013125, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.2, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day) 9,848

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 4:3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

"In the culture of the Church, we often talk of being called to serve in a country such as Argentina, Poland, Korea, or the United States. But a missionary is not called to a place; rather, he or she is called to serve. As the Lord declared through the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1829, “If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work."

Elder David A. Bednar Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2017

013025, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day) 4,386

Journal Entry

We just heard about the airlines crash at Washington DC where a passenger aircraft operated by PSA under contract to American Airlines with 60 passengers and 4 crew members flying from Wichita, Kansas to Reagan international airport collided with an army helicopter with 3 or 4 people on board. It is being reported that there are no survivors. Tragic and sad.

I enjoyed working my weekly shift at the Mt Timpanogos temple yesterday. The temple was very busy which is a good thing. 

Our cleaning lady, Angelica, came Tuesday and did a great job cleaning our house. She has been unable to work for us for several weeks due to an injury she suffered but we're glad she's back. She does an extremely thorough job every two weeks and it really makes life better for us.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 4:2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

"A few years ago, youth in the Church learned that “when you ‘embark in the service of God,’ you’re joining the greatest journey ever. You’re helping God hasten His work, and it’s a great, joyful, and marvelous experience.” It’s a journey available to all—of any age—and is also a journey that takes us along what our beloved prophet has spoken of as “the covenant path.”

Unfortunately, however, we live in a selfish world where people constantly ask, “What’s in it for me?” instead of asking, “Whom can I help today?” or “How can I better serve the Lord in my calling?” or “Am I giving my all to the Lord?”

Sister Cristina B. Franco, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, October 2018

012925, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.4, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day) 10,373

Journal Entry

Enjoyed working at the Bishops storehouse yesterday. And my shift at the temple this morning should also be enjoyable. Today and yesterday (Tuesday and Wednesday) are my work week. Got in a good walk with Cathy yesterday morning at University Place. Today, Wednesday, is more difficult because I don't get done at the temple until 2 PM and Cathy usually doesn't like to walk late in the day. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 3:7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words—

8 Yet you should have been faithful; and he would have extended his arm and supported you against all the fiery darts of the adversary; and he would have been with you in every time of trouble.

"Many are led astray by the false doctrines of the world that youthfulness, beauty, adornments, possessions, power, titles, or attainments are what make one worthwhile. As in Book of Mormon times, there are those who want to become popular in the eyes of the world rather than do what God expects. The Lord counseled Joseph Smith early in his ministry, “You should not have feared man more than God.”

Joanne B. Doxey, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, October 1987

012825, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 231.2, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day) 9,603

Journal Entry

Yesterday was quiet again. Just routine stuff. Today we will serve at the Bishops Storehouse but our housekeeper friend, Angelica will be back after missing a few weeks because of injuries. She does a great job and I've missed her. I've done some of the cleaning and Cathy has as well of course but Angelica does a much better job. Looking forward to her results.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 3:2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.

"The question is not, “Is there room for honest, sincere inquiry?” but rather, “Where do I turn for truth when questions do arise?” “Will I be wise enough to hold fast to what I know to be true in spite of a few questions I might have?” I testify there is a divine source—One who knows all things, the end from the beginning. All things are present before Him. The scriptures testify that He does “not walk in crooked paths, … neither doth he vary from that which he hath said.”

Elder Larry S. Kacher Of the Seventy, October 2014

012725, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9,  GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 2,488

Journal Entry

Here it is, Monday morning, and I'm thinking about some of the catching up I should do with so many things.

1. Our file cabinets could use some reorganizing 

2. On my computers (mostly my iPad for now) I have documents and photographs that are pretty much totally unorganized between the photo apps, Google Drive, Google Docs and Gmail. When I think about it my head hurts and I just put it off until who knows when.

3. My garage is pretty unorganized and could use about a week's worth of effort 

4. The basement could use a little work as well.

So probably getting closer to doing some of these things but so far I'm just thinking about them.

Other than that, I have nothing planned for today. It's still cold outside, 16 going up to 36 according to one forecast. I'll see what Cathy wants to do and go from there but she's not up yet. It's early (0545).

Come Follow Me 

D&C 3:1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.

"...[W]e are also “troubled on every side,” and we also need that same message not to despair but to be of good cheer. The Lord has special love and concern for His precious [children]. He knows of your wants, your needs, and your fears. The Lord is all powerful. Trust Him.

The Prophet Joseph Smith was taught that “the works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.”

...[T]hese promises, given in the midst of persecutions and personal tragedies, apply to each of you in your troubling circumstances today. They are precious and remind each of us to be of good cheer and to have joy in the fulness of the gospel as we press forward through the challenges of mortality."

President Dallin H. Oaks First Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2020

012625, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9,  GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 9,206

Journal Entry

I visited Beth and Karen yesterday after walking at University Place. Beth had her home radon-proofed the previous day and that reminded me that I needed to patch some minor cracks in our basement floor that have developed since our home was radon-proofed a couple of years ago. I patched some cracks yesterday and will do more probably tomorrow because I needed more concrete sealant.

Come Follow Me 

 D&C 2:2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.

3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.

I remember when a friend having a difficult day exclaimed, “Oh, why was I ever born?” God’s plan answers his question. We came into this life to acquire a physical body. We may fall in love and be married. We may have children and experience the trials of mortal life. The Church was restored—the earth was created—so that those families could be sealed in holy temples. Otherwise, the whole earth would be “utterly wasted.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2005

It's interesting to note that the above scripture from D&C 2, appears in nearly the same wording in all four of our standard works. We are building hundreds of temples all over the world and President Nelson has started emphatically in his latest general conference address that we are doing this because the Lord has commanded it.

Family relationships are important. Many of us probably don't even understand how completely important these relationships are but they are obviously part of our Heavenly Fathers plan for us, His children.

012525, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 9,349

Journal Entry

We decided to go to Chick-Fil-A in Provo yesterday morning and as we drove into the parking lot the sunrise was pretty spectacular as seen in the photo.

It was another quiet day.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:59 At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate. On the twenty-second day of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge: that I should be responsible for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavors to preserve them, until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should be protected.

"My dear fellow companions in the gospel, many of today’s discoveries from ancient times occur during an archaeological excavation or even by accident during a construction project. Joseph Smith, however, was directed to the plates by an angel. That outcome by itself was a miracle."

Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2020

012425, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.6, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 9,817

Journal Entry

We walked at Fashion Place Mall and drove downtown SLC to kill time and see the sights. Quiet day.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:55 As my father’s worldly circumstances were very limited, we were under the necessity of laboring with our hands, hiring out by day’s work and otherwise, as we could get opportunity. Sometimes we were at home, and sometimes abroad, and by continuous labor were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance.

"God has designed this mortal existence to require nearly constant exertion. I recall the Prophet Joseph Smith’s simple statement: “By continuous labor [we] were enabled to get a comfortable maintenance.” By work we sustain and enrich life. It enables us to survive the disappointments and tragedies of the mortal experience. Hard-earned achievement brings a sense of self-worth. Work builds and refines character, creates beauty, and is the instrument of our service to one another and to God. A consecrated life is filled with work, sometimes repetitive, sometimes menial, sometimes unappreciated but always work that improves, orders, sustains, lifts, ministers, aspires."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2010

012325, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.8, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 7,974

Journal Entry:

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:34 He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;

"In addition, the Restoration added knowledge that Saints had anciently. The Lord provided a new book of scripture. To the Holy Bible, He added the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of prophecies and the ministry of the resurrected Lord to the people of ancient America. It explains God’s great plan of happiness—the plan of salvation. The Book of Mormon is in full harmony with the Bible. Both sacred records affirm the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the importance of His Atonement."

Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2013

012225, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,966

Journal Entry

As the sun set yesterday, one of the senior Missionaries serving with us at the Bishops Storehouse came in and said that the view of the setting sun on Mt. Timpanogos was pretty spectacular... And it was. I took this photo from in back of the Bishops Storehouse and it really doesn't capture how spectacular the view really was.

