On Sunday 8 November Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by the Book of Mormon discussion about Alma 36-37 as we got ready for church.

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

Opening hymn was #280 "Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning" text by Robert B. Baird (1855-1916) and music by Ebenezer Beesley (1840-1906).

Sacrament hymn was #175 "O God, the Eternal Father" text by William W. Phelps (1792-1872) and music by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847).  It was included in the first LDS hymnbook in 1835.

The first speaker was Elder Twitchell. He spoke on priesthood and priesthood keys.  It is divided into the Aaronic and Melchizedek.  He spoke of his preparatory years in the Aaronic Priesthood.  And what he is able to do now as a holder of the Melchizedek Priesthood.  He spoke of the priesthood keys held by President Monson all the way down to our branch.  He quoted President Joseph Fielding Smith about the priesthood keys, the power of presidency.  The priesthood has been restored in these latter days through the Prophet Joseph Smith following the corruption in the early days of the church.  Due to the apostasy there are many different denominations today.  Heavenly messengers restored the priesthood and its keys to Joseph Smith.  We are the Church of Jesus Christ restored to the earth. The priesthood is for our benefit and salvation.  He quoted President Russell M. Nelson about the priesthood.  All leaders in the Church are called by proper authority.  He spoke of the three new apostles we could sustain in the recent general conference.  He read Ephesians 2:19-20.  Jesus is at the helm and the chief cornerstone of the Church.  

Intermediate hymn was #142 "Sweet of Prayer" text attributed to William W. Walford (1772-1850) and music by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868).

The concluding speaker was President Stanley. Blanket apology for mistakes he's made so far.  President Nicholls told him to make sure the sacrament is passed and no false doctrine is taught.  President Stanley said that we should pray daily, study the scriptures, keep the Sabbath day holy, observe family home evening, and fast often.  We should engage in fasting and prayer.  If you need someone to fast with you, that is acceptable.  All of us are in need of heaven's help.  Isaiah 58 tells us how to have God with us continually.  He spoke of insufficient communication with parents and the same with Heavenly Father.  Our prayers need to be more than 30-45 seconds long.  Love the Lord with all thy heart, mind, and strength.  Don't dwell on our past.  We must not let Satan do this.  The truck he drives has lots of mirrors but no rear view mirror.  We should look at our past only as often as we look in our rear view mirror.  The Spirit has been with President Stanley in the last few weeks.  He has been drinking from a five gallon bucket and doesn't want to spill a single drop.  The Lord has been preparing us our whole lives to be here.  Spend all of your time getting as close to the Savior as you can, perfecting ourselves.  It is critically important that we do those five things he listed earlier.  

Closing hymn was #157 "Thy Spirit, Lord, Has Stirred Our Souls" text by 

I gave Teri Grace her Family Ordinance Request form and her family file cards.  And the printouts to the Bond's from my research.

Gospel Doctrine with Harry Spooner was lesson #41 “I Have Finished My Course” using 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus.

The purpose of the lesson is to encourage class members to learn and teach true doctrine and be righteous examples for others.

1. Learn and teach true doctrine.

Speaking of the power of true doctrine, Elder Boyd K. Packer said: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel” (in General Conference, Oct. 1986).

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin counseled: “God has revealed everything necessary for our salvation. We should teach and dwell on the things that have been revealed and avoid delving into so-called mysteries. My counsel to teachers in the Church, whether they instruct in wards and stakes, Church institutions of higher learning, institutes of religion, seminaries, or even as parents in their homes, is to base their teachings on the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets” (in General Conference, Oct. 1994).

2. “Be … an example of the believers.”

3. “Follow after righteousness” and deny ungodliness.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught: “There is nothing inherently evil about money. The Good Samaritan used the same coinage to serve his fellowman that Judas used to betray the Master. It is ‘the love of money [which] is the root of all evil.’ (1 Timothy 6:10; italics added.) The critical difference is the degree of spirituality we exercise in viewing, evaluating, and managing the things of this world” (in General Conference, Oct. 1985).

Paul knew he would soon be martyred for his testimony of Jesus Christ. But he also knew that because he had lived the gospel, “there [was] laid up for [him] a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). Bear testimony of the importance of doing the right things every day and staying on course so we can say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

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 #20 from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson" entitled "Feed My Sheep."

“We must all learn to be true shepherds. We must manifest the same love to others that the Good Shepherd has for all of us. Each soul is precious to Him.”

The lesson was finished by 12:45.  After a few comments Jay Hanks talked about home teaching by the high priests.

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

Gailand Green and Elder Rumsey are going to the temple Tuesday afternoon (I assume Sister Rumsey, too), so I'll print Gailand's FOR and leave it for him at church that morning as they're meeting there.

 

I spoke with Brother Scott and Sister Debbie Davis after priesthood meeting about their temple work for her parents.  They will call with the information needed to do their work.

I checked with the financial clerk Zack White about a receipt from the Times-Courier and he said he'd gotten it.

