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, September 9th, 2018

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 19:16
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 1:1-17
*What causes anger and contention and how can you avoid it?
- Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing your dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ is what we all should be striving for.
Old Testament
Proverbs 21-23
General Conference

Teaching in the Home, a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

Elder D. Todd Christofferson counsels: 

"We have may avenues for teaching the...rising generation, and we should devote our best thinking and effort to taking full advantage of them. Above all, we must continue to encourage and help parents be better and more consistent teachers...especially by example."

That's how the Savior teaches.

James and I left early for church today so we could go to the Bannion Springs rest home to pick up Brother Secard. 

Since I was at sacrament meeting early I was able to hand out most of the rest of my ministering assignments. I introduced myself to a sister I did not know who was sitting by herself and she ended up being Marie R., my ministering companion. I was glad that I spoke with her.

The Reynolds' spoke in sacrament meeting today. She spoke on service and he spoke on being careful with our words. The bishop said a few words and asked brother Umphress to come up and bear his testimony. It was a good meeting.

Brother Smith taught gospel doctrine. The lesson was on Joel and how important prophets are. I thought this was appropriate for President Nelson's birthday, as was the discussion in Relief Society led by Sister Smith. We studied Elder Stevenson's and Elder Andersen's conference talks on the prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

I sat by Sister Lundgren. I called her Debbie instead of Donna and later apologized.

After the block we took Brother Secard home. I mentioned to him that he looked like a detective in his trench coat. He said, "Did you say I looked defective?" He is quite the jokster for an older guy.

We had ribs and salad for lunch and then it was nap time. I wanted to get up at 3 but didn't make it until 4. James slept until after 5 so he didn't have much free time this evening. He left for the stake general priesthood meeting at 6:15. He came back saying that it was wonderful. All of the priesthood holders were asked to memorize these verses from DC 121 before stake conference in six weeks:

While James was gone I worked on my blog and watched the newest Hallmark movie starring Autumn Reeser. 

Jared texted everyone and invited them to Charlie's blessing on October 14th. He got quite the response. He heard from most everyone and I said we were coming and Darrel and Trina are coming and maybe Stacy and Paul. How exciting!

Charlie's first real bath

She likes having her head rubbed

Nice and clean! For a minute I thought that

was an earring glistening from her ear.

 Baby Sweetpea

Snuggles with Daddy

Sunday, July 29th, 2018

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 May 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

2 Nephi 2:15

And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.

Book of Mormon

Alma 42:1-15

*What can we learn from the fall?

- We have our agency but must accept the consequences of our choices. God loves us and provides a way for us to return to Him.

Old Testament

Esther 9 - Job 1

9 The Jews slay their enemies, including Haman's ten sons - The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance and victory.

10 Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to Ahasuerus in power and might.

Job 1

1 Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches - Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job - Job's property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"My dear brothers and sisters, are we active in the gospel, or are we merely busy in the Church? The key is to follow the example of the Savior in all things. If we do that, we will naturally focus on saving individuals rather than performing tasks and implementing programs."

Sister Deatherage and Sister Applegate were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. 

Sister Deatherage used two talks for her talk: "Being in the Thick of Thin Things" by Sister Michelle Craig, First Counselor in the General Young Women's Presidency. This talk was given at BYU women's conference. "As the world gets busier and noisier, it becomes critical for us to carve out time for those things that are of greatest importance." What will you take with you, what will you leave behind? Sister Craig says we take our covenants, relationships, and things that have built our character. We take those things that are of eternal importance. Do you have any personal quiet time? "Unless we make time for quiet contemplative time, the voice of the Spirit may not get through to us." What are you doing that you should not be doing? What am I not doing that I should start doing?

The next part of her talk was based on a General Conference address given by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Am I Sleeping through the Restoration?" Selfishness and addictions and two road blocks to our progression and being active in the restoration.

Brother Applegate: How Can We Overcome Challenges, Weaknesses, and Sins? Brother Applegate only had about ten minutes for his talk. He spoke really fast but with enthusiasm and sincerity. He quoted 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."

This thought came to me as I was listening to Brother Applegate's talk: "If my love for the Lord is greater than my love for my weaknesses, He will help me overcome them." Brother Applegate's talk was pretty amazing!

Sister Wood gave our Sunday School lesson: O.T. #29: "He Took Up...the Mantle of Elijah" 2 Kings 2; 5-6

The purpose of the lesson was to help us understand how the authority (mantle) passes from one prophet to another, to encourage us to obey the words of the prophets, and to assure us that the power of God is greater than any other power.

