073125, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day) 3,474

Journal Entry:

I served in the temple again yesterday and Cathy had a nice lunch with her friend, Victoria, who lives up near Hill Airforce Base. They met at the Trellis Cafe at Thanksgiving Point. While waiting for her to pick me up - we only have one car - I waited for her outside the temple in a lovely garden area. Even though it was reported to be 93 degrees, it seemed very comfortable to me. Plus I can follow her location on my iPhone and could see her making progress toward me. She was a little late but I had anticipated that because of her lunch date and I didn't mind at all.

Come Follow Me 

"Unless we read the Book of Mormon and give heed to its teachings, the Lord has stated in section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants that the whole Church is under condemnation: “And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all” (D&C 84:56). The Lord continues: “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written” (D&C 84:57). . . . The Book of Mormon has not been, nor is it yet, the center of our personal study, family teaching, preaching, and missionary work. Of this we must repent."

- Ezra Taft Benson, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” General Conference April 1986

"If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children. If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far."

- Thomas S. Monson, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” General Conference April 2017.

I can definitely do better in my reading and studying The Book of Mormon. And I will.

073025, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.4, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day) 5,376

Journal Entry:

We both served at the Bishop’s storehouse yesterday then went to the Bombay Indian restaurant for dinner. I’m suffering a little because I ate too much but I’ll be alright. Going to serve in the temple today. Looking forward to that.

Come Follow Me

D&C 84:43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.

44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

“Why would God command us to beware? He knows that Satan is an actual being who seeks to drag down our souls into the gulf of misery. God also knows that lurking within...is a “natural man” “prone to wander.” Thus, prophets invite us to “put off the old man” and “put on Christ” through faith, repentance, saving ordinances, and daily gospel living.”

Elder Anthony D. Perkins of The Seventy, October 2012

072925, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, Steps (previous day) 3,154

Journal Entry:

Anticipating a nice hot day again. We'll be at the Bishops Storehouse this afternoon and I really enjoy that opportunity to serve. It gets boring at times but I need to take advantage of opportunities to do more extra tasks. Cathy has more medical appointments today but she is getting better everyday. I'm sure she will be going to the Storehouse as well. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 84:26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;

27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb.

"What does it mean that the Aaronic Priesthood holds “the key of the ministering of angels” and of the “gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins”? The meaning is found in the ordinance of baptism and in the sacrament. Baptism…and the sacrament…should be preceded by repentance. When we keep the covenants made in these ordinances, we are promised that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. The ministering of angels is one of the manifestations of that Spirit."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

072825, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, Steps (previous day) 7,540

Journal Entry:

Enjoyed a very nice Sunday yesterday. We walked at Bridal Veil Falls in the morning. Went to Sacrament meeting followed by Relief Society /Elders Quorum then roasted some very nice steaks in the afternoon.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 84:20 Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.

21 And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;

"…[W]e need to study and understand temple ordinances and covenants. The temple holds a place at the very center of our most sacred beliefs, and the Lord asks that we attend, ponder, study, and find personal meaning and application individually. We will come to understand that through the ordinances of the temple, the power of godliness is manifest in our lives and that because of temple ordinances, we can be armed with God’s power, and His name will be upon us, His glory round about us, and His angels have charge over us. I wonder if we are fully drawing upon the power of those promises."

President Bonnie L. Oscarson, Young Women General President, October 2016

072725, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, Steps (previous day) 3,664

Journal Entry:

We drove up to Heber to see if anything had started with the Heber Temple but nothing yet. It's supposed to have for instruction rooms and two baptistries so it will be a major temple.

Should be a quiet day today. Going to church of course.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 83:6 And the storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor. Amen.

"The names and the details of operation are changed to fit the needs and conditions of people. But always the Lord’s way to help those in temporal need requires people who out of love have consecrated themselves and what they have to God and to His work.

He has invited and commanded us to participate in His work to lift up those in need. We make a covenant to do that in the waters of baptism and in the holy temples of God. We renew the covenant on Sundays when we partake of the sacrament."

President Henry B. Eyring 

Cathy and I are serving as Service Missionaries in the Lindon Bishop's Storehouse which is lobe of the busiest in the church. We very much enjoy serving there.

