to that still
small voice
The voice of
God...within.
Listen to the
whispering of the spirit.
Listen...Listen...was
repeated again and again.
Look how the light
in the morning lies.
Please say no
more...I see it’s time.
Ten thousand tears
till I dry my eyes.
A million more is
what I’m hoping for
Or is it love what
you have in mind.
Follow the song of
the setting sun.
Wander with me where
you go.
Ten thousand
dreams..I know every one
A million more is
what I’m hoping for
Or is it love what
we live to know.
Where were you when
you were young.
Did you hide beside
whoever tried to please you
Where were you when
you were young
Did you have eyes
just to ignore me?
Or were you looking
for me
And tell me how long
before you believed me.
The summer sun still
loves the rain
Ten thousand times
you may leave me.
A million more is
what I’m looking for
Or doesn’t love
bring you home again
Anne Murray
I walked with
giants,
I did not die.
I went with eagles
In the sky,
I went through
shrouds
Of dark and
gloom...I did not cry
I was given wings to
fly
And then they took
away the sky.
And then this young
man went to BYU. And then the shadow came..
This young man was
given a blessing, or was it?
He was told that he
would have great treasures of knowledge...
Even hidden
treasures, and his thoughts pursued this shadow.
While there he went
to a convocation.
The featured speaker
was Ezra Taft Benson.
He may have
mentioned Evolution in passing, but I didn’t hear it.
What I did hear was
a series of speakers...professors
Who derided him unmercifully...
I, who considered
myself an atheist was ashamed.
If someone
considered himself an atheist, what did it matter, anyhow?
They set up a straw
man, then knocked it down.
They put words in
his mouth, which he didn’t say
___________________________
I want you to tell
me why you walked out on me?
I’m so lonesome
every day.
I want you to
know...that ..since you walked out on me
Nothin' seems to be
the same old way.
Think about the love
that burns within my heart for you.
The good times we
had before you went away.
Walk right back to
me this minute.
Bring your love to
me that’s in it.
I’m so lonesome
every day.
I want you to tell
me why you walked out on me?
I want you to know
that since you walked out on me.
Nothin' seems to be
the same old way.
Think about the love
that burns within my heart for you.
The times we had
that went away.
Walk right back to
me this minute
Bring your love to
me...this love...this instant.
I’m so lonesome
every day.
Anne Murray
And then I met that
apostle again.
This time that young
man went to a meeting
In a small town near
the city of Munich.
He spoke, and I
don’t remember a word he said.
But then, after he
spoke, he came down the hall
He approached the
four of us G. I.’s.
And he put his arm
around me and turned to face the other three..he said,
“And there shall
come a day... when every knee shall bend,
And every tongue
confess..that Jesus is the Christ.”
We never know the measure of our doing.
The joy that kindly
thoughts and deeds bestow.
The thrusts that
scar and burn(and more the pity)
We never see the
scars.
We never know.
We never know what
depths of fear and sorrow.
Engulf a soul in
time of bitter trial,
Of loneliness, of
one who lacks a brother.
To walk with
him...the last...long bitter mile.
We never know.
We never know the
gratitude, unbounded,
Of one who dreads
the dawning of the day
And steels himself
to face that which is fated
To find someone’s
rolled the stone away.
We never know
We never know when
written word or spoken
May stanch the
stream of bitter tears that flow.
Or set an erstwhile
weary heart to singing
And wreathe a face
in smile.
We never know.
Anon
And then, ten years
later, I met this same apostle.
I was with my young
brother who was going on a mission to South Africa.
In those days, an
apostle set them apart.
When we met, he
remembered the incident
And what is
more....He remembered my name.
Was this really a
shadow, for I could see the rebuke
Or is it simply a
prophesy from a prophet?
Like a candle burning bright
Love is flaming in
your eyes.
A flame to light our
way
And it burns brighter
every day.
Like a leaf upon the
wind.
I could find no
place to land.
I dreamed the hours
away
Wandered every way.
What if I never met
you?
Where would I be
right now?
Funny how life just
falls in place..somehow.
