Through My Window

So much I see through my window
A branch of blossoms in the spring
A fleecy cloud in summer skies
A little child - a precious thing.

I've watched the crimson sunsets fade,
The thrush returning to its nest
Busy traffic heading homeward
A tired world - seeking rest.

So much I see through my window
The last dry leaf of amber fall
The quiet snow of wintertime
Marshmallowed o'er my garden wall.

Its there I count the stars at night
And count my many blessings too
Its there I measure my regrets
And humbly ask forgiveness too.

And when my heart is troubled most
Seeking release from pain and care
I wander to my window then
And feel His presence with me there.

He soothes my wounds, and lifts my soul
While all lay silent in the sod
So much I see through my window
As I linger there - with God!

To A Spider In The Bowl

I can see you spinning round and round
Caught within your snare
Helpless creature that you are
Struggling in your prison there.

Your efforts are so futile
They'll endlessly go on
Yet you are weak and know not --
That your strength will soon be gone.

And mighty giant that I am
Just the merest puff of breath
Could give you back your freedom
And save you from this death.

And as I tower above you
Your fate within my hands
I recognize your nothingness
Controlled by my commands.

So plead with me - beg of me
That I might mercy give
For my very slightest gesture
Could let you die -- or live.

And as the shadows of the day
Moved across my room
I viewed again this tiny dot
In coiled, conceded doom.

I pondered as I stood there --
My head bowed shamefully
Compassion crept into my heart
My soul began to see --

As my thoughts began to soar and rise
To Him who dwells above
I felt His greatness over me
I pleaded for His love.

How small and insignificant
I felt within His power
The sorrow -- and humility
I knew within this hour.

Oh helpless creature that I am
I fall on bended knee
And God in all His mercy
Looked down and smiled on me!

Orvetta's thoughts: For when men get too much power, and too much pride in the heart, they are unknowingly in dire need of a humbling experience to make them humble again and fit for God.

The Wind

By Geneva Pace

Here I sit trying to think
And write a few lines at least
But the wind is louder than my thoughts
With fierce sounds that never cease.

So I just sit here alone looking out
Listening to it howl and watching it blow
The trees swayand the grease-woods dodge
Every little twig is bending to and fro.

The pretty white seagulls are baffled too -
Up with the wind they whirl then down they come
The sparrow's nest is empty, riddled and torn
And the Killdeer that sang so sweet, has gone.

The sun sets back in a milky sky -
Casting a gloom on the dust parade
The water dashes up like dirty snow
And there's a few trails the wind has made.

Mountains have disappeared far in the dust
And green fields look like the deseret sand
The loose gates bang and the windows shake
The cows in the corral are too nervous to stand.

So how can I think in a day like this
With the noise of wind and its haunting tune
I'll wait until the Killdeer sings again
And the air is filled with the Iris perfume.

Geneva's thoughts: One time when I was living on the farm, a terrible wind was blowing. I sat there looking out on the dreary day with my pencil and paper in my had to write something to help one of my daughters with a talk she was to give in Stake Mutual, but the wind was blowing most forcefully and I could not settel down to write as I became restless with the wind and wrote of it.

Mothers

I'm happy to be here.

Today I would like to share with you some of the thoughts that have been coming to me lately.

I was pondering - meditating - over my life and I asked myself this question, "Why do you think you are active in the church today? How did you grow to love the gospel?"

And I came up with this sure answer:

My mother, who loved the Lord herself and I watched her and listened to her, and began my first simple prayers to my Heavenly Father - believing. My mother would sit down and tell me, and my brothers and sisters, of some special spiritual experiences she would have and I could see the light and joy in her eyes as I listened and again believed. She took time to show me the first bloomed rose - letting me know this world is beautiful and God created it to be so - for us.

I would like you today, to think of your mother and the sweet memories you have.

All mothers, yes all mothers, leave their influence upon us. Our mothers instilled in each of us lessons in life, warmth and love. We may recall homemaking, teaching a special recipe we use of mother's - a special tradition. And I feel that we grow into these later years there is something that draws us even closer to our mother.

We came through the years in a period of family closeness, didn't we? We were blessed - we all sat around the table for our meals at the same time. On occasion if one should be missing, the empty chair filled us with a little emptiness. We studied around the same table, we knew of each others interests and feelings in a much more intimate way than ever today. We were blessed.

Life today toakes on a fast pace - a hurrying and scurrying where we cannot know our family members so well.

Brother & Sister Pickering

Dear Brother and Sister Pickering,

It is a pleasure to express thoughts of appreciation to you - because it will be so easy, sincere, and from the heart.

