Saturday, March 14th, 2020

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 4:11-18

Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone.

October 2019 Gen Conf

"Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me"

Reyna I. Aburto

"I testify to you that 'thru cloud and sunshine' the Lord will abide with us, our 'afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ,' and 'it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.' I testify that Jesus Christ will return to the earth 'with healing in his wings.' Ultimately, He 'shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more ... sorrow.' For all who will 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,' the 'sun shall no more go down; ... for the Lord shall be our everlasting light, and the days of our mourning shall be ended.' In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We left the house this morning at 5:37 a.m. for the Snowflake temple. We arrived at the Show Low turn off at 6:05. 

We listened to scriptures and conference talks all the way to the temple. When we got to the Flake bridge barricades had been put up because water had run across the road. Someone had set the barricade aside and we went on through as did the two other cars that were also going to the temple.

After parking I noticed the beautiful sunrise and had to stop and take a couple of pictures.

I took this picture because you can see 
Greenspeak.

It was gorgeous!

We had six subs for the sisters today and one sister who didn't show up and did not get a sub. 

The Reidhead's presided at our morning preparation meeting. Sister Reidhead couldn't stress enough the importance of washing hands and not touching your face. We were all sad because we don't know how long the temple is going to be closed. 

My first assignment was in the baptistry. There isn't much to do between 7:30 and 8. I sat in the dressing room with Sister DeWitt who is a sub today. We had a nice visit and left just as a group was coming in.

I went to initiatory two times, top of the stairs twice, and was in sealings as a witness for an hour. Brother and Sister Bowen were doing initiatory today for their Norwegian relatives. They are so good at pronouncing the names but I struggle with them. Brother Bowen told James he has done 880 ordinances this week. Wow!

Time went by quickly today because we were busy. I did get to sit in the Celestial room and visit with Trenda. She was here with her husband and her parents were here too but in a different session.

James and I were going to stay and go to the 1:30 session but I was just too tired. I told him that when the temple opens up again I would like to start going to a session on the Saturdays we don't work. He said he would think about and that he liked the idea of going after we work because we save on gas. I said yes, but if I'm asleep during the session I don't get much out of it.

Instead of doing a session we went to Eva's for lunch. I had my regular chicken enchilada with red sauce and a side of beans and rice. James had a chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of beans. After Eva's we stopped at the Walmart in Taylor and did some shopping. 

These are some of my friends from the temple that I will miss. Sister Cureton, Debbie Vance, Elwanda Reidhead, Diana Elmer, the Hamblin's, the Cureton's, the Farr's, the Gentry's, Sister Rupert who is from Idaho Falls, the Hancock's, and the three Neff couples, Sister Humphrey's, Sister Cochran, and the Palmer's and Reidhead's of the temple presidency.

This evening I got my book order ready to ship, finished walking, and called people such as Debra Brewer who might not know that we don't have church tomorrow.  Will tomorrow feel like Sunday if we don't have church?

Joshua on a hike with his dad

Charlie staying busy during 

social distancing

Scarlett

Lola

Beautiful baby

Sheri:

Pi-fection in Mesa

 Max and Ollie

Saturday, April 20th, 2019

Fort Collins, Colorado
153rd operating temple
Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016
By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Helaman 14:8

And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 27:62-66; 1 Peter 1:3-11; Romans 5:1-11

General Conference

Christ: The Light that Shines in Darkness

Sharon Eubank

"If you feel that the beacon of your testimony is sputtering and darkness is closing in, take courage. Keep your promises to God."

James did some errands this morning while I did the cooking at Darrel's. Darrel and Rowan made it back quite early from the father's and sons'. Of course it was at Usery Mountain Park which is only about 15 minutes away. 

The first thing I did was cook a pound of bacon. It took awhile. I then chopped an onion and fried two lbs. of hamburger. Lola came over and ate a couple of piece of bacon. She wanted to take some to Ollie because "dogs like bacon." I got her a baggie and she put the bacon in the baggie and the baggie in her purse. 

Once I got the beans on to cook I made a green bean casserole and put it in the oven. I then ordered a tray of nuggets from Chik-fil-a.

When we went to pick up the Chik-fil-a, it wasn't ready which made us late to Sheri's. The first thing I saw when driving up to Sheri's was Dallin's motorcycle. When I went in and mentioned  it to Sheri she said Dallin and Michael were speeding through the neighborhood. Some of the dads in the neighborhood showed up at Sheri and Ian's complaining about the speeding. Ian diffused the anger and everyone went home. This all happened before we arrived and before Stacy and Paul arrived. 

Sheri was anxious to eat so James said the blessing on the food and Stacy and Paul arrived shortly after. I mentioned to Sheri that Lola had bacon for Ollie and she said, "I know she has already given it to him." 

Sheri made ham, scalloped potatoes, and homemade rolls. We brought beans and green bean casserole and Chik-fil-a. Kim brought a veggie tray and her homemade pumpkin delight dessert which she makes at Thanksgiving, per James's request. Stacy brought green bean casserole, a cake, and her fried chicken strips. Darrel brought Trina's homeade LeVain Bakery recipe chocolate chip cookies. 

James also made some deviled eggs which were kind of last minute. We had plenty to eat. 

Those attending: Stacy, Paul, Adam, Dallin, Michael, Joshua, Kim, and Brian. James and I, Sheri, Ian, Max, and Evan. Darrel, Addy, Rowan, and Lola. Trina had to work. Oh yes, we had four dogs: Ollie, Shipley, Vader, and Sophie. Ollie was barking like crazy when the other dogs arrived. He finally calmed down after Ian took him in the bedroom for awhile. 