The baptism of Judy Dorsey took place at 1:30.  Her husband Terry baptized her.  She had a number of family members there who are not LDS.  There was a large crowd in attendance.  Elder Rumsey spoke on baptism and President Stanley spoke on the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She will be confirmed next Sunday.

I chatted with Gary and Diane Jones after the baptismal service.  We made an appointment to visit them next Friday and Sister Jones offered to make dinner.  So I explained about our diet.  I got their membership numbers from Richard Callahan so I can set up LDS logins for them.

While in the clerk's office I chatted with Marvin Knight and we'll get together in December about his family history.  Richard got on Family Tree and asked me how to access Ancestry.com.  I showed him how quick and easy it is now.

After supper I read Sister Rosemary M. Wixom's talk entitled "Discovering the Divinity Within" to Eileen from the General Women's Session of conference.  I printed the FOR for Brother Green.  

I posted a quote from President Hinckley on Facebook.

I worked some more on my talk and I finished chapter 26 entitled "Personal Testimonies and Blessings" of President Joseph F. Smith's book "Gospel Doctrine" is in the Deseret Bookshelf on my iPhone.  That concluded this book which I had begun on 5 November 2012!

Later as Eileen slept a little after midnight I finished reading "Gospel Doctrine."  I had begun reading it on 5 November 2012!

On Monday 9 November I read the chapter from Steve Young's book "Ten Thousand Spirals" that was on Deseret Bookshelf on my iPhone.

I called Dr. Raisig's office to have the medication Atacand Hct for high blood pressure changed to just Atacand.  He had recommended we do this when the number of Atacand Hct on hand got low.

We enjoyed lunch with Ralph and Holly Hughes at Longhorn Steakhouse in Ellijay.

We visited Walmart and Ingles.  

Later in the afternoon we visited Sabrina Bayless and saw Michelle Bayless, too.

After supper we drove to church for FHE with Harry Spooner.  We discussed "Lectures on Faith" and other myriad subjects, some of which consisted of Mormon folklore.

Afterwards I put eight gallons in at Walmart for $2.059.

When we got home I printed the FOR for Terry Dorsey after receiving his okay by email.  I had earlier printed Claude Miller's FOR.

Then I ordered the new Jan Brett book for Eileen for Christmas called "The Turnip."

On Tuesday 10 November I broke 180 with a weight of 179.7!

I set up Curtis Bond with an LDS account and began working on his family tree on familysearch.org.

We went to Bryant Physical Therapy for an hour and then I dropped Eileen off at Judy Harvey's to work on her painting.  On the way we stopped at Dollar General and Eileen picked up some plastic fingertips for Colleen to use with Ashton.  It involved his reading!

I mailed a package to Colleen at the post office and made it just in time as there was a long line as I left!

I went to church and worked on Brother Bond's family tree.  About an hour later Eileen texted me that she was not feeling well.  I raced to Judy's in 15 minutes and she was feeling better by then.  

After supper we went into town and enjoyed "The Peanuts Movie."  It was fun!

I printed out lots for Bonnie Helton to give to her tomorrow.

On Wednesday 11 November we volunteered at the food pantry.  We had a busy day and we helped about 125 patrons.

We dropped off toiletry items at church for the stake "Day of Giving."  We shopped at Ingles and on the way home at R&A Orchards.

I finished reading "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen which I had begun on 27 June.

After an early supper we drove to the Gilmer County High School to help with the youth and adults who would be using Brother Cribb's computer classroom to work on family history.  I helped Barbara King and Eileen helped Mark Ramick.

After we were home I finished printing all the files I had saved on my laptop for Gailand Green.

On Thursday 12 November we drove to the Atlanta Temple and did sealings for an hour-and-a-half.  We also had family file cards printed for myself, Bonnie Helton, Mark Usry, Terry Dorsey, Claude Miller, and Roger Widmann.

On the way home we stopped at Hallmark in Canton for an anniversary card for William and Erin (and a couple of more cards to get the discount) and Kroger in Jasper for some Walden Farms items.

Back in Ellijay we went by the Lions Club so that I could donate blood.  I had had an appointment but I cancelled that so we could go to the temple.  So now I was a walk-in.  112/58.

We learned on the way home from our son-in-law Tom Dowd that Heather was not feeling well and was admitted to Duke Hospital.  We plan on driving to Raleigh tomorrow morning unless Tom calls and says that all is well.

Eileen and I read each other our talks.  Hers was 12 minutes long and mine was 21 minutes.

We coordinated with President Stanley and Brother Knight about our talks on Sunday.  We will meet the Rumsey's in the morning and give them copies of our talks as well as the FORs and family file cards we got at the temple today.  I also emailed our talks to the branch presidency.  I called Cheryl Dawson as she was going to help us clean the building tomorrow afternoon.  I spoke to Bonnie Helton and left messages for Terry and Judy Dorsey and Roger Widmann.

We began packing the car and our suitcases.

I finished the last 10 F's and did the 10 G's in Hampshire.

