OUR FAMILY: Sunday, July 9th, 2017

Saturday, July 22, 2017

Sunday, July 9th, 2017

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 21 Feb 2016 by

Henry B. Eyring

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.

Acts 9:5

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus who thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

Alma 30:29-45

*Why is it not a good thing to seek after signs?

*Read Alma 30:37-45. What evidences did Alma give for the existence of God?

*Of the evidences Alma listed, which are especially powerful to you?

Stacy: We shouldn't seek after signs for two reasons I think. First, He has already given the to us. As Alma says in verse 44 (a favorite verse of mine) there are signs all around us denoting the evidence of God: the testimonies of our brethren, the scriptures and prophets, and creation itself. Second, we should not tempt God. It is ungrateful and disrespectful to mock Him in such a way when He has given us enough through our faith and action to know He is there. This particular discussion pierces me deeply as i pray for my boys and nieces and nephews not to be deceived as Korihor was.

DC 100:1-17

1-4, Joseph and Sidney to preach the gospel for the salvation of souls; 5-8, It will be given te in the very hour what they should say; 9-12, Sidney is to be a spokesman and Joseph is to be a revelator and mighty in testimony; 13-17, The Lord will raise up a pure people, and the obedient will be saved.

When has the Lord given me comfort and peace?

* When I have asked for it in times of need.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses E. Soares

" God blesses us according to our faith. Faith is the source of living with divine purpose and eternal perspective. Faith is a practical principle that inspires diligence. It is a vital, living force manifest in our positive attitude and desire to willingly do everything that God and Jesus Christ ask of us. It takes us to our knees to implore the Lord for guidance and to arise and act with confidence to achieve things consistent with His will."

Holly and LeeAnn H. spoke about girls camp in Sacrament meeting today. LeeAnn actually went as an adult leader. Brother Diewald spoke about kindness and Christlike attributes. His talk was very enlightening. I loved this quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin:

"Kindness is the essence

of a celestial life."

Ian, Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua all attended sacrament meeting but went home afterwards.

Mary S., one of my former young women, was in sacrament meeting today. Afterwards she handed out invitations to her bridal shower this coming Saturday. I think she is getting married the same day as Trenda.

My Primary lesson was on the sacrifices made in the construction of the Kirtland temple. Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Marlie were in my class.

Marcy W. did singing time and Lannie G. did sharing time. The theme for sharing time was kindness. The kids made "kindness catchers."

I sat by Kacey W. during sharing time and she told me that her family is moving to the 26 Bar Ranch which used to belong to John Wayne. It will be sad not to have their family in our ward.

All the kids in my class finished their papers and earned a reward. Curtis gave me a big hug and so did Liana. That makes it all worthwhile.

James had laryngitis. Judy Hunter taught his lesson and James said she did a great job.
For lunch we had some of Jared's leftover ribs. Quite tasty. I played a game of Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben. Ben beat us both soundly. James and I went out on the deck and read from our book "The Reluctant Duchess" while the boys watched "The Amazing Spiderman 2."

Stacy and Paul arrived around dinner time. We had steaks for them along with steaks for James, Sheri, Ian and myself. The kids had hamburgers and hotdogs. We also had beans, corn on the cob and rolls. After dinner Stacy, Paul, and Joshua went to visit Paul's sisters, Trish and her daughter Kendall, and Tara and Jeff who are here from England.

After family scriptures we had a gospel discussion and family prayer. Afterwards Sheri, Ian, Ben, James and I watched "Beauty and the Beast." Afterwards Max, Evan, and Rowan fell asleep watching "Snow White." For some reason they get a kick out of the seven dwarfs, especially Happy.

We found out today that Dustin C. is doing very poorly. He has stomach issues and can't eat or take chemo treatments. He is basically starving to death. Hospice will be coming in soon. It is all so very sad.

Random Photos: