November 29, 2011

“What We’ve Done”



“What We’ve Done”

cji
11/30/11

So many just sit back
nothing really to do
so easy to be saved
works are just straw
pretending to do more
while nothing is done
spoken from a pulpit
Martin Luther to quote
yet what of Scriptures
just thinking aloud
what have we done?

Copyright © 2011 – cji
2 Corinthians 5:10

November 28, 2011

“Little Blue Bird 2”


“Little Blue Bird 2”

cji
11/29/11

Saddened I was today
you didn’t to me come
sitting alone in my tree
so very was I concerned
thus I flew all about
nowhere you to find
you who’re so kind
I then tried to shout
my sadness earned
did you also miss me
my friend – my chum
saddened I was today!

Then upon my learning
you were sick today
thus quickly I did pray
my small wings churning!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 27, 2011

“Declare”



“Declare”

cji
11/28/11

Higher than a mountain
transcending above all
meaningfully very tall
shallow as a fountain;

Deeper than death’s pit
beneath all that’s known
into the eternities grown
where generations sit;

Declare wherever to go
sharing without shame
our Savior’s full name
Jesus Christ to know!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“A Thank You”



“A Thank You”

cji
11/27/11

A tear on my cheek
biting softly my lip
emotions on the edge
trying to express love
great thankfulness
for your kindness
sharing in our grief
in day’s gone past
morning’s to come
thus so grateful
a thank you
my heart to yours
our love forever!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Eternal Verity”



“Eternal Verity”

cji
11/27/11

To know a definite truth
without question/doubt
eternal and forever
without pelf or guile
for within men/women
this quest is taken
only many mistaken
ambiguous to awaken
the teaching of men
scriptures to defile
philosophy to sever
rendering a lost shout
the eternal verity of truth!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

http://byutv.org/watch/83b48593-f5af-40d9-bd64-cf89dc03d7f7

November 26, 2011

“With Charity”



“With Charity”

cji
11/27/11

Mindful of all others
without vanity or lust
sisters and brothers
in whom we do trust;

Going into darkness
finding our way in light
feeling in alertness
blindness given sight;

With charity in our heart
a warmth in our soul
with strangers to impart
allowing all to be full!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Little Blue Bird”



“Little Blue Bird”

cji
11/26/11

Little blue bird there
can I talk with you
I’m just a little girl
shy like you too;

I’ll call you bird Blue
Jennifer is my name
we’ll share stories
we’re much the same;

Thus shyly just the two
friends becoming fast
little blue bird there
and a little girl to last!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

"Wake UP!"



Especially at Thanksgiving = Wow !


Click on the link below. What a great lesson and example of how we should all be grateful for who we are.

This will inspire you, your family, friends, co workers. It did me.
http://www.wimp.com/watchingthis/


“Wake Up!”

cji
11/26/11

Gather in your breath
explode smiles all about
sing without worry
wake up and enjoy
so much to be seen
more even to share
trials but the moment
trials but the moment
life is forever and ever
wake up my friend
and be so much more!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“PTSD and the Guilt Factor”



“PTSD and the Guilt Factor”
cji
11/26/11

(Disclaimer: First I’m neither a medical doctor nor a psychologist. However, I know what I both know and don’t know – which the Egyptians would define as “All that there is – that what I can see and not see.” Secondly, over the years I’ve had to deal with a multitude of doctors and psychologists for a variety of medical reasons. It seemed to appear if one had a medical complaint in the military they almost always had to see the psychologist in residence. c/ork)

Over the years of my life I’ve observed much in a plethora of areas and interests. Having been associated for the majority of this time with the military – most of my immediate friends come from this arena. Combat veterans and I seem to have a kindred spirit whenever and wherever we meet. Understand I was never in combat per se’ but in the mid-to late 1960’s I started two of the first Vietnam Veteran Clubs at the colleges I attended. We in those days counseled each other and helped as we could and would.

Sometime in the 1970’s the Government decided they had some responsibility in doing this and hired psychologists and social workers to do this counseling. However until the mid-1980’s and still today we continue to assist each other – mostly not trusting these government appointed counselors. Most all of these counselors or psychologists had no military experience and if they did – no direct contact with those in combat. With one exception – almost everyone I was sent to see had no combat and almost no idea with how to understand what had/has taken place in my life or others.

