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2012-01-31T19:01:00.001-05:00

President Henry B. Eyring – 1st Counselor in the 1st Presidency
Home Teaching February 2012
Exhort Them to Pray
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When I was a little child, my parents taught me by example to pray. I began with a picture in my mind of Heavenly Father being far away. As I have matured, my experience with prayer has changed. The picture in my mind has become one of a Heavenly Father who is close by, who is bathed in a bright light, and who knows me perfectly.
That change came as I gained a sure testimony that Joseph Smith’s report of his experience in 1820 in Manchester, New York, is true:
“I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
“It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17).
Heavenly Father was in the grove on that beautiful spring day. He called Joseph by name. And He introduced the resurrected Savior of the world as His “Beloved Son.” Whenever and wherever you pray, your testimony of the reality of that glorious experience can bless you.
The Father to whom we pray is the glorious God who created worlds through His Beloved Son. He hears our prayers as He heard Joseph’s prayer—as clearly as if they were being offered in His presence. He loves us enough that He gave His Son as our Savior. By that gift He made it possible for us to gain immortality and eternal life. And He offers us, through prayer in the name of His Son, the opportunity to commune with Him in this life as often as we choose.
Priesthood holders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the sacred trust to “visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret” (D&C 20:47; emphasis added).
There are many ways to exhort someone to pray. For example, we can testify that God has commanded us to pray always, or we can describe examples from scripture and from our own experience of the blessings that come from prayers of gratitude, supplication, and inquiry. For instance, I can testify that I know that Heavenly Father answers prayers. I have received direction and comfort from words that have come into my mind, and I know by the Spirit that the words were from God.
The Prophet Joseph Smith had such experiences, and so can you. He received this answer to heartfelt prayer:
“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high” (D&C 121:7–8).
That was revelation from a loving Father to a faithful son in great distress. Every child of God can commune in prayer with Him. No exhortation to pray has had as great an effect on me as have the feelings of love and light that come with answers to humble prayers.
We gain a testimony of any commandment of God by keeping that commandment (see John 7:17). This is true of the command that we pray always vocally and in secret. As your teacher and your friend, I promise that God will answer your prayers and that by the power of the Holy Ghost, you can know for yourself that the answers are from Him.
Teaching from This Message
• •
“Pictures are valuable tools for strengthening the main idea of a lesson” (Teaching, No Greater Call [1999], 176). Show a painting of Joseph Smith or the First Vision. Discuss the experience Joseph Smith had with prayer. How would your prayers be more meaningful if you pictured “Heavenly Father … close by,” as does President Eyring?
• •
As President Eyring suggests, consider sharing your testimony about prayer, describing blessings you have received because of prayer, or sharing scriptures about prayer.
Youth
Powerful Prayer
By Austin C.
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Prayer is one of the greatest and most important ways to connect to, talk with, and be comforted by our Heavenly Father.
While I was saying my prayers one night, I thought about what my family was in need of, what I was grateful for, and also what I needed to repent of. Right after closing my prayer, I thought about the many worldly things that could easily distract me from my goals.
But during my prayers, I feel that if I pray sincerely and humbly, my burdens are lightened, my sins are washed away, and my problems have answers. I realize how close to God I feel while I say my prayers. It shows me how important we all are in God’s eyes. I testify that prayer is one of the most powerful and important things that we can do.
Children
Heavenly Father Hears Me When I Pray
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President Eyring says that Heavenly Father “hears our prayers … as clearly as if they were being offered in His presence.” He can hear us no matter where we are or what’s going on around us. Can you find the child praying in this picture?
(click to view larger)
Illustration by Beth M. Whittaker
“To Pray”

cji
2/1/12

Inviting the infant
sharing in the prayer
folded arms quiet
squirmingly alive
little gurgles often
yet discerning
feelings of love
bowed head
soon to pray
all too soon
grown up
yet praying
knowing why
most important
knowing how
and the why!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

Visiting Teaching February 2012
Guardians of the Hearth
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“You are the guardians of the hearth,” said President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) as he introduced “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” in the general Relief Society meeting in 1995. “You are the bearers of the children. You are they who nurture them and establish within them the habits of their lives. No other work reaches so close to divinity as does the nurturing of the sons and daughters of God.”1
For almost 17 years now this proclamation has reinforced that our most significant responsibilities are centered in strengthening families and homes—no matter our current circumstances. Barbara Thompson, now second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, was in the Salt Lake Tabernacle when President Hinckley first read the proclamation. “That was a great occasion,” she remembers. “I felt the significance of the message. I also found myself thinking, ‘This is a great guide for parents. It is also a big responsibility for parents.’ I thought for a moment that it really didn’t pertain too much to me since I wasn’t married and didn’t have any children. But almost as quickly I thought, ‘But it does pertain to me. I am a member of a family. I am a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a niece, and a granddaughter. I do have responsibilities—and blessings—because I am a member of a family. Even if I were the only living member of my family, I am still a member of God’s family, and I have a responsibility to help strengthen other families.’”
Fortunately, we are not left alone in our efforts. “The greatest help,” says Sister Thompson, “we will have in strengthening families is to know and follow the doctrines of Christ and rely on Him to help us.”2
From the Scriptures
Proverbs 22:6; 1 Nephi 1:1; 2 Nephi 25:26; Alma 56:46–48; Doctrine and Covenants 93:40
From Our History
“When Sister Bathsheba W. Smith served as the fourth Relief Society general president [from 1901 to 1910], she saw a need to strengthen families, and so she established mother education lessons for Relief Society sisters. The lessons included counsel on marriage, prenatal care, and child rearing. These lessons supported President Joseph F. Smith’s teachings about the Relief Society helping women in their roles at home:
“‘Wherever there is ignorance or at least a lack of understanding in regard to the family, duties of the family, with regard to obligations that should exist and that do rightfully exist between husband and wife and between parents and children, there this organization exists or is near at hand, and by the natural endowments and inspiration that belongs to the organization they are prepared and ready to impart instruction with reference to those important duties.’”3
What Can I Do?
1. 1.
How can I help the sisters I watch over to strengthen families?
2. 2.
How can I be a righteous influence in my family?

“Guardians”

cji
2/1/12

Sometimes distracted
running feet fast
stuff on the stove
laundry to be done
yet why of the why’s
bringing up children
special and sacred
Father’s children
guardians to be
of hearth and home!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Deep Ditches”

2012-01-30T21:12:00.002-05:00

“Deep Ditches”

cji
1/31/12

Explosives over head
rocks and dirt exploding
deeper – deeper down
digging always deeper
trying to escape beneath
yet knowing not where
hiding from the truth
while others at us stare
as a knife in a sheaf
tunneling down steeper
in the mud as if to drown
one’s mind oft imploding
deep ditches fear fed.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“The All of Us”

2012-01-30T10:08:00.002-05:00

“The All of Us”

cji
1/30/12

Too often many forget
eternal is the family
always and forever one
throughout eternity;

Understanding of love
wherein found our all
sheer now is the veil
hear Father’s call.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Missing”

2012-01-30T09:52:00.002-05:00

“Missing”

cji
1/24/12

Carelessly laid aside
thus now is missing
while others to deride
from the ground hissing;

Yet how many to seek
beguiled by men alive
hammering the meek
not missing just to hide.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Access"

2012-01-30T09:48:00.002-05:00

"Access"

cji
1/25/12

Finding hidden doors
in and out of hiding
shadows often sliding
up and down floors;

Sneaking w/out sound
wandering mazes tight
now dark now light
with no access found!

"Access 2"

cjii
1/26/12

Once long ago
so much known
yet I've grown
no longer know;

As a child found
no words to speak
memories I seek
locked and bound!

"Access 3"

cji
1/26/12

Senses are alive
touch, taste, smell
hearing-seeing swell
yet only to survive;

Not enough to have
access to the mind
mysteries to unwind
seeking Father's salve!

"Access 4"

cji
1/26/12

Traveling through space
black holes and darkness
my mind lost in farness
so much to lose in the race;

Wanting access to forever
where is my history
shrouded in mystery
someone to sever!

"Access 5"

cji
1/26/12

The truth is there
feeling it deep within
I know the veil thin
so much yet to share;

Access denied still
thus to learn all anew
from this world to view
my Father's will!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Tasks"

2012-01-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

"Tasks"

cji
1/28/12

Desiring to succeed
wanting more to do
harboring energy
filling an eternal need;

Tasks some to abound
others needed to find
my mission from above
seeking to be found.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Time Out"

2012-01-30T09:46:00.002-05:00

"Time Out"

cji
1/27/12

Rules are broken
facts found empty
meaningless thought
proof upon proof
fact and another
science and history
artifacts and more
yet just denied
called untrue
time out
time out
yet none
given!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Obedience” Stake Conference Notes

2012-01-29T20:19:00.003-05:00

Hi All – the Stake Conference today for our Stake was very uplifting – and with the four speakers: Walter F. González Presidency of the 1st Quorum of the Seventy; Cheryl A. Esplin 2C Primary General Presidency; Richard C. Edgley 1st Counselor Church Bishopric; and M. Russell Ballard Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The subjects were: “Three Things the Savior Did”; “Family Home Evening”; “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”; and “The Worth of One Soul or What is Needed in the Last Days”

Elder Gonzalez: “Three Things the Savior Did”

1. Prayed or Prayer
2. Blessed
3. Ministered

The Savior prayed often for all of those he saw – especially for the small children. In our homes and stewardships we need to be praying for both ourselves and those we’ve a responsibility to and for while in this mortal probation. Prayers are the key to the heavens – knowing how to have meaningful communications with the Father – through the Son. Parents should pray for their themselves – their family – their children (collectively and individually) – their loved ones; We should be praying in the same manner – and when we pray in our meetings to be mindful of the purposes of those in attendance.

We each should be using the Priesthood for Blessings – within the Home – for our Home Teaching Families – for the Sick and Infirmed – for those receiving new callings – starting or returning to school – but most especially when prompted by the Holy Ghost of the need of someone for one.

The Savior ministered to those who followed him and came to him. Teaching the 1st Principles of the Gospel is the greatest teaching we can do – teaching about the love of the Father and the Son – teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our families and loved ones. In doing so we minister to the needs of those within this mortal probation and also ourselves in our preparations.

