Urban Poly Princess

 6 And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.
13 But O my son, how can a people like this, whose delight is in so much abomination—
14 How can we expect that God will stay his hand in judgment against us?
26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen.

Trifle Not With Sacred Things - Larry S. Kacher
Do our choices matter? Do they affect only us? Have we set our course firmly in the eternal current of the restored gospel?
Heavenly Father has blessed us with the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost to guide our choices. He has promised us inspiration and revelation as we live worthy to receive such. I invite you to take advantage of this divine gift and examine your choices by asking yourself the question, “Are my decisions firmly planted in the rich soil of the gospel of Jesus Christ?” I invite you to make whatever adjustments are needed, whether small or large, to ensure the eternal blessings of Heavenly Father’s plan for you and those you love.
I testify that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I testify that the covenants we make with Him are sacred and holy. We must never trifle with sacred things.¹³ May we remain ever faithful, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

I am at the point where I love Maki's routines the best because she really works us. I have so much fun when she is leading a song. Liu taught today and he was definitely back. He has gained a lot of weight but he did very well today. The last couple of times he's taught at Zumba he was a lazy half-hearted teacher. Today he was in rare form and displayed the talent he has as a dancer. He is really amazing when he wants to be. Last night I found 2 jobs from the church's site that I applied for. An English instructor at LDS Business College and an on-call editor. It's always nice to apply for jobs I'd really want to do and not just positions I apply for to fulfill my unemployment requirement.

8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law ofcircumcision is done away in me.

So my interview FINALLY happened with Donna Jones Morris. I think it was alright although I may have rambled more than I should've. Donna told me at the end of the interview that she'd see me soon. THAT is a good thing if I made it to a second interview already but I don't really know. I wish I was more succinct.

I looked at the state library website and I know a couple of the people I'd have to manage if I get the position I want. One has an MLS AND an MPA or Master of Public Administration. She has managed the Washington County System, a couple Salt Lake County branches and was the assistant director of the Salt Lake City Public Library. She is now over all the Mobile Librarians in the state meaning she's Shawn's boss. The other guy Steve Matthews has his PhD and I spoke to him as I completed my MBA thesis.

I talked to George because I knew he would know how to deal with it. He has managed people with more experience and he told me I can't look at it like that. He said if I get the job it is my responsibility to ensure everything is being run smoothly and I like that very much. I can't let their experience intimidate me and I don't intend to do that.

I feel better after talking to him. I hope I get the chance to do this and I certainly intend to do it well if I am ever given that amazing chance.

Our ward had an activity at the family history center. I am going to schedule time to do my family history each Wednesday with my mother. Now I just need to make a regular temple day for myself too then I can actively progress in each area of my life. The turnout was very bad. My mother has done all this work but nothing seems to be in the family search program. I also registered for an Ancestry.com account. I think there were exactly 2 men who attended.

Our Boss lady went to Tonga. I'm pretty sure her husband works for the airlines because she is flying without for sure reservations. I hope she has a fantastic time. I FINALLY went to the stage. I usually avoid them or say no when they try to get me up there but I figured it was time for me to do my duty. Maki is the one that works out hard. I love her routines although she is also the one who makes me want to kill her. I still need to figure out what to make for Friday, our Halloween Party. I wonder if Nata will have her call by then. We need to go when she opens it. I'm so excited for my niece. I love her so much.

I tried to find Benson in our ward directory but he isn't there. I wonder if he aged out but decided to attend the activities anyway. Maybe that's why they're so strict. A gentleman doctor with a house in the Avenues who is still single? That would be just fine. This other guy Rory who I first met at the dinner group I attended is in the Bountiful ward but he still attends our stuff. I was happy to see Julie there last night. This guy was hitting on her last night and she was trying to get away from him. He wasn't bad looking however although I am not sure about anything else. I am encouraged by all the professional men I keep meeting here. There are still the men who are doing nothing like Tommy who I rode with to the corn maze. He doesn't work and is living at home. He hopes to write a novel someday according to what he told me but he doesn't seem to be taking any steps to achieve that.

This morning as I was brushing my teeth it hit me what to use as my weakness if I'm asked in an interview. MY AGE!!! I look a lot younger than I am and people underestimate me all the time. People never think I have a graduate degree let alone 2. The Poly thing also works against me a lot. There is a segment of men who will never be interested in me because I'm not white. That is fine because enough don't care and I don't want anyone who wouldn't consider any Poly girl AND not too long ago I would ONLY consider someone Poly. NOW, they need to have the spiritual strength, intelligence and maturity meaning I don't want someone still in school, living at home or in a dead-end job that shows absolutely NOOO responsibility. Younger men usually like the way I look. White men usually like it when I don't wear any makeup or dress down. I however looove makeup and clothes and someone who wants to be with me has to deal with that and it is their problem.

Moroni 7
19 Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.
25 Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing; and thus it was until the coming of Christ.

