The Silent Years

The Songs of Zion began to come forth in 1976. In 1988, after #109, “Won’t It Be Pretty There In Early Spring” came forth, there was a space of fifteen years where no songs were given. Before the gift of the songs resumed in 2004, experiences began to come forth regarding their return, of which I will relate a few now.

My daughter, Sis. Becky Tarbuk had a dream as follows: “It seemed like my mother had been away for a long time and someone was questioning her. My mother held out her arms in which she had a large basket by the handles and smiling she said, “Come and see, come and see now!”

God had also revealed dreams, that the fifteen year period between the songs was referred to as “the silent years” as spoken of in song #67, The Homecoming Song, where it says, “and faintly flows some sweet refrain to break the silent years, Oh Father can that song be hers, (Israel’s) I cannot see for all the tears.”

We also see, at this time, how the Seed of Joseph are taking hold of The Songs of Zion and cherish them.

I believe, as was shown in a vision, that the first 109 songs were an introduction to Zion, as is stated in #86, “The Latter Day Theme, “…Introducing with pleasure, the blest Latter Day Theme.” The new songs from #110 to the present speak more to the fulfillment of Zion and the latter day glory.

Sis. Arlene Buffington

*Note: We recently discovered that the four hundred years between the Old Testament and the New Testament are also referred to as “The Silent Years.”

110 I’m Taking My Harp From the Green Willow Tree (Psalms 137:1-4)

I’m taking my journey, I’ve waited so long, I’m taking my dream and I’m taking my song; I’m taking my freedom, I have to be free, And I’m taking my harp from the green willow tree.

No longer require me, this captive a song, With Bab’lon behind me, I’m running along; The music from heaven, It’s running with me, And I’m taking my harp from the green willow tree.

They took us for captives, required of us mirth, We wept while we waited for signs of the birth; A nation is budding, at last I can see, And I’m taking my harp from the green willow tree.

So come every free man, the passage is clear, Our Father from heaven, He’s taking us there; I’m singing with angels, they’re singing with me, And I’m taking my harp from the green willow tree.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington April 15, 2004

Thursday, April 15, 2004 Brother Bob Buffington was leaving to pick up Brother Jim Moore for conference and I was in the back bedroom. The Lord gave me a thought, “It is time to take down the harps.” It reminded me of the Psalm in the beginning of the Songs of Zion book:

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us One of the Songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” -Psalm 137:1-4

I felt the Lord was saying it is time to take down our harps, to sing again and to move along. In Babylon, the children of Israel were mocked and made fun of. They were told to sing the Songs of Zion, but they couldn’t sing them in a strange land. It has been 15 years since the last song was given and many times it has been hard to sing the songs because it felt like we were in a strange land.

I ran out to sing the first verse to Brother Bob before he left for conference. Then the Lord gave me the rest of the song. As I was writing, it felt like angels were singing with me.

“By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; And they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us One of the Songs of Zion. How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land?” -Psalm 137:1-4

111 None Can Bring This Kingdom Down

Wake the earth and rouse the nations, Let the bells herald the sound: Midst the war a kingdom rises, Midst the ruins a city found

Many men have tried to build her, Many more to tear her down: Neither war nor any nation, Ere can bring this kingdom down.

Hear the rumbling in the distance, As the warplanes leave the ground; Jesus Christ alone can save us, For His kingdom we are bound.

Blow the trumpet Christ is coming, To his kingdom here on earth; Precious nation, precious baby, Ring the bells, proclaim the birth.

Chorus: From the dust and from the ashes, Rise majestic from the ground; Nations fall and cities crumble, None can bring this kingdom down.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

April 29, 2004 (exactly 2 weeks later) A day or so before April 29th, I knew the Lord was about to give another song. The words were going over and over in my mind. If I lay down, I could hear the words. Then on April 29th, the Lord gave me all of the words and the music. The song is majestic and sounds like a national anthem. You don’t know if you should stand up and salute or what! I heard trumpets at the beginning of the song where it states “Wake the earth” and also where it says “Midst the war”.

When you hear music from heaven, you can’t really describe it. It just astounds you.

112 They Can’t Burn the Flag on Zion’s Mountain

Morning breaks to burn away the blackness, And music breaks to burn away the fear; While angels smile to see the scene before them, And singing breaks the silence in the air.

Nothing shines as bright as Zion’s mountain, And nothing stands as high as Zion’s hill; And all that enter leave their tears behind them, Where nothing hurts and nothing ever will.

There’s no joy that’s greater than is found there, And there’s no love that’s greater any where; No trembling hands nor feeble knees are found there, No blessings greater than the blessings there.

Chorus: And they can’t burn the flag on Zion’s mountain, And they can’t take that city on the hill; And they can’t dim the light that shines around her, For all that God has promised He’ll fulfill.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

June 11, 2004 About 14 years prior to this, the words were given to me “They can’t burn the flag on Zion’s mountain and they can’t take the city on the hill”. It was just after the Lord gave “Won’t It Be Pretty There in Early Spring”, although I do not have the exact date. I filed the words with other experiences from the Lord and forgot about it. I was in the middle of a huge cleaning project on June 11th when the words were brought back to my mind by the Spirit of God. I felt there was a song coming, so I picked up my pen and paper and sat down at my dining room table. As soon as I sat down the chorus and then the first verse and the music were given.

Three days before this song was given (on a Wednesday), I felt all day that a song was coming forth. We had our Fasting and Prayer meeting and after the meeting, Brother Dan Buffington came to me and said that I would be receiving a song. He had seen a white sheet of paper gently floating down from Heaven and he knew it was a song. The feeling I had when I knew a song was going to be given is much like when you know someone is in the room before you actually see them. You just know.

When I was given this song, the Lord used the word ‘blackness’ in one of the verses. Instead of using that word, I thought I would soften the message for our people and substituted the word ‘darkness’ in its place. A few days later, I came to realize that the word ‘blackness’ was the one that needed to be contained within this song. I immediately called Brother Dan Buffington who was typing a copy for me and asked him to correct the wording. When he did this, he heard a woman’s voice say, “I’ve never seen a night as black as this”, words given to me years ago in a poem entitled “The Mother’s Prayer.”

113 Arise and Weep No More

Oh, Israel, my lovely child, My nation born this day; All wood and hay and stubble burn, And take the dross away.

Oh, Ephraim dear, my pleasant child, Arise and weep no more; The beauty that thy land has lost, Thy Father will restore.

The stone that brought the image down, Has rolled to Zion’s shore; The towers that the wicked build, Alas shall be no more.

How beautiful is Eden’s land, This garden of the Lord; The prophets wrote of its return, And we believed God’s word.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

July 4, 2004 (Sunday evening in church) We sang #106 “Set Her Free” and knelt to pray. While Brother Jim Moore was praying, the words were given to me, “Oh Israel, my lovely child, my nation born this day, All wood and hay and stubble burn and take the dross away.” I wrote down the words and was going to keep it to myself and wait on the Lord, however, while Brother Dan Buffington was preaching, I kept looking at these words and was thinking that as soon as I get home, I will look up the word “dross”. Brother Dan read from Isaiah Chapter 1:22-25

Brother Dan proceeded to tell an experience he had concerning wood, hay and stubble. God was going to burn or take it away. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and I asked him to please repeat what he had said. He repeated the scripture and the experience. Then I knew that the Lord wanted me to tell the words he had given me. I said I did not know if this was a song or a confirmation of the preaching. While I was trying to speak, the power of the Lord was so strong upon me, that I had to sit down several times before I was able to finish relating the experience.

Then I heard the words, “The stone that rolled”. Brother Jim Moore got up and said that he just wanted to read a few verses about the stone that rolled and hit the image at the feet. He read from Daniel chapter 2 concerning King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

I was stunned when this was being read. The little stone is Zion and it will fill the earth. Brother Jim was so weak from the spirit of God that he had to sit down after reading these few verses.

When I went home after the meeting and was changing my clothes, the music filled the room. The next day we had a picnic and nothing more came forth. I told the Brothers, Sisters and Elders we would have to wait upon the Lord.

Tuesday, July 6, 2004, I was talking with Sister Carolyn Gehly, and she mentioned how during Sunday School, the thought that we need to stay focused on the little stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands kept going through her head. After hearing her say that, I told her what had been given. After speaking to her the second verse was given to me.

Brother Dan Buffington called because he had received a fax from Sister Donna Amormino with a draft of “They Can’t Burn the Flag on Zion’s Mountain”. As I was getting in my car to pick it up, the words “The towers that the wicked build, alas shall be no more” were given to me. “Alas” was a word I had heard, but never used and I was unsure of the meaning. When I looked it up, I found it to mean an exclamation of sorrow; pity. After receiving these words, I continued on to pick up Sister Margaret and went to Brother Dan’s home. I sang the verses I had to them.

When I went home I sat at my table and prayed to the Lord. I did not know how all of this would fit together. I didn’t know if I had been given one or two or maybe three songs. I prayed to the Lord, “I am getting older, Lord; you need to help me understand.” As soon as I finished praying, the Lord made everything clear, he gave me all of the words and the music.

It became clear to me that the first verse is about destruction, the second about the beauty the land lost being restored, the third about the stone that hit the image and the towers the wicked build, alas will be no more and the last about the land being like the Garden of Eden.

“Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water.” -Isaiah 1:22

“And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin.” -Isaiah 1:25

“Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof is sure.” -Daniel 2:45 114 The Lord Will Lead With A Very High Hand (Exodus 14:8, Numbers 33:3)

Come children to the Promised Land, Fear not, the Lord has a very high hand; And He leads His children carefully, Past the army that rides and thru the raging sea.

Come children to the promised land, The Lord will lead with a very high hand; And He sees the ones who’ve broken the backs, Of the weary ones and He marks their tracks.

Come children to the promised land, You’ll leave this day with a very high hand; And the army that rides shall melt away, And they’ll know the God of Israel lives this day.

Come children to the Promised Land, You’ll see this day God’s very high hand; As He did back then in a day long past, He’ll bring His children home now again at last.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

August 22, 2004 Before I went to church Sunday morning, the words of the first verse were given to me. I wrote them down and waited to see in church if there was a confirmation. In preaching, Brother Jim Moore said, “God leads us like little children” (as in the third line of the song “He leads His children carefully”). I felt a blessing in this and that afternoon the second and third verses were given. I knew there would be 1 more verse, but didn’t know what it was. I prayed about it and Sunday night I dreamed I was writing a new song about God making bare His arm. So when I awoke, I thought maybe the last verse would be about that, but nothing was given on Monday. I just prayed, “Lord, I’m going to put it out of my mind and wait on you.” Tuesday morning, I had an appointment and was driving there when all of a sudden the Spirit of God fell upon me and the last verse was given and then the music; the timing first and then the melody. This song does not mention God making bare His arm in those words, but when God delivers His people, He will surely “BARE HIS ARM”.

“Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; But, the Lord liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them; and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.” -Jeremiah 16: 14 and 15

“Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.” -Exodus 15:15

“And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh King of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with an high hand.” -Exodus 14:8

“And they departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the morrow after the Passover the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians.” -Numbers 33:3 115 There’s A God In Israel (II Kings 5:15)

There’s a God in Israel, say have you heard, There’s a God in Israel, oh spread the word; There’s a healing stream there where the broken mend, There’s a jubilee morning where the dark nights end.

There’s a beautiful city called Jerusalem, Where the builders are building her walls again; And they shimmer like silver, and they glisten like gold, When the morning light finds them so the story is told.

There’s a God in Israel, friend, come with me, They say His arm is moving and I want to go see; There’s a city rejoicing and they’re singing I hear, There’s a latter day gathering and I want to go there.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

August 30, 2004 Brother Bob Buffington was preaching on August 29, 2004 from II Kings 5:15 and the Spirit spoke to me the first three lines of the song which I wrote down on an envelope I had in my purse. Monday morning upon awakening, the complete song was given with the music. This has a country sound. It will be beautiful with our little band. The music is so pretty.

“And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel; now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.” -II Kings 5:15

116 The New Jerusalem (Jeremiah 31:12, Hosea 2:18)

Hear the crying of the thousands And then of ten thousands more, But the crying is for gladness And the teardrops are for joy; And they’re running to that city Called the New Jerusalem, Where the gates swing wide and welcome All the weary travelers in.

There’s a dawning like no other There’s a brightness like the sun, There’s a meadow filled with flowers Where the little children run; And where God has made a covenant So the animals lie down, And all eyes are filled with wonder At the scene upon the ground.

There’s a full and watered garden There’s a free and flowing stream, And the beauty of the morning Is like a lingering dream; Where the Lord has washed the mountains With the early morning dew, But it will not fade nor vanish For the prophecy is true.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

September 11, 2004 I just walked into my bedroom to get something and the Spirit of God fell upon me. I began to sing this song and I wrote it down. The words and music were given at the same time.

“Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd; and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.” -Jeremiah 31:12

“And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” -Hosea 2:18

117 Maybe I’m A Dreamer (Genesis 37:19 “And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh.”)

Joseph was a dreamer So many years ago, All the dreams he dreamed they say Perhaps we’ll never know; But I see Joseph coming Thru the fields and thru the streams And running to that mountain home I’ve pictured in my dreams.

Maybe I’m a dreamer But could this be the day, Maybe I’m a dreamer Did I dream or someone say, That God has reached from Heaven With a firm but gentle hand, To lead his little children to This dear and promised land.

Many say it’s coming In a hundred years or so, Many say don’t worry child You’ll never get to go; But I see brilliant colors On the hills and on the flow’rs, And oh what joy unspeakable While dreaming many hours.

Chorus: Ah, but maybe I’m a dreamer But I see mountain tops Ah. Maybe I’m a dreamer But the dreaming never stops: And maybe I’m a dreamer But the valleys look so green But only God can bring about The things that I have seen

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

September 26, 2004 Brother Eugene and Sister Donna Amormino had been here teaching “The New Songs of Zion” in the Imperial Branch. They left our home Sunday afternoon to return home to Detroit. After they left, I was going to run off a tape of the teaching meeting. All of a sudden, the thought came to me how many times it is said, “Mount Zion is not really a mountain, it’s a greater height of righteousness”. Then, the Spirit of God fell upon me so greatly and I began to sing “Maybe I’m a Dreamer, but I see mountain tops…etc.” The whole chorus, the 2nd and 3rd verses and the melody were given. I was overcome with the Spirit and I felt the Lord saying, “There will be mountains and there will be valleys.” I read the words of the chorus and the 2nd and 3rd verses to the Branch that evening. I felt there would be one more verse and it would be about Joseph of old (the dreamer), but I didn’t tell it. Then, Brother Dan Buffington got up and began to read about Joseph, and I felt it was confirmed. After coming home from the meeting, the Spirit of God fell upon me again, and the words to the first verse about Joseph were given. It was 9:30pm. It made the song complete. 118 Joy Cometh In The Morning (Psalm 30:5 “…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”)

Joy cometh in the morning When the night has passed away, Joy cometh like the dewdrops At the dawning of the day; And it cometh when the angels come To join our lowly band, And the sweetest music ever heard Will echo thru the land,

Joy cometh when the sound of Weeping’s heard not anymore, Joy cometh when our spirits rise Like eagles when they soar; And it cometh when the sons of God Go out to preach to men, And the scattered tribes dispersed so long At last are gathered in.

Joy cometh when all nature Rises up to join the song, Joy cometh when the children Leave their play to sing along; And it cometh when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ appears, And the lovely singing fills the earth And lasts one thousand years.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

November 27, 2004 After October 2004 General Church Conference, I had company in my home and we were singing “The New Songs of Zion” when the spirit spoke to me, “Joy cometh in the morning when the night has passed away.” I wrote down just that one line as that was all that was given at that time. The amazing thing is that I was given the music to the whole song one month prior to this and I had been humming the melody over and over for a month until NOVEMBER 27th, when the spirit of God fell upon me and revealed to me all of the words of the three verses. The wonderful thing was when the words were given there was a note waiting for each word and syllable. The scripture that goes with it, Psalm 30:5, is so beautiful.

119 To Keep the Gospel Pure

We’re waiting on the promises And standing on the principles, While seeing all the prophecies Unfolding at our door; We’re walking paths our fathers trod The many years they walked with God, While doing all we can today To keep the Gospel pure.

We’re watching every day and hour While praying for God’s grace and power, That with His help we will endure Knowing His word is sure; Believing that we will survive By keeping hope and joy alive, While doing all we can today To keep the Gospel pure.

We’re dreaming of a better day When sin and sorrow flee away While knowing that our vision’s sure And in God’s care secure, Retaining our identity Until the day our land is free While doing all we can today To keep the Gospel pure.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Friday, December 24, 2004 4:30am Brother Dan Buffington had the following dream: I dreamed that there was a lot of excitement about a new Song of Zion coming forth. Many of us were waiting. A man dressed in white appeared unto me and handed me a white sheet of paper. I knew it was a new song. I looked at the man that appeared to me and noticed his hair was white as well. In the dream, I said to myself, “I do not know him”. A voice spoke to me and said, “They are as the angels of God”. (III Nephi 28:30) I looked at the white sheet of paper that was given to me and it looked like old parchment. I noticed oil dripping off the paper on to the white shirt I was wearing. I said, “What is this?” A voice then spoke to me and said, “Even as the oil ran down Aaron’s beard”. (Psalm 133: 1-3). This was the end of the dream.

Friday, December 24, 2004 4:45am Brother Dan Buffington had the following vision: While thinking about the dream I was given, I had a vision. Brother James Moore, Sr. and Sister Eva Moore appeared to me. Brother James Moore, Sr. spoke to me and said, “Hold on to the teachings that you have received. If any man teach you anything else, do not believe them”. They smiled at me and they were gone. Brother James Moore, Sr. and Sister Eva Moore looked to be in their twenties or thirties. They both had dark hair. Brother Jim was wearing a black suit with a white shirt. Upon receiving these two experiences, I was instructed to get up and write them down. I was told that there are those who are waiting for them.

Sunday, December 26, 2004 During our Sunday evening meeting, while my brother Jim Moore was preaching, I heard timing coming. It’s hard to explain, but I could hear the timing and I was humming along with it quietly to myself. The first four lines of the song came to me: “We’re waiting on the promises, and standing on the principles, while seeing all the prophecies, unfolding at our door.” That was all that was given on Sunday evening, but Monday morning the entire song and melody were given. The spirit of God revealed to me the entire song. I believe this song goes along with the previous experience our daughter Sister Becky Tarbuk had concerning keeping our identity: Not partaking of other doctrines and other spirits and bringing them into our church.

120 Run Children Run

Run children run, a table is preparing, Run children run, a wond’rous feast to share; The night was blind but morning sees more clearly The Lord Himself awaits your presence there.

Run children run, while angels’ arms surround you, Run children run, your safety is assured; A cloud by day and fire by night around you, To take you to the breakfast of the Lord.

Run children run, a brighter day is calling, Run children run, a dawning so arrayed; With golden streams of heaven’s beauty shining, And perfect joy the prophecies portrayed.

Run children run, no fire nor foe can hinder, Run children run, be quickly on your way; Leave all the tears and broken dreams behind you, A thousand years of joy begins today.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, January 30, 2005 After our Sunday evening meeting we were all downstairs for refreshments. The Spirit spoke to me just these few words, “run, children, run.” Along with these words, I heard the sweetest music. When I went home that night, I sang just the melody into my recorder and went to bed. The next day, the Lord gave me all the words and revealed to me that this is a sweet song.

