Saturday, April 28th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

*What teachings did Alma introduce to the new converts and how did these teachings differ from King Noah?

Article: Live by the Savior's Teachings

By: N. Eldon Tanner

Dec. 1982

tavacivan: "For their labor, they were to receive the grace of God" (26) In Christ's Church, we have a lay ministry which sets us apart from other churches in the world. We also believe that a higher law allows us power to do what we are asked to do as we serve our fellowman. This is a compensation that cannot be imitated by money. It is His power and His strength that we have access to. We are to take care of each other spiritually, temporally and emotionally. (28,29) The Church of Jesus Christ is run by imperfect people but the organization and doctrine of the Church is sound and constant. His laws are perfect and when implemented correctly, we have great power and strength. These people were drawn to truth and were hungry and ready for Alma's teachings! We have access to so much truth! 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines place the ark in the house of Dagon, their god - The Philistines in Ashdod, then Gath, and then Ekron are plagued and slain because the ark is lodged with them.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The Church is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them."

I was up at 4:15 this morning. I showered and then had breakfast. James thinks Hong Kong is in Taiwan so I have to get out my world map and show him he is wrong. Ridiculous. Why would I waste time doing this when I should have been getting ready to go to the temple? I am ashamed of myself, even if I was right about Hong Kong. The win was bittersweet because I had to rush to get ready. We left in a rush and then realized we had forgotten to bring the muffins so we had to come back to get them. Now we are officially later than we've ever been for our temple shift,  but thanks to James's driving we make it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 a.m.

We were under the direction of President and Sister Reidhead this morning, our old schoolmates at Snowflake Union High School.

Sister Reidhead talked about the new garments for sisters and then we watched films about the ordinances clothes and the endowment session. 

My schedule for today went something like this:

7:30 - Initiatory worker, which I am beginning to love even though I don't have everything memorized. These blessings are so amazing!

8:00 - Celestial Room - time to ponder and meditate and admire the beauty of this room.

8;30 - Break time with James, Sister Badger who remembered James from high school and his pet Pete the Crow. She was a close friend of James's sister Connie. Her last name was Petersen in high school. Sister Hansen joined us. She is from Joseph City and knows the Hunsakers. She told me a story of when she was Kip's Cub Scout leader.

9 - Prepare for the 9:30 session. Today I am the 1st follower. Sister Badger is the 2nd follower. James is the follower for the brothers and led the prayer circle and did an awesome job.

This afternoon I worked in initiatory again, was the greeter for the baptistry. During this time I got to visit with my good friend from Chandler and fellow temple worker, Debbie. Her daughter is married to Rex Bergstrom. My last assignment was the locker room. Since I was the last one on our shift with this assignment I had to check all the locked lockers to make sure no one had left anything.

One of the exciting things that happened in the temple today was the sealing of Bishop and Sister Hall's son, Kendall to his wife Chanel.  Bishop Hall was our first bishop in Vernon and when I was a youth growing up in Show Low his grandpa was my bishop. 

A great day for this family. Weston, Kendall's brother should have been there but I didn't see him. I guess he is working for a pest control company in Florida.

James and I got home from the temple a little after 2. I ate, had a short rest and then got ready to go to stake conference leadership meeting. James took me to the church where the Applegate's and Sister Halcomb were waiting for me. Our meeting in Lakeside starts at 4.

Our company left this morning. 

Our leadership training meeting went something like this:

President Beeler: 
"God's hands are in the details of the work."

President Jensen:
"One more step in the unfolding of the restoration."

President Shumway:
"The Lord wants our hearts. When we give our hearts to Him, He performs miracles."

Elder Jones:
DC 43:8-9
8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me-
DC 107:89 - Preside, council, teach.

