Daily Ponderings: I Have No Need of Thee

1 Corinthians 12:21

And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

I should accept all the parts of me, even the ones I wish I didn't have.

TFHW: More Prayers

9-29-21
Prayed for Patty's friend, Doris Klegin with a broken hip. Asked if I could invite Ron Rutowski to pray, too.
Arranged phone call with Phoebe Olson
Arranged phone call with Jacom Davie
Had phone call with Michael Davie
Phone call with Gary
Email to Patty
Email to John
Email to Shandra
Shopped for headstone for Dick

Daily Ponderings: All These Worketh

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

I should have full faith and confidence that He can help me with whatever righteous task I have chosen to perform.

TFHW: Empathy

9-28-21
Empathized with Greg Cook losing his father
Inspiration on RS TFHW talk - "You're already doing it, and you're doing it right. Tell me what you're doing" Help them have a good TFH experience
Did Jesus do TFHW? See the genealogy in Luke 1
Talked to Jacom. Sent him picture of plan. Assigned him to check Malachi's login & 4 Gen. Also to ask his parents how they met as adults
Sent my sister Patty a birthday note
Sent out text to TFH group, telling them about sharing plan with Ward Council, RS invite and 5th Sunday invite.
Invited Corey Butler to tell me a story about one of his grandparents

Daily Ponderings: I Have Received of the Lord

1 Corinthians 11:23

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

He loves me and will grant me the blessings I seek if I ask.

TFHW: Reach Out

9-27-21
Thanked Shirley Schreiber for talking to me on Sunday. Told her I was ministering to Noah & Angie now
Texted Jacom, asking to schedule a phone call.
Called Hall-Pioneer Cemetery number trying to reach sexton. Left message
Investigated old Palmyra Flying Club website. Sent email to the 2012 President of PFC
Ordered "60 Years of Flying in Palmyra" from Palmyra library
Texted Greg Cook to see how he's doing
Emailed Aunt Marion

Daily Ponderings: But All Things of God

1 Corinthians 11:12

For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.

If I embrace the truth in all things, nothing held back, I will be blessed to become more like Him.

TFHW: The Plan

9-26-21
Kitten created beautiful version of the Ward Temple & Family History Plan for me.
Discussed the plan and the state of the work with the Ward Council
Thanked Connie Kakes for telling me the pronunciation of Hall-Pioneer Cemetery sexton
Talked to Shirley Schreiber about how to print off names for the temple. She called back to let me know it worked, and to thank me.
Accepted invitation to address Relief Society
Accepted invitation to lead the 5th Sunday discussion on TFHW
Bore testimony about learning about Grandpa Wright's airplane

Daily Ponderings: Take Heed

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

I should make effort to Hear Him and then do what He says.

TFHW: Temple, Short But Sweet

9-25-21
Went to temple, did 10 initiatory between Kitten & I
Thanked Patty for sending me recipes from mom's recipe box

Daily Ponderings: For Our Sakes, No Doubt, This Is Written

1 Corinthians 9:10

Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

I should turn to the scriptures for the help and empowering beliefs I need.

TFHW: Talking to Family Counts

9-24-21
Asked Tom about albino crow at Madison Zoo, which he didn't remember.

TFHW: Saving Uncle Charles

9-23-21
Sent another email to the Town of Rolling, trying to find out more about the Hall-Pioneer Cemetery
Heard back from first email to Town of Rolling, got phone number for cemetery sexton
Improved place names for Cape Verde

Daily Ponderings: Though There Be That Are Called Gods

1 Corinithians 8:5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

I should focus my mind on His truth, and not the distracting substitutes of the adversary.

Daily Ponderings: But Now They Are Holy

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

I should keep trying to improve myself spiritually, pushing past failure to growth and improvement.

TFHW: Baptisms in the Sunset

9-22-21
Did about 40 proxy baptisms at the Temple. Br. Rutowski ran the session and sat in on the confirmations, said he wanted to enjoy the sweet spirit. Spanish speaking (Carlos) temple worker said we seemed like angels when we were doing the baptisms. Complimented my pronunciation of the one Spanish name we were asked to do by the temple. My Spanish is usually only moderate but it did feel particularly right as it rolled off my tongue in both the baptism and confirmation.

Prettiest sunset I've ever seen greeted us outside after we were done, and a stranger offered to take our family picture. This prompted my wife to comment "this is what Zion is like".

Daily Ponderings: Why Do Ye Not Rather Take Wrong?

1 Corinthians 6:7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do you not rather take wrong? Why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

I should accept the actions of others, and love them still, regardless.

TFHW: Revelation

9-21-21
Prayed for revelation regarding my calling. Was prompted not to call consultants, but to ask to attend Ward Council this Sunday. Also told not to begin preparing remarks until Saturday.

Daily Ponderings: That the Spirit May Be Saved

1 Corinthians 5:5

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

I should be gentle with myself that my spirit may feel safe to make progress.

TFHW: Around the World in 80 Seconds

9-20-21
Improved place names for Brazil (very hard), Bulgaria (Cyrillic! - impossible!), and Canada (surprisingly hard, same-named cities in different counties)

Daily Ponderings: Now Ye Are Full, Now Ye Are Rich

1 Corinthians 4:8

Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

I should be aware of and thankful for the fullness and richness of the blessings I receive when I walk His path.

TFWH: Wright Brother

9-19-21
Emailed Patty and Roy about Uncle Olof, and Grandpa Olson's death certificate
Updated Aunt Arline's FS page with middle name
Attached cousin Kenneth Wright's Billion Graves page as a source.
Emailed Connie Kakes about who to talk to about Hall-Pioneer cemetery
Talked to Bev Lemmon about TFHW
Talked to Cody Worthington about TFHW
Talked to Ben Malnar about TFHW
Talked to Mike Davie about Jacom Davie, asking him to respond to group text

Temple & Family History Work: Prologue & Zucchini Bread

Being the Ward Temple and Family History Leader, I've asked the members of my council to live so that, if they were in a meeting where the person conducting asked about temple & family history experiences, everyone on my council would be able to raise their hand. Not that they necessarily would, but that they'd be able to.

If I'm leading by example, I should track my TFHW experiences. These posts will do that.

9-18-21
Emailed siblings about banana cookie recipe
Emailed Uncle Charles' obituary to Aunt Marion
Emailed Aunt Marion about Grandma Wright's rag rug
Emailed siblings that I asked Aunt Marion about Grandma's rag rug
Went to temple to do initiatories (in Spanish!) and sealings
Dropped Zucchini bread off at Roger & Betty's

Daily Ponderings: His Own Reward According to His Own Labor

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.

I should put enough effort into my works that His grace will be added. I picuture this like a spiritual venturi pump.

Daily Ponderings: Howbeit We Speak Wisdom

1 Corinthians 2:6

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

I should seek the truth, learn it, and speak it.

Feel Included (Ways to Love)

From Alissa H. "We Are Better Together", Sept. 2021 Liahona

"I've felt seen and incluided by simple acts of kindness and reaching out. I feel included when people make an effort to have a real conversation with me, make time for me, or invite me to spend time with them. It feels so good when people SHOW that they WANT to be around you." [emphasis in original]

Daily Ponderings: It Hath Been Declared Unto Me

1 Corinthians 1:11

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

I should listen to the revelations He supplies to me and act on them.

You Will Always Be Prompted

From Richard G. Scott's April 2012 "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life":

"As you continue to live righteously, you will always be prompted to know what to do. Sometimes the discovery of what action to take may require significant effort and trust on your part."

A Quiet Confirmation

From Richard G. Scott's April 2012 "How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life":

"...there will come a quiet confirmation through the Holy Spirit that [the experiences of people in the scriptures] are true. You will come to know that similar help is available to you."

Daily Ponderings: It Hath Been Declared Unto Me

1 Corinthians 1:11

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

I should praise people for their good works and their virtues.

Daily Ponderings: Salute Urbane, Our Helper in Christ

Romans 16:9

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

I should praise people for their good works and their virtues.

