Sunday, August 26th, 2018

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Book of Mormon

Alma 56:41-57

*Will ye go to battle for what ye believe in?

- Am I prepared to die? What in my life is worth dying for? My family, my friends, and my faith in God. As I trust in the Lord and strive to do His will, the Lord has promised me in the scriptures that He will deliver me. So, knowing I will be delivered by and to Him, I am not afraid to die.

Old Testament

Psalms 81-85

81 Israel is commanded to sing praises to God - If the Israelites had walked in the Lord's ways, they would have triumphed over their enemies.

82 Thus says the Lord, Ye are gods and children of the Most High.

83 God is asked to confound the enemies of His people - Jehovah is the Most High over all the earth.

84 The righteous cry unto the living God - It is better to be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness - No good thing is withheld from those who walk uprightly.

85 The Lord speaks peace to His people - Truth will spring out of the earth (the Book of Mormon), and righteousness will look down from heaven.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Jean B. Bingham, General President of the Relief Society, will explain how assigned brethren of the priesthood and assigned sisters of the Relief Society and Young Women will now function in serving and watching over members of the Church throughout the world."

James and I got to sacrament meeting a little early and saved an entire row behind the Wilhelm's for Sheri, Ian and the boys. I was so glad that Ian came even though they all left after sacrament meeting and were gone home before we got home from the block.

Andy W. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting. He spoke about his experiences on trek. It was short. Next was Sister Hunter. She spoke about the temple and her experiences as the temple prep teacher for the members of our ward getting ready to go to the temple. She told about going through with Anthony last week. She said that he said to her in the Celestial Room, "Wow!"

Brother Howard's name was on the program but obviously he could not speak because he is in the hospital. Brother K. Hunsaker spoke on intentional and righteous parenting. That topic sounds familiar. That's what I spoke on when I spoke in sacrament meeting on May 19th, 2018.  He did a good job.

Before Sunday School began I asked Sister Johnson if she would be in charge of getting photos, birthdays, and favorites of the young women to put on the wall in the back of the Relief Society room. She said she would be glad to. She also gave me a birthday card. She wrote a note on the inside that said: "Dear Karen, You are such a great example to me of faithfulness, humility and obedience. You are always striving to do what the Lord wants you to do. I want to be just like you when I grow up!" This really touched me because I look up to Paula so much. She is the president of the Vernon Park, distributes food from the Vernon Food Bank, and is a member of the Vernon Women's Club. She is constantly giving service. I told her that I felt the same way about her!

For Sunday School I attended the teacher council meeting taught by our Sunday School President, Brother Allen. We talked about closed and open ended questions. I couldn't find that particular topic in our manual so I turned to the lesson on Asking Inspired Questions. There are three headings in this lesson about the kinds of questions a teacher should ask. 1.) Ask Questions That Help Learners Gain Basic Knowledge of Eternal Truths - "What did the Savior do for us in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).

2.) Ask Questions That Touch The Heart and Mind - Becuase responses to these questions often rely on the feelings and experiences of the leaarners, the questions usually do not have just one correct answer. "How do you think the Apostles might have felt as they walked to the Garden of Gethsemane with the Savior?"

3.) Ask Questions That Invite Learners To Act - "What will you do differently because of what you learned today?"

Before Relief Society began I asked Sister Moore if she would be a ministering sister. She said she would love to, but she did not want to drive because of her eyes. 

Sister Curtis gave the lesson in Relief Society entitled: "True Ministers Focus on the Needs of Others." As always, she did a great job and used several of the examples of ministering that Sister Bingham gave in her conference address. We have a new sister in our ward, another one from the Concho branch. Barbara was not there today. I am afraid that although she lives in our ward she wants to continue to attend the Concho branch. She told someone at the temple that she likes Concho better than Vernon.

We had orange meatballs and salad for lunch. James took a nap while I did my weekly planning and we both ran off ancestors names we got from the app "Take a Name." I think I have enough ordinances to last me at least a month or two.

