18 September 2017
I realized that one advantage of syncing my journal with a cloud based note taking software is that I can write anywhere without having to bring a paper journal with me; therefore, I am writing during my lunch break.
The inventory tracking is working out, but I will not be done today.
I would like to explain virtue. The definition of virtue on Google is the same as integrity, but integrity is only part of virtue. I think that my Elders Quorum did not know the spiritual definition of virtue because they did not grow up with Preach My Gospel. The missionary manual spells it out well. I taught from chapter 18 of the "Gordon B. Hinckley: Teachings of the Prophets" manual.
Virtue is a Christ-like attribute that one can obtain. We are born with it as it is the pure nature of the goodness of man undefiled from the world. A virtuous person would abhor carnal activities. Carnality is
“1. Relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites: carnal desire.
2. Worldly or earthly; temporal: the carnal world.
3. Of or relating to the body or flesh; bodily: carnal remains.“
This includes the entertainment and practice of violence and destruction. A virtuous individual is temperate, meaning that they have self-control. They are not indulgent, giving into temptation or weakness. The knowledge that man are children of God enables them to stand with an understanding that there is a more noble lifestyle than the philosophies of man, for God does not dwell among our filthy telestial world.
Temperance, purity, and goodness is held within the mind. One must practice maintaining their thoughts as good, optimistic, and uplifting. They believe that all things are possible through God's grace. The human mind is simple. It can only think of one thing at a time. A mind without deliberate thoughts goes out of control. Satan can put thoughts in people's minds; therefore, think godly thoughts.
19 September 2017
Last night I fell into Satan's trick to mess up our evening, so we didn't have Family Home Evening. It has been over a week since Jessica has not made herself lunch. The trick was to have me insist on Jessica making herself a second meal for the day. Jessica felt weak since we didn't make herself lunch; therefore, she was just as stubborn, insisting not to make food. I didn't rag on her for hours because I folded all six loads of laundry that I had done. I refused to have Jessica fold laundry because she would most likely not complete the task. We barely had FHE. I thought maybe teaching her that she needs to make herself two meals a day could be counted as Family Home Evening, and she could cook after we closed the lesson. That didn't fly though. I gave in eventually and we got pizza. During dinner I taught her about how God does most everything after a pattern, and she needs to give herself a daily routine; however, she is not following it today. She did follow the plan to get me out of the apartment on time to get to work though, which is a first. Satan tries the same tricks on individuals to mess them up. If you watch these patterns, you can be more aware of your weaknesses, personal temptations, and what is going on.
Work has been a little mind blowing today. The inventory tracker is slightly more complicated than expected yesterday.
Coming home from work, I found that my tire got flat. I am a very minimalistic person, leaving my wallet in Jessica's purse. It is a miracle that the bike shop used Apple Pay. Forgetting tools, I had to pay for labor. My tires have special goo that fills in the small punctures. The salesman that originally sold the goo to me, said that it had been several years since he has had a flat tire. I thought for months that the ball bearings in my crank were broken, but the guy in the shop said that they were fine. I had him fix the flat tire, and he discovered that my bicycle chain lacked grease. He was able to resolve my concerns, and I can now cycle with more confidence.
Jessica is making a leap of faith, driving to get food and ice-cream. We were married on the 19th, and we get ice-cream on that day each month. We need to meet at the church because we are attending the self-reliance class. I am writing more often in the moment since I am typing on my phone. Jessica drove alone, purchasing a very large sandwich and ice-cream sandwiches. She spoke about nervous situations, but she said that she feels more like an adult. Both of us are proud of her accomplishment.
The self-reliance class had the same amount of participants as last class, but Rob Johnson did not come as Thad came. Family councils were the admonition of this class. The lesson discouraged division marriage finances.
On the bicycle ride home, I start out by ignoring the GPS, following the path that it usually takes us by car; however, the path was dark. I thought of a rhyme. "I can barely see, and branches are coming towards me." I was prompted to get off the road seconds before a bus passed me. The GPS told me to turn to a random road. It looked slightly more lit than the assumed way. I started following the GPS, and it took me on a lit path home. My experience sounds like a parable about the Holy Ghost.
At home Jessica and I ate Klondike bars.
