013126, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.9, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 2,929, BP: 171/114, Pulse: 134, 

Reported Sleep: 5:54

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Moses 6: 63 And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.

"Wherever we live in this world, we see the glorious rising sun, which bears record of the Light of Christ that fills our hearts and enlightens our minds. The mighty rivers and the meandering streams bear record that the Savior is the source of the living water that can quench our thirst for spiritual things. The lilies of the field and even the smallest sparrow bear record of His generous and personal care."

Sister Susan L. Warner, Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency

013026, Friday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 234.3, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 2,210, BP: 155/112, Pulse: 128, Reported Sleep: 

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Moses 6: 59 That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;

"First, the invitation to repent is an expression of love. When the Savior “began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” it was a message of love, inviting all who would to qualify to join Him…If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring."

President D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle 

012926, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.3, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 2,938, BP: 152/109, Pulse: 122, Reported Sleep: 7:12

Journal Entry

I awoke shortly after going to bed last night with sudden and intense pain in my right big toe - the toe that got operated on a week ago. I haven't done anything that I can think of that should have caused this pain. I took two

Come Follow Me 

Moses 6: 49 Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God.

"Satan chose the evil course from the beginning. His greatest aim, as taught by Moses and Enoch, is to get men to worship him. He has had great success. As the professed god of this world, Satan has the adoration and worship of those who live after the manner of the world. All forms of wickedness and evil and rebellion against God’s holy purposes are of the devil...We have our agency to choose right from wrong, good from evil. But just because evil exists does not mean that we must partake of it. You cannot do wrong and feel right."

Elder David B. Haight, Apostle 

012726, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.2, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 4,539, BP: 115/70, Pulse: 84, Reported Sleep: 4:26

Journal Entry

I'm going to try to get some exercise today and then serve in the Bishops Storehouse. Hope it's not too soon. It seems like my surgery, being only on my big toe and with only two stitches, it's pretty minor. But I wonder if I should continue to go easy and wait till the stitches come out. 

Come Follow Me 

Moses 6: 31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

"Please notice that at the time of Enoch’s call to serve, he became acutely aware of his personal inadequacies and limitations. And I suspect all of us at one time or another in our Church service have felt much like Enoch.

…Enoch ultimately became a mighty prophet and a tool in God’s hands to accomplish a great work, but he did not start his ministry that way! Rather, his capacity over time was magnified as he learned to abide in and walk with the Son of God."

Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle 

012826, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.8, GMI: 7.1, Steps (previous day): 6,055, BP: 100/61,Pulse: 82, Reported Sleep: 6:25

Journal Entry

I went to the Orem Family Fitness Center with Cathy yesterday and walked a few laps and got on a exercise bike. I think I overdid it because when I got to the Bishops Storehouse I nearly fainted and Cathy had to bring me home. That has not happened to me before. I was also a little light headed for a few seconds at home afterwords. My blood pressure this morning was pretty low (100/61) and I'm feeling pretty good but I'm not sure what the future holds.

Come Follow Me 

Moses 6: 36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people.

"To the question of what our modern seers are making known that otherwise could not be known and what they are seeing that is not visible to the natural eye, I make a very simple response. Listen, ponder, and prayerfully consider what they are teaching and what they are doing. As you do so, a pattern emerges that reveals much, and therein will the answer to this question be found."

Elder Dennis B. Neuenschwander

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

012525, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.4, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 1,611, BP: 108/71, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 6:40

Journal Entry

I removed the dressing from my toe surgery and everything looked good after cleaning it up. It feels good and hopefully I'll begin to be able to exercise some.

Come Follow Me 

Moses 5: 6 And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.

7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

8 Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.

"Remember that there may be many questions for which we have no answers and that some things have to be accepted simply on faith. An angel of the Lord asked Adam, “Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord?” He answered, “I know not, save the Lord commanded me.” There may be times when we are called upon to climb Mount Moriahs and to sacrifice our Isaacs without a full and prior explanation. Faith is the first principle of the gospel; it is a principle of progress."

