On Sunday 14 February we slept late, so Eileen missed "Music & the Spoken Word."  We exchanged Valentine's Day cards and both loved each other's.

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

Opening hymn was #225 "We Are Marching On to Glory" text and music by John M. Chamberlain (1844-1928).

Sister Vandyne (sp?) was confirmed a member of the Church and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sacrament hymn was #174 "While of These Emblems We Partake" text by John Nicholson (1839-1909) and music by Alexander Schreiner (1901-1987).

The first speaker was Elder Barr.  He is a recent convert of three years.  He spoke on "Be Not Afraid, Only Believe," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's general conference talk in October 2015.  He spoke of growing in his testimony by reading the Book of Mormon after entering the mission field.  He bore his testimony and left a lot of time for his companion.

Intermediate hymn was #250 "We Are All Enlisted" text by Anon., The New Golden Chain, New York 1866 and music by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868).

The concluding speaker was Elder Gilstrap.  He spoke on "Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice" from Elder Neil L. Andersen's general conference talk in October 2015.  He related the story of the faith of a young Brazilian brother.  He read Alma 5:26.  He related the story of the Openshaw brothers when their parents and two of three siblings were killed in a plane crash.

Elder Gilstrap finished at 12:59 so Bishop Riggs had some remarks to share.  He concluded with his testimony.

Closing hymn was #83 "Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah" text by William Williams (1717-1791) with the first verse trans. by Peter Williams (1722-1796) and music by John Hughes (1873-1932).  This was included in the first LDS hymnbook in 1835.

Gospel Doctrine with Sister Jennifer Oliver was lesson #7 “I Know in Whom I Have Trusted” using 2 Nephi 3-5.

The purpose of the lesson was to help class members strengthen their testimonies of the Prophet Joseph Smith and to encourage them to find happiness through trusting in the Lord and keeping His commandments. 

1. Lehi teaches that his descendants will be blessed through the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. 

Elder LeGrand Richards said: “The Prophet Joseph Smith brought us the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and many other writings. As far as our records show, he has given us more revealed truth than any prophet who has ever lived upon the face of the earth” (in General Conference, Apr. 1981).

2. Nephi laments his sinfulness but glories in the goodness of God.  (The Psalm of Nephi). 

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Just as a man does not really desire food until he is hungry, so he does not desire the salvation of Christ until he knows why he needs Christ. No one adequately and properly knows why he needs Christ until he understands and accepts the doctrine of the Fall and its effect upon all mankind” (in General Conference, Apr. 1987).

3. The anger of Laman and Lemuel increases against Nephi, and the Lord commands the followers of Nephi to separate from the followers of Laman. 

President Howard W. Hunter taught: “We need a more peaceful world, growing out of more peaceful families and neighborhoods and communities. To secure and cultivate such peace, ‘we must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.’ … We need to extend the hand of friendship. We need to be kinder, more gentle, more forgiving, and slower to anger. We need to love one another with the pure love of Christ. May this be our course and our desire” (in General Conference, Apr. 1992).

The hymn in priesthood was #237 "Do What Is Right" text by Anon., The Psalms of Life, Boston 1857 and music by George Kaillmark (1781-1835).

The priesthood lesson should have been #3 from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Howard W. Hunter" entitled "Part of God’s Plan for Our Eternal Progress" but somehow the teacher taught lesson #2 which would have been done last month!!

From lesson #3: “When [the difficulties of mortality] humble us and refine us and teach us and bless us, they can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to make us better people."

Just as at home the brethren were given readings but the teacher also asked questions after each reading and there was some discussion.

Eileen said that Relief Society and the elders quorum had lesson 3 (Sean taught the latter).

I did 39 G's in Essex.  Eileen began doing Surrey with 7 A's and 4 of the B's. 

Eileen enjoyed the Jacquie Lawson valentine that I sent to her!

On Monday 15 February we finished packing and left Colleen's about 10 am after having another slice of fruit cake and finishing the sugar-free ice cream.  Our odometer was at 127346.

We filled up in Deming, New Mexico, for $1.499 at 3:20 pm.

We reached our next palindrome 127721 near Las Cruces.

We checked into the Quality Inn and had supper at the nearby Cafe La Malinche Mexican Restaurant in El Paso.

I did 28 H's, 3 I's, and 4 K's in Essex. Eileen did 22 more B's and 30 C's in Surrey.

On Tuesday 16 February we left about 9:30.  Driving 82 in a 75 mph zone got us a warning not long after getting on I-10.  He should have gotten the people cruising along in the left lane!  From the website elpaso411.com it states, "The police invasion has begun in El Paso.  Pope Francis’ historic visit to the Borderland is not only attracting hundreds of thousands of people to our area. About two hundred additional law enforcement personnel are in the El Paso side of the border for the event, which takes place on Wednesday, February 17 in Juárez. In the meantime, more than twenty extra Texas State Troopers are on state duty, right here in El Paso, ticketing dozens of citizens for random minor traffic violations."

We stopped at Walmart in Fort Stockton and filled up for $1.579 with our three-cent discount.

As we neared Kerrville, Texas, the check engine light and the VSC/TRAC/TRC indicator came on!  So we're taking the car in to Boerne Toyota at 8 am tomorrow.

We reached the Quality Inn about 6 pm.  The desk clerk Tammy said "yes" to my two Book of Mormon questions.

We had supper at Billy Gene's Restaurant in Kerrville at Tammy's recommendation.

Back at the hotel we called the Boye's who served with us on our mission.  They live in Boerne and will stop by the Toyota dealer in the morning to see us.

On Wednesday 17 February we were up at 6 am for our 8 am appointment.  The clerk at the hotel said "yes" to my two Book of Mormon questions.

We got to Boerne Toyota at 7:55 and proceeded to explain everything about the oil control valves and the indicator lights.  Even though they could have replaced just one set of valves, we opted to do both input and output valves.  I called Toyota Corporate to let them know the latest.

The Boye's came by and we enjoyed lunch with them at Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant in Boerne.  It was fun visiting with them and talking about missions and family history.

When we returned to the dealer I could see the mechanic working on our car.  We left at 12:55 after faxing the invoice and my receipt to Toyota Corporate.  Albert, the service advisor, said "yes" to my two Book of Mormon questions.

We filled up in San Antonio at Valero for $1.569.  Later we filled up just east of Houston for $1.359!

Driving in the dark, we reached the Sleep Inn about 8:20 pm.  We enjoyed a nice snack in our room of cheese, tapenade, and jalapeños (which Eileen liked).  It was disastrous, however, for my weight and Eileen's blood sugar the next morning!!

On I-12 we reached our next palindrome of 128821.

On Thursday 18 February we reported the deficiencies in our room and the manager said that he reversed the charge for our room!  We left about 7:35.

We filled up for $1.499 at RaceTrac right by the hotel.

We reached Charlie and Lynn Brown's in Foley at 1:20pm.  Shortly thereafter Lynn had to go to a Primary meeting (she is Primary president and Charlie is Young Men president).  We went with Charlie to O'Charley's for lunch, our first time ever to that restaurant.  As good as it was, however, it seems that many salads at many restaurants are so very similar to each other.

We filled up in Brewton for $1.499.  Eileen had me pass up getting gas in Foley for $1.519 in hopes that we'd find some in the $1.40s.  Thanks to the GasBuddy app on my iPhone, we did!

We arrived at the Comfort Inn in Montgomery about 6:45 pm.

We were wicked and had supper at Schlotzky's next door.  It was our last splurge before we get home.  And it was late besides!  

On Friday 19 February we left the hotel before 8 am.  Our blood sugars and weights were up!  We filled up at Kroger in Opelika, Alabama, for $1.469 with our three-cent discount,

Eileen called Ralph and Holly and we'll meet them for lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse at 2 pm in Ellijay.

When we got to Ellijay we stopped at Walmart, the post office where I mailed our correspondence to Oppenheimer, and Ingles.

We enjoyed lunch with Ralph and Holly.  The salads at Longhorn Steakhouse are superior to salads at most other places.

All was well at home and the power had not gone off at all in our absence!  It took hours to unpack and (for me) to go through all the mail.  There was no need for supper after the lunch we had.

In our mail was a letter from Cuna Mutual Group dated January 20 in response to our letter.  It stated that Eileen was eligible for the Contingent Benefit upon Lapse Option in her long-term care policy.  The amount of coverage that will remain in force is $38,121.42.

We almost forgot to sing to Liam on this, his 3rd birthday.  We FaceTimed with Tom and Liam who was already in his new Lightning McQueen bed.  No more crib for him!  Heather was already sacked out, ready to deliver any day now.

Eileen did 6 D's, 7 E's, 6 F's, 7 G's, and 17 H's in Surrey. 

On Saturday 20 February we enjoyed being back in our own bed and got up barely before 10 am.  Our blood sugars and weights were much better!

We went into town but our bank is no longer open on Saturday.  So we dropped off the container at the post office that had held our mail that was on hold.  Then on to Walmart for several things.  Eileen asked to stop at North Georgia Diamond to have them look at one of her rings.  They took care of that and we went to Rite-aid for sugar-free Peeps and more blood glucose test strips.

