101725, Friday

Daily Vitals:

Weight: 228.1, GMI: 6.5, Steps (previous day): 7,474, Blood Pressure: 102/64, 83, Reported Sleep: 6:23, (74)

Journal Entry

Had a good day at the Bishops Storehouse. A lot of senior Missionaries were gobs so we were busy but everything went well.

Cathy got her new phone finally. IPhone 17 promax. Top of the line. We're going to go over to the xfinity store to let them help her set it up. I still have my 13 promax which is still working great.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 118:3 Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them, from henceforth.

"Yes...we have work to do. Thank you for the sacrifices you make and the good you do. Keep going, and the Lord will help you. At times you may not know quite what to do or what to say—just move forward. Begin to act, and the Lord assures that “an effectual door shall be opened for [you].”...It is true that we are in many ways ordinary and imperfect, but we have a perfect Master who wrought a perfect Atonement, and we have call upon His grace and His priesthood. As we repent and purge our souls, we are promised that we will be taught and endowed with power from on high."

President D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle

101625, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.4, GMI: 6.4, Steps (previous day): 8,448, Blood pressure: 127/77, 76, Reported Sleep 5:02 (58)

Journal Entry

We walked at University Place then had brunch at First Watch. 

We drove up to UofU medical facility for a doctor's appointment for Cathy with Dr. Sundaresh. She had had less than satisfactory appointments with him in the past but he is purported to be an accomplished endocrinologist and Cathy is trying to get her osteoporosis under control.

He is, I think, from India and we got the feeling that he is sort of dismissive of unaccompanied women. I decided to go with her this time and he was very attentive and helpful. We both were pleased with the visit and it looks like he is going to oversee her treatment for at least three next 6-12 months. Anyway, success so that was good.

Then we went to Fashion Place for Cathy but she couldn't find anything that she wanted so we ate at Cheese Cake Factory and came home.

Come Follow Me 

President Russell M. Nelson taught that if the Lord were speaking to us directly, the first thing He would make sure we understand is our true identity: we are children of God, children of the covenant, and disciples of Jesus Christ. Any other designation will ultimately let us down.

D&C 117:4 Let them repent of all their sins, and of all their covetous desires, before me, saith the Lord; for what is property unto me? saith the Lord.

 "Stubborn selfishness leads otherwise good people to fight over herds, patches of sand, and strippings of milk. All this results from what the Lord calls coveting “the drop,” while neglecting “the more weighty matters.” Myopic selfishness magnifies a mess of pottage and makes thirty pieces of silver look like a treasure trove. In our intense acquisitiveness, we forget Him who once said, “What is property unto me?”

Such is the scope of putting off the burdensome natural man, who is naturally selfish. So much of our fatigue, brothers and sisters, in fact, comes from carrying that needless load. This heaviness of the natural man prevents us from doing our Christian calisthenics; so we end up too swollen with selfishness to pass through the narrow needle’s eye."

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Apostle 

101525 Wednesday New First Presidency announced

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9, GMI: 6.4, Steps (previous day): 5,085, Blood pressure: 121/74, 71 Reported Sleep 6:03 (71)

Journal Entry

We went to breakfast today at First Watch and this was the view from our booth. The mountain is, I believe, Kyhv Peak.

President Oaks revealed yesterday that his new First Counselor will be President Henry B. Eyring and his Second Counselor is President D. Todd Christofferson.

I support those three completely. Now looking forward to finding out who the next Apostle will be.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 115:6 And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.

"Likewise, the stakes of Zion are “a refuge from the storm” because they are led by those who hold priesthood keys and exercise priesthood authority. As you continue to follow the counsel of those whom the Lord has authorized to guide you, you will feel greater safety."

President Russell M. Nelson 

101425, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.9, GMI: 6.4, Steps (previous day): 8,102, Blood pressure: 117/69, 71 Reported Sleep 5:51 (70)

Journal Entry

Planning on a good day at the Bishops Storehouse. 

