123125, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.0

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 3,982

BP: 118/72, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 4:57

Journal Entry

Things are pretty quiet these days. Cathy is still recovering from her surgery and improving each day but she's still suffering. I worked in the Bishops Storehouse and had a good day there. I need to get more exercise but I'm reluctant to leave Cathy alone. I think I can get some walking in at the mall maybe later today.

Come Follow Me 

Jeremiah 31: 31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

"The fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant becomes feasible because of the Atonement of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is at the center of the Abrahamic covenant...

Those who keep their covenants with God will become a strain of sin-resistant souls! Those who keep their covenants will have the strength to resist the constant influence of the world."

President Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

123025, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.5

GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 8,619

BP: 130/75, Pulse: 81, Reported Sleep: 6:43

Journal Entry

I truly enjoyed having dinner with my sons, Kevin and Jake, at Guru's restaurant. They bought my dinner as a birthday gift and that was very thoughtful and kind of them.

Come Follow Me 

John 3: 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

"...[W]e too can be prone to look beyond the mark. We need to guard against this tendency lest we miss Jesus Christ in our lives and fail to recognize the many blessings He offers us....

He is our mark. If we incorrectly imagine that there is a need for something beyond what He offers, we deny or diminish the scope and power He can have in our lives...

...[R]emember and always focus on Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and Redeemer, the “mark” to whom we should look, and our greatest treasure.

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Apostle 

122925, Monday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.2

GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 3,319

BP: 129/76, Pulse: 75, Reported Sleep: 5:57

Journal Entry

I took Kevin and Becky to the airport in Provo to catch their plane home. They notified us later that they arrived safely. It was a very nice Christmas holiday.

I have exchanged a couple of emails with Adam but he doesn't seem interested in being forgiving or loving or helping his wife, Myisha, to be that either. But at least we have communicated. Maybe things will get better.

Come Follow Me 

Exodus 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.

"The Father introduced His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer and gave us the command to "hear Him." From this direction we conclude that the scriptural records of words spoken by "God" or the "Lord" are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

122825, Sunday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.4

GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 8,744

BP: 123/71, Pulse: 82, Reported Sleep: 6:03

Journal Entry

My sons, Kevin and Jake took us out to dinner on Kevin and Becky's last night here. We went to Guru's in Provo which it's my favorite place for group singers because there is usually plenty of room and it's relatively quiet and I like the food.

The photo here is, of course, the Provo City Center Temple as seen from Guru's.

Kevin and Becky are flying back to Phoenix today. We have really enjoyed having them here. 

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—

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.

"Joseph Smith’s testimony of Jesus is that He lives, “for [he] saw him, even on the right hand of God; and [he] heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father”.  I appeal to all who hear or read this message to seek through prayer and study of the scriptures that same witness of the divine character, the Atonement, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Accept His doctrine by repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and then throughout your life following the laws and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

President D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle 

122725, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 227.6

GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 6,586

BP: 121/74, Pulse: 75, Reported Sleep: 5:35

Journal Entry

We had a very good day yesterday. Breakfast at the Mirror Lake Diner then downtown SLC as depicted in the attached photo. 

Also we went into the magnificent Conference Center and Kevin and Becky got an up close look with the help of a sister missionary. 

I also wanted to test out the leg room of the standard seats and found it to be quite satisfactory. Amazing considering the facility has over 20,000 seats.

It has been a great pleasure having Kevin and Becky visit.

Come Follow Me 

Matthew 2: 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

"And when we find him, will we be prepared as were the wise men of old to provide gifts from our many treasures? They presented gold, frankincense, and myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts Jesus asks that we give of ourselves.

"Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind."

In this marvelous Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved. "Go, gladden the lonely, the dreary; go, comfort the weeping, the weary; go, scatter kind deeds on your way, oh, make the world brighter today."

President Thomas S. Monson, Apostle 

"But even if we are not serving the Lord or our country in full-time service, our opportunities to serve are limitless. Kind words and deeds can lift burdens and cheer up hearts! Our Father in Heaven invites us all to give service. And when we do, “the King shall answer and say unto [us], Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Sister Christina B. Franco, Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency 

“The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives. As he said to the dead Lazarus, so he says to you and me: ‘… come forth.’ Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth. As we do, and direct our footsteps along the paths which Jesus walked, let us remember the testimony Jesus gave: ‘Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. … I am the light and … life of the world. …’ ‘I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.’ To his testimony I add my witness: He lives.”

