10/31/2026, Saturday - Haloween

Weight: 229.7

BP and Pulse: 109/74, 77

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 150

Glucose level: 113 @ 0630

Reported Sleep: 7:21

Yesterday's Steps: 6,541

Journal Entry: 

I have been afflicted with Type II Diabetes now for nearly thirty years and there doesn't seem to be any real cure. I've tried a few things but no luck. I have felt a little discouraged because of several related difficulties such as having my dietary intake restricted and, I believe, urinary tract difficulties. I won't go into details here but suffice it to say that reviewing the BYU Devotional message by Jeffrey S. Bednar (son of Apostle David A. Bednar) has caused me to decide to accept and live with whatever difficulties that have become a part of my life. I consider myself to be blessed and joyous. I have in no way given up hoping for a cure but am now willing to cheerfully live with and endure my afflictions.

Come Follow Me:

Lamentations 3: 25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

"Seeking after Him and calling upon Him will begin the process and provide space to build and strengthen our eternal relationships. It broadens our spiritual view and helps us focus on changing what we can control rather than on fears outside our control. Studying the life and ministry of our Savior, Jesus Christ, will enable us to view these other concerns with an eternal perspective."

Elder Taniolo B. Wakolo of The Seventy, April 2021

Also: A great BYU Devotional message:

21 JUL 2026

To Those Enduring Trials with No End

Jeffrey S. Bednar

10/30/2026, Friday

Weight: 229.0

BP and Pulse: 110/72, 74

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 148

Glucose level: 137 @ 0600

Reported Sleep: 6:23

Yesterday's Steps: 4,198

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Lamentations 3:22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

"On earth we experience joy and sorrow as we are tested and proven. Our victory comes through faith in Jesus Christ as we triumph over our sins, difficulties, temptations, unfairness, and the challenges of this mortal life.

As we strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, we see beyond our struggles to the blessings and promises of eternity. Like a light whose brilliance grows, hope brightens the darkened world, and we see our glorious future.

…There is no pain, no sickness, no injustice, no suffering, nothing that can darken our hope as we believe and hold tightly to our covenants with God in the house of the Lord. It is a house of light, a house of hope."

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Apostle 

10/29/2026, Thursday

Weight: 229.0

BP and Pulse: 110/71, 70

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 143

Glucose level: 126 @ 0440

Reported Sleep: 6:17

Yesterday's Steps: 8,139

Journal Entry: 

We will serve at the Bishops Storehouse later today. 

Part of the Come Follow Me lesson today was that we should pray to recognize that we will be given opportunities to minister to others from time to time and that we should stand ready to do so in a loving way.

Last week at the storehouse during a fairly busy period, I noticed a woman examining the large photograph on our wall of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. It's not up to date but maybe three years old. This woman asked me who these men in the photograph were and I took a brief  moment to explain a little about these men who are leaders in our church. Then she thanked me for the explanation in a way that made me realize that she really didn't know about the leadership of the church and was appreciative of my brief explanation and then we both continued with what we were doing. I then realized that she was truly interested and was truly grateful. I have kept thinking about that brief exchange and hope I got it right with my response.

I hope to continue to recognize opportunities like this and to handle them appropriately.

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 33:8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

"We know from modern revelation that we will be judged for our desires as well as our actions and that even our thoughts will condemn us. We must not “procrastinate the day of [our] repentance” until death, Amulek taught, because the same spirit that has possessed our body in this life—whether the Lord’s or the devil’s—“will have power to possess [our] body in that eternal world.” Our Savior has the power and stands ready to cleanse us from evil. Now is the time to seek His help to repent of our wicked or unseemly desires and thoughts to be clean and prepared to stand before God at the Final Judgment."

President Dallin H. Oaks, Apostle 

10/28/2026, Wednesday

Weight: 229.4

BP and Pulse: 126/79, 69

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 139

Glucose level: 134 @ 0500

Reported Sleep: 7:11 (92)

Yesterday's Steps: 6,740

Journal Entry: 

I took our car in to be serviced yesterday... 160,000 mile service. This little 2020 Toyota Prius (six years old) has been one of the greatest purchases I have ever made. It is a hybrid meaning it uses gasoline or electricity as it's power and it has the ability to decide which. It creates electricity when it brakes and when it coasts. And then uses that electricity to power its electric motor. When the electricity isn't there, it uses gasoline to power its gasoline powered motor. Anyway, bottom line it averages and has averaged over 50 miles per gallon of gasoline used over the lifetime of the car. Also, since it uses generator capability as braking power I have yet to replace any part of the mechanical braking system. 160,000 miles, no brake pad replacement and it still runs beautifully. And although it is, of course, small, the driver and front passenger seat areas are very comfortable and accommodate my 6'7" frame very nicely.

