What's In This Blog

I created this blog for my journal. I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this blog I keep many of the things I come across as a member of the church. I also share my experiences on the ACE Train and getting to work, my experiences in Manteca where we have lived for three years, and other things I think are noticeable.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Documentary Review: The Incredible Human Machine

The Incredibla Human Machine, National Geographic, 2007.
This is an incredible look at the human body.  It looks at each of the major systems, and describes the importance of that system, usually i more than one way.
It starts with skin.  Skin not only keeps us together, it is also a cooking mechanism.  The individual cells expand when we are hot, which allows for increased cooling.  Also the secret sweat, which encourages evaporation and cools us.  If not for tyhe cooling properties of skin, we would all be sunk.
It then takes a look at each of our senses.  Eyes are the gateway.  The retina of the eye is so thin, yet it had thousands of individual cells receiving images.  In similar fashion, the ear receives myriads of waves, some traveling very fast, which are interpreted by three tiny bones.  The ear also plays an important role in balance and helping us know where we are at.
It is incredible how many taste buds are on the tongue, and if we accidentally burn them off new ones are formed in a couple of weeks.  Touch and smell also play important parts.  Pain is a mechanism to warn us, and is a good teacher.
The digestive system is so intricate as well.  Food gets to the stomach very quickly, and then is slowed down to allow for absorption of minerals and vitamins that we need.  The stomach first slows food down, and then the intestines.  Food slowly escapes through he intestine wall, where the liver is waiting to finish the absorption process. 
Oxygen also enters the body, and is distributed through the lungs to the blood stream.    Sound is made as air is passed over the voice box.  The voice box is two membranes that vibrate and knock against each other at an incredibly rapid rate.  They shows Steve Tyler's voice box, and studied this through a concert.  There were over a million such collisions in one concert.
Our bodies house over 70 miles of blood vessels which carry minerals and oxygen to every cell of the body.  This entire 70 mile system is controlled by one 10 ounce pump called the heart. 
The muscular system was presented in great detail.  Over 200 different muscles make it possible to walk; Back and stomach muscles so we don't fall over backwards or forwards, and then all the leg muscles.  We are an incredibly complex machine. 
Our system of bones can withstand great pressure.  They give us shape.  However bones would not work without joints, and joints would not work without ligaments.  It is all so complex.
Our nervous system and our brains are also a marvel.  We use such a little percent of our capacity.  But we are able to expand our minds.  Just now data is beginning to develop with regards to mapping the brain.  Each individual is distinct, and places in the brain for certain functions can vary  Some of these area, we are just touching the surface of understanding.
In many areas the give glimpses of new advances, sight, heart surgery, brain surgery, joint restorarion, are just a few of the advances we glimpse. 
This movie is truly amazing.  It is impossible to describe the entire system.  However, my conclusion after watching this is :There is a God."  How could such a complex system come together randomly.  We were created in God's image.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Coming Unto Christ

A few years ago, while taking a course on "Preach My Gospel,  Sister Ure was called upon to answer the question, “What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?”  She had talked about this question with her family, and provided an answer she had gotten from her daughter, Caroline.  The gospel of Jesus Christ is to “Come unto Jesus.”
Perhaps we hear the invitation of the Savior, “Come unto me, all you who are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest; Take of my fruit and you will be blessed.”
And so we ask ourselves, what are the blessings of coming unto Christ.  Page 1 of the Preach My Gospel Manuel refers to the people in our day.  "They want 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come' (D&C 59:23), but they are 'kept from the truth because they know not where to find it' (D&C 123:12)."  (PMG p 1)
The Savior defined His gospel to include some very vital and basic doctrines. He came into the world to do His Father’s will, and His Father sent Him into the world to be lifted up on the cross. By His Atonement and Resurrection, all men will be lifted up to stand before Christ to be judged of their works, whether they be good or evil. Those who exercise faith in Christ, repent of their sins, and are baptized in Christ’s name can be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. If they endure to the end, they will stand spotless before Christ at the last day and will enter into the rest of the Lord. (Preach My Gospel pg 5)
 
