18 September 2017
I realized that one advantage of
syncing my journal with a cloud based note taking software is that I can write
anywhere without having to bring a paper journal with me; therefore, I am
writing during my lunch break.
The inventory tracking is working
out, but I will not be done today.
I would like to explain virtue.
The definition of virtue on Google is the same as integrity, but integrity is
only part of virtue. I think that my Elders Quorum did not know the spiritual
definition of virtue because they did not grow up with Preach My Gospel. The
missionary manual spells it out well. I taught from chapter 18 of the
"Gordon B. Hinckley: Teachings of the Prophets" manual.
Virtue is
a Christ-like attribute that one can obtain. We are born with it as it is the
pure nature of the goodness of man undefiled from the world. A virtuous person
would abhor carnal activities. Carnality is
“1. Relating
to the physical and especially sexual appetites: carnal
desire.
2. Worldly
or earthly; temporal: the carnal world.
3. Of or
relating to the body or flesh; bodily: carnal remains.“
This includes the entertainment
and practice of violence and destruction. A virtuous individual is temperate,
meaning that they have self-control. They are not indulgent, giving into
temptation or weakness. The knowledge that man are children of God enables them
to stand with an understanding that there is a more noble lifestyle than the
philosophies of man, for God does not dwell among our filthy telestial world.
Temperance, purity, and goodness
is held within the mind. One must practice maintaining their thoughts as good,
optimistic, and uplifting. They believe that all things are possible through
God's grace. The human mind is simple. It can only think of one thing at a
time. A mind without deliberate thoughts goes out of control. Satan can put
thoughts in people's minds; therefore, think godly thoughts.
19 September 2017
Last night I fell into Satan's
trick to mess up our evening, so we didn't have Family Home Evening. It has
been over a week since Jessica has not made herself lunch. The trick was to
have me insist on Jessica making herself a second meal for the day. Jessica
felt weak since we didn't make herself lunch; therefore, she was just as
stubborn, insisting not to make food. I didn't rag on her for hours because I
folded all six loads of laundry that I had done. I refused to have Jessica fold
laundry because she would most likely not complete the task. We barely had FHE.
I thought maybe teaching her that she needs to make herself two meals a day
could be counted as Family Home Evening, and she could cook after we closed the
lesson. That didn't fly though. I gave in eventually and we got pizza. During
dinner I taught her about how God does most everything after a pattern, and she
needs to give herself a daily routine; however, she is not following it today.
She did follow the plan to get me out of the apartment on time to get to work
though, which is a first. Satan tries the same tricks on individuals to mess
them up. If you watch these patterns, you can be more aware of your weaknesses,
personal temptations, and what is going on.
Work has been a little mind
blowing today. The inventory tracker is slightly more complicated than expected
yesterday.
Coming home from work, I found
that my tire got flat. I am a very minimalistic person, leaving my wallet in
Jessica's purse. It is a miracle that the bike shop used Apple Pay. Forgetting
tools, I had to pay for labor. My tires have special goo that fills in the
small punctures. The salesman that originally sold the goo to me, said that it
had been several years since he has had a flat tire. I thought for months that
the ball bearings in my crank were broken, but the guy in the shop said that
they were fine. I had him fix the flat tire, and he discovered that my bicycle
chain lacked grease. He was able to resolve my concerns, and I can now cycle
with more confidence.
Jessica is making a leap of
faith, driving to get food and ice-cream. We were married on the 19th, and we
get ice-cream on that day each month. We need to meet at the church because we
are attending the self-reliance class. I am writing more often in the moment since
I am typing on my phone. Jessica drove alone, purchasing a very large sandwich
and ice-cream sandwiches. She spoke about nervous situations, but she said that
she feels more like an adult. Both of us are proud of her accomplishment.
The self-reliance class had the
same amount of participants as last class, but Rob Johnson did not come as Thad
came. Family councils were the admonition of this class. The lesson discouraged
division marriage finances.
On the bicycle ride home, I start
out by ignoring the GPS, following the path that it usually takes us by car;
however, the path was dark. I thought of a rhyme. "I can barely see, and
branches are coming towards me." I was prompted to get off the road
seconds before a bus passed me. The GPS told me to turn to a random road. It
looked slightly more lit than the assumed way. I started following the GPS, and
it took me on a lit path home. My experience sounds like a parable about the
Holy Ghost.
At home Jessica and I ate
Klondike bars.
20 September 2017
This morning I checked
blogger.com, and I was surprised to see that my article got 244 clicks, which
is double the previous entry; furthermore, the clicks on the previous post was
double the one before. I think that it is because I wrote about Xfinity. I have
another story about that company.
