"Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race" (Joseph Smith Jr., Dec. 15, 1840; in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1969], 174).

"All I can offer the world is a good heart and a good hand" (Joseph Smith Jr., July 9, 1843; in Teachings, 313).

Friday, September 3, 2010

Thursday, September 3, 1970

Elder Blackham and I worked together on the correlated reports about half of today. As branch clerk, my companion is an able and valuable assistant to me. He is a good worker. Once again we had a special personal conversation as we worked together today. I marvel at my growing love and appreciation for Elder Blackham. Right now he has felt he has serious problems with himself, things like temper, straying thoughts, too great of a lack of the Spirit, etc. To use his own words, he sees himself “as an all-important handsome brute.” But the marvelous thing about it all is that he is growing. I have seen much maturing and growth in him just since we’ve been companions.

We saw Vitória today and helped her fill out the Primary report. We took forms to Sônia for the MIA report. Without much success, we tried to catch up with the three families who have fallen through on us. This we did during the lunch hour.

In the afternoon we taught a lesson to Edmilson and his sister Ivone and aunt Adélia. Adélia said she can’t come to church by bus because of her nervous condition, which we didn’t know she had, and because the bus does not pass on her street. She’s right there, but it does stop a block away on the street that crosses hers.

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