Elder Carlos E. Asay of The Presidency of The Seventy

012426, Saturday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.6, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 2,401, BP: 120/71, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 6:57

Journal Entry

This world is getting closer and closer to being unmanageable. The news is often depressing when we see that the news media seems so disinterested in reporting actual truth and more interested in distorting truth. And many are influenced by this reporting. Thank heaven we have the church and our Heavenly Father. 

Come Follow Me 

Moses 5: 4 And Adam and Eve, his wife, called upon the name of the Lord, and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden, speaking unto them, and they saw him not; for they were shut out from his presence.

"As “Adam and Eve…called upon the name of the Lord,” a precedent was established. As each of us follows that pattern of prayer, blessings of wisdom and personal peace will ensue.

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good.” Pray alone in your closet—in the solitude of your own sanctuary. Pour out the longings of your soul…Let the weight of your innocence be felt as you lovingly motivate others to good works. With your mind so attuned to the Lord and his power, your influence for good becomes immeasurably great. And in this world of sin and temptation, the power of prayer will protect you and be a shield for your loved ones."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

012326, Friday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 236.7, GMI: 7.0, Steps (previous day): 1,706, BP: 122/72, Pulse: 63, Reported Sleep: 7:00

Journal Entry

Today is Friday. My toe surgery was only two days ago and I'm really tired of keeping off my feet. My blood glucose levels are high partly from the surgery, I'm told, and partly from no exercise. Plus Cathy feeds me too well. My GMI is back up to 7.0 and at this moment my glucose level is 149. I haven't had anything to eat, of course, all night so that seems high but everyone says it will come down once I get going again which should be Sunday but more likely Monday. We'll see.

Come Follow Me 

Genesis 4: 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.

9 And the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?

"Cain killed Abel. The scriptures say that he did so “for the sake of getting gain,” the flocks of his brother. Seeing this, the Lord asked Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?” Cain first attempted to cover his sin with a lie: “I know not.” Then he added a rationalization: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” 

Are we our brothers’ keepers? In other words, are we responsible to look after the well-being of our neighbors as we seek to earn our daily bread? The Savior’s Golden Rule says we are. Satan says we are not…. We live in a world where many look on the marketplace as a ruthless arena where the buyer must beware, where no one is obligated to do more than the law requires, and where fraud isn’t fraud unless you can prove it in court.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ have a higher standard. President Harold B. Lee said, “The standard…in the Church must be visibly higher than the standard…in the world.” We are commanded to live the Golden Rule."

Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

Moroni 10: 18 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that every good gift cometh of Christ.

19 And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that he is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men.

20 Wherefore, there must be faith⁠; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity.

21 And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.

22 And if ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair⁠; and despair cometh because of iniquity.

012226, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 236.9, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 2,184, BP: 111/68, Pulse: 61, Reported Sleep: 4:07

Journal Entry

I had my foot surgery yesterday and so far it has gone quite smoothly. I should be able to remove the dressing in a couple of days. In the meantime, I still have the waterproof shower gear that I got when I was originally injured and hospitalized. So I can easily take showers.

Cathy is taking good care of me of course but she seems to be still suffering after effects from her deviated septum surgery. Fortunately I don't need much care. I'm hoping she might want to drive me to Del Taco fir a breakfast burrito. I won't be driving 'till probably Sunday or Monday.

Come Follow Me 

Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

The narrative accompanying this verse in the We Believe app seems to emphasize that we are bordering on useless because we were "dust" and will become "dust" again. Of course I don't see it that way. I believe that this is an explanation that Father Adam's body was originally created from the dust of the earth, in other words from earthly matter and that his physical body will become dust again once his spirit leaves that body and moves on to the other side of the Veil.

Of course there is much more to it than that but I found it a little disturbing the way it was described in the app. 

The more complete story found in Genesis 3:17-18, helps:

Genesis 3:17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it:

cursed is the ground for thy sake;

in sorrow shalt thou eat of it

all the days of thy life;

 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee;

and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face

shalt thou eat bread,

till thou return unto the ground;

for out of it wast thou taken:

for dust thou art,

and unto dust shalt thou return.

012126, Wednesday - Foot surgery

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.0, GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 4,361, BP: 117/70, Pulse: 73, Reported Sleep: 5:20

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Moses 4:3-4

 3 Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; 4 And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.

