Wednesday, April 30, 2025

043025, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,762

Journal Entry

Enjoyed working at the Bishops Storehouse yesterday. Today we will go to Payson to do some Sealings because our temple, Mt. Timpanogos, is closed for maintenance.


Our new Lindon Temple seems to be just about ready for use. They haven't announced any official opening date or date for dedication but it looks like it shouldn't be more than a few weeks.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 42:17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the Son.

"Brothers and sisters, I invite you to seek opportunities to bear your testimony in word and in deed. Such an opportunity came to me recently, at the end of a meeting with the mayor of a capital city in South America, in his chambers with a number of his cabinet officials. As we concluded with very cordial feelings, I hesitantly thought I should share my testimony. Following the prompting, I offered a witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and the Savior of the world. Everything changed at that moment. The Spirit in the room was undeniable. It seemed everyone was touched. “The Comforter … beareth record of the Father and of the Son.” I am so grateful I summoned the courage to bear my testimony.

When a moment like this comes, grab it and embrace it. You will feel the warmth of the Comforter inside you when you do."

Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

042925, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,529

Journal Entry

Cathy had some errands to run in Riverton. While there, we had lunch at Zupa's. Then it was home for a neighborhood walk.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 42:14 And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.

15 And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given.

 Appeal unto the Lord for His Spirit with all of the energy of your heart. The scriptures state, “If ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” This means that even if you use all the right teaching techniques and what you are teaching is true, without the Spirit real learning is not going to take place.

"The role of the teacher is “to help individuals take responsibility for learning the gospel—to awaken in them the desire to study, understand, and live the gospel.” This means that as teachers we should not focus so much on our performance as on how we help others learn and live the gospel."

David M. McConkie, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

Monday, April 28, 2025

042825, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.7, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 2,687

Journal Entry

Not much to report. Life is good but I'm aging. I hope to get some exercise today. Cathy has medical issues we're going to be dealing with to a degree today. I also need to catch up on my Come Follow Me reading and Book of Mormon studies.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 41:5 He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;

 "Christ’s invitation to become his disciple is universal…Jesus put no money price tag on his invitation…This does not mean, however, that because he put no money price on it that there is no cost involved. There is a cost to be paid in becoming a disciple of Christ, a very real cost. But the cost is a performance cost, not a money price.

Jesus taught this very plainly. He further taught that those who profess to follow him should realize the cost at the outset…Jesus was not looking for, or calling, men to do lip service only. He a wanted them to realize that following him meant effort and sacrifice."

President Marion G Romney, October 1978 in the First Presidency

Sunday, April 27, 2025

042725, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.5, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 9,457

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 40:1 Behold, verily I say unto you, that the heart of my servant James Covel was right before me, for he covenanted with me that he would obey my word.

2 And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; and the fear of persecution and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word.

3 Wherefore he broke my covenant, and it remaineth with me to do with him as seemeth me good. Amen.

"Of a prominent early investigator of the restored Church, who covenanted that he would obey any command that the Lord would give him, it was said, “And he received the word with gladness, but straightway Satan tempted him; … and the cares of the world caused him to reject the word.” Contrast that with the Lord’s clear statement: “He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple.”...

Now is the time to exercise our faith. Now is the time to commit to righteousness. Now is the time to do whatever is required to resolve our undesired circumstances. Now is the time to reconcile with God through the merciful process of change afforded us by the Redeemer of mankind.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of The Seventy, October 2007

Saturday, April 26, 2025

042625, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 10,137

Journal Entry

We walked up at Vivian Park yesterday and enjoyed it a lot. Good weather,etc.