Through the atonement we can find peace.  However we can also find peace in our family units, eternally.  "The message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for families to be united now and in eternity. By living the principles of the gospel, families can experience peace, joy, and a sense of belonging and identity in this life. Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions, and challenges. Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. '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, 102)."(PMG p 3)
"Obedience to Jesus Christ is a lifelong commitment. Through exercising faith, repenting, being baptized and committing to serve Christ, and then receiving the Holy Ghost, we can experience healing, forgiveness of sins, and complete conversion to the Savior and His gospel. (PMG pg 6)"

LDS Bible Videos: Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-031-jesus-heals-a-woman-of-faith?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng

Luke 8: 43 ¶And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any,
 44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.
 45 And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?
 46 And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me.
 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.
 48 And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.

Speaking of this story,Sister Anne C. Pingree said: I have asked myself what might have happened if this woman with the issue of blood had not believed in the Savior enough to make whatever effort was necessary to touch the border of His robe. In that throng I imagine getting even that close to Him took some doing. Yet, “nothing wavering,” she persisted.  In like manner, we must demonstrate that faith in the Lord has penetrated our hearts deeply enough to move us to action.


I once included this story in a song I wrote entitled "He Healed Me."  This is a quartet, with four solo parts.  Each verse is a different miracle, told from the viewpoint of the received of the miracle. It concludes with, "Thy faith hath made they whole."

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Life in Manteca 112: Denny's Review, New Baby and Camberly's Birthday

Sheri and I went out to eat this last Friday at Denny’s.  I have written a review of Denny’s before, but there were a couple things of note.  This is the first time I have ever order off the senior menu--55+ at Denny’s.  I went thinking I wanted country fried steak, but after getting there changed my mind to fish (I don’t get fish at home) and ordered the tilapia.  It was very good.  I had sweet corn and rice with it, as well as clam chowder, which Tony ate mostly.  Tony order fries wit his meal.  They were a different type of fry, with vertical ridges in the fries.  They tasted as if they had been frozen.  I am not sure if they were compressed into that shape or cut that way.  I think the meal overall was a success, but there fries would only get a c grade at best.
I got some picture scanning, and another Skyview choir video done.  I have finished nine now and they are all on my You Tube.  I also found some pictures of my dad at Merrill Library and his coworkers.
Saturday a.m. Mark and Lizzy had their baby, August Owen Payne-Wardle.  I posted pictures already.
We had the sisters over Saturday.  Sheri made the country fried steak I had been craving.  They taught Tony about baptism.  Tony turns eight in February.  They said they were going to check out our street a bit, which was cool.  There is an inactive member on out street they were going to visit.  I love the missionaries.  We have Sister Wheelwright from Blackfoot, Idaho and Sister Weaver from Savannah, Georgia.




Sunday we had a big bash for Camberly’s birthday.  Charity brought cake, and then left it so we have cake galore.  Kayla brought Skylar over so Camberly had a cousin in addition to Uncle Tony.  Camberly loves Tony as Tony has a way of making her laugh.  We had a very nice time.  Sheri had gotten her a money pig and Kayla a kitchen.  She likes things that make noise.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Mark and Lizzy's Baby Is Here

Pictures from Mark via Facebook.  We Skyped yesterday and were able to see the baby some more.  He is so tiny.

Lizzy wrote: In case you missed the news- August Owen Payne-Wardle was born yesterday (9/20), at 10:42 a.m.. He weighed 6lbs 14 oz, and was born at 38w+5 days (my earliest baby!) We are all doing great, and Elliott has been soooo excited to finally meet his baby brother

Conserving Water: California Drought Continues

These are some notes and my reaction to an email from Jill Boone.  The idea is to find something to conserve water, we are in a world of hurt right now if something doesn't change. 
 
AT HOME
Most households can do more than 20%! Make sure that your irrigation is minimal and focused on the plants that need it. Or put in a grey water system that will use the water from your washing machine to water your landscape. Take shorter showers. Collect water that normally goes down the drain – when you wash vegetables, for instance – and use that to keep your plants alive or flush the toilet. 

