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Friday, May 27, 2011

“Why Armor”

“Why Armor”

cji
5/28/11

Riding a motorcycle
fighting a fire raging
racing fast cars/trucks
body armor of police
soldiers going to battle
doctors into surgery
yet why wear armor
protection against
as many wear less
some almost none
why need protection
entering the fires
refining gold/silver
heat beyond melting
a society left nude
such society crude
without beliefs
without morals
without values
without armor
jesting always,
‘why armor?’

Copyright © 2011 – cji


“A Salute”

“A Salute”

cji
5/28/11

Each season each year
someone sheds a tear
without any known fear
seeing the veil sheer;

Veterans see all clear
past, present, futures
life/liberty/family dear
precious is the sutures;

Sacrificing one’s life
giving of some or all
remember all the strife
answering freedom’s call;

Thus a salute for each
flags flying half-mast
our veterans to reach
freedom’s highest caste!


Copyright © 2011 – cji

Sunday, May 15, 2011

“The Results”

“The Results”

cji
5/16/11

Over the millennial of time – one studies history. What do they learn? One can only find the results of what has taken place! Benjamin Franklin spoke often of how the winners or survivors relate their renditions of what took place. These results are biased and from only one point of view – especially in oral traditions. When one considers the absolute destruction of one people or another. The total destruction of civilizations – removing any memory or relics and to totally destroy men, women and children. Indeed sometimes both civilizations would be totally annihilated by each other fighting to the last man/woman or child on both sides. One knows that from research that many written records were destroyed or tampered with over time. In addition, there were very few written documents during certain periods of history. Even today we watch history being rewritten to serve the few and their point of view. If someone looks back 100 years from now at what our media leaves behind they’ll have no idea what was truth or fiction – what was real or imagined – only that what they see is a biased point of view. They will see only the results of what is left by those who controlled the means of information.

As each person goes forward into the new day they’ve control over the decisions which they make. However, they’ve no control over the results of their choices be they good or evil. One knows (or should) the difference of right and wrong – good and bad – righteous or unrighteous – but many like to point out the grey of each. There is no grey – never has been – except in the rhetorical teachings of men/women. Things are black or white! Thus when choices are made one knows why they’re making their choice. Yes, one can see instant gratification from a choice – but this is only short term and they will not see or refuse to see the long term consequences of making poor choices for the moment. Thus many are willing to risk all to follow the world and ignoring or slighting the principles of righteous behavior. Window washing of the soul is a poor substitute for obedience to the Commandments of God (all of them – all of the time).

The results will be found upon our last day in mortal life and first day in eternal life. Each needs to understand that through the Atonement of the Savior all (none excluded) are saved from eternal death! Those who’ve heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and those who have not heard or even know of the Savior. Anyone and everyone ever born into mortal life (within the womb) are saved! As for the results for each individual they’ll be based upon several things. First, what we did with the Gospel of Jesus Christ if we were among those who could read the Scriptures (all of them) and what actions they took upon their understandings. Did we act upon them literally or impersonally? Did we seek to approach the Father in righteousness for the answers to questions (we have/had) about the Scriptures? How did we change our lives after receiving this knowledge? How well did our example help others to learn what we have learned, discerned, understand and acted upon from the Scriptures?

Second, all will accountable for how they lived their lives and the talents which each had/have. This means all – those who heard the Gospel and those who did not! Our works will be part and parcel of what our long term results will be based upon. What examples did we set for others? Paul Meyer wrote, “Is what I’m doing what I want others to do? If not what do I need to do to change? For all we do is reteachable to another – whether good or bad.” James speaks of works being critical to our salvation – as do all of the Prophets and Apostles. “Faith without works is dead.” Almost all clergy and various forms of religion known as Christian disregard this concept – indication one is saved by faith alone. i.e. the Grace of God. However, they misunderstand the meaning and purpose of grace. Grace is the hand extended from the Father and the Son to give us the strength to endure, understand and do what is right. Therefore, what we do – more than what we say – will have a great effect on the results of our lives and all who’ve ever lived a mortal life.