Mirror Lake, July 25, 2025

 

072625, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, Steps (previous day) 12,379

Journal Entry:

We drove up to Kamas for lunch at the Mirror Lake Diner then decided to drive 33 more miles up to the actual Mirror Lake. It was well worth the drive. Beautiful lake. There's a trail around the lake that is about two miles long and mostly very level.there are many parts that have been improved as wood decking. I'm going to post some of the other photos on a new post after this.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 82:18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church.

19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith had such a grand view of our possibilities, a view given him by the revelations of God. He knew that the real task was in being more Christlike—caring the way the Savior cared, loving the way he loved, “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor,” the scripture says, “and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.”  

That was what Jacob in the Book of Mormon had taught—that “after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

072525, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, Steps (previous day) 3,229

Journal Entry:

Cathy is feeling better and that's a very good thing. Chris and Linda Wakild came to visit yesterday. They are among our very best friends. We were going to go out to lunch but I couldn't think of a place where we could comfortably sit down together and visit while dining so I suggested that we send out for food and eat here at our home. For four people it couldn't be more comfortable and Cathy agreed. So we went to Toss'd and got four Cobb salads and had a marvelous visit.

Jake came over in the morning. He is our tech genius but the "modem" he recommended we get turned out to be a "router". I had ordered it from Costco at Jake's recommendation so after lunch, Cathy and I returned the router to Costco then went to Best Buy and ordered a modem. I'm going to try to learn the difference but so far I'm at a loss. Anyway,the modem is due to arrive at our home in a couple of days. Jake has taken his famiky to California for a vacation so when he gets back he has promised to come over and help me install the modem. 

I keep thinking that since I will be turning 80 in a few months, I don't need to bother learning about the technical aspects of wifi but I'm beginning to change my mind. I'm still feeling like I'm going to be around for another decade or more and there's no reason I can't learn this stuff. So we'll see.

We live in the world of today - not yesterday  - and I have to try to keep up.

Come Follow Me 

"To love another person is to see the face of God." Victor Hugo, "Les Miserables"

D&C 82:18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord’s storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church.

19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith had such a grand view of our possibilities, a view given him by the revelations of God. He knew that the real task was in being more Christlike—caring the way the Savior cared, loving the way he loved, “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor,” the scripture says, “and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.”  

That was what Jacob in the Book of Mormon had taught—that “after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, April 1996

In those brilliant generations that followed the appearance of the resurrected Christ in the New World, “there were no contentions and disputations among [the people], and every man did deal justly one with another” (4 Nephi 1:2). Fourth Nephi records: “Surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:16). We should be striving to regain that condition. As modern revelation declares: “Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness” (D&C 82:14). One of the ways prescribed to achieve that increase is “every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God” (D&C 82:19).

Source

Dallin H. Oaks, “Brother's Keeper”, October 1986 General Conference

072425, Thursday - Pioneer Day

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, Steps (previous day) 5,070

Journal Entry:

I bought a new wifi router for our home because we have been renting an adequate router from our wifi supplier, Xfinity, and I hope to stop renting it and save money over the long run. Plus the new router is top quality and has all the modern capabilities. Well see, I guess.

Anyway, Jake, who, compared to me, is a technical genius, is coming over today to help me install the new router. Hopefully it will be pretty simple.

Chris and Linda Wakild from Kentucky are going to visit us today. We're planning on going out to lunch. They are great friends. Linda served with Cathy in the Crestwood Stake Relief Society presidency for nearly five years. 

Should be a good day.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 82:14 For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.

"[I]f we would be holy, we must learn to sit at the feet of the Holy One of Israel and give time to holiness. Do we set aside the phone, the never-ending to-do list, and the cares of worldliness? Prayer, study, and heeding the word of God invite His cleansing and healing love into our souls. Let us take time to be holy, that we may be filled with His sacred and sanctifying Spirit. With the Holy Ghost as our guide, we will be prepared to receive the Savior in the beauty of holiness."

