Poem - God's Lent Child

In loving memory of

Sister Camilia Maria Cross

18 February 1992 - 19 August 2010

I'll lend you for a little while, a child of Mine, God said.

For you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she's dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.

But will you till I call her back, take care of her for Me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,

You'll have her lovely memories, as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call this lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known, will ever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

~Edgar L Guest~

The beautiful poem above was shared by President Sanders during the funeral service of Sister Camilia this afternoon.

Poem - Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't

already have everything you desire.
If you did,

what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you

opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those

who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,

and they can become your blessings.

--Author Unknown

Poem - Don't Quit

When things go wrong as they sometimes will;

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;

When the funds are low, and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but have to sigh;

When care is pressing you down a bit-

Rest if you must, but do not quit.

Success is failure turned inside out;

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;

And you can never tell how close you are

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-

It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.

--Author Unknown