Then I worked on my garage which needs reorganizing and cleaning. Still lots to do. I might continue that today plus I have some work to do in the front garden.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 38:39 And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

"Because Satan uses greed and the pursuit of possessions to sweep families off the celestial highway, Jesus advised, “Beware of covetousness.” Covetousness is restrained as we project our income, pay an honest tithe and generous fast offering, budget needed expenses, avoid unnecessary debt, save for future needs, and become temporally self-reliant. God’s promise to us is, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Elder Anthony D. Perkins

Friday, April 25, 2025

042525, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.3, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 7,832, BP: 133/88

Journal Entry

The weather should be very good today. I'm hoping to work on our garden and our garage. Stay tuned.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 38:30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

"How can we endure such trials? The Lord has told us that “if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” Of course, we can store our own reserves of food, water, and savings. But equally crucial is our need to fill our personal spiritual storehouses with faith, truth, and testimony.

Our ultimate quest in life is to prepare to meet our Maker. We do this by striving daily to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ. And we do that as we repent daily and receive His cleansing, healing, and strengthening power. Then we can feel enduring peace and joy, even during turbulent times. This is exactly why the Lord has implored us to stand in holy places and “be not moved.”

President Russell M Nelson 

Thursday, April 24, 2025

042425, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 3,110

Journal Entry


As I got to the temple for my weekly Ordinance Worker shift I couldn't help noticing how beautiful the gardens are.

Had a good shift but now I have the next five weeks off due to cleaning and renovations.

Soon I will be working at the new Lindon Temple.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 38:27 Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.

Unity

 "Another way we can develop inner strength is by striving for unity in our families, stakes, wards, and presidencies. The Lord Himself taught, “If ye are not one ye are not mine.”

Unity of purpose, thought, and feeling are exalting qualities. When we can put aside our differences and value each others’ strengths, great things happen. The Prophet Joseph Smith admonished, “Don’t be limited in your views with regard to your neighbor’s virtue. … You must enlarge your souls towards each other.” Such generosity of spirit invites greater unity." 

Mary Ellen W. Smoot, former Relief Society General President

Mar

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

042325, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 9,632, BP:118/77, Pulse: 76 @ 0435

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 38:16 And for your salvation I give unto you a commandment, for I have heard your prayers, and the poor have complained before me, and the rich have I made, and all flesh is mine, and I am no respecter of persons.

"Through the blessings of the priesthood, the Lord shows us that He is “no respecter of persons.” In my travels, I usually have the chance to visit members in their homes. Some of those homes are very basic dwellings. At first I would say to myself: “Why am I blessed with a house that has electricity and plumbing when this family does not even have water near their home? Does the Lord love them less than He loves me?”...

Priesthood blessings are the great equalizer. Those blessings are the same for men and women, for boys and girls; they are the same for married and single, rich and poor, for the intellectual and the illiterate, for the well-known and the obscure."

Sister Julie B. Beck, First Counselor in The Young Women's General Presidency, April 2006

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

042225, Tuesday


Daily Vitals: Weight:
 227.7, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 2,288, BP:119/82, Pulse: 69 @ 0510

Journal Entry

Kevin's son, Blake, turned 17 today. He is still hospitalized with a serious case of Leukemia. He likes In-N-Out burgers and Kevin arranged with ten of his buddies to come to the hospital and bring In-N-Out burgers and have a birthday bash. Everybody enjoyed it except a charge nurse but we're not sure what she actually did. Anyway we all hope for Blake's well-being.

We serve at the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon and I'm going to the temple tomorrow. After that, I think I have five weeks off during temple renovation.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 38:11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven—

12 Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined.

"…[T]he final reaping will occur only when the Father determines that the world is “fully ripe.” Meanwhile, brothers and sisters, the challenge is surviving spiritually in a deteriorating “wheat and tares” world. 

…[T]he engulfing effects of [the] deteriorating world on Church members…is the “clear and present danger.”...The Lord has even announced, “Behold, the enemy is combined.” 

…[W]e must not be intimidated…even though the once morally unacceptable is becoming acceptable, as if frequency somehow conferred respectability!

One of the most subtle forms of intimidation is the gradual normalization of aberration…

Today, lust openly parades as love, license cleverly poses as liberty…"

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, April 1993 (32 years ago)

Monday, April 21, 2025

042125, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day) 3,144, BP:117/76, Pulse: 71 @ 0655

Journal Entry

We had Jake and his family over for Easter dinner yesterday and we all enjoyed it a lot. It was much work for Cathy but she loves having the kids over. Meredith and Erica helped. 

