Sunday, February 16th, 2020

Curitiba, Brazil

126th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 2008

by: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 8:5

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Book of Mormon

Review 2 Nephi 6-10

"Beloved Daughters"

Bonnie H. Cordon

"Class presidencies, you have been called of God and trusted to lead a group of His daughters. 'The Lord knows you. ...He chose you.' You have been set apart by one who has priesthood authority; this means as you perform the duties of your calling, you exercise priesthood authority. You have an important work to do. Be sensitive to and act on the promptings of the Holy Ghost. As you do so, you can serve with confidence, for you do not serve alone!"

"Covenant Women in Partnership with God"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Becoming a covenant woman in partnership with God is how great and good daughters of God have always mothered, led, and ministered, serving in whatever way and place He has prepared for them. I promise that you will find joy in your journey to your heavenly home as you return to Him as a covenant-keeping daughter of God."

I read an article in Meridian Magazine this morning called, "Co-workers with Angels: Angelic Involvement in the Lives of Missionaries." There were several examples given and then this quote by Joseph Smith:

In a letter to the elders of the Church in 1835 Joseph Smith taught:

"And now, I ask, how righteousness and truth are going to sweep the earth as with a flood. I will answer. Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work."

I was reminded of Ben's story of how they were saved from being hit by a truck and how the driver, Elder Legas, attributed it to angels.

All of our guests attended sacrament meeting today but left right afterwards. James was a little miffed because they didn't stay. Kaitlyn told me it was because Kyle felt uncomfortable. 

Kaitlyn did say how much she enjoyed Brother Reagan's talk. Brother Reagan was our high council speaker today. He spoke about being wary of the adversary. He also talked about casual versus careful. Brother Reagan is a surgeon and served his mission in Moscow, Russia. Humility is the way we allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to affect us. He quoted from Lehi's Dream and the temptations of Satan. He talked about Brother Packer's 1976 talk, the year Brother Reagan was born, called "Spiritual Crocodiles." In this talk Brother Packer lists three warnings about the enemy, Satan. 1. Beware of evils beguiling disguises. 2. Stay awake and be alert. 3. Understand the intent of the enemy. He quoted some scriptures regarding spiritual safety: Alma 7:11-12, DC 30:31.

It was nice to have James sitting by me during Sunday School. Brother Judd was the teacher and did a wonderful job of leading a discussion of 2 Nephi 6-10. Brother Peeler made the comment that if everyone would read 2 Nephi 9 our chapels would be bursting at the seams with new members. Brother Goodman said it was sad to him that a person could go their entire lives without even knowing about Jesus Christ and how much we depend on Him for our salvation. 

We had planned to have a family history training meeting for our youth consultants today at our house at 3:00. The meeting got cancelled because both of the youth consultants, Kyah and Ty are out of town. Kyah promised me she would get with Ty and decided on another time.

We came home and had left over meatloaf and green beans for lunch. James also had his fish taco from last nights dinner. Afterwards we went into the bedroom to take our naps. James on the bed and me on the recliner. For some reason I don't like to sleep on the bed during the day.

I worked on my family history for a couple of hours today and then as part of my calling with family history in the ward I divided the ward list into three sections for James, Brother Peeler, and I to call ward members regarding family history.

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. James played "Barbara Ann" one of her favorite songs. Jared told us about Anna getting her second tatoo for her birthday. He said all of their children are making bad choices right now. Kacey had just returned from a trip to Arkansas and was exhausted. Autumn was busy with school work so Kacey watched the girls. Neither one of them felt well so they did not get along. Also Charlie cried the entire way home. Charlie gave us hugs and kisses at the end and said "Ooohie. I'm not sure what it means but I guesses she says it when she gives hugs and kisses.

This evening I began studying for this coming week's "Come Follow Me" lesson. I listened to Dave and Emily's "Don't Miss This" and Brian Wilcox's "The Power of Teaching." They were both good. I also went through the Individual/Family lesson and wrote in my Sunday Journal.

James and I both wrote a letter to Ben and then James wrote one to Elder Wilhelm from our ward who is serving in Uganda. Elder Wilhelm told the funniest story last week. He was at the church and a Ugandan woman came up and took his hand and began praying for the missionaries. When she was finished she slapped him up one side and down the other and then a couple of times on the face. She then said, "Now you are protected by the blood of Jesus and no harm will come to you."

