Being Me

by Cheryl Merrick

Looking through others' eyes,
I tried to be as they saw me:
"sweet little Sherry"
endlessly giving love and support;
the ever "busy homemaker"
rushing around nurturing everyone;
or the "friendly neighbor"
chatty and helpful.

Continuing my act,
I'd push myself 
trying so hard to make myself into
what I thought others wanted and needed;
till, exhausted, my facade falls away
revealing a sensitive idealist
who thrives in those quiet moments
when I touch the heavens
and feel its power directing my words. 

Focused

by Cheryl Merrick

Focused on what
is eternally important,
Listening to the Spirit,
I walk on the path
leading home. 

Course Correction

by Cheryl Merrick

Pressured, just responding
to others demands,
I struggled through each day
trying to carve out a place
 for myself in society
as a respected teacher and
responsible church leader

 Living a half life,
     foggy, tired, and confused,
I finally collapsed.

Choosing My Day

by Cheryl Merrick

When I choose to do the “normal” things,
the leaden hours crawl
filled with accomplishing endless details,
Til stumbling through the gray fog,
head and body aching,
I at last welcome the oblivion of sleep.

Choosing instead to listen to inspiration,
I eagerly begin my day with writing and study.
Later, I help people who write into LDS.org ,
send email support to others,
and do family history work.
A little exercise, house work,
and visiting round out the day.
Having accomplished what matters most to me,
when the day comes to a close,
I contentedly slip into the world of dreams.

Changing Rules

by Cheryl Merrick

I never thought
I changed rules;
I just solved problems.

Armed with principles,
I design solutions
and simply don’t allow
“shoulds” to stop me.

Carrots and Daisies

by Cheryl Merrick

Desiring peace and beauty,
I plant a garden of daisies.

Why then am I surprised
to find no carrots?

Advantages of Limiting Details

by Cheryl Merrick

Better Companion, Mother, & Friend
Happier All Day
More Loving and Receptive to Spirit
Manage Home Better
Think, Understand, & Remember  better
Handle few details better; more efficient
Plan Better
Feel Better - more energy

A New World

by Cheryl Merrick

Blessed to have my forward momentum
stopped,
I’m shown a new way,
where my energies will no longer be scattered
in mere responding to others.
With a new sense of purposeful leadership,
I enter a new world.
In this place filled with thoughts,
my keen mind roams solving problems
and my spirit soars to inspire.
Here I can effectively help others progress,
At last,  I’ve found a world
where I feel welcome.

Safely Held

by Cheryl Merrick

Inspiration recorded
Insights cherished
Light to illuminate the path
Lessons to remember
Action to implement
Changes to make
Gratitude expressed
Hope kindled

All safely held
in words.

9/17/07

Published!

by Cheryl Merrick

Excitedly, I gaze on my story.
There, printed in the Ensign,
is the story of my first experience
as a college student with
family prayer.

I wonder will it inspire someone?
Will sharing my experience
help their life to be better?

Having the privilege
to be a part of an intern project article
written by a BYU ward member
has made this fifth time to be published
something extra special.

Poem Writing

by Cheryl Merrick

Conduit for inspiration
Journal for thoughts
Closure for feelings

Voice of intuition
Expression of creativity
Anvil of ideas

Gift opened and shared

Meditation

by Cheryl Merrick

Each morning,
during those still and quiet moments
when I sit down to write a poem,
a door opens,
Allowing me to discover my thoughts,
and receive revelation
from my Heavenly Father.

As ideas and feelings
flow into my soul,
They fill me with light,
To guide me through my day.

Like Stew

by Cheryl Merrick

Like Stew
a poem
needs to
aged for a
day or two

Insights

by Cheryl Merrick

Inspiration
in poetic form

Recorded
and acted upon

Law of the Harvest

by Cheryl Merrick

Sowing love
Gathering friendship

Simplifying home
Discovering peace

Living carefully
Enjoying health

Pondering scriptures
Feeling His presence

Keeping covenants
Receiving blessings

Planting principles
Harvesting inspiration

Picking Fruit

by Cheryl Merrick

When the day is still fresh and new
and the sun glows softly,
before mundane thoughts
muddy spiritual hopes
and divert us from the eternal path
of light and truth,
In those quiet moments
inspiration can best be heard.
This is the time
to pluck and savor the fruit
from the Tree of Life.

Peace

by Cheryl Merrick

Feeling His love,
Seeking His wisdom,
Listening to His counsel,
Following His example,

She trusts her life to
His protecting care,
and walks confidently
into the darkness
Knowing He will guide
her home again.

Direction

by Cheryl Merrick

Like a tailless kite,
or a needle-less compass,
a morning with out meditation
lacks direction.

New Assignment

by Cheryl Merrick

Determined not to
give into a doubtful heart,
I begin my Church Service
Missionary assignment.

Cheerfully I open the
first feedback on LDS. org.
Filled with peace and surprise,
I exclaim, “I can answer that!”

As I continue,
I find myself just knowing
where to find information
on the website.

Light Bearer

by Cheryl Merrick

Its source lies within.
Born from quiet moments
and deep reflection.
Nourished by hours
of pondering and prayer.
Energized by intense feeling.
Guided by true principles
and focused upon eternal goals,
The strength of faith glows,
producing a light
to guide safely home.