OUR FAMILY: Sunday, September 17, 2023: Charlie's Primary Program, Stake Conference, Rain! Lunch, Nap, Visit Peeler's, Dinner, Chapter from book & blog, 3 temples dedicated

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Book of Mormon Reading

Helaman 5:28-52

Book of Mormon 100 Favorite

Mosiah 2:19

And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

Come Follow Me

2 Corinthians 7

April General Conference

"One in Christ" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

I got up at six, said my prayers and got something to eat so I could take some Tramadol. At 7:00 I turned on the Zoom broadcast of Charlie's Primary Program. She was sitting on the front row. Much of the program is the children singing and I could see Charlie singing all of the songs. She loves to sing and is so good at it!

The first song was "Heavenly Father, Are You Really There" and was sung by a family. There were some children speaking afterwards and then the children sang "Jesus Once Was a Little Child." More speaking and then the son "Keep the Commandments". This time I knew one of the children. the last one to speak in this group was Ezra who was one of the Cardon's boys who came to Charlie's birthday party. Afterwards the children sang, "Faith is Knowing". Jonathan, Ezra's brother, and Charlie were in the next group of children to speak. Charlie: "I show Jesus I love Him and have faith in him by doing what's right." I didn't recognize the next song but one line started out, "Did Jesus... Children speaking and then "The Holy Ghost is my Eternal Friend." Afterwards some children spoke about the Holy Ghost. "Be True, Be True." Children speaking about choosing the right. The last song was "I Can Follow God's Plan for Me."

James and I really enjoyed the program and seeing Charlie sitting on the front row. Towards the end the camera panned out and we could see Jared & Kacey sitting in the audience. Thank you Jared for sending us the link.

We left for stake conference in Lakeside a little before nine. We got there around 9:45 and as we were looking for a place to sit President Beeler got up and announced that the choir would be singing. Everyone got quiet and the choir sang three numbers before it was time for conference to start. They sang, "Take Time to Be Holy", "I Feel My Savior's Love", and "I Know that My Redeemer Lives."

They sounded beautiful.

President Beeler conducted the meeting. The opening song was "On This Day of Joy and Gladness" and the opening prayer was given by Sister Knippers.

New Melchizedek Priesthood holders sustained - President Alder.

"The Lord is My Shepherd" stake choir.

President Smithson - Back packing to Havasupai. Saw elders while walking out. They said, "You are on the right path." The Savior knows where I am on the Covenant Path. DC4, Ether 12, Moroni 7:20, Mark 9:20-22, Luke 17:17, Mark 10:46, Enos 1:8. Faith in Christ is a principle of power through which all miracles are performed. Woman with the issue of blood, Ten lepers, Bartimaeus, and Enos. Faith led you to come here. Move forward in faith and Christ will access you with power. Center your faith on Christ. Our prayers will be answered in a way that is best for us. President Nelson has asked us to study Jesus's life, believe Him, act in faith, and participate in sacred ordinances. Ask self: "What would I do if I had more faith?"

Don Adams, young man - 17 years old. FSY experiences this summer. Friends can bring you up or down. Excited to go to FSY and so were my friends. Stay strong, remember why I am here; to get closer to Jesus and the Holy Ghost. Make good choices. Make heartfelt effort in order to progress. Write down what you are leaving so you will remember. Jesus Christ is my best friend.

Sierra Penrod. Just graduated from high school and has been called to serve in the Lisbon, Spain mission. Hope is trust, faith, and having a positive expectation. Sierra did her first trek was with a broken ankle. FSY - Learned about Atonement of Christ and the pain that led up to it.

Sister Morrison - Reading the Book of Mormon everyday keeps temptation away. Ether 12:23. I love my Savior. I am thankful for all who have made sacrifices for the gospel.

"Come Ye Children of the Lord"

Sister Stratton, Matron of the Flagstaff mission. She had a love for the Book of Mormon in her youth. I joy in sharing what I know to be true. Record and reflect. Grateful for Joseph Smith and the living prophet today, President Nelson. Grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.

President Stratton, President of the Flagstaff mission.

D&C 18:10 - Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. Mark 4 Savior teaching from a boat. Story about boy from Arizona serving in Mexico. "Magnify your calling."

President Alder. Well done is better than well said.

President Nelson, "Peacemakers Needed." True disciples are peacemakers.1) Always express feelings with love. Matthew 18:15. "How can I better destroy my enemies than making them my friends." - Abe Lincoln. 2) Don't think you have all the answers. "Living the culture of Christ by being covenant conscious." 3) Don't compete. The only race we are in is the race against sin. Do we look to complement rather than criticize. 4) Don't rigorously defend you position. Phoenix temple - woman opposed ended up joining the Church. 5) Let the Spirit guide your conversations. Do I listen to respond or do I listen to understand? Pahoran is a good example. 6) Be filled with charity. Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved. - President Monson. Look inside. Cleanse the inner vessel. Christ is the constant in all good relationships.

"Let Us All Press On"

President Beeler - Emotionally expresses thanks to Sister Alder and the choir.

Talked about the importance of pruning fruit trees but not over-pruning. (See Jacob 5). There needs to be a balance. Focus on things that matter most. When we simplify we intensify. DC 84 Sanctified by the Spirit to magnify my discipleship. Focus and remove the unimportant. We need to focus on eternal things. DC 130. Sociality, relationships, love God and love others. What can we take with us. Knowledge. Take a walk with Christ through our morning prayers and scripture study. Don't be a lazy learner. We will also take our character. Take out the natural man and become more useful to the Lord. Mighty changes preceded by minor changes. Repentance happens through Jesus Christ. We cherish the gift of repentance is in the Young Women's theme. I know that Russell M. Nelson is a Prophet of God.

"Press Forward Saints"

Benediction - Sister Pike

It was a beautiful day here in the White Mountains. It rained on us on the way home from Lakeside and the closer we got to Vernon the more it rained. It even hailed in some places. I think this is the best rainstorm we have had all summer!

This evening James and I went to visit the Peeler's. Donna hurt her back on top of having cancer treatment and has been pretty much confined to her chair. I offered to stay with her whenever Owen needs to go somewhere and they seemed appreciative. They are going to New Mexico this coming Friday to a burial for Owen's sister in Farmington. I guess Owen makes a bed in the back of the car for Donna. She said something that concerned me. She said that she was just getting over their recent trip to the valley and now they would be going again. Getting old and having cancer is no fun!

We had shrimp and veggies for dinner.

Three temples were dedicated today; Brasilia, Brazil, Bentonville, Arkansas, and Moses Lake, Washington.

Another fraud report, this time someone used my debit card. This is the fourth time I've had someone use one of my cards since June.

Three temples were dedicated today:'