Saturday, March 9th, 2019

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple 
Dedicated: 17 My 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Today's gospel study included: John 4:14; 2 Nephi 28:1-16; Mark 4:1-34; "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom" by Jeffrey R. Holland, 10/1996, and "One in Christ: by Ulisses Soares, 10/2018.

One in Christ

Ulisses Soares

"My beloved companions in the work of the Lord, I believe we can do much better and should do better in welcoming new friends into the Church. I invite you to consider what we can do to be more embracing, accepting, and helpful to them, starting this very next Sunday. Be careful not to let your Church assignments get in the way of welcoming new friends at Church meetings and activities. After all, these souls are precious before the eyes of God and are much more important than programs and activities. If we minister to our new friends with our hearts full of pure love as the Savior did, I promise you, in His name, that He will assist us in our efforts."

We left for the temple around 5:45. James was pretty "stressed out" because he wanted to leave by 5:30. We started off with a beeping noise in Sheri's van. We stopped twice to try and close the doors. The back door on the driver's side does not completely close. I wonder if it was like that when we got the van. Finally the beeping stopped and we were able to listen to two conference talks on the way over. We made it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 which was presided over by President and Sister Palmer.

One of the first people to welcome me back was Debbie Vance, my friend from Chandler. Sister Cochran and Sister Humphries also said they were glad to see me. I missed seeing Sister Bowers and Sister McCleary. Sister Bowers is taking a leave of absence. I'm not sure where Sister McCleary is.

My schedule went something like this: ASD - Assistant sealing director. I sat under the stairs in the corner at a desk and assist people when they come in to do sealings. I was only there from 7:30 - 8 and assisted three different people. I had to go up and down the stairs to the sealing room three times. Too bad I don't have my phone with me. I was also a greeter a couple of time, and worked in initiatory two times. The third time was at the end of our shift and the afternoon workers had someone to take through so I was excused early. 

I dressed and went outside to wait for James. He was at the recommend desk so I was able to tell him where I was. As I was walking around the parking lot I noticed a fellow worker, Sister Blank, who is a young adult returned missionary, sitting in her car calling someone on the phone. I didn't think too much of it until a few minutes later when a police officer showed up. I guess she had something stolen from her car. The last time I heard of this happening it was at night. This time it was done in broad daylight. We must remember to lock our cars!

On the way home I texted Max to make sure everything was okay. He said it was and that they were fine so James and I went to Walmart to pick up my thyroid prescription. While James was at the pharmacy, I walked in the McDonald's entrance and ordered him a quarter pounder and got myself an ice cream cone. He seemed very appreciative because he was quite hungry.

When we got home the boys were playing hide and go seek outside. It was great to see them doing something besides playing video games. 

I cooked steak for dinner in my cast iron skillet. James cooked some on the grill and I thought they were better. The boys were already done eating by the time the ones on the grill were done.

This evening I worked on my blog and watched the Hallmark movie, "Harvest Moon." 

The boys watched Harry Potter in the family room.

In other news, President Nelson and President Ballard were able to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican today. It is the first time a President of the Church has met with the Pope.

This little girl brings so much joy!