Author Archives: Colby Alexander

Chapter 4 Kaiako Mura (Teacher’s Flame)

04 Sunday Jan 2015

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Chapter 4 

Kaiako next to see his sword, and shield and weapons name, 

Discovered depth of thought and truth, for which he’d soon proclaim.

For strength in words and voice were his, the captured thundrous pow’r

To make all those who heard his cry, to know, to shrink and cower.

For fierce had been the dragon fire that charred him constantly, 

and all he saw was smoky bleak, alone he seemed to be.

But in the hour of fire, and heat, and smoke of blackened air, 

His warrior bride, stood by his side, his hour of deep despair.

And from the strength of two, emerged the writing on his sword, 

and understanding, pure had come by written holy words.

Gave him pow’r to overcome and take his new forged shield, 

and shout with voice of thunder, flaming sword he now did wield.

His sword was named, a statement made, to end all doubt and fear.

“I End My Message” was the name, as writing did appear.

The blinding fire of flaming sword lept from the hilt to tip,  

these flames emitting heat that melted evil’s icy grip.

Its platinum blade, and golden hilt, protected when encased, 

but drawn, its fire consumed dark fiends to black and ashen waste.

When drawn, however, purposefully, its flame brought more than ash, 

its heat was comfort, warmth, and courage, love and light at last.

The blade of whiteness, platinum sheen would draw all eyes to see, 

his sword of heavenly make it seemed, from God’s own armory.

The hilt, pure gold, with writing old, of ancient sacred writ, 

Gave power, sent minions cowering into the fiery pit.

For when raised up, its flame caught fire, igniting thunderous booms,

And all who fought against the light, were wary of the doom,

For all who saw the sword raised up, Its fiery flame ablaze,

had knowledge of the truth therein, loud thunder through the haze.

Chapter 3 Ringa Rongoa (Hands that Heal)

03 Saturday Jan 2015

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Chapter 3

Ringa Rongoa, was first to see true meaning brought by flame,

The Dragon breath, enhanced his strength, revealing his true name,

And as the flames of Dragons fire were spewed across his shield,

refinement came, true eyes to see, pure knowledge was fulfilled.

For his young daughter, weak of health, infirm, too sick to stand,

T’was God’s pure thought that came to him, to heal her with his hand.

His faith refined as he began to act in strength, and willed,

that soft young daughter back to whole, his calling now fulfilled.

Now clear his eyes, and pure his heart, force joined with loving wife,

Her key unlocked his pow’r to see, his purpose, destined life.

And with his eyes now open, and seeing clear the path,

His swords he named, the writing blazed, “God’s Fury”, and “Gods Wrath”

Both weapons fierce and mighty pure white steel, reflecting light,

that shone as striking lightning bolts when drawn before a fight.

the scabbards long were hung upon his side, displayed his might,

deterring foes, and fiends of darkness, within the mists of night.

Twin blades he wielded forcefully, and with both raised up high,

the lightning cracked from heav’n above! Burnt evil, sent to die.

The fiery light, From Godly home, rent minions, darkened souls,

and gave bright hope to languid hearts still bound in dark morose.

His power now increasing fast, and eyes clear from the haze,

the pupose now to guide the ones still struggling in the maze,

The light emitted from within his scabbord, hidden sword,

Would be enough, wild fire would come, ignited with his words.

Destined meeting, four together, something stirred one night,

a spark was kindled, by the tale of battle’s righteous fight.

for he had seen the power in his hands and in his swords,

and fed a feast to all who sat and listened to his words.

That night together stories shared between the brothers four,

inspired the search within them all for what their powers were.

For similar the fire and smoke of Dragon breath had blazed,

upon the shields of all of them, a fiery smoky haze.

Toa, Kaiako, and Manawa fueled by battle’s tale,

all looked upon their smoldering shields not bright, but soft and pale.

But soon increased intent to see what truly lay beneath,

the charred and blackened shields they’d used against the Dragon teeth.

Chapter 2

03 Saturday Jan 2015

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Chapter 2

All the land prepared to fight the evil seen, unseen,

the battles rage continuous, black smoke plumed blindingly.

Swords and daggers, armor, helms and shields constructed by the young,

To be refined amid the fire spewed from the Dragon’s tongue.

The brothers swords, created plain, just like all others were,

yet raw, unchallenged, roughly forged, and still their names a blur.

