Saturday, March 31, 2018

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 49:5

Thus said the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world, and have decreed that he that receiveth him shall be saved, and he that receiveth him not shall be damned -

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

* Why is it important to keep records of your family?

* Why should we keep a journal?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 29-31

29 The children of Israel make a covenant with the Lord under which they will be blessed if they are obedient, and cursed if they are disobedient - If they are disobedient, their land will be as brimstone and salt.

30 The scattered Israelites will be gathered from all nations when they remember the covenant - Moses places life or death, blessing or cursing, before the people.

31 Moses counsels Joshua and all Israel to be strong and of good courage - The law is to be read to all Israel every seven years - The children of Israel will follow false gods and corrupt themselves.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

" There is a treasure chest of heavenly direction awaiting your discovery in the messages of general conference. The test for each of us is how we respond to what we hear, what we read, and what we feel."

I slept in until 7:19 a.m. I never woke up once last night which is unheard of for me. James was out taking a walk. I took a shower and washed my hair, sent out the BM and Easter texts and then got to work. I put the ham in the crockpot and started boiling potatoes. 

I made mashed potatoes, and scalloped potatoes, and a glaze for the ham although I think I overcooked it. I had intended to be finished by 11:00 so I could go by and see Aunt Gene but I ran out of time. 

Conference was on the television and I participated in the Solemn Assembly where we voted to sustain President Russell M. Nelson as the 17th prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church. It was awesome!

James and I arrived at Sheri's right at noon. Everyone was there except Darrel and Trina who were waiting for Trina's mom and dad to bring their kids home. 

This is the food we had: Stacy's chicken tenders made by Adam - they were way too hot. Ham, scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, Easter beans, Sheri's rolls, Kim and Brian's rice krispy treats, and a coconut cake, Lexy's macaroni and cheese made by Trina, and water to drink. 

These are the people who attended: Paul, Adam, Michael, Joshua, Kim, Brian, Ian, Sheri, Alex, Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola, James and I. We miss Jared's family. Wish they were here.

After lunch Shayna, Alex, and James went out in the backyard and hid the Easter eggs. Max, Addy, Rowan, Joshua, Evan, Ruby, and Lola looked for the eggs in 90 degree weather. I am melting!

Ollie, Shipley, and Vader joined in the fun. I did not have time or presence of mind to take pictures. Here are the two I took:

Separating the candy from the money

She prefers the candy.

Shayna, Alex, Ben

I texted Rita and told her why I didn't make it to Aunt Gene's party but I never heard back from her. 

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's it to awhile to wash the dishes and put all the food away. I am afraid that Trina and Darrel did most of the work. 

Two new apostles:

Elder Soares and Elder Gong

We missed most of the afternoon session of conference but here is how the morning session went:

Solemn Assembly - President Eyring

1."Precious Gifts from God - M. Russell Ballard

2. "Am I a Child of God"?

Brian K Taylor

3."Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye"

Larry J. Echo Hawk

4. "The Heart of a Prophet"

Gary E. Stevenson

5. "Until Seventy Time Seven"

Lynn G. Robbins

6. "The Prophet of God"

Neil L. Andersen

Quotes from the morning session

Afternoon Session

7.  "Meek and Lowly of Heart:
David A. Bednar
8. "One More Day"
Taylor G. Godoy
9. "Young Women in the Work"
Bonnie L. Oscarson
10. "Saving Ordinances Will Bring 
Us Marvelous Light"
Taniela B Wakolo
11. "Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and
Sacred Responsibility"
Devin G. Durrant
12  "Family History and Temple Work:
Sealing and Healing"
Dale G. Renlund

Afternoon Session Quotes

Priesthood Session

13. "What Every Aaronic
Priesthood Holder Needs to
Understand"
Douglas D. Holmes
 14. "Introductory Remarks"
Russell M. Nelson
15. "The Elders Quorum
D. Todd Christofferson
16. "Behold! A Royal Army"
Ronald A. Rasband
17. "Inspired Ministering"
Henry B. Eyring
18. "The Powers of the Priesthood"
Dallin H. Oaks
19. "Ministering with the Power
and Authority of God"
Russell M. Nelson

Priesthood Session Quotes

All the high priest groups in the wards have been dissolved and
the high priests are now part of the elder's quorum.
Darrel sent this to us.

While James and Darrel were at the priesthood session of conference, Addy and I went shopping. I promised her I would take her to Dollar Tree to look for things to use for April Fool's jokes. She found a For Rent sign and a Garage Sale sign she is going to put on her house tomorrow morning with her mom's phone number on the For Rent sign.

Hobby Lobby was right next door to Dollar Tree. I told Addy I just couldn't be this close and not go in. Here are a few of the things I found:

I got this puzzle for Stacy

This was Addy's favorite.

I love both of these.

I just couldn't justify buying them right now.

A gigantic Easter egg with 

nesting eggs inside.