I get it serviced every 5,000 miles meaning the engine oil gets changed and other fluids are checked and the tires get rotated  (we have gone through three sets of tires).

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 31:33 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.

"Our Father wants a deeper relationship with all His sons and daughters, but it is our choice. As we choose to draw nearer to Him through a covenant relationship, it allows Him to draw nearer to us and more fully bless us.

God sets the conditions and obligations of the covenants we make. When we choose to enter into that relationship, we witness to Him, through the symbolic actions of each covenant, that we are willing to abide by the conditions He has set. Through honoring our covenants, we enable God to pour out the multitude of promised blessings associated with those covenants, including increased power to change and become more like our Savior. Jesus Christ is at the center of all covenants we make, and covenant blessings are made possible because of His atoning sacrifice."

Sister J. Annette Dennis, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, April 2024

10/27/2026, Tuesday

Weight: 229.7

BP and Pulse: 121/77, 74

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 142

Glucose level: 128 @ 0630

Reported Sleep: 3:51 (48)

Yesterday's Steps: 2,538

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 31:10 Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.

"Our Savior reaches out to the one and to the ninety-and-nine, often at the same time. As we minister, we acknowledge the ninety-and-nine who are steadfast and immovable, even while we yearn after the one who has strayed. Our Lord seeks and delivers us “out of all places,” “from the four quarters of the earth.” He gathers us by holy covenant and His atoning blood."

Gerrit W. Gong, Apostle 

10/26/2026, Monday

Weight: 231.9

BP and Pulse: 119/72, 68

GMI: 6.8  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 147

Glucose level: 138 @ 0410

Reported Sleep: 6:49 (88)

Yesterday's Steps: 8,270

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 31:3 The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

"The Lord said to ancient Israel, and He says to us, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Speaking as would the Father, He also says to us, “Thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.” Do we trust Him enough to abide in Him and walk with Him?

We are here on this earth to learn and grow, and the most important learning and growing will come from our covenant connection to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. From our faithful relationship with Them come godly knowledge, love, power, and capacity to serve."

Sister Neill F. Marriott, Second Counselor, Young Women General Presidency, October 2017

10/25/2026, Sunday

Weight: 231.4

BP and Pulse: 104/66, 74

GMI: 6.9  Daily 3 day Average Glucose: 147

Glucose level: 136 @ 0405

Reported Sleep: 6:05

Yesterday's Steps: 5,319

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

"Despite our continuous efforts to seek out the Lord, inappropriate thoughts may penetrate our mind. When such thoughts are permitted and even invited to stay, they can shape the desires of our heart and lead us to what we will become in this life and eventually to what we will inherit for eternity. Elder Neal A. Maxwell once emphasized this principle by saying, “Desires … determine the gradations in outcomes, including why ‘many are called, but few are chosen.’”

Our ancient and modern prophets have constantly reminded us to resist temptation in order to avoid losing our spiritual traction and becoming confused, disoriented, and disillusioned in life."

Elder Ulisses Soares, Apostle 

10/24/2026, Saturday

 Weight: 230.8

BP and Pulse: 118/70, 74

GMI: 6.9  Daily Average Glucose: 148

Glucose level: 129 @ 0430

Reported Sleep: 7:05

Yesterday's Steps: 8,611

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 16:16 Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the LORD, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

"Here on earth, missionary work is crucial to the gathering of Israel…Consequently, servants of the Lord have gone forth proclaiming the Restoration. In many nations our missionaries have searched for those of scattered Israel…

The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location; it is a matter of individual commitment…True, in the early days of the Church, conversion often meant emigration as well. But now the gathering takes place in each nation. The Lord has decreed the establishment of Zion in each realm where He has given His Saints their birth and nationality…“Every nation is the gathering place for its own people.”…Zion is wherever righteous Saints are…

…Saints in every land have equal claim upon the blessings of the Lord."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

10/23/2026, Friday

Weight: 231.0

BP and Pulse: 114/70, 75

GMI: 6.8,  Daily Average Glucose: 148

Glucose level: 

Reported Sleep: 4:22

Yesterday's Steps: 4,119

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

"As we strive to follow the Savior’s example, we must first know and number His sheep. We have been assigned specific individuals and families to tend so we are certain that all of the Lord’s flock are accounted for and no one is forgotten. Numbering, however, is not really about numbers; it is about making certain each person feels the love of the Savior through someone who serves for Him. In that way, all can recognize that they are known by a loving Father in Heaven."