One example of this was when I read at a Holocaust Memorial afterwards I was approached by one of these psychologists and asked, “Why can’t I communicate with those like you and others?” His role was to counsel returning men and women from combat areas and he didn’t have a clue. I explained in simple terms that he hadn’t been or done – and what he read in the books wasn’t going to help him very much. He would have to change how he thought about things and open up new windows of how to listen and understand (will address this more in a bit).
The second example was a VA social worker who’d been to Nam – but was an apologist for what had happened and held most of us in some contempt that we didn’t agree with him (i.e. similar to Kerry) as to how evil we’d been in our service to our nation. This is where I believe that the idea of ‘guilt’ associated with PTSD began as a seedling – to explain away anything else of importance in dealing with PTSD.

Thus there were two points which were present in the early days of dealing with PTSD – one a complete lack of knowledge and the second – that we had been or had done something evil – i.e. that we had guilt for our actions.

Addressing the first of these the lack of knowledge – each time I was assigned a new counselor or to see a psychologist they would put me through a series of questionnaires. Mostly the following two events would occur: first, that I should be in a hospital or jail; or second, that they just didn’t understand and could I help them in dealing with veterans.

Those with the first response I would have call a specific number and speak with ‘Chick’ (many might know who this is) – and he would patiently explain that I was okay, etc. With the second response – I knew only that I had to assist this person into understanding – not so as to help me but to help the others he/she would eventually have to be seeing.

A couple of things one must understand – veterans are pretty honest and straight-forward in what they say and think. Each has learned in differing ways to deal with their lives and actions. They answer questions truthfully and fully – which in many cases shocks those who’ve been hired to help them – as it is beyond their scope of understanding. Louis L’Amour in his many novels and short stories was able to convey this in the following way. Usually a stage pulls into town and as the new people to the west were getting off the stage there’s a shooting – good guy versus bad guy. One lies dead in the street almost at their feet and the other rides away. This is brutal and shocking to those newly arrived and they think (rather than understand) one man has just killed a person and ridden off. They understand not the circumstances and for the most part initial judgment has been made and is final. Later, the learning and discerning ones better understand the clarity of what took place – but it could be months or years. This is what happens – the veteran – confronts the bad – deals with it and rides away. Those who are observing haven’t a clue if they’re new to the arena.

It’s the stark honesty which gets most veterans in trouble with the civilized world – they don’t understand the simpleness of either our thinking or actions. Once when taking a science exam – was pondering over what to do about a ‘germ’ trying to enter my body. The teacher came up and drew a little germ on a piece of paper and said, “How would you keep this out of your body?” I picked up a book and smashed it! She wasn’t pleased with the reply (smile). However, to me it solved the problem. And most veterans being mission orientated – solve the problems simply and efficiently.

When working in a drug rehab program (our population was 11-18 years old – first time offenders) we found it took about six months to get most to open up (and this was in a contained environment). In addition, we didn’t have a negative influence from the media or government. As we had to earn the trust of these young people – equally one has to earn the trust of the veteran.

Rumors have a lot to do with earning trust. Currently, most veterans are unwilling to trust anyone who’s the ability to disarm them. Further when one has the power based on ‘generic test results’ to confine or otherwise control a person’s life – the idea of actual trust dissipates in a hurry. Thus the knowledge and understanding gap – the trust gap – and what is eventually reported (supposedly confidential) does not exist in the environment of counseling one with PTSD (whether a veteran or a victim of a violent crime).
The second factor mentioned above is the new rage to associate ‘guilt’ with PTSD. First off what is ‘guilt?’ “Guilt is the state of being responsible for the commission of an offense.[1] It is also a cognitive or an emotional experience that occurs when a person realizes or believes—accurately or not—that he or she has violated a moral standard, and bears significant responsibility for that violation.[2] It is closely related to the concept of remorse.[1]” The idea of violating a moral standard would depend on who’s doing the association. We find many times in reference to veterans the word ‘kill or killing’ and thus meaning that in wartime or combat that this is in violation of the Ten Commandments, etc. However, one must realize in the original Decalogue the word was ‘murder’ and not ‘kill’. There is significant difference in the meaning and usage of these two words – yet it would appear for convenience the worldly of today have self associated the two as meaning the same.
Very few if any of the veterans I’ve known or know are having a problem with guilt in their lives over their previous actions associated with combat in the service of our nation. They have a different association with the thoughts of, “Why me and Not them” in relation to the death of a friend/buddy in combat. This is not guilt – it is trying to discern why things happened the way they did. If this in anyway can be discerned as guilt then everyone who watches the evening news – travels on a highway – or sees a serious accident would have ‘guilt’ feelings why it was someone else killed or injured in an accident or abusive crime. To my knowledge this doesn’t happen as a regular turn of events in most lives.