When I said "Yes" to Sam - and became Mrs. Samuel B. Groom on December 29, 1987, I anticipated the many changes that would come into my life.

One of the greatest highlights has been working in the St. George temple, and a big part of that has been getting to know you, Brother and Sister Pickering, our supervisors.

To you, Sister Pickering, in my memory I shall always see your black popping eyes, expressing the enthusiasm that lies within your soul. Your love of life radiates - your quick steps - (and excuse me, your tiny waist) make up the part of you I will remember.

And then when I add to this the "always" smile of you, Brother Pickering, I see before my eyes the scripture, "Let your light so shine . . . (and) glorify your Father, which is in Heaven." To me this is the gospel ("good news"). We should be the happiest people on earth and we should show it - and you do!


In Appreciation

All things come to pass, they say
And soon you will move on
To other heights of service
You'll always carry on!

These are thoughts I'll keep of you
They'll always be a part
Of special memories I'll hold
Tucked deep within my heart.

Always we would find you there
Steadfast and early too!
Gleaning and rearranging
The work we'd have to do.

And one thing I could count on
I knew I'd hear you say
As you'd look down on your schedule
"It's going to be a good day!"

Cheerfulness is a part of you
I always find it there
Kindness always on your lips
You give concern & care.

The world's a better place, I know,
For all the lives you touch
I thank you very much!

Have You Heard About Our Teacher?

Have you heard about our teacher?
It really surprises us so
We never thought she'd do it
And then before we knew it
She up and caught herself a beau!

For years and years and years she's tried to catch one
Her folks were beginning to get a little afraid
That time was running out and she was just about
To turn into an old school teacher maid!

And then one day she cast her eyes on Lonny
And was determined she would catch him in her net
She said no one could stop her
And man she caught a whopper
We don't know how she did it yet!

But she has lots of little tricky tactics
She's always working on a scheme or two
She said, "I'll make some plans, how I can catch this man"
Just let us tell you of a few.

We were planning on our swimming party
Packed it with fun galore
Then Miss Fullmer went to the phone and said,
792-84.

"Hi Lonny, we're having a party
This Monday night at eight
My Sunday school class has got it all planned
And they can hardly wait
But twenty kids are coming, I can't handle them alone
So I was wondering if you'd be the other chaperone?"

"And then, of course, I guess you know
That I can't swim a stroke
So if I should need a life guard
You'll be around, I hope?"

So Lonny came to the party
To protect her from all harm
And when the night got chilly
He kept her comfy warm!

And when she was teaching in Provo
Once again her plans were laid
She decided she must have some help
To make some visual aids.

She'd promised her little students
She'd build a teepee strong
With colors bold and daring
She'd have to call on Lon.

So off to the little school room
They went one moonlit eve
To complete another assignment
She was laughing up her sleeve.

They painted, pasted, cut and snipped
And how the time went by
They didn't really notice
Do you know the reason why?

A policeman strolling on the street
Kept looking at that light
And said, "What could be going on in there
When it's this time of night?"

He strolled some more and checked his watch
And with no further hesitation
He said, "I think it's time to start on my investigation."
So carefully he tiptoed up to the door to listen
And said, "Oh dear, I think I hear,
Somebody in there kissin'!"

He pushed the door with all his might
Do you know what it was instead?
It was the teachers marking pen
Scratching on more red!
They weren't making whoopee
Just a teepee!

Well we could go on forever
And tell you about her schemes
But by now you all have realized
That all her plans materialized
And she found the answer to her dreams.

So today the news is greatest
And it's the very latest
For she not only caught him
But as of today she's GOT HIM --- FOR KEEPS!

September 11, 1969
Reading presented by Nedra Fullmer's Sunday School class.

Lovely Things

My world's so full of lovely things
Each rising dawn brings beauties new
If only I could keep a part of
Every day that passes through.

The rain must over fertile fields
The stately tree so tall
The crimson sky at sunset
As the twilight shadows fall.

If I could only stretch my arms
And capture all I see
I'd hold it close securely
And keep it there with me.

I linger with the summer
And feast upon each hour
Explore each heavy-laden branch
Til I know every flower.

I touch each fragile petal
Of the roses in full bloom
I find the springtime lilac
And drink deep of its perfume.

Oh doesn't your heart pity
That man that doesn't see
This beauty that surrounds him
Who walks on aimlessly.

Tho' robins send their thrilling notes
Across the fragrant air
His ears are deaf -- silent
He goes on unaware.

The golden morning sun will rise
And open my new day
Compelling me to reach beyond
With it's magnetic ray.

I dare to race the wildest winds
And o'er green meadows fly
Releasing all my secret dreams
I toss them to the sky.