For naming weapons was the sign of knowledge of their worth,

Unnamed weapons-were as saplings small, just cresting from the earth.

4 brothers grew, and made their armor, swords, and helms of steel,

daggers, shields and banners too, but no names did they yet yield.

For lost was urgency of war, and numbed with apathy,

4 brothers, drifted on with life, not knowing what they’d be.

The brothers 4, ordained from birth had wed 4 warrior queens,

who had been placed, to fit their lock, unleash, they were the keys.

For, when together, fit as one, unbounded synergy,

receptacles for light’s embrace, and reflected energy.

The Sons, all named by influence, sent by the Gods own hands,

to guide, direct, and place them where they would upon the land,

The Eldest son, firstborn, Toa Nanakia was his name,

Interpreted meant “Savage warrior”, wild violence untamed.

The Second son was born in turn, Kaiako Mura he was named,

Interpreted meant “He who teaches with the fire and flame”

The Third Son came, received the name, Manawa Arahi,

Interpreted meant “Heart that Leads” to inspire powerfully.

The Fourth Son, Ringa Rongoa, His name upon his birth,

Interpreted meant “Hands that Heal” as lightning striking earth.

All grew together in their youth, untapped strength within them lay,

yet, they saw not the potent power of Godly fire and flame,

It lay within them dormant, this hidden strength and might,

But soon to be awoken, kindled, by desire to fight.

The Gods allowed the sons below to face the dragon fire,

To forge, refine, unveil the pow’r within their soul’s thick mire.

The writing on the swords was such, that only with the fire,

of dragon’s breath or minion’s dart, its name would be inspired.

For change within the armor showed when blasted by the heat,

and permanent the power that came, Gods judgment then to mete.

For weak before, but strength increased with time in scorching flame,

To then be ready to stand up defending God’s pure name.

The dragon fire rained down upon each brother one by one,

their separate power, not trained, but raw, was weak, and near succumbed,

In part to its vile, lying heat, yet from the vicious fire,

The armor held, refined in heat, renewed vigor, righteous ire!

Chapter 1

02 Friday Jan 2015

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The next several posts coming from me will be a family history of sorts. It won’t be journal entries, or actual recorded events, but more like if our stories were coming from one of the dwarves living in middle earth in Tolkein’s Lord of the Rings. It just seemed like it would be funner to read that way.

The names used are not the actual names but have been changed to be more awesome.

Kab’ = Mayan word for “land” or “earth”

The land of Kab’

Behold the land for man and beast to learn to prove their worth,
Created battlefield for war, of water, fire, and earth.
An ancient story rife with love and hate and battle fierce,
But meant to teach, inspire, give hope, hard hearts with love to pierce.

Chapter 1

Pure sunlight danced upon the peaks of mountains topped with snow,
above the valley’s cracks and chasms, mist of darkness’ flow.
For above the fire and smoke below, pure light was there to see,
Its warmth and brightness calms all fear, darkness’ chains cut free.

Below, in darkness, evil bound and dragged the souls of men,
and soft, unsure the pathways were, for all who dwelt therein.
Above, in light, the Gods inspired, and guided hearts of men,
With straight, and solid paths of stone, to lead them back again.

Before the days began there was a council of the Gods,
For then, mankind had not the skill nor power that it sought,
Two plans were laid before the Gods- first better than the last.
Battle raged, rebellious fiends rebuked, to darkness cast.

The minions worshipped foolishly the one who’s lies began
the battle for the souls and lives of all the sons of man.
They dwell below the surface, recessed cracks of earth and sod,
vicarious the war they wage with men against the Gods.

The Gods had sent man down amid calamity and pain,
To learn to be as they are now, experience to gain,
But man was never left alone, without his weapons true,
The Gods provided strength, lent power- for men, their will to do.

So thus the battle setting lay, far below the heavn’ly light,
Amid the smoky darkened waste, of sin, and blood, and hate,
To forge with dragon blood and fire, man’s mettle new and raw,
their swords meant to defend against, the mighty Dragon’s awe.

And now the story will be told, of battle, weapons drawn,
And raised against the Dragon, to expose his mighty flaw.
And all his imps and demons would meet power, strength, and might,
to wilt among the dying embers from the fiery fight.