Michael had hidden the eggs in the backyard earlier and after eating the egg hunt began. We had about 120 eggs for seven kids to find. Everybody wound up getting some money. Kim to lots of pictures but I only took a few.

 Addy helped Lola and still wound up with

$8 for herself.

 Rowan on the run

Ruby, Evan, Rowan. Ruby found my $5 egg.

 Everyone looking for the $5 eggs. There were four of them.

These boys put all of their egg money together and

then divided it up. They each got $11.

Sheri cancelled the trip to the temple. Just too much going on today.

After the festivities James took me back to Darrel and Trina's and then he went to the Willis's and then to Bass Pro Shop to get himself a new pair of shoes. He came back to get me around 7. He had lost the lid to our gas tank and went back to Fry's to look for it. When he went to get on the freeway he missed the entrance and we had to back track. He worked in the laundry room at Kim's while Kim and I watched the new Hallmark Easter movie, "Easter Under Wraps." I will have to finish at home because James was finished working before the movie was over.

Instead of the Cadberry egg it's the 

Cavendish egg, made possible by these two.

Back at Darrel and Trina's we visited a few minutes with them before going outside to walk.

Walking around the green belt in Darrel and

Trina's neighborhood.

The cutest flower in the garden

Scarlett reminds me of Strawberry Shortcake.

 The Morrison's were sealed in the temple today.
Congratulations!

 

Monday, May 22nd, 2017

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 4 November 2007 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 4:5-20

* What does the phrase "bearing down in pure testimony" (Alma 4:19) suggest about how Alma would teach?

* When have you heard people bear "pure testimony?"  How have these experiences influenced you?

* What truths can we learn from Alma's example in Alma 4:19-20?

Principles:

* Fulfilling our spiritual duties may require sacrifice.

* Bearing pure testimony helps others draw closer to God.

Ether 11-12

11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life; Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent; The people reject the words of the prophets.

12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God; Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith; Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ; The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble;The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith; Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation; Moroni saw Jesus face to face.

DC 76:81-101

81-113, The status of those in the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial glories is explained;

 How can the gospel be a gospel of tremendous love?

* As we show kindness and charity to others and develop Christlike attributes the gospel can be a gospel of love.

How can the Church be a stumblingblock to the wicked?

* The wicked feel inhibited by the commandments because they keep them from doing many of the things they want to do.  

General Conference

"Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It"

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith us' us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God's will.  Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily, fasting regularly, and praying with real intent deepen our well of spiritual capacity to meet the demands of mortality.  Over time, simple habits of belief lead to miraculous results.  They transform our faith from a seedling into a dynamic power for good in our lives. Then, when challenges come our way, our rootedness in Christ provides steadfastness for our souls.  God shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys, and causes 'all things to work together for our good.'"

We had five elk outside this morning when I got up.  I have decided that the elk and the internet are a big distraction during the beginning of my gospel study time.  

Here are some other things I studied today: The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "Kingdoms of Glory," the topical guide, Jesus Christ, and of course my study journals, The Living Christ, The Family Proclamation, the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures, my patriarchal blessing, scriptures on the Atonement to take with me to sacrament meeting, and 100 Favorite Verses about Christ.

More pictures of the Paris temple

James left this morning around 10 am. to pick up his friend Anthony.  Anthony is without a truck right now because of a frivolous lawsuit so the priesthood of our ward are providing transportation for him.  He told James he wanted to go to town to pick up some groceries at the Dollar Tree.  James ended up taking him five different places and buying lunch for him.  James was gone five hours but he did not complain.  He said Anthony was very appreciative.  One of the kids in my Primary class told me that the Cal-Ranch store had fidget spinners.  I sent James there to pick up a few.  When he asked the clerk if they had any he said they can't keep them.  As soon as they get here they are sold out.  I guess I will just have to wait for the ones I ordered from Amazon to get here.

Elder and Sister Renlund, then and now.

I noticed at 10:20 this morning that four of the elk were still here, and at 4:30 two of them walked through the yard probably looking for water.  James told me an interesting fact about elk.  He said there is an actual calendar you can get that will tell you when the elk are expected to come out on a particular day.  He told me about going hunting in New Mexico with his cousin Tommy and he had one of these calendars.  He said the elk are supposed to come out at 3:47 in the afternoon.  They had not seen any elk all day and then all of a sudden, just before 4 pm., several herds walked out in the open area where they were to feed.  He said deer are not like that.  They come out depending on the moon cycle.

Electra Lake in Colorado.  Tyler, my nephew,

posted this and said it is within walking distance

of where he lives.  Beautiful!

I ordered some birthday cards for our June family birthdays from Anna.  I can hardly wait for them to get here.

Rowan and his piano teacher after his

recital.  I am sad I missed it.

For F.H.E. we read lesson 11 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "Home - the Basis of a Righteous Life."  Afterwards we watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch."  This series is not making me happy like the movies did.

These are pictures of my friend Brayling who is 

handicapped enjoying activity day at his school.

James and I read a story today about a white couple who

adopted two dark children and then chose to give birth

to black triplet daughters whom they adopted as embryos.

It was a great story!

Our friends the Miner's.

 I love the sunsets here because we have trees

and no electrical lines.