Enjoyed another day of service at the Bishops Storehouse. Working there has given me an opportunity to work on several Christ-like skills or attributes. One is being non-judgemental and another is patience. The Storehouse is such a blessing to people who need food and other necessities that we can provide. While there is a possibility that these services could be abused, mostly it's a great system doing great things and I'm grateful to be a part of it.

Today is my day to serve at the temple as an Ordinance Worker and I'm looking forward to that.

My health is pretty good right now. No back pain. It's sometimes hard to remember that I'm 79 years old and have had three back surgeries. I truly believe that being careful to avoid excessive bending, lifting and twisting cab lengthen my life and keep me useful.

I went to my eye doctor yesterday and he gave me a new prescription for eyeglasses. My ability to read or see things clearly that are close has deteriorated. I'm hoping that new glasses will be beneficial in that regard.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.

"Why does the Lord allow the evil speaking to chase after the good? One reason is that opposition against the things of God sends seekers of truth to their knees for answers."

Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2014

012125, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0,  GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,964

Journal Entry

Going to see my eye doctor today. I'm not sure what will come of that but new glasses is a possibility I guess. Then I'm scheduled to have lunch with my fellow retired LAPD folks at Marley's. I'm not sure I'll go. The main value of this group is they have an annual Firearms qualification every September that keeps my retired police ID up to date so I can legally carry a concealed gun anywhere in the country. Other than that, these guys are like many other retired LA cops in that they enjoy sort of living in the past. I'm just not into the past. It was a great career that gave us many blessings such as lifetime medical in addition to Medicare and a pension that is truly a blessing but being a cop is pretty much behind me now. We'll see.

Then we have the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:30 While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.

"Now I know, my brothers and sisters and friends, and bear witness to the fact that revelation from the Lord comes through the spoken word, by personal visitation, by messengers from the Lord, through dreams, and by way of visions, and by the voice of the Lord coming into one’s mind.

Most often, however, revelation comes to us by means of the still, small voice."

 President Marion G. Romney, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 1978

012025, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.6, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 3,119

Journal Entry

Very cold today. High of 22 predicted. No solid plans. I think Cathy has one doctors appointment but nothing major... Just a follow up.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:29 In consequence of these things, I often felt condemned for my weakness and imperfections; when, on the evening of the above-mentioned twenty-first of September, after I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies, and also for a manifestation to me, that I might know of my state and standing before him; for I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one.

"Another holy place in Joseph Smith’s life was his own bedroom. This may be hard to believe because, like many of you, he shared his bedroom with siblings. It became a holy place when he prayed with great faith, humility, and need. He explained, “After I had retired to my bed for the night, I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God for forgiveness of all my sins and follies.”...[T]hat night in Joseph’s bedroom, the angel Moroni appeared in answer to his pleadings. Joseph received knowledge and comfort. That night, his bedroom became a holy place."

Sister Ann M. Dibb, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, April 2013

We have the ability to move to, or create, Holy Places by our own actions.

011925, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.6, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 6,314

Journal Entry

It was cold and snowy yesterday. We went to the temple for our 0730 Endowment Session. When we came out it was snowing pretty hard but we decided to try to go to breakfast at Aubergine Kitchen in Orem. The snow just kept getting worse so after a quick stop at Trader Joe's, we drove home and mostly stayed in the rest of the day.

Today is Sunday. I'm planning on going to choir practice then Cathy and I will go to church. Hopefully Sunday school will be as good as it was two weeks ago.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

"Once Joseph Smith received this knowledge, his life didn’t get easier. In fact, he was faced with intense pressure from peers and adults. Joseph Smith’s history provides an important pattern for each of us. We can apply his teachings when we don’t know what to do, when we are faced with peer pressure, when we feel surrounded by temptation, or feel unworthy or alone. We can pray!...