The lineage vein, the family blood, was pure, and strong within,
They came, each one in their own time, to face the dragon’s sin.
The land was bleak and dark at times, but even through the mist,
a petitioned beam of God-sent light would render heaven’s kiss.

4 brothers born, down in the dark, their powers hidden deep,
within themselves, it grew unseen, unfelt, a dormant sleep.
4 other warrior women sent to that embattled land,
would have a mighty role to play, within the Master’s plan.

4 Sisters then would come along, and within the fight soon be,
Augmenting, shielding, training sons and daughters tirelessly.
For battle comes and forces all to join or shirk the fight,
To cower low in fire and dust, or fight for truth and light!

My Christmas Carol

07 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by in Christmas, Poems

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My Christmas Carol

Prophetic whispers from the dust,
Foretold of One who’d come to us1.
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords2,
Master, Savior of the world.

And though He’d rule o’er all mankind,
Raise the dead3, let see the blind4,
In quiet humble birth he’d be,
Born in peace, giv’n privily.

No silk would wrap the newborn babe,
But swaddling clothes5, a bed of hay.
No mansion grand and opulent,
Fit for wealthy affluent.

Not to the wise, but shepherds showed6
Not in the learned’s halls of gold.
Not to the wealthy, but the poor,
Not to the haughty, but the pure,

Who in a manger sweetly lay,
When by an inn-keep, was turned away7.
Shepherds, Father, Mother saw,
Angels sang with wondering awe8.

Singing praises, Heaven’s hosts,
God the Father, Holy Ghost,
Blessed, sustained that infant Son,
Through whom eternal life would come9.

Magi trekked and risked their lives,
To see His face with their own eyes,
Their path enlightened, star decreed10,
To Him bestowed their gifts of three.

The Son of Man, the King of Kings,
Beholden not to earthly things,
The Mighty God, the Chosen One,
For us, He gave His eldest Son11

That silent night, that holy night,
A child was born to cure man’s plight.
For peace and calm, shone ever bright,
Through Son of God, and love’s pure light.

Oh how I wish to be found worthy,
Of this babe, so meek and lowly,
Swaddled, loved, and held so closely,
Honored, worshipped, sacred, Holy.

Raise your head, gaze up, and see,
Moon, and stars go endlessly,
All created by this child,
Lying quiet, meek and mild.

Who’s condescension to the earth,
Accentuated by His birth,
Would save all man on earth from sin,
If they’d believe and follow him12.

Come! Now together praise the Son!
In Bethlehem, today is come!
Our hearts within will burst with Joy!
As we behold this little Boy!

“Joy to the world, he Lord is come,
Let earth receive her King.
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room.
With saints, the Angels sing!13”.

Notes:

1 Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”

2 Revelation 19:16 “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

3 John 11:43,44 “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth..”

4 John 9:11 “He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight”

5 Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes..”

6 Luke 2:15,16 “And it came to pass..the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

7 Luke 2:7 “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn”

8 Hymn #210 With Wondering Awe “With wond’ring awe the wisemen saw the star in heaven springing, and with delight, in peaceful night, they heard the angels singing.”

9 1 John 5:11 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

10 Mathew 2:1,2 “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him”

11 John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”

12 3 Nephi 11:33 “And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God” 

13 Hymn #201 Joy to the World 

Contracts at Christmas

02 Tuesday Dec 2014

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When I was a kid, probably around 10 or 11 years old, I took Christmas wish list formulation to a whole new level.  Im sure my mom never saw it coming and my dad just shook his head and wondered what planet I came from. Let me take you back.

It was the good old days when the original nintendo was a highly advanced gaming system whose crisp sharp substandard definition 2 pixel characters dazzled the eyes. It was absolutely amazing. Its controller was only to be wielded by the most advanced of technicians. It consisted of a directional pad, and two, yes, two, other buttons, brilliantly named A and B.  For the supremely advanced, there were also “start”, and “select” buttons.  It came with probably the most famous video game in the known universe in Mario brothers, and later would be known for other greats such as Bugs Bunny, Marble Madness and Tecmo Bowl. Those names alone bring back floods of memories that cannot be forsaken. This Nintendo, was the sole item on my christmas list.