President Bonnie H. Cordon, Young Women General President, October 2018

10/22/2026, Thursday

Weight: 230.1

BP and Pulse: 111/73, 72

GMI: 6.8,  Daily Average Glucose: 149

Glucose level: 110 @ 0505

Reported Sleep: 6:07

Yesterday's Steps: 7,963

Journal Entry: 

We are looking forward to serving in the Bishops Storehouse later today.

Our Lindon Temple is closed this week and next for routine maintenance so we will attend the Mt Timpanogos temple next week for an Endowment session.

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever.

13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.

"I will speak briefly of the principle of repentance. How grateful I am for the understanding we have of this great principle. It is not a harsh principle, as I thought when I was a boy. It is kind and merciful. The Hebrew root of the word means, simply, “to turn,” or to return, to God. Jehovah pled with the children of Israel: “Return…and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful…and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.”

When we acknowledge our sins, confess them and forsake them, and turn to God, He will forgive us.

10/21/2026, Wednesday

Weight: 232.3

BP and Pulse: 125/78, 74

GMI: 6.8,  Daily Average Glucose: 146

Glucose level: 138 @0420

Reported Sleep: 5:34

Yesterday's Steps: 8,930

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 2: 13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

"People can become enslaved or put themselves in bondage not only to harmful, addictive substances but also to harmful, addictive philosophies that detract from righteous living.

Turning from the worship of the true and living God and worshipping false gods like wealth and fame and engaging in immoral and unrighteous conduct result in bondage in all its insidious manifestations. These include spiritual, physical, and intellectual bondage and sometimes bring destruction. Jeremiah and Lehi also taught that those who are righteous must help the Lord establish His Church and kingdom and gather scattered Israel."

Elder Quentin L.Cook, Apostle 

10/20/2026, Tuesday

Weight: 230.3

BP and Pulse: 126/75, 75

GMI: 6.8,  Daily Average Glucose: 152

Glucose level: 124 @0420

Reported Sleep: 6:28

Yesterday's Steps: 8,224

Journal Entry: 

10/19/2026, Monday

Weight: 232.3

BP and Pulse: 122/75, 76

GMI: 6.9, Daily Average Glucose: 147

Glucose level: 135 @0420

Reported Sleep: 6:13

Yesterday's Steps: 4,001

Journal Entry: 

Last Saturday the BYU football team, which has been playing very well and is undefeated this year hosted Notre Dame here in Provo. Notre Dame was ranked number two in the nation at the time and BYU number eight. The Cougars played very well and won the game, 28-24. BYU is now number two in the nation and Notre Dame dropped to number four. Fun for BYU fans.

Come Follow Me:

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

"Your spirit is an eternal entity. The Lord said to His prophet Abraham: “Thou wast chosen before thou wast born.” The Lord said something similar about Jeremiah and many others. He even said it about you.

Your Heavenly Father has known you for a very long time. You, as His son or daughter, were chosen by Him to come to earth at this precise time, to be a leader in His great work on earth. You were chosen not for your bodily characteristics but for your spiritual attributes, such as bravery, courage, integrity of heart, a thirst for truth, a hunger for wisdom, and a desire to serve others.

You developed some of these attributes premortally. Others you can develop here on earth as you persistently seek them."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

10/18/2026, Sunday

Weight: 230.0

BP and Pulse: 123/72, 77

GMI: 6.9, Daily Average Glucose: 143

Glucose level: 135 @0420

Reported Sleep: 5:58

Yesterday's Steps: 9,922

Journal Entry:  

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 64:8 But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

"If our lives are centered in Jesus Christ, He can successfully mold us into who we need to be in order to return to His and Heavenly Father’s presence in the celestial kingdom. The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

...Brothers and sisters, like the clay on the potter’s wheel, our lives must be centered with exactness in Christ if we are to find true joy and peace in this life."