I sang in the choir at Sacrament meeting and it went real well. I'm a small part of the choir but was pleased with the results. Logan Bradford, our choir director did a great job getting us ready. 

Come Follow Me 

Sometimes things don't happen how or when you want, even as you're faithfully following the Lord. 

D&C 38:2 The same which knoweth all things, for all things are present before mine eyes;

"The Father is aware of us, knows our needs, and will help us perfectly. Sometimes that help is given in the very moment or at least soon after we ask for divine help. Sometimes our most earnest and worthy desires are not answered in the way we hope, but we find that God has greater blessings in store. And sometimes our righteous desires are not granted in this life."

Elder Brook P. Hales of The Seventy, April 2019

Sunday, April 20, 2025

042025, Easter Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.8Steps (previous day) 4,888, BP:122/82, Pulse: 69@ 0545

Journal Entry

We've been busy getting ready to have Jake and his family over for Easter dinner this afternoon. Cathy is, of course, working hard to make everything wonderful and it will be. We're going to eat on our folding banquet we usually keep downstairs. Everyone can fit around one table and that will be nice. There are eight of us.
The photo seen to the right here is off the inside of the new Ruth Theater which is the latest and only Hale Theater in our area. It's a beautiful facility with lots of seating.
I saw "The Jersey Boys" there yesterday afternoon.
Today is Easter and I'm singing in the ward choir. It's just Sacrament meeting which is nice. Gives us more time at home. The church is emphasing the significance of Easter as a celebration of the atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This emphasis is long overdue and welcome by many of us.

Come Follow Me 
 D&C 110:4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

"There is one, above all others, whose personal influence covers the continents, spans the oceans, and penetrates the hearts of true believers. He atoned for the sins of mankind.
I testify that He is a teacher of truth—but He is more than a teacher. He is the Exemplar of the perfect life—but He is more than an exemplar. He is the Great Physician—but He is more than a physician. He is the literal Savior of the world, the Son of God, the Prince of Peace, the Holy One of Israel, even the risen Lord, who declared:
“I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. … I am the light and the life of the world.”  
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.”  
As His witness, I testify to you that He lives!"

President Thomas S Monson 

Saturday, April 19, 2025

041825, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.6, GMI: 6.8,  Glucose 133, Steps (previous day) 3,588 BP: 113/79 @ 

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 11:13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:

14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

"In the days that followed his resurrection, the Lord appeared unto many. He displayed his five special wounds to them. He walked and talked and ate with them, as if to prove beyond a doubt that a resurrected body is indeed a physical body of tangible flesh and bones…

It is the responsibility and joy of all men and women everywhere to “seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have [testified]” and to have the spiritual witness of his divinity. It is the right and blessing of all who humbly seek, to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit, bearing witness of the Father and his resurrected Son."

President Howard W. Hunter

041925, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.8Steps (previous day) 11,687, BP:117/78, Pulse: 68 @ 0530

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

As you celebrate Easter, how can you show your gratitude for the Savior’s Atonement that allows “all men [to] repent and come unto him?"

D&C 18:10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

"I find it helpful to try to imagine the joy the Savior must feel each time we receive the blessings of His atoning sacrifice in our lives…We speak often of the pain and suffering of Gethsemane and Calvary, but seldom do we speak of the great joy the Savior must have anticipated as He offered His life for us. Clearly, His pain and His suffering were for us, that we might experience the joy of returning with Him to the presence of God."

Elder Craig C. Christensen of The Seventy,  April 2023

Thursday, April 17, 2025

041725, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 6.8,  Glucose 133, Steps (previous day) 3,335, BP: 113/79 @ 0505

Journal Entry

I enjoyed serving in the temple yesterday. Jake sent me a text suggesting that we have breakfast together today or tomorrow so today it is. We liked to go to Del Taco and get their breakfast burrito. Sometimes he brings one of more of his kids and the Del Taco we like has a nice kids play area so win -win.

