083124, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 222.4, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 57 

Journal Entry: 

We started our day with a 0630 Endowment session. I enjoyed it very much and was able to concentrate on the session pretty well.

The new method of presenting the Endowment gives attendees the opportunity to really concentrate on the  different aspects of the Endowment and causes me to think more about each aspect of the service. 

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 5: 30 And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul.

"We live in a time prophesied long ago, when “all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” That was true before the pandemic, and it will be true after. Commotion in the world will continue to increase. In contrast, the voice of the Lord is not “a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but … it [is] a still voice of perfect mildness, [like] a whisper, and it [pierces] even to the very soul.” In order to hear this still voice, you too must be still!"

     President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2021

083024, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 223.5, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 55 and 56

Journal Entry 

Cathy served at the Bishops Storehouse. I did little errands like go to Walgreens to straighten out my CGM prescription so that I could get a three months supply rather than one month. Filled the car with gas, got some stuff at Walmart, etc. Our housekeeper came and did a great job cleaning everything as she does every two weeks. Today we don't have much planned. Tomorrow we are doing another 0630 endowment session.

I weighed in at a couple of pounds over my usual. Yesterday we had a large lunch at the Trellis Cafe and then a Dragon Slayer burger late after picking up Cathy at the storehouse. Too much food and not enough exercise. Will do better today.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 5:12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

"The symbolism of Christ as the “rock” upon whom we should build the foundation of our lives is most instructive. Please note in this verse that the Savior is not the foundation. Rather, we are admonished to build our personal spiritual foundation upon Him…

"A strong and reliable connection between the ground and a foundation is essential if a structure is to remain sturdy and stable over time. …

"In a similar way, the foundation of our lives must be connected to the rock of Christ if we are to remain firm and steadfast. The sacred covenants and ordinances of the Savior’s restored gospel can be compared to the anchor pins and steel rods used to connect a building to bedrock. Every time we faithfully receive, review, remember, and renew sacred covenants our spiritual anchors are secured ever more firmly and steadfastly to the “rock” of Jesus Christ."

.    Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2024

082924, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 221.3, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 53 and 54

Journal Entry 

I see that whatever I wrote yesterday didn't get saved so I will simply say here that I enjoyed working my temple shift on Wednesday and other than that spent time with Cathy. See tomorrow's entry for more.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 5:9 O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

"We are to remember to keep His commandments in all things, remember to search the scriptures diligently, remember the words our parents have taught us, remember the counsel of the prophets and apostles, remember the awfulness of transgression, remember that the Lord is merciful unto all who believe on his name, and remember that he came to redeem us."

     Susan L. Warner, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, April 1996

082824, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, 2424GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 51 and 52

Journal Entry 

The All Guard pest control man came out as planned and seemed to have the ability to address our flies and spiders as well as at least two or three wasp/hornets nests. There is a thirty day guarantee which we like. Jake has them come every three months and that agreement makes their services available year round. We are going to see if that's needed fit us or if we can just call them as needed. That means more money per visit but might mean fewer visits in any given year. We will make that decision later.

We both served at the Bishops Storehouse and it was quite a bit busier than usual. I enjoyed being busy and the day went by very quickly.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 4:23 And because of their iniquity the church had begun to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face.

24 And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples

"The Holy Ghost accompanies those who are “strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day.” As the Lord counseled, we must “lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better,” for “the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples.” We must always try to obey God’s laws, study the scriptures, pray, attend the temple, and live true to the thirteenth article of faith, “being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and … doing good to all men.”

.    Elder Ronald A. Rasband Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2017

082724, Tuesday - note to Adam

Vitals: Weight: 221.1, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 49 and 50

Journal Entry 

The doctor that Cathy visited yesterday turned out to be, it seemed to us, very knowledgeable about osteoporosis and provided what sounded like very good options for medication and treatment. Cathy has had no back pain for several days now and we hope to keep it that way. We are both planning to serve in the Bishops Storehouse later today.

We are getting a visit from our new post control people today and hope they can be effective in controlling the spiders and wasps that seem to be trying to take hold outside or house. We want to keep them outside and get rid of them.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 3:35 Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. 

"To be filled with the Holy Ghost means to be filled with joy. And to be filled with joy means to be filled with the Holy Ghost. Our joy increases as we work daily to bring the Spirit into our lives."

        Elder Craig C. Christensen of The Seventy

This is an email I sent to Adam after watching this conference talk by Sister Marriott hoping that Myisha might also see it and receive it in the intended way... That our family could, in my opinion, greatly benefit from her love and association with us.

Adam: I watched this conference talk by Sister Marriott and couldn't help thinking what a great blessing you and Myisha could be to our family if we could only work together to get past the problems we have had in the past and move forward with love and respect. I hope you don't see this as criticism but as an attempt to reach out and improve our family.

Yielding Our Hearts to God
Neill F. Marriott

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2015/10/yielding-our-hearts-to-god?lang=eng

082624, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 221.1, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 47, 48

Journal Entry 

We spent a quiet Sabbath Day going to church and then resting at home.

Cathy is going to see an osteoporosis doctor this morning. She has been doing better health wise and we hope to improve on that situation.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 3:29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked

30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

We are going through what I believe are the "last days" in that dishonesty and treachery are spoken by virtually most, if not all, of our worldly leaders. The media or press has evolved into a source of information that is almost impossible to trust no matter what we believe.

