110425, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: 227.2, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 3,146, BP: 135/74, Pulse 73, Reported sleep: 6:04

Journal Entry 

Cathy is still under the weather and her surgery that was originally scheduled for today has been delayed until early December. She won't be able to go to the Bishops Storehouse today but I think I will be able to go.

She is feeling much better this morning.

I got a questionnaire from the Lindon Temple Presidency yesterday about when I might serve there. I tried to complete it but there was a problem and I'm not sure it went through. They're conducting interviews and I will do everything I can to get on the right track. I would love to serve there.

I saw Dr Phillips yesterday, my podiatrist,and he and I agree that a minor surgical procedure on the big toe of my right foot would probably prevent a repeat of the asti 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 127:2 And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Joseph’s confidence in overcoming constant opposition was based on his ability to continually turn to the Lord.

"If you feel you have been wronged—by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions)—deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have…giving up is not an option. And, without delay, turn to the Lord. Exercise all of the faith you have in Him. Let Him share your burden. Allow His grace to lighten your load. We are promised that we will “suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually."

Elder Donald L  Hallstrom of The Presidency of The Seventy 

110325, Monday

 

Daily Vitals: 226.8, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 2,510, BP: 131/74, Pulse 74, Reported sleep: 5:46

Journal Entry 

Cathy is scheduled for her deviated septum surgery tomorrow but she is suffering from significant medical issues today that includes a UTI and maybe other issues. So I'm suspecting that her surgery will be delayed for a time. Hopefully we'll find out more today. That poor girl has really suffered from various medical issues but she continues to be a magnificent wife, mother and grandmother. Sometimes I can't help looking forward to spending eternity with her. In the mean time our life is pretty good. Many blessings.

Note the quote below from Sister Oscarson who, incidentally, is the wife of one of my missionary companions, Paul Oscarson.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 126:1 Dear and well-beloved brother, Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you: My servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me.

2 I have seen your labor and toil in journeyings for my name.

3 I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever. Amen.

" Remember that some of the greatest needs may be those right in front of you. Begin your service in your own homes and within your own families. These are the relationships that can be eternal. Even if—and maybe especially if—your family situation is less than perfect, you can find ways to serve, lift, and strengthen. Begin where you are, love them as they are, and prepare for the family you want to have in the future."

President Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President 

110225, Sunday - Kevin and Becky announce their marriage plans

Daily Vitals: 228.1, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 1,907, BP: 136/78, Pulse 68, Reported sleep: 6:50

Journal Entry 

Dodgers won the World Series in 7 mostly very exciting games. Yesterday they won game seven 5-4 in 11 innings after trailing 3-0 early in the game.

Cathy was feeling poorly early and we went to the Insta-care facility at our local (American Fork) hospital. She has a rather severe UTI and she got two prescriptions that should help. While we were waiting for the prescriptions to be filled by our pharmacy we drove the Alpine Loop up American Fork Canyon and down through Provo Canyon.

While we were driving we got word by text from Becky that they now have definitive plans to "sort of" elope and get married in La Jolla, California on November 16 - two weeks from today. Basically nobody will be there and they will come home as a finally married couple. They have definite plans to become sealed in a temple  - probably the San Diego  temple - at a future time. 

They have an offer on Kevin's house and that was one of the final steps enabling their marriage to proceed. We will not be at their wedding but will definitely be at their Sealing. I am very pleased with this development as is Cathy.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:144 And a commandment I give unto you, that you should fill all these offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at my general conference;

"You may have been asked, or you will be, whether you sustain your bishop, stake president, the General Authorities, and the General Officers of the Church. It may happen as you are asked to sustain officers and leaders in a conference. Sometimes it will be in an interview with a bishop or stake president.

My counsel is that you ask those questions of yourself beforehand, with careful and prayerful thought. As you do, you might look back on your recent thoughts, words, and deeds. Try to remember and frame the answers you will give when the Lord interviews you, knowing that someday He will."

President Henry B. Eyring 

It ought to be noted that by sustaining church authorities we are committing to work with them when and as appropriate.

110125, Saturday

 

Daily Vitals: 228.1, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 9,656, BP: 115/72, Pulse 78, Reported sleep: 5:15 

Journal Entry 

Halloween, yesterday, was actually pretty enjoyable. I wish I had taken a photo of our front porch. It wasn't super spectacular but it was also very Halloween. We had lots of trick -or-treaters and they were great kids who thanked us for our treats. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:113 And when he shall prove himself faithful in all things that shall be entrusted unto his care, yea, even a few things, he shall be made ruler over many;

"Consider this insight provided by the 18th-century Hasidic scholar Zusya of Anipol. Zusya was a renowned teacher who began to fear as he approached death. His disciples asked, “Master, why do you tremble? You’ve lived a good life; surely God will grant you a great reward.”