Even those like Kerry who admitted to killing (murdering) mothers and babies didn’t feel guilt or even remorse of any kind – he used as something political in condemning those who were beneath him or his liberal beliefs. Others have done the same – over and over – and while mainstream media and the world of counselors/psychologists enjoin them – they never condemn them but make excuses for them. The veteran or victims of a violent crime who have PTSD on the other-hand are never freed from being honest and open. The media wants to keep them as the victims and to disenfranchise the worthy veteran.

Sadly today many veterans and even victims of violent crimes will not go to counseling or seek redress for their suffering. Each time the headlines proclaim another violent crime – or similar event to what they’ve suffered (even if years ago) their past open up like a sore wound. For the veteran it’s worse only in the fact they are always subject to confinement for being honest when telling their story or feelings. Do real victims feel guilt – if so only because of our society in defending the criminal at the expense of the real victims?

Guilt is something others inflict upon the innocent to justify their actions being done without remorse. The government and many if not all of their intrusions into another’s life – are failures – planned and executed to be such from the beginning. Councilors and Psychologists who’re untrained and have nothing to do with diagnosis – dealing instead with prescriptions and results (have to meet their numbers) – fail in dealing with most victims and veterans with PTSD. Therefore, as their justifications and excuses they seek to blame the victims and veterans for doing something that was morally incorrect which has caused their present state of being.

What is needed is a wakeup call - shrill and deafening – for those who’re in the fields of counseling and psychological analysis to reprogram themselves to listen to our sisters and brothers, fathers and mothers, son and daughters – friends and associates – and stop predetermining based on shallow books – incomprehensible to most. One needs only to keep it simple – honest – and without condemnation of the innocent. A veteran and a victim in order to get on in their lives do just that – speak the truth – simply and clearly.

PTSD and the guilt factor is only one more way in which government and the sciences are saying – they need an excuse and this is it! Don’t believe or accept this as a truth – because it is not. The veteran and victim have not violated any moral law or committed any violent crime – they are not guilty of anything – anywhere – no matter how hard the media and government try to prove otherwise. Sadly, now even more will not seek assistance due to the inference of their guilt. More will continue to still be coming home but never quite reaching it fully. c/ork

“am I guilty?”

cji
11/26/11

Did I do something
morally against society
did I create a monster
a crime so evilly bad
am I guilty of being
did the world change
are the innocent evil
wherefore am I sought
will I never be left alone
is home really there
or as in illusions oft
just a mirage of sand?


Copyright © 2011 – cji
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guilt

November 25, 2011

“Time Long Ago”



“Time Long Ago”

cji
11/26/11

Distractions without merit
mounted men as knights
castles and fiefdoms found
yet only so small a part
stretching so insignificant
remotely so very alone
thinking as the only one
yet great civilizations about
some raising and falling
all space was occupied
all space was utilized
for in time long ago
like as in life today
yet only so small a part
stretching so insignificant!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 24, 2011

“A Long Watch”



“A Long Watch”

cji
11/25/11

Starting in the Spring
standing forth counted
even from our birth
even before this earth
our trials surmounted
blessings thus to bring;

Extending in Summer
lives to thus blossom
being found fruitful
completing tasks useful
finding much awesome
found our own drummer;

Reaching through Fall
our leaves descending
magnificent in color
steps taken now smaller
others on us depending
clarion we hear the call;

Finally into our Winter
where now we stand
thus this a long watch
sewing in the last swatch
obeying the least command
no longer the sprinter!

(Addendum:

To stand a long watch
protecting our freedoms
preparing his kingdoms
Satan’s goals to blotch!)

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Yes, To Be Thankful”



“Yes, To Be Thankful”

cji
11/24/11

Some will bow heads
others to on a knee
some seeking a quiet
others for oft peace
some to just release
others do also riot
some a humble plea
others sewing threads;

Yes, to be thankful
most of life and of all
yes, to be grateful
most in Father’s awe!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 23, 2011

“Trammels”



“Trammels”

cji
11/24/11

Coming from the leaders
guile and mistaken words
interfering with progress
eternal progress it’s true
mixing up the scriptures
turning them into pelf
gaining popularity also
promising all to be saved
while denying them all
with the trammels cost
eternal life is thus lost!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Surface People”



“Surface People”

cji
11/23/11

Unable to think alone
depending on others
decisions unmade too
indifference to reason
in apathetical comfort
going to the malls oft
tv and video games
drinking and playing
for these are only
surface people
somewhere
between birth
and sure death!