I might add that our son, Brother Bobby Buffington taught a wonderful Sunday school lesson that Sunday (January 30, 2005) about what it means to be in the presence of God. Then I was given the line in the first verse, “the Lord Himself awaits your presence there.”

Also, when #31 “There’s No Rainbow Can Shine Like Jesus” was given, with the words, “I heard a sweet song break thru to fame”, the Lord revealed to me that the song at that time was “Amazing Grace”. I thought back then that some day we’ll have our own sweet song for our generation. When this song, #120 (the same as #120 “Amazing Grace”) was given, the Lord revealed to me this was our sweet song.

121 The Journey Was Easy (Psalm 139:2 “Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising...”

With all of my failures, with all of my fears, With all my downsittings and so many tears; My Father in heaven looks down from above, With eyes full of mercy and arms full of love.

His hand takes my small one and leads me along, With many a sighting and many a song; He says, “There’s a country, a far better land, I’ll lead and I’ll carry, just hold to my hand.”

Thru mountains and valleys, thru darkness and light, He never lets go of my small hand at night; As morning grows closer He smiles at my tears, Says, “Child, I’ve walked with you for so many years.”

We talk as we hurry, the country grows near, And oh, what rejoicing and singing I hear; A band full of angels, a land full of love, The journey was easy, God led from above.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Wednesday, February 2, 2005 “Run Children Run” had been given on Monday, January 31, 2005. It took me three days to get it ready for Brother Eugene Amormino. I had to write the melody notes plus break all the words into syllables correctly under each note. (I might say at this point that I never had the ability to do this with the first 109 songs, although I tried a few times but could not find the correct notes on the piano. This time, however, God has helped me that I could help Brother Eugene. It was necessary at this time with his health preventing him to travel here continually like before.) So, I took song #120 along with a tape of me singing it for him to the post office and mailed it at about 3:30pm. At 5:30pm, I thought I would lie down and take a nap before our Wednesday evening meeting. I was just lying there on the sofa singing #120 softly to myself, thanking God for this sweet song and praying when the Spirit of God fell upon me. I began to sing this song, “The Journey Was Easy”. I said to myself, “this is another song”. I jumped up and wrote it down in just a few minutes as I was singing it. I felt the Spirit of God very greatly.

Let me add that the same day this song was given, Brother Rick Elzby called from Canada at about 12:30pm to tell me an experience he had received. He was listening to a tape where #110 “I’m Taking My Harp From the Green Willow Tree” was playing. A voice spoke to him and said, “Momentum”. When this song was given 5 hours later, I believe that journey spoken of in #110 was picking up (with this song) momentum. Things are moving faster.

122 In the Army of the True and Living God

Stand tall, it’s a mighty name to bear Stand free, Jesus bought your liberty Stand proud, there is no dishonor here In the army of the true and living God.

Soldiers all, here’s the armor you must wear, Brave and strong, here’s the cross that you must bear; Marching on with the sword and with the rod, In the army of the true and living God.

There’s a fight and we know it must be won There’s a place that’s assigned to everyone Take your place for we cannot know defeat In the army of the true and living God.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Wednesday, February 9, 2005 I was getting the last song, #121 “The Journey Was Easy” ready to send to Brother Eugene Amormino. My telephone rang and it was my daughter, Sister Becky Tarbuk. She said, “Mom, what ever happened to “In the Army of the True and Living God”? (In the 15 year period between song #109 and #110, there were times that the Spirit would speak to me a few words, lines or verses, but never a whole song. When the Lord would speak to me, it was always with music and I never forgot any of the tunes.)

I told Sister Becky that it was not a complete song and when the Lord wanted it to come forth to our people it would be complete. As soon as I hung up, the Spirit of God fell upon me and I was given the missing part. I sang it all as I wrote it. It’s like a call to arms and I could hear the sound of a trumpet.

123 Can These Bones Live? (Ezekiel 37: 1-14)

Can these bones live? Thou knowest Lord. Can flesh and sinew be restored? Can Israel fall and rise again? Thou knowest how, thou knowest when.

Oh, son of man, can these bones live? Thou knowest Lord, all breath you give. Say to the winds, come now and blow, The breath of life to these below.

Can Israel find their long way home? Thou knowest Lord what lands they roam. Write “Come on home” on all the trees, And send it on the morning breeze.

Can thou breathe life in all the slain, And all the Gentiles that remain? Can there be peace after the war? Thou knowest Lord, all this and more.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday, March 8, 2005 During our Sunday evening meeting on March 6, 2005, Brother Bob Buffington, Sr. spoke from the 37th chapter of Ezekiel, about the valley of dry bones. After church that night when I was walking to the car, the Spirit spoke just these words, “CAN THESE BONES LIVE? THOU KNOWEST LORD.” Nothing more was given until Tuesday, March 8th, when I felt the Spirit of God fall upon me. The entire song was given and I was singing it as I was writing it

“The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, saith the Lord.” - Ezekiel 37: 1-14

124 I Am Your Brother (Genesis 45:4 “I am Joseph your brother...”)

I am your brother, the years have been long, Where dim grew the vision and dim grew the song. But out of the darkness and bursting with light, I’m seeing my brothers, don’t cry, it’s all right.

I am your brother, lost so long ago, There’s no need to bow down nor sorrow to show. This day had been promised our father before, I’ve found you, my brothers, don’t cry anymore.

I am your brother, so come gather ‘round, Where corn grows the tallest and honey is found. Where storms never linger and dreams never die, And I am your brother, come brothers, don’t cry.

I am your brother, I’m hiding my tears, Rejoicing to see you from so many years. The land lies before you, a beautiful sight, My brothers are home now, don’t cry, it’s all right.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Monday, March 14, 2005 During our Sunday evening meeting, Brother James Moore spoke about the Choice Seer. He compared him to Joseph sold into Egypt and how the Choice Seer, in our day, would be used. How his brothers, the lost tribes, would come to Zion for the “spiritual corn” and he would say to them “I am your brother.” The Spirit spoke to me these words, “I AM YOUR BROTHER SO COME GATHER ROUND.” The next day, God gave me, so beautifully, the words and music. I cannot explain the Spirit I feel when these songs are given. I felt the Glory of God all this day. I hear the sound of a violin in this song.

125 The National Wonder (Isaiah 66: 7-8 “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”)

A Kingdom is born And they call it THE NATIONAL WONDER, A rumor is spreading And suddenly filling the earth; A scene so unreal And a most unbelievable story, “THE BABY IN WAITING WAS WALKING AND RUNNING AT BIRTH.”

It’s a very good day And we’ll say it’s a very fine morning, It was a long time coming But this baby was worth waiting for; God opened the windows And He answered the knock at the door, And the little child waiting Ran in and is waiting no more.

It’s a baby, a Kingdom, a Nation, And the story goes on, It was running and growing The same day this wonder was born; God opened the heavens And His glory has taken us in, And we’ll sing many times Of this NATIONAL WONDER again.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday morning, March 29, 2005 Sunday Evening, March 27, 2005, Brother Bob Buffington, Jr., opened our meeting and the first words he said were, “I think we had an exceptionally good day.” The Spirit spoke to me at that time and said, “IT’S A VERY GOOD DAY; IT’S A VERY FINE MORNING.” I wrote just these lines down during our church service. It wasn’t until Tuesday that the entire song was given, both the words and the music. I think I cried all day feeling the Spirit of God so great. The scripture that goes with this song explains it all.

126 Freedom’s Song (Isaiah 65:22 “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”)

We’ve sung about the cloudy skies And of the stormy seas, We’ve sung about our mountain home And of the morning breeze; We’ve waited at the Border Line For some say far too long, But praise the Lord we’ve come this far We’re singing Freedom’s Song.

We’ve watched the spring-times come and go And counted up the years, We’ve seen our loved ones pass away We’ve sung thru many tears; But never once and not a day Our hope grew dim nor died, For freedom’s just a breath away We’ll sing it far and wide.

We’re singing Freedom’s Song today Let all the land rejoice, The set and favored time has come We’ve heard our Father’s voice; He said that men shall long enjoy Their labor and be free, So raise your voice and sing along This Freedom’s Song with me.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, May 1, 2005 On Sunday, May 1, 2005, on the way home from church, these words came to me, ”Freedom’s song”, and I thought to myself this must be the name of the next song. No more was given at this time. On Tuesday, May 3, 2005 around noon, the same words came to me again, “Freedom’s song”. I knew God was sending a song so I sat down with pen and paper and the entire song was given at this time.

127 Come On Over (Isaiah 51: 14-16 “The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say unto Zion, Thou art my people.”)

Come on over, mothers, bring your babies. Come on over, fathers, swim the sea; Never fear the cold and raging waters, There’s a harbor safe that waits for thee.

Come on over, children ride the high tide. Come on over, nations, come and see; Christ is sitting high on His mountain, Watching over all so tenderly.

Come on over, brothers, climb the mountain. Come on over, sisters, cross the sea. There’s no wall so high God can’t deliver, There’s no pit so deep He can not free.

Come on over, weary wand’ring soldiers, There’s no war nor weapons here to find; Lay your weary heads down on the mountain, Leave the blackened hills and plains behind.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Thursday, May 19, 2005 On Wednesday, May 18, 2005, I was working on making tapes from our May 14th meeting when Brother Eugene and Sis Donna Amormino were in Imperial teaching “The New Songs of Zion”. A tune kept going through my mind, but I was so busy listening and checking tapes that I let it slip. I didn’t realize until going to bed that night that the melody had completely left me. I prayed to God that if this was from Him, that He would give it to me again because I couldn’t remember even one note. Upon waking in the morning, before I was even out of bed, I was humming the tune again. I knew every note. The Spirit revealed to me the theme of the song. It was calling all people and nations to come over across the ocean to this land by whatever way they could get here; swim the sea, climb the mountain, ride the tide, whatever they have to do – just get here because Christ has set up His kingdom. I knew what the song was all about. It wasn’t until that evening that God gave me all the words to write.

I called Sister Mary Buffington at about 3:00 the next afternoon to tell her about the new song. When Brother Dan Buffington came home from work that evening, she told him and he just broke down and cried because that morning he had a vision seeing the ocean.

Thursday, May 19, 2005 6:00am Brother Dan Buffington had the following vision: While driving to work this morning, I had a vision. I was standing on the shore looking at the waves rolling in from the ocean. As I was watching this, I heard a voice speaking very strong saying, “HEAR THE CALL. HEAR THE CALL.”

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Brother Dan Buffington had the following experience: During our fasting and prayer meeting, the Lord spoke to me and said, “Number 127 Is on its way.”

Sunday, May 15, 2005 Our son, Brother Bob Buffington, taught the Sunday School lesson and focused on Isaiah 51. When I told him the words to this song, he said, these verses (Isaiah 51:14-16) go right with this.

128 New Day On The Mountain (I Nephi 22: 24-25 “And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great glory. And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.)

It’s a new day on the mountain, There’s a new star in the sky. There’s a new child running freely, With a mother standing by. While the angels sing the story, All the bells in heaven chime; Sending down to earth the message, “A new thousand years of time.”

If you ever reach this mountain, If you ever come this far, You will see a city rising, Like a brand new morning star. If you ever reach the highlands, You will see a Shepherd there; Where His sheep bask in the sunshine, Of His tender loving care.

If you’ve ever heard the story, If it’s ever reached your ears, If you’ve ever read the prophecies, You can wipe away your tears. And come hurry to this mountain, For a new day has begun; If you make it to the mountain, You can too bask in the sun.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday morning, June 21, 2005 The title and first verse were given to me with the melody. As I was pondering on the words and wondering what the rest of the song would be about, I thought maybe it would be about the workmanship in this beautiful city. The Spirit spoke to me, “we’re going up to the highlands where the Shepherd is!” I was talking to myself, saying, “Oh, we’re going up to the highlands where the Shepherd is!” I was walking into my dining room when I heard Brother Bob talking to Brother Alex Robinson on the telephone. The only thing I heard him say was, “Jesus said, I am the good Shepherd and my sheep know my voice.” It was a confirmation.

I can hear beautiful chimes in the melody.

129 The Winds Of War (Matthew 24:6 “And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…”)

When winds of war invade the sky, And many ask the question, “why?” But time and years have passed away, Since prophets prophesied this day.

When winds of war blow cold and fierce, And terror strikes the hearts they pierce; Be comforted by knowing this, God will protect each child of His.

When winds of war and threat’ning skies, Cause hearts to fail and fears to rise; Mount Zion calls down, “Come to me, Come up to where you’re safe and free.”

When winds of war blow constantly, God’s children know it’s time to flee; Then to the mountain top they soar, So far above the winds of war.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday morning, July 17, 2005 This song was given on Sunday, but the day before (on Saturday), these words kept coming to me, “THE WINDS OF WAR”. I knew this was the title of the next song. On Sunday morning, on my way home from church, the Spirit revealed to me the melody. I ran in and got my recorder and sang it on the tape. Later that same day, before the evening meeting, God gave me all the words. I wrote them down and read the words in our Sunday evening meeting. I was so amazed as the sound of the music goes so perfectly with the words.

Also, the scripture, Matthew 24:6 (and ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars…) came to my mind. I thought it fit because every time you turn on the news that’s all we hear.

130 It’s A Jubilee Morning (Esther 9:22 “…from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day…”)

It’s a jubilee morning God has sent a decree. That all slaves and all captives Will be finally free; And all debts be forgiven They were cancelled today, What a beautiful morning What a beautiful day.

It’s a wonderful morning It’s a wonderful day, All the pain that stayed with me Has been taken away; And the burden I carried On my back for so long, I can’t feel it this morning It was gone with the dawn.

There’s a beautiful mountain That God made from above, And he wrapped it in silver And he formed it in love; And I saw it this morning When the clouds rolled away, And I’m crying to see Such a beautiful day.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, July 24, 2005 On Sunday (July 24), the Spirit spoke to me, “It’s a Jubilee morning.” I knew this would be the title of the next song. That evening I knew the melody as the Spirit brought it to me. I went home and sang it into my recorder so I would not forget the notes as they were given to me. I knew at this time the theme of the song, but it wasn’t until Wednesday (July 27) that all the words were given. It’s hard to explain, but I just suddenly knew all of the song as God’s Spirit illuminates it all to my mind.

My daughter, Sister Becky Tarbuk, was praying and afterward opened to Esther 9:22. She knew that she was given the scripture that goes along with this song.

131 God Sent Manna (Psalms 78:24 “And had rained down manna upon them to eat…”)

God sent manna down from heaven To His children long ago, To sustain them on their journey To the Promised Land and so; Still today He’s sending manna In His word and in His song, Fill your baskets with this manna, You’ll be singing all day long.

God sends manna down from heaven As we journey on today, Take your basket up and fill it With these melodies and say; We will praise the Lord forever, He has nourished, He has fed, As we journey to the Promise Of a better land ahead.

God sends manna down from heaven, Lift your basket to the sky, Catch the blessings like the raindrops That are falling from on high; When you hear the pretty music Hold the notes close to your breast, For ‘tis very previous manna That will make your journey blest.

Thursday, August 25, 2005 On Wednesday evening, August 24, 2005, while walking into church, the Spirit spoke to me, “The Songs of Zion are manna from heaven”. The next evening, the Spirit revealed to me the words to the entire song and I wrote them down. The following day, on Friday, seven Sisters from our Imperial Ladies Circle were going to Herndon, VA to visit their Ladies’ Circle. We also wanted to help them learn the new songs. At this time, I had not received the music. That evening in the bedroom alone, I prayed to God for the melody. The Spirit of God fell upon me and I knew the melody then and sang it into my little recorder. My daughter, Sister Becky Tarbuk then came into the room and I sang it to her.

Sister Beck Tarbuk: That evening upon retiring for the evening I knelt and prayed asking God to give something good to read before going to sleep. I opened to Psalms 78. Upon reading I was given to understand that this scripture pertains also to our day and explains why God is bringing forth many parables in the Songs of Zion. He is stirring up the church in remembrance of the past by recounting his marvelous works and wonders. God is endeavoring to increase our faith and prepare us for His great work in these the last days through the Songs of Zion as manna from heaven. This chapter is an awakening and a warning to our people today.

September 28, 2005 The Word of the Lord was spoken, Thus saith the Lord, “Eat of My manna for the journey is great.”

“Give ear, O my people, to my law; incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark saying of old; Which we have heard and know, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.” -Psalms 78:1-4

“Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full. He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: and He let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire; They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, the wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.” -Psalms 78:23-32 132 And Then The Rains Came (Psalm 34)

‘Twas a beautiful garden, God tended it well, All His beautiful flowers, They were so quick to tell; Of the bright sunny mornings And the cool evening breeze, While the small birds rested, In the strong tall trees.

Noah called out to sinners, So many long years; “The storm it is coming.” But they laughed at his tears; While the ark was preparing God held back the tide, But He closed the door quickly, When they all were inside.

Chorus: And then the rains came, And the trees fell down, And the wind blew harder With an awful sound; But then the sun shone And the rainbow found its place, And the little birds sang out, “We were saved by grace.” “Saved by grace.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, September 25, 2005 On Sunday morning, September 25th, the first verse and the chorus were given to me during our morning service. That same afternoon, the Spirit spoke to me, “Now we’re going back to Noah!” I was surprised at the turn in the song from God’s garden to Noah. When I picked up my pen, the words were given to the second verse. At the same time, Psalm 34:17 was given to our son, Brother Bobby Buffington, as he was in prayer for my husband (Brother Bob Buffington) who was very sick at the time. This psalm speaks of how God delivers His people.

“This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.” -Psalm 34:6

“The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” -Psalm 34:17

133 The Gospel’s Sound (Romans 10:18 “… their sound went out…”)

The Gospel has a sound, we know, No other sounds the same, The Church of Jesus Christ will stand, It’s built upon His name. There are many sounds on earth today, There are many spirits too, But nothing sounds so clearly sweet, And nothing rings so true.

The Gospel has an ancient sound, Our fathers walked the same, They never left the sound they heard, The Church in Jesus’ name; Contemporary sounds and songs Don’t have the Gospel’s ring, Peculiar so they say we are, Of Latter Days we sing.

The Gospel has a lovely sound, It penetrates the night, And lifts away the heaviness And makes the burdens light. Be careful children lest ye march To quite another sound, And leave the ancient path and lose, The Gospel you have found.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

September 9, 2005 This song, words and music, were given on a Wednesday. The previous Sunday morning as I was walking into church the spirit spoke and said these words, “The gospel has a sound.” I wrote the words down and in testimony our daughter Becky said, “The gospel has a sound.” This was a confirmation to me. Then on Wednesday, the spirit brought to me the words and music.

When this song was given the scene of a marching band came before me. The first line begins with the sound of many instruments playing.

In the second line I can hear clearly the trumpets coming in on “THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST WILL STAND, IT’S BUILT UPON HIS NAME.”

No other church or Gospel has the sound of “The Church of Jesus Christ.”

134 We Have Found Him, Our Messiah (St. John 1:41 “…We have found the Messiah…”)

We have found Him, our Messiah, He has bade us follow Him; Thru the brightest sunny mornings, Thru the night we followed Him.

We have loved Him, our Redeemer, Many years we followed Him. Once our youth was like the springtime, Winter’s eyes are growing dim.

We have waited by the willows, Where the pathway meets the gate. To the mountain where the sun shines, For ‘twas here He bid us wait.

