Gargantuan

I understand what the family and loved ones are going through now. I pray that they will be comforted by the Holy Ghost in knowing that sister Bentley is happy with the missionary work she is doing now. Her Mission is not over it has been expanded into a world of greater opportunities. Gar

Dear Pam, Just let me know where and what time and I'll be there. Gar

Thanks for the flick about the sun's power and radiance. After just witnessing the death of my mother and life leaving her body, I know that her spirit has moved onto a better world. It is amazing how God the creator of heaven and earth can continue in His majesty by revealing the majestic phenomenon of the sun's power, and yet His greatest creations are His spirit children. Many Blessings, Gar

It’s a good idea and fitting that a Utah native from Ogden should be honored this way. In a way, it honors a great American rather than glorify the hand gun. It is granted that the weapon has been used for good and for evil. When it has defended the law and our freedoms, it has been applauded and declared necessary. When it has been used for evil then the opposite is declared. Thanks for the post. Gar

Your experience will be missed. Gar

That sounds like a great get-together. I should be able to make it up from my home. I don't know what is going to happen with my mother yet. She is dying from Ovarian cancer, but there are so many good people that I would like to meet, face to face. LOL.

My brother and my mother served their Missions in New Zealand. Mom was in Christchurch and brother was in Wellington. I pray that their loved ones are okay. Thanks for the update I will let them know about it. Gar

My mother went through this with my father, and it's not as complicated as it may seem. Generally, if the husband you are sealed to now has asked to have his name removed from the Church rolls, then it is a "no brainer". You can be sealed to whom you want to be sealed. If you are both still sealed together, I think it is a matter for the stake president to handle. My mother requested to have a sealing cancellation to my father and then she was told by the SP that if she wanted to have it changed back later during a time that God would determine, she could have that reversed. The main idea is not to put a lot of pressure on you or your future husband, but to let you know that God is aware of your circumstances and that it will all work out the best way that you will happiest. A comment was made earlier to this, and I believe it was correct in that these instructions are found in the Bishop's Handbook and is clearly written out. Gar

Enjoy the small favors of your life by sharing them with those less fortunate. Be thankful for those small instances like just being able to get out of bed in the morning or being able to smile because it is a beautiful day. There is so much to be grateful for and to share with those who aren't as fortunate as you. Gar

This is all perfectly stated. Looking ahead, one cannot help but ponder the great knowledge and understanding that will come forth during the Millennium to help mankind with their current difficulties. I think that there will be many who may be involved now in the coming forth of new knowledge that will be helpful to man during that time. Perhaps some of these are unsung heroes living in today's environment. There will be a greater outpouring of God's Spirit then.

The most important thing to do is be your best an any situation

Does it affect your confidence in social situations? In response to that inquiry from Max, I believe it could affect one'sconfidence, but I've known many who have refused to allow a disability to affect them negatively and they have developed better social skills than those without a hindrance. Gar

Very good response, Silvermoon. One of the best ways to improve one's attitude is to consistently pray and read the scriptures. It also becomes easier to do your best and wait patiently upon the Lord.

Gracias and Donatta :)

Thanks for your thoughtfulness. The sole intent of writing the Gar blogs is to hopefully help someone. The other members of LDS.net are all in a very exclusive club and I have benefited from them. Gar

Your afflictions will obviously make you feel uncomfortable. I can understand why you’d want to stay away from others if you feel that bad. I also think that other men you may like and are worth anything will understand your affliction and regardless your current health a true friend will be accepting and understanding. The inner glow coming from a good person who endures suffering well is amazing and very helpful to those without that type of human understanding. Gar :)

Good idea, not to focus on your poor health. It's better to allow a person to get to knlow you first before an announcement is made about your health. For instance, I have poor healthand if I'dmentioned it to every single peron the minute we met,molst would've thought "That poor man, I really feel sorry for him." LOL The focus on what possible good qualities you may have is dimmed and the concentrate on the overt menifestations of your health. Make sense? :)

When I was a lot younger lol I sometimes received that line about marriage from various parental folks. I would get embarrassed at first by being put on the "spot.” But then, I realized where I was at with their daughter and knowing she understood as well continued to enjoy a nice clean relationship. I always respected their opinion and tried to assure them of my intent of sharing a clean wholesome friendship with their daughter. There some parents who just plain didn't like me and I still tried to respect their opinion. Additionally, those who wanted their daughter to see someone else hardly ever stopped my feelings of affection toward their daughter.

Just try your best to have a good back up supply of water, food and medical supplies like meds and so forth, so if you need to "hoof it" on your own you'll be able to "walk the distance" and “endure the time" Regards, Gar

The best thing you could do is try to contact the local office for community disaster or the CERT organization. I had your same concerns and contacted the office in my community. I took CERT training and was able to develop a unique procedure for my living area that increases the probablity of saving lives help save lives in the event of a major disaster or help releive the suffering of thos einvolved in a minor disaster. You sound concerned if you get involved you maight just be the one to help save a life. Gar

There already is a plan available for urban dwellers within the Church [ward] boundaries. That should be th Block Captain concept. Contact the Bishop of the ward you live and get involved that way. Head Ask the Bishop if you can head up and organize the ward into block units with Block captains for each. Give each Block Captain instructions what to do in case of a dire emergency and instruct each ward member on what to do in case of an emergency. Ward Members may not respond to your effort to get them organized unless you have the support of the Bishop in this effort. Your efforts will help save life's in the event of an emergency. First, Get yourself organized; Second, contact the Bishop and get the ward organized using the Master Plan the Church has put out; Third, Make up a Block Captain Booklet describing the duties of each Block Captain (in an emergency they'll need it to refer to) Fourth; Personally visit each ward boundary family and tell them what to do incase of an emergency (expect some to laugh at you, but did 't they laugh at Noah) Fifth; periodically go back to the ward block captains and instruct them what to do incase of an emergency. Encourage each ward boundary family to get personally prepared. Sixth; Give each family a list of items they need to have to be prepared. There is more to a good detailed Plan, ask me. Gar

You're not a pansie. You’re just using good common sense and that good in any situation. If there is an emergency and you are even half way prepared for it you are way ahead of most of the rest. You will be in a position where you can help others who'll need help. By the way, the right to bear arms is a constitutional right and if mandated to an age limit I think the individual states will have that right. For instance, Nevada has had a law like that for years and may still have it on their books. It's called States Rights and is legal as long as it doesn't infringe on your Constitutional or Federal Rights. Gar

Dear Anatess, It sounds like you and your family had a great time learning more about techniques of outdoor survival. The experience you had should be written up on a blog and shared with others. I hope you find the time to express more of your thoughts about outdoor survival. Gargantuan :)

bcguy, I just had six huge blood clots eliminated from my lungs. I was in good shape, but I let myself get out of shape fast by sitting around taking care of a loved one. What I'm saying is that you must keep on doing your program of walking, light jogging or whatever is best “cardio” for you. If you stop doing your regular program, you could suffer from that let down in many ways. The consequences may not be like mine were, but there could be some unwanted consequences. So, whatever you do please keep on your program. Incidentally, it is always better to have your wife or a family member to share your program with. Good luck. Gargantuan

Caring for an Elderly Parent I am currently caring for my dear mother (84) who sometimes has a difficult time understanding my concern for her health. She feels that I am overly concerned. When she tells me to back off, I will unless she has something that needs immediate attention. I'm learning I must take care of my health as well or it becomes harder for me to care for her. It is hard not to sacrifice my health for her happiness. She has given her life for her family and she deserves happiness in return.