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 22nd, 2019

Cordoba, Argentina

145th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 May 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:67

And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:13-8:10

New Testament "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver" 2 Corinthians 8-13

Review

General Conference

Preparing for the Lord's Return

Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"This great and last dispensation is building steadily to its climax, Zion on earth being joined with Zion from above at the Savior's glorious return. The Church of Jesus Christ is commissioned to prepare, and is preparing, the world for that day. And so, this Easter, let us truly celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and all that it portends: His return to reign for a thousand years of peace, a righteous judgment and perfect justice for all, the immortality of all who ever lived upon this earth, and the promise of eternal life. Christ's Resurrection is the ultimate assurance that all will be put right. Let us be about building up Zion to hasten that day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I just added some photos of Rowan at the Black River to yesterday's post.

Nicolette Gardner was our first speaker today in sacrament meeting. Her topic was preparing to receive answers at General Conference.  There are different ways to hear the Lord. One of those ways is through His apostles and prophets. The Lord wants to teach us. We need to formulate questions and then listen for answers. We need to be ready to receive personal revelation. We must learn the art of ministering to others. We need to listen with "real intent" as President Oaks asked us to do last week. We need to learn the language of the Spirit. God probably speaks to us more often than we think. Pray and listen. Jesus Christ walks with you and loves you. 

"Because I Have Been Given Much" This is one of my favorite hymns!

Tom Howard was the last speaker. Jean came today to hear him speak. The theme of his talk was receiving answers to our prayers. 

The Father is aware of us, knows our needs, and will help us perfectly. Isaiah 6:1-13. Holy, holy, holy. God is clean and pure. 

H is for Harnessing your thoughts.

O is for Obedience.

L is for Love. 

Y is for Yielding our hearts to God.

The Lord looks on the heart. He can make weak things become strong. Ephesians 3:14-19: 'For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heave and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.' Through our Lord Jesus Christ we can be strengthened, comforted, and feel peace that passeth all understanding.

Becky taught the lesson in Relief Society based on Brother Callister's talk, "The Atonement of Jesus Christ." It was fun having Trina sit by me. Lola went to James's class with Ruby. 

We had a wonderful discussion on how the Atonement of Jesus Christ has helped us in our lives. Some people shared some very personal things and Becky was a great discussion leader.

On the way home from church James told me that Brother Allen shared with him that Rusty had shot an elk on or near our property yesterday. I thought you couldn't hunt on private property. I guess you have to have No Hunting signs posted. Well, we are going to get some and post them!

When we got home from our meetings Darrel and Trina were playing a game with their kids. I changed my clothes and came in and fixed waffles for all of the kids. They had a choice of butter, syrup, fresh strawberries, Coolwhip and whipped cream. I fixed myself one and had everything on mine except for whipped cream.

Addy, Trina and I played Five Crowns. I won!

After we were finished with our game it was time for our guests to get ready to go home. They got to FaceTime with Charlie before they left which was a real treat!

While waiting for everyone to get ready I played "Pin the tail on Lola" before they left with the cat tail Lola had for her Moonlight cat costume. 

Ro says he wants to live here. I think he really wants to go hunting with James the next time he goes. Darrel will take him fishing but not hunting.

We sure do love this family!

James and Sean Hunsaker went to give Sister Dye a blessing this afternoon. She had her eyes closed and was just lying there very quietly. When James took her hand she looked at him and put his hand on her heart. It made James feel so good that she recognized him. Sean gave her the blessing but did not say she would be made well. She has suffered another stroke.

I was in a coloring mode because of the girls and decided to finish coloring my butterfly. It was very relaxing.

This evening we listened to David and Emma give the next "Come Follow Me" lesson. I also listened to "The Power of Teaching" doing the same lesson on Galatians but it was totally different.

 Scarlett in her Sunday best

 Charlie in her Sunday best

Sunday, July 14th, 2019

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico
75th operating temple
Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000
By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

Romans 8:29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Book of Mormon

Alma 32:21-43

New Testament "What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do?"

Review Acts 6-9

General Conference

The Quorum: A Place of Belonging

Elder Carl B. Cook

"Disciples of Jesus Christ are often gathered a few at a time, as invited by their friends. Anciently, when Andrew found the Savior, he went quickly to his brother Simon and 'brought him to Jesus.' Similarly, soon after Philip became a follower of Christ, he invited his friend Nathanael to 'come and see.'"

We made some new ministering assignments for our sisters this week and I ran off slips to give to the sisters that are in my district.

Adam and his friends came to sacrament but they didn't stay for the second hour. Adam and Kaitlin said they wanted to stay but they felt obligated to take Chris and Kyle back to the cabin.

I had two sisters ready to teach Relief Society today, Becky and Diana. Diana looked at the old schedule and she was prepared and had already handed out assignments to the sisters. Becky was fine with letting her teach. I need to make a new lesson schedule so this does not happen again.

The lesson was based on the talk given by Elder Christofferson on preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We talked about the Book of Mormon being the instrument that opened up the gathering of Israel and I told Ben's experience of staying up and reading from it most of the night and then deciding to go on a mission.

The lesson went well and Diana had lots of participation.

Yesterday James and I had steak and brussel sprouts. It was my first time with the little sprouts and suffice it to say it will probably be the last. Even the Barefoot Contessa's recipe couldn't convince me that I really liked them. Next time we will have cabbage instead.

Today we share the other steak we bought and I made a salad which suited me just fine. 

The kids went on a Razr ride but I guess no one wanted to go all the way to Green's Peak except Adam, so they didn't. It started to rain on them so they came back.

Adam and Kaitlin made Kaitlin's tater tot casserole for dinner. I had a taste and I must say it wasn't too bad. James liked it but I don't think I liked it well enough to ever fix it for dinner.

My eating was pretty much out of control today. I need to take some action to get it under control.

This afternoon we FaceTimed with Jared and Charlie. I sang the Eentsy Weentsy Spider and showed her my sheep and made sheep noises. She seemed to stay interested in us a little longer than usual.

Jared has two job interviews this week. One is in Texarkana and the other is in another smaller town. 

Brother and Sister South spoke in our sacrament meeting today. Sister South said she came from a family of 16 children and her mother always gathered them for family prayer and scripture study. She said that as a result, they recently had a family reunion of over 220 descendants and most all of them had served missions and had been married in the temple. "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." I say, don't sweat the small stuff, just do it!

I read several chapters from President Nelson's biography, "Insights" this evening. He had a very close relationship with President Kimball. He said next to his dad no other man had influenced him as much as President Kimball.

We thought we were going to get some rain today but the clouds just hung in the sky and didn't share any drops of water on us. It probably rained in other places nearby but I guess it wasn't our turn today. 

I love getting photos of these two on

Sunday mornings!

This moth was outside on the porch window.

His body was half striped and half polka dot

Such a sweet adorable girl!