I'm glad Ben's in Idaho.

When it was time to say our family prayer this evening I wanted to invite Adam, Joshua and friends to join us. James said they were all asleep except Chris and Kyle. I asked how he knew and he said he could only hear them Chris and Kyle talking upstairs. I said, "Just because someone isn't talking you think they are asleep?" End of conversation. I suggested we get them together before they leave tomorrow and pray with them for a safe drive home. He agreed.

Love to watch Allison and Twitch dance!

Love

Sheri sent me this. She said this is the only
site that Harry and Megan follow on
Instagram. I guess this story went 
worldwide.

Psych!

Sheri and her dogs.
Ziggie thinks she's human walking
on two legs.

 2012 Last FHE at 108th Way

Charlie goes to church...are reads the program

Wore my Valentine gift to church today with
my red sweater. I love!!

Sunday, May 7th, 2017

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000 by

James E. Faust

Mosiah 25:1-13

Those gathered in Zarahemla unite and become known as Nephites.

*How does it help you to hear examples of God's goodness and power in the lives of others?

*To what sources, other than the scriptures, can we turn to learn of others' experiences with the goodness of God? (Don't forget family stories and histories!).

3 Nephi 29-30

29:1-12 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the latter-day gathering has begun.

30:1-2 Latter-day Gentiles commanded to come unto Christ.

DC 68:25-35

Parents are commanded to teach the gospel to their children; The Saints are to observe the Sabbath, labor diligently, and pray.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Therefore, lift up you heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God..." If ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,...and serve Him will all diligence of mind,...He will , according to His own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage. Mosiah 7:19,33.

The faith of king Limhi's people was so profoundly affected by the words of Ammon that they made a covenant with God to serve Him and to keep His commandments, regardless of their difficult circumstances.  Because of their faith, they were able to devise a plan to escape from the hands of the Lamanites.

I had planned on getting up at 4:30 this morning to finish preparing my Primary lesson, but it was actually 5:30.  I got a call earlier in the week from the other teacher who teaches the same lessons as I do.  Her brother is very sick in the hospital in Flagstaff and she is going to see him and could I teach her class on Sunday.  I said I would be glad to.  I took down her brother's name and put it on the temple prayer roll.  

My lesson today is on the Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio.    There were two great stories in this lesson.  One was about Joseph Smith walking in to the Whitney store in Kirtland and saying to Newell K. Whitney: "Newell K. Whitney, thou art the man.  You prayed me here, now what do you want?"  Joseph had seen Brother Whitney in a vision praying for the opportunity to meet the prophet.  

The other was the story of Lucy Mack Smith leading a group of saints to Ohio and praying for the ice to break so they could cross Lake Erie.  What an amazing story!  These are the children who attended my class: Curtis, Colter, Jace and Lianna from my class.  Curtis brought enough money for us to buy a set of scriptures to give to one of our inactive members.  Since he donated all the money I told Curtis he could choose who we should give it to.  He chose his friend Braxton.  We will have a pizza party and during the party will deliver cookies and the scriptures to Braxton.  From the other class: Norma, Curtis's and Zemira's cousin who is visiting, Talena, Kacey, and Zemira.  Ashten wasn't here.  Her sister got married last night and maybe she stayed up too late celebrating.

James did not come to church today.  When I sat down in the chapel before Fast and Testimony meeting Judy told me she got a call last night a 8 o'clock asking her if she would teach gospel doctrine.  I guess Ed didn't make it back from the valley because of a track meet.  Everyone who bore their testimony today mentioned the Book of Mormon.  Our ward is scheduled to finish it by the end of May.  I was not planning on bearing my testimony but the Spirit told me otherwise.  I was the last adult to go up.

In singing time today we practiced three mother's day songs.  The Primary will be singing next week to the mothers.  It felt like Lianna, and Curtis and I were the only ones singing.  I was so grateful that in spite of his attitude, Curtis did sing!