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin: “Family Home Evening FHE”

This is the 100th Year of the Family Home Evening Program in the Church. There are great promises (Covenants with the Lord) if we as individuals and families hold a regular FHE. Every President (Prophet) of the Church has added to and reinforced the blessings and covenants that the Lord has made with his people. Some of these are: “Your children might wander but you’ll never lose them.” “Will strengthen your family.” “Next to Sacrament Meeting the most important single meeting each week for a family (this includes individuals) to hold.” There are many more – but the importance is magnified in these listed.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley: “Two Paths – Lord’s Path and Satan’s Path”

In the Latter-days all people have four things in common:
1. Each seek happiness and joy
2. Each have the influence of Satan to destroy happiness and joy
3. Each have the buffetings of Satan to contend with in destroying their testimonies of the Savior and the Father
4. Each is a son or daughter of God the Father

2 Nephi 3:11 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my first-born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility.

President Hinckley would speak of the worldly Ism’s – Atheism; Agnosticism; Pessimism; and Secularism. Most are familiar with these but the most dangerous is the Secularism taught by the world to all.

Secularism: Free speech – Free choices – and Restriction of Religious Freedom.

Free Speech – the right to use profanity – publish pornography – delight in rhetorical teachings – and denying such rights as anyone to criticize the abuses of these freedoms. These have been upheld by the courts of our day (see 3rd Nephi for the examples of what is yet to come).

Free Choices – sexual immorality – adultery – (my note: Bertram Russell taught one of the great things he learned growing up was that there was no Free Will and therefore whatever he did, taught or any other aspect of his life was already decided so he could do whatever he wanted without any remorse.)

Restriction of Freedom of Religions to criticize or otherwise to interfere with the abuses of Free Speech or Free Choices – due to any of their individual or collective teachings.

Regardless – Sin is still Sin

There’s a fifth Ism – Optimism – which is the found only in the teachings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And in these Latter-days this should be the learning of all those who’ve covenanted with the Father and the Son. Those who’ve done so – understand who they are (a child of God) – why they’re here (to learn light and knowledge to pass through mortal probation) and where they’re going (if worthy) (back into the presence of the Father and the Son).

We’re to put on the Full Armor of God: In order to do this there are three things we must do on a regular basis:
1. Attend Sacrament Meetings
2. Pay a full Tithing
3. Attend the Temple

We’re a covenant making people – at Baptism we covenanted with Father to do all and keep all of his Commandments.

Sacrament Meetings are where we renew our covenants on a weekly basis to fine tune our Spirits for another week in a very wicked world.
Pay a Full Tithing – this is the Lord’s Law of Worthiness – by obedience to this law it will stay the hand of the destroyer –
Attend the Temple – this is where we learn the Spiritual laws and understandings – doing our own ordinances and those of our progenitors (read Malachi).

“Don’t Jump Ship” – sometimes you might find yourself feeling unwanted or unappreciated – sometimes maybe even offended – sometime seduced by the worldly and its many temptations – or having committed further sin and feel no longer worthy to be in the fellowship of the Father or the Son. The whole purpose of the Atonement was to give us the strength to return to the Father and the Son – no matter where or how we felt/feel – for the Atonement gives us the strength to endure beyond all we can do for ourselves. Grace is the strength of God given to us to endure after all we’ve done or can do. Many abandon ship – much like those who join the Church – and then can no longer take the taunting of those in the Spacious Building and leave to follow the world once more. Many feel the ship has abandoned them – they see the lights fading in the distance and give up – missing the lifeboats all around looking for them. The Father and the Son will never leave us – it is us who choose to leave them.

Some thus endure to the end – others do not – but know this that all can endure to the end if they so choose to be Obedient to the Commandments of God.

Elder M. Russell Ballard: “The Worth of One Soul – or What is Needed in the Last Days”

“Doctrine and Covenants 88:81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor.”

See also Mosiah 28 about the four sons of the King going on a mission to the Lamanites

Remember also the Scriptures of the lost sheep and the lost coin – one soul is of great value.

We’ve much to do in these Latter-days – to warn our neighbors – ourselves and our sisters and brothers (all – none excluded)

Three important aspects of this importance:
1. Strengthen our homes and others
2. We’ll survive in saving our souls and others will grow from our examples
3. We’ll help non-members who are searching to find the Gospel - possibly through service projects.

What are we to teach? Hyrum Smith counseled we’re to teach the 1st Principles of the Gospel (only) -

“Articles of Faith 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

This is something all can do – using the Scriptures – and bearing ones testimony.

The message of the Savior is simple and clear – “If you love me – keep my Commandments” (and if you do you shall see my face). (see John 15:14 and Doctrine and Covenants 93:1)

Many have asked, “How many seeds in an apple” – while they should be asking, “How many apples in a seed?” We should be asking what is inside of us - and what can we do for ourselves – our family – our loved ones here and departed – and our neighbors and friends?

Where will we be found – when the winds blow – the sun is blocked – the moon is red – ice and freezing – extremes in hot and cold – floods – hurricanes – tornadoes – wars – earthquakes? Will we be standing – understanding the plainness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – or will we be found otherwise – afraid and alone?

These are from my notes – and are not in any way meant to be the complete text of any of the talks given this day. For those who attended they may well fill in the many gaps found above – while those not in attendance we missed you and your families – hugs and love – Brother Ingerson

“Obedience”

cji
1/30/12

Each have choices to make
When a new day to awake;

Choosing to be found
Homeward to Zion bound;

Or otherwise engaged
Where tempests raged;

Obedience the best way
Starting knowing to pray;

All the counsel given true
Printed, spoken to view;

Yet there’s only one road
Wherein we’re to abode;

Zion’s road the way home
Thus Jesus for us to Atone.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Ravished”

2012-01-29T20:05:00.002-05:00

“Ravished”

cji
1/30/12

Some droplets of water
un-obedient thus found
seeking their own paths
down the mountain sides;

Leaving the culverts made
which nourish valleys below
farms and cities and towns
providing rich nourishment;

Now instead much ravished
new culverts created thence
floods and destructions
all a part of disobedience.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Jesus Wept”

2012-01-28T21:49:00.002-05:00

“Jesus Wept”

cji
1/29/12

Hearing the news
carried by loved ones
embraces to behold
feelings of grief
groaning within
knowing of us all
having lived for each
suffering his death
that we might live
eternally with Him
joining His Father
in courts on high
yet this Sabbath Day
most somewhere
but not with Him
ignoring his pleas
to come follow Him
thus our Savior
the Father’s Son
recorded in scripture
John 11:35 ‘Jesus wept’
for whom he gave all
and they love him not.

“If you love me –
keep my Commandments”
John 14:15

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Weltschmerz”

2012-01-23T21:13:00.002-05:00

“Weltschmerz”

cji
1/23/12

Bright days and lights
careful planning to be
world’s in tough shape
run down and shabby
however, in the woods
found the flowers full
birds and animals lurk
singing and in quiet
lakes and creeks alike
yet man/woman not
cities cold and damp
too many living a lie
pretending the ideal
while at best not
apathetic and dull
a state of weltschmerz
amid flowers in bloom.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Never to See” (Who is Messiah Ben Joseph?)