James talked to Sister Peeler. She had low sodium they are trying to treat. She is no longer in the rehab center but back in the hospital. She is getting quite discouraged because it just seems she has one setback after another.

I love this field of sunflowers somewhere in France!

I am obsessed with homemade cards!

 Wouldn't this make a nice summer home!

My sweet friend Amaron turned 9!

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Ether 3:16

Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

*Why did prior knowledge of the Lord cause the dissenters to harden their hearts?

- Those who fell away from the gospel most likely also lost the influence of the Spirit. They sought after others who were in the same situation and as often happens they pulled each other down.

When you intentionally reject the gospel you set yourself up to drift here and there.

Old Testament

Job 32-34

32 Elihu, n anger, answers Job and his three friends - He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise. 

33 Elihu says: God is greater than man - He speaks to man in dreams and visions - He ransoms those cast into the pit - He delivers their souls and gives them life.

34 Elihu teaches, God cannot be unjust, commit iniquity, pervert judgment, or respect persons - Man should bear chastisement and do iniquity no more.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela Wakolo

"The many distractions and temptations of life are like 'ravening wolves' (Matt 7:15). It is the true shepherd who will prepare, protect, and warn the sheep and the flock when these wolves are approaching. As undershepherds who seek to emulate the perfect life of the Good Shepherd, aren't we shepherds of our own soul as well as of others? With the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators, whom we just sustained, and with the power and gift of the Holy Ghost, we can see the wolves coming if we are watchful and prepared. In contrast, when we are casual shepherds of our own soul and others' souls, casualties are likely. Casualness leads to casualties. I invite each of us to be a faithful shepherd."

James called the pump company this morning and was told how to fix the problem with the pump. Woohoo! I got to take a shower and wash my hair before going to the temple this morning.

I left the house around 9:20 to pick up my friend Catherine. She is 83 but seems younger. She did one of my family names, Laura Lewis, and I did Georgia Ruthledge.

Catherine worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years. She happened to run into a friend from her days in Mesa and they had a great visit before and after the session.

The session was pretty full with a row of sisters on the brothers side. President Jensen, formerly of our stake presidency and his wife were in the session, and our stake patriarch, Brother Toronto was the officiator. Catherine and I took a selfie afterwards.

Sorry for the goofy looking face by "Yours truly."

When I got home this afternoon I phoned a new sisters in the ward whom we haven't seen because she has been sick. She is from Woodland, Texas and her name is Marie. She said she had bronchitis but is much better. She is living here alone right now with her six dogs. Her husband will be in Texas for another year. She is 74 years old and it sounds like we could be friends.

We had a beautiful unexpected rain this evening, something I always enjoy. I also walked over 20,000 steps and then James and I watched the newest episode of the Garage Sale Mysteries, "Pandora's Box." A murder mystery, Hallmark style.

I sure do love this boy!

 Is Cierci an alpaca or a llama?

 Two boys in Phoenix were struck by lightning too.

How sad.

 Huntleigh the brave!

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

- They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter is a parallel of today! 

Millions are being killed or cast out or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees, or others, who need us to welcome all and to love and to minister to them.

Old Testament

Ezra 1-3

1 King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple - Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

2 The descendants of the Jews taken captive who return to Jerusalem and to Judah are listed - The children of priests whose genealogy is lost are denied the priesthood - Faithful people contribute to the building of the temple.

3 The altar is rebuilt - Regular sacrifices are reinstituted - The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

General Conference

Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Massimo De Feo

"True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us. They know that the price He paid is an 'all-inclusive price.' Spiritual taxes, fees, commissions, and charges related to sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings are all covered. True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness."

I have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies all week. They make me feel good and I am definitely in the Christmas mood. 

I watched Sister Aburto's story on lds.org today. She is from Nicaragua and experienced an earthquake, the death of her brother, political unrest, and a divorce because of a husband addicted to drugs and alcohol. Her story bears out the truth that Heavenly Father knows and loves all of his children. 

Lately I have been having a difficult time in the mornings, not feeling well until a couple of hours after I take my Tramadol. 

I makes for a slow start. 