If you have ever felt the tug of peer pressure, pray, ask in faith, and listen to the Holy Ghost. Then live the gospel."

Elaine S. Dalton, Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, April 2005

011825, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 8,272

Journal Entry

I have been enjoying reading the book, The Heart of the Matter, by President Nelson that my sister gave me for my birthday. The first chapter is titled, Begin With the End in Mind. That is something I've thought about a lot in the past. We need to consider where we will be and what we will be doing in ten or twenty years and beyond into the eternities. If you believe that life is eternal - and I truly do - then it is very important to consider the future as we decide what to do today.

We are preparing to go to the temple for our Saturday morning Endowment Session. It's snowing and cold outside but that shouldn't be much of a problem. Just need to be careful driving.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

"Joseph Smith saw God, the Eternal Father, and Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world...In the years that followed...[n]umerous other heavenly beings visited him, restoring truths and authority that had been lost for centuries. These divine communications to Joseph Smith opened the windows of heaven and the glories of eternity to our view. Joseph’s life stands as a testimony that if any of us lack wisdom, we can ask God in faith and receive answers—sometimes from heavenly beings but more often by the power of the Holy Ghost..."

Elder Craig C. Christensen Of the Presidency of the Seventy, October 2016

011725, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.2, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 9,582

Journal Entry

I got a little sidetracked yesterday and didn't create a journal Entry. We enjoyed serving at the Bishops Storehouse Tuesday afternoon. Everything else was pretty unremarkable.

As you can see we got some steps in yesterday after two days of not doing much walking.

We went by and visited Beth and returned her Rummikub game and got her to put a little note in the Book she gave me for my birthday, "The Heart of the Matter" by President Russell M. Nelson. By the way I am really enjoying reading that book and highly recommend it to everyone.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

"...Satan, or Lucifer, or the father of lies...is real, the very personification of evil. His motives are in every case malicious, and he convulses at the appearance of redeeming light, at the very thought of truth...[H]e is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these whenever and wherever he can."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2011

011625, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.7, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 3,600

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I speak today as a servant of the Lord and also as a great-grandfather. To you and to my beloved posterity, I teach and bear testimony of the remarkable gift of the Holy Ghost.

I begin by acknowledging the Light of Christ, which is given to “every man [and woman] that cometh into the world.” All of us benefit from this holy light. It is “in all and through all things,” and it allows us to distinguish right from wrong.

But the Holy Ghost is different from the Light of Christ. He is the third member of the Godhead, a distinct personage of spirit with sacred responsibilities, and one in purpose with the Father and the Son."

"The Holy Ghost is central to the Restoration. Regarding his boyhood reading of James 1:5, the Prophet Joseph recounted, “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.” The power described by Joseph Smith was the influence of the Holy Ghost."

Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "The Holy Ghost", April 2016

011525, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 5,104

Journal Entry

We had a fairly quiet shift at the Bishops Storehouse yesterday. I really enjoy serving there partly because food has become a major problem for so many people. Our system has some wrinkles that should be smoother out but it's a great source for food and some other needed supplies for families and people in need.

I'm serving in the temple today and anticipate a good day there.

I sort of joke that my work week has become two days with serving in the Bishops Storehouse on Tuesdays and serving in the temple on Wednesdays. Then, of course, my weekends runtime Thursday through Monday each week. Pretty good for a man of my age.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?

"When pondering which of these voices to listen to or which road among the many is right, have you ever asked yourself, as Joseph Smith did: “What is to be done? Who of all these [voices and roads is] right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” My witness to you is that Jesus Christ continues to mark the path, lead the way, and define every point on our journey. His path is strait and narrow and leads toward “light and life and endless day.”

Elder Lowell M. Snow Of the Seventy, October 2005

True today. True 200+ years as go.

