Congrat Happy Couple

Congratulations to the Happy Couple

A journey starts on this joyous day,

Two hearts unite as one, so true.

Hand in hand, love lights the way,

A future bright for both of you.

With vows exchanged beneath the sky,

You promise to cherish, come what may.

Through every tear and joyful sigh,

Your love will never drift away.

May laughter fill your every year,

And kindness guide you on your way.

Together, conquer every fear,

And share each night and every day.

As life unfolds, let love be near,

To bless your hearts and keep them dear.

ApostleTalk October 2024

 Sonnet poems based upon the #ApostleTalks of October 2024 General Conference.  It is your challenge to figure out which Apostle spoke for each poem.

"Through Trials, Hope Remains"

In trials, hope through Christ shall ever reign,
A light amidst the shadows of our night.
His promises will guide us toward the light,
And turn our fears to joy, dispelling pain.

His love invites our hearts to rise again,
In faith, we see the darkness take to flight.
With steady steps, we trust in what is right,
His grace upholds when doubt and sorrows wane.

Through storms, our souls in Him shall find their peace,
For Christ, our anchor, stills the raging sea.
His words bring comfort, setting spirits free,
And in His truth, our fears and tears release.

In hope, we stand, unshaken in His care,
Our faith in Christ, a light beyond compare.

"Follow the Gospel Glow"

Embrace the gospel, let it fill your soul,

Commit to Christ, His light to always seek,

In following commandments, grow less weak,

Align your heart with God, and you'll be whole.

Seek revelation, hear the prophets' call,

Let Christ-like love define your every deed,

Let faith and charity become your creed,

Hold fast to truth when doubts and fears enthrall.

Prioritize your journey towards the Son,

With every step, let His example guide,

His teachings will forever be your tide,

Until your mortal race is fully run.

So trust in Him, your Savior and your friend,

In steadfast faith, press onward to the end.

"The Need to Follow Him"

To follow Christ is more than mere belief,

In every action, let His love abide.

Through prayer and service, let our hearts confide,

For in His teachings lies our true relief.

Though trials come and doubts may pierce the night, 

We stand with faith against the raging storm.

In Christ, our lives can find their truest form,

For He will guide us with His purest light.

The joy of discipleship, a sacred gift,

With peace and purpose found in every choice,

As we, His hands, spread forth His loving voice,

Our spirits rise, and burdens start to lift. 

So let us strive to walk in His embrace,

And share the light of Christ in every place. 

"Love Embraced"

In whispered prayers, we seek a tranquil heart

To lay aside our burdens, doubts, and fears,

Embrace the light that guides through shadowed years,

And in this quest for peace, we find our part.

Let not our hearts with anger's fire be led,

For love can heal what strife has torn apart. 

In unity, we rise, where grace imparts,

A strength to walk where kindness gently tread.

Oh, let us bridge the chasms wide and deep,

With Christ's pure love, our spirits intertwined, 

Together bound, a sacred path defined,

Forgiveness blooms, where once the thorns did creep.

In harmony, we strive, our voices sing,

For in this bond of peace, new hope takes wing.

"Enlightened Alignment"

In whispers soft, the Spirit speaks to me,

A gentle nudge, a beckoning divine.

With faith, I seek the truth that I may find,

In moments still, His love sets my heart free.

Each step of faith, though small, can light the way,

As promptings guide me through the darkest night.

In trust, I find the strength to share His light,

With every heart, I yearn for Him to stay.

A bond of love, unyielding and so true,

Through trials faced, I’ll listen and obey.

In revelation's grace, I find my way.

Oh, Savior dear, my path be led by You,

In sacred stillness, faith shall ever grow,

As hearts align, His tender mercy flows.

"Hand in Hand with Christ"

In quiet moments, seek His guiding light

As we align our hearts with heaven's will.

In prayer, His wisdom fills the soul, so still,

Transforming shadows into hope so bright.

Through trials faced, we find the strength to stand,

Surrendering our burdens, fears, and doubt,

Embracing grace as Christ’s example shouts,

In His embrace, we learn to understand.

With faith, we rise, united, hand in hand,

Through every storm, His love our hearts will fill.

