Morning Dew - Poem

 

Morning Dew

Peace of morning grant me while the earth is still

As quiet light rises upon my windowsill

Gentle warm breeze floats my whispered prayer

Along ethereal wave toward heaven's ear

Thoughts lodge in deep corners of the heart

Private wonderings and ponderings about life's part

Awe distills and covers like morning dew

Glimpse through cloudy windows clearing view

Janice Harten

8 Jul 2023

Sweetest Fruit - Poem

Sweetest Fruit

The tree’s

sweetest fruit

lay on the

ground

at His feet

After all

fully ripe

fruit falls

from the tree

last of all

In earnest

prayer

I kneel
to partake

and find it there

1 Ne 8-12

By Janice Harten

Feb 13, 2004
Copyright © 2013 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Pools - Poem

Pools

What is this place of stillness?

When only moments before

Tearful and fearing

I cried out to my God

For rescue and relief

The anxiety in my heart

is eased and my sobs cease

Like water moving down

a river, travels to

the bank and gently pools

protected and momentarily quiet

Unlike the rushing

rock-dashed swirling

just moments and a

few feet away

Calmly, I ponder this new

feeling, hesitant to give

up this quiet spot for

another rush into

turbulent waters

By Janice Harten

January 2001
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Fasting - Portal Into Heaven

Every first Sunday of each month is set apart as a day to fast, pray and give.  Like the Savior, who went into the mountains to pray and draw close to his father for guidance and strength, I am seeking today for blessings for myself and blessings for others who are both near and far from me.

It is early morning and my heart is filled with concern for family members who are battling for their lives in many different ways.  Some are facing life threatening cancers and illness.  Others struggle against addictions and spiritual disease.  Some face financial uncertainty or others depression and loneliness.  Seeing all these things together is quite overwhelming and I ask myself, what can I do to help or can I only look on?

For instance, my husband's niece has a 22 year old daughter with advanced brain cancer.  She has undergone two surgeries and a third was recommended this past week.  A large cyst has filled the cavity where the mass was removed in her last surgery.  Her parents have asked us to pray that this cyst would reduce on its own.  

Sitting here, I asked myself, what is the purpose of these experiences?  And immediately the answer came in the form of another question, "If we did not experience these trials would we feel the need to call on God?"

And so I pray for my own faith to grow and for blessings of health, comfort and relief to come to those I care about.  Perhaps each prayer opens a small portal into heaven where the angels sit to do God's bidding.  And one by one these ministering angels or special guardians deliver power and healing or understanding to our hands and hearts.

Home for Missionaries - The Search for Truth

Here is a peek at the room Bill and I prepared for the missionaries who moved into our home this month.  I found some nice bargains on-line and am happy how it turned out.  I knew I needed to take a picture before they moved in because it will probably never be this clean again!

A few months ago our Stake President asked if more families would volunteer to house the missionaries.  With our children either married or attending college we have ample room.  They take care of their own food and transportation and their daily and medical needs.  We share kitchen and laundry space.

I see this as an opportunity not only to clean and prepare physical space for them, but I have tried to also prepare our home spiritually.  I've given thought to what I listen to and watch and what my own activities are.  I pray for the spirit to be present and for our home to be a holy place for revelation from heaven.

An Elder from El Salvador and an Elder from Vermont are our first guests.  They are assigned to the Spanish Ward and teach lessons in Spanish.  I enjoy hearing this beautiful language in my home.  I promised to help them with English if they would help me practice Spanish.

I know there is a powerful spirit that accompanies missionary work and I am looking forward to experiencing the daily blessings of their work.  I've heard the Utah missions are among the highest in baptisms throughout the world.  Many people are searching for the truth.  Good people everywhere want to know how to find God and how to help their families find real happiness, purpose and safety.   There is a special promise in the Book of Mormon for those who want to know for themselves what is true.

Moroni 10:4

 4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ^aask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not ^btrue; and if ye shall ask with a ^csincere heart, with ^dreal intent, having ^efaith in Christ, he will ^fmanifest the^gtruth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may ^aknow the ^btruth of all things.

 6 And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is.

 7 And ye may ^aknow that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, ^baccording to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.

I believe everyone will embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ if they will read the word of God, especially the Book of Mormon, and pray with a sincere heart to know if it is true.  The Lord will testify to them in their own hearts.  The missionaries living with us are currently teaching a family and other single individuals who have done these things and are preparing for baptism.  I pray for these special witnesses of Jesus Christ and those they are teaching.