011425, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 230.3, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 10,700

Journal Entry

I wanted to get a good night's sleep last night but our wifi got screwed up. At first Alexa wouldn't do what it was asked to do. I found out by talking to Jake on the phone that our Google web device wasn't working and I finally found out that it was unplugged at the power strip in the office. Once I plugged it back in, everything started working right. Except our Ecobee thermostat. After being asleep for less than two hours, I woke up because it seemed cold in the house. So I checked and the heater was off and the temperature was down. After waking up and tinkering with it I finally got the thermostat to work and was able to go back to sleep... Again. Anyway I didn't get much sleep.

Going to the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:5 Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.

"Life is full of many intersecting roads and trails. There are so many paths to follow, so many voices calling out “lo, here” or “lo, there.” There is such a variety and volume of media flooding our personal space, most of it intent on herding us down a path that is broad and traveled by many."

Elder Lowell M. Snow Of the Seventy, October '05

011325, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 230.1, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 2,712

Journal Entry

Yesterday was quiet. We are getting used to Sacrament meeting starting at 1:30 PM. It does seem to preclude getting any walking in on Sunday at least while the weather is so cold outside but that's OK. We are looking forward to warmer weather when we will go up the canyon or to a park and walk outside on Sunday mornings.

We'll get a good walk in today though. Nothing else on our calendar.

Come Follow Me 

Joseph Smith History 1:1 Owing to the many reports which have been put in circulation by evil-disposed and designing persons, in relation to the rise and progress of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, all of which have been designed by the authors thereof to militate against its character as a Church and its progress in the world—I have been induced to write this history, to disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation both to myself and the Church, so far as I have such facts in my possession.

"While the Church is becoming more visible, there are still many people who do not understand it. Some have been taught to be suspicious of the Church, to operate under negative stereotypes about the Church without questioning their source and validity. There is also a great deal of misinformation and confusion about what the Church is and what it stands for. This has been true since the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith...

The growing visibility and reputation of the Church presents some remarkable opportunities to us as its members. We can help “disabuse the public mind” and correct misinformation when we are portrayed as something we are not. More important, though, we can share who we are."

Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2011

011225, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 231.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,016

Journal Entry

No walking today. No place to go. Personally I think we might be able to walk at Provo Town Center in the morning hours but Cathy checked and their web page indicates they're open from noon to six pm. I think it's possible that they might be open for business from 12 to 6 but maybe accessible for walking earlier. Our current issue is that church this year is from 1330 to 1500 which basically wipes out walking between 1200 and 1800. I'd like to drive over there some Sunday morning and just try it. Maybe in the future but not today.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.

"Another unchanging principle is that of truth. Scripture reminds us that “the truth abideth forever and ever”. Even though one’s understanding of the truth may be fragmentary, truth itself does not change. Everlasting truth and wisdom come from the Lord. The first truth ever taught to man came directly from Deity. From generation to generation, God has given additional light. Whether truth comes from a laboratory of science or directly by revelation, truth is embraced by the gospel."

Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 1993

 

011125, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 10,577

Journal Entry

We went to the 0730 Endowment Session this morning then Jill's volleyball session. Erica and Cathy then went shopping for stuff for their annual valentines tea party.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;

011025, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 230.6, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,666

Journal Entry

We visited Janet and Ron McDonald and took them some bananas. They are pretty much home bound because of his declining health and they order their groceries from Walmart. For some reason, Walmart sends bananas that are overripe and not satisfactory so we decided to take some bananas over to them. It's not hard and they're quite inexpensive. 

After going home, Jake came over with his two boys because Erica was getting her organ lesson from our neighbor, Harold Stuart. That was pretty cool and Erica came over as well after her lesson. Fredrick was comfortable enough to ask Cathy if she would fix him some quesadillas. And, of course, she was delighted and fed us all some. We had a nice visit. Harold wants Jake to stay while Erica has her lesson unless his wife is home, which she was, so they came over and were happy for that.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually

"Priesthood keys distinguish The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from any other organization on earth. Many other organizations can and do make your life better here in mortality. But no other organization can and will influence your life after death."

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

010925, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 231.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 3,645

Journal Entry

Enjoyed serving in the temple again yesterday. Then nothing noteworthy. Today is the same. Hopefully we'll get to walk somewhere. Otherwise I think I'll just do some household chores like vacuuming. Exciting. It's cold outside and projected to continue that way. It's January so.....