On Friday 13 November we were up early to finish getting ready to leave for Raleigh.  We stopped at bank's ATM.  Next door we went to the post office to mail two birthday cards to sisters that Eileen visit teaches and have them hold our mail while we're away.  We met the Rumsey's by Ingles at 9:45 and gave them all our envelopes.  Elder Rumsey said that he and his wife would deliver our talks for us.

We called Diane Jones and Holly Hughes about our trip to Raleigh as we were to meet with the Joneses today and have lunch with Ralph and Holly on Monday.  Eileen also called Judy Harvey as we were to help paint the Kids Ferst "castle" next week.

We got gas at Ingles in Blue Ridge and only got 10 cents off per gallon for 200 points instead of 20 cents!!  It was $1.869.  I will contact them on their website to express my displeasure and tell them that they will lose a lot of my business in the future.  I will only buy items that only they carry.

Later on I-40 at Walmart we filled up with 6.67 gallons for $2.019.

We had palindromes 119911 and 120021 on I-40.

We reached Duke Hospital at 5 pm.  Heather was in the birthing center.

We arrived at the Dowd's home a couple of hours later to see Tom and Liam before they both hit the hay.  Tom showed us the progress on the upstairs renovation.

On Saturday 14 November due to our nibbling in the car all the way to Raleigh but not having any supper we both reached our lowest weights since starting our diets but at the same time our blood sugars were elevated!

We watched Liam while Tom went to the hospital to see Heather.  We had on the movies "Planes" and "Tarzan."  He took a nap, finally falling asleep at 3:15 after being put in bed about 2 pm.

I did the 29 H’s, 4 I’s, and 8 K's in Hampshire. 

I called Arrow Exterminators to cancel our Tuesday appointment.

I went to Harris-Teeter for things for supper and more Walden Farms blue cheese salad dressing for Eileen.  Then to Fresh Market for almond butter for her, too.

I read Sister Linda S. Reeve's talk entitled "Worthy of Our Promised Blessings" to Eileen from the General Women's Session of conference.

I finished the 6 September issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the articles about President Uchtdorf's visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii (President Uchtdorf dedicates addition to Polynesian Cultural Center), President Uchtdorf's address to new medical students at the University of Utah (Responsibility, humanity, joy) which I plan on giving to our doctor, "Elder Holland visits Asia area," "Church offering aid across globe," "'Was that revelation?", new stakes in Costa Rica, Utah, and Colorado, and "She just doesn't quit."

We FaceTimed with William, Erin, and Weston as today is his 1st birthday!

I went to Harris-Teeter for some items for Heather as she was coming home from the hospital with Tom.

It was good to have her home.  We enjoyed a bite of supper together.  Liam watched "Tinker Bell and the Legend of the NeverBeast" and went to bed.

On Sunday 1 November Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by the Book of Mormon discussion about Alma 32 as we got ready for church.

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

Opening hymn was #6 "Redeemer of Israel" text by William W. Phelps (1792-1872) adapted from Joseph Swain (1761-1796) and music by Freeman Lewis (1780-1859).  It was included in the first LDS hymnbook in 1835.

Brother Stender blessed their new baby.

Sacrament hymn was #170 "God, Our Father, Hear Us Pray" text by Annie Pinnock Malin (1863-1935) and music by Louis M. Gottschalk (1829-1869) adapted by Edwin P. Parker (1836-1925).

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

Craig Chester was conducting the meeting today and bore his testimony.

Eileen bore her testimony of the love that Heavenly Father has for us, for the Prophet Joseph Smith, for President Monson and his health, and for our Savior Jesus Christ.

Don Bivens knows that our Heavenly Father lives.  He knows that the priesthood power is real and he has seen it work.  He spoke of the joy of the temple and that men are called of God.  They serve and care for us.

A visitor from Payson, Utah, bore his testimony.  He spoke of temples and how blessed we are.  Served as a young missionary 50 years ago in Rome, Dalton, and other towns in Georgia.  His wife is related to the Mizell's in Mineral Bluff.  They will be CSM's when they get back home.  He bore his testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.

Sister Rumsey is so grateful to be here and for her Savior Jesus Christ.  The joy and happiness of this great gospel.  

Elder Rumsey spoke of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.  He has enjoyed visiting so many folks in the branch.  He spoke of his wonderful companion.  Of the joy of being able to spend the whole day in the temple as one sister did.

Olga Knight loves the Church with all her heart.  The plan of salvation is the plan of happiness.  We serve and help the Church to grow.  She enjoys being in Primary and is grateful for the Primary children.  We have a living prophet and she is thankful for our branch leaders.

Diana Stephens bore her testimony of her love for the Savior.  She spoke of her son Eli, his wife, and their three boys.  Of another son and his sweet wife who is not a member.  Diana feels so blessed.

Deb Fisher is so grateful to Heavenly Father.  Grateful for this branch and their many blessings from the gospel.  

