091725, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 230.1, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 4,478, Blood Pressure: 107/65, 64 Reported Sleep 6:53

Journal Entry

Recovering from TURP surgery. Catheter removed. Watching for improvement.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 104:15 And it is my purpose to provide for my saints, for all things are mine.

16 But it must needs be done in mine own way; and behold this is the way that I, the Lord, have decreed to provide for my saints, that the poor shall be exalted, in that the rich are made low.

"I know we can each do something, however small that act may seem to be. We can pay an honest tithe and give our fast and freewill offerings, according to our circumstances. And we can watch for other ways to help. To worthy causes and needy people, we can give time if we don’t have money, and we can give love when our time runs out. We can share the loaves we have and trust God that the cruse of oil will not fail… Said the Prophet Joseph… “Respecting how much a man … shall give … we have no special instructions … ; he is to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle 

091625, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 232.2, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 3,474, Blood Pressure: 140/72, 62, Reported Sleep 1:42 (post-op catheter)

Journal Entry:

I underwent my TURP surgery yesterday morning. Then had two very large meals - one for lunch and one for dinner - no bowl movements and now I have a catheter which imposes significantly on my sleep. So that's why my Vitals are a bit screwed up. The urine in my catheter bag is no longer reddish meaning the bleeding seems to stopped from my surgery. That means I can probably remove my catheter in a few hours and begin to have a normal life. I won't know the results of my surgery for probably a few days. Hoping for an improved urinary process.

Cathy has, of course, been angelic again taking care of me.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 104:13 For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures.

14 I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.

"[T]he care of the earth and of our natural environment is a sacred responsibility entrusted to us by God, which should fill us with a deep sense of duty and humility. It is also an integral component of our discipleship. How can we honor and love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ without honoring and loving Their creations?

There are many things that we can do—collectively and individually—to be good stewards. Considering our individual circumstances, each of us can use the bountiful resources of the earth more reverently and prudently. We can support community efforts to care for the earth. We can adopt personal lifestyles and behaviors that respect God’s creations and make our own living spaces tidier, more beautiful, and more inspirational."

Bishop Gérald Causeé, Presiding Bishop, October 2022

091525, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 222.2 GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 6,514, Blood Pressure: 123/70, 7325 Reported Sleep 7:09

Journal Entry

Yesterday was pretty quiet. I'm preparing for today's surgery by fasting and careful prescription drug use. Hopefully my urinary issues will be improved and that's all I'm going to write about that except to say that I'll have a catheter for awhile and that's definitely not enjoyable.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 103:8 But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them.

9 For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men;

10 And inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

" It is easy to despair when we see about us the moorings of society slipping. We must remember, however, that the Lord sent His Saints into the world “to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men.” This is a time when “Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.” The contrast between the Church and the world will be increasingly marked in the future, which contrast, we hope, will cause the Church to be more attractive to those in the world who desire to live according to God’s plan for us, His children."

President Ezra Taft Benson, April 1978

"The principle of activating blessings that flow from God is eternal. Like those ancient Israelites, we too must act on our faith in Jesus Christ to be blessed. God has revealed that “there is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” That being said, you do not earn a blessing—that notion is false—but you do have to qualify for it. Our salvation comes only through the merits and grace of Jesus Christ. The immensity of His atoning sacrifice means that the woodpile is infinite; our puny actions approach zero in comparison. But they are not zero, and they are not insignificant; in the dark, a match that is lit can be seen for miles. In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to ignite God’s promises."

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Apostle, April 2019

091425, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.3, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 9,5470, Blood Pressure: 102/64, 80 Reported Sleep 6:27

Journal Entry 

We enjoyed a nice birthday celebration here yesterday for Cathy, who worked very hard to put it on, and Erica whose birthday was actually the day before (9/12) and Fredrick and Alexander who both turned 8. It's always good to get together with Jake's family and the best place to do that is here at our house.

So I started my fasting for tomorrow's surgery at 1900 last night and my prostrate surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at 0915. Hopefully it will be successful in improving my urinary tract difficulties but we'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 101:36 Wherefore, fear not even unto death; for in this world your joy is not full, but in me your joy is full.