President Thomas S. Monson 

122625, Friday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 228.8

GMI: 6.7,  Steps (previous day): 6,397

BP: 123/70, Pulse: 81, Reported Sleep: 6:28

Journal Entry

Christmas was very nice. Especially having my two sons, Kevin and Jake, here together. Adam sent me a text wishing me a merry Christmas and saying that he misses me. Not buying it. He knows where I am and never comes to visit. He called me once in 2025 and we had a nice visit. Then I found out later that he called because Jake suggested it. Anyway, I am enjoying having Jake and Kevin here and they invited me to go out to breakfast with them tomorrow, partly to celebrate my coming 80th birthday, and that means a lot to me.

Cathy and I are planning to take Kevin and Becky up to the Mirror Lake Diner for breakfast and then drive down to Salt Lake to let Becky see the developing Temple Square area. Should be a fun day.

Come Follow Me 

Luke 2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

"[W]herever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with people you meet, study with, and live with or work and socialize with."

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle 

122525, Thursday Christmas

Daily Vitals: Wt. 229.4

GMI: 6.7,  Steps (previous day): 6,608

BP: 122/71, Pulse: 70, Reported Sleep: 5:28

Journal Entry

Jake and his whole family of six came over and shared a great breakfast which Cathy prepared. Then we opened gifts. I truly enjoyed the whole experience. Kevin will be flying in shortly with his new bride, Becky, they will stay with us for three nights and that should be a great enjoyment as well. Should be a great Christmas!

Come Follow Me 

Luke 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Great Quote: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly the “good news of great joy!" It is a message of matchless hope! A message of yoke-bearing and burden-lifting. Of light-gathering. Of heavenly favor, higher understanding, holier covenants, eternal security, and everlasting glory!

Joy is the very purpose of God’s plan for His children. It’s what you were created for—“that [you] might have joy!" You were built for this!

Our Father in Heaven has not hidden the path to happiness. It is not a secret. It is available to all!"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle 

122425, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.9

GMI: 6.6,  Steps (previous day): 5,068

BP: 119/73, Pulse: 75, Reported Sleep: 5:53

Journal Entry

The photo was taken by me yesterday morning. It was a beautiful sunrise and we were driving on State street in Orem. Mt.Timpanogos is in the background and it is, to me, a very inspiring and hopeful view.

Looking forward to having Kevin and Becky here for a few days starting on Christmas day.

Upon reviewing the scripture below, 3 Nephi 1:13, I'm reminded of just important the birth of Jesus Christ was to ask if mankind. Nobody has worked harder, suffered more, or been more kind and loving than our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

It's very important to remember that!

Come Follow Me 

3 Nephi 1:13 Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

  "The scriptural story of Jesus Christ is indeed a two-hemisphere story.  While Mary and Joseph in the East were making preparations for the holy child’s birth in Bethlehem,  Nephi in the West was being taught by the premortal Messiah. To Nephi the Lord said, “Be of good cheer; … on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

122325, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.3

GMI: 6.6,  Steps (previous day): 10,305

BP: 128/67, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 5:53

Journal Entry

I served in the Bishops Storehouse today and enjoyed it a lot. It was busy but not overwhelming. I serve with wonderful people and enjoy meeting and serving the patrons who come in. It's sometimes a little surprising how many patrons are there to help someone in their ward or neighborhood. It's such a good feeling to help with providing food, etc. To those in need.

Come Follow Me 

Mosiah 3:8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

9 And lo, he cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; and even after all this they shall consider him a man, and say that he hath a devil, and shall scourge him, and shall crucify him.

"Brothers and sisters, the warning of our beloved prophet is a further reminder of our individual responsibility to seek to learn and to teach our families that there is a Father in Heaven who loves us and who has developed a divine plan of happiness for His children; that Jesus Christ, His Son, is the Redeemer of the world; and that salvation comes from faith in His name. Our lives need to be rooted upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, which might help us individually and as families to have our own spiritual impressions engraved in our hearts, helping us to endure in our faith."

