Sunday, April 26th, 2020

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge
DC 99:5
And behold, and lo, I come quickly to judgment, to convince all of their ungodly deeds which they have committed against me, as it is written of me in the volume of the book.
Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"
Review Mosiah 4-6 at the Peeler's with the Goodman's, Crane's, and Peeler's.
April General Conference

"The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Continuous revelation has been received and is being received through channels the Lord has established."

"Spiritually Defining Moments"

Elder Neil L. Andersen

April 2020

I woke up at five this morning and studied in my Book of Mormon Study Guide in preparation for our "Come Follow Me" meeting at the Peeler's today. 

We are still in quite a mess from cleaning out the pantry. I began putting all of the canned food away. It is amazing how much food I had that I couldn't really see. I know I should not be doing this on Sunday but I just can't stand looking at the mess. 

Our "Come Follow Me" was at 10:30 today at the Peeler's. Much to our surprise and satisfaction the Crane's joined us for the first time. We have been trying for months to get them to come. 

James and Pierce Goodman blessed and passed the sacrament and then we began reading the lesson. We had quite a bit of discussion about our need to care for the poor. In Mosiah 4:26 it says: 

....I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

Everyone seemed to place a big emphasis on the word wants, instead of needs. Experiences were shared about food orders where way too much food was requested. We also talked about beggars on the side of the road and if we should help them. Barbara shared that her brother was a beggar for awhile and he told her that he could make up to $500 a day. Barbara said instead of giving people money, she made up some lunch bags to pass around. She called them her "bum bags." I said that it didn't matter what the other person did with the money we gave them. It was important for us to fulfill our covenants by helping those in need. That is what we will be accountable for.

It was a good discussion and we were so glad to have the Crane's here to be a part of it. 

We had cookies and water as our light refreshment. I'm glad we didn't have lunch because that takes the pressure off. Next week we will be meeting at our house.

We came home and had some lunch then we both laid down for a nap. I got up around 3:00 and began reading through the repentance talks again. I underlined important quotes I might like to share. 

At five o'clock we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Molly, and Charlie. Molly and James had a conversation. He told her to say hello to Anna, Emmy, and James. Molly said, "I don't see James very much because he is in the army." 

Charlie is still in to the movie "Cars." Before our Lambson Family Study Group started I asked her if we could see her cars. She ran away and came back with Lightning McQueen and a black car called Storm. I guess she takes them with her wherever she goes. 

Watching "Cars" Jared calls this her

stink bug pose

We had a good family discussion on repentance. My favorite part was the story Kacey told and the scripture Jared shared, DC 93:1

"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;"

President Kimball said if we haven't experienced this yet, then we have something to look forward to. Those were not his exact words but that is the way I remember the message.

It was a wonderful Sabbath day.

 We want no empty chairs

in our family

Happy Sabbath with Charlie and Molly

Behind the scenes

So grown up!

Trina's post:

Spa night for Molly and Kacey
Molly isn't happy about Jared
taking a picture

Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31-33 Review; Begin Jacob 1-4

October 2019 GenCon

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"I testify that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives. And I witness that the risen and living Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad. Of these truths I testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

"Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon"
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud
"I solemnly testify that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth of it time after time to anyone who, with a sincere heart, seeks knowledge unto the salvation of their soul. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I attended ward council this morning at 7:30 a.m. The ward council consists of Bishop Hunsaker and his counselors, Brother Goodman and Brother Grapp. Brother Umphress, the ward executive secretary. Elder Sagers and Elder Richards, the missionaries assigned to our ward, the Primary President Sister Gillespie, the Young Women's President, Sister Allen, Brother Diewald, the ward clerk, and Brother Thompson representing the Elder's Quorum and me representing the Relief Society. 

The main thing we did after going over the calendar was to go through the ward list and discuss each family or individual.

I felt like it was a good thing because I found out some things about people that I knew nothing about. Meetings are supposed to be about people and this one certainly was.

James drove the truck to the church. It was nice to be early for sacrament meeting. Yesterday I sent emails to two sets of ministering sisters. One of them was Sister Van Haren whom I was able to speak with a few minutes before sacrament meeting. She said she visited one of the sisters on her beat but one of the other never answers her texts.  She also has never visited Sister Sommers who live near her. I told her I had visited her and she was very nice and receptive. If she would set up an appointment I would go with her on a visit. She said that would be great.

