093024, Monday

 Vitals: Weight: 222.6, GMI: 6.9, Yesterday's Steps: 9,202

Journal Entry 

We enjoyed a quiet Sunday together at home and walking in Provo Canyon.

Today, Monday, we have nothing on our calendar. We finally got the lugnut key and got our tires rotated and balanced at Costco a couple of days ago. I want to take good care of the Prius because it takes good care of us. Best car I ever owned. We will be driving it to Scottsdale next week and we hope to meet Kevin's new fiancé, Becky.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 12:1 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto Nephi, and to those who had been called, (now the number of them who had been called, and received power and authority to baptize, was twelve) and behold, he stretched forth his hand unto the multitude, and cried unto them, saying: Blessed are ye if ye shall give heed unto the words of these twelve whom I have chosen from among you to minister unto you, and to be your servants; and unto them I have given power that they may baptize you with water; and after that ye are baptized with water, behold, I will baptize you with fire and with the Holy Ghost; therefore blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.

"Remember this promise; hold on to it. It should be a great comfort to those struggling to keep a family together in a society increasingly indifferent to, and even hostile toward, those standards which are essential to a happy family...

I repeat the promise that those who hearken to the voice of these men whom the Lord has raised up “shall not be moved out of their place.”

...The most precious thing we have to give is our witness of the Lord, our testimony of Jesus Christ.

I certify to you that the 14 men with whom I share the ordination are indeed Apostles...

These men are true servants of the Lord; give heed to their counsel."

     President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1996

"Priesthood keys restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith make it possible for every covenant-keeping man and woman to enjoy incredible personal spiritual privileges.

"Understanding the spiritual privileges made possible in the temple is vital to each of us today. My dear brothers and sisters, here is my promise. 

"Nothing will help you more to hold fast to the iron rod than worshipping in the temple as regularly as your circumstances permit. Nothing will protect you more as you encounter the world’s mists of darkness. Nothing will bolster your testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement or help you understand God’s magnificent plan more. Nothing will soothe your spirit more during times of pain. Nothing will open the heavens more. Nothing!"

.    President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2024

092924, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 222.4, GMI: 6.9, Yesterday's Steps: 3,759

Journal Entry 

After attending our weekly 0630 Endowment Session, We took Erica to breakfast at Corner Bakery and Jake joined us with Jill and Fredrick. Nice visit. 

After breakfast, Cathy and Erica and I drove up to the South Fork of Provo Canyon to enjoy the spectacular colors of the trees and bushes that are turning fall colors. There's a fun little park area up there that we walked around in for awhile. Very enjoyable.

Then Erica and Cathy decorated our home for the Autumn season and I watched football. Two of my favorite teams won, BYU beat Baylor and USC beat Wisconsin, so that was enjoyable. Despite having pizza for dinner and not walking my 7500 steps, my weight was down a little this morning so that was good. This morning I watched a little of the UofU getting trounced by Arizona which was a surprise, but oh well. All of the football I watch is recorded so I can watch at my convenience and fast-forward through the boring stuff.

Same for Sunday games. I never watch a pro game or any other TV on Sunday when or if it interferes with church related duties. But I do record some programs including football that I watch later if I have the time.

Come Follow Me 

 3 Nephi 11:38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

"Repentance isn’t optional. We are commanded to repent...We must not let... one bad habit, one bad choice, one wrong decision derail us for a lifetime.

Sometimes people get casual about repenting. I have heard some people say that repenting is too hard. Others say they are tired of feeling guilty or have been offended by a leader who was helping them repent. Sometimes people give up when they have made mistakes and come to believe that there is no hope for them. Some people imagine that they will feel better about themselves if they just leave the restored gospel and go away.

It is Satan who puts hopeless thoughts into the hearts of those who have made mistakes. The Lord Jesus Christ always gives us hope."

Sister Julie B. Beck

     

092824, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 224.8, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 12,519

Journal Entry 

Because of our nice walk yesterday morning and waiting for my tires to rotated later at Costco plus some shopping at Walmart  I got quite a few steps in yesterday. I won't mention any names but a very nice woman that works with us at the Bishops Storehouse claims, with a straight face, that she walks an average of 13,500 steps a day. I use about 2100 steps per mile so that would be a little over 6 miles a day for me. She is recovering from knee replacement surgery on one knee and says she needs the other one replaced and still walks 13,500 a day. Hmmm. Skeptical... but I really don't care. She's a very nice woman and spends a lot of time with her husband working at the Bishops Storehouse so a little (or lot) of exaggeration is ok with me.

Come Follow Me 

We're going to the temple for our weekly Endowment Session this morning and then taking Erica to breakfast. Then Cathy and Erica are going to decorate our home for the Fall and, hopefully, I'll catch up on Come Follow Me later today,

092724, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 224.8, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 8,117

Journal Entry 

Friday... Another day of recovery and rest.

We took another nice walk up in Provo Canyon. This time we walked the length of Fairfax Drive which is the main and only street in Vivian Park. Then headed down toward Bridal Veil Falls.

The photo I've included is taken on the path to Bridal Veil Falls and you can see why we enjoy walking there.

Then my lug nut replacement key finally arrived and I took our car in to Costco to get our tires rotated. It's supposed to be done every 6,000 miles but we went nearly 8,000 because I couldn't find my lug nut key and they can't get the tires off without it. So I ordered a new key and there were complications but it finally got here and hopefully I won't lose this one.

Come Follow Me 

Didn't get it done today. See tomorrow. 

092624, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 224.8, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 2,517

Journal Entry 

I served in the temple as an Ordinance Worker yesterday then Cathy and I took Beth to the Cheese Cake Factory at University Plaza in Orem for a late lunch/early dinner. Good food and a very nice visit with Beth.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 7

The chief judge is murdered, the government is destroyed, and the people divide into tribes—Jacob, an anti-Christ, becomes king of a secret combination—Nephi preaches repentance and faith in Christ—Angels minister to him daily, and he raises his brother from the dead—Many repent and are baptized. About A.D. 30–33.

3 Nephi 10

5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.

"The Savior is the perfect example of persisting in love. You remember His words of comfort to the people...: “...how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.”

...Elder Orson F. Whitney...gave a remarkable promise...to the faithful parents who honor the temple sealing to their children: “Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold.”

...You can pray for your children, love them, and reach out to them with confidence that Jesus reaches for them with you. When you keep trying, you are doing what Jesus does."

President Henry B Eyring, October 2009

I liked this quote so I sent it to Kevin, Becky and Jake

092524, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 224.6, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 11,063

Journal Entry 

We got a good walk in yesterday morning then a busy day at the Bishops Storehouse. I'm going to the temple today to serve my assigned shift as an Ordinance Worker.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 6 The Nephites prosper—Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise—The Church is rent with dissensions—Satan leads the people in open rebellion—Many prophets cry repentance and are slain—Their murderers conspire to take over the government. About A.D. 26–30.

 14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.

 15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world. 16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.

3 Nephi 11:3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.

4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.

5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.

"...[O]ur efforts to hear [Christ] need to be ever more intentional. It takes conscious and consistent effort...

...[W]here can we go to hear Him?

We can go to the scriptures...

...[Increasing] your time in temple and family history work...will increase and improve your ability to hear Him...

We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost...

...[W]e hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators...

I promise that you will be blessed with additional power to deal with temptation, struggles, and weakness. I promise miracles in your marriage, family relationships, and daily work. And I promise that your capacity to feel joy will increase even if turbulence increases in your life."

.    President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2020

092424, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 223.7, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 9,970

Journal Entry 

Monday was a nice quiet day. We discovered that we can walk just about exactly three miles by parking at the Bridal Veil Falls main parking lot then walking up past the falls and crossing the bridge just above the falls. Then it's up to the view area and back. Then we walk up stream to the bridge above the river processing plant then across and straight back down to the car. That's a walk we will probably take on noon weekend days then we'll adapt on other days. Weather will get in the way as winter gets here but we'll figure something else out then. Malls or gyms, etc.

Today we are planning on spending the afternoon at the Bishops Storehouse. Our housekeeper has agreed to come on Tuesdays now so that will be good. We'll go for a walk then to the Bishops Storehouse and give her the day to clean the house. Should work well.

Come Follow Me 

My new plan for Come Follow Me is to just do it under this section. I'm going to continue to use the "We Believe" app and the ScripturePlus app along with the Church News weekly information about what General Authorities comment about the current topics. So...

3 Nephi 5

The Nephites repent and forsake their sins—Mormon writes the history of his people and declares the everlasting word to them—Israel will be gathered in from her long dispersion. About A.D. 22–26.

3 Nephi 10:5 And again, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not.

6 O ye house of Israel whom I have spared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.

"The Savior is the perfect example of persisting in love. You remember His words of comfort to the people...: “...how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.”