We have seen Him, our Messiah, Reaching for our lowly hand. Leading us into His kingdom, Little children, there we stand.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

September 17, 2005 About three weeks previous, our son Bro. Bob Buffington, Jr. had a Sunday school lesson and when he read this sentence, “We have found the Messiah” a great blessing fell upon me but I didn’t know that it would later be a song.

On Wednesday, November 16, God revealed to me the title of the next song and I heard the music. It was so sweet. The next day, as I was getting the previous song #133 “The Gospel’s Sound” ready to mail to Bro. Eugene, the words were given to this song. There was a note waiting for each word and syllable. The songs, when God gives them, fit like perfect puzzles.

The first verse of this song is about being called into the Gospel in our youth and serving God throughout the good times and the bad.

The second is concerning the time from our youth to old age in the gospel.

The third verse, “waiting by the willows”, (where we took down our harps) for the set time of Zion to begin.

The fourth verse…here we see the Lord coming to lead us into Zion and we are young again as the scripture says, old bones will flourish.”

This song has very delicate music, the sound of a music box.

135 The Watchmen (Isaiah 62:6 “I have set watchmen upon thy walls…”)

The watchmen on the wall cry out, Like many cried before, “Prepare to meet the coming storm Already at the door!” But still today like way back then, The careless walk on by, And still today upon the wall God’s faithful watchmen cry.

When Samuel on the wall cried out So many years ago, “Repent!” he cried to no avail, Their hearts were hard and so They didn’t heed the words he spoke They couldn’t see their day. But many since that time have heard, The watchmen cry and say.

The watchmen on the wall have cried So many, many tears, The multitudes have never known The wisdom of their years. But prophecies and prophets spoke Of such a sudden storm, So children heed the wisdom of The watchmen when they warn.

Chorus: “Prepare children, prepare!” they cry, “In righteousness be found, When sheltered in God’s warm embrace, No storm can take you down.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

November 17, 2005 A verse was given to me about the watchmen and I wrote it down and told a few in the Branch about it. But no more had been given and I thought maybe it wouldn’t be a song, as probably a month had passed by. Then on Nov. 17, 2005, around midnight, as I was lying in bed thinking about #134 “We Have Found Him Our Messiah” (which had been given that afternoon) and still feeling the spirit of God so great and thanking God for what He had given, suddenly the spirit spoke “The Watchmen” and at that moment the song was given and I got out of bed and wrote it all down as I was singing it.

136 When Zion’s Children Come (Jeremiah 31:21 “Set thee up waymarks… set thine heart toward the highway.”)

God’s word is sure and long proclaimed, A gathering time for some; With welcome signs along the road, When Zion’s children come.

There are handkerchiefs on every tree, And cloths on every vine; And flags on every mountain top, For it’s homecoming time. For it’s homecoming time.

There are ribbons on the flowering shrubs, And stepping stones to guide, That none may lose their way back home, ‘Till all are safe inside.

There are waymarks on the pathway home, And benchmarks on the wall; And signs on every highways; stretch, When Zion sends her call. When Zion sends her call.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

December 19, 2005 In our Sunday morning service Brother Bob Buffington told the story of a son who fell out with his father and left home for many years. The time came when he wanted to return and he told his mother to hang a handkerchief in the tree if dad would welcome him home. He was riding past his house on a train, afraid even to look. He asked the old man sitting beside him to look to see if there was a handkerchief in the tree. The old man said, “Go home son, the tree is full of handkerchiefs.”

The Spirit of God fell upon me and revealed how much greater when God’s people come “home” to Zion. The next day this song was given to me describing their return.

The music has the sound of Scotland. I could hear bagpipes. I can not explain the wonder of it all.

*A glorious event.

137 Carry Me Back To The Land Of My Fathers (Jeremiah 30:3 “…I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers…”)

Carry me back to the Land of my Fathers, Leave me not here where my mind cannot rest; When you are leaving friend carry me with you, Back to my home and the land I love best.

Tell me again friend and sing it once over, Say how my country is searching for me; Send out the word now and say we are coming There my true brother we both will be free.

Carry me back to the land of our fathers, Let me not die in this troublesome place, Nearing my country, my strength is returning, Reaching my homeland but only by grace.

Friend, my true brother, I’m running beside you, Heirs to the land that our fathers portrayed; Pain like a dream that’s a long time forgotten, There stands our mountain in glory arrayed.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

January 8, 2006 This song was given during Sunday School as our son Bro. Bob Buffington, Jr. was reading about Zion from Bro. Russell Cadman’s book and from Isaiah. I felt the glory of God fall upon me as the words were given to me of this beautiful song.

The music I heard sounds very Hawaiian. It is so dreamy and lovely.

138 If Ye Be Willing (Isaiah 1:1 9 “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land.”)

How great was the love of the Father, That He pitied the fall of the man, of the man, And He sent His own Son that men could be saved, By obeying the salvation plan.

How kind and how gracious our Father, That He looked far ahead to our day, to our day, And the plans that He laid for the Kingdom to come, Are the plans we rely on today.

Chorus: And if ye be willing, yes, if any be willing. Ye may eat of the best and the fat of the land, There has never been many but if there be any, It’s time for the willing to stand.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

January 17, 2006 A few years ago a verse and chorus and the melody were given to me. I felt one day more would be given so I thought I would wait till that time to bring it forth. I knew there was more to the song. Then on January 17, 2006, as I was just doing some housework I was singing without realizing what I was singing. Suddenly it came to me that it was the same melody given previously and it was the second verse to this song. I knew it was time to bring it forth, as it was now complete. In our Wednesday evening meeting I told what had been given and the spirit of God came down upon me and others As I was reading the words. Then young Brother Nathan Buffington came to me and said the previous Sunday morning (in his teen Sunday School class) he felt to go over the words to the verse given a year ago, as I had given a copy to his father years prior.

This was a confirmation that it was God’s time to bring this song forth. A few days later a brother called me and said he had found on the internet words given to Joseph Smith which I included below. This was another confirmation. How great God is!

Given to Joseph Smith on September 11, 1831 “Behold the Lord requires the heart and a willing mind and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.”

139 The Desert Bloomed (Isaiah 43:18-20, Isaiah 35:1)

The desert bloomed just like a rose this morning, And life has sprung anew at last today; The long dark nights have fled away this morning, And showers fill the early dawn they say.

There’s water in the wilderness this morning, The songbirds sing to greet the rising day; The cattle eat the new mown hay this morning The desert blooms, it blooms again they say.

The God of Israel moved His arm this morning, And touched the broken bones where long they lay He brought to life His chosen ones this morning, The desert sings and blooms with joy today.

The solitary place is glad this morning, The river’s reached the barren land they say; And all the land sings praise to God this morning, The lovely desert rose has bloomed today.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

February 22, 2006 The previous Sunday morning in church the sermon was about the latter days and Zion. The words “The desert blooms, it blooms again, they say” were given to me and I wrote them down. The following Wednesday morning as I was preparing breakfast the words and music to this song were given to me and I felt a wonderful blessing all day long. It’s hard for me to describe in words how I feel when a song is given. I just feel the glory of God. I sang it for my Branch that evening. There is such a sweet spirit in the music.

“Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honor me, the dragons and the owls; because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” -Isaiah 43:18-20

“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” -Isaiah 35:1

140 Oh, Say Can You See It? (Isaiah 35:5 “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened…”)

Out of the wilderness, into the clearing, And into a much brighter day; And out of the shadows and into the sunshine, The blind man said, “Show me the way!”

The blind man had waited to ask this one question, “How tall will the mountains there be?” And if I would lead him along till we got there, Then he could see Zion like me.

How blessed the story the latter day glory, The kingdom of Christ here on earth; How blessed the feet that have carried the message, Proclaiming the day of its birth.

So many one blinded have reached out to find it, And shouted with joy all the way. And reaching out to it, they walked right on thru it, Their blindness was taken away.

Chorus: “Oh, say, can you see it, and sir, could I feel it? My eyes have been blind for so long. I’ve heard all about it, this beautiful city, My yearning to touch it is strong.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Saturday, April 1, 2006 This song was given like a parable with a picture at the same time the words were given. I saw in my mind a blind man saying, “Take my hands and let me touch that mountain so I can see what you see, so I can touch and feel that beautiful scene; that beautiful latter day glory.” It’s like unto those that don’t have that vision that we have, wanting to see what we see.

I was singing this song as I was writing it. It has a country sound.

141 The Sparrow’s Song (Matthew 10:29-3 1“Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”)

A little sparrow fell today, My Father saw it fall, He reached to earth and picked it up And placed it high up on the wall. Then early on, I’m sure t’was dawn, The little sparrow stood And sang the sweetest song that day This little sparrow ever would. A song of grace, a song of love, A song of rescue from above. It sang God’s praises all day long, It was the little sparrow’s song.

The little bird went on to fly Much higher than before, It once could barely stand at all But now that little bird could soar. Afflictions low can lay us down And storms of life surround, But when our Father sees us fall He puts us back up on the wall. My Father loved that little bird And reached down quickly when He heard The little sparrow’s pleading cry, So how much more for you and I?

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, April 9, 2006 This song was given during our Sunday morning meeting. The words and the music came to me at the same time. Brother Dan Buffington saw a white sheet of paper being dropped down from heaven and he saw it float over to where I was sitting.

142 The Mountain’s So Lovely This Time of the Year (Deuteronomy 11:12 “A land which the Lord they God careth for; the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.”)

I’ll build me a cabin that I can call mine, I’ll plant me a fig tree and grow me a vine, The runners reported, “The crossing is clear, And the mountain’s so lovely this time of the year. The mountain’s so lovely this time of the year.”

The things that I’ve lost and I’m longing to see, The Lord will recover and bring and bring back to me, The giants are conquered, there’s nothing to fear, And the mountains are lovely this time of the year. The mountains are lovely this time of the year.

These old bones will flourish and maybe they’ll run, I’ll grow me a shade tree, a shield from the sun, I’m smiling to see it, while wiping a tear, For the mountain’s so lovely this time of the year. The mountain’s so lovely this time of the year.

The angels are coming to visit the earth, The nations are running, they’ve heard of the birth, They’ve heard there’s a prophet, they’ve heard there’s a seer, And the mountains are lovely this time of the year. The mountains are lovely this time of the year.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday morning, June 27, 2006 This song was given on a Tuesday morning. These words came to me, “The mountain’s so lovely this time of the year.” No sooner had I written them down, when the Lord dropped the rest (both the music and the words) down from Heaven. Oh, what a blessing I felt that day!

While I was writing the words, Brother Dan Buffington walked in and when I told him the words, he opened the Bible up to Deuteronomy 11:12. This scripture fits perfectly.

143 Hold On, I Am Coming (The Carpathia – The rescue ship for the Titanic 1912)

“The Carpathia cometh,” the ship was in view, The old rescue vessel drew nigh. How long they had waited when out of the night, That wondrous old vessel came thru.

While many were dying and many were lost, And many had fallen asleep, The Captain kept crying, “I’m coming, hold on, To carry you out of the deep.”

The cold icy waters had taken a toll, Survivors were seen to be few, When out of the night came a message so clear. “Hold on, I am coming for you.”

Chorus: If history’s a teacher, a likeness for sure, We’re treading the waters of hatred and war. Our ship is old Zion, our Captain’s the Lord. He’s calling, “I’m coming to take you on board.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Monday, July 31, 2006 The three verses of this song were given to me on Sunday morning before going to church. I knew there was a reason God would take us back 100 years to show us something today, a likeness. I knelt in prayer on Monday morning and it was then that God gave the melody and the chorus which explains and brings it down to our day. Many times we’re like little children and God has to draw us a picture so we can understand.

Sister Becky Tarbuk was given this experience: About two years ago, the Spirit of God spoke to me and I heard the words “The Carpathia”. At that time, I had no knowledge of any such word and when I looked up the phrase I found that it was the rescue ship to the Titanic. In reading this beautiful story of a heroic rescue, I could only come to one conclusion, that God and or Jesus Christ will rescue us in the same valiant way out of our distress.

Below is an excerpt taken from www.titanic-titanic.com/carpathia.shtml:

“Since picking-up Titanic’s distress call, the RMS Carpathia had made a heroic all-out dash to the area where Titanic’s senior radio operator, Jack Phillips, had last radioed its position. Her captain, Arthur Rostron, had made a frantic bid to coax as much speed out of his aging vessel as was possible, and he had ordered all of the off-duty firemen and trimmers to report to the boiler rooms in order to help keep Carpathia’s boilers at full pressure, providing much needed steam to the overworked engines. Rostron had even ordered the steam heating, which supplied the passengers’ cabins to be shut-off, conserving yet more steam for the engines, which had never worked so fast in their lives, nor would they every again. Passengers who awoke to find their cabins colder than usual could feel the vibrations of the straining engines, and noticed too that the ship’s lights were all burning brightly, and suspected something wasn’t quite right. As more and more passengers came up on to the deck to see what all the commotion was about, the awful truth began to filter through…the pride of the White Star Line, the mighty Titanic, brand new and reputedly unsinkable, maiden voyage, was now in danger of sinking, and Carpathia was going to offer whatever assistance she could.

Captain Rostron had never had to respond to an emergency call in all his years at sea, but he spared no effort or cost in preparing the ship well. He ordered Carpathia’s lifeboats to be swung out under their davits, electric lights to be rigged along the side of the ship, the opening of all gangway doors, side and pilot ladders to be dropped, hot drinks to be made including tea, coffee, and soup, blankets and warm clothing to be collected, plus nets and ropes to be rigged on the side of the ship, ready for the survivors he expected to find to climb up out of the water and from the lifeboats. He even went to the trouble of having the forward cargo cranes prepared in order to haul aboard the mail and passengers luggage. Rostron then ordered first aid stations to be set up in each of the Carpathia’s Dining rooms, first, second and third and stationed a doctor in each one. Then again, reflecting his human side, he ordered all of this crew to have coffee, and ready for the long, uncertain night ahead. For a man who never had to go to the assistance of another ship before, he performed his duties admirably and professionally, a feat which would not go unnoticed nor unrewarded in years to come.

By 3:30 am, Carpathia had reached the exact position given by the Titanic’s radio operator, but sickeningly, there was nothing to see. No ship. No lights. No lifeboats. Nothing.

At 4:00 am, Rostron ordered the engines of his ship stopped. All of Carpathia’s crew and officers were desperately straining to see some clues, some wreckage, or even some survivors, in the early morning light. Suddenly, one of the crew spotted a green light low down ahead in the water. It was a flare from one of the lifeboats! Boat number 2 was spotted moments later, and after a little maneuvering from Carpathia, the tiny lifeboat came along side of her starboard gangway doors. A woman from first class was first to be taken onboard at 4:10 am and she confirmed to Carpathia’s stunned purser that Titanic had indeed sunk.

Eventually, other lifeboats had approached the side of the liner, and more and more survivors began to come aboard. Many of them were sobbing pitifully, many in shock, some just quietly reflecting on what they had witnessed in the last few terrible hours.

The last lifeboat to be picked-up was number 12. It was overloaded and eventually pulled along side at 8:30 am, and 30 minutes later, the final person rescued stepped aboard Carpathia.

The Titanic disaster of April 15, 1912…1517 souls were lost in the icy waters, while 706 were saved by the valiant efforts of the Carpathia Captain and crew. 144 God Made My Mountain Strong (Psalm 30:7 “Lord, by thy favor Thou hast made my mountain to stand strong…”)

God said in latter days a mountain He would raise, And that the day would come when we must flee, Far from the cities scene, up to our mountain dream, A place of safety there for you and me.

No cannonball that’s formed, no sudden crushing storm, No foreign armies rage can plunder there, For God has fortified that holy mountainside, And long proclaimed that hill a house of prayer.

Flee like a mountain bird when troubling sounds are heard, When there’s no place of safety here below, Soar on the mountain breeze, rest on the mountain trees, The smallest bird knows when it’s time to go.

Chorus: God made my mountain strong, it stands there all day long And softly calls to me so I must go, When towns and cities fall, that’s when I hear it call, And God has made a way for me to go.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, August 27, 2006 The day before this song was given, the words came to me, “God made my mountain strong.” I looked in the concordance to see if these words were anywhere in the Scripture and found them in Psalms 30:7. David said, “Lord, by thy favor, Thou hast made my mountain to stand strong.”

The next day, Sunday, the complete song, words and music came to me and I sang it for my Branch. I felt such a blessing in this beautiful song.

145 Land of the Living (Psalm 27:13 “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”)

Lord, we have wandered like pilgrims and strangers, Sailing deep waters and uncharted seas, Straining and searching, horizons to find her, Carried on trade winds, buoyed on by the breeze.

Fear rode the waves that have long since passed over, Where we are going no storms can assail, Seeking our motherland, knowing we’ll find her, God’s hand is leading so we cannot fail.

Land of the living, they say it’s a wonder, Men there are living the age of a tree, All men are brothers; there no man’s a stranger, Land has been spotted and soon we will see.

Come all ye pilgrims and oftentimes strangers, Come all ye lowly and often oppressed, Sailing these waters, so anxious to find her, Land of the living, our seventh day rest.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, October 1, 2006 I felt a beautiful spirit in this song. The words and music were given and I was singing it and writing the words at the same time. Like the song says, “Sailing deep waters and uncharted seas”. Many things in life come unexpected while looking for Zion, but as the scripture in Psalm 27:13 says, “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Thank God for the great hope and vision He has given us; this new nation; this Canaan; our Motherland.

146 Sing Glory! (Psalm 96:1 “O Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.”)

Sing glory to God He has given His son, for my life, on the tree. Once Satan had called me his captive, Now glory to God I am free.

The angels in heaven sing glory, His praises continually ring. For God has done wonders in heaven, And wonders on earth so we sing.

Sing glory to God, He has promised That all He has planned He’ll perform. He’s parting the heavens to save us And carry us out of the storm.

Seen riding the clouds, Christ is coming, In power and great glory to earth; To visit His saints that are building, The walls of His kingdom on earth.

Chorus: Sing glory, sing glory, sing glory! Our God has done wonderful things He saved us, we’re building His kingdom, ‘Tis glory to God that we sing...

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday, November 7, 2006 I was singing this and feeling the glory of God. Then I realized what I was singing and that it was a new song given from God. I ran and got paper and wrote down what I had been singing. Surely it is glory to God that we sing.

Psalm 96:1 “Oh, sing unto the Lord a new song”, and it surely was a new song this day.

*See Isaiah chapter 25

147 This Hope Will Never Die (Psalm 71:14 “But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.”)

How long can the heathen rage And children fail to thrive? How long can God’s faithful keep Tomorrow’s hope alive? As long as God is on His throne And stars are in the sky, Until we build those sacred walls This hope will never die.

How long can a nation stand, Divided it will fall, How long can our hope survive And rise above it all? As long as days and time remain, And God leads from on high; Until we build those sacred walls This hope will never die.

How long will God’s hedge remain Around this promised land? How long can we live in hope That Zion’s walls will stand? As long as prophesies are true, God’s word can never lie; Until we build those sacred walls This hope will never die.

How strong Zion’s walls must be To stand one thousand years! How long can we hope to see A time of no sad tears? As long as there are songs and dreams And blessings from on high, Until we build those sacred walls This hope will never die.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Friday, November 17, 2006 About a month previous, this melody was given to me and I knew every note and also the first verse. No more was given at this time.

