OUR FAMILY: 1st Book Trade

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Psalms 132:17

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

Book of Mormon #1

3Nephi 16:1-20

*What is the purpose of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon?

- It is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has begun to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (3 Ne. 29:1; Ether 4:17). Who is the House of Israel? The House of Israel generally refers to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel in the Old Testament. (Gen 32:27-28). In the Book of Moron the Savior expanded this definition to include no only the literal descendants of Israel (3 Nephi 20:25-27) but also all Gentiles, or other people, who repent, are baptized, and come unto Christ. (3 Ne. 21:6). The Gathering of Israel is taking place in preparation of the Savior's Second Coming. In recent years it has been accelerated as missionaries are being called at a younger age. Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants us to be gathered and united when the Savior comes to redeem the world. What an exciting time to be alive!

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 11-13

Old Testament

Ezekiel 5-6

General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do."

As I was reading in the book of Mosiah this morning I realized there was a temple both in Zarahemla and in the land of Nephi. I am sure I knew this, but for some reason it was impressed upon my mind as I read.

I bought my first book on Amazon today to trade back in to Amazon for a profit. If all goes as planned I will make $7.80 after all expenses. I am excited!

James went out on the Razr for an hour or so today to look for deer but had no luck. I think he missed his chance yesterday.

The weather has turned cold and rainy after being in the 70's this weekend. That's okay, it's a good time to stay home and watch Christmas movies. I only had a chance to watch two today.

I started work on my council session I am to lead in Relief Society on Sunday. It is based on President Nelson's message in the women's session of conference, "Sisters' Participation in the Gather of Israel," and his four challenges in that message.

1. Ten-day fast from social media and other negative media.

2. Read the Book of Mormon again and finish by the end of the year.

3. Attend the temple on a regular basis.

4. Participate fully in Relief Society. Study the purpose of Relief Society and the Relief Society Declaration which was presented almost 20 years ago. (I was in the training meeting when it was presented).

There are some wonderful blessings attached to these challenges. President Nelson says: As you prayerfully study and read the Book of Mormon, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation. As you read, I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen.

Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. This may require a little more sacrifice in your life. More regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood power with which you have been endowed in His temple.

I bless you with the ability to leave the world behind as you assist in this crucial and urgent work."

I testify that President Nelson is a prophet of God and he has been called of God to help gather Israel before the Second Coming of the Savior.

Sheri sent me a copy of part of the email Elder Trezise (Ben) sent her this week. It is about his prayer journal. I would like to share it on here so I will always have a record of it.

"I started doing something called a prayer journal. It has really helped me. Basically you find a time and place to be completely alone. You get down on your knees and pray, whether out loud or in your mind. You pray for everything you are thankful for. EVERYTHING. it should be a long list if you really think about it. Then you ask God if there is anything He wants you to know at this point in time. You open up the journal you have with you and just start writing. Don't think. Just write. When I was told about this, I thought that would be the most difficult part, not thinking and just writing. It seems like it wouldn't work, but it does. It is like a section of the Doctrine and Covenants designed specifically for me. It's amazing! Some of it is personal, but I figured I would share a little of my last experience with you."

"Looking back, I can see how little my faith was, even just a month ago. I need to have the faith as the prophets of old. I need to have the testimonies of the prophets. Do not look at them as if they are better than you, because they are not. All souls are equal in the sight of God. I have the same divine potential as the Apostles and Prophets. I have the agency to choose to have the faith they have. I need to be able to stand before my loving Father and say, 'I believe in You, and in your Only Begotten. I had the faith in mortality to move mountains, to part seas, and to commune with angels. I had the faith not only to die for You, but to live for You. I did not simply devote 2 years to You and then say to myself, 'It is finished. I did my part.' No! I served You my entire life. I dedicated everything I have to building Your kingdom. And yes, I faltered. I stumbled and fell. But I got back up and continued to press forward with faith. My work is never finished. I did all I could to bring souls unto Christ, and I did all I could to come live with You again, and I relied on the Atonement of my Savior to do the rest because I cannot return to You without the saving act of the Atonement."

"I would like to invite you to try the prayer journal. Don't try to do it too often, and spiritually prepare yourself before doing it. It is a draining experience." - Love, Elder Trezise

This missionary of ours is so very spiritually mature. He will be a leader in our family, a shining light and others will look to him for guidance in their own lives. I know I do. I have three bright spots right now. One is Elder Trezise and the other are Charlie and Scarlett. (Actually I have several "bright spots" but these 3 come to mind.)

James made a trip to town this evening to pick up some material and wanted me to go with him. I started home to work on the book business but I regretted my decision afterwards.