OUR FAMILY: Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 55:2

And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

*What are things I prioritize that won't satisfy? How does 9:51 affect where I spend my time, money, and work?

- We all spend money on things that don't have lasting value. We work hard and long so that we can enjoy the best life has to offer. I have always felt that if I'm paying my tithes and offerings and trying to live the gospel, that of course we can do things..go places and have possessions that don't have an eternal value, but add beauty and wholesome enjoyment to my life and for my family. If we can't afford to pay our tithing or engage in activities that take us away from Sabbath day worship, or course we need to rethink our priorities. Money pays the bills sends missionaries, builds temple, buys meals for the sick and the poor, clothes the naked, pays for doctors and pays for vacations. Our life can enjoy all that God has created, and we can delight in the fatness of the gospel blessings. It's about priorities, balance, and obedience first, then letting your heart rejoice. (Sue_heugly)

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-26 Lasting happiness comes from living the way Jesus Christ taught.

"The Power of Self-Mastery" James E. Faust, April 2000

Ensign

"The Most Influential People" and "Time to Serve"

General Conference

"The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

President M. Russell Ballard

"The revelation he received on October 3 comforted his heart and provided answers to many of his questions. We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we and our loved ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day."

Sister Barton called me this morning around 7:30. She cancelled her appointment with the attorney in Snowflake because of the weather. She said that she spoke with someone in the office who said there was 10 inches of snow in Snowflake. I was shocked. I have never heard of Snowflake getting that much snow, especially when there isn't nearly that much in Show Low or here. I wish she would have called me before she cancelled because I am sure the roads would be clear. Later this evening I spoke with Maxine who goes to the temple every Tuesday. She said there was barely a skiff of snow in Snowflake. Just as I suspected.

As I was studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson this morning I discovered that in addition to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, there is the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6. It says the Savior came down from the mount to give this sermon. No one knows if this was a plateau or an actual plain. It also could have been a continuation of the sermon he was giving on the mount. We do know this: "Jesus Christ came to correct unjust conditions of a fallen world."

We had leftover spaghetti that I made for Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan when they were here and froze, for lunch. It was quite tasty and went great with the salad I made.

We had sunshine and snow again today. James worked on his online traffic class and finished by the end of the day.

I had a meeting this evening with the rest of the Relief Society presidency, the Elder's quorum presidency, and the bishopric.

As I was driving to the church this evening I noticed how beautiful the full moon was shining on the snow.

The focus of this meeting under the direction of the bishop was missionary, family history, and temple work. The bishop pointed out that this is how we gather Israel, and seal families in preparation for the Second Coming. The Elder's Quorum and the Relief Society are now directly responsible for missionary, and family history work. Kerri and Sean H. are assigned missionary work and Brother Curtis and I family history and temple work.

I was impressed with the bishops desire and sincerity in doing the Lord's work. He has a powerful personal testimony of both aspects of this work. He said: "We can't stand idle any longer. We have to know our people and serve them better."

The importance of effective ministering was brought up several times during the meeting. Bishop gave the example of visiting the Gordon's and asking them how their "Come Follow Me" study was going. They looked confused and said they hadn't started. (This is a mom and son who were recently baptized). The bishopric sat down with them and had a discussion using one of the lessons in the manual and they could see a lightbulb go on in the Gordon's.

Bishop says we need to be asking these questions to the families we minister to and during our ministering interviews in addition to working with them on family history.

After the meeting Kerri, Tamara, Maxine and I had a quick discussion about Marie Robertson and whether Kerri and I should go to visit her tomorrow in Flagstaff. I texted Marilyn, Marie's ministering sister and she said Marilyn may be coming home tomorrow. I told Kerri I would call Marie's husband in the morning and find out what was going on before we leave.

I got permission from Ben to post a letter he sent to Sheri about how he gained his testimony.