Saturday, January 15, 2011

At Derek and Brooke's Wedding

In October, I journeyed to Utah to attend the wedding of the last nephew to get married. All of my mother and father's grandchildren are now married. I am sure that they are delighted. It was good to be with family. I have included a picture of my brother and I outside of the Provo Temple


Saturday, January 08, 2011

New Blog for Dale

I have started my own blog. I am starting to reflect about on the scriptures in the topical guide about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Check it out at: daleochristensen.blogspot.com

Saturday, May 02, 2009

Approaching Zion I

In the past I have used our blog to capture pictures of the family.  Due to the craziness of our schedule right now, I have not taken the time to post the pictures and write the narratives.  I was talking with Tim W about the latest book that I have been reading, Hugh Nibley's Approaching Zion.  He suggested that I write some thoughts about the book.  I liked the idea.  So here goes.

The book has generated many thoughts. My view of the theme of his book is that it is about understanding Zion so that we can better prepare ourselves to live there, to become a Zion people. Zion and its antithesis, Babylon, are continually compared and contrasted to help us better understand the differences of the two societies. We need to compare the principles of Zion to the principles that we live by each day.  This can be a very sobering experience.

Zion is a place of peace, of consecration, and of pure love, e.g. there is no money in Zion, everything is free. On the other hand, Babylon is a very competitive place, where the question is what is in it for me.  You can buy anything in this world for money.   One must work endlessly to obtain the money that in reality never satisfies; for you cannot get enough of what does not satisfy.

The question that I have been asking myself, is what do I need to learn before I leave this frail existence, to prepare Sally and me to become part of a Zion people in the highest degree in the Celestial Kingdom. I repeatedly come away with the thought that I need to trust and look much more to Heavenly Father; apply the atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, is my life more fully; and be totally responsive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

More thoughts later.

Monday, October 06, 2008

Modern Display

Modern Display has been a favorite spot of my wife, since our days at University of Utah in the 1960s. They begin Christmas displays the day after Labor Day. They have a series of pre-decorated designer trees that are available for a modest $2K-$6K. Our favorite one is below. It is the perfect tree for Tim and Rindy's home in Minnesota






Sunday, October 05, 2008

Off to Utah and General Conference

In October, it was off to see our two children who live in Utah. Both are in school, one at BYU and one at Utah State University. Sally had left about 10 days before me to help Jen with the new baby. She had a great time visiting with friends and relatives and also helping with Alex and being with Morgan and Tara.





We had a wonderful weekend listening to General Conference and being with the grandchildren. It is a good thing that they print the transcript, and you can download the audio from conference to your iPhone and iPod. We so enjoyed being with our children, their wives, and their children. Oliver hosted a between session luncheon for the relatives in the area. Many cousins and their families came. It was a great get together.

The highlight of General Conference for me was to go to General Priesthood Meeting with Oliver, Eric, and their cousin Brigham. A friend gave me the tickets and we had a wonderful time. Afterwards, we meet Sally for dinner at Noodles and Company.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Amazing

I have often wondered how gas prices are determined. With reports from across the country that people are paying $4-$7/gallon, I was sure that gas prices would continue to rise.

Our area of the country traditionally has gas prices that are lower than the national average. While I was across the state this week, gas prices were 3.79, 3.69, 3.59, and then 3.53 today. As I drove home tonight, I called a neighbor to get the latest gas prices so that I could fill up at the lowest price. The pictures below tell the tale.

The Gas Prices


The fill up cost was under $40, and I cannot remember the last time that I paid so little to fill my car when it was below an 1/8th of a tank.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Final Stop

Our final stop as we left Boston was to visit Robert's grave. It is always a sobering yet peaceful experience. I felt his presence near.

We took a couple of pictures that turned out great.