...Elder Orson F. Whitney...gave a remarkable promise...to the faithful parents who honor the temple sealing to their children: “Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold.”

...You can pray for your children, love them, and reach out to them with confidence that Jesus reaches for them with you. When you keep trying, you are doing what Jesus does."

.    President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2009

092324, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 223.5, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 4,145

Journal Entry 

I went to Jackson Merrrill's Sacrament meeting yesterday. He gave a good talk. He's a very bright young man and going to Santiago, Chile for his mission. 

Then I came home and Cathy and I worked together to put on a nice dinner for Jake and his famiky. We had a very pleasant visit and birthday gifts were exchanged for Erica, Cathy, Meredith, Alexander, Fredrick and, even though it wasn't her birthday, Jill got a cute set of earrings. Almost like Christmas. Only Jake and I were left out but we didn't seem to mind. It was a nice day.

Today will, I hope, be a lot more restful.

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

3 Nephi Chapter 4

The Nephite armies defeat the Gadianton robbers—Giddianhi is slain, and his successor, Zemnarihah, is hanged—The Nephites praise the Lord for their victories. About A.D. 19–22.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 9:19 And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings.

20 And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.

21 Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.

"The incomprehensible suffering of Jesus Christ ended sacrifice by the shedding of blood, but it did not end the importance of sacrifice in the gospel plan. Our Savior requires us to continue to offer sacrifices, but the sacrifices He now commands are that we “offer for a sacrifice unto [Him] a broken heart and a contrite spirit.” He also commands each of us to love and serve one another—in effect, to offer a small imitation of His own sacrifice by making sacrifices of our own time and selfish priorities. In an inspired hymn, we sing, “Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven.”

     Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2012

092224, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 223.5, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 1,888

Journal Entry 

We enjoyed our weekly Endowment Session at 0630 yesterday.  Then we took a little drive as we frequently do. Cathy needed to shop for stuff to feed Jake's family when they come over tomorrow. We had hoped that they would have us over to celebrate the four September birthdays... Cathy and the twins on September 13th and Erica on September 12th but that didn't happen so we are having them over here tomorrow for a little celebration and gift exchange. 

Jackson Merrill, Devin and Maddi's son is going on a mission to Peru, I think, and is giving his farewell talk at their Sacrament meeting this morning at 0900. Cathy suggested that I go and I think I'll see if I can pick up Beth and take her. Karen is on a trip so she's not available.

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

3 Nephi 3

Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, demands that Lachoneus and the Nephites surrender themselves and their lands—Lachoneus appoints Gidgiddoni as chief captain of the armies—The Nephites assemble in Zarahemla and Bountiful to defend themselves. About A.D. 16–18.

It was about at this time that the method of calendaring using AD began. The time given in this chapter indicates 16-18 years since the signs of Christ's birth were given.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 7:17 And he did minister many things unto them; and all of them cannot be written, and a part of them would not suffice, therefore they are not written in this book. And Nephi did minister with power and with great authority.

18 And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words, for so great was his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ that angels did minister unto him daily.

"Many years ago a certain group of worthy priesthood holders taught with great power and authority. One of them was so powerful that it was impossible not to believe his words. These priesthood holders helped the people learn about the Savior and His doctrine and helped them find happiness... I am speaking about the great Book of Mormon missionaries who were powerful priesthood holders. We can learn a great deal from these children of Lehi. By doing what they did, we can become more powerful in blessing the lives of our Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters, more powerful in serving others, more powerful in rescuing others, and more powerful in becoming more Christlike."

.    Elder Walter F. González Of the Presidency of the Seventy, October 2009

(A great talk to review)

092124, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 222.2, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 10,396

Journal Entry 

We took a rather long drive over the Nebo Loop to see how it is doing since all the wild fires there a few years ago. A lot of it was very scenic and beautiful. There were still a few areas... Three, I think, where burned trees dominated the landscape but all in all it was a beautiful drive. Jake and Fredrick wanted to have lunch with us at Del Taco. Actually Fredrick had the idea so we all went along with it. He is a very cute young man and fun to be with. Then Cathy and I took a loong walk up in Provo Canyon. 

Going to the temple this morning for our weekly endowment session. 0630 session. Then getting ready to have Jake and his family over tomorrow afternoon for a meal and birthday gifts.

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

THIRD NEPHI

THE BOOK OF NEPHI

THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN

And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of Judah.