Elder Ulisses Soares, Apostle 

“It behooves us not only to obtain all the light and truth we can, but to use the intelligence we have to alter our lives to conform more closely to the example so beautifully portrayed in the life of Jesus. Christ is referred to by John the Beloved as the ‘Word’ and appropriately so, because he was and is the messenger of salvation to all nations and peoples. He is the light and life of men. No one can come into the eternal presence of God the Father except through his beloved Son our Savior, who is the light and Redeemer of the world.”

Delbert L. Stapley, Apostle 

122225, Monday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.7

GMI: 6.6,  Steps (previous day): 6,226

BP: 128/71, Pulse: 71, Reported Sleep: 5:46

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

"I testify you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going. He sees all your hidden sacrifices and counts them to your good and the good of those you love. Your work is not in vain. You are not alone. His very name, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” He is surely with you."

Sister Sharon Eubanks, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency 

122125, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.9

GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,078

BP: 125/70, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 5:50

Journal Entry

Cathy seems to be feeling better and when you consider that her surgery was less than two weeks ago, perhaps we can consider it a miracle that she is healing so well. She is - we both are - looking forward to the visit next week from Kevin and Becky. Another Heavenly miracle is unfolding with the marriage of Kevin and Becky. It's still a work in progress but I truly see this marriage as a giant step in Kevin's eternal progress. He and Becky and her - their - five kids seem to be truly blessed by this marriage. 

Come Follow Me 

The Family Proclamation, 8, "We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

"In our day civil governments have a vested interest in protecting marriage because strong families constitute the best way of providing for the health, education, welfare, and prosperity of rising generations. But civil governments are heavily influenced by social trends and secular philosophies as they write, rewrite, and enforce laws. Regardless of what civil legislation may be enacted, the doctrine of the Lord regarding marriage and morality cannot be changed. Remember: sin, even if legalized by man, is still sin in the eyes of God!"

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

122025, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 230.8

GMI: 6.7, Steps (previous day): 5,344

BP: 119/77, Pulse: 72, Reported Sleep: 5:50

Journal Entry

Cathy seems to be feeling better. We are pretty much spending time straightening up the house. It had to be done and we've wanted to do it. We're motivated by the upcoming visit from Kevin and Becky. So life is good. We are blessed.

Come Follow Me 

The Family Proclamation, 7

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ."

"Its declarations (The Family Proclamation) are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed. In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

121925, Friday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.3

GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 6,647

BP: 125/76, Pulse: 75, Reported Sleep: 5:52

Journal Entry

We spent some time straightening up our basement. Progress is being made. With the new shelves I assembled and by Jake and I cleaning out the area under the stairs last week, we got things looking a lot more orderly.

Come Follow Me 

Family Proclamation:6 "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children...Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

"Sometimes the most powerful way to teach our children to understand a doctrine is to teach in the context of what they are experiencing right at that moment. These moments are spontaneous and unplanned and happen in the normal flow of family life. They come and go quickly, so we need to be alert and recognize a teaching moment when our children come to us with a question or worry, when they have problems getting along with siblings or friends, when they need to control their anger, when they make a mistake, or when they need to make a decision."

Sister Cheryl A. Esplin, Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency 

121825, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.9, 

GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 9,123

BP: 129/78, Pulse: 71, Reported Sleep: 6:58

Journal Entry

It’s a beautiful but cold day. We are at The Kinlands doing a little shopping. Cathy had a medical appointment not far from here so… 

Come Follow Me

“We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.”

The Family - A proclamation

“...[T]he Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience, and counsels its members not to submit to, perform, encourage, pay for, or arrange for such abortions...

..[T]he diminishing love for unborn children worldwide is a grave concern. God cherishes life. It is His work and His glory to bring immortality and eternal life to His children. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cherish life.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Apostle 

121725, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 230.8, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 6,248

BP: 120/71, Pulse: 65, Reported Sleep: 5:34

Journal Entry

I served in the Bishops Storehouse. Cathy started the day with less pain but it came back with a vengeance last night. It's hard not to believe that the Oxycodone that she took Monday night might have led to the reduction in pain but there were side effects that were apparently pretty uncomfortable for her so she not only stopped taking more Oxycodone but threw the rest away. So this morning she is suffering debilitating pain again. Not sure what to do about it.