I am totally convinced that we can be and must be led only by the Word of God whether it be the scriptures, the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God  or direction provided by our trusted church leaders, and by that I mean exclusively the President of the Church, his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We are blessed to be able to get through this difficult time by being a person who has the ability to "lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man (or woman) of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked" as described in Helaman 3:29.

082524, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 220.2, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 46

7 And there were many in the church who believed in the flattering words of Amalickiah, therefore they dissented even from the church; and thus were the affairs of the people of Nephi exceedingly precarious and dangerous,...

8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

 Journal Entry 

We were able to participate in the 0630 Endowment session yesterday morning as planned. I note that our session started on time at 0630 and this week we were out the door and back to our car at 0810. There were at least 80 patrons in our session. The new Endowment session being so much less time consuming might be one of the reasons that the sessions are so crowded. I know many members who opted for Initiatory or Sealing sessions in the past in order to avoid the time needed for Endowment Sessions. Our plan is to go every Saturday morning. It works well for us.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 62:41 But behold, because of the exceedingly great length of the war between the Nephites and the Lamanites many had become hardened, because of the exceedingly great length of the war; and many were softened because of their afflictions, insomuch that they did humble themselves before God, even in the depth of humility.

"Spiritual growth can often be achieved more readily by trials and adversity than by comfort and tranquility. Trials can teach us that faith in God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is the source of inner strength. President David O. McKay (1873-1970) recounted the testimony of one of the survivors of the ill-fated Martin handcart company, who said: “We suffered beyond anything you can imagine and many died of exposure and starvation, but … [we] came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with Him in our extremities.”

     Larry Richman, From a devotional address at Brigham Young University Idaho, October 30, 2007.

082424, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 220.0, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 through 62.

Chapter 45

Journal Entry 

We walked with Jake up in Provo Canyon and enjoyed it a lot. He is in better condition than I and seemed to like being with us. We ask agreed to try to make that happen more often.

We are going to an endowment session this morning at 0630. I'm taking the name of 

Daniel Chapman, G7PH-JCK

Not sure what we are doing later but I'm really glad that we both enjoy doing these 0630 Endowment sessions on Saturday mornings. Hopefully we will continue with these. We did one last Saturday and Cathy seems energized to keep doing them.

Come Follow Me 

This is where Moroni has sent a scathing message to Pahoran because he believes, mistakenly, that Pahoran is neglecting the needs of his army. Among other things, this is a great example of the rightness of choosing to not be offended - a choice we should all learn to make.

Alma 61:9 And now, in your epistle you have censured me, but it mattereth not; I am not angry, but do rejoice in the greatness of your heart. I, Pahoran, do not seek for power, save only to retain my judgment-seat that I may preserve the rights and the liberty of my people. My soul standeth fast in that liberty in the which God hath made us free.

"One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”

.    Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2006

082324, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Chapter 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed—Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes—Moroni’s armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74–73 B.C.

Journal Entry 

Yesterday was productive in that Jake came over and spent some time looking into fixing our old Vizio TV and determining that it might not be worth trying. So he moved it downstairs for us until we can decide what to do with it (apparently we're not allowed to through old TVs out in the trash) then brought out LG TV, which works very well, upstairs, hooked it up and it works fine. Then he figured out how to fix my iPhone which now works just fine. Jake is a handy guy and is great to have around.

Then later in the afternoon, Cathy and I went for our long walk up in Provo Canyon and I ended up with over 8000 steps for the day.

At the end of the day the sunset was, as it often is, beautiful. This is a view from the front of our home looking west on Gala Lane.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 58:10 Therefore we did pour out our souls in prayer to God, that he would strengthen us and deliver us out of the hands of our enemies, yea, and also give us strength that we might retain our cities, and our lands, and our possessions, for the support of our people.

11 Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him.

"The stripling warriors...prayed earnestly that God would strengthen and deliver them...Interestingly, the answers to these prayers did not produce additional weapons or an increased number of troops. Instead, God granted these faithful warriors assurance that He would deliver them, peace to their souls, and great faith and hope for their deliverance in Him…Assurance, peace, faith, and hope initially might not seem like the blessings warriors in battle might want, but they were precisely the blessings these valiant young men needed to press forward and prevail...

Sometimes we may ask God for success, and He gives us physical and mental stamina. We might plead for prosperity, and we receive enlarged perspective and increased patience, or we petition for growth and are blessed with the gift of grace. He may bestow upon us conviction and confidence as we strive to achieve worthy goals. And when we plead for relief from physical, mental, and spiritual difficulties, He may increase our resolve and resilience."

     Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2013

Often Heavenly Father's blessing is to provide ways, or reveal ways, for us to get what we need in ways that cause us to grow and develop and become better.

02224, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Chapter 43

Alma and his sons preach the word—The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites—The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war—Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor—The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites—The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion—The armies of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

Journal Entry

I served in the temple yesterday as an Ordinance Worker on my new shift. Started with a full round of Initiatories then five veils. I was getting tired toward the end but when I got home I felt great. 

I'm having problems with my phone and now the TV in our TV room is not working. This all started last week when we got our new printer and I tried to set it up on our home wifi and blue tooth systems. Everything is working with Cathy's phone and my iPad but my phone is having problems. Jake's coming over later today to help me try to sort things out.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 57:26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.

