Christmas Left, Right Game

 

Photo by Laura Beth Snipes on Unsplash

A week left before Christmas and what do we do?
Go right to a party with friends that are true.
We’re right tired of shopping and have left for a break.
Am I right that we’ve had almost all we can take?
So we left our warm houses and came right to the party.
To eat right tasty soup and rolls that are hearty.
To our left is a friend.  To our right is another.
It is right to remember our Savior.  Our brother.
We play the left right game, or is it right left?
We talk of right silly traditions and yet.
What is left in our minds?  The list left yet to buy.
And right now we can feel coming a right heavy sigh.
We’ve left running shoes in the car for tonight,
Right after the party we’ll run right into the night.
We’ll drive down and left and right and left again.
The shopping list left will be done right by ten.
We’ll then head right home, not much energy left.
Just a right happy feeling and the words right, right left.
Go right, right again.  Go left to a friend.
Go right to our home and on our knees bend.
Give thanks for what’s left of the holiday season.
For we’ve left buying gifts and know that the reason
We all celebrate is the gift of God’s Son.
He is right, right, right, love, love and joy and the One
That we worship and now my left right story is done.

Teach Us To Love

I believe that Jesus is reaching out to each
one of us with love and we get to do
our best to do the same

Teach us to love

Our Father sent His beloved Son
To teach us love for everyone.
For us, for Him, for each who live,
No matter how they take, or give.
He showed us not to shun the poor,
But share our wealth, and give them more.
He taught us to not walk away
From those who sin from day to day,
For are we all not sinners too?
Are we perfect in all we do?
Don’t justify casting the stone,
Or walking away when someone’s alone.
He showed us to look at someone’s heart,
To love them for that precious part
That makes every person His precious child
Whether they are meek and calm, or loud and wild.
He showed us to truly see someone,
The pain in their darkness, in need of sun.
He healed with love, and we can too,
If we look to Him in all we do.
Speak loving words, don’t turn away.
Give kindness, care, and hope each day.
If you think someone is different from you
Know they are also alike because it is true
That each person who lives has a Father above
Who sent His Son Jesus to teach us to love.

Sherie Christensen

Dec. 2025

A Belated Birthday Wish (Written for a Friend)

There once was a birthday wish meant just for you,

It was happy, but flighty you see.

And so as that birthday wish headed your way,

It simply got stuck in a tree!

A sweet tweety bird picked it up to help out

But carried it so far away

That your great happy birthday wish was a bit lost.

That wish, with its kind things to say.

It knew it was for you, and it couldn’t be stopped

It looked for you both high and low.

And finally the birthday wish had an idea

Of exactly the way it should go.

So here it is late, though still happy and flighty,

Knowing good wishes always are wanted.

I hope it brings joy, whether tiny or mighty.

After all of the places it jaunted.

 

Anniversary #34 (A couple of years ago)

                                                    

The Green Truck -- Mentioned as "not a car" in the Poem.

Things Were Different Then

And yet the same.

It was a nice morning when you came

To pick me up in your orange car

To take us to the temple that wasn’t all that far.

My hair was longish.

Now it’s short.

If you looked at our bank accounts

There wasn’t much there to report.

The car broke a lot

And our current cars do not (truck is not a car!)

Our apartment was tiny

And not all that nice.

But we lived there just fine.

It just had to suffice.

The blue house in contrast is a bit shocking

And we can welcome guests

whenever they come a knocking.

We had zero children

And now we have 6

And now we’ve added in-laws

And Brigham to the mix.

Our parents were younger

(Of course we were too)

And we could not imagine the things we would do.

The troubles were many

The blessings are more.

And I’m ever so grateful

You knocked on my door!

Happy Anniversary #34

I love you very much.

Sherie

An Eye Of Faith

 (Written Sept. 2019)

A picture I took this year (2025) of a Butterfly

When I was a child I tried to walk on water.

But walking on water was impossible for me.

So how do I know that Jesus walked on water?

And that He has the power to calm the raging sea?

