On Sunday 18 October Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by the Book of Mormon discussion about Ammon in the Book of Alma as we got ready for church.

We enjoyed attending our Ellijay Branch.  Presidents Nicholls and Stallings were here to reorganize our branch presidency with President Nicholls, our stake president, presiding.  The chapel and overflow were full!

This blog entry is without pictures which I will add later.

Opening hymn was #58, "Come, Ye Children of the Lord," text by James H. Wallis (1861-1940) and music a Spanish melody arranged by Benjamin Carr (1768-1831).

Sustained Robin Hanks as 1st counselor in the Primary presidency, Diana Stephens and Becki Clark as Sunday School teachers, and Cassie Kelly as 2nd counselor in the Primary presidency.

Sacrament hymn was #184, "Upon the Cross of Calvary," text by Vilate Raile (1890-1954) and music by Leroy J. Robertson (1896-1971).

Sustained Marvin Knight as a high priest.  Released Ryan Boland, Craig Chester, and Tony Stanley as the branch presidency.  Sustained Tony Stanley as our branch president with Craig Chester as first counselor and Marvin Knight as second counselor.

The first speaker was Jennifer Boland.  She spoke of love and serving.  She bore her testimony and was thankful for many blessings.

The second speaker was President Stallings.  He invited Brother Knight to take his seat on the stand.  He quoted from Moroni 6 starting with verse 4.  He spoke of the hope that the Sabbath is a delight and made observations about our branch as he read.  He bore his testimony.

Intermediate hymn was #294, "Love at Home," text and music by John Hugh McNaughton (1829-1891).

The concluding speaker was President Nicholls.  He relies on the Spirit and doesn't write down his talks.  Sometimes people say what a great talk he gave and other times they say he was all over the place.  He spoke about his first temple recommend interview, meeting with President Harry Spooner monthly, calling President Ryan Boland, and learning in the temple that Brother Stanley should be the next branch president even though he travels a lot.  Appreciate Brother Chester's willingness to be first counselor again.  He would need therapy if he wanted to be branch president (laughter).  He spoke of priesthood keys and partaking of the sacrament under the direction of President Boland before he was released.  Ordinances are valid when the keys are here.  He spoke of the early apostles and the apostasy, followed by young Joseph Smith's prayer and the First Vision.  The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ.  He bore his testimony.

Closing hymn was #274, "The Iron Rod," text by Joseph L. Townsend (1849-1942) and music by William Clayson (1840-1887).

I met with Claude Miller and made an appointment to visit him to help with his family history.  I made a home teaching appointment with Darlene Burgess.  I met with Carol Messina and filled her in on the PC in the FHC.  She will come in and call FamilySearch tomorrow or Tuesday.  They are planning on moving to Montana next Spring.  I talked to Connie Reichert about a food order for Peggy Espersen and she said it shouldn't be a problem.  David Ashworth asked about my weight loss, so I filled him in on that and the blood sugar situation.

Gospel Doctrine with Darlene Burgess was lesson #38, “Thou Hast Testified of Me” using Acts 21-28.

The purpose of the lesson was to encourage class members to follow Paul’s example and be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ even in the midst of trials and tribulation.

1. Paul reports on his journeys and faces an angry mob in Jerusalem.

2. Paul is taken before the Sanhedrin.

3. Paul testifies to Agrippa, but his testimony is rejected.

4. Paul is shipwrecked on his way to Rome.

When we follow Paul’s example by being faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ in all situations, He will give us the strength to endure our trials.

The hymn in priesthood was #19, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet," text by William Fowler (1830-1865) and music by Caroline Sheridan Norton (1808-ca.1877).

President Stanley asked us to be mindful of what our first thoughts are in the morning.  How much time do we spend in prayer?  Deepen our level of conversion.  

Brother Cribb announced the move of Melanie Pardue on 27 October.  I responded to President Stanley's query that I was her home teacher and he asked me to make sure that she'd be ready for us at 9 am that day.  (It was later changed to 1 pm.)

The priesthood lesson was #19 from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson" entitled "Leadership."

If you are to provide future leadership for the Church, [your] country, and your own homes, you must stand firm in the faith, unwavering in the face of evil.”

It was taught by Brother David Ashworth.  Eileen said that Deb Fisher did a good job teaching the same lesson in Relief Society.

We met with Teri Grace after church to help her with her family history, adding several names to her temple ordinance list.  She gave family file cards of her mom and dad to Jay Hanks, our high priests group leader, for the youth temple trip on 21 November.

We hurried home to change clothes, get Eileen's laptop, and head for the Dorsey's in Jasper.  We were slowed by the heavy traffic heading south from the Apple Festival in Ellijay.  We worked with the Dorsey's from about 4:10 until 7:30 pm.

We called Nora Moulder in Salt Lake City and sang "Happy Birthday" to her voice mail box.

I called Sisters Bayless and Helton again and left messages.  I called Ann Godwin to visit her tomorrow.

I began and finished reading "The Case of the Middle-Aged Wife A Parker Pyne Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Monday 19 October I reached a new low on the scale at 180.6! I've lost 44 pounds and Eileen has lost 32!  I reviewed the 4 October and 11 October blog entries and they are ready to be published.  I also worked on the hymns in this blog entry.

I filled the three bird feeders.  Eileen made 14 six-week muffins and six went with us.  We went into town and deposited the checks from Oppenheimer in the bank, then took care of our mail at the post office.

We visited Ann Godwin and gave her the six muffins.  We were briefly her home teachers and continue visiting her.  Her husband of over 60 years, Bill, passed away about a year ago.

We had an early supper and drove to Blue Ridge, shopping and getting gas at Ingles for $1.849 with their 10 cent per gallon discount, and then home teaching Darlene Burgess. Before we left I gave blessings to her two grandsons Rollie age four and William age one.

I invited many less-active members and friends to our Fall Festival on Saturday the 24th.

I indexed Petitions for Naturalization in Billings, Montana.

I finished reading chapter 23 of "Gospel Doctrine" entitled "Political Government."

I began and finished reading "Motive v. Opportunity A Miss Marple Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Tuesday 20 October I reached my goal of 180.0 pounds!  I celebrated with a bowl of Kashi cereal topped with blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with 1% milk.  First time in 7 1/2 months.  Blood sugar was 83.

I printed our mission forms for the doctor and dentist.  I made appointments with Raisig and tomorrow we'll drop off the dental forms at Codelli's.

We visited Sabrina Bayless and saw Michelle briefly.  We shopped at Walmart and then went to Zaxby's.  We were there for our Kids Ferst fundraiser and enjoyed our chicken salads.  Kim Kazy and her daughter Jessica came after calling us and they had a nice chat with Eileen.

On the way home on Big Creek Road a good-sized deer trotted slowly across the road in front of our car.  There was no danger of hitting him and it was nice to see him.

I began and finished reading "The Tuesday Night Club A Miss Marple Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Wednesday 21 October we volunteered at the food pantry.  It was slow today but we helped more patrons than last week, reaching 99 patrons.

Then we drove to Dr. Codelli's in Blue Ridge to drop off the dental forms for our mission.  We went to Ingles and then Walmart where we got 3.764 gallons at $1.909 with their three cents off.

Eileen enjoyed "The Kitchen" that I had recorded on the Food Channel and two episodes of "Cake Boss".

After supper we went to church to cover the family history center from 6-8:20 pm.  Janie Alley came by from 6:30 pm on.  Roger Widmann had stopped by the food pantry this morning to let me know he'd be here tonight but he didn't make it.

I emailed a reply to Jane Colmenares as she's back with us working on the Wiki in England.

I started putting photos in my 17 May blog entry.

On Thursday 22 October I dropped Eileen off at the 1st Baptist preschool for her to read to the kids as part of Read for the Record.  I mailed cards at the post office, got two tickets for the play next week, The Canterville Ghost, and returned for her.  We shopped at Ingles and dropped off our trash and recyclables at the dump on the way home.

Later we visited Bill and Kim Kazy at their home.  After supper we visited Claude Miller (5-6:20 pm) in Jasper to gather information from him about his family history.  We stopped at Kroger for a couple of Walden Farms salad dressings and saw Billy Townsend!  He has been inactive for some reason for a few years.  He expressed that he needed to come back to church!

I was very successful at working on Brother Miller's family history!

On Friday 23 October we mailed the Kids Almanac to Cubberleys and attended the Kids Ferst meeting at Head Start at 10 am.

We went to Bryant Physical Therapy and then to Walmart for some items whose coupons expire tomorrow.  We got birthday cards at Huff's Drugstore.

At home we enjoyed watching "Secrets of the Longleaf Pine" that I had recorded on PBS.  A lot of it was about species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, indigo snake, pitcher plants, and Florida harvester ants.

I finished reading the 16 August issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the article about the "Cedar City Utah Temple," "Prophet to celebrate 88 years" about President Monson's birthday, "Mexico City prepares for rededication of beloved temple," "'We  don't freelance'," a new stake created from a district in Thailand, and "The fire of pure testimony" by Sister Carol F. McConkie.  The last article included the following which I posted to Facebook:

“Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith.” President Boyd K. Packer (April 2003)

I printed a bunch of documents for Brother Bond and began researching Lyman Bond's daughter Susan born in 1874.

Eileen made her cookie fingers and the cauliflower crockpot chicken chili for the branch's Fall Festival tomorrow.

I watched the Toronto Blue Jays - Kansas City Royals ballgame.  The Royals won, 4-3, as the Blue Jays had runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out in the top of the 9th and couldn't score :(

On Saturday 24 October we slept late which is always nice.  That means I slept a little longer than usual and read while Eileen slept longer.  I got my weight back under 181, so I enjoyed my Kashi cereal and berries for breakfast.

Eileen made Kristen's cornbread for the Fall Festival tonight.  It was very popular!

I finished reading "Zero Sum Game" (the first Star Trek Typhon Pact novel) by David Mack which I started on 15 October.  I got it for my birthday from Colleen or Heather.

We printed the instructions for our CSM Wiki project involving the Poor Law Unions in English parishes.  Eileen selected Devon and I selected Hampshire.  We sent a question to Jane Colmenares.

It was odd this afternoon when I felt a bit shaky and checked my blood sugar.  It was down to 47!  I had some sugar-free chocolates, turkey bites, and nuts in the car.  Eileen's on the other hand had gone up from 94 this morning to 116 this afternoon!

We went to church for the Branch Fall Festival at 5 pm.  We brought Eileen's spicy crockpot chicken chili, Kristen's cornbread, and finger cookies.  Trunk or Treat started about 7 pm.  I took some pictures to send to the Times-Courier.  We sat with Janie Alley, Jan Pardee, and nonmember Oscar Poole.  I chatted with Lynn Edwards about family history questions that she had.  I met Gary and Diane Jones and arranged to call them to walk on their family history.  Janie arranged with us to meet her at church on Saturday 7 November at 2 pm instead of on 1 November to work on her family history.  Jay Hanks brought spicy chili, too, and two or three of the others were pretty good, though not spicy.

I published the 4 October and 11 October blog entries.

I began and finished reading "Finessing the King A Tommy & Tuppence Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Sunday 11 October we were up early and had fun with Liam.  Unexpectedly our blood sugars were good this morning although we both gained weight.  We listened to  "Music & the Spoken Word" as we got ready for church.

We reached our next palindrome of 117711 along Big Creek Road on the way to church.

We enjoyed attending our Ellijay Branch.  Lots of visitors with the overflow pretty full!  Presiding today was President David Stallings, second counselor in the stake presidency.

This blog entry is without pictures which I will add later.

Opening hymn was #9, "Come, Rejoice" text and music by Tracy Y. Cannon (1879-1961).

Sacrament hymn was #177, "'Tis Sweet to Sing the Matchless Live" text by George A. Manwaring (1854-1889) and music by Ebenezer Beesley (1840-1906).

