Tuesday, August 6th, 2019

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Foreordained

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, 

Book of Mormon

Alma 46:11-28

New Testament "The Power of God unto Salvation"

Romans 2

General Conference

A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells

President Henry B. Eyring

"In addition to your example of growing in faith, your praying as a family can play a crucial part in making home a sacred place. One person is usually chosen as voice to pray for the family. When the prayer is clearly to God in behalf of the people kneeling and listening, faith grows in all of them. They can feel expressions of love for Heavenly Father and for the Savior. And when the person who prays mentions those who are kneeling in that circle who are in need, all can feel love for them and for each member of the family."

This morning my Meridian Magazine had an article entitled: "When Pancho Villa Appeared Asking for Temple Work."

Just like the article yesterday about the Madison's, I read this one to James. We really enjoyed it. I would encourage all of my children to read it to our grandchildren. I already asked Sheri to read it to Max and Evan. 

I listened to the book arbitrage webinar this morning. Luke and John were the featured speakers. They are the owners of the company. They talked about textbook season and prizes for those who sell the most books both in the newbie category and the veteran category. I don't consider myself belonging to either of these groups. I am more of an intermediate. I have not intention of buying truckloads of books to up my inventory. Most of the big sellers probably have around 10,000 books and they are in the six and seven figure club. I will be happy if I can make a couple of thousand dollars a month doing the business. I actually love it but I would love it even more if I could make some money!

James took birthday cards to the post office today for Molly, Rowan and Joshua. Molly will be ten on the 8th and Rowan and Joshua will both be 13. I can't believe they are teenagers! They all had new addresses this year.

Today after lunch during our rest time we watched an episode of Jane Doe starring Lea Thompson. This is from a few years ago so some of the things are outdated like the cell phones. Jane Doe is an undercover agent for the Central Security Agency. She is an expert puzzle solver and always solves the case. 

I got to Facetime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie today. Charlie likes to blow kisses and she did patty cake with me. I loved it and I am so grateful that Jared asks me to do this from time to time. She is growing up so fast!

I spent the evening putting books into my Amazon inventory to get them ready to ship tomorrow. I have about 13 books to send in.

James spent the evening helping Greg Anderson and Michele Tesarek on Family Search.

We got some bad new regarding Randy this evening via Facebook.

 Throwback to dance recitals in June

 This is her "stink eye" face

Ben's Letter 

Sunday, July 22nd, 2018

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 4:9

Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both i heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:11-25

*How do you stay diligent in keeping God's commandments?

- Commandments, like everything else God gives us, are for our benefit. It's easier to be diligent when you see the commandments as loving gifts to guide us to where and how God lives.

Old Testament

Nehemiah 1-3

1 Nehemiah mourns, fasts, and prays for the Jews in Jerusalem.

2 Artaxerxes sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem - Sanballat and others oppose Nehemiah in rebuilding the walls and gates of Jerusalem.

3 The names and order of those who help to build the walls and gates of Jerusalem are listed.

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

"There is a powerful effect over time of the small and simple things we are taught in the scriptures and by living prophets. Consider the scripture study we've been taught to incorporate into our daily lives. Or consider the personal prayers and the kneeling family prayers that are regular practices for faithful Latter-day Saints.

Consider attendance at seminary for youth or institute classes for young adults. Though each of these practices may seem to be small and simple, over time they result in powerful spiritual uplift and growth. This occurs because each of these small and simple things invites the companionship of the Holy Ghost, the Testifier who enlightens us and guides us into truth."

We began reading the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament today. Nehemiah was one of the noble men of the Old Testament. As he fulfilled a necessary mission in his day, he demonstrated the highest level of dedication and courage, both in the practical matter of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and also in the spiritual matter of rebuilding the religious life of his people.

Sacrament Meeting:

Elder Bingham: Dropped out of school when he was a junior to travel and to surf. Ended up in Australia where he met someone LDS that talked to him about life. This is when he started thinking seriously about going on a mission and then his mom called and asked him if he would go on a mission. That was the deciding factor, along with the feelings he had and his desire to do something outside of himself. His family lives in Coeur d'alene, Idaho. 