With an eye of faith I can believe and understand

That if He were calling to me

I could walk to Him, and if I sank,

He would save me from the sea.

How do I know that He is the creator?

How can I know he healed the lame and made the blind to see?

And how as the world seems now so full of darkness,

Can I believe in a light so strong it can light the way for me?

With an eye of faith I can imagine and believe

That Jesus made a butterfly for me;

Creating a gentle winds and majestic mountains

And giving me light to see.

How in a world with many, many voices

Shouting loudly how they think that things should be

Can I hear the quiet voice of the Holy Spirit

Gently speaking of a Savior that came to rescue me?

With an eye of faith I can see Christ on the water

As He walks through the waves to-wards me

And though the wind is raging all around

I can hear His voice calming me.

When I was a child I tried to walk on water.

But walking on water was impossible to me.

But now I know that Jesus walked on water

And with an eye of faith His power comes to me.

A Poem to Derek from Anniversary #31 (a while back)

         

My Former Garden That Is Mentioned in the Poem

31 Years

For 31 years you’ve put up with me now

I mean, I am super great so I understand how

Still it is quite a feat to endure all those tears

That have fallen down my face for those 31 years

And I walk kind of slow which is not very taxing

And might be kind of boring, and way too relaxing

But I keep plodding on for as long as I can

And enjoy my time walking by my handsome man!

The cooking is tolerable, but not very fine

And I really don’t cook for you all of the time

But there’s food in the house that is decent to eat

And I occasionally make a crock pot full of meat!

You’ve done lots of writing for grand puppet shows

And the Princess is a beauty as everyone knows

And her voice, while quite squeaky can be kind of fun

At least if her part is not a singing one!

Our family has grown both in numbers and size

And often I find that you are very wise.

Our patience has grown from the practice we got

And we’ve had good adventures.  We have fun a lot.

Our yard is quite pretty from the work we have done

And sometimes our house projects are kind of fun

At least the result is good most of the time

And we have a garden that I sometimes call mine!

We’ve had hills and valleys in this life that we live

And I’m always impressed with all that you give

In blessings and prayers, in money and fun

In time and attention in the rain or the sun.

I love you so much, and I know you love me

And that is the way that it really should be.

So on this anniversary number thirty one

I am very grateful for all that you’ve done.

I’m thankful that I get a life by your side.

And you must admit that it is quite a ride!

We are very blessed and without further ado

I wish a very happy anniversary to you!

Love from, Sherie

Scull Those Mighty Waves

Photo by National Historical Museum of Sweden (NHM) on Unsplash

There are very few things in this life that we really can control,
And yet we try to hold things still wherever we may go.
“Do not rock the boat!” they say. “We don’t want it to sink!”
But a becalmed boat is dangerous, and leads us to the brink
Of dangers that might be far worse than if the boat should sink!

A boat that’s stuck without the wind, no motor to make it go,
Will reach no destination, and even if they row,
The crew may be too far from land to find food on which to feed,
And unless the sky provides it, there will be no water, which they need.
And though they won’t get sea sick – becalmed boats to nowhere lead.

But what if mighty winds blow? And the waves are big and tall?
Will they not fall upon our boat, which seems so very small?
And won’t we sink? Is there no way to control the mighty sea?
Are we really at its mercy? We must really let it be?
How then in such a mighty wind are we ever to be free?

A sailor can assure you there are things that you can do.
To scull those mighty waves with grace and get you safely through.
You must not aim right at the waves, for surely you will sink.
And if you run away from waves, they will do just as you’d think,
And they will land hard on your boat, and that will make it sink.

When you scull a wave you honor the fact that the wave is really big.
And you angle your boat across the wave, it’s the surest way to live.
Just like you can’t eat an elephant, in one giant bite,
You cannot face a giant wave head on and win the fight.
Stay calm heading into the wind at the angle that is right.

You do control the sails and rudder that direct your boat
And zig zagging the waves is really helping you to float.
In storms there is not time for you to clean the galley or the deck.
The storms will calm and you will find that you avoided a nasty wreck.
And then you have a moment to maintain the ship, and deck.