2012-01-22T15:22:00.002-05:00

Ever since the coming forth of the Book of Mormon as a 2nd Witness of the Lord Jesus Christ and a companion volume to the Holy Bible critics have appeared in all forms – mostly from the worlds of intellectuals and clergy’s of the various worldly religions. Thus so motivated mobs and rabid followers have done all they can to destroy this 2nd Witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Yet proof after proof appear – discoveries, scientific documentations, unknown literature, teachings of the ancients, and most of all simple common sense that the Book of Mormon is just what it says that it is – a 2nd Witness to the Lord Jesus Christ and a companion volume to the Holy Bible. It is well known that some will never believe anything unless the heavens open – and even then it’s known many still will not believe anything. Therefore, what is found below is simply further information for those who seek after both facts, truth and understanding of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Why is this presented? Because knowing what I know to be true – I would be remiss in not sharing even the smallest slier of light, knowledge or presentation which might help other to know the Father and the Son as I do. Does this mean to believe the Book of Mormon to be of God? Yes, and what it reports itself to be. Does this mean Joseph Smith, Jr. is a Prophet of God? Yes, and that he indeed fits the complete description of Ben Joseph in many documents of Jewish literature. Does this mean that the Heavens are open? Yes, and that we’ve had the restoration which is spoken of throughout the Scriptures of the Saviors Kingdom on this Earth to which he can now return to at the 2nd Coming. If one will review the notes below – and follow them to their sources one will find much information which is important to their eternal life with all of their progenitors and posterity - c/ork
http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/selections-2007-religious-education-student-symposium/messiah-ben-joseph-jewish-traditions-
Trevan G. Hatch, “Messiah ben Joseph: Jewish Traditions and Legends of a Latter-day Restorer,” Selections from the Religious Education Student Symposium 2007 (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2007), 37–56.
Messiah ben Joseph: Jewish Traditions and Legends of a Latter-day Restorer
Trevan G. Hatch
For more than two thousand years, many Jewish scholars and rabbis have attempted, with only a certain degree of success, to explain and even comprehend the Jewish traditions of the Messiah ben Joseph, the man who would come forth in the last days as a restorer and a forerunner to the Messiah. A handful of scholars have attempted to present these traditions from a Latter-day Saint perspective. Despite their efforts, many Jewish texts and ideas have been ignored. The similarities between the life of Joseph Smith and the traditions of the Messiah ben Joseph (MBJ) are striking.[1] The primary objective of this paper will be to present these similarities in greater detail than has previously been done.
This paper is intended for the reader who possesses a general knowledge of the life of Joseph Smith. I have, in as much detail as possible due to length restrictions, juxtaposed the life of Joseph Smith Jr. and the traditions of MBJ. Occasionally I will cite an event in the life of Joseph Smith that parallels the traditions of MBJ. In other instances, however, I will not mention the parallel but simply present the information concerning MBJ, and the parallel should be quite obvious. I will mention in the text or in the endnotes any aspect of the tradition that may not stand out as an obvious parallel.
I will periodically refer to Jewish scholars and rabbis as “the Jews.” In doing so, I do not imply that all aspects of the tradition were believed by all Jews or even a majority of them. Some aspects of the MBJ tradition mentioned in this chapter may have been the opinion of a single Jewish scholar or rabbi. [2]
Origin and Sources of the MBJ Tradition
Scholars and theologians have been unsuccessful in determining the origin of the MBJ tradition. Without knowing where or from whom the tradition originated, one can only make a vain attempt to explain the ambiguities relating to the tradition. Coming to a full understanding of the MBJ tradition is difficult considering the fact that every rabbi and scholar have expressed different ideas or theories surrounding it. I have included a brief summary of the earliest known sources of the MBJ tradition which may be helpful. The MBJ traditions are found in at least four sources: (1) The Talmud, which is a collection of rabbinical discussions pertaining to Jewish law, custom, and history. The discussions of the rabbis were kept orally for several centuries and were eventually recorded around AD 200.[3] (2) The Targumim, which are Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Bible compiled in Babylon or Israel during the Second Temple Period (537–20 BC). (3) Kabbalistic writings, which contain Jewish mystical traditions regarding the creation of the earth and other ideas concerning God and spirituality. (4) The apocryphal and pseudepigraphical writings, which are religious and extrabiblical texts resembling books of scripture. These texts were not included with the other canonical books and date from around 300 BC to AD 100.
“Two Messiahs”
Modern Jews, in general, do not believe the Messiah has come. To Jews, Jesus was simply a “teacher . . . who in his day and since his day has had a very exceptional influence,” but he was not considered to be the Messiah.[4] However, many Jews and Christians are anxiously awaiting the moment when the Messiah will arrive. For Christians, it will be His second coming and for Jews, His first.[5] Not only are Jews awaiting the Messiah, but they are also awaiting the arrival of a “second” Messiah: one who will precede the first but will be “second in rank of the two Messiahs.”[6] Dr. Joseph Klausner, a noted Jewish scholar, stated that MBJ will have no “atoning power.”[7] He also stated that only the primary Messiah can atone for sins, although other Jewish scholars might argue that the Messiah cannot atone for sins but that atonement is reserved for God. Klausner also stated that the Messiah, not the MBJ, possesses “eternal life.”[8]
Jews refer to the primary Messiah as Messiah ben David (MBD), sometimes referred to as Messiah ben Judah or King Messiah.[9] This Messiah will descend from the lineage of King David, who descended from Judah, a son of Jacob. The secondary Messiah was referred to by Jews as Messiah ben Joseph, sometimes referred to as Messiah ben Ephraim because he will descend from the tribe of Joseph through Ephraim. Messiah comes from the Hebrew word meaning “Anointed One” and ben translates as “son” or “son of,” so Messiah ben Joseph would render as “The Anointed One, son of Joseph.”
Targum Pseudo-Jonathan teaches that the MBD and MBJ existed[10] “before the world was created”[11] and that they were called to take part in a joint effort during the Messianic Age to serve as redeemers[12] and to bring “salvation to the Jewish people and to the whole world.”[13] The two Messiahs will know of one another’s role in redeeming God’s people, and it will be the MBD who will protect the MBJ until his work is completed.[14]
The Messianic Age
Jews referred to the period of time when MBJ will be born, leading up to the arrival of MBD, as the “Messianic Age,” also known as the “footsteps [leading to the coming] of the Messiah” or “birth-pangs [preparing for the coming] of the Messiah.”[15] People will know that the Messianic Age has arrived when they see an increase of miracles,[16] works of evil, and great calamities.
According to Rabbi Nehemiah (Talmudic period), “Impudence will increase and esteem will be perverted” during the Messianic Age.[17] “This period,” wrote Lawrence Silverman, a Jewish scholar, “is generally depicted as one of upheavals in family life, convulsions in social order, intense and prolonged human suffering, rampant heresy and immorality, and worldwide warfare and devastation.”[18] According to Julius Greenstone, “There will be an increase in drunkenness and immorality. Youths will no longer respect their parents, the pious, and the aged. . . . Judges and officers of the law will have no authority, denunciators will multiply, anarchy will reign supreme. . . . Those that fear sin will be despised, and the house of public convention will become a house of harlots.”[19]
Along with continually decreasing morals, truth and the word of the Lord will be hard to find. Rabbi Judah stated, “The wisdom of the Scribes will become foolish. . . . The face of this generation is as the face of a dog, and truth is lacking, as it is written (Isaiah 59:15): ‘And truth shall be lacking, and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.’”[20] Consider also the following passage of the Talmud, which states,
When our teachers entered the vineyard (school) at Yabneh, they said: The Torah is destined to be forgotten in Israel, as it is written (Amos 8:11): “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor of thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” It is further written (Amos 8:12): “And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east: they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.” . . . “The word of the Lord” means The End; “the word of the Lord” means prophecy.[21]
Calamities, immorality, deceit, disrespect, and famine of God’s word will not be secluded within a few nations or geographical regions but will be prevalent throughout “the whole earth,” and “all who live will experience it.”[22] The teachings of the rabbis and prophets concerning the last days were so graphic and frightening that some people, including the rabbis, prayed that the Messianic Age would not come in their day.[23]
Calamities around the Birth of MBJ
According to Silverman, calamities such as earthquakes and plagues will occur around the time of the arrival of MBJ.[24] Joseph Smith was born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont. Six years following his birth and one week prior to his sixth birthday, one of the largest earthquakes in recorded history rumbled U.S. soil. This massive earthquake, the seventh largest in U.S. history, shook the New Madrid Region,[25] causing buildings, tall trees, and even cattle to be swallowed up in the earth.[26] On January 23, 1812, just five weeks later, a second earthquake of equal proportion, shook the same region. Two weeks later on February 7, 1812, the New Madrid fault line released yet another massive earthquake, which has been recorded as the ninth largest earthquake in U.S. history.[27] To get an idea of the magnitude of these earthquakes, we may compare the largest of the three to an earthquake of equal proportion which took place in Caracas, Venezuela, just three weeks following the New Madrid quakes. This single earthquake was responsible for the death of over 20,000 people.[28] Fortunately for the Smiths, the New Madrid earthquakes did not reach New Hampshire where they lived.
Three years later in April 1815, one of history’s largest volcanic eruptions exploded from Mount Tambora in Indonesia. The volcanic explosions sent massive amounts of volcanic pollutants into the air, which experts claim altered weather conditions worldwide through 1816. This probably contributed to the record-breaking seasonal low temperatures and frozen crops in New England during the spring and summer of 1815 and continuing through to 1816.[29] Lucy Smith, mother of Joseph Smith Jr., stated that the continual crop failures in 1815 and 1816 “almost caused a famine.”[30] Could these be some of the calamites that Silverman said would accompany the arrival of the Messianic Age and the birth of the MBJ?
Messiah ben Joseph
The coming of MBJ will serve many purposes which will be discussed in further detail below; however, all purposes will encompass one paramount goal, which will be to prepare the way for the coming of the MBD. MBJ, as previously mentioned, was also referred to as Messiah ben Ephraim.[31] Joseph Smith claimed that he descended from the tribe of Joseph through Ephraim.[32]
In the early nineteenth century, Rabbi Hirsch Kalischer wrote a letter in which he expressed his view of the MBJ. At the conclusion of the letter, speaking of MBJ and MBD, he wrote, “God will send His prophet and His anointed king.”[33]
Not only will MBJ be a prophet, but he will also be a “restorer.” According to the Samaritans,[34] although not always consistent with Jewish tradition and understanding, the MBJ will be regarded as a “prophet who will restore.” The word they use, taeb, means “he who restores” or “he who causes to return.”[35]
In analyzing these traditions, we must ask ourselves the question, what would need to be restored that was lost over the centuries? As previously mentioned, the rabbis believed, as did Amos, that “hearing of the word of the Lord” as well as the “word” itself, will be lost. The rabbis believed that not being able to hear the word of God or even “find” it (see Amos 8:11–12), was the result of a lack of faith. Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav (1772–1810) taught that MBJ will be a key figure in restoring faith to the world. This increase of faith in the last days will be a great tool in preparing the world for the coming of MBD. Nahman also taught that MBJ will restore belief in the “supernatural”and that angels and miracles will accompany the Messianic Age.[36]
