The Sublime Roundabout

Some things wear out: Pencils Shoes Tires Clothes Some things go out of style: Hair styles Jewelry Fashion Philosophies Some things are cut down: Trees Grass Old buildings Pride Some things are worn down: Mountains Driveways Riverbanks Seat cushions Some things fade away: Sunsets Morning dews Old acquaintances Temporary acclaim But some things last forever: A child's laugh Love Peace Mercy They are not less precious because they last.

So... I know I said I wouldn't do this, but here's something that I've been thinking about this morning... Money is really not all it's cracked up to be. I mean, you have to have enough to pay for the things you need. You have to be able to provide well for your family, and building up a surplus is nice to help others around you. But I just don't think that it's the end all be all of human existence. I don't think there's anyone who thinks that it is. Not really anyway. But take a look at Lot. Lot and Abraham are living close together. Lot is Abraham's nephew, but they're really more like brothers and friends - they love each other like that. Abraham even goes to battle for Lot. There's a problem, though. They're both rich, and their cattle and servants are too crowded. So Abraham, out of a wise and generous heart, says - look, we're too good to fight about things. Let's divide up the land - you choose which side you wan...

I love this poem. Sometimes we all feel like the old violin... The Touch of the Master's Hand It was battered and scarred, And the auctioneer thought it hardly worth his while To waste his time on the old violin, but he held it up with a smile. "What am I bid, good people", he cried, "Who starts the bidding for me?" "One dollar, one dollar, Do I hear two?" "Two dollars, who makes it three?" "Three dollars once, three dollars twice, going for three," But, No, From the room far back a gray bearded man Came forward and picked up the bow, Then wiping the dust from the old violin And tightening up the strings, He played a melody, pure and sweet As sweet as the angel sings. The music ceased and the auctioneer With a voice that was quiet and low, Said "What now am I bid for this old violin?" As he held it aloft with its' bow. "One thousand, one thousand, Do I hear two?" "Two thous...

"...and with twain he did fly." Isaiah 6:2 Flown away home! To Celestial courts above Borne on wings of victory Carried by redeeming love Flown away home! Mighty hands to save To bless the mighty and weak Applying God's own salve Flown away home! To join the hosts of all To sing praises to the King To answer the heavenly call Flown away home! On angel wings ascending Ever seeking to the light Ever the faithful defending Flown away home! Though not far away Your love and legacy Shine brightly every day Flown away home! Crowned with glory While we strive to be Like you, great of story

This hymn makes me weep. My eyes have sought the lights of those who keep them bright along the shore to show me the way. God bless those righteous who have done so and helped guide me home to the safe harbor. They may never know how their lamps have shone brightly in the darkness, yet they have rescued my poor soul. Fervently 1. Brightly beams our Father’s mercy From his lighthouse evermore, But to us he gives the keeping Of the lights along the shore. [Chorus] Let the lower lights be burning; Send a gleam across the wave. Some poor fainting, struggling seaman You may rescue, you may save. 2. Dark the night of sin has settled; Loud the angry billows roar. Eager eyes are watching, longing, For the lights along the shore. 3. Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed, Trying now to make the harbor, In the darkness may be lost. Text and music: Philip Paul Bliss, 1838–1876

The Guest House This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they're a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond. ~ Rumi ~

Several months ago I wrote a post about the idea that capitalism had triumphed over communism. I would like to expound on that a bit this morning, based on a discussion I had with a good friend last night. I hope that my thoughts are clear and cogent. If you have any questions or different ideas I would be delighted to hear them. We were discussing the way the government and the economy interact. There are those who feel that the best government is the government which governs least. That is, the government exists to help ensure a level playing field, whatever that means at the time, and for the most part should limit itself to ensuring personal liberty and freedom. Others take the view that the government is independent of the economy - that the various vicissitudes that exist in an economy or market are beyond the control of the government and its actions. Still others view the government as the representation of the social contract we have made with each other. For example, we...

The first video is the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The next is Ammon playing an arrangement a couple of years ago. Sorry for the sound quality on the second video. Keep in mind - Ammon was eleven when the song was recorded... 1. Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love. 2. Here I raise my Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’ve come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and seal it; Seal it for Thy courts above. 3. Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, Prone to leave the God I love; Here's my heart, O take and se...

The Day is Done The day is done, and the darkness Falls from the wings of Night, As a feather is wafted downward From an eagle in his flight. I see the lights of the village Gleam through the rain and the mist, And a feeling of sadness comes o'er me That my soul cannot resist: A feeling of sadness and longing, That is not akin to pain, And resembles sorrow only As the mist resembles the rain. Come, read to me some poem, Some simple and heartfelt lay, That shall soothe this restless feeling, And banish the thoughts of day. Not from the grand old masters, Not from the bards sublime, Whose distant footsteps echo Through the corridors of Time. For, like strains of martial music, Their mighty thoughts suggest Life's endless toil and endeavor; And to-night I long for rest. Read from some humbler poet, Whose songs gushed from his heart, As showers from the clouds of summer, Or tears from the eyelids start; Who, through long days of labor, And nigh...

Some journey in the dark Beset and benighted with the cares of the world Some journey in ignorance Refusing to look up to the Source of Light Some walk backwards Confused about direction or aim or purpose or destination Some walk tangentially In a straight course, but not on target Some travel lightly Carrying only what they need Some travel with great burdens Having the world on their shoulders Some hold firm to the iron rod Able to withstand the inevitable buffets and darkness Some let go Finding themselves wandering without vision or foundation Some weather storms Resilient and strong and persevering Some fall victim Pierced with shafts in the whirlwind All are children Of the same Father Some overcome Some succumb For all this, his anger is not turned away But his hand is stretched out still.

O, the comfort -- the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, Having neither to weigh thoughts, Nor measure words -- but pouring them right out -- just as they are -- Chaff and grain together, Certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them -- Keep what is worth keeping -- And with the breath of kindness blow the rest away. -- Friendship, Dinah Craik Thank you, sweetheart, for being my best friend for these past 15 years. I love you more now than ever, and somehow I'll love you even more tomorrow. You are the best, the finest person I know, and I'm grateful to be your husband.

This is an oak tree. It lives about an hour from my house here in southeast Texas. Please look at the tree. You may click the picture to see a larger image. Notice its massive trunk. This tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old. The trunk is estimated to be 35' in circumference. That means if it were (God forbid) pushed over, the trunk by itself and at its narrowest point would be more than two stories tall. The trunk does not grow very tall before it starts to branch out, patiently supporting the branches, which in turn provide sustenance for the trunk. Now, please notice the branches. Some of these branches are bigger than most trees. The lower branches move out almost parallel to the ground, their massive weight belying the graceful arc they trace in the air. These branches look like they might move under strain. Believe me, except for under hurricane force winds - which this tree has experience many of, the branches do not move. Another tree closer to where I live h...

Grandpa died today. At about 2:30 this morning, my sweet grandfather finished his race. He'd fought the good fight and come out on top. And now, gathered in the mighty arms of the Savior, as well as other loved ones and friends, he enjoys the fruits of a life well lived. Grandpa was born in December 1929. This was at the very beginning of the Great Depression. Grandpa always asserted that his arrival had nothing to do with the economy... We know that's right. Grandpa never really ever had much of an impact on the economy... ;-) His family (which included nine children) lived in two World War I army surplus tents. His father was a kind of handyman - like most Cobabe men, he finds himself able to just about anything, and usually ends up having to - and plasterer. They had a small farm in Los Angeles County - I think it was in El Segundo, but it may have been Manhattan Beach. At any rate, grandpa said that they could see the Los Angeles City Building from his house. The idea...

In Korean, the honorific word for dying is 돌아가시다 (dora kashida). It means "to return." The implication is clear. We lived before we came here. We will live after we are gone. In fact, the process is a journey home - to the real home we've left and only just forgotten. I am fasting for Grandpa's speedy return home.

Note from Grandma: I can hardly write these words.But I want to tell all my friends and family that at this time my husband is under Hospice Care at the hospital and he is not expected to live more than a few days.Thank you for all your concern and prayers.It does not see real to me but I wanted you to know how much he has loved all of you .Someone will update info as it happens. Love to all .Mary

From my cousin Angela Hooper: Grandpa Cobabe I don't know if anyone from my family reads this (I don't know if anyone at all reads this actually) but I thought I would write a little today about my Grandpa Bill Cobabe. Man I love that guy! If you know him, you know he is in the hospital right now recovering from a massive stroke. This came just after he was sent home from the hospital after dealing with some heart issues. My mom told me that when when visited him in the hospital during the heart thing she said she wished all of the family could be with him. He replied that he didn't want everyone around because they would all think he was being a big baby. This man is one of the strongest men I know. I don't think anyone could ever think he was not being strong. Many times in my life I have been blessed to call him my grandpa. He gave me my blessing as a baby, he baptized me and confirmed me, he blessed me in high school when I was recovering from rape, he was a wit...

Para mi abuelo too alarming now to talk about take your pictures down and shake it out truth or consequence, say it aloud use that evidence race it around there goes my hero watch him as he goes there goes my hero he's ordinary don't the best of them bleed it out while the rest of them peter out truth or consequence, say it aloud use that evidence race it around kudos my hero leaving all the best you know my hero the one that's on

Grandpa had a big stroke on Saturday. He's not doing well. In the hospital and not looking like things are going to go well for him. Of course, in the final analysis, things ARE going well for him. He's set up his life, lived every day of his life, in such a way that when the end comes he's not worried about it at all. Grandpa has never been stressed about much in his life. He's got an attitude for life that is equal parts optimism, love, and fun. I don't think I've ever heard him complain. Ever. Not even once. His greatest love in his life is his wife. My sweet grandmother, Mary Lee Norris Cobabe, is the very light of his life. Seeing how he's loved her, how he's treated her and been patient, loving, and deferential to her, has set a standard for me to look to in my life. He's treated her like the queen she is, holding her hand and walking with her through life like a companion and friend. He is absolutely gentle and kind. He loves everyone. I...

This one reminds me of my dad... We'd listen to oldies while we drove around in the old Toyota pickup out to his jobs. He'd crank it when this one came on. I came to appreciate the Michigan winters and the storms that would blow up out of nowhere when my wife and I lived there for a while. Beautiful place, but also very cold and heartless in the winter...

Sam looked at his watch and then at the sun. Always, that blazing, glaring sun. He'd lived in the desert long enough to hate the sun. Even when he'd lived in Florida, the sun was not as relenting here as in the desert. The sun beat down like the very drumsticks of God Himself, or perhaps even better, God's hammer beating on His anvil... He remembered that scene from Lawrence of Arabia where Lawrence goes back for the man who'd fallen from his camel. The man was stranded on a vast, white playa with no water. The temperatures out there could - and did - reach 120 degrees. No shade. No hills. No water. No nothing - just the sun and the glaring white of the alkali flats reaching on in all directions forever. Lawrence was able to go back and rescue the man, in spite of all odds against both Lawrence and the man. The playa was called "God's Anvil"... Later in the movie Lawrence ended up shooting the man he'd risked his own life to save. Strange tho...

I got introduced to Kalai from my good friend Joseph Smith. I really enjoy his bluesy, acoustic style. His voice is smooth and inviting, comforting. This is one of his more popular songs - one that's been around a while but still speaks to my soul... Pretty lady on my mind got me gone again She tells me it's all in a line and I'm on again But I won't worry I'll be free - yeah I'll be the only child of the love I see ( chorus ) I've been known to take my time I've been told that I'm alright I don't know if I'm your kind All I know is that you are On my mind I live a life that others live but I'm far away I play the cards you roll the dice and we'll play the game And If I win I'll sweetly say - yeah Anna, you missed the moon today ( chorus ) All my energies All my lazy days Keep remindin' me Yhat you go on and on and You're on my mind The darkness falls the shadows break and the dawn returns And ...

I know 'cos I've seen it It was great and I want it There's no point in sitting Going crazy on my own Do you know what I was put here in this world for Could you tell me In three words or more It's the only way of getting out of here It's the only way of getting out of here Take a lesson >From the ones who have been there My brain is not damaged But in need of some repair Hold on to the basics But we can change all our tactics There's no point in sitting Going crazy on my own It's the only way of getting out of here It's the only way of getting out of here This is the modern way Of faking it everyday And taking it as we come And we're not the only ones Is that what we used to say This is the modern way I know where I'm going And that we are in the knowing And I will stop at nothing Just to get what I want It's the only way of getting out of here It's the only way of getting out of here This is the modern...

134-Year-Old Man Attributes Longevity To Typographical Error - The Onion

Today I read in Alma about Alma and Amulek's experience with the apostate people in the city of Ammonihah. After some discussion, there were a few who were righteous and who believed the words of Alma and Amulek and began to repent. The men were chased off, their wives and children were burned. Alma and Amulek were brought to the place and forced to watch the slaughter. Amulek couldn't bear to watch and asked if they ought not to stretch out their hands using the power of God to halt the torture. But the Spirit told Alma that he should not do it. The reasons he gave were that, 1. God received the righteous to Himself in glory; and, 2. that the judgments of God which were shortly to come upon the people living in Ammonihah would be justified by their evil actions. It is difficult for me to understand this. I think it is difficult for anyone to understand why people must suffer, even die. It seems so unfair, so absolutely wrong. Those of us who genuinely want to do what is ...

When I started out writing my thoughts about Revelation, I did not intend it to be in twelve parts. But it seems appropriate. :-) Chapter 22 starts with the vision of the crystal clear waters, pure and clean, the waters of life, which proceed from the throne of God. This is very much the same as the waters mentioned in Ezekiel 47. There, Ezekiel is shown the waters that would come forth from the temple in Jerusalem and heal the Dead Sea. My favorite phrase in that chapter related to the water is "waters to swim in." God's love and mercy are like that. His love and truth and goodness are so full, so healing, so real that they literally and figuratively buoy us up. I wish to swim in the waters of His love forever. On the banks of the river is the tree of life, with twelve varieties of fruits which come on each month. The leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Verse four is interesting. First off, we learn that we can become worthy to see the face of Go...

What's in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet. - Romeo and Juliet Honor your fathers and your mothers. Honor the names that you bear, because some day you will have the privilege and the obligation of reporting to them (and to your Father in heaven) what you have done with their name. - George Albert Smith My name is Fredrick William Cobabe, III. I am named for my father and for my grandfather. I have always been proud of my name, proud that I shared it with men of such character. I know that as men we are fallible, that we have faults and weakness. But I have come to understand that weaknesses are given for us to overcome, like the enemy that they are - the enemy of our peace, of our happiness, of our eternal progression. God gives us these weaknesses so that we can be strong. Some of these weaknesses are spiritual, mental, or psychological. Others are physical. Last night grandpa had a heart attack. He's in the hospital rig...

Today I read in chapters 20 and 21. These great chapters describe the millennial reign of the Lord. in chapter 20, Satan is bound. We know that Satan is not bound physically, or even metaphorically. Symbolically speaking, though, he is bound because of the righteousness of the people. He simply will not have any power to tempt them. Verse three mentions that he will not have power to deceive nations. Satan's deceptions are great, and he works best in darkness. Thus, to chase away darkness we must seek to the light. One of my companions on my mission taught me that all of the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light from one candle. I must let my light shine to the world, bringing what light I can, to illuminate those who need light. As we share light with each other, our own light and perception are enhanced. Chapter 20 ends with the judgement of the world. People are judged out of things that are written in books available to the Lord, including the book of life. The ...

The order came down From the highest source Obeying the cowards In the land of the free and the home of the brave Those who were taken Were those who looked different Those who threatened The land of the free and the home of the brave They were taken from homes From farms and from jobs How could this happen In the land of the free and the home of the brave At the point of a gun Forcibly removed To live in camps In the land of the free and the home of the brave The camps were named Topaz and Manzanar and Tule Lake and Heart Mountain Pretty names for desolate places In the land of the free and the home of the brave Tens of thousands were relocated Sato and Yasui and Korematsu And Hirabayashi From the land of the free and the home of the brave Guilty of no crime Except their last names And where their parents were born; Not the land of the free and the home of the brave Their sons went to war In the 422nd - Go For Broke Twenty-one Congressional Medal o...

Today's reading was in Revelation 17 through 19. It starts out with a depiction of Babylon. One of the seven angels which held the seven vials comes to John and shows him the great whore. The symbolism in this chapter is virtually unmistakable. Not only is it vivid and clear by itself, but we are given specific details as to the meanings of the symbols. To begin with, the whore sits upon many waters. A whore is someone who sells virtue and purity and chastity for money. The value of this virtue is only what the market will bear. Thus, things of a sacred nature become a commodity to be bought and sold, usually to the highest bidder. That which is beautiful and pure and special becomes cheap and tawdry and mundane. This is symbolic of the churches of the world who sell sacred religious rites for money, power, or influence. While this has been associated with one particular church in the past, to me it indicates any organization (even secular ones) that sell or barter or trade i...

Sometimes what goes around comes around. Instant Karma IS going to get you. Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you right on the head You better get yourself together Pretty soon you're gonna be dead What in the world you thinking of Laughing in the face of love What on earth you tryin' to do It's up to you, yeah you Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna look you right in the face Better get yourself together darlin' Join the human race How in the world you gonna see Laughin' at fools like me Who on earth d'you think you are A super star Well, right you are Well we all shine on Like the moon and the stars and the sun Well we all shine on Ev'ryone come on Instant Karma's gonna get you Gonna knock you off your feet Better recognize your brothers Ev'ryone you meet Why in the world are we here Surely not to live in pain and fear Why on earth are you there When you're ev'rywhere Come and get your sh...

33 How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. Doctrine and Covenants Section 121 24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. Doctrine and Covenants Section 50 The dews from heaven Gradually accumulate Collecting slowly In the early morning light Not full sunshine yet Not fully light But enough to see this miracle Gradually unfolding The dew becomes droplets The droplets become tiny rivulets Sliding down blades of grass Dripping onto the ground below Gathering into puddles and streams Flowing into mighty rivers Just as the sun Rising in the east Shines over the face of the e...

So... This section (chapters 14 through 16) was today's reading. Chapter 14 includes language that I really like (in verse two) regarding the voice of the Lord. It says here (and in other places) that the Lord's voice is as the rushing of many waters. I like that a lot, because the rushing of water - as in over rapids or in a fast-moving stream - has always appealed to me. It is at once powerful and soothing, constantly in motion but smooth and steady. When I hear the voice of the Lord, I hope that I recognize it as the voice of many waters... Besides, Christ is the Fountain of all righteousness. He is the Source of living waters. And His words heal all, making clean and pure that which had become sullied and trammeled. Verse five speaks of being found without guile. Guile means trickery or deceitful cunning. Thus, to be found without guile means to be found with pure motive, with honest intent, and with clear actions that are beyond reproach. This is further expounded in...

Ooh you make me live Whatever this world can give to me It's you you're all I see Ooo you make me live now honey Ooo you make me live Ooh you're the best friend that I ever had I've been with you such a long time You're my sunshine and I want you to know That my feelings are true I really love you Oh you're my best friend Ooo you make me live Ooh I've been wandering round But I still come back to you In rain or shine You've stood by me, girl I'm happy, happy at home You're my best friend Ooo you make me live Whenever this world is cruel to me I got you to help me forgive Ooo you make me live now honey Ooo you make me live You're the first one When things turn out bad You know I'll never be lonely You're my only one And I love the things I really love the things that you do You're my best friend Ooo you make me live I'm happy at home You're my best friend Oh ya Oh you're my best ...