December 31, 2011

HT'ing and VT'ing January 2012



“Positively”

cji
1/1/12

Remembering royal birth
finding links to the past
seeing not just in a mirror
yet all in eternal sight
surrounded in the light
suspending all fear
joy positively to last
while visiting this earth!

Copyright © 2011 – cji


FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
Living the Abundant Life
BY PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON


Living the Abundant Life
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At the advent of a new year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life.
Have a Positive Attitude
A in my ABCs refers to attitude. William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”1
So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.
Charles Swindoll—author, educator, and Christian pastor—said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than … the past, … than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”2
We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.
Believe in Yourself
B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.
Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. One who was not honest with God until it was too late was Cardinal Wolsey who, according to Shakespeare, spent a long life in service to three sovereigns and enjoyed wealth and power. Finally, he was shorn of his power and possessions by an impatient king. Cardinal Wolsey cried:
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.3
Thomas Fuller, an English churchman and historian who lived in the 17th century, penned this truth: “He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.”4
Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.
You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith.
Face Challenges with Courage
C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.
Said the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.”5
There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win!
Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.
Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”
May we remember these ABCs as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours.
Teaching from This Message
Consider inviting family members to share personal experiences when a positive attitude, belief in themselves, or courage helped them. Or invite them to find examples of these three principles in the scriptures. You might prepare to teach by prayerfully thinking of scriptures or experiences of your own.
Youth
Courage to Weather the Storm
By Maddison Morley
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On the second night of my stake’s Young Women camp, we had a big rainstorm and tornado. My ward had about 24 young women attending the camp with two leaders, and we all had to fit into one small cabin for protection. The rain was falling hard, and the wind was getting worse. I had to continually remind myself of the prayer for safety our stake president had offered earlier. Our ward also said our own group prayer in our cabin, and I said my own personal prayers.
A lot of girls were scared, and it was easy to see why. Our cabin was not very sturdy, and we were right by a river. In about 20 minutes the storm got so bad that the whole stake had to run from their ward cabins to the counselors’ cabins, which were on higher ground. My stake president said another prayer, and we sang hymns, Primary songs, and camp songs in an attempt to comfort ourselves. Yes, we were scared, but we felt that everything would be all right. Half an hour later it was OK to go back to our ward cabins.
We later found out what had happened to the tornado that night. It had split into two storms. One of them went around us to the right and the other to the left. What we got wasn’t even the worst of it!
I know that God heard our prayers that night and that He protected us from the worst of the storm. Why would a tornado split unless God needed it to? I know that in the storms of life, we can always pray to Heavenly Father and He will hear and answer us, giving us the courage and protection we need to make it safely through.
Children
Captain Moroni
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Captain Moroni had courage as he faced challenges. He loved truth, liberty, and faith. He devoted his life to helping the Nephites preserve their freedom. You can be like Captain Moroni by facing your challenges with courage. You can even make your own title of liberty by writing on the flag below or on a separate piece of paper the things that are important to you and your family.
Where to Find Out More
Alma 46:11–27: The title of liberty
Alma 48:11–13, 16–17: Moroni’s qualities



“Meeting Needs”

cji
1/1/12

Seeking another way
improving upon service
finding another’s needs
then more than a visit
more than just a hello
giving what’s so needed
loving beyond the mark
meeting needs of another
in love and compassion!