In choosing Him, our purpose we fulfill,

A promise kept, our lives in His command.

So let us strive, in faith, to seek His way, 

For in His arms, we find our joy each day.

 "A Call to Holiness"

In every heart, a sacred space does dwell 

Where holiness can bloom through daily grace, 

With choices made, we find our rightful place, 

In kindness shared, we weave a sacred shell.

Through prayer and light, our spirits rise and swell,

Each act of love, a gentle, warm embrace, 

Reflecting heaven’s peace in every face. 

In trials faced, His guidance we can tell.

As holy people, let our voices sing, 

In harmony, we strive to spread His light,

To touch the lives of those within our sight.

United in His love, our hearts take wing.

So let us share His love with more than you,

And make our homes a haven, bright and true.

"Anchored in Faith"

In Christ's pure doctrine, we find our true way

Through trials and storms, His light shines so bright.

With faith, we rise, embracing the fight,

In His warm embrace, we choose to stay.

A personal bond, our hearts do entwine,

With hope as our guide, we stand hand in hand,

In moments of doubt, united we stand,

To seek His teachings, our spirits align. 

In every challenge, His love lifts our soul, 

A covenant strong, through joy and through pain.

Our hearts beat as one, in His grace we remain,

With faith as our anchor, we strive for the goal.

Embrace His doctrine, let hope be our song, 

In Christ, we are whole; in Him, we belong.

"His Healing Embrace"

In Christ alone, our Savior, we confide,

His healing grace restores our broken soul,

His love redeems, making the sinner whole,

With every tear, He stands by our side.

Amid our trials, when hope has died,

He lifts us up and makes us whole,

With gentle peace, He takes control,

Guiding our path as a trusted guide.

In faith, we trust the wounds He bore,

The gift of life through His great love,

Our burdens lifted, raised above,

To walk with Him forevermore.

Our hearts, in Christ, will find their stay,

His love, our light, our guide, our way.

"Guiding Light"

In days of light, our hearts remember well

The sacred moments woven deep in time,

Where faith and love in silent prayer align,

Each memory a precious story to tell. 

Through trials faced, His guiding hand we seek,

For in our souls, the echoes of His grace, 

Remind us of our purpose in this place, 

As hope ignites the spirit’s gentle peak. 

With every step, His peace makes spirits meek,

In whispered truths, we find our courage grow,

To follow Him, where’er the path may go, 

As light dispels the shadows that we seek. 

So cherish days when faith and hope entwine, 

And in His light, forever we shall shine. 

"Simple Truths"

The simplest truths of Christ’s love do inspire,

Faith born in hearts that choose His gentle way.

Repentance clears the darkness from our day,

His light within us, a holy fire.

With humble words, the doctrine we convey,

The Spirit’s whisper guiding all we teach.

Though trials come within our soul’s deep reach,

His love and grace will never go astray.

In waters pure, we’re cleansed and find rebirth,

Through Holy Ghost, our hearts are filled with grace.

He lights the path and leads us in our place,

To find our purpose, here upon this earth.

Endure in faith, through life’s eternal test,

In Christ alone, our weary hearts find rest.

"Strength in the Roots"

In faith's deep roots, our strength begins to grow,

Not swayed by winds or fleeting worldly ties,

For Christ, our anchor, lifts us to the skies,

The light that guides through trials here below.

We falter not when doubts begin to show,

But focus on His love that never dies,

And plant our hearts where true belief lies,

So branches strong with steadfast grace may flow.

Let not distractions dim our vision clear,

For in His grace, our doubts are set aside,

Our testimony rooted, like the tide.

In Christ, our hearts are free from every fear.

In Him, our branches flourish, pure and free,

A testimony strong, for all to see.

"The Light We Hold"

In darkness deep, let our bright spirits glow, 

With acts of love, we lift the weary soul.

Embrace His light, in unity we stroll, 

For kindness shared will help our faith to grow.

When trials come, we stand together near, 

With Christ as guide, our burdens we will bear. 

In every heart, let hope and peace declare, 

A world transformed by love, a mission clear. 

So shine your light, let all the faithful see,

The joy in serving, love that conquers strife.

