Everything started 30 Dec 2009 with a not so good mammogram that led to an ultrasound that showed what they thought was a benign turmor. On the 20th of January 2010 I had a biopsy. The report did not get back to me until the 25th. It was not benign; it was malignant. Fortunately I was at our Family History Center when the doctor called my cellphone. I had friends who could give me hugs and blessings that I needed.
Following are all the poems that I have written since then.
Shield of Faith
Darts of fire we see every day;
In many forms they come our way.
Darts of doubt and darts of sorrow
Keep us from His balm to borrow.
But if we don faith's great shield,
We will have strength to not yield.
We will be able to quench the fire
And not get stuck in the mire.
With faith's shield we will stand firm
No matter how long the trial's term.
The Lord is our help and shield.
For Him our faith will fruit yield.
His arm shall daily be our arm.
He alone will keep us from harm.
He will guide us in the right way,
As we trust Him day by day.
26 January 2010 Suzanne halliday
Friend of God
Abraham was a Friend of God
Because of the path he trod.
We can each be God's friend
If we are faithful to the end,
If we obey His command
And as His witness always stand.
A Friend of God loveth at all times
And in good and bad climes.
A Friend serves his fellow man
And follows daily God's plan.
A Friend of God has a pure heart
And is truly God's work of art.
28 Jan 2010 Suzanne Halliday
James 2:23; John 15:14 and Proverbs 17:17
Peace Like a River
Peace like a river flows thru my soul
Touching the banks on either side
And leaving me pure and whole
So that with God I may reside.
His peace leaves my soul content
With whatever comes my way.
It leads me down the steep dissent
As to His voice I list to obey.
His peace enters as a small stream
And feeds the flowers on either side.
To posess it feeds my fondest dream
That with God I will always abide.
Beautiful flowers of faith bloom
As peace like a river expands in me
Choking out the weeds of gloom
And leaving me pure and free.
29 Jan 2010 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 66:12, "For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream..."
Even When
Even in the deepest hole
Jesus bends to comfort my soul.
He comes to me in the night
And whispers it will be all right.
Even when I am boxed in,
And resources are running thin,
He hears my earnest prayer
And showers me with loving care.
When I am a barren field,
He promises a fruitful yield.
He tills the ground of my soul
And fills in the deepest hole.
Even when I feel all alone
Or by life's tempests blown,
He is there to comfort me
And from sorrow set me free.
When I am stumbling blind,
He helps me my way to find;
He blesses me with new sight
That I might see His glory bright.
31 Jan 2010 Suzanne Halliday
God's Love
What is this thing called love?
It is a gift from God above.
How do you know it is true
That someone really loves you?
That you are loved you can know;
For it can be felt within your soul.
You can know that God loves you
By praying to know if it is true.
With his love He will fill your soul
And leave it pure and whole.
No other love can compare
To the love felt in a prayer.
True love is meant to give away,
To bless someone else's day.
Love flows best when it is free
And not attached to any plea.
Love grows by leaps and bounds
When its true Source is found.
There is so much that is not known
About how the seed of love is sown.
But the truth about it we can know
And it can set our lives all aglow
If we but pray to our Father above
To be filled with His great gift of love.
1 Feb 2010 Suzanne Halliday
His Presence
The Lord was with me today
Even though I couldn't see the way.
He helped me the passage find,
Even though I was blind.
He helped to reach for the sky
Even when I wanted to cry.
He encouraged me to begin again
When I was in a deep tailspin.
He gave me an eternal view
Even when the stormy wind blew.
He walked me through the storm
Even when the it was a swarm.
He was there to cheer me on
When I thought there was no dawn.
He was there to see me through
Even when I was stuck in the glue.
He promised to be by my side
And send His Spirit to abide.
He promised He would never leave
And would soothe when I grieve.
30 Jan 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Monday, February 1, 2010
Thursday, December 24, 2009
More Christmas poems
The Signs
A sign was given of His birth
Way on the other side of the earth:
For the Savior was born that day
That all mankind might find thieir way.
The sun went down that night
But the world was filled with light.
With glory the earth was adorned,
For the Son of God was born.
A day and a night filled with light;
A star appeared shining bright
On the other side of the earth
From our dear Savior's birth.
God sent His Son down from above
To show forth His great love.
The greatest of all light
Shone bright that special night.
23 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
3 Nephi 1:13, 19-21
The Journey
The journey was long and hard
And Mary was probably jarred.
But the journey was meant to be
To fulfill anchient prophecy:
For Bethlehem was the place
That God would reveal His grace.
The wisemen too traveled far
To follow the prophesied star.
They were guided on every turn
As they made their arduous sojurn
To Bethlehem to see the Child,
The promised Savior, meek and mild.
Our journeys too are meant to be
That the Savior too we might see.
He will lead us on from morn to night
And help us to set our lives aright
That we might find that Heavenly place
And once again behold His face.
24 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Everyday
Everyday the Lord walks with me
And from worry and fear sets me free.
He gives me ears His voice to hear
And a heart to feel His love so dear.
His Spirit is there daily my soul to lift.
To me it is such an amazing gift.
He walks beside me through it all
And lifts me up if I should fall.
Sometimes He heals me from an ill,
But othertimes it is not His will:
Instead He strengthens my soul
And leaves it pure and whole.
He knows what is best for me
And He helps me His will to see.