So when the winds are steady, taking you along your way.
And leading you so quickly to the place you hope to stay.
Give thanks but mind the boat, making sure you give it care.
For when the waves come rushing in and the wind’s no longer fair,
You will need the boat to carry you zig zag across the waves.
And you will find out, after all, that you are strong and brave.

I Am The One That Jesus Loves

Picture via churchofjesuschrist.org

I am the one that Jesus loves;

The reason that He came.

He really wants me to choose Him,

And live with Him again.

I am the one that Jesus loves.

I am close to His heart.

He created the beauty of this Earth,

Of which I am a part.

I am the one that Jesus loves.

He sees the good in me.

He loves the person that I am

And who I’m meant to be.

I am the one that Jesus loves

And so I walk with Him.

I am the one that Jesus loves

I will live with Him again.

*I really believe that I am the one that Jesus loves -- and so are you!

I Praise My Creator

Picture by Kayli

I’ve watched clouds making patterns as they ride through the sky,

And felt soft summer breezes that hold memories of time.

I’ve held babies that came straight from heaven above,

And I’ve felt of Your goodness and basked in Your love.

I give praises to Thee for the beauty of Spring

And for birds flying by with the wind under wing.

There are rainbows in sunshine and the fresh smell of rain

And a hug from a friend that brings peace amidst pain.

I smell pine from the forest and hear water rush through.

Bees are buzzing on flowers in the fresh morning dew.

The mornings feel warm after winter is past

And we are thankful that Spring has arrived here at last.

Waves rush in with the foam riding high on their tips

Rushing high on the sand – taking back little bits

Of sea shells and rocks and some swirling sand

As I sit there in awe from a small piece of land.

The sea birds are diving and flying about

There is joy in the wind from a child’s happy shout.

Sail boats with majesty split through the waves,

And days at the beach are magical days.

In summer the sun rises high with the heat

And a cold glass of water is heaven to drink.

The flowers are blooming, the air smells of cut grass

And it’s good to take time to watch clouds flowing past.

The air starts to get cool as summer days wane

We praise thee for the sunshine, and also for rain.

There are loud claps of thunder after light splits the sky.

There are powerful winds that blow Autumn leaves by.

We hike through a forest and hear the leaves crunch.

We enjoy the nice weather and a great picnic lunch.

We harvest the fruit and the vegetables too.

In Fall there is always plenty to do.

There are hayrides and pumpkins and tasty fruit pie.

There is fresh apple cider, and friends walking by.

There are gathering where we express gratitude,

And a good thankful day always lifts up our mood.

The world slowly turns brown until winter is here

It’s the land’s time to rest from a bountiful year.

I’ve seen winter turn brown to a magical world

And I’ve stood there in awe at the beauty unfurled.

The darkness is long, but the fire is warm

And we celebrate the day that Jesus was born.

We use stars to count blessings, and keep family near

And we take time to listen and create with good cheer.

We play games with the family and with our friends too.

Sledding and skiing, outside things to do.

Then we wrap up in blankets and wear cozy socks

And enjoy quiet time to read, or just talk.

There is kindness and love. There is sorrow and pain.

There is joy in the journey. The light will shine again,

I praise my creator, the Lord Most High,

The Light and the Love of the Earth and the Sky.

He is Ruler of all, the King of the world.

The Creator of all of the beauty unfurled.

My Savior, Redeemer, my Helper and Friend.

I praise my Creator for His love that won’t end.

When...I Love You

I feel different every day and so it helps if I hear you say 

I love you. I love you. 

You are beautiful today. 

And when I cry it helps when you hold me close 

Whispering, 

I’m so sorry you are feeling sad. 

Remember crying does not make you bad. 

I love you. I love you. 

I’m so glad that you are mine. 

And when I laugh and you laugh too 

My joy is magnified by you. 

And when your words make me laugh along, 

I often feel like a happy song. 

I love you. I love you. 

Your smile helps me to find mine too. 