During this time known as “the great video game awakening”, Christmas at our house was fast approaching, and I remember Tyson and I lying awake in our beds for HOURS, scheming, planning, brain-storming (most of this was me, I don’t think Tyson actually cared that much) for any ideas to make our (my) dream of NES ownership come true.  Finally, it came to me one night in a revelation (loose interpretation of that word). I would create a contract. This  contract would consist of absolutely legit and legally binding agreements between I, the executer, and mom and dad. They,  the enforcers, would lay out some terms that would guarantee that upon receiving the NES system, we, the children of said household, would always do homework, chores, practice piano, and any other wish or desire of the parents prior to partaking in its awesomeness.  We basically would sign our whole lives, and time away to be in the complete control of our parents.

I then went and strongly suggested (forced) each child sign the paper, contractually binding them to their word.  After the signing ceremony, I presented the first completed contract upon our Mother’s desk and stated that, “Hereupon lies the signatures of your children, we, the undersigned, do agree to be perfect, in exchange for a consent to allow a Mr. Santa Clause to deliver a NES system, and that you, the aforementioned parents will, upon adequate fulfillment of said children’s obligations, shall not inhibit the awesome participation thereof. Pretty impressive legalese for a 10 year old right?

Subsequently, because of overwhelming evidence that the children of the contract, were, in fact, perfect, Santa did bring a Nintendo Entertainment System, and it was enjoyed for many years thenceforth.  It seemed at the time to be the most precious gift ever bestowed upon the children of man,  that is, until I grew up….

Lets now take off our frost covered, candy cane Christmas glasses and see things as they should be. The greatest gift we can receive is not a plastic box that melts our brains slowly over time, but that which our oldest brother, our Savior, has already given us.

Isaiah said it in a beautiful way, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah’s declaration summarizes exactly who Jesus Christ would be. His words also explain that Jesus Christ was a gift that would be given. He was born unto us, a Son given to us. So, how was Jesus Christ himself a gift? What is it about the King of Kings that qualifies him as a gift? In His own words he explained, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” So, our older brother gave himself as a gift.  Himself, as in, he gave his flesh, and his life. Remember the words used to describe his last mortal moment, He “gave up the ghost”.

Every act, every breath, every word, every thought was a gift to us. He learned how to give from His Father.  John explained, ” For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Our Father gave us His only begotten Son, in order to enable all of us to return to Him. And its more than just returning to live with Him. Because of the gift of Jesus Christ, we were promised that if we believe in Him, we would not perish but have everlasting life. Everlasting  life is not an adjective describing how long we will live, but more like a noun describing what we can be. Eternal life is Christ’s life. Christ’s life is eternal life. This is ultimately the gift that He has given us. His life. To  live as he does. To be a joint heir with Him. He alone made it possible. Our Father in Heaven gave us Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ gave himself to us.  This is the most precious and greatest gift ever bestowed upon mankind. Ever.

Seeds and Callings

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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John 6:9

“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”

 

 

The Seed

I am but a small seed, with no worth, it seems to me,
I am one, amongst the many, like one drop in a vast sea.
Insignificant my calling in this world with some so great,
What worth am I? I am so small. What difference can I make?

I’m now a stalk of barley, blowing softly in the breeze,
I’m one amid the millions more, anonymous it seems,
What difference can I make? No one even knows my name,
I’m just a tiny speck engulfed upon this windy plain.

I’m now a grain of meal, even smaller than before,
I’ve lost the sight of sun and sky, I can’t feel them anymore.
I’ve been cut down, and pounded, made into a formless mass,
And left alone, now in the dark, I fear my time has passed.

I’m now inside a fire that seems to change me from within,
I am still small, but somehow know that value lies herein.
I’m now amid four other loaves, and packed inside a sack,
But once again, I’m hid away, upon this young lad’s back.

I’m now called out to lay beside two fishes and I hear,
The words the Master speaks to me, He tells me why I’m here.
He blessed me to fulfill the call, to which I was ordained,
And after He has touched me, I know that I am changed.

I’ve now sustained 5000 mouths, 12 bushels now remain,
But only with the Master’s touch, for me He did sustain.
For with His hand He orchestrates our lives that we now lead,
He magnifies, and sanctifies, and nurtures each small seed.

When we receive callings, sometimes we feel as if we are the exact wrong person for the job. We feel inadequate and unprepared to fulfill what we, in our own minds, think that call may entail. But, we need to have trust and faith, that the Lord is the one doing the real work behind us, and that we just need to put our feet where they are supposed to be. Its ok to feel like the small barley seed, but at the same time realize that we can eventually feed 5000, and have 12 bushels leftover, if we but rely on, and are “touched” by Him.