When life takes a wrong turn
And everything begins to churn,
He reaches down from up above
And blesses me with His gift of love.
19 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
A sign was given of His birth
Way on the other side of the earth:
For the Savior was born that day
That all mankind might find thieir way.
The sun went down that night
But the world was filled with light.
With glory the earth was adorned,
For the Son of God was born.
A day and a night filled with light;
A star appeared shining bright
On the other side of the earth
From our dear Savior's birth.
God sent His Son down from above
To show forth His great love.
The greatest of all light
Shone bright that special night.
23 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
3 Nephi 1:13, 19-21
The Journey
The journey was long and hard
And Mary was probably jarred.
But the journey was meant to be
To fulfill anchient prophecy:
For Bethlehem was the place
That God would reveal His grace.
The wisemen too traveled far
To follow the prophesied star.
They were guided on every turn
As they made their arduous sojurn
To Bethlehem to see the Child,
The promised Savior, meek and mild.
Our journeys too are meant to be
That the Savior too we might see.
He will lead us on from morn to night
And help us to set our lives aright
That we might find that Heavenly place
And once again behold His face.
24 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Everyday
Everyday the Lord walks with me
And from worry and fear sets me free.
He gives me ears His voice to hear
And a heart to feel His love so dear.
His Spirit is there daily my soul to lift.
To me it is such an amazing gift.
He walks beside me through it all
And lifts me up if I should fall.
Sometimes He heals me from an ill,
But othertimes it is not His will:
Instead He strengthens my soul
And leaves it pure and whole.
He knows what is best for me
And He helps me His will to see.
When life takes a wrong turn
And everything begins to churn,
He reaches down from up above
And blesses me with His gift of love.
19 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Promise
May your hope shine bright
And your soul fill with light
On this bright Christmas night.
May His star guide your way
And feel with joy your day.
May this day your soul know:
He came to earth long ago
His great love for us to show.
He promised to return again
And a millenium usher in.
May His promise fill your soul
Leaving you pure and whole
That you may renew your goal
To watch for that glorious day
When Christ will come to stay.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The Day of His Coming
What will the day be?
What will my eyes see
When Jesus comes again?
Will I be with Him then?
Will I be filled with love
And rise high above
All that might annoy,
His Word to enjoy?
When the world fills with light
Will I have pure sight?
Will I be free of whim
So I can truly see Him?
May I be filled with grace
That I might see His face.
May I kneel at His feet
And enjoy His love so sweet.
13 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Christ is the Reason
Christ is the reason
For the Christmas season.
No matter the storm
He will our hearts warm;
For if to Him we belong,
He will make us strong.
God sent His only Son
This earthly battle to run.
He gave to us a way
To return to Him one day.
From His great court above
He sent us all His love.
Jesus ran for us the race
That we might have grace
To walk in His low way
And return to Him one day.
This earthly battle He won,
With God we might be one.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
Christmas On A Mission
Christmas on a mission is a special time
No matter the place or the clime.
Serving the Lord is the best way
To spend your time on Christmas day.
He will bless you where ever you are
Be it right at home or somewhere far.
God's eye is on his publishers of peace.
He will bless them each with increase.
He knows each need and sees each tear;
For them He will be ever so near.
He will grace them with the joy and love
That only come from Heaven above.
God knows each and every missionary.
To Him they are each extraordinary.
He hears their humble prayers everyday,
And sends help to guide them on their way,
But on Christmas Day He sends special grace
To help them each to envision His place.
He will take them each into His arm
As a shepherd keeps a lamb from harm
He will wipe the sweat off their brow
As before Him they reverently bow.
He will heal the ones with a broken heart,
With a promise that He will not depart.
15 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The Christmas Star
The Star of his birth was foretold
By God's holy prophets of old.
The wise men traveled afar
Following this Christmas star.
They came to worship a King
And wonderful treasures bring.
The star led them on their way
Giving off the brightest ray.
The Star was a gift of grace
To guide them to that place
Where the Christ Child stayed.
There their gifts they displayed.
The Star shone in another land
Giving off its light so grand.
For others too needed the sight
To testify of His birth that night.
The story of the Christmas star
Brings hope to all near and far.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Helaman 14:5, "And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you."
Matthew 2:1-2, 9 -11. "When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
Christmas Tree
Oh beautiful Christmas tree,
What do you mean to me?
What is wonderful about you?
Is it your beautiful green hue?
Oh, what is the reason
You touch me each season?
It is more than your hue
Or the lights on you too.
It is more than a colored ball
Or your beauty in a snowfall.
It is more than your light
That shines through the night.
It is the meaning of the tree
That really touches me.
You are of great worth
For you stand for Jesus' birth;
You stand for Christ's life,
For victory over all strife.
Oh beautiful Christmas tree
Every year you touch me
And remind me of Christ's light
That shines thru the dark night.
You point upward to the sky,
Reminding me His coming is nigh.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Shepherds
Shepherds watched their flocks by night
When an angel appeared in a great light.
The sight made the shepherds sore afraid.
He told them their Savior in a manger laid.
A multitude of Heavenly host filled the sky,
Our Savior's birth on earth to glorify.
When the angels had departed from sight,
They sat and wondered about the light.
The shepherds decided to go on their way
And find the place where the Christ child lay.
They made with haste to find the place
That they might look upon the Child's face.
They found the babe lying in a manger;
To the earth the newborn was a stranger,
But to them He was their Savior and king.