Daily Ponderings: God Fill You With Joy and Peace

Romans 15:13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I should embrace all the empowering beliefs I can so that I can have joy and peace.

Daily Ponderings: In Him Shall the Gentiles Trust

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

I should trust in Him, that He can and will lead me to the things I need in my life to become more like Him, and to have joy.

Daily Ponderings: We Are the Lord's

Romans 14:8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

I should recall at all times that He loves me and He will help me.

Daily Ponderings: They Are God's Ministers

Romans 13:6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

I should act in a way befitting a minister of God to bring blessings to those whom I meet.

Daily Ponderings: Ye Must Needs Be Subject

Romans 13:5

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

I should listen to what He tells me, and do it.

Daily Ponderings: He That Exhorteth

Romans 12:8

Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

I should be positive and encouraging when I exhort people to the work in my calling.

Daily Ponderings: I Magnify Mine Office

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

I should perform my calling such that others are glad I was called.

Daily Ponderings: It Was the Lord That Did Deliver Them

Mosiah 25:16

And he did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.

Truth is the key to peace and prosperity. I should embrace it.

Daily Ponderings: The Word Is Nigh Thee

Romans 10:8

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

His power is as close to me as I choose to keep it. I should choose to keep it close frequently.

Their Heart Were Open

From Ronald A. Rasband's April 2017 "Let the Holy Spirit Guide":

"...their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts"

I should have both the willingness to hear and the willingness to act.

Willing to Receive

From Ronald A. Rasband's April 2017 "Let the Holy Spirit Guide":

"...we must be willing to receive the Spirit."

The blessings of faith come not from the action, not from the willingness to act, but from the choice to be willing to act.

Invite Him with Tenderness

From David A. Bednar's October 2010 "Receive the Holy Ghost":

"We cannot compel, coerce, or command the Holy Ghost. Rather, we should invite Him into our lives with the same gentleness and tenderness by which He entreats us."

I should invite the Holy Ghost gently.

Daily Ponderings: It Was Said Unto Her

Romans 9:12

It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

When He speaks to me, I shoud take His message to heart and follow His counsel.

Daily Ponderings: Called According to His Purpose

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I should seek to know from Him, in prayer, the purpose to which He has called me.

Daily Ponderings: They Poured Out Their Thanks to God

Mosiah 24:21

Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God.

I should send up praise to Him for any good thing that happens to me.

Daily Ponderings: Led by the Spirit of God

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

I should be led by the Spirit of God and receive the blessings thereof.

Should I start these differently? "I can"? "I am"? Should I put these in covenant language, stating the blessing I expect to receive for my obedience?

I have been stating the gospel principles, and letting the doctrine (the rules for becoming more like Him) distill upon my soul.

Stating in covenant form helps me understand the why. Why does he offer that particular blessing for that particular obedience?

As I come to understand His "why", my mind becomes more like His.

Daily Ponderings: They Are the Sons of God

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

This is the transformation in my vision of myself: I no longer see myself as His creation, I see myself as His child. A painting can never become a painter, but a child can become a peer to a parent, equal in power, wisdom, and majesty.

Daily Ponderings: When the Commandment Came

Romans 7:9

For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

I should obey when I hear His commandments

Take What We Have and Are and Start Again

From Hugh W. Pinnock's April 1982 "Beginning Again":

"Yes, our task is to overcome our problems, take what we have and are, and start again."

I should consider every day - even every hour - a fresh start, clean and unused.

Sin

Sin is when you choose to pursue a short-term goal that is in opposition to your long-term righteous goals.

Daily Ponderings: Live With Him

Romans 6:8

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

I should seek to live as He did, being kind and inviting others to join in the Father's work.

Daily Ponderings: His Love Toward Us

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

I should be mindful that He is mindful of me.

Daily Ponderings: Faith Was Reckoned to Abraham for Righteousness

Romans 4:9

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

I should let Him help me find the courage to act in faith, and I will be rewarded with blessings and more empowering beliefs.