Guided Safely Home - Thomas S. Monson
Like the vital rudder of a ship, brethren, we have been provided a way to determine the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course toward our desired goal—even the celestial kingdom of God. A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder, never likely to reach home port. To us comes the signal: chart your course, set your sail, position your rudder, and proceed.
When we maintain our personal purity and honor our priesthood, we become righteous examples for others to follow.
“Nothing will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good.”
Such protection and safety can be ours as we also steer that steady course toward our eternal home.
May our testimonies be as deep and as strong as that of Jacob, the brother of Nephi, who, when confronted by one who sought in every way possible to destroy his faith, declared, “I could not be shaken.”⁸

I pray my interview goes well today.

I carved and cleaned my own pumpkin tonight. It felt great. Some sweet guy came over and helped me. This other group at our table were talking about this medical stuff. I asked if they were medical people. They ALL were. The guy Benson is a resident at the hospital they work at together. From what they said I think he's a brain surgeon. He is alright, tall dark hair. Not gorgeous but not ugly either. He was so sweet. I told him I'm unemployed and he was very kind and asked the appropriate questions. He owns his own house in the Avenues. He doesn't dress well BUT he is intelligent and kind. I told him I'd do real estate if I didn't get a library job I wanted first.

My favorite part about meeting Benson was when I started to help people clean and YES I actually folded a couple of chairs DESPITE how I feel about that, and he grabbed them from me and said to let him take care of that. YES there are white guys like that!!! Hallelujah!!! There's a first for everything. MAJOR POINTS for that move!!!

9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.
Everything done with the Holy Ghost. It is what is often missing at church. That should be every teacher's priority, to help their students feel and recognize the spirit. Haven't all the RMs learned that and why haven't they? It is what makes Steve stand out to me, when he spoke he did it with the spirit in spades. He is apostle material and that is why I want to know more. 

We don't get the chance to hear everyone's testimony. Last night was a social gathering not a testimony meeting. It is why we are counseled in the scriptures if we don't have the spirit we shouldn't teach. Why does everyone forget what is the most important thing. I am sure among the decent-looking successful men I saw last night there has to be at least one with a rock testimony. I didn't get to share my testimony with anyone either.

I'm so excited I have 2 phone interviews for 2 jobs I'd absolutely love. I love living in downtown Salt Lake City. I knew I couldn't be alone in how I felt. I'm glad I checked out the menace society thing last night. The Federal Heights chapel is beautiful. It reminds me of the county libraries. They match the area. The federal heights cultural hall has incredible windows that let the light in. It is old but I've still never seen anything like it. There were circular and not banquet tables we used. There weren't the typical folding chairs either.  

Mapquest had me driving through the avenues which was very slow-moving. I could've just taken South temple as far as it went and that ran into Virginia Street which Faifax is off of. People would like to think in their little isolated groups that money doesn't matter. That is crap. EVERYTHING enhances a spiritual experience. Why are temples so beautifully and tastefully adorned? So that the Lord can dwell there and so that we can experience this as patrons over and over again.

The Law of the Fast: A Personal Responsibility to Care for the Poor and Needy - Bishop Dean M. Davies
This was not just a free handout. Members received training and performed the needed labor for themselves and then for others.
In our day, caring for the poor and needy is one of four divinely appointed Church responsibilities that help individuals and families qualify for exaltation.
“And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
If you analyze … the 58th chapter of the book of Isaiah you will find unraveled why the Lord wants us to pay fast offerings, why he wants us to fast. It’s because by qualifying thus we can call and the Lord can answer. We can cry and the Lord will say, ‘Here I am.’”
He said: “No member of the Church who has helped provide for those in need ever forgets or regrets the experience. Industry, thrift, self-reliance, and sharing with others are not new to us.”
I cannot think of any law, any commandment, which, if kept faithfully, is easier to keep and which provides greater blessings than the law of the fast. 
the correct use of fast offerings is intended to support life, not lifestyle
As we take upon ourselves the name of Christ and strive to follow Him, we will receive His image in our countenance and become more like Him.

I usually don't give money to people who ask me because it is so prevalent downtown. I remember having to count pennies before just to buy myself food. I sure as hell wasn't going to give any to some bum when I lived in the Belvedere downtown despite the constant attacks from the whole homeless nation or at least it seemed that way. When I went to 7-11 the other day to get cash to buy EMZ swag I bought some gum just to break up the money. There was some man outside who asked me if I had any change so I gave it to him. 

Usually I tell them no in no uncertain terms. When I attended Julie's dinner group some girl asked me if I wanted to buy a Walgreen's card. She got a little offended when I told her no. It is such a common occurrence downtown but it usually annoys me. I don't know what was different last week. 

I found out where the pretty normal boys hide!!! SEVERAL decent looking men AND SEVERAL with good jobs and most were intelligent. VERY REFRESHING... Women not really. What gives. Many successful Mid Singles seem to frequent their activities. I sat by this one guy Shem who went to BYU-Hawaii and was an English major. Sooo weird. We had a few teachers in common but not more than that. Heather Pretlow was there from my Logan ward... before it split anyway. She sat with me and chatted which was nice and she told me about an institute class they hold in the area too. Everyone there seems to have money and be successful, probably why they do their own little activities for Mid-Singles who live downtown.