Elder Richard J. Maynes of The Presidency of The Seventy, October 2015

10/17/2026, Saturday

Weight: 230.8

BP and Pulse: 120/68, 73

GMI: 6.9, Daily Average Glucose: 140

Glucose level: 135 @0420

Reported Sleep: 6:24

Yesterday's Steps: 11,105

Journal Entry:  

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 63: 9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.

"Bear, borne, carry, deliver. These are powerful, heartening messianic words. They convey help and hope for safe movement from where we are to where we need to be—but cannot get without assistance. These words also connote burden, struggle, and fatigue—words most appropriate in describing the mission of Him who, at unspeakable cost, lifts us up when we have fallen, carries us forward when strength is gone, delivers us safely home when safety seems far beyond our reach."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle 

10/16/2026, Friday

Weight: 228.3

BP and Pulse: 112/72, 73

GMI: 7.0 , Daily Average Glucose: 146

Glucose level: 119 @0400

Reported Sleep: 5:51

Yesterday's Steps: 9,807

Journal Entry:  

We served in the Bishops Storehouse yesterday and I enjoyed it very much. Lately there seems to be an increase in patrons who arrive after 6:00 PM and that can seem a little discouraging after being there since 2:00 PM but we need to think about the fact that most of those late arrivers are coming after working all day and, personally, I'm glad that they are working and trying. And we are, after all, "open" until 6:30. So my attitude is improving and I'm happy to serve those late arrivers cheerfully. So even though we "close" at 6:30, I anticipate my actual closing as a little after that and I try to cheerfully help the late arrivers. The whole process is actually good for me and my attitude of serving others.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

"I know He is able to heal the sinner and those sinned against…

To all who are brokenhearted, captive, bruised, and perhaps blinded by hurt or sin, He offers healing, recovery, and deliverance. I testify that that healing and recovery He offers is real. The timing of that healing is individual, and we cannot judge another’s timing. It is important to allow ourselves the necessary time to heal and to be kind to ourselves in the process. The Savior is ever merciful and attentive and stands ready to provide the succor we need.

…To give what you have been denied is a powerful part of divine healing possible through faith in Jesus Christ. To live in such a way that you give, as Isaiah has said, beauty for the ashes of your life is an act of faith that follows the supreme example of a Savior who suffered all that He might succor all."

Sister Kristen M. Yee, Second Counselor Relief Society General Presidency, October 2022

Romans 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

10/15/2026, Thursday

 Weight: 230.1

BP and Pulse: 114/71, 71

GMI:          , Daily Average Glucose: 154

Glucose level: 137 @ 0430

Reported Sleep: 6:59

Yesterday's Steps: 7,159

Journal Entry:  

We enjoyed an Endowment session yesterday in our Lindon Temple. 

I did my indoor exercise routine which includes 15 flights of stairs, quite a few steps and repeat use of my exercise bands. It's a pretty good routine that I can do here at home almost whenever I want to. I'd like to get into a routine of doing that exercise group every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I did it Monday and yesterday. And I hope to do it tomorrow. That will make a good week of exercise.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

3 And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

"I know that as you lead in righteousness, this scripture in Isaiah will be fulfilled: “For, behold, … the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” It will be discernable, and “the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”

…I believe that as you awake and arise, your light will be a standard to the nations, but I also believe your standards will be a light to the nations. You are set apart. You distinguished yourselves in the premortal existence. Your lineage carries with it a covenant and promises. You have inherited the spiritual attributes of the faithful—even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Your very nature reflects your divine heritage and destiny…Your divine characteristics will be magnified as you lead others and arise to your divine potential. Draw close to the Savior. He lives! He is the light, life, and hope of the world. He will lead you and give you courage to share your light."

Sister Elaine S. Dalton, Second Counselor, Young Women General Presidency, April 2006

10/14/2026, Wednesday

Weight: 232.3

BP and Pulse: 113/73, 66

GMI:          , Daily Average Glucose: 162

Glucose level: 145 @ 0400

Reported Sleep: 5:40

Yesterday's Steps: 3,105

Journal Entry:  

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

"The Apostle Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” He answers, “Neither death, nor life,…nor height, nor depth…shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Yet, there is someone who can separate us from God and Jesus Christ—and that someone is us, ourselves. As Isaiah says, “Your sins have hid his face from you.”

By divine love and divine law, we are responsible for our choices and their consequences. But our Savior’s atoning love is “infinite and eternal.” When we are ready to come home, even when we are “yet a great way off,” God is ready with great compassion to welcome us, joyfully offering the best He has."

Elder Gerrit W. Gong, Apostle 

10/13/2026, Tuesday

 Weight: 232.5

BP and Pulse: 100/62, 74

GMI:          , Daily Average Glucose: 162

Glucose level: 152 @ 0445

Reported Sleep: 7:19

Yesterday's Steps: 3,116

Journal Entry:  

I believe that I, in general, appreciate Sabbath days and do my best to "keep them holy". Attending to church related duties and attending Sacrament meetings are what I consider to be my specific responsibilities. Generally anything else should be what I consider to be in tune with my Heavenly Father. That leaves some discretion and choices but staying "in tune" is what's important to me.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

"The Savior identified Himself as Lord of the Sabbath. It is His day! Repeatedly, He has asked us to keep the Sabbath or to hallow the Sabbath day. We are under covenant to do so.

…How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?

…Not pursuing your “own pleasure” on the Sabbath requires self-discipline. You may have to deny yourself of something you might like. If you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, you will not permit yourself to treat it as any other day. Routine and recreational activities can be done some other time."

Elder Russell M. Nelson, Apostle 

10/12/2026, Monday

Weight: 230.3

BP and Pulse: 118/71, 75

GMI: Daily Average: 162

Glucose level: 152 @ 1015

Reported Sleep: 6:06

Yesterday's Steps: 6,073

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

"Satan would have you surrender your moral agency to various forms of addictive behavior, but a loving Heavenly Father has promised you through His prophet Isaiah that through sincere fasting, as you subdue your physical appetites, He will help you “loose the bands of wickedness” and “break every yoke.” Claim that promise through fasting. Our emptiness will provide more room for the fulness of the gospel. The hollowing precedes the hallowing."

Elder Spencer J. Condie of The Seventy, April 2002

10/11/2026, Sunday

Weight: 232.3

BP and Pulse: 112/69, 72

GMI: Daily Average: 156

Glucose level: 141 @ 0220

Reported Sleep: 5:26 

Yesterday's Steps: 6,694, 

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

"Satan would have you surrender your moral agency to various forms of addictive behavior, but a loving Heavenly Father has promised you through His prophet Isaiah that through sincere fasting, as you subdue your physical appetites, He will help you “loose the bands of wickedness” and “break every yoke.” Claim that promise through fasting. Our emptiness will provide more room for the fulness of the gospel. The hollowing precedes the hallowing."

Elder Spencer J. Condie of The Seventy, April 2002

10/09/2026, Friday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Daily Average: 

Glucose level: 168 @0500

Reported Sleep: 5:33

Yesterday's Steps: 3.2 miles

Journal Entry: 

I discovered that my iPad keeps track of my walking but not in steps, in miles. But loosely translated, I think I do about 1,000 steps per mile. But, of course this is of no major consequence. Once I get home and start using my iPhone again I'll be back to steps. Then I'll have a pretty accurate picture because my iPhone will give me steps and my iPad will give me miles. Maybe I'll just enter both numbers.

We had a pretty quiet day yesterday. We drove over to the Jamestown fairy and then to Smithfield. Then back. Today will be our last full day here in Virginia. Tomorrow we fly home.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 54: 7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.

"So, in a world “tossed with tempest, and not comforted,” as Jehovah said it would be, how do we find what He called “the covenant of … peace”? We find it by turning to Him who said He would have mercy on us and “with everlasting kindness” would grant peace to our children. In spite of frightful prophecies and unsettling scriptures declaring that peace will be taken from the earth generally, the prophets, including our own beloved Russell M. Nelson, have taught that it does not have to be taken from us individually! So, this Easter let’s try to practice peace in a personal way, applying the grace and healing balm of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ to ourselves and our families and all those we can reach around us. Fortunately, even astonishingly, this soothing salve is made available to us “without money and without price.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle 

10/08/2026 Thursday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Daily Average: 