Copyright © 2011 – cji



“Surface People”
cji
11/12/11
Many years ago there were some very deep thinkers which abounded in small clusters throughout the world. Almost always these persons would know of each other or meet within their geographical areas. In Europe this could extend over the breathe and length of the land: Italy to the Franks; Brittany to Prussia; and throughout the Middle East in all directions. There were some women involved but for the most part these were the men of letters who communicated with others of their peers. The idea of calling them men of letters is this is the way they communicated – and these are what their recorded records became. Now we’ve left the Far East out of the initial thought as they too had similar scholars – but the communication links were not the same as throughout Europe at this early time.
To establish the time of these events one must consider from about 3000BC to the early part of 1700AD. The means of travel were in either large convoys or caravans or with armies of conquest. One used for trade and the other for dominion and destruction. The year 3000BC is about the time of the use of papyrus from Northern Africa (Egypt) and thus a new means of relating or communicating – in a more accessible manner was available[1]. One must not forget writing has been around as long as man has been on this earth (we cannot speak of other than our earth). Thus some of the earliest forms of written communication (called systems of ideographic[2] and/or early mnemonic symbols[3]. (writers note: Some would think we’re going back to this form of writing due to the current increase in illiteracy – but hopefully not.)
Over the last 6 millennium writing and communications have changed greatly as well as the intent of the writers. The religious writers of the first 4 thousand years (ending about 100 years into the 1st Century AD) tended to write from experience and or revelations. Histories were kept and kept accurately by certain members of the various different developing thoughts on theology. These records and books go back again as far as 6 thousand years ago[4].
We can then look at fictional writing – which the early myths of the Greek’s are considered the oldest – being about the 8th Century BC. Some have attributed Epic of Gilgamesh as being the earliest but it was about the 7th Century. One would venture ‘tall tales’ and ‘stories’ were told since the beginning of time – but being written these seem to be the earliest. Interestingly much research since the 1970’s has revealed that the works of Homer may indeed be true – as well as the Epic of Gilgamesh – as this type of writing cannot be accomplished without sound information to support them. I.e. the various myths and illusions add grandeur to the subject – but the overall story is based on some factual information. Today we’d call it Historical Fiction. This however, we do know about the Greeks is that they whole-heartedly accepted rhetoric as a way of life and writing, speaking and in oration of the theater. Thus, they accepted lying as a means of teaching and explaining what they did not understand. This was carried forward and still alive and well in most of the world in one form or another.
After the second century AD – we find much changed in the world of written thought in the European environment – (to include the Middle East, Brittany, France, Germany, Italy, Greece, etc.). With the Primitive Church (which it is called in history) established by Jesus the Christ – and it’s spread across many lands – Scriptures came to life in the fulfillment of Prophecies and also in the teachings from the primary source. There were no longer the need for interpreters or someone to tell you what was meant by this Prophet or that one. This continued until, the schools decided religion was the way to attain wealth and power. These schools mixed neo-Platonism with rhetoric and complicated even the simplest literal words taken from the Teachings of the Savior and the Prophets. Interestingly the Jewish community bought into this new theology of discarding the literal meanings found in the Scriptures. The Gnostics won the day – only through others accepting they’re doctrines instead of the true doctrines.
Thus wherein we’ve two various dimensions – the early writers before fiction and those who came after the accepted usage of fiction (making it up as you go along to impress and please others into acceptance). We now have two schools – those who seek to find and know truth based on common sense[5] and those who seek to attract the attention of others no matter how they do it – with or without truth.
Thus we’ve two schools from which to choose – fiction or non-fiction! Fiction being defined as men/women who decide to interpret for others what someone else has said or meant without regard to research or worrying about what is true or not. The research is an interesting topic all of its own but will be addressed as we continue in context with what we’ve already written.
Research which is done by millions of students every single day has only two goals: 1) to meet the needs of a class assignment; and 2) to satisfy the curiosity of the student. Research is also done by thousands of scholars on a daily basis as well – and it too has certain goals: 1) not to upset the apple cart of their belief system; 2) to upset the apple cart of their belief system; 3) to publish; 4) to validate someone else’s conclusions and 5) to actually reveal as much as possible what can be known about a subject.
Research today is more circular than seeking of a Primary or Secondary sources (which in many cases requires much time and effort). The circular only requires one to quote what others have already said quoting another, etc. without wondering where the quotes came from to begin with. Many times if one source checks an article in the newspaper or in a term paper one will find they quoting redundant sources. Darwin’s theory is much like this – most who accept it as fact – are doing so based on someone else calling it a fact – when in reality Darwin himself said he could never prove his theory and no one else has either.