Late last week, Xfinity delivered
a Gateway terminal, the modem and router combined device. I did not order this.
I called customer service, and they removed the delivery charge, saying to take
it back to a UPS store for delivery. When I got to the store, they said that
the postmen ignore the note on the box:
Return to sender. I would most likely get it delivered back to my
apartment. It was delivered back to my apartment last Monday, and I was able to
catch the postman before he left. He said that he will mark that the package
was refused, taking it.
At work, I finally got back to
the jobsite to record the progress of the past week, since I had to begin
preparing data for my project manager's scheduling session and the inventory
tracker. Most everyone hailed me up as a friend. "Where have you
been?!"
During the self-reliance class, I
explained how my expenses and income applications have been helpful. Since it
is handy on my phone like my journal, I can keep it up-to-date easily. The app
is called "Income vs Expenses." I have given myself ten dollars a
week for my travel expenses, a total of thirty dollars. When I arrived at the
bicycle shop, I said that I needed a flat tire fixed. The guy said that would
cost me eighteen dollars. I decided to just buy the tube, and replace my flat
one myself; then, I realized that a purchase of the goo would save me on many
more flat tires, so I decided to buy a bottle. After I made two purchases, I
recalled that I left my tools at home, requiring a third transaction. I felt
foolish, but it had to be done. I asked the guy to fix my bicycle. He said that
labor would cost twelve dollars. I was worried that I might not have enough
money to pay him for labor. Both of the previous purchases were about 8-10
dollars. I was able to record my expenses quickly in my app. This assured me
that I had enough money instantaneously.
When I got home from work,
Jessica was not answering the door. I like having her opening the door because
it is a hassle; putting down the bicycle, finding my keys, unlocking the door,
there are many steps to get into the house without her help. When I opened the
door, I saw that she was arriving from shopping. She planned to make Pad Thai
noodles for the sister missionaries. I was confused because she bought peanut
butter and lemons. I never saw mom make the Pad Thai sauce, nor have I cooked
Pad Thai noodles. Jessica was overwhelmed by the task. She did not believe that
she had enough time. I knew there was enough time, so I jumped to make it work.
I put garlic in the food processor. My first batch was burned because I was too
lazy to wash a serving spoon. Jessica thought that it was okay, but I made a
second batch quickly. The second batch cooked quickly. I put the tofu and red onions
in the pan. The pan seemed too hot, but it was not too hot for the tofu. I
realized that I needed to use scissors to cut the noodles into eatable and
cookable portions. The heat of the pot was no longer a concern when I poured
the Pad Thai Sauce that Jessica prepared with Water, Soy sauce, Lemon, and
Peanut butter. It seemed odd, but it turned out well. The sister missionaries
arrived before we finished cooking. I was surprised how quickly it cooked. They
only had to wait a couple minutes, and it was ready. Jessica said that we may
need to put the green onion in ten minutes; however, it was practically ready.
The dinner conversation was good.
We talked about family. I spoke about the missionary opportunities that I am
starting to see at work. A helper named Daniel stopped me, embracing my
Christian roots. He said that he is excited to start a family based on the
Gospel of Jesus Christ, since he is engaged for marriage. I need to find my
thirteen article of faith cards to start giving them out. There are so many
opportunities. I spoke about many people at work that a sister missionary was
inspired by the masonry and company environment of Columbia Stone Inc. I don't
want to pass up opportunities anymore.
I practiced one spontaneous
service opportunity last Friday. Someone forgot there phone in the bathroom. As
I was about to leave, I heard it ring. I answered it, and the person, calling
the phone, worked at the project. I was able to give it to the man, who called
the phone.
I tried to help a man struggling
to push a cart up a hill today, but I was too slow. He looked homeless.
I should look for my article of
faith cards now.
21 September 2017
On my second day, coming back to
campus and tracking the crews after settling the big scheduling and inventory issues,
I am refining my methods. Having the foreman report to me daily, I confirm
their data. It took a little extra time out on the jobsite, but I think that I
figured out my new routine.
Last week I called BYU Idaho's
registration office because the dean of my school said that my missing class
issue was resolved. The office people said that the records don't reflect it. I
reported the news back to the dean, and he did not report until yesterday that
the record was properly updated. I called the BYU Idaho registration office to
confirm again, and they said that the issue was resolved. I am finally getting
my diploma! It should arrive early next month.
