On Preparing For Future Roles & Responsibilities

Today was the first time that I ever conducted a sacrament meeting.  I found it to be a nerve-wracking experience.  All in all it went ok.

I feel so inadequate right now.  There are so many small things at school, work and in church that I just don't seem to be taking care of.  I'm doing a satisfactory job but I'm not excelling in any particular area.

I guess the next stage in my life's progress will be learning how to become efficient in several areas of concern at the same time.  I think a couple of key words might be: administrate, delegate, concentrate, and follow through.

I do want to learn a great deal at this time in my life while preparing for the great challenge of being a husband and father.  This time I have to prepare is just too valuable to flutter away in idleness.

John A. is a great roommate to have around.  He is very diligent in his studies and keeps me on my toes.  Today is his birthday.  We went over to Suzie's old place and had ice-cream and cake.  I had to fix the toilet!

Valerie came down yesterday.  We watched the L.A. Express win their playoff game against Michigan.  Then we went to "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" - an incredible movie.  After the movie we took my guitar down to the elementary school.  It was a warm evening and Val looked good in my sweatshirt.  We sat on the merry-go-round and watched the stars.  She cried.

Lots of romantic (in the general nature of the term) feelings and events this summer.

Nighty, night!


JC

Understanding & Recognizing The Will Of The Lord

Johnny Ahlstrom got home today from New Jersey - engaged.  He is happy and I think that he will be a little different from here on out.  His heart and most of his brain are somewhere in N.J.

I had a very special experience this evening.  We held a Bishop's court for R.  The details were extensive and many transgressions involving chastity, word of wisdom and honesty were involved.  In Bishop Shelley's experience it was the most compounded court that he had ever dealt with.  After the initial part of the court, R was excused and we talked.  My head was spinning.  I didn't know what to think.  Being the second counselor, the Bishop asked for my recommendation first.  I didn't know what to say.  He gave Brent and I more time to think.  I was praying fervently that the Lord would make His will manifest to me.

At first I felt that disfellowshipment would be appropriate.  I almost said that.  Then, as I thought, I decided against that.  I just felt that probation would be the right thing.  I told the Bishop my decision.  He tried to hide a smile that came over his face.  I wasn't sure what that meant and it made me nervous but I felt good about my suggestion.  Brent expressed the same desire.  We then knelt in prayer and we felt the confirmation of the Spirit.  The Bishop also felt that probation was the correct decision.

It was a special feeling of gratitude that came into my heart.  The decision was unanimous and the Lord was able to make His will known to us.

I'm tired - mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally!


JC

Bishopric Visits & Anticipation Of 2 Econ Classes

We went around as the bishopric and met the new people in the ward.  I am developing a lot of important social skills that I don't feel I have been blessed with naturally.

I am looking forward to my two Econ classes this summer.  They will both be challenging but they are small classes and I feel that will help a great deal.  I do love life!


JC

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