Thus where are we going with the idea of all of this above and ‘Surface People?’ We started with the scholars of the past – men of letters – who dug deep into the soil of their respective topics – exchanged their information with others – and were always willing to add new knowledge and information where they could find it – accepting that which made common sense and rejected that which did not. They understood that no one knows what is under the surface until they look – and that in all cases they must look before drawing any conclusions. They understand two people can look under the same rock and see many different things – thus they would start by agreeing on what they both see – and then dig deeper to see what the other saw that they did not. Somehow this type of scholarship has faded from the relevant world of today.
Therefore we’ve what I call ‘Surface People’ – those who neither look nor care what’s under the surface or under the rock. They only go on what others tell them and when they pretend at reporting or scholarship they use watercolors or chalk on cement pavements. These are the quote ‘Brenda Starr’s’ of today – pretending to be what they’re not – without any liability for what they report. Interestingly most never follow up on their stories and find out what really happened and seek to make corrections where others can see.
These ‘surface people’ are found in all walks of life (actually more dead than alive) unwilling to learn or change based on new information – when they say, “I’ve all I need!” These are the ones who really don’t know or understand their professions or their responsibilities other than to know to appear altruistic while guessing and fumbling others lives. These are the ones who the public see – day-in-day-out and somehow they become acceptable – like the napkin next to the fork on a set table. They get away because like them most others don’t care about ‘old news’ and if any errors were made in the processing of events of the day.
These are the people who ruin the lives of others! But since the current system is full of these people – (they say the average reader in the US today is about at a 5th grade level) – and most haven’t read a non-fiction book in years – and outside of TV – video games – going to the Mall and hanging out with peers – nothing else matters. This transcends into all ages just different hangouts, etc.
Moral and ethical accountability is basically dead in this nation, i.e. Penn State of today – college kids rioting for all the wrong reasons! Yes something has been done – but too little too late for those who’ve been injured for the rest of their lives[6]. Decision-making in the ruining of another’s life based on incomplete information – splashing it all over the media – without accountability is rampant and the effects are equally damaging with the advent of the Internet – and that while a person can be completely innocent – the Internet never seems to tell that or have that updated information – thus something will and can haunt someone as long as another is willing to search the net to find old news – never corrected – again they (the person searching and the postings) act in spite to hurt this person over and over.
Surface People write the manuals for school – determine the laws for the land – change the existing codes for ethics – and for the most part have never done any homework to validate whether what they’re doing is beneficial to the greater number – as long as those who are around them or vote for them like what they’ve done. Surface people ignore those who either work for them (usage of terms here – one can work for someone or with someone – those working with each other seem to accomplish more than those working for another) or with them. They don’t want to hear that something doesn’t make sense as long as it feels good to them (rhetoric is used to make the people feel good).
What can one do about ‘Surface People?’ Most can do nothing – these people are tenured or considered either not worth the effort (to sue or otherwise hold accountable) or just not affecting enough people to do anything – and anyway it was yesterday’s news or report. Those who care about doing something find the system of laws and answering systems so flawed that nothing can be accomplished without great frustration and time investment. Most lawyers don’t want to do anything within their community to upset the apple cart unless it’ll gain them more fame and fortune. Of course if one of the surface people hit on the wrong person at the right time with the wrong information – then watch out. If someone has the time and monetary resources then something will and can be done.
Why even write this essay? Sometimes the frustration of where our nation and culture are headed seems endlessly doomed to failure. Maybe by turning on one light at a time – there might be a difference made to protect someone – somewhere in the future. Maybe there’s a caravan which will carry ‘letters’ to others who care and share a similar interest as in the days when ‘letters’ were the only means of transmission of information – and the information valuable enough to influence culture and lives in a positive way. Deep thinking is needful in each and every person – to know what’s right and what’s wrong for them! Going under the surface – digging deep – not accepting generalities in place of true information of value is needed for each individual. Turning off the TV, Video Game, going to the Mall – or whatever – to take a serious look at who one is – and what positive effect they can and should have on others.
My conclusions are only right for me – not for another – I can express how I achieved my knowledge and why and how I did my homework and continue to do so, but the other still has to do their own. I’ve friends (many of them) who don’t believe as I do but respect my understandings. I respect theirs – and their ability to come to the conclusions they’ve arrived at. We find what we see the same – and then look at what the other sees – sometimes finding a melding and sometimes the differences continue. Each has to be able to do this with confidence in their life – and not the lack of confidence of a surface person – who’s lacking even the basic clues of ethics and values.