In all of the 147 songs, there were about a dozen times that God would give me a line or a verse of a song and at a later time, the spirit would bring it back to me and the complete song would be given (as this one was). But whether it was months or more, I always remembered the music.

This great hope to build Zion, (to see that day) will never die, like the song says.

Song #67 “The Homecoming” says, “Hope became a friend of mine that time could not destroy!”

Psalm 71:14 “But I will hope continually and will yet praise thee more and more.”

148 Prodigal Running (Luke 15:11-32)

A sign on the highway, “Has anyone seen A prodigal running this way?” Running and running so fast thru the night, A runaway, running away.

The sign on the highway said, “Christ on the cross Had died for this runaway child,” His father had posted on every known road, Rewarding whom ever had found.

The sign on the highway said, “Many before Had traveled this long road of sin,” A prodigal running, if anyone’s seen, Try bringing this prodigal in.

The sign on the highway said, Runaway child,” Not stopping to think of the cost. Running away from the safety of home, A prodigal running and lost.

Chorus: “Prodigal running,” Oh, why did you run? Your father has laid much in store. You’ll never be hungry and never be cold, And never be lost anymore.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, December 10, 2006 Throughout the day on Sunday, the words, “Prodigal Running” came to me several times. The next morning (Monday, December 11th), the same words came to me again. I realized that God had a song ready to send down and I had to get paper and pen and go to my table and be ready. When I sat down, a scene came before me. Many times we see along the highway signs of a “missing child or run-away” and this is how God showed me in a scene or a picture, this song. It was so beautiful as the song unfolded about the prodigal. It wasn’t until the next evening that the music was given. I could hear a violin playing along. The music was so sweet.

149 God Is Leading By His Spirit (Jeremiah 31:9 “They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them…”)

God is leading by His spirit, Speaking to the minds of men: Leading us across the mountains, Places we have never been.

God is leading thru the desert Thru the summer’s blazing sun: Saying, “Be a little stronger, For our journey’s just begun.”

God is leading by His spirit, Bringing light where there was none: Bringing hope unto the dying, Saying, “Come, my children, come.”

Many prophets heard God’s spirit, Many others heard it too: Many children stop to listen Growing stronger when they do.

Chorus: Climbing higher, running over, Crossing many mountain streams: Reaching Zion’s holy city, City of a thousand dreams.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, December 17, 2006 A few days before this song was given, I was awakened with these words: “God is leading by His spirit, speaking to the minds of men.” I got up and wrote it down.

On Sunday morning, December 17, 2006, I was clearing off my dining room table (with all of my paper work) preparing for lunch. In so doing, I came across the piece of paper with those words written on it. Immediately, I was given the words to the song (4 verses). During the Sunday morning service, the chorus was given and I wrote it in church. I felt such a beautiful spirit this day, in the song that was given and also in the Sunday meeting. I felt like God was beginning to bring forth the latter day glory. Like the song says, “leading us across the mountains” (in our journey to Zion), “places we have never been”.

150 Where Did Life Go? (Psalm 106:15 “And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.”)

It was twenty long years on the sidelines, Then thirty long years passed away; With forty long years fast approaching, Since I first heard God calling that day.

Now it’s fifty long years coming closer, With sixty not so far away; And where did life go now I wonder? Since I first heard God calling that day.

Now the things that had seemed so important, The things that had led me astray; Grow pale when I pause to remember, When I first heard God calling that day.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Monday, December 25, 2006 This song was given to me during the “silent years” or the fifteen years between song #109 and #110. I did not feel it was time, nor did I feel the ability to bring it forth at that time.

This morning I was looking for something in my experience book of the songs, and came across these words. I knew it was time to bring this song forth and God gave me every note and the ability to put it on paper.

*The silent years are spoken of in song #67, “The Homecoming Song”… “and faintly flows some sweet refrain to break the silent years” (the return of the songs).

151 The Race (Hebrews 12:1 “…let us run with patience the race that is set before us.”)

The goal had been set and the runners were ready, To finish the race the pace must be steady. Now some were so eager and these hearts were light, Some burdened with weights had limited sight.

While some ran with hope and with joy every day, And some ran with sorrow each step of the way. Now some took their ease while others ran by, And some looked below while others on high.

Now some thought the dangers ahead were too great, But some looked beyond to the prize at the gate. Yes, some carried sorrows and some carried joys, Some carried the world and some carried toys.

Now some loved the Savior so dearly you see, It made the race easy, so it seemed to me. With blessings for progress they carried a song, For these ran with Jesus all the day long.

Chorus: So, how are you running today? How are you running today? Run not as weary but pick up the pace, And run well with Jesus to finish the race.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Saturday, December 30, 2006 This poem was given in 1976, when “The Songs of Zion” first came forth. There were the 4 verses, but no music or chorus were ever given until December 30, 2006.

I was awakened singing, “So, how are you running today? How are you running today? Run not as weary but pick up the pace, and run well with Jesus to finish the race.”

I thought many times through the years it would be wonderful to have music for this poem because it carries such an important message. Hebrews 12:1 says…”let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” We should not serve God as though we are weary of it; nor be involved with the things of the world, the toys. Those things that hinder our spiritual life and take us away from the things of God. Keep our eye on the goal and pick up the pace.

Saturday, December 23, 2006 Brother Dan Buffington had the following experience: While reading, and preparing for Sunday, I began to read a poem that was given to me, while I was reading the words to “The Race,” that was given to Sister Arlene Buffington. The words that were given to Sister Arlene were given on December 24, 1976, 30 years ago. I thought it would be fitting to read this on Sunday December 24, 2006, after reading this poem given thirty years ago I was shown by the Lord that another gift would be given, meaning another song. 152 When Ephraim Rides (Hosea 10:11 “I will make Ephraim to ride, Judah shall plow and Jacob shall break his clods.”)

When morning rises from its rest, And all the land is clean and blest, Then know ye this my children dear, The day you’ve waited for is here.

When winters chilling winds are past, And springtime lifts her head at last, When songs of Zion fill the air, You’ll know the peaceful reign is here.

When all the meek regain the earth, And all the labor pains, the birth; When God has washed all tears away, And Israel sings, “Oh, happy day.”

With all the islands giving vent, When all the veils on earth are rent, When Zion’s daughters reach this place They’ll cry, “Thank God, we’re here by grace.”

Chorus: When Ephraim rides the horses in, And Judah plows the earth again, With Jacob breaking up his clods, While all the land sings praise to God.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Wednesday, January 17, 2007 I was awakened in the morning singing the chorus to this song. I got up and got a pen and paper and the rest of the song just unfolded so beautifully. God is truly painting a picture of the latter day glory. The scripture says, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” God doesn’t want us to perish. He is so kind.

Sunday, January 14, 2007 Brother Dan Buffington had the following dream: I had a short dream where I saw Sister Arlene Buffington writing a new song of Zion. 153 The Trumpets Were Blowing This Morning Again (I Chronicles 13:8)

There’s a song in the desert, a song in the air, It’s calling, inviting God’s children to share, The latter day glory we see coming in The trumpets were blowing this morning again.

The trumpets proclaim it’s a new day at last, They play right on over the days of the past, No sad songs of sorrow, nor any of sin, The trumpets were blowing this morning again.

The mountains are singing, the hills join the song, The valleys of Zion, they all sing along. The band, it is playing, the day marches in The trumpets were blowing this morning again.

The music keeps playing, the children, they run Right into the kingdom of God’s only son, His throne here awaits Him, His reign to begin The trumpets were blowing this morning again.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Saturday, January 29, 2007 Some days before this song was given, the words. “The trumpets were blowing this morning again” were given to me. I wrote these words on a piece of paper, knowing that this would be a song. This Saturday, I came across the paper where I had written the words and God’s spirit came upon me. The entire song was given, words and music too.

154 The Fall (Isaiah 30:13 “Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant.”)

Joshua went to Jericho and seven times around, A shout went up, the trumpets blew, And all the walls fell down, fell down, And all the walls fell down.

When David met Goliath, there a chill was in the air, His stone was small but God was tall, And soon the giant fell, he fell, And soon the giant fell.

The walls of sin are tall today, forbidding tho they stand, They’ll never fall until they fall, By God’s almighty hand, His hand, By God’s almighty hand.

When men and nations rise in pride God’s hedge will not remain, Forgetting God, a sure decline, The fall begins again, again, The fall begins again.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, February 18, 2007 This song was given on Sunday, right after the morning meeting. We had just come home from church and I was about to prepare lunch when suddenly I felt the spirit of God and this beautiful song was given, music, timing and words all at the same time.

The first verse – the city walls fell. The second verse – the giant fell. The third verse – the walls of sin fall. The forth verse – pride falls, whether it be men or nations.

The first and second verses have already taken place. The third and fourth verses are yet to come. So this song is called “The Fall”.

When I opened the Bible to find scripture for this song, the first scripture I saw was Isaiah 30:13 and it was the perfect scripture.

When I called Bro. Dan Buffington to tell him about this new song he told me about the following experience that was given to him on Friday morning August 11, 2006 The power that filled the stone that brought Goliath down will be the same power in the stone that is cut out of the mountain without mans hands; and strike the kingdoms today at their feet.

155 Lead Me To The Waters (I Kings 19:7 “And the angel of the Lord came again the second time and touched him, and said, arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.”)

Lead me to the waters that are cool and still and deep, Resting but a moment for the climb ahead is steep, Set the course and don’t look back until the sorrow’s gone, Wait until the pain subsides and then we’ll journey on.

Lead me to the waters that are cool and still and deep, Pause awhile for I have thirst and wait for I must sleep, Strength is gone but God leads on and He will take us thru, Milk and honey just ahead awaiting me and you.

Lead me to the waters that are cool and still and deep, Pray the angel hastens with a little piece of cake, Weeping will be over when we reach that peaceful place, Then for sure we’ll smile again and thank the Lord for grace.

Lead me to the waters that are cool and still and deep, Thru the burning cities fire and thru the raging street, Pray awhile and sing awhile and then we’ll journey on, Over every obstacle into the waiting dawn.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, March 4, 2007 Sunday morning, March 5, 2007, the Spirit spoke to me the first line of this song (“Lead me to the waters that are cool and still and deep”). I knew there was a new song waiting to come forth. The next morning, Monday, March 5th, I was busy making the final copy of “Only Dreamers See” so I could get it in the mail to Brother Eugene Amormino. I felt like this next song was waiting in the room, behind my right shoulder. It’s hard to explain, but I knew that God had made a delivery. I could feel the presence of the song. I stopped what I was doing for a few moments, long enough to write the words to this new song. In our “journey to Zion”, many times our natural strength prevents us from doing all we would like to do in the church, or in our work for the Lord. Many times, because of afflictions and problems of life, we just have to lie down (like Elijah on his journey) and rest. Then God gives us strength to pick up and go on. I cannot describe the blessing I felt in this song.

156 Only Dreamers See (Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”)

There’s a city on the mountain top That only dreamers see, But those that have no vision here, They say it cannot be. But, can’t you smell the roses In the early morning air? So close your eyes and dream the dream That only dreamers share.

There’s a city on the mountain top Where only dreamers go, The prophets long portrayed that hill And said that it was so, They said that Christ was coming there And Him I want to see. So all you dreamers close your eyes And dream this dream with me.

So many seek a city Just like Abraham of old, But in our day to earthly eyes A city will unfold And dreamers all around the world Are coming here to see, So close your eyes until the dawn And dream along with me.

Chorus: And we’ll climb higher, ever higher In our journey to the top, Oh, can’t you hear the music play It never seems to stop, And does that light we’re seeing Mean the dawn has finally broke, Could that be the mountain there Of which the prophets spoke?

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Tuesday, February 27, 2007 This song was given to me Tuesday morning upon awakening. As I took pen to write it down, the beauty of the song unfolded to me.

Micah 4:1 tells of this time. “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.”

Thru the years our people have had countless dreams about this mountain of the Lord; this latter day glory. Yes, we are dreamers. Proverbs 29:18 “where there is no vision, the people perish.” Thank God for the vision and the dream that He has placed in our hearts.

157 The Treasure (Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”)

Jesus is the treasure That no jewel on earth can measure A treasure that the poorest man can hold, This treasure, if you seek it You can surely find and keep it More precious far than any earthly gold.

Wise men tried to teach it And the dreamers tried to reach it And poor men said this treasure we must find, The dawn, Christ is adorning Like a thousand suns at morning And nations come to see what we have found.

Christ, arrayed in glory It’s an old but brand new story He said, “unto His kingdom He would come,” There’s starlight on the fountain He is lighting up His mountain And calling all the nations for to come.

Chorus: Some say there were diamonds Where the dew lay on the ground Some say there were rubies In the roses that were found, And sapphires on the branches Where the weeping willows grow But those that find the treasure Are the only ones that know.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, March 18, 2007 The Sunday before this, I was given the title, “The Treasure.” After the meeting, Brother Dan Buffington told me that he had a vision during the meeting. He saw a toddler walk in, all dressed in white (seemed to be about a year old.) He climbed onto the back pew and sat up. Brother Dan said he knew right away that it was a new song waiting to come forth. I told Brother Dan that I already knew the title, and I knew there was a song waiting on me. As I try to put this on paper, it is hard to explain how I knew…I just knew. However, I was having a hard time finding the previous song on my keyboard to prepare for Brother Eugene Amormino. It was so lovely (Lead Me To The Waters) and I was praying about it, that I would not make any mistakes in the melody. The Songs are so precious to me. I never want to miss one note.

Sunday evening, Brother David Nolfi came to our branch and in his sermon, he mentioned the word “treasure” several times and I knew God was confirming the title of the next song. Then, on the following Sunday, March 18th), the entire song was given and I was singing it as I was writing it. I read the words and sang it for my branch.

We hear of people coming to America, dreaming of riches and thinking the streets were lined in gold. But those that came and found the Lord and the gospel found the real treasure. The song sings of Christ and His kingdom. Many times we try to imagine the beauty of Zion (as in the chorus), but of course, we know that the greatest treasure is Christ. 158 It’s A Strong Wind (Ether 2:8-10 “And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fullness of his wrath should come upon them. And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fullness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fullness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.”)

It’s a strong wind, it’s a mighty strong wind That blows a strong tree down, It’s a strong wind, it’s a mighty strong wind That is heard the world around. When the strong wind blows everybody knows It was God that brought it down, But the wind won’t cease till the Lord says, “Cease” And the tree is on the ground.

It’s a strong song, it’s a mighty strong song The Lord is sending down, It’s a strong song, it’s a mighty strong song That is heard the world around. When the trumpets blow then the strings will know That a new day has begun, And the band will play, “It’s a brand new day” With the rising of the sun.

There’s a strong cry, it’s a mighty strong cry Heard in Jerusalem, It’s a strong cry, it’s a mighty strong cry When they cry, “It must be Him.” Then the tears flow free for at last they see And they fall upon the ground, With His wounds laid bare, Jesus cries, “Come here, For my lost sheep I have found.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Saturday, May 5, 2007 This song was given to me on May 5, 2007, Saturday morning. I was awakened from sleep singing, “It’s a strong wind, it’s a mighty strong wind that blows a strong tree down.” Then God laid the whole song out for me, the words, the timing and the melody. The Spirit brought it to me so clearly. This song is in sequence, 3 different events.

The 1st verse is well explained in Ether 2:8-10.

The 2nd verse is in the coming forth of Zion. There are many scriptures that speak of this time.

The 3rd verse is when Christ appears to His people in Jerusalem and shows them His wounds and they realize who He is. Zechariah 13:6 speaks of this. “And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.”

These are 3 major events that will surely be heard the world around.

159 The Deliverance Song (Psalm 32:7 “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from my trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.”)

The well’s too deep, there’s no way out, The wall’s too high to climb it. The sea’s too dark; the gulf’s too wide, The shore’s too far to find it.

It’s too far back; it can’t catch up, A chain’s been tied around it. The chain will break; the dawn will wake, With all dark days behind it.

Chorus: Our God is good; let’s sing it well, There’s not a wall that He can’t scale. There’s not a chain that He can’t break, So let’s all sing out, “God is great!”

The boat’s too small; the wave’s too high, The shore men cannot brave it. When high above the stormy sea, The Lord calls, “I will save it.”

The sky’s too dark; the light’s too dim, The clouds won’t let the sunshine in. The storm’s so wide, no way around, When God moves in a way is found.

Chorus: Sing, “God is good.” Sing, “God is great,” And He will rescue if we wait, So let’s all sing it loud and long, Of God and our Deliverance Song.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, May 13, 2007 This song was given to me on Sunday, May 13, 2007. That morning, the Spirit spoke to me, “The well’s too deep, there’s no way out, the wall’s too high to climb it.” Later that day, God revealed to me all of the song except for the second verse. It was so beautiful; I was singing it over and over. I realized the song is speaking of the problems of life that are so serious we cannot deliver ourselves, only God can deliver us.

At 4 a.m. on Monday morning, I was suddenly awakened and the words to the second verse were given to me. I wrote them down and went back to sleep. When I got up, the Lord revealed to me, thru His Spirit, the meaning of this verse. Verse 2 is speaking of “THE GIFT” of The Songs of Zion.

Many times, this gift is put on a far back shelf (so to speak) and deemed not important. Many times they have been hindered much and “tied down” because of UNBELIEF.

God spoke to me one evening walking into church and said, “The Songs of Zion are manna from heaven.” The children of Israel were not too impressed with the manna God sent to them in their day. So if history’s a teacher, a likeness for sure….this song says the chain will break, the dawn will wake and we look forward to that day of deliverance.

This song has a South American sound to it.

160 He’s Coming (Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”)

The birds in the trees sing, “Good morning,” The bird in the cage sings, “Good day,” The signs in the clouds say, “He’s coming,” To take all the cages away.

The prisoners, thru bars, see the morning, They’re waiting; they know Christ will come, For freedom, so long they have waited, When all of the bars will be gone.

The small bird is only a sparrow, Its colors of no brilliant hue, No lovelier song in the morning, “He’s coming, He’s coming, it’s true.”

The birds in the trees sing of freedom, The bird in the cage sings along, And down in the prison they’re singing, “Our Savior is coming at dawn.”

Our Lord and our Savior is coming, To open the prisons one day, To break all the bars on the windows, And take all the cages away.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Saturday, July 7, 2007 This song was given on the 7th day of the 7th month, 2007. We read of the 7th day of rest, the last thousand years of time, or Zion, when God’s people will be truly set free. This song sings of the little bird in the cage that is not free, the prisoners that are not free. Many times God’s people are in cages of affliction, cages of sorrow and problems of life. Many times, The Songs of Zion are in cages of unbelief, not free to be sung or brought forth to our people. The Lord is saying He’s coming to set His people free. This is another song of deliverance. These are just a few others that come to mind: #159 “The Deliverance Song”, #98 “Soaring Over Canaan”, #126 “Freedom’s Song” and #23 “Deliverance Broke the Dawn”.

A few days after this song was given, Brother Jim Moore and four others from Imperial attended the Tijuana Conference. A brother from Mexico spoke about the theme of their conference which was “Sing the Songs of Zion” and Psalm 137 and how the House of Israel was taken into bondage and put like a bird in a cage. Our group was so amazed because this brother didn’t know about song #160 “He’s Coming” (as it was not out yet) and it was all about how the Lord is coming to take all the cages away.

161 Out of the Cities (Genesis 19:24 “Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;” and Micah 4:10 “Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.”)