We need to be constantly aware of Satan's tactics and desires and always strive to have Heavenly Father's spirit and influence in our lives.

Paul Partridge 

012025, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.9, GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 7'362, BP: 116/69, Pulse: 60, Reported Sleep: 6:41

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Moses 4: 2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.

"The first quality of the Savior is humility. Jesus Christ was very humble from the premortal life. At the Council in Heaven, He recognized and allowed the will of God to prevail in the plan of salvation for mankind. He said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever”. 

We know that Jesus Christ taught humility and humbled Himself to glorify His Father.

Let us live in humility because it brings peace. Humility precedes glory, and it brings God’s favor upon us: “Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble”. Humility brings gentle answers. It is the source of a righteous character."

Elder Alfred Kyungu of The Seventy

011926, Monday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 230.3, GMI: 6.8,  Steps (previous day): 2,155, BP: 114/69, Pulse: 71, Reported Sleep: 6:32

Journal Entry

I went to choir practice yesterday for the first time this year. I'm a decent singer at the ward choir level but by no means more than that. It's actually a bit of a sacrifice for me to be involved in the ward choir but in small way I believe I add to the overall quality of the choir. And the choir is a nice addition to the ward Sacrament meetings on those occasions when we sing. It's basically pretty easy for me to be involved in the choir. It's a good thing and I need to do good things. So I'm going to continue to try to support the choir in my own small way.

Come Follow Me 

Moses 4:1 And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.

"In the Grand Council in Heaven, when the great plan of salvation for God’s children was presented, Jesus responded, “Here am I, send me,”  and “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”  And thus He became our Savior. In contrast, Satan, who had been highly regarded as “a son of the morning,”  countered that he would come and “redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost.”  Satan had two conditions: the first was the denial of agency, and the second, that he would have the honor. In other words, something had to be in it for him. And thus he became the father of lies and selfishness.

Taking up one’s cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. Selfishness is one of the baser human traits, which must be subdued and overcome. We torture our souls when we focus on getting rather than giving."

President James E. Faust, Apostle 

011826, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.4, GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 4,318, BP: 122/45, Pulse: 71, Reported Sleep: 6:46

Journal Entry

We went to the Payson temple yesterday and I did an Endowment session for:

Franklin Perry Patterson,  1906-1989, G6K3-XZW

I am going to try to put the names of men I do work for in my journal. Franklin Patterson is a distant cousin whose name I got on Family Tree. 

Come Follow Me 

Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made⁠; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

3 And God blessed the seventh day⁠, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made⁠.

"How do we hallow the Sabbath day?...I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.

...What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?"

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

011725, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.6

GMI: 6.9, Steps (previous day): 3,344

BP: 116/65, Pulse: 80, Reported Sleep: 5:05

Journal Entry

The ScripturePlus app that I have been studying along with the We Believe app is going through some seemingly very positive updates. Very helpful.

Come Follow Me 

Abraham 4: 18 And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.

"...[D]o not feel oppressed by obedience. Obedience is a wonderful and a great privilege. In Abraham 4:18 it states, “And the Gods watched those things which they had ordered until they obeyed.” What if the elements had not obeyed? They would have been damned or held back. So it is with us. Obedience to God is truly the only way to really be free and exercise our agency. Satan teaches the opposite and, with each wrong choice, binds us with chains. I promise you, obedience is a wonderful privilege."

Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone of The Seventy 

011625, Friday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.8

GMI: 7.0,   Steps (previous day): 8,094

BP: 106/65, Pulse: 75,  Reported Sleep: 7:15

Journal Entry

We took Tacos in to Diane and Bill Harvey yesterday. She is still recovering from her fall that left her with some pretty severe injuries. We enjoyed a nice visit with them because we also took tacos for us. 

Today, I vacuumed the whole house thoroughly and I might do some mopping/dusting as well. Or I'll do it tomorrow. Won't take long.

We heard today that Kevin is finally completely untangled from the house that he and Kim shared for years so that's a relief. I won't try to get into the details but they certainly qualify as the "weeds" of the situation. Kim had tried everything... legal and otherwise... to get more money for herself from the situation but that's finally over and behind him and he and Becky are relieved that that's overwith (we all hope).