You touched my heart
in places
That I never even
knew.
Nobody loves me like
you do.
I was words without
a tune.
I was a song still
unsung.
A poem with no rhyme
A dancer out of
time.
And now there’s you
Nobody loves me like
you do.
What if I never met
you
Where would I be
right now?
Funny how life just
falls in place somehow.
You touched my heart
in places that I never knew
Nobody loves me like
you do.
And then this
insignificant soul found himself in Japan.
The time was during
the Korean War.
He was a teacher,
and in his physics class, the subject turned to forces.
They ..the
students..all agreed that there was
something called spirit.
That it was real,
and could be felt.
What if learning
were contraband? I, as a teacher felt I
must be one jump ahead of my students.
The shadow of failure descended, but was not that a blessing? I lost something there. That something was pride. However, I found something...that I had more
luck than brains. The students divided
themselves in pairs, and they would talk to each other, and each would have the
very same answers. When it came to a test...they followed this same
pattern. But there was a competitive
spirit...It was, US against them....and they would sneak away and study........
for studying was not COOL When they went to the blackboard, one would sit with
a book, and coach the one presenting the recitation....and each would whisper
what to do. The class was a noisy
hubbub. I told them to keep it down, or
their neighbor would hear them, and they did...It was a very competitive
group. Call it cheating if you will,
but I have never seen any class learn so much in such a little time. And it was
fun.
Is adversity a
spirit to be avoided?
Unasked, it comes to
our door.
Is it not a bright
cloud?
Is it not those
things that stir up the night.
Whose only purpose
is to come and fight
Yet it too is a gift
from God.
And there is purpose
there.
The jagged rocks
upon the shore...do much more
Than wreck the ship
which brought you there.
__________________
Rain in the sky A
tear in my eye.
Static on the radio
The long nights
begin With dinner for one
You said you'd never
go.
Blessed are the
believers
They shall inherit a
heartache
Believing in
you...Babe
That was my greatest
tiebreak.
Blessed are all the
left behind
For their hearts
will one day mend.
When Love and those
same sweet lies.
Make us believers
again.
Ann Murray
I was attending
Sunday School in Sendai, Japan
The teacher was a
Physician, yet, I was impressed not by his learning,
What then was I
impressed? The Spirit I felt..His Testimony.
His knowledge that
God lived...That Jesus was the Christ.
Oh Lord...what can I
do?
How can I overcome
my passions and mistakes?
How can I fight the
reality of me.
How can I be like
you in my mortality?
Is there no hope
when not enough is given?
When what I have is
not enough?
Give me now this
hope...this day
And warm this
cold-cold heart.
I have a dream...a
vision of the night.
And there in my
dreams, just within sight.
I saw myself...and I
was sitting
Without a dream...of
hope that’s fled.
When hope is gone,
and closed within
The walls pushed in
And heaven so very
far away
On he whose heart
can’t hold them in.
I dreamed I
saw...and dimly seen
A bridge...a prayer
And hope within.
Eldon
“And it came to pass
that after Aaron had expounded
these thing unto
him, the King said: What shall I do that I may have this eternal life?
Of which thou hast
spoken? Yea, of what shall I do that I
may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and
receive his spirit, that I may be filled with Joy,
that I may not be
cast out at the last day.”
“Aaron said unto
him: If thou desirest this thing;, if thou wilt bow down before God, and call
on his name in
faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which
thou desirest.”
“And it came to pass
that when Aaron had said these words, the King did bow down before the Lord,
upon his knees: yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried
mightily, saying:”
“Oh God, Aaron hath
told me that there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known
to me.”
And so that night, I
was re-reading this Passage from Alma Chapter 22:15, 17, and 18.
The night was dark,
and thick clouds filled the sky...and then,
Then, I closed the
book, turned off the light, and knelt in prayer just as did the king, saying:
“Oh God, if thou are
God, let me know that you are there”.
Suddenly, the room
was filled with light. The clouds had
parted just for a moment...