3 Nephi 2:1 And it came to pass that thus passed away the ninety and fifth year also, and the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— 2 Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 6:13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.

"Pride adversely affects all our relationships—our relationship with God and His servants, between husband and wife, parent and child, employer and employee, teacher and student, and all mankind. Our degree of pride determines how we treat our God and our brothers and sisters. Christ wants to lift us to where He is. Do we desire to do the same for others?

Pride fades our feelings of sonship to God and brotherhood to man. It separates and divides us by “ranks,” according to our “riches” and our “chances for learning.” Unity is impossible for a proud people, and unless we are one we are not the Lord’s."

     President Ezra Taft Benson, President of the Church, April 1989

092024, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 222.8, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 8,110

Journal Entry 

My back has been hurting since my Wednesday shift at the temple. But it's been improving greatly since then. Yesterday I was able to get my steps in without difficulty and this morning it feels good. I'm learning to not bend or twist along with not lifting heavy weights and it's working. I've also decided to not work at the Bishops storehouse on Thursdays for the next few weeks. 

Cathy served and then when I picked her up she had heard about a new eating spot called "Toss'd" which is a salad place very close to our home. We tried it and it seemed to have possibilities. I'm sure we will go back.

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

THIRD NEPHI

THE BOOK OF NEPHI

THE SON OF NEPHI, WHO WAS THE SON OF HELAMAN

And Helaman was the son of Helaman, who was the son of Alma, who was the son of Alma, being a descendant of Nephi who was the son of Lehi, who came out of Jerusalem in the first year of the reign of Zedekiah, the king of Judah.

3 Nephi 1

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 5:12 And behold, I am called Mormon, being called after the land of Mormon, the land in which Alma did establish the church among the people, yea, the first church which was established among them after their transgression.

13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

"Mormon was a true disciple who lived in a day when “every heart was hardened, … and there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi.” How would you like to have lived in that day? And yet Mormon boldly declared, “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Don’t you love Mormon? He knew who he was and what his mission was and was not distracted by the evil that surrounded him. In fact, he considered his calling to be a gift. Think what a blessing it is to be called to give our gift of daily discipleship to the Lord, declaring in word and deed, “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ!”

     Linda K. Burton, Relief Society General President, April 2014

091924, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 223.7, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 2,975

Journal Entry 

Worked at the temple on my regular shift. I'm in training to officiate endowment sessions which is kind of perplexing for me. The only thing that these officiators do is sit there, operate the on-off switch, and manage the prayer circle..

We took a drive up over the Alpine Loop and turned east to Cascade Springs and Heber Valley. As you can see from the photo, the leaves are turning on some of the trees and bushes. The Aspen trees are still green but the ferns are turning brown. It's not freezing but it's cold at night... down into the 40s.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 14-16

Come Follow Me 

“How does your Church differ from others?” My answer to this important question has varied as I have matured and as the Church has grown. When I was born in Utah in 1932, our Church membership was only about 700,000, clustered mostly in Utah and nearby states. At that time, we had only 7 temples. Today the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints numbers more than 17 million in about 170 nations. As of this April 1, we have 189 dedicated temples in many nations and 146 more in planning and construction. I have felt to speak about the purpose of these temples and the history and role of covenants in our worship. This will supplement the inspired teachings of earlier speakers."

     President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2024

"We continually seek to draw closer to the Savior through faith, cherished repentance, and keeping the commandments. As we bind ourselves to Him through covenants and ordinances, our lives are filled with confidence, protection, and deep and lasting joy."

     Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, October 2021

091824, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 223.3, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 7,825

Journal Entry 

Went to breakfast with Jake and Fredrick then drove to Fashion Place where we walked some. Then I served at the Bishops Storehouse while Cathy rested at home. Her health worries me and I'm trying to be as supportive as possible of her efforts to improve her health.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 14:1-31

Signs indicating the Birth of Jesus Christ:

 4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

Signs of Christ's death:

 20 But behold, as I said unto you concerning another sign, a sign of his death, behold, in that day that he shall suffer death the sun shall be darkened and refuse to give his light unto you; and also the moon and the stars; and there shall be no light upon the face of this land, even from the time that he shall suffer death, for the space of three days, to the time that he shall rise again from the dead.