Come Follow Me 

Moses 3: 5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually⁠, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground⁠; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air;

"All of us who are born on this earth first lived with our Heavenly Father as His spirit children...

When He created you spiritually, He loved you as His spirit sons and daughters and embedded within each of you a divine nature and eternal destiny.

During your premortal life, you “developed [your] identity and increased [your] spiritual capabilities.” You were blessed with the gift of agency, the ability to make choices for yourself..."

Elder Steven R. Bangerter of The Seventy

011526, Thursday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.9

GMI: 7.0,   Steps (previous day): 2,499

BP: 118/70, Pulse: 78, Reported Sleep: 7:11

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Genesis 1: 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful⁠, and multiply⁠, and replenish the earth⁠, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

"In the United States we are suffering from a deterioration in marriage and childbearing. For nearly a hundred years the proportion of households headed by married couples has declined, and so has the birthrate. The marriages and birthrates of our Church members are much more positive, but they have also declined significantly. It is vital that Latter-day Saints do not lose their understanding of the purpose of marriage and the value of children. That is the future for which we strive…

The national declines in marriage and childbearing are understandable for historic reasons, but Latter-day Saint values and practices should improve—not follow—those trends."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

011426, Wednesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.7

GMI: 7.0,   Steps (previous day): 3,493

BP: 120/73, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 5:41

Journal Entry

One week from today I am going to get my right foot operated on. That's the big toe that has caused me pain and discomfort for the last 20 years or more and is the one that caused me to be hospitalized a few months ago with a very serious infection. Dr. Phillips believes he can surgically adjust the bone in my toe so that it will stop causing potential infections. I've listened to him as has Cathy and we are convinced he is right so we're moving forward. Hopefully the surgery won't be very serious and will not disrupt my life anymore than the situation already has. A week from today... Stay tuned.

Come Follow Me 

Abraham 5: 14 And the Gods said: Let us make an help meet for the man, for it is not good that the man should be alone, therefore we will form an help meet for him.

18 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.

"Satan understands the power of men and women united in righteousness...Lucifer is determined to devour marriages and families because their demise threatens the salvation of all involved and the vitality of the Lord’s kingdom itself. Thus, Satan seeks to confuse us about our stewardships and distinctive natures as men and women. He bombards us with bizarre messages about gender, marriage, family, and all male-female relationships. He would have us believe men and women are so alike that our unique gifts are not necessary, or so different we can never hope to understand each other. Neither is true.

...Neither man nor woman is perfect or complete without the other. Thus, no marriage or family, no ward or stake is likely to reach its full potential until husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, men and women work together in unity of purpose, respecting and relying upon each other’s strengths."

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

011325, Tuesday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 235.2

GMI: 7.0,   Steps (previous day): 8,304

BP: 129/73, Pulse: 69, Reported Sleep: 4:23

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Genesis 1: 27 So God created man in his own image⁠, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

"We are eternal beings—spirit children of heavenly parents...In truth, not one of us can ever stop being a child of God!

As children of God, we should love Him with all our heart and soul, even more than we love our earthly parents."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

011225, Monday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 233.6

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 2,559

BP: 129/77, Pulse: 65, "Reported Sleep: 6:27

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth⁠.

"If there is a design in this world in which we live, there must be a Designer. Who can behold the many wonders of the universe without believing that there is a design for all mankind? Who can doubt that there is a Designer?"

President Thomas S. Monson, Apostle 

011125, Sunday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.3

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 3,911

BP: 114/63, Pulse: 66, Reported Sleep: 6:43

Journal Entry

We attended an 1140 Endowment session at the Payson temple yesterday and enjoyed it very much. Lunch in Springville afterward. We liked it so much that we'll go again next Saturday.