They raised their voices His praises to sing.
The shepherds made known all they saw.
They that heard the story stood in awe.
16 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Luke 2:8-18
May your hope shine bright
And your soul fill with light
On this bright Christmas night.
May His star guide your way
And feel with joy your day.
May this day your soul know:
He came to earth long ago
His great love for us to show.
He promised to return again
And a millenium usher in.
May His promise fill your soul
Leaving you pure and whole
That you may renew your goal
To watch for that glorious day
When Christ will come to stay.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The Day of His Coming
What will the day be?
What will my eyes see
When Jesus comes again?
Will I be with Him then?
Will I be filled with love
And rise high above
All that might annoy,
His Word to enjoy?
When the world fills with light
Will I have pure sight?
Will I be free of whim
So I can truly see Him?
May I be filled with grace
That I might see His face.
May I kneel at His feet
And enjoy His love so sweet.
13 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Christ is the Reason
Christ is the reason
For the Christmas season.
No matter the storm
He will our hearts warm;
For if to Him we belong,
He will make us strong.
God sent His only Son
This earthly battle to run.
He gave to us a way
To return to Him one day.
From His great court above
He sent us all His love.
Jesus ran for us the race
That we might have grace
To walk in His low way
And return to Him one day.
This earthly battle He won,
With God we might be one.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given."
Christmas On A Mission
Christmas on a mission is a special time
No matter the place or the clime.
Serving the Lord is the best way
To spend your time on Christmas day.
He will bless you where ever you are
Be it right at home or somewhere far.
God's eye is on his publishers of peace.
He will bless them each with increase.
He knows each need and sees each tear;
For them He will be ever so near.
He will grace them with the joy and love
That only come from Heaven above.
God knows each and every missionary.
To Him they are each extraordinary.
He hears their humble prayers everyday,
And sends help to guide them on their way,
But on Christmas Day He sends special grace
To help them each to envision His place.
He will take them each into His arm
As a shepherd keeps a lamb from harm
He will wipe the sweat off their brow
As before Him they reverently bow.
He will heal the ones with a broken heart,
With a promise that He will not depart.
15 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The Christmas Star
The Star of his birth was foretold
By God's holy prophets of old.
The wise men traveled afar
Following this Christmas star.
They came to worship a King
And wonderful treasures bring.
The star led them on their way
Giving off the brightest ray.
The Star was a gift of grace
To guide them to that place
Where the Christ Child stayed.
There their gifts they displayed.
The Star shone in another land
Giving off its light so grand.
For others too needed the sight
To testify of His birth that night.
The story of the Christmas star
Brings hope to all near and far.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Helaman 14:5, "And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you."
Matthew 2:1-2, 9 -11. "When they saw the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy."
Christmas Tree
Oh beautiful Christmas tree,
What do you mean to me?
What is wonderful about you?
Is it your beautiful green hue?
Oh, what is the reason
You touch me each season?
It is more than your hue
Or the lights on you too.
It is more than a colored ball
Or your beauty in a snowfall.
It is more than your light
That shines through the night.
It is the meaning of the tree
That really touches me.
You are of great worth
For you stand for Jesus' birth;
You stand for Christ's life,
For victory over all strife.
Oh beautiful Christmas tree
Every year you touch me
And remind me of Christ's light
That shines thru the dark night.
You point upward to the sky,
Reminding me His coming is nigh.
Christmas 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Shepherds
Shepherds watched their flocks by night
When an angel appeared in a great light.
The sight made the shepherds sore afraid.
He told them their Savior in a manger laid.
A multitude of Heavenly host filled the sky,
Our Savior's birth on earth to glorify.
When the angels had departed from sight,
They sat and wondered about the light.
The shepherds decided to go on their way
And find the place where the Christ child lay.
They made with haste to find the place
That they might look upon the Child's face.
They found the babe lying in a manger;
To the earth the newborn was a stranger,
But to them He was their Savior and king.
They raised their voices His praises to sing.
The shepherds made known all they saw.
They that heard the story stood in awe.
16 Dec 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Luke 2:8-18
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Difference
This morning as Missie (my Bassett Hound) and I took are usual shortcut thru the convenience store parking lot, the clerk stuck her head out the door and wished us a Happy Thanksgiving. She often comes out as we walk by and says hi to Missie. Her greeting warm my heart and made me think about the difference people make just with a smile or a warm greeting.
You Make a Difference
In all you say and all you do
You make a difference too.
You make it a brighter place
When you give another grace.
When you give away a smile,
You lift one's burden for awhile.
The effect may not show today;
It will grow in its time and way.
But in heaven angels will know
And they will aide it to grow.
God knows the good you do.
He has by far a better view.
Remember you are needed too,
And blest for all you say and do.
Every little deed fills some need
And grows big with God's speed.
So do not weary in doing good,
In blessing God's brotherhood.
16 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
You Make a Difference
In all you say and all you do
You make a difference too.
You make it a brighter place
When you give another grace.
When you give away a smile,
You lift one's burden for awhile.
The effect may not show today;
It will grow in its time and way.
But in heaven angels will know
And they will aide it to grow.
God knows the good you do.
He has by far a better view.
Remember you are needed too,
And blest for all you say and do.
Every little deed fills some need
And grows big with God's speed.
So do not weary in doing good,
In blessing God's brotherhood.