Cost too much even with the discount.

James watched conference at the church by Darrel and Trina's house. Addy went to meet him when it was over on her roller blades.

Darrel went to Trina's parents house. Afterwards Darrel, Trina's dad, and Bryce went out to eat at The Keg. James was invited but he opted not to go. He and I took Addy and Ruby to IHOP for dinner. Rowan wasn't here. He spent the day at Sheri's.

The four of us each got different flavored pancakes. James got harvest nut and grain, Addy got blueberry, Ruby chocolate chip, and I got just plain buttermilk with warm maple syrup, my favorite.

Talk about having cake for dinner!

This girl loves whipped cream and chocolate!

Almost done.

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's James and I walked around the block a couple of times. I came in after two and James kept walking. 

Monday, October 23rd, 2017

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

Luke 24:34

Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 11:18-41

*What does the Savior teach about baptism and contention? What do modern prophets say?

-There appears to have been some contention among the Nephites concerning the manner of baptism. The Lord clarified how the ordinance should be performed. President Boyd K. Packer explained the significance of baptism and cautioned that we should not alter this sacred ordinance: "Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is the first ordinance. Baptism must be by immersion, for it is symbolic of both the coming forth from temporal death, from the grave, and the cleansing required for redemption from spiritual death. ...Under the plan, baptism is not just for entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ. It begins a spiritual rebirth that may eventually lead back into the presence of God. If we really understood what baptism signifies, we could never consider it trivial nor alter the form of this sacred ordinance. ...Through the sacrament we renew the covenant" (Our Fathers Plan, 39-40).

President Henry B. Eyring helps us understand that the Spirit of God will not lead people into contention: "Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony. The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29). It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife. It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others.(Ensign, May 1998, 67).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 130:20-21

20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated -

21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"By 1869, more than 70,000 Saints had made the trek to the Salt Lake Valley. Despite t heir many differences in language, culture, and nationality they shared a testimony of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a desire to build Zion - a place of peace, happiness, and beauty in preparation for the Second Coming of the Savior."

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Tad R. Callister

"The Book of Mormon is not only the keystone of our religion, but it can also become the keystone of our testimonies so that when trials or unanswered questions confront us, it can hold our testimonies securely in place. This boo is the one weight on the scales of truth that exceeds the combined weight of all the critics arguments. Why Because if it is true, then Joseph Smith was a prophet and this is the restored Church of Jesus Christ, regardless of any historical or other arguments to the contrary. For this reason, the critics are intent on disproving the Book of Mormon, but the obstacles they face are insurmountable because the book is true."

I had a lunch date with Hailey, one of the sisters I visit teach today at 11 at Licano's. She texted me around 6:15 and said she couldn't make it. I ended up meeting her at the Dollar General parking lot around 8:40. I had to hurry to get the cake made and Taylor's candy bouquet put together. Hailey says they will probably be moving this week. I am going to miss this family.

 Taylor's bouquet

I made Hailey a chocolate bundt cake. It looked like a huge chocolate donut. She loved it and asked for the recipe.

I was so tired after meeting with Hailey I came home and took a short nap. Afterwards I made lunch for James who is pouring the next batch of concrete for the new patio. I made chicken breasts coated in Ritz cracker crumbs. It was quite tasty. I got the recipe from the Mormon Cookbook I have. I also made Rice-a-roni and green beans.

I got a visit from my visiting teacher Kaeli and her daughter Natalie. They gave me this:

Natalie told me there was candy inside, so I gave her 

a sucker.

Shelly, who leaves for her mission in less than a month called me today. We are going to the temple together on Friday. She got her own endowments last Friday and wants to go as many times as she can before she leaves on November 15th. 

Another one of my young women, Alice, who just turned 16 went down to Hatch and bought herself a car and paid cash for it. It is a 2012 Chrysler 200. Now that is impressive!

BTW: Alice is Trenda's younger sister.

Definitely over-achievers.

James working on the patio:

Such a hard worker!

He's a one man show!

Mixing it by hand.

I did not get much accomplished today. I'm not sure if it's because I didn't get a good night's sleep or because I am not getting enough thyroid. Still no Naturethroid. I am still on the Levothyroxin.

For F.H.E. we worked on our journals and listened to Brother Callister's talk on the Book of Mormon.

Today was Kyra Lambson's birthday. Her kids, etc. wrote notes to her in heaven and sent them up via helium balloons.

James went home teaching to the Peeler's with his partner Brother Westbrook today. The Westbrook's leave tomorrow for Idaho. Their daughter Sadie lives there and is expecting her first baby any day now. They will be gone for two weeks.

DWTS - Let's go to the movies. Lindsey and Mark danced an Argentine tango to a sci-fi theme. Mark is the perfect mad scientist. It was the best!

Baby javelina

castle

Los Angeles temple

Addy 2014

Rowan 2014

Ruby

2014

Ro's baptism 2014