Elder Twitchell spoke of the edifying of the Spirit.  He spoke of the truthfulness of the Church and read from Moroni 6.  

Closing hymn was #72 "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" text by Joachim Neander (1650-1680) translated by Catherine Winkworth (1829-1878) and music from Stralsund Gesangbuch, 1665, arranged by William S. Bennett (1816-1875) and Otto Goldschmidt (1829-1907).

Gospel Doctrine with Darlene Burgess was lesson #40, "I Can Do All Things through Christ" using Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  However Eileen and I attended the Gospel Principles class as the Rumsey's asked me to speak about family history today.  The lesson was also #40 "Temple Work and Family History."

The hymn in priesthood was #30 "Come, Come Ye Saints" text by William Clayton (1814-1879) and music an English folk song.

The priesthood lesson was from a talk by Elder Dallin H. Oaks entitled "Loving Others and Living with Differences" from October 2014 General Conference.  I read the following:

"The gospel has many teachings about keeping the commandments while living among people with different beliefs and practices. The teachings about contention are central. When the resurrected Christ found the Nephites disputing over the manner of baptism, He gave clear directions on how this ordinance should be performed. Then He taught this great principle: 

"'There shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been. 

"'For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

"'Behold, this is … my doctrine, that such things should be done away' (3 Nephi 11:28–30).

"The Savior did not limit His warning against contention to those who were not keeping the commandment about baptism. He forbade contention by anyone. Even those who keep the commandments must not stir up the hearts of men to contend with anger. The 'father of contention' is the devil; the Savior is the Prince of Peace. 

"Similarly, the Bible teaches that 'wise men turn away wrath' (Proverbs 29:8). The early Apostles taught that we should 'follow after the things [that] make for peace' (Romans 14:19) and '[speak] the truth in love' (Ephesians 4:15), 'for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God' (James 1:20). In modern revelation the Lord commanded that the glad tidings of the restored gospel should be declared 'every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness' (D&C 38:41), 'with all humility, … reviling not against revilers' (D&C 19:30)."

It was taught by Brother Jay Hanks.  Eileen said that Julie Cribb did a good job teaching the lesson in Relief Society which was from Bishop Gerald Causse's talk in April General Conference entitled "Is It Still Wonderful to You?"

We visited the Dorsey's from about 4 until 6:30 pm as Eileen helped Judy and I helped Terry with their family history.

We called my sister Lib for her birthday and chatted for over a half hour.  I filled her in on our diet since 2 March.  She said that would be impossible for her as she is a carb addict!

I emailed Roger Hall and Jay Hanks about my home teaching for October and Eileen called Lynn Edwards to report on her visiting teaching.

I emailed Carol Messina to report on our family history efforts for October with copies to Jay Hanks and President Stanley.

I did the 31 C's in Hampshire.  Carisbrooke, Carisbrooke St John, Carisbrooke St Nicholas, and Catherington had no infoboxes, and Crown Farm had no PLU.

With daylight savings time ended I adjusted the three timers on lights in the house, that is, our bedroom, the front bedroom, and the living room.

After Eileen fell asleep I "watched" the World Series on my iPhone as the Kansas City Royals tied the New York Mets in the top of the 9th inning and won with five runs in the top of the 12th inning.

On Monday 2 November I finished the 23 August Church News.  I enjoyed numerous articles such as "Women leaders to serve on Church's general councils," "Greatest joy found in the gospel" with Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Spiritual power for the righteous" with Elder Neil L. Andersen, "Church breaks ground for first-of-its-kind Family History Center," "Indianapolis Indiana Temple," "A handcart trek across the Pampas," "The Martin Harris Pageant," "Reasonable leap into light," "Icelandic Latter-day Saints," and "Practices of 'gifted teachers'" with Brother Devin Durrant.

 

We went to the dump then I got one gallon of gas for $2.059 so we could reach Blue Ridge.  At Ingles in Blue Ridge gas was $1.479 with the 40 cent discount for our 400 points!

We enjoyed lunch with Ralph and Holly at the Mesquite Grill in Blue Ridge.  We visited their home afterwards until 2:30.

Back in Ellijay we worked out at Bryant Physical Therapy for an hour.  Then we stopped at Lowe's for some tiny brass escutcheon pins that Eileen later used on the antique desk which is now in our office.

FamilySearch called back about Terry Dorsey's Aunt Carla.  The assumption is that her ordinances had been reserved over two years ago by someone (it was not Terry) and the current status of being reserved by FamilySearch is a step toward the ordinances being unreserved (the sister missionary used the term "released").  I explained that Terry is Carla's nephew and there do not appear to be any closer relatives.  I gave her Terry's name, user name, and helper number and they knew his email address.  Higher-ups would look at moving Carla into Terry's temple ordinance list.

I prepared the letter and check for Timeshare Trade-ins.

I submitted the Gilmer Kids Ferst newsletter materials to Ferst Foundation. 

I did the nine D's in Hampshire.  