16 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Stayed on Thee
Perfect Peace
May my mind be stayed on thee
That in perfect peace I may be.
May my mind be pure and true
That I might have a clear view.
Forgive me my mind full of flurry,
One troubled by much worry.
Help me to give all this away
That in thy rest I might stay.
Bless me to be free and clear
With a heart full of good cheer.
Bless me with a happy heart
That love to others I may impart.
20 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
May my mind be stayed on thee
That in perfect peace I may be.
May my mind be pure and true
That I might have a clear view.
Forgive me my mind full of flurry,
One troubled by much worry.
Help me to give all this away
That in thy rest I might stay.
Bless me to be free and clear
With a heart full of good cheer.
Bless me with a happy heart
That love to others I may impart.
20 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 26:3, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Gratitude
Thanksgiving
My gratitude doth abound
For the earth and all around,
For blessings big and small,
For God's love most of all.
I love the beauty of the sky,
And all the birds that fly by.
I love the beauty of each flower
And the cleanse of a shower.
I love the smiles of a child
And the beauty of the wild.
I love to walk amid the trees
And feel God's cool breeze.
I love the things I cannot see
But yet I feel them around me,
Like the love of God above
And the presence of His Dove.
My gratitude doth abound
For God's presence all around,
For each gift He doth bestow
And for His love that I know.
21 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
My gratitude doth abound
For the earth and all around,
For blessings big and small,
For God's love most of all.
I love the beauty of the sky,
And all the birds that fly by.
I love the beauty of each flower
And the cleanse of a shower.
I love the smiles of a child
And the beauty of the wild.
I love to walk amid the trees
And feel God's cool breeze.
I love the things I cannot see
But yet I feel them around me,
Like the love of God above
And the presence of His Dove.
My gratitude doth abound
For God's presence all around,
For each gift He doth bestow
And for His love that I know.
21 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Indexing
A Mighty Work
It is a mighty work we are called to do
But the Lord's angels will see us through.
He will give us each a protective shield
If to Him we will our whole heart yield.
This shield will protect us from harm
And will our many challenges disarm.
As missionaries we are on the Lord's errand
And are involved in this work so grand.
Since we have pledged to daily do His will,
We know each task He will help us fulfill.
Let us not be weary in doing this well,
And He will bless us that we will not fail.
Indexing is indeed a mighty endeavor
And no matter what combines to sever,
We know that His angels will be there
To guard us and extend His loving care.
Out of the small things great things will grow
And His glory we will personally know.
Doctrine and Covenants 64:29, 33
18 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The preceeding poem was inspired by a vision my hometeacher saw of the Mighty Work we do and a statement that was made by an engineer in Tuesday's indexing call: "It's a powerful work we are involved in."
It is a mighty work we are called to do
But the Lord's angels will see us through.
He will give us each a protective shield
If to Him we will our whole heart yield.
This shield will protect us from harm
And will our many challenges disarm.
As missionaries we are on the Lord's errand
And are involved in this work so grand.
Since we have pledged to daily do His will,
We know each task He will help us fulfill.
Let us not be weary in doing this well,
And He will bless us that we will not fail.
Indexing is indeed a mighty endeavor
And no matter what combines to sever,
We know that His angels will be there
To guard us and extend His loving care.
Out of the small things great things will grow
And His glory we will personally know.
Doctrine and Covenants 64:29, 33
18 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The preceeding poem was inspired by a vision my hometeacher saw of the Mighty Work we do and a statement that was made by an engineer in Tuesday's indexing call: "It's a powerful work we are involved in."
Monday, November 16, 2009
Excitement over a new call
The following poem was written Saturday afternoon because I was feeling excitement from the Spirit over the new mission call I was being set apart for on Sunday.
God Is Smiling
God is smiling down on you
At all the good you say and do.
You may not know exactly why
He smiles on you from on high,
But nevertheless it is true:
He is pleased with the good you do.
Perhaps it was just your smile
That helped someone go another mile,
Or maye it was the call you made
That helped their faith not to fade.
Perhaps it was your listening ear
That helped another to draw near.
God is watching you every day,
All you do and all that you say.
You may see what you did not do
But He see the level of difficulty too.
He knows the plce where love starts
Deep in the recesses of your heart.
14 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
God Is Smiling
God is smiling down on you
At all the good you say and do.
You may not know exactly why
He smiles on you from on high,
But nevertheless it is true:
He is pleased with the good you do.
Perhaps it was just your smile
That helped someone go another mile,
Or maye it was the call you made
That helped their faith not to fade.
Perhaps it was your listening ear
That helped another to draw near.
God is watching you every day,
All you do and all that you say.
You may see what you did not do
But He see the level of difficulty too.
He knows the plce where love starts
Deep in the recesses of your heart.
14 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
The below poem was written yesterday morning because my blood sugar was a little high. I humbly prayed for the Spirit to sweep me from my feet to my toes and that I would feel the Spirit. I prayed for every cell to be cleansed by the Spirit. The Spirit did sweep me and my blood sugar dropped 20 points.
What The Lord Can Do
It is amazing what the Lord can do.
When He touches your very soul,
He can make every cell feel new
And leave you pure and whole.
He can touch your dry barren earth
Where nothing now seems to grow
And give it a wonderful new birth
That eternal waters of life may flow.
He can send His Spirit to touch you
From your feet to the top of your head.
And every cell within sweep anew.
