3-2023 September 10, Journal Entry Our 46th Anniversary

Today marks 46 years of wedded bliss between Cathy and me. She has been a perfect fit for me from the day we met. I won't try to elaborate any more than that other than to say that this is not wedding anniversary hyperbole. It's true. 

We worked again in the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and it is definitely an educational experience in many ways. I think it is something I would try to do indefinitely because what we provide for people are needed goods that are going to become even more difficult to get as time goes on. I hope that the Church will look into ways of providing the food and other things we have in a more efficient way and I think they will. I hope to be a part of that process as much as I can for the foreseeable future.

Come Follow Me 

1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.

"Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again....

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other." Elder Marvin J. Ashton Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle, April 1992

Charity has been the major topic in many Come Follow Me lessons lately and for good reason. Elder Ashton's statement quoted above is one of the best I have seen. 

We should concern ourselves about our commitment to this celestial principle at all times, throughout each day, without exception.

Book of Mormon reading 

Alma Chapter 11, The Nephite monetary system is set forth—Amulek contends with Zeezrom—Christ will not save people in their sins—Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved—All men will rise in immortality—There is no death after the Resurrection. About 82 B.C.

Chapter 12, Alma speaks to Zeezrom—The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful—Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works—The wicked will suffer a spiritual death—This mortal life is a probationary state—The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins—The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son. About 82 B.C.