22 September 2017
Last night the missionaries came
over to begin the Active Member Lessons that their mission president is urging
them to do. They said that they wanted tips on how to teach better. At first
they asked to summarize and testify of the restoration lesson. I did. The
district leader testified of the first vision, and his companion testified of
the Book of Mormon. Their commitment was to read the first vision and to obtain
a greater testimony of it. I began reading this morning, and one thing that
surprised me is that Joseph Smith Jr. has a brother named Don Carlos.
The missionaries asked for tips
at the beginning of their lesson, but they did not follow up on it at the end.
I had to. I told him that their lesson is too structured. They are teaching
lessons not us as people addressing our needs. Unity in companionship and
transition in conversations would be smoother because both of them would have
perspectives to contribute. Hit the important subject matter on their
conversion or progress and help them grow from there.
Work today has been productive.
Since this is my third day catching up, I figured that I modernize how track
productivity because I had been recording it on paper; then, I would transfer
it digital data. I finally got a new battery for my laptop, so I am mobile. I
will no longer do two tasks. The tasks will be merged into one on my laptop. It
would work much better, if I had a tablet. I think that it will be awkward, but
it should be more efficient.
My logic was very accurate. It
was awkward. I started confirming the numbers about 2 PM, and I finished two
hours late from leaving work at 6 PM. I hope that I speed up the process. I
think that it usually takes that long. I am not sure.
23 September 2017
I signed up my grandfather Glen
Hicken for StoryWorth. StoryWorth is a company asks subscribers weekly
questions, recording the stories to print a book for the family of each
subscriber after a year. We have been working on grandpa to tell a story for
two months now, and I finally got the first story last night. The question of
the week was originally "What is your favorite drink?", but I didn't
want to ask that question especially since it was Glen's first experience. I
debated between the following two questions: "How did you meet and court
your wife?" and "Since you will be going on the honor flight next
week, have you reflected on experiences from your service in the Navy?" I
choose the second question. Grandpa left the recording over phone, and it is
very interesting. I wish that I can post it here because I have to transcribe
it myself, but I will share it with family only.
When I left work late yesterday
evening, I saw a girl, cycling. She was ahead about 100 meters, so I didn't
expect to catch her. She was at a stop light. I wanted to see how fast she was
because she was decked out with cycling gear. She was not very fast; although,
she ducked down, trying to be arrow dynamic. I am not certain if her effort,
but she looked like she was going all out. At the next traffic light, she let
me go. I raced off. In cross country I learned not to look back. I turned onto
Lawrence Expressway. Although I did not expect that she would follow me down
the expressway, I kept the pace. I knew that there was a bumpy part of the
road, so I kept an eye out. As I dodged the bumpy part, turning toward the
sidewalk, I saw the girl pass me. I did not even hear her behind me. I was
going to turn at the next light, so I did not try to pass her back. Her pace
was easy to keep up with as before. She is not very fast like many other
cyclists that blow passed me like I am a weakling. We seem to be about the same
strength physically.
I tried to do a double platelet
donation with the Red Cross today, but I underestimated the time that I needed
to prepare, arriving late. The double platelet donation process requires a
valuable machine that they like to be productive as much as possible;
therefore, they did not wait for me. I think that arrived on time, but the
volunteer at the desk was new, not following normal procedures. I will have the
wait until after general conference for my blood donation.
Tonight is the General Women's
Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The priesthood
took care of the children and dinner after. The childcare was like a fair, and
I did not need to help much. Exploring the see what is going on for dinner, I
arrived at a good time to receive instruction to serve as a waiter for the
dinner. I saw Brother Duckworth, and I was able to catch up with him when I
arrived at first. Walking around, I saw the festivities, and that my help was
not necessary. I also caught up with Cody Wentworth and James Satterlee. I
spoke to many other people; however, I feel like I only really caught up with
those two people since I did not hear about what the other people have been up
to. James and Cody were both in construction.
My experience as a waiter was
relaxed. My father served at the table right next to mine, and he said that he
was worried about dropping food. I served Cody Wentworth's family. My only
awkward moment was when I was trying to get all of the water pitcher. I almost
tilted it too much. The lid did not fall off gratefully as the ice shifted.
James Satterlee dressed as
Goliath, wearing his Scottish apparel. He marched in with the children at the
end of the dinner.
24 September 2017
We went to the Santa Cruz Stake's
event for the Women's Conference. Friday night I put ten dollars of gas in the
car, since I give myself ten dollars a week for my travel expenses. I was so
amazed how I asked for ten dollars put in the car, and the machine put exactly
ten dollars’ worth of gas in the car automatically. I have never seen that
before. The gas only lasted about fifty miles. I may need to re-think how much
money that I give myself each week. I thought that cycling to work saved me
money, but it caused me to exceed the budget. The thirty dollars a week was a
perfect amount of money to fix my bike earlier this week. The ten dollar for
this week for gas was not enough, so we filled the tank last night. If I had my
tools to fix my bicycle earlier this week the ten dollars a week, the budget
should have been fine. I think. Before I rode my bike to work, I would have to
fill the gas tank once a week, so work bike transportation is definitely saving
money.
Yesterday Trevor and I were able
to convince my dad to play Tokaido with us again. Dad's beginner's luck was
gone, and they struggled to keep up with me; although, Trevor had a good start.
Trevor and dad were tied. I liked that dad tried to be competitive because
Trevor usually sets his mind on a strategy, not adapting much. He tried to
sabotage me, but it did not work.
Trevor said that Austin finally
added him on the PlayStation Network. I am assuming that is the name of the
social network. Trevor said that he added him on PSN.
Today is Sunday, a Sabbath day of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was thinking about writing
about my revelations today at church, but I think that I am being tempted to
not write them. I should write them.
I read scriptures about Sacrament
in order to have better control of my thoughts during the ordinance. I struggle
with that. In 3 Nephi 18:4-5, it says the disciples and the multitude were
filled as they partook of the bread. From the Book of Mormon we learned that
"filled" means that they were filled with the Holy Ghost. In the New
Testament, the Beattitudes says that the people are hunger and thirst after
righteousness are filled, but the Book of Mormon version of the Beattitudes say
that they will be filled with the Holy Ghost. I thought whether I am being
filled with the Holy Ghost during the ordinance. I wrote in my notes that I am
filled with knowledge of truth, love, assurance, hope, peace, optimism, and
more. I am not one to regularly recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost within
me. My nature must have the Holy Ghost intertwined within it.
A man spoke in Sacrament that he
felt foolish to have realized after more than forty years of activity in the
church a precept about the atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't think that it is
a basic thought process. He taught me that we enable the blessings of the Gift
of the Holy Ghost in our lives, when we apply the atonement in our lives by
repentance and obedience.
I feel like investing more in
this ward, since I plan to live here for years. I participated a lot more than
usual in Sunday school. The bishop taught today about the love of God, justice,
and mercy during the class. He taught that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty of
sin for all mankind. After the work of salvation is complete, when the saints
complete the ordinance work for the entire human family during millennium.
Judgement will not be an issue of whether we are allowed to be accepted into
the Kingdom of God. He would love us to join us there; however, Doctrine and
Covenants 121:45 and Alma 12:14-15 describes the scene of judgement day. The
verse in Doctrine and Covenants is as follows:
Let thy bowels also be full of
charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish
thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence
of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the
dews from heaven.
For our words will condemn us,
yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our
thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to
look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and
the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be;
we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in
his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that
all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is
merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man
that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance.
As I taught previously about
virtue, we need to obtain it in time, or we may not want to dwell in God's
presence for eternity. When we obtain virtue, "thy confidence wax strong
in the presence of God," yet if we do not bring forth "fruit meet for
repentance." "Our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful
state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we
could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his
presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his
glory, and in his power."
During priesthood class we
analyzed the following scripture verses of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the
LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all
thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." A general
authority taught according to a general conference talk, which was the topic of
the class. We must not lean on our understanding in order for us to obtain
God's direction. We were talking about how we have applied the scriptures in
our lives personally. I did not share my experience, but I thought of a recent
revelation experience. I learned about the spirit of deep sleep that man dwell
in when they are not spiritually conscious. Lehi was trying to wake up his sons
Laman and Lemuel. I thought that I may be spiritually unconscious because I did
not hear any of the questions after that discussion in the lesson. I feel like
many people on this earth are not spiritually concerned about their well-being;
therefore, they may be thought as sleeping. They are just living life not
thinking about their eternal welfare; then, some day they may wake up to the
horror, when "we must come forth and stand before him (God) in his glory,
and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to
our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just." Let us obtain a
higher spiritual consciousness and virtue by seeking after the knowledge of
truth about God.
After church we had a
linger-longer, which was nice, because Jessica has a 4:30 self-reliance class
about education. Most of the food was desert or a chip centered appetizer. We
met a lot of people, but we did not find friends to talk to during the
linger-longer.
I have about an hour until
Jessica gets out of her self-reliance class. I hope to begin transcribing
grandpa's navy story after editing, posting, and sharing this entry.
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