On Tuesday 3 November we sang "happy birthday" to Heather's voice mail.  I dropped off Eileen at Barbara's Hair Designers for her appointment.  She enjoyed a fun phone call from her buddy in Fremont, California, Lynda White, and Heather called her back.  I went by the bank and returned to pick her up as her visit was a short one today.  Then I took her to Judy Harvey's to work on her painting while I then went to Dr. Raisig's for my missionary physical.

While waiting for the doctor I finished chapter 10 entitled "Joseph Smith" of Elder John Widtsoe's book "Evidences and Reconciliations" on my iPhone.

My visit with Dr. Raisig went well.  My blood pressure was 120/74.

I picked Eileen up and we went to the Gilmer County Health Department to get our TB tests for our mission.  We must return on Thursday to have them read.

In the evening Eileen did the 24 D's and 45 E's in Devon.

I sent the article from the Deseret News about Ted Koppel's book "Lights Out" to all the branch members and folks from the food pantry.  I had also sent it to family members.

I worked on labeling all of the screenshots in the first Dorsey folder on my laptop.

I finished chapter 24 entitled "Eternal Life and Salvation" of President Joseph F. Smith's book "Gospel Doctrine" on my iPhone.

On Wednesday 4 November we volunteered at the food pantry.  Eileen was asked to offer the prayer to start our day there and a lovely prayer it was.  We had a busy day as it was the first Wednesday of the month.  We helped about 122 patrons.

We stopped at R&A Orchards to pick up the Times-Courier.

Eileen and I napped.  She enjoyed watching "The Kitchen," Pioneer Woman," Giada de Laurentiis, and "Barefoot Contessa."

I added more photos to my 17 May blog entry and worked on labeling all of the screenshots in the second Dorsey folder on my laptop.

We heard a loud crash by our front door and I assumed a bird had flown into the glass door.  It had and was laying on the front step.  We hoped it was just stunned but sadly it was still unmoved later.  I disposed of the little fellow the next day.

We covered the family history center at church from 6 - 8:30 pm.  Brother Gailand Green was with us most of the evening.  We researched his Marks ancestors.

I indexed New York - Ogdensburg Passenger and Crew Lists, 1948-1972.

I worked on labeling all of the screenshots in the Green folder on my laptop.

On Thursday 5 November I read the last article in the September Ensign to Eileen, finishing that issue. The First Presidency message "Families and Prayer," from President Eyring, was my home teaching message in September.  Of special note was "The Lord Needs You Now!" by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Temple and the Natural Order of Marriage" by Elder Bruce C. Hafen, "Never Alone in Sierra Leone," "Joseph Smith in Harmony" by Elder Steven E. Snow, Church Historian and Recorder, "Church Handbooks The Written Order of Things" by Elder Per G. Malm, "The Apostle Paul as Master Teacher," "The Hymnbook Turns 30" which brought out my lack in that area even though I enjoy singing on Sunday, and "A Visit From the Savior" from President Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901).

We went to the Gilmer Health Department to have our TB test read and they were both negative.  We mailed birthday cards to Gail and Weston at the post office.  Then we visited Dr. Raisig for Eileen's physical for our mission and to drop off the TB test results.

Her visit with Dr. Raisig went well.  Her blood pressure was 120/80.  She had her height checked and she has shrunk two inches since high school! 5'5" to 5'3".  Eileen asked him about my hyperglycemic episodes when my blood sugar drops in the afternoon.  So I'll keep a note about it.

We dropped off our request at Ingles to carry more Walden Farms products, especially Bleu Cheese, Caesar, Honey Dijon, French, Cole Slaw, Asian, Russian, and Sesame Ginger salad dressings, and Mezzetta Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Style Cheese Stuffed Olives.  We ran into Diane Keener, an inactive member of our branch.

We enjoyed our second supper of chuck roast with turnips, carrots, and onions in Eileen's new 4-quart crock pot.

Sabrina Bayless called and I made a home teaching appointment with her for Monday at 3 pm.

I called Bonnie Helton about her family history and made a home teaching appointment with her for Wednesday at 1:30 pm.

I worked on Bonnie's family history, specifically her great-grandfather Hamilton Wade Douglas and his family and his father Eldred R. Douglas and his family.  I had to call FamilySearch as I could not request ordinances in the normal manner on a person's ordinance page.  I was told to click on the light green temple between the husband and wife on the tree in landscape mode which did work.

Marvin Knight called and asked us to speak in sacrament meeting on 15 November.

I did the 24 E's in Hampshire while Eileen enjoyed "Househunters International" on HGTV.  She did the 6 F's and 7 G's in Devon.

On Friday 6 November while Eileen slept I finished chapter 11 entitled "Delusions" of Elder John Widtsoe's book "Evidences and Reconciliations" on my iPhone.  I then finished chapter 25 entitled "Joseph Smith the Prophet" of President Joseph F. Smith's book "Gospel Doctrine" on my iPhone.

