Sunday, May 3, 2020
9:24 pm
Today was a typical Sunday – parts of it were really good, while other parts were a little less good. We enjoyed Music and the Spoken Word this morning before partaking of the sacrament at 11:00. I joined the 4th Ward Council and discussed the self-reliance program. They asked about starting an online-version of the program, so I sent an email to the stake self-reliance committee tonight to inquire about getting this started.
We had a couple activities together that were effective. I printed out footsteps that we colored and wrote on them guidance we have received from the Prophet. Then we talked about how we are following that guidance and placed the papers on the ground. They led to Mark who was holding a picture of the temple. He taught us that this is an earthly representation of God's house, and following the counsel of our Prophet will bring us back to God.
We watched the next BoM video. This one was Ammon and King Lamoni. It was fun to watch. They dealt with some of the more gruesome parts with as much discretion as possible. We had to explain parts to the little girls as it progressed, but as soon as it was done they both asked to watch it again. We didn't replay it today, but it's good to know they'd enjoy it again in the future.
Julie walked us through an activity drawing pictures to help us learn the words to the song Jesus was no Ordinary Man. None of the kids knew this song, and the pictures were a lot of fun.
I went on a walk with Neil, Isaac, Emma and Camilla this afternoon. The kids were hoping we would get outside early enough to walk in a light rain that was falling, but the rain was done by the time we got shoes on everyone. We went to the cemetery, parked the stroller, and walked among the headstones looking for our birthdates. I think we found everyone's except Isaac's. That gives us something to look for next week!
Dinner today was wonderful. I tried a new recipe for pork loin, and several people asked me to write this one down for future use. Coupled with sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, and ranch bread courtesy of Mark… it was a feast. We finished with homemade pizzella cones with ice cream. Now I just wish I was hungry enough to have seconds. Oh, and there is just enough pork left over to make pork tacos for dinner tomorrow with our avocados. I love eating good food!
Thankful: I'm grateful for fasting. Today I fasted for the following:
1. Help overcoming the natural man through the atonement of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 3:19). I always want help putting off the natural man, and am wondering now how to do that through the atonement of Christ. I think there is much here to understand.
2. For the coronavirus to be contained. I'm ready for things to get back to normal. A new normal where we are more concerned about our friends and neighbors sounds great to me. And any normal that includes a return to church and the temple will be welcome.
3. Jessie – I always pray for her, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
4. Mark – He will be set apart as a missionary next week. We're just not sure what his MTC experience will be like, or where he will be assigned to serve at the end of his training.
5. Mike Christensen and his family – I don't know how to help them, but God does. The challenges they are facing really are difficult. One of the hardest things for me is that they require patience; there is no easy, quick fix.
Ministering: My ministering today was with the fourth ward and as a member of the stake self-reliance committee. The program the Church has put together is really top-notch. There are comparable programs available commercially that cost a lot of money. We should do everything we can to help our members take advantage of this resource to bless themselves and their families, especially now as there is so much uncertainty.
I'm excited for the new week. I have big plans to accomplish lots of good. And that will start best with a good night's sleep. More later…
At dinner we used the candlesticks that Grandpa W and the kids made last week while they were visiting.
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