Together strong, we’ll honor sacred life.

In every deed, His presence will be free.

 

Hold high the light, let faith and love abide,  

For through our acts, we walk by heaven's side. 

"For in the Word, We Trust"

In sacred texts, our faith finds solid ground,

The words of Christ our hearts and minds do guide,

Through trials faced and doubts we can't abide,

A light within the darkness they have found.

With scripture’s strength, temptations are unbound,

In quiet study, wisdom does reside,

A refuge sure where truth and grace collide,

Where love of God and man is most profound.

Immersed in verses, souls grow ever strong,

Resisting modern fears that shake belief,

With faith renewed, we overcome all grief,

To Christ's own path, we learn to all belong.

The words we cherish, clear and ever true,

Through Christ's pure love, our hope begins anew.

"Prepare for His Return"

In sacred temples, faith shall brightly shine, 

As hearts align with Christ, our guiding light.

We gather Israel, strong in our fight, 

With hope renewed, His love is pure and divine.

Amid distractions, we must seek and find,

The peace that comes from following His way. 

In trials faced, we trust in Him each day, 

For in His arms, all burdens left behind. 

The future holds a promise yet untold, 

With joy we stand, prepared for His return.

Our spirits rise, as hearts begin to learn, 

In faith, united, brave and bold, 

With faith in Him, our burdens He will bear,

In every trial, His love will always care.

 "Touched by Silence"

Perched on the brink, I watch the canyon fall,
A chasm shaped by hands unseen, divine,
Its sculpted cliffs and crevices align,
Like marks pressed deep upon the earth’s raw wall.

As if God’s fingers etched each rugged sprawl,
These valleys trace the touch of grand design,
While here, I sit, so small, a fleeting sign,
Before this masterpiece that holds me thrall.

The silence hums with wings that beat the sky,
Two birds in flight, they dip and twist and sweep.
They drift into the distant canyon deep.
Their fading cries a whispered lullaby.

The breeze upon my brow, so soft and grand,
Reminds me of creation's guiding hand.

"Tocado por el Silencio"

Al borde del abismo, miro caer,

Un vasto cañón tallado por las manos

De un ser divino en gestos tan humanos,

Sus riscos y hendiduras puedo ver.

Como si Dios quisiera aquí imponer

Sus huellas en relieves sobrehumanos,

Yo, tan pequeño, en pensamientos vanos,

Me asombro ante esta obra de su poder.

El silencio vibra con alas en vuelo,

Dos aves giran, se elevan y giran,

Se alejan por el cañón, se retiran,

Sus ecos son un canto en desvelo.

La brisa en mi frente, suave y gentil,

Me recuerda la mano del Creador sutil.

Bound by a Divine Love

 "A Love Bridge from God to All Others"

To love our God with heart, with mind, with might, 
We give our souls to Him, our guiding light,
In every act, His grace and truth unite,
Our purpose clear, our path in Him is right.

From love of God springs charity’s pure flame,
It softens hearts and binds us with its grace,
A love that reaches every time, each place,
And bears the Savior’s kind and holy name.

This love of Christ, so pure, it does not fail,
It moves us to embrace our neighbor’s need,
In every thought, and word, and gentle deed,
His love through us will always now prevail.

So let us love as Christ has loved us first,
With charity, all selfish bounds dispersed.

Campfire Story Submission 2024

 "Listen to your Children"

Gather around, let the flames dance bright. I’ll share a tale to chill you tonight. You may have heard it, but tonight I’ll share—secrets of sorrow that linger in the air.

Listen. You might catch a woman’s cries of pain—her sobs will chill your spine. What could have caused her such sorrow? Did she have something precious that filled her life with light? But now, that light is gone, leaving her lost in grief. Did she betray a dark secret? Did a curse take her joy? Or did she see a nightmare unfold?

No, it’s something much worse…

The villagers feared the wailing woman. She is said to be a mother mourning her lost children. Terror spread as children began to disappear, leaving only their tiny footprints leading into the woods.
Desperate parents searched the forest, their hearts pounding, the woman’s cries growing louder as they ventured deeper. One night, they followed the wails to a clearing, where they found their children sitting in a circle under a twisted, dead tree. Sort of like this one here.