Copyright © 2011 – cji
[1] H. Idris Bell and T.C. Skeat, 1935. "Papyrus and its uses" (British Museum pamphlet).
[2] from Greek ἰδέα idea "idea" + γράφω grafo "to write"

[3] Catherine Soanes; Angus Stevenson; Sara Hawker, ed (29 March 2006). Concise Oxford English Dictionary (Computer Software) (11th ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. Entry mnemonic

[4] Many have a problem with this finding or conclusion in that without a belief in eternal things or that of a Heavenly Father or his Son Jesus Christ – much of the early Theological writings accorded to the Prophets is usually dismissed. Personally I know writings which go back to at least 3000BC and information on others which were already a thousand years old at the time of the Shabako Stone’s discovery. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of early writings and records which were kept from the time of Adam.
[5] Common sense has always been the most important aspect of understand truth. If it doesn’t make common sense most likely it isn’t true. Common sense is simply and not complicated and everything which is true can be broken down to its simplest parts.
[6] Sexual abuse goes with a person as long as they live – each time a news event uncovers another such event – the events of their life flash back in reality.

“A Warm Heart”



“A Warm Heart”

cji
11/23/11

Kindred spirits each
time spent to know
those close and far
instantly to engage
sharing ever much
as if just to touch
history newest page
removing any bar
together they grow
a warm heart each!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 22, 2011

“Desert Winds”



“Desert Winds”

cji
11/23/11

Lulling memories hum
a lilting hollow sound
darkness’s first capture
brilliant star diamonds
attracting ones attention
but then the humming
a lilting hollow sound
drifting endless miles
heard only by a few
strangers wandering
un-lost in the night
skeletons of the past
desert winds traversing
a lilting hollow sound
lulling memories hum!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

"Politically Incorrect"



: FW: Battle Hymn

One of the most beautiful versions of the Battle Hymn I have heard.


I hope that all the people that I forward this to will in turn forward to their friends.

Click here: Battle Hymn


“Politically Incorrect”

cji
11/22/11

When one references truth
singing out in full voice
high schooler’s and youth
combined in faith to rejoice;

Picturing the Holy Bible too
the Capital Building there
with the White House tree
all nations able to share;

Politically incorrect to see
passing this onward for all
telling each why they’re free
then to hear the eternal call!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 21, 2011

“It is Written”



“It is Written”

cji
11/22/11

It is written and clear
clarion as the light
yet many discern not
muddy water bitter
harsh in their clarity
taking no quarter
giving no excuses
a plowboy to read
those willing to heed
it is written and clear!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

Romans 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

November 20, 2011

“Contrary”



“Contrary”

cji
11/21/11

What is it of the Father
the Scriptures simply
yet men/women change
thinking truth does also
mixing with philosophy
teaching to intelligence
wealth and the powerful
ignoring what’s there
serving not the Lord
only serving themselves
contrary to the honest
or the hearts of the simple!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 19, 2011

“Real Intent”



“Real Intent”

cji
11/20/11

When we pray
how do we do so
carefully wording
or carelessly done
with real intent
or without meaning
each Sabbath Day
must we ponder
as such wonder
to communicate
with Father
via the Son
with real intent!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 18, 2011

“Then Heirs”



“Then Heirs”

cji
11/19/11

Sadly so ignored
just words unknown
struck from Scriptures
left alone not read
but yet they exist
where all can read
within the Scriptures
simple truths shown
sadly so ignored!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

November 17, 2011

“Refined”