Brother Wilhelm and Sister Skousen did a sharing time on repentance.  Curtis brought more money today to buy a set of scriptures for someone in our class who is not currently attending.  He wants the first set of scriptures to go to his friend Braxton.  Since he paid for them I said he could choose. 
Lianna, the only girl in my class who attends is my friend and helper.  She asked me today if Brother Lambson does anything for me for mother's day.  I said oh, yes, he always makes me a steak dinner.  Does he serve you breakfast in bed?  I said yes, he does.  She is so thoughtful and sweet!

I saw the Curtis's son who has cancer at sacrament meeting today.  My heart went out to him.  He is in his early thirties and is skin and bones.  I felt like crying.  I have never seen him at church before.

My friend Christy posted these tulips on the

Logan temple grounds.

James was feeling better when I got home from church.  Since it still was not time to break out fast we watched part of the first new episode of The Good Witch.  While we were watching the doorbell rang.  It was the missionaries and they wanted me to go with them to their next appointment to talk to the children about Primary.  I said I would be glad to go and I would meet them there.  I went in and got dressed again in my Sunday clothes and drove to #91 on the Crossroads.  The elders were already there.  This sister takes in foster chiildren every other weekend.  The children present were Isabell who is nine, Dominic who is 5, and Malia who is probably two.  I told them a little bit about Primary and told Isabell she would be in my class.  The elders showed a video featuring a Primary song and then went in to their message.  I did not say anything more.  Dominic came over and sat next to me in my chair. The elders spoke about Heavenly Father's plan but never issued a challenge.  I recognized this sister's name from a list of investigators the elders gave us back in 2014.  She has been on my prayer list for that long.  I will continue to pray for her and the children.  Two of her friends showed up during the lesson, Twila and her daughter Kelly.  

James had some chili on the stove when I got home so I broke my fast.  We finished watching The Good Witch.  I sent out my family scripture text and did the rest of my gospel study.  Michael sent a wonderful text to James today thanking him for being a great example of what a father should be.  I guess his lesson in elder's quorum today was about fathers and it reminded him of his grandpa.  I think it made James's day.  James texted back to him that he was grateful for the example that Michael was to his brothers.

 Photos:

Chris

Chloe

Elder Hunsaker from our ward is serving

in West Virginia.

A giraffe and his tongue.

James de-miceing the wall.

Thank goodness for my sniffer.

Alex and his cadillac.

Rowan relaxing in the hammock his dad

brought back from Honduras.

Hang on Ruby!

Today's sunset.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Baton Rouge, Louisiana temple

2 Nephi 6:8-7:11

How do the people of the Lord wait for Him?

The Hebrew translation of wait mean 'look to," "hope for," "anticipate," and "expect."

Mosiah 15:15-17

DC 24:1-10

How can verse 8 comfort us as we endure our afflictions?

Talk: "Finding a Safe Harbor"

By: Joseph B. Wirthlin

April 2000

GC:  'Sharing the Restored Bospel' by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"We can pray for inspiration on what we can do in our individual circmstances to share the gospel with others.  Prayers for this kind of inspiration will be answered if accompanied by a commitment, real intent or full purpose of heart.  Pray with a commitment to act upon the inspiration you receive, promising the Lord that if He will inspire you to speak to someone about the gospel, you will do it."

Happy Valentines Day 

James wrote me a sweet, romantic letter.

A box of Prismacolor pencils!

I gave him a card and dark chocolate with hazelnuts.

I used these silly valentine faces to put on the cards I made for

the grandkids along with a sucker inside and a funny verse or joke.

I hope they liked them.

Alex, Addy, Sheri, Jared, and Kacey thanked me.

Kim got a Valentine surprise from her nieces, nephews, and brother and sisters and posted this on Facebook:

It rained/snowed today.  I put a roast in the oven for a late lunch or an early dinner.  I actually had enchiladas for an early lunch.  

We had elk in our yard again.  Three again.

They were a little shy.  Here is one.

The roast I made was delicious, so moist and tender.  I cooked it in my cast iron pot in the over at 275 degrees.  It made a wonderful Valentine's dinner.

This evening we watched "Appetite for Love" starring Andrew Walker and Taylor Cole.  Afterwards we read from "Lady of the Lakes" by the fire and then went to bed rather early.  James is leaving for the valley in the morning.

Fun Photos:

Nothing like a good nap!

I love this!

Kaeli and her Fireman

Kaeli and her cows

Brian really wants to win at Five Crowns