Third, what did we do with truth in our lives? Each is accountable for the acceptance or rejection of pure truth. It is not for us to define men/women’s definition of truth – but that which the light of soul which instinctively knows between truth and untruth. Many have chosen to turn off the light – or deny it’s presence. (Note: We’re not talking about the Gift of the Holy Ghost when referring to the light of our soul.) Everyone is a child of God – none are not who’ve entered into mortal life. Even the 1/3 of the host that followed the adversary were at one time and still are children of Heavenly Father – but have denied their birthright. Thus being Father’s children we’ve inherent gifts to be like and to become like Him. This light allows us to come closer unto the Father and the Son – and to recognize the truth of all things if we use it righteously. This light is continuous and eternal if it is used – however, by disuse or misuse it can dim and eventually be just a lost glimmer waiting for us to reawaken. Even the most evil of men and women can repent – by which process they can again feel this light. Thus here is the problem of the world – they love putting people into various stations. They’re evil – they’re good – they will be condemned – they’ll be saved – they’re borderline – and so the lists continue.

Fourth, the worthiness of our personal integrity, moral excellence – virtue – and are we doing what we were made to do in righteousness. Have we lived a life of righteousness – doing and being in the service of others. Are we doing Father’s will and not ours – until ours is in complete harmony with His! Do we act in pure religion as defined throughout the Scriptures – to care for the widow, the orphan, the naked, the hungry, those in travail – those who need what we’ve to share? Do we murmur in our hearts or do we rejoice at the opportunities and trials which we’ve to endure? Are we a happy and joyful people?

Fifth, if we’ve received the Gift of the Holy Ghost – what have we done with this gift? (Note: Be mindful one can only receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by one who has the authority to give this gift.) Do we use this gift for the good of all men/women/children? Do we use this gift to build up the Kingdom of God on this earth? Are we doing what we’ve covenanted at our Baptism into the Saviors Church – restored today, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (Note: Outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Priesthood and Authority to give the Gift of the Holy Ghost is not present.) Worse have we denied the Gift of the Holy Ghost? Remembering in the Scriptures we find there’s only two sure ways to be damned: 1) to deny the Holy Ghost; and 2) to shed innocent blood. Therefore one has to have received the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be able to deny it; i.e. apostates from The Church of Jesus Christ in whatever dispensation it has been upon the earth – with those having the keys to bestow it upon another. (Note: Throughout the recorded history of mankind – the true Church has always been referred to as The Church of Jesus Christ (currently being called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). For a church called by any other name cannot be the Savior’s church – for it is the church of those who named it otherwise.)

Lastly – final judgment is not ours – therefore we’ve no control over the final result in our lives – but we do have the power to exercise our course to be worthy. This is why none can judge another in eternal life. We do not know any external influences which men/women/children have had to endure – with or without knowledge of the Savior for the actions or reactions in their individual lives. The results which many see only day to day – week to week – month to month – or of any time in history are temporary – based on the view point of the one(s) making or writing the history of the past or present. Now if one reads the Scriptures (all of them) with pure intent and takes them literally – one can have a decent idea of what will happen in the future.

When the final harvest comes – for each of us it is the last day of our mortal life and the first day of our eternal life – all will be harvested – good and the evil – righteous and unrighteous – some will be taken – some will be burned – removing them from mortal life. In the preexistence we all fought for the right to make decisions/choices – that we might choose the right – choose to be obedient – confident in our abilities to endure all of the worldly temptations and wiles. Many of us having fallen short – which is why we’ve the ability to repent and sin no more. Man and woman are of a natural mind – unable yet to be perfect – but each has this opportunity to become even as God the Father and the Son – in fact we’ve been commanded to become like them!!

The results of anyone’s life on this world is something one cannot completely control – yet we can make choices to be obedient – righteous (serving and doing Father’s will) – not seeking the glory of the world or men/women. Again we can look to the past – and even the present and see ‘results’ as interpreted by men/women – and yet if we study the choices prior to these results we might find completely different results rather than the bias of men/women. We can make choices to overcome the world/worldly – we can decide to be obedient – we can choose the right every time – or we can choose to do otherwise. The Scriptures are very clear – without mystery or doubt – and instructive of what will happen based on our choices in eternal life – and how to be happy and joyful in this our mortal life’s today.

May we all be willing to be obedient literally to the all of the Commandments and all of the Scriptures – that the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ was literal and effective for all of us – whether we choose to believe it or not. As the dress maker or the architect we can draw up the plans – visualizing what can someday be – the Father has drawn up the Plan of Salvation – we all were there – we approved of the Plan. Thus, only we can choose to become like the Father and the Son – and thus we’ve been commanded to do so in fulfillment of the Plan of Salvation and the results attendant to it and eternal life!

In the name of Jesus Christ – amen – c/ork

“The Results”

cji
5/16/11

A life unending
a view without end
forever and ever
able to be seen
if one is righteous
obedient to all
literally to read
Scriptures all
to alone heed
found righteous
ties not to sever
worthy to defend
a life unending!

Copyright © 2011 – cji