Come Follow Me 

Abraham 3: 25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;

26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

"We lived before our birth. Our individual identity is stamped in us forever. In ways we don’t fully understand, our spiritual growth there in the premortal world influences who we are here. We accepted God’s plan. We knew that we would experience difficulties, pain, and sorrow upon the earth. We also knew that the Savior would come and that as we proved ourselves worthy, we would rise in the Resurrection, having “glory added upon [our] heads for ever and ever.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Apostle 

011026, Saturday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.8

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 7,916

BP: 122/76, Pulse: 74, Reported Sleep: 6:42

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Abraham 3: 22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.

"A further truth is clearly set forth in that scripture that many were chosen, as was Abraham, before they were born, as the Lord told Moses and also Jeremiah. This was made still more meaningful by the Latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith, who declared, “I believe that every person who is called to do an important work in the kingdom of God, was called to that work and foreordained to that work before the world was.”…

But now there is a warning: Despite that calling which is spoken of in the scriptures as “foreordination,” we have another inspired declaration: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. …”  

This suggests that even though we have our free agency here, there are many who were foreordained before the world was, to a greater state than they have prepared themselves for here. Even though they might have been among the noble and great, from among whom the Father declared he would make his chosen leaders, they may fail of that calling here in mortality. Then the Lord poses this question: “… and why are they not chosen?”  

Two answers were given—First, “Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world. …” And second, they “… aspire to the honors of men."

President Harold  B. Lee, Apostle

010925, Friday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.9

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 4,241

BP: 111/68, Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 4:20

Journal Entry

I got out car serviced yesterday. 140,000 mile service. I also got the registration completed for the next year and had breakfast with Jake. So... What? Pretty good day.

Went to the temple this morning and completed Initiatory Ordinances for five men. We are going to an Endowment Session tomorrow at the Payson Temple.

Come Follow Me 

Abraham 3: 18 Howbeit that he made the greater star; as, also, if there be two spirits, and one shall be more intelligent than the other, yet these two spirits, notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the other, have no beginning; they existed before, they shall have no end, they shall exist after, for they are gnolaum, or eternal.

"Remarkable as your body is, its prime purpose is even of greater importance—to serve as tenement for your spirit. Abraham taught that “these … spirits … existed before, they shall have no end … for they are … eternal.” 

Your spirit acquired a body at birth and became a soul to live in mortality through periods of trial and testing. Part of each test is to determine if your body can become mastered by the spirit that dwells within it.

Although your spirit had a veil of forgetfulness placed over it at the time of your birth into mortality, it retained its power to remember all that happens—precisely recording each event of life. Indeed, scriptures warn “that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Prophets refer to our “bright recollection” and “perfect remembrance” at that day of decision."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

010826, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.0

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 9,5610

BP: 109/63, Pulse: 78,  Reported Sleep: 

Journal Entry

Come Follow Me 

Moses 1:39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

"God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. The experiences of mortality are part of the journey that allows us to grow and progress toward that immortality and eternal life. We were not sent here to fail but to succeed in God’s plan for us."

Elder Brook P. Hales of the Seventy

010726, Wednesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 229.9

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 5,044

BP: 115/67Pulse: 76, Reported Sleep: 6:17

Journal Entry

One of the many things I've enjoyed recently is Kevin's relationship with his new stepson, Phoenix. In some ways it reminds me of my dad and how he used to, among many other things, take me fishing but more importantly just spend time with me. I don't want to get into any of the negativity that comes with broken marriage but Phoenix has a new stepdad who clearly cares for him and that's only good. And good for Kevin as well.

Cathy and I both served in the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and enjoyed being together with our friends there.

Come Follow Me 

Moses 1: 33 And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

"A few weeks ago, on a cold, dark winter’s night, my wife, Barbara, and I looked in awe up at the sky. The millions of stars seemed exceptionally bright and beautiful. I then turned to the Pearl of Great Price and read again with wonder what the Lord God said to Moses: “And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.”  

In our day the Hubble deep-space telescope has confirmed the magnitude of what Moses saw. Hubble scientists say the Milky Way galaxy, of which our earth and sun are just a tiny part, is estimated to be only one of over 200 billion similar galaxies. For me it is difficult to comprehend, impossible to fathom, so large and so vast are God’s creations."

Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle 

010626, Tuesday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.2

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 7,022

BP: 109/69, Pulse: 84, Reported Sleep: 7:47

Journal Entry

Yesterday was another good Monday. We went for a drive up to Heber. It was a blizzard on the way up and then the sun came out and was a beautiful drive home.

We got a couple of treats for Diane and Bill Harvey, our next door neighbors. She had a terrible fall a couple of weeks ago and suffered some disabling injuries that we hope she will recover week from. She is pretty much bedridden for now and Bill takes good care of her. They are about our age and we are blessed to have them as neighbors. We've gibe through things like that where Cathy has taken good care of me and I of her. We are blessed to have each other. One of the advantages of living here in Utah is having neighbors who are also in the church. 

Come Follow Me 

Moses 1: 12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.

13 And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee?

"[A]fter Moses was left alone, he felt weak because he was no longer in the presence of God. That is when Satan came to tempt him. Can you see a pattern here? The first thing he said was, “Moses, son of man, worship me.” 

In this context, Satan’s request to worship him may have been only a distraction. A significant temptation for Moses in that moment of weakness was to become confused and believe that he was only a “son of man,” rather than a child of God.

“And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten.” Fortunately, Moses was not confused and did not allow himself to become distracted. He had learned the lesson of who he really was.

Elder Reubén V. Alliaud of The Seventy

010526, Monday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.5

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 1,758

BP: 117/67 Pulse: 84, Reported Sleep: 6:34

Journal Entry

We enjoyed a pretty restful day.Sacrament meeting at 0900 is going to be just fine.

Come Follow Me 

Moses 1: 10 And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.

"Since knees often bend long before minds, holding back this “part” deprives God’s work of some of mankind’s very best intellects. Far better to be meek like Moses, who learned things he “never had supposed”. Yet, sadly, brothers and sisters, in the subtle interplay of agency and identity, there is so much hesitation. The surrender of the mind is actually a victory, because it then introduces us to God’s stretching and “higher” ways!"

Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Apostle 

010426, Sunday

 

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.7

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 6,288

BP: 134/80, Pulse: 65, Reported Sleep: 6:17

Journal Entry

This has been a great holiday season this year. 

Kevin and Becky came to visit at Christmas and we very much enjoyed having them here. Kevin is a terrific son, husband, father and stepfather and I am just as proud as I can be to be His father. I don't have the ability to write the details but they are plentiful and he is doing great things, especially with his new step children.

Jake has been awesome as well. He is very willing to come over to our home whenever we need his help with anything. He and Meredith and their four children dropped in on my birthday and wished me a happy birthday. We had a very nice visit. He has technical skills that he uses to help us with our phones, ipads, TV and any other devices that I have trouble keeping up with. I'm really glad we moved here and have his presence to help us as we age.

Adam has started communicating with me in a very loving way. He sent me a very nice email on my birthday that I actually copied into this journal. I am planning on being more involved with him than previously and I truly believe that the future goddess well.

And Cathy... Words can't describe what she means to me and has meant to me over the years. Later this year we will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. She has demonstrated over and over her love for me. She is the epitome of a great homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and step grandmother. Our whole family is blessed to have her.

Come Follow Me 

"Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

President Henry B. Eyring 

Today's come Follow me lesson urged us to record what God has done for us each day. I have recorded many things that have been great in my life in this journal but have failed to point out how all of the good things represent God's blessings to me on a constant basis. I shall try to make sure I do that in the future but let me here say that I do recognize God's presence in my life and the constant guidance I receive from Him and His angels.

2 Nephi 29: 11 For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

12 For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it.

"The Lord not only manifests Himself to all nations; He also commands that they write His words...

We conclude from this that the Lord will eventually cause the inspired teachings He has given to His children in various nations to be brought forth for the benefit of all people...

Truly, the gospel is for all men everywhere—every nation, every people. All are invited."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

010326, Saturday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 232.3

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 6,700

BP: 119/69, Pulse: 72, Reported Sleep: 6:24

Journal Entry

010226, Friday. 80th Birthday, letter from Adam

Daily Vitals: Wt. 231.4

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 8,408

BP: 116/72, Pulse: 78, Reported Sleep: 7:00

Journal Entry

Sometimes it's hard to accept that I'm now 80 years old. Most often I don't feel old but more and more I'm reminded that I am. These are times when I have difficulty with balance and feel unsteady on my feet. But once I get going, I do pretty well. I truly feel that I'm among the healthiest 80 year old men still living and I don't feel that I'm approaching the end of my mortal existence though I suppose I am. I think I will make it to at least 90 but time will tell.