Sons of Thunder

22 Saturday Nov 2014

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This next post needs to be setup for the proper context in order to be better understood.  The time frame is the latter days, when Satan’s forces are amassing an innumerable force to battle and annihilate the people of God.  Christ has come and is the general. We know He is here, but have not seen Him personally. We, the followers of Christ, are gathering, hoping, waiting to follow instructions that will come.  At this time of gathering and insecurity, a leader will emerge. Who this leader is we may not know, or we may know. But I imagine him to be like the great leaders of ancient times who had the ability to inspire, and who were not in the least bit hesitant to rough people up. This leader will be like captain Moroni, Teancum, Lehi, or Joshua. Absolute unequivocal confidence and faith to win, and not just win, but destroy completely.  I image him to be mounted, fully armed and shielded, spear raised, riding in front of gathering soldiers. Shouting, with an extreme intensity in his voice, and a palpable hatred for evil. He would look into each one of us as we gathered to follow him into battle and through him we would be filled with his same spirit of confidence and strength that he receives from Christ himself. That is the context of this next post.
It’s our future call to arms.

 

Sons of Thunder1

Awake! O sons of thunder rise!
And pierce as lightning through black skies,
The darkest pitch, where evil lies,
Come fight! and hasten Hell’s demise!
Our captain calls us now!

He calls the weak, unlearned, despised,
To thresh the nations2! Heed His cry!
His Spirit strengthens, and gives flight,
To arrows sent by Heavens might.
Our captain calls us now!

Our faith, unyielding strength will be,
Lay waste the shirking enemies,
Below our feet3, crushed, cowering,
To feel Gods mighty angry sting!
Our captain calls us now!

Wo, to those who’ll face the fire,
Of righteous indignation’s ire4,
Kindled falsehoods from the liar,
Who fills man’s heart with false desire,
The Captain sees you now!

Come follow Him! God is His name!
Man of Holiness5 sustain,
Almighty God! His light proclaim!
And fill the earth o’er sea and plain!
Our Captain calls us now!

Rise up! and join with spear and sword!
Fighting wholly for our Lord!
Clash manfully6 of one accord!
Cut down, thresh evil untoward!
My Captain use me now!

For with His spirit in my veins,
My strength of arm no longer wanes,
His arm-my arm7, my King proclaimed!
Victory is thus obtained!
My captain with me now!

And as the liar is cut down,
How great his fall below the ground,
To gnash and wail, forever bound8,
His misery and doom compound.
The Captain beat him now!

And yet how great shall be the crown,
Atop our Captain’s Princely brow,
To rule and reign with great renown,
His power, glory, honor bound,
Our Captain! Praise Him now!

And now ascends His throne to reign,
Vanquish fear, and conquer pain,
To honor Father, and His name,
The holy throne is now His claim
Our Captain leads us now!

And we who fought for Him shall be,
Decorated lovingly,
Lifted high, and honored be,
Yet Worship Him on bended knee9.
Our captain, our King now!

He Reigns supremely! He has won!
He is the Father’s eldest Son,
Ordained on high to make “at one”,
So we below can overcome!
Our Captain, Savior now!

Come join the ranks! Make bare our sword!
Come battle for the Risen Lord!
Who gives us strength to well afford,
To strike down evil’s force deplored!
His light no longer be ignored,
That fuels the Gospel He restored,
Our God! our Captain now!

 

Notes:

1 Mark 3:17

2 D&C 35:13 “Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;”

3 D&C 35:14 “…and their enemies shall be under their feet…”

4 Moses 7:34 “And the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them.”

5 Moses 7:35 “Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name…”

6 D&C 35:14 “…and they shall fight manfully for me…”

7 D&C 35:14 “…And their arm shall be my arm…”

8 D&C 133:73 “These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth”

9 D&C 76:110 “And heard the voice of the Lord saying: These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever;”

Hidden Kingdom

21 Friday Nov 2014

Posted by in Love, Marriage, Poems

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Thursday was my 15th anniversary and so this post will veer from my usual fare…Its a little something I came up with for my wife.

Hidden Kingdom

Her Hidden Kingdom few can see,
because they fail to look.
To blinded eyes, her status hides,
Concealed, as is a book.