“Refined”

cji
11/18/11

Carried away in the mist
mind thoughts drifting
seeking the very best
pearls of great value
precious stones aplenty
carefully chosen beauty
each placed carefully
within the mind secure
memories so treasured
memories so measured!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Talking With”



“Talking With”

cji
11/17/11

Reading stories or telling
seeking responses full
adventures upon it all
each an individual to see
here in the peace of love
sharing thoughts plenty
a child talking with ducks
or any animal found
friends now so bound
listening – understanding
their world of innocents
which they invite us in!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Minstrel’s Apprentice”



“Minstrel’s Apprentice”

cji
11/17/11

Sitting to play a melody
something sweetly calm
enchanting the air about
inviting others to join;

Comes the apprentice
sitting by my side quiet
till invited to join with me
playing notes of harmony!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 16, 2011

“Lord, am I my Brother’s keeper?”



“Lord, am I my Brother’s keeper?”

(Moses 5:34-Gensis 4:9)

Little by little one responsible
often of great things accountable
doing many tasks indomitable
finding all things surmountable;

Big brothers watching little ones
taking them on walks together
sharing play time unselfishly
bearing the burdens of love
being led by the light above;

Big bands un-heralding kindness
quiet angels above taking notes
for knowing from the Lord,
“Lord, I am my brother’s keeper”
and this is enough to be known
in responsibility thus grown
eternally understanding shown!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Sacrifice”



“Sacrifice”

cji
11/17/11

We’ve to give to each
time and understanding
our pride is to be stifled
our tenderness is needed
our attention is heeded
we’ve to sacrifice our all
others need us to be sure
our motives to be true
hearing love’s lone call
our fibers to be pleated
our warmth to be greeted
our thoughts to be rifled
with a Savior commanding
sacrifice thus to teach!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 15, 2011

“Touching Reality”

World War II Veteran John G. Trinca, 86, of Antioch kneels down at the Willow Lake Veterans Memorial on the CLC Grayslake campus by bricks of his name and a friend who was killed in action in the Philippines during the war. Trinca had only just met the Army soldier before he died, but discovered they grew up in the same neighborhood in Chicago. They promised to tell each other's parents if anything happened to each other during the war.



“Touching Reality”

cji
11/16/11

Something awakens
emotion – understanding
age timeless and eternal
meeting once again
friends long passing
yet just a name found
tender touching feelings
as an interloper unseen
such emotion to share
un-blinding each to be
touching a bit of reality
within each life today!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Within Each”



“Within Each”

cji
11/15/11

Memories of the past
recent or from away
there lingering yet just
unable to express clear
within each something
which Father to bring
important and so dear
eternally then to trust
thoughts of this day
forever and ever to last!

To the Temple each visit
Father’s home on earth
hallowed ground to tread
spiritually each is fed
depending on their worth
more often each to revisit!

Within each a candle small
lighting the way to all see
as the child innocent free
clarion clear is the call!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 14, 2011

“Propitiating”



“Propitiating”

cji
11/15/11

Of course we all know
words which we read
our vocabulary to grow
as a garden planted seed;

Thus when we improve
discerning what’s best to do
we’ve to upset the groove
propitiating what’s not true!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 13, 2011

“Ask”



“Ask”

cji
11/14/11

How simple a thing
needing something
just an answer small
but how many take ‘no’
without ever thinking
fear of wanting to ask
while many do ask
credibility thus linking
a scholar should know
a wrong person to call
ambivalence to bring
confusion then to ring!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 12, 2011

“Waves”




“Waves”

cji
11/13/11

Rolling incessantly ever
caressing beaches wide
crashing upon the rocks
endlessly – relentlessly
much as our lives too
trials and tribulations
a refiners fire beheld
supplications to Father
obedience unto Him
cumulating the Sabbath
found in reverence love
willingly to understand
truth like the waves
harsh for some to bear
embracing for all
found to truly repent!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 11, 2011

“Chilly”



“Chilly”

cji
11/12/11

Felt the night breeze
bones no longer young
getting long in the tooth
where once was youth
my being now stung
beginning to freeze;

Hope springs eternal
while yet chilly to be
the winter now to see
bound in my journal!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 10, 2011

“The Veteran”







“The Veteran”

cji
11/11/11

(Prelude:

Forgetting themselves
forging into the fire
giving their all some
yet all giving some
no longer another
but now a brother
or yet a sister known
comrades in arms all
remembering a past
filled with love honest
to preserve for another
a son, daughter, child
this the veteran to be!)

