Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Helaman 14:12

And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.
Book of Mormon
Alma 38:1-15
* How does one use boldness, but not overbearance?
- Using boldness is teaching the word of God without fear. Being overbearing is the manner in which we teach. Are we pushy, loud, insensitve? Or are we tolerant, friendly and neighborly while sharing our beliefs? While it seems that Shiblon is one of the good sons, commended for his good work and ability too withstand persecution well it seems Alma is trying to curb Shiblon's tendency to be prideful and to be overbearing. If we discuss the gospel with someone making them feel that we think we are better than them or they are ignorant to the truth, making others feel like they have to defend, argue their position then perhaps we are overbearing. Shiblon had personality flaws like all of us. Alma was reminding Shiblon that he needed to trust the Lord instead of his own strength, and that it's Christ who does the saving, and builds testimony.
Old Testimony
Nehemiah 7-9
7 Provision is made to protect Jerusalem - The genealogy is given of the Jews who returned from Babylon - Priests without genealogical records are denied the priesthood.
8 Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people - They keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
9 The Jews fast and confess their sins - The Levites bless and praise the Lord and recite His goodness toward Israel. 
General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Ulisses Soares

"Isn't it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. I have learned that through my personal experiences."

From my morning browsing of Meridian Magazine:

The Problem with Bribing Kids: "Rewards can sometimes buy compliance, but they don't build character. Research underscores the long term negative consequences of using rewards to motivate children. An astute child will become a mercenary. 'I shouldn't do anything without a reward.' Children don't learn the oy of goodness but the value of resistance."

From the book "Covenant Hearts" by Bruce C. Hafen: 

"Our homes are laboratories where we test and develop our religion."

I remember that one of the things Elder Bernecker mentioned in his talk Sunday was his seminary teacher telling him to be mindful of the tender mercies of the Lord in his life. He said that doing that helped prepare him to serve a mission. I have decided I would like to do that too. Here goes...in my patriarchal blessing I am told that I will never want for the necessities of life and that the way will be open for me and my companion to help others who are not so fortunate as ourselves. This has been true in my life and I am so grateful to the Lord for this tender mercy.

I talked to Elder Bernecker about Kylie Long today. She is 14 and my friend Pam says she is interested in the church and was going to go last week with her friends the Westbrook girls, Joe and Corrina's daughters. I told Elder Bernecker about her and that she has a brain tumor and that he should speak with the Westbrook's and see if they could meet her at the Westbrook's home.

Happy Pioneer day. On Family Search Sunday one of my pioneer ancestors was featured. Her name is Martha Jane Mathias. She was married to William Bailey Maxwell, my great, great grandfather.
Martha traveled with the Uriah Curtis Company. They departed Kanesville, Iowa in June 1852 at which time Martha was 7. They traveled for 93 days before reaching their destination.

I also learned today that Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is the great, great grandson of Heber C. Kimball.

James is doing backbreaking work at the Howard's and he is pretty miserable. The good news is they were able to find floor covering in the valley that they can bring home with them. Ordering from Home Depot was going to take two weeks. 

James tracked dust all through the house from the grinding he is doing at the Howard's. I cleaned floors this afternoon.

I am gathering all framed family photos and trying to find places to hang them on our walls. Some of the glass in the frames got broken and I either have to replace the glass or get new frames. Sad that the glass in this frame got broken. One of my favorite family photos.

James is holding the photo and it's

a little crooked. Probably taken in 1994.

June, July centerpiece

August/Sept will feature sunflowers

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

DC 122:8

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:19-30

"A More Hardened and a More Stiff-Necked People"

The record states that Aaron and his companions served among those who were "a more hardened and a more stiff-necked people" (Alma 20:30). Their experience parallels the experience of many who try to teach those who either have no interest in, or who are antagonistic toward the gospel. President Henry B. Eyring explained why we must still try to reach every soul: "Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing? Well the danger may be hard to see but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you" (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33).

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 7-8

7 The sons and families are named for Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher.

8 The sons and chief men of Benjamin are named.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Together, our covenants and our Savior's Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem."

New Era: "Stopping Anger In It's Tracks," "My Blessing of Love and Comfort."

Ian, Sheri, Alex Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, and Joseph left for Europe today. What an adventure they are going to have for the next three weeks!

They already look tired.

Poor Ollie got left at home.

He went to visit Indy and Lady.

Michael is the dog sitter.

We left for our shift at the temple this morning at 5:40. 

Again I have the same schedule I have had the past three shifts.

 The Palmer's was a video on how to help the disabled in a session. 

My first assignment was in initiatory. I love the initiatory ordinances but I still don't have all the wording memorized. Everything is becoming more familiar though. I was able to be a patron for one of my own names. James took 5 sisters names and 5 brothers names to the baptistry from my family. I got them from Take A Name.  Now we will have initiatory to do next week.

My next assignment was in the Celestial Room. I love the Celestial Room this time of day. Not only is it beautiful but it is so quiet and peaceful. I read several chapters from the Book of Mormon. 

Next I had my break with James and Debbie L., two of my favorite people. 

James and I did the 9:30 session together. He was the officiator and I was the only sisters follower. There were only six sisters in the session so Sister McCleary went as a partron. 

James did not make any mistakes this time. Brother Bradshaw was the brothers follower and offered the prayer.

After the session I went back to initiatory, then downstairs to be the baptistry greeter while James checked recommends at the door. My last assignment was locker room. As I was sitting there reading from the Book of Mormon Sister Cochran volunteered to fill in for me so I could go home. How sweet,  and she didn't have to ask twice.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Sister Crane from Flagstaff filled in for Sister Cureton. She is not related to our Cranes.

We went straight home, not even stopping at Walmart. I took a nap and then started getting ready for the ward activity. Oh yes, I also put the enchiladas in to cook. 

We were supposed to meet at the church as a Relief Society presidency at 4, but we were a little late. 

The tables were all set up, but no chairs, so James set up the chairs. We found some plastic tablecloths for the tables and started setting up the memorabilia and the food. Brother Miller, the bishop's dad, had a dish labeled possum and sweet potatoes. No way. He also had some jambalaya that he said was way better than Sister Reidhead's because his was from Mississippi and hers was from Alabama and it was probably just a copy of his. I actually loved her jambalaya and was a little afraid to try his.

We had a great turnout! Lots of good food and people to visit with.

The following people set up memorabilia and told a little about their families: Tamara, the Crane's, Sister Singleton, Sister Smith, Bishop Miller, Sister Vaught, James, myself, Brother Diewald, and Brother Peeler. Brother Peeler had the coolest coat of arms, made in Peru. I wish I would have remembered to take some photos.

The missionaries did a presentation about families. It wasn't quite what we had envisioned, but it was great. 

Elder Bernecker, our new missionary and I really hit it off. Last week when Trina was here and I told her we had a new elder named Bernecker she said that her dad's best friend when he was young was Brian Bernecker. I asked Elder Bernecker what his dad's first name was and he said Brian. I told him the story and the connection was made. He gave me his dad's number and I texted him. Later he called me and we talked about the Case's and what a great friend Bob was, his very best friend. He and his wife and his mother were all at Darrel and Trina's wedding. It's a small world, especially in the Church.

James was pretty stressed because he thought he would have time to work on his talk and lesson tonight and he really didn't because he was helping me. I carried most of the things in and put them away while he studied at the table. 

A great day but I am glad tomorrow is our day of rest.

Elder Bernecker and Elder Smith

The DeWitt's are coming home!

I love President and

Sister Nelson so much!

Cool, but scary!

Huntleigh is a cowgirl through and through!