We went to the Kids Ferst PR Committee meeting at Tony's Country Corner Kitchen followed by our workout at Bryant Physical Therapy.

We shopped at Food Lion for Diet Mountain Dew at 79 cents for a two liter bottle, limit of four.  Then we visited Ingles and saw Bunny who used to volunteer at the food pantry and Gailand Green from our branch.  

On the way home we stopped at Walker's Barbecue for some pulled pork for supper tomorrow.

After supper I finished reading "A Nice Little Place on the North Side" by George F. Will which I had begun on 24 October.  The subtitle is "A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat, and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field."   It was a birthday present from Eileen.

I worked some more on Bonnie's family history, specifically her great-great-grandfather Eldred R. Douglas and his family.

Later I finished reading "My Ancestor Settled In ... The British West Indies" by John Titford which I had begun on 7 August.  I had purchased it from the Society of Genealogists in England.

After Eileen fell asleep I finished reading "Three Doors to Death" by Rex Stout (A Nero Wolfe novel) which I had begun on 24 October.  I bought four paperbacks in the gift shop at the Broward Health Medical Center where Suzie had spent a fair amount of time last year.

On Saturday 7 November I finished the 30 August issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the articles about the new Indianapolis Indiana Temple (President Eyring's dedicatory prayer was very special), "The printer's manuscript, new stakes from districts in Vanuatu and the Philippines, "Defending the Faith," and "2 Talmage parables."

I did the 10 F's beginning with "Fa" in Hampshire while Eileen enjoyed "The Kitchen" on the Food Network and worked on her laptop.

I printed more family history results for the Bond's and began to research Lyman Bond's daughter Emma.

Eileen and I were both working on our sacrament meeting talks on our laptops.

We met Janie Alley at church and I worked with her from 2 - 4:10 pm on her family history.  Then we went by Ingles for a couple of things.

During supper we enjoyed "Antique Roadshow" from the U. K.

I printed numerous results of my research of Emma Bond and her family along with research for Claude Miller about primarily his grandmother Emma, her parents and siblings.

I finished reading "Evidences and Reconciliations" by John A Widtsoe arranged by G. Homer Durham which I had begun on 7 December 2014.  It is in the Deseret Bookshelf on my iPhone.

 

 

On Sunday 25 October Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by the Book of Mormon discussion about Alma 25-27 on BYU-TV as we got ready for church.

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

Today was the branch Primary presentation.

I gave Brother Miller the manila envelope with the printouts for him of his family history.

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

Sustained Taylor Cribb as a Primary worker.  Terry Dorsey received his Melchizedek Priesthood certificate for his ordination as an elder. 

Sister Courtney Ezell was confirmed a member of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.  She was baptized last Sunday.

Sacrament hymn was #187, "God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son" text by Edward P. Kimball (1882-1937) and music by Alexander Schreiner (1901-1987).

Primary theme for the year: "I Know My Savior Lives"

Sister Michelle Ramick teaches the combined class of Sunbeams, CTR4, and CTR 5.

Sister Dori LeVan teaches the combined class of CTR7, Valiant 8 through 11. 

Closing hymn was #116, "Come, Follow Me" text by John Nicholson (1839-1909) and music by Samuel McBurney (b. 1847).

I gave Brother and Sister Bond the manila envelope with the printouts for them of their family history.

Gospel Doctrine with Craig Chester filling in was lesson #39, “For the Perfecting of the Saints” using Ephesians.

The purpose of the lesson was to help class members understand that the process of “perfecting … the saints” (Ephesians 4:12) requires us to increase our faith in Christ, follow the teachings of the apostles and prophets, and protect ourselves from the wickedness of the world. 

1. The dispensation of the fulness of times

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “You and I are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations” (in General Conference, Apr. 1992).

2. Jesus Christ as our cornerstone

President Boyd K. Packer taught: “The ministry of the prophets and apostles leads them ever and always to the home and the family. … The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to unite parents and children in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they are happy at home, sealed in an eternal marriage, linked to their generations, and assured of exaltation in the presence of our Heavenly Father” (in General Conference, Apr. 1995).

3. Unity between husband and wife and between parents and children 

President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “Can you find in all the holy scriptures where the Lord Jesus Christ ever failed his church? … Was he faithful? Was he true? Is there anything good and worthy that he did not give? Then that is what we ask—what he asks of a husband. … 

“… Can you think of how he loved the Church? Its every breath was important to him. Its every growth, its every individual, was precious to him. He gave to those people all his energy, all his power, all his interest. He gave his life—what more could one give?” (Men of Example [address delivered to religious educators, 12 Sept. 1975]).

In “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities” (Ensign, Nov. 1995).

4. Putting on “the new man” and “the whole armour of God”

The Lord established his Church, with apostles and prophets, to help us become like him and return to live with him. Class members are encouraged to strive together for the “perfecting of the Saints” by following Paul’s teachings in Ephesians.

The hymn in priesthood was #92, "For the Beauty of the Earth" text by Folliott S. Pierpoint (1835-1917) and music by Conrad Kocher (1786-1872).