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh

"You might be thinking that you are no one special, that you are not all-star material. But that is not true. Don’t you know that God has proclaimed, “The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones?"

So, do you feel weak? insignificant? Congratulations, you just made the lineup!

Do you feel unimportant? inferior? You may be just who God needs.

What greater example is there than David stepping onto the battlefield against a frightening opponent, Goliath? Relying on the Lord, with a plan, David saved not only himself but the army of Israel! Know that the Lord will be with you as you summon your courage to be on His side. “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Elder Gary E. StevensoN Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2019

010825, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 230.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 9,413

Journal Entry

Yesterday I took a photo of the back of Mt. Timpanogos from the area near Sundance, Utah. Today the view is from our side but is still very spectacular. 

We served at the Bishops Storehouse and noted that it was very busy. There are a lot of new people coming in as more and more people are realizing they can relieve some of their income shortages by getting food from the church at no charge with their Bishop's approval. It's difficult not to judge as it seems that there is clearly a misuse of church resources in some instances. For example, I'm told there is a man who comes in regularly and gets ten cans of tuna to feed his cats. That's a bit extreme but clearly not what is intended. Somehow he apparently obtains his Bishops approval for this. There are other seeming abuses but I sobriety go into them here. Mostly we are helping people who need help and that's where the reward is for me.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:4 And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days.

"There is peace and tranquillity, there is solace and safety in His gospel. If we will but listen to those whose calling it is to watch and warn, if we will give heed to the words of the Master Himself, then our spiritual house will stand firm, and we can let the rain descend and the floods come and the winds blow and beat upon our house, because we are founded upon that rock.

The Lord has said, “And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days." He also said, “Whether by mine own voice, or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."

Elder David R. Stone Of the Seventy, January 2000 Liahona

010725, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 231.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,382

Journal Entry

Took a short drive up toward Aspen Grove on the Alpine Loop road. The mountain scenery as seen in the adjacent photo is always spectacular.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 1:2 For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

"As viewed through a clear lens, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the great privilege of loving, sharing, inviting, and helping gather Israel to receive the fulness of the Lord’s covenant blessings. This includes Africans and Europeans, South and North Americans, Asians, Australians, and those upon the isles of the sea. “For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men.” “This gathering shall continue until the righteous are assembled in the congregations of the Saints in the nations of the world.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 2023

010625, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 2329

Journal Entry

We had a very nice but uneventful Sabbath day together. Went to Fast and Testimony meeting then Sunday school. 

Today we are going out to breakfast at Chick Fil A and going to try to use some promotional points that we have collected through previous purchases. Then we will walk at one of the malls and get our steps in. Then we have little tasks to do so around the house. So a quiet but productive day.

Come Follow Me 

Our Sunday School lesson yesterday mirrored the Come Follow Me topics found in the We Believe app that I really like in that the discussion was based entirely on the Restoration Proclamation from 2020. It was a really good lesson and the teacher was Sister Megan Rawlins. I think she is new to that calling but very good as a teacher. We haven't really enjoyed Sunday School because of the instructors but she seems terrific.

D&C 6:36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

D&C 1:1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.

"The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken. It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. In those two words—“Hear Him”—God gives us the pattern for success, happiness, and joy in this life. We are to hear the words of the Lord, hearken to them, and heed what He has told us!"

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

010525, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.5, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 7,926

Journal Entry

Cathy was really tired this morning. After breakfast she wanted to go back to bed so I went to get my breakfast burrito then went to University Place and walked a couple of laps. When I got home I contracted Jake and he was still planning to come over so I started taking down the outdoor Christmas decorations. Before he even arrived he texted a pretty simple set of instructions for fixing our TV remote. So I followed them and when he got here he did another quick adjustment and our Xfinity remote works great and our new TV works great. Erica actually climbed up and cut down the last of the outdoor decorations. So I put all that away and it was, all in all, a pretty successful day.