The Shem guy who spent a lot of time in Hawaii teaches 9th grade English. He is probably the least successful guy there but he is one of the main organizers who seems to know the world. I met this guy Adam who is starting graduate school at Dartmouth, some Ivy league school in the East to study Business and Culture. The UNATTRACTIVE midsingles attend those Jordan Commons dances while the hot ones go to these things. I will definitely attend their institute class.

I got up early and went to church where RS was combined as it is every 4th Sunday. I kept asking people if they went to the big Halloween dance Friday and I kept getting that they didn't. What is with my ward and its non-participating members? Tonight we have a dinner sponsored by the "Menace Society" a Facebook Midsingles group. I am attending since it doesn't conflict with anything. I didn't see Renee or her sister today although Julie gave a talk in sacrament meeting. She didn't stay for choir although Steve who also spoke did. He dresses well and works for West Jordan City as some type of administrator. He isn't bad looking BUUUT he is short which I don't like. I'm sure I could get over that. He was raised in Northern California which I like since I served there.

He was just released as an Elder's Quorum president which is why he spoke. I like his testimony and his spirit. It is strong enough to overlook how short he is BUUUT I STILL haven't met very many people although it is nice there is at least one person worth looking closer. Why can't I met the Salt Lake City version of Curtis? Gorgeous AND sweet AND spiritually sound. Hopefully I meet more at this dinner tonight.

I signed up for our dinner groups again. I got a calling in my Relief Society Group 3. I am now on the RS 3 Other Meetings Committee. The president Emily sat by me during sacrament meeting. She told me she wanted someone to be supportive of the committee since no one really is. I meet the RS secretary Catherine and the 2nd counselor Kimberland or Lee. I don't remember. She is Chinese/American and we had a dim sum discussion. Such important stuff to discuss!!!

I'll wait for her text to determine her name. Actually I'm going to look in the directory after I finish this.

Moroni 5
Choose Wisely - Quentin L. Cook
While always humorous, Lucy’s excuses were rationalizations; they were untrue reasons for her failure to catch the ball.
In that spirit my counsel tonight is to rise above any rationalizations that prevent us from making righteous decisions, especially with respect to serving Jesus Christ.
We need unequivocal commitment to the commandments and strict adherence to sacred covenants.
Some young people profess their goal is to be married in the temple but do not date temple-worthy individuals. To be honest, some don’t even date, period! 
You single men, the longer you remain single after an appropriate age and maturity, the more comfortable you can become. But the more uncomfortable you ought to become! Please get “anxiously engaged”⁶ in spiritual and social activities compatible with your goal of a temple marriage.
Some postpone marriage until education is complete and a job obtained. While widely accepted in the world, this reasoning does not demonstrate faith, does not comply with counsel of modern prophets, and is not compatible with sound doctrine.
Distractions and opposition to righteousness are not just on the Internet; they are everywhere.
He simply asks them, “Will this make you a better person?”
In our day, despite unprecedented gains in many areas, especially science and communication, essential basic values have eroded and overall happiness and well-being have diminished.
I believe Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s inspired message distinguishing between “good, better, best” provides an effective way to evaluate choices and priorities.¹⁹ Many choices are not inherently evil, but if they absorb all of our time and keep us from the best choices, then they become insidious.
Even worthwhile endeavors need evaluation in order to determine if they have become distractions from the best goals.
He then informed Merlin, “If you choose Stanford and want to bring your friend with you, he has good enough grades and it could probably be arranged.” This experience confirmed for me that I should follow my dad’s wise counsel.
However, I encourage everyone, young and old, to review goals and objectives and strive to exercise greater discipline. Our daily conduct and choices should be consistent with our goals. We need to rise above rationalizations and distractions. It is especially important to make choices consistent with our covenants to serve Jesus Christ in righteousness.²¹ We must not take our eyes off or drop that ball for any reason.

The senior companion opened with prayer, askingfor help. Then he said something like this to my son: “I think we shouldteach a lesson that will sound to this family like a call to repentance. Ithink they won’t take it very well from me. I think they would take themessage better from you. How do you feel about that?”
 I remember the terror in my son’s eyes. I can still feel the happiness ofthat moment when my son accepted the trust.
That is why the scriptures are so important to prepare us in thepriesthood. They are filled with examples.
A father or a bishop or a senior home teaching companion who showsthat he trusts a young priesthood holder can change his life. My fatherwas once asked by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles towrite a short paper on science and religion. My father was a famousscientist and a faithful priesthood holder. But I can still remember themoment he handed me the paper he had written and said, “Here, before Isend this to the Twelve, I want you to read it. You will know if it is right.”He was 32 years older than me and immeasurably more wise andintelligent.
You will remember the Lord’s counsel: “Reproving betimes withsharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forthafterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lesthe esteem thee to be his enemy

President Eyring repeated a lot of stories from a former talk. BUUUT there was still new stuff I enjoyed and learned from.