The Howard's were not here today and I am wondering why. 

Yogi Vizcarra was the youth speaker today. For a new convert he did an amazing job. He was quoting scriptures and seemed so sincere. He told of Hailey H. giving him a Book of Mormon which was the start of his conversion. Someone told him at his baptism to write down everything he felt, which he did. He said if we listen to the Holy Ghost, read our scriptures, and keep the commandments and pray our lives will be so much easier. He quoted: 2 Nephi 33:10-11 and 2 Nephi 32:8-9 and said, I believe these scriptures are true. It was a great first talk for a convert.

Anne and Bishop Miller were the adult speakers. Anne's talk was based on Brother Owen's talk, "Be Faithful, Not Faithless."

She told the story of the deer that were fed hay and how they starved to death with their stomach's full. Are we the same way spiritually? Where do we find our spiritual nourishment? What can keep us from being nourished spiritually? We must have the love of Christ as our foremost goal. We cannot base our faith on false idols. Satan tells us to procrastinate spiritual nourishment. I main purpose for reading the scriptures individually and as a family is to get closer to Christ. We must have faith in the promises of the prophets.

Bishop Miller used Elder Renlund's talk, "Unwavering Commitment of Jesus Christ" as the basis for his talk. We must learn of Him and learn to follow Him. If we have pure intent, and a total commitment to Jesus Christ, everything else in our lives will fall into place. Joy from that commitment surpasses anything else. He talked about Clayton M. Christensen and what an amazing Harvard professor and missionary he was. I guess he passed away a couple of months ago. Bishop Miller said that he used to think false idols were golden calves. He realized when he was deciding rather he should go on a mission or not that hunting and the out of doors was a false idol for him. It almost kept him from going and having one of the most amazing experiences of his lifetime. What it all boils down to is putting God first in our lives and trusting in Him.

Sandra Wilhelm taught Relief Society today for Becky Skousen who was out of town celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband. The lesson was based on two conference talks, "Covenant Daughters in Partnership with God," and "Knowing, Loving, and Growing" by Elder Boom. Both addresses talk about ministering and that is why we picked them. Sandra did a good job. Here are some of the notes I took: Covenants, ministering, helping others reach their divine potential. We need all instruments and all of God's children. What is my purpose. Which part is yours and which part is mine? (Michael McLean song). Forcing someone to do something offends their spirits. We need to minister to each other and too all in need. Strive to stay on the covenant path. Ministering is exercising divine love. And Sandra said this: "My kids don't need me to tell them where they need to improve, they need to feel of my love so they have the desire to improve." Repentance is a daily process. Am I to quick to judge and to slow to listen? Debra Brewer who spent the last year caring for her husband before he passed away: "Joy is not in how much you do but the quality of service you give." The gospel lifts our souls.

Those attending: Sandra, Kerri H., Debra B., Shaleyn S., Sue H., a new sister, Sister McClelland and her mother, Donna Lundgren, Geraldine Corona, Pam Woods, Rosie Lauritzen, Linda Diewald, Ruth Wallace, Amy G., Ellen K., Kathy C., Maxine T., Donna P., Diana C., Kristen L., Colleen K., Debbie M., Chris B., Darla R., Judy H., Catherine H., Sheba, Tamara, Stefani H., and myself.

James went out to see Anthony this afternoon with his companion Dave Westbrook. I stayed home and worked on my blog and did some family history work. 

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Molly. Jared has something in between rheumatoid and pustular psoriatic arthritis. He is back on methotrexate and some new medicine. Molly played the banjo and sang, "This Land is Your Land" for us. Tanner and Summer were there and Summer's dog Ollie. Charlie always gives us hugs and kisses at the end of our call. We enjoy doing this each Sabbath day.

This evening I watched Emily and Dave in "Don't Miss This" and James and I watched "Teaching with Power."

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day.

So true.

 Joshua teaching

So adorable

 Thinking about Nursery

 Why do they make me go?

I thought they loved me.

 "I'm so glad Molly is here.

 "She loves me."

 "I love Ollie!"

