2023 October 15, Journal Entry

We enjoyed serving at the Bishops Storehouse again yesterday morning, then lunch in Springville. We decided to take a walk in Provo Canyon and the colors are still very spectacular.

Come Follow Me 

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

"In reviewing Paul’s previous description of charity, we learn that charity is not a single act or something we give away but a state of being, a state of the heart, kind feelings that engender loving actions…

When we have charity, we are willing to serve and help others when it is inconvenient and with no thought of recognition or reciprocation. We don’t wait to be assigned to help, because it becomes our very nature. As we choose to be kind, caring, generous, patient, accepting, forgiving, inclusive, and selfless, we discover we are abounding in charity."

Sister Silvia H. Allred, First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidenc, October 2011, Charity Never Faileth

 “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. It makes the thought of being [critical or verbally abusive] repulsive.

“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” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1992, 24; or Ensign, May 1992, 18–19).

Elder Marvin J. Ashton

Colossians 3:18-25

Instructions for Household Duties

 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger lest they be discouraged.

 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Book of Mormon reading 

Helaman Chapter 9, Messengers find the chief judge dead at the judgment seat—They are imprisoned and later released—By inspiration Nephi identifies Seantum as the murderer—Nephi is accepted by some as a prophet. About 23–21 B.C.

Chapter 10, The Lord gives Nephi the sealing power—He is empowered to bind and loose on earth and in heaven—He commands the people to repent or perish—The Spirit carries him from multitude to multitude. About 21–20 B.C.