I saw my urologist yesterday and he was very encouraging. Apparently the difficulties I've been having with my prostate and urinary tract are declining and might be pretty much over. I'm very encouraged.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 115:5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;

"A group of youth in Queen Creek, Arizona, determined to “arise and shine forth”...They each wrote something that they felt was holding them back or something they wanted to change in their lives in their journals, and then they literally dug a hole. They came together, tore out the journal page, and threw it into the hole...Then they buried those pages, and that day they each made a commitment to change...The call to “arise and shine forth” is a call to each of you to lead the world in a mighty cause—to raise the standard—and lead this generation in virtue, purity, and temple worthiness. If you desire to make a difference in the world, you must be different from the world. I echo the words of President Joseph F. Smith, who said to the women of his day: “It is not for you to be led by the women of the world; it is for you to lead…the  women of the world, in everything that is…purifying"...As daughters [and sons] of God, you were born to lead."

President Elaine S, Dalton, Young Women General President, April 2012

101325, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.0, GMI: 6.4, Steps (previous day): 1,861 Blood Pressure:126/72, 74, Reported Sleep 6:21 (77)

Journal Entry

Another doctors visit for me today. Urology. I think there is progress in that area but there are still some issues. 'Nuff said.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 115:4 For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"Thus, the name of the Church is not negotiable. When the Savior clearly states what the name of His Church should be and even precedes His declaration with, “Thus shall my church be called,” He is serious. And if we allow nicknames to be used or adopt or even sponsor those nicknames ourselves, He is offended.

What’s in a name or, in this case, a nickname? When it comes to nicknames of the Church, such as the “LDS Church,” the “Mormon Church,” or the “Church of the Latter-day Saints,” the most important thing in those names is the absence of the Savior’s name. To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan. When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement."

President Russell M. Nelson 

101225, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 229.0, GMI: 6.4, Steps (previous day): 9,829, Blood Pressure, 1117/68, 73 Reported Sleep 4:18 (55)

Journal Entry

I got up very early today (before 0400) to watch the recording of last night's BYU vs Arizona football game. BYU won in overtime in a very entertaining (to me) game.

Problem was that I stayed up sorry if late last night to watch Michigan at USC. USC won that game so I'm 2-0 for this week. But tired.

I have no plans for today other than church so I should be OK.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 112:23 Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face.

24 Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.

"We must acknowledge that the building up of Zion occurs in tumultuous times—“a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.” Thus, the gathering into stakes becomes “for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”

Elder D.Todd Chrisofferson, Apostle 

101125, Saturday

 Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 6.5, Steps (previous day): 3,040, Blood Pressure: 118/69, 71 Reported Sleep 6:37, (82)

Journal Entry

For medical reasons, Cathy had to stay close to home. We did however go to the temple for our 1130 Endowment session.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 112:20 Whosoever receiveth my word receiveth me, and whosoever receiveth me, receiveth those, the First Presidency, whom I have sent, whom I have made counselors for my name’s sake unto you.

"To know the Lord Jesus Christ, we and all mankind must receive Him. And to receive Him, we must receive His servants. 

To receive Him, we must receive the fulness of His gospel, His everlasting covenant, including all those truths or laws, covenants, and ordinances needed for mankind to enter back into the presence of God."

 Elder John M. Madsen of The Seventy

101025, Friday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.9, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 8,030, Blood Pressure, 122/72, 74 Reported Sleep 6:01 (62)

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 112:13 And after their temptations, and much tribulation, behold, I, the Lord, will feel after them, and if they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

"…[W]e find healing and relief only when we bring ourselves to the feet of the Great Physician, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We must lay down our weapons of rebellion (and we each know what they are). We must lay down our sin, vanity, and pride. We must give up our desires to follow the world and to be respected and lauded by the world. We must cease fighting against God and instead give our whole hearts to Him, holding nothing back. Then He can heal us. Then He can cleanse us from the venomous sting of sin."

Elder Patrick Kearon, Apostle

100925, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 8,282, Blood Pressure: 126/75, 70 Reported Sleep 5:59 (79)

Journal Entry

We enjoyed a pleasant walk up near Vivian park. Then had a light lunch at First Watch in Pleasant Grove.