God sent the angels to Lot long ago, Leading him out of the city we know, For God would not burn it till Lot went along, Then down came the fire and the city was gone.

God’s sending angels again, can’t you see, Out of the cities, again, we will flee, We’re leaving the sorrow; we’re leaving the sin, We’ll never look back, no, no, never again.

Out of the thunder and out of the storm, Out of the war cries a nation is born, And all Zion’s children, the meek of the earth, Will live long to tell of the day of its birth.

Out of the city and into the field, Zion’s bright kingdom on earth we will build, Then kings will be silent and warring men cease, For almost completely a thousand years peace.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

Sunday, July 22, 2007 The words to this song came to me on Sunday, July 22, 2007, just before going over to church for our evening meeting. I thought I would wait until the music was given to tell anyone about it. I prayed that if God wanted me to bring it forth to our Imperial branch that evening that God would have one of our elders speak on it. I was so overcome when my brother, Jim Moore, in opening prayer, prayed these words: “…Lord, we know that you can see our day and time. We know that the righteous need not fear. We pray that you would put a shield over your people, heavenly Father, and that you would warn them and guide them and direct them, that it would be like Lot and his family when the angels came and told them to get out of the city for the city was going to be destroyed…” Then I told the Branch how I prayed and how Brother Jim’s prayer went right along and confirmed the song and I read the words. It wasn’t until a day or so later that the music was given and it is so lovely.

The following Sunday, July 29, 2007, Brother Dan Buffington asked me if I would sing this song as I hadn’t yet sung it for the Branch. While I was singing it, Brother Dan had the following vision: “Before getting up to preach this morning, I asked Sister Arlene Buffington if she would sing the newest Song of Zion that she had received, #161, “Out of the Cities”. Sister Arlene came up and stood by the piano, and as she began to read the words first to the newest song, an angel appeared standing on her left side. He had a violin in his left hand, which he held by the neck and a bow in his right hand. When Sister Arlene began to sing, the angel began to play the violin, and the only way I can describe his playing is sweet and longing. While he was playing the violin, I noticed how he was dressed. His robe was white with gold trim around his collar, sleeves, and hem. The body of the violin was white. The pegs, strings, tailpiece and chin board were gold. The stick of the bow was gold, and the part that is drawn across the strings was pure white. When our sister finished singing, he stopped playing and was gone like a flame of fire that goes up into thin air.” That evening, Brother Jim Moore asked if I would sing the song (as he had been away that morning and had not heard it). As I was singing it, just as I sang the last word, the Word of the Lord came forth as follows: “Thus saith the Lord, the time for foolishness is over. If you don’t prepare, you will be left behind.” So God has borne witness to the importance of this song over and over.

162 Take Up Your Bed Now And Run (Psalm 102:13 ~ Isaiah 62:1-4)

We read there’s a set time for Zion, And children, the set time has come, So send out the word to the dying- “Take up your bed now and run.”

So many were wounded in battle, Where pain brought down many a one, But Zion calls out to her children- “Take up your bed now and run.”

We read of the first great dominion, And of its returning again, The garden is blooming this morning- “Take up your bed now and run.”

The Lord named this lovely land Beulah, A refuge to all who would come, No longer called Lost nor Forsaken- “Take up your bed now and run.”

Chorus: Into the Garden of Eden Into the arms of God’s Son The dead there are raised and the wounded revived, “Take up your bed now and run.”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 8/28/07

This song was given on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. I was just walking through the hall in my home, not really thinking of anything, when I heard the voice of the spirit speak to me and say, “Take up your bed now and run.” I knew God had sent down a song and as I picked up my pen to write, God brought the words and melody to me so beautifully.

Verse 1: Psalms 102:13 “Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come.”

Our son had an experience at the time the songs returned in 2004 and this same scripture was given to him, that the set time for Zion has come. And we can say that we see many experiences coming forth to confirm this. At the heading of this chapter in my Bible it states, “a prayer of the afflicted” and it is so fitting with the theme of this song.

Verse 2: Many of God’s people, through the years have been wounded, so to speak, in battle. Whether it be through afflictions or sorrows of life. We have entered into this last 1000 years of time when we will surely take up our beds and run into Zion; the Peaceful Reign.

Verse 3: This speaks of the first great dominion or a time from the Garden of Eden up through the time when men lived to be hundreds of years old. Zion is likened unto the Garden of Eden where men and women, once again, will live hundreds of years.

Verse 4: See Isaiah 62:1-4 “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken, neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.”

Chorus: We know that Christ will appear to us in Zion and even dwell with us as the scripture states in Zechariah 2:10-11, “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the LORD. And many nations shall come be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.”

163 A Quiet Revelation (II Nephi 28:30 “…Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little…”)

There’s a light that’s shining brighter than it’s ever shone before, Like a quiet revelation or God opening a door, And like children at a window seeing things they’ve never seen, With the sudden realization, that it isn’t just a dream.

There’s a rose that’s blooming brighter than it’s ever bloomed before, There’s a ship arriving safely where the ocean meets the shore, And where many weary travelers gain their strength at just the sight, Of a quiet revelation, lighting up the darkest night.

There was clearly light from heaven when the prophets walked the earth, And so many years have vanished since they spoke of Zion’s birth. Jeremiah can’t be here today; Isaiah’s gone away, But the quiet revelations bring back all they had to say.

Chorus: It’s a quiet revelation; It’s a little piece of gold, It’s a little light from heaven that God’s children here can hold, And we’ll praise the Lord from morning till the setting of the sun, For the quiet revelations giving us the strength to run.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 8/13/07

II Nephi 28-30 “…Thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there and there a little…”

This song was given to me on Monday, August 13, 2007. Words fail me to explain what took place that day, but I knew an angel had come with a song and the words, “A Quiet Revelation”. Although I didn’t see the angel, I could feel his presence and I felt quite shaken. As I took a pen to write I was given the words and music. It is such a sweet message for God’s people. To the best of my ability, I will explain the meaning of the verses.

Verse 1: Our church was built on revelation. Many times while quietly reading and contemplating the scriptures, God has given greater understanding to His people; revealing deep things, great things, things that enlighten us so that we may see more clearly, even to the understanding of prophecies.

Verse 2: This is speaking of the beauty of Zion coming closer, like unto a rose blooming brighter and God bringing His people safely in. In talking to our people throughout the church we hear many beautiful experiences, dreams and visions. To know that God is speaking and enlightening His people brings such joy and we are strengthened by it.

Verse: 3 The prophecies bring light to our day and time. Although the prophets are not here today, “the quiet revelations bring back all they had to say.” God brings the prophecies back to our remembrance through experiences and songs and they come alive, full of meaning even unto the unfolding of them in our day and days not far off in the future.

The Chorus speaks of our appreciation for all that God reveals to His people from day to day, “the quiet revelations, giving us the strength to run.” 164 There’s Another Hill To Take (Isaiah 31:4 “…so shall the Lord of Hosts come down to fight for Mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.”)

Jesus leads His army and they Follow His command, Battle worn and battle scarred But in His strength they stand. Just when the soldiers think Another mile they cannot make, The Lord calls out, “Now, steady men, There’s another hill to take.”

The little army marches on And right into the fray, Gathering the wounded up To fight another day. A soldier’s down, a soldier’s up, The line’s about to break, When from on high, the Lord cries, “Men, There’s another hill to take.”

They don’t run and they don’t hide, Right off to war they go, “For truth,” the banner reads, “We’ll stand against the fiercest foe,” The Lord says we must win this fight And then the dawn will break. “Get ready men, around the bend, There’s another hill to take.”

Sis. Arlene Buffington 9/08/07

This song was given on Saturday, September 8, 2007. The spirit spoke to me and said, “There’s another hill to take.” This song is speaking of the army of the Lord. There is such sweetness in this song. I can feel the Lord smiling on us as He keeps encouraging us to go on. Sometimes in life we feel that there may be a hill we can’t climb over but like the song says, in His strength we stand.

Verse 3: “For truth the banner reads we’ll stand.” That’s all we have; the truth! The Gospel is true, the prophesies are true, The Songs of Zion are true.

We have a great hill facing us. That hill is the hill of destruction when the wicked are taken off of the land as spoken of in Ether 2:8-10: “And he had sworn in his wrath unto the brother of Jared, that whoso should possess this land of promise, from that time henceforth and forever, should serve him, the true and only God, or they should be swept off when the fullness of his wrath should come upon them. And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fullness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fullness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity. For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off, for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fullness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off.”

Isaiah 31:4 “…so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.”

I Nephi 22:19 “For behold, the righteous shall not perish; for the time surely must come that all they who fight against Zion shall be cut off.”

*The same day the song was given the following was in the Post Gazette. Thought for the day: “We shall seek the truth and endure the consequences.”

165 I Left It There (Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”)

You ask me where my burden went, The one I could not bear, Well, Jesus called from Calvary, Said, “Child, just bring it here.” –

You ask me where’s the heavy load, That brought my spirit down, Well, when I heard my Savior’s voice, That’s when I laid it down. –

You ask me why I’m riding high, Above this troubled ground. When Jesus called to me that day, I laid that trouble down. –

Chorus: I took it there; I took it there. I laid it down; I laid it down. I left it there. When Jesus called; I took it there, I laid it down; I left it there.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 9/11/07

I was getting the last song ready to send to Bro. Eugene and singing it on a tape for him like I always do. While I was doing this I knew there was another song waiting. It’s hard to explain but the presence of another song was in the room. When I got my last song ready to go, immediately this song was given, so quickly. I was singing it as I was writing it. This song is so joyful with an important message for us all. We must take our burdens and or troubles to the Lord and leave them there. We must not let our minds dwell on these things but on the blessings and all the great things that await God’s people.

166 Thru The Stormy Seasons (Helaman 5:12 “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail.”)

Precious gifts on earth abound, With God’s children they are found, Faith and hope and charity, And understanding prophecy.

Without dreams we could not soar, Over Canaan’s lovely shore, Without songs our spirits cry, And without vision many die.

God in mercy from above, Sends the precious gift of love, Many blessings we receive, When if by faith we just believe.

Chorus: Without hope the heart would break, Without God we could not make it Thru the stormy seasons, Thru the stormy seasons.

Sis. Arlene Buffington 9/27/07

This song was given on Thursday, September 27, 2007. This morning I had to have an MRI in the hospital as I had been having severe pains in my head. While lying in the MRI this song came to me and I was singing it to myself. I felt such a peace.

This song tells how the gifts that God gives to us; carry us through the stormy seasons. The precious dreams, visions, songs, the gift of “understanding prophesy,” along with all the other gifts and blessings.

167 The Outcast (Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying this is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”)

They called her an Outcast, whom no man desired, This Zion whom no man would seek, But God called her Beulah and said she would be, A refuge for all of the meek.

They called her Forsaken and laughed when they said, “Jerusalem’s fallen again,” But God said, “A crown in My hand she will be, And married, her land will be then.”

They called her a spoil and thought her a prey, Said, “No man could save her this time,” But God thought her precious and His own delight, Said, “No man can take what is mine.”

Chorus: God is restoring her beauty again, Healing her lands and the deep wounds within, And she’ll be called Sought Out, Forsaken no more, And they’ll never call her The Outcast again.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 10/22/07

Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”

This song was given on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007. A few weeks previous, it seemed every time I opened the scriptures it would open to Jeremiah 30:17. I felt an extra blessing with this beautiful verse. Then on this day the spirit brought this verse to me again along with the song. What a joy! The scripture explains the song better than I ever could.

*See Isaiah chapter 62

168 They Never Saw It Coming (Isaiah 66:8 “Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”)

Freedom’s such a wondrous thing That men the world around, They have fought for it and died for it And wondered where it’s found. They have sung of it and dreamed of it And searched thru all the earth, But they never saw it coming In Christ’s kingdom here on earth.

Christ was born among the cattle In a lowly little town, And His kingdom sprang to life one day Midst cities all around, But they never saw it coming, Never recognized it’s birth, And they never knew when Jesus came That freedom came to earth.

Men have searched thru all the ages, For a little peace on earth, But they never placed importance on The Savior’s lowly birth, And they never searched for Jesus So they searched for peace in vain, And they never saw it coming In the blessed Peaceful Reign.

There’s a little town that’s growing On a little country hill, And it seemed to spring up suddenly As far as men could tell, But they didn’t see it coming Christ’s own kingdom here on earth, While it’s citizens and countrymen Were singing of its birth.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 12/23/07

Isaiah 66:8 “Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”

It was Sunday morning and I was listening to a c.d. of the Zioneers while getting ready for church. They were singing the words, “I’m taking my freedom, I have to be free” from #110 of The Songs of Zion. I felt the spirit of God touch me very greatly as the words and music to this new song #168 was given.

The Lord gave Bro. Steve Kerby the same message while speaking in Anaheim that morning. He recounted the time in the Book of Mormon where the people didn’t see or understand the day and time in which they lived. Even as the prophets proclaimed the birth of Christ in their day, so the birth of Christ’s kingdom of Zion here on earth is prophesied in our day with very little observation.

The song says, “They never saw it coming.” It is true that many can rehearse the past, some can foresee the future, but few can understand the day in which we live.

Christ was born in a small and lowly place. Micah 5:2 “But thou, Bethlehem Ephrata, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Verse #2 They never knew when Jesus came that freedom came to earth. Isaiah 61:1-2 “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound…”

169 Here He Placed Me, Here I’ll Stay (Alma 5:60 “…The good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto His voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.”)

Jesus, like a kindly shepherd, brought me to His fold one day, Where His lambs are fed and nourished, here he placed me, here I’ll stay. Wolves appear in shepherd’s clothing, leading little lambs away, But as for me and for the gospel, here he placed me, here I’ll stay.

Little lambs cling to their mothers, little children do the same, And the gospel, she’s my mother; with my mother I’ll remain. I’ll not feed from other pastures; I’ll not go some other way, For it was here the shepherd brought me, here he placed me, here I’ll stay.

Many shepherds, false and erring, yonder lead the lambs to eat, Where the wolves will kill and scatter, and the lambs will be their meat. But for me no distant pasture, for I found my place one day, And when the good and kindly shepherd, here he placed me, here I’ll stay.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 1/13/08

This song was given on Sunday, January 13, 2008. That morning before church the spirit spoke to me saying, “Here He placed me, here I’ll stay.” I cannot describe the blessing I felt this day as God gave the words and music to me. I had not told anyone what I was given. Sometimes I like to wait and see if there is a confirmation.

Bro. Dan Buffington had the following experience: As I was coming upstairs from the basement of the church into the meeting I heard Sister Arlene Buffington say, I would like to read to you #169. When I came into the meeting they were blessing towels for feet washing. (A new song had already started to come forth but Sis. Arlene hadn’t told it yet.)

It was then that I got up in the branch and told what I had received.

Alma 5:60 “And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.”

God has provided pasture for his sheep in The Church of Jesus Christ. We will not feed from other pastures or other tables of doctrine or religion. What he has provided for this church; that we will eat and be nourished thereby and none other.

I hear in this song a distinct sound of stringed music, like that of the Appalachian Mountains.

170 The Rocks Bowed Down (III Nephi Chapter 8)

The rocks bowed down when our Savior died, The earth cried out, “He is crucified.” The cities fell and the mountains rose, And many wept for the life they chose.

The trees bent low when our Savior died, The weeping willows broke down and cried, The lightning cracked and the thunder roared, For nature knew they had slain our Lord.

The tempest raged when our Savior died, No place to run and no place to hide, The whirlwind took many lives away, And where they went, there’s no man can say.

Chorus: Cry out brothers; cry out sisters, Cry for the ones who’ve gone astray. Cry like the rocks and the earth when it cried out, Cry for the awful Judgment Day.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 2/17/08

This song was given on Sunday Feb. 17, 2008. Our Sunday School lesson and the preaching that followed was all from III Nephi, chapter 8 about the terrible destruction that came upon the land of America at the time when Christ was crucified. It is a likeness of the destruction that we know is coming to take the wicked from off the land so that Christ’s kingdom can be established in the land of America. God gave this song, words and music, during the meeting and I sang it for the Branch. Just as in song #169, this song also has the sound of stringed music, like that of the Appalachian Mountains. 171 An Ode To The Morning (II Peter 1:19 “We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day star arise in your hearts.”)

A little wren sings of the morning light, It sang thru the storm and it sang thru the night, It sang thru the wind, it sang thru the rain, And this is the song the little wren sang.

The little wren’s song, it went on and on, It sang of the day and it sang of the dawn, It sang of an end to the long dark night, And it sang this ode to the morning light.

The little wren sings of the day star’s shine, It lights up the world and this heart of mine, And the day star’s light doesn’t shine in vain, For it lights the dawn of the Peaceful Reign.

Chorus: Let the light shine down and the day star rise, In the hearts and minds and the eastern skies, Let the joy burn bright thru the long dark night, And sing an ode to the morning – And sing an ode to the morning.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 2/10/08

II Peter 1:19 “We have a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day star arise in your hearts.”

This song was given on Sunday, February 10, 2008. The spirit revealed to me the music and the first three lines of the chorus and I was singing it over and over that morning. The spirit also revealed there would be three verses and in every verse a little wren was singing. As I was singing the chorus I was thinking, “What is the last line?” The spirit spoke to me, “An ode to the morning.” I went to the dictionary to find out what an ode was, as I did not know.

Ode – A lyric poem, usually rhymed and in the form of an address in varied or irregular meter; a lofty poem of praise.

A tribute to the morning! I was very surprised that this song as in #169 and #170 had also the sound of mountain music. This is the third song in a row with the same sound, although the melodies are completely different. 172 Come, My Friend (Rev. 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come, And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”)

Come, my friend, receive the Gospel, Precious gift I bring to you, All I have of worth I offer, Precious gospel plain and true. Precious gospel plain and true.

Come, my friend, into the water, Fall beneath the cleansing tide, Rise again, a new creation, Where God’s spirit can abide. Where God’s spirit can abide.

Go, my friend, the world is waiting, Find another just like you, Give the gift, so freely given, Precious gospel plain and true. Precious gospel plain and true.

3/8/08 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

A verse of this song was given to me during the fifteen silent years. (Years where there were no songs given) I remembered every note and waited for God to give the rest of the song.

On Saturday March 8, 2008 the rest of the words came to me and I knew it was time to bring it forth.

Bro. Dan Buffington had an experience on March 2, 2008 that two songs would be given close together. (“Come My Friend” was given 3/8/08 and “I Am That I Am” was given on 3/16/08.)

Bro. Dan’s experience: As we were singing this evening I had a vision where I saw two little children come into our meeting. They looked to be about two years old. As I looked at them I noticed their clothes were bright white and on the front of their shirt they each had a big strawberry and their hair looked to be gold in color. They came down the aisle and sat in the same row as Sister Arlene Buffington. Bro. Dan’s comments: Just before I wrote this experience on 3/11/08, the Lord showed me in detail how these two children were dressed and what their hair looked like showing that they represented two new songs that are coming.

173 With Pity, Dear Father (Psalm 103:13 “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.”)

With pity, dear Father, look on thy people, Send angels to guard every door, That no evil could enter a home or a heart, Let Thy spirit abide evermore.

Father, remind us when our memory fails, Who we are and what we should be, That some child of darkness thru us see a light, And some bound by sin be set free.

Father, with mercy, grant pardon to all, Who in some way come short of the goal, Unworthy of favor, just pleading Thy grace, Thru the blood make us perfectly whole.