Sister Carol F. McConkie

First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, April 2017

072325, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, Steps (previous day) 3,481

Journal Entry:

Cathy been suffering from extreme pain which is probably a sinus problem of some kind. We were able to get her in to see Dr. Welch yesterday and she received some very good medical assistance plus a prescription for medication. It's still early and she's still in bed right now but I'm hoping she will be improved today. Yesterday we drive to Kamas and got some of her favorite yogurt from Ballerina Farms out there.

After that she came home to rest and I went to the Bishops Storehouse and served my shift there. It was a good day for me and I truly enjoyed being at the Storehouse and serving there.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 82:10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

"God will indeed honor His covenants and promises to each of us. We need not worry about that. The atoning power of Jesus Christ—who descended below all things and then ascended on high and who possesses all power in heaven and in earth—ensures that God can and will fulfill His promises. It is essential that we honor and obey His laws, but not every blessing predicated on obedience to law is shaped, designed, and timed according to our expectations. We do our best but must leave to Him the management of blessings, both temporal and spiritual."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle 

072225, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.7, Steps (previous day) 10,867

Journal Entry:

I saw my Dermatologist, Dr. West, for a routine exam and he couldn't find anything that seemed noteworthy which was good news.

Cathy was feeling poorly and wanted to just stay at home and rest so I went on a four mile walk up by Bridal Veil Falls. Then I tried to do a few things around the house and catch up some on my Come Follow Me reading.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 82:3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

"Some ask, “Do I have to be so different from others?” “Can’t I be a disciple of Christ without thinking so much about my behavior?” “Can’t I love Christ without keeping the law of chastity?” “Can’t I love Him and do what I want on Sunday?” Jesus gave a simple answer: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”  

Some ask, “Aren’t there many of other faiths who love Christ?” Of course there are! However, as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having a witness of His reality not only from the Bible but also from the Book of Mormon; knowing His priesthood has been restored to the earth; having made sacred covenants to follow Him and received the gift of the Holy Ghost; having been endowed with power in His holy temple; and being part of preparing for His glorious return to the earth, we cannot compare what we are to be with those who have not yet received these truths. “Unto whom much is given much is required.”

Elder Neil L. Anderson, Apostle

072125, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.1, Steps (previous day) 9,040

Journal Entry:

Had a very enjoyable Sunday yesterday. Our adult Sunday School lessons have become very good with top notch instructors.

Jake and his family came over yesterday evening and we enjoyed dessert treats and games. And had a very nice visit.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 81:5 Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.

"Here Jesus bridges our heavenly upward gaze, to love the Lord, with our earthly outward gaze, to love our fellow men and women. One is interdependent on the other. Love of the Lord is not complete if we neglect our neighbors. This outward love includes all of God’s children without regard to gender, social class, race, sexuality, income, age, or ethnicity. We seek out those who are hurt and broken, the marginalized, for “all are alike unto God.” We “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."

Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Apostle

"Since the foundation of the world, the cloth of righteous societies has ever been woven from the golden threads of charity. We yearn for a peaceful world and for prosperous communities. We pray for kind and virtuous societies where wickedness is forsaken and goodness and right prevail. No matter how many temples we build, no matter how large our membership grows, no matter how positively we are perceived in the eyes of the world—should we fail in this great core commandment to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5), or turn our hearts from those who suffer and mourn, we are under condemnation and cannot please the Lord (D&C 104:18) and the jubilant hope of our hearts will ever be distant."

Bishop H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop, April 2011

072025, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, Steps (previous day) 8,736

Journal Entry:

While we had another pretty quiet day yesterday, we decided to go out for a drive and do a little shopping at Walmart in order to get some more walking in. Then we went to In-N-Out for burgers before coming home. Life is good.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 80:3 Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.

"I do not believe that the phrase “it mattereth not” as used by the Lord in this scripture suggests that He does not care where His servants labor. In fact, He cares deeply. But because the work of preaching the gospel is the Lord’s work, He inspires, guides, and directs His authorized servants. As missionaries strive to be ever more worthy and capable instruments in His hands and do their best to fulfill faithfully their duties, then with His help they “cannot go amiss”—wherever they serve. Perhaps one of the lessons the Savior is teaching us in this revelation is that an assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work."