My thoughts will build as rising
Waves that push through heaving foam
My hopes shall reach the highest peak
I'd conquer heights unknown.

Oh doesn't your heart pity
The man that cannot feel
This vibrancy of morning
His soul unmoved -- still!

And should this day escape me
And vanish from my sight
I'd love the quiet gray of dusk
As it softly turned to night.

And doesn't your heart pity
The man who doesn't know
The peacefulness of evening
As life's shadows fade and go.

My world's so full of lovely things
Each step I take brings beauties new
And if I could, which would I choose
To linger with til day is through.

If God would only take His hand
And gather all for me
Then hold it in safe keeping
For my eternity!

May 21, 1968

Memories of My Mother

Today my heat is filled with love, and deep humility.
And memories of a mother
That God had given me.

He gave me someone special
Who was kind and sweet and true
Who found her hreatest joys in life
In the good that she could do.

If one could read inside her book
That tells of her life's story
They'd find her sons and families
To be her greatest glory!

Each page so tenderly would hold
The warth and love and pleasures
Each special person brought to her
And each, a cherished treasure.

She did not seek for riches
Her guest was not for fame
The simple things she valued most
The joy of work, an honest name.

The little thoughtful things she did
Somehow could say so much
And all who knew her felt her love
Her quick ways - her gentle touch.

You see, she taught her sermons
Not by words as many do
But by her deeds and actions
Her creed came shining through.

Many useful years she gave
Before her illness came
And many days and months she's laid
In suffering and pain.

And now today she's left us
For a more exalted sphere
I'm grateful for the life she lived
While she was with us here.

And there's rejoicing in my heart,
combined with memories
That she is free from earthly care
Her soul has found release!

Composed for the mother of Robert E. Steele

Story Of Our Lives

I've just been adding and totaling since two thousand three has begun
So many paths we've traveled, let's turn each page one by one.

We've sung our "Happy Birthdays" blown the candles, had our cake
Jumped so high from our Palladium seats as those three pointers she would make!

We've watched the Priesthood circle and hold within their arms,
A tiny little baby boy so cuddly and warm.

And then we've heard his father's voice so touched with gratitude and love,
Pronounce his name, then blessings sought from our Father up above.

Now we're dining out together. It's grandma and her children, all.
Enjoying, talking laughing! Oh the memories we'd recall!

And now I look upon him, this fine young man sits there -
His father's hands upon his head, in my heart a silent prayer!
For he's ordained to be a priest, advancing on his way
And all the family gathered there upon this Sabbath day!

Now there is a time and a season as we each fulfill our years
The family has all gathered - at the graveside shedding tears.

So here is the other season, wedding bells, the bride's bouquet!
See the sparkling girl who caught it, she knows her turn's not far away.

Not wedding bells but school bells are starting now to ring
It's seminary graduation and "Good Old School Goodbye" she'll sing!
And the nearly college graduate is locking up his flat
To head to spacious new green fields he's so anxious to be at!

And so we turn the calendar page, we're to the month of June
And we all know that "Summer Theater" is coming up real soon!
Time to play and drop the work, for the wolf to make his howls
And how it amazed us all to see those big eyed, hooting owls!

And those hyenas with their mocking laugh, we laughed through every minute --
The ghost, the skunk that sprayed around! ('Twas only water in it).

Hot summer's now upon us, July parade comes down the street
To see that bright pink dress swing by, 'twas worth sitting in that heat!

And as we see the waving flag, our loyalty breaks through
We love our town, our country free, our own red, white, and blue!

And oh the joy of families -- the blessings heaven sends
This, the greatest gift of all -- the gift that never ends!

August 9, 2003

Pumpkin Pie

Sam was hungry for a pumpkin pie
So I said that I would bake one.
One big can makes two big pies
So to John and Joan I'll take some.

I looked upon these steaming pies
And figured I'd better decide
Who gets this much, who gets what
How shall I divide?

There's five for John and four for Joan
And Sam can still have plenty
But wait until you hear this out
Cause he did not get any.

Before it got delivered
I heard someone say
That Nate and Erika decided
That they'd arrive today.

Now seven for John and four for Joan
Now how much will remain
Oh dear the thought has struck me
I must deliver down the lane.

A funeral now has been announced
One pie I'd better take
This would be the thing to give
No need to bake a cake.

Oh dear now what should I do
I've promised John and Joan and Sam
So I have got to follow through
I'll do the best I can.

So the pie for seven will go to John
I'm trying so hard to please
I'll bake the frozen one for Sam and Joan
They got the Sarah Lee's.

January 25, 2001