Departure at Hand

This poem was written about the coming end to my service as a full-time missionary. I have two months left and it is starting to feel real. However, I wrote it to also double as an end to this life. I find that the most growth comes in those moments where we evaluate where we are and create a vision of where we want to go. I want to be faithful to what I know and believe in to the very end of my life, always being found in the service of others.

Is is really my time,
Oh, Lord must I go?
At the end of the road,
Do my efforts now show?

Did I labor with all
My heart and my might
Or was I distracted
And lost out on light?

Did I keep all my cov'nants
Or just see the rules?
Did I learn from His wisdom
Or seek to please fools?

Did I trust in my Savior?
Did I truly become?
When I struggled within
To His feet did I run?

Did I make my Lord proud?
When I see him again
Will I praise Him aloud
Or hide shameful in sin?

Now I look back and see
Through the course of my days
He saved my poor soul
In a number of ways.

No words can express
The thoughts of my heart.
He whispers to me
"You've finished your part."

There's really no ending
It's time to move forward
To another beginning
So keep looking onward.

Yes, I'm ready to go
My departure is near
And the love of my Lord
Erases all fear.

I have fought a good fight
While my Lord kept me safe.
I have finished my course
I have kept strong the faith.

2 Timothy 4:16-17
D&C 4:2

Remember Thy Faith

Father, I'm empty;
Father, I'm lost.
I've done as thou asked,
But I've not paid the cost.

Someone has suffered;
Someone has cried.
But who was that man
That for me hath died?

I know all the stories;
I know what to say,
But do I reflect
Outside of Sunday?

Am I seeking for glory?
Am I seeking for fame?
Or am I just trying
To help Him reclaim?

Others are lost;
Others don't see
The blessings that come
Because of belief.

Father, I love them;
Father, I'm here.
Send me thy children
That need rest from fear.

I'll trust in my Savior;
I'll trust in my faith.
I know who it is
That saved me by grace.

 See Ether 12:6 and 1 John 4:18

Come Unto Christ

Sunday, we went to a member's house for dinner. Usually, we come prepared with a message about Christ to share with the families that feed us. We thought we were going to be the teachers. This time though, we were the ones who needed a message.

During dinner, one of the kids started talking about a video that they love to watch as a family. It was a new music video for youth called, "Come Unto Christ." The teenage daughter pulled it up on the television and we all gathered around to watch.

As I listened, I saw reflections of myself. I was given a unique perspective as I recalled who I was as a youth and where I found myself now. I know that it is only because of Christ that I was given the hope I needed to pull through my moments of darkness. Now, I can look up and see the light that was always there, leading me on.

We all face our moments of darkness. We all have different situations. We all feel heartache and sorrow. But one thing I know is that no matter who we are or what we face, our eternal worth is more than we can even begin to imagine. 

I know I have a Savior that loves me and can see that worth even when I can't and I know without a doubt that you do too. Never give up on yourself. Keep looking forward. When we walk in faith, the future is always brighter than the past.

I leave you my testimony that our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the very Son of God. He suffered and died for us so that we never have to be alone. He always has his arms outstretched. All we need to do is come unto Him.

Remember who you are.

Farmers of Men

Sometimes, O Lord, I question why
Life is full of thorns and weeds.
As the days go passing by
I find I'm mainly planting seeds.

A few will grow and harvest be;
Yet, most are chocked and killed by weeds.
O Lord, thy field please help me see,
The ground you have prepared for seeds.


When you get discouraged, just look forward in life. Continue with a prayer in your heart. Don't turn back to the things you leave behind. Just look forward to what lies ahead. The Lord has a plan and he will help us to "hasten the work of salvation" as we seek for His help and guidance.