The room was filled
with a bright light, and I beheld the moon as full of reflected light, and I
was frightened. I have never claimed
this was a revelation...but it certainly got my attention.
This is the
revelation my teacher, Russell M. Nelson read to me the next Sunday.
“For it must needs
be, that there is an opposition in all things.
If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be
brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good
nor bad Wherefore, all things must needs be compounded in one: wherefore, if it
should be one body, it must needs remain as dead;, having no life neither death
nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery , neither sense nor
insensibility” 2 Nephi 11.
“Wherefore, it must
needs have been created for a thing of naught: wherefore there would have been
no purpose. In the end of its creation.
Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the Wisdom Of God and his
eternal purposes , and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of
God.” 2 Nephi 12.
I once met a teacher
On my Journey of
life.
Is there one who is
called
To turn a person’s
life?
I once met a teacher
Who asked me to
pray.
Is this the way?
That faith is born?
Must I ask God to
come this day?
For I was seeking
him to be
To make him chase
the shadows away.
My Father that I’ve
asked to stay.
As I knelt in prayer
A spirit of peace
descended
In my quiet room
Must I look for God
this way?
Come listen
That still small
voice
Come hear
For God has spoken
Ten thousand
dreams..or more
Are they not
shared...with him?
A million tears...or
more
Are they not shared
..by him?
Eldon.
_______________
I have a desire, of
hope expressed
This day as
gratitude expressed.
That the Lord has
given ....me.
A book...from the
Dust
This book of
marvelous work.
And oneness with God
that I have seen.
A oneness that seems
like a dream.
From the dust of
time is given.
I would not say,
great faith have I.
This gift of power
and performance.
But I have...a hope
is given
For hope is all I can exclaim.
Yet, God has given
there for me.
A faith far above my
own
A spirit that to me
is spared.
From out of holiness
where fear is driven.
Oh, I can see the
darkest spirit given me.
And I can know that
hate and fear
Do now prevail...and
yet
A way, a
journey...is clearly seen.
Eldon
Up until now I learned to live without love
Like a ship without
a sail, wandering...aimlessly, lost.
I never knew how it
felt to lose control
But now I’ve found
you.
This is all so new.
You and me...we’ve
got a destiny
Starting
tonight...we’ll be together.
You and me...this is
what love should be.
It’s gonna be
right..now and forever.
Looking into your
eyes, I can see mysteries there.
And your melting the
ice surrounding me
I’m no longer
scarred.
I feel you know now
my soul
And I’m captured
tonight.
This is paradise
You and me..we’ve
got a destiny
Starting
tonight..we’ll be together.
If you tell me
there’s a heaven above
Then that’s what
I’ll believe
Because you are the
only one ...I can count on.
I feel you inside my
soul
And I’m captured
tonight
And I won’t let go.
Oh God, if you are
he
Let me see into the
darkness
That covers me this
night
Let me see that you
are there.
Let me know that
there’s a purpose
Is there a rock
strewn shore
That I can find
If there is light?
Am I to kneel here
without purpose
Without flight?
Cannot I leave this
dismal sea of void
This desert of the
night?
Oh God, if you are
there
Let your light shine
through the night.
Rend the clouds of
doubt
I have need to feel
your touch...to hold me tight.
Eldon
I’ll always remember
The song they were
playing
The first time we
danced and I knew
As we swayed to the
music
And held to each
other
I fell in love with
you.
Could I have this
dance
For the rest of my
life
Could you be my
partner every night?
When were together
it feels so right.
I’ll always remember
That magic moment
When I held you
close to me.
As we moved together
I knew that forever
Your all I’ll ever
need.
Anne Murray
Is not hope a dream
The beginning of
faith
Of things unseen
Hope brings forth
the faith of God...within.
Who was it said, “I
am the light
I am the life, the
hope”
Oh father, God in
heaven
Give to me this day
I pray...a dream.
What is hope?
Is it a rare jewel
that must be sought?
Does hope abound?
Strewn all about on
the rocky shore?
Or is it a gift that
God has given?
A Spirit that comes
from God.
When all else has
long departed
Carried here on
wings of Angels.