Elder Brent D. Foster
"Authority and keys establish order."
Exaltation - Life like Him
Eternal Life - Life with Him
Testimony - I know - Alma 30:41; Conversion - I do - Hel. 6:3;
Sanctification - I feel - Hel. 3:35; Exaltation - I become -
A council is a fundamental principle of human life. When you tell someone what to do, you are telling them to become like you.
Leadership is the ability to draw forth people's potentiality. 
The greater the agency and opportunity, the greater the growth. 
" I want to expand the vision of why the Lord wants us to work in councils."
DC 88:122
Vision determines direction
1. Vision
2. Share
3. Agree on outcome
John 10:12-12
Goals
Distance Indicators
Specific plan
Motivate, inspire
We can't program people back to heaven.
Romans 0:16-17; DC 84:38; DC 58:25-26; Hel.10:4-5; 
It's all about revelation.

During the break between meetings the Applegate's and Kerri went to get dinner. I stayed at the church and moved up in the chapel to save a place for James. He ended up being late because of a flat tire and sat in the back. Gratefully the Lauritzen's from our ward came and sat by me.

Adult Session

The invocation was given by Sister Gatewood, the first woman to be the chairman of the White Mountain Apace Tribe. 

Elder Jones

Video: saw, felt, heard.

"Simple acts of service can be profound."

"Why we minister: Because we follow Jesus Christ."

"Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children home."

How can I be a minister for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Sister Thomas, Stake Relief Society President

"Pray for each individual."

President Shumway

"Study the why. So people can know God, that is the why. Our heart becomes His."

Scottsdale Mission President - President Robinson

"I am an ordained apostle of Jesus Christ." President Nelson's answer when a king asked him who he was.

Youth Choir: 

Amazing Love

Sister Palmer, Matron of the Snowflake Temple

"Spend more time in the temple."

President Palmer of the Snowflake Temple

Isaiah 2:2-3

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Elder Jones

God anointed Jesus Christ who went about doing good. 

Told a ministering story of a young widow with two children.

Bradley D. Foster

"God wants His children home. 1 Nephi 5:16-17. There is power in knowing who we are and where we are going. 

Family History: Discover-Gather-Connect.

He told us to watch the movie "Coco."

Pass on stories and photos. 

"Don't let the wisdom of the old die with them."

One of the things Elder Foster had us do was the same thing Terry had us do last night on the Family Tree app. I was related to so many people it was ridiculous, including Elder Foster, President Robinson, Sister Halcomb and Brother Applegate, and Brother Allen.

Promised blessings of doing Temple and Family History Work from the prophets.

More closeness and joy with family, and divine protection. 

Quentin L. Cook

Our amazing stake president, President Shumway

with his wife Heidi.

White Mountain Apache Tribe

recently elected chairwoman.

Kim's pom and cheer team.

Stacy had moved on to high school.

Sister Bingham and her look-a-likes,

except one.

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary "Prayer" paragraph 6

Prayers were said at the Sanctuary (1 Sam. 1:9-12; 1 Kgs. 8; Ps. 42:2, 4) or looking toward the Sanctuary (1 Kgs. 8:44, 48; Ps. 5:7; Dan 6:10); on the housetop or in an upper chamber (Dan. 6:10; Acts 10:9). The Pharisees prayed publicly in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets (Matt. 6:5). The Lord prayed upon the tops of mountains (Matt. 14:23; Luke 9:28) or in solitary places (Mark 1:35).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:2

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:16-29

*Why do you think false prophets and false teachers flourish among wicked people?

Talk: Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers

By: M. Russell Ballard

- False prophets and teachers flourish among the wicked because they appeal to the natural man. The church of the devil is easy..no rules. Are you materialistic? No problem, having wealth is encouraged, especially if you have to walk on a few people to get it. Maybe your challenge is with sexual immorality. Hey, the church of the devil with all his false teachings encourages free love, and experimentation, and broken covenants. You were made that way right? Let's not forget pride, the me, me attitude is accepted. False teachings are taught by false teachers who want followers. They want to be popular and well liked. They don't teach whole truths, but bits and pieces of truth mingled with natural man desires, and for some that is enough to want to convert to the church of the devil. Satan is the master of deception, the father of lies. False teachings draw us away from truth. Truth taught by those anointed can warn us of false teachers and prophets.

