Participating In A Bishop's Court

I blew my stats final today.  It lowered my grade in the course from an A to a B.  I was very discouraged.  Sometimes I just don't feel I have the smarts that it takes to do the job.

I participated in a Bishop's court this evening.  It was an important experience for me.  I felt a spirit of love throughout the trial and that made things go smoothly.  I'm impressed a great deal with both Bishop Shelley and with Brent Thomas, the first counselor.

I represented The Church and found it difficult to bring strong allegations to someone while they sat right in front of me.

The decision of the court was unanimous and it greatly reinforced my testimony.

Tracy Milligan and I went for a walk last night and again this evening.  I really can pick 'em.  She is leaving for Arizona tomorrow then home to Colorado then she will be off to France for a year!


JC

When Dad Said "I Love You" & Sitting On The Stand As A New Bishopric Member

When President Andersen announced my name to be the second counselor in the bishopric my heart was pounding.  I could feel it as it raced the blood through my arteries, straining my neck against the collar of my shirt.  I was asked to sit on the stand.  Although I was nervous and my hand trembled as I held the hymnal, I did feel good to be up there.  I still feel like John Christensen.  I felt inadequate as usual during my temple recommend interview with Bishop Shelley.  How could I possibly say yes to a question asking if I was totally honest in all my dealings with my fellowmen.  I said yes.  What does that say about me?

I called Dad tonight and had a good talk with him.  It was mostly about trivial stuff like tennis but it felt comfortable to talk with him.  At the end of the conversation I told him, as I often do, that I loved him.  I must have caught him off guard or something miraculous happened, because he said "I love you too."  I almost went into a state of shock!  That must be the first time in the last 15 years of so that I can remember him saying those exact words!  I've always known that he has loved me but there truly is something magical about those three words.

Finals week is coming up this week.  I have three tests to take in three days.  I hope that I can stay current in my journal!

I don't remember exactly what President Andersen said as I was being set apart as a counselor in the bishopric, but I do remember the feeling of closeness to spiritual things.  It did feel good.


JC

Fun In The Sun & Thoughts About Marriage

I put a $100 deposit down on a computer today.  I guess that marks my attempt to move into the information age.

Lots of fun in the sun today.  Things started out with a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the gym.  Our team did poorly.  But we did beat the bounders (Shawn McCord's team).

After that our ward played softball against the other ward in The Elms.  We beat them.  In the first inning I caught three balls to the left field in a row.  I was rather impressed with myself!

Still later diving and watermelon at the pool then scriptures and reading at the library.  I fell asleep for awhile at the library and awoke with a genuine kink in my neck.  I hope that it is gone in the morning.

I am fasting as I didn't have a very good fast last week.

P.S. Letter from Anne, postcard from Val, book mark from Hermana Dalton

John is home to Idaho this weekend.  He is spending some time with his parents as he is trying to decide if he should Marry (with a capital) Suzy End.

That is a tough decision and I don't envy the mental anguish that it assuredly is causing him.  The concept of marriage still seems so distant and foreign to me.  I just can't see any girl I know right now as my wife.

I predict that I will be at least 27 before I do get married.  There is a lot that I can learn in 3 short years.

I'm slowly falling for Churchill.


JC

Blessings, Trials & An Awkward Date Dance

3:30, 3:00, 1:30 - that's my excuse for no journal entries the last couple days.  I can't believe how blessed I have been.

There have been some real trials for me to overcome in this life and I'm still working on quite a few.  The Lord has given me so much.

School is going well and my social life is going along after than I can manage.

Tonight I was asked if I would be the lead in the ward play, "Cinderella".  I am going to play the part of Prince Charming.  I don't know what to expect.

Valerie is on vacation and I'm looking forward to a letter from Anne.

Last night I doubled with Jim and Laneeda Lucero.  I took out Laneeda's friend, Mary.  We had a barbecue which was fun.  Then we went to a dance which was not fun because every girl I've ever met in the whole wide world (including Lisa) was there.  All of Val's roommates were there.  Founder Bridge was playing and I felt like everyone was watching me.

Luce and I went golfing for the first time on Saturday.  I haven't golfed for 10 years and it was a lot of fun to get out and hit a few.


JC