The woman emerged, her eyes hollow with sorrow. “I lost mine. Now, I have yours.”

Blank-eyed, the children stood and followed her into the darkness, entranced by her haunting melody. Desperation gripped the parents as they tried to reach them, but it was too late. Echoing through the night, the woman’s wails faded as she vanished. ‘Yours will be mine forever,’ lingered in the air, a chilling promise as the children followed her into the depths of the forest.

Since then, if you listen near those woods, you might hear children’s cries—forever lost to the wailing woman. Children taken because their parents didn’t listen when they needed them most, trapped in an eternal sorrow.

 She

Upon the lake's still breast, her head did rise,  
A vision draped in mist and morning dew.  
Her soft veil drifts in hues of gray and blue.
With grace, she danced beneath the pale blue skies.

She plays with winds that whispers through her veil,  
A fleeting spirit, light on feet so fair.  
Embraces the peaks with shadows in the air.
At dusk, she rested, as the daylight pale.

Through fog she casts, the world in silence lay,  
Children moving like ghosts through morning’s mist.  
On paths of life, their steps by fear dismissed.
Their laughter stilled, their games now put away.

She weeps, her mantle gathered close once more,  
The wind, her friend, will soon her soul restore.

original written by great grandma Nina Folsom Moss

"She"    (1965) by Nina Folsom Moss

I saw her lift her head from the lake, then, gathering her dripping mantle about her, hesitated a moment before floating upward to play with the wind.

Gracefully swaying, with outstretched arms, more dancing than running, she lifted first one foot and then the other to open the folds of her gray white chiffon shroud into exquisite swirls and eddies. At close of day she rested in the foothills with towering peaks for a background. As I slept, she played her usual prank of spreading a canopy about my home.

To-day -  I can not see my neighbors home, though it be not far away. Through the dimness, a yellow blur of light guides the children to the entry of their home; I miss the shaking of the rug by the mother and the antics and frolic of the family. There is a strange quietness about their coming and going.

Today - spectral images step along the path to school. In twos and threes, with parka hoods drawn close about their faces, they pause at the crossing of the roads and peer into the mist for the arming lights of approaching cars.

With glistening eyes they hurry to reach the safety point beyond. This day they do not stop to test the depth of a pool of water or to build a snow man. They trudge unhesitatingly toward their destination. 

To-day - I stand at the garden gate unnerving  the beauty of the opalescent frost on shrub and tree. A car approaches, cautiously. Where am I? the driver shouts and I learn that he has missed, by tow miles, the proper turn at the junction of the road. As I watch him drive away. I reflect on the ways of man and the many souls who are confused at the junction of the path of life.  Because of the fog which they have created they become lost at the junction. They are late for their appointment with opportunity because they have so willed it. 

To-day - The heavens drip. It is "She" weeping as she gathers her mantle. She knows that the same wind with which she so recently played will blow her over the mountain and far away.

**Find His Joy**

In whispered words, His joy He does bestow, 

That peace might dwell within our hearts so true. 

To guide our steps in all we strive to do. 

A covenant path, where light and love will grow. 

He speaks of joy that never fades away, 

A gift that fills our souls, a sacred peace. 

His voice reminds, our burdens shall decrease. 

When trials come, and darkness veils the day. 

For if we dwell on shadows, they shall rise, 

Consuming light and filling hearts with woe. 

So find fullness only what He bestows,

Turn to Him, where endless joy resides.

In Him, the glass is full, our souls restored, 

With happiness that only Christ can afford.

**Encuentra Su Alegría**

En palabras susurradas, Su gozo nos da, 

Para que la paz en nuestro ser habite fiel. 

Un pacto de luz que nos llena de Él. 

Guiando nuestros pasos con amor y verdad, 

Habla de una dicha que no se marchita, 

Un don que a nuestras almas brinda paz sagrada.

Su voz nos alivia, nuestra carga aligerada, 

En la prueba oscura, cuando el día se quita.

Pues si en sombras fijamos nuestra atención, 

La luz se consume, y el dolor nos llena. 

En Su gozo eterno, tu alma se serena,

Mas en Su promesa encuentra redención.