We've been having difficulty with our wifi going out intermittently and we have an Xfinity tech coming out today to hopefully help us fix it. It's been great in the past but difficult lately.

Come Follow Me 

"We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife."

The Family Proclamation, paragraph 4

"Marriage between a man and a woman is fundamental to the Lord’s doctrine and crucial to God’s eternal plan. Marriage between a man and a woman is God’s pattern for a fulness of life on earth and in heaven. God’s marriage pattern cannot be abused, misunderstood, or misconstrued. Not if you want true joy. God’s marriage pattern protects the sacred power of procreation and the joy of true marital intimacy. We know that Adam and Eve were married by God before they ever experienced the joy of uniting as husband and wife."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

121625, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.8, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 4,667

BP: 115/68, Pulse: 77, Reported Sleep: 5:00

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

"The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."

The Family Proclamation, paragraph 3

"Eternal relationships are also fundamental to our theology...Under the great plan of our loving Creator, the mission of His restored Church is to help the children of God achieve the supernal blessing of exaltation in the celestial kingdom, which can be attained only through an eternal marriage between a man and a woman. We affirm the Lord’s teachings that...“marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

121525, Monday

 Daily Vitals: Wt. 234.5, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 4,052

BP: 120/70, Pulse: 73, Reported Sleep: 6:29

Journal Entry

Cathy doesn't seem to be much better. We're seeing Dr. Porter this morning. Hopefully he will have solutions. We'll see. I wrapped our gifts for Jake's family and put them under our little Christmas tree for whenever we celebrate together.

Come Follow Me 

The Family: A Proclamation to the World,

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

"Normal desires and attractions emerge in the teenage years; there is the temptation to experiment, to tamper with the sacred power of procreation. These desires can be intensified, even perverted, by pornography, improper music, or the encouragement from unworthy associations. What would have only been a more or less normal passing phase in establishing gender identity can become implanted and leave you confused, even disturbed.

If you consent, the adversary can take control of your thoughts and lead you carefully toward a habit and to an addiction, convincing you that immoral, unnatural behavior is a fixed part of your nature."

Elder Boyd K. Packer, Apostle 

"Oh, how I wish I could embrace you and help you understand this great truth: You are a blessed being of light, the spirit child of an infinite God! And you bear within you a potential beyond your own capacity to imagine.

As poets have noted, you come to earth “trailing clouds of glory”!

Your origin story is divine, and so is your destiny. You left heaven to come here, but heaven has never left you!

You are anything but ordinary.

You are gifted!"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Apostle 

121425, Sunday - Blacks and the Priesthood

Daily Vitals: Wt. 234.1 GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 9,114

BP: 90/56, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 5:04

Journal Entry

I gave Cathy a blessing last night. She was in tears because of pain and there doesn't seem to be any solution. She will see Dr. Porter on Monday, tomorrow, and we will see what can be done. Her pain went way down after the blessing and she was able to sleep. Hopefully she will be better today. It looks like that will be the case. Thank heaven.

Come Follow Me 

"He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color."

"I was the junior member of the Quorum of the Twelve. I was there. I was there with the outpouring of the Spirit in that room so strong that none of us could speak afterwards. We just left quietly to go back to the office. No one could say anything because of the powerful outpouring of the heavenly spiritual experience...

When my plane landed in Chicago, I noticed an edition of the Chicago Tribune on the newsstand. The headline in the paper said, “Mormons Give Blacks Priesthood.” And the subheading said, “President Kimball Claims to Have Received a Revelation.”... I stared at one word in that subheading—claims. It stood out to me just like it was in red neon...I thought, Here I am now in Chicago walking through this busy airport, yet I was a witness to this revelation. I was there. I witnessed it. I felt that heavenly influence. I was part of it. Little did the editor of that newspaper realize the truth of that revelation when he wrote, “… Claims to Have Received a Revelation.” Little did he know, or the printer, or the man who put the ink on the press, or the one who delivered the newspaper—little did any of them know that it was truly a revelation from God. Little did they know what I knew because I was a witness to it."