"How often are we so focused on pursuing the so-called good life that we lose sight of eternal life? It is the fatal spiritual equivalent of selling our birthright for a mess of pottage.

…The only way that we may overcome the world is by coming unto Christ. And coming unto Christ means walking away from the world. It means placing Christ and Christ only at the center of our lives so that the vanities and philosophies of men lose their addictive appeal. Satan is the god of Babylon, or this world. Christ is the God of Israel, and His Atonement gives us power to overcome the world. “If you expect glory, intelligence and endless lives,” said President Joseph F. Smith, “let the world go.”

Sister Sheri L. Dew, Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, October 1999

091325, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 7,098, Blood Pressure: 116/71, 65 Reported Sleep 6:44

Journal Entry 

A photo from yesterday when we visited Temple Square. Even now a beautiful place.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 101:35 And all they who suffer persecution for my name, and endure in faith, though they are called to lay down their lives for my sake yet shall they partake of all this glory.

"Therefore, true enduring represents not merely the passage of time, but the passage of the soul—and not merely from A to B, but sometimes all the way from A to Z. To endure in faith and do God’s will therefore involves much more than putting up with a circumstance.

Rather than shoulder-shrugging, true enduring is soul-trembling. Jesus bled not at a few, but “at every pore.”

Elder Neal L. Maxwell, Apostle

We have enjoyed divine favor through much of our history, but what of the future? It seems to me, my brethren and sisters, that the lessons of history, many of them very sobering, ought to be turned to during this hour of our great achievement because I feel in my own heart that during the hour of our success is our greatest danger. I feel firmly that even during the hour of great prosperity, a nation may sow the seeds of its own destruction. This may happen even during a period of great income, relatively full employment, and high business activity. History reveals that rarely is a great civilization conquered from without until it has weakened or destroyed itself within.

Source

Ezra Taft Benson, “America-What of the Future?”, April 1952 General Conference

091225, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.6, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 4,240, Blood Pressure: 132/79, 70 Reported Sleep 6:25

Journal Entry 

There is a lot of publicity right now - mostly positive but some negative - as a result of the shooting death of Charlie Kirk who is a well known conservative activist. I don't want to get into it except to say that I supported his thinking and am sorry he died as he did.

Cathy suggested we drive to Salt Lake City and visit temple square which is still under construction but still an interesting place. We had an early lunch at the Garden Restaurant which is in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The photo was taken from our dinner table and, as one can see, shows the Salt Lake Temple still under construction. Temple Square is going to be a wonderful place when it's completed. A truly Holy Place.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 101:22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;

"We are bombarded...by a vast number of messages we don’t want or need...To fully enjoy life, all of us must find our own breathing space and peace of mind. How can we do this?...We must rise above the evil that encroaches upon us. We must follow the counsel of the Lord, who said, “... stand in holy places.”

We unavoidably stand in so many unholy places and are subjected to so much that is vulgar, profane, and destructive of the Spirit of the Lord that I encourage our Saints...to strive to stand more often in holy places...

...President Brigham Young taught, “Every moment of [our lives] must be holiness to the Lord…which is the only course by which [we] can preserve the Spirit of the Almighty to [ourselves].” ...[F]ind holiness to the Lord by standing in holy places...Standing in holy places will help us rise above the evil influences of our time and draw us closer to our Savior."

President James E. Faust, Apostle

091125, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 1,908, Blood Pressure: 120/79, 72 Reported Sleep 7:33

Journal Entry 

Yesterday was our 48th wedding anniversary. We were recently asked what our secret was to enable such a long lasting marriage. That caused me to think about that even more than usual. For us, we both have a great desire to be true and faithful to each other and we both try very hard to avoid any behavior that we think might hurt our marriage. I try to treat each day as an anniversary to celebrate and that truly is one of the most important elements in our marriage. We both still love each other. We avoid saying or even thinking negative thoughts about each other and we both consider our marriage and family as eternal and we both want it that way. Of course our membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is a huge factor because the church encourages all of the positive attitudes I described above.

Anyway, every day is a wedding anniversary to me and I try to behave that way. That being said, we went to Guru's in Provo for a late lunch and ate outside in beautiful weather. Then we drove up to Midway and had a scoop of ice cream at Ballerina Farm Market. Another good day.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 101:16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.