20 September 2017
This morning I checked blogger.com, and I was surprised to see that my article got 244 clicks, which is double the previous entry; furthermore, the clicks on the previous post was double the one before. I think that it is because I wrote about Xfinity. I have another story about that company.
Late last week, Xfinity delivered a Gateway terminal, the modem and router combined device. I did not order this. I called customer service, and they removed the delivery charge, saying to take it back to a UPS store for delivery. When I got to the store, they said that the postmen ignore the note on the box: Return to sender. I would most likely get it delivered back to my apartment. It was delivered back to my apartment last Monday, and I was able to catch the postman before he left. He said that he will mark that the package was refused, taking it.
At work, I finally got back to the jobsite to record the progress of the past week, since I had to begin preparing data for my project manager's scheduling session and the inventory tracker. Most everyone hailed me up as a friend. "Where have you been?!"
During the self-reliance class, I explained how my expenses and income applications have been helpful. Since it is handy on my phone like my journal, I can keep it up-to-date easily. The app is called "Income vs Expenses." I have given myself ten dollars a week for my travel expenses, a total of thirty dollars. When I arrived at the bicycle shop, I said that I needed a flat tire fixed. The guy said that would cost me eighteen dollars. I decided to just buy the tube, and replace my flat one myself; then, I realized that a purchase of the goo would save me on many more flat tires, so I decided to buy a bottle. After I made two purchases, I recalled that I left my tools at home, requiring a third transaction. I felt foolish, but it had to be done. I asked the guy to fix my bicycle. He said that labor would cost twelve dollars. I was worried that I might not have enough money to pay him for labor. Both of the previous purchases were about 8-10 dollars. I was able to record my expenses quickly in my app. This assured me that I had enough money instantaneously.
When I got home from work, Jessica was not answering the door. I like having her opening the door because it is a hassle; putting down the bicycle, finding my keys, unlocking the door, there are many steps to get into the house without her help. When I opened the door, I saw that she was arriving from shopping. She planned to make Pad Thai noodles for the sister missionaries. I was confused because she bought peanut butter and lemons. I never saw mom make the Pad Thai sauce, nor have I cooked Pad Thai noodles. Jessica was overwhelmed by the task. She did not believe that she had enough time. I knew there was enough time, so I jumped to make it work. I put garlic in the food processor. My first batch was burned because I was too lazy to wash a serving spoon. Jessica thought that it was okay, but I made a second batch quickly. The second batch cooked quickly. I put the tofu and red onions in the pan. The pan seemed too hot, but it was not too hot for the tofu. I realized that I needed to use scissors to cut the noodles into eatable and cookable portions. The heat of the pot was no longer a concern when I poured the Pad Thai Sauce that Jessica prepared with Water, Soy sauce, Lemon, and Peanut butter. It seemed odd, but it turned out well. The sister missionaries arrived before we finished cooking. I was surprised how quickly it cooked. They only had to wait a couple minutes, and it was ready. Jessica said that we may need to put the green onion in ten minutes; however, it was practically ready.
The dinner conversation was good. We talked about family. I spoke about the missionary opportunities that I am starting to see at work. A helper named Daniel stopped me, embracing my Christian roots. He said that he is excited to start a family based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, since he is engaged for marriage. I need to find my thirteen article of faith cards to start giving them out. There are so many opportunities. I spoke about many people at work that a sister missionary was inspired by the masonry and company environment of Columbia Stone Inc. I don't want to pass up opportunities anymore.
I practiced one spontaneous service opportunity last Friday. Someone forgot there phone in the bathroom. As I was about to leave, I heard it ring. I answered it, and the person, calling the phone, worked at the project. I was able to give it to the man, who called the phone.
I tried to help a man struggling to push a cart up a hill today, but I was too slow. He looked homeless.
I should look for my article of faith cards now.
21 September 2017
On my second day, coming back to campus and tracking the crews after settling the big scheduling and inventory issues, I am refining my methods. Having the foreman report to me daily, I confirm their data. It took a little extra time out on the jobsite, but I think that I figured out my new routine.
Last week I called BYU Idaho's registration office because the dean of my school said that my missing class issue was resolved. The office people said that the records don't reflect it. I reported the news back to the dean, and he did not report until yesterday that the record was properly updated. I called the BYU Idaho registration office to confirm again, and they said that the issue was resolved. I am finally getting my diploma! It should arrive early next month.
