Tomorrow's Tapestry: 2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Christmas Choir

I "sing" in the ward choir. I get much more out of it than I offer (I had a dream when I was young that I would sing in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, but my voice better supports involvement in the ward choir). The Sunday before Christmas I had a life-changing experience and wrote the following:

The Christmas program started
And each one took their part.
The choir was woven through....
Testimonies began to spark.
A piano solo brought heaven
By a young girl's practiced hands.
The Holy Ghost would be felt
With the singing that was planned.
The ones who made it happen
Two Directors and two more
Who played the music beautifully
The spirit dwelled within their score.
Then one arose to sing
The song she had within
It was as though the angels
Were in the room again.
Another shared his spirit
By singing velvet tones
To help us all remember
Christ’s map to getting home.
There were two souls more unlikely
To be on the program there.
It was the parents of a singer
Their faces shown with pride and care.
For you see, they were his blessing--
His father mouthed the words in time
And his mother's face reflected
The love of Christ divine.
Only those up on the stand
Shared that glimpse of mortal love.
The parents of the singer
Were an image of heaven above...
The congregation felt
Thankful for the choir who shared
But the choir was more blessed
Looking at those angel faces there.
Shanna C. Hugie

Friday, December 5, 2008

Like, Love . . . Christ

In a world easy to get lost in, may we all be found seeking the never-ending strength received from the example of our older brother Jesus Christ. Perhaps we can let it help us to love even the difficult with a Christlike love....

Someone posed the question
And it got me thinking deep
“What does Christ Like love mean?”
Then my eyes began to weep,
For although I make an effort
To be a giving soul
Sometimes mortal labors
Give an offering not whole.
Daily motions of the world
Bump into eternal dreams
Leaving frayed edges of intention
Instead of solid seams.
Perhaps to just resemble
Our brother Christ on earth
All that is required
Each day from time of birth
Is to make our mind remember
The atonement of The Son
And then to ask “help me be enough”
Until each day is done.
Oh, let my human heart be open
To the possibility
That my name can be recorded
As one who gave pure charity.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Heavenly Father's "Presence" (Presents)

I received a request today to write about Heavenly Father's gifts. I thought a lot about all the "blessings" that I have and realized that I haven't even scratched the surface in the grateful department. In the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I offer the following:

For as long as I remember
I’ve loved to get a gift
Before they’re ever opened
I feel a little lift.
Some are wrapped with elegance
And some can look real plain
But the thing they have in common
Is they all say “To”, and then my name.
But then I got to thinking
About the “other gifts” I got
They aren’t on sale in stores
And never can be bought
For I received a gift of charity
And one to help me try
And then there was the gift of dreams
That helped me reach the sky.
Oh, and the one that made me cry
Because it seemed to be
A trial in a gift box
That brought me to my knees.
Yes, many daily gifts
Like a prompting just to call
And then the gift that will inspire
Lifting others where they fall.
Father never lets me down
And I know that every day
There will be another gift
And I will hear Him say
“Here, take this little offering
It will help to make you see
How to ‘give unto the least’
As you learn like Christ to be”
-Shanna C. Hugie

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

"Singled Out"

Recently I've struggled while attending some events. I've never felt this way before, (In fact, I often enjoy solitude) but lately it seems I've begun to focus on the couples, the families, the groups......

While I realize I'm also part of a glorious family, there are times that when attending activities alone that I feel isolated. Due to the sadness these feelings bring and realizing that it is not a good state to remain in, I wrote the following:

“Singled Out”
In a world where it is seen
That much is found in pairs
It seems one is only half
Unable to prepare.
Elusive searching for the one
To complete the other side
Neglected deep within
Is the soul I chose to hide.
Sometimes I hear a whisper
“You’re enough” it seems to say.
Yet, it seems to lack a logic
I hear most every day.
My mortal image in a mirror
Seems alone - - a bit undone.
In a world of holding hands
I’ve seemed to lose someone.
A choice to stand aside
And let the others pass
To wait to see an image
In tomorrow’s looking glass.
I wonder what would happen
If I saw myself as whole
Could I perhaps embrace
The status of my soul?
Although my hand is single
May I be found at length
Holding to the Savior
In His wholeness I’ll find strength.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Embracing Tomorrow's Light

This was written for someone single as she was contemplating the far-reaching decision she had yet to make about her unborn child....

When you’re on a pathway
And find a choice ahead
To the left one might be ending
To the right you may be fed.

For even though your choices
Sometimes take you far from home
Heavenly Father has allowed
You to ask so you’ll be shown.

For even though your child
Isn’t yet upon the earth
As his mother you’re entitled
Inspiration before his birth.

Heavenly Father knows that you’ll
Make the choice that will be
The best for your child’s life
Throughout eternity.

So, hold onto the hand of Father
As you face tomorrow’s road.
Hear the answer that He whispers
As He lifts from you this load.