Come Follow Me 

Matthew 28:5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

"The miracle of that resurrection morning, that first Easter Sunday, is a miracle for all mankind. It is the miracle of the power of God, whose Beloved Son gave His life to atone for the sins of all, a sacrifice of love for every son and daughter of God. In so doing He broke the seals of death.

All of us will die. But that will not be the end. Just as He in the spirit world taught those who once had been disobedient in the days of Noah and were capable of being taught, even so shall each of us continue as individual personalities capable of learning and teaching and other activities.

And just as He took up His body and came forth from the tomb, even so shall all of us enjoy a reunion of body and spirit to become living souls in the day of our own resurrection.

We rejoice, therefore, as do many, and as should all mankind, when we remember the most glorious, the most comforting, the most reassuring of all events of human history—the victory over death."

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

041625, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.6, GMI6.7, Glucose?, Steps (previous day) 9,650, BP: 127/84 @ 0540

Journal Entry

Served at the Bishops Storehouse. It was pretty busy, probably because Easter weekend is coming up. It's interesting that the Bishops Storehouse gets busier as people approach holidays such as Easter. All kinds of thoughts can arise but it's best to just not be judgemental and be glad that food is being provided to those who need it.

Going to work at the temple today.

Come Follow Me 

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

"As the Only Begotten of the Father, Jesus Christ had power over death, pain, and suffering but did not shrink. He fulfilled the covenant He had made with His Father and, in doing so, manifested a Christlike attribute increasingly important in the world in which we live—the attribute of integrity. He remained true to God, to each of us, and to His divine identity."

Elder Jack N. Gerard of The Seventy, April 2024

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

041525, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.6, GMI6.7, Glucose = 137 @ 0440, Steps (previous day) 3,692, BP: 121/74 @ 1930

Journal Entry


























We enjoyed a very nice visit with Kathy, Craig, Andrea, Beth, Karen and Maddi yesterday evening at Guru's in Provo.

We spent most of the day gathering supplies to work on our front garden. Cathy has given a lot of thought to what we might do to make it look as good as possible. There are challenges with the soil and weather and sun exposure but Cathy is very good at gardening and we'll be more successful this year than last, we hope. I'll take a photo soon and put it in here.

I had a nice conversation with Craig yesterday about journals. He keeps records of most of the same things I do like weight, etc. But he keeps that separate from his Journal. He tries to keep his Journal just about what has happened in his day and his thoughts about these things that might be off interest to his descendants at some point. I just put everything, such as it is, in here and don't worry about making it interesting reading. It is what it is and it is an accurate accounting of what goes on in my life. It may not make interesting reading but, oh well.
He is very talented and interesting.

Come Follow Me 

Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

"I testify that our Heavenly Father remembers His suffering Saints, loves you, and is intimately aware of you. Our Savior knows how you feel. “Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows.” I know—as a daily recipient—that keeping covenants unlocks the power of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice to provide strength and even joy to you who suffer."

Elder Anthony D. Perkins of The Seventy, October 2021


Monday, April 14, 2025

041425, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI6.8, Glucose = 127 @ 0450 Steps (previous day) 2,779, BP: 135/86 @ 0550

Journal Entry


Sunday, April 13, 2025

041325, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.5, GMI6.7, Glucose = 127 @ 0410, Steps (previous day) 9,553, BP 125/76 @0730 

Journal Entry

I spent most of the day yesterday working on the garden in the front of our house. Still lots to do. But I got a lot accomplished. Also we walked at Rock Canyon Park and it was a beautiful day.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 35:13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;

14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them.

"The history of God’s work is filled with people who considered themselves inadequate. But they humbly served, relying on the grace of God…

How encouraging it is to know, though we are imperfect, if our hearts are turned to God, He will be generous and kind and use us for His purposes.

Those who love and serve God and fellowmen and humbly and actively participate in His work will see wondrous things happen in their lives and in the lives of those they love.