We enjoyed watching recorded episodes of "America's Test Kitchen," "Cook's Country,” “Pioneer Woman,” and "Sara's Weeknight Meals" which we actually began doing last night.

I did 57 L's in Essex.  Then I worked on our photos on my laptop to put some of them in my blog.  During supper we enjoyed "Small Town Big Deal" with Rodney Miller and Jann Carl from Moline, Illinois.  Whitey's Ice Cream looked pretty good!

Afterwards Eileen watched some ice skating and then "Treehouse Masters" with Pete Nelson.

I finished adding photos to my 12 July blog entry and republished it.  Due to formatting problems I had to copy it, delete it, and add it back, hence it is listed under the January 2016 blog entries!

Eileen did 8 K's, 12 L's, 11 M's, 6 N's, 4 O's, and 6 of the P's in Surrey.

On Sunday 7 February Eileen enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" followed by "The Generations Project" as we got ready for church at the Ironwood 2nd Ward with the Cubberley's.

Spencer and I went out at 10 am to church to go around collecting fast offerings as Sean had just gotten off work.  Only two people on his list were home and one made a contribution.  I reported to a member of the bishopric that only the first three families on his list matched the envelopes he was given.

Back at Colleen's Eileen sat with me while I researched Blanche Mott, aunt of my dad's second wife Barbara Mott.

Church began at noon.

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

Opening hymn was #273 "Truth Reflects upon Our Senses" text by Eliza R. Snow (1804-1887) chorus by M. E. Abbey and music by Charles Davis Tillman (1861-1943).

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

Today was Fast Sunday and many ward members bore their testimonies, beginning with Brother Rex Southwick, the second counselor in the bishopric who was conducting the meeting today.  A number of children bore their testimonies including Tanner.

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

Gospel Doctrine with Brother Troutman was lesson #6 “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life” using 2 Nephi 1-2.

The purpose of the lesson was to help class members have a greater desire to “choose liberty and eternal life” through Jesus Christ, “the great Mediator of all men” (2 Nephi 2:27). 

1. Lehi exhorts his sons to repent, obey the Lord’s commandments, and put on the armor of righteousness.

2. Lehi testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

President Joseph F. Smith said, “Jesus came and suffered, ‘the just for the unjust,’ he that was without sin for him that had sinned, and was subjected to the penalty of the law which the sinner had transgressed” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed.).

3. Lehi teaches the importance of opposition and the freedom to choose good from evil.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “The Lord has given you the gift of agency (see Moses 7:32) and instructed you sufficiently to know good from evil (see 2 Nephi 2:5). You are free to choose (see 2 Nephi 2:27) and are permitted to act (see 2 Nephi 10:23; Helaman 14:30), but you are not free to choose the consequences. With absolute certainty, choices of good and right lead to happiness and peace, while choices of sin and evil eventually lead to unhappiness, sorrow, and misery” (in General Conference, Oct. 1989).

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be “encircled about eternally in the arms of [the Savior’s] love” (2 Nephi 1:15).  It is a great blessing to be “free to choose,” and encourage class members to “choose liberty and eternal life” through Jesus Christ, “the great Mediator of all men."

The hymn in priesthood was #249 "Called to Serve" text by Grace Gordon and music by Adam Geibel (1855-1933).

The priesthood lesson was a conversation about the February First Presidency message led by the new high priests group leader Brother Brockbank.

Eileen said the sisters in Relief Society had an excellent lesson.

I finished researching the Mott family on ancestry.com and updating/ adding information to FamilyTree on familysearch.org.

I did 16 A's in Essex.  Aldersbrook has no infobox.

I posted the following about the Prophet Joseph Smith from the 13 December 2015 Church News Viewpoint article:

"As Latter-day Saints commemorated the Savior’s birth, we remembered also one who bore powerful witness of the Christ Child born in the little town of Bethlehem. On Dec. 23, 1805, Joseph Smith Jr. was born in an obscure village in Vermont’s Windsor County.
"Though the world didn't know it at the time, this 19th century birth would initiate what is arguably the greatest and most far-reaching chain of events in the history of Christianity since the Savior's mortal ministry itself.