Old Testament

Judges 15-17

15 Samson burns the grain of the Philistines - They burn his wife and father-in-law - Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

16 Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaze - He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines - He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

17 Micah has a house of gods (images) and consecrates his own priests.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure to the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

" Let us be faithful to what we have believed and know."

We have a friend in the ward named Anthony. James is/was his home teacher. He lives way out in the wide open spaces where there is no water or electricity. The other day he saw a wolf stalking a small herd of antelope. He called James. James told him, "don't worry the antelope will get in a circle facing out and the wolf will leave." Sure enough that is what happened. Anthony had to call James back and tell him how smart he was. 

I listened to President Nelson's talk "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," from the April 1994 general conference.

For lunch today I cooked some cabbage and boiled some sausage tortellini. It went together well and was very tasty, James even said so. 

This afternoon Laurann and I went visiting. Our first stop was to see Catherine Halcomb. Laurann had all three of her kids. Amaron is out of school because he had pinkeye earlier in the week. Laurann grabs the twins carseats and loops one through each arm. I don't know how she can carry both of them.

We had a nice visit with Catherine and Amaron gave her one of the blueberry muffins I made. When we were getting ready to leave she said she was having a biopsy on her arm this coming Monday. I will have to check back and see how she is doing.

Our next stop was at the Grapp's. The entire family was home. Of course everyone wanted a muffin. I didn't stay too long but took Amaron home with me.

I supposed to be helping Amaron with his reading but I wasn't really prepared today. I had him do a couple of worksheets and then I read to him one of my favorite books, "Miss Suzy." We played with the dominoes and dice and of course he had to have a treat. He ate two cups of my mandarin oranges and took some Teddy Grahams home to his brothers. 

I got Amaron home just when the missionaries came to their house for dinner. I left and when I got out on the highway I realized that I had a flat tire. I stopped by the new tower on highway 60 and tried to call James. Of course I could not get through so I just kept sending texts. Finally he called me back. When he got here he took the tire off and we took it home where he tried to patch it. The first two attempts failed but on the third try he used Rubber Cement and it worked. Back to put it on Lexy. I drove her home and it was a very shaky ride but the air held in the tire. I was so happy to finally be home!

I only got 11,000 steps today. Instead of walking I watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart" with James.

Happy Anniversary to Sheri and Ian:

22 blissful years, 4 boys and 1 dog.

Jackson announced on fast Sunday

that he's going on a mission.

I know this is long and a little messed up

but I loved the part about how he was going

to announce six temples and the Lord told

him to announce the one in India.

Scarlett, Kacey posted this.

Hilarious!

Friday, August 25th, 2017

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Sep 1984 by: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 18:11

For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Abraham 3:27

And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.

Alma 56:18-40

When have you had to stand up for something you believe in?

*Once I was asked to not pray or meditate for a month as part of a training exercise for an online position. I told my leader I could not do that and ask to get my money back and withdraw my name from the program. Can you imagine not praying for a month?

DC 124:16-30

What can we do to make our homes a place that Christ may come and dwell?

*melanieryerse:"I remember seeing an ad that said something like this - 'put good in, get good out!' If it is our goal to be good and we want our kids to be good as well, we need to put good in our homes. These good things include daily scriptures as a family, couple and individuals, prayers, family time, working together, forgiveness, kindness, service, wholesome media choices, keeping the commandments, etc.

General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Because we have the truth about the Godhead and our relationship to Them, the purpose of life, and the nature of our eternal destiny, we have the ultimate road map and assurance for our journey through mortality."

I worked on my Primary lesson today and read lesson 17 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "The Power of the Book of Mormon.

Today was a day of anticipation. Tomorrow we start as temple workers in the Snowflake temple. I must say, I am a little nervous.
My co-ordinator, Sister Winhardt called and said she looked forward to meeting me. James's co-ordinator, Brother Coltrin called and said we would have an opportunity tomorrow morning at 7 to introduce ourselves during prayer meeting. That made me even more nervous. 