The priesthood lesson was the "Teachings For Our Time" talk from the April 2015 Sunday morning session of general conference entitled "Seeking the Lord" by Elder Jose A. Teixeira. 

I read the following paragraphs:

"I know by personal experience that the joy of living in righteousness and abiding in Christ can continue despite the tribulations characteristic of mortality. Ultimately, these tribulations often enrich, refine, and guide us to a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence here in mortality and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the fulness of joy can only be achieved through Jesus Christ.

"He said, 'I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.'

"I believe that as we deepen our understanding of the Savior, we will have an increased desire to live joyfully and a conviction that joy is possible. Consequently, we will have a greater ability to go about each day with more enthusiasm for life and for keeping the commandments of God, even in challenging circumstances. 

"Let us not leave for tomorrow what we can do today. It is now that we must come unto Christ because 'if [we] believe [Him], [we] will labor while it is called today.'"

It was taught by Brother Jay Hanks.  Eileen said that Debby Young 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 from about 1:15 - 3 pm.

I called Brother Miller and made an appointment on Wednesday to go over the printouts that I had given him.

I had gotten phone calls and a voice mail during church from someone named Bernice.  Someone had given her my name and phone number as someone that could help them with some food!  We arranged to meet them in Ellijay with some food for them, but we stopped at the police department in town to speak to some police officers about it.  An officer from Ellijay and one from East Ellijay went to where we were supposed to meet them to check it out for us.  We drove past and waited in the church parking lot nearby.  When we returned past where they had been, they were gone.

I called Brother Usry and made an appointment for next Saturday to work some more on his family history at the Pickens County Public Library.

I researched the Bond ancestors on Family Tree to see what temple work had been done.

On Monday 26 October I was awake early as we'd gone to sleep early.  Eileen slept longer as usual.  I've gained three pounds since my low of 180.0 on Tuesday.  We finished our leftovers from the Fall Festival.

The fellows from C-Scapes Lawn Service came by this morning.  They come by every two weeks in the spring, summer, and fall.

We deposited Colleen's check at the bank and mailed birthday cards to Heather (one for her and a musical one to her for Liam to open).

We worked out at Bryant Physical Therapy and shopped at Ingles.  We ran into Louise Sweat and her friend Ann as we shopped.  Louise had missed the last Kids Ferst meeting and we learned why.  She had fallen going up some steps and banged up her face, especially the right side which was quite black and blue.

We stopped by Ace Hardware to check on Yeti coolers and dropped off our two bags of Halloween candy we didn't use at our Fall Festival at Moo Bears Ice Cream and Treatery in downtown Ellijay.  Downtown has hordes of trick or treaters on Halloween.

 

I called Cuna Mutual Insurance about instituting their Contingent Benefit Upon Lapse part of Eileen's long-term care policy.  If she qualifies, she will have over $38,000 as her maximum benefit if she ever needs long-term care.  The quarterly premiums have gone up from $1202.22 to $1922.11 starting on 1 December.

Eileen said recently that she was hearing noises during the night that could be critters in the attic or walls.  I went up in the attic this afternoon but it all looked okay.

We drove to nearby Dollar General to get disposable aluminum pans for the meal we're taking to Melanie Pardue, her husband, and little boy tomorrow as they get help moving to Alabama.

I set up an LDS account for Brother Miller and entered a number of his ancestors.  He appears to have two relatives who are LDS as they have requested some of the temple work and a lot of work has been done for his ancestors.  I requested temple work in behalf of Brother Miller when it involved ancestors whom I had researched for him.  If anyone needed their work done but I haven't researched them, I didn't request the work.  I listed the temple work status for many close relatives.

I printed out the results of our assistance last March for Brother Usry as we'd be getting together again this week.

On Tuesday 27 October we were up early (for us) as Eileen began preparing the chicken and rice casserole that we're taking to Melanie Pardue when we go after lunch to help her family load up the truck for their move.

Teri Grace called and shared her emails with her Uncle Edward.  He wanted to know why only Constance needed permission.  I explained to Teri that Donald, the third sibling, did not because she is Donald's daughter, whereas Constance is a closer relative to Edward as his sister.  I also reviewed what she ought to tell him about sealings and eternal families.

I started doing some research on Ann Godwin's family.  She had some questions on some ancestors of hers.

I made the tossed salad for Melanie and then we went to their apartment in Ellijay with the food and to help load the U-Haul truck. We got there about 12:10 and left about 2:30.  Autumn Pierce, a countryman of her husband, Shawn Holcomb, Elders Dyer and Twitchell, and Ron Fisher got there in time to do some help, but most of the heavy stuff was done by Melanie and her husband.  President Stanley and one of the Cornell boys and Elder and Sister Rumsey came about 2:30, too late to help. Melanie's husband is a vegetarian (he's from India), so as we left we invited everyone to partake of the casserole that Eileen made.  He enjoyed the salad.

