"Light of the Covenant"

In shadows cast by cruelty and despair,

I walk with Christ, who bore the weight of pain.

His love revives where joy begins again,

A lens of hope that clears the heavy air.

The dawn within me rises, bold and bright,

Through service, kindness, acts of gentle grace.

My soul is anchored in His warm embrace,

Unshaken by the storms that cloud my sight.

Though truth may shift, its core I still must seek,

In covenants fulfilled by heaven’s hand.

Draw near the Source, where light and love expand,

Not just by deeds, but felt by hearts made meek.

So seek His light, and let your spirit rise;

Love’s quiet flame will brighten darkest skies.

The above sonnet was created from these summarized notes of August Stake Conference 

Speaker 1

“In the shadow of cruelty, I find the light of Christ—He walked this road before me, and walks it still beside me.”

Speaker 2

“Through Him, the lens of life clears—hope blooms where despair once lingered.”

Speaker 3

“Let the divine within rise like dawn—unhidden, unashamed, a radiant echo of heaven’s design.”

Speaker 4

“A hand extended, a heart opened—service is the thread that binds me to the Savior’s love.”

Speaker 5

“Kindness is the quiet practice of heaven—love made visible in gentle deeds.”

Speaker 6

“When storms howl and fear whispers, His word becomes my anchor—firm, unseen, but unshaken.”

Speaker 7

“Shift your gaze, and truth reappears—like sacred portraits rearranged to reveal the divine.”

“God’s promises are not undone by time—they unfold in ways we may not yet understand.”

Speaker 8

“Courage is the superpower of the soul—faith forged in fire, integrity shining through difference.”

“In the temple of memory, record the rescues of God—so when darkness comes, you’ll remember the light.”

Speaker 9

“The closer to the Source, the brighter the soul—light intensifies, love magnifies.”

“God’s love is not earned—it simply is. But our nearness determines how much of it we feel."

The actual notes I took from the conference

Speaker 1. Being bullied can cause problems and it hurts. Know that Jesus went through bullying. I can deepen my relationship with him to go through these experiences. Good relationship strengthens each other. I know I will have hard days but I know he will always be there with me

Speaker 2. Because of Jesus Christ we can have a better outlook in life.

Speaker 3. What is the need for all of us in this world?  Understanding our divine relationship and allow the divinity in us to be released out loud. Prioritize this relationship in our life

Speaker 4. Simple acts of service strengthens my connection with the Savior Inclusion. Inviting others to fill the Spirit.

Speaker 5. Practice. To love others by being kind.

Speaker 6. Prayer and Scripture study The difference. Poem. Why didn't God show me Surrounding ourselves with good people. Fear can make us doubt ourselves. He will come to us through trials. And make us strong. To withstand the strong winds. Have a mighty foundation to hold upon. He knows before we do.

Speaker 7. Move pictures around so that you don't stop looking and miss things. Gospel can become that way. Doctrine from the proclamation on the family. All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Core truth. Do not complicate it. Story of Jonah and the Whale Why didn't God find someone else. Cause he had made a covenant with Jonah and was not going to give up on Jonah. Story of Lehi and Sariah. Covenant of a land of promise that sons will return.  What if u r doing things right. Question appears is if it is worth it. Or maybe doesn't appear as we think it might end up to be or the desired end state that we want. God will fulfill his end but sometimes it is not as we feel it should have ended up. U need to realize that you might not know that at this moment is the end.

Speaker 8. Story of Pakistan girl that recovers from being shot. Malala Yousafzai. Her resilience to stand up in the face of all resistance. Many other stories of youth that have been able to bring great things recently to pass. Many superheroes have super powers what are your super powers? Take our influence to lift and not bring down. Courage. Not doubt what was taught Build faith Maintain integrity. It is okay to be different. Remember and record times that God has saved and supported you. To remember in those moments of hard times. Trust that God has a plan for you. For in God nothing can stop us.Act on truth when you find it. Don't wait for the perfect moment for it to happen. Choose vales over friendships. Despite how hard it might seem. Key takeaways. Pray. Scripture Study . Covenants. Develop relationship with the one we can't see. To find answers to our prayers through scriptures. Time in the temple can strengthen our connection to HF

Speaker 9.