The Samaritan tradition teaches that MBJ will restore “everywhere the true Law to its former validity.” He will also restore the understanding of the doctrine of repentance, which will have the power to “convert all peoples” to the word of God and to God’s Kingdom.[37] This ties in nicely with the statement by Solomon Shelemiel in the late sixteenth century. He said the “sole mission on earth” of the MBJ will be “to bring about the Redemption and fill the whole earth with the Messianic kingdom.”[38] The Kabbalists also teach of a Tiqqun haolam, roughly meaning a Restoration of the World Order, which will occur in the last days.[39] Perhaps we may say that there will be a “restitution of all things” (see Acts 3:20–26) by which the key figure will be MBJ.
Joseph Smith and a Restoration
Monday, December 23, 1805, a boy was born into the world who would later claim, with impressive boldness, that heavenly personages appeared to him and instructed him to prepare to serve as an instrument in God’s hands in bringing about a restoration of faith, repentance, order, and the word of God. Joseph Smith’s parents knew little about the significance of the birthday of their son, but this was the day following winter solstice, the first day of the year in which light is expected to increase. In Hebrew the very name Joseph means to “add” or “increase.” It seems only fitting that a man who claimed to restore light and truth to a spiritually dark world was born on the day that signifies an increase of light and warmth to a physically dark world.[40]
Following several years of intense study of the Talmud and Torah, Rabbi Manasseh ben Israel (1604–57)[41] wrote a book titled The Hope of Israel: About the Origin of the Americans, published in 1650, wherein he stated that the “prince” and “leader” who will be called MBJ would soon come to earth. “The Talmudic writings,” he concluded, “claim that the [MBD] will reveal himself to the [MBJ].”[42] Joseph Smith claimed that in the spring of 1820, he was visited by two personages, one of them being Jesus Christ,[43] who, to Christians, is MBD. He also claimed a second visit by Christ in the Kirtland Temple in 1836 (see D&C 110). Interestingly, both of these appearances occurred during the Jewish month of Nisan.[44] “It was generally supposed,” stated Julius Greenstone, “that the Messiah would make his appearance in the month of Nisan or Tishri.”[45]
Three and one half years[46] following Joseph’s visit from Christ in 1820, another personage appeared and quoted to Joseph many passages of scripture including Isaiah 11. The angel stated that this prophecy was “about to be fulfilled.”[47] Many scholars, especially Jewish, agree that Isaiah 11 refers directly to the Messianic Age and the gathering of Israel.[48] The angel also quoted other passages referring to the last days,[49] including Acts 3, which prophesies that in the last days there will be a “restitution of all things” (see Acts 3:20–26).[50] September 21, 1823, the day this angel appeared, was significant because it was day two of the seven-day Jewish holiday of Sukkoth, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, or the Feast of Booths.[51] This is a day of remembrance of the Israelites’ wandering in the wilderness for years and the protection they received from God. Jews also remember God’s promise to bring them out of the wilderness.[52]
MBJ will be instrumental in reestablishing the messianic kingdom on earth. He will also perform a great work in spreading the word of God throughout the world.[53] In the teachings from the ancient prophets and rabbis, a trumpet was used to symbolize the preaching of the gospel, the gathering of Israel, and the coming of the Messiah (see Nehemiah 4:20; Revelation 8:13; Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 4:5; Joel 2:1).[54] “Sounding the trump of God” (D&C 88:92) was as if to say, “Preach the gospel in all the world and cry with a loud voice.”[55] In Joel we read, “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” (2:1).
On top of many Latter-day Saint temples, stands the statue of the angel Moroni with a trumpet pressed to his lips. It was this same angel who appeared to Joseph Smith during Sukkoth and told him that the prophecies concerning the Messianic Age were “about to be fulfilled” (Joseph Smith—History 1:40). Four years later on September 22, 1827, Moroni again appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him gold plates to translate and to use as a tool to gather Israel from the four corners of the earth. As an interesting side note, according to Rabbi Joshua Ben Levi (mid-third century AD), precious stones will be used during the Messianic Age.[56] It was Joseph Smith who used precious stones to translate the gold plates.[57]
What was the significance of September 22, 1827, other than Joseph Smith receiving gold plates? This day happened to be one of the Jewish High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah, [58] also known as the Feast of Trumpets.[59] On this Jewish holiday, the trumpet (ram’s horn or “shofar”) is sounded in celebration of the future gathering of Israel, the rebuilding of the temple, and the coming of MBD.
MBJ and the Gathering of Israel
Preaching the gospel is directly related to the gathering of Israel, and the rabbis taught that MBJ will work to gather the lost tribes.[60] “It is God himself,” according to Joseph Klausner, “who will ‘sound the great horn for freedom’ and ‘lift up the ensign to gather our exiles, and gather us quickly from the four corners of the earth’ just before Messiah’s coming.”[61] The Lord, using roughly the same language, revealed to Joseph Smith, “It is a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom, for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days” (D&C 113:6; emphasis added).
Moses appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on April 3, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple and “committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north” (D&C 110:11; emphasis added). Rabbi Zaddok Hacohen (1823–1900) taught that Moses is a type and shadow of MBJ. He said MBJ “will be like Moses . . . ; that is to say, he will put everything right.”[62] In 1841, Joseph sent Orson Hyde to Jerusalem for the purpose of dedicating the land for the return of the Jews.[63] This he did, fulfilling the prophecies of the prophets and teachings of the rabbis, that the MBJ would do a great work in gathering the lost tribes and restoring the Jews to the Holy Land. The Jewish Encyclopedia states that MBJ will not gather all the tribes during his lifetime but will be instrumental in gathering “part of the Ten Tribes.” [64] The gathering will continue throughout the Messianic Age.
MBJ and the Return of Elijah
Many Jews today believe that Elijah will one day return, and when he does, “he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers,” thus fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi (Malachi 4:6). Jews also believe that he will return on Pesach (Passover). Therefore, during the Passover meal, each family reserves a place for him to dine with them in case he happens to return.[65] Jews also taught that the return of Elijah would occur during the Messianic Age.[66] According to one modern scholar, when Elijah returns, he will appear on the top of a mountain.[67] This is intriguing for Latter-day Saints as well as Jews who believe that the “tops of the mountains” or “mountain of the Lord’s house” refers to the Lord’s temple. The prophet Hosea talks of sacrificing and burning incense, both temple-related practices, in “the tops of the mountains” (Hosea 4:13).
Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith on April 3, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple. This day, the sixteenth of Nisan, was the second day of the Passover season in the year 1836. Many Latter-day Saints believe, however, that Elijah returned on the fifteenth of Nisan, the first day of the Jewish Passover season and the day the Seder feast was held; unfortunately, this was not the case.[68] Despite this fact, it is still very significant that Elijah returned during the Passover season, and more specifically, on the second day of Passover, a day some Jewish sects open their doors to Elijah and hold another Seder fest for a second consecutive day.[69]
When Elijah appeared in the Kirtland Temple, he bestowed upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sealing powers that would unite families for eternity. Klausner states that Elijah will be “a maker of peace among families.”[70] President Boyd K. Packer related this story about Elder LeGrand Richards and the mayor of Jerusalem:
At the dedication of the Orson Hyde Park in Jerusalem in 1979, Elder LeGrand Richards of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had a conversation with the mayor of Jerusalem. Elder Richards told the mayor of having visited a synagogue that day and having observed a large armchair suspended from the ceiling above the altar. He had asked the rabbi what the chair was for. (He said he already knew what it was for, but that he asked the question to see if the modern-day rabbi still held to the tradition.) The rabbi informed him that the chair was for Elijah, and that upon Elijah’s return it would be lowered from the ceiling so that he might occupy it. Elder Richards then bore testimony to the mayor that the tradition was not only true but had been fulfilled.[71]
Interestingly, Moses and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on the same day in 1836. We find, in a rabbinical commentary of the second century BC, a passage stating that Moses and Elijah would arrive together at the “end of time,” or in the Messianic Age.[72]
The War of Gog and Magog and the Death of MBJ
The rabbis taught that during the lifetime of MBJ, a war will ensue with Gog and Magog. This war will not be a physical war as much as it will be a spiritual one,[73] and it will be fought between the forces of good and evil. Remarkably, on September 22, 1827, the same night Joseph received the plates (Rosh Hashanah), another fascinating event occurred. A group of people including Heber C. Kimball, who was unknown to Joseph Smith at the time, saw a vision in the sky of two armies engaged in a great battle. Perhaps this vision was given as a sign of the forthcoming war to be fought between the forces of good and evil, a war in which MBJ would participate.[74]
The calamities and evil that would plague mankind during the Messianic Age would be the war tactics of Satan’s empire. Satan’s purpose will be to disrupt the work of the Restoration and ultimately destroy Israel.[75] According to Rabbi Nahman (1772–1810), MBJ will use a sword on the spiritual battleground to fight his enemies. Not only will this sword be used by MBJ but it will also be used by all the righteous. Nahman states, “He who attains this sword must know how to battle with it. He must turn neither to the right nor the left, but must strike his mark without fail.”[76] The sword, which will be the “chief weapon [of the righteous army,] will be that of prayer.”[77] It was the prayer of Joseph Smith that brought about the Restoration, it was the prayer of Joseph Smith that healed the sick and even raised the dead,[78] and it was a prayer that fell from Joseph’s lips at Carthage as bullets pierced his body. In these last moments of his life, Joseph cried out, “Oh, Lord, what shall I do?”[79]
Traditionally, the rabbis expected the war to begin shortly following the return of Elijah.[80] MBJ will lead his troops into battle against the evil forces led by King Armilus from the north.[81] “Armilus” means the son of Satan or the “anti-Messiah.”[82] Unfortunately, MBJ will die by the hand of Armilus shortly after being captured by him and taken as a prisoner.[83] Joseph Smith was taken to Carthage Jail on June 24, 1844, and three days later, he was killed.
The death of MBJ will cause great mourning and lamenting to his followers; however, it will “allow the final work of redemption” to proceed.[84] According to one scholar, the appearance and the work of the MBJ in the last days will “arouse both terror and fury in the lands of Christendom.”[85] Anyone who is familiar with Joseph Smith’s story can attest to that statement. In fact, it’s an incredible understatement. This may have played a factor in the war of Gog and Magog as well as in the death of MBJ.
Joseph Smith was killed on June 27, 1844. This day was the tenth of Tammuz on the Jewish calendar. The “three weeks of Tammuz” followed the week Joseph Smith was murdered. This is a time when Jews mourn the destruction of the Temple, both in 586 BC and AD 70. It seems appropriate that Joseph would be killed prior to a time of great mourning and lamenting in all of Israel.
Following the death of MBJ, Armilus will drive the remnants of Israel into the wilderness.[86] Enoch, in vision, saw this take place. He saw them riding in chariots traveling from the east.[87] Klausner translates chariots as “wagons.”[88] After the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, the Saints were indeed driven from their homes into the wilderness. With everything they owned stuffed in wagons, the Saints traveled from the East and eventually gathered in the Rocky Mountains, just as the blessing of Joseph of Egypt prophesied.[89]
Conclusion
We must keep in mind that the rabbis were not prophets, at least not in the traditional sense. Therefore, these legends and traditions must be considered as just that—traditions. However, the fact that scholars and rabbis have been teaching and believing in a Messiah ben Joseph, one who will be born into the world to restore God’s kingdom and prepare the way for the Messiah, is remarkable.
Joseph Smith appeared to have fulfilled many of the Jewish expectations of MBJ. He claimed to be a prophet and a restorer, and he was visited by Elijah and Moses during his lifetime. He saw the Messiah in vision, his work raised “fury in the land of Christendom,” and he was killed in direct association with his divinely appointed mission.
Notes

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[1] See W. Cleon Skousen, The Third Thousand Years (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1964), 156–62; Truman G. Madsen, Joseph Smith the Prophet (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1989), 106; David G. Calderwood, Voices From The Dust: New Insights into Ancient America (Austin, TX: Historical Publications, 2005), 463–66; Joseph Fielding McConkie, His Name Shall Be Joseph (Salt Lake City: Hawkes, 1980), 153–84; Matthew B. Brown, All Things Restored: Confirming the Authenticity of LDS Beliefs (American Fork, UT: Covenant Communications, 2000), 34–37.
[2] The teachings uttered and recorded by the rabbis concerning the MBJ must be analyzed with proper perspective. Their writings are not prophecies in the traditional sense but rather legends and traditions passed down through the ages. These men were not divinely called as prophets of God who received revelation, although some of their statements have been proven to be prophetic; therefore, prophecies that were once free of error may have evolved into fancified and perhaps corrupted traditions. This is clearly evident by the variations of traditions relating to MBJ and the latter days. However, these traditions show fascinating similarities and parallels to our day and could possibly be of great value to Latter-day Saints and should be carefully considered.
[3] The Talmud is an ancient record containing rabbinic discussions and writings regarding Jewish custom, law, and history. The Talmud is made up of two components. One component is called the Mishnah (AD 200), which contains the oral law; the other is referred to as the Gemara (AD 500), which contains discussions mainly pertaining to the Mishnah and the Tanakh (Old Testament). Two sets of the Tamlud exist today: the Babylonian Talmud, produced in Babylon, and the Palestinian Tamlud, produced in Jerusalem (AD 200–400). Today the Babylonian Talmud is recognized as the primary source of authority and rabbinic discussion. These texts are still widely used today especially among Jewish scholars.
[4] Thomas Walker, Jewish Views of Jesus: An Introduction and An Appreciation (New York: Macmillan, 1931), 14.
[5] See Julius H. Greenstone, The Messiah Idea in Jewish History (Philadelphia: The Jewish Publication Society of America, 1906), 9.
[6] Joseph Klausner, The Messianic Idea in Israel: From Its Beginning to the Completion of the Mishnah (New York: Macmillan, 1955), 497. Dr. Joseph Klausner, professor emeritus of Hebrew literature and Jewish history at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, was a noted scholar of the Messiah ben Joseph. See also Harris Lenowitz, The Jewish Messiahs: From the Galilee to Crown Heights (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998), 30–34. According to Rabbi Zaddok, Proverbs 15:4 tells about MBJ’s resurrection: “The tree of life [MBD] heals the tongue [MBJ].” MBJ is referred to as the tongue because he is the one who proclaims the gospel. According to Greenstone, after the MBJ is resurrected he will be “made viceroy to Messiah son of David” (Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 211). A viceroy is a person who rules over a portion of God’s people.
[7] Klausner, Messianic Idea, 483.
[8] Talmud Sukka 52a, as cited in Samson H. Levy, The Messiah: An Aramaic Interpretation, The Messianic Exegesis of the Targum (Cincinnati: Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, 1974), 108.
[9] See Klausner, Messianic Idea, 11; see also Dan Cohn-Sherbok, The Jewish Messiah (Edinburgh, Scotland: T&T Clark, 1997), 43; Madsen, Joseph Smith, 106.
[10] See Pseudo-Jonathan Targum Malachi 5:1, as cited in Levy, The Messiah, 93; Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 29.
[11] Pesahim 54a and Nedarim 39b, as cited in Klausner, Messianic Idea, 520. Joseph Smith taught, “Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1965], 365).
[12] See Targum of Cant. 4.5 and 7.4; see also Joseph Heinemann, “The Messiah of Ephraim and the Premature Exodus of the Tribe of Ephraim,” in Messianism in the Talmudic Era, ed. Leo Landman (New York: KTAV Publishing, 1979), 345: Heinemann stated that the Targum speaks of “two redeemers who will redeem you in the future, the Messiah ben David and the Messiah ben Ephraim.”
[13] Isaac Landman, ed.,The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia (New York: The Universal Jewish Encyclopedia, 1942), 7:499.
[14] See Arthur Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” in Essential Papers on Messianic Movements and Personalities in Jewish History, ed. Marc Saperstein (New York and London: New York University Press, 1992), 402.
[15] Lawrence M. Silverman, “Messiah Son of Joseph in the Apocalyptic Midrashim,” in “Open Thou Mine Eyes . . . “ Essays on Aggadah and Judaica, ed. Herman J. Blumberg (Hoboken, NJ: KTAV Publishing, 1992), 273.
[16] Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 107.
[17] Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 97a, as cited in Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 45.
[18] Silverman, “Messiah Son of Joseph,” 273.
[19] Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 94. “The young,” said Rabbi Nehorai, “will insult their elders, and the elders will wait upon the young” (Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 97a, as cited in Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 45).
[20] Sanhedrin 97a, as cited in Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 45–46.
[21] Shabbat 138b, as cited in Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 46.
[22] Baraithas (Talmud), as cited in Klausner, Messianic Idea, 342.
[23] See Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 95.
[24] See Silverman, Essays on Aggadah, 277.
[25] Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Arkansas, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, and other states were all in the earthquake zone. Experts claim that the New Madrid fault line, which is located between St. Louis and Memphis, could produce another big earthquake in the future. If the size is similar to the 1811 earthquake, the damage is estimated to reach upward of fifty billion dollars.
[26] See Jay Feldman, When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes (New York: Free Press, 2005), 140–41, 170. James Fletcher, resident of Caruthersville, Missouri, saw “a granary and a smokehouse [sink] into a fissure and disappeared, after which the gap in the ground closed up, permanently burying the buildings” (140).
[27] See U.S. Geological Survey; http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/historical.php (accessed November 8, 2006).
[28] See Feldman, When the Mississippi Ran Backwards, 178.
[29] Ray L. Huntington and David M. Whitchurch, “‘Eighteen Hundred and Froze to Death’: Mount Tambora, New England Weather, and the Joseph Smith Family in 1816,” in Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint History: The New England States, ed. Donald Q. Cannon, Arnold K. Garr, and Bruce A. Van Orden (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2002), 91.
[30] Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954), 59. I must also mention the struggles the Smiths found themselves in when a plague in 1811 swept through New Hampshire. Every child in the Smith home fell sick with typhus fever including Joseph. The disease steadily got worse until an operation was required to save Joseph’s leg. Joseph received proper medical assistance and was bed-ridden for months and walked with a slight limp the rest of his life (see Madsen, Joseph Smith, 20; Joseph Smith, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, comp. and ed. Dean C. Jessee [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1984], 665).
[31] See Targum of Cant. 4.5, as cited in Charles C. Torrey, “The Messiah Son of Ephraim,” Journal of Biblical Literature (September 1947): 254; see also Klausner, Messianic Idea, 484, 487.
[32] See Daniel H. Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism (New York: Macmillan, 1992), 461–62. Joseph was told by the Lord, “Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins—from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph” (D&C 132:30; emphasis added). At another time he was told, “And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain” (D&C 27:10; emphasis added).
[33] Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 267.
[34] The Samaritans clung to their religious traditions and claimed that their form of worship was the true form of ancient Israel. Today there is a community of Samaritans, approximately a thousand, living on Mount Gerizim, which is located in the West Bank.
[35] Klausner, Messianic Idea, 484.
[36] See Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 397.
[37] Klausner, Messianic Idea, 484.
[38] Abba Hillel Silver, A History of Messianic Speculation in Israel (Boston: Beacon Press, 1927), 137–38.
[39] See Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 391. Green states, “As preached by the Kabbalists, tiqqun was a process of restoring wholeness to a world still suffering the effects of the primal cataclysm; this restoration would culminate in the advent of messiah.”
[40] December 23, 1805, also fell on the eighth day of Hanukkah. The Jews celebrate this holiday in remembrance of at least three events, all of which contain symbolic significance in the life of Joseph Smith: (1) They celebrate the victory over their enemies during the Maccabean revolt in the second century AD. Joseph’s life and death were compact with events which display his and the Church’s victory over their enemies. (2) They remember the “Miracle of Oil,” which was a time when one day’s worth of oil burned for eight days while new oil was prepared, symbolizing light and Spirit, which would shine forth forever. Joseph was given priesthood keys by which he was commanded to bestow the Holy Ghost, or Spirit, upon people after baptism. Oil is a symbol for the Spirit, which is synonymous with light. This authority had been lost for centuries. (3) This day marked the rededication of the destroyed Temple. After Joseph reestablished the Church, he was commanded to build and dedicate temples, which practice had also been lost for over 1,700 years.
[41] Manasseh ben Israel lived in Portugal most of his life. He became well known for his scholarship on the Talmud and the Torah. He knew six languages and had written a Hebrew grammar book by the time he was seventeen years old. He became the Chief Rabbi of a small congregation by the time he turned eighteen and was a well-respected scholar.
[42] Manasseh ben Israel, Sobre el Origen de los Americanos, as cited in Calderwood, Voices from the Dust, 463–66.
[43] See Smith, Personal Writings, 199–205.
[44] Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, which was the sixteenth of Nisan of the Jewish calendar (see John Pratt, “The Restoration of Priesthood Keys on Easter 1836, Part 2: Symbolism of Passover and of Elijah’s Return,” Ensign, July 1985, 55–64; Stephen Ricks, “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses in the Kirtland Temple and the Jewish Passover,” BYU Studies 23, no. 4 [Fall 1983]: 485). Two scholars have recently presented, in separate studies, strong evidence that the date of the First Vision was Sunday, March 26, 1820, which was the tenth of Nisan in the Jewish calendar. Dr. John Pratt presents the evidence based on the Enoch Calendar, and Dr. John C. Lefgren presents the evidence using 1820 New England weather reports and maple-sugar production cycles (see John P. Pratt, “Enoch Calendar: Another Witness of the Restoration,” Meridian Magazine, August 2002; John C. Lefgren, “Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning: Sun 26 March 1826,” Meridian Magazine, October 2002).
[45] Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 106.
[46] Three and one half years or 1,260 days (“time and times and the dividing of time” [Daniel 7:25; see also Revelation 12:6]) in antiquity symbolized a limited period of time. Half of 7 is 3.5. The number seven symbolizes completeness, wholeness, or even perfection. Thus, 3.5 is not complete but “arrested midway in its normal course.” John the Revelator, speaking of the Church, said she would flee into the wilderness, meaning some sort of apostasy, and return in 1,260 days, or 3.5 years. This symbolizes the Church being taken away for a limited time and Satan, in his attempt to destroy the Church, would be “arrested midway in its normal course.” Thus, the appearance of the angel to Joseph on September 21 or 22, 1823, three and one-half years after his first instruction from heaven, would symbolize that the Church came out of the “wilderness” and that Satan’s purpose was “arrested midway in its normal course” (Alonzo L. Gaskill, The Lost Language of Symbolism [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], 117–19).
[47] Joseph Smith, Personal Writings, 204.
[48] Silver, Messianic Speculation, 191. Rabbi Manasseh ben Israel, using Isaiah 11, stated that the “Indians,” or Native Americans, were lost Israelites and in due time, they will be gathered with the rest of the “lost ten tribes” by the “leadership of Messiah ben Joseph”; see also Klausner, Messianic Idea, 294.
[49] See Smith, Personal Writings, 203–4; see also Journal of Discourses (London: Latter-day Saints’ Book Depot, 1854–86), 24:241; Milton V. Backman Jr., Eyewitness Accounts of the Restoration (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1986), 43.
[50] KJV renders, “restitution of all things.” Amplified Bible renders, “complete restoration of all.” NASB renders, “period of restoration of all things.” NAB renders, “times of universal restoration.” NIV renders, “until the time for God to restore everything.”
[51] David Noel Freedman, ed., The Anchor Bible Dictionary (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 1:816–19.
[52] See Hayyim Schauss, The Jewish Festivals (New York: Schocken, 1938), 170–207.
[53] See Silver, Messianic Speculation, 137–38. In a testimony meeting in the early days of the Church many brethren stood up and testified of the truthfulness of the Church and of missionary work. When they were finished, the Prophet Joseph Smith stood and said, “Brethren, I have been very much edified and instructed in your testimonies here tonight, but I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother’s lap. You don’t comprehend it. . . . It is only a handful of priesthood you see here tonight, but this church will fill North and South America it will fill the world” (Wilford Woodruff, The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, ed. G. Homer Durham [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], 38–39).
[54] See Klausner, Messianic Idea, 352.
[55] D&C 75:4 states, “Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you.” We find 155 trumpet references in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants combined. All of the references refer to preaching the gospel, the gathering of Israel, going to battle, and the coming of the Messiah.
[56] Louis Ginzberg, The Legends of the Jews (Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society of America, 1947), 4:221.
[57] See Smith, Personal Writings, 215; Jack Welch, ed., Opening the Heavens (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005), 130–31; B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1948–57), 1:129.
[58] See Lenet H. Read, “Joseph Smith’s Receipt of the Plates and the Israelite Feast of Trumpets,” Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 2, no. 2 (Fall 1993): 110; see also John P. Pratt, Divine Calendars: Astronomical Witnesses of Sacred Events (Orem, UT: AstoCal, 2002), 71–72.
[59] Freedman, ed., The Anchor Bible Dictionary 1:816–19.
[60] See Greenstone, Messiah Idea, 124.
[61] Klausner, The Ingathering of the Exiles, 470, as cited in Skousen, Third Thousand Years, 159–60.
[62] Roland Goetschel, “The Messiah Son of Joseph according to Rabbi Zaddok Hacohen,” Polin: Studies in Polish Jewry, Volume 15, Jewish Religious Life, 1500–1900, ed. Antony Polonsky (London: Littman Library of Jewish Civilization, 2002), 217. For Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy, see 2 Nephi 3:7–15.
[63] See Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1950), 4:439.
[64] Isidore Singer, ed., The Jewish Encyclopedia (New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1904), 8:512.
[65] Lenowitz, Jewish Messiahs, 62.
[66] See Talmud Pesahim 13a and Eduyyoth 8:7, as cited in Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 46–47; Klausner, Messianic Idea, 498.
[67] See Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 47.
[68] Stephen Ricks, “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses in the Kirtland Temple and the Jewish Passover,” BYU Studies 23, no. 4 (Fall 1983): 485.
[69] Ricks, “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses,” 485.
[70] Klausner, Messianic Idea, 257–58.
[71] Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1986), 114.
[72] Deut. Rabba 3:10, as cited in Ricks, “The Appearance of Elijah and Moses,” 485.
[73] See Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 408.
[74] See Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, 2nd ed. rev. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945), 15–17.
[75] Simeon ben Yohai said that the “war with Gog and Magog [will be] one of the most terrible evils to befall humankind” (Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 49; see also Klausner, Messianic Idea, 520).
[76] Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 396. In Isaiah 14 we read that Satan will be “cut down to the ground” and “thrust through with a sword” (14:12, 19).
[77] Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 395; see also page 399.
[78] See Levi Curtis, “Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Juvenile Instructor 27, no. 12 (June 15, 1892): 385–86; see also Mark L. McConkie, Remembering Joseph: Personal Recollections of Those Who Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003), 128–30.
[79] Madsen, Joseph Smith, 123. Madsen also cited Joseph’s statement just after hearing of the trials of the suffering Saints in Missouri: “Oh God, what shall I do in such a trial as this?” (Madsen, Joseph Smith, 182; see also Smith, History of the Church, 6:618).
[80] See Cohn-Sherbok, Jewish Messiah, 43.
[81] It was said that Armilus was the king of Rome. Rome is north of Israel, and therefore this is symbolic of the enemies from the north (see Silverman, Essays on Aggadah, 279).
[82] Encyclopedia Judaica, CDROM (Shaker Heights, OH: Judaica Multimedia, 1997), 3:476. In the Targum Pseudo-Jonathan Isaiah 11:14, the name of Armilus is mentioned.
[83] See Silverman, Essays on Aggadah, 280.
[84] Green, “Nahman of Bratslav,” 424. The Babylonian Talmud uses a scriptural passage in Zechariah to refer to the death of MBJ (Sukkah 52a): “And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son” (Zechariah 12:10).
[85] Isaiah Tishby, “Acute Apocalyptic Messianism,” in Essential Papers, 273.
[86] See Silver, Messianic Speculation, 44.
[87] See “The Book of Enoch,” in The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, ed. James H. Charlesworth (New York: Doubleday, 1983), 1:39.
[88] Klausner, Messianic Idea, 297.
[89] “Joseph is a fruitful bough, . . . whose branches run over the wall: the archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him. . . . The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills” (Genesis 49:22–26; emphasis added). Jacob, in blessing his son Joseph, prophesies that his posterity will travel to another land (“over the wall,” or ocean). One of his descendants will be shot, and then his descendants will gather in the “utmost bound of the everlasting hills,” the Rocky Mountains.