Keep the hero that’s within you
Inside your noble heart
As you contemplate with courage.
You’ll choose the better part.
-Shanna C. Hugie-

Friday, September 5, 2008

Destiny's Hands

I wrote this for the fiance of my nephew to go with a bridal shower gift...

When you were a little girl
Your hands reached toward the sun
A whole world to explore
As you chose the path you’d run.
Life brought you great adventure
As you held your memories
New days were like the pages
In a book of make believe.
You picked bouquets of dreams
As you planned what you’d become.
You grasped eternal meaning
As your childhood was done.
You met another, and you knew
Just as soon as he held your hand
That he was your intended.
He was everything you’d planned.
In your grasp you hold the future
Of all eternity…..
Your hands will now create
Dreams for your posterity.
You’ll hold onto each other
As you both learn how to stand
Together you’ll give service
With the union of your hands.
Shanna C. Hugie

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Mortal Debate

In these political times when others differ from our point of view, I offer the following observation:

We shouldn’t be so angry
About another’s view
Because they’ve shared it openly
And put their trust in you.
A difference of opinion
Shared by those with a respect
Will teach another precept
So minds will be elect.
For the way we learn from others
And then try like God to be
Is to listen with intent
Then discern on bended knee.
For we might just then discover
If we listen and then pray
That Father will send the knowledge
To the listening heart today.
Imagine all the goodness
That could grow within our minds
If we could hear the sound waves
Sent from Father for all to find.
Shanna C. Hugie

Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Son's Countenance

I wrote the following as a request from a mother who's daughter was giving a talk at Youth Conference. The subject was to have a positive mental attitude.

When life is going well
Or, when days turn to dismay
There is something you should do
And that’s kneel right down and pray.
A positive attitude will follow
If you listen when you stand
Because Heavenly Father teaches you
Your place within His plan
Even though it may be hard
To smile through your tears
You’ll find that when you’re positive
You’ll be wise beyond your years.
For this life is to refine us
And help us to become
Someone with hopeful countenance
To emulate “The Son”.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Supporting Role

I just wrote the following about Supporting Missionary Work---so important for each of us to do.

There are many times in life
We need to do our part.
Just listen to these words
And I’ll tell you how to start.
There’s one that’s so important - - -
To support a sacred work –
When you share the Gospel
You’ll do your part and never shirk.
There are many different ways
That you can lend a hand
One is prayer for the one
Who is searching how to stand.
Another is to live your life
So that in your face they’ll see
The happiness the gospel brings
As you live mortality.
Now, if you read the scriptures
And do it with a prayer
You’ll hear your Father tell you
How to really show you care.
For if you love the Gospel
You’ll want to share with all
So, look toward the pure in heart
Because they’re waiting for your call.
Imagine how your life would be
Not knowing why you’re here
Now, share the Gospel with another
To take away their fear.
Call on the missionaries
They’re here to serve and give
Create a new oasis
As you share the life you live.
When you wake up in the morning
Ask Father what to do
Because he has some errands
He is saving just for you.
Live your daily life as though
You were on a mission now
You’ll never know whom you might meet
If the spirit you’ll allow.
Don’t give it a second thought
Just embrace this and you’ll see
That you will leave a footpath
For your eternal legacy.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Words

I had a request from someone to tell them the difference between shy/bashful and between self-confident/arrogant. I guess I got a little "carried away" and I wrote the following.

There are so many ways
To express ourselves and such
There are words that seem just right
And others seem too much.
Sometimes you just might wonder
How each one plays a part
As you try to just communicate
It really is an art.
So why not just examine
The difference that words mean
“Bashful” has a stronghold
While “shy” is not quite seen.
For someone who is “bashful”
Sometimes hides themselves away
But someone who is “shy”
Is there listening what others say.
Now “arrogance” and “confidence”...
Those two words are worlds apart
Someone “confident with self”
Will give others a good start.
But someone who is “arrogant”
Is blind to empathy
Becoming full of self
All they notice is their “me”.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Seeds Once Sown

As I drove between Logan, Utah and Garland, Utah I noticed a farm with many "antique" farm implements, now covered with rust. The following came out of that experience of what "might have been".......

He went back to the farm
He'd left so long ago.
He'd gone to make his mark
He dreamed his legacy would grow.
He learned it in the mail
That he gathered on return
From an extended trip abroad
As he read, his stomach churned.
It was his mother's hand
He knew it right away....
"Son, Gramps moved back home last night
As he knelt once more to pray."
He left at once and traveled
Over miles where he once learned
Arriving at the sunset
In a field that plows once turned.
The young man looked around
And saw old tractors there
Rusted in the field
Where they'd ceased to work their share.
He thought back many years
When his own Dad went back home
But Gramps was there to give to him
And life's lesson seeds were sown.
He felt a deep remorse
That he'd seemed to leave behind
His family and his home
As he'd tucked them in his mind.
He'd seen some wondrous things
As he'd walked the years gone by
But, as he realized Gramps was gone
He knelt down there and cried.
As emotions deep were spent
He wiped his tears away
He looked then at his hands
And saw them wet with clay.
A memory long ago
In that field from memory
He saw his Grandpa's hands
Brush the dirt from his scraped knee
Then Gramps taught him at that moment
In the middle of the rows
"Son, work hard with your hands
For the Lord, so you will know."
It was as though he'd heard him there
Once more now in the wind
He promised there he'd dedicate
His every deed to Him.
-Shanna C. Hugie