I had neer heard of a grey water system, and my first thought was gray water would be toilet water.  I am glad it is not.  However we already have one of those low water washers.  However the idea of collecting sink water to use in the toilet, and shorter showers, may provide some water savings.  
 
AT WORK
If you notice overly enthusiastic sprinklers on County landscaping, please send an email to Joanne at Joanne.yee@faf.sccgov.org (This is for VMC not general public.  However you should report water waste.)  or let your facility manager know. Please be specific as to which sprinkler is broken, so we can find it. The County gardeners have reduced watering to a bare minimum, but sprinklers still can be broken or redirected and cause problems. We count on you to be our eyes at all County sites!
Also, please report any restroom fixtures that are not working properly – toilets that run on or flush independently or sinks that do not turn off easily.
Thank your custodian for using our new microfiber green cleaning equipment, which reduces water usage by 1/3 while getting bathrooms cleaner!
 
FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT – SOME FUN (always good to have fun!)
Have a potluck and share home water bills – with prizes or acknowledgement for the lowest users. (See if anyone can beat my personal 5 CCF*/month usage for a SFH and three adults!) Let the low users talk about how they have managed this. This will also give everyone a sense of what is possible, create a discussion on the drought, raise awareness for the large users (even if they don’t share) and help everyone to save money as well as water. I think you will be surprised at what a wide range of usage there is among houses. 
Any reason to have a potluck is good.  I don't think I would share my water bill however.
 
Interested? Check the Drought Watch page occasionally for updates:   http://www.valleywater.org/Drought2014/
 

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sunday School: Old Testamant: Micah: Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-003-let-your-light-so-shine?lang=eng
Micah it one of those prophets who saw the latter days.  He wrote about the responsibility as children of Israel and members of the church, which we have to carry the gospel to the world.  Micah teaches by comparison and similitudes.  He presents the task of missionary work as gather the wheat and separating it from the chaff.  This was a task where the oxen were used. 
Micah: 4  11 ¶Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.
 12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.
 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.
He further talks about missionary work, comparing those who have the gospel as The Dews of heaven, who water all the grass.  He then compares them to a lion among ship.  When we open our mouths and invite others to Christ, we will be as the lion who none can oppose.
Micah 5: And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
 ¶And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
M. Russel Ballard talked about the confidence that comes when combining missionary work and prayer. 
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng
In 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the Wentworth letter Joseph Smith made a similar statement.  He declared, “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Caleb Scouting: High Sierra Scenery


Caleb has been serving his mission in Iowa for over a year, but I have been wanting to share some of his scout pictures for some time.  He has been places with the scouts none of the rest of us in the family have been.  They have been on back country trips with beautiful scenery.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Tony's School Picture and Second Grade Art

Tony is still short a few teeth

I think Tony's art work is becoming more sophisticated.  He is including hands and pictures.  He drew the picture above at church of his brother who is serving a mission.  The pictures below are from the same page, and represent pictures with a patriotic theme.
Don't Tread On Me

Log Cabin

Abraham Lincoln

Statue of Liberty

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Caleb's Baptism Week

This is Caleb's note about the baptism:
Brianna was baptized this Saturday! What a miracle. She is so wonderful! I had the opportunity of baptizing her. When she came up out of the water she looked up at me and she had the biggest smile on her face. She looked me in the eyes and seemed to say "It's done, I finally made it. And I'm happier than I could ever be. Thanks for baptizing me." It was a wonderful experience and the Spirit was really strong.