"Because the Spirit is often described as a still, small voice, it is also important to have a time of quiet in our lives as well. The Lord has counseled us to “be still, and know that I am God.” If we provide a still and quiet time each day when we are not bombarded by television, computer, video games, or personal electronic devices, we allow that still, small voice an opportunity to provide personal revelation and to whisper sweet guidance, reassurance, and comfort to us."

Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency, October 2009

091025, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.7, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 3,647, Blood Pressure: 108/64, 70 Reported Sleep 5:04

Journal Entry 

Today is our 48th Anniversary. Looking forward to an eternity together.

I got the Wills and Trust paperwork from our attorney and scheduled an appointment for today at 1300. However, after Cathy and I looked everything over we decided we needed a few more days to determine what questions we needed to get answered so we're putting the meeting off until later next week.

Today will be a relaxing day now. In fact everything is going to be pretty low key until after my prostate surgery which will be next Monday. That should result in a few more days of medical discomfort but after that I should be 150% better than recently. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 101:2 I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;

3 Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.

4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.

5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.

"We each understand that difficulties are part of life, but when they come to us personally, they can take our breath away. Without being alarmed, we need to be ready. The Apostle Peter said, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the darker-colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan. These struggles, although difficult, often become our greatest teachers."

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Apostle

090925, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 228.1, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 9,639, Blood Pressure: 129/78, 71 Reported Sleep 5:04

Journal Entry 

After a pretty quiet day we drove out and got a couple of In-N-Out burgers.... Exciting! 

Then we drove by the new Lindon Temple. It's all lit up and looks wonderful but it's still not open and the opening has not been announced. Rumor is that there is some sort of construction glitch but who knows?

Come Follow Me 

Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint.

Meekness is an attribute developed through desire, the righteous exercise of moral agency, and striving always to retain a remission of our sins. It also is a spiritual gift for which we appropriately can seek. We should remember, however, the purposes for which such a blessing is given, even to benefit and serve the children of God.

As we come unto and follow the Savior, we increasingly and incrementally are enabled to become more like Him. We are empowered by the Spirit with disciplined self-restraint and a settled and calm demeanor. Thus, meek is what we become as disciples of the Master and not just something we do.

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle, April 2018

D&C 100:5 Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men;

6 For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say.

7 But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things.

8 And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say.

"...[S]haring the gospel is our responsibility.

...[I]f we are not engaged, many who would hear the message of the Restoration will be passed by...[I]t’s a matter of faith and action on our part...[P]ray, personally and in your family, for missionary opportunities...

You don’t have to be an outgoing person or an eloquent, persuasive teacher. If you have an abiding love and hope within you, the Lord has promised if you “lift up your voices unto this people [and] speak the thoughts that [He] shall put into your hearts…you shall not be confounded before men;

“[And] it shall be given you…in the very moment, what ye shall say."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle

090825, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 2,841, Blood Pressure: 129/72, 75 Reported Sleep 4:56

Journal Entry 

Nothing much planned for today. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 98:14 Therefore, be not afraid of your enemies, for I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.

15 For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.

"What do we need to improve in our lives spiritually, physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually? Now is the time to prepare and prove ourselves willing and able to do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us.

…The process of proving ourselves is a fundamental part of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness. I promise that as we both prepare and press forward with faith in the Savior, we all can receive the same grade on the ultimate examination of mortality…"

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle

090725, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.7, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 7,782, Blood Pressure: 116/67, 72, Reported Sleep 7:00

Journal Entry 

We went for a two mile walk up by Bridal Veil Falls but otherwise a nice quiet day. 

I watched last night's BYU vs Stanford football game on TV this morning because I recorded it. BYU had a pretty dazzling defense but the offense struggled a little. Nevertheless they won I think 27-3. Their quarterback who is a true freshman actually did quite well considering his lack of experience. I think he's going to be very good as the season moves along. Stanford actually had a pretty good defense but nit good enough.

Come Follow Me 

D&C97:21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.

"The Lord invites us not just to join His kingdom but also to be anxiously engaged in building it. God envisions a people who are “of one heart and one mind.”  And to be of one heart, we must seek pure hearts, and that requires a mighty change of heart. 