“Never to See”

cji
1/23/12

Generations to be found
thinking without facts
caring not for reality
unless it means to play
yet all around the proofs
simple and quite clear
unable to be hidden
they come unbidden
from the words of a seer
which the public spoofs
never to see on display
teachings of clarity
Revelations and Acts
and the Talmud bound.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Holding Fast”

2012-01-21T18:36:00.002-05:00

“Holding Fast”

cji
1/22/12

Meanings to understand
who we are and why here
obedient to His Command
our missions ever so clear;

Embraced in love eternal
each Sabbath Day to find
of His laws truly natural
our relationship to remind;

Holding fast the rod of truth
seeking always higher goals
whether older or a youth
holding fast to our souls.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"The Enemy"

2012-01-20T20:58:00.001-05:00

Hi – sometimes we forget who the enemy is – and thus we’re unable to deal effectively with him/her or groups. As when we’re convinced another is ‘judging’ us or our friends – our habits or dress – those we choose to call our peers. Sometimes we forget in feeling so hopeless in communicating with another that we give up in frustration and thus many important truths never get taught. The enemy can be almost anyone according to John (in the New Testament) who leads us away from the pure truths of the Gospel of the Father and the Son whom the Father sent. Thus – it can be ourselves (I); we – us and our friends; and they – any others who seek to lead us astray from what we know to be true and are validated in the Scriptures literally. Mostly we’ll seek to consider those who love us the most as our enemies – especially the Father and the Son – parents, spouses, etc. hugs and love c/ork

“The Enemy”

cji
1/21/12

(Prologue:

So many seek passing blame
justification and suspicions
disobedience and disruptions
unaccountability and evil
irresponsible and selfish
unlearned and unheeding
oh dashed are the mortal
finding an enemy about
yet knowing not of who.)

“The Enemy I”

Carrying forth a mirror
glancing about to see
yet always seeing a me
for the enemy is but I
withholding one’s all
standing yet in awe
so much I oft deny
unable sight to flee
wanting to be free
from all sin to clear.

“The Enemy We”

Setting out together
straight and narrow
yet turns in the road
lost thus we become
first fighting in fear
then inviting the wrong
trying to become peers
forgetting the choice
we once made to keep
now again to play
thus we need more
in our lies to pray.

“The Enemy They”

Surrounding all about
stinging in their talk
slander in their meanings
abuse in their actions
striving to be selfish
yet we’re to fight back
against the enemy they
wherever they’re found
knowing to thus endure.

“The Enemy”

Always and forever
the enemy is sin
whether I, We, They
how we respond shows
the where we’re found
often in chains bound
Father really knows
when we sincerely pray
eternally we’ve to win
enduring we endeavor.

(Epilogue:

Thus it’s to endure
shutting out the sin
being obedient only
to the Father and Son
knowing they love us
are there always for us
their will to be done
then never to be lonely
finding the veil thin
happy, true and pure.)

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“Self-Inflicted”

2012-01-19T19:09:00.001-05:00

1 John 1:3 That which we have aseen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our bfellowship is with the cFather, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

“Self-Inflicted”

cji
1/20/12

So many see ever so much
hearing and feeling of all
sensing the greatness about
oh so many gleefully shout
within this worldly call
where with their scared touch;

For having found of this life
knowing all without a care
being without God or love
finding nothing ever above
only the worldly thus to share
having cut out all with a knife;

Self-inflicted blindness now
self-inflicted calloused feeling
living without hearing too
found in nothing forever true
their own fates so sealing
only to men/women to bow!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Tears Streaming"

2012-01-18T19:55:00.001-05:00

"Tears Streaming"

cji
1/19/12

Hanging her head
tears streaming
feeling compounded
internally dreaming;

As raindrops falling
storms raging force
torrential awakening
down cheeks to course.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Seeking Comfort"

2012-01-18T19:54:00.002-05:00

"Seeking Comfort"

cji
1/19/12

Roses found so blue
carrying new weight
raindrops and dew
storms not to abate;

Seeking comfort within
sheltered and warm
amid the thunders din
sheltered and warm.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“By Their Fruits 6”

2012-01-18T19:49:00.002-05:00

“By Their Fruits 6”

cji
1/19/12

What fruits should we find
Those of history to remind;

Virtue and knowledge true
Temperance and patience too;

Godliness and brother kindness
Charity and chastity to bless;

One to be either fully fruitful
Wherein all can see each full;

While when one these lack
They’ve all turned their back;

One can see fruits if to look
And the frauds not mistook!

Copyright © 2012 – cji

"Of Foolish Men"

2012-01-17T18:19:00.002-05:00

“1Peter2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:”

“of Foolish Men”

cji
1/18/17

Satisfied on the flesh of others
sedated by their power/wealth
foolishness in their wisdom
while yet there is a way
opened to all this day
finding Father’s Kingdom
thus in Spiritual wealth
found Sisters/Brothers.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“A Swaddling Hug”

2012-01-17T10:22:00.001-05:00

“A Swaddling Hug”

cji
1/17/12

Embraces many known
yet most remembered
when either young/old
at least I’ve been told
January or December
where love is shown;

A swaddling hug to last
warmth and tenderness
firm and so remembered
unselfish – unencumbered
a fore.er blessedness
found eternally cast.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

By Their Fruits 3”

2012-01-16T20:24:00.002-05:00

By Their Fruits 3”

Cji
1/17/12

When one seeks only good
then using prayer and faith
doing works meting fruits
surely they’ll be within all
gardening with the Saints
flowered in obedience full
for found then is peace
from the Father and Son
with them eternally one.

Copyright © 2012 – cji

“James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

“By Their Fruits 4”

2012-01-16T20:23:00.001-05:00

“By Their Fruits 4”

cji
1/17/12

Working hard in the labor
tilling, plowing, weeding
sowing, nurturing, guarding
husbandmen/women each
their offspring thus to teach
learning of the patience
preparing for the gathering
families as one with Father.

Copyright © 2011 – cji

James 5:7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

“By Their Fruits 5”

2012-01-16T20:21:00.001-05:00

“By Their Fruits 5”

cji
1/17/12

Through eyes with tears
clouding one from sight
as the rain and the fog
bringing a cleansing
soon our seeing clear
wherein our prayers
heard aloft and found
acceptable for the fruit
which comes forth all
in obedience and hope.

Copyright © 2011 – cji

James 5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth
brought forth her fruit.

"Then There Is"

2012-01-15T19:48:00.002-05:00

“When there is no more ground to explore and no more seas to sail will my love for adventure no longer prevail” Iya http://mylittlepoems-i.blogspot.com/ (a nice site to visit)

“Then There Is”

cji
1/16/12

How many mountains to climb
yet another further away to see
slopes and sheer cliffs to rise
over the sun and under a moon
seeing distances unlimited far
yet still another distant star
wherein I’ve to go very soon
always somewhere a prize
unseen and/or unknown free
forever and eternal in time;

Never with there be no more
for yet there is much to learn
not just on the land or sea
but hidden in books bound
centuries and millennial old
with other’s writing to hold
new adventures to be found
and then new thoughts to see
ponderings of wonder to discern
so much still left to explore!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“To Heed”

2012-01-15T19:23:00.002-05:00

“To Heed”

cji
1/16/12

Simple words in the Book
clear and concise to read
yet how many time to look
and least of all ever heed;

The Father and the Son
faith and works combine
eternal life thus to be won
joined as one to the divine!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

Hebrews 13:21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

“By Their Fruits 2”

2012-01-15T19:05:00.002-05:00

“By Their Fruits 2”

cji
1/16/11

Mature and whole
delicious to the taste
found to be all good
where this tree stood;

Yet fallen to the ground
rotting and of no worth
those who left the tree
wanting early to be free;

Now the tree was good
strong roots and deep
righteous and clean
generations to glean!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“By Their Fruit”

2012-01-15T11:13:00.002-05:00

“By Their Fruit”

cji
1/15/12

Some fruit just hang around
Others in hurry on the ground;

Some ripen always on time
Others in some mall’s line;

Frozen in time and often space
Keeping up the next horse race;

Some waiting for the Summer
Some the winter – dumber;

Some never even to bloom
Others taking in the swoon;

By their fruit are they known
No matter how they’ve grown!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Keep It Holy”

2012-01-14T21:31:00.002-05:00

“Keep It Holy”

cji
1/15/12

How to spend the day
beginning with prayer
fervent and reverent
deeply thus inquiring
what is Father’s will
what of us expected
feeling deep within
full the Spirit of truth
understanding always
that the Sabbath Day
we’re to keep it Holy!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“To Thole”

2012-01-13T20:34:00.002-05:00

“To Thole”

cji
1/14/12

Remembering the past
wondering why to know
yet still there it to last
blindingly often to show;

Horrors of fires and flame
as if protected by the ice
projecting justified blame
holding eternally in a vice;

Yet cries of anguish heeded
where another hears a cry
for the future to be seeded
no longer asking of why?

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Valorous”

2012-01-12T20:22:00.002-05:00

“Valorous”

cji
1/13/12

How oft one acts for good
suffering from all around
fighting the tide of mind
doing what is right always
turning into the fray alive
understanding the cost
when another is lost
thus eternally to survive
doing what is right always
no need to pause or remind
valorous on proven ground
having all alone thus stood!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

"Literal Truth*" see Hebrews 1

2012-01-11T17:49:00.002-05:00

All of the Creeds of men and women – teachings of the worldly religions – do not teach literally the Gospel of Paul to the Hebrews – if so how can they deny the clarity and completeness of Paul’s description of the Father and the Son – two separate individuals – body, parts and passions – sitting or standing next to one another – awaiting us in the same manner to join them if having lived worthy and fully within their Gospel and not men’s/women’s?

“Literal Truth”

cji
1/12/12

What cannot be understood
what is hidden from sight
wherein can we be blinded
how often to be reminded
when seeking truth’s light
doing that which we should?

The Creeds of men beguile
pretending Hebrews unknown
yet clearly and understandable
thus all found accountable
in literal words we’re shown
seeing through window and stile!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

*Hebrews 1: Chapter 1
The Son is in the express image of the person of the Father—Christ is the Only Begotten Son and thus above the angels.
1 God, who aat sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the bfathers by the cprophets,
2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his aSon, whom he hath bappointed cheir of all things, by whom also he dmade the eworlds;
3 Who being the brightness of his aglory, and the express image of his bperson, and upholding all things by the word of his cpower, when he had by himself dpurged our sins, sat down on the eright hand of the fMajesty on high;
4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent aname than they.
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my aSon, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a bFather, and he shall be to me a Son?
6 And again, when he bringeth in the afirstbegotten into the world, he saith, bAnd let all the angels of God cworship him.
7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy athrone, O God, is for bever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved arighteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the afoundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine bhands:
11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall awax old as doth a garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my aright hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?
14 Are they not all aministering bspirits, sent forth cto minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

“Children of Father”

2012-01-11T10:34:00.002-05:00

“Children of Father”

cji
1/11/12

Innocent and yet aware
understanding of love
choosing the right always
repenting ever so quickly
when making a mistake;

Seemingly always awake
avoiding all that’s prickly
in their hugs and displays
children of Father above
towards each other to care!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Defer”

2012-01-10T19:57:00.002-05:00

“Defer”

cji
1/11/12

Seeking more time alone
finding ways to stall
skipping one more stone
unwilling to take a call;

Wanting blessings often
wishing for much more
others hearts to soften
on their backs you to soar;

Time without a measure
nothing planned or to be
nothing in your treasure
so long unable to see!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Purloining*”

2012-01-09T18:27:00.001-05:00

“Purloining*”

cji
1/10/12

Teaching partial truths
allowing not all knowing
deterring many from life
discovering rhetoric’s claim
getting followers great
no Balm of Gilead had
only worldly ravages
sore afraid to believe
sensing to be abandoned
pressures applied by those
purloining another’s salvation
giving instead only partial
being saved without more
which all men/women
have simply being born
mortal and with agency
losing all for but a moment
with lucre for the priest!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

*(Note: less than 30% of those graduating from various schools of Divinity accept parts of the Bible literally – and most especially the Savior being Divine and a Ressurected Being with flesh and bone. Of the 70% most believe that the Savior was a great teacher like Socretes – but no more or less. Of the remaining 30% most do not take the Bible literally but only that the Savior was who he said he was – and that he was Ressurected – but they understand not what he now is like.)

"Understanding"

2012-01-08T19:04:00.002-05:00

Sometimes one is led to forget where things came from and what the people believed who gave them to us. Was thinking on this in relationship to the 3rd and 4th Century through to about 1400 AD(AE) in regards to those who lived in Europe.
1. They believed the world to be flat – and would and did burn people at the stake for saying otherwise.
2. They believed the sun rotated around the earth and the earth was the center of the galaxy – and would burn and did for those saying otherwise.
3. With the age of the Reformation many could be burnt at the stake for reading the Scriptures – including children and those translating them.
4. In the 3rd – 4th and continuing Centuries anyone claiming the beliefs of the Primitive Church (or the Bible as was known by the mid-1700’s) were murdered – including children; over 150,000 in Denmark in one window of time. St. Augustine approved this as a means of getting continuity in the Church.
5. Celibacy and therefore promiscuity were prevalent within various groups claiming to be the leaders of religion for over 1700 years and still is present today.
6. Many books were banned and burned – and while one could learn to read – what they read was strictly observed.
7. None could disagree with the ‘enlightened teachers’ of the day – who all came out of the various schools – evolving from the schools of Rhetoric of the 3rd and 4th Centuries.
8. One to understand religion had to be from the educated or elite classes of society – all others were denied this right. Therefore religion was for the enlightened to the intelligent and for those in power to control.
9. All of the various translations and copies of the scriptures came from those with political and powerful goals of rule and control.
10. When William Tyndale translated the Scriptures (remember there was no Bible per se’) he was first strangled and then burned at the stake. His translations make up 80% of the King James Version of the Bible – 78% of the Old Testament and 82% of the New Testament.
11. Today 3400 books of the Bible or the writings of the various Prophets and Apostles are missing.
12. Coming up today – those who claim that the Bible is complete, whole and unchanging – continue to change and re-interpret in violation of their own belief – knowing that they do not believe literally in either the Old or New Testament. Thus the teachers of religion today like their forefathers/mothers use about 5% Scripture and 95% Greek Philosophy and Rhetoric.

All of those found above are responsible for the Creeds (creation and continued practices) of the various Churches of Religion in today’s Christianity – of which some 52,000 different churches in the US claim to be the only true church – as the Scriptures clearly state there is only one!

Daily many in the Christian world say/repeat the Lord’s Prayer (properly notated – as it was the Savior’s prayer to teach us how to pray and not to just continually repeat what He said) – wherein the ask for the Kingdom to come – yet expect the 2nd Coming without this Kingdom being restored first to the earth in these Latter-days.

How little most take the time to understand or question for their wellbeing. Consider the following:
1. Why are there many mansions in the Father’s Kingdom?
2. Why are men and women commanded to become as one (like the Father and I are one)?
3. How can someone be with their spouse Heir’s Together forever – if there is no marrying or giving of marriage in heaven?
4. Why did the Apostles of the Savior have the right to Seal on Earth what would then be Sealed in Heaven – regarding the eternal covenant of marriage; and what they did not Seal would not and could not be Sealed in Heaven?
5. Why did the Savior continue throughout His Ministry refer to the Father – and that he was doing the Father’s will and work – if they are not two separate beings?
6. Why do the teachers and ministers and rabbi’s and preachers and priests and clerics and those who profess to be learned refuse to accept the Scriptures literally?
7. As in the above #6 – why do those who are above continue to change what the Father and the Son and the Apostles/Prophets have taught?
8. Consider carefully what you individually believe – it is the difference between Eternal Life or being as the clergy of the world teach – just being again a Spirit without body, parts or passion – and either being in a heaven or hell – disregarding all of the various degrees of Glory as described by the Apostles and Prophets (especially Paul and John) – then ask yourselves why you believe what you believe and is it in harmony with the written Creeds of your specific Church – and if you belong to no Church – if there is one Church – Restored in the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ – would you want to know which one and do whatever to affiliate with such?

Hard doctrine is taught in the literal teachings of the Scriptures – which is why most ignore 95% of them in their teachings. Most don’t like to hear hard doctrines – and certainly will not pay anyone to teach them the same. Yet the Savior set the ground work for the teaching of His Word and the Father’s Commandments – and there will be no excuses acceptable for not adhering to the words of their servants the Prophet’s and Apostles of any period of time on this earth – from Adam until Thomas S. Monson today. I express all of the above in the name of Jesus Christ - amen

c/ork

“Understanding”

cji
1/9/12

Sitting on the shelves of life
one finds the teachings of all
many dust covered and unread
others water damaged and alone
many never to read a word alone
wanting only to be taught to please
asking for the softness/togetherness
expressed in love and peace to find
embracing not all the truth but a bit
finding solace in that to believe
their conscious to relieve
understanding but little
for the less to know
less to account for
no responsibility
sadly nothing
being taught
the same
of old!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-08T10:42:00.002-05:00

“Patience”

cji
1/8/12

Great among the gifts
seeking one to have
always with us at least
give us more time often
our plea especially above
imploring more time please
patience we’ve to require;

Yet how many implore us
more time please give us
and we harden our hearts
saying – no now deliver
while yet imploring above
more time please give me
I implore this of thee;

Then on the Sabbath day
expecting a day of rest
time to reflect and pray
time to give service away
yet found watching TV
going to football games
forgetting those with needs!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-07T19:28:00.003-05:00

“Anguish”

cji
1/8/12

Foreboding of a storm
heavy clouds and chill
temperatures dropping
winds increasing quick
knowing not all are safe
feeling anguish within
not being able to help
having warned each
unable to now reach!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-07T19:01:00.003-05:00

“Dimensions”

cji
1/7/12

Bigoted with only one view
unwilling to ever change
hatred and being angry
brain cells to derange;

Quivering in absolute id
first to look there then here
never making a decision
unable to justify such fear;

Clearly able to look around
seeing most of what’s about
yet restricted to the surface
going deeper only to pout;

Minkowski sight to behold
no paradigms limiting today
innovatively to live openly
light and knowledge in array!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-01T21:12:00.002-05:00

“As the Sabbath Ends”

cji
1/1/12

So many in the rush
Forget prayers hush;

This a Sabbath Day
And a day to pray;

Yet with parties to go
Football games to know;

All activities to enact
Or otherwise react;

How many remember
The end of December;

Meant the 1st this day
Father’s Sabbath Day?

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-01T20:57:00.001-05:00

“Of the Past”

cji
1/2/12

Too many live outside today
Seeking excuses for delay;

Running as if by course
Into their past of course;

Finding there the maggots
Unable to burn with faggots;

Fearing ever to let go away
Thus we prefer it to stay;

Refusing to see the wonder
Or eternal things to ponder;

Rather seeking Babylon now
Believing Zion lost somehow;

Thus forgetting the Atonement
Eternal life made in covenant;

Of the past we may then live
Eternal Life the Son to give;

Choices there to be made
Into the future we’ve to wade;

Maggots can clean a wound
Into the future we’re bound!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-01T20:56:00.004-05:00

“So Far Sailed”

cji
1/2/12

On the oceans and seas
lakes and even ponds
many a storm to survive
while as well becalmed;

Shipmates first and last
unknown gathered as one
blending talents each
till smooth and sure;

Weathering this life
as so far we’ve sailed
just having just begun
in the measures of life!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

2012-01-01T20:56:00.002-05:00

“Galaxies Await”

cji
1/2/12

Weighing anchor again
another journey to begin
yet far away to traverse
into galaxies distant far
seeking the known truth
weakening not in the heat
refining fires to embrace
rainbows lost in the chase
we’ve to windward to beat
having long surrender youth
passing many a glowing star
Eternal Life we’ve to rehearse
each battle and war to win
weighting anchor again!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“To Be Four”

2012-01-01T07:12:00.001-05:00

“To Be Four”

cji
12/31/11

Able to almost old
yet young enough
hugs/tears to share
other’s I do care
soft not yet tough
silly yet not bold;

Happy to be known
a child not a baby
infectious smiles
innocent my wiles
just a little lady
four years old grown!

Copyright © 2011 – cji

HT'ing and VT'ing January 2012

2011-12-31T19:51:00.003-05:00

“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
10481_000_003
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
10481_000_004
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
10481_000_005
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?

“Flavored”

2011-12-30T22:22:00.002-05:00

“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

“Clarity Clear”

2011-12-29T20:24:00.002-05:00

“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

“Toiling”

2011-12-28T19:31:00.001-05:00

“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

“Restlessly”

2011-12-27T19:58:00.001-05:00

“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

“Duty”

2011-12-26T20:09:00.002-05:00

“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

“Remembering Long Ago"

2011-12-24T22:12:00.000-05:00

“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

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

2011-12-23T20:14:00.001-05:00

"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

2011-12-23T20:13:00.001-05:00

"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”

2011-12-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

“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

“Feelings Unseen”

2011-12-18T21:15:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-12-18T18:23:00.002-05:00

“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)

2011-12-18T18:22:00.000-05:00

"Air Puffs"

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

“Distances”

2011-12-17T23:15:00.002-05:00

“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

“Overly Cute”

2011-12-11T19:55:00.002-05:00

“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

“Messages”

2011-12-10T19:47:00.002-05:00

“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

“Thundering”

2011-12-09T20:39:00.002-05:00

“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

“Molten Ice”

2011-12-08T19:29:00.003-05:00

“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

“A Zephyr so Felt”

2011-12-07T20:55:00.001-05:00

“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”

2011-12-07T19:48:00.001-05:00

“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”

2011-12-07T19:47:00.002-05:00

“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

“Our Friend Ila”

2011-12-06T21:06:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-12-06T20:41:00.002-05:00

“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

“Do We Believe?”

2011-12-05T18:41:00.002-05:00

“Do We Believe?”
cji
12/6/11
Do we believe – if so what
are we able to read but all
do we see or not able to abut
care we not hear this call?
Paul has written in Holy Writ
thus we proclaim to believe
yet as a thief do we only flit
allowing another us to deceive?
Copyright © 2010 – cji

“Wearing Masks”

2011-12-04T20:20:00.002-05:00

“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

“Of Religion”

2011-12-03T21:35:00.003-05:00

“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”

2011-12-03T11:51:00.002-05:00

“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

“Strategy”

2011-12-02T21:06:00.002-05:00

“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

“Fascicle”

2011-12-01T20:30:00.001-05:00

“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

2011-12-01T06:47:00.006-05:00

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”

2011-12-01T06:47:00.003-05:00

“Such Joy”

2011-12-01T06:47:00.001-05:00

“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

2011-12-01T06:44:00.002-05:00

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 Message Close 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

“What We’ve Done”

2011-11-29T21:09:00.002-05:00

“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

“Little Blue Bird 2”

2011-11-28T20:08:00.002-05:00

“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

“Declare”

2011-11-27T18:16:00.001-05:00

“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”

2011-11-27T14:23:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-11-27T10:54:00.002-05:00

“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

“With Charity”

2011-11-26T19:04:00.001-05:00

“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”

2011-11-26T17:41:00.001-05:00

“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!"

2011-11-26T13:02:00.001-05:00

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”

2011-11-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

“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

“Time Long Ago”

2011-11-25T20:46:00.002-05:00

“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

“A Long Watch”

2011-11-24T20:13:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-11-24T13:39:00.002-05:00

“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

“Trammels”

2011-11-23T21:13:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-11-23T13:43:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-11-23T07:58:00.002-05:00

“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

“Desert Winds”

2011-11-22T20:55:00.001-05:00

“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"

2011-11-22T20:54:00.001-05:00

: 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

“It is Written”

2011-11-21T19:45:00.002-05:00

“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.

“Contrary”

2011-11-20T18:01:00.002-05:00

“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

“Real Intent”

2011-11-19T20:25:00.001-05:00

“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

“Then Heirs”

2011-11-18T19:04:00.002-05:00

“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.

“Refined”

2011-11-17T19:44:00.002-05:00

“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”

2011-11-17T15:30:00.004-05:00

“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”

2011-11-17T15:30:00.002-05:00

“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