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

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

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

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