Her hidden kingdom thrives within
The walls of divine make,
Protecting, loving, nurturing,
Partnering to create.

Her hidden kingdom strengthens all,
Who pass within its sphere.
Who feel the power of her love,
That quells the fire of fear.



Her hidden kingdom grows in glory,
Each year that passes by,
More light, more love,
truth from above,
Received from Him on high.

Her queenly crown rests on her head
The symbol of her reign.
It shows to all who’s eyes are clear
The glory she’s obtained.

Upon her crown four golden spires
Reach upward nigh to God,
Like tender plants whose roots are deep,
In nutritious gospel sod.

Each spire unique and beautiful,
Each different – yet the same,
Each one reflects the light they’re giv’n
Each one, from God they came.



And in these spires of golden make
Rest diamonds all therein,
Reflecting 15 shades of bright,
Revealing what’s within-



Her heart, is where she shines the most,
And with each passing year,
The shades of bright intensify,
And seem to draw more near-



To God himself, who sits on high,
Directing us below,
She is a queen, she is MY queen,
And with her- I will go.



Until her hidden kingdom,
No longer shielded from outside,
Gives light and glory endlessly,
No longer veiled inside.

A kingdom open, fair, and bright,
For all to see and praise-
Her princes, and her princesses,
In truth and light did raise.


To soon be kings and queens themselves,
With crowns of Godly light,
To grow in strength and power
and,
Shed weakness, toil, and plight.

Then all shall wonder, and shall see,
The queen she’s grown to be,
No longer hid inside, book closed,
But plain, praised openly.



Then all will comprehend her place,
What glory, love and grace,
The light reflecting in her crown,
Is light from God’s own face.

For all God’s light, and truth, and love,
Within her all shall see,
And wonder praise and glory give,
Queen of MY family.

She is my queen, She is my life,
For her I hope to be,
A worthy king, Her worthy king,
Throughout eternity.

The Parable of the Three Shepherds

13 Thursday Nov 2014

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Note: This is not scripture, nor is it meant to be viewed as me writing scripture, just a cool way to make a point. I love the principles made in parables, and love to see the connections with everyday problems and how they relate to gospel principles.



1 For the spiritual well being of mankind is like unto a Master of a large estate who possessed many flocks of sheep1. And He had commissioned2 three shepherds to attend His flocks, and the shepherds were taught by the Master himself to care for, and raise the flocks as He would3. This was all done to please and glorify4 the Master.


2 But the estate also was plagued with a vile viper whose venom was very noxious, and whose toxin was a painful poison to both the sheep and the shepherds.


3 And the Master forewarned the shepherds that the viper was ever present, and would strike in the black of night, or from the shadows by day. For the design and purpose of the viper was to cause the suffering and destruction of the sheep of the flocks and their shepherds, and to lessen of the Glory of the Master.

 

4 And the Master gave instruction to the shepherds that if the viper should strike, that they should come unto Him to be healed5, for He knew the viper and his ways, and was immune to his cunning.


5 Now as the shepherds went about, and hurrying with the preparations for the work of the day, each one in turn was struck by the viper who had hid himself in their midst.

 

6 Now the strike from the viper was subtle and quick, almost imperceptible to be felt. But the toxin from the bite was noxious and increasingly painful and worked speedily6 to poison the body.


7 The first shepherd upon being struck, strait away left all, and ran to the Master and pleaded with Him to be healed. The Master received him openly, and identified the wound, blessed it, and taking a drop of His own blood7, cleansed and healed the bite from the viper.

 

8 Upon the cleansing of the bite from the viper, the first shepherd went away joyously, feeling health return to him, and looking forward to laboring for the Master caring for the sheep under his commission.

 

9 ¶The second shepherd, upon feeling the bite, thought naught of it, and continued the hurried preparation of the day.

 

10 He continued to labor caring for the sheep of the Master, but was increasingly vexed by the poison that was in him. His wound became greater, more vile, more painful as to effect his ability to walk, and care for his flock.

 

11 The second shepherd continued to ignore the painful bite, until at last it had rendered him unrecognizable to the eye. His flock of sheep sensed his pain, and distanced themselves from him as he and they were effected by the ever increasing purulence of the wound.