We got a phone call from Sister Sherry Thomas about our church service mission and we explained that we'd be doing it until the end of February. At that time we hoped to be heading for our fulltime mission very soon.

We shopped a little at Walmart and filled the car with gas for $2.019.

We then visited Bonnie and Randall  Helton.  I helped Bonnie with her family history by helping her create an LDS account and looking into her family in Family Tree.

Sister Rumsey called to thank us for the casserole that we had provided Melanie and all those that came to help today.  She said that it was delicious!  She asked us to come to the Gospel Principles class on Sunday to talk about family history.

After supper I worked on Bonnie's family tree.  Then I began working on our next CSM project involving the English Poor Law Unions.  Eileen selected Devon and I selected Hampshire.  She did 22 parishes and I did 12 of 15 as three did not have infoboxes.

I began and finished reading "The Blood-Stained Pavement A Miss Marple Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Wednesday 28 October we volunteered at the food pantry.  It was slow today as it was the fourth Wednesday of the month.  We helped about 80 patrons.

We drove to Jasper to visit Claude Miller and review the printouts that I had given him last Sunday.

We visited Ingles in Jasper on the way to Claude's and later in Ellijay, too.

After supper we covered the family history center at church from 6 - 8:30 pm as we visited with folks who came to see President Stanley, worked on Bonnie Helton's family history (Ben), and the wiki project in Devon (Eileen).  The Rumsey's came by and gave us some suggestions about our presentation next Sunday in the Gospel Principles class.  At home Eileen finished 62 B's with the exception of Bradworthy.

We watched the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Mets, 7-1.

 

On Thursday 29 October we slept late, called Bonnie Helton, went to the dump, and then worked out at Bryant Physical Therapy.  I encouraged Kelly there to pray about the Book of Mormon as she is undecided about learning more about it. We visited the North Georgia Eye Clinic and Eileen had her glasses adjusted.

At home I worked on Bonnie Helton's paternal grandfather, finding proof of his birth and parents and his marriage, both in West Virginia.  Acting as Bonnie I reserved the sealing of her paternal grandfather to his parents.

Eileen has decided to rearrange items in the front bedroom and office so that her parents' bed can come upstairs into the front bedroom.  We moved the antique desk from the front bedroom into the office after making room in there and put her sewing machine table and floor lamp where the desk was.

During supper Eileen enjoyed "Barefoot Contessa," Giada De Laurentiis, "Pioneer Woman," and "Trisha's Southern Kitchen."

After supper I did the 43 B's in Hampshire.  Earlier Eileen did Bradworthy after we heard from Jane.  In the evening Eileen did the 55 C's in Devon.

I began and finished reading "The Ambassador's Boots A Tommy & Tuppence Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

We watched "Flip or Flop" and then an episode of "Georgia Traveler" that I had recorded.

On Friday 30 October we were up early and headed for the Atlanta Temple.  We went on the 11 am endowment session with 17 sisters and 11 brethren.  We got family file cards for two of my FORs, one of Eileen's, and one of Teri Grace's.  I had a nice chat with Brother Scott.

On the way home Eileen called Holly Hughes and chatted with her.  We'll meet her and Ralph for lunch on Monday at the Mesquite Grill in Blue Ridge.

Back in Ellijay we stopped at Ingles for several items.

After supper we went to see "The Canterville Ghost" at the Gilmer County Playhouse in Ellijay.  Arriving a few minutes after us and sitting right behind us were Roger and Wendy Widmann!  The play was fun!

I got six gallons of gas at the Citgo station on South Main for $2.059.

At home we were both working in Family Tree when it began to go haywire, so we quit until tomorrow!

I printed out about 20 pages of documents for Mark Usry whom I am meeting tomorrow .

On Saturday 31 October we drove to Jasper so I could meet Mark Usry at the public library.  I dropped Eileen off at the Quilt Store where she had a quilt project to work on.  He was running late but made it about 11:50. We worked together for an hour and I picked up Eileen about 1:40.  She had a good time and got a lot done.

We shopped at Walmart, Ingles, and Food Lion in Ellijay.  We ran into Barbara Rittenberry at Walmart and Bob Morrow at Ingles.  We have over 400 points shopping at Ingles which are good until the end of November.  That will give us 10 cents a gallon off gas each of the next four visits to Ingles in Blue Ridge.

We got more apples at R&A Orchards, including Yates and Arkansas Black which we've never tried before.  The Yates are little and very tasty.  We each ate one on the way home.

At home I used our leaf blower to clear off our front porch and the driveway before the rains come.

I finished going over all the family file cards that our friends the Farr's have and notated the ones that have had their initiatories and endowments done, which has enabled several more to be sealed to their spouses.

After supper I finished reading "Monticello A Guidebook" that I bought when we visited Monticello on 28 September.  I began reading it shortly after we got home on 1 October.

We enjoyed "America's Test Kitchen," "Cook's Country," and "Sara's Weeknight Meals" that I had recorded for Eileen.