I did a little research and discovered that out of the 157 dedicated temples, President Hinckley dedicated 84 of them. That is amazing!

We went to bed early this evening with a plan to get up around 4:30 since we need to leave for the temple around 5:30. No TV tonight!

Photos

These little guys are showing up everywhere.

The Hedgehog Family

The Koala's

The Squirrel's

Runaway rabbit babies

Paul and Tara

Addy is out shopping for her birthday and

she sent me this.

Arizona Highways

Baby sloth

Monday, July 10th, 2017

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ

Acts 10:38; 13:23; 18:5; 19:15; 22:8; 26:15

Alma 30:46-60

*In Alma 30:46-50 Korihor, still not accepting the signs he had been given, demanded that Alma show him a sign of God's existence. In response, Korihor was struck dumb by the power of God. Convinced of God's power, Korihor wrote about why he had been preaching against God the Father and Jesus Christ. Read Alma 30:51-53.

*What do you think Korihor meant when he said that he taught things that were "pleasing unto the carnal mind?"

*In Alma 30:54-59 Korihor asked Alma to pray so the curse could be removed from him. Alma refused, saying that if Korihor received the ability to speak, he would again teach false doctrine to the people. Korihor was cast out and went from house to house, begging for food. Eventually he went to the Zoramites, who had separated from the Nephites, and was trampled to death.

*Read Alma 30:60 and look for the principle Mormon teaches. What principle does Mormon teach in this verse?

"The devil will not support his children (followers) at the last day."

*How is this different from the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ care for us? (Read Alma 36:3.)

DC 101:1-12

1-8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9-15, The Lord's indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted;

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

" We read in the Bible Dictionary that "only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." We now have 155 operating temples and more coming soon. More and more families are sealed for time and all eternity. Members are submitting more and more names of ancestors to the temple to perform their saving ordinances. We truly are experiencing great joy and celebration on both sides of the veil! In a darkening world, the light of the gospel will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

" The importance of the Savior's mission was emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that 'the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

Sheri made bacon and eggs for breakfast and I made pancakes. After breakfast Sheri and the younger boys went for a walk. Stacy and Paul got ready to leave to go to Dorina's hearing in Show Low. Joshua is staying here with us and when the hearing is finished, I told Stacy I would take Joshua into town so they wouldn't have to come back out here to get him.

I guess Joshua is meditating

Nice photo!

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua took a drive to the top of Green's Peak. It is one of Sheri's favorite places in Arizona, and mine too, and it's only 15 miles away.

Ian with his cowboy hat.

Sheri takes this picture of the boys every year.

I should make a collage.

I love how Evan has his arm around Rowan.

I am so glad that Ian went with Sheri. They had a flat tire on the way back down.  Ian had a really hard time getting the lug nuts off because they were stripped.  When they finally return James, Sheri, Joshua and I go in to town. Stacy, Paul, and Paul's sisters and their families are having lunch at Pizza Factory. Paul put this picture of Tara on Facebook.

I like how it says awesome on the wall behind her.

When I dropped Joshua off Stacy introduced me to Tara's husband Jeff.  He shook my hand, spoke to me in a British accent, and kissed my cheek. I was charmed and impressed. Stacy says he is a great guy. He works on the TV show, "Dr. Who".  Sorry I didn't get a picture.  I ask how he liked the U.S. and he said he loved it.

We drop Sheri's tire off at Discount and pick up our Razr tire.  James goes to Home Depot and Sheri and I go to Walmart to kill some time. They said it would be over an hour before the tire was fixed.  James also stopped at American Fence. I ordered a thin crust veggie pizza from Dominoes for Sheri and I. James said he didn't want any. He opted for KFC. We stopped there too to take home some chicken for Sheri's family.  After picking up Sheri's tire we head for home making one more stop at Conoco for ice. 

It rained while we were at Walmart, but no rain in Vernon.  

Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben and I lose again. Ben wins.  We just can't beat him. Last time he got six points. After family scriptures and prayer, Sheri, Ian, and Ben watch the movie "Love and Mercy" which is the life story of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.  The boys play upstairs. I go in my bedroom to study and take a nap. James and I read a chapter from "The Reluctant Duchess."

Ben helps James fix the tractor. Stacy, Paul, and Joshua arrive home safely. Joshua said thank you and said he had a blast.

I found this list to be both

extensive and amusing.

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 25:14-26:14

*The organization of the Church ensures that all members can receive the truth.

*Why is it important to continually teach repentance and faith in God?

*As we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and live righteously, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon us.

*What did the rising generation refuse to do because of their unbelief?

*To develop and maintain a testimony, we need to feast on the word of God, pray in faith, and obey the Lord's commandments.

*When Alma felt troubled about his duty to judge the transgressors, what did he do?

James: "Alma set the example for all of us.  When we don't have answers regarding our personal lives and or our stewardships, we need to do what the Lord admonishes us often to do in the scriptures;'ask and ye shall receive.' The asking must be in faith, expecting to receive.  Sometimes we don't receive a direct answer, but a feeling of peace and comfort with knowledge that the Lord loves us and that everything will work out for our good if we are patient."

Sheri: "I listened to a conference talk this morning where the speaker talked about praying for a year and not receiving anything.  Finally he went to the temple for the sole purpose of asking if Heavenly Father loved him.  While in the temple the temple president  (whom he knew) got up to greet everyone and looked him straight in the eye and greeted him.  He said at that moment he felt Heavenly Father's overwhelming love for him.  He said his answer to his prayer came later because answers come in Heavenly Father's time, not ours.  It was a powerful reminder to me that even if I don't get immediate answers to not give up and to continue keeping the faith and praying, even for a year, or more.

4 Nephi

The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord; They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land; After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise; After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked; Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35-321.

DC 69:1-8

John Whitmer is to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri; He is also to preach and to collect, record, and write historical data.

What benefit are church records to future generations?

*They give knowledge that can strengthen testimonies, detailing doctrine, and bearing record of miracles.  They testify of prophets and apostles.  They can teach about how to overcome adversity just to name a few.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

"Supported by a wealth of studies, Professor Kim Cameron focused on three critical components of a successful workplace culture: compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.  It makes perfect sense that as people turn towards the positive (light), the attributes perfectly exemplified by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, are present!"

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.  And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross." -3 Nephi 27:13-14

I was so tired today because again I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep until 4:30 and then got up at 5:30.  I took little breaks and naps throughout the day.  

I called Dr. Moffat and got an appointment for James for 3:30 this afternoon.  I had planned on going into town with James when he went but when it came time, I was too tired.  I stayed home and worked on my blog. As I was about halfway through posting for last Wednesday everything disappeared and I had to start over.  By the time I got through Wednesday, I was too tired to do anymore.  

Wildflowers and San Francisco Peaks

near Flagstaff

When James returned from town he had two prescriptions, one for an antibiotic and one for prednisone.  I was surprised he didn't have any Symbicort.  He said he forgot to ask about it.  That seems to be his answer a lot lately.  Should I be worried?

James also brought me some dinner from Panda, orange chicken with half fried rice and half noodles.  After dinner we had F.H.E.  

We listened to President Nelson's conference address: "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."  As I heard it President Nelson made two requests of us in this talk.  1.) Study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.  Let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become our personal core curriculum.  2.) Study The Living Christ, which I am already doing.  

James said the only request he heard was to study The Living Christ. Technically he is right.  The first request was something he challenged the young adults to do in a speech to them.  Because he mentioned it and because he did it himself and said he was a changed man, and because of the title of his talk, I felt that it was something he wanted us to do to and I have accepted the challenge.  I am already keeping a notebook of all the scriptures having to do with the Atonement so this will just add to it.  I want to get a set of scriptures just for this assignment.

We watched the latest episode of "The Good Witch" before going to bed.  We were a little disappointed with the story line.  

Photos:

This reminds me of someone.

There are days I wish I could do this.

2012 Brotherly Love