Doors that seemed shut will open.

Angels will go before them and prepare the way.

…God will use you, if you are willing. He will magnify your righteous desires and turn the compassionate actions you sow into a bountiful harvest of goodness."

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2017

Edward Partridge

Edward learned the hatter’s trade in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. By 1830 he had his own hat shop on the public square in Painesville, Ohio. Edward prospered in his vocation but wanted more out of life. He attended Universalist and Unitarian meetings, hoping these religious societies would satisfy his yearnings for truth. His wife Lydia found Campbellite worship services more to her liking. The couple’s religious differences ended in the fall of 1830 when missionaries from the Church of Christ preached in their neighborhood. Although Edward was not initially impressed by their Restoration message, he sent an employee to acquire a Book of Mormon for him. 

After reading the Book of Mormon, Edward believed the book to be the word of God but declined to be baptized. Yet in winter of 1830 he left Ohio and journeyed to New York to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith. The day after meeting Joseph, on December 11, 1830, Edward entered baptismal waters. He returned to Ohio rejoicing in his newfound faith. 

Edward was called to the first bishop of the Church, “and this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile” (D&C 41:11). In a letter to his wife written in Independence, Missouri, Edward expressed his personal feelings of inadequacy: “You know I stand in an important station, and as I am occasionally chastened. I sometimes feel my station is above what I can perform to the acceptance of my Heavenly Father.”[1] In spite of such feelings, Edward was up to the task. When misunderstandings and tensions escalated between the Latter-day Saints in Independence and longtime Missourians, Edward stepped in to calm the situation. Angered by his mediation attempts, Missourians took him from his home and physically abused him. Edward wrote of July 20, 1833,

I was taken from my house by the mob . . . who escorted me about half a mile, to the courthouse, on the public square in Independence; and then and there . . . I was stripped of my hat, coat and vest and daubed with tar from head to foot, and then had a quantity of feathers put upon me, and all this because I would not agree to leave the county, and my home where I had lived two years. . . . I bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness, that it appeared to astound the multitude, who permitted me to retire in silence, many looking very solemn, their sympathies having been touched. And as to myself, I was so filled with the Spirit and love of God, that I had no hatred towards my persecutors or anyone else.[2]

Three days after being tarred and feathered, Edward saw mobs again gather on the public square. To prevent further abuse and threatened bloodshed, he signed a document promising to leave the county. To avoid further mob brutality, for five nights Edward and his family camped near the Missouri River before being ferried across the river to safety in Clay County. As other Saints experienced similar abuse, Edward wrote to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Many are living in tents and shanties not being able to procure houses.”[3] During these difficult days, Edward moved about from tent to shanty providing comfort to the discouraged Saints.

From Clay County, Edward and his family moved to Far West, Missouri, where once again religious persecution went unchecked. “The soldiers took my hay and corn,” Edward wrote. “They also took logs from a hovel I had been building for my cows and burnt them. The town was nearly stripped of fence.” Edward was imprisoned in Far West and charged with treason, arson, burglary, robbery, and larceny. He awaited trial in Richmond in 

a large open room where the cold northern blast penetrated freely. Our fires were small and our allowance for wood and food was scanty, they gave us not even a blanket to lie upon; our beds were the cold floor. The vilest of the vile did guard us and treat us like dogs; yet we bore our oppressions without murmuring. [4]

He was released on November 28, 1838. 

As threats against him mounted, Edward fled with his family from Missouri to safety in the barge town of Quincy, Illinois. In March 1839 the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote from Liberty Jail to the Latter-day Saints and to “Bishop Partridge in Particular” a message of hope and the stirring accounts contained in Doctrine and Covenants sections 121, 122, and 123. 

