OUR FAMILY: Thursday, July 26th, 2018

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 April 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Book of Mormon

Alma 40:1-14

*What happens to our spirits after we die?

- If we have been baptized and have repented of our sins, and considered righteous, we are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise (40:12). A place called spirit prison is reserved for 'those who have died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets (DC 138:32).

Old Testament

Nehemiah 13-Esther 2

13 The Ammonites and Moabites are denied a place in the congregation of God - Tobiah is ejected from his dwelling place in the temple - Nehemiah corrects abuses and reinstitutes Sabbath observance - Some Jews are rebuked for marrying non-Israelite women and defiling the priesthood.

Esther 1 Ahasuerus of Persia and Media makes roayl feasts - Vashti disobeys the king and is deposed as queen.

2 Ahasuerus seeks a new queen - Mordecai presents Esther - Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen - Mordecai exposes a plot against the king.

General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

"Because this report is different from anything you have submitted in the past, let me stress that we at Church headquarters don't need to know how or where or when you make contact with your people; we just need to know and care that you do make it and that you bless them in every way you can."

I read from my Patriarchal Blessing this morning and this is what stuck out to me: "Your home will be a sacred place and love and understanding will abound there and the Spirit of the Lord will be with you in your household and your children will grow up in the fear and admonition of God." I have seen this come to pass and I am so grateful for righteous children.

More about my new Old Testament hero, Nehemiah:

"Here was a man who left a position of great wealth and influence and out of love for God and his people dedicated his life to righteous purposes. Surely Nehemiah will be counted as one of God's chosen servants." (OTSM)

James pointed out to me 15 elk crossing our property this morning.

They were mostly yearlings and two year olds with a few cows, and a couple of spikes. The interesting thing is that there were no babies.

Where are the babies?

I read from "A Reason for Faith" the chapter on Finding Lehi in American Through DNA Analysis. Basically it says that it is impossible. I also read the chapter 'Latter-day Saint Women in the Twenty-First Century.'

I also read from Brother Bytheway's book, "Finding Your Path in Lehi's Dream." I read about the Rod of Iron and how important it is in order to stay on the path leading to the Tree of Life.

Most of the day was spent preparing for tonight's dinner with the Peeler's. I started a roast about 6:30 this morning, and then the rolls around 8 a.m. After baking the rolls I baked a Dutch apple pie and while the pie was baking I began peeling potatoes. After the potatoes were boiled, riced, and cream and butter added, I put them in the crockpot on warm.

James came in and said, "what's for lunch?" I said that I didn't know but I knew what was for dinner. He had some roast, declaring it delicious and some mashed potatoes with the same comment.

Also included in our dinner: mixed veggies, Olive Garden salad (soggy because I put in too much dressing), and gravy.

It looked like it was going to rain when the Peeler's arrived right on time at 5:30, but it didn't. It was great to see Donna up and walking. As she sat at the table we gave her two cushions, one for her back and one for her seat.

Donna commented how tender the roast was. I noticed that she eats very little. Because she has been having problems with her stomach I gave her some of my Miracle Tea to try. She seemed appreciative.

Dessert was a little disappointing. The pie was good but my delicious Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream was melted and refroze and full of ice chips. It got left in the sink and was slushy ice. So disappointing.

After dinner we sat and talked until after 7:30. Brother Peeler use to work for the Church and he told us some stories about managing all the canneries and storehouses in the southwest. He had to fire someone for rustling cattle on one of the Church ranches. The guy's uncle, who was a Regional Representative, was upset and made the comment: "I'm going to call Tom." (President Monson). This was President Monson's response: "The decision has been made and you must live with it."

It was an enjoyable evening. Donna loves to watch Hallmark movies as much as I do and right now is watching the Christmas movies. She use to sew and quilt and has quite a stash of fabric. She has a great sense of humor and is someone I value as a friend.

After the Peeler's left I told James he could go out and walk while I cleaned the kitchen because I already had all my steps. He put all the food in plastic containers and put it away before going outside.

After I finished in the kitchen I sat down to finish my Christmas movie. James sat down with me and afterwards we went to bed.