Today was Fast Sunday and many branch members bore their testimonies.

President Boland began his testimony by speaking of taking a new job in Alaska.  He bore his testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon, of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Robin Hanks spoke of a movie that she saw with her children which was uplifting and inspiring, exuberant and powerful.

Dorie Stanley spoke of bearing her testimony just after her husband joined the Church and she was not yet a member.  Her experience that day led her to return each week and gain a testimony that the Church is true.

A visiting young woman from Florida bore her testimony that she knows the truthfulness of the Gospel and its restoration in these latter-day days.

A visiting brother, who 30 years ago was the stake high councilor for Ellijay from the Chattanooga Stake, bore his testimony.

Debbie Gerbers began her testimony with "Aloha!" after returning from a visit to Hawaii.

Rod Clark spoke of prayers being answered.  

Naomi Boland tearfully bore her testimony (due to her dad heading for Alaska).

Nonmember Oscar Poole came to the podium and shared about his visit to Salt Lake City last weekend.  He has attended the Tabernacle Choir broadcast in the past.  He was introduced by Spencer Kinnard to the Choir.  He spoke of his many Mormon friends including President Boland.  He has attended before and said that he is almost persuaded to be a Mormon.  

Elder Rumsey thanked the Lord for sending him and his wife to Ellijay.  They've been here seven months.  He is thankful for our living prophet and his testimony.

A visiting sister bore her testimony.  We have to seek the Holy Ghost.  The Church is true everywhere you go.  

Another visiting sister enjoyed hearing "Aloha" as she had attended BYU-Hawaii.  She attended three sessions of general conference last weekend.  She bore her testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  She knows that her Savior atoned for her sins.

A visiting brother, who had spoken here six months ago with the stake high councilor, bore his testimony.  His first testimony years ago was as a Catholic nonmember.  He is involved with the Young Single Adult conference in the area, many of the attendees being here today.

Elder Twitchell bore his testimony as a new missionary in the branch.

President Stallings bore his testimony and spoke of President Boland's service as our branch president.  He testified of the Savior Jesus Christ and that God lives.  Jesus stands at the head of this Church.  He was grateful for general conference.    

Closing hymn was #137, "Testimony" text by Loren C. Dunn (1930-2001) and music by Michael Finlinson Moody (b. 1941). 

Gospel Doctrine with Harry Spooner was lesson #37, 'Jesus Christ: “The Author and Finisher of Our Faith”' using Hebrews.

The purpose of the lesson was to remind class members that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commandments. 

1. Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father, is our Savior. 

2. The Melchizedek Priesthood is part of the fulness of the gospel.

“Neither the law of Moses nor the priesthood of Aaron which administered it was capable of bringing God’s children unto perfection. The Aaronic Priesthood is a lesser authority, and it administers the preparatory gospel only. The Melchizedek Priesthood, on the other hand, is the higher priesthood, commissioned to minister the gospel ordinances in their fulness and capable of purifying our lives so that we can again enter into the presence of the Lord” (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles [Church Educational System manual, 1979]; see also D&C 107:18–20).

3. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the new covenant between God and his children.

4. Those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.

We are blessed to live in a time when the fulness of the gospel is available. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to his commandments. We need to keep the covenants and commandments of the restored gospel.

The hymn in priesthood was #319, "Ye Elders of Israel" text by Cyrus H. Wheelock (1813-1894) and music by Thomas H. Bayly (1797-1839).

The priesthood lesson was #18 from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson" entitled "Beware of Pride."

“Pride is the universal sin, the great vice. The antidote for pride is humility.”

It was "taught" by Brother Bond.  Eileen said that Nell Huston did an excellent job teaching the same lesson in Relief Society.

I read the following:

2 The central feature of pride is enmity toward God and our fellowmen.

Pride is a very misunderstood sin, and many are sinning in ignorance. (See Mosiah 3:11; 3 Ne. 6:18.) In the scriptures there is no such thing as righteous pride--it is always considered a sin. Therefore, no matter how the world uses the term, we must understand how God uses the term so we can understand the language of holy writ and profit thereby. (See 2 Ne. 4:15; Mosiah 1:3–7; Alma 5:61.)

Most of us think of pride as self-centeredness, conceit, boastfulness, arrogance, or haughtiness. All of these are elements of the sin, but the heart, or core, is still missing.

The central feature of pride is enmity--enmity toward God and enmity toward our fellowmen. Enmity means “hatred toward, hostility to, or a state of opposition.” It is the power by which Satan wishes to reign over us.

Pride is essentially competitive in nature. We pit our will against God’s. When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of “my will and not thine be done.” As Paul said, they “seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s.” (Philip. 2:21.)

Our will in competition to God’s will allows desires, appetites, and passions to go unbridled. (See Alma 38:12; 3 Ne. 12:30.)

The proud cannot accept the authority of God giving direction to their lives. (See Hel. 12:6.) They pit their perceptions of truth against God’s great knowledge, their abilities versus God’s priesthood power, their accomplishments against His mighty works.

Our enmity toward God takes on many labels, such as rebellion, hard-heartedness, stiff-neckedness, unrepentant, puffed up, easily offended, and sign seekers. The proud wish God would agree with them. They aren’t interested in changing their opinions to agree with God’s.

Another major portion of this very prevalent sin of pride is enmity toward our fellowmen. We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them. (See Hel. 6:17; D&C 58:41.)

The proud make every man their adversary by pitting their intellects, opinions, works, wealth, talents, or any other worldly measuring device against others. In the words of C. S. Lewis: “Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man. … It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being above the rest. Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.” (Mere Christianity, New York: Macmillan, 1952, pp. 109–10.)

In the pre-earthly council, Lucifer placed his proposal in competition with the Father’s plan as advocated by Jesus Christ. (See Moses 4:1–3.) He wished to be honored above all others. (See 2 Ne. 24:13.) In short, his prideful desire was to dethrone God. (See D&C 29:36; 76:28.)