Today I'm going to choir practice because our new song is "This Is The Christ" which I really like. Then it's Sacrament meeting at 1300 which will be the schedule for the rest of this year. Next year we'll start over and have our Sacrament meeting at 0900. Too late to too early...  Oh well.

Come Follow Me 

The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World, part 9

With reverence and gratitude, we as His Apostles invite all to know—as we do—that the heavens are open. We affirm that God is making known His will for His beloved sons and daughters. We testify that those who prayerfully study the message of the Restoration and act in faith will be blessed to gain their own witness of its divinity and of its purpose to prepare the world for the promised Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"I exhort you, I pray for you—if you do not know these things for yourself, follow the example of Joseph Smith and the pattern of the Restoration. Turn to the scriptures. Kneel in prayer. Ask in faith. Listen to the Holy Ghost. Learn that your name and needs are known by our Heavenly Father, just as Joseph’s were. Live the gospel with patience and persistence. And in the name of Jesus Christ, I promise, “If ye will … ask [Heavenly Father] in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping [the Lord’s] commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.”

Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2003

010425, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.8, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day) 4,397

Journal Entry

We got a new TV yesterday from Costco. Jake met us there after I finished my temple ordinance worker assignment and used his van to bring the TV to our house. After unpacking it it was obviously defective so we took it back and got a second one. All of that took a lot of time then he wanted to help us get it hooked up which is not easy these days. It came with it's own remote of course but Jake believed that we should connect it to our Xfinity remote. I honestly wasn't leaning that way but he's a lot techier than I and I trust him. Anyway after spending a lot of time on it it's still not right. He's going to come back today and believes he can make it work. If he has problems with that I think I'll encourage him to try to just set it up with its own remote. First of all, that might work better and Secondly I'm not sure we're going to stay with xfinity as our internet provider and that might make it necessary to go with the Samsung remote anyway. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will “gather together in one all things in Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).

"Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us—Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he received priesthood keys, the Church was organized. In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now. It includes “all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal,” and the “many great and important things” that “He will yet reveal.”...the exciting developments of today are part of that long-foretold period of preparation that will culminate in the glorious Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 2014

010325, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 8,474

Journal Entry

Yesterday was a really good day. It started with Jake and Meredith taking us out to breakfast then coming over to our house to visit and play games. Then Cathy and I went to the University Place to walk. We drove to Spanish Fork to an Ulta store because they had something that Cathy needed and didn't have it at any other location. I don't know what it was but it was girl stuff. Then went to Costco in Spanish Fork because it's right there and it's the biggest and best Costco in Utah Valley.

I'm going to work for Art Sandgren at the temple today because he is ailing. I worked for Dennis Gauger last Friday because he was sick. It was good for me because my normal temple shifts were canceled last week because it was Christmas Eve and this week because of New Years Eve. So I got to keep my weekly Ordinance Worker duties plus they both think they owe me... which they don't, of course, but it does make them more likely to substitute for me if I need it in the future.

Later, Jake is going to meet me at Costco and I'm going to get a new Samsung 55" TV for our TV room. It will actually be a little larger than the one we have but the price is incredible and we really don't like our current one for a variety of reasons. Jake will help me install it and then help me take down our outdoor Christmas decorations. Another good day.

Come Follow Me 

The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World, part 6

We declare that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized on April 6, 1830, is Christ’s New Testament Church restored. This Church is anchored in the perfect life of its chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ, and in His infinite Atonement and literal Resurrection. Jesus Christ has once again called Apostles and has given them priesthood authority. He invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.

"Jesus Christ is the head of the Church in all the earth.

...He leads His Church today by speaking to men called as prophets, and He does it through revelation.

...[I]t takes faith to believe that the resurrected Lord is watching over the daily details of His kingdom. It takes faith to believe that He calls imperfect people into positions of trust. It takes faith to believe that He knows the people He calls perfectly, both their capacities and their potential, and so makes no mistakes in His calls."