A copy of the Book of Mormon and all other scriptures are found on-line at lds.org

Revelation - Poem

Revelation

Veiled

Exchange

Words
&
Life

Rearrange

Janice

Apr 11, 2010
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Listening Ear - Poem

Listening Ear

 

Cell phone conversation

     voice crystal-clear, presence so near

Desired companion

     shared affection, advice welcome

Moment of laughter

     sometimes tears, always seeking a listening ear

Tiny device

     instantly heard, easily answered across the world

Awake or asleep

     these two, ever linked

Someone else listens

     less than phone call away

Superior technology

     simply kneel…and pray

Janice Harten

Sept 24, 2008

Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Expression of Love

Last night, as my husband and I drove toward the Bountiful Temple, I turned and thanked him for being interested in my deepest thoughts, and for listening to me.  I was remembering why I was so attracted to him when we were first dating.  I felt he cared about who I was and what I thought.  He sought my opinion and ideas.  We had long discussions.  At first I was unpracticed in how to share my thoughts and feelings (and I'm still learning), and I listened to his many ideas.  But, my trust and confidence grew more over time, as he invited and wanted to know how I felt. And I felt completely safe sharing my most personal secrets and desires, without feeling judgement or emotional withdrawal from him.  And he appeared to sincerely respect and value my opinion.  He met a deep hunger in me as we emotionally connected.  This was the greatest gift of love he could have shown me.

In the temple, as the evening continued, I gained additional understanding about myself and others, as it relates to this experience.  I thought about growing up as a middle child in a large family.  I hungered to be acknowledged and struggled to have my opinion heard.  I sometimes withdrew emotionally rather than feel disappointment at not being heard or not having my opinion trusted.  I simply did the easier thing, and caved in to the needs of others.  Now, looking back, I realize that their needs were just as great as mine.  And perhaps they also struggled to be heard.  It is a basic need in everyone to be acknowledged and understood.

Then my thoughts turned to my children.  I remembered, with appreciation, how personally touched I have felt, by conversations we shared.  Each has sought out my opinion or advice, at times, and even when I felt inadequate in my answers, they still seem to value and appreciate what I have to say.  I have felt awed and touched by their level of trust in me, by their deep emotions and profound insights.  I have felt mutually uplifted and helped by their comments and feelings.  I treasure the adult friendship blossoming between us.  Before marriage, I had not imagined that I would be given such meaningful relationships with my children.

I realize, however, that I have not created meaningful relationships, or experienced these moments, as deeply as I desire, with all those I love.  I realize that I have withheld myself emotionally, or felt judgmental, not knowing how to relate or respond to different opinions and feelings.  I lack listening and emotional skills, and I am still coping by sometimes withdrawing.  I feel inadequate, and yet, I wonder if the very relationships I desire will grow from my sharing those inadequacies.  It comes back to a question of trust.  Am I willing to take a chance on having my feelings misunderstood, in the hope of being allowed to see into someone else's heart?  I seek guidance in establishing the right boundaries and openness.

Another, additionally profound realization entered my mind.  Even as I strive to be heard and build caring relationships with others, I have an opportunity to have the most personal and loving relationship with my Father in Heaven.  I realized how much I have neglected to spend time with him, telling him all the feelings in my heart and of my desires, and listening.  He is there 24 hours a day, and even if all my other relationships were void of these emotional connections, the one with my Father in Heaven is always there and available to me.  And my relationship to him is essential to the creation and maintenance of any other relationship, because he is the source of all love.

I find it to be both interesting and personally meaningful, that in my Patriarchal Blessing, the Lord councils me to, "Keep close to your Heavenly Father, pray daily, and approach Him regarding small decisions, as well as greater, and He will direct your paths."  There are an additional five more references to my prayers and receiving revelation from him, throughout the blessing.  I think he was trying to build my confidence and remove any question in my mind that he wanted to have a personal relationship with me.  The Lord has known the very words I needed to hear and just how to nurture me.

The one-line statement of understanding I have come away with, from all of this, is:

Sharing and listening with your heart and seeking to understand another person's thoughts and feelings, is a profound expression of love; whether it is a relationship with the Lord, a husband, child, extended family, or even a stranger.

I long to develop and grow in this area.

Vision - Poem

Vision -

With multitudes following, Jesus of Nazareth was heard passing by

   When nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side

And cried, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me”

   The nearby crowd rebuked this man of faith, who could not see

Then, he called, more loudly, “Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me”

   Bringing him close, Jesus asked, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?”

“Lord, that I may receive my sight,” was his fervent plea

   Christ commanded, “Receive thy sight, thy faith hath saved thee.”

Being a disciple among growing throngs that continue to follow him

   I wonder how my voice is heard, among many who worship him?