Glucose level: 168 @0500

Reported Sleep: 7:07

Yesterday's Steps: 

Journal Entry: 

My ability to gather daily data (above) has been eliminated mostly since I don't have my iPhone. I'm getting lots of steps as shown daily on my Apple Watch but they don't transfer to my iPad and at midnight they go away. Of course I don't have my scale so I can't weigh myself and I don't have access to a blood pressure cuff like I do at home. My Dexcom CGM works but doesn't record on my iPad. Some of that data may be available on my iPhone and when I get home I'll do what I can with it. All in all I believe I'm being pretty healthy. I certainly will make every effort to not forget stuff when we go for a trip in the future. I have had a great lesson on the value of an iPhone which is far more than just a telephone.

I had a meal the other day in Irvington that was very tired but not the healthiest. Resulted in a CGM reading of over 200 for a short time. Last night we had a wonderful dinner at a tavern in Williamsburg but I don't think my readings went above 180. I'm still up at 168 this morning. 

We are still enjoying our vacation. Our hotel suite is very comfortable. I'm not sure what we will do today yet but it will be relaxing and enjoyable (I assume).

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 53: 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

"But perhaps you feel a long way from the love of God. Maybe there is a chorus of voices of discouragement and darkness that weighs into your thoughts, messages telling you that you are too wounded and confused, too weak and overlooked, too different or disoriented to warrant heavenly love in any real way. If you hear those ideas, then please hear this: those voices are just wrong. We can confidently disregard brokenness in any way disqualifying us from heavenly love—every time we sing the hymn that reminds us that our beloved and flawless Saviour chose to be “bruised, broken, [and] torn for us,” every time we take broken bread. Surely Jesus removes all shame from the broken. Through His brokenness, He became perfect, and He can make us perfect in spite of our brokenness. Broken, lonely, torn, and bruised He was—and we may feel we are—but separated from the love of God we are not."

Elder Karl D. Hirst of The Seventy, October 2024

10/07/2026, Wednesday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Daily Average: 

Glucose level: 

Reported Sleep: 5:34

Yesterday's Steps: 

Journal Entry: 

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 53: 2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

"Jesus was “a man of sorrows,” the scriptures say. He experienced sadness, fatigue, disappointment, and excruciating loneliness. In these and in all times, Jesus’s love faileth not, and neither does His Father’s. With such mature love—the kind that exemplifies, empowers, and imparts—ours will not fail either.

So, if sometimes the harder you try, the more difficult it seems to get; if, just as you try to work on your limitations and your shortcomings, you find someone or something determined to challenge your faith; if, as you labor devotedly, you still feel moments of fear wash over you, remember that it has been so for some of the most faithful and marvelous people in every era of time. Also remember that there is a force in the universe determined to oppose every good thing you try to do.

So, through abundance as well as poverty, through private acclaim as well as public criticism, through the divine elements of the Restoration as well as the human foibles that will inevitably be part of it, we stay the course with the true Church of Christ. Why? Because as with our Redeemer, we signed on for the whole term—not ending with the first short introductory quiz but through to the final exam. The joy in this is that the Headmaster gave us all open-book answers before the course began. Furthermore, we have a host of tutors who remind us of these answers at regular stops along the way. But of course, none of this works if we keep cutting class.

“Whom seek ye?” With all our hearts we answer, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle, October 2024

10/06/2026, Tuesday

 Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Daily Average: 131

Glucose level: 120-148

Reported Sleep: 6:51

Yesterday's Steps: 9,236

Journal Entry: 

The weather improved and we got quite a bit of walking in the Historic Area. We also drove down to Yorktown and enjoyed that. Like much of the tourist sites around here that one has also been improved and modernized. Very presentable and scenic.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 51: 7 Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

"Trying to please others before pleasing God is inverting the first and second great commandments. It is forgetting which way we face. And yet, we have all made that mistake because of the fear of men. In Isaiah the Lord warns us, “Fear ye not the reproach of men.” In Lehi’s dream, this fear was triggered by the finger of scorn pointed from the great and spacious building, causing many to forget which way they faced and to leave the tree “ashamed.”

This peer pressure tries to change a person’s attitudes, if not behavior, by making one feel guilty for giving offense. We seek respectful coexistence with those who point fingers, but when this fear of men tempts us to condone sin, it becomes a “snare” according to the book of Proverbs. The snare may be cleverly baited to appeal to our compassionate side to tolerate or even approve of something that has been condemned by God."