 In middle school an experience of not praying. I wasn't happy. Finally realized to pray. Helped me understand. Response was a confirming feeling. Light and Love. Distance from the light source. Further away the intensity decreases. Closer to him the intensity of light as well. Intensify light to dispel darkness. Brighter and brighter to the light of day. Gods love doesn't come because of your resume. It is always there. But how far away from him are the topics of our resume. will indicate how much light we receive. He doesn't need us to love him but oh boy we should. Seek that light and feel the love that came from it. 

Starting Mission - Prepare to enter the Field

 “Prepare to enter the Field”

Within the temple, quiet as a flame,
I knelt to pledge my soul and voice anew,
The scriptures opened—truth came pouring through,
And each word carved a purpose to proclaim.

From Enos' cry to Alma’s patient care,
I traced the path of one who seeks to give,
To mourn, to teach, to help a soul to live,
To take upon my heart another’s prayer.

The Savior bore all grief for every land,
That I might walk beside Him, step by step,
And speak with power the truth I’ve come to know.
With daily goals and love for each command.

I’ll rise with faith, wherever I’m assigned,
To lift His children, leaving none behind.

**Background: Final Days at the MTC**

During my final days at the Missionary Training Center (August 26–27, 1992), I experienced a deep spiritual transformation that shaped my missionary purpose. A challenge from my teacher, Hermana Nelson, inspired our district to identify five ways to love the people of Mexico. This led to a powerful moment during a devotional with Elder Jensen, where scripture study and discussion with my companion, Elder Bingham, helped clarify the worth of a soul and the sacred duty to serve with love, diligence, and faith.

Key scriptures such as *Enos 1:4*, *Jacob 1:19*, and *Mosiah 28:3* emphasized the eternal significance of every individual. Two personal insights emerged from *Alma 37:6* and *Alma 7:11–12*, reminding me to appreciate the small, daily efforts and to find strength in Christ's empathy as I serve others.

What worth while does one soul have 

• Enos 1:4
• 2 Nephi 33:3  by praying day and night for the people who we serve!
• Jacob 1:19 - by taking upon the sins of the people if we do not teach them!
• Mosiah 28:3 - To give to them their Salvation So that No Human Soul will perish!
• Enos 1:9,11 - To have a great desire for the Eternal Life of our Brethren!
• Enos 1:12 - To labor with all diligence unto the Lord and he will grant unto us our Desires, By our Faith through Prayer!
• Alma 37:6 - we should take each day step by step always looking for the small things that need to be done!
• Alma 7:11-12 - We will suffer pains and afflictions and temptations of all kinds So that we may know how to succor our people in their infirmities!

In the temple's Celestial Room, I recommitted to previous covenants and made four specific commitments to the Lord. These spiritual goals were sealed with prayer and reflection.

On August 27, although the day felt more relaxed, a lesson on **sacrifice** deepened my understanding of Christ’s love and the joy and pain involved in missionary service. Inspired by scriptures and a powerful song, I created six mission goals in Spanish, focusing on following Christ’s example, sharing His word, and loving others as He did.

From that song I came up with these goals:

• Sequiré el ejemplo de Jesucristo!
• Me extendré la palabra de Jesucristo!
• Compartire mi testimonio de mi alma!
• Mostrare mis hermanos la manera vivir!
• Les dare el don mas precious que Yo Se!
• Yo amare todos los personas en el mundo como el amor que Jesus tuvo!

Starting Mission - Ready Your Heart

"Ready Your Heart"

The field is white, and now the hour is here.
The Master’s voice has called you by your name.
His work is joy, His gospel still the same,
A light to those who walk in doubt or fear.

For doubts can rise like clouds in stormy skies,
Yet faithful hearts find answers kneeling there,
The Lord is near, your burdens He will bear,
He knows your soul, He hears your quiet cries.

Each step you take becomes a song of grace,
Each trial a stone to build His sacred name,
For Christ walks with you in this hallowed space,
And angels guard your path in His great fame.

So take this time to anchor, grow, prepare,
The Lord will send you where you’re needed there.