By His Almighty hand you can be led.
Every bitter memory He can set free
So all that is good and true may rise:
For He hears your every heartfelt plea
And can lift you to the glory of the skies.
It is amazing what the Lord can do
To turn your life completely around.
He can give you a brand new view
And lift your eyes off the ground.
15 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
What The Lord Can Do
It is amazing what the Lord can do.
When He touches your very soul,
He can make every cell feel new
And leave you pure and whole.
He can touch your dry barren earth
Where nothing now seems to grow
And give it a wonderful new birth
That eternal waters of life may flow.
He can send His Spirit to touch you
From your feet to the top of your head.
And every cell within sweep anew.
By His Almighty hand you can be led.
Every bitter memory He can set free
So all that is good and true may rise:
For He hears your every heartfelt plea
And can lift you to the glory of the skies.
It is amazing what the Lord can do
To turn your life completely around.
He can give you a brand new view
And lift your eyes off the ground.
15 Nov 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Monday, September 21, 2009
A miracle
Had a miracle yesterday. It started with a silly mosquito bite on my right forearm on Saturday. Happened in Fry's parking lot. It started to swell but was not bad until Sunday morning. In church I started to notice the joints in my fingers hurting and my forearm was aching. My right shoulder was hurting bad. I had my husband vibrate my shoulder because it was so tight. Took a zyrtec and advil. Then I decided that I needed a priesthood blessing. My hometeacher was out of town so I called the church. Bishop came down with another brother and gave me a blessing. Within minutes the aching stopped and I was able to do my job on the call system. Good thing as it was busy.
The blessing itself was interesing and made me cry. Bishop said that Heavenly Father was aware that because we are a small ward and I am always available members take me for granted and work me more than they should but that He never takes me for granted. He promised that when I reach heaven I will be greatly rewarded.
After the blessing Bishop explained to his companion about my mission. I told him my time was going to be up the first part of December and I wanted to reapply but I needed his and the stake president's permission. He said it was fine by him.
The blessing itself was interesing and made me cry. Bishop said that Heavenly Father was aware that because we are a small ward and I am always available members take me for granted and work me more than they should but that He never takes me for granted. He promised that when I reach heaven I will be greatly rewarded.
After the blessing Bishop explained to his companion about my mission. I told him my time was going to be up the first part of December and I wanted to reapply but I needed his and the stake president's permission. He said it was fine by him.
Friday, September 18, 2009
A Poem With a Story
"Be Still" Psalm 46:10
Oh, that time of inward still
When all around you is thrill,
But within there is no noise at all,
So you can hear the Spirit's call.
Even when He does not speak,
You can feel the love you seek.
You may not hear His voice,
But His love is cause to rejoice.
It is a special time so very sweet
Where you can kneel at His feet,
If only in your soul of souls,
A place where He can make you whole.
Then He can whilsper in your ear
Of a deep love so very dear.
It is then deep can speak to deep,
And let His word within you seep.
"Be still, and know that I am God:"
With His word let your feet be shod.
Hear with joy and gladness His voice
That your broken bones may rejoice.
18 Sep 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Psalm 46:10, Psalm 42:4 and 51:8
This poem has a story. Last night while on the phones my house was very noisy, full of children and a dog. The phones themselves were very quiet. The Spirit entered my heart and my room. There was no real conversation but I was filled with undescribable feelings. For weeks now I have been pondering Psalm 42:7, "Deep calleth unto deep". I knew it belonged in the fourth stanza. When I got to the last stanza I had my scriptures open to Psalm 46:10. While I was writing, a breeze blew the pages to Psalm 51:8 and I knew I had to include that line about broken bones rejoicing.
Oh, that time of inward still
When all around you is thrill,
But within there is no noise at all,
So you can hear the Spirit's call.
Even when He does not speak,
You can feel the love you seek.
You may not hear His voice,
But His love is cause to rejoice.
It is a special time so very sweet
Where you can kneel at His feet,
If only in your soul of souls,
A place where He can make you whole.
Then He can whilsper in your ear
Of a deep love so very dear.
It is then deep can speak to deep,
And let His word within you seep.
"Be still, and know that I am God:"
With His word let your feet be shod.
Hear with joy and gladness His voice
That your broken bones may rejoice.
18 Sep 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Psalm 46:10, Psalm 42:4 and 51:8
This poem has a story. Last night while on the phones my house was very noisy, full of children and a dog. The phones themselves were very quiet. The Spirit entered my heart and my room. There was no real conversation but I was filled with undescribable feelings. For weeks now I have been pondering Psalm 42:7, "Deep calleth unto deep". I knew it belonged in the fourth stanza. When I got to the last stanza I had my scriptures open to Psalm 46:10. While I was writing, a breeze blew the pages to Psalm 51:8 and I knew I had to include that line about broken bones rejoicing.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
On growing old
I have been looking around my house at all the things I cannot do very well anymore. I have to have help from my daughter in laws and my husband at times. I have to measure my energy because there is just not enough to go around a lot of days. But yet God helps me to serve him in many little ways everyday and I know I am of great worth to Him no matter how old I get. All of this pondering brought the following poem:
Growing Old in the Lord
So many things you cannot do
As the years go marching by,
But God will see you through
And will hear your every cry.
If you grow old in the Lord,
His fruit you will always bear.
He will give you your reward
And answer your fervent prayer.