En Él el vaso está lleno, restaurado, 

Con la dicha que solo Cristo ha otorgado.

Locita Aidita

**Locita Aidita, En Tu Cumpleaños**

 

En el jardín de la vida, en floración,

hay una flor que brilla, que se quita tristezas,

es alegre y loca, con gran corazón,

mi cuñada Aidita, llena de rarezas.

En días de risa y noches de pesar,

compartimos secretos, esperanzas y temores,

hemos reído hasta llorar, y al llorar,

en esta danza loca, crecen nuestros amores.

De sustos juguetones a charlas sentidas,

en recuerdos queridos que pasa por caminos,

hemos sanado cicatrices, por siempre unidas.

Así brindemos por ti, en este día brillante,

que tu corazón sea ligero y en paz constante,

feliz cumpleaños, Aidita, ¡eres fascinante!

 Verbal Enchantress

In misty morns, where children shyly tread.
A grace, like chiffon swirls, adorn the dawn.
A spectral dance until the night was gone.
You played with peaks and veiled the paths ahead.

In wagons where the rain upon them fell.
Many journeys made through harsh lands were met.
With faith unbroken, courage firmly set,
Their spirit strong through every storm they quelled.

A legacy, a guide, a steadfast light.
Her strength and courage paved a path today.
Through her endurance, she found her own way.
Pioneer spirit in her heart glowed bright.

Her words, like violet blooms, enchant the night,
Great Grandma Moss, her poems bring delight.

Written format: English Shakespearean Sonnet (ABBA CDDC EFFE GG)
Content taken from: Poems written by Great Grandma Nina Folsom Moss

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWCX-LLW

She    (1965)

I saw her lift her head from the lake, then, gathering her dripping mantle about her, hesitated a moment before floating upward to play with the wind.

Gracefully swaying, with outstretched arms, more dancing than running, she lifted first one foot and then the other to open the folds of her gray white chiffon shroud into exquisite swirls and eddies. At close of day she rested in the foothills with towering peaks for a background. As I slept, she played her usual prank of spreading a canopy about my home.

Today -  I can not see my neighbors home, though it be not far away. Through the dimness, a yellow blur of light guides the children to the entry of their home; I miss the shaking of the rug by the mother and the antics and frolic of the family. There is a strange quietness about their coming and going.

Today - spectral images step along the path to school. In twos and threes, with parka hoods drawn close about their faces, they pause at the crossing of the roads and peer into the mist for the arming lights of approaching cars.

***** missing more pages?

**********************************

Dear Lord!

Dear Lord! I thank thee for my good bed 

with fitted sheet and light o'er head

A sunny room, with curtains trim

 a place of rest, when daylight dims

Now, Grandma's diary is quite glum

"It's rained six days, with little sun;

My bed is wet, no chance to dry.

I almost hear her mournful cry.

In wagon box, which she called "home"

Packed to the inch, each item known,

With water dripping overhead.

She knelt, and thanked him for that wet bed.

Now, who amI to take my ease

On spring filled mattress, designed to please

Coddled and pampered from day to day

Ingratitude showing in many a way

Help me to honor this good bed

With fitted sheet and light overhead

Teach me to help some soul on it's way

In Eternity's quest - do this, I pray.

by Nina Folsom Moss

**********************************

The Urge

They did not choose a place to die

Plague, child birth, hunger, cold.

But when the reaper clasp their hand

They close their eyes and passed beyond

The third mound over - second now-

They laid my son - my only son-

No need to chart or it down

Too soon this place will be no more.

Three wagon spokes, a cairn of rock,

A splintered board with marking crude.

And still from out the rain soaked east

They cam - passed on to the setting sun.

What was this urge, this pounding force

That welled within and drove them on?

A destiny - now lost - now found,

Eternity's law timed by a Mighty hand.

by Nina Folsom Moss

**********************************

Green Heels

High heeled shoes, they must be green,

No matter what the color scheme.

Old silk dress, pinned up to fit,

No matter what the hue of it.

Lace curtain stole, my last years hat,

Cast off purse full of this and that;

Clatter, clatter from door to door,

That, my dears, is my granddaughter.