The 3rd hour was under the direction of the Bishop because it is the 5th Sunday. Bishop Miller started out by asking if there were any questions or concerns. Brother DeWitt wanted to know if there was a plan in place in case of an intruder with a gun. I guess because of the incident in Fallon, Nevada this concern is on most people's minds. The handbook states that we should hide, flee, or fight back in case of an intruder. Only law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons. We must realize that we are under the Lord's protection when we are at Church. I am not sure this was what Brother DeWitt wanted but the bishop really has no authority in this matter.

I asked the question: Why aren't ministering brothers and sisters set apart. The bishop thought it was a very good question. My answer came from Brother Patrick and Sister Miller and lots of others in between. Brother Patrick says that ministering is not a calling it is an assignment and that we only set people apart for callings. Sister Miller said that we are under our baptismal covenant to minister and care for one another. Those answers satisfied me. 

Bishop Miller gave some wonderful counsel about ministering. He told of a time when he was living in Texas and was extremely busy including taking 24 credits in college. He was asked to home teach a very needy man and what a blessing it became in his life. He says that when you minister, you in return are ministered to. Also when we serve others we find ourselves because there is more of us to find. It was a great meeting.

At home after lunch and rest time I got a text from Stacy asking if we could change the couples retreat to September 15th. There is some confusion as to when our next deep clean of the temple is. The bulletin says Sept 12th but that is a Wednesday and deep cleans are always done on Saturday. When James got up from his nap he called Brother Patterson who is the stake cleaning coordinator. the cleaning is on September 1st so we are good with September 15th for the couples retreat. Now Kim is going to talk to Sheri and Stacy is going to talk to Trina about coming. Neither of them wanted to leave their kids at home. I told Stacy to please not pressure them to come but tell them there are things we want to do, such as have a council/counsel meeting and work on family history that will be easier if kids are not involved. Next year I would like to plan a family reunion for everyone and make it at a time that Jared and Kacey can come too.

James wanted me to read from "Life Everlasting," our Sunday reading book. We went out on the porch and read about the Resurrection.

I listened to the last chapter from "A Reason for Faith," Science and Religion Friends or Foes.

Sheri asked James to ordain Ben to the Melchizedek priesthood. Ben asked him to be his escort in the temple. What a wonderful month August is going to be!

James worked on our family tree that we are showing the kids at the couples retreat. Actually we have three trees. One for our council meeting and two for our family history meeting. Here are the trees:

Council Meeting

How can the image of this tree help us to raise a righteous posterity?

That will be our beginning statement and then we will go from there with a discussion on how we can help each other to raise righteous children.

How can we be more united as a family?

What are your concerns and feelings regarding this?

Family History

First we will talk about this combined tree which makes

the James Lambson and Karen Maxwell Family Tree.

We will then give each person a family tree to fill out of

their family.

We will get on family search and fill in names and talk

about the importance of establishing a strong family tree.

Can this family tree help us with raising our children?

If so, how?

Our children were represented on the tree given in the council meeting.

We will also be going to a spot on the river where we can relax, hike and have lunch together. Paul is going to cook dinner using a flat iron steak recipe that Stacy raves about. 

Before leaving for the outing on Saturday morning James and I will make biscuits, with steak and gravy. We will also have fresh fruit for those of us who are light eaters. 

After Fast and Testimony meeting on Sunday we will come home to a delicious crockpot meal and a big salad. I am not sure what the meal will be yet.

When James was working on the family tree he noticed that both of my great grandfathers on my dad's side died at the very young age of 38. 

After going to bed tonight we experienced quite a show of lightning and thunder. We also got a little of unexpected rain.

It was a wonderful Sabbath day.

 I need to visit Aunt Gene again. She is my link

to the past for the Maxwell and Robinson

families. I also need to find out who is Uncle Walter's

closest relative so I can get permission to do his and his wife's temple work

I love this family photo from 1978-79.

Sunday, July 1st, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ, Creation

3 Nephi 9:15

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

Book of Mormon

Alma 25:1-17

* How were Abinadi's prophecies fulfilled?

- The Lord sends His prophets to serve as His messengers and make His will known. Sometimes they predict future events. Alma 25 is the fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy from Mosiah 17:14-19. Please think and reflect on counsel of today's prophets.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 23-24

23 Solomon is made king - The Levites are numbered and assigned their various religious duties.

24 The sons of Aaron and the rest of the sons of Levi are divided into groups and assigned their duties by lot.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

President M. Russell Ballard

"Given the reality of our human weaknesses and shortcomings, how do we move forward in supporting and sustaining each other? It begins with faith - real, sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is the first principles of the doctrine and gospel of Christ. 