Maybe you can't sweep the floor
But you can serve in other ways.
God will open for you a door
To serve Him all your days.
When autumn leaves fall on you
Or winter touches your brow,
God has something for you to do
And He will show you how.
He has promised to carry you
And all your burdens bear.
He will your strength renew
And lift you from despair.
15 Sep 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 46:4, "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." Psalms 92:14, "They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."
Growing Old in the Lord
So many things you cannot do
As the years go marching by,
But God will see you through
And will hear your every cry.
If you grow old in the Lord,
His fruit you will always bear.
He will give you your reward
And answer your fervent prayer.
Maybe you can't sweep the floor
But you can serve in other ways.
God will open for you a door
To serve Him all your days.
When autumn leaves fall on you
Or winter touches your brow,
God has something for you to do
And He will show you how.
He has promised to carry you
And all your burdens bear.
He will your strength renew
And lift you from despair.
15 Sep 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Isaiah 46:4, "And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." Psalms 92:14, "They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing."
Monday, August 3, 2009
Being A Shepherd Today
Sometimes before poems are born, I truly suffer birth pains and do not even realize at the time what they are for until the poem comes out. This one was no exception. I had a real rough week last week. I am a mission leader and I was struggling with one of my missionaries. My team lead talked to us Friday about how to reach the ones who are doing well and are not a problem, how to assure them that they are doing well. All of this brought me to the birth of the following poem:
A Shepherd
Were you His shepherd today?
Did you show the sheep the way?
Did you search diligently for the lost
And look for all the tempest tossed?
Did you look for one who went astray?
For her or him did you kneel to pray?
Did your heart pour out for them all
That they might not stumble or fall?
Did you encourage each lamb today
And praise him when he did okay?
Did you plant love's little seed
And pull out each selfish weed?
If you do your very best each day
In keeping His sheep from going astray,
Then He will say to you, "Well, done
My good and faithful daughter or son."
3 August 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Matthew 25:21 "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
I have been humming the hymn: "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go", off and on since yesterday and tonight the words began to flow. Then as I was writing the poem the hymn "Have I Done Any Good?" began coming to me. "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone's burden been lighter today Because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, A blessing of duty and love."
A Shepherd
Were you His shepherd today?
Did you show the sheep the way?
Did you search diligently for the lost
And look for all the tempest tossed?
Did you look for one who went astray?
For her or him did you kneel to pray?
Did your heart pour out for them all
That they might not stumble or fall?
Did you encourage each lamb today
And praise him when he did okay?
Did you plant love's little seed
And pull out each selfish weed?
If you do your very best each day
In keeping His sheep from going astray,
Then He will say to you, "Well, done
My good and faithful daughter or son."
3 August 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Matthew 25:21 "His Lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord."
I have been humming the hymn: "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go", off and on since yesterday and tonight the words began to flow. Then as I was writing the poem the hymn "Have I Done Any Good?" began coming to me. "Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad? If not, I have failed indeed. Has anyone's burden been lighter today Because I was willing to share? Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way? When they needed my help was I there? Then wake up and do something more Than dream of your mansion above. Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure, A blessing of duty and love."
Sunday, August 2, 2009
His Touch
Friday I was under a lot of stress. I had planned on cleaning house after my morning meeting but the meeting lasted all morning. Reports were due; I had missionaries to contact and things to iron out. My internet was acting up in the morning and that prevented me from seeing everything I should have been in the meeting. My excell report got damaged and had to repair itself and then became totally unusable. By the time my evening shift was over my soul was in turmoil. I was standing at the kitchen sink when I felt a physical touch on my shoulder and I knew all was well. The following poem describes my feelings:
His Touch
I was down in a hole
When He touched my soul
And made it whole.
By the world I was battered
And left torn and tattered
But His hand touched me
And from turmoil I was free:
For His peace filled me
And drew me ever nigh
Releasing my sigh.
The world is a busy place,
But for those who seek His face,
He daily offers grace.
The world touches us all
And somedays we fall,
But He hears our humble cry
And feels our very sigh.
And draws us ever nigh.
Upon us in our darkest hour
His love will shower.
1 August 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Matthew 9:22, "...Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole."
His Touch
I was down in a hole
When He touched my soul
And made it whole.
By the world I was battered
And left torn and tattered
But His hand touched me
And from turmoil I was free:
For His peace filled me
And drew me ever nigh
Releasing my sigh.
The world is a busy place,
But for those who seek His face,
He daily offers grace.
The world touches us all
And somedays we fall,
But He hears our humble cry
And feels our very sigh.
And draws us ever nigh.
Upon us in our darkest hour
His love will shower.
1 August 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Matthew 9:22, "...Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole."
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Opening the heavens
On the day the August 2009 Ensign arrived last week I was drawn to the cover story: Opening the Heavens. I read it immediately and it prompted me to write "A Promised Land" and now this little poem. The math major in me sees formulas in spiritual things as well as physical things and in this article I saw a powerful formula for opening heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Own "Sacred Grove"
May we each be one
With the Father and the Son.
May we commit to His way
At the beginning of each day.
May we draw close to Him
And give away worry and whim.
May we each find an alcove,
Our own special "sacred grove",
Where His voice we can hear,
Where His presence can draw near.
May He walk daily by our side
And may with Him we one day reside.
25 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
"Opening the Heavens" by Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi, August 2009 ENSIGN "Do you want to feel the love of God more powerfully in your life." "There is a way you can feel a daily renewal of God's everlasting love and drink from 'the fountain of living waters' (1 Nephi 11:25). I speak of a morning devotional time spent in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. If you have a devotional every morning, even if only for a few minutes, you will be deeply blessed. I know this to be true. "The key to gaining the spiritual strength we need lies in what President Thomas S Monson once described as entering a 'sacred grove' of our own. He was teaching bishops, but the counsel applies to all members of the church: 'Every bishop (every member) needs a sacred grove to which he can retire to meditate and to pray for guidance... "We don't enter into these devotional times expecting to see the Father and the Son any more than Joseph Smith did. But we can trust that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers; how He answers them, however is up to Him. "There is great power in setting aside quiet, prayerful, meditative time. In the stillness that accompanies our pondering, we can come to know the Father and His son (see Psalm 44:10; D & C 101:16) I know from personal experience the spiritual power that can flow into your life if you follow this practice. You will feel the love of God and a cleansing, purifying regeneration of your spirit (see 1 Nephi 11-25; D & C 50:28-29). You will experience moments of revelation, when the Spirit whispers to your spirit what you need to do to be a better father, a better mother, a better son or daughter, a better disciple of Jesus Christ. See Elder Melvin J Ballard's account of his dream. "I don't know if you will have that same kind of experience in this life. But I do know that if you continue to meet daily with Heavenly Father in the private chambers of your home, you will come know Him and our Savior in ways you couldn't otherwise. May you do so and have the heavens open to you in whatever glorious ways your Heavenly Father has prepared for you."
Our Own "Sacred Grove"
May we each be one
With the Father and the Son.
May we commit to His way
At the beginning of each day.
May we draw close to Him
And give away worry and whim.
May we each find an alcove,
Our own special "sacred grove",
Where His voice we can hear,
Where His presence can draw near.
May He walk daily by our side
And may with Him we one day reside.
25 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
"Opening the Heavens" by Elder Yoshihiko Kikuchi, August 2009 ENSIGN "Do you want to feel the love of God more powerfully in your life." "There is a way you can feel a daily renewal of God's everlasting love and drink from 'the fountain of living waters' (1 Nephi 11:25). I speak of a morning devotional time spent in prayer, meditation, and scripture study. If you have a devotional every morning, even if only for a few minutes, you will be deeply blessed. I know this to be true. "The key to gaining the spiritual strength we need lies in what President Thomas S Monson once described as entering a 'sacred grove' of our own. He was teaching bishops, but the counsel applies to all members of the church: 'Every bishop (every member) needs a sacred grove to which he can retire to meditate and to pray for guidance... "We don't enter into these devotional times expecting to see the Father and the Son any more than Joseph Smith did. But we can trust that Heavenly Father will answer our prayers; how He answers them, however is up to Him. "There is great power in setting aside quiet, prayerful, meditative time. In the stillness that accompanies our pondering, we can come to know the Father and His son (see Psalm 44:10; D & C 101:16) I know from personal experience the spiritual power that can flow into your life if you follow this practice. You will feel the love of God and a cleansing, purifying regeneration of your spirit (see 1 Nephi 11-25; D & C 50:28-29). You will experience moments of revelation, when the Spirit whispers to your spirit what you need to do to be a better father, a better mother, a better son or daughter, a better disciple of Jesus Christ. See Elder Melvin J Ballard's account of his dream. "I don't know if you will have that same kind of experience in this life. But I do know that if you continue to meet daily with Heavenly Father in the private chambers of your home, you will come know Him and our Savior in ways you couldn't otherwise. May you do so and have the heavens open to you in whatever glorious ways your Heavenly Father has prepared for you."
Friday, July 17, 2009
God will see us through.
As my walking partner and I walked by a neighbor's home, we marveled that she was still able to sit on the ground and pull weeds, while we can no longer even sit on the floor and if we should somehow get down there, it takes helping hands to get us up again. I thought too about this neighbor's problems. She can sit on the ground and pull weeds but she has her own set of troubles. All of this thinking prompted me to write the following poem:
Growing Old
Things I could do before
Like sit on the floor,
I can do no more.
Bending down too
Is very hard to do,
But God sees me through.
Maybe you can't bend
Or a mountain ascend
Without loosing wind.
What is hard for me to do
Might be easy for you,
But God will see us through.
Growing old is not easy;
Sometimes even queasy,
Or at times quite breezy.
But there is more to do,
And no time to be blue.
God needs us to be true.
16 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Hymn 52, "Still let us be doing, our lessons reviewing, Which God has revealed for our walk in his way; And then wondrous story, the Lord in his glory Will come in his pow'r in the beautiful day."
Growing Old
Things I could do before
Like sit on the floor,
I can do no more.
Bending down too
Is very hard to do,
But God sees me through.
Maybe you can't bend
Or a mountain ascend
Without loosing wind.
What is hard for me to do
Might be easy for you,
But God will see us through.
Growing old is not easy;
Sometimes even queasy,
Or at times quite breezy.
But there is more to do,
And no time to be blue.
God needs us to be true.
16 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Hymn 52, "Still let us be doing, our lessons reviewing, Which God has revealed for our walk in his way; And then wondrous story, the Lord in his glory Will come in his pow'r in the beautiful day."
Hope
Thread of Hope
There is a thread of hope
That can run through your life.