But that doesn’t mean changing my heart to align with yours. Nor does it mean changing your heart to align with mine. It means that we all change our hearts to align with the Savior."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle

090625, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 3,439, Blood Pressure: 110/66, 75, Reported Sleep 6:44

Journal Entry 

Today we have nothing scheduled. Stake Conference is available on line thanks to Bishop Schoonover. So maybe I'll watch that. Otherwise I think we will go for a walk up in Provo Canyon.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 97:15 And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;

16 Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God.

"It is true that some have actually seen the Savior, but when one consults the dictionary, he learns that there are many other meanings of the word see, such as coming to know Him, discerning Him, recognizing Him and His work, perceiving His importance, or coming to understand Him.

Such heavenly enlightenment and blessings are available to each of us."

Elder David B. Haight, Apostle

090525, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 7,923, Blood Pressure: 116/66, 73 Reported Sleep 6:02

Journal Entry 

PICC line is removed. Feels great to not have that burden with the daily IV injections. 

We actually took a long walk in the really nice weather up near Bridal Veil Falls. I got my 7,500+ steps in for the first time since I was hospitalized nearly a month ago. The weather should be very nice again today.

Jake came over with the boys while Erica was at the Stuart's home for her organ lesson. We enjoyed a nice visit with all of them.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 97:8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.

9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.

"My friend Donna grew up desiring to marry and raise a large family. But that blessing never came. Instead, she spent her adult years serving the people in her ward with unmeasured compassion and counseling disturbed children in a large school district. She had crippling arthritis and many long, blue days. Yet she always lifted and was always lifted by her friends and family. Once when teaching about Lehi’s dream, she said with gentle humor, “I’d put myself in that picture on the strait and narrow path, still holding to the iron rod but collapsed from fatigue right on the path.” In an inspired blessing given just before her death, Donna’s home teacher said the Lord “accepted” her. Donna cried. She had never felt her single life was acceptable. But the Lord said those who “observe their covenants by sacrifice … are accepted of me.” I can envision Him walking the path from the tree of life to lift Donna up with gladness and carry her home."

Elder Bruce C. Hafen of The Seventy

"Let there be no hesitancy in your decision. Live worthy of a call, and respond without hesitation when that call comes. Go forth with a spirit of dedication, placing yourself in the hands of the Lord to do His great work.

I promise that if you will do so, you will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make."

President Gordon B. Hinckley, October 2002

The Electric Light of Testimony

A sure knowledge of the spiritual is an open door to rewards attainable and joys unspeakable. To ignore the testimony is to grope in caves of impenetrable darkness; to creep along in fog over hazardous highways. That person is to be pitied who may still be walking in darkness at noonday (D&C 95:6) who is tripping over obstacles which can be removed and who dwells in the dim flickering candlelight of insecurity and skepticism. The testimony is the electric light illuminating the cavern; the wind and sun dissipating the fog; the power equipment removing boulders from the road. It is the mansion on the hill replacing the shack in the marshes; the harvester shelving the sickle and cradle; the tractor, train, automobile, and plane displacing the ox team. It is the rich nourishing kernels of corn instead of the husks in the trough. It is much more than all else, for— “. . . this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

Source

Spencer W. Kimball, “Are You a Modern Nicodemus?”, April 1958 General Conference

090425, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.5, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 5,084, Blood Pressure: 106/65, 84 Reported Sleep 6:56

Journal Entry 

We were advised that someone from Intermountain Medical Home Health will be here today to remove my PICC line. It has been determined that my infection, which was very severe, has been eliminated and those daily IV treatments will no longer be needed. While the treatment has been a blessing, having it over with feels also like a blessing. I still have the pad on my right foot as a precaution but I am seeing Dr Phillips this coming Tuesday and that might be the end of the pads. I've been walking more and more but I'd like to get back to my preinfection goal of 7,500 steps a day.

In the mean time I'm exercising at home by doing pushups against a rail and doing 12 flights of stairs in groups of 3. (4 sets of 3 flights)

Getting well has been my main objective for the last four weeks and it's working but if like to get back to the temple and the Bishops Storehouse as soon as my aging body can handle it.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 95:5 But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen.