Art Sandgren came over for a nice visit. He is such a good friend and I feel badly for him in some ways because he is a widower. But he has family nearby and enjoys working in the temple on Fridays. Just an all around good man. Also he brought some treats over as well.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 112:11 I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers concerning thy brethren. Be not partial towards them in love above many others, but let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

"Brothers and sisters, the most powerful Being in the universe is the Father of your spirit. He knows you. He loves you with a perfect love.

God sees you not only as a mortal being on a small planet who lives for a brief season—He sees you as His child. He sees you as the being you are capable and designed to become. He wants you to know that you matter to Him."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle 

100825, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,215, Blood Pressure: 120/73 72 Reported Sleep 5:22 (60)

Journal Entry

I went to the temple and did five Initiatory ordinances while Cathy visited one of her ministering sisters yesterday morning. Then I caught the first half of President Nelson's funeral before we went to the Bishops Storehouse for our afternoon duties.

Nothing scheduled for today. We'll figure out something to do.

Come Follow Me 

 D&C 112:10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

"Humility is not weakness. Humility “is an indication that we know where our true strength lies.” “To be humble is to recognize gratefully our dependence on the Lord—to understand that we have constant need for His support. … We can be both humble and fearless. We can be both humble and courageous.”

As we grow in humility, we are less critical and more compassionate. We are less demanding and more helpful."

Sister Susan H. Porter, Primary General President

100725, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 224.4, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 2,599, Blood Pressure: 107/63, 85 Reported Sleep 6:16 (81)

Journal Entry

Cathy is visiting one of her ministering sisters today so I am going to take that time to go to the temple to do a few Initiatory ordinances. Then later we will both go to the Bishops Storehouse together for our regular Tuesday commitment.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 112:2 Verily I say unto you, there have been some few things in thine heart and with thee with which I, the Lord, was not well pleased.

3 Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt be exalted; therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee.

"Years ago, I was asked to meet with a man who, long before our visit, had had a period of riotous living. As a result of his bad choices, he lost his membership in the Church. He had long since returned to the Church and was faithfully keeping the commandments, but his previous actions haunted him. Meeting with him, I felt his shame and his deep remorse at having set his covenants aside. Following our interview, I placed my hands upon his head to give him a priesthood blessing. Before speaking a word, I felt an overpowering sense of the Savior’s love and forgiveness for him...

I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fulness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven."

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Apostle 

100625, Monday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.0, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 2,283, Blood Pressure: 123/74, 63v Reported Sleep 6:37 (81)

Journal Entry

General Conference seemed pretty routine. All good info and instruction. No news regarding forming a new First Presidency except that nothing will happen until President Nelson's funeral is over which is tomorrow. President Oaks seemed a little shakier than expected but handled everything very well. He specifically announced no new temples for now indicating that there are many temples announced that have not even begun construction yet let alone completed. He left open the future announcement of new temples. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 111:11 Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.

"Let me suggest that many of us typically assume we will receive an answer or a prompting to our earnest prayers and pleadings. And we also frequently expect that such an answer or a prompting will come immediately and all at once. Thus, we tend to believe the Lord will give us A BIG ANSWER QUICKLY AND ALL AT ONE TIME. However, the pattern repeatedly described in the scriptures suggests we receive “line upon line, precept upon precept,” or in other words, many small answers over a period of time. Recognizing and understanding this pattern is an important key to obtaining inspiration and help from the Holy Ghost."

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle 

100525, Sunday, General Conference

Daily Vitals: Weight: 225.9, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 2,807, Blood Pressure: 118/76, 68 Reported Sleep 5:38

Journal Entry

Yesterday's General Conference was, as anticipated, conducted by the Quorum of Twelve Apostles... Actually 14 Apostles as President Nelson's two counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and Elder Henry B. Eyring, rejoined their Apostle brothers as part of the Quorum. President Oaks, who was, and still is the President of the Quorum, presided and will continue to preside until such time as a First Presidency is established again.

President Nelson's funeral will be on Tuesday.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 110:16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

"Some of [these] words are crucial to understand. The great and dreadful day of the Lord is the end of the world. Jehovah, the Messiah, will come in glory. The wicked will all be destroyed. We live in the last days. Time could be running out for us to do what we have promised to do."