The scriptures abound with evidences of the severe consequences of the sin of pride to individuals, groups, cities, and nations. “Pride goeth before destruction.” (Prov. 16:18.) It destroyed the Nephite nation and the city of Sodom. (See Moro. 8:27; Ezek. 16:49–50.)

Traffic was very heavy on 515 due to the Apple Festival and I took the shortcut behind Rite-aid to readily get through the traffic light onto 52.

Later at home I began working on preparations to mail the three Book of Mormons.  I finished chapter nine of "Evidences and Reconciliations" by Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, which was entitled "Marriage and the Family."

We watched the later portion of the Atlanta Falcons - Washington Redskins game which was quite exciting.

I scanned and emailed the recipe for the chicken-and-sausage gumbo to Heather along with the six-week muffin recipe.

We had delicious pork ragu for supper and Eileen shocked me by having it on spaghetti!  She wanted, as the chef, to see how it tasted as called for in the recipe (without the red wine, of course).

Eileen made a wonderful French apple tart.  Have we been bad!!

I finished reading the 2 August issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the article about the "Worldwide Indexing Event" because it had a picture of Sister Bjornn and three patrons in the Family History Library.  She served with her husband when we were there.  Other articles were "Strengthening ties that bind families," "Choir is a family affair," and "Church thanks San Diego Padres."

Heather, Eileen, and I played three hands of Mexican Train and I was well ahead, even though each of us won one hand.

I put photographs in my 3 May blog entry.

On Monday 12 October we went to Burt's Pumpkin Farm east of us on 52.  We had a great time with a hayride and picking out two pumpkins.  The pumpkin aroma was delicious!

We returned to Ellijay to the Blue Ridge Olive Oil Company where Heather and Tom got some products.  Then we walked to Moo Bears Ice Cream and Treatery for ice cream.

  

At home we enjoyed leftover chicken-and-sausage gumbo and pork ragu.  I had it with the spaghetti, my first pasta in over seven months!

I called Power Solutions and they discounted the cost of the generator battery from our bill, so I wouldn't pay for it but it would still show on their records that it had been replaced.

Heather, Tom, and Liam left at 3:45 pm.  They were going to leave tomorrow but it would be better to take advantage of the night/his sleep time--he's not a fan of road trips yet.

I finished reading "The Lost Ancestor" by Nathan Dylan Goodwin. It was excellent!  I started it on 2 October and I had gotten it from Eileen (I think) for my birthday last year.

We went to church for our empty-nester family home evening with Harry Spooner.  I had printed census records from 1850-1900 for the Bond's ancestor Lyman Bond and gave them to him at church.

On Tuesday 13 October we went to the quilt shop in Jasper after dropping off lots at the dump, mailing three Book of Mormons and a manila envelope to Colleen which contained two math magazines, a photo from the Times-Courier with her three sons and us in front of the Gilbert Temple, and checks for Christmas and Spencer's birthday, and putting almost three gallons in the car for $2.099.

Eileen had fun at the quilt shop, picking out a quilt kit to make a quilt for the next Dowd baby, due in February.  Back in Ellijay we shopped at Walmart, Tractor Supply Co., and Ace Hardware.  We got a new water hose at the latter as Tom had examined the old one and thought it might be the reason why the water from the refrigerator door wasn't working.  But I replaced the hose and it still doesn't work:(

We enjoyed leftover crockpot cauliflower chicken chili (Eileen) and pork ragu with spaghetti and chicken-and-sausage gumbo (Ben) for supper.

I downloaded the pictures from Eileen's camera on both laptops, from Shenandoah Valley and the Dowd's visit.  For some reason on Eileen's laptop it is not getting any of my pictures from iCloud.  I created photo streams for the Dowd's visit and for our vacation in the Shenandoah Valley, inviting eight people to be able to view them.  Eileen's laptop is uncooperative however as it is not accessing iCloud.

Eileen enjoyed watching "Cake Boss" and "The Great British Baking Show."

On Wednesday 14 October we volunteered at the food pantry.  It was slow today even though it was the second Wednesday of the month.  We helped 80 patrons.

We stopped at R&A Orchards for a half peck of apples (mutsu and fuji) and the Times-Courier.  Our picture with the Farr's in front of the Mesa Temple was in the paper as well as a wonderful spread with three pictures about the church food drive.

I worked on the children of Brother Bond's ancestor Lyman Bond.

We went to church to cover the Family History Center from 6-8:30 pm.  Harry Spooner was with us from about 6:30 on.  We worked on both his and Shirley's parents and grandparents.

Eileen enjoyed watching episodes of "Cake Boss."

I began and finished reading "The Adventure of the Sinister Stranger A Tommy & Tuppence Short Story" by Agatha Christie. 

On Thursday 15 October Eileen enjoyed watching episodes of "Cake Boss" that I had recorded this morning and some "House Hunters" on HGTV.  She also enjoys "The Kitchen" and "Pioneer Woman" on the Food Network.

I called Interval International about the deposit at Oak Plantation week 51 unit 202.  It couldn't be reversed as someone else has already reserved it.

I put photographs in my 10 May blog entry.

I called most of the families that we home teach, made three appointments, and left some messages.

After supper we drove to the Cumming Playhouse, about an hour southeast of our home, to see the show "Smoke on the Mountain" at 8 pm.  It is one of the few shows in the Playhouse's history to enjoy all sell-out shows.  It tells the tale of the Sanders Family Singers as they make their return to the Gospel music circuit during a Saturday night church singing in 1938.  The music was by the Skillet Lickers, a multi-generational bluegrass band based in Dacula. Ironically, The Skillet Lickers began making music in 1923, the same year the Cumming Schoolhouse was built. The Schoolhouse was restored by the City of Cumming in 2004 and now houses the Cumming Playhouse. The Skillet Lickers have been playing and recording albums for the past 92 years.

We enjoyed the hilarious antics of the Sanders Family as audiences become guests at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and are swept up into a simpler time in history.  It was fun!

I got four gallons on the way in Dawsonville for $2.199 and filled up afterwards on the way home for $2.099.  We got home a little after 11.

I began and finished reading "At the 'Bells and Motley' A Harley Quin Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Friday 16 October we slept late and were elated that we are both under a certain weight for the first time since started our diet on 2 March!  I have lost 42 pounds and Eileen has lost 31 pounds.  I have about two pounds to go to reach my goal.

We went to Bryant Physical Therapy for an hour at noon.  I asked Kelly if she'd like to know more about the Book of Mormon that I sent here some time back.  She said she'd let me know.

We shopped at Ingles primarily and a bit at Walmart.  Then we visited Melanie Pardue at her home.  She, her husband, and little boy Aryan are moving to Jasper, Alabama, next week for her husband's job change.

We returned home to drop off our groceries.  I turned off the main power to check the generator.  It turned on and then, after I flipped the circuit breakers back on, it turned off just fine.

We left a little while later to visit Kelly Johnson at her home even more in the boonies than our house is.

Later at home we enjoyed cheeseburgers on lettuce leaves and our usual salad for supper.

Eileen enjoyed "House Hunters" on HGTV.

I finished reading the 9 August issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the center section article "Church Releases Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript" and the article "'Get ye up into the mountain' Temples are the mountain of the Lord's house" by Sister Linda K. Burton, Relief Society general president.

On Saturday 17 October we slept late and then mailed the cruise certificate to our son-in-law David.  We visited Peggy Espersen at her home.  Afterwards we shopped at Food Lion and Ingles.

I worked on my reply to Rennie Brannon to whom I was referred by Deanna Turton.  He is a grandson of Humphrey Turton as is Deanna's husband.  The Turton's are related to the Darrell's by marriage.  I sent a friend request to him on Facebook at his request.

I thanked Marcy Kelly for the checks that arrived from Oppenheimer today.

We watched some of the Toronto Blue Jays - Kansas City Royals game.  It was a shocker as the Blue Jays' ace David Price was sailing along with a 3-0 lead after six innings and he fell apart in the seventh as the Royals scored five runs!  They won, 6-3.

I emailed some of the branch leadership about our visits to Melanie Pardue yesterday and Peggy Espersen today.

I began and finished reading "The Gentleman Dressed in Newspaper A Tommy & Tuppence Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Sunday 4 October we had an exciting morning as our power went out and our generator did not turn on!  I was able to open the garage door and we drove to church to enjoy "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by the first session of general conference.  We met the new young elder Elder Anciel Twitchell from Prescott AZ.

This blog entry is without pictures which I will add later.

I have a separate note on my iPhone for the General Conference talks.

Eileen took Elder Twitchell's picture to send to the Pickens Progress newspaper.

We drove home and found that power was back on as I pressed the garage door opener in the car and the door began to open!

Since it wasn't raining, I brought in the two hummingbird feeders which Eileen cleaned and replenished with sugar water.  Then I put them back on the gutter on the front porch.

I hooked up my laptop and we enjoyed the afternoon session of general conference.

After supper I worked on the Metzger family history.

On Monday 5 October we both reached new lows on the scale with mine being down to 181.4! 

The fellow came from Power Solutions and repaired the generator, replacing the control board, battery charger, and battery.  The battery charger messed up the other two and, since the battery was new in April, it was covered by warranty.  It will come to $672!  The fellow said "yes" to my Book of Mormon questions and lives in Jasper.

I mailed thank-you cards about the food drive to our neighbors the Libengood's, Judy Pearce, and DJ Johnson, to Melissa Maxie, and North Georgia Diamond.

At home everything came off the wooden floors and the tile floors in the bathrooms and kitchen so Eileen could vacuum before we went to town.

We went to the dump, the dry cleaners, Food Lion (Diet Mt Dew for both of us on sale), Walmart ($10 in envelope for Randall Helton's 1k run for cancer), Loew's (replacement knob for lamp in living room), and Ingles.

After we got home Eileen steam cleaned the bare floors.  Later everything was put back where it belonged.

In the evening we watched recorded episodes of “Cake Boss,” “America’s Test Kitchen,” and “Cook’s Country.”  Eileen requested that I print the recipes for pork ragu and French apple tart.

I finished reading the 19 July edition of the LDS Church News.  I enjoyed the articles about President Boyd K. Packer who passed away on 3 July.  Also “Seek best interests of others” with Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, several articles from the Mission Presidents Seminar which were “‘Be with and strengthen’”, “The temple should be central goal”, and “Reflections of serving”, and “Everyone can be ‘a teacher come from God’” by Brother Tad R. Callister, Sunday School General President.

I posted the following to Facebook from the center page “Because He Lives Campaign Update”:

“As followers of the Lord Jesus Christ in these, the latter days, we have also been charged with testifying of the realities of the Savior’s Atonement and Resurrection. … Like those angelic messengers in the meridian of time, we also declare, ‘He is not here: for he is risen’ (Matthew 28:6). He lives. And because He lives we, too, can know ‘peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’ ” (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23). Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

On Tuesday 6 October I finished the text of my blog entries for 9/13, 9/20, and 9/27 while Eileen slept.  Later I published the entries from 8/23 through 9/27.  Now I need to add the photos to entries from April up to now.

With the main floor cleaned yesterday, Eileen worked in the basement this morning as we prepare for the Dowd's visit on Friday.  I had straightened up the yellow room a couple of days ago.  That is where we plan on Liam sleeping.

The two top-of-mattress bed rails came from Amazon.  Eileen assembled them and I lifted the mattress so she could put them in place.

I began studying our long-term care policies.

We went into town to the bank, Food Lion, and Ingles.

After supper I sent the picture of Elder Twitchell to the Pickens Progress newspaper.

I made reservations at the Cumming Playhouse for "Smoke on the Mountain" on 15 October at 8 pm.

Then I watched the Yankee - Astros wild card playoff game.  The Yankees were lousy at the plate as they lost 3-0!

On Wednesday 7 October we enjoyed volunteering at the food pantry.  We helped 122 families on this first Wednesday of the month.

Then we mailed a package to Weston, Eileen went to Barbara's for her hair appointment, and I got a haircut at the City Barber Shop.  The barber said "yes" to my Book of Mormon questions after we discussed the Church during my haircut.

We visited Ingles and Walmart.

After supper we covered the Family History Center at church.  President Boland said that he mailed the check to the Times-Courier for the ad to appear twice a month.  We learned that he has taken a job with Social Security in Fairbanks, Alaska, beginning later this month!  So we will be getting a new branch presidency, perhaps Craig Chester as branch president?  And Brother Cribb is the new elders quorum president which Rey Watkins and Terry Dorsey as counselors.

At home we enjoyed watching some episodes of "Cake Boss."

We enjoyed FaceTime with William and Erin.

On Thursday 8 October Eileen started making her six-week muffins and chicken-and-sausage gumbo (with shrimp).

She was busy today but it was a lazy day for me without any get up and go :(  She also watched two episodes of "Cake Boss."  We chatted  with Heather about the route to get here and Eileen chatted with Colleen.

Using emails from FamilySearch, I worked on copying ancestors from Family Tree to Ancestry.com.  It is very laborious as it is pretty much one name at a time!

Heather texted us that they were on their way at 4:47 pm.

We turned on the ballgame between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays in the bottom of the ninth inning with Texas ahead, 5-3.  That was the final score.

Eileen finished Sue's sudoku book which she's been working on for over a year since she brought it home after Sue passed away.

We enjoyed the Houston Astros - Kansas City Royals playoff game.  When we hit the hay, Houston was ahead, 4-2, and they won, 5-2.

I finished reading the 26 July edition of the Church News.  It was an unusual issue as there were numerous articles that I skipped.  I enjoyed "Remembering the pioneers,"   "My Plan: A new online tool," "'The gospel brought us together'," "Kresimir Cosic honored in Adriatic North Mission," and "Lighting the fire to learn."

The Dowd's arrived at 12:15 am.  

On Friday 9 October we had fun going to Hillcrest Orchards.  Liam picked a big red apple and we enjoyed the petting farm area with lots of baby goats and kittens, and other animals to see.  He had fun sliding down a slide and a chute.  We went on a wagon ride through the orchard.  Liam helped milk a cow!  And the three of them got some icy cold apple cider, Liam's in a little red apple sipper.  On the way home there was an accident with lots of flashing lights, so I quickly turned right on Rackley Road and took the scenic route to Roy Road and Big Creek Road to home.

We enjoyed the chicken-and-sausage gumbo (with shrimp) for lunch.  It was very good!

Then, with Tom and Liam napping, Eileen and Heather went into town.  Eileen needed to go to the dry cleaners.

I kept an eye on the Texas Rangers - Toronto Blue Jays ballgame as it was tied after nine innings.  It wasn't on TV!  Texas won in 14 innings, 6-4.  We had the Houston Astros - Kansas City Royals playoff game on TV and the Royals rallied to win, 5-4.

I put photographs in my 26 April blog entry.

I began and finished reading "The Idol House of Astarte A Miss Marple Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Saturday 10 October Eileen and I matched on the scale this morning.  She's lost 30 pounds and I've lost 42.

We headed to Atlanta in the Dowd's car to visit the aquarium.  We stopped to fill up at Ingles in Jasper at $1.959 with my 20 cent discount.

We reached the aquarium about 9:30 am.  We had a fun time and left about 1:30 pm, getting some stuffed creatures in the gift shop, that is, dolphin, beluga whale, whale shark, and shark slippers.

At home when it was time for supper I ran to R&A Orchards and got 12 golden delicious apples and four mutsu apples.  We had delicious hot Italian sausage with Eileen's dad's tomato sauce on hard rolls.  Totally against our diet, so we'll see what happens to our weight and blood sugar in the morning!

After supper we watched recordings of "America's Test Kitchen" and "Cook's Country."

On Sunday 27 September Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" and part of a talk by the recently departed apostle Elder Richard G. Scott on BYU-TV.  We left about 9:20 and enjoyed attending the Louisa Branch in Louisa, Virginia.  They have a nice building there.  Their numbers are comparable to our branch and it is interesting to see how the chapel is similar and different, too.

This blog entry is without pictures which I will add later.

Opening hymn was #66 "Rejoice, the Lord is King!" text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) and music by Horatio Parker (1863-1919).

Sacrament hymn was #180 "Father in Heaven, We Do Believe" text by Parley P. Pratt (1807-1857) and music by Jane Romney Crawford (1883-1956).  They sang all six verses though only verses 1-4 are for sacrament meeting.

The first speaker was a young man Dean Rector.  He spoke of lessons learned during the summer at something called base camp.  He spoke of studying the scriptures and prayer, and helping others.

The second speaker was Joanie Thomas.  She had been a member of this branch and has now returned.  Are we ready for general conference?  We hear from prophets and apostles and should know what they said.  We are entitled to personal revelation as we listen.  Pray that some of the speakers will answer questions we may have.  Be ready for conference and don't fall asleep!

Intermediate hymn #301 "I Am a Child of God" text by Naomi W. Randall (1908-2001) and music by Mildred T. Pettit (1895-1977).

The concluding speaker was Matt Rector, first counselor in the branch presidency.  He also spoke of general conference.  He continued with reference to a talk by President Ezra Taft Benson in 1980 "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet" that was the First Presidency message in the June 1981 Liahona.  D&C 21:4-6.  Quoted President J. Reuben Clark about following the prophet.  Receiving revelation within our own stewardship.  The words of modern prophets are more relevant to us than the written word of God.  This is a living church built on revelation.  Living prophets are more important to us than dead prophets.  The prophet will never lead the church astray.  The prophet does not need earthly credentials to validate what he says.  Prophets tell us what we need to know, not what we want to know.  We may need to choose between the revelations of prophets and the reasoning of men.  The prophet can receive revelation on both spiritual and temporal matters.  The prophet may also be involved in civic matters.  We should hearken to the counsel of the prophets.  Follow the prophet and be blessed.  Reject him and suffer.  We should strictly follow the prophet.

