Thursday, Aug 4th, 2022:Gathering Israel, Fasting, Sonic app, No rain, ready for inspection and concrete pour, Aunt Gene socializing, Canner, "The Redemption of the Bride"

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Apr 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

D&C 104:59

For the purpose of building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

15 And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to Helaman, he blessed him, and also his other sons' and he also blessed the earth for the righteous' sake.

"Come Follow Me"

Job 38; 40; 42 God's perspective is greater than mine. Job 38-39

AprGenCon

"Following Jesus: Being A PeaceMaker"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Some view the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve as having worldly motives, like political, business, and cultural leaders.

However, we come very differently to our responsibilities. We are not elected or selected from applications. Without any specific professional preparation, we are called and ordained to bear testimony of the name of Jesus Christ throughout the world until our final breath. We endeavor to bless the sick, the lonely, the down-hearted, and the poor and to strengthen the kingdom of God. We seek to know the Lord's will and to proclaim it, especially to those who seek eternal life.

Although our humble desire is for the Savior's teachings to be honored by all, the words of the Lord through His prophets are often contrary to the thinking and trends of the world. It has always been so.

I've been thinking a lot about family lately and how we can gather everyone to Israel. When I send Rowan and Joshua's birthday cards this month I will talk to them about setting a goal to go on a mission. 

When I told James about my new way of eating, eating 8 hours, fasting 16 hours, he said, "but you can't fast on fast Sunday." I said, but that's one of the reasons I'm doing this, because I want to turn a weakness into a strength" so I can fast better on fast Sundays.

My blood sugar this morning was 119. James's was 107. I need to lower my carbs even more. 

After work today James had to go into Home Depot. I ordered my half price drink on the Sonic app and I got a reward of a double toast cheeseburger half price. James ate most of it on the way home. I got less than a third but it was delicious. 

Thank goodness for James there was no rain today. He and Greg spent the day getting mud out of the trenches and re-doing some of the rebar ties that Greg did wrong. James can't get an inspection tomorrow so it's down to the wire with his inspection on Monday and his concrete pour on Tuesday. He is stressed about passing the inspection.

I texted Rita to get Aunt Gene's address today and Rita said her mom is already making friends with everyone at the center. That sounds like Aunt Gene. I'm glad she's feeling well enough to socialize. 

James says I can get the canner on Amazon for my birthday! I am very excited!

I read from "The Redemption of the Bride" the following: 

"The Wilderness experience is necessary and for our good."

How will I respond when I encounter my own wilderness trial? Have I already experienced some? My personal wilderness experiences are an invitation to know the Lord. 

First day of school 

This family lives in our ward.

Look at that downpour

The clouds here are the best!

These are mini cakes that will fit perfectly

in the fancy windowed boxes I just ordered.