Copyright © 2011 – cji



VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE
Watchcare and Ministering through Visiting Teaching
“Charity [means] far more than a feeling of benevolence,” taught President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency. “Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement.”1 For Relief Society sisters, visiting teaching can be charity in action, an important way to exercise our faith in the Savior.
Through visiting teaching, we provide watchcare by contacting each sister, sharing a gospel message, and seeking to know her and her family’s needs. “Visiting teaching becomes the Lord’s work when our focus is on people rather than percentages,” explains Julie B. Beck, Relief Society general president. “In reality, visiting teaching is never finished. It is more a way of life than a task. Faithfully serving as a visiting teacher is evidence of our discipleship.”2
As we provide consistent and prayerful watchcare, we learn how to best minister to and meet the needs of each sister and her family. Ministering can take many forms—some large and some not so large. “Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another: a question concerning a person’s family, quick words of encouragement, a sincere compliment, a small note of thanks, a brief telephone call,” taught President Thomas S. Monson. “If we are observant and aware, and if we act on the promptings which come to us, we can accomplish much good. … Countless are the acts of service provided by the vast army of Relief Society visiting teachers.”3
From the Scriptures
John 13:15, 34–35; 21:15; Mosiah 2:17; Doctrine and Covenants 81:5; Moses 1:39
From Our History
In 1843, Church members in Nauvoo, Illinois, were divided into four wards. In July of that year, Relief Society leaders appointed a visiting committee of four sisters for each ward. The visiting committees’ responsibilities included assessing needs and collecting donations. The Relief Society used these donations to provide for the needy.4
While visiting teachers no longer collect donations, they do retain the responsibility to assess needs—spiritual and temporal—and to work to meet those needs. Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), second Relief Society general president, explained: “A teacher … should surely have so much of the Spirit of the Lord, as she enters a house to know what spirit she meets in there. … Plead before God and the Holy Ghost to get [the Spirit] so that you will be able to meet that spirit that prevails in that house … and you may feel to talk words of peace and comfort, and if you find a sister feeling cold, take her to your heart as you would a child to your bosom and warm [her] up.”5
What Can I Do?
1. What am I doing to help my sisters feel that I am a friend who loves and cares for them?
2. How can I become better at watching over and caring for others?

December 30, 2011

“Flavored”



“Flavored”

cji
12/31/11

Hard
truths difficult
nothing for
excuses
as
medicine plain
bitter
not sweet
yet
unacceptable
many
water done
truth
and medicine
flavored
to taste
watering
down too
the
value contained
refusing
hard things!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 29, 2011

“Clarity Clear”



“1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus;”

“Clarity Clear”

cji
12/30/11

One God the Father
one mediator the Son
two distinct
individuals
separate in all ways
except that of
thought
reason – goals –
eternal
as husband/wife told
to become as one;

This wisdom is done
for all able to hold
forever and eternal
in scriptures taught
a course never strays
two distinct
individuals
one mediator the Son
one God the Father!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 28, 2011

“Toiling”



“Toiling”

cji
12/29/11

Back braking
work done
burning heat
of the day
sweltering
between decks
hearing
the drum beaten
snapping
of the whips
chains chafing
skin
constant
– unending
toiling
in others work
looking
up not at all
freshening
breezes
birds
singing freely
clouds
wafting bye
surely
none is seen
having
chosen wrong
enslaved
to another
losing
sight forever
Zion’s
Road is lost!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 27, 2011

“Restlessly”



“Restlessly”

cji
12/28/11

Reading –
seeking – trying
finding but
little to entrust
reviewing
history frequent
yet
seeing mistakes repeat
wondering
why so many
refuse
common sense oft
while
clamoring as wise
wisdom
of men/women
lacking much
meaningful
my brain
clamors about
restlessly
in pursuit of all
so much
to learn/discern
wanting
all to join within
but few
which wend a way
staying
the course forward
while
many the distracted
while
many the distracted!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 26, 2011

“Duty”



“Duty”

cji
12/27/11

Finding
only one way
setting sights
higher
understanding
best
while
going beyond
doing
one’s duty
mindful
of the all
leaving
nothing out
surpassing
the mark
doing
what’s needed
the
mission completed
honor
and duty heeded!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 24, 2011

“Remembering Long Ago"




“Remembering
Long Ago”

cji
12/25/11

(Prelude:

Among
the Saints
early in
Israel found
being
sought and hunted
seeming
beliefs different
the
Savior now ascended
finding
only alone joy
unable
to openly sing
yet once
a year came
a Roman
holiday
celebrating
Diana
and this
day to be
one they
too to sing
dance
and be joyful!)

“A Birth”

Angels joyfully
singing
calling on
those righteous
announcing
an infant born
Jesus
the Christ has come
in a
manger to now lay
on fresh
hewn hay
shown
thus to some
forever mercy
to adorn
the few
to be gracious
with bells clear ringing!