Closing hymn was #23 "We Ever Pray for Thee" text by Evan Stephens (1854-1930) and music by H. A. Tuckett (1852-1918) adapted by Evan Stephens.

Gospel Doctrine was lesson #33, "Ye Are the Temple of God” using 1 Corinthians 1–6.

The purpose of the lesson is to inspire class members to seek the blessings that come from being unified in Christ, following the Spirit, and being morally clean.

See my blog for 6 September when we had this lesson at home.

The hymn in priesthood was #21 "Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice" text by Joseph S. Murdock (1822-1899) with verse four by Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915-1985) and music by Joseph J. Daynes (1851-1920).

The priesthood lesson was the "Teachings For Our Time" talk from the April 2015 Sunday morning session of general conference entitled "Blessings of the Temple" by President Thomas S. Monson.

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace."

He stated, "This morning ... I am very pleased to announce three new temples which will be built in the following locations: Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Bangkok, Thailand. What marvelous blessings are in store for our faithful members in these areas and, indeed, wherever temples are located throughout the world."

"As I think of temples, my thoughts turn to the many blessings we receive therein. As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world. Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives. 

"As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'

"Such peace can permeate any heart—hearts that are troubled, hearts that are burdened down with grief, hearts that feel confusion, hearts that plead for help.

"My brothers and sisters, in our lives we will have temptations; we will have trials and challenges. As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace.

"May our Heavenly Father bless us that we may have the spirit of temple worship, that we may be obedient to His commandments, and that we may follow carefully the steps of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I testify that He is our Redeemer. He is the Son of God. He it is who came forth from the grave that first Easter morning, bringing with Him the gift of everlasting life for all of God’s children. On this beautiful day, as we celebrate that momentous event, may we offer prayers of gratitude for His great and marvelous gifts to us. That this may be so, I pray humbly in His holy name, amen."

After church Eileen said that they had the same lesson in Relief Society!  That's the way it's supposed to work although it often doesn't at home :( 

After a bit of lunch Eileen had a nice nap and I worked on the Scoins family history.  I emailed Roger Hall, our high priests group secretary, about my church attendance today.

I looked up the talk that Brother Rector had used in his talk today.  I read the talk to Eileen by President Benson that he had given at BYU in 1980 entitled "Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet".

After supper I put everyone that I had researched on Family Tree and in my temple ordinance list while Eileen worked on another county in Maine.  Later I also worked on the Maine Town Clerk project in Aroostook County.

On Monday 28 September we were up early to be at the Preview Center to hear the Bluegreen spiel at 8:45.  We got done with the tour and spiel by 12:30!  We told them that we would have been delighted to join up if we hadn't joined Capital Resorts in April!  We got our certificates for the Carnival cruise, 3 day 2 night stay somewhere, the 2 $100 gift cards, and the 12,500 points for Choice Hotels.

Coloma Frozen Foods called about the tart cherry concentrate.  UPS notified them on Friday that it was damaged (so that's why we didn't get it before we left home).  Coloma shipped two more bottles to us.

We headed for Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville, stopping at Walmart along the way.  We were disappointed that they didn't have the sugar-free chocolates and the jalapeño stuffed olives that we wanted.  The parking areas at Monticello were full and I was about to give up when a car started leaving its spot and we pulled in.  We got our tickets for the garden and house tour, although we just wandered around the flowered path near the house.  We had our picture taken with the Times-Courier by a statue of Jefferson.  Then we enjoyed the house tour and later the Jefferson grave site.  We bought a guide to Monticello in the museum shop.

After supper I worked on the Cockshott family history and Eileen relaxed with sudoku and TV.

On Tuesday 29 September Sharon McMillan called from Dr. Shorr's office and we made our dental appointment for December.  Eileen's blood sugar as well as mine was 92!

It rained all day and we didn't go anywhere!  I finished reading "Rogue Saucer", a Star Trek Next Generation novel by John Vornholt which I began last Thursday.  It was wonderful to be back in the Star Trek universe again!

I researched more family history.  Eileen worked on another county in Maine and I continued working on Aroostook County.

On Wednesday 30 September we packed the car, followed the instructions on what to do in our unit before leaving, and checked out at 10 am.  Our mileage was 116943.  We stopped at Food Lion for a birthday card for Tom.  At the post office in Gordonsville we mailed his card and a check to Geoff to help him with his rent.

We stopped at Walmart in Charlottesville.  There were still none of our candies that we want, that is, caramel crispies and almond delights.  We got gas at Costco for $1.769!

Our odometer was 117117 along I-81.  There was heavy traffic with signs about flag man and pilot cars near exit 84 on I-81 but there were none of those things and traffic cleared up after miles of bumper to bumper congestion with no visible reason for it!  Then we saw the same thing in the opposite direction!

We reached Tennessee at 4:20, North Carolina at 5:25, and the Sleep Inn in Asheville at 6:15.  Our mileage was 117328.  We went to Ingles for 5 gallons at $2.129, only 5 cents for 100 points :(

We enjoyed supper at Cracker Barrel.  Back at the Sleep Inn I unloaded more of the car and we relaxed in our room.

Later I read three articles from my Deseret News email to Eileen.  The first began as follows:

"A trait we'll likely see in our new apostles" by Jerry Earl Johnston

"Most everyone knows that new apostles will likely be added to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles this weekend during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' general conference.  They could be doctors or lawyers.  They could hail from Paris, France, or Paris, Idaho, be young, old, rich, poor, short or tall.

"But I’m pretty sure they will share one personality trait — the 'common touch.'

"I don’t know if that’s a requirement to be an apostle. I just know I’ve never met one who didn’t have it."