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle

071925, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, Steps (previous day) 6,176

Journal Entry:

Yesterday was pretty uneventful and today will probably be the same. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

"But some might say, “What do I have to be grateful for when my world is falling apart?”

...It is difficult to develop a spirit of gratitude if our thankfulness is only proportional to the number of blessings we can count. True, it is important to frequently “count our blessings”...but I don’t believe the Lord expects us to be less thankful in times of trial than in times of abundance and ease...

Could I suggest that we see gratitude as a disposition, a way of life that stands independent of our current situation?...[I]nstead of being thankful for things, we focus on being thankful in our circumstances—whatever they may be.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle

071825, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.1, Steps (previous day) 3,068

Journal Entry:

Quiet times. Nothing scheduled. Boring but relaxing.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things; 7 For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

14 That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world;

"The added abundance of the Lord conveyed through your generous tithes has strengthened the reserves of the Church, providing opportunities to advance the Lord’s work beyond anything we have yet experienced. All is known by the Lord, and in time, we will see His sacred purposes fulfilled."

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

071725, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, Steps (previous day) 3,462

Journal Entry:

Served in the temple then spent the rest of the day relaxing with Cathy.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:14 That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world;

"The added abundance of the Lord conveyed through your generous tithes has strengthened the reserves of the Church, providing opportunities to advance the Lord’s work beyond anything we have yet experienced. All is known by the Lord, and in time, we will see His sacred purposes fulfilled."

Elder Neil L. Anderson, Apostle

071625, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.2, Steps (previous day) 6,004

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:10 Otherwise Satan seeketh to turn their hearts away from the truth, that they become blinded and understand not the things which are prepared for them.

"One of Satan’s clever tactics is to tempt us to concentrate on the present and ignore the future…The “things which are prepared for them” are the promised rewards of eternal life, which come as a result of obedience. The devil attempts to blind us to these rewards. President Heber J. Grant said that “if we are faithful in keeping the commandments of God His promises will be fulfilled to the very letter. … The trouble is, the adversary of men’s souls blinds their minds. He throws dust, so to speak, in their eyes, and they are blinded with the things of this world.” He tempts us with the transitory pleasures of the world so that we will not focus our minds and efforts on the things that bring eternal joy. The devil is a dirty fighter, and we must be aware of his tactics."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle

071525, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, GMI: unk, Steps (previous day): 8,638

Journal Entry:

We took Jake and his family to dinner last night to celebrate his birthday - his 47th I think. He has figured out artificial intelligence, AI, and demonstrated that with this photo which started out as me but, as you can see, became something quite artificial.

It's scary when you think of what's coming. Clearly, photos can't be seen as valid necessarily. We have to be very careful when viewing photographs that can be so clearly misleading.

Earlier, after having breakfast at Aubergine Kitchen in Orem, we walked up in Provo Canyon.

Today we're looking forward to serving in the Bishops Storehouse.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:7 For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

"I will conclude by describing another subtle form of deception—the idea that it is enough to hear and believe without acting on that belief. Many prophets have taught against that deception...

It is not enough to know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the gospel is true. We must take the high road by acting upon that knowledge...It is not enough to have a calling. We must fulfill our responsibilities. The things taught in...conference are not just to fill our minds. They are to motivate and guide our actions."

Elder Dallin H Oaks, Apostle 

071425, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI: unk, Steps (previous day): 2,127

Journal Entry:

Very quiet yesterday and nothing scheduled for today. Maybe go for a walk.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 78:3 For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion—

4 For a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause, which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven;

Cathy and I serve as Service Missionaries in the Lindon Bishop's Storehouse which is reportedly the busiest in the world. It has been a true blessing to me to learn to serve others in this way. One of my favorite lessons learned is to not be judgemental of people who need the Storehouse resources. Also working with like minded other people has been very gratifying.

071325, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI: unk, Steps (previous day): 12,514

Journal Entry:

Cathy spent the day yesterday with Meredith, Erica and Erica's cousin, Winnie (visiting from Texas). They had a good time shopping and having lunch at the Trellis Cafe at Thanksgiving Point.