Miranda's First Companion

Miranda's First Companion is Sister Wieler.  They are serving in Burley.  Miranda says their area in the ward is two streets that extend about four miles.  However they also cover the Singles Ward, which is a much larger area, as many as 50 miles away.  They only work in these outlying areas if they can get a ride.  They are on bikes.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Bible Videos: Thy Sins Are Forgiven: Jesus Heals a Man with Palsy

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-038-jesus-forgives-sins-and-heals-a-man-stricken-with-palsy?category=bible-videos-the-life-of-jesus-christ&&lang=eng
Jesus said to the man with palsy, "Thy sins are forgiven."  How could the Lord forgive sins?  To show that he had power to forgive sins, he cured the man of palsy, "Take up your bed and walk." 
The Lord had all power.  He is the son of God, the creator of heaven and earth, and the healer of our souls.  It is He who brings peace.  It is he who brings love.  It is he who restoreth the soul.  Jesus is the Christ.  He has gong below all things, so he can succor all.  Of this I testify in Jesus' name, Amen.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Life in Manteca 111: Manteca Stake Broadway Review: Gardening

I survived the late Friday night practice and the all day practice Saturday.  I have the hardest time hearing and the music and where I am suppose to be.  Finally I just had to count the beat to get the song right.  But probably the best  I ever did was singing that night for the performance, although I was a little flat at the first.  I even danced a little, which went OK for a fat man.  As I mentioned I sang "Night of a Thousand Stars" form Evita.  
From the Stevens Creek Ward The Hammonds were there, Erin Hammond and her husband and her mom.  The Carrenos also were there.  Their daughters are both married but they have no grandbabies. Both families live in our stake, the Hammonds in the Tracy Ward and the Carrenos in the Monta Vista Ward.  Pat came from the ACE Train.  She brought a friend from Manteca.  I tried to find her after but couldn't.  Also Jeremy and Kayla and Kayla's dad as well as Charity and Anthony were there.


Tony had a hard weekend.  It finally got to him Sunday morning when he claimed he couldn't get ready for church without his mom as he hadn't seen her enough all weekend.  Sheri attended "Time Out for Women" with Charity in Sacramento.  Tony was with me at rehearsal Friday night.  He played with his Ipad.  We were rehearsing until after 11.  Then didn't get home until almost midnight.  Saturday he was with the Petersons all day while I rehearsed.  He came home briefly at 3 when I came home, but was back to the Petersons.  Mom came home at about 5 and we had dinner with Charity and Anthony and Camberly Rose.  Then Tony was left with Elise as babysitter for the performance. 
Sheri left right after the performance to rescue the baby sitter.  Skylar and Camberly were at the show.  My highlight for the night was I got to hold the Hokanson baby for a long time during the show.  Her name is Moriah.  She was big when she was born at over 10 pounds, but she is still beautiful little baby. I also got to hold Camberly.  

I stayed home from work Thursday.  I worked in the garden, in the heat.  I may have over done as I was sore.  exercise is good however, and we have a lot of weeds around the fence to get rid of. 

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Manteca Stake Broadway Review: "On This Night of a Thousand Stars"





Saturday, Sept 13 I had the privilege of participating in the Manteca Stake Broadway Review.  There are many talented people in our stake, and many complicated performances.  The program attests to a wide range of interest in musicals.  The program also documents most of those who helped us.  Without them we could have done nothing.  Sister Amanda Porter helped me learn a couple steps so I could try some Tango.  Sister Papworth directed again.  

I think the performance of the night was Thalia Anderson from the Tracy ward singing from Wicked as Elphaba ''defying Gravity."  I could actually see her flying with her energy and the way she sang the song.  It was cool.  Also Sister MaCuire from our ward did an excellent job singing "Nothing" from Chorus Line.  

We did a group number of "One Day More" form Les Miserables.  This year someone sang "I Dreamed a Dream"  There was another group number from Grease, "Summer Nights".  It was mostly members of our ward: The Men Mike Brown sang Danny, Tyler Papworth (now married and living in Union Ward), Jonathan Porter and Craig Hokanson.  Tyler's new wife sang the Sandy part, Amanda Porter, Sarah MaGuire, Misty Segall (now in Ripon Ward) and Lisa Stephenson.  There are many talented people from our stake.  It was pretty fun.  It was a fun night. 