Elder David B. Haight, Apostle 

An official essay published by the Church teaches, “Over time, Church leaders and members advanced many theories to explain the priesthood and temple restrictions. None of these explanations is accepted today as the official doctrine of the Church.”

 “Race and the Priesthood,” Gospel Topics Essays,ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

This is, naturally, a pretty sensitive topic. In the early years of the church, race was a a rather intense issue with slavery being legal in parts of the United States and strong racial biases existing in various degrees with many people. Somehow a decision was arrived at, and it really doesn't matter how, to place restrictions on black members of the Church. Men were not allowed to hold the Priesthood and according to some accounts, women were denied admittance to temples. 

My opinion is that many members of the Church were not comfortable with these restrictions but somehow the policy was enacted. I think it's important to realize that in order to change this policy, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had to unanimously agree. It's a fact that any change in church policy must be based on unanimous agreement. I think that getting each Apostle and member of the First Presidency to agree to this change was apparently difficult but finally accomplished. My opinion.

Were blacks denied the priesthood because of an inherited curse or because people misinterpreted the Pearl of Great Price or for some other reasons? In the face of unanswered questions, the restriction created tension between these truths:

• The Lord invites all to come to him, black and white, and all of us are alike to God, beloved children (2 Ne 26:33).
• Apostles are commissioned to take the gospel to everyone.
• A race-based restriction existed.

Those co-existing facts created a theological problem. “A contradictory and confusing legacy of racist religious folklore” grew up to address the problem. People are black, this way of thinking went, because they chose to be less valiant in the premortal world.[5]That satisfied some people, but mainly it complicated the problem. There was no evidence for it. It was simply a rationale to make sense of a restriction that didn’t otherwise make gospel sense.

"We had this special prayer circle, then I knew that the time had come. I had a great deal to fight, of course, myself largely, because I had grown up with this thought that Negroes should not have the priesthood and I was prepared to go all the rest of my life till my death and fight for it and defend it as it was. But this revelation and assurance came to me so clearly that there was no question about it."

President Spencer W. Kimball, Church News, January 6, 1979

121325, Saturday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 230.6, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 6,175, 

BP: 94/63, Pulse: 77,  Reported Sleep: 7:17

Journal Entry

Cathy had another tough day yesterday. She was still in a lot of pain. She also seems to have a bad cold, or at least bad cold symptoms. Either way it adds greatly to her discomfort. She seems to have slept well last night and I'm hoping she will feel better today. On top of all her pain is the fact that she feels nauseu and therefore doesn't eat much. The only medication she seems able to take is Tylenol and that's not been working very well. 

Come Follow Me

Articles of Faith 13, We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

"My dear brothers and sisters, as we strive to develop attributes like the Savior’s, we can become instruments of His peace in the world according to the pattern that He Himself established. I invite you to consider ways we can transform ourselves into uplifting and supportive people, people who have an understanding and forgiving heart, people who look for the best in others, always remembering that “if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” 

I promise you that as we pursue and develop these attributes, we will become more and more cordial and sensitive to the needs of our fellow beings and will experience joy, peace, and spiritual growth."

Elder Ulisses Soares, Apostle  

121225, Friday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.7, GMI: 6.8, Steps (previous day): 8,119, BP: 141/78, Pulse: 71, Reported Sleep: 5:58

Journal Entry

Cathy is having a tough time now with her recovery. Lots of pain. I'm just trying to help her any way I can.

Come Follow Me 

Articles of Faith 11, We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Amidst the turmoil in 1842, Joseph published 13 fundamental tenets of the growing Church, including this one…His statement is inclusive, liberating, and respectful. That is the essence of religious freedom.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith also stated:“I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any other denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the … Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. It is a love of liberty [that] inspires my soul—civil and religious liberty to the whole of the human race.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Apostle 

121125, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: 231.2, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 6,517, BP: 108/65, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 6:09

Journal Entry

We enjoyed a very good day yesterday. Cathy's recovery is proceeding very well. We are blessed.

Come Follow Me 

Articles of Faith: 9, We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

"We declare to the world that the heavens are not closed. God continues to reveal His will to mankind, as He has in all periods of time when He has had authorized servants upon the earth. This fact should be familiar to all of our Father in Heaven’s children, for the scriptures give abundant evidence of this."