“That infant would grow up to hold the apostolic office and thus be a special witness of Jesus Christ, the first mortal man on earth with such authority since the deaths of Peter, Paul and other New Testament figures. But Joseph's role would have further significance, he being the man who, under the direction of Jesus Christ, received the keys of the gospel's restoration in latter days and of the prophesied Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. It was a role with transcendent magnitude, fulfilling scriptural prophecy” (R. Scott Lloyd, Church News, Dec. 18, 2010).
On Dec. 23, 2005, President Gordon B. Hinckley delivered from the Church’s visitors’ center at Sharon, Vermont, an address that was transmitted to the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and meetinghouses worldwide.
“Two hundred years ago, on this very day, in this very place, there was born a child who was prophetically named Joseph, after the name of his father,” President Hinckley said. “He became the Prophet, Seer and Revelator of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He gave his life in testimony of the truth of all that he said concerning the work of the Lord restored through him in this dispensation.”
Further, President Hinckley said that at the time of year when the world celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, it could be said that no man has born a stronger witness to the reality of the Savior than did Joseph Smith.
“His written testimony is repeated, it is echoed and re-echoed in scores of languages throughout the world. In an age of skepticism and doubt, his witness is unequivocal and certain,” President Hinckley said.
We do not worship Joseph Smith. We honor him and revere his name and life’s work. Truths revealed through him enable us to have a better understanding of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who came to earth to minister among men and offer His own life as the atoning sacrifice that makes possible for everyone to have eternal life with our Heavenly Father. It is this Father and Son whom we worship."

I have begun reading "The Beginning of Better Days: Divine Instruction to Women from the Prophet Joseph Smith" on the Deseret Bookshelf on my iPhone.  The first excellent essay was by Virginia H. Pearce, daughter of President Gordon B. Hinckley, entitled "Angels and Epiphanies."

On Monday 8 February I called Toyota Corporate Customer Service and arranged to just have the diagnosis done at Earnhardt, then they could see what they could do for me.  I drove to Earnhardt only to learn that they couldn't do a thing for me unless the two indicator lights were coming on because of the oil control valve(s) sticking.  So I'll call Toyota Corporate back and wait for the next time the lights come on :(

I then went to the post office near Colleen's and mailed Liam's birthday card.  I met Eileen and Colleen at Walmart as I needed a couple of things and they came for a white baptismal towel that will get embroidered with Tanner's baptismal information.  The apples at Walmart were puny, so I drove to Fry's in hopes of getting nicer ones.  (I did!)

After arriving back at Colleen's I told Sean he could hit the hay and I'd keep an eye on the three boys.  I called Toyota Corporate back and also called Elder Carlson at the mission in Salt Lake City.

He later emailed me and said, "We have advised the Missionary Department to please “flag” your application and note that we would like to have you assigned to our mission.

"We are very excited about the prospect of you coming to our mission.  We are keeping our fingers crossed and look forward to your arrival in due course."

In the meantime Colleen and Eileen went to Trader Joe's for several items.

Arrow called and said that the shielding around our roof looked secure.  They do not see where any flying squirrels could get in.

I did 40 B’s and 36 C’s in Essex.

After supper I took Sean to work at the hospital's ER as we're going to the Dailey Yogurt-N-More store by Fry's for dessert.  But first we had Family Home Evening as Eileen basically gave her talk on the Holy Ghost with help from Spencer and Ashton that she had more formally given in church at Spencer and Ashton's baptisms.  We got there at 8:04 and found that they closed at 8pm!  So we went to Fry's for some ice cream.

Later in the evening I indexed U. S. Iowa - Death Records, 1921-1940.

On Tuesday 9 February I got up early and picked up Sean at the hospital at 7:45.

I worked on what photos I could add to my 26 July blog, then I published my blogs of 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 January.

Eileen did all 80 parishes in Westmorland, England, and picked County Durham to do next.  She did 136 parishes from A to U!

I did 9 D’s and 13 E’s in Essex.

I copied the beneficiary forms from Athene Annuity and Life Company and mailed the originals today.

We drove to a park near William and Erin's to enjoy time with Erin and Weston.  William arrived there after he got off work.

On the way there I finished reading "The Life and Death of King John" by William Shakespeare which I started on 7 December.

The four adults went to the Gilbert Temple and did sealings.  Then we went to Texas Roadhouse in Gilbert for a late supper.  On the way back to Cubberley's our odometer reached 127127.

Back at Colleen's I entered the data from the sealings in my PAF database.  Then I continued researching and updating relatives of Eileen's as I found 1940 censuses and other records that I didn't have before.

On Wednesday 10 February Eileen went with Colleen and the boys to a Hohokam basket weaving event.  Sean and I stayed home as I worked on Eileen's Uncle Wallace's parents and grandparents' families.  There was a great deal of information on the Find A Grave record for Wallace's father's family.