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of The Presidency of The Seventy, October 2014

10/05/2026, Monday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Three day Average: 

Glucose level: 120-148

Reported Sleep: 6:14

Yesterday's Steps: 5,025

Journal Entry:

We went for a drive yesterday and found a chapel which was, of course, vacant because of General Conference. We were also trying to make our way to the Kilmarnock area via the Colonial Parkway but it was blocked due to some major construction project. 

It rained nearly all day but we also went to the Williamsburg Art Museum for a short visit. 

This morning I stumbled across a conference talk that made me think of Kevin's wife, Becky, so I sent an except of it to her. I hope she takes it the right way. She has so many great qualities and has tremendous potential. Here is what I sent her:

My Dear Becky:

I thought about sending this as an email but I don't have your email address. Hope this works. It's kinf of long.

I truly hope you won't think I'm trying to be judgemental or critical but as I was reading this morning, I came across this conference talk which contains some pretty good advice. I thought of you simply because in my view you are a very good woman in what can be a stressful life. I hope that these words can bring some comfort to your life.

"Our families need the peace of God in their lives, and if we can’t or won’t invite the Lord into our lives, then our families become a reflection of our own turmoil. Women are asked to be nurturers to their families, but we must also be firm; we must be the hard rock footings on which our homes can stand. Our families need us to speak peace to them, just as the Lord speaks peace to us. Our homes need to be places where our families and friends want to be, where all who enter our homes can draw strength and courage to face the challenges of living in an increasingly wicked world. Our children need to hear us “talk of Christ, … rejoice in Christ, [and] preach of Christ” (2 Nephi 25:26) so that they may know to what source they can look for the peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

"Remember, sisters, the Savior’s invitation is clear and direct, and importantly for us, it is constant: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden. … Take my yoke upon you, … for … my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30). This is the Lord’s promise to me and to you.

"My prayer for each of us is that we will remember when the Lord has spoken His peace to us and has encircled us in the arms of His love. And just as important, will you, if you haven’t felt that love for a while, seek to see it and feel it as you go about the ordinary tasks of your life. As you do this, over the days and months and years of your life, the memories of those interactions with the Lord will become sweet gifts to open a second time—or many times—to bolster you when life is difficult.

“Peace I give unto you,” the Lord promises, “not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27). Peace. Strength. It is what we long for and what is possible. We only need to turn toward His reaching arms. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

By Kathleen H. Hughes

First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency

(October 2006)

We love you and pray for you and truly believe you are a wonderful daughter-law. Hang in there.

love, 

Paul Partridge

(502) 299-7347

Hope she takes it the right way.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 51: 3 For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

"He has said, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” He can heal the “waste places” of your soul—the places made dry, harsh, and desolate by sin and sorrow—and “make [your] wilderness like Eden.”

…You may feel at times that it’s not possible to be redeemed, that perhaps you are an exception to God’s love and the Savior’s atoning power because of what you are struggling with or because of what you’ve done. But I testify that you are not beneath the Master’s reach. The Savior “descended below all things” and is in a divine position to lift you and claim you from the darkest abyss and bring you into “his marvellous light.” Through His sufferings, He has made a way for each of us to overcome our personal weaknesses and sins."

Sister Kristin M. Yee, Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, October 2024

10/04/2026, Sunday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI:  Glucose level Three day Average: 

Reported Sleep: 7:05

Yesterday's Steps: 

Journal Entry:

My daily stats, etc. are unavailable for now, mostly because I'm on our trip to Virginia and I inadvertently left my iPhone home. I tried to use my iPad for some of my CGM (continuous glucose monitoring - Dexcom G7) but it doesn't work very well for that so I just discontinued that until we get home. I still get continuous glucose monitoring on my Apple Watch and that still works well.

Yesterday we drive from Alexandria to Williamsburg without using I-95... mostly surface highways and roads. Very scenic but took most of the day. We actually enjoyed it and arrived at our hotel in Williamsburg just before 3:00 pm. Then we went down to Historic Williamsburg and had early dinner at the Cheese Shop there. Another pretty fun day. 