Sunday School: Old Testament: Hosea


Hosea talked of the people of Israel and their relationship the Lord as being similar to a marriage, with the Lord being the faithful husband, and the children of Israel the wayward wife.  He loves her always, but when she turns from her harloting he is able to provide more blessings. However, when we chase after other gods, our personal ability, our own intelligence, money, worldly possessions the Lord is unable to bless us.
The Lord paid for his wife, as he has paid the price for us all, and purchased us with the blood of the atonement.
1 Peter 1: 18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Boyd K. Packer on repentance
http://bcove.me/ku6kzkyt
Elder Shayne Bowen on reclaiming.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ is available to each of us. His Atonement is infinite. It applies to everyone, even you. It can clean, reclaim, and sanctify even you. That is what infinite means—total, complete, all, forever. President Boyd K. Packer has taught: “There is no habit, no addiction, no rebellion, no transgression, no apostasy, no crime exempted from the promise of complete forgiveness. That is the promise of the atonement of Christ” (“The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 20).
Just as the landfill requires dedicated work and attention, laboriously applying layer after layer of fill to reclaim the low-lying ground, our lives also require the same vigilance, continually applying layer after layer of the healing gift of repentance.
May we wrap ourselves with the blanket of Jesus' love.   He can comfort us, bring us hope and peace, and prepare us for exaltation.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Miranda: Arriving in Twin Falls and Assigned to Burley

Miranda has arrived in Twin Falls.  She said the bus driver was confused and took them through Pocatello, adding an hour to their trip, but they arrived as you can see.  She is now serving in Burley.  Her area is two streets which are three or four miles long.  Her training companion is Sister Weiler.


Turns out Rachel Gass is in the same zone as Miranda.  They know each other from Young Womens in the Northland Ward.

Caleb: Baptism Pictures two Weeks In a Row

Caleb describes Kyle as a 21 year old young man who is really excited about the gospel.  He went tracking with the elders and bore a very powerful testimony to someone they contacted. 

A different elder had first contacted Kyle in Des Moines, and that elder is now in the Fairfield area with Caleb and baptized Kyle.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Life In Manteca 110: Week Review: Broadway Review, Sunday School and Restaurant Review

My week has been great.  Sunday was fun.  Last weekend of rehearsal before the Broadway review and we have been having Sunday rehearsals.  It was actually fun.  In addition to the bit from Evita, I am also going to sing a Phantom line a' capella which is my forte. 
You are invited
We made it to Turlock yesterday, for just a short but fun visit with Charity, Anthony and baby.  Camberly took care of our chess game for us. (Tony and I were playing.)  She is a cute little thing.  Not quite walking yet, but she soon will get brave enough.  She will stand, but then sits back down where she feel safer.
Sunday School lesson was on missionary work, using Jonah and as an example.  He first didn’t want to go, then did, and was disappointed when the people of Ninevah repented.  He wanted the lord to destroy them, so the Lord taught him about the importance of souls and loving people.  
We also talked about a prophet Micah in the old Testament who saw our day.  He compared the children of Jacob (members of the church to dew on the grass.  The morning dew can give nourishment to all the grass.  We as members do this through example, service and opening our mouths.  He also compared us to the Lion among sheep.  I think he was saying that if we step out and do missionary work, none will be able to stand in our way.  The Lord will bless us with the faith to do.
It was a fun lesson.  I introduced the lesson, talking about my kids who are serving missions, Caleb and Miranda and the new spirit of missionary work. 
I went to the dentist Saturday.  I did a crown and have a temporary in.  It doesn’t quite fit right, but I can put up with anything a few days.
I also worked on making slide shows of the Skyview music.  It is enjoyable.  I have used many shots from the Yearbook.  I am about half done with the album, with a few more to go.
Sheri and I had a nice date night at ***^ Jack's Pizza Cafe.  We had a large pizza to share, half Hawaiian and half pepperoni and sausage.  Their sauce was pretty warm, but the pizza was good.  I did not venture to the Hawaiian side.  That was for Sheri.  I really liked their cheese bread that came with the special we ordered.  Sheri says she prefers Crazy Bread from Little Caesar's.  We also had mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.  They were good with the sauce.  The also serve hamburgers and such but we stuck to the pizza.  They have a small game section.  The bathroom was not very clean--or actually someone had put paper towels in the toilet and I fished them out, worried they might cause an overflow.  They gave as a Manteca Bulletin to read so we were entertained.  It was comparable in price to Mountain Mike's; which I think we still prefer.  However Caesar's most often gets our business for the price.

