Tue, June 14th, 2022: Mesa Temple w/ Sheri, Ben, Evan, Joshua, James, IHOP, Erik, Globe, Armando, Trip home, Brian & Dallin's bday

 

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Second Coming

Zechariah 14:4

And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

Book of Mormon

Alma 16:1-21

"Come Follow Me"

1 Samuel 8 Jesus Christ is my King. Samuel 10.

AprGenCon

"Do What Mattereth Most"

Rebecca L. Craven

Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency

 I had a sweet experience with a darling young woman who asked a very sincere question: "Sister Craven, how do you know that anything about the Church is true? Because I feel nothing."

Before jumping to an answer, I first asked her some questions. "Tell me about your personal scripture study. "She replied, "I don't read the scriptures." I asked, "What about with your family? Do you study Come, Follow Me together?" She said, "No." I asked about her prayers: "What do you feel when you pray?" Her answer: "I don't pray." My response to her was simple:

"If you want to know anything, you will have to do something."

We got up at 2:45 this morning and left an hour later for the valley. Sheri scheduled baptism at the Mesa temple for Joshua, Evan, and Rowan with Ben doing the baptisms, at 7:30. 

When we got close to Rowan's Darrel texted and said he wouldn't be going because now he says he does not have a recommend. Before he said he lost it and he would just have to call his bishop from the temple. We will miss Rowan and I am sure Evan and Josh will be disappointed. 

We arrived at the temple before our appointment time of 7:30. We had a few minutes to enjoy the weather this early in the morning and the peace and beauty of the temple grounds. Sheri and the boys arrived about 10 minutes later.

The temple workers were so nice and welcoming. I gave each boy 10 baptisms to do. Only one was my family member. The other were Maxine Thompson's names. 

Ben baptized both Joshua and Evan. Afterwards He confirmed Evan and James confirmed Joshua. James also confirmed Ben as Maxine had 11 names that needed confirmation. They had already been baptized. 

After we were finished, I suggested we go to breakfast and asked if anyone had any ideas. Evan said IHOP. Sheri asked Siri where the nearest IHOP was and she said Dobson and University. About 3-4 miles away. Sheri and I had the lemon blueberry crepes, James had the breakfast sampler, Joshua had chicken and waffles, Ben had french toast. Evan had pancakes and hashbrowns. I used by debit gift card to pay for breakfast. I used the entire $100, but it was worth it! I am so grateful to these boys for meeting us at the temple. This will be the highlight of my week and James's too. 

Lots of goodness at this table, good food,

good people!

 After our goodbye hugs James and I headed for Chandler to see Erik. The check engine light keeps coming on in my car and James is concerned. Erik was working at Chandler Radiator so that's where we went. It's right next to the old Val's Service Center. Erik check our engine with some computerized tool he had and said we had no worries. It was something to do with the exhaust but was not a problem. It's great to have a mechanic in the family.

James needed to go by Darrel's to give him something regarding getting registered for a hunt. James tried to register him, Darrel, and Rowan but we had not internet this weekend so Darrel is doing it. Today is the last day. While James ran in to drop off I stayed in the car and saw Addy dashing off to the dentist. Darrel was at the dentist with Ruby who has to have two of her baby teeth pulled. Rowan was at home with Lola so James gave the information to him.

We went on to Globe to buy gas where the price is $4.69 instead of the $5.69 in the valley. I left James at the Peeler's house while I went back to Fry's to do some shopping. James wanted some cranberry celebration and chicken tenders but they had no tenders so I bought him a couple of pieces of roasted chicken. I also got him some pomegranate juice and myself some coconut shrimp along with a few other items. 

When I got back to pick up James he said Armando was on his way to pick up some checks that James had forgotten to drop off to him when we were in the valley. While we were waiting for Armando in the Fry's parking lot we went next door to get a Sonic drink with lots of ice. I love their ice.

When Armando comes James gives him his checks and they spend a few minutes talking about Boy Joye's pour from yesterday. I guess there was some kind of a problem and Armando needed to discuss it with James. 

It was early evening when we got home. It is always great to be home even if you've only been gone a short time.

Dallin right after he graduated 

from high school. He is now 27.