Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Mosiah 2:19

And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 9 with James; Study Guide; "Scripture Study Project" podcast

April General Conference

"Coming unto Christ - Living as Latter-day Saints"

Elder John A. McCune

"There will be times when we will not be able to see any way that a current situation will end well and might even express, as Nephi, 'My heart sorroweth because of my flesh.' There may be times that the only hope we have is in Jesus Christ. What a blessing to have that hope and trust in Him. Christ is the one who will always keep His promises. His rest is assured for all who come unto Him."

"Following Up"

M. Russell Ballard

April 2014

"Where Much is Given, Much is Required"

Boyd K. Packer

October 1974

"In the Strength of the Lord"

David A. Bednar

BYU Devotional

October 2001

It is amazing how we each are affected by so many people in our lives. James work up with a backache and then we found out that the basement leaked again. I was walking around the table near the entryway when I smelled something. I opened the downstairs and knew there was water down there. The sad thing is that James put in sand and plastic to stop the water from coming in from the planter. He is now of the opinion that one of the pipes down below the plastic is leaking. This is just one more thing to add to the number of burdens he is feeling right now. He says he will have to dig down at least four feet to get to the pipe. I told him we need to stop using that faucet and water the plants from the other front faucet. Of course he had to move furniture in order to get the carpet up. He will probably have to move out the bed because the water has gone so far. We need to put tile in the bedroom downstairs. 

I spoke to my friend Jean Howard today. James had heard from Anthony that she was not doing well. Jean is always very pleasant to talk to no matter how she feels or what she is going through. She said she had to go to the hospital this week because she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was told that her heart is failing and that she only has one functioning kidney. This is why she has been tired lately. She is supposed to stay home and take it easy but she said she is not one to do that. She said that Tom is going to town tomorrow and she plans on going with him. She also said I should come over and we should go to lunch in the next few days. I told her to please listen to the doctor and take it easy and I would call her on Thursday morning.

James is concerned about our neighbors Chuck and Kathy. Chuck has been having chest pains. He is having a procedure done on Thursday. Today he and Kathy took Dave K. down to the valley. Dave had surgery several months ago and got mersa while he was in the hospital. The incision in his chest pops open every time he gets up out of his chair. He is going down today to have the incision sewn up. James is worried about Chuck taking Dave down in the condition he is in. 

Camrie posted her engagement pictures today on Facebook. She wrote a long post about overcoming the trial she has been through. Her husband was unfaithful to her while she was carrying his child. She has spent the past two years struggling but through the struggle she is come closer to the Savior. She has studied the Atonement of Jesus Christ and forgiveness. I remember a talk she gave on these very topics and it was amazing. For someone so young she has become so wise. I love her and I am so happy she has found a righteous priesthood holder to love and cherish her and her three little ones.

Paul posted a picture today of his boys who still live at home, everyone except Dallin. They were all sitting around on the couch playing a video game. Jared Ammon was hardly recognizable with long hair and a beard. I looked at them and my heart was sad to think of what could have been with all of them. None of them are really active in the gospel except for Joshua. What will happen to him? Will he remain strong in the gospel and go on a mission? I don't know. Stacy's puzzle was on the table in front of the boys. I thought of her and how unhappy she is right now. She feels like a failure with her boys and the thing I am most concerned about is that she is not taking care of her spirit right now because she is so discouraged. 

So many people to care about. Most of all my family and the pain and sorrow they have to suffer. I know the Lord is with us because I see his hand in the details of our lives. So much suffering in the world right now with the Covid-19 virus and the rioting and protesting in our country. Without the knowledge that the Lord is in charge this present situation could seem impossible. I am so grateful for my Savior and look forward to His coming and the peace that will prevail at that time. I think of Alma and the things he went through to preach the gospel in Ammonihah. This life is not easy, but it will be worth it if we keep the commandments and become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I blogged, walked, worked on my business, and studied the gospel today. James and I watched episode 3, season 4 of "Lark Rise to Candeford." Only three more episodes left and then what will we watch?

 Trina posted this

I remember this night. Thank you family for

celebrating our anniversary with us at the temple

 There were two fires when we returned

from the valley. Those are under control.

Hopefully this one is nothing.