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Life in Manteca 109: Speed Limit Change; Then a Stop Sign

Somethings are bad ideas; and some things are poorly executed.  However there are times when there are both bad ideas are poor execution.  That's is how I see the new stop sign on Woodward. 
The city had just arranged so the speed along Woodward was 45 miles per hour, all the way from my house to where I turn to catch the train.  It had varied between 45 and 35 before.  I was in heaven.  But now they have added a new stop sign between Union and Airport at Oleander.  So they get you up to speed, then they throw in a new stop sign. 
And this isn't a normal stop sign, it's a stop with a circle, and two pedestrian crossings.  However the crossings come before the stop, so while you are worrying about the stop, you are running over the pedestrians. 


There is a new subdivision; but stop signs have not been added on Woodward for other subdivision.  It is just strange.
What is equally strange is the subdivision behind our house.  The roads and street lights have been in for some time, but no new houses have been added. 


However, the subdivision at Oleander was started later, but they are building there like there is no tomorrow.  What gives?  Some of the houses are very large.


Saturday, September 6, 2014

Sunday School: Old Testament: Job

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-01-003-mountains-to-climb?category=mormon-messages/mormon-messages-2013&&lang=eng
"Mountains to Climb"  This film features President Henry B. Eyring.  It shows individuals, who like Job, are facing hardship and trials.  "If the foundation of faith is not planted in our hearts, the power to endure will crumble," says president Eyring.  Our faith should be centered in Jesus Christ.  He then explains that passage of time is not enough to cure heartache, but the solution is to love and serve others.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid932504009001?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA0ZXbIXk~,CUDb-EhKU-2mjqnkesGCbv2KuOe3Q2id&bctid=1195856534001
Elder Robert D. Hales, as he was passing through hardships of health, also focused on this theme, bringing to mind the trials of Joseph Smith, and then of the pioneers.  He says we confront trials by waiting upon the Lord.  "Tests and trials are given to all of us. These mortal challenges allow us and our Heavenly Father to see whether we will exercise our agency to follow His Son. He already knows, and we have the opportunity to learn, that no matter how difficult our circumstance, 'all these things shall [be for our] experience, and . . . for [our] good.'" (D&C 122:7)
Job had his feet firmly planted in his faith in Christ, and in waiting upon the Lord.  He said, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:" (Job 19: 25)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnCRpWv1bzE&list=UUUEd30vKIa3CW6YQDuSxQcQ
Me singing Job's words.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Life in Manteca 108: Labor Day Weekend, Hometeacher, Restaurant Review

Interesting weekend.  We started with a venture to a new restaurant, and were greatly disappointed.  In other words, this is a one visit only restaurant.  We went to Ho Sun's Kitchen on North Main street.  Our mission in going was to get some good orange chicken.  I guess Tony had a craving.
However their orange chicken was not what we were expecting.  It was on a bed of oranges and broccoli (I hate cooked broccoli) with large chicken pieces with even larger crusted batter which kept falling off.  Tony was very disappointed.  Their sweet and sour pork was also disappointed.  No crust on the pork, and really very few vegetable, and only one pineapple.  Their fried rice was also poor.  I like the chow mien however.  It was crunchy.  I don't know how they do that, and the sprouts were good as were the noodles.  Sheri said she didn't like any of their food, Tony didn't either.  I had the best time, and had plenty of leftovers to myself the next day,  but even I couldn't stomach much of the orange chicken.
The rest of the weekend on my part was in response to my home teacher, Brother Weeden, loaning me an LP player digital converter.  I got the program loaded, but had a terrible time recording.  Sheri discovered I hadn't taken the cap from over the needle.  After that I was off, We have two LPs.  The first is of my high school choir.  They are now alive to me again.  The second is of old Mormon Pioneer stories and songs.  I got them both recorded, and now am going back through to make sure I have everything.
I only did a bit of gardening.  I am in the process of making more planter boxes.  I am cutting the wood now to get ready to put them together.