2023 October 10, Journal Entry

Yesterday morning, Monday, we were still sort of recovering from hosting Jake's family on Sunday. That's not intended to be negative in any way but fixing a nice dinner for eight people and then cleaning up afterward, though enjoyable, takes some effort.

So we took a drive across the Alpine Loop from Provo Canyon to American Fork Canyon. The photo on the left is the back of Mt. Timpanogos. Fall colors are still present and as beautiful as ever. Then we got some stuff at Sun River Gardens to decorate our newly finished (almost) front garden for the Autumn season which is now upon us.

I actually went to lunch with my friends from Wasatch Blue who are mostly retired cops or our good friends. We usually go to Marley's here in Lindon where they are noted for their Sliders. Not healthy, but very tasty.

Then Cathy and I spread the last six bags of our Soil Pep mulch (we went and got four more bags for today). Soil Pep mulch is bark mulch that is very finely ground up so that it is almost soil by itself. We hope that it will act as mulch, protecting our plants during harsh weather, while also contributing to the improvement of the soil. 

We will work in the garden this morning then serve in the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon.

Come Follow Me 

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

"Seeking Christ in every thought and following Him with all our heart requires that we align our mind and desires with His...This course of action implies that we continually conduct our lives in harmony with the gospel of Christ and focus daily on everything that is good. Only then may we achieve “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” and which will “keep [our] hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Elder Ulisses Soares, October 2020

"As you walk the covenant path, from baptism to the temple and throughout life, I promise you power to go against the natural worldly flow—power to learn, power to repent and be sanctified, and power to find hope, comfort, and even joy as you face life’s challenges. I promise you and your family protection against the influence of the adversary, especially when you make the temple a major focus in your life." Elder Dale G. Renlund, April 2023

Doctrine & Covenants 109:22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

Today, Israel has been attacked and considers itself to be at war. The U.S. House of Representatives is without a leader for the first time in the history of our country. Our government is floundering and our country is divided like never before. Yet I'm strangely at peace because of my testimony of God, His Son, Jesus Christ and our church. I am trying to always stand in Holy Places wherever I go and to always remember my Savior.

Book of Mormon reading 

The Book of Helaman

An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman, and so forth.

Chapter 1, Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacumeni fills the judgment seat—Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. About 52–50 B.C.

Chapter 2, Helaman, the son of Helaman, becomes chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman’s servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. About 50–49 B.C.