“In Time”

Generations ago
found innocent
yet sent to war
another’s making
whether wanting
centuries to pass
millennium to pass
but never a veteran
to give evil a pass!

“Yesterday”

The child at play
chasing the ball
hide and seek
swings and slides
schoolwork known
snowball fights
yes once a child
but now no longer!

“Today”

Found kneeling alone
tear stained cheeks
mixing sweat/mud
a friend has passed
a buddy no longer
just the memory today
lifting the shadow
which touches all!

“Tomorrow”

Resolve unshaken
truth to be unbroken
honor and valor
a first line to be
defending another
defending freedom
defending the right
not as seen by some
but seen from afar
father to father to son
tomorrow to come!

“Twilight”

Never ends the day
where light weakens
and darkness begins
the in-between time
where why another
why hadn’t a me
never ending time
thoughts return
for at twilight time
never ends the day!

(Epilogue:

Hearing taps played
each note to linger
each a moment gone
each a memory too
each Veteran’s tear
sweat/mud stained
falling unfailingly
a reminder of all
silence and space
wherein did many
give their all
and all gave some!)


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 9, 2011

“Repeated”



“Repeated”

cji
11/10/11

History repeats itself
over and over and over
yet most do not learn
and most do not care
lost ideas never to share
truths never to discern
thinking ever so clever
investing only in pelf;

Yet rejected once before
then now today again
the Savior’s Church today
the same as yesterday
many saying, ‘amen’
then closing the door!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Acts 28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.”

November 8, 2011

“Mumbling”



“Mumbling”

cji
11/9/11

Water fleeing quickly
downstream flowing
mumbling to all about
hoping some to hear
passing without reply;

Winds within the trees
going hither and yond
direction indifferent
mumbling to all about
passing without reply;

Do we hear the sound
understanding meaning
or do we just hear noise
confused as mumbling
passing without reply!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 7, 2011

“Really Big”




“Really Big”

Cji
11/8/11

Calmly in the woods
heard some crackling
heavy thumping sound
trees starting to shake
birds fleeing all away
the clouds to darken
lightning flashing
thunder all around
winds gale forces
something is coming
and it’s really big!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 6, 2011

“To Stand Alone”



“To Stand Alone”

cji
11/7/11

Empty streets and sidewalks
darkened alleys to be blind
hearing illiterate’s oft talks
to the truth never to be kind;

Thus when will there be one
who stands against the tide
saying what needs to be done
and not in the shadows hide;

To stand alone defending truth
wavering not at all to retreat
able for all to hear old/youth
the Prophets thus to repeat!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 5, 2011

“Visceral”



“Visceral”

cji
11/6/11

Rough edges un-hewned
book reading missing all
instinctively to understand
emotions un-confused
directly facing the truth
each Sabbath Day to feel
without need of prompting
that of men/women to see
feelings of the Spirit free
knowing deep within all
wherein the world doesn’t
casting sticks to the fire
unread by the many
yet read by the visceral!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 4, 2011

“Nuts”



“Nuts”

cji
11/5/11

Carefully laid aside
in tree trunks/nests
hovels in the ground
measured in the pound
frequently by pests
where they reside;

Yet also just a term
when one bewildered
confused and lost
dejectedly the cost
having astray been led
and now to squirm!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 3, 2011

“Consideration”



“Consideration”

cji
11/4/11

Just plain lacking in some
kids attacking parents
parents ignoring children
music discordance added
hateful speech and rap
abusive movies – TV
internet games of war
without any consideration
for what is right and true
without values or morals
cults curried by media
embraced by politicians
and abused now by all
themselves included
for the simple reason
consideration for rights
theirs and also others!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 2, 2011

“Maybe”



“Maybe”

Cji
11/03/11

Indecision at its best
Never to pass a test;

Taking over a decision
Marked without precision;

Gathering tea leaves too
Piecing together with glue;

Sadly only ever a maybe
Wait till later to see;

Some wanting to jest
Others time to invest;


Copyright © 2011 – cji

November 1, 2011

“A Mess”



“A Mess”

cji
11/02/11

Kids in the kitchen
animals in the yard
mole crickets all about
dollar weed growing
laundry to be done
washing machine down
dishes in the sink
something burning
phone is ringing
tv is blaring loud
is anyone listening
is anyone there
does anyone care
of a mess found
that we’re all in
the USA today!

Copyright © 2011 – cji