2023 December 30, Saturday, Journal Entry

We attended the temple yesterday and found that the reservations we had in our calendar were not real. I'm not sure how that happened but I am sure the mistake was ours. The temple, of course, accommodated us but Cathy was only able to do two of her five Initiatories and I was able to do only three of my five. Then we attended the 1 p.m. Endowment session which, unfortunately, had plenty of empty seats. 

Then we went to lunch at Cubby's and while we were there, Jake walked in. He had tracked us down by using Google maps location tracker and needed to relay a question to Cathy regarding an upcoming bridal shower for the soon to be Amy Black. She is marrying Meredith's brother, Ethan, in the Saratoga Springs temple in a couple of weeks and the women of the family are holding a bridal shower for her at Meredith's mother's home. Cathy was pleased to be asked to help. Ethan and Amy will make a great couple in my opinion. They are a little older than most young marrieds and just seem to be in a good place from what I can see.

Come Follow Me 

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

"My declaration is that this is precisely what the gospel of Jesus Christ offers us, especially in times of need. There is help. There is happiness. There really is light at the end of the tunnel. It is the Light of the World, the Bright and Morning Star, the “light that is endless, that can never be darkened.” It is the very Son of God Himself. In loving praise far beyond Romeo’s reach, we say, “What light through yonder window breaks?” It is the return of hope, and Jesus is the Sun. To any who may be struggling to see that light and find that hope, I say: Hold on. Keep trying. God loves you. Things will improve. Christ comes to you in His “more excellent ministry” with a future of “better promises.” He is your “high priest of good things to come.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland,  “An High Priest of Good Things to Come” October 1999

Revelation 21 describes a beautiful city that is like a temple where the righteous will dwell. It will be totally safe and will have only righteous people. I hope to be in a place like that. Read the chapter. 

Tomorrow is the last day of 2023. On Monday we start 2024 and the Book of Mormon.