Elder Henry B. Eyring, Apostle 

100425, Saturday, General Conference

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.8, GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,045, Blood Pressure: 130/70, 76 Reported Sleep 5:44 (61)

Journal Entry 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 110:14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—

15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse

"The restoration of the sealing authority by Elijah in 1836 was necessary to prepare the world for the Savior’s Second Coming and initiated a greatly increased and worldwide interest in family history research.

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared: “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead...

Elder Russell M. Nelson has taught that the Spirit of Elijah is “a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family." This distinctive influence of the Holy Ghost draws people to identify, document, and cherish their ancestors and family members—both past and present.

The Spirit of Elijah affects people inside and outside of the Church. However, as members of Christ’s restored Church, we have the covenant responsibility to search out our ancestors and provide for them the saving ordinances of the gospel. “They without us should not be made perfect.” And “neither can we without our dead be made perfect."

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle 

100325, Friday p

Daily Vitals: Weight: 226.4, GMI: 6.6, Steps (previous day): 2,892, Blood Pressure: 110/67, 73 Reported Sleep 6:32 (74)

Journal Entry 

Cathy and I are going to an endowment session at 1030 this morning. I feel like I'm healthy enough to attend at least one temple session each week now. I'm actually hoping to be called to be a temple worker again as soon as our Lindon Temple begins operations.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 110:11 After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north.

12 After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after us should be blessed.

13 After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said: 

"Priesthood authority has existed in many dispensations…All previous dispensations were limited in time, as each ended in apostasy. They were also limited to small segments of planet Earth. In contrast, our dispensation—the dispensation of the fulness of times—will not be limited in time or place. ..Other heavenly messengers conveyed specific keys of the priesthood…Moses brought keys of the gathering of Israel and the leading of the ten tribes. Elias conveyed keys of the restoration of all things, including the Abrahamic covenant. And Elijah conferred keys of the sealing authority.  

You know something about keys. In your pocket there might be a key to your home or car. Priesthood keys, on the other hand, are intangible and invisible. They “switch on” the authority of the priesthood. Some keys even convey power to bind in heaven as well as on earth."

Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

100225, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.0, GMI: 6.5, Steps (previous day): 9,479, Blood Pressure: 122/70, 73 Reported Sleep 7:14 (89)

Journal Entry

Yesterday and today are quiet days with not much planned. Cathy and I drove went out to breakfast then drove the Alpine Loop to see the fall colors which were beautiful. Then we took a nice walk at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. Today we will spend another quiet day. I'm still recovering from my medical issues and doing fairly well. 

Come Follow Me 

 "Elder Dallin H. Oaks has explained that in renewing our baptismal covenants by partaking of the emblems of the sacrament, “we do not witness that we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. [Rather,] we witness that we are willing to do so. (See D&C 20:77⁠.) The fact that we only witness to our willingness suggests that something else must happen before we actually take that sacred name upon us in the [ultimate and] most important sense” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1985, 102⁠; or Ensign, May 1985, 81; italics in original). The baptismal covenant clearly contemplates a future event or events and looks forward to the temple."

Elder David A Bednar, April 2009

D&C 110:7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.

"On that day {April 3, 1836] Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery experienced a series of remarkable visitations. First, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared. The Prophet recorded that the Savior’s “eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters.”  During this visitation, the Lord affirmed His identity. He said, “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.” 

Jesus Christ then declared that He had accepted the temple as His house and made this stunning promise: “I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house.” 

This significant promise applies to every dedicated temple today. I invite you to ponder what the Lord’s promise means for you personally."

President Russell M Nelson 

100125, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Weight: 227.6, GMI: 6.5, Steps (previous day): 3,822, Blood Pressure: 116/70, 75 Reported Sleep 5:54 (64)

Journal Entry 

We had a productive and useful day at the Bishops Storehouse. 

Come Follow Me 

D&C 109:22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;

23 And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.

"Most certainly, the adversary does not want you to understand the covenant you made at baptism or the profound endowment of knowledge and power you have received or will receive in the temple—the house of the Lord. And Satan certainly does not want you to understand that every time you worthily serve and worship in the temple, you leave armed with God’s power and with His angels having “charge over” you."

President Russell M Nelson