“Remembering”

Were we
there then
this night
to know
our
voices enjoined
within
the multitude
remembering
now
what we
then knew
our
Savior and Lord
born
unto Mary
and do
we retain
our
thoughts now?

“Long
Ago”

We sense
in time past
what to
some is gone
just a
passing thought
on the
wind caught
memory
withdrawn
long ago
not to last!

“Christmas”

What
does this mean
reflecting
on each of us
is it
not to be everyday
for many
have needs
not just
one day a year
should
we not kneel
often on
everyday
thankfully
and humble
giving
of service often
forgetting
not James 1:27
making
all be found
none to
be ever lost
none to
be forgotten
as all
are important
reflecting
on each of us
what
does this mean?

“Wonder”

Tis the
time of wonder
amazing literal
truths
for each
of us a Savior
all are
counted/known
each
infant once born
each
breath once taken
each
heart beat felt
eternal
the Savior’s love
with
none – no not one
forgotten
but remembered
in
wonder I ponder
sharing
these thoughts
within
our Savior’s love!

(Epilogue:

The
dates mean nothing
whether the
25th or 3rd
December
or April
for the
Savior came
an
infant like us each
teaching
us of the Father
obedience
pure innocence
this
time of year remembering
while
everyday remembering
for like
the Father the Son
and we
to be like them
caring,
sharing, loving
in the
service of all!)

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 23, 2011

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

cji
12/23/11

Over the years many have read the Holy Scriptures - while
many have never heard of them. The later most likely make up the larger group
in the world today. But for now we'll dwell on those who've read the Scriptures
and portend to fully understand them in their fullness. These are those
who've attending schools of higher learning - professing the authority to not
only confer degrees but also an awkward form of the Priesthood. Awkward in that
it must be sustained by the laws of the land, school, nation or the creeds of
men and has no need of a calling from the Father or the Son. Let's be very
clear the creeds of men have no acknowledgement of the heavens being open and
there be any continuing revelation and therefore no contact or communications
with the Father or the Son. Thus none with such a Priesthood can claim if
from the authority of the Father or the Son.

Yet from this group we find volume's of books, pamphlets,
sermons, hell and damnation, and the actual degradation of other
religions. These are considered the learned of our age - but have not
really done all of their homework. They add to their communications the
soul of philosophy, mythology, psychology and here and there some of the
Scriptures as they've access to use. While claiming they've all there is
- they ignore many teachings and about 3400 books of the Old and New Testaments
hidden away somewhere - and in addition while allowing no new revealed
Scriptures they constantly change and add and delete (saying for clarification)
since the 3rd and 4th Centuries.

You can find some 52,000+ of these variations of teachings
within just the US alone - and this number changes weekly. It's a wonder
they understand that God is not a God of confusion but one of simple
clarity. They claim Paul as an Apostle but will also say there were only
12 Apostles and can be no more. They claim the teachings of the New
Testament - but deny their literalness.

But enough - what about those Martyred for the teaching of
the Father - and claiming revelation and keys to be authorized to do
such. Throughout the ages the Prophets and Apostles of God the Father and
His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have been killed, murdered, or
otherwise abused for some really very simple testimonies. Nothing as complex as
the professional clergy would have us believe or not believe.

The Savior was Crucified for teaching from the Scriptures -
and repeatedly testifying about His Father - and about who he was. Paul,
Stephen, James, Peter, and one could number more and more to this list from the
Old and New Testament - while others have been added during the coming out in
public the Bible as we now have it (considering always the modifications made
by modern man/woman); such as Hess, Wycliffe, Tyndale. Since the early
1800's while most think this killing of those testifying of the Father and the
Son - having seen them and spoken to them has ceased but again it has
not. We've modern Prophet's and Apostles who've also been Martyred for
the exact same reasons of the others.