27 Now this was the faith of these of whom I have spoken; they are young, and their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually.

"Here we find a standard for what should happen in our homes and in the Church. Our teaching should draw upon our own faith and focus first and foremost on instilling faith in God in the rising generation. We must declare the essential need to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before Him in soberness, or in other words, with reverence. Each must be persuaded that service and sacrifice for the well-being and happiness of others are far superior to making one’s own comfort and possessions the highest priority."

.    Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2009

082124, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 221.1, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton. Comprising chapters 39 through 42. Alma 42

Journal Entry

I finally got my opportunity to serve a full shift at the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. Sister Haynie was not feeling well s and so I did the produce ordering and closed down the building at the end of the day. I also got to help several people fill their orders. 

We got a nice walk in up in Provo Canyon in the morning. I finished the day with over 8000 steps.

Today I'm planning on serving in the temple and really looking forward to that.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 56: 47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.

48 And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it.

"These faithful young men paid tribute to their mothers. They said, “Our mothers knew it.”

…The responsibility mothers have today has never required more vigilance. More than at any time in the history of the world, we need mothers who know. Children are being born into a world where they “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."" However, mothers need not fear. When mothers know who they are and who God is and have made covenants with Him, they will have great power and influence for good on their children."

.    Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President, October 2007

082024, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 222.2, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton. Comprising chapters 39 through 42. Alma 41

Journal Entry

I had a very good day yesterday. Because of my weight loss, which seems to be permanent, virtually all of my trousers in my closet are too big around the waist. They are all 40" waists and I now fit very well into 38" waist pants. So I determined to donate all my 40" waist pants to Deseret Industries and begin trying to find reasonably priced 38" waist pants.

We had decided to go to Fashion Place Mall to get my iPhone looked at and while there we walked through Dillard's and Cathy suggested I look for pants while there. I found three pair that seem to be quite adequate for my purposes. Two of them were on sale for twenty bucks each. The other was more but Cathy wanted me to get them and a nice shirt so that was nice. Then I had told her that I really liked the Kiziks walking shoes that I got a couple of weeks ago but I they are quite expensive. I wear size 15 shoes which are much bigger than most men's shoes but the Kiziks store at Fashion Place seems to have decent looking size 15 shoes but they're quite expensive. The nice thing about Kiziks shoes is that they are designed so that you can just step into them without bending over to tie and untie them and that is a great benefit to me with my recent back surgery. I'm not supposed to bend, lift or twist. Bottom line, we stopped at the Kiziks store and got another pair of really nice shoes for me. So I'm feeling really well about my clothing options right now.

Today I will go get a haircut then we will work together at the Bishops Storehouse. So a giant step forward for me. Really looking forward to it.

Come Follow Me 

Stripling Warriors

Alma 53:20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him.

"…[T]here will be times when you…will have to demonstrate your righteous courage in plain view of your peers, the consequence of which may be ridicule and embarrassment. Additionally, in your world, skirmishes with the adversary will also be fought on a silent, solitary battlefield in front of a screen. Technology with its substantial benefits also brings challenges not faced by generations before you…The demonstration of righteous courage will often be as subtle as to click or not to click."

.    Bishop Gary E. Stevenson, Presiding Bishop (now an Apostle), October 2012

081924, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 221.1, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton. Comprising chapters 39 through 42. Alma 40

Journal Entry

After church yesterday, Darrell and Karen Hansen visited us. We had dinner and a very nice visit. 

We don't have much planned for today. Hopefully a nice walk. The weather should be good. I'm having some trouble with my iPhone and we may drive up to the Apple Store and see if they can help.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 53: 13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country.

14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.

15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time.

Don't break covenants!

"The people of Ammon were at a critical moment…

Their wise priesthood leader, Helaman, knew that breaking a covenant with the Lord is never justified...

These faithful fathers had long since repented...and become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, so why were they counseled not to defend their families?

...[T]hrough the Atonement of Jesus Christ we can be cleansed. We can become virtuous and pure. However, sometimes our poor choices leave us with long-term consequences. One of the vital steps to complete repentance is to bear the short- and long-term consequences of our past sins...

Satan will try to use our memory of any previous guilt to lure us back into his influence. We must be ever vigilant to avoid his enticements."

.    Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2013

081824, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 219.3, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The commandments of Alma to his son Corianton. Comprising chapters 39 through 42. Alma 39 

Journal Entry

We attended the 0630 Endowment Session yesterday and enjoyed it very much. Changes have been made which speeds things up. We were dressed in our street clothes and out to the car by 0830 even though our session was nearly full. 

We went to breakfast at Aubergine Kitchen in Orem, then Trader Joe's and then Cathy spent the rest of the day getting ready for Karen and Darrell Hansen's visit today. I drove up to the canyon and walked which helped me meet my 7500 steps a day goal. On the way home there was another wild rain storm that resulted in some flooding in scattered areas.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 48: 17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

"All of Moroni’s attributes stemmed from his great faith in God and in the Lord Jesus Christ and his firm determination to follow the voice of God and His prophets.

"Figuratively, all of us need to transform ourselves into modern Captain Moronis in order to win the wars against evil."

.    Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Presidency of the Seventy, April 2015

081724

Vitals: Weight: 220.0, GMI: 6.7

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): The commandments of Alma to his son Shiblon. Comprising chapter 38.