 

"It's More Than Just A Shirt"

 

I come to church with reverence in my frame,
Prepared to serve, to learn, and to be still.
Not just in white, I hope to do His will—
My heart, not just my shirt, declares His name.
 
She chooses hues with care, and I give place,
Content to follow where her colors lead.
In step and spirit, both of us proceed.
A quiet act that time will not erase.
 
She dresses bright; I walk in step and grace,
Reflecting unity in what we wear.
Our colors speak of care and blended prayer,
And reverence shines gently from her face.
 
It’s not the shade, but how I lift my eye.
In worship, clothed with purpose, tie, and why.

"Worship, Not a Checklist"

 

I walk inside the chapel, take my seat,
But more is asked than simply being there.
The hymns invite, the prayers draw soft and rare,
And heaven waits for hearts—not just our feet.
 
To check the box and say the week’s complete
Is not the gift the Lord would have me give.
He seeks a soul that longs to truly live,
To lay down pride and worship at His feet.
 
Not all who sit are offering their soul;
Not every bowed head yields a broken heart.
Yet He who sees the inward, quiet part,
Knows worship is what heals and makes us whole.
 
So let me come with purpose, not pretense,
To love, to change, and not just mark attendance.

"More Than Attendance"

 

I sit among the saints, but in my core
I sense the Lord desires something more still.
Not motions passed, nor just a silent will,
But worship offered deep, not from a chore.
 
A song, a prayer, a talk; these help restore,
Yet heaven’s gaze goes past the spoken part.
He seeks a soul, a consecrated heart,
Not just a checklist opened at the door.
 
I want to go beyond those quick replies:
“Pray, read, obey”, and think the task was done.
But worship rises only when begun,
With broken will and lifted, seeking eyes.
 
Let not my Sabbath end where it began,
But shape my soul in praise, not just a plan.

"Undivided Worship"

 

No other voice should rise above His name,
No other cause compete to claim my praise.
Though Sunday fills with structure, song, and phrase,
The heart may drift while lips repeat the same.
 
To truly worship is to stake my claim,
To cast off lesser loves that dim His light.
It is to choose Him wholly, not by rite,
And offer all, not portioned, not by frame.
 
I cannot serve and split my soul in two,
Nor stand for Christ while kneeling at the world.
He calls for fire, not incense faintly curled,
A life made clean, a vow completely true.
 
Worship is His and His alone to take,
A jealous God who asks my soul awake.

"To Worship Is to Become"

 

To worship God is more than bending knee,
More than a song or quiet reverent tone.
True honor lies in actions rarely shown—
In living love where only He can see.
 
The greatest praise is in the life I free
From pride, and shape to mirror what is just.
To walk like Him, to speak with patient trust,
To lift the low and bind the broken plea.
 
He seeks not flattery, but faith made real,
A heart that feeds the hungry, calms the storm.
To emulate is worship in true form—
To act as He would act, to love and feel.
 
If I adore Him, let it not be said—
Unless His ways are also how I'm led.

"The Heart of True Worship"

 

Not what I wear, nor where I take my place,
Can substitute the offering God desires.
Though outward signs may mirror inner fires,
They fade if not upheld by inward grace.
 
To simply come is not to run the race,
Nor check a box and say my soul is fed.
The Lord would have my will, my pride, my dread,
A broken heart that seeks His warm embrace.
 
Worship is more than silence, song, or seat;
It lives in how I walk, forgive, and serve.
To emulate the Lord in faith and nerve,
That is the praise no shadowed form can cheat.
 
I’ll show my praise in how I live each day,
In quiet steps that walk His narrow way.

 

All poems above are based upon the general conference talk give by Elder Christofferson April 2025

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/04/35christofferson?lang=eng

 

 

"Broken Paths"

I: The Hidden Beast

I daily stumble, lost along the way,
Each path I cross, I dare not linger long.
A whisper warns me something here is wrong,
A beast within begins to stalk its prey.

It waits in shadows just beyond my reach,
And if I stop, I fear what might arise.
A storm of pain behind these guarded eyes,
A savage truth no sermon dares to preach.