 

12 At last, the second shepherd could take no more and crawled low on his belly to the Master seeking aid. The Master received him openly, and identified the wound, and seeing its severity, was much grieved and said, “Why didst thou not come to me to be healed as I had instructed?”

 

13 The shepherd then replied, “I wished to be strong, and prove you therewith that I was so, and in so doing make you well pleased8.” The Master then replied, “I allow the viper to exist in my estate so as to provide opposition9, so that you may learn to overcome. Overcoming opposition will always require submission to My will and instructions”. The Master then taking a lance, opened the painful wound, drained the purulence, carefully, and completely removed all the corrupted tissue and disease. He then taking a drop of his own blood, cleansed the wound, blessed it and it was healed.                 


14 The second shepherd, upon being healed, rejoiced exceedingly for the relief of the pain, and went away joyously, feeling health return to him, also retaining a scar so as to remember the wound that the Master had healed. Upon his return, the flock also rejoiced exceedingly, as they again recognized the shepherd that had cared for them.


15 ¶The third shepherd, upon being struck by the viper, refused to believe that it had occurred. He thought, “Surely a strike from a deadly viper would be more painful to feel”, and he went away paying no heed to the bite.


16 Gradually the wound grew more painful and vile, and it had an effect on his ability to walk, yet the shepherd regarded it not10. The wound drained a vile purulence, yet the shepherd regarded it not. The shepherd made coverings of thick skins and linens and layers of protection so as to hide and conceal the wound, yet all around him sensed his pain and were aware of the effect of the wound on the shepherd. Even the flock of the shepherd grew wary of the wound and sought distance between them.


17 Yet the shepherd refused to see the wound as it was. And gradually, the painful toxin from the bite of the viper spread to all the body of the shepherd. His mind was numbed, his senses dulled, his ears to hear and eyes to see were slowly taken from him11.

 

18 As time passed, his little flock was lost, and wandered leaderless seeking other flocks, and shepherds whose eyes were clearer, and whose care was unhampered by the toxin of the viper.


19 The third shepherd finally fell to the bite of the viper and was forever lost.

 

20 ¶The loss of His shepherd grieved the Master greatly, and He wept for the loss of His flock and His shepherd. “Why didst thou not come unto Me?” he cried, “For my arms were open, and my love complete as to heal all wounds12“.

 

20 And the Master again cried, “For my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 13



All of us are wounded to some extent. Even the divinely protected Sons of Helaman were ALL wounded, some grievously, from their battle. So, what are our wounds? How are we wounded? Each of us has a different answer for that question. My wounds are different than yours. They could be sin, physical wounds, emotional, or spiritual. But, every wound is healed the same way. The Atonement.

Not utilizing the atonement, or refusing to acknowledge a need for it, or being overtly disappointed when we are required to rely on it, is not understanding its purpose. We are meant to be wounded. We are supposed to be bitten by the viper. We are here to see how we act AFTER we are bitten. It is the blood that was spilt for all of us. It heals all wounds. There are no extra points for those who use the Atonement less, its actually quite the opposite, The Savior taught this principle through the parable of the two debtors14 The Savior knows us, he knows our wounds, he knows how to heal us. We will love him more, the more we depend on Him and His atonement. But, WE have to either run strait away to Him, or crawl on our belly to Him, to receive His healing power. But, if we simply cover our wounds, and ignore them, they are allowed to fester and worsen, and will eventually destroy us. Lets all be willing to “Come unto Him”, and be healed.


1 Isaiah 53:6, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every on to his own way; and the Lord hath lad on him the iniquity of us all. 2 D&C 20:80, “…Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

3 John 21:16 , “He saith to hime again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

4 Moses 1:39, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”. 5 Mathew 11;28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”.

6 Alma 30:60, “And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.

7 Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

8 2 Nephi 4:34, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.”


9 2 Nephi 2:11, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn 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 a compound 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.”

10 D&C 38:13, “And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not;

11 D&C 123:8 “It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell.”

12 Mormon 6:16-20, “And my soul was rent with anguish, because of the slain of my people, and I cried: O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you! Behold, if ye had not done this, ye would not have fallen. But behold, ye are fallen, and I mourn your loss. O ye fair sons and daughters, ye fathers and mothers, ye husbands and wives, ye fair ones, how is it that ye could have fallen! But behold, ye are gone, and my sorrows cannot bring your return.”

13 2 Corinthians 12:9, “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

14 Luke 7:41-43