- By President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, October 2017

010225, Thursday, My 79th Birthday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.2,  GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 4,946

Journal Entry

Beth and Karen came over yesterday afternoon and we had a nice visit, played games and Cathy served another delicious meal. Karen, who has never married, is so talented and has such a great attitude. She has, in my opinion, been a blessing to Beth who would otherwise be living alone. She has a pretty nice set up in Beth's basement with her own bedroom and bath and she is very helpful to not only Beth but anyone who might need her.

Today, Jake and Meredith are taking us out to breakfast at Corner Bakery to celebrate my birthday. That should be fun. Then later I think we might go to the Bishops Storehouse and help out there.

We took down all of our indoor Christmas decorations yesterday and I'm planning on taking down the outside decorations tomorrow. The temperature outside is supposed to get to the high 40s so that's not too bad.

Come Follow Me 

The "We Believe" app has been giving us excerpts from the Bicentennial Proclamation:

The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World

By The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This is the fifth segment:

"We further witness that Joseph Smith was given the gift and power of God to translate an ancient record: the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Pages of this sacred text include an account of the personal ministry of Jesus Christ among people in the Western Hemisphere soon after His Resurrection. It teaches of life’s purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ, which is central to that purpose. As a companion scripture to the Bible, the Book of Mormon testifies that all human beings are sons and daughters of a loving Father in Heaven, that He has a divine plan for our lives, and that His Son, Jesus Christ, speaks today as well as in days of old."

In April 2020, Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in his general conference address said:

"The translation process of the Book of Mormon was also a miracle. This sacred ancient record was not “translated” in the traditional way that scholars would translate ancient texts by learning an ancient language. We ought to look at the process more like a “revelation” with the aid of physical instruments provided by the Lord, as opposed to a “translation” by one with knowledge of languages...The Lord’s help in the translation of the plates—or revelation, so to speak—is also evident when considering the miraculously short time Joseph Smith took to translate them."

Commentary on D&C 18:37–47

As instructed here, Oliver and David, assisted by Martin Harris, conducted the search to find the first Quorum of the Twelve in this dispensation. The date the search began is unknown, but in a conference held on October 26, 1831, Oliver declared that the Twelve would be “ordained and sent forth from the land of Zion” (Minutes, 25–26 October 1831, 15, JSP). The record of the February 1835 meeting at which the Twelve were called reads, “President Joseph Smith Jun^. said that the first business of the meeting was for the three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon to pray, each one, and then proceed to choose twelve men from the church as Apostles to go to all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. The three Witnesses, viz, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, united in prayer. These three witnesses were then blessed by the laying on of the hands of the Presidency. The witnesses, then, according to a former commandment, proceeded to make choice of the Twelve.”[1]

The first members of the Quorum of the Twelve chosen by the witnesses were (listed in the order given in the history of the Church) Lyman E. Johnson, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, David W. Patten, Luke Johnson, William E. McClellin, John F. Boynton, Orson Pratt, William Smith, Thomas B. Marsh, and Parley P. Pratt. Since all of the Twelve were called at the same time, they were ordained in order according to their ages. Oliver Cowdery delivered the first charge to the Twelve.[2]

010125, Wednesday, New Years Day

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.0, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 2,112

Journal Entry

I've been remiss in my daily journal writing. But, in fairness, not much is going on right now. Both of us are healthy. My duties at the temple and at the Bishops Storehouse are on hold because the holidays, Christmas and New Years are on Wednesdays this year so both of those entities are closed.

Cathy and I go for drives and not much else. Looking forward to getting back to routine.

Come Follow Me 

Come Follow Me is transitioning from the Book of Mormon to the D&C.

 "God the Father and Jesus Christ called upon the Prophet Joseph Smith to be the prophet of this dispensation. All divine powers of previous dispensations were to be restored through him. This dispensation of the fulness of times would not be limited in time or in location. It would not end in apostasy, and it would fill the world."

Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, October 2006

I'm also studying a chapter a day in the Book of Mormon.