It will bring power to cope
And to risie above the strife.
Don't let the thread break;
Hang on through thick and thin.
Ride out your heart ache
And one day you too will win.
Let not your thread bend down
And touch upon the ground:
For God has promised a crown
To all whose hope doth abound.
Sing songs of faith and hope;
For they will strengthen your thread.
As you braid the thread into a rope,
Blessings will break upon your head.
17 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
In my mind's eye I beheld a thread of hope broken in two and bending down to touch the ground. It had been severed by despair. I knew I must get up and write about the thread of hope.
There is a thread of hope
That can run through your life.
It will bring power to cope
And to risie above the strife.
Don't let the thread break;
Hang on through thick and thin.
Ride out your heart ache
And one day you too will win.
Let not your thread bend down
And touch upon the ground:
For God has promised a crown
To all whose hope doth abound.
Sing songs of faith and hope;
For they will strengthen your thread.
As you braid the thread into a rope,
Blessings will break upon your head.
17 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
In my mind's eye I beheld a thread of hope broken in two and bending down to touch the ground. It had been severed by despair. I knew I must get up and write about the thread of hope.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Freedom of America
I believe that this country is a promised land and that many were gathered from other countries to come to this land where they could be free from oppression. But we must take lessons from our forefathers and work hard to keep America free.
Keep America Free
To keep our country free
Takes work from you and me.
We cannot ever sit idly by
And just moan and cry.
We must be up and doing,
The ways of truth pursuing.
We must love one another
And treat each other as a brother.
We must turn our hearts to God,
And learn how His path to trod.
We must each come to see
What a gift it is to be free.
We must come to always cherish,
And never let this freedom perish.
Let us learn from forefather's past
How to make this freedom last.
4 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Keep America Free
To keep our country free
Takes work from you and me.
We cannot ever sit idly by
And just moan and cry.
We must be up and doing,
The ways of truth pursuing.
We must love one another
And treat each other as a brother.
We must turn our hearts to God,
And learn how His path to trod.
We must each come to see
What a gift it is to be free.
We must come to always cherish,
And never let this freedom perish.
Let us learn from forefather's past
How to make this freedom last.
4 July 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
You will be taken care of.
Yesterday I was feeling quite down. As I stood in the kitchen, I remembered a quote from an article I had read: "If we live as we should live, then we will be taken care of." The words, you will be taken care of touched my soul. I knew this was true. I will be taken care of. No matter what happens around me, God will take care of me.
Instantly my spirits lifted and I felt lighter. About 5 minutes later my son Stephen called to say that a recent physical had shone that he may have something wrong with his liver. I was able to be cheerful and to feel that all would be okay. He is to have an ultra sound on his liver this week. I was able to bear testimony to him that God would take care of him too.
Instantly my spirits lifted and I felt lighter. About 5 minutes later my son Stephen called to say that a recent physical had shone that he may have something wrong with his liver. I was able to be cheerful and to feel that all would be okay. He is to have an ultra sound on his liver this week. I was able to bear testimony to him that God would take care of him too.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Measure of the Day
Last Sunday was Flag Day. I woke early and had ideas for a poem running in my head. I didn't intend on finishing it until after church but my grand daughter was running slow so instead of pushing on her to hurry, I took the time to finish the poem: Flag and I printed it before church. During church ideas came to me for another poem about the Savior. I wrote lines down on my program and typed it up after church. After church Bruce came over and I made spaghetti. Then it was time to get on line and answer the phones. We were busy. All this time I was not feeling well. In the evening I realized that because of how I was feeling physically, I was judging my day to be a bad day when in reality it was not. One of the patrons I helped, told me that I did good work and another was so excited with the answer I gave her. As I looked back I could see that I should not measure my day by how I feel physically but rather rejoice in how the Lord works through me and what I am able to accomplish despite how I feel.
Measure of A Day
What is the measure of a day?
Is it imbedded in how you feel?
Or is it in all you do and say
After the Lord you humbly appeal?
When you look back on a day,
Look for answers to your prayer,
Look at how he guided your way
To help others know His care.
Let your heart find cause to rejoice
Over all He helped you to do and say,
Over all that came because of your choice,
To ask him humbly to guide your way.
How you physically feel in a day
Is you see not really a true measure,
But rather it is your choice to follow His way
That leads you to a wonderful treasure.
So when the sun goes down on your day
Look around to see His hand guiding you,
Leading you to help others along your way,
And helping you to make it through.
Look deeper than the surface of each day.
Feel within your soul His loving care.
See Him leading you along the way.
See the answers to your humble prayer.
20 June 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Measure of A Day
What is the measure of a day?
Is it imbedded in how you feel?
Or is it in all you do and say
After the Lord you humbly appeal?
When you look back on a day,
Look for answers to your prayer,
Look at how he guided your way
To help others know His care.
Let your heart find cause to rejoice
Over all He helped you to do and say,
Over all that came because of your choice,
To ask him humbly to guide your way.
How you physically feel in a day
Is you see not really a true measure,
But rather it is your choice to follow His way
That leads you to a wonderful treasure.
So when the sun goes down on your day
Look around to see His hand guiding you,
Leading you to help others along your way,
And helping you to make it through.
Look deeper than the surface of each day.
Feel within your soul His loving care.
See Him leading you along the way.
See the answers to your humble prayer.
20 June 2009 Suzanne Halliday
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