Edward suffered a different type of affliction in Illinois. On June 13, 1839, he wrote of poverty and failing health:

I have not at this time two dollars in this world, one dollar and forty-four cents is all. I owe for my rent, and for making clothes for some of the poor, and some other things. . . . What is best for me to do, I hardly know. Hard labor I cannot perform; light labor I can; but I know of no chance to earn anything, at anything that I can stand to do. It is quite sickly here.[5]

Edward joined the Prophet Joseph and other Latter-day Saints in moving from Quincy to Commerce, Illinois. There he was assigned to be the bishop of the “Upper Ward.” Unfortunately, his service to those residing in the Upper Ward was brief. While building a home for his family, Edward collapsed from exhaustion and took to his bed. He died on May 27, 1840, at age 46. In Doctrine and Covenants 124:19 the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that he had received Edward Partridge “unto myself.”

[1] Edward Partridge Jr., Biography and Family Genealogy. Unpublished Journal (Salt Lake City: n.p., 1878), 6–7.


Saturday, April 12, 2025

041225, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI6.7, Glucose = 118 @ 0450, Steps (previous day) 8,788, BP 118/80 @ 0500

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 34:3 Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son;

"I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice for us became the greatest symbol of His and our Father in Heaven’s infinite love for each of us, with the tangible symbols of that love and sacrifice—the marks in the Savior’s hands, feet, and side—remaining even after His Resurrection." 

Sister J. Annette Dennis, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, April 2024J. Anette DennisFirst Counselor in the Relief Society GeneraSister J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Pre J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Sister J. Anette Dennis

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

Friday, April 11, 2025

041125, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.1, GMI6.7, Steps (previous day) 10,247

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 33:16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.

"The Lord has told us that our time should “be devoted to the studying of the scriptures” and that “the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given … for [our] instruction.” [Everyone] can be a gospel doctrine instructor in [their] home, and [everyone] in the Church needs gospel knowledge as a leader and teacher. If you have not already developed the habit of daily scripture study, start now and keep studying in order to be prepared for your responsibilities in this life and in the eternities."

Sister Julie B. Beck, First Counselor, Young Women General Presidency, April 2004

Thursday, April 10, 2025

041025, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI6.7, Steps (previous day) 10,337

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me

D&C 33:1 Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

"Do the right things for the right reasons. The Lord...knows why you go to church—whether you are present in body only or truly worshipping. You can’t sing on Sunday, “O Babylon, O Babylon, [I] bid thee farewell” and then seek or tolerate its company again moments later. Remember that casualness in spiritual matters never was happiness. Make the Church and the restored gospel your whole life, not just a part of your outward or social life. Choosing this day whom you will serve is lip service only—until you actually live accordingly." 

Elder Jörg Klebingat of The Seventy, October 2014

Of the SeventyJoö

Elder Jörg Klebingat

Of the Seventy

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

040925, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.7, GMI6.7, Steps (previous day) 2,152

Journal Entry

The Bishops Storehouse was pretty quiet yesterday and that sort of makes it a little more difficult. A lot of us struggling to occupy ourselves productively. I had one patron who was very obese, unkempt and seemed generally unhappy. He had one of those large orders that took three cartfuls to complete for a family of four. It's hard not to be a little judgemental in those situations but I tried to be friendly and helpful and I think that has a positive effect on this young man. So whether or not he was involved in some level of dishonesty was not an issue. He left feeling that I respected and appreciated him and I feel good about that. His future is more important than today and I did what I could to lift him as much as possible.

Come Follow Me 
 
D&C 31:8 And you shall strengthen them and prepare them against the time when they shall be gathered.
9 Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

"When Jesus Christ, the greatest of all, suffered for us to the extent that He bled from every pore, He did not express anger or revile in suffering. With unsurpassed self-restraint, or temperance, His thoughts were not of Himself but of you and of me. And then, in humility and full of love, He said, “Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."

Elder Kent D. Watson of The Seventy, October 2009

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

040825, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI6.7, Steps (previous day) 2,152

Journal Entry

Went to lunch with Kent and Peggy Woffinden, Bruce and Maggie Me sick and Larry Ludlow. We had a nice visit and then took a drive up through some of the nicer neighborhoods in SLC. 