1959 Nina F Moss

**********************************

Maurine's Clock

In the middle of the night,

"Cuckoo!"

At dawn's first ray of light,

"Cuckoo!"

But, should I wish to know

The time to bake my dough,

No "Cuckoo", the weight hangs low.

1959 - Nina F. Moss

**********************************

Western Autumn

White face trailin' down the canyons

Sheep herd blockin' off the road

Cowboy slouchin' in his saddle

Restin' now from ridin' hard.

Paisley shawls spread out on hillsides

Great goose wingin' over head

Milk meed seed a floatin', sourin'

Cold creek lazyin' in it's bed.

White cap glistenin' on you high peak

Buck elk wayin' at each sound

Red shirt sightin' through his focal

Point dog sniffin, whimperin' round.

Pine cone droppin', gray squirrel scamperin'

Flicker hammerin' up side down

Red dipped maple bendin', bowin'

Crisp grass au' tulle reed turnin' brown

by Nina Folsom Moss

**********************************

African Violets

One leaf I pluck from your violet rare,

And then proceeding with great care

Suspend it in some water.

As if by magic, soon I see

Wee rootlets floating, gropingly, to me enchanting

In mix prepared, proportions tested,

I place my treasure, roots from nested

Awaiting God's great marnel.

due time, fairy faces smile at me

Hooded in orchid, full of glee

your countenance reflected.

1958 Nina F Moss

**********************************

Big Mountain

I hope the leaves were russet, green, chartreuse, and red and golden,

That orchid gray grew up between, 

when Grandma crossed Big Mountain.

And as she looked, with tired eyes, 

At yonder sun baked desert-

God's autumn garden round her there

Gave courage, where had been despair,

To block those wheels, plunge headlong down

Over rock and rut along the trail

Into the promised valley

July 1950

clipped form the RELIEF SOCIETY MAGAZINE

Lyrics for a song by Nina Folsom Moss

Composed by Nina F. Moss for an entertainment given by Camp Eutaw

Tune: Auld Sang Syne

IF you a member of this camp

Would be, in very deed,

Your papers must be filled right out,

Before they go to seed.

Your "siren" name and then the "dame"

The "greats" both large and small,

The "date" for this, the "time" for that,

And who did what and all.

The task you'll find a pleasing one

And if you're up to snuff.

You'll learn so many lovely things,

With pride, you then will puff.

Chorus:

Your papers ladies do get out.

You'll find them up to par,

And if you don't quite understand

Just ask the registrar.

(I was registrar at this time and again later)

**********************************

Those Pioneers

Pioneer songs compiled by Daughters of Utah Pioneers p.34

Ladies Trio

They left their homes, loved ones, and all.

To heed salvations burning call

What sorrow they in meekness bore

They passed it by, who could do more.

Refrain:

We cannot hope to e'er repay

In what we do or what we say

So to the faith, hold fast, remain

Their efforts shall not be in vain.

They came by ox team, handcart too.

No train was there, to bring them through

To Indian lands and desert blue.

To make them there a home a new.

They builded well in mountains high

San praises to their god most high.

He was their choice, he led them through,

They e'er remaining firm and true.

Words and music by: Nina F. Moss

1932

 Songs of Hope   

 

Sounds crafted can breathe life into the air,
Yet others' tones can pierce and wound the soul.
I lead with words, aiming to make things whole.
A paradox where I could cause a scare.

By melodies I shape, the world will change,
Awakening the dreams that lie within.
Echoes of freedom, destiny will win.
Resound through our hearts, where hopes now in range.

Life’s cadence dances to my humble tune,
Yet shadows lurk with dissonance and doubt.
To lead, to follow, weaving in and out.
In every note, the promise of a boon.

Through harmonies, the future we compose,
In every sound, a new world to disclose.

written 2024-07-04 in response to poem written below

Previous Poem 2019-08-17

Freedom song conspirator

Sounds I make give rhythm to life
Others make sounds that cuts it like a knife 
I give orders but others command me
Don't fall behind and don't ever disagree.
It was by the sounds I create
That made the freedom song awake.
Giving life a chance to echo
Through the steps of those that follow.