Since Cathy had the car, I walked to Walmart - approx 3 miles round trip  - and got a new ironing board cover. Fir some reason, when we moved here, Cathy gave me the good iron and ironing board and she kept the newer ironing board and a new iron both of which are not as good as the old ones she gave me. Actually her ironing board is good but it needed more passing and a new cover so I went and got that at Walmart. After installing it I have to say it is really great. Might even be a little better than the one I had been using. I gave her my iron and took hers because she irons almost every day and I iron maybe once or twice a month.

Then we had a metal strip along our front lawn to separate it from a garden patch that is actually covered with gravel. I don't like the gravel but that's another story. The metal strip was cheap and beginning to look bad so I had purchased a new strip made out of a flexible substance similar to plastic. I installed it yesterday and it looks a lot better. I'm kind of sorry that I didn't photograph the old strip but here is what it looks like now.

The old metal strip is now in the trash.

So I had a pretty good day. It got really hot so I spent the rest of the day relaxing inside. I folded some laundry after resting for awhile. So I was pretty productive.

Today is Sunday and I'm looking forward to Sacrament meeting and Elders Quorum.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:107 When he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father, spotless, saying: I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.

With all that I know regarding my Savior's atoning sacrifice, saying that I'm grateful to Him seems inadequate. I know I need to love and serve others and I try to do that. I want to be His disciple in every way and I'm blessed to be able to do that every day in some small way. It's a great feeling to love and serve others. I'm blessed also with a wife who is completely supportive of that and who is also a loving disciple of Jesus Christ.

071225, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI: unk, Steps (previous day): 4,185

Journal Entry:

Enjoyed subbing at the temple for Dennis Gauger. Serving at the temple feels like a great way to accomplish good.

Today Cathy is going out to lunch with Meredith, Erica and Beth (I think). It might be Jill instead of Meredith. I don't know.they're planning on having fun and that's a good thing.

I'm going to try to do some yard work until it gets too hot. I'll take a picture because the front yard is looking pretty good.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;

57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.

58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God.

"In the “celestial” glory there are three levels, of which the highest is exaltation in the celestial kingdom. This is the dwelling of those “who have received of his fulness, and of his glory,” wherefore, “they are gods, even the sons [and daughters] of God” and “dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.” Through revelation, God has revealed the eternal laws, ordinances, and covenants that must be observed to develop the godly attributes necessary to realize this divine potential. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focuses on these because the purpose of this restored Church is to prepare God’s children for salvation in the celestial glory and, more particularly, for exaltation in its highest degree."

President Dallin H. Oaks 

071125, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 4,367

Journal Entry:

We went shopping for birthday gifts for our two sons, Kevin and Jake. Got them shirts that we think they'll love.

We also went to the Payson temple and got all but one of our pending Sealing ordinances completed. They do a great job there if getting sealing ordinances completed in a reverent and efficient manner. It's a beautiful temple in a beautiful location.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;

53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.

54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.

"It is Heavenly Father who sends both the influence and the gift of the Holy Ghost into our lives. Through the gift of the Holy Ghost, the glory—or intelligence, light, and power—of the Father can dwell in us. If we will strive to increase in light and truth until our eyes become single to God’s glory, Heavenly Father will send the Holy Spirit of Promise to seal us up unto eternal life and reveal His face unto us—either in this life or the next."

Brian K. Ashton

Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, October 2018

071025, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.6, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,467

Journal Entry:

Served in the temple. It was very busy which is actually exciting when you think about it. The Mt Timpanogos temple can serve up to 98 patrons in endowment sessions every 30 minutes. All of the sessions where I served at the Veil had at least 80 patrons. Then during my time in Initiatories we mostly had three patrons in each of the four chambers. I noticed a lot of brethren heading to Sealing sessions and I assume the vaporizer was also busy though I didn't get in there.