The second was about the recently deceased Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

"Elder Scott helped move family history from paper to computers" by Trent Toone, Deseret News

"One of Elder Richard G. Scott's lesser-known contributions to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came in family history work, according to Richard E. Turley Jr., assistant church historian and recorder.

"Elder Scott, who died at age 86 on Sept. 22, directed the Family History Department from 1984-88.

"'Basically, his contribution was that he moved family history from the paper world to the computer world, particularly with the launch of FamilySearch on disks,' Turley said. 'He helped people go from paper records to tracking genealogy electronically through the Ancestral File and the International Genealogical Index.'

"Turley said Elder Scott organized a group of engineers and oversaw this difficult task.

"'Building the systems that he oversaw was quite complicated,' Turley said. 'The engineering skill that he brought into the responsibility, combined with his sense of the spiritual nature of family history, allowed for the creation of a product that helped to advance family history in a way that would not otherwise have been possible at the time. He is really the one that got the average church member involved in family history using computers.'"

The third was about 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World':

"After 20 years, LDS family proclamation remains influential, creates common cause" by Tad Walch, Deseret News

"The gap between the LDS Church's position on families and Western culture has widened dramatically in the 20 years since the 15 church leaders known to Mormons as prophets and apostles issued 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World' in September 1995.

"At the same time, the divide between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other conservative religions has narrowed so much that new partnerships now exist that were unthinkable a few decades ago, historians and scholars say.

"The family proclamation has played a major role in those developments, and it remains as unique, distinctive and bold as it was when President Gordon B. Hinckley introduced it at a general Relief Society meeting of the church on Sept. 23, 1995. It has achieved an unusual staying power because of its use at every level in the church, from those who issued it — the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — to children's Primary classes in Africa and a college course at Brigham Young University that dissects and amplifies the document's 600 words."

Eileen worked in Sue's sudoku book and I read a lot while HGTV was on the TV.  I also completed the crossword puzzles in the two editions of USA Today that were at the front desk when we checked in.

I finished reading the August Ensign to Eileen.  Although the entire issue is wonderful, we especially enjoyed the First Presidency message from President Monson "Stand As A Light", "A Glorious Reunion", "The Power of Home Teaching", "Mission or Money?", "Disciples and the Defense of Marriage" by Elder Russell M. Nelson, "We Found True Freedom in Obedience", "The Proclamation on the Family: Transcending the Cultural Confusion" by Elder Bruce C. Hafen which was so excellent that I posted a notice about it on Facebook along with the link to the article, "Josephine Booth Missionary to Scotland", "Heavenly Father's Fixed Standards" by Elder Allan F. Packer, and "He Taught Me the Heavenly Order of Eternity" from the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt.

On Thursday 1 October we enjoyed breakfast at the hotel and left at 9:40 am.  We reached Walmart in Blue Ridge around noon, got some groceries, and filled up for $1.969.  We saw Terry and Nancy, who volunteer at our food pantry, just as we did last Friday when we were heading north!  What a coincidence!

We picked up a copy of the Times-Courier at R&A Orchards.  It had the picture of Eileen and myself with our grandsons Spencer, Ashton, and Tanner in front of the Gilbert Temple.

At home we unpacked the car, went through the mail that was delivered today which included the two bottles of tart cherry concentrate delivered by UPS, scanned the picture from the Times-Courier to email to Colleen, looked through the supermarket ads for anything of interest, etc., etc.

In the mail on hold for a week was the new Jan Karon Mitford novel "Come Rain or Come Shine" that I'll read to Eileen when we finish "An Irish Country Christmas."

After supper I read that Frankie Ford passed away at age 76.  He sang the hit song, "Sea Cruise", in 1959.  I remembered the song but Eileen did not.  I played it for her on YouTube but she still didn't remember it.  It was a hit in the year we met.  The link is at https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VUSd_RYnxAY.

Eileen enjoyed "Fixer Upper" and "House Hunters" on HGTV and worked on Sue's sudoku book.

I finished the text of my blog entries for 8/30 and 9/6.

I e-mailed April Teague of the Times-Courier with the following: "Our church food drive went well with many donations from members of the community, local businesses, church members, and neighbors.  The representatives from the food pantries in Blue Ridge, Jasper, and Ellijay came (in that order) to our church building on 19 September to pick up their share of the food.  Attached are pictures of Denise Caldwell and Sherry Morris with Denise's son Michael from Blue Ridge; Jack Phillips, Larry Starr, and Don Wilson from Jasper; and Bob Morrow from Ellijay.  I hope this information and the pictures can be put into the Times-Courier when convenient.”

I emailed Roger Hall and Jay Hanks with my home teaching report and Carol Messina with my report on our family history consultant efforts for September.  I then continued working on Aroostook County, Maine.

On Friday 2 October we went to Bryant Physical Therapy followed by Walmart, Jolly Roger Seafood, and Food Lion.

At home we started watching the 20 episodes of "Cake Boss".  Our DVR box was 100% full!  Eileen also watched some House Hunters on HGTV. 

I sent a meager newsletter to Ferst Foundation with only upcoming library events and a sponsoring organization (Faith, Hope & Charity Recycle Store).

I finished reading "Hiding the Past" by Nathan Dylan Goodwin which I began on 1 September.  It is a genealogical crime mystery that I received from Eileen for my birthday last year!

I finished researching my Cockshott cousins.

On Saturday 3 October we shopped at Ingles and at home hooked my laptop to our TV so we could watch general conference on the TV.

I have a separate note on my iPhone for the General Conference talks.

Eileen began bringing up Halloween stuff from the basement to decorate as Tom, Heather, and Liam are coming to visit on Friday.

Between sessions I finished the Maine Town Clerk project in Aroostook County and emailed Danielle Batson, Sandra Pond, and Jane Colmenares.  We may switch to an English project next.

After supper I finished entering all of the Cockshott's into Family Tree just in time for the priesthood session of general conference.

We finished watching the rest of the recorded "Cake Boss" episodes.  I started writing my notes for the stake food drive for 2016.