23 Jul 2023, Sunday

 23 Jul 2023, Sunday

Prioritized Daily Task

10:30 AM - McAlpins responsible for Abbington Memory Center church services

Note: Story about growth from Debbie:

A father saw that his 11-year-old son was crying silently.  He asked him, "What’s the matter, son?”

The young boy replied. “My rich classmates mocked, called me son of a gardener.  They said that my father lives only on the money he earns from watering and feeding plants for people.”

The father paused for a moment, then said.  “Come with me son, let’s plant some flowers.  It might cheer you up.”  He held his hand and walked him to the garden, then he took out some flower seeds, and said,  “Let’s carry out an experiment.  We will plant two flowers separately.  I will care for one, and you will care for the other.  I will water mine with clean water from the lake but you will water yours with dirty water from the pond.  We shall see the outcome in the weeks to come.”

The son was delighted as he joined his father in planting the flowers.  It took them some days to finally germinate the flower seeds.  They cared for them respectively and watched them grow.

Later on, the father brought his son to the garden and said to him.  “Look at the two flowers and tell me your observation.”  The boy responded, “My flower looks better and healthier than yours.  How is that even possible when your water is cleaner? “

The father smiled, then said, “That’s because dirty water doesn’t stop a plant from growing, rather it serves as organic fertilizer to help it flourish.  You see son, there are some people who put you down in life, mock your dreams, and throw dirt on you.  Always remember that there’s nothing wrong with you, it is their ego they have to satisfy,  so don’t let the harsh words from people affect you, instead, let them encourage you to be a better person.  And by doing so, you will be like the plant and will flourish even in the midst of dirt like negativity and harsh words.

The medicine Brad Gale, P.A., gave her is working.  She got a good night's sleep without continuously being awakened.  I had my personal prayer while Debbie was checking on the software on her computer for solar energy and the electricity we are using.  Debbie and I had prayer together; Mirko and Ljubica are still sleeting.  We had a lite breakfast and drove to Abbington Memory Center.  The 39th Ward is providing priesthood, speakers, and music for church services today.  Brother Matthew conducted and his wife led the music at 10:30 AM.  At 11:15 AM we came back home and went to our ward, Lehi 7th Ward, and attended sacrament meeting again.  Debbie and Ljubica went to Relief Society; Mirko and I attended Priesthood.  After church, we came home and Debbie cooked lunch.  I called and talked to Rae Lynn, Brett, and all the boys except Luke who went with a friend to Six Flags for the weekend.  I talked to Beth for a minute; she and Tucker were on a London Dubble-decker tour bus in New York City.  I texted and left a text and a voice message on Michael and Matthew's phone.  Matthew called back and Michael sent a text video of Gracey playing basketball in Las Vegas, NV.  We all studied scriptures in Come Follow Me, this week's lesson is in the Book of Acts.  We had prayer with Mirko and Ljjubica.  Debbie and I had prayer together before going to bed.