Cathy and I are doing a 10 AM Sealing Session today at the Payson temple and I'm going to substitute at the Mt Timpanogos temple tomorrow for Dennis Gauger because of his knee surgery.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:40 And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—

41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

"Bear, borne, carry, deliver. These are powerful, heartening messianic words. They convey help and hope for safe movement from where we are to where we need to be—but cannot get without assistance. These words also connote burden, struggle, and fatigue—words most appropriate in describing the mission of Him who, at unspeakable cost, lifts us up when we have fallen, carries us forward when strength is gone, delivers us safely home when safety seems far beyond our reach. “My Father sent me,” He said, “that I might be lifted up upon the cross…that as I have been lifted up…even so should men be lifted up…to…me.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle, October 2015

070925, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.2, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 3,621

Journal Entry:

I enjoyed serving at the Bishops Storehouse again yesterday afternoon. It's such a great opportunity to serve others and with others and I learn a lot about appreciating and loving others of various backgrounds.

Jake posted a nice picture and comments yesterday as a text message that I'd like to share if I can figure out how:

"Here's a photo I posted tonight on Instagram and Facebook, and what I wrote in the caption: 

Some of many the things I appreciate about family are the love, patience, kindness and understanding everyone shows each other. My son, Alexander, doesn't talk yet. He's tackling life at his own pace, and that's ok. At a family gathering tonight, I sat back and watched as Alexander's aunts, uncles, and cousins greeted him, talked to him, and made clear efforts to include him in the fun going on around us. In this photo, Alexander is being paddled around by his cousin, Thor, who's as solid as they come. Thor talked to him throughout their paddling adventure and sat side-by-side with him at various points in their journey around the lake. When family comes together, goodness is abound—which is how it should be."

Jake's a great dad and does good work with his four kids. Alexander was born with rather severe Autism but they are working with him on that. He is definitely a sweet 7 year old at this point.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

"The Apostle Paul told the Athenians on Mars’ Hill that “we are the offspring of God.” Since we know that our physical bodies are the offspring of our mortal parents, we must probe for the meaning of Paul’s statement. The Lord has declared that “the spirit and the body are the soul of man.” Thus it is the spirit which is the offspring of God. The writer of Hebrews refers to Him as “the Father of spirits.” The spirits of all men are literally His “begotten sons and daughters."

President Thomas S. Monson

070825, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.7, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,058

Journal Entry:

We did a major cleaning of the living room area yesterday. Moved all the furniture off the rug and vacuumed it thoroughly then vacuumed all the chairs. Looks good. 

Today I'm looking forward to serving at the Bishops Storehouse. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father.

"[O]ur testimony is something that we will take with us to the next life. We will leave all our earthly possessions behind, but that knowledge, that inner conviction, will remain with us. Think of Joseph Smith: those who took his life could not take his chief possession—his testimony. The Prophet Joseph took that priceless possession with him through death’s veil into eternity, where the Lord had promised him “a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father.” But at the same time, that testimony, together with “a fame and name that cannot be slain” remains here with us. We hear the resounding witness of God’s Prophet testifying “that [Christ] lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father."

Elder Angel Abrea of The Seventy, April 2000

070725, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.5, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 5,408

Journal Entry:

I bore my testimony in Fast and Testimony meeting yesterday. Jake had posted a short video on Marco Polo showing him and Meredith seated side by side when a uniformed police officer entered the picture, arrested Meredith and removed her from the picture. Then he posted "isn't AI fun Z?" The video was a complete fabrication as are so many other things in life today. We literally can't believe everything (or anything) we see or hear these days. That's why trusting in our Heavenly Father, His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost is so important. Thank heaven we have that resource.

Jake and his family stopped by for a visit and we enjoyed that very much.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 76:5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.

"[W]e should do “all we can do” until the end of our mortal probation….

When I served as president of the Spain Bilbao Mission, I was impressed with the quality of members and missionaries that I met, who moved the work forward with great ability and love, as do many faithful members of the Church in other parts of the world. To all of them, I express my sincere respect and admiration.

The Lord has said that He is “delight[ed] to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

“Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory” … 

It is my humble prayer that the Lord may bless us to do “all we can do” in this “out of the ordinary” path that we have chosen[.]"

Claudio D. Zivic of The Seventy, October 2007

070625, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,403

Journal Entry:

We got some walking in up in Vivian Park and some Costco shopping in. Quiet day yesterday and probably today as well.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 75:16 And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted up at the last day.