Zusya said: “If God says to me, ‘Zusya, why were you not another Moses?’ I will say, ‘Because you didn’t give me the greatness of soul that you gave Moses.’ And if I stand before God and He says, ‘Zusya, why were you not another Solomon?’ I will say, ‘Because you didn’t give me the wisdom of Solomon.’ But, alas, what will I say if I stand before my Maker and He says, ‘Zusya, why were you not Zusya? Why were you not the man I gave you the capacity to be?’ Ah, that is why I tremble.”

Indeed, God will be disappointed if we do not rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Savior to magnify the God-given abilities we have received. With His loving assistance, He expects us to become the best version of ourselves. That we may start with differing abilities is irrelevant to Him. And it should be to us."

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Apostle 

103125, Friday - Halloween

Daily Vitals: 229.7, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 6,952, Blood pressure: 121/69, Pulse 75, Reported sleep: 6:17 (Score 76)

Journal Entry 

Our new Chick-fil-a restaurant opened yesterday. It's only about a two minute drive so I drove over there a couple of times and, good for them, it was absolutely jammed both times. So I didn't bother trying to eat there. I think it will calm down after a few days.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:60 And let the name of that house be called Nauvoo House; and let it be a delightful habitation for man, and a resting-place for the weary traveler, that he may contemplate the glory of Zion, and the glory of this, the cornerstone thereof;

"In the plan of salvation, all families are precious instruments in the Lord’s hands to help direct His children toward a celestial destination. The righteous molding of an immortal soul is the highest work we can do, and the home is the place to do it. To accomplish this eternal work, we should make our homes gospel centered. When peace and harmony abound, the Holy Spirit will ever be present. The storms of the evil one can be stopped at the very entrance of our homes."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Apostle 

103025, Thursday

Daily Vitals: 230.6, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 7,079, Blood pressure: 122/68, Pulse: 80, Reported sleep: 5:33 (Score 61)

Journal Entry 

Cathy still hasn't got her new phone activated so we decided to go to a different Xfinity store in Orem. Turns out there are company run stores and stores run by contractors as franchises. The store in Orem is company run and the guy we talked to there seemed to know a lot more about how to help her. Bottom line it might take another day or two (which I don't understand) but we got the feeling that it was going to happen so we'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:55 And again, verily I say unto you, I command you again to build a house to my name, even in this place, that you may prove yourselves unto me that ye are faithful in all things whatsoever I command you, that I may bless you, and crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life.

"My dear brothers and sisters, the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in your future and in that of your family. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord—to be in His holy house—then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will bring the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples."

President Russell M. Nelson

102925, Wednesday

 

Daily Vitals: 229.7, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 5,653, Blood pressure: 107/60. Pulse: 82 Reported sleep: 6:08 (Score 77)

Journal Entry 

Yesterday we spent the previous night at a very nice Hyatt hotel near the Washington Dulles airport so that we could more easily get our car turned in and get to our plane in time to come home. Everything went smoothly and I didn't get to write in here so today will have to make up for that.

Jake picked us up and we all went to Guru's for a late lunch. We picked up Jill and Fredrick at their school then Jake brought us home. Our Ring Alarm system was acting up and he helped us fix that. He is always cheerful and helpful and we are grateful to have him nearby.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:29 For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead—

30 For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me.

31 But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.

"The Lord revealed that “the ordinance of baptizing for the dead … was instituted from before the foundation of the world.” Salvation was thus made available for those “who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.”  A welding link between generations was provided, that a whole, complete, and perfect union of dispensations, keys, powers, and glories should take place.

Brothers and sisters, these unseen but sure pillars were in place before the world was. They undergird the everlasting gospel—now restored in its fulness.  With such a foundation, this Church will not be moved from its place, even through the Millennium."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle

Yesterday's We Believe, Come Follow Me 

D&C 124:15 And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.

"In acknowledging that God loves us perfectly, we each might ask, “How well do I love God? Can He rely on my love as I rely on His?” Would it not be a worthy aspiration to live so that God can love us not just in spite of our failings but also because of what we are becoming? Oh, that He could say of you and me as He said of Hyrum Smith, for example, “I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart.” Let us remember John’s kind admonition: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle