2023 November 21, Tuesday, Journal Entry

We got a lot done yesterday and we did it together which was very nice. I had my eye appointment and got a new eyeglass prescription. Then we went to Trader Joe for some Thanksgiving supplies and Costco for more stuff. While at Costco I picked out new glasses for me. They should be ready in about a week. Then we went to my echocardiagram at AF hospital. That took an hour and I hope the results will be positive. 

Then we went to Mi Ranchito for a combo late lunch and early dinner. We got there at about 3:05 p.m. And the daily lunch special ends at 3 but the nice waiter let us have the lunch special anyway. I ended up typing him more so I don't think we saved much but we were happy and he was happy so that was a good thing.

Today we will be at the Bishops Storehouse and two days before Thanksgiving it should be pretty busy.

Come Follow Me 

1 Peter 2: 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

"To be or to become chosen is not an exclusive status conferred upon us. Rather, you and I ultimately can choose to be chosen through the righteous exercise of our moral agency.

Please note the use of the word chosen in the following familiar verses from the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men.”

I believe the implication of these verses is quite straightforward. God does not have a list of favorites to which we must hope our names will someday be added. He does not limit “the chosen” to a restricted few. Instead, our hearts, our desires, our honoring of sacred gospel covenants and ordinances, our obedience to the commandments, and, most importantly, the Savior’s redeeming grace and mercy determine whether we are counted as one of God’s chosen."

Elder David A. Bednar, October 2022