So I press on, pretending I am whole,
With every step, I mask what lies beneath.
But silence trembles in my shallow breath,
And still it prowls the edges of my soul.

                 
How long can I pretend I do not see,
The beast I birthed that now is hunting me?

II: The Sword Drawn

I’ve felt the wounds of all I’ve had to bear,
And so I stand, resolved, unshaken, proud.
I speak with fire, my voice becomes a shroud
A wall of words to shield the hurt in there.

My fears, once silent, surge into a flame,
A sword unsheathed, I slash before I think.
The edges sharp with rage and blackened ink,
Each sentence flung becomes a cry of blame.

Yet something breaks each time I raise my voice,
A mirror cracks inside my very core.
This battle leaves me weaker than before,
And still I charge, as if I have no choice.

But every strike I land, I strike alone,
And find no peace in breaking blood or bone.

 III: The Garden Hill

It’s time to climb the hill where silence speaks,
where moonlight bathes the stones and shadows weep.
I sit in stillness, thoughts no longer leap,
And listen to the groaning of the meek.

This is the Garden—dark, yet somehow kind,
Where blood once mixed with sweat upon the ground.
One knelt alone, though I have lashed and frowned,
And waited for the turning of my mind.

I hear Him ask not only what I feel,
But who I am, and who I choose to be.
The sword falls silent; I begin to see.
A heart laid bare is where it starts to heal.

So on this hill, I lay my anger down,
And trade my crown of pride for thorn and crown.

 IV: Paths Made New

Arise and go, the past has lost its sting.
I will not be the prisoner of regret.
I speak the words I once could not admit.
Forgiveness, like a river, starts to sing.

The path once shattered now begins to mend,
Our broken steps now echo side by side.
I drop my pride, no longer need to hide,
And reach for you, not enemy, but friend.

The words are simple, yet they free the soul.
"I forgive you" and mean it through and through.
Now love walks with us, steady, strong, and true,
Restoring all that bitterness once stole.

Two paths now joined where once the rift was wide,
We walk as one, with mercy as our guide.




Redo 2019 from initial poem "Broken Paths"
Target Hymn Meter:  8-8-8-8 (Long Meter Duplicate)
New version #2

Daily stumble along the way. 
A path I cross I dare not stay. 
For if I stay I might not like  
the beast that comes out in the night. 
Pain and suffering I endured
standing tight I have felt assured.
Control my fears and lash out strong.
Sword is ready, I am not wrong.
Harsh words come from deep in my core
feelings are building up to roar
It pains me to think that we could
ever cross paths, we never should
I might just try and disappear 
to bare all that has happened here. 
Dare go back or even advance
Are there options around perchance? 
Its crucial to think on that hill 
important to sit very still
better focus on the Garden 
make sure our hearts are not harden 
He suffered all for you and me
What does he ask? Who should I be? 
I am to get down on one knee
or both, just to let me be free
Arise and Go, time to forgive.
One eighty done, ready to live.
Make sure you say this holy writ,
I forgive you and never quit
Please allow us to break undone  
broken paths and then we be done.
For now our paths can join as one 
head down the path with Christ as one.

Initial poem written 2018-12-30

Broken Paths

As I daily stumble along the way.  

A path I cross I dare not stay.  

For if I stay I might not like 

the beast that comes out in the night.  

What pain and suffering I have endured.   

I felt I was right while standing tight.  

Control my fears and lash out strong.  

I have my sword, it is ready and it is strong.  

Can I find His grace in my actions here.  

I dare not say, that I have strength to bare all that has happened here.  

Can I go back or even go forward.  What options do I have, dang, it hurts to be here.  

I don't like you and really can't stand you.  

These feelings I have just tear up inside you. 

It haunts me to think and I wish that I never should.  

To say that our paths really really never could. 

Now where do I ask does it exist, such a solution. 

Something so grand that it covers all notion. 

Could it be easy, really as 1, 2 or 3 

but believe me He can and He will make you free.  

I know it can be hard to hear 

or even sometimes to sit very still.  

Its important to think on that hill.  

More on The Garden where He surpassed us all here.  

He passed way lower than all of us here.  

Have you found him? It is time to linger near.  

He suffered and yes he did all that for me.   

What does he ask? Who do I need to be? 

He asks me to get down on one knee 

or I might say both, just to let me be free. 

Now Stand up and go, it is time to forgive

Do a one eighty and make sure you give

I forgive you my friend for what you have done. 

Please allow us once to break undone 

that broken path and then we will be done.  

For now our paths can join as one 

as we all head down Christ's path as one.

Easter 2025 Garden Whispers

Garden Whispers Strengthen Me

 

In silent groves where olive branches bend,
The garden holds His sorrow’s breath and stays,
Soft echoes linger through the hollow ways,
Where heaven’s gift and earth’s great loss transcend.
 
Beyond the third day’s light, His grace extends,
The stone rolled back, a dawn that floods our gaze.
Yet whispers from that night, in reverent haze,
Still call us gently where the journey bends.
 
Though victory’s voice proclaimed that death is done,
The garden’s hush reminds what love must bear,
A Savior’s gift, eternal and aware,
That all He gave still speaks through everyone.
 
So let His whisper lead where hearts obey,
And walk in light beyond the third day.

"I Walk the Garden Path"

 

Walk this garden path with much care.
Where olive branches bow and sway.
A heavy silence fills the air.
A sacred hush not felt at day.
 
I see Him kneel upon the stone,
His face bowed low in agony.
The weight He bears is not His own.
It is for all. It is for me.
 
Sorrow felt throughout this whole space.
A press of pain I cannot see.
Yet somehow, in this quiet place,
His love and burden reach for me.
 
I leave the garden changed within,
For it's here He did choose to stay.
With Him I've all chances to win.
I choose to walk a higher way.

 A Shadow Unseen

A shadow lurks within our virtual space,
A specter mute with camera turned away,
Elusive in each chat, a blank display,
The “Do Not Disturb” mask on its face.

Our team, adrift, with whispers of his name,
We seek his sign, a hint of life or spark,
Yet pings and prompts dissolve into the dark,
This ghostly act, a most uncanny game.

But lo! The key to break this spectral spell:
A camera on, a message swift and kind,
A status green, with openness aligned,
And teamwork’s warmth to banish every chill.

So let us haunt no more with silent screen,
But show our face and keep our spirit seen.

The Light She Left

The Light She Left

Though time may steal the laughter from the air,

And silence lingers where her voice once shone,

The love she gave remains, though she is gone,

A light that grief can darken but not tear.

Her touch still dwells in moments bright and small,

In echoes soft where memories reside,

No tide can pull her presence from the tide,

Nor break the bond that time cannot forestall.

Though sorrow weighs, love whispers through the pain,

Not lost, but changed, she walks in threads of light.

A guiding glow that keeps her near in sight.

A warmth endures beyond death’s fleeting reign.

Her love remains, though parted for a while,

 It lingers still in every tear and smile.

Illumination's Path

From scriptures deep arise the truths of old,
A whispered prompting, first soft "being" heard,
Yet by dark doubt, the seeking heart is stirred,
As serpent’s logic makes the spirit cold.

Through winding trials, like Hana’s rugged way,
A heart weighed down, yet seeking light anew,
Till scripture spoke, its truth both clear and true,
And darkness broke in dawn’s redeeming ray.

When fear surrounds, take up the Savior’s might,
Like Mario’s Star, His power makes us bold,
Through trials fierce, His love remains our light,
A shield of faith more precious far than gold.

So let us seek the light, in every thought,
And build on Christ, the strength so dearly bought.

Memories Rekindled

Though years and miles have slowly passed us by,

Echoes of laughter filled the quiet room,

Reviving joy where silence once found room,

Today we met beneath the same blue sky.

A snapshot froze our joy within its frame,

This photo gleams with moments we reflect,

Yet Justin’s reflex surely takes effect,

A timeless gift that shows we're still the same.

A day of warmth and bonds once more renewed,

We've found our friendship stands both firm and true,

Though something smelly lingered on my shoe,

Don't forget our laughter won't be subdued.

Some things are new, yet some will still remain,

The bonds of friendship ever shall sustain.