I took a break and finished reading the 13 December issue of the Church News.  I enjoyed the Viewpoint article "A season of wonder," part of which I posted on Facebook (see the Sunday entry above).  There were four articles from the Christmas Devotional including "The most beautiful melody" with President Uchtdorf and 'The Light and the Life of the World' with Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  I enjoyed "Christ's law to His disciples" with President Uchtdorf again, "Witnessing faith and optimism" with Elders Neil L. Andersen and Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles along with Elder Richard J. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy in the Philippines, the 'Festival of Lights' in Washington, D. C., two Christmas memories from Bishop W. Christopher Waddell of the Presiding Bishopric and Sister Mary R. Durham of the Primary general presidency, "Groundbreaking in Lisbon" of the Portugal Temple, "Christmas in Los Angeles," and "Lecture on 'Joseph Smith and the Recovery of Eternal Man'" with Brother Robert L. Millet.

Eileen, Colleen, and the boys had fun and got home about 12:45.

I started putting my research into FamilyTree.  Then we drove to William and Erin's to go out to dinner with them later.

We visited for a while and went to the Rancho de Tia Rosa in Gilbert for dinner.

We drive to a nearby Fry's and shopped, then filled up for $1.299 with a 20-cent per gallon discount!!

Back at home I finished up my work with the Culton family and printed the Family Ordinance Request form.

On Thursday 11 February I got up early and picked up Sean at the hospital at 7:45.  He wasn't expecting me and kept walking, even after I beeped at him.  So I had to catch up to him with the car!

We drove to the Farr's in Mesa and went through the 10 am endowment session with them.  There were 15 brethren and 28 sisters.  I walked to the visitors' center to get some pass-along cards for Colleen.  Then we drove to Rosa's Mexican Grill for lunch.  Afterwards we visited with the Farr's at their home.

We stopped at Fry's for a couple of things on the way home.

After supper we had dessert at the Dailey Yogurt-N-More store near Fry's.

I did some research on Eileen's Uncle Wallace's mother's Bloodgood side of the family.

On Friday 12 February I got up early and picked up Sean at the hospital at 7:45.  

I called Oppenheimer about the beneficiaries for our four accounts.  Two of them are all set up, however I need to remove Sue and change Heather's last name.  The other two require the TOD form to add the kids.

Eileen, Colleen, Spencer, and I went to the Gilbert Temple to do baptisms and confirmations.  We had made appointments for 5:30 (Cubberley) and 6 pm (Bailey), so we were able to do 10 baptisms each.  I baptized Colleen, Spencer, and Eileen, then the temple worker baptized me.

Then we did the 41 confirmations as one female name had her baptism done previously, but not the confirmation.

It was taking a long time to get the family file cards so we left and get them tomorrow.

We enjoyed supper at Applebee's in Gilbert, our first time at an Applebee's in three years.  It was at Spencer's request.

On Saturday 13 February I finished setting up our return trip to Ellijay with Choice Hotels via Ebates.com.  Early in the morning Spencer went with a group to the Mesa Temple to do more baptisms.

I did 15 F's in Essex.

I finished the paperwork for Oppenheimer for all four accounts and it's ready to mail.

At 1:30 the baptismal service began for Tanner and two other youngsters. Sean's brother Keith drove up from Tucson to attend.  William, Erin, and Weston attended.

Opening hymn was #193, "I Stand All Amazed" with Colleen conducting.

Sister Allison Wood, grandmother of Brinklee Johnson, spoke on baptism.

The baptisms were performed by Sean and the two other fathers.  William and I were witnesses as Tanner was baptized.

Several hymns were sung while waiting for the baptismal participants to return.  Colleen played the piano.

Tanner and Brinklee sang "My Baptism Day."

Spencer spoke on the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The confirmations were performed by Sean and the two other fathers.  William and I stood in the circle with Brother Rex Southwick of the bishopric and Brother Cotter, their home teacher, as Sean confirmed Tanner.

Closing hymn was "When I am Baptized."

After lots of picture-taking, we went to Sweet Tomatoes in Gilbert at Tanner's request.

From there Eileen and I drove to the Gilbert Temple to pick up the 41 family file cards from last night.  Colleen drove to the home of the sister who had the 15 cards from the Mesa Temple this morning.

Then we drove to Fry's for a few things and filled up for $1.359 with a 10-cent per gallon discount!  The price had dropped four cents since Wednesday.

After we were all home Tanner received his new scriptures (a 3-in-1 and Bible) and a carrying case for them, the latter from us.

Later we enjoyed Eileen's dessert (cheesecake and pistachio flavors from Holly Hughes' lemon recipe) and the boys also had ice cream.

I finished reading "Paths of Disharmony (Star Trek: Typhon Pact)" by Dayton Ward which was begun on 15 January.