Looking forward to serving in the Bishops Storehouse later today.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 31:5 Therefore, thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you, and you shall be laden with sheaves upon your back, for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Wherefore, your family shall live.

"How I admire men, women, and children who know how to work! How the Lord loves the laborer! He said, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,”...He also gave a promise: “Thrust in your sickle with all your soul, and your sins are forgiven you.” Those who are unafraid to roll up their sleeves and lose themselves in the pursuit of worthwhile goals are a blessing to their families, communities, nations, and to the Church.

...Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf


Monday, April 7, 2025

040725, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI6.8, Steps (previous day) 9,017

Journal Entry

I really enjoyed conference and watched almost all of it. I'll watch our listen to most of the talks again several times but thinking back, the theme I got is that going through the motions as a church member is not enough. Going to Sacrament meeting without truly thinking about what it means to partake of the Sacrament or attending the temple without truly thinking about the temple covenants that are presented are just two examples of basically wasted time and effort. My day to day actions need to constantly reflect that I'm a true disciple of Jesus Christ. As I think back, I can see a need for improvement with my attitudes and behavior.

Reading the following scripture, I can see myself in the same boat at times as David Whitmer. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 30:1 Behold, I say unto you, David, that you have feared man and have not relied on me for strength as you ought.

2 But your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of me, your Maker, and the ministry whereunto you have been called; and you have not given heed unto my Spirit, and to those who were set over you, but have been persuaded by those whom I have not commanded.

3 Wherefore, you are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received.

"Pondering takes our thoughts from the trivial things of this world and brings us closer to the gentle, guiding hand of our Maker...In the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord spoke to David Whitmer: “Your mind has been on the things of the earth more than on the things of … your Maker ; you have not given heed unto my Spirit.”

Pondering the things of the Lord—His word, His teachings, His commandments, His life, His love, the gifts He has given us, His Atonement for us—brings about a tremendous feeling of gratitude for our Savior and for the life and blessings He has given us." Elder Robert D. Hales, October 1998

Sunday, April 6, 2025

040625, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.4, GMI6.8, Steps (previous day) 8,460

Journal Entry

We enjoyed all three sessions of General Conference yesterday. Got a walk in at University Place between the morning and afternoon sessions.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:46 But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten;

"There is a uniquely special time in children’s lives when they are protected from Satan’s influence. It is a time when they are innocent and sin free. It is a sacred time for parent and child. Children are to be taught, by word and example, before and after they have “arrived unto the years of accountability before God." 

Sister Joy D. Jones, then Primary General President 

Saturday, April 5, 2025

040525, Saturday, General Conference

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.8, GMI6.9, Steps (previous day) 8,319

Journal Entry

Nothing new to report. The weather is still cold. Hopefully that will end in the next day two.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:43 And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;

"This is the day of our mortal probation. We might compare our eternal journey to a race of three laps around the track. We have completed the first lap successfully and have made wonderful progress. We have started on the second lap. Can you imagine a world-class runner stopping along the track at this point to pick flowers or chase a rabbit that crossed his path? Yet this is what we are doing when we occupy our time with worldly pursuits that do not move us closer to the third lap toward eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God."

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 1998

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Friday, April 4, 2025

040425, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.6, GMI6.9, Steps (previous day) 9,969

Journal Entry

We worked an extra shift at the Bishops Storehouse yesterday because of General Conference (the Storehouse is closed Saturday).

Today I am substituting at the temple from 1000 to 1400. Hopefully I'll get a walk in later. It's projected to be in the high 40s but that frequently goes higher. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:42 But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, gave unto Adam and unto his seed, that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, the Lord God, should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son.

"Beginning with Adam and repeated in every subsequent gospel dispensation, the Lord has revealed the gospel of Jesus Christ, which embraces the principles and ordinances constituting the way, and the only way, to peace and happiness in this life and eternal life and exaltation in the world to come."