Journal Entry

We walked in Provo Canyon again yesterday and took the hill up to the observation lot both at the beginning and at the end of our walk. I got most of my 7500 steps in during that morning walk. We got a new printer because the old one just wasn't printing when it needed to. The new one is better in so many ways. It's faster and it uses a toner cartridge for ink so won't run out so often. It doesn't print on both sides so we'll use more paper for Cathy's recipes but, oh well. One less complication to malfunction.

I was surprised a little when Cathy agreed to a 0630 temple session this morning. Apparently there are changes to the Endowment session and ordinance workers (me) are encouraged to take in a session sooner rather than later. It's nice to have some exposure as a patron before facing patrons as an Ordinance Worker. Looking forward to this morning's session for that and the regular reasons.

I'm going for Hans Heinrich Bosshart, an ancestor of mine born in Embrach, Zurich, Switzerland on June 9, 1633.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 48:7 Now it came to pass that while Amalickiah had thus been obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni, on the other hand, had been preparing the minds of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God.

"…Each time we have the faith to be obedient to God’s laws—even when popular opinions belittle us—or each time we resist entertainment or ideologies that celebrate covenant-breaking, we are exercising our faith, which in turn increases our faith.

"Further, few things build faith more than does regular immersion in the Book of Mormon. No other book testifies of Jesus Christ with such power and clarity. Its prophets, as inspired by the Lord, saw our day and selected the doctrine and truths that would help us most. The Book of Mormon is our latter-day survival guide."

.    President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

081624, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 223.3, GMI: 6.7

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 37, The commandments of Alma to his son Helaman.  Comprising chapters 36 and 37.

Journal Entry 

Cathy served in the Bishops Storehouse. I stayed home and our new housekeeper, Angelica, spent most of the whole day cleaning this house in amazing ways. She mopped, vacuumed, scrubbed, dusted with amazing thoroughness. She will come every two weeks and she will be a great blessing to us and our home. 

I got the 5,000 mile service completed on our car which is running flawlessly and we want to keep it that way. Jake came over and helped lift some heavy plants from our garden into the trash. While he was here he noticed what afloat to be a growing hornet or wasp nest up in the rafters of the front of the house. He suggested a post control service that he uses and Cathy and I both think it would be useful to get that going too. So with a housekeeper and pest control we'll have more expense but the house should be week kept for the remainder of our lives... at least that is my hope. Cathy talks about moving from time to time, mainly because the weather is difficult with being too hot in the simmer and too cold and snowy in the winter. But we're here and the house is new and now well cared for with little effort on our part. Hopefully I can keep her happy with being here. I really don't want to move again.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 47:11 And it came to pass that when Lehonti received the message he durst not go down to the foot of the mount. And it came to pass that Amalickiah sent again the second time, desiring him to come down. And it came to pass that Lehonti would not; and he sent again the third time.

12 And it came to pass that when Amalickiah found that he could not get Lehonti to come down off from the mount, he went up into the mount, nearly to Lehonti’s camp; and he sent again the fourth time his message unto Lehonti, desiring that he would come down, and that he would bring his guards with him.

"Could it be that we have been slowly desensitized into thinking that high moral standards are old-fashioned and not...important...?

"...Lehonti…was well positioned on the top of a mountain. He and those he led were “fixed in their minds with a determined resolution” that they would not come down from the mount. It only took…four tries...to get Lehonti to “come down off from the mount.” And then…Lehonti was…poisoned...“by degrees.” It may be happening today…that first we tolerate, then accept, and eventually embrace the vice that surrounds us?... Have we been deceived by false role models and persuasive media messages that cause us to forget our divine identity? Are we too being poisoned by degrees? What could be more deceptive than to entice the youth…to do nothing or to be busy ever-texting but never coming to a knowledge of the truths contained in…the Book of Mormon? What could be more deceptive than to entice women…to be so involved in ourselves, our looks, our clothes, our body shape and size that we lose sight of our divine identity and our ability to change the world through our virtuous influence? What could be more deceptive than to entice men...to view seductive pornography and thus focus on flesh instead of faith, to be consumers of vice rather than guardians of virtue?"

.    Elaine S. Dalton, Young Women General President, October 2008

081524, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 219.3, GMI: 6.7

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 36, The commandments of Alma to his son Helaman.  Comprising chapters 36 and 37.

Journal Entry 

We have come to enjoy our morning walks in Provo Canyon. It used to be difficult because the commonly used bike and pedestrian path between Vivian Park and Bridal Veil Falls is often crowded with speeding bikes and other pedestrians to the point where it almost seems unsafe. But a few weeks ago Cathy suggested we try the old road on the other side of the river. It's wide and well-maintained and almost no other people use it. 

The path in the photo here leads from that road up to a viewing area near the main highway. Again, almost noone uses it and it's in pretty good shape. So we have really started enjoying our walks in the canyon.

I got my stitches out yesterday and Cathy got some good guidance from Dr Kimball regarding her osteoporosis so that was a productive visit to the doctors office. I can resume my duties at the temple and the Bishops Storehouse but I have to be very careful to not bend twist or lift heavy items. I think I'm going to clearly remember what I've gone through during these past months with two surgeries and sons really debilitating pain so I'm going to be very careful to remember how old I am and how limited my physical capabilities are. I truly don't think there will be any problems and I am excited to get back to serving.