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 49: 16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

"I am so grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. His atoning sacrifice for us became the greatest symbol of His and our Father in Heaven’s infinite love for each of us, with the tangible symbols of that love and sacrifice—the marks in the Savior’s hands, feet, and side—remaining even after His Resurrection.

As I keep my covenants and obligations with God, including wearing the garment of the holy priesthood, my very life can become a personal symbol of my love and deep gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my desire to have Him with me always."

Sister J. Annette Dennis, First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency, April 2024

"I testify of that grand destiny, made available to us by the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself continued “from grace to grace” until in His immortality He received a perfect fulness of celestial glory. I testify that in this and every hour He is, with nail-scarred hands, extending to us that same grace, holding on to us and encouraging us, refusing to let us go until we are safely home in the embrace of Heavenly Parents. For such a perfect moment, I continue to strive, however clumsily. For such a perfect gift, I continue to give thanks, however inadequately. I do so in the very name of Perfection itself, of Him who has never been clumsy or inadequate but who loves all of us who are, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Apostle 

10/03/2026, Saturday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: 7.0, Glucose level Three day Average: 151

Reported Sleep: 

Yesterday's Steps: 3,402

Journal Entry:

We are in Alexandria, Va. This morning... Day five counting our arrival last Tuesday. And we will be moving to Williamsburg, Va, today. I've actually mostly enjoyed our time in Alexandria. I don't want to get into any negatives. Alexandria is a very attractive city just downstream from Washington, DC. And it's also very crowded. Mostly old but well-maintained buildings and lots of condos and apartment buildings. Adam came to see us and we had a very pleasant visit, walk and lunch yesterday (Friday).

He seems to be doing very well. Once again, Myisha didn't come. She seems to still have bad feelings toward us and doesn't seem interested in settleing anything. Too bad but hopefully that will be solved eventually.

On Wednesday we drove over to Annapolis with the intent of walking around and seeing some of the historic sites over there but it was so crowded that it didn't seem attractive and we didn't stay. We drove on over to a little town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland called St. Michael's. It was really attractive and we found a nice restaurant right on the water that served gluten-free crab cakes that were very tasty. After walking around this very attractive and historic little city we drove back to Alexandria.

Cathy took some photos but I had left my phone home in Utah. Hopefully Cathy will send me some log her photos and I'll slip one or two in here.

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 48: 10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.

"It is challenging but vital to remain firm and steadfast when we find ourselves being refined “in the furnace of affliction,” something that comes soon or late to all of us in mortality. Without God, these dark experiences tend to despondency, despair, and even bitterness. With God, comfort replaces pain, peace replaces turmoil, and hope replaces sorrow. Remaining firm in the faith of Christ will bring His sustaining grace and support. He will convert trial into blessing and, in Isaiah’s words, “give … beauty for ashes.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle 

10/02/2026, Friday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: 7.0, Glucose level Three day Average: 154

Reported Sleep: 6:08

Yesterday's Steps: 1,140

Journal Entry:

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 45: 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

"There seems to be no end to the different sources people look to for meaning, happiness, and help. Most are “looking beyond the mark.” But we need not be “children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine [or fashion].” In looking to God, we can find peace in difficulty, and our faith can continue to grow even in times of doubt and spiritual challenge. We can receive strength in the face of opposition and isolation. We can reconcile the ideal with the present reality. Truly, there is no other way than what God Himself has ordained: “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

Looking to God means that He is not just one of our priorities; it means, rather, that He is our one highest priority."

President D. Todd Christofferson, Apostle 

10/01/2026 Thursday

 Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: 7.1, Glucose level Three day Average: 157

Reported Sleep: 

Yesterday's Steps: 7,286

Journal Entry:

Come Follow Me:

Isaiah 40: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

"Oftentimes we can find ourselves, like the lame beggar at the gate of the temple, patiently—or sometimes impatiently—“wait[ing] upon the Lord.” Waiting to be healed physically or emotionally. Waiting for answers that penetrate the deepest part of our hearts. Waiting for a miracle.

Waiting upon the Lord can be a sacred place—a place of polishing and refining where we can come to know the Savior in a deeply personal way. Waiting upon the Lord may also be a place where we find ourselves asking, “O God, where art thou?”—a place where spiritual perseverance requires us to exercise faith in Christ by intentionally choosing Him again and again and again."

Sister Amy A. Wright, Second Counselor, Primary General Presidency, April 2022