Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 September 2003 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 6:1-21

* How did Alma's prophetic guidance help the Nephites?

* As we seek and follow guidance from the Lord's prophets, the Lord strengthens and protects us. We will develop a shield of faith to withstand all the fiery darts of the adversary.

DC 88:36-50

36-41, All kingdoms are governed by law; 42-45, God has given a law unto all things; 46-50, Man will comprehend even God;

What should be the only reason we obey the law?

* The best reason of all is illustrated by the person who feels the desire to do right because he wants to add glory to his Father in heaven. - Elder Robert L. Simpson (DCSM, p. 200).

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Those who overcome the world develop an all-encompassing love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His divine birth His perfect life, His infinite Atonement at Gethsemane and Golgotha assured the Resurrection of each of us. And with our sincere repentance, He alone is able to cleanse us from our sins, allowing us to return to the presence of God. 'We love Him, because He first loved us.'

Jesus said, 'Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' Later he added, 'I will that ye should overcome the world.'"

Happy Birthday Brian and Dallin!

Of course Brian is celebrating his birthday

at the beach in San Diego.

Last year Dallin celebrated his

birthday at the cabin.

James went out to work this morning.  He struck out two times.  He had a dead battery on the Cat and he tried to use the truck battery but it wouldn't fit.  He also tried to use the tractor battery but it was dead too.

The baby bluebirds from the birdhouse were practicing their flying today.  They got as far as the railing on the deck.  

I had my Primary class party today.  James was such a help!  First he went into town and picked up the pizza and ice.  He helped with the games and then took the boys home on the Razr.  Here are some pictures from the party:

Colter, Bailey, Gracie, Zemira, Curtis, Frankie, Jace.

(Liana is by Gracie but you can't see her in this picture.)

 Liana is the third girl down the left side of the table.

Playing pin the tail on the donkey, the

game Liana brought.

Jace and Gracie

Curtis

Cup stacking contest. Some of the boys went upstairs to

play ping pong.

Zemira was really into it.

Ice cream sundaes after the pizza and games.

Jace making himself a fort.

We also played Tenzi's.

We tried to deliver Braxton his scriptures, fidget spinner, and cookies but he wasn't home.  We will try again on Sunday.

I needed a nap when everyone went home before cleaning up the mess. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Happy Birthday Brian
and Dallin

Brian at the beach.

 Dallin at the cabin with Claire and Ruby

Alma 16:1-21 Study Notes

How does having a Prophet help us with our daily tasks?  

Whenever we have questions, need answers, or are seeking guidance, we can turn to those who have "the spirit of prophecy ... to know whither the Lord would that we should do" (vs5), just like Zoram did with Alma.  A prophecy consists of divinely inspired words or writings, which a person receives through revelation from the Holy Ghost.  When a person prophesies, he speaks or writes that which God wants him to know for his own good or the good of others.

General Conference: "The Price of Priesthood Power by President Russell M. Nelson.

What has happened to our society?  Gay marriage, abortion, mass killings, pornography, co-habitation, immorality,  corrupt government, breaking the Sabbath, and the love of money are ever prevalent.  We live in a society that is becoming ever more evil and unstable, where we have no reassurances regarding economic, political, moral, and physical safety.  What we could once look to as a strong moral structure has come crashing down in a heap of revolting rubble that makes a mockery of all things decent and sacred.

Unlike that of a deteriorating society, the Lord's Church is alive and well, and His calm, reassuring voice speaks peace to our minds and offers safety to our souls if we stand in holy places.  Our homes and families must be places of spiritual training and safety for our children.  Holy places provide spiritual shade when the heat of worldly cares might otherwise consume us.  The pure in heart who gather together will find that the Lord is "our shadow by day and our pillar by night." (Isaiah 4:5-6)

I fixed breakfast for James before he left for the valley this morning.  I also wished Dallin a Happy Birthday and fixed him a breakfast burrito before he left to meet Claire in Show Low.

I finally get to meet Claire.  She is very friendly and gives me a big hug.  I immediately like her.  Dallin is staying upstairs and Claire stays downstairs.  After Dallin shows her around, she loves the cabin, they go on a Razr ride up to Green's Peak.

Beautiful scenery on the way

At lunch time Dallin has cereal and Claire has veggies.  She is a vegetarian.  

I worked on my blog and paid bills this afternoon.  I decided to go to Panda for Dallin's birthday.  I ask he and Claire what they wanted and then ordered online.  It was nice that it was ready when I arrived.  Dallin was so grateful.  I don't think he has alot of money for food.  

Trina is stuck in traffic on her way up.  There was an accident somewhere between Forest Lakes and Heber.

When Trina arrived we had a little birthday party for Dallin.  I got him a cookies and cream ice cream cake.  

So glad to have these people visit me!