What are these reasons? Below you will find the 13
reasons all Prophets, Apostles and the Savior himself have been Martyred (Today
they are referred to as the Articles of Faith):

1 We abelieve
in bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His cSon,
Jesus Christ, and in the dHoly Ghost.
2 We believe that men will
be apunished for their bown
sins, and not for Adam’s ctransgression.
3 We believe that through
the aAtonement of Christ, all bmankind
may be csaved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the
first principles and aordinances
of the Gospel are: first, bFaith
in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, cRepentance;
third, dBaptism by eimmersion
for the fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ghands
for the hgift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man
must be acalled of God, by bprophecy,
and by the laying on of chands
by those who are in dauthority,
to epreach the Gospel and administer in the fordinances
thereof.
6 We believe in the same aorganization
that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, bprophets,
cpastors, dteachers,
eevangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the agift
of btongues, cprophecy,
drevelation, evisions,
fhealing, ginterpretation
of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the aBible
to be the bword of God as far as it is translated ccorrectly;
we also believe the dBook
of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God
has arevealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He
will yet breveal many great and important things pertaining to the
Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the
literal agathering of Israel and in the restoration of the bTen Tribes;
that cZion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American
continent; that Christ will dreign
personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be erenewed
and receive its fparadisiacal
gglory.
11 We claim the aprivilege
of worshiping Almighty God according to the bdictates
of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them dworship
how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being asubject
to bkings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in cobeying,
honoring, and sustaining the dlaw.
13 aWe
believe in being bhonest,
true, cchaste, dbenevolent,
virtuous, and in doing egood
to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe
all things, we fhope
all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to gendure
all things. If there is anything hvirtuous,
ilovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after
these things.
Joseph Smith, Jr.
"About the
Martyred"

cji
12/23/11

Gone from our sight
men and women to miss
yet their teaching
call
and their memories
last;

Names many of the
past
having given their
all
their cries to us
hiss
to always do the
right;

Over millennium to
know
their minds
flourishing
only to be cut short
each
about the martyred to
speak;

Men/women strong and
meek
of the Father/Son to
teach
our Spirits/Souls
nourishing
helping us to
Celestial grow!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

three days poems

"Days of Love"
cji
12/20/11
Forever and ever spoken
not just in folly but love
treasured memories past
years having traversed time
gathering in the storms often
enjoying the peace so tranquil
raising son’s strong and good
not just till death do us part
but for time and all eternity
sealed within hallowed halls
sacred and holy covenants
days of love without an end
days of love without an end!
Copyright
© 2011 – cji


"Time and Time Again"
cji
12/21/11
Mentioning the future past
thinking of gardens bright
wandering halls of greatness
delving into the written word
seeking unknown to me new
time and time again learning
how much there's to know
how much I've yet to grow
living life's mission in its full!

Copyright
© 2011 – cji

"A
Birthday"

cji
12/23/11

A
Prophet born this day

yet
rejected by almost all

ridiculed
and harassed oft

imprisoned
and stoned

yet a
small boy to know

The
Father and the Son

who
came to him to talk

born
today in Sharon, VT.

holding
to the truth always

favoring
not any but the Lord

knowing
what he knew to know

knowing
the Father and Son

and
understanding they knew

thus
as others before known

he
suffered much in his life

and
was martryed by a mob

having
restored the Kingdom

to
which the Son will come

once
more upon this earth

in
the fulness of His glory!

Copyright
© 2011 – cji

“Awakening”

“Awakening”

cji
12/24/11

How many times to
rest
then stumbling to
awake
finding time to pass
either long or short
for sleeping is
restful
being very deep
indeed
while unknowingly
short
awakening into the
day
the night passed away
yet did we really
rest
yet did we not sleep
awakening in the
night
dreaming of the day
one found in action
the other of
inaction?