My sister, Beth, is older than I and she's buying breakfast for me today at First Watch, one of our favorite eating establishments that opened near here in Pleasant Grove recently. We will be joined by Craig, her son and therefore my nephew, but for the past few decades he's been more like a "younger" brother to me. I'd say "little" brother because he is smaller than I but other than that I don't consider him to be "little" at all. I truly think calling him my "younger" brother is closer to being accurate. 

I'm starting my day at the temple with an Initiatory session at 0615, so I need to get going 

Come Follow Me - Old Testament

1 Nephi 13:23 And he said: Behold it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew. And I, Nephi, beheld it; and he said unto me: The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the Gentiles.

"The first part of the Book of Mormon, which was written during the Old Testament period, clearly demonstrates the role of covenants in the Israelite history and worship. Nephi was told that the Israelite writings of that period were “a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the house of Israel.” The books of Nephi make frequent reference to the Abrahamic covenant and to Israel as “the covenant people of the Lord.”

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

Got a nice letter from Adam:

Dad,

Happy 80th birthday! I hope I can live as long, healthy, and accomplished a life as you have.

Since email is your preferred way to connect, I’m sending this note instead of calling. I want you to know how deeply I love and appreciate you. I often speak about you to others, especially about the incredible blessings I’ve received simply by being your son.

It’s hard to rank those blessings, but if I had to, I’d say the greatest was growing up in a home where my dad truly loved my mom. That love gave me a stable foundation from which everything else in my life has flowed. I still remember how, when you came home from work, you would routinely go to Mom first, give her a hug and a kiss. That simple act may have been the greatest sermon you ever preached.

You modeled for me what a man should be: you worked extremely hard, took pride in your work, and provided faithfully for your family. You gave me a wonderful temperamental template—firm in discipline yet kind and patient, slow to anger.

You created a home where family prayer, scripture study, and church attendance were the norm. It was a safe place where I could develop my own testimony. My first independent witness of the gospel came as a young teenager, reading the Book of Mormon quietly in my room—a room that felt like a sanctuary from the world, a room you provided.

You made education a priority. I remember learning numbers and letters before preschool, growing up surrounded by books, and playing dictionary games as a family. Both you and Mom clearly loved learning, and I caught that same passion. My early exposure to the King James language of the scriptures gave me confidence that I could understand anything I read when I started school.

All of my best qualities—my love of the gospel, my fierce devotion to my wife, my pride in my profession, my lifelong pursuit of learning, my patient demeanor—I can trace directly back to you.

I’m also grateful for my health and strong body. (I’d make a joke about bad knees here, but at 46 I’m still running several miles most days and playing basketball regularly, with only the latter causing any real trouble—so I can’t even complain.)

I owe you a tremendous debt for the life I’ve been able to live. I’ve tried to make it one of meaning and purpose: devoted to the Savior, serving faithfully wherever I’ve been called (currently in my second stint as Elders Quorum president, after branch presidencies and other callings—my favorite being seminary teacher, which I’ve done three times). I serve regularly in the temple and volunteer in my community. I’ve been joyfully married for nearly 25 years, and being a devoted husband has brought me profound happiness. Professionally, I graduated magna cum laude from one of the nation’s top public universities, earned my juris doctor from an excellent law school, became a licensed California attorney, and rose to Commander in the U.S. Navy—now serving as a military judge. As an Iraq War veteran with multiple warship deployments, I’ve always strived to serve with honor and distinction.

I share all of this only to say: you deserve credit for every good thing I’ve ever done and will yet do. Thank you for everything I am.

I love you, Dad. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.

Love,

Adam

010126, Thursday

Daily Vitals: Wt. 229.9

GMI: 6.9,   Steps (previous day): 6,901

BP: 128/78, Pulse: 80, Reported Sleep: 6:05

Journal Entry