 21 Yea, at the time that he shall yield up the ghost there shall be thunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours, and the earth shall shake and tremble; and the rocks which are upon the face of this earth, which are both above the earth and beneath, which ye know at this time are solid, or the more part of it is one solid mass, shall be broken up; 22 Yea, they shall be rent in twain, and shall ever after be found in seams and in cracks, and in broken fragments upon the face of the whole earth, yea, both above the earth and beneath.

 23 And behold, there shall be great tempests, and there shall be many mountains laid low, like unto a valley, and there shall be many places which are now called valleys which shall become mountains, whose height is great. 24 And many highways shall be broken up, and many cities shall become desolate. 25 And many graves shall be opened, and shall yield up many of their dead; and many saints shall appear unto many.

 26 And behold, thus hath the angel spoken unto me; for he said unto me that there should be thunderings and lightnings for the space of many hours. 27 And he said unto me that while the thunder and the lightning lasted, and the tempest, that these things should be, and that darkness should cover the face of the whole earth for the space of three days.

Come Follow Me 

091724, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 222.2, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 10,125

Journal Entry 

Yesterday was Monday and we basically just ran errands and took a nice walk in the canyon. We got restocked with some groceries. We're going to breakfast with Jake this morning and that's always enjoyable. He seems to enjoy it as well. Later we are serving in the Bishops Storehouse.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 13:1-39

38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.

 39 O ye people of the land, that ye would hear my words! And I pray that the anger of the Lord be turned away from you, and that ye would repent and be saved.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 1:13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

"Church members in another age were being held hostage until certain prophecies were fulfilled—with their lives being forfeit if those prophecies were not fulfilled precisely on time. They, too, were told by the Lord to be of good cheer. Why? Because, said Jesus, “On the morrow come I into the world.” With His birth, the mortal ministry of the Messiah would, at last, be launched!"

     Elder Neal A. Maxwell Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1982

091624, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 222.6, GMI: 6.9, Yesterday's Steps: 8,451

Journal Entry 

Nice quiet Sunday. We walked in Provo Canyon in the morning and it was lovely. Sacrament meeting was the annual primary children's program and we didn't go. 

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 12:1-26

1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and prosper those who put their trust in him.

2 Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

Journal Entry 

We enjoyed a nice quiet Sabbath Day. We took a long walk in Provo Canyon and enjoyed the view of the amazing Bridal Veil Falls. Then rested and read for most of the day. I did watch a little football but not too much 😇.

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 1:6 And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

7 And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

8 But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.

"It is…necessary to accept the fact that the Lord’s timing is different than ours. Sometimes we seek for a blessing and set a time limit for the Lord to fulfill it. We cannot condition our faithfulness to Him by imposing upon Him a deadline for the answers to our desires. When we do this, we resemble the skeptical Nephites from ancient times, who mocked their brothers and sisters by saying that the time was past for the fulfillment of the words spoken by Samuel the Lamanite, creating confusion among those who believed. We need to trust the Lord enough to be still and know that He is God, that He knows all things, and that He is aware of each of us."

     Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2019

091524, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 1,750

Journal Entry 

We attended the 0630 Endowment Session yesterday as planned. I really am enjoying this new Endowment presentation. I find myself constantly thinking about the Endowment in a manner that I normally did not not previously. I won't discuss it here in detail but previously attending an endowment session seemed more tedious, time consuming and often boring. Now I actually look forward to the sessions because of the way the content is presented. 

I don't think I'm alone in this because temple attendance seems way up to me since the most recent endowment session modifications have been implemented. Our temple has four "Instruction" rooms where the endowment is presented. Each room holds over 90 patrons and because there are four rooms, a new session starts every 30 minutes. I've been either a patron or an Ordinance Worker on two days per week for the last two months and each session I've been involved with has at least 60 patrons and usually more like 80.

After the temple, Cathy went and got Erica and took her shopping. Then they came back here and made bread together using Kamut flour that is basically gluten free. It was delicious. Erica loves spending time with Cathy and Cathy loves Erica. Cathy is one of the best things to happen to Erica who just turned 15.

Later, Beth and Karen came over for a visit and took drop of flowers for Cathy's birthday.

It was a very good day.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 11:20-38

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 16:22 And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts, which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good and against that which should come.

"Scriptures repeatedly warn that the father of contention opposes the plan of our Heavenly Father. Satan’s method relies on the infectious canker of contention. Satan’s motive: to gain personal acclaim even over God Himself.