Arlene L. Buffington 4/30/08

The words to this song were given many years ago but there was never music given until now.

On April 30, 2008, suddenly music came to me. I cannot explain it but I knew at once that this music was for the words given many years prior. As the week went on it kept coming back to me and on May 5 we went to see Bro. Dan Buffington as he was preparing to go into the hospital for surgery. (This day the music came to me stronger than before.) I heard that Bro. Dan had an experience on this song. He said, on the 26’th of April he heard these words being quoted in a dream and God revealed to him that this would be #173 in The Songs of Zion. Thank God for confirmation. (Before they call, I will answer) 174 I Am That I Am (Exodus 3:14 “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”)

When Israel was taken in bondage, Afflictions were grievous to bear, And like us, they bowed down in sorrow, And cried out to God in despair.

The taskmasters laid heavy burdens, God’s people cried many long years, Their backs and their hearts nearly broken, But God, looking down, saw their tears.

Some thought no one there could deliver, Not thinking of God’s mighty hand, When God called on Moses, His servant, To bring them to Canaan’s fair land.

The God of our fathers has spoken, “I AM THAT I AM,” hear Him say, And when He delivers His children, There’s nothing can stand in His way.

Chorus: “I AM THAT I AM, He has sent me,” Said Moses, God’s servant one day, And thus God delivered His people, And thus He’ll deliver today.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 3/16/08

“I Am That I Am” was given Sunday during church. My brother Jim Moore, in his sermon, spoke from Exodus 3:14 and when he read the words to this verse, I felt the spirit of God and knew this was the name of the new song, “I Am That I Am.”

The music God gave me matches the message so perfectly. 175 The Day Walked In (Isaiah 66:8 “Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”)

Well, what do you know! The day walked in, And we all cried out, “Oh, where have you been?” We’ve searched for years for the dawn’s first light, And we suffered long thru the cold harsh night.

Well, what do you know! Like a long lost friend, We wept with joy that the Lord would send, Such a beautiful day where the weary rest, And didn’t we dream of a day so blest.

Well, what do you know! A small child leads, A lion’s cub while a little lamb feeds, Where the peaceful kingdom’s free from sin, God opened the door and the day walked in.

“Oh where have you been?” We cried again, And the sun just beamed when the day walked in, “We’ve heard for years you were on the way, Well, what do you know, today’s the day!”

Arlene L. Buffington 5/10/08

It was Saturday evening and I had been working all day getting c.d.’s labeled and ready and mail to those who had requested them. I was just finishing for the day when suddenly the spirit of God came upon me so greatly and I began to sing this song. I sat down and wrote it right then and was overcome with the blessing I felt. This song speaks of The Seventh Day of Rest or Zion; The Peaceful Reign. The scripture in Isaiah 66:8 says, “…Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day?”

176 Didn’t It Shine (Psalms 50:2 “Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.”)

We watched the sea for a distant light, “That ship’s gone down,” some said, “in the night,” But we said, “Not so, on this we’ll stand, Old Zion’s ship will soon reach land.”

Some said, “You’ll see,” when we first caught sight, “It’s not a ship; it’s only a light,” But the light grew bright, their voices dim, When the Lord called out, “I’m bringing her in.”

Thru the mist it came, all gold and white, We saw at once that the old ship’s light, Was the Lord himself, to our surprise, And it shone so bright we covered our eyes.

CHORUS: Didn’t it shine when it first appeared, And didn’t we laugh And didn’t we cry And didn’t we cheer!

Arlene L. Buffington 8/14/08

This song was given to me Thursday, August 14, 2008. The evening before, just the chorus came to me. I was singing it. I didn’t know what “it” was, but I knew it had to be something beautiful that was coming for God’s people.

The next morning I was awakened with a scene or a picture that came before me. We were standing on the seashore straining to see a ship coming in. When it came to shore it was so bright we had to cover our eyes.

“The Lord called out, I’m bringing her in” refers to the Peaceful Reign, Zion, a new nation, Christ’s kingdom on earth; The New Jerusalem.

We hear some say it is not coming in our day, it is so far off. According to Bible time we are living in the last thousand years of time; a new era.

177 Oh, Beautiful Zion (I Nephi 21:14 “But, behold, Zion hath said: The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me – but he will show that he hath not.” )

Oh, beautiful Zion, our latter day theme, The prettiest picture, the loveliest dream, The prophets portrayed it, that others might see, And pass down the vision to you and to me.

With signs in the heavens and tempests on earth, God’s word has declared it, a kingdom’s new birth, The lamb and the lion, the wolf and the kid, And records revealing what once had been hid.

To live in an era and witness the birth, The literal gathering of Israel on earth, A day of rejoicing, but sorrow for some, Who never received it or thought it would come.

Chorus: Sing out, Oh ye heavens, be joyful, Oh earth, Because of the promise of Zion’s sure birth, They say God’s forsaken and that He’s forgot, But God in great power will show He has not.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 8/25/08

Bro. Dan Buffington opened our Sunday evening meeting in Imperial with the scripture: I Nephi 21:14 “The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me – but He will show that He hath not.” When he read this the spirit revealed to me immediately that this would be the next song.

The next day the Spirit of God just unfolded to me the words and melody. The music was as beautiful as the words, and the words carry the whole message.

God’s people, today, are going through afflictions and many trials of life and I am sure some are thinking that God has forgotten Zion, but He will show that He has not.

178 The Cattle On A Thousand Hills (Psalm 50:10 “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.”)

No king can match my Father’s wealth, And never one so wise, The heavens and earth and seas are His, And everything that in them lies, All the violets and the daffodils, And the cattle on a thousand hills. And the cattle on a thousand hills.

The God of all the universe, My Father owns it all, Every living thing wakes up at once, In answer to my Father’s call, All the hummingbirds and the whippoorwills, And the cattle on a thousand hills, And the cattle on a thousand hills.

The silver mines, the copper fields, Are under His domain, The rivers that feed the waterfalls, And the diamonds on the diamond mine walls, All the valley’s streams and the mountain rills, And the cattle on a thousand hills, And the cattle on a thousand hills.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 9/14/08

The first verse of this song was given many years ago and I never forgot the music. I knew one day God would give more to this song, so I waited.

On Sunday, September 14, 2008 Bro. Dan read the one verse concerning The Cattle On A Thousand Hills” from the rostrum. Then Sis. Becky testified about it, followed by Sis. Margaret who said she had been reading this scripture in Psalms 50 this same morning. Three is a perfect witness and I knew God was going to complete this song, this very day.

When I went home from church the second and third verses were given and now the song is complete. Thank God. He owns everything, everything is His!

179 I, Who Am Nothing (Mosiah 4:11 “…I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness.”)

I, Who am nothing, my Father’s a king, He rescues His children from sin, Prepares me a banquet, no prince could afford And I, who am nothing, go in.

I, who am nothing, my Father’s a king, He watches the storm coming in Prepares me a shelter and leads me along, And I, who am nothing, go in.

I, who am nothing, my Father’s a king, He knows when the dry spells begin, Prepares an oasis and beckons me come, And I, who am nothing, go in.

I, who am nothing, my Father’s a king, He sees when the wolves leave the den, Prepares me a hedge where His angels stand guard, And I, who am nothing, go in.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 9/16/08

This song was given to me as I was driving in the car to an appointment. The Spirit spoke to me the following words: “I, who am nothing.” I felt the glory of God when I heard these words and instantly God gave me this song. I was singing it as I was driving. I couldn’t wait to get back home so I could write it down.

180 He Sits Upon the Circle of the Earth (Isaiah 40:22 “It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers…”)

God took away my shackles and He took away my tears, He took away the sadness that had followed many years, With all the disappointments from high places coming down, He picked me up and brushed me off and offered me a crown.

God took away my burden that I could no longer bear, He took away the loneliness; He took away the fear, He cut away the cruel and cold and hindering restraints, He held me close and numbered me with all His precious saints.

God wiped away my failures, all the times I couldn’t see, The plan of He who rules the earth and channels up the sea, He sits upon the circle of the earth but not in vain, He counts the little grasshoppers and knows us all by name.

Chorus: He sees His children when they cry, He knows each one from birth, Because He sits so high upon the circle of the earth.

11/9/08 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

This Sunday our whole branch was attending a meeting at the conference center in Greensburg. I was home alone as I had been sick for over a month and was just recovering. When I got up and walked into the kitchen this morning I was thinking, “this is the first day that I feel good.” Just as I thought that, I heard music playing in the bedroom. The music was so pretty and then I heard a woman’s voice singing, “God took away my shackles and He took away my tears.” I thought it was coming from my c.d. player. I went into the bedroom to check and realized it wasn’t coming from there then I knew God had dropped down a song. Surely when God looks down on His people we are like little grasshoppers but He knows us all by name.

This month when I was so sick, I couldn’t have prepared a song, as there is much work to get each song ready with the music to print. As soon as I said, “I feel good” God sent a song. He waited until I was able to do the work. How wonderful He is!

Two more experiences given this same morning. At this time no one knew what had been given to me as everyone was still away.

In New Jersey, Bro. Jim Calabro had gone to the hospital to visit a brother in hospice care. This brother had only been in the church a few years. Before coming to the church he led a very troubled life, in and out of prison. He told Bro. Jim to remove the sheet and look at his ankles. He had tattoos of shackles around both ankles, the kind they put on prisoners. When Bro. Jim later heard about this song he e- mailed me a picture of his shackles. “God took away my shackles. How amazing!”

The following Sunday evening a young brother had brought a friend from college to visit for the first time to our branch. She is a musician and was up front playing with our little band. Bro. Bob Buffington asked me to read the words to this new song. When I read the words, “God took away my shackles and He took away my tears”, she said she just began to shake because the previous Sunday when she had been way with her church group, she said she walked off into the woods alone (because of all the disappointments in her life) and she began to sing, “God took away my shackles and He took away my tears”, just that one line. Of course she knew nothing of this song. The song also says “with all the disappointments” just like she said of her life.

I wonder if God allowed me to hear her voice singing in my bedroom. I marvel at what God is able to do.

181 He’s My Rock (Lamentations 3:24 “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him.” Psalms 16:5 “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.”)

The Lord, He is my portion, He’s my share and He’s my part, The only wealth that I possess is Jesus in my heart, My hope is only in the Lord, my stay is in His love, Tho earthly friends may turn away I have this friend above. And He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend. And He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend.

Tho storms of life may come and go, and trials take a toll, But still the love of Jesus is a constant in my soul, No matter where my pathway leads, He’s never far away, For all the love He’s given me, I’ll thank Him every day. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend.

The Lord, He is my confidence, my portion and my part, He lives way up in heaven and so dearly in my heart, He is my strength in trouble and in all the coming days, For He’s my song each morning and at night my song of praise. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend.

The Lord, He’s my inheritance, my treasure and my cup, And when I’m feeling empty He is there to fill it up, And when I’m feeling troubled then His arms are open wide, The rock of my salvation is the place I run to hide. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend. For He’s my rock, my confidence, my friend.

11/13/08 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

I was reading an article Sis. Lisa Champine had written for the General Ladies’ Circle blog. She used the scripture Lamentations 3:24 and in the article Sis. Lisa wrote, “He is my portion, my share, my part.” The last sentence of her article says, “no matter what, in trials and in joy, my desire is that the Lord will always be my portion and my hope.” I felt overcome with the spirit of God while reading this and immediately God gave me the words and music for this beautiful song.

God has taken many scriptures used in preaching and teaching and put them into The Songs of Zion. We might read a scripture and forget it but when the same scripture is put into a song we sing it over and over and even our little children are learning and remembering great things from the scripture. God is so wise.

182 Then All the Earth Will Sing (Is. 12:5 “Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.”)

When there’s no tears from death and pain, When there’s no thoughts of worldly gain, When there’s no enemies to fear, We’ll know the peaceful reign is here, The peaceful reign is here.

When charity warms every door, When heaven’s riches clothe the poor, When faith at last is something seen, We’ll know this day is not a dream, This day is not a dream.

When Zion’s daughters gather ‘round, When all the tribes on earth are found, When Christ in glory comes to earth, To bring about His kingdom’s birth, To bring His kingdom’s birth.

When Israel’s colors bring a smile, When all the rainbows turn and bow, When all the suns that ever shone, Will shine to welcome Israel home, To welcome Israel home.

When wisdom wears a silver gown, When understanding wears a crown, When peace reigns like a lovely queen, Then all the earth will sing, will sing, Then all the earth will sing.

1/1/09 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

12/28/08 Sunday morning I had a short dream that I was in our church basement working on The Songs of Zion books. Before I could put them together I needed #182, which had not been given yet, and I kept saying to myself, the music is very sweet.

On New Years Eve I knew a song would be given because that day I heard music and the spirit revealed to me what the song was about. It wasn’t until the next day God gave me the words.

This song tells how we will know when Zion is here. We hear some say we’re in Zion when we’re in the church. No, in Zion there will be no cancer, not the sorrows that we have today. No sin in Zion, thank God, and no wars there.

Verse 4 says: When Israel’s colors bring a smile, when all the rainbows turn and bow.

Israel’s colors are so bright and the rainbow’s colors are pastels and it seemed as I was carried into this song and Israel’s bright beautiful colors caused the rainbows to smile and bow. It will be such a joyous time.

Many have asked me the meaning of the chorus, “When wisdom wears a silver gown.” This means when it’s a thing of beauty and worn by God’s people more so then today. My father always said, “No matter what gift you have, if you don’t have wisdom, you’ll misuse your gift.”

“When understanding wears a crown” – at the time of Zion we will have greater understanding than ever before and wear it like a crown.

When peace reigns like a lovely queen (the peaceful reign); no wars in Zion, for men will beat their swords into plowshares.

Isaiah 2:4 “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Micah 4:3 “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Then all the earth will sing – Isaiah 55:12 “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.”

When I sang this song for Bro. Eugene and Sis. Donna they said this song is so sweet.

183 From The Pit Up To the Mountain (II Kings 13:17-21 “And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance…”)

Joseph, many years had pondered, On the place, from whence he came, From the pit up to the palace, From obscurity to fame.

When the trials sound like thunder, When the sunshine turns to rain, Then God’s arrow of deliverance, Sends an ending to the pain.

Holy Mountain, Zion’s city, Calls to all who would believe, And to all His dying children, Sending down the Lord’s reprieve.

There’s no dying on the mountain There’s no grave clothes waiting there, Christ alone, of life, the giver, Touches all who enter here.

Chorus: From the pit, up to the mountain, From the dead God’s children rise, Leave the grave clothes all behind you, On the mountain is the prize.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 1/10/09

This song has the distinct sound of bluegrass music; stringed instruments. The first verse speaks of how God brought Joseph from the pit, where he would have died, up to the palace. (Genesis 39) This song goes on to speak of God’s arrow of deliverance and how He will spare the lives of those that will go into Zion. There will be no funeral trains there.

Let me clarify, where it says, “from the dead God’s children rise”, this is not actually those who have died. This is speaking of those who would have died except for God’s intervention.

The day I was writing this song my daughter called. When the phone rang I had pen in hand and was writing. She was in Seattle, WA visiting her daughter. That morning she was reading the scripture where the dead man was thrown onto the bones of Elisha and the dead man came alive and stood up. It was so real and powerful that she continued to read and also read of the arrow of deliverance. She said that God’s spirit was so strong in the words that for the first time she thought to herself, I just feel like if mom read these words God would give her a song about it. Little did she know that God had already given the song that day and I was just writing it.

Later that day my son Jeff heard I was given this song and he called to tell me that he was also reading about the arrow of deliverance. None of us had ever remembered reading that passage before. God’s spirit was in the scripture with Becky and Jeff and at the same time God was giving the song. Amazing!

Song #69 from The Songs of Zion says, “He scolds the eager greave, then He raises me high above the ravage of war and He shows me a place where there’s peace evermore…”

184 From Steeple To Steeple (Joel 2:20 “But I will remove far off from you the northern army…”)

The war had been over, the enemy gone, The awful invasion was past, The old church bells rang it, the people they sang it, God brought home His children at last.

Some came by the hundreds, some by the thousands, And some only one at a time, But all heard the music and all heard the message, And all heard the old church bells chime.

Some over the mountains and over the borders, And over the rivers and streams, Some carried their babies, some carried their fathers, And some only carried their dreams.

Chorus: From steeple to steeple, telling God’s people, “The long war had finally been won.” The army retreated, at long last defeated, We knew we had won when the angels came down.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 1/18/09

I was awakened from sleep with this experience. It was so real, like I was there. The bells were ringing from town to town, from village to village proclaiming the war was over and God had sent His angels to drive the enemy from off our land (as in George Washington’s vision).

Then God gave me the words and music to this song.

After the war, when the message goes out, as it will, then God’s people will gather into Zion. How glorious that day will be!

185 Arise From the Dust (Isaiah 51:23 “…Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.”)

Oppression has followed God’s people, Thru centuries and ages of time, But God sees His covenant children, “And these,” He has said, “they are mine.”

Awake, Oh my people, my chosen, And sing on the long pathway home, No longer on roads of affliction, The day of deliverance has come.

Arise from the dust, God has spoken, No longer to weep nor to howl, Adorned in such beautiful garments, No longer in sorrow to bow.

Oppressors brought many afflictions, But God, our Lord, said in His word, In Zion oppressors will perish, No longer these words will be heard.

Chorus: “Bow down,” they said, “and we’ll go over,” We laid down our bodies for years, Like the ground and a street they walked over, Like a road thru a long trail of tears.

Arlene L. Buffington 2/14/09

I prayed to God and asked Him if there is a message for today. I opened the Bible to Isaiah 51, and read the last two verses. I felt the spirit of God as I read this. I had no thought it would be a song. Two days later I heard music and I knew then the music was for this song and then God gave me the words.

This song speaks of the oppression that has always followed God’s people from the beginning down to our day and time.

I think of the Jews; how they were taken on the trains to the gas chambers. I think of the Indian people on the trail of tears. I think of how many times God’s people and His prophets were oppressed and many times killed. Today on the news we hear in many parts of the world where people are killed just because they claim to be Christians. We even see in our own country how some want to take the name of God out of everything. But if you go on to read the 52’nd chapter of Isaiah, you’ll see where it says, “Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O, Zion; put on thy beautiful garments.”

There will be no oppression in Zion. “But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” -Psalm 37:11

186 If We Hold A Little Longer (Micah 7:14 “Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel…”)

If we make it through the night Oh, what a morning that will be, If we make it thru the hard times Then the sun will shine, you’ll see – If we hold a little longer To the rod of our belief, Till God’s soothing hand Heals our troubled land And the troubled find relief.

If we make it to the border Of a brand new nation’s birth, We will join the builders building There Christ’s kingdom here on earth – And He’ll come in all His glory While the bells in heaven ring Then the tribes will come And unite as one And we’ll gather ‘round and sing.

Oh, the rod of our belief Has made it clear to us today, That the hand of providence Has brought us safely all the way, And the God of all the universe Has caused all wars to cease On the prophet’s land Where God’s little band Plays a melody of peace.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 4/10/09

#186 was given 4/10/09 and #188 was given 4/11/09 the next day saying, “If we hold a little longer God will bring us through.

Sis. Carolyn Gehly dreamed she and Bro. Paul were riding in a car and I flagged them down and told them there were two new songs. Shortly after her dream God gave me #186 and #188. God was saying if we hold a little longer He will bring us through.

187 The Eagle’s Flight (Matt. 6:10 “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven…” Dan. 2:44 “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…it shall stand forever.”)

The eagle on the mountain stood And fiercely looked around, But when God said, “It’s time to fly,” That eagle left the ground, He soared over the valleys where The people stopped to look, For when his song had touched the earth, ‘Twas then the whole land shook.

The eagle took its early flight Into the morning sun, And everywhere its song was heard It seemed new life had sprung, For everywhere the grass turned green And everybody knew, The song the eagle sang that day Of peace on earth was true.

That eagle flew at morning and That eagle flew at noon, Some said, “It cannot be because That eagle flew too soon,” But when God said, “It’s time to fly,” It left its lofty nest, And brought the message down to earth, The Seventh Day of Rest.

Chorus: And he soared high and he soared low, And he sang out, “It’s time to go,” So dry your tears, there’s been a birth, Christ’s kingdom’s come at last to earth.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 4/19/09

I had just run off on my copier a picture of an eagle in flight that Sis. Marian Yoder had given me the evening before. When I looked at the picture it brought to my mind a dream that Bro. Abelardo Granados, the president our church in Mexico), had about 2 years previous and I wrote the words, “and all the grass turned green” under the eagle. When I did the spirit and power of God came down upon me so greatly as I cannot describe. Then the spirit brought to me the words and music to this beautiful song.

I believe Bro. Abelardo’s dream was of great importance and God did not want it forgotten so He brought it back in a song.

Bro. Abelardo dreamed he saw a very high mountain. The mountain was all rock and on top of the mountain he saw a man close to falling down but something sustained him. Then Bro. Abelardo heard a voice from heaven saying, “Now is the time.” At that moment the man on the mountain fell but before he touched the ground he was transformed into an eagle and he began to soar down the mountain. The eagle was flying south over Mexico and started singing The Songs of Zion. The earth quivered when the song touched the earth; something to show that the earth “felt” the song had touched it. Then everything turned very green and much peace was felt. The people working in the fields stopped to watch the eagle. Bro. Abelardo said the eagle continued to fly south until it flew out of sight.

In the beginning of the dream the man Bro. Abelardo saw was Bro. Jim Moore who he had never met. Bro. Jim came to the Tijuana conference July 2007 and when Bro. Abelardo saw Bro. Jim walk in he said his heart was jumping because Bro. Jim was the man he saw on the mountain.

188 God Brought Us Thru (Leviticus 26:13 “I am the Lord your God which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt…”)

God brought us thru the desert when the sun was burning hot, He brought us thru the wilderness, he never once forgot – He brought us thru the tempest and thru many a raging storm, Into the land the prophets saw of honey, wine and corn.

God brought us thru the floods with all the waters rising fast, He brought us thru the blazing fire and took us right on past – He loved us when nobody loved us, when nobody cared, And made us rich beyond degree, when heavens wealth He shared.

God brought us thru the wars and all the rumors of the past, For when the armies left our land, of them we saw the last – He put the moon to sleep; the night had many days to rest, And when the sun came up at dawn, we knew that day was blest.

Chorus: And we will sing God’s praise, thru all the coming days, Thru all the endless years, for He has dried our tears, And brought us safely to the land the prophets knew, And here we’ll dwell in peace with Christ, our Lord.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 4/11/09

This song was given the day after #186 “If We Hold A Little Longer” was given. God is saying if we hold a little longer He will bring us through.

The line in the song that says, “The night had many days to rest” means we are going into the dawn of Zion, or the Seventh day of rest.

189 Show Me My Vine and My Fig Tree (Micah chapter 4)

Show me the top of the mountain, That there the Lord’s house I might see, High over the hills and above them, Where all of God’s people are free.

Show me where nations are coming, That there I might view their return, And rest for a while on the summit, Oh, Father for that place I yearn.

Show me that land where the builders, Are gathering beautiful stones, That there I might join in the building Of Zion, our city and home.

Show me the way to the summit, That there I might not lose my way, Send word up the mountain, “We’re coming” We’ve waited so long for this day.

Chorus: Show me my vine and my fig tree, That there I may rest for awhile, The sorrows of life here surround me, Where every step seems like a mile.

Sis. Arlene Buffington 6/29/09

I knew this day a song would be given. The spirit revealed to me the melody and the subject and I sat down and read the 4’th chapter of Micah. When I did God just laid out the whole song.

7/04/09 Saturday afternoon Today at The Church of Jesus Christ in Imperial we had our 4’th of July picnic in our pavilion. I was given a copy of the new Song of Zion called, “Show Me My Vine and My Fig Tree.” As I began to read the new song I had a vision.

As the vision came before me I saw all the brothers and sisters inside the pavilion, and vines began to cover the roof trusses and the side of the pavilion with huge pods of ripe purple grapes. It looked to me as a huge grape arbor and we were sitting in it.

Bro. Dan Buffington

190 Man The Boats (Ether 2:6-7 “And it came to pass that they did travel in the wilderness, and did build barges, in which they did cross many waters, being directed continually by the hand of the Lord. And the Lord would not suffer that they should stop beyond the sea in the wilderness, but he would that they should come forth even unto the land of promise, which was choice above all other lands, which the lord God had preserved for a righteous people.)

Man the boats and all be ready, To the Promised Land we go, Tho the crossing may be daring, We won’t hesitate to go.

Get aboard if you are going, Get aboard if you would see, Where the mother’s been delivered, And the child is running free.

Every lifeboat filled and searching, Every vessel has been manned, Looking back is not an option, Onward to the Promised Land.

Climb aboard and hold on tightly, There’s no need for going down, Land is near and has been sighted, What we’ve searched for has been found.

Sis. Arlene Buffington July 8, 2009

Man - Example: The crew was ordered to man the lifeboats Definition: Attend, staff, take up one’s position in, take one’s place at, get to one’s post; supply with hands, furnish with men, people; equip, fit, out, outfit; garrison.

I was awakened this morning with these words, “Man the Boats and all be ready, to the Promised Land we go.” I immediately got up and wrote it down. When I did this song was given – words and music together.

7/11/09 While reading the newest Song of Zion #190, “Man the Boats,” the Word of the Lord was spoken to me three times:

Thus saith the Lord, be prepared and stand in the holy place for I am moving.”

Comments: Psalm 24:1-6

Bro. Dan Buffington

191 God Will Restore (Joel 2:25-27 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.”)

When I can’t walk and I can’t sing, And I can’t see a single thing, Then all at once to my delight, The Lord sends down a little light.

When trouble’s knocking at my door, And I am tired and weak and poor, Then all at once from up above, The Lord sends down a little love.

When all the earth is veiled in sin, And all the world is closing in, Then all at once at God’s command, The veil is rent throughout the land.

Chorus: Then I can walk, and I can see, and I can sing, And I can hear the bells in heaven when they ring, And God says, “Child, I will restore, All that’s been lost, through all the years, to you and more.”

1/12/10 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

This song reminds me of the story of Job. He lost his health, his wealth, his children and even his friends. Through his great trial Job retained his integrity and in the end God restored to him more than he ever had before.

The night before this song was given I was praying these few words, “Lord, we’ve looked for Zion for many years and through the years we’ve lost so much. Many have lost health and strength, loved ones and friends. Some have even lost hope. Please, help us Lord. Please, help your people.”

I fell asleep and the next morning not even thinking of my prayer the night before, I began to sing, “When I can’t walk, and I can’t sing, and I can’t see a single thing, then all at once to my delight, the Lord sends down a little light!” And He surely did with this beautiful song. The 2’nd chapter of Joel speaks of a time after the war when God will also restore all that was lost to our nation.

Jeremiah 30:17 “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.”

192 One Of A City And Two Of A Family (Jeremiah 3:14 “Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion…”)

One of a city and two of a family, They’re leaving for Zion today. God’s hand is leading, His angels preceding, And showing His people the way. So pray you can find it, the beauty behind it, When God opens wide Zion’s door, For only the righteous can enter that city, And dwell there in peace evermore.

Turn back ye children and turn back ye nations, And turn while there’s still time to turn. Hear the Lord calling, His judgments are falling, And oh, what a lesson to learn. It’s onward to Zion, the lamb and the lion, The wolf and the bear and the kid, And all those refusing to turn to the Savior Will wish on this day that they did.

One of a city and two of a family, And three by the mercies of God, Reach for the hand that is reaching to save you, And pray that your number is called. The sinners are grieving; God’s people are leaving, So pray that you’re counted with them. Jerusalem’s waiting, oh, what celebrating, When all of God’s children are in.

Chorus: Oh, it’s one of a city and two of a family, So pray that you’re numbered within, The list God is calling while cities are falling, And many are dying in sin.

Arlene L. Buffington 2/22/10

The words and music of this song came to me this morning, and I felt the effect of the spirit of God as it was given.

I think of times in the scripture when God spared only a few; Noah and his family, Lehi’s family and the little group that went with them, and also Lot and his family.

God sent angels to take him by the hand and lead him out of the city before Sodom was destroyed. I remember my mother’s experience: she was praying to the Lord concerning destruction in our day and if we would know beforehand. The spirit of God brought to her mind the story of Lot and how the angels were sent to take him out of the city the day before it was destroyed. Then an audible voice spoke to her and said, “I did it back then, can’t I do it now.”

God has always taken care of His people and we know He will again when the time comes.

Read song #161 Out of the Cities.

193 We Were There (Zec. 2:10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.”)

God’s soldiers marched into the dawn Their tears had dried and life went on They left behind a solemn fate And marched right on to Zion’s gate.

Ah, how they sang and how they cheered When battered, torn our flag appeared With shouts of victory in the air A nation rose and we were there.

So many years the fight went on Of good and evil right and wrong But Jesus prayed, “Thy kingdom come” And now it’s here and we have won.

When all the earth was cleansed from sin And all the flowers bloomed again When every knee had bowed in prayer We saw it all for we were there.

When Christ himself comes down to earth To see about His kingdom’s birth And dwell among His children here We’ll long proclaim that we were there.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 4/6/10

This song covers a long span of time, beginning with today and going into Zion and many years thereafter.

Today, as God’s soldiers, we are leaving the sadness and problems of life behind as we march onward to Zion. We have dried many tears along the way and as the song says, “…and life goes on.” The solemn fate is the seriousness and sorrow of being left behind when God gathers His people into Zion. How exciting and wonderful it will be to be there at the “birth” of this new nation, this Zion. How amazing it will be to see our beautiful flag appear and waving over this new land and to see the time when every man we meet will be a brother and a friend. To see Christ appear in our midst and dwell with us from time to time. It’s like a dream now but then it will be a reality.

This song is about those that live to see all these things take place.

194 Holy, Holy, Holy (Rev. 4:8 “…and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”)

Jesus put his arms around me, Brought me through a valley deep, To a mountain high and holy, Where I saw His other sheep. They were running to the mountain not so very far away, And I heard them singing, “Holy!” They sang, “Holy!” all the way.

They sang, “Holy is the Father!” They sang, “Holy is the Son!” And holy is the mountain where His kingdom has begun. They sang, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” They sang, “Holy!” all day long. Then the angels joined the chorus and all nature joined the song.

Unto Judah, He’s a Lion. Unto God, He is a Lamb. Unto us, He is our Savior, and He’s coming back again. He is coming to His mountain, where we’ll all unite and sing, We’ll sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy!” To our Savior and our King.

Arlene L. Buffington May 26, 2010

I had just had surgery on my right hand and it was in a cast. I knew the day before a song would be given and I knew by the spirit what it was about and the melody was lovely. It’s hard for me to explain sometimes but I know when God sends down a song before I actually know all the words because I can feel the presence of the song near me.

Surgery was very early this morning and later that evening the spirit spoke to me the words. I said to Bob, “Come write this for me, come hear what God has given.” He sat at the table with me and wrote all the words as I told them to him. This song is glorious.

195 No Funeral Trains (Isaiah 28:18 “And your covenant with death shall be disannulled...”)

We’ll praise the Lord, He bought us And He made our sure escape. The straight path that He laid down Is the pathway that we’ll take. He’ll bring us up the mountain Over Zion’s borderline, And bring the latter glory in Where Israel’s face will shine.

There never were a people Known before at any time, That lost so much and gained so much And left so much behind. There never was a nation born Where people were so free, To serve the God of heaven Right into eternity.

Chorus: There’ll be no funeral trains Where we are going. There’ll be no shrouds To hide a sunny day; And the burdens and afflictions, They were all left at the line. The border on the mountain Is too high for them to climb.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 5/15/10

Thinking this day upon the serious afflictions of our people and even my brother Jim, the spirit sang to me these words. “There’ll be no funeral trains where we are going, there’ll be no shrouds to hide a sunny day!” The music was so sweet.

The first verse speaks of our escape into Zion.

The second verse, the inventions and so called luxuries we’ll leave behind going into Zion, but the greater gains spiritually and even health wise.

The chorus says how the burdens and afflictions of today won’t be able to cross over the borderline of Zion.

I wasn’t sure the meaning of “shrouds” so I looked it up and it means the cloth used to wrap a dead body.

I thank God for this song of hope and the sweet, sweet spirit I feel in it.

196 Watchman, What of the Night? (Isaiah 21:11 “…Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?”)

Watchman, what of the night now, Oh, what of the night? And what say ye now of the dawn? The mountains are crying, While waiting for Zion, Oh, Watchman, say what of the night? Oh, Watchman, say what of the night?

Watchman, seest the morning, The end of the night? Say, when will the healing begin? The valleys are sighing, While searching for Zion Oh, Watchman, say what of the night? Oh, Watchman, say what of the night?

Watchman, sing of the morning, The valleys will hear, And say to the mountains, don’t cry. The Lord, He is coming, To bring about Zion, And bid this long night time goodbye. And bid this long night time goodbye.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 7/15/10

I was reading Isaiah, chapter 21, and when I came to the eleventh verse I felt the spirit of God upon me and this song was given at that moment. I was singing the words as I was writing them. The spirit of God brought these words down to our day and time. Many times we wonder, what of the night? In other words, when is this night time we’re going thru going to be over so we can see the dawn of Zion. But how sweetly God gave me the words. I cry when I read them:

Watchman, sing of the morning, the valleys will hear And say to the mountains, don’t cry.

The Lord is telling his people, don’t cry, I’m coming! Zion is coming!

197 Come All Ye Unclean (II Kings 5:9 “So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha…”)

One day there was Naaman the leper, To Israel back then he was sent, To seek out Elisha the prophet, God healed him the day that he went.

The poor man cried out I’m a leper, To touch him was never a thought, The crowd walked afar and around him, Till one day he sought Jesus out.

Come all ye unclean Christ will save you, And wash you from sin’s every spot, Then just like the leper you’ll shout out, “Unclean, praise the Lord, I am not.”

Chorus: Praise God for His son, He has saved me. What joy to my life He has brought, I’m free and I’m clean, I’m delivered, A leper, praise God, I am not.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 10/29/10

Our son Bobby preached a sermon on Naaman the leper that came to Elisha to be healed. The spirit revealed to me that this theme would become a song. Soon after this the song was given to me.

The first verse is from the Old Testament about Naaman and Elisha. The second verse is from the New Testament about when Jesus healed the leper. The third verse brings it down to our day as the call goes out – Come all ye unclean.

198 The Spirit And The Bride Say Come (Rev. 22:17 “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”)

There’s a fountain that flows from the Savior’s side, A healing stream and a cleansing tide, Come now and taste of this sweet reprieve, The waters of life if you would receive.

Say, oh come from the highways of sin and strife, Come to this fountain, the tree of life, Call to the thirsty, say, “Come, oh come,” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come, come, come.”

There’s a latter day song with a message sweet, Of a mountain home and a safe retreat, Where the Lord’s own house lights the early dawn, And all who would come sing this same sweet song.

Chorus: The Spirit says come and the bride says come, The Spirit and the bride say come, come, come, The Spirit and the bride say come.

Arlene L. Buffington 10/2/10

I felt a great blessing reading this scripture and it wouldn’t leave me. The third time this scripture came to me this beautiful song was given. I was singing it as I was writing it. The Spirit and the bride say, Come, come, come. The scripture was given three times and #197, #198, and #199 all send out the call to come.

199 Somebody’s Baby, Somebody’s Son (Luke 15:13 “And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country….”)

A little lamb wandered and traveled abroad, Searching for fortune and fame, Somebody’s mother was waiting at home, Somebody’s father was doing the same.

So many tears later the young lamb awoke, Finding his wandering heart broke, The mother who waited had gone on before, The father who loved him’s not here anymore.

So, come while there’s time son, and run to the fold, Your father has riches untold, With mercy for teardrops and blessings like dew, He’s watching the highways and waiting for you.

Chorus: Somebody’s baby, somebody’s son, Wandered away, what a loss, Far from the safety of family and home, Far from his Savior who died on the cross.

Arlene L. Buffington 10/17/10

Our granddaughter, Eva, wrote a post for the General Ladies’ Circle blog entitled, “Somebody’s Baby, Someone’s Son” as follows: In our Philadelphia neighborhood there was a homeless man in the community that constantly walked the area. I often wondered how did he get to be this way? Where is his family? One day an article came out in the local paper. This man had passed away and it was found that he had come from a good home and a mother who loved him dearly but he left all this and roamed the streets. When I read Eva’s article the spirit of God fell upon me and I began to sing:

“Somebody’s baby, somebody’s son, Wandered away, what a loss, Far from the safety of family and home, Far from his Savior who died on the cross.”

About three months later I dreamed we were sitting on our back porch and the sun was shining so bright. I was writing this song about the prodigal. When I awakened I knew what I had been writing in the dream and I wrote it down. The chorus had already been given and at this time the three verses. The third verse says, “so come while there’s time son…”

God is calling the Prodigal again, “Come, come, come!”

200 We Walk Together (Duet. 2:7 “For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through the great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.”)

God has a fellowship with men, He leads the way, I follow Him, And when I fall, He picks me up, And when I’m thirsty, He presents a loving cup.

God understands, He teaches me, Because Christ died, He says I’m free, When I am weak, He’s always strong, His shoulder waits and when I need, I lean upon.

God sits upon His throne on high And we converse, just Him and I I feel His hand reach down to earth I’ve held it tightly since the day of my new birth.

Chorus: I do not push, He does not shove, I shine His light, He shows His love With God and I, there is no strife. We walk together on the highways here of life.

Arlene L. Buffington 10/31/10

I was sleeping this Sunday afternoon when I was suddenly awakened with these words:

I do not push, He does not shove, I shine His light, He shows His love With God and I, there is no strife. We walk together on the highways here of life.

I jumped up, got my pen and paper and the three verses were given to me as fast as I could write them down. I felt the spirit and the power of God so greatly, as I was writing it, I was singing it.

This scripture was also given with the song.

The words of the chorus that awakened me: I do not push (We can not push God into doing anything) He does not shove (He doesn’t force anyone to serve Him, we are free will agents and we have a choice.)

I felt the glory of God in this wonderful song.

201 Every Long Mile (Isaiah 65:24 “And it shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.”)

We called out to God, “Are you coming? The battle is fierce and we fear,” Then down through the clouds came the answer, “My children, I’m already there!”

Before any prayers reached the heavens, Before we had uttered a word, God calmed all our fears with His answer, “My children, I already heard!”

The night had grown dark and then darker, “Would God send a sign of His love?” As quick as the lightning He answered, “My children, I already have!”