How is hope found?
Is it found when no
one is looking?
Is there hope
everywhere?
Or is it a gift that
God has given?
A spirit that comes
from above.
Called forth by the
spirit of desire
Carried here on
wings of angels
And cries...when a
safe harbor’s not found.
Eldon
Years have passed
on,
And left their trace
Yet..hath thy spirit
left me?
Time...not worn out
The shadows melt
And fall apart
And smiling through
them
Round us lies
The warming light of
morning skies.
The Indian summer of
the heart....Whittier
____________________
If they loved each
other
A feeling shared
Wouldn’t it be
inconceivable ?
Would they
understand
What was to become of
them
Looking for that
spirit in each other.
Of breathless haste
To expect devotion
to each other.
Requesting the
pleasure of her company.
To be in her
presence
He longed to share
his vision
To cry out for a
different fulfillment
This hunger touched
his heart
What was it...drew
him to this stranger?
He craved the
unaccountable joy it gave to him.
As he gazed out the
window
He saw a bluebird
upon a branch.
Pleading for it not
to fly away
The bluebird had a
mind her own.
Will the bird not
fly away?
Yet he was drawn to
her.
Was an unkind word
never spoken?
Vivacious, loving,
did she understand?
Yet, the condition
was amusing.
Did he admit to the
state of his heart
Was he in love?
Incapable of
detaching himself?
To fan the divine
spark within him
Sharing the silence
of love. Made it a joy.
They seemed to
regard life
More tenderly
But the turmoil
persisted.
Eldon
______________
Can faith be like a
baby, a little child?
Conceived in heaven,
embraced by hope?
A small gift of God,
a spirit dear
And carried here.
Is it a gift that
God has given?
A spirit that comes
from above?
Called forth by a
spirit of hope
Carried here on
wings of angels
Is faith but a dream
come by
When hope looked up
into the sky?
Father, did you see
me standing alone?
Without a dream in
my heart
Without a love of my
own.
You knew what I was
therefore
You heard me saying
a prayer for
Someone I’d really
be there for
Someone I really
could care for.
Blue Moon..Eldon
Oh, I could hide
neath the wings of the bluebird as she sings.
The six o’clock
alarm would never ring.
But it rings and we
rise
Wipe the sleep out
of our eyes.
The stream reaches
cold and it stings.
Cheer up sleepy
dreams..Oh what it really means
To a daydreaming
believer..and a homecoming queen
I once thought of
you as a knight upon a steed
Now you know how
happy we can be
And our good time
started then...with allotted time to spend.
Cheer up sleepy
dreams...Oh what can it mean
A day dreaming
believer...and a home coming queen.
Cheer up sleepy
dreams, Oh what can it mean
A daydreamin'
believer...and a home coming queen.
One enchanted
evening
A teacher showed he
cared for me.
A teacher took my
hand
And pointed out the
path ...that I must follow.
Was my God within me
too that night?
For I felt the
loveliness of spirit
The livelong day
And I saw the glory
in reflected light.
The world stands out
on either side
No wider than the
heart is wide
And he whose heart
is held within
The sky has fallen,
and caved in.
O let me ask in
fervent prayer
Teach me now this
holy day
Teach me that so
clearly seen
The saviors
light...the light within.
Teacher, can you
tear the clouds of doubt in two?
Can you make the
face of God shine through??
If only for a moment
When prayer is
there...teach me then to pray.
Eldon
And so we entered
the gates of the Idaho Falls temple on
the first day of June______
People smile and
tell me I’m the lucky one
And we’ve just begun
I think I’m gonna
have a son.
He will be like him
and me
As free as a
dove...conceived in love
The sun is gonna
shine above.
And even though we
ain’t got money
I’m so in love with
you honey
Everything will
bring a change..in love.
And in the mornin’
when I rise
Bring a tear of joy
to my eyes
And tell
me...everything..is gonna be alright.
Another guy who
holds the world
Bring a cup...drink
it up
Love him and you’ll
bring him up
And if you find...he
helps you mind
Better take a moment
Don’t you live alone
Try to find a
home..his own.
And even though we
ain’t got money
I’m so in love with
you ..honey
Everything will
bring a change..in love.
And in the mornin’
when I arise
Bring a tear of Joy
to my eyes
And tell me
Everything is gonna
be alright.
Ann Murray
A VISION ,A talk with God
Contrary to what the
above song says, it is not so. Females smell money. This female dumped her boyfriend who was on a Mission for me.....
because I had more potential. She came from a large expensive home and an
extensive Social Life. This young man
had married above his station. Both socially and of material possessions. What
to do to impress this young lady.? The
obvious thing was to get more Education, and get a Doctor’s degree. In order to get in Dental School, he had to
pass certain courses. Of which
Analytical Organic Chemistry presented a very dark Shadow. However, one concept that I had obtained
from the family of David O., McKay was this. ”A man’s reach should exceed his
grasp, or what’s a heaven for? And he
put his arm around me;, and I could reach for the stars. However, it was difficult for him to
assimilate the instruction within his grasp.
He was simply an average, “C “ Student.
There’s a wren in a
willow wood
Flies so high and it
sings so good
And it brings to
you...what he sings to you.
Like my brother the
wren and I
Well he told me..If
I try...I could fly to you.
Cause I want to sing
to you ...a love song.
I wanna rock you in
my arms...all night long.
I wanna get to know
you
I wanna show you the
peaceful feeling of my home.
Summer thunder on moon
bright days
Northern lights and
skies ablaze
And I’ll bring to
you...love
When I sing to
you...and bring to you
Silvery wings in a
fiery sky
Show the trail in my
love for you
Love is what I bring
to you.
I wanna sing you a
love song
I wanna rock you in
my arms...all night long
I wanna get to know
you.
I wanna show you the
peaceful feeling ..in my home.
I wanna sing you my
love song.
I wanna rock you in
my arms
All night long
Anne
Murray__________________
Can . faith be like
a baby, a little child?
Conceived in heaven,
embraced by hope
A small gift of God,
a spirit dear?
And carried here?
Is it a gift that
God has given?
A spirit that comes
from above?
Called forth by a
spirit of hope?
Carried here on
wings of angels?
Is faith but a dream
come by
When hope looked up
into the sky?
Father, did you see
me standing alone?
Without a dream in
my heart
Without a love of my
own.
You knew what I was
there for
You heard me saying
a prayer for
Someone I’d really
be there for
Someone I really
could care for.
Eldon.
________________
Opportunity
So few and far
between
Chance for real
love.
So hard to believe
in
Every broken heart
needs some sign for mending.
And if we wait too
long.
This moment will be
gone.
We don’t have to
hold out...any longer
Oh it deals a
lie...this is the moment.
We don’t have to
stay out ...in the cold anymore.
Lets just take this
chance, and never let it go.
All the memories,
could be coming back.
The past will never
leave.
As long as we let it
pass..we could let it go.
And accept the
make-believe.
Send it on it’s
way...Think about today
We don’t have to
hold out...any longer..........
Oh it feels like
this is the chance.
We don’t have to
stay out
In the cold anymore.
Lets just take this
moment..
And never let it go.
Anne Murray
What is faith?
Is it a rare jewel
that must be sought?
Do we have faith
just by saying?
Are empty words of love
to guide us there?
Or is it a gift that
God has given?
A place where still
waters lie
Found only after the
crossing
The valley of shadow
passed by.
Is faith a spirit
that comes from God?
A valley of refuge;,
a green pasture.
Protected from the
winds of adversity
By a mountain which
stands in strength
Can the winds of sin
be seen from there?
From this
refuge...Christ’s care.
Is it carried here
on wings of angels
Through the darkness
of the night?
Over obstacles of
flight.
Eldon
_____________
Beneath this snowy
mantle ...cold and clean
The unborn grass I’m
waiting for
I told to turn to
green.
The snowbird sings a
song he always sings,
And speaks to me of
flowers that will bloom again..in spring.
When I was young, my
heart was young and true.
Anything that it
would tell me
That’s the thing
that I would do.
But now I feel such emptiness
within
For the thing that I
want most in life
Are the things that
I can’t win.
Spread your tiny
wings and fly away
And take the snow
back with you
Where it came from
on that day.
The one I love
forever is untrue
And if I could, you
know I would
Fly away with you.
The breeze along the
river seems to say
That he’ll only
break my heart again
Should I decide to
stay.
So little snowbird
take me with you when you go.
To that land of
gentle breezes
Where the peaceful
waters flow.
Spread your tiny
wings and fly away
And take the
snow back with you
Where it came from
on that day.
Anne Murray
_____________
Love is born in difficult
times
Its journey to
perfection.
Yet it must start in
immature minds.
As hope, as longing,
a child in distress
A river of tears.
To be crossed by
lovers
In peril and flight.
Away from loneliness
and desperate times.
Toward a dim lighted
way, unknowing
Can I love my God
this way?
Yes, but only if I
reach to him.
When his hand
touches mine.
There is no other
way.
______________
Can any spirit be
more precious than faith?
Do the hosts of
heaven there revere
The Spirit of
Charity...that’s carried here
The pure love of
Christ.
What is Charity?
Is it rarely seen?
A shy spirit that
cannot be found
Without seeing the
face of God
In the face of a
friend?
Is charity merely
the meekness of spirit
That hides in the
face of the foe?
Not so
Charity never
faileth to honor so
The touch of God in
a friend.
Is charity found in
the depths of hell?
Does it come from
those who scorn
Are those who mock
and raise a storm
And those who look
there for a thorn
When Christ's tender
love is shown.
If it cannot be
found in hell
Where then can I
go..pray tell?
Where is it that the
still waters lie?
Where is it I lay to
sleep
And pray the Lord my
soul to keep.
Charity is a strong
exalting spirit
That ever descends
below.
An uplifting force,
a strong foundation
Not lowly, not meek,
not timid or afraid
Not hiding its light
neath a bushel...to smother
The Spirit of Christ
that lifts up another.
Eldon
There is a law
irrevocably decreed in Heaven upon which all blessings are predicated.
And it is by
obedience to that law upon which all blessings are given. Can I see but the shadow of this
precept? Can I accept the enticement of
the savior when he said, “Cast your burden upon the Lord for my burden is easy,
my burden is light. What does that mean?
I was studying for a
test in Analytical Organic Chemistry, and I thought that working hard, and
prayer could get me through the confusion of thought that was mine. Hard work and prayer was not the answer. I
did not know the answer. I was failing,
and was getting deeper and deeper in desperation
and then a phone
call came. It came among the shadows of
despair. My friend , Heber, who was a
“B” student was calling me for help on this same subject, for he was a
classmate. He wanted me to come over
and quiz him so that he could polish up his preparation. I said, hell no, I wont go. I have more than I can handle just studying
for myself, let alone helping you.
I slammed down the
phone.
I resumed
studying...hammering away as sledge on
the notes and the text. The harder I
worked, the deeper came this confusion of thought. Then came the words. That
still small voice came to me as clear as a chord from a harp. “Strengthen thy brother” I pushed the
thought aside, but it persisted. Arise
from thy bed, thy bed of affliction, ....and strengthen thy brother. No, I’ve got to get this. My life depends upon it. This struggle with the Lord lasted about
half an hour more. Then I gave up. OK . Lord, you don’t want me to learn the
subject, and your telling me that I’m not capable of becoming a Doctor. I’ll go, but I’ll harass and humiliate him
as he never thought possible. Not only
that,; but I will refuse to learn. I
will put it out of my mind, But I will embarrass him and tear him apart. I
did.
And so I called him
up and told him I was coming over with my notes, and my text. And there I discovered something. The first and last sentence of a paragraph
made a statement. Example, the sky is blue, the clouds are white. I could easily ask, What color is the sky,
and what color is the cloud.” While he
fidgeted and fumed, I could easily see the answer before my eyes, and as for refusing
to learn, that is impossible. I had
discovered the law...and it is true.