The work of the adversary may be likened to loading guns in opposition to the work of God. Salvos containing germs of contention are aimed and fired at strategic targets essential to that holy work. These vital targets include—in addition to the individual—the family, leaders of the Church, and divine doctrine…

Through love of God, the pain caused by the fiery canker of contention will be extinguished from the soul."

       Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 1989

091424, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 9,244

Journal Entry 

Enjoyed a nice relaxing day with Cathy on her birthday. The weather, though beautiful, was much cooler in the morning. We had breakfast at Aubergine Kitchen in Orem then took a drive up through Cascade Springs area to Midway. By then it was warm enough to walk in Provo Canyon then a late lunch at Guru's in Provo.

I took the photo here of the Provo City Center Temple from near our outdoor table at Guru's.

All in all it was a very nice day.

We are going to the temple again this morning (Mt. Timpanogos) for our 0630 Endowment Session. We've done this for several weeks now and we both agree that this is a nice tradition that we enjoy.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 11:1-19

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 16:2 But as many as there were who did not believe in the words of Samuel were angry with him; and they cast stones at him upon the wall, and also many shot arrows at him as he stood upon the wall; but the Spirit of the Lord was with him, insomuch that they could not hit him with their stones neither with their arrows.

"Sometimes we become the lightning rod, and we must “take the heat” for holding fast to God’s standards and doing His work. I testify that we need not be afraid if we are grounded in His doctrine. We may experience misunderstanding, criticism, and even false accusation, but we are never alone…

Samuel stood on a wall and prophesied of Christ’s coming while rocks and arrows were assailing him.

…[G]reat servants and Saints of God were able to stand strong because they stood with the Savior."

     Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2013

091324, Friday, Cathy's Birthday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 8,333

Journal Entry 

It was a cool day yesterday but really very nice. We walked at Rock Canyon Park which gave us a nice start to our day. We shoot for 7500 steps a day and got it.

We both served at the Bishops Storehouse and enjoyed that.

Today is Cathy's birthday. She's now officially 74 years old, looking good and feeling pretty well. 

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 10

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 15:3 Yea, wo unto this people who are called the people of Nephi except they shall repent, when they shall see all these signs and wonders which shall be showed unto them; for behold, they have been a chosen people of the Lord; yea, the people of Nephi hath he loved, and also hath he chastened them; yea, in the days of their iniquities hath he chastened them because he loveth them.

 "We understand why some feel we reject them. That is not true. We do not reject you, only immoral behavior. We cannot reject you, for you are the sons and daughters of God. We will not reject you, because we love you.

You may even feel that we do not love you. That also is not true...there are times when parents and we who lead the Church must extend tough love when failing to teach and to warn and to discipline is to destroy."

     President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2000

091224, Thursday

Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 3,620

Journal Entry 

Had a good day at the temple as an Ordinance Worker. Art Sandgren was a patron in Initiatories during one of my periods there. He had a large dressing on his left cheek and explained that he had skin cancer removed. He also said there were some stitches involved and that they believe they got all the cancer. That can be scary stuff and I hope he'll be alright.

Our housekeeper came and, as usual, did a great. It is so nice to have all of the cleaning done which she does every two weeks. It really makes life easier for us.

We didn't get much walking done, partly because the air quality is unhealthy due to brush fires in distant (but not distant enough) areas.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 9

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 14:30 And now remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.

31 He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.

"The prophets told us in the Book of Mormon that “men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.”

Life is meant to be a test to see if we will keep the commandments of God. We are free to obey or to ignore the spirit and the letter of the law. But the agency granted to man is a moral agency. We are not free to break our covenants and escape the consequences."

      Elder Boyd K. Packer Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1990

091124, Wednesday

Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 10,175

Journal Entry 

Had a good day at the Bishops Storehouse. Helped a lot of people.

We walked on the old pedestrian/bike path yesterday from the Bridal Veil parking lot uphill for a mile and a half then back. It was a beautiful day and not too crowded.

Our housekeeper is coming today and I will be serving at the temple. Looking like another good day.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Helaman Chapter 8

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 13:38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.

Again, we see similarities between what is happening today in America and what happened in Helaman's day.

Just last night I watched on TV as our two remaining candidates for the office of president of the United States engaged in a "debate". We have reached a point, in my opinion, where we don't know from what these candidates tell us what is the truth and what are lies. 

I am grateful for the presence in my life of a Prophet, and a First Presidency and Twelve Apostles. These are 15 people who I trust to tell the truth.