“Oh, Father, just when were you with us?” The question it seemed brought a smile, His kindness shone through when He answered, “My children, just every long mile!”

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 11/9/10

I had been asked to teach The Songs of Zion in the Aliquippa Branch. So I had hands laid on me that God’s spirit would go with me. While walking back to my seat the spirit spoke to me and said, “I’m already there” and this song was given.

202 Following God Thru The Wilderness (Deut. 2:7 “…He knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee…”)

Following God thru the wilderness, Knowing His senses are keen, Following God when the road is so dark, Knowing He sees the unseen, Trusting each day in His mercy, Walking each day in His love, Following God when I can’t see the way, Knowing He leads from above.

Following God thru the wilderness, Knowing He knoweth the way, Following God thru the enemy lines, Driving their armies away, He’s never lost any battles, He never fell to the foe, Following God when I can’t see ahead, Knowing He knows where to go.

Following God thru the wilderness, Over the mountains we go, Following God thru the bright summer days Into the cold winter snow, Over the fire and the fury, Over the ravage of war, On to that city we’ve longed so to see, There we’ll find peace evermore.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 3/14/11

The title of this song kept coming to me for two days and then God sent the song. The words to this song say it all, along with the scripture.

203 To See A Better Day (Is. 51:3 “For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.”)

I’m walking on the King’s highway, For Jesus placed me there, I’m hiding in that secret place, That secret place of prayer, I’m wrapped up in my Father’s love, Warmed by His COMFORT from above, While waiting still to see a better day. While waiting still to see a better day.

I’m basking in my Father’s love, No greater love than His, What COMFORT that He sends to us, In troubled times like this, Relying on the word of God, I’m clinging to that mighty rod, While trusting God to see a better day. While trusting God to see a better day.

We’re marching in God’s little band, We cannot break the line, For God will bind each broken heart, Like He has done for mine, How COMFORTING my Father’s love, He dries my teardrops from above, While hope lives on to see a better day. While hope lives on to see a better day.

May 5, 2011 Sis. Arlene L. Buffington

When my brother Jim Moore died I felt like I could not be comforted, the sorrow was so great. I wondered what song God would send next. I could not imagine what it could be. About two months before Jim died this scripture was given to me with a dream, Is. 51:3 “For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.”

After the song was given I realized that God was laying the foundation for it at that time. I was singing this song as I was writing it. I felt such joy in the music and as I looked over the verses I realized the word COMFORT was in every verse, along with the scripture, God was sending comfort to us. This song was given three weeks after Jim’s death.

204 Do Not Hurt God’s Presence, Children (Psalm 51:11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.)

Do not hurt God’s presence, children, Do not grieve God’s spirit more, Lest it flee away and leave you, Not returning anymore.

Do not hurt God’s presence, children, Beg God’s pardon while you may, For tis coming like the thunder, From the heavens, judgment day.

Do not hurt God’s presence, children, Walk the straight and narrow path, Lest the world close in and claim you, Bringing down God’s fiery wrath.

Do not hurt God’s presence, children, This cruel world will take its toll, When the last toll has been taken, This old world will take your soul.

Chorus: Do not hurt God’s presence, children, This old world will take you down, Pray when judgment comes to find you. In God’s presence you’ll be found.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 7/22/11

When this song was given my mind went to the children of Israel in the wilderness. God’s presence was always with them. He provided all things for them. He gave them manna. They got tired of the manna. They wanted meat. They wanted to go back to the garlic and onions. No doubt they hurt God’s presence many times.

We, in the church can do the same. God has blessed us so much we don’t need to bring things from the world into the church. Our daughter Becky had an experience accepted by the church as revelation in 1994 and I would like her to tell it here:

IDENTITY Experience In a dream I was shown how people who were and are baptized in The Church of Jesus Christ lose their identity by feeding from other tables of doctrine or religion.

The Lord showed me as an example, a sister, and how when she died, she was more like or more resembled the minister of that church, more than she did a member of The Church of Jesus Christ, which she knows to be true.

Then I saw two tables. Behind one stood a minister from another church and on his table was what he had to offer or his church. (I didn’t see specifically what was on the table but I knew it was what they stood for or their doctrine.)

Behind the other table stood Sis. Jean Moore and I and on it was the things of The Church of Jesus Christ, and we had kept it just as we found it.

In the dream I was given understanding, “when a person knows that this is The Church of Jesus Christ and is baptized, yet feeds from other tables of doctrine or religion – they unknowingly loose their true IDENTITY, which is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ.

Like a boat that pick up barnacles, their thoughts and their ways can attach themselves to us and our identity begins to be covered.

The dream was told only to our branch ministry and the following Sunday Bro. Wayne Martorana visited our branch and told an experience that Apostle Joe Calabrese had where in a meeting the Word of the Lord was spoken, Thus saith the Lord, retain thy identity. Bro. Wayne proceeded to preach a sermon on the topic using the word Identity 13 times, knowing nothing of the dream. It was an amazing confirmation.

Our church does not and should not look or sound like the world. Read song #133 “The Gospel’s Sound.”

205 Whose Children Are These? (Isaiah 60:8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows? Isaiah 49:21 Then shalt thou say in thine heart, who hath begotten me these, seeing I have lost my children, and am desolate, a captive, and removing to and fro? And who hath brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where had they been?)

Whose children are these and from whence have they come, Like doves to their windows they have flown. And what is that lamp I see shining so bright, It’s lighting the path that is leading them home.

Whose children are these that have mourned many years, Reaching their homeland and drying their tears. Once scattered and driven, down trodden and poor, This morning they know they won’t cry anymore.

Whose children are these, is it one and the same, That Jesus their Saviour is calling by name. Oh, could it be Israel arriving at dawn, The light of the world, He is leading them on.

Chorus: Tis Jesus their Saviour, the bright morning star, Calling His children wherever they are. Those that were scattered no longer will roam, The Rock of all Ages is calling them home.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 9/28/11

Our son Jeff was teaching a Sunday School lesson and when he read Isaiah 60:8, I felt the spirit of God fall upon me and this song was given. Also Isaiah 49:21 describes the song so perfectly. This song speaks of the great gathering of God’s scattered people that we have looked forward to and dreamed of so many years. The song says, “Oh, could it be Israel arriving at dawn?” That’s the dawn of Zion. Those scattered no doubt are also the scattered of the restoration as we see God beginning this work. The music given is so joyful as I cannot describe the joy I felt when this song was given.

206 Only God Can Save Us Now (Mark 13:7-8 and when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles; these are the beginnings of sorrows.)

We hear of strong winds blowing, The worst they say in years, With fires and floods and famines, We witness many tears.

We hear of rivers rising, With floods so deep and wide, With droughts in other places, Where river beds have dried.

Unrest in many countries, With riots in the street, They never find solutions, When warring nations meet.

When terror hits the homeland, Then hearts grow faint with fear, Once trouble was a rumor, But now that trouble’s here.

Chorus: With wars and rumors raging, Come, saints and sinners bow, Knowing this one thing for certain, Only God can save us now.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington October 8, 2011

I was wakened with the chorus: “With wars and rumors raging, Come, saints and sinners bow, Knowing this one thing for certain, Only God can save us now.” I jumped out of bed singing it. The words to this song say everything that needs to be said. This is the day in which we live.

207 The Garden Of The Lord (Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd; and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.)

There were emeralds in the garden, there was jasper on the wall, There was gold along the path upon where silver showers fall. And standing in the garden like a tall and lovely tree, I saw Israel in her beauty there along with you and me.

There was beauty in the garden, there was beauty in the tree, But the loveliest thing I saw therein was Jesus’ love for me. His sheep that once were scattered see the light, oh, how they run, To Jesus, shining brighter than the brightest noon day sun.

There was singing in the garden and the music filled the earth, While the ransomed all were coming home to witness Zion’s birth. The new born child was running there from sea to shining sea, While we fell upon our knees to thank the Lord that we were free.

Chorus: The light therein was Jesus, Shining out to all the earth, While the lovely flag of Zion waved, Announcing Zion’s birth.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington December 10, 2011

This song sings of the beauty of Zion, the gathering and the most beautiful thing of all – Jesus’ love for us.

208 Coming Home (Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.)

The Sheep that had long gone away, Are coming home sometime today, See the little lambs skipping along, While the band plays the coming home song.

The earth has been shaken and torn, The little lambs weary and worn, God is making right all that is wrong, While the band plays the coming home song.

The Shepherd is calling them in, So dear to his heart they have been, They’re returning home after so long, While the band plays the coming home song.

The hills come alive with the sound, The little lambs dancing around, And so joyfully running along, While the band plays the coming home song.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 3/16/12

I had known some days previous that this song would be given. I knew what the song was about and I knew the melody but it wasn’t until this Friday morning the spirit brought the words and I cannot explain the excitement and joy taking place in this song. I felt like I was carried away into the moment.

209 Have You Heard About The Morning? (Psalm 32:7 Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance…)

Have you heard about the morning When the tears are wiped away, And the day will dawn much brighter Than it ever did today? Then God’s children will be singing Like they never sang before, When the lifeboats bring the children home On to Zion’s peaceful shore.

Have you felt the cold winds blowing; Do you fear a storm is nigh? Have you seen too much of sorrow, Have you heard God’s children cry? There’s a hiding place in Jesus, There’s a shelter from the storm Where God’s children run to the morning sun, Where the winds are soft and warm.

Have you heard the army coming; Have you seen the tidal wave? Do you fear that night is coming on And you fear an early grave? Put your trust in God the Father, Put your trust in Christ the Son, They will put their arms around you, child, Till the morning light has come.

Send a message to the islands, Send the message far and near That the storms one day will pass away And the armies won’t be here. When the tattered ship’s seen coming With the tattered crew inside, Then we’ll praise our God in heaven For the final stormy ride.

Arlene L. Buffington 3/30/12

The words of the third verse came to me a few weeks previous but it wasn’t until this day that the whole song and melody were given to me. God eased the fear of what is coming (2’nd and 3’rd verse) with the 1’st and the last verse. When the storms and wars are over we will see the morning of peaceful Zion when tears are wiped away.

210 Lend The Weary Ones A Song (Is. 58:6-14 Jude 1:22-23)

As you labor in the vineyard, Striving daily every hour, With compassion, make a difference, Pull another from the fire.

Satan’s fires are always burning, Carefully he leads men down, But his awful grasp is broken, When a lost one has been found.

Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, Break the yoke of the oppressed, Reach your hand to lift another, And the Lord will do the rest.

Come, Saints, build the old waste places, Raise the old foundations high, Then our heritage will find us, And our songs will fill the sky.

Chorus: Repair the breach, restore the pathways, Where our fathers walked so long, Loose the bands, the heavy burdens Lend the weary ones a song.

Arlene L. Buffington 5/17/12

After Bro. Phil Jackson, Sis. Becky Tarbuk and others were in Missouri (May 2012) we have become acquainted with some from different Restoration groups and they have told us of many of their sorrows and persecutions through the years. They, like many of us, have looked forward to and longed for Zion for many years. They sing The Songs of Zion with tears of joy and total belief.

Many, no doubt, have seen The Songs of Zion presentation made when our people were in Missouri. Patrick McKay in introducing Becky said, “These songs are a gift given to “The Church of Jesus Christ.” They regard our church and our people very highly.

The McKays stayed with us twice last month between their travels to Ohio and back. We found them to have a quiet and kindly spirit. They like us have known sorrow and we feel a kinship to them.

When the McKays were leaving our home they asked permission to make copies of The Songs of Zion for the Zarahemla Branch to use for their congregational singing. After they left I prayed about it. I remember saying these words, “Lord, this is an emergency. They will be returning in ten days and I need to have an answer for them.” During the night these words were given to me, “Lend The Weary Ones A Song!” I knew this was the answer. I got out of bed and then God gave me this beautiful song, #210. I did not realize how weary some from these restoration groups are, how much they have suffered through the years, but God knew.

Becky came over and I told her and Bob what had been given. Then I remembered a card Joy McKay had left on my piano. I picked it up to read to them and the last line she wrote was, “This trip has been a boon for my weary soul.” What a confirmation.

When Patrick and Jim McKay returned I told them what God had given and read them the song. We all rejoiced and I gave them permission to make up books for the Zarahemla Branch.

On June 3 Bro. Karl Kershner and Chuck Koegler came to visit our branch. Bro. Karl asked Bro. Chuck to open the meeting and he would follow. Even before the meeting started the spirit of God fell upon Bro. Karl and he was given the scripture to open the meeting and he got up under the spirit of God and spoke from Isaiah 58, the same scripture given with the new song, which he knew nothing of. When he sat down I got up and said, “Bro. Karl, I have your entire sermon here in this new song: Repair the breach, restore the pathways, feed the hungry, build the old waste places, etc. He spoke on it all which was another confirmation.

I am at peace with my decision to Lend the songs to the weary ones. God’s arm is moving in these latter days. We have been taught all our lives that when trouble comes to our land God will gather and spare the more righteous wherever they are.

Becky had an experience three years ago where the spirit spoke and said, “The scattered of the Restoration” and immediately she was given to know, “If like Israel they were scattered, they too would be gathered together again.”

Just before our people went to Missouri in March of this year Becky was given another experience where she saw the peoples of the Restoration on the deck of a great ship. They were in formation much like the military. They were singing a song and she heard the words and music. When she awakened the only words she remembered were, “The Realm of Zion.” She asked a sister, “Have you ever heard the term, The realm of Zion? She replied, “Yes, W.W. Phelps wrote a hymn with those words in it.” The name of the hymn is, Now We’ll Sing in One Accord…as the realm of Zion grows.

God is going to gather the scattered of the Restoration and we feel He has begun by using the tool that He sent, The Songs of Zion.

211 Where Is The Place Of My Rest? (Matt. 8:20 “And Jesus said unto him, the foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has not where to lay his head.” Gen. 28:11 “…and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillow…”)

Jesus while walking His journey on earth, Carried the cross from the day of His birth, Sunshine or shadow we follow behind, On to wherever this long road may wind.

Strangers and pilgrims, despised among men, Walking the road some, where Jesus had been, Seeking a pillow, some comfort to rest, Many times wearied and many times blessed.

A stone for a pillow like Jacob of old Watching the mysteries of heaven unfold Taking our journey with like fellowmen Hearing the question again and again…

Chorus: Where is the house that ye build unto me, And where is the place of my rest, Foxes have holes and the birds have their nest, But where, say oh where, is the place of my rest.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 8/7/2012

Experience:

Where words were given to me: “Where is the house that ye build unto me, and where is the place of my rest?” The next day my daughter Becky called and not knowing what was given to me, she told me about her prayer the night before where she said, “Lord, there is no place to rest. We have a stone for a pillow.” She said she didn’t know why she said a stone for a pillow, but felt the spirit of God in it. We were amazed that similar words were given to both of us and wondered if the Lord were going to give it as a song.

A stone for a pillow is a message for us in our day and holds great significance: Esau sold his birthright and the blessing fell upon Jacob. Esau wanted to harm Jacob and so Rebekah, his mother, tells him that he should go and seek a wife of her brother’s family. On his journey he finds a place to sleep for the night and gathers some stones for a pillow. During the night God gives him a dream where he sees a ladder extend from heaven to earth with angels ascending and descending and God speaks to him blessing him and saying, I’ll be with you wherever you go and gives him that land for an inheritance to he and his family. Jacob arises and turns the stones into a pillar, anoints it and names it Beth-el, the house of God on earth and the gate to heaven.

The message for us: Our stony pillow will turn into a pillar, anointed by God to become the house or kingdom of God on earth, where angels will once again ascend and descend the gate of heaven being opened and our God will communicate with us like he did in days of old. How many years have we waited for Zion, God’s house on earth, and for Him to communicate with men and women like he did in days of old. The time is upon us.

A few days later two verses and the chorus with the music came to me. I knew there would be a third verse given but had no idea what it would be. I prayed before bed and upon awakening the words were given to me, I got up, wrote them down and the song was complete! I was surprised that the song went along with Becky’s experience of the stone pillow.

God is telling us that he knows there is no place to rest. He did not have a place to rest, the prophets did not have a place to rest, God’s people were pilgrims and strangers on earth, but we have to pick up our cross and follow Jesus, with like fellowmen, wherever this long road may wind. Praise God!

He also tells us that he knows we have a stone for a pillow but that our stony pillow is going to turn into a pillar, anointed, and it will become the house of God and the gate to heaven. A ladder will stretch from earth to heaven where angels will ascend and descend and God will speak to us.

#212 This Day Will A Nation Be Born! Isaiah 66:7-8 “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children.”

Wake up all ye meek that have waited, And comfort ye all the forlorn. Drink no more the cup of affliction, This day will a nation be born!

Arise all ye blind, see the wonder, Awake all ye deaf, hear the horn, The trumpet is waking the morning, This day will a nation be born!

Come now, let the crying be over, No longer a reason to mourn, We’ll dry every tear on the mountain, This day will a nation be born!

Pay heed to the aged and their teachings, And gather in all who would learn, The ways of the Lord on His mountain, This day will a nation be born!

Chorus: Before any pain, came the baby, Before she lay down came the child, When Zion’s travail brought her children, The sun broke thru every dark cloud!

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 8/27/12

“Before any pain, came the baby, Before she lay down came the child, When Zion’s travail brought her children, The sun broke thru every dark cloud.”

These words came to me along with music and wouldn’t leave my mind. Then the spirit brought to me the verses. I realized then the music given was for the verses and there was no music for the chorus. Before going to bed Saturday night I said, “Lord, I have no music for the chorus” and prayed that God would send it.

I was awakened at 4:30 a.m. hearing the most beautiful music. It was so pretty it made me cry. I got out of bed and sang it into my recorder so I would remember in the morning. When I awakened I didn’t need the recorder, I remembered every note. I wrote the melody notes in just a few minutes before going to church that morning.

#213 Don’t Leave Me Now, Lord! Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.

We’ve climbed up many mountains; we’ve forded many streams, The Lord and I together, have witnessed many things. So when the storm clouds threaten, and winds begin to howl I cry out, “Lord, stay with me, oh please don’t leave me now.”

We’ve witnessed stormy seasons, seen tempests come and go, But never saw a storm like this, or heard such strong winds blow. We’ve heard the tempests raging, seen many billows roll, But never one that shook the earth, and shook my very soul.

I see the chasm deepen; I see the rising tide, I see the land beyond the storm, with you, Lord, by my side. So come and take my hand, Lord, Oh, hear my humble cry, I never walked alone before, and I don’t want to try.

Chorus: Don’t leave me now, Lord, don’t leave me now. I cannot walk alone, Lord, I don’t know how. I hear the thunder rumble, so prayerfully I bow, I cannot walk alone today, I simply don’t know how.

Sis. Arlene L. Buffington 11/29/12

Experience: The spirit of God fell upon me this afternoon and brought this song to me. I began to sing it and sat down and wrote it. The 2nd chapter of Joel came to me:

“Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand…”

The chapter goes on to tell of the judgments of God coming upon this land because of wickedness. The last verse says: v. 32 “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.”

Let us pray that we be counted among the more righteous that we may be spared at that day and delivered unto Zion.

The second verse of this song says:

We’ve witnessed stormy seasons, seen tempests come and go, But never saw a storm like this, or heard such strong winds blow. We’ve heard the tempests raging, seen many billows roll, But never one that shook the earth, and shook my very soul.

“Don’t leave me now, Lord.”