Our Prius has reached 105,000 + miles so I'm taking it in for an oil change and ethics this morning. Then Cathy will go to the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon. I'm going to serve at the Storehouse only on Tuesdays for another month or so then maybe back to Tuesday and Thursday. We'll see how it goes.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 46: 20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.

22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and they cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.

"Let us remember the people’s response: exercising their agency, they “came running together” with a covenant to act.

My beloved brothers and sisters, don’t walk! Run! Run to receive the blessings of agency by following the Holy Ghost and exercising the freedoms God has given us to do His will."

.    Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2015

081424, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 219.1, GMI: 6.7

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 35

Journal Entry 

We were able to get a little walk in up by Bridal Veil Falls. We found a way to walk up there that is much less crowded than the main bike /pedestrian path. 

Cathy had to get xrays before her visit today with Dr. Kimball. Then she went to the Bishops Storehouse for her regular Tuesday shift and I stayed home and finally installed the shelves in her bathroom.

We had a terrible rain and hail storm that caused severe flooding in many parts of Utah County. 

We went to Chick-fil-A after I picked her up at the Storehouse and noticed that they were having severe leakage through the roof over their dining area. If you look carefully you can see the water pouring down from the light fixtures in the photo. 

Lots of weird weather lately and other factors making me appreciate the 2nd Coming and wonder how soon it will happen.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 46:20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.

22 Now this was the covenant which they made, and they cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression.

"Let us remember the people’s response: exercising their agency, they “came running together” with a covenant to act.

My beloved brothers and sisters, don’t walk! Run! Run to receive the blessings of agency by following the Holy Ghost and exercising the freedoms God has given us to do His will."

.    Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2015

081324, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 218.6, GMI: 6.7, A1C: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 34

Journal Entry 

While at Dr. Welch he mentioned that he could see an aneurism near my heart while reviewing the CT scan I had recently related to my spinal surgery. He mentioned that when I see NP Mathers, my cardiologist, in November that I should make sure I get an echocardiogram. All of that caused me some concern so I sent a message to Mathers using the Intermountain Medical app and bottom line, I got my electrocardiogram yesterday. I'm also going to have a CTA thorax whatever that is. I may send up with a stent or stint in my expanding aortic artery. Anyway, too complex for me. I'm just trying to do what I'm told so I last as long as possible.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 45: 16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.

"Professor Hugh Nibley once noted that the kingdom of God cannot endure if it indulges even the smallest sin: “The slightest taint of corruption means that the other world would be neither incorruptible nor eternal. The tiniest flaw in a building, institution, code, or character will inevitably prove fatal in the long run of eternity.” The commandments of God are “strict” because His kingdom and its citizens can stand only if they consistently reject evil and choose good, without exception."

.    Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,October 2021

081224, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 220.0, GMI: 6.7

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 33

Journal Entry 

We went to Sacrament meeting and 2nd Hour yesterday. Spent the rest of the day relaxing and reading.

I have a routine visit with Dr. Welch this morning. Should be a good visit. My GMI is down to 6.7. It will be interesting to see what my A1C is. Should be also well under 7.0 but we'll see. 

I’m at the doctors now waiting on my A1C result. It is: 6.9 hooray!

Come Follow Me 

 Alma 43: 47 And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.

"..[T]here are times and circumstances when nations are justified, in fact have an obligation, to fight for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression.

...[W]e of this Church are people of peace. We are followers of...the Prince of Peace. But even He said, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”

This places us in the position of those who long for peace, who teach peace, who work for peace, but who also are citizens of nations and are subject to the laws of our governments. Furthermore, we are a freedom-loving people, committed to the defense of liberty...I believe that God will not hold [those] in uniform responsible as agents of their government in carrying forward that which they are legally obligated to do."

     President Gordon B. Hinckley, President of the Church, April 2003

     

081124, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 220.9, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 32

Journal Entry 

Cathy and I took Jake and Meredith with us to the Woodland Biscuit Cafe for breakfast yesterday morning. It was just another fun excursion. The ride was decent and the location was scenic and it was  a fun drive. Jake then patched up the holes in Cathy's bathroom wall where we hope to eventually install her shelves. One more day waiting to be "healed". I see Dr Kimball this Wednesday or maybe just get my stitches removed. Either way, I'm thinking I will begin carefully serving at the Bishops Storehouse and in the temple. Sort of a return to normal life. 

Come Follow Me 

Alma 42: 15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.

"Because we have all “sinned, and come short of the glory of God” and because “there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God,” every one of us is unworthy to return to God’s presence.

Even if we were to serve God with our whole souls, it is not enough, for we would still be “unprofitable servants.” …

But all is not lost. The grace of God is our great and everlasting hope. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the plan of mercy appeases the demands of justice “and [brings] about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.” Our sins, though they may be as scarlet, can become white as snow. Because our beloved Savior “gave himself a ransom for all,” an entrance into His everlasting kingdom is provided unto us. The gate is unlocked!"

.    President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2015

Alma 41:14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. 15 For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored

081024, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 220.6, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 31

Journal Entry 

Cathy had set up an afternoon with Erica to travel up to Salt Lake to visit the FoodNanny store and then go to lunch. Erica, our grand daughter, is doing very well and Cathy has developed a very good relationship with her. She has enjoyed showing Erica how to do a lot of home making activities and Erica seems to enjoy learning. Anyway, Cathy urged me to go along. I had planned to let them just go alone because it seemed like a nice activity for them more as friends rather than grandma and granddaughter but I decided to go ahead and go. I think that turned out to be a good choice because traffic was the worst that I can remember both going and coming and I drove. Cathy is a good driver but she struggles some with heavy traffic and in finding her way in unfamiliar areas. We both when it was over agreed that it had been a very good idea for me to drive because traffic was worse than anytime I can remember. We had lunch at a nice little Cafe called Nomad East near 1700 east on 1300 South. Erica and I shared a really good pizza and Cathy had a salad. They had no glutton free  stuff other than salad.

I noticed this morning that my GMI was down again to 6.8 which is a very good thing. GMI is glucose management indicator and is an indicator of one's A1C. For a diabetic, an A1C reading of 6.8 is very good. So good news.

We are going to the Woodland Biscuit Company for breakfast today. This is a sort of chic Cafe according to Cathy. It's out near Kamas and we're taking Jake and Meredith with us. Should be fun.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 41:14 Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.

"The Apostle Paul said that persons who have received the Spirit of God “have the mind of Christ”. I understand this to mean that persons who are proceeding toward the needed conversion are beginning to see things as our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, see them. They are hearing His voice instead of the voice of the world, and they are doing things in His way instead of by the ways of the world."

     Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2000

080924, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 220.9, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 30

Journal Entry 

I successfully installed the new shelves in my bathroom yesterday. I had some problems in Cathy's bathroom and will install her shelves later today.

I'm pleased that my GMI is down to 6.9. That bodes will for my for my continued God health. I got in over 8,000 steps yesterday which means I've exceeded my 7,500 steps per day goal for several days now. Still recovering from spinal surgery and basically bored. Cathy served at the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and my goal is to begin there again next Thursday. Then the following week I'm hoping to serve there each Tuesday and Thursday and the temple on Wednesdays. Mostly back to normal.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 41:11 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness.

"Snares and pitfalls can come to all of us, whether in our youth, middle age, or old age. As someone once observed, “In youth we run into difficulties; in old age difficulties run into us.”  The increased permissiveness of our society will require us to hold very tightly to the iron rod of righteousness in order to receive the blessings and protection of the Lord. There is great danger in trifling with Satan’s temptations. We will need to guard against all forms of evil all of the days of our lives."

.    President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2007

080824, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 220.0, GMI: 7.0

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 29

Journal Entry 

I'm still in healing and recovery mode and pretty much bored to tears. Cathy is starting to feel better and that's a very good thing. We both have a hard time sleeping a normal night's sleep and that has her concerned. I feel that I'm getting enough rest especially with my occasional naps. I'm hoping to be able to go back to serving two afternoons a week in the Bishops Storehouse and one shift at the temple as a minimum of my weekly duties. I'm meeting with Dr Kimball next Wednesday and fell that if I keep healing at my current pace, I should be able to carefully do the Storehouse and temple.

Today I'm hoping to install the shelves in the two bathrooms. If successful, I'll snap a picture and put it in here tomorrow.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 41: 10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

"We learn the important lessons of life through experience. Through learning from our mistakes. Through repenting and realizing for ourselves that “wickedness never was happiness.” 

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died so that our mistakes might not condemn us and forever halt our progress. Because of Him, we can repent, and our mistakes can become stepping-stones to greater glory."

     Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2020   .    

"Now, you might be saying to yourself, “This sounds wonderful, but how do I do it? How do I draw the Savior’s power into my life?”

You won’t find this process spelled out in any manual. The Holy Ghost will be your personal tutor as you seek to understand what the Lord would have you know and do. This process is neither quick nor easy, but it is spiritually invigorating. What could possibly be more exciting than to labor with the Spirit to understand God’s power—priesthood power?

What I can tell you is that accessing the power of God in your life requires the same things that the Lord instructed Emma and each of you to do.

So, I invite you to study prayerfully section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants and discover what the Holy Ghost will teach you. Your personal spiritual endeavor will bring you joy as you gain, understand, and use the power with which you have been endowed."

     President Russell M. Nelson, October  2019

I sometimes, actually quite often, feel that not enough emphasis is placed on our being in tune with the Holy Ghost as we navigate these perilous times. We tend to want our guidance and directions to be spelled out in writing and that cannot always be the best guidance. We must be in tune with The Spirit because that is always the best source of guidance.

080724, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 220.2, GMI: 7.1

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 28

Journal Entry 

We bought two sets of shelves one fit Cathy's bathroom and one for mine to install on the walls near the sinks. They look great and we're very easy to assemble but the screws and anchors to attach them to the walls were of poor quality and resulted in the need to patch the holes I made and start over. I'm going to work on that today.

We walked in our local park yesterday morning and then up in Provo Canyon. I'm getting stronger every day and walking is becoming less of a chore and more enjoyable. Plus it's good exercise for an old guy.

Cathy went to the Bishops Storehouse while Jake came over and helped me with the shelves. I ended up with over 8500 steps. I'm trying to resume my goal of 7500+ steps per day.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 40: 23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.

24 And now, my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets—

25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.

"Ultimately, we know that every physical ailment, malady, or imperfection will be healed in the Resurrection. That is a gift to all mankind through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus Christ can heal more than just our physical bodies. He can heal our spirits as well. Throughout scripture we learn how Christ helped those whose spirits were weak and made them whole. As we ponder these experiences, our hope and faith in the Savior’s power to bless our lives increases. Jesus Christ can change our hearts, heal us from the effects of injustice or abuse we may experience, and strengthen our capacity to bear loss and heartache, bringing us peace to help us endure the trials of our lives, healing us emotionally."