After scriptures and prayer James leaves for the Howard's. He hadn't left earlier because he knew that the Howard's came in late last night from their trip and he didn't want to wake them up but he got a text from Brother Howard asking if he was coming.

I stay home ll day, working on my blog and watching the clouds to see if it's going to rain. James comes home for lunch and has a couple of bowls of beans for lunch. He really could leave on beans.

While he is home the tractor repair guy shows up and so he has to deal with him. We both take a short nap and he was on his way back to the Howard's and I went back to my blog and Christmas movies. I also made a charm bracelet with charms, etc. I bought a Walmart.

The tractor repair guy was here until 5 p.m. That's going to cost a pretty penny. 

When James gets home he doesn't come in the house but goes immediately out back to work on his rabbit hutch. 

Our evening activities include walking, reading from our book "Abby's Crossing", and finishing up the Christmas movies for the day.

This is the rosebush James got me for our

anniversary. He put something on it so the bunnies

wouldn't eat the blooms.

Amaron and his twin brothers
that I babysat yesterday.

Thiessen and Anakin

Molly and her horsey "Butterscotch"

Sweet little Scarlett.

I can hardly wait to meet her!

Google Earth view of our house.

National Geographic photo of the year

Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877

By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:23-15:4

*How does your faith in Christ give you strength?

- It gives me strength because I know he is always there for me and will take care of me if I do my part. It is a very comforting thing.

Old Testament

2 Kings 11-12

11 Ahthaliah destroys the royal family in Judah and reigns herself in Judah - Joash is preserved and crowned king when seven years old - Jehoiada the priest destroys the house of Baal.

12 Jehoash (Joash) reigns in righteousness - The breaches in the temple are repaired - The safety of Jerusalem is purchased with the hallowed things in the temple - Joash is slain and Amaziah reigns.

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that 'the priesthood is greater thann any of its offices. ...The priesthood is not divisible, An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See DC 20:38.)

When a man has the priesthood conferred upon him, he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood - divisions of authority and responsibility. ... Sometimes one office is spoken of as being 'higher than' or 'lower than' another office. Rather than higher or lower, offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood represent different areas of service."  Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer speak in terms of being 'advanced' to another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Russell M. Nelson 4/15 #65. The Sabbath is a Delight.

"How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing.?"

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood. Chapter 24

Conclusion

James started out this morning to help Brother Howard's neighbor. Brother Howard caught him and asked if he could fix his waterline as they have no water so he did that first and then went to the neighbors with Big Cat and did some grading for $50.

Your ward's youth trek starts today. Sister Allen said they would be coming by our house. I will look for them.

I actually caught up on my blog today after several weeks of being behind. It is a good feeling!

I texted Amaron's mother Laurann today. Here is the text I sent.

Hi Laurann. I wanted to talk to you about Amaron. Initially the reason I wanted to help him with his reading was because he struggled reading in our Primary class and lacked confidence in his ability. I know you have not asked for my help and if you would rather I didn't, just tell me. I will not be offended. I have realized I can't do much good just seeing him once a week. If I am going to continue, I will need to give him things to do and read at home to you on a daily basis. He needs to practice everyday. I can reserve a room at the library on Thursday evenings where I can meet and work with him. He is such a sweet boy and I want him to feel the excitement and success of being a good reader. I am afraid if we don't help him he is going to get further and further behind. Please let me know how you feel about this. We could start next week as I am going to the temple at 4:30 this Thursday with Deborah Brewer. Think about it and let me know. Your friend, Karen.

I never heard back from Laurann today and I thought maybe I had offended her. I thought about it until I finally went to sleep tonight.

I decided that tomorrow I would text her again.

This afternoon I finally got the Whitecap account username and password straightened out so that I could pay that bill. James made several calls about returning our phones and when I went to town to get groceries he stopped by the Verizon store and they contacted Verizon and they are sending us labels to return our old phones.

On the way to town I drank my green smoothie because I knew I couldn't go shopping on an empty stomach. I picked up the Treewax floor polish remover I ordered. I thought I had ordered six bottles but it ended up being 12 because two bottles are wrapped together. They cost $76.