 Our lunch: Turkey bacon, turkey deli meat,

tomato, avocado, with a cream cheese spread

and cheddar cheese wrapped in a tortilla

all for Taco Tuesday

Jared Ammon, Michael, Joshua, Adam

Friday, May 8th, 2020

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, King

2 Nephi 16:5

Then said I; Wo is unto me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Mosiah 15; Read with James; Sunday journal; Study guide; Scripture Study Project podcast; Proctor's podcast

April General Conference

"The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Ulisses Soares

"While meeting with the elders of the Church on one occasion, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon, and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.' My dear brothers and sisters, following the First Vision, the miraculous coming forth of the Book of Mormon is the second fundamental milestone of the unfolding Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. The Book of Mormon testifies of God's love for His children, of the Lord Jesus Christ's selfless and divine atoning sacrifice, and of His crowning ministry among the Nephites soon after His Resurrection. It also testifies that the remnant of the house of Israel is to become one through His latter-day work and that they are not cast off forever.."

"Seeds of Renewal"

Joseph B. Wirthlin

April 1989

 Sheri said that Ian Wanlass got re-assigned to northern California to finish his mission. It is the area where his parents are from and so he has lots of relatives and people that he knows.

In Mosiah 11:29 Abinadi talks about the people being blind. Where am I blind in keep the commandments? Abinadi means "God is present among you" in Hebrew.

Hugh Nibley says that Mosiah 15-16 are the two most difficult chapters in the Book of Mormon to understand. 

The Cat repairman and his assistant came this morning to work on the big Cat. He charge $130 and is paid whether he is successful in fixing your machinery or not. He brought the schematic that Empire Cat sent him but he still could not fix the problem. They found some wires that had been chewed in two but that was not the entire problem. He worked for several hours and finally James told him that was enough for today. He will have to come back and work again if we have any hope of fixing this machinery. I told James as soon as it is fixed I would like for him to sell it because this equipment upkeep is just too costly. Today's cost was $927.

Another bit of bad, costly news: the parts we need to fix the Razr will cost $2,500, not $900. We need to move forward with this because the Razr is laying in parts all over the garage. 

We went in to town this afternoon so James could see if he could order the part he needs to fix his truck at O'Reilly's. They did not have the part and James can't find the exact one, so far, online. We mailed Lois's mother's day card after I signed it and the book that I sold. We decided since we were in town that we should go to Walmart to get some shakes and some asparagus to go with our steaks on Sunday. We bought a few more items and while standing in line to check out James ordered us some dinner from LaCasita. 

I read a couple of chapters to James from our book, "Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch." I really like this one and so does James.

When I got home and opened my dinner I noticed that there was no rice. When I asked James he told me he didn't think I wanted rice. Honey, I always get rice and beans and mix them together. He felt sad he had made the mistake and so I couldn't make much of it.

I got a text from Stefani Hunsaker today asking me how many people can attend a sealing in the live sealing room in the Snowflake temple. I didn't know so I began asking other temple workers. When I texted Sister Goodman she wanted to know if I was helping Stefani. When I said yes and asked if this sealing was for Camrie she said yes. She is marrying a man from Texas on August 22nd, her grandmother's birthday. What a way to honor her grandmother. Camrie is a single mother whose husband went out on her while she was expecting their last child. He was not an active member of the Church and Camrie has longed to be sealed to someone. She is an amazingly forgiving and loving woman.

 His name is Darren, he is from Texas, he has 

never been married, and the kids love him.

I hope this works for her. If it does, I am

so truly happy for her! She deserves to be happy!

As for the temple sealing room, I believe it will hold 70 people quite comfortably.

James did not go for a ride on Luna but he worked outside and then came in and studied with me. Afterwards we watched our episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" and had some tea.

Lark Rise to Candleford

Season 1 Episode 9

Queenie finds a beautiful embroidered panel on a grave. Dorcas and Sir Timothy try to solve the mystery of who created it. Alf's poaching leads him and Edmund into danger. Fresh out of prison, Caroline returns to Lark Rise determined to mend her ways.

Quotes:

Queenie: "The Tree of Knowledge. Now if anything's got a message, that does."

Laura: "Rivalries ran deep in our small community. The real rivalry between Philip and Alf was not about poachin', but what was in their hearts." (They are both in love with Laura)

Margaret to Dorcas:

"The Ellison family christening robes, these go back four generations."

Dorcas to Thomas:

"I have done it again Thomas, meddling in other people's business, I'm such a terrible troublemaker."

Thomas:

"You are too hard on yourself man, you usually meddle for good reason and most often it has a favorable outcome."

Dorcas: 

"I'm glad you think so because it's your business I've been meddling in. I have invited Miss Ellison to tea on Thursday."

Thomas:

"Tea? Here? Miss Ellison and myself at the table in front of other people?"

Dorcas:

"Only your friends Thomas."

Thomas:

"Miss Lane, you have placed me in an intolerable position.

Dorcas:

"It's just that I felt so sorry for her. I could sense she was so eager to see you."

Thomas:

"Miss Lane, I find myself in such a state of ill temper, I feel I must remove myself before I say somethin' unChristian."

Caroline to Emma after being released from prison:

"I will not speak unless I can be civil and gracious...well, maybe gracious will come later. I will greet life with humility and gratitude from now on."

 President Nelson with a great-

grandson

 We saw many Navajo's in my dad's

store when I worked there in my teens

Abinadi before King Noah

Friendly animals, some a little

too friendly!

 They made the local newspaper

Saturday, September 28th, 2019

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Moses 1:18

And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 11:21-38

New Testament: Galatians: "Walk in the Spirit"

Galatians 6

General Conference

Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing

Elder David A. Bednar

"As we strive to walk in the meekness of the Lord's Spirit, we will be blessed to understand and achieve in our homes the necessary balance between what is and what is not appropriate to discuss about sacred temple ordinances and covenants."

Today the Brimhall's did our training in preparation meeting. I love them. James served with President Brimhall on the Show Low high council. He worked at the Benson Institute at BYU. Sister Brimhall is quite humorous and she makes little comments about things that he says. She actually told me about a sister who stepped on her dress going down the stairs and fell all the way down. She said she was a younger sister who was overweight and her "padding" saved her from getting hurt. I said that her age probably saved her too.

We had a sister working today who knew Analee when she lived in Joseph City. She said, I worked with her at the Pacific Cafe in Joe City. This sisters name was Carol Baldwin.

This is my last day to be the veil director according to our coordinator, Sister Elmer. We had two own endowment patrons but they were both brothers. There was one live sealing of a child to a parent and some guests came for that. The first endowment session was packed to capacity with 27 brothers and 27 sisters. After that things really slowed down. Today is the last day the temple will be open for two weeks so I thought we would be much busier.

I was able to do some initiatory names today. The temple rule is workers can do names if they live an hour or so away. Sister Reidhead pleaded my case by saying that I live in a different county. Sister Jones went and asked Sister Brimhall and told her I lived in Vernon. She gave her permission and said if there was a problem she would take the blame. Another reason I like Sister Brimhall.

We hurried over to the Distribution Center before it closed at 1:00 to return some dresses I had checked out and forgot I had. I tried them on and didn't want them. They have been hanging in my closet for several months now.

I sold three books today while working in the temple.

We went home and heated up our pot pie. It needed some more liquid so I added some cream and chicken stock. It was good except that the biscuits were soggy. 

After eating I laid down to rest and I am afraid I missed stake leadership meeting. I was just so tired. James got me up around 4:30 and we got ready to go to the evening session of stake conference. I thought it started at 6:00 and we arrived a little before 6 to find out it doesn't start until 7. We hurried down to Burger King for a Whopper Jr., which to me is an oxymoron, before going in to the adult session of the White Mountain Stake Conference.
We sat on the back row of the chapel with several other people from Vernon.

The program went something like this:
President Wright spoke about the brother of Jared in the book of Ether. He actually read from the scriptures and discussed several aspects of the brother of Jared's experience building the barges and providing light for them. He read Ether 3:23 and said: "This was the birth of the Urimm and Thummim." Somehow that just struck me as something I hadn't known before. He ended by saying: "Faith and obedience allowed the brother of Jared to see the Lord." 
President Wright then invited us to read chapter 6 in Preach My Gospel on Christ-like attributes and take the test at the end of the chapter to see how we are doing.

To my pleasant surprise, Sister Brimhall from the temple was the next speaker.
Lapreal Brimhall is from Ontario, Oregon. When she grew up she always wanted a "genealogy book." Now she has on a flash drive more names than all of the old genealogy books put together.
She quoted Malachi 4:5; DC 128:24... where it talks about an "Offering unto the Lord in righteousness." She said this was a book of the record of our dead which should include everyone who has ever lived on the earth.

President Rick Brimhall of the Snowflake temple presidency:
Hearts of the Fathers turned to the children. He quoted from Elder Bednar's talk that we listened to this morning on the way to the temple regarding the guidelines of what we can share with our children regarding the temple. 
He told the story that we have heard before but is still impressive, about George and Millie from Ghana who were the poorest of the poor and how through obedience and dedication they served missions. George came to study at BYU and became an engineer and they were married in the Salt Lake temple.  He then quoted 1 Nephi 3:7.