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Princess Begins With "P"

I was made aware of a request for someone's presentation to the Young Women at Camp to help them realize they were princesses. They were thinking of the story of the "Princess and the Pea"......As I thought about this, the following poem "happened".....oh, that we all realized the royalty in each of us....

I woke up in the morning
And felt that I had been
Bumped around by life
And was about to start again.
I didn’t understand
Why life made me feel this way
I looked into the mirror
And felt a deep dismay
For I felt a deep uneasy
As I thought what my life meant
What was I really here for
As another day was spent?
So, I got down on my knees
And asked Father up above
“Could you help me just a little
To feel again your love?
If I’ve done a little something
To get me off the path
Please right my course again
Before I feel life’s rath.”
As I stood again I saw it
There looking at me there
Was the image of a princess
Priceless, cherished and rare.
I thought I heard the words
Spoken there quite soft to me
“Remember just to “P”ray
And Princess begins with “P”
I knew deep in my heart
That the spirit spoke it too
That here I was a Princess
Being guided what to do
And if I would seek wisdom
In the prayers down on my knees
I would recognize a prompting
Like “The Princess and the Pea”.
I now see what I forgot
Was to put my princess lenses on
For my mortal eyes without them
Can’t see the road I’m on.
If I don’t have the knowledge
That I am royalty
I won’t know that I am precious
Because God created me….
-Shanna C. Hugie

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

The Piece That's You

I just wrote the following poem for a dear sweet grandma who lost her grandson recently. As I asked for help to write this, how grateful I was for the inspiration I was granted. This was life changing request and I am humbed to be a part of Heavenly Father's comforting reassurance that He is aware of each one of us and will heal our broken hearts.

The world had been a happy place
With many sunshine days
The morning brought discovery
As we found each new pathway
We thought we’d seen the sunshine
Illuminate the corners of our home
Yet, when you joined our family
Heaven’s light we each were shown.
You taught us to be happy
When you shared such simple things
In your eyes we saw reflections
Of what eternity will bring.
We’ve learned that our own family
Has been placed together here
And each one was a puzzle piece
Put in place by Father who’s so near
We only know a little
Of the promise Father holds
For every one of us
As mortal life unfolds.
We thought we had a lifetime
To walk life by your side
To watch you grow to manhood
Serve a mission then take a bride.
It happened all too suddenly
When you left this mortal sphere
And we were left on earth to labor
Without you through our tears.
Our hearts are intertwined
As you serve your mission there
Though your mortal life was short
We’ll now live with faith not fear
The time that we’re without you
Seems long to mortal minds
But it really is just seconds
On the timepiece that’s divine.
As we live our lives with promise
Then with reverence we’ll each see
This family puzzle you’re a part of
Will last for all eternity…..
-Shanna C. Hugie

Monday, July 14, 2008

Poem - Back Looking Forward

This poem was inspired by a talk recently given by President Thomas S. Monson.

I would live with true devotion
As my mortal life takes place
To give time to the Savior
As I run the earthly race.
Yet, the task seems overwhelming
As I look toward the goal
By myself I can’t complete
Because I’m not quite whole.
If I were those I’ve read about
I would know that I could win
Yet, I feel so insignificant
Today in my own skin.
I’ve made mistakes in judgment
As I’ve lived another day
It would seem I’m looking back
As I watch hope slip far away.
I gasp for breath of change
As my shoulders bend in pain
My eyes see only mistakes
Do others watch me with disdain?
So much to contemplate
As another day is born
Looking back I feel despair
Will I be able to find more?
I fall down to my knees
And hear my own voice say
A pleading to my Father
Then, I remember how to pray.
Time passes without notice
And my mind fills with a plan
As the spirit teaches me to listen
I learn again to stand.
I see that through the sacrifice
Christ made on earth for me
I can come back to the table
To feast with Him eternally.
-Shanna C. Hugie-

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Poetic Gifts

For quite some time I've been encouraged by those with whom I've shared my poetry with to publish it.

In today's market there is not a "real demand" for poetry. However, I've responded to these requests by starting this blog.

Perhaps this will serve as a place to share with those who would like to see the newest "heaven's clarification" I've been blessed to write.

Thanks for taking this journey with me.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Friday, December 5, 2008

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Friday, September 5, 2008

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Monday, July 14, 2008

Sunday, June 8, 2008

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