"She's heavy"

 Writing his weekly email to

Elder Trezise

 Sunday is a day of rest

A cute Ollie photo

Sunday, December 29th, 2019

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Isaiah 43:14

Thus saith the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:1-19

New Testament

Review and finish the book of Revelation

Oct General Conference

"Take Up Our Cross"

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Please never give up after subsequent failures and consider yourself incapable of abandoning sins and overcoming addiction. You cannot afford to stop trying and thereafter continue in weakness and sin! Always strive to do your best, manifesting through your works the desire to cleanse the inner vessel, as taught by the Savior."

Our stake president, President Beeler, sent out an email to members of this stake this morning. This is what it said:

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the White Mountain Stake;

Due to the heavy snow and icy conditions in many parts of our stake, we have decided to cancel church meetings for December 29th. Many of our residential streets have been difficult to keep plowed, as have our Church sidewalks and parking lots.

The exception to this cancellation is the Vernon Ward. Those who wish to attend meetings in Vernon or neighboring stakes/wards are certainly invited to do so.

We invite all to keep the Sabbath Day holy by serving others, studying "Come Follow Me" together in your homes, and doing other activities which bring you closer to the Savior.

Thank you for understanding. We love you and appreciate your faithfulness. And we give the Lord thanks for the wonderful snow that has come to our mountain home!

Much love,

President Beeler

Except the Vernon ward? I wonder why we are the exception? We got snow too. Maybe it's because our bishop is a "Prepper" and a little bit of snow doesn't scare him. Oh well, I'm glad we got to go to our meetings because Michael and Joshua went with us.

Tamara gave me a Christmas gift: A container with a bag of homemade unfrosted sugar cookies. I ate all of them. A Christmas dishtowel that says, "Dashing through the Snow." (How appropriate, that's how we got to church today), Antlers Co. Double chocolate flavored hot cocoa, Bodycology small cherry blossom body cream, a "Charity Never Faileth" bookmark, and a Silent Night Mineral Bath Soak. Thank you Tamara.

Shanna Penrod was the first speaker. She spoke on "How Jesus Christ Can Bring Us Peace, Joy, and Happiness." Repentance and obedience bring us real joy as we come unto the Savior. Suffering is swallowed up in the joy of Christ, He is the source of enduring joy. Shanna bore a wonderful testimony. 

President Smithson, a new counselor in our stake presidency was the next speaker. He brought his entire family with him and said he was grateful that someone in the stake had meetings today. 

Everyone seems to be looking for constant entertainment. Look instead for peace and joy. How do we respond to tragedy? Fall to our knees and turn our focus to Christ. The Lord does hear our prayers. Increase in joy. Ether 12:27 - "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

The second hour the adults stayed in the chapel for a discussion on "Come Follow Me" What Works and What Doesn't" with Bishop Hunsaker. Michael and Joshua both stayed with us. These are some of the ideas that I liked as a result of our discussion.

Tamara Applegate - We have a set time, 8 p.m. The discussion lasts an hour. Whoever is there carries on. One night it was just Ty and me. Ty had a video to watch that applied to the lesson, so that's what we did."

Bishop Miller - "Each one of our children have their own copy of the scriptures and the lesson manual. Sometimes we find them studying on their own. (Probably his oldest, Andyn.)

Bishop Hunsaker - "There is a sister and a brother who have done a YouTube video called, "Don't Miss This." There names are David Butler and Emily Belle Freeman.

Michael came home and made pancakes for everyone. They were quite delicious. James and I laid down for a nap and when we woke up everyone was gone. I guess they took the sled out and gave rides behind Alexis's car. I worked on my blog for awhile and then we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Molly. Tricia did end up letting Molly come to visit even though the other kids didn't come.

As I was cooking steaks for Max, and Evan and Josh, Sheri, Ian, Rowan and Ziggie arrived. 

Shana did the dishes which was very kind of her.

Sheri, Ian, and Ziggie are staying downstairs so I took the clean sheets and put them on the bed. Sheri and I went in our room and watched, "A Storybook Christmas." 

The kids used flashlights and went outside to play Jews and Germans. 

Today I didn't keep the Sabbath as well as I should and neither did anyone else. There was a football game playing on the TV in the family room most of the day. It made James sad.

 Molly and Charlie

 My friend Sherry Cosper Byars took this picture

at her home. Can you see the temple in the background?