Elder L. Tom Perry, Apostle 

121025, Wednesday

  

Daily Vitals: 229.8, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 4,509 , BP: 108/65, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 6:24

Journal Entry

Cathy is recovering in almost spectacular fashion. I hope it continues.

Come Follow Me 

Articles of Faith 4, We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"The doctrine of Christ—which consists of the saving principles and ordinances of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end—is taught numerous times in all the scriptures of the Restoration but with particular power in the Book of Mormon. The doctrine begins with faith in Christ, and every one of its elements depends upon trust in His atoning sacrifice."

Elder James R. Rasband of The Seventy

120925, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: 229.0, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 4,213 , BP: 108/65, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 5:13

Journal Entry

Cathy’s surgery is this morning. We’re hoping for the best. I met her surgeon, Dr. Porter, this morning. He is pretty impressive. I’m currently waiting in the waiting room for him to brief me on how the surgery went.

Come Follow Me

3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Article of Faith 3

“What has Jesus Christ done for me?”…As part of the Father’s plan, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ overcame death to assure each of us immortality. Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice gives each of us the opportunity to repent of our sins and return clean to our heavenly home. His commandments and covenants show us the way, and His priesthood gives the authority to perform the ordinances that are essential to reach that destiny. And our Savior willingly experienced all mortal pains and infirmities that He would know how to strengthen us in our afflictions.

President Dallin H. Oaks

120825, Monday

Daily Vitals: 229.0, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 2,071, BP: 116/72, Pulse: 69,  Reported Sleep: 5:49

Journal Entry

I assembled our two new storage shelves and they will be a big help in organizing our basement. Things are looking pretty good down there. Jake is supposed to come over this morning with his mother-in-law's pickup truck and we will make probably at least two trips to the dump.

Cathy has been a moving force in thus effort. She is going to have her surgery tomorrow and has really encouraged making the house organized  - a genuine home maker.

Come Follow Me 

1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

The Articles of Faith 1:1

"We join other Christians in this belief in a Father and a Son and a Holy Ghost, but what we believe about Them is different from the beliefs of others. We do not believe in what the Christian world calls the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. In his First Vision, Joseph Smith saw two distinct personages, two beings, thus clarifying that the then-prevailing beliefs concerning God and the Godhead were not true.

In contrast to the belief that God is an incomprehensible and unknowable mystery is the truth that the nature of God and our relationship to Him is knowable and is the key to everything else in our doctrine. The Bible records Jesus’s great Intercessory Prayer, where He declared that “this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

120725, Sunday

  

Daily Vitals: 230.8, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4,339, BP: 127/66, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 6:50

Journal Entry

Got quite a bit done. Cathy was able to go with Jake, Erica and Jill to see the Nutcracker Ballet in downtown SLC. They had a very nice time. I enjoyed working on the basement some more and I think I located the make and model number of our ceiling fan with the burned out light. So I had a good day too. Our new storage shelves arrived and they were in very heavy boxes. When Jake brought Cathy home he was able to move the boxes downstairs for us and he helped me with the model number on the ceiling fan too. He is a very useful son! 

If convenient, I will assemble the shelves later today.

Come Follow Me 

Repentance in the Spirit World. Good will do all that He can to provide a way for all of His  children to come home.

"Of course, many Church members have beloved family members who do not embrace gospel values and expectations. Such members need our love and patience. In relating to one another, we should remember that the perfection we seek is not limited to the stressful circumstances of mortality. The great teaching in Doctrine and Covenants 138:57–59assures us that repentance and spiritual growth can continue in the spirit world that follows mortality. More important, as families unite to strengthen one another, we should all remember that the sins and inevitable shortcomings all of us experience in mortality can be forgiven through repentance because of the glorious and saving Atonement of Jesus Christ."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle

D&C 138:58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,

59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.

"…[T]hose who are in the spirit world are fully dependent upon the ordinances that we receive on their behalf…We receive the ordinances in their behalf, but they make and are held accountable for each covenant associated with each ordinance. Surely, the veil is thin for us and parts completely for them in the temple."