President Marion G. Romney, 

Second Counselor in the First Presidency, April 1976


Thursday, April 3, 2025

040325, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.4, GMI6.9, Steps (previous day) 3,390

Journal Entry

We have decided to serve at the Bishops Storehouse today because General Conference is coming this weekend and the Storehouse will therefore be closed on Saturday. Traditionally it therefore gets a little busier on the Thursday before conference.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:39 And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet.

The Fall was not a disaster. It wasn’t a mistake or an accident. It was a deliberate part of the plan of salvation. We are God’s spirit “offspring,” sent to earth “innocent”  of Adam’s transgression. Yet our Father’s plan subjects us to temptation and misery in this fallen world as the price to comprehend authentic joy. Without tasting the bitter, we actually cannot understand the sweet.  We require mortality’s discipline and refinement as the “next step in [our] development” toward becoming like our Father.  But growth means growing pains. It also means learning from our mistakes in a continual process made possible by the Savior’s grace, which He extends both during and “after all we can do."

 Elder Bruce C. Hafen of The Seventy, April 2004 

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

040225, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI6.8, Steps (previous day) 11,639

Journal Entry

Served in the temple then we went to the Good Food store in  SLC to pick up Cathy's order for gluten friendly bread and rolls. Everything they make in that store is gluten -free.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:39 And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet.

The Fall was not a disaster. It wasn’t a mistake or an accident. It was a deliberate part of the plan of salvation. We are God’s spirit “offspring,” sent to earth “innocent”  of Adam’s transgression. Yet our Father’s plan subjects us to temptation and misery in this fallen world as the price to comprehend authentic joy. Without tasting the bitter, we actually cannot understand the sweet.  We require mortality’s discipline and refinement as the “next step in [our] development” toward becoming like our Father.  But growth means growing pains. It also means learning from our mistakes in a continual process made possible by the Savior’s grace, which He extends both during and “after all we can do."

 Elder Bruce C. Hafen of The Seventy, April 2004 


Many years ago, I took the Scouts on a campout in the desert. The boys slept by a large fire they had made, and like every good Scout leader, I slept in the back of my truck. In the morning when I sat up and looked at the campsite, I saw one Scout, whom I will call Paul, who looked particularly rough around the edges. I asked how he had slept, and he replied, “Not very well.”

When I asked why, he said, “I was cold; the fire went out.”

I answered, “Well, fires do that. Wasn’t your sleeping bag warm enough?”

No answer.

Then one of the other Scouts loudly volunteered, “He didn’t use his sleeping bag.”

I asked in disbelief, “Why not, Paul?”

Silence—then finally the sheepish reply: “Well, I thought if I didn’t unroll my sleeping bag, I wouldn’t have to roll it up again.”

True story: he froze for hours because he was trying to save five minutes of work. We may think, “How foolish! Who would ever do that?” Well, we do it all the time in much more dangerous ways. We are, in effect, refusing to unroll our spiritual sleeping bags when we don’t take the time to sincerely pray, study, and earnestly live the gospel each day; not only will the fire go out, but we will be unprotected and grow spiritually cold.

When we are complacent with our covenants, we are complicit with the consequences. The Lord has counseled us “to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.” And He further declared, “My blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.”


Of the Seventy

Elder Bruce C. HafenE

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

040125, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.2, GMI6.9, Steps (previous day) 8,394

Journal Entry

Nice quiet Monday. Breakfast at Aubergine Kitchen, a walk at University Place then a nice drive up toward Mirror Lake but the roads were still closed for the winter. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 29:7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their heart. 

"My beloved brothers and sisters, thank you for your faith, your devotion, and your love. We share an enormous responsibility to be who the Lord wants us to be and to do what He wants us to do. We are part of a great movement—the gathering of scattered Israel." 

Elder Russell M. Nelson, The Gathering of Scattered Israel, October 2016 

D&C 29:12 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

According to this scripture, Christ's Apostles from his mortal ministry in Jerusalem will judge the "whole house of Israel" but only those who have loved him and kept his commandments. Interesting... Very interesting. NelsonAOf the Quorum of the Twelve Apostlesa

12 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.