22 September 2017
Last night the missionaries came over to begin the Active Member Lessons that their mission president is urging them to do. They said that they wanted tips on how to teach better. At first they asked to summarize and testify of the restoration lesson. I did. The district leader testified of the first vision, and his companion testified of the Book of Mormon. Their commitment was to read the first vision and to obtain a greater testimony of it. I began reading this morning, and one thing that surprised me is that Joseph Smith Jr. has a brother named Don Carlos.
The missionaries asked for tips at the beginning of their lesson, but they did not follow up on it at the end. I had to. I told him that their lesson is too structured. They are teaching lessons not us as people addressing our needs. Unity in companionship and transition in conversations would be smoother because both of them would have perspectives to contribute. Hit the important subject matter on their conversion or progress and help them grow from there.
Work today has been productive. Since this is my third day catching up, I figured that I modernize how track productivity because I had been recording it on paper; then, I would transfer it digital data. I finally got a new battery for my laptop, so I am mobile. I will no longer do two tasks. The tasks will be merged into one on my laptop. It would work much better, if I had a tablet. I think that it will be awkward, but it should be more efficient.
My logic was very accurate. It was awkward. I started confirming the numbers about 2 PM, and I finished two hours late from leaving work at 6 PM. I hope that I speed up the process. I think that it usually takes that long. I am not sure.
23 September 2017
I signed up my grandfather Glen Hicken for StoryWorth. StoryWorth is a company asks subscribers weekly questions, recording the stories to print a book for the family of each subscriber after a year. We have been working on grandpa to tell a story for two months now, and I finally got the first story last night. The question of the week was originally "What is your favorite drink?", but I didn't want to ask that question especially since it was Glen's first experience. I debated between the following two questions: "How did you meet and court your wife?" and "Since you will be going on the honor flight next week, have you reflected on experiences from your service in the Navy?" I choose the second question. Grandpa left the recording over phone, and it is very interesting. I wish that I can post it here because I have to transcribe it myself, but I will share it with family only.
When I left work late yesterday evening, I saw a girl, cycling. She was ahead about 100 meters, so I didn't expect to catch her. She was at a stop light. I wanted to see how fast she was because she was decked out with cycling gear. She was not very fast; although, she ducked down, trying to be arrow dynamic. I am not certain if her effort, but she looked like she was going all out. At the next traffic light, she let me go. I raced off. In cross country I learned not to look back. I turned onto Lawrence Expressway. Although I did not expect that she would follow me down the expressway, I kept the pace. I knew that there was a bumpy part of the road, so I kept an eye out. As I dodged the bumpy part, turning toward the sidewalk, I saw the girl pass me. I did not even hear her behind me. I was going to turn at the next light, so I did not try to pass her back. Her pace was easy to keep up with as before. She is not very fast like many other cyclists that blow passed me like I am a weakling. We seem to be about the same strength physically.
I tried to do a double platelet donation with the Red Cross today, but I underestimated the time that I needed to prepare, arriving late. The double platelet donation process requires a valuable machine that they like to be productive as much as possible; therefore, they did not wait for me. I think that arrived on time, but the volunteer at the desk was new, not following normal procedures. I will have the wait until after general conference for my blood donation.
Tonight is the General Women's Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The priesthood took care of the children and dinner after. The childcare was like a fair, and I did not need to help much. Exploring the see what is going on for dinner, I arrived at a good time to receive instruction to serve as a waiter for the dinner. I saw Brother Duckworth, and I was able to catch up with him when I arrived at first. Walking around, I saw the festivities, and that my help was not necessary. I also caught up with Cody Wentworth and James Satterlee. I spoke to many other people; however, I feel like I only really caught up with those two people since I did not hear about what the other people have been up to. James and Cody were both in construction.
My experience as a waiter was relaxed. My father served at the table right next to mine, and he said that he was worried about dropping food. I served Cody Wentworth's family. My only awkward moment was when I was trying to get all of the water pitcher. I almost tilted it too much. The lid did not fall off gratefully as the ice shifted.
James Satterlee dressed as Goliath, wearing his Scottish apparel. He marched in with the children at the end of the dinner.