"Brothers and sisters, the Lord will, according to our faith, fulfill His promises and work with us to overcome every challenge. He... has done so for His people in all nations and in every age and generation. Because He is a “God of miracles” and “changeth not,” He will likewise bless each of us with hope, protection, and power according to our faith in Him. Steadfast faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will... anchor you and your loved ones to “the rock of our Redeemer” and His matchless power to save."

Elder Marcus B. Nash of The Seventy, October 2012 

070525, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.8, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,992

Journal Entry:

We enjoyed Independence Day by driving up to the Salt Lake Temple to see how it's coming. Progress is being made obviously but it still has a long way to go.

I did a little work on our office. It's now a little nicer for watching TV, and I threw out the old computer that didn't work. I still have the monitor which is in good shape but I'm storing it in the basement for now.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 75:11 Praying always that they faint not; and inasmuch as they do this, I will be with them even unto the end.

"On Sunday, October 20, I spoke to a large gathering near Boston, Massachusetts. As I was speaking, I was prompted to say, “I plead with you … to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people, and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God.”

I also said that America and many of the nations of the earth, as in times past, are at another critical crossroads and need our prayers.

My plea was not in my prepared remarks. Those words came to me as I felt the Spirit prompt me to invite those present to pray for their country and their leaders.

Today I expand my call for prayer to all people from every country around the world. No matter how you pray or to whom you pray, please exercise your faith—whatever your faith may be—and pray for your country and for your national leaders. As I said last October in Massachusetts, we stand today at a major crossroads in history, and the nations of the earth are in desperate need of divine inspiration and guidance. This is not about politics or policy. This is about peace and the healing that can come to individual souls as well as to the soul of countries—their cities, towns, and villages—through the Prince of Peace and the source of all healing, the Lord Jesus Christ."

President M. Russell Ballard

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

October 2020

070225, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.7, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 9,977

Journal Entry:

Yesterday was relatively busy for me. Started with a visit to a new urologist to help me with significant urology issues that I'm having as I approach my 80th birthday (in six months). I was impressed with his solutions including a prescription and continued monitoring. Enough said for now. 

Then Beth and Karen joined us for a nice lunch at the Trellis Cafe at Thanksgiving Point to celebrate Beth's birthday. Very enjoyable.

This was followed by us helping out at the Bishops Storehouse because there was a shortage of available senior Missionaries. We were pretty busy and it was a good thing we were there.

So... Good day.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 75:10 Calling on the name of the Lord for the Comforter, which shall teach them all things that are expedient for them—

"Members have had the Holy Ghost conferred upon them after their baptism. The Holy Ghost will teach and comfort them. They are then prepared to receive guidance, direction, and correction, whatever their position or needs require."

President Boyd K. Packer 

This is such an important topic for me. I hope to continue learning more regarding the amazing blessing that is The Holy Ghost.

The Comforter is the Holy Ghost. The Comforter is a teacher. The “Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour” (Luke 12:12), and the “Holy Ghost ... shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26). It is “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Corinthians 2:13). It is the Holy Ghost who “will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:5), for “by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5).

070425, Friday, Independence day

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,706

Journal Entry:

070325, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 2,894

Journal Entry:

Served in the temple yesterday. It was very busy which is, I'm hoping, a good thing. Lots of Missionaries. The MTC in Provo is reportedly busier than ever and getting even busier. Since the new Rock Canyon Provo Temple won't be completed for at least another probably two years or more, our Mt.Timpanogos temple will continue to be very busy. We can handle up to 98 patrons every half hour just for Endowments and then we also have Initiatories and sealings as well as a very busy baptistry. I'm told we have around 4,000 Temple workers.

When the new Lindon Temple opens, which should happen within a few weeks, that should ease the pressure on the Mt. Timpanogos temple quite a bit.

We have been asked to help at the Lindon Bishops Storehouse this afternoon because of a one day shortage of service Missionaries. We're happy to do that.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 74:5 Wherefore, for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,

"...[T]he wise cautions of Elders D. Todd Christofferson and Neil L. Andersen...are important to remember. Elder Christofferson taught: “It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.”

In the following conference, Elder Andersen taught this principle: “The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk.”

President Dallin H. Oaks 

070125, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.7, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 9,977

Journal Entry: