Faith of Our Pioneer Mothers

How could you do it Granny--leave your home
And ease and beauty, and across the loam
Of deserts push a handcart all the way?
"The voice of truth, my child, we must obey
And follow where it leads. It was not hard
For I had John, and we both loved the Lord--
John was your grandpa--and beneath my heart,
The miracle of life ... Joy can impart
A song to sun-cracked lips; ease weary feet."
Her eyes illumed, were reminiscent-sweet.
"We saw the Light ahead that does not fail."
Surely you faltered, Granny, on the trail
When Grandpa died? I paused--She smiled and said,
"My dear, God walked beside me in his stead."

The Improvement Era

Childhood Worship

I heard God's velvet footfalls in the grass
And felt His hands caress my golden hair.
I saw the shadow of an angel pass,
And breathed, in awe, the cool lark-anthemed air.
The greenness whistled, joy called everywhere.
By apple trees that showered petaled-snow,
I reached to Heaven and cried, "I know ... I know!"