Elder Kent F. Richard's of The Seventy

 

120625, Saturday

 

Daily Vitals: 230.6, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 5'506, BP: 115/70 Pulse: 73, Reported Sleep: 6:44

Journal Entry

I spent some time cleaning up in the basement. It's such a big open space that it's very easy to just let stuff/junk pile up. There are things that we just haven't used for years and some of them have value. We've made several trips to Deseret Industries with clothes and other things that could be useful to other folks. I'm also getting stuff ready to take to the dump. Jake is planning on coming over this Monday with his mother-in-laws pick up truck and I'm hoping to make one great big load to the dump.

I've also organized one of the unfinished rooms - several rooms have been framed but nothing more - to try to make a decent place for Kevin and Becky to stay when they come at Christmas. It should be OK. Here's hoping.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 138:57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.

"We can also assist in the Lord’s redemption of those beyond the grave...With the benefit of vicarious rites we offer them in the temples of God, even those who died in bondage to sin can be freed."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle

120525, Friday

Daily Vitals: 231.7,0 GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 7,607, BP: 116/67, Pulse: 82, Reported Sleep: 5:38

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

D&C 138:56 Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.

"From the beginning of time the Lord has placed significant trust in [His children]. He has sent us to earth for such a time as this to perform a grand and glorious mission. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches, “Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.” What a wonderful vision that gives us of our purpose on earth."

President Margaret D. Nadauld, Young Women's General President 

120425, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: 229.2, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4,787, BP: 135/75, Pulse: 66, Reported Sleep: 5:10

Journal Entry

We walked at University Place today and saw the ginger bread creations that were displayed in the Santa's Village store. The one I liked best was the grand piano that I photographed here. I hope it wins. It was very well done.

We also found a little kiosk that will create T shirts and we ordered two for Jake.one will say:

"Politicians and diapers should be changed often and for the same reason."

And the other will say"This is how you pick up chick's" and it will include a stick figure diagram of a guy bending and picking up a stick figure chicken. (You have to see it but it's cute) and we got them in size 4 XL tall. So I think Jake will like them and wear them but we'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 138:22 Where these were, darkness reigned, but among the righteous there was peace;

"The work of salvation in the spirit world consists of freeing spirits from what the scriptures frequently describe as “bondage.” All in the spirit world are under some form of bondage. President Joseph F. Smith’s great revelation…states that the righteous dead, who were in a state of “peace” as they anticipated the Resurrection, “had looked upon the long absence of their spirits from their bodies as a bondage.”

The wicked also suffer an additional bondage. Because of unrepented sins, they are in what the Apostle Peter referred to as spirit “prison.” These spirits are described as “bound” or as “captives” or as “cast out into outer darkness” with “weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth” as they await resurrection and judgment."

President Dallin H. Oaks 

120325, Wednesday

 

Daily Vitals: 231.9, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4,538, BP: 113/67 Pulse: 80  Reported Sleep: 5:29

Journal Entry

120225, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: 231.7, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 4,932, BP: 124/65, Pulse: 75,  Reported Sleep: 6:37

Journal Entry

We started cleaning up the basement yesterday and took a carful of stuff to DI. We'll keep going on that but we might have to rent a truck to haul some things to the dump. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 137:9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

"Are we truly prepared to have our Eternal Judge attach this enormous significance to what we really desire?"

Elder Dallin H Oaks, Apostle 

When you really think about it, the true desire of our hearts can't be hidden from our Father in Heaven or His son, Jesus Christ. We have got to actually be what we need to be... Through and through. We have to be honestly good in every way and that is wonderful!

120125, Monday

 

Daily Vitals: 230.6, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 3,460, BP: 122/78, Pulse: 72,  Reported Sleep: 6:32

Journal Entry

We are going to try to straighten up our basement. Cathy ordered a couple of shelf units that we can use to organize the stuff we want to save. And we will discard some of the other stuff we have and send some to Deseret Industries.

Cathy is going to have fairly serious septoplasty surgery on her face a week from tomorrow, December 9th, and she should be pretty well disabled for maybe three weeks give it take.

Kevin and Becky are coming for Christmas and the current plan is that they will be staying with us. So we'd like to have the basement in good shape before her surgery. Busy week.

Come Follow Me 

D&C 137:9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

"Are we truly prepared to have our Eternal Judge attach this enormous significance to what we really desire?"

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

Alma 41:3 And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works⁠; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.