How could they give all?  How could they lay it down?
Was it for crimes that they had done ~~~ or was it for a crown?

How could they die, so firm and sure  ~~~ without a shade of doubt?
Was it for show or spectacle?  Was their faith that stout?

How could they stand ~~~ enduring flame?  How could they face the sword?
Were they unfeeling, so reserved?  Were they not from this world?

If we but seek to truly know ~~~ If, as they, we see and hear
The Savior, as He died for us ~~~Is there anything we cannot bear?

(In praise to God, our Father; and in memory of those who died that we might have the Word of God, His truth, and the great salvation given through Jesus Christ, our Lord.)  Reblog – 10/30/11

                                                            Be Thou My Vision

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

 Be Thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

 Be Thou my battle shield, sword for the fight;
Be Thou my dignity, Thou my delight;
Thou my soul’s shelter, Thou my high tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O ruler of all.

                              Ancient Irish poem,  8^th Cen.                         David Evans 1927