OUR FAMILY: Ben's mission call!

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 4:9

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both i heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

*How do you stay diligent in keeping God's commandments?

- Commandments, like everything else God gives us, are for our benefit. It's easier to be diligent when you see the commandments as loving gifts to guide us to where and how God lives.

Old Testament

Nehemiah 1-3

1 Nehemiah mourns, fasts, and prays for the Jews in Jerusalem.

2 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem - Sanballat and others oppose Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

3 The names and order of those who help to build the walls and gates of Jerusalem are listed.

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

"There is a powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we've been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints.

Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth."

We began reading the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament today. Nehemiah was one of the noble men of the Old Testament. As he fulfilled a necessary mission in his day, he demonstrated the highest level of dedication and courage, both in the practical matter of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and also in the spiritual matter of rebuilding the religious life of his people.

Sacrament Meeting:

Elder Bingham: Dropped out of school when he was a junior to travel and to surf. Ended up in Australia where he met someone LDS that talked to him about life. This is when he started thinking seriously about going on a mission and then his mom called and asked him if he would go on a mission. That was the deciding factor, along with the feelings he had and his desire to do something outside of himself. His family lives in Coeur d'alene, Idaho.

Spoke about the Gathering of Israel and the importance of saving ordinances. Ordinances necessary for salvation are done in the temples of God for ourselves and for those who did not have the opportunity while in this life.

"Temple are an indication of our belief in immortality." -Pres. Hinckley

Helping others to Come Unto Christ is the way we gather Israel.

T. Wilhelm Guitar solo of "Come Come Ye Saints."

Elder Bernecker: Grew up in Seattle, Washington. Now his family lives in Springville, Utah. Trina says they moved their so he could study ballroom dancing. I believe Utah is the ballroom dance capital of the world.

This was an amazing talk!

Do I appreciate my blessings and the gospel in my life? What would my life be like without the gospel?

Brother Bernecker's seminary teacher quote 1 Nephi 1:20 to him and told him to look for the tender mercies in his life. He said this made him more mindful and grateful for his blessings.

Scripture study was vitally important to his decision to serve a mission.

A missionaries purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. That should be every members purpose. He then mentioned important scriptures: DC 88:81 - Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. AF#10 - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. Romans 8:16-17 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Mormon 3:20 - And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil; 1 Nephi 10:21 - Wherefore, if ye hve sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
2 Nephi 31:17-20; Moses 1:39; Rev. 19:10.
In closing Elder Bernecker gave three things we as members can do to help missionary work move along. 1.) Associate with non-members. This is the hardest thing for members to do but it is critical to the work. 2.) Live and share life beliefs and invite others to find out more. Remember fear, comes from Satan. 3.) Bear testimony and stand as a witness.

The gospel doctrine class was taught by Brother Smith. The lesson was about Elijah but he turned it into a Q&A about what we do when we hit a low spot. How do we exercise faith and turn to the Lord.

Sister Butler taught RS lesson on ministering and the worth of souls. She did a good job and told the story from Pres. Nelson's talk on ministering about his visit to the Cox family. I love that story.

After the block we went to the Peeler's again for the sacrament. We had quite a group, Sister Crane, the Smith's, us, and Brother Westbrook.

Brother Smith offered a prayer after the sacrament for help in Sister Peeler's recovery. I told her I would try to find her a wheelchair.

I spent the afternoon working on Family Search. I discovered that my grandma's brother, Walter and his wife Edna Mae have never had their temple work done. I need to get permission from the closest relative but I don't know who that would be. I contacted Family Search and am anxious to hear from them.

Uncle Jerry, Grandma Verdie, Aunt Mildred, Aunt Rita, Uncle Walter, and Aunt Garnet. My grandmother and her brothers and sisters.

Somehow we made it until 6 p.m. when Ben was supposed to open his mission call. Paul had it on Facebook Live. We had to wait about 15 minutes or so for everyone to get there, but finally the moment came:

Ben was so cute. He opens the letter, starts reading to himself and says, "Oh this is so cool" before he says anything to us. Long story short, he is going to Idaho Falls, Idaho mission. I am sure because of his sleepwalking issue the brethren wanted to send him somewhere nice and safe. When James asked him if he was happy about where he was going he said: "I would be happy to go anywhere." He has such a great attitude and I know he will be a wonderful missionary. BTW, Rexburg and BYU-Idaho are in his mission and that's where all his friends are going to school.