And when your life feels weighted down, 

And all you want to do is frown and be alone.

It helps if you come seek me out 

Just wanting me to be with you – alone, and quiet. 

Together.  United as you seek relief in your own way. 

As you walk by the place I am, 

I love when you reach out your hand and touch me softly 

To let me know that I am seen. 

This lets me know that you seek me, 

No matter where,

And that you care. 

When we walk together into a room, 

and I feel your hand on the small of my back, 

I close my eyes with pleasure, 

Feeling secure that you are there. With me. 

And that you claim me as yours. 

I make many mistakes and some hurt you, 

but I hope I say I’m sorry too! 

Then I hope to hear you say, 

I love you, I love you. 

I love you more each day 

And am really thankful you choose to stay. 

When you say I am sorry when you don’t get it right, 

I hear “I love you with all my might. 

You are Precious to me. 

My treasure. 

I love you.”

Grief

 Written for a friend

May 2018 in Salt Lake City

Grief

Grief can be so heavy

And so hard to bear

That it's odd when others

Cannot see it there.

Sometimes grief sinks down so deep

We think it's there to stay.

We wonder if we will

Be glad again one day.

Our loved ones are remembered,

And we miss them so.

We often feel hollow inside

No matter where we go.

Then one day through the darkness

A little light gets in.

And a little joy peaks through.

It will come again!

It goes away, then comes again

More quickly every day.

And you start to feel that peace

Until it's there to stay.

Our loved ones are remembered

And we miss them so,

But we carry happy memories

Everywhere we go.

And things they did that hurt us,

Or pains from long ago,

Are calmed by our dear Savior

Loving you more than you know.

And if some pain or sorrow

Rise up now and then.

You can pray to Father

And peace will come again.

The World Is Against Me?

Photo by sebastien rosset on Unsplash

The world is against me.  How do I know?

As I walked down the sidewalk I stubbed my toe.

Then I tripped on a branch.  Fell.  And skinned my knee.

And to top it all off I got stung by a bee!

I yelled really loudly and started to cry

And, of course, that is when a man walked by.

I was so embarrassed my face turned red

And I started to wish I had stayed in bed.

But I took a deep breath and wiped my face

And walked down the road at a slower pace.

The world is against me? No.  It's alright.

Things could be seen in a different light.

As I walked down the sidewalk I stubbed my toe

Which, just for a while, had me walking slow.

So when I got to the corner I saw a friend

Who when she saw me really grinned.

We had not talked in a few years,

And seeing her brought happy tears.

As I went on my way my eyes were wet

From seeing a friend I was glad I had met.

I did not see the branch that made me trip.

And I did skin my knee (but I didn't flip!).

And while on the ground I saw a flower

Growing up through the sidewalk -- amazing power!

I plucked it so I'd have a bit of Spring

To carry with me.  A happy thing!

Then I sniffed that flower, while failing to see

That right on the flower was a stinging bee!

I yelled in frustration and started to cry

And that is just when the man walked by.

I was embarrassed and turned really red

And I really did wish to be back in bed.

I wish I could say the man saved the day

But he really just chuckled and walked away.

I could see just enough to glare at his back.

Which was carrying on it a big back pack.

I happened to be headed the same way as him

And as I looked at the pack I started to grin.

For there on the top was a stinging bee

Looking just like the one that had gotten me.

Should I warn him or not?  I'll let you decide.

I just saw a friend I can ask for a ride.

The world is against me?  Maybe it's true.

Or maybe there are ups and downs in all we do.

We Go

I didn't know what to name the poem, or what poem worked with it
and so here is a random deer:-)

I smile, but the tears come

I laugh, though I'm blue

I cry, when I sit here

Thinking of you.

I walk, in the sunlight

I sit, in the dark

I hide, in the shadows

Inside my heart

Time passes, though slowly

It goes, yet it stays

My dreams, they don't help me

Through these long days

It's hard, when hard times come

It's good, when they don't

We live, and our life goes

Problems, they won't

We go, oft together

We go, times apart

We go, and I love you

With all my heart.