24 September 2017
We went to the Santa Cruz Stake's event for the Women's Conference. Friday night I put ten dollars of gas in the car, since I give myself ten dollars a week for my travel expenses. I was so amazed how I asked for ten dollars put in the car, and the machine put exactly ten dollars’ worth of gas in the car automatically. I have never seen that before. The gas only lasted about fifty miles. I may need to re-think how much money that I give myself each week. I thought that cycling to work saved me money, but it caused me to exceed the budget. The thirty dollars a week was a perfect amount of money to fix my bike earlier this week. The ten dollar for this week for gas was not enough, so we filled the tank last night. If I had my tools to fix my bicycle earlier this week the ten dollars a week, the budget should have been fine. I think. Before I rode my bike to work, I would have to fill the gas tank once a week, so work bike transportation is definitely saving money.
Yesterday Trevor and I were able to convince my dad to play Tokaido with us again. Dad's beginner's luck was gone, and they struggled to keep up with me; although, Trevor had a good start. Trevor and dad were tied. I liked that dad tried to be competitive because Trevor usually sets his mind on a strategy, not adapting much. He tried to sabotage me, but it did not work.
Trevor said that Austin finally added him on the PlayStation Network. I am assuming that is the name of the social network. Trevor said that he added him on PSN.
Today is Sunday, a Sabbath day of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was thinking about writing about my revelations today at church, but I think that I am being tempted to not write them. I should write them.
I read scriptures about Sacrament in order to have better control of my thoughts during the ordinance. I struggle with that. In 3 Nephi 18:4-5, it says the disciples and the multitude were filled as they partook of the bread. From the Book of Mormon we learned that "filled" means that they were filled with the Holy Ghost. In the New Testament, the Beattitudes says that the people are hunger and thirst after righteousness are filled, but the Book of Mormon version of the Beattitudes say that they will be filled with the Holy Ghost. I thought whether I am being filled with the Holy Ghost during the ordinance. I wrote in my notes that I am filled with knowledge of truth, love, assurance, hope, peace, optimism, and more. I am not one to regularly recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost within me. My nature must have the Holy Ghost intertwined within it.
A man spoke in Sacrament that he felt foolish to have realized after more than forty years of activity in the church a precept about the atonement of Jesus Christ. I don't think that it is a basic thought process. He taught me that we enable the blessings of the Gift of the Holy Ghost in our lives, when we apply the atonement in our lives by repentance and obedience.
I feel like investing more in this ward, since I plan to live here for years. I participated a lot more than usual in Sunday school. The bishop taught today about the love of God, justice, and mercy during the class. He taught that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty of sin for all mankind. After the work of salvation is complete, when the saints complete the ordinance work for the entire human family during millennium. Judgement will not be an issue of whether we are allowed to be accepted into the Kingdom of God. He would love us to join us there; however, Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 and Alma 12:14-15 describes the scene of judgement day. The verse in Doctrine and Covenants is as follows:
Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all his works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance.
As I taught previously about virtue, we need to obtain it in time, or we may not want to dwell in God's presence for eternity. When we obtain virtue, "thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God," yet if we do not bring forth "fruit meet for repentance." "Our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power."
During priesthood class we analyzed the following scripture verses of Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." A general authority taught according to a general conference talk, which was the topic of the class. We must not lean on our understanding in order for us to obtain God's direction. We were talking about how we have applied the scriptures in our lives personally. I did not share my experience, but I thought of a recent revelation experience. I learned about the spirit of deep sleep that man dwell in when they are not spiritually conscious. Lehi was trying to wake up his sons Laman and Lemuel. I thought that I may be spiritually unconscious because I did not hear any of the questions after that discussion in the lesson. I feel like many people on this earth are not spiritually concerned about their well-being; therefore, they may be thought as sleeping. They are just living life not thinking about their eternal welfare; then, some day they may wake up to the horror, when "we must come forth and stand before him (God) in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just." Let us obtain a higher spiritual consciousness and virtue by seeking after the knowledge of truth about God.
After church we had a linger-longer, which was nice, because Jessica has a 4:30 self-reliance class about education. Most of the food was desert or a chip centered appetizer. We met a lot of people, but we did not find friends to talk to during the linger-longer.
I have about an hour until Jessica gets out of her self-reliance class. I hope to begin transcribing grandpa's navy story after editing, posting, and sharing this entry.