I'm going to be busy the next few weeks.

After putting my groceries away this evening I walked over 10,000 steps. It feels good to be able to walk my steps again!

I also spent 25 minutes reading from Children Learning Reading, then practiced with my caligraphy pen by writing my ancestors names on a family tree I found while cleaning.

I had to make it extra large so you could see the names.

We went to bed with open windows and turned the AC off. We are supposed to have rain on Friday and Saturday which is highly unusual for this time of year. We can hardly wait!

Happy 46th Birthday Ian!

If you think Ian looks young in this photo it's

because this photo was taken last year.

I sent his card yesterday. He didn't get it today.

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 10:4

Yes, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews - even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

*How did the church of God respond to the beliefs of others? How did they respond to persecutions from those of other beliefs?

-"...If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy. Who knows but that again in our day some of the saints, or even apostles, as in former days, may be required to give their lives in defense of the truth?? If that time should come, God grant that they would not fail!" - President Harold B. Lee

Alma 1:26-31. The affairs of the Church established. President James E. Faust: "In the first chapter of Alma we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord's Church is established...1. The doctrines are taught (vs. 26). 2. Members esteem each other as themselves (vs. 26). 3. They all labor; they work and earn that which they receive. (vs. 26). 4. They impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (vs. 27). 5. They discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (vs. 27). "This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord's way that their circumstances began to improve. This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere."

Old Testament

2 Samuel 7-8

7 David offers to build a house for the Lord - The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so - The Lord will establish David's house and kingdom forever - David offers a prayer of thanksgiving

8 David defeats and subjects many nations - The Lord is with him - He executes judgment and justice unto all his people.

General Conference

Ministering wit the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as thought they would rather satisfy thier own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children."

Rescuing Wayward Children

As our children mature, we hope that their motivation for obeying the laws of family and of God will migrate from duty to understanding and finally to love.

Worth the Wrestle

Nephi attempted to teach his older brothers the pattern for receiving information through the Spirit: "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?" he asked. "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Nephi 15:11).
Russell M. Nelson 4/07, #49 Repentance and Conversion

"A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul."

Dale G. Renlund  Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter 14 Principle #6

Priesthood Power and Influence are Maintained Using Christlike Attributes

Truman G. Madsen  Lectures on the Prophet Joseph Smith  Lecture #5  Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Temple

I called the D.I. in Glendale, Arizona and asked what we needed to do to get a requisition order for two girls from our ward. I spoke with Dan Holme, the manager who was very kind. He said that the bishop needed to fill our a commodity form for clothing. If he doesn't have the form he can call and speak with Brother Holme. No one else can call for him, it must be the bishop. Tamara, our RS President was very appreciative that I found out what we needed to know to get clothes for the Burton girls.

I worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. It is such a slow, messy job. I wonder if I will ever finish. Yes I will!

I also made some muffins to take to Laurann's. I picked up Amaron from school and then drove him home. I took in muffins, candy, and my new Star Wars book and my Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Amaron carried in the four boxes I brought for Lauren to use for packing. They bought a house from the Grapp's and will be moving across the highway. I could tell that Lauren did not feel well so I didn't stay long. I read with Amaron and then had him read a little before I left. I am worried about Laurann's health.

Amaron walks me to the car. He likes to turn the car on, and look at the trunk, and then open and close the sky roof. He is fascinated with my car and would like to have it when I die.

We used to have elk in our backyard. Now we have bunnies, 8 of them this evening eating our grass.

James will be home tomorrow!

Five bunnies enjoying a feast

Throwback Thursday to the day

Scarlett was blessed.

The temple is closing on Friday for

2 1/2 years.

Christina's kids

Taylor was five years old when we

were her Primary teachers.

Braylin playing the drums

Hailey, his mom is grateful he and his sister have

been accepted at their new school in Deming.

Wisteria Tree

I wouldn't mind having one of these in

my backyard.

Ruby tells me sea turtles are becoming

extinct.