If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God's children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church."

The Messianic Expectation in the New Testament

Other messianic prophecies revealed the life and mission of the Messiah in definite detail. Those who believed in Christ saw the fulfillment of these prophecies in his life. The writers of the four Gospels in the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John pointed out how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies that referred to the coming Messiah. For example, Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea (compare Micah 5:2 with Matthew 2:1-6), would be an object of great adoration (compare Psalm 72:10 with Matthew 2:1-11), would be preceded by a forerunner (compare Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 with Luke 1:17 and Matthew 3:1-3).

His ministry was to begin in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2, Matt 4:12, 16-23), he would teach in parables (Psalm 78:2, Matt 13:34-35). His ministry would be marked by miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6, Matt 11:4-5) and by rejection of his message (Psalm 69:8, Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11, John 7:5). Near the end, Messiah would enter Jerusalem in triumph on the back of an ass (Zechariah 11:12, Matt 26:15), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12, Matt 26:15), would be betrayed by a close friend (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-14, John 13:18, 21), and would be deserted by his associates (Zechariah 13:7, Matt 26:31-56). He would be smitten on the cheek (Micah 5:1, Matt 27:30), spat upon (Isaiah 50:6, Matt 27:30), mocked (Psalm 22:7-8, Matt 27:31, 39-44), and beaten (Isaiah 50:6, Matt 26:67; 27:26, 30). His hands and feet were to be pierced (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10, John 19:33-37); yet, not a bone in his body would be broken (Psalm 34:20, John 19:33-36). He would be numbered with transgressors (Isaiah 53:9, Matt 27:38). He would be given vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matt 27:34) while thirsting and in pain (Psalm 22:15, John 19:28). When dead, he would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:12, Matt 27:57-60); but his body would not see corruption (Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:31), for he would rise from death (Psalm 2:7; 16:10, Acts 13:33), making it possible for all the dead to rise (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, Matt 27:52-53).

From a modern point of view, it hardly seems possible that so many signs could be overlooked by so many, but as the Savior himself said, they were spiritually blind (Matt 15:14).

I crawled out of bed at 5:25 to prepare my Relief Society Council Meeting agenda. (Is that what you call it?)

I worked until it was time for me to get ready for Church.

We had lots of visitors in our ward as we always do on a holiday weekend. The DeWitts are back from their mission at the Taipei, Taiwan temple and they brought much of their fan club with them, kids and spouses, and grandkids from Gilbert. They all went to the Taylor rodeo yesterday. Brother DeWitt says it's like a mutual activity because they start the rodeo with a prayer and they talk alot about liberty. Both Brother and Sister DeWitt bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting. It was nice. 

We were asked to pray for moisture, attend the temple, and pray for Sister Peeler and Brother Loran DeWitt who had an accident several months ago and is still not doing well. We were also asked to pray for Brother Sean Bowen's father. 

Elder Bernecker bore his testimony. Yesterday at our dinner he asked Chuck if they could teach him the discussions and Chuck said no. I think he has heard the discussions many times. I am not sure what is holding him back. Anyway, Elder Bernecker's testimony was solid and doctrinally based.

I also love when Jackson Allen bears his testimony because I always feel the Spirit, as I did today. He is such a great young man. He told about going through the temple in Canada with all of his siblings and his parents and how wonderful it was. 

During Sunday School I was in the Relief Society room writing the names of the young women who will be ministering sisters on the chalkboard. There are 12 of them. I don't know Jennifer G. so I spoke with her mom and found out some things about her.

The Primary needed help from the young women today so as if it were planned, the young women leaders came in to Relief Society today. It felt like Heavenly Father had planned it. 

The meeting went well today with lots of participation.

James was set apart after the block today by Brother Thompson. 
The Peeler's are in the valley so of course we did not take the sacrament in today.

We were going to wait until 2 p.m. to break our fast but James needed to take something for pain so we broke it a little sooner. 

We had leftover pork chops, etc., for dinner. Afterwards we took a nap. James is leaving for the valley this afternoon. Alice W. had surgery on her foot and I told her mom we would bring her cookies, so I made her some chocolate chip cookies. I also made some for her brother Zemira who has missed church the past two weeks because of red dots all over his body. He has a bad case of mersa.

James left with the cookies around 3 and went straight to the valley afterwards. He said he wanted to go to bed by 7 because he is getting up at 3 a.m. for work.