Calling from quiet, hidden places, I plead for the blessings I need

   And feel Him beckon and question, “What wilt thou that I shall do unto Thee?”

Discovering the gift to personal relationship, within closet and private prayer

   When I faithfully call out, he turns about, and looks at my need and despair

My hungering cry, his precious lamb, he listens, directs and feeds

   My vision heals and I behold, his individual love and tender mercy

By Janice Harten

Jul 27, 2007

Luke 18
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Hannah's Gift - Poem

Hannah’s Gift

With her heart pure and pleading, and seeking God’s blessing

Hannah’s sacred desire, the Lord granted in mercy

From the reaches of Heaven, to her a son came

Dedicated to God’s service, the boy Samuel, she named

While he was yet a small child, Hannah remembered her promise

In the temple she placed him at the feet of the prophet

With gratitude, faith and devotion she went

Her child, returned to the Lord, while still innocent

“Samuel, Samuel,” the Lord called, and searching the boy went

“Listen,” the Prophet Eli counseled, “A voice from Heaven is sent”

Continuous knowledge and instruction came from that time forth

To tutor the young, eager mind, upon the Lord’s course

Prepared to teach, serve and testify, and call to repentance

The children of Israel, and warn of the Lord’s judgements

Did Hannah know the mission and vision to be given her son

When to the temple and prophet, they traveled as one?

Upon a Latter-day journey, travel I and my child

Prepared from infancy to hearken to God’s voice, so mild

Taught and tutored within the sacred walls of home and temple

To prayerfully study and follow, Christ’s loving example

Accepting God’s Priesthood as power in Heaven and Earth

Receiving personal witness of truths taught since birth

Called by a prophet to labor for Gentile and Israelite alike

Inviting all to partake of Christ’s love, truth and light

Oh, Hanna, give us of thy faith and devotion, so pure

That through separation and trials we’ll have strength to endure

And with your gratitude and praise, our hearts be filled

That we joyfully determine to do the Father’s will

By Janice Harten
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Mrs. Noah - Poem

Mrs. Noah

Did Mrs. Noah bottle peaches

   Or keep pennies in a jar

Have I stroked or fed a lion

   Or learned to speak leopard

Did her garden grow zucchini

   Or did she rotate soup

Have I ever cleaned an ark

   Or paddled a canoe

Did she ever ask the question

   What’s all this stacked wood for

Have I found the answer to

   How long will bagged wheat store

Did she lift and swing a hammer

   To nail the door secure

Have I recently sought safety

   Through a temple door

Did she kneel beside grandchildren

   Teaching them to pray

Have I held and read to them

   The prophet’s words today

Did she hold and comfort them

   When the torrents came

Have I knelt beside their beds

   And taught them faith again

Did she seek Noah’s opinion

   On which dove to choose

Have I sought my husband’s blessing

   When wondering what to do

Did she joy and give thanksgiving

   Viewing rainbowed skies

Have I recognized God’s blessing

   In my family’s lives

By Janice Harten

Sept 6, 2008

Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

War of Words - Poem

 I wrote the following poem to describe political and social battles I observe being waged, and my ability to find the truth.

War of Words -

War of words,

Wrestle court-side

Match conducted,

Arena worldwide

Prayer prevails,

Pinning pride

Flattery’s grip broken,

Discernment alive

Janice Harten

Sept 4, 2008
Copyright © 2012 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.

Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple

This is part of the view from the front of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple (pronounced Oker).  I will not make the mistake again, of calling it the Oquirrh "Hills" temple! My son teased me yesterday, for making that mistake.  This temple was built on the Oquirrh Mountain Range, and it looks directly across the valley, at the Wasatch Mountain Range.  The view spans the width and length of the Salt Lake Valley.

Our daughter lives nearby, and we invited her to join us.  As we waited together in the chapel, we listened as someone played hymns on the organ, and the words of the songs began running through my mind.   My daughter pointed to a hymn book which was sitting next to a set of scriptures, nearby.  I opened the book and the second verse of the hymn I turned to, directly answered a silent prayer I offered that morning.  I know someone was listening.

During the session, thoughts and impressions continued to flow, about the life and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ.  I pondered on the power he grants us, to overcome temptation and sin, and then to bless and help others, as we listen and follow him, step by step.  It doesn't happen in a single day, but over time his spirit teaches and prompts us to do better things.  We begin to desire and value the things of heaven, more than the things of this world.

I hope I can remember this visit to the mountain of the Lord.

Butterfly - Poem

Butterfly -

Butterfly wings stir the air

Whisper

And disappear

Net flutters

Angel captures

Silent prayer

Janice Harten

Nov 10, 2011
Copyright © 2011 Janice Harten.  All rights reserved.