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 18, 2011

“Feelings Unseen”



“Feelings Unseen”

cji
12/19/11

Masterfully hidden to all
escaping unseen within
yet in memories alive
clear, concise, complete
where are we so found
as the child of youth
or the reaper of life
disciplined with honor
or hated by another
feelings unseen move
when light rain falls
misting the view ahead
of where we’ve been
and of what we’ve done
unable to remember all
which we’re to all forget
children of the horror
yet adults hiding thus
thoughts unsought today
from the fields of hurt
once known day by day!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Often Thought – Tears Flow”



“Often Thought – Tears Flow”

cji
12/18/11

Uncontrollable anger at times
unexplained to those around
frustration without any lines
where our feet used to pound;

No longer young or eager to be
just thoughts captured at night
untold the nightmare memories
trying always to do what’s right;

Often thought – tears flow today
deepening shadows surround
where once simple child’s play
now old displays so profound;

Shading eyes of loved ones now
that they’ll never experience same
wondering this to do somehow
and yet our freedom’s to claim?


Copyright © 2011 – cji

Week of 12 Dec (13-17)

"Air Puffs"
Add Image
cji
12/13/11

Crying into the storms
silenced by the winds
shared with nobody
for unheard as within
air puffs of gales
where none notice
amid the horror
or lambs stolen
windmills destroyed
while all around
men/women found
crying into the storms!


Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Shattered"

cji
12/14/11

Dreams drifting apart often
unable to piece reality whole
mixing in wants of desire
forgetting the needs of time
as clouds roaming aimless
pretending to be above all
filling with ice and debris
blotting out the sun above
wavering in the windstorm
like many a life below
on the rocks of the beach
laying shattered and alone!

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Softly"

cji
12/15/11

Holding hands in moonlight
swinging beneath stars
laughter in the silence
funny little giggles about
surely this is innocence
curled up ready for sleep
softly a daughter in rest
holding hands in moonlight
with unknown dreams
softly calling the day!

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Warring Winds"

cji
12/16/11

Paying little attention to all
high above and invisible
clashing as did the titans
armies gathered dispersed
sometimes thundering awe
swirling and demanding
warring winds so unseen
feelings felt in the heat
thus unseeing - seeing not
hearing nothing not deaf
cold and freezing thought
high above and invisible
warring winds so mean!

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Recovery Reinvented"

cji
12/17/11

Stripping away pride humbled
going inward and withdrawal
finding soul embers burned
discarding old memories
developing new beginnings
tearing into submissiveness
gathering weathered matter
weak to strong to stronger
within one’s self required
basics rediscovered deep
recovery reinvented the me
separating past and present
tomorrow replaces today
lightning now only light
thunder beating to mold
nothing before structured
stripping away pride humbled!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 17, 2011

“Distances”



“Distances”

cji
12/18/11

How far away to know
pre-existence to eternal
billions of years to find
without detours or waver
only the simple paths
obedience and honor
truth with intelligence
Sabbath Day to teach
how far we do reach
down Zion’s road go
or Babylon’s to play
distances measured
all equally found
obediently humble!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 11, 2011

“Overly Cute”



“Overly Cute”

cji
12/12/11

Trite and untrue
overly cute words
repeated very often
droll and repetitive
yet with time spent
many to now accept
meaningless words
overly cute appealing
spoken daily aloud
denying the literal
pretended truths
destroying faith
giving no hope
no eternal life
only attending
without purpose
words overly cute!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 10, 2011

“Messages”



“Messages”

cji
12/11/11

Still small whispers abound
wherein there are memories
returning again and again
the Scriptures are so alive
each Sabbath Day to renew
a past/present/future view
familiar roads to thus drive
new ones then to begin
hard polishing with emery’s
messages old/new found!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 9, 2011

“Thundering”



“Thundering”

cji
12/10/11

Hard hitting hoofs scaring
ranging into the slopes
seeking the high ridges
forever stampeding on
into the storms of life
sweltering in fire’s heat
demanding their freedom
wild and courageously
thundering through life!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 8, 2011

“Molten Ice”



“Molten Ice”
(1 Peter 3:7)

cji
12/9/11

Pristine clearly pure
refining in fire/ice
extremes in both
beyond endurance
into a nothingness
yet a twinkling eye
into immortality too;

Molten ice to endure
away the worldly slice
as in oneness troth
eternal life to glance
accepting nothing less
scriptures tell us why
into immortality true!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 7, 2011

“A Zephyr so Felt”



“A Zephyr so Felt”

cji
12/8/11

Hardly a whisper heard
only a zephyr so felt
barely brushing skin
seemingly to linger
the words softly said
hanging lightly there
privately thus to share
as love poems read
a touch of a finger
though a veil thin
at the altar so knelt
misty eyes blurred!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“In the Woodshed”



“In the Woodshed”

cji
12/7/11

Sometimes in fear alive
we marched to the shed
tears already embracing
father with switch in hand
of but don’t misunderstand
other times models tracing
as time endless so fled
childhood memories survive!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Gravity”



“Gravity”

cji
12/7/11

Young children so learn
there’s no fear to fear
heights and far dreams
airborne into the skies
never asking any why’s
enjoying their screams
never shedding a tear
gravity so easy to discern!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 6, 2011

“Our Friend Ila”



“Our Friend Ila”
(Happy Birthday)

cji
12/7/11

Sweet sixteen maybe not
sometimes wondering
her friendship unending
smiles for each to share
for so many to care
loved ones defending
higher things pondering
maybe 30 maybe not!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Breath’s of War”



“Breath’s of War”

cji
12/7/11

Attacking from the sun
seeking utter destruction
killing and maiming
gleefully leaving ruin
yet killing not spirit
killing not the freedom
killing not the will
wherein one finds war
holocausts of flames
surprise and ambush
breath’s of war known
greed and envy shown
anticipation grown
allowing survivors
who remember all
when governments fail
men/women respond
refusing ever to lose
freedoms God given
whether at Pearl
or New York City
or Washington DC
one can kill persons
one can destroy
but never the spirit
the will of freedom
attacking from the sun!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 4, 2011

“Wearing Masks”



“Wearing Masks”

cji
12/5/11

Ice filled the night
a storm raging on
piercing all in sight
strong trees swaying
many weaker broken
men and women too
finding deflections oft
wearing masks of time
pretending unobserved
different masks worn
perfecting excuses pat
as the ice in the night
each hiding the frozen
history unchanging
except by men/women
with masks of ice!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 3, 2011

“Of Religion”




“Of Religion”

cji
12/05/11

Some who think wise
sheltering from the fire
rock bands and drummers
charismatically enhancing
bright lights and exhortation
while meaninglessly lost
each Sabbath Day sought
old time religion to pursue
forgetting the Scriptures
forgetting the Prophets
forgetting the Savior
forgetting the truth
unfeeling to touch
unhearing to listen
unseeing to see
of religion lost
terrible the cost!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Powerful”



“Powerful”

cji
12/04/11

Cringing thoughts escape
too many falling short
arguments engage all
some to agree to listen
contention and resolve
logic and intelligence
without merit but sweet
tasting the salt/sugar
before the distasteful
powerful is the rhetoric
powerful are arguments
powerful also is truth
but much harder to bare
not sweet to be heard
but wonderful to digest
confidence is in truth
eternal life is in truth
while without the truth
too many falling short
cringing in their escape!



Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 2, 2011

“Strategy”



“Strategy”

cji
12/03/11

War games and planning
real time in the eternities
never ending warfare
where all do share
willingly or not
some forgot;

Begin again
only one to win
which side to be on
into a battle all drawn
strategy to be utilized
beguiling the many oft!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 1, 2011

“Fascicle”



“Fascicle”

cji
12/02/11

How many parts found
how many parts known
how many just missing
what of the ones gone
forgotten and/or hidden
was it to be completed
or interests to be not so
politically advantageous
fascicles now to search
yet ignored when found!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

First Presidency Christmas Devotional Broadcast Set for December 4



First Presidency Christmas Devotional Broadcast Set for December 4
4 December 2011
The First Presidency invites all Church members and their friends to participate in this year’s First Presidency Christmas Devotional on December 4, 2011, whether in person or by viewing the broadcast.
The one-hour program will originate from the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, at 6:00 p.m. mountain standard time. The devotional will include a Christmas message from each member of the First Presidency and music by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square.
Tickets are required for this event and have been distributed by random selection. Those with tickets should be in their seats 30 minutes before the event start time. Standby seating for those wishing to attend in person is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The standby line is formed at the north gate of Temple Square.
Those wishing to watch the broadcast from their homes may access it live on various broadcast, cable, satellite, and Internet television stations and broadcast, satellite, and Internet radio stations throughout the world, including Mormon Channel HD Radio. Check local program listings for availability in your area or visit mormonchannel.org, byubroadcasting.org, or ksl.com for more information.
The devotional will also be available online at mormonchannel.org (audio only) and LDS.org (audio and video). Audio and video archives in multiple languages will be available on LDS.org shortly after the broadcast.
The devotional will be broadcast to meetinghouses around the world through the Church satellite system in more than four dozen languages. For those locations with significant time differences from the live broadcast, the devotional will be rebroadcast at various times over the following two weeks.
The devotional has been scheduled early in the Christmas season so that it may be recorded for use later. Leaders may use all or portions of the devotional with local Christmas programs.


“Hearing Heaven Call”

cji
12/01/11

Enjoying peacefulness
gentle music surrounds
fervent prayer spoken
a unision of amens
hearing heaven call
a Prophet of God
called on this earth
speaks to all today
shall we be present
shall we hear all
when peacefulness
hearing heaven call!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Small One”

“Small One”

cji
11/30/11

Wanting to run
play in the hall
cell phone in hand
teddy bear too
small one true
taking my hand
hearing a call
still having fun!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Such Joy”

“Such Joy”

cji
12/01/11

Each year to pass
loveliness continues
service and gratitude
giving ever so much
taking ever so little
such joy is my bride
aging endlessly young
found in obedience
Father’s daughter here
shared within us all
such joy to the world!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 2011 HT'ing and VT'ing Messages













The Choice to Be Grateful
By President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in 1st Presidency
The Choice to Be Grateful
Father in Heaven commands us to be thankful in all things (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18), and He requires that we give thanks for the blessings we receive (see D&C 46:32). We know that all of His commandments are intended to make us happy, and we also know that to break commandments leads to misery.
So to be happy and to avoid misery, we must have a grateful heart. We have seen in our lives the connection between gratitude and happiness. All of us would like to feel gratitude, yet it is not easy to be consistently grateful in all things in the trials of life. Sickness, disappointment, and the loss of people we love come at times in our lives. Our sorrows can make it hard to see our blessings and to appreciate the blessings God has in store for us in the future.
It is a challenge to count our blessings because we have a tendency to take good things for granted. When we lose a roof over our heads, food to eat, or the warmth of friends and family, we realize how grateful we should have been when we had them.
Most of all, sometimes it is hard for us to be sufficiently grateful for the greatest gifts we receive: the birth of Jesus Christ, His Atonement, the promise of resurrection, the opportunity to enjoy eternal life with our families, the Restoration of the gospel with the priesthood and its keys. Only with the help of the Holy Ghost can we begin to feel what those blessings mean for us and for those we love. And only then can we hope to be thankful in all things and avoid the offense to God of ingratitude.
We must ask in prayer that God, by the power of the Holy Ghost, will help us see our blessings clearly even in the midst of our trials. He can help us by the power of the Spirit to recognize and be grateful for blessings we take for granted. What has helped me the most is to ask God in prayer, “Wouldst Thou please direct me to someone I can help for Thee?” It is in helping God bless others that I have seen my own blessings more closely.
My prayer was once answered when a couple I had not known before invited me to go to a hospital. There I found a little baby so small that she could fit in my hand. In only a few weeks of life, she had undergone multiple surgeries. The doctors had told the parents that more difficult surgery would be needed for the heart and lungs to sustain life in that little child of God.
At the request of the parents, I gave the baby a priesthood blessing. The blessing included a promise of life being extended. More than giving a blessing, I received the blessing myself of a more grateful heart.
With our Father’s help, all of us can choose to feel more gratitude. We can ask Him to help us see our blessings more clearly, whatever our circumstances. For me that day, I appreciated as never before the miracle of my own heart and lungs working. I gave thanks on the way home for blessings to my children that I could see more clearly were miracles of kindness from God and from good people around them.
Most of all, I felt gratitude for the evidence of the Atonement working in the lives of those anxious parents and in mine. I had seen hope and the pure love of Christ shining in their faces, even in their terrible trial. And I felt the evidence you can feel if you ask God to reveal to you that the Atonement can allow you to feel hope and love.
We all can make the choice to give thanks in prayer and to ask God for direction to serve others for Him—especially during this time of year when we celebrate the Savior’s birth. God the Father gave His Son, and Jesus Christ gave us the Atonement, the greatest of all gifts and all giving (see D&C 14:7).
Giving thanks in prayer can allow us to see the magnitude of these blessings and all of our other blessings and so receive the gift of a more grateful heart.
Teaching from This Message
Writing down our experiences and blessings can help us remember them and give us something to refer back to. Consider asking those you teach to write down what they are grateful for—to help them remember the blessings they have received, recognize the blessings of the present, and look forward to the blessings of the future.
You could also encourage those you teach to follow President Eyring’s example in asking Heavenly Father to direct them to someone they can help or serve.
Youth
Take a Gratitude Challenge
By John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat
09692_000_004Let’s not just talk about counting our blessings—let’s do it! Write a list of 100 things you are thankful for. If that sounds like it is too many, try this:
1. Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2. Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3. Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4. Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5. Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6. Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7. Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8. Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9. Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10. Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.
When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.
“Am I Grateful?”

cji
12/01/11

Choosing words carefully
when kneeling to pray
do my thoughts convey
my thanks gratefully?

Do I remember the all
wherein protection came
sacredly in Father’s name
and my humble awe?

Copyright © 2011 – cji


Visiting Teaching MessageClose Audio
Study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.
An Extensive Sphere of Action
09692_000_006 The Lord, His Church, families, and communities need the influence of righteous women. In fact, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “every sister in this Church who has made covenants with the Lord has a divine mandate to help save souls, to lead the women of the world, to strengthen the homes of Zion, and to build the kingdom of God.”1
Some sisters may wonder if they can accomplish such lofty aims. But as Eliza R. Snow (1804–87), second Relief Society general president, explained, “There is no sister so isolated, and her sphere so narrow but what she can do a great deal towards establishing the Kingdom of God upon the earth.”2 Sister Snow also taught that Relief Society was organized “for the accomplishment of every good and noble work.”3
Participation in Relief Society enlarges our spheres of influence by giving each sister opportunities to build faith, to strengthen families and homes, and to provide service both at home and throughout the world. And fortunately, our efforts as individuals and as Relief Societies need not be large and overwhelming, but they should be deliberate and consistent. Righteous practices such as daily personal and family prayer, daily scripture study, and consistently magnifying Church callings will help increase faith and build the Lord’s kingdom.
To sisters who wonder if these seemingly quiet contributions make a difference, Elder Ballard affirms: “Every sister who stands for truth and righteousness diminishes the influence of evil. Every sister who strengthens and protects her family is doing the work of God. Every sister who lives as a woman of God becomes a beacon for others to follow and plants seeds of righteous influence that will be harvested for decades to come.”4
From the Scriptures
1 Corinthians 12:4–18; 1 Timothy 6:18–19; Mosiah 4:27; Articles of Faith 1:13
From Our History
Eliza R. Snow, who had served as secretary when Relief Society was organized in Nauvoo, was called by President Brigham Young (1801–77) to travel throughout the Church, helping bishops organize Relief Society in their wards.
Sister Snow taught: “If any of the daughters and mothers in Israel are feeling in the least circumscribed [limited] in their present spheres, they will now find ample scope for every power and capability for doing good with which they are most liberally endowed. … President Young has turned the key to a wide and extensive sphere of action and usefulness.”5
What Can I Do?
1. How can I help the sisters I visit recognize and act on their ability to be a righteous influence?
2. How can I use my unique gifts and talents to bless others?

“My Example”

cji
12/1/11

Penetrating all space
my being an example
thoughts and actions
teaching others same;

Remembering my name
for love or distractions
good or bad an example
in this mortal place!

Copyright © 2011 – cji