10/08/2026 Thursday

Weight: 

BP and Pulse: 

GMI: Daily Average: 

Glucose level: 168 @0500

Reported Sleep: 

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: 

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