Oakland, California
13th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964
By: David O. McKay
Jesus Christ, Condescension of
Isaiah 53:2
For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Book of Mormon
Alma 21:1-23
*What does it mean to be "zealous" for keeping the commandments of God?
- President Uchtdorf said: "... for some of us, obedience to Gods commandments doesn't always feel very joyful. Let's face it: there may be some that seem harder or less appealing - commandments that we approach with the enthusiasm of a child sitting before a plate of healthy but hated vegetables. We grit our teeth and force ourselves to comply so that we can move on to more desirable activities. Perhaps during times such as these, we might find ourselves asking, 'Do we really need to obey all of God's commandments?' My response to this question is simple: I think God knows something we don't - things that are beyond our capacity to comprehend! Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you ... We need to accept that the commandments of God aren't just a long list of good ideas. They aren't 'life hacks' from an internet blog or motivational quotes from a Pinterest board. They are divine counsel based on eternal truths, give to bring 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' So we have a choice. On the one hand there is the opinion of the world with its ever changing theories and questionable motives. On the other hand, there is God's word to His children - His eternal wisdom, His certain promises, and His loving instructions for returning to His presence in glory, love, and majesty. The choice is yours!"
Old Testament
1 Chronicles 9-10
9 The inhabitants of Jerusalem are listed - The responsibilities of the Levites and the areas where they are to serve are listed - The family of Saul is named.
10 The Philistines defeat Israel - Saul dies for his transgressions.
General Conference
Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit
Elder Ulisses Soares
"Brothers and sisters, I want to testify to you that President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God on earth. I have never seen anyone more kind and loving than he is. Though I felt so inadequate for this sacred call, his words and the tender look in his eyes as he extended this responsibility made me feel embraced by the Savior's love. Thank you, President Nelson. I sustain you and I love you."
Sacrament meeting went something like this today: We sat with the Howard's. There were several rows of visitors with lots of children. Some I knew, some I didn't.
Bishop Miller conducted. There will be a deep clean of the building on July 7th at 8 a.m. Everyone is invited to help. Jackson was called as a ward missionary until he leaves on his mission.
Ty Applegate blessed the sacrament for the first time. He did a good job. Layne Hall also blessed the sacrament.
Hailey H. was the first speaker. She mentioned President Nelson's five challenges and then spent the rest of the time talking about her trek experience. At one point Brother Thompson tapped her on the back and told her to shorten it, which she did. She said she was looking for a spiritual experience and she finally had it during the women's pull. She ended by bearing her testimony and saying that she loves her pioneer ancestors.
Brother Brady was the next speaker. He started out by saying he and Curt Gillespie were the only real natives of Vernon who never left and proceeded to give a brief history of the church in Vernon.
The rest of the time he spoke about what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ and the importance of attending the Temple. He spoke about the importance of prayer, love, charity, kindness, patience, and a knowledge of the gospel. He said that the temple keeps us focused. The gospel is centered in love. Small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.
Finally it was James's turn. He spoke on receiving personal revelation. "Faith comes by obedience and by faith comes personal revelation. Answers come thru prayer, scripture study, attending Church and the Temple. DC 46:9; Alma 17:1-2; James 1:5; Matthew 16, "Whom say ye that I am?" He shared some personal experiences and bore his testimony and sat down. It was a great talk but because I typed it for him I knew he had prepared much, much more.
The ward choir sang the closing number: "Ere You Left Your Room This Morning." There were 7 brothers in the choir and 10 sisters. They sounded very good. Stefani H. is the choir director and Analee H. is the pianist and organist.
I was happy to have my friend Jean come to Sunday School with me. Sister Wood gave the lesson. First she had the visitors or new people introduce themselves. I sat by Brother South, a friend of the Wallace's who is building a house across the road from them, Brother Campbell said they moved to Vernon because they got lost. Brother Ryan says he comes from the land of the learning impaired, California. He seems very into politics.
The lesson today was on David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, one of my least favorite stories in the Old Testament. I guess the purpose of the lessons was to help us to come up with strategies to prevent immoral thoughts and behavior.
Diana Curtis taught Relief Society about learning how to minister as the Savior does. She is the best teacher. We talked about the Savior teaching the Samaritan woman at the well and how the Samaritans were hated by the Jews. She said that the Savior was preparing the Samaritans for later teachings by the Apostles. I love her lessons! She really knows how to teach by the Spirit.
I gave Jean a hug after Relief Society and thanked her for being my friend.
Again we went to the Peeler's after the block and with the Smith's took her the sacrament. I love this special time and being able to give Donna a hug.
After lunch today I helped Kathy update her gospel library app. Now she thinks I'm a computer genius.
Stacy ask James to loan her some money to take a course at the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale. He had to tell her no but encouraged her to prepare for the course in three months because she is so excited about it. It was great that they could talk without me having to be in the middle.
Jared, Kacey and Summer are going back to San Antonio. They have to bring a car back and tomorrow Jared is meeting with a mediator and so is Tricia about settling their divorce. Tricia is suing him for an additional $30,000. He has already given her over $250,000. Jared asked us all to fast and pray for him and most of us said we would.
I baked cookies for Chuck because he is having surgery this week. James took them over and came back with some of Kathy's homemade salsa.
The lesson today was on David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, one of my least favorite stories in the Old Testament. I guess the purpose of the lessons was to help us to come up with strategies to prevent immoral thoughts and behavior.
Diana Curtis taught Relief Society about learning how to minister as the Savior does. She is the best teacher. We talked about the Savior teaching the Samaritan woman at the well and how the Samaritans were hated by the Jews. She said that the Savior was preparing the Samaritans for later teachings by the Apostles. I love her lessons! She really knows how to teach by the Spirit.
I gave Jean a hug after Relief Society and thanked her for being my friend.
Again we went to the Peeler's after the block and with the Smith's took her the sacrament. I love this special time and being able to give Donna a hug.
After lunch today I helped Kathy update her gospel library app. Now she thinks I'm a computer genius.
Stacy ask James to loan her some money to take a course at the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale. He had to tell her no but encouraged her to prepare for the course in three months because she is so excited about it. It was great that they could talk without me having to be in the middle.
Jared, Kacey and Summer are going back to San Antonio. They have to bring a car back and tomorrow Jared is meeting with a mediator and so is Tricia about settling their divorce. Tricia is suing him for an additional $30,000. He has already given her over $250,000. Jared asked us all to fast and pray for him and most of us said we would.
I baked cookies for Chuck because he is having surgery this week. James took them over and came back with some of Kathy's homemade salsa.
Briley attended our ward today.
I love this!