091024 Tuesday, Our 47th Anniversary

Vitals: Weight: 219.8, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 7,618

Journal Entry 

We pretty much just rested and ran some errands. We walked at Fashion Place Mall while we were there to take care of some business for Cathy. Then we had a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.

I got up at 0230 then decided to just go back to bed and I did and slept for another 90 minutes. I need to do that more often.

Today we'll serve at the Bishops Storehouse.

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

The Prophecy of Nephi, the Son of Helaman—God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 through 16.

Chapter 7:4 And seeing the people in a state of such awful wickedness, and those Gadianton robbers filling the judgment-seats—having usurped the power and authority of the land; laying aside the commandments of God, and not in the least aright before him; doing no justice unto the children of men;

5 Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—

Sound familiar?

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 13:27 But behold, if a man shall come among you and shall say: Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and ye shall not suffer; yea, he will say: Walk after the pride of your own hearts; yea, walk after the pride of your eyes, and do whatsoever your heart desireth—and if a man shall come among you and say this, ye will receive him, and say that he is a prophet.

28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him.

"Sometimes we as leaders of the Church are criticized for holding firm to the laws of God, defending the Savior’s doctrine, and resisting the social pressures of our day. But our commission as ordained apostles is “to go into all the world to preach [His] gospel unto every creature.”8 That means we are commanded to teach truth.

"In doing so, sometimes we are accused of being uncaring as we teach the Father’s requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. But wouldn’t it be far more uncaring for us not to tell the truth—not to teach what God has revealed?

"It is precisely because we do care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!

"My dear young friends, exaltation is not easy. Requirements include a focused and persistent effort to keep God’s laws, rigorously repenting when we don’t. But the reward for doing so is far greater than anything we can imagine, because it brings us joy here and “never-ending happiness”9 hereafter.

"Thus our commission as apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does notgive us the authority to modify divine law."

.    President Russell M. Nelson, BYU Devotional, 2024

090924, Monday

Vitals: Weight: 222.4, GMI: 6.8, Yesterday's Steps: 7,910

Journal Entry 

Yesterday was stake conference and we passed on going. I won't try to defend not going to stake conference but I just don't go for a variety of reasons.

We took a long walk in the canyon and enjoyed a day of resting and studying. 

I decided to now list in my "Vitals" each day the number of steps I took the previous day according to my health app on my iPhone.

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

Helaman 6

The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty—Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness—The robbers take over the Nephite government.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 13:21 Behold ye, the people of this great city, and hearken unto my words; yea, hearken unto the words which the Lord saith; for behold, he saith that ye are cursed because of your riches, and also are your riches cursed because ye have set your hearts upon them, and have not hearkened unto the words of him who gave them unto you.

22 Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities.

"There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is “the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.” The critical difference is the degree of spirituality we exercise in viewing, evaluating, and managing the things of this world and our experiences in it.

If allowed to become an object of worship or priority, money can make us selfish and prideful, “puffed up in the vain things of the world.”

     Elder Dallin H. Oaks Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1985

090824, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, GMI: 6.9

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

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.

Journal Entry:

Cathy continues to suffer from osteoporosis related pain. She is actively getting medical assistance and we hope that she will be improving shortly. She stayed home from the temple yesterday to rest and I actually was able to go and get there in time for the 0600 Endowment Session. 

We were able to run a few errands later in the day and then rest.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 12:24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.

"The effect of grace in our lives is conditioned upon repenting of our sins...

A repentant heart and good works are the very conditions required to have grace restored to us. When someone pleads fervently in prayer for an answer, the answer may be more conditioned on repentance of personal sins than on any other factor."

     Elder Gene R. Cook Of the Seventy, April 1993

090724, Saturday

Vitals: Weight: 223.3, GMI: 7.0

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

Helaman 4

11 Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God.

Journal Entry:

We are scheduled to attend an Endowment Session this morning. After that we will hopefully rest and catch up on tasks that have been delayed during the past few days. Actually I attended the Endowment Session. Cathy was feeling poorly and needed to stay home. We are still hoping to catch up on other tasks.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 12:4, O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world!

"You must lay aside any feeling of pride that is so common in the world today. By this I mean the attitude that rejects the authority of God to rule in our lives...You hear it expressed today in phrases such as “Do your own thing” or “Right and wrong depend on what I feel is right for me.” That attitude is a rebellion against God, just as Lucifer rebelled against God in the premortal world. He rejected God’s right to declare the truth and establish the law. Satan wanted, and still wants, the power to declare arbitrarily what is right and wrong. Our beloved Creator does not force us to accept His authority, but willingly submitting to that authority is the first step in conversion."

       Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Presidency of the Seventy, April 2004

090624, Friday

Vitals: Weight: 221.7, GMI: 7.0

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

Helaman 3

Journal Entry:

I served as a substitute in the temple today. So far this week I served Tuesday and Thursday in the Bishops Storehouse and Wednesday and Friday in the temple. It feels good to have served that much but I'm feeling like it was too much for a 78 year old guy recovering from two recent spinal surgeries. Plus Cathy and I are going to an endowment session on Saturday morning. If it was necessary that's one thing but I am feeling that two shifts at the Bishops Storehouse and one shift as an Ordinance Worker each week is sufficient. Then going to the temple on Saturdays as a patron is a lot more enjoyable.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 12:2-3, Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.

"...[T]he challenge to remember has always been the hardest for those who are blessed abundantly. Those who are faithful to God are protected and prospered. That comes as the result of serving God and keeping His commandments. But with those blessings comes the temptation to forget their source. It is easy to begin to feel the blessings were granted not by a loving God on whom we depend but by our own powers...

The key to the remembering that brings and maintains testimony is receiving the Holy Ghost as a companion. It is the Holy Ghost who helps us see what God has done for us."

090524, Thursday

 Vitals: Weight: 222.8, GMI: 7.0

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

Helaman 2

Journal Entry:

I've been lax in keeping up with my journal entries. I'm supposed to join Cathy in serving in the Bishops Storehouse today. Since I agreed to a substitute shift at the temple tomorrow, Cathy recomends I should pass on the Bishops Storehouse. I'm still recovering from surgery and it might be a good idea to rest this afternoon. I'll see how I feel. It does tire me to work at the Storehouse. This is one of those situations where the "Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak".

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 10:4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

"That faith did not come in the moment when Nephi needed it, nor did God’s trust in Nephi. He earned that great faith and God’s confidence by courageous and sustained labor in the Lord’s service. You...are building that faith now for the days ahead when you will need it...

Now, the Lord said Nephi could be trusted because he would ask nothing contrary to God’s will. To have that confidence in Nephi, the Lord had to be sure that Nephi believed in revelation, sought it, and followed it. Long experience following inspiration from God was a part of Nephi’s...preparation. It must be part of yours."

     President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2009

090424, Wednesday

 Vitals: Weight: 222.0, GMI: 7.0

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

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.

Helaman 1

Journal Entry 

I served as an Ordinance Worker today. Very happy to have been able to do that.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 8

"True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous...

"There is nothing easy or automatic about becoming such powerful disciples. Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee."

    President Russell M. Nelson

090324, Tuesday

Vitals: Weight: 220.9, 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.

Alma Chapter 61 and 62

Journal Entry 

Served at the Bishops Storehouse. I was the only manager and I enjoyed a good day of service.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 7:16 Yea, how could you have given way to the enticing of him who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to everlasting misery and endless wo?

"The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel."

     Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2009

090224, Labor Day (Monday)

Vitals: Weight: 223.3, 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.

Alma Chapter 59 and 60

Journal Entry 

We spent the holiday walking together in Provo Canyon then, as we often do, decided to take a drive up towards the Kamas area. On the way back, the highway back through Provo Canyon was almost at a complete standstill because of heavy traffic. I'm not sure what the problem was, probably a traffic collision, and didn't know where it was. I finally decided to take the Cascade Springs Drive that winds through the mountains. It ordinarily, of course, takes much longer than US 189, the main highway through Provo Canyon but not this time. There was almost no traffic and we enjoyed the drive. We decided to take the road that goes down through American Fork Canyon and then went to lunch at Nori Sushi Bar and Grill in Lehi. I still don't know why traffic was so bad on US 189 but I don't care enough at this point to research the matter.

Come Follow Me 

Helaman 7:7 Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I could have joyed with him in the promised land; then were his people easy to be entreated, firm to keep the commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord—

"Brothers and sisters, by divine appointment, “these are [our] days,” since “all things must come to pass in their time.” Moreover, though we live in a failing world, we have not been sent here to fail.

"Recall the new star that announced the birth at Bethlehem? It was in its precise orbit long before it so shone. We are likewise placed in human orbits to illuminate.

     Elder Neal A. Maxwell Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2002

090124, Sunday

Vitals: Weight: 220.6, 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 58

Journal Entry