6 They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day.

"We live in a wonderful world and no doubt in the most wonderful era. There are so many lovely and desirable things to do, to enjoy, and to accomplish. There are so many people who help to make life meaningful and purposeful and worthwhile. But, at the same time, this is a day in which there is much anxiety, confusion, mistrust, and fear. This is a time when, as prophesied, many are ". . . walking in darkness at noon-day."

Elder ElRay L. Christiansen, October 1964

090325, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4.090, Blood Pressure: 124/75, 82, Reported Sleep 6:31

Journal Entry 

I didn't get my PICC line removed. Now that's scheduled for tomorrow. And Dr. Phillips, although he told me my toe injury is completely healed, had a new pad glued to the bottom of my right foot which limits my ability to walk. That's probably a good thing.

I know I need more exercise so I increased my exercise to four reps instead of three and each time I climb stairs I'm doing three flights instead of one so Twelve flights today and I will continue that daily for now.

Cathy went to the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and hopefully I will join her in a couple of weeks. Art Sandgren gave me a ride to my doctors appointments yesterday.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 95:1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you.

"When we recognize the chastening and are willing recipients, it becomes a spiritual surgery. Who likes surgery, by the way? But to those who need it and are willing to receive it, it can be lifesaving. The Lord chastens whom He loves. The scriptures tell us so. That chastening, or spiritual surgery, will bring about needed change in our lives. We will realize, brothers and sisters, that it refines and purifies our inner vessels."

 Elder Taniela B. Wakolo of The Seventy

090225, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.5, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 3,519, Blood Pressure: 110/64, 82 Reported Sleep 6:17

Journal Entry 

Today is a day I've looked forward to for several weeks. I'm told my last home IV will be today then they will come and remove my PICC line. The PICC line is the IV line that has remained in my upper right arm since I got out of the hospital. Seems like about three weeks.

Then I get the dressings on my right foot removed and should be OK to start walking and driving without those obstructions. Also I'll be able to take a shower without the protective garb on my right lower leg and right arm. Pretty much like normal. So I'm excited to be basically returning to normal. I'm sure there will be Follow ups with various medical pros but that should just help me stay healthy.

Cathy is going to serve at the Bishops Storehouse today and my good friend Art Sandgren is going to be my transportation. A great help and very much appreciated.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 94:7 And it shall be wholly dedicated unto the Lord for the work of the presidency.

8 And ye shall not suffer any unclean thing to come in unto it; and my glory shall be there, and my presence shall be there.

9 But if there shall come into it any unclean thing, my glory shall not be there; and my presence shall not come into it.

"During the April 2022 general conference, President Russell M. Nelson invited every member of the Church to experience the joy of daily repentance. He said:

“Please do not fear or delay repenting. Satan delights in your misery. Cut it short. Cast his influence out of your life! Start today to experience the joy of putting off the natural man. The Savior loves us always but especially when we repent. …

“If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”

Elder D. Martin Goury

Of the Seventy

090125, Monday, Labor Day

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.7, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4,674, Blood Pressure: 115/69, 76, Reported Sleep 6:48

Journal Entry 

Today, Labor Day, will probably be pretty dull for us. Not much going on, BUT... Tomorrow I should get my last IV antibiotic injection and my PICC line removed from my right arm and upper chest. I should also get the load removed which has been glued to the bottom of my right foot for the last week thus making it possible to wear normal shoes and take normal walks.

I actually walked around our park yesterday with Cathy and it went pretty well. It should be a lot better without the pad on my right sole. So... Excited about tomorrow.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 94:1 And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall commence a work of laying out and preparing a beginning and foundation of the city of the stake of Zion, here in the land of Kirtland, beginning at my house.

2 And behold, it must be done according to the pattern which I have given unto you.

"Following revealed patterns helps us to recognize our weaknesses, deal positively with them, overcome them, and rise to Christlike heights.

We must, if we will have happiness, follow the straight and prescribed paths. “I will give you a pattern in all things” is one of the Lord’s greatest gifts and promises. Today it comes from him and his prophets... Happiness is a by-product of righteous living and sharing within the framework of lofty patterns. Actions of the moment may be fun, but true happiness depends upon how you feel after the involvement is over...

There is no other proven way."

Elder Marvin J. Ashton, Apostle