January 19, 2012

“Self-Inflicted”


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

January 18, 2012

"Tears Streaming"


"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"


"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”


“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

January 17, 2012

"Of Foolish Men"


“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”

“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

January 16, 2012

By Their Fruits 3”


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”


“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”


“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.

January 15, 2012

"Then There Is"


“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”


“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”


“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”


“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

January 14, 2012

“Keep It Holy”


“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

January 13, 2012

“To Thole”


“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

January 12, 2012

“Valorous”


“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

January 11, 2012

"Literal Truth*" see Hebrews 1


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”


“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

January 10, 2012

“Defer”


“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

January 9, 2012

“Purloining*”


“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.)

January 8, 2012

"Understanding"


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

“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

January 7, 2012



“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

“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

January 1, 2012


“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

“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

“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

“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”



“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

December 31, 2011

HT'ing and VT'ing January 2012



“Positively”

cji
1/1/12

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji


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


Living the Abundant Life
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?

December 30, 2011

“Flavored”



“Flavored”

cji
12/31/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 29, 2011

“Clarity Clear”



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

“Clarity Clear”

cji
12/30/11

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

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 28, 2011

“Toiling”



“Toiling”

cji
12/29/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 27, 2011

“Restlessly”



“Restlessly”

cji
12/28/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 26, 2011

“Duty”



“Duty”

cji
12/27/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 24, 2011

“Remembering Long Ago"




“Remembering
Long Ago”

cji
12/25/11

(Prelude:

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

“A Birth”

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

“Remembering”

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

“Long
Ago”

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

“Christmas”

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

“Wonder”

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

(Epilogue:

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 23, 2011

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

"Questions and Thoughts about the Martyred"

cji
12/23/11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

cji
12/23/11

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

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

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

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

three days poems

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


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

Copyright
© 2011 – cji

"A
Birthday"

cji
12/23/11

A
Prophet born this day

yet
rejected by almost all

ridiculed
and harassed oft

imprisoned
and stoned

yet a
small boy to know

The
Father and the Son

who
came to him to talk

born
today in Sharon, VT.

holding
to the truth always

favoring
not any but the Lord

knowing
what he knew to know

knowing
the Father and Son

and
understanding they knew

thus
as others before known

he
suffered much in his life

and
was martryed by a mob

having
restored the Kingdom

to
which the Son will come

once
more upon this earth

in
the fulness of His glory!

Copyright
© 2011 – cji

“Awakening”

“Awakening”

cji
12/24/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 18, 2011

“Feelings Unseen”



“Feelings Unseen”

cji
12/19/11

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Often Thought – Tears Flow”



“Often Thought – Tears Flow”

cji
12/18/11

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

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

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

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

Week of 12 Dec (13-17)

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

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Shattered"

cji
12/14/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Softly"

cji
12/15/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Warring Winds"

cji
12/16/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji


"Recovery Reinvented"

cji
12/17/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 17, 2011

“Distances”



“Distances”

cji
12/18/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 11, 2011

“Overly Cute”



“Overly Cute”

cji
12/12/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 10, 2011

“Messages”



“Messages”

cji
12/11/11

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 9, 2011

“Thundering”



“Thundering”

cji
12/10/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 8, 2011

“Molten Ice”



“Molten Ice”
(1 Peter 3:7)

cji
12/9/11

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

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 7, 2011

“A Zephyr so Felt”



“A Zephyr so Felt”

cji
12/8/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“In the Woodshed”



“In the Woodshed”

cji
12/7/11

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Gravity”



“Gravity”

cji
12/7/11

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 6, 2011

“Our Friend Ila”



“Our Friend Ila”
(Happy Birthday)

cji
12/7/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji

“Breath’s of War”



“Breath’s of War”

cji
12/7/11

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


Copyright © 2011 – cji

December 4, 2011

“Wearing Masks”



“Wearing Masks”

cji
12/5/11

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

Copyright © 2011 – cji