So today on the kitchen table I see this magazine called Edge Doing and Dining Guide . . . it’s some restaurant thing. What caught my eye was this strange looking man who was dressed up like some spy (kinda casablanca style). He had this striking resemblence to my creative writing seminar teacher Mr. Barnabee. The reselmblence was so striking I decided to look on the inside cover, and to my surprise discovered that it was indeed “Libertyville residents Jen and Jim Barnabee undercover”

I laughed for a long time. The picture is quite amusing.

I’m in a somewhat grumpy somewhat nostaligic mood missing the old days when the people who came to my youth group were my age and we had so much fun. I miss the old days when we had all of our weekend Mormon parties, and no one faught, or when they did it was resolved in a civilized manner. I miss the days when our house was a few decibels quieter. I even miss the old days of xanga when it was light and cheery and I would tell you what I did and random girls would leave comments that said, “your so hot” and the most controversial anything ever got was when I put up that post against homosexuality. I miss the days when I swam and stayed up at odd hours of the morning doing my AP art work, painting angels. *sigh*

But now I’m registered on Bedbathandbeyond.com, not for wedding gifts but for college gifts, and that makes me excited. I am excited to be in the mountains, to draw on them for strength. I am excited to make my own doctors appointments, to wash my own clothes. I am ready to control the sounds of my own living space, and to be able to escape the piano where my siblings pound the keys. I am excited to prepare for a mission, to serve it, and to come home and bear witness on a new level of the divinity of the Book of Mormon. I am excited to meet my future wife, I dream of it. She will be sitting on a park bench when I meet her . . . I long to take her to the Temple, to covenant with her, to be sealed to her for eternity. Oh what lies ahead!

This past week went by so fast! Today was my brother’s 16th birthday. It was also another girl’s birthday last week, so James took her (Anoush) out to dinner and Janna and I went to make it a double date. It was so much fun- we went minigolfing with a strange and disturbing humpty dumpty and a wierd cowboy.

Then we went to the Macaroni Grill, marveled at how empty the parking lot was, walked up the door, discovered it was locked, and then noticed the big sign that said “for lease.” Aparently Macaroni Grill is no more. How sad, I really like it there. So we tried to find another restaurant, which is harder than it looks condiering parking lots are not designed for convienient travel or escape, It’s like once you get in they want you to stay in. But eventually we found our way to PF Changs, which had really good food. And that was that. I really had a good time with Janna, who is the coolest!

Yesterday was good. Elizabeth came over for dinner, which was really nice.

Saturday was pioneer day. I worked 12 hours only I didn’t cause of the weather. Instead James and Margot and I went to the battle of the bands at the taste of Lincolnshire. It was good except that I didn’t know what to expect. I ran into lots of people I hadn’t seen in a while.

Friday I worked 12 hours except that I didn’t cause of the weather. I tried Baja Fresh for the first time courtesy of Margaret, and it was delicious! I did something else but I forgot. No really, I actually forgot.

Thursday I threw James a surprise birthday party, which turned out to be a big sucess. He was so surprised. I got as many of his friends as I could to the pool that night. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out (I didn’t mean to if I did). I think everyone had a good time.

Well with that I’m off . . .

Dan

Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twevle Apostles passed away yesterday. I don’t even know what to say. We will miss him dearly for all that he has done.

I believe that he was an Apostle of Jesus Christ, called by Jesus Christ. I have recieved a personal witness of all the Apostles and the First Presidency, and know that they are Prophets of God, Seers, and Revelators. I believe that a new Apostle will be called to fill the vacancy in the Quorum by no other than Jesus Christ, following the tradition originating with Jesus Christ himself.

So to the memory of Neal A. Maxwell, a Special Witness of Christ, I add my own witness that Jesus is the Christ, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His living Church.

This morning I accidently went to work when I had the day off

So today was the good bye party for those of us leaving home *tear* It was alright. We were missing some people . . . but I will really miss home. At the same time, I’m really excited to leave. Really excited.

Oh, and I got a big chunk of work done for the Art’s and Riverwoods Foundation who commisioned me to paint some pictures for one of their brochures.

I stole this from andykoom’s site who stole it from someone else. I had to share it cause it’s a letter from a senior citizen that really touched me. It’s about how terrible life has been during Bush’s presidency. (did you ever think I’d post such a letter?) I guess I just never looked at the state of the untion and life in general from a point of view like this senior citizen:

Dear Sir;
 
I am a senior citizen. During the Clinton Administration I had an
extremely good and well paying job. I took numerous vacations and
had vacation homes.