I finished reading "The Vicomte de Bragelonne" by Alexander Dumas Pere which was begun on 8 June.

On Sunday 2 August we enjoyed "Music & the Spoken Word" emanating from the iMac in our office and Eileen the Book of Mormon discussion of 2 Nephi 3-4 on BYU-TV.  We enjoyed attending our Ellijay Branch.

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

Opening hymn was #139 "In Fasting We Approach Thee" text by Paul L. Anderson (b. 1946) and music by Clay Christensen (b. 1949).

Sacrament hymn was #171 "With Humble Heart" text by Zara Sabin (1892-1980) and music by Thomas L. Durham (b. 1950).

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

Craig Chester began with his testimony as he was conducting the meeting today.  He spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and not justifying your wayward behavior.

David Echard spoke of their move to Sugar Hill after living here for eight years.  He bore his testimony of the Restored Gospel, of the Book of Mormon, and of the Holy Priesthood.

A young woman named Abby bore her testimony.

A young woman named Kate, who is visiting, bore her testimony.

Don Bivens bore his testimony of the Savior and the Restored Church.

A young man, who is visiting, bore his testimony.

Elder Rumsey told of his testimony being strengthened by ours.  He spoke of the Savior's love for us, sometimes in spite of the things we do.  He did His Father's will, as we should also.  Sharing our testimony strengthens it.

Another young man bore his testimony.

Charmet Chester spoke on the power of personal progress in Young Women.  Of keeping a journal.

Jay Hanks spoke of the family visiting them and the young people sharing their testimonies.  He is grateful for his Savior Jesus Christ.  Grateful for His atoning sacrifice.  So many opportunities to improve in the Church, tithing, temples.  Loves the Book of Mormon.  Grateful for the stability that the Gospel provides.

Loretta White is grateful for her Savior and for Young Women.

Robin Hanks spoke of the strong faith in the Savior in many whom she meets and works with.  Let our light so shine to them.  Share our testimonies.  Working with special needs children.  The Savior has blessed us with the fullness of the Gospel.  "I want to be a fountain, not a drain."

A couple from Kissimmee, Florida, are visiting friends in the area.  He bore his testimony.  They have a son on a mission in Rochester working with the deaf.  His daughter bore her testimony.  She spoke of the Atonement of the Savior.

Sandy Green spoke of trying to do what is right.  Losing the fear of speaking in front of people, of playing the organ, of singing a solo, etc.  All thanks to the Church.

A visiting sister from Atlanta (I think) bore her testimony.  Being challenged in things you know are true.

Richard Callahan shared his testimony that Jesus Christ is his Savior.

Closing hymn was #31 "O God, Our Help in Ages Past" text by Isaac Watts (1674-1748) and music by William Croft (1677-1727). 

We had a good sized congregation today as the overflow was needed.

Gospel Doctrine with Harry Spooner was lesson #29, “The Number of the Disciples Was Multiplied” using Acts 6–9.

The purpose of the lesson was to help class members recognize that the work of the Church is done by many people, all of whom contribute their talents and testimonies to strengthen the Church.

1. Seven men are ordained to supervise the temporal work of the Church.

President Howard W. Hunter said: “It is in understanding and accepting [the] universal fatherhood of God that all human beings can best appreciate God’s concern for them and their relationship to each other. This is a message of life and love that strikes squarely against all stifling traditions based on race, language, economic or political standing, educational rank, or cultural background, for we are all of the same spiritual descent. We have a divine pedigree; every person is a spiritual child of God” (in General Conference, Oct. 1991).

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995)

2. Stephen testifies before the Sanhedrin and is stoned to death. 

3. Philip preaches and performs miracles in Samaria.

President James E. Faust said: “This greatest of all powers, the priesthood power, is not accessed the way power is used in the world. It cannot be bought or sold. … Worldly power often is employed ruthlessly. However, priesthood power is invoked only through those principles of righteousness by which the priesthood is governed” (in General Conference, Apr. 1997).

President James E. Faust (1920-2007)

4. Saul is converted and baptized and begins to preach the gospel.

Elder Robert D. Hales said, “On occasion individuals can have [experiences like Saul’s], but for the most part, conversion happens over a period of time as study, prayer, experience, and faith help us to grow in our testimony and conversion” (in General Conference, Apr. 1997).

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Elder Ezra Taft Benson said that Saul’s question, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” is the most important question we can ask in this life (in General Conference, Oct. 1972).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994)

We, like Stephen, Philip, and Saul, are living in a time when the Church is growing rapidly. The Lord wants each of us to serve in his kingdom as it grows. Class members need to recognize and appreciate the different qualities, talents, and experiences that each branch member brings to the Lord’s service.