.     Elder Matthew L. Carpenter Of the Seventy, October 2018

080624, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 220.1, GMI: 7.0

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 27

Journal Entry 

My shift coordinator from the temple texted me yesterday to check on my recovery and wondered if I might know when I will return to service. I had been anxious to return and told him that I would be back one week from tomorrow. He was happy to hear that and I was happy to have made that decision. I honestly think I will be able to function normally in that assignment as a temple ordinance worker by next Wednesday. Really looking forward to it. 

Today, Cathy is planning on serving at the Bishops Storehouse. I don't think I should do that yet. I'm still less than a week out of surgery and I really don't want any more problems with my spine. Serving at the Bishops Storehouse presents too much risk of aggravating my spine I think. Another week or two of recovery should be useful.

My GMI is down to 7.0 which indicates that my efforts at controlling my diabetes are paying off. As I recall, I was down to 6.7 not to long ago and I am shooting for that level again. 

The world is currently a mess in many ways. There is brewing war in the middle east where Israel is being attacked from all sides. The political mess here in the U.S. is pretty precarious. The democratic party seems to be embracing socialism and is very popular with a huge segment of the population. The "main stream media" has abandoned honest reporting of what's going on with the federal government. There are several pushes by the democrats to circumvent our constitution in several ways and they make it sound attractive to their followers. There are serious questions among some of us as to the fairness and integrity of our elections. The weather has been chaotic throughout the world and including here in the U.S. 

I fear (hope?) we are approaching the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and, of course, there are unknowns relating to that. Exciting times seem to be upon us.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 39: 15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the coming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.

"Alma testified that Christ would take away sin. Without the Savior’s Atonement, the eternal principle of justice would require punishment. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, mercy can prevail for those who have repented, and it can allow them to return to the presence of God. We would do well to ponder this wonderful doctrine."

     Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2022

This was, of course, a lead up to the Savior's first mission to the world but one cannot help but see the many paralells to today and the impending Second Coming.

Alma 37:33-34

 33 Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. 34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.

080524, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 217.5, GMI: 7.1

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): Alma 26

Journal Entry 

It's Monday morning and I am still in healing mode from my latest surgical procedure which was only for days ago. My GMI is still at 7.1 but my constant glucose readings seem lower. This means, I believe, that my GMI is going to be coming down again. This is all diabetes stuff in that my Glucose Management Index is roughly equivalent to my A1C and having that under 7.0 is a good thing. I'm thinking I feel good enough to work at the Bishops Storehouse tomorrow or, at least, Thursday and the temple next week. We'll see. The problem is that I still have stitches in from my surgery and I'm under doctors orders to not bend lift or twist so I have to be careful. I'm rambling here but I'm tired of not being able to serve at the Storehouse and the temple. Stay tuned.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 39: 14 Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world; for behold, you cannot carry them with you.

"Prophets have admonished us to forsake the world and turn our hearts to Jesus Christ, who promised us, “In this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full” (D&C 101:36; emphasis added). Said President Spencer W. Kimball, “If we insist on spending all our time and resources building up … a worldly kingdom, that is exactly what we will inherit” (“The False Gods We Worship,” Ensign, June 1976, 6). How often are we so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that we lose sight of eternal life? It is the fatal spiritual equivalent of selling our birthright for a mess of pottage."

     Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

"Our priorities are most visible in how we use our time. Someone has said, “Three things never come back—the spent arrow, the spoken word, and the lost opportunity.” We cannot recycle or save the time allotted to us each day. With time, we have only one opportunity for choice, and then it is gone forever."

     Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2001

080424, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 218.6, GMI: 7.1

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): 

An account of the sons of Mosiah, who rejected their rights to the kingdom for the word of God, and went up to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites; their sufferings and deliverance—according to the record of Alma.

Comprising chapters 17 through 27. Alma 25, An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren, to the Lamanites.Comprising chapters 21 through 25.)

Today's Journal Entry

Yesterday was difficult. Cathy was feeling poorly and we didn't get any real walking done. She and Erica went to the Hale Center Theater in Draper to see the show we had tickets for and I basically vegged at home. Hopefully I'll get some walking in today. I'm hoping to go to church even if Cathy is not able to. She has a difficult time sitting in any of the seats and it's actually painful for her. I'm going to try to go even if by myself.

I'm feeling pretty well but just need to build up my strength. I think I should just press forward carefully. I really don't have much pain any longer. I need to be active but careful.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 38: 12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

"Alma counseled his son Shiblon to “bridle all [of his] passions, that [he] may be filled with love.” Significantly, disciplining the natural man in each of us makes possible a richer, a deeper, and a more enduring love of God and of His children. Love increases through righteous restraint and decreases through impulsive indulgence."

     Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2013

080324, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 219.8, GMI: 7.0

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): 

An account of the sons of Mosiah, who rejected their rights to the kingdom for the word of God, and went up to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites; their sufferings and deliverance—according to the record of Alma.

Comprising chapters 17 through 27. Alma 24, An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren, to the Lamanites.Comprising chapters 21 through 25.)

Alma 24:30 And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things.

Hmmm

Today's Journal Entry

I tried something new this morning. I've gotten used to waking at 0200 and then deciding to get up for the day. That gives me 4-5 hrs of work according to my iPhone. This morning I awoke at about 0200 as usual and decided to go to my Lazy Boy and do my two word puzzles on my iPhone then go back to bed. I did that and slept for two more hours and ended up with about 7 and a half hours of sleep according to my iPhone app. Makes me feel more normal and makes me feel like I'm recovering from my ailments - primarily spinal surgery.

Jake and Meredith came over yesterday afternoon with Jill and the twins. We had a nice visit. Cathy is such a good mother and grandmother that she loves to see them. I do as well but she is definitely the "mom" and a great one. She feed them because we're worried that they don't eat well for whatever reasons. I'm not going to judge but trust that they will be OK.

We're going to the Hale Center Theater in Draper this afternoon to watch a musical show. It should be good and I'm looking forward to it. Still no pain from my surgery but I'm wearing my back brace whenever I'm out and about and trying to be careful with my bending, lifting and twisting. I really don't want to go through this again.

Come Follow Me 

Some things matter more than others but nothing matters more than the atonement of Jesus Christ!

"In His last discourse to His disciples prior to Gethsemane and Calvary, the Savior declared that He was “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). On this beautiful Easter morning, I testify with the prophet Alma “that there is no other way … whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ” (Alma 38:9).

The Savior’s Atonement is stunningly inclusive! “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22; emphasis added). Come one, come all, the Lord has invited. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for every man and woman, boy and girl. He doesn’t change the rules for the rich or the poor, the married or unmarried, the Portuguese or the Chinese. The gospel is for every one of us, and the spiritual requirements and rewards are universal. In matters pertaining to salvation, “all are alike unto God”

      Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, April 1999

080224, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 6.9

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): 

An account of the sons of Mosiah, who rejected their rights to the kingdom for the word of God, and went up to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites; their sufferings and deliverance—according to the record of Alma.

Comprising chapters 17 through 27. Alma 23. An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren, to the Lamanites.Comprising chapters 21 through 25.)

Today's Journal Entry

No Pain! I underwent surgery yesterday morning and that was described in yesterday's journal Entry. I'm absolutely delighted to report that I had nearly no pain yesterday and none, zero, this morning. I've been in pain so long that I'm just overjoyed and totally impressed with Dr Kimball.

Now I've got to make sure I don't do anything stupid that might keep my healing from progressing. No bending, lifting or twisting. With those restrictions in mind I need to do all I can to help Cathy get her osteoporosis under control. But I think we are on the way.

We have had tickets to a production at the Hale Center theater in Draper for tomorrow afternoon and we are considering actually going. If I feel as good tomorrow as I do today, and if Cathy is ok, we will go.

We have nothing on our calendar for today. Just resting and healing I hope.

Come Follow Me 

Alma 37:44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.

45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.

46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.

"As Nephi and Alma both remind us, the Lord provides direction for our journey according to the faith, diligence, and heed we give to that direction. He is not likely to reveal new paths if we have not faithfully followed Him along those He has already marked. Provident prospering along the way comes to those who diligently follow inspired counsel, making it their “walk and talk” until once again a new writing appears to help them progress in their journey toward the land of promises."

     Elder Lowell M. Snow of the Seventy, October 2005

Mosiah 5:13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?

Alma 37: 1 And now, my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the records which have been entrusted with me; 2 And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them; for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept.

3 And these plates of brass, which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning— 4 Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon. 5 And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness; yea, and they will retain their brightness; yea, and also shall all the plates which do contain that which is holy writ. 6 Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. 7 And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.

Cathy and I truly believe these records have been kept so that we, in our day, the Latter Days, can learn from them and avoid the same tragedies that befell those saints of previous generations.

080124, Thursday, spinal surgery revision

Vitals: Weight: 217.8, GMI: 6.8

Book of Mormon review (review of earlier Come Follow Me lessons): 

An account of the sons of Mosiah, who rejected their rights to the kingdom for the word of God, and went up to the land of Nephi to preach to the Lamanites; their sufferings and deliverance—according to the record of Alma.

Comprising chapters 17 through 27. Alma 22 (An account of the preaching of Aaron, and Muloki, and their brethren, to the Lamanites.Comprising chapters 21 through 25.)

Today's Journal Entry

We went to the hospital at 0515 this morning and I underwent lumbar revision surgery. Dr Kimball had what sounded like a well thought out plan for the surgery.

He removed the four items in the photo to the right and revised the other existing hardware and tightened things up and that was it. The two long thin pieces are nearly three inches long. It's now four p.m. and I'm basically pain free and at home. It's hard to not imagine that the pain might return ìf or when the existing medication wears off but it's been nearly eight hours and so far so good. I will comment further tomorrow morning but here's's hoping.

Come Follow Me 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light, and where there is sadness, joy. 

Oh, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it’s in dying that we’re born to eternal life. 

Amen.

Quoted by: Emily P. Freeman, Author of:

"How to Walk into a Room, The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away"

Alma 37: 36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

"Inviting the Lord to be part of our family council through prayer will improve our relationships with each other. We can, with Heavenly Father and our Savior’s help, become more patient, thoughtful, helpful, forgiving, and understanding as we pray for help. With Their help, we can make our homes a little bit of heaven here on earth."

Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2016