Camrie Hunsaker Beard of the Vernon ward - I always love hearing Camrie speak because she has such a strong testimony and she speaks from the heart. When her baby was five days old she found out that her husband had been unfaithful so she left him. She is now living near her parents, the Hunsaker's in our ward, raising her three small children.  Here are some notes that I took:
The title of Camrie's talk was, "Keeping My Covenants Through the Good and the Bad." Stay worthy of your priesthood. I saw my dad and my uncle Kip give my grandmother a blessing as she lay gasping for breath in a hospital bed in Flagstaff. They blessed her that she would be able to pass in peace. We saw her take her last breath. Camrie has this scripture on her refrigerator: DC 121:7-8:
My son (daughter), peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes. Camrie says she has spent hours studying the Atonement of Jesus Christ and she feels she has a greater understanding of it.  Find you "why." My "why" is my children. Put your struggles in the Lord's hands. Your focus should be riveted on the Savior. DC 132:4; Seek your "why" to keep you on the strait and narrow path. She bore testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the power of the priesthood and prayer.

President Miles of the White Mountain, Arizona Stake
He spoke about not sweating the unimportant details and then turned around and said really, what details should we sweat? He spoke about the Family Proclamation and the sanctity of marriage and temple sealings. Moses 3:18-24 regarding a man leaving his father and mother and cleaving unto his wife. He talked about the fountain of divine eternal love. He admonished us to attend the temple often to remember our covenants.

President  Beeler, Stake President of the White Mountain Stake
President Beeler started out by asking if we believe in miracles. An assistant proceeded to put up a rainfall map of the state of Arizona. The entire state was in browns and yellows except for a circle of green, and blue in the White Mountain area. He said the rainfall from June 13th - August 11th 2019 was nearly 60% below normal except for our area. He said that this is because of our fasting and praying and increasing our temple and family history work. It is a direct answer to our prayers, and it is a miracle.

He compared his mom to Camrie and said that maybe someday one of her sons would be speaking in a stake conference like he was.

He then said that there were 613 Mosiac laws and more of them were negative than positive. 
He urged us to stay on the Covenant Path because our covenants bind us to Christ who offers us His full Atonement. The Atonement redeems us and prepares us for Eternal Life where we receive all that the Father has. He said to toss trash and gather gifts along the Covenant Path. He encouraged us to develop Christ-like attributes as President Wright did. He asked, "Why is it so easy to develop bad habits and difficult to develop good ones?" We must carry the cross daily. 
He noted the new initiatives we have received recently in the Church. He said don't confuse simplify with spiritual casualness.
Wickedness never was happiness but neither is lukewarmness happiness. 
Continue as we commenced. Endurance isn't just about survival. We must endure well on the Covenant Path and put first things first:  Faith, repentance, and "Come Follow Me." The Lord has a customized plan of happiness for each one of us. 
Korihor principle: "You do you." His son used to say that to him, "Dad, you do you." He doesn't do that anymore. 
Some of the hands that hang down once grasped the Iron Rod. As we learn to love God and others, our circle expands. "A mission is such a unique time to prepare for life as we learn to care more for others than ourselves. It means everything."
As we submit ourselves and our will to God's will, that's when we follow the deep footprints along the Covenant Path. Broken hearts and minds are changed by Christ.  

I loved President Beeler's talk and I couldn't write fast enough to get it all down. He is a young man, probably in his middle 30's, but so very spiritually wise. I love him.

"Lead Me Into Life Eternal" was the closing song.

On the way home James and I discussed the things we loved about this session of stake conference. One important thing I forgot to mention. I sat by the other counselor in the Vernon ward Relief Society, Kerri. She said the leadership session was about teaching and suggested that I read from Handbook 2, 5.5 The Work of Salvation in the Ward and Stake, Teaching the Gospel. I began reading and realized I need to do more with my Relief Society teachers. I need to make sure they both have a "Teaching in the Savior's Way" manual. I should also encourage my teachers to set goals according to the article titled "Making a Plan to Improve Your Teaching on pages 24-27 in "Teaching, No Greater Call."

 These are Camrie's sweet children. Chloe was

just baptized earlier this year.

 Another fisherman in the Lambson

family.

Charlotte is still not feeling well.

Preston Johnson, Paul's nephew and

the Johnson's and Gale's grandson,

married Hilary Whalen's sister Whitney.

The Whalen family who were in 

our ward in Chandler.

Oops