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

The priesthood lesson consisted of the First Presidency Message entitled "Stand as a Light" in the August 2015 by President Thomas S. Monson.

He stated, "We must develop the faith necessary to survive spiritually and to project a light for others. We must nurture our testimony until it becomes an anchor to our lives.  Among the most effective ways to gain and keep the faith we need today is to read and study the scriptures and to pray frequently and consistently."

President Thomas S. Monson

Eileen told me that Debbie Gerbers taught a very good lesson in Relief Society using Elder L. Tom Perry's talk "Why Marriage and Family Matter—Everywhere in the World" from April general conference.

Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1922-2015)

At home I finished reading the next section of Elder John A. Widtsoe's "Evidences and Reconciliations" which was "Priesthood."

I did the parishes in County Monaghan as part of our CSM work. I worked on the Irish parishes in County Mayo, too.

During supper Elder and Sister Rumsey came by with a family history question.  We were able to help them.  Eileen showed them her new sewing room and we gave them lots of boxes from our garage for Tonya Jackson to use in her move this week.

I called Don Bivens and provided him with more information about his family history question he had at church today.

I finished reading the 24 May issue of the Church News.  I especially enjoyed "Cordoba temple already uplifting spirits, changing lives," 

Cordoba Argentina Temple

"Apostle returns 'home' to where he served as a missionary," 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife Kathy arrive at the Cordoba Argentina Temple.

"'Stepping stones' of preparation," and "Come, let us go up" (Isaiah 2:3).  I posted the following paragraph from the last article on my "wall" on Facebook.  "Our sacred, weekly pledge to bear the name of Christ, to remember Him and keep His commandments is a promise that influences who we are and everything we do. The daily choices we make about the clothing we wear, the words we speak, the thoughts we think, the images we view, the music we hear, and the media we permit to enter our minds and hearts; and our behavior in public and in private reflect how well we honor our covenant. When we are true to the covenants we have made at baptism and in the sacrament [communion], we are preparing to receive the blessings of the temple. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “When we make and keep covenants, we are coming out of the world and into the kingdom of God.” "

Eileen worked on the Irish parishes in County Meath.  Meanwhile I finished reading chapter 19 of President Joseph F. Smith's "Gospel Doctrine" entitled "Education and Industrial Pursuits."

We watched a little bit of the Nationals - Mets game.  Then at 9 pm we watched the new episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" with J. K. Rowling who, of course, we've heard of (though Elder Rumsey had not).

On Monday 3 August we went to Bryant Physical Therapy for our hour workout.  Then on to Walmart primarily for the sugar-free chocolates we were out of.  We had to drop off our recyclables at the dump on the way home as the bins hadn't been emptied when we drove into town earlier.

I worked about an hour-and-a-half on the Irish parishes of Mayo and Meath.  Part of that was fixing a lot of entries where I had put in "Parishes_In_" instead of "Parishes_in_".

I got the library input from Heather Parker and was able to submit the Kids Ferst newsletter for Gilmer County, though a few days late.

We went to church in the evening for our FHE.  Jan Pardee said that Harry Spooner would be teaching it as David Echard has moved.

Eileen finished the Irish parishes in County Meath and I emailed all of our results to Sandra Pond.

We watched some of the Giants  - Braves game.  While Eileen was in the office on the computer, I hollered to her as a two-run homer for the Braves in the bottom of the ninth inning tied the score.  Later while I was on the computer she told me that she had on the show following the game and it appeared that the Braves won.  I checked and another Brave had hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the twelfth inning to win the game!  The team had overcome being down, 6-0, and won, 9-8.

On Tuesday 4 August we slept late and went into town in the afternoon, stopping at the post office, dry cleaners (I had a nice chat with the proprietor Marsha Burnett about our diabetes and losing weight on our diet.  She and her husband Gary are overweight and she has type 2 diabetes.) and Ingles.  We bumped into Bob Hughes and his wife Julia at Ingles.  They were interested in the Church years ago and he volunteered at the food pantry when we first moved here.

I researched Lynn Edwards' family ordinance request firm that David Echard had given me on Sunday.

I checked on Family Tree for Elizabeth Howe LK38-N2B, Joseph Howe LJ5N-PDD, and Mary Howe LJ5N-PX3.

I tried to contact Sister Edwards by phone and then emailed her what I had found.

While working on the iMac computer in the office I began and finished "The Coming of Mr. Quin A Harley Quin Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

We watched the Braves - Giants game and the Braves went ahead, 3-2, then the bullpen blew it as the Giants won, 8-3.

After Eileen went to sleep I began and finished "The Voice in the Dark A Harley Quin Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Wednesday 5 August we volunteered at the food pantry.  Being the first Wednesday we had about 130 families receive assistance.  Elder Rumsey and I were very busy with bags and I was busy collapsing cardboard boxes.

Then we drove into Ellijay to home teach Randall and Bonnie Helton.  We had a nice visit.

We went to Lowe's and got some flowers to put in our flower boxes on our front porch.  Those that had been there when we left home on 1 June did not survive.  Later at home Eileen planted them after I found the trowel downstairs outside the back door.

After supper we drove to church to staff the branch Family History Center from 6-8:10 pm.   We met with Roger Widmann who arrived moments after we did.  We got a lot accomplished with him and enjoyed some discussion about other Church matters.

I finished the process of downloading the Apple operating system OS X Yosemite and restarting our iMac desktop computer.  I can now access the My Passport external disk drive with all of my pictures although I now have to get used to the new format.

At home we had the Braves - Giants game on and the Giants won, 6-1.

After Eileen went to sleep I began and finished "The Mystery of the Blue Jar A Short Story" by Agatha Christie.

On Thursday 6 August I was able to locate the 13 pictures of us on our vacation holding the Times-Courier and put them in a folder on the iMac's desktop.  I sent the first in front of the Lubbock Temple to April Teague at the newspaper.

We drove to Mineral Bluff to visit with Ralph and Holly and go to lunch with them.  We went to the Toccoa Riverside Restaurant in nearby Aska. We visited them at their home afterwards.

Then we went to home teach Darlene Burgess in Blue Ridge where she is babysitting two of her son Eric's boys.  From there we shopped at Ingles and filled up at Walmart for $2.219.

After supper we brought in the table from the garage for Eileen to use for her artistic endeavors in the former front bedroom.

I finally published my 19 April blog entry.

We finished slicing up the remaining mangoes we received from David. They are slimy but delicious.

We had the Braves - Marlins game on and the Braves won, 9-8.

On Friday 7 August we went to Walmart, then to Bryant Physical Therapy, and back to Walmart for a few things we had forgotten.

We got home about 12:30 and Jan Pardee arrived at 1 pm.  We chatted about the FHE we had on Monday and then I helped Jan with her family history for about three hours.

We got the sad news that Eileen's Aunt Esther passed away about 2:30 pm today in New Jersey.  She was 91 last month.

I prepared the iMac in the office to do indexing in familysearch.org and indexed some christenings in Surrey, England.

I emailed the branch members inviting them to help with the Worldwide Indexing Event.

We had the Dodgers - Pirates game on and the Pirates won, 5-4, in 10 innings.

On Saturday 8 August we were up and headed to the temple where we did five sealings of couples and numerous sons and daughters to their parents.  On the way in Woodstock our odometer reached the next palindrome of 111111.

After leaving the temple we drove north on GA 400 to Jo-Ann Fabrics in Alpharetta.  Then we headed north on 400 and turned west across country, discovering when we reached Pickens and Gilmer counties an area called the Georgian Highlands with absolutely spectacular views!!

We got to church about 3:20 for baptismal service at 4 pm for Brother Claude Miller.

Opening hymn #111 "Rock of Ages" text by Augustus M. Toplady (1740-1778) and music by Thomas Hastings (1784-1872).

The talk on baptism was given by Brother Van Rownd.  He spoke of Brother Miller's desire to be with his deceased wife Pat for eternity.  Mark 1:4-8. Matthew 3:16-17.  2 Nephi 31.  The Lamb of God fulfilled all righteousness.  1. Repentance.  Every day process.  2. Forgiveness of those who have offended us.  Forgive ourselves.  3. Live the commandments of the Gospel.  The only ordinances we do in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are baptism and sealing in the temple!

Brother Miller was baptized by Brother Van Rownd.  I was one of the witnesses.

The talk on the Holy Ghost given by Brother Terry Dorsey.  Third member of the Godhead.  Doesn't have a body of flesh but of spirit.  Convincing witness that the Gospel is true.

Brother Craig Chester welcomed Brother Miller to the Ellijay Branch and to the Church.  Parable of the workers in the vineyard.  Little children from D&C. Riches of eternity. 

Closing hymn #86 "How Great Thou Art" which is a Christian hymn based on a Swedish traditional melody and a poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) in Sweden in 1885.  See my 12 July blog entry for more information.

Afterwards we stopped at Ingles for some salad makings.

In the evening we began packing for the trip north for Aunt Esther's funeral on Tuesday.