I finished reading my scriptures and listened to a conference talk and then Kerri H. came over to bring me a card to sign for Laurann who is our secretary who is being released. Kerri is going to be gone from July 9th - 13th and her mom is pretty stressed about it. 
Kerri is worried about her and I told her I would take care of her mom while she was gone.

I watched a Hallmark movie and the finale of The Good Witch. Something I usually don't do on Sunday, but I was lonely. I also worked on my blog. I was in bed by ten.

Happy Birthday Max!

Go kart riding for Max's 15th birthday!

Max is cool.

This dog wants to be coool like Max.

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov, 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of
DC 93:4
The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle and dwelt among the sons of men.
Book of Mormon
Alma 7:1-13
* What does Alma prophesy about the Savior?
-He shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers...he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Old Testament
1 Kings 3-4
3 Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments - The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart - He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.
4 The officers in Solomon's court are listed - Solomon reigns in peace and prosperity over a large kingdom - His wisdom and understanding exceed that of all men.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

" Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well - individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry."

I was up before five this morning. The first thing I did was weigh myself. I lost 1.2 lbs. this week so I had chocolate cream pie for breakfast.

I spent the morning getting ready for my Relief Society lesson on ministering until it was time to get ready to go.

James loads, the small table I have my family display set up on and a box of photos, my old sewing machine, and two baskets into the car.

We have family prayer in the car. 
The church is packed because it is Memorial Day weekend. The Howard's saved us a place next to them. So nice. On the way in we say hi to the Montgomery's. Dave used to work for James and Tammy grew up in Chandler. We have known her family, the Cluff's, for years. 

The rumor was that the bishopric had asked certain people to bear their testimonies and then if there was any time left they would call people up out of the audience. We were a little nervous but I was confident I wouldn't be called up because I spoke in sacrament meeting last week.

It was nice to have three priests at the sacrament table, Jace, Talon, and Jackson. Talon and Jackson both have suits on and look like missionaries. Jackson has received his mission call to the Philippines and will be leaving in September.

The oldest brother Wilhelm was asked to bear his testimony on the Teaching in the Savior's Way program. He was supposed to take 5 minutes but it ended up taking 10 or more. This is good, less time to call people up out of the audience.

Talon was asked to bear his testimony and did a nice job. 

There was a men's chorus. They sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy."

Bishop Miller's wife bore her testimony about the Pathway program and then Brother Peeler, who loves to speak, bore his testimony on temple and family history work. He took at least 15 minutes. 

When Brother Peeler finished there was some time left so Brother Greer, our high councilman was asked to bear his testimony. I love Brother Greer. He is a former mission president and is just a friendly, happy, cheerful person. His testimony was great. At the end he said that Heavenly Father wants  us to return to Him, that we are His chubby little babies. That made me smile.

Last, but certainly not least, Bishop Miller bore his testimony. In regards to the Savior he said; "I have never seen Him, but I know Him." I felt the Spirit when he said that.

The closing hymn was "Count Your Many Blessings." Afterwards I turned to Jean and told her she was one of my blessings. She gave me a hug.

During Sunday School I was setting up for my lesson. James brought all of my things in for me and then he went to the gospel doctrine class taught by Brother Smith. I really wanted to hear the gospel doctrine lesson and thought maybe I would go in late, but my setup took the entire time. 

First I set up my family history table. Then I was going to put up pictures from the gospel art packet of the Savior ministering but I couldn't get the pictures to stay on the wall. Tamara told me we were allowed to use blue painters tape on the walls, which I had but it does not work. Heather Bowen came in and was trying to help me.

I finally settled on six photos to put up near the chalkboard. By this time Sunday School was out and sisters were coming in to the room.

We had six visitors in Relief Society and one of them played the piano for us. They were great participants in the lesson. It was an easy lesson to teach because everyone has examples of ministering in their lives. Sister Scott even shared something that I never knew. She said they had a son that died and she had a poem about tears that she memorized that helps her. One of the visiting sisters also had a son who had passed away.

After church we went home, ate and took a nap and then began getting ready for our trip to the valley. We left for our timeshare, Sheraton Desert Oasis around 4 and arrived somewhere between 7:30 and 8 o'clock. James checked in with Chrissy and got our owners packet. We are in rooms 2047 and 2048 in Spring Court, building 6 around in the back. Next time I am asking for a downstairs room.

After lugging all of our stuff upstairs, James doing most of the lugging, including an ice chest, we were able to sit down and relax for awhile. 

Very proud of Summer for earning her Young Women's medallion.

Congratulations!

Christina's baby

I just thought this was funny.

Dallin right after graduation.

Kim at Chandler High

This dog is obsessed with Sheri!