His burden is easy, his burden is light.
I grabbed this law
like a python;,; and squeezed it with all my might...but it was so easy..I was
the top student in my graduating class in Dental School at the University of
Missouri at Kansas City.
What is Heaven?
Is it rarely seen?
A shy spirit that
cannot be found
Without seeing the
face of God
In the face of a
friend.
Is heaven merely the
meekness of spirit
That hides in the face
of the foe?
Not so
Heaven never faileth
to honor so
The touch of God to
a friend.
Is heaven found in
the depths of Hell?
Does it come from
those who scorn?
And those who mock
and raise a storm?
And those who look
there for a thorn
When Christ’s tender
love is shown?
If it cannot be
found in hell
Where then can I
go..pray tell
Where is it that
still waters lie?
Where is it I lay to
sleep
And pray the Lord my
soul to keep?
Heaven is a strong,
exalting spirit
That ever descends
below
An uplifting force,;
a strong foundation
Not lowly, not meek,
not timid or afraid
Not hiding it’s
light neath a bushel...to smother
The spirit of Christ
that lifts up; another.
Eldon
__________________
Can the winds of sin
come back again?
Can the desert sands
creep in?
Can the valley of
shadows come upon us?
Can we hunger and
thirst and not be filled?
Without seeing the
face of God
In the face of a
friend.
With failing to
honor so
The touch of God in
those who love us.
And those who look
there for a thorn
When Christ’s tender
love is shown
Does it creep away from those who scorn?
And those who mock
and raise a storm?
If charity hides in
the face of the foe
If charity faileth
to honor so
Hiding its light
neath a bushel to smother
The Spirit of Christ
that lifts up another.
________________
Every now and then I
cry
Every night----You
keep staying on my mind
All my friends
say...I’ll survive
It just takes time.
But I don’t think
time will heal this broken heart
I don’t see how it
can if its broken all apart
A million miracles
could never stop the pain
Or put all the
pieces together again.
No I don’t think
time will heal this broken heart.
No I don’t see how
it can when we are far apart
And when you hear
this song, I hope that you will see.
That time won’t
heal..a broken hearted me.
Every day is just
the same...playing games.
Different stages,
different names.
They say that I’ll
survive..it just takes time.
But I don’t think
time will heal a broken heart.
No, I don’t see how
it can if its broken all apart
A million miracles
will never stop the pain
To put all the
pieces together again.
No I don’t think
time will heal this broken heart
No I don’t see how
it can while we are still apart.
When you hear this
song, I hope that you will see.
Time won’t heal this
broken hearted me.
__________
Can heaven wither
and pass away?
Can heaven depart
and stray?
A gift that God has
given.
Torn asunder....and
cast away?
Can it grow old and
stiff and formal?
Can the Joy that’s
there just fade away?
Must it be nurtured
and be strengthened
Lest it go and hide
this day.
If faith is not and
hope has strayed.
If the mountain of
God not wanted.
In the excitement of
the moment
In the comfort of
the day.
These riches are
given away.
If a pastures not
watered
If still waters are
damned
And cannot get away.
What is left when
dreams evaporate and fade away?
What is left??? when
dreams evaporate and fade away.
I have a hundred
songs that God has given me.
I repeat that I AM
NOT A POET
But I do insist that
God has talked to me...and
When I have
listened, I marvel at the thoughts I have been given
Yes...this truly is
an unfinished Symphony.
Joseph Eldon Toomey
58 So. 200 West
Burley, Idaho 833l8
(Phone) 208-677-8374
I have been promised
by my God...to see
And so I looked in
front of me.
There I saw...a
child, he was my son.
This is not my
God...to me.
And then I looked up
in the heavens,
For an angel from on
high.
I looked the whole
long day,
Then night
descended....
And the stars looked
back at me.
There is no Lord to
lead,
And heaven is far
away.
For faith has fled
And even hope has
now left me.
I cannot see, I
cannot touch
I cannot hear the
words to guide.
But then I felt a
lifting up.
My God was under me.