Since President Bush took office, I have watched my entire life
change for the worse. I lost my job. I lost my two sons in that
terrible Iraqi War.

I lost my home. I lost my health insurance. As a matter of fact, I
lost virtually everything and became homeless.  Adding insult to
injury, when the authorities found me living like an animal, instead
of helping me, they arrested me.

I will do anything to insure President Bush’s defeat in the next
election.   I will do anything that Senator Kerry wants to insure
that a Democrat is back in the White House come next year. Bush has
to go.

I just thought you and your readers would like to know how one
senior citizen views the Bush Administration. Thank you for taking
the time to read my letter.

 

Sincerely,
Saddam Hussein

Who would Saddam vote for?

Also, I find it extremely ironic that Kerry voted in favor of the war with Iraq without reading the intelligence report about the war. And despite voting in favor of the war, he decided he doesn’t want to fund the war. Hmmm. This guy wants to be president? I hate Kerry.

Work wasn’t too bad today. Kinda relaxing actually. It was really warm and yet the pool was empty so I got in and floated on the rescue tube while scrubbing the tiles. It felt good. I actually worked two shifts. The time in between was stressful, especially when I speant 40 mins. in traffic on my way to the second pool. I was going crazy!!!

But the second pool was by Lou Malnoti’s, so after work and I went and visited Dana and Mary at work. It was tons of fun because Mary and I went and hung out and then went to Wendys for dinner and talked for a while. It was very refreshing cause things with Jonathan are very tense around the house. You know it’s escapes like that that are making this the best summer I’ve ever had.

I would like to share with you one of my favorite stories. 81 B.C. There were two men, named Alma and Amulek. They were missionaries commanded of God to go a preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ among a people who had left the Church to form their own church. Many people believed them, but many more did not. This story is recounted by a man named Mormon:

” . . . after [Alma] had made an end of speaking unto the people many of them did believe on his words, and began to repent, and to search the scriptures.

But the more part of them were desirous that they might destroy Alma and Amulek; for they were angry with Alma, because of the plainness of his words unto Zeezrom; and they also said that Amulek had lied unto them, and had reviled against their law and also against their lawyers and judges.

And they were also angry with Alma and Amulek; and because they had testified so plainly against their wickedness, they sought to put them away privily.

But it came to pass that they did not; but they took them and bound them with strong cords, and took them before the chief judge of the land. And the people went forth and witnessed against them—testifying that they had reviled against the law, and their lawyers and judges of the land, and also of all the people that were in the land; and also testified that there was but one God, and that he should send his Son among the people, but he should not save them; and many such things did the people testify against Alma and Amulek. Now this was done before the chief judge of the land.

And it came to pass that Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell.

And it came to pass that he began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God. And he began to plead for them from that time forth; but they reviled him, saying: Art thou also possessed with the devil? And they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them.

And they brought their wives and children together, and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire; and they also brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire.

And it came to pass that they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire.

And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.

But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.

Now Amulek said unto Alma: Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.

And Alma said: Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.

Now it came to pass that when the bodies of those who had been cast into the fire were consumed, and also the records which were cast in with them, the chief judge of the land came and stood before Alma and Amulek, as they were bound; and he smote them with his hand upon their cheeks, and said unto them: After what ye have seen, will ye preach again unto this people, that they shall be cast into a lake of fire and brimstone?

Behold, ye see that ye had not power to save those who had been cast into the fire; neither has God saved them because they were of thy faith. And the judge smote them again upon their cheeks, and asked: What say ye for yourselves?

Now this judge was after the order and faith of Nehor, who slew Gideon.

And it came to pass that Alma and Amulek answered him nothing; and he smote them again, and delivered them to the officers to be cast into prison.

And when they had been cast into prison three days, there came many lawyers, and judges, and priests, and teachers, who were of the profession of Nehor; and they came in unto the prison to see them, and they questioned them about many words; but they answered them nothing.

And it came to pass that the judge stood before them, and said: Why do ye not answer the words of this people? Know ye not that I have power to deliver you up unto the flames? And he commanded them to speak; but they answered nothing.

And it came to pass that they departed and went their ways, but came again on the morrow; and the judge also smote them again on their cheeks. And many came forth also, and smote them, saying: Will ye stand again and judge this people, and condemn our law? If ye have such great power why do ye not deliver yourselves?

And many such things did they say unto them, gnashing their teeth upon them, and spitting upon them, and saying: How shall we look when we are damned?

And many such things, yea, all manner of such things did they say unto them; and thus they did mock them for many days. And they did withhold food from them that they might hunger, and water that they might thirst; and they also did take from them their clothes that they were naked; and thus they were bound with strong cords, and confined in prison.

And it came to pass after they had thus suffered for many days, (and it was on the twelfth day, in the tenth month, *in the tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi) that the chief judge over the land of Ammonihah and many of their teachers and their lawyers went in unto the prison where Alma and Amulek were bound with cords.

And the chief judge stood before them, and smote them again, and said unto them: If ye have the apower of God deliver yourselves from these bands, and then we will believe that the Lord will destroy this people according to your words.

And it came to pass that they all went forth and smote them, saying the same words, even until the last; and when the last had spoken unto them the power of God was upon Alma and Amulek, and they rose and stood upon their feet.

And Alma cried, saying: How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound; and when the people saw this, they began to flee, for the fear of destruction had come upon them.

And it came to pass that so great was their fear that they fell to the earth, and did not obtain the outer door of the prison; and the earth shook mightily, and the walls of the prison were rent in twain, so that they fell to the earth; and the chief judge, and the lawyers, and priests, and teachers, who smote upon Alma and Amulek, were slain by the fall thereof.

And Alma and Amulek came forth out of the prison, and they were not hurt; for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ. And they straightway came forth out of the prison; and they were loosed from their bands; and the prison had fallen to the earth, and every soul within the walls thereof, save it were Alma and Amulek, was slain; and they straightway came forth into the city.

Now the people having heard a great noise came running together by multitudes to know the cause of it; and when they saw Alma and Amulek coming forth out of the prison, and the walls thereof had fallen to the earth, they were struck with great fear, and fled from the presence of Alma and Amulek even as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions; and thus they did flee from the presence of Alma and Amulek” (Alma, chapter 14).

I share that story from “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ” with you for a few reasons:

1. So that you can know how I can read the Book of Mormon so often; it is not a series of doctrines, rather it recounts a fascinating history and the doctrines emerge from the history (Did you catch the doctrines presented in that story?). The Book of Mormon is interesting, and is worth the read. It has action as well as spiritual writtings. (although the action is not always as sad as parts of this story were)

2. So that you can know that the Book of Mormon is not an evil book, but that it recounts the actions of some people who believed in Christ and some people who did not. Those who did believe in Christ were rewarded, and those who did not believe were not.

3. So that you can know that people with hardened hearts have always rejected those who believed in Jesus Christ and in his prophets. I believe in the words of Alma (as I believe the other words found in the Book of Mormon and in the Bible), so if you are going to reject me, please do so a little more politely than the people of Ammonihah. I don’t feel like being burned, or worse, watching those who believe me get burned, so flames will promptly be deleted from this site.

P.S. Another chapter I almost put up here was 3rd Nephi chapter 17 because it is a beautiful chapter that really captures the character of Jesus Christ.

I got my AP scores!!!!! I was very happy with my Drawing Portfolio (Studio Art) , Government was great considering I didn’t actually take the class and Statistics was much better than I ever thought I could do . . .

I am so excited and ready for school to start!!!!!!!!!

Oh, and I decided to join a Dashboard Confessional blogring, it took a while to decide which one to join.

Today I had a bad case of the Mondays. Went to work at 9 and started vacuming. It was a nice day, so I started thinking about all the things I would be doing that morning until people got there . . . 9:30 This woman shows up. Now This woman is evil. EVIL! because almost every day she shows up between 9 and 10. The pool doesn’t open until 10. Grrrrrrrr! I made her wait outside while I started backwashing, and then when I went to add the chemicals and the pipe clogged up. Meanwhile there is another woman with her son that shows up. Grrrr. So I started adding chemicals into the actual pool itself, and I was a mess, and then This woman walks in at 9:52 and signs in on yesterday’s times sheet, thus encouraging two other ladies and the little boy to come in too, before I was ready!!!! And the place was flooded with ants and the trash was a mess and I wanted to scream. I fact I think I might have screamed, and then Maragret came a rescued me and we had lunch at Mongolian House. Mmmmmm egg rolls. And my fortune made my day. I will be fortunate in all that I put my hands on . . .

Anyway. *big breath* I suppose it had to be stressful at work lest work be less stressful than home because as is work is easier than home, not because work is not hard work, but because home is that much more crazy now that we have a new brother.

I was thinking while listening to yellowcard that the line “my greatest pains are words I cannot say” from gifts and curses would have killed me last summer, but now I’m cool with it. Yeah I’m aware that that didn’t make sense to you.