Spoke about the Gathering of Israel and the importance of saving ordinances. Ordinances necessary for salvation are done in the temples of God for ourselves and for those who did not have the opportunity while in this life. 

"Temple are an indication of our belief in immortality." -Pres. Hinckley

Helping others to Come Unto Christ is the way we gather Israel. 

T. Wilhelm Guitar solo of "Come Come Ye Saints."

Elder Bernecker: Grew up in Seattle, Washington. Now his family lives in Springville, Utah. Trina says they moved their so he could study ballroom dancing. I believe Utah is the ballroom dance capital of the world.

This was an amazing talk!

Do I appreciate my blessings and the gospel in my life? What would my life be like without the gospel?

Brother Bernecker's seminary teacher quote 1 Nephi 1:20 to him and told him to look for the tender mercies in his life. He said this made him more mindful and grateful for his blessings.

Scripture study was vitally important to his decision to serve a mission. 

A missionaries purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ. That should be every members purpose. He then mentioned important scriptures: DC 88:81 - Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. AF#10 - We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory. Romans 8:16-17 - The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Mormon 3:20 - And these things doth the Spirit manifest unto me; therefore I write unto you all. And for this cause I write unto you, that ye may know that ye must all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, yea, every soul who belongs to the whole human family of Adam; and ye must stand to be judged of your works, whether they be good or evil; 1 Nephi 10:21 - Wherefore, if ye hve sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.
2 Nephi 31:17-20; Moses 1:39; Rev. 19:10. 
In closing Elder Bernecker gave three things we as members can do to help missionary work move along. 1.) Associate with non-members. This is the hardest thing for members to do but it is critical to the work. 2.) Live and share life beliefs and invite others to find out more. Remember fear, comes from Satan. 3.) Bear testimony and stand as a witness.

The gospel doctrine class was taught by Brother Smith. The lesson was about Elijah but he turned it into a Q&A about what we do when we hit a low spot. How do we exercise faith and turn to the Lord.

Sister Butler taught RS lesson on ministering and the worth of souls. She did a good job and told the story from Pres. Nelson's talk on ministering about his visit to the Cox family. I love that story.

After the block we went to the Peeler's again for the sacrament. We had quite a group, Sister Crane, the Smith's, us, and Brother Westbrook.

Brother Smith offered a prayer after the sacrament for help in Sister Peeler's recovery. I told her I would try to find her a wheelchair.

I spent the afternoon working on Family Search. I discovered that my grandma's brother, Walter and his wife Edna Mae have never had their temple work done. I need to get permission from the closest relative but I don't know who that would be. I contacted Family Search and am anxious to hear from them.

Uncle Jerry, Grandma Verdie, Aunt Mildred, Aunt Rita, Uncle Walter, and Aunt Garnet. My grandmother and her brothers and sisters. 

Somehow we made it until 6 p.m. when Ben was supposed to open his mission call. Paul had it on Facebook Live. We had to wait about 15 minutes or so for everyone to get there, but finally the moment came:

Ben was so cute. He opens the letter, starts reading to himself and says, "Oh this is so cool" before he says anything to us. Long story short, he is going to Idaho Falls, Idaho mission. I am sure because of his sleepwalking issue the brethren wanted to send him somewhere nice and safe. When James asked him if he was happy about where he was going he said: "I would be happy to go anywhere." He has such a great attitude and I know he will be a wonderful missionary. BTW, Rexburg and BYU-Idaho are in his mission and that's where all his friends are going to school.

 The cute girl on the side is Lyndsey,

Ben's friend.

 Love the smile!

Idaho Falls, Idaho mission

He looks so happy

 World traveler

 Awesome brother

 Wonderful son

First missionary in our family of this generation!

Monday, March 19th, 2018

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 19:24

I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do His will.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

*Why does Jacob choose to say 'awake' in this chapter instead of just repent or change? What do you visualize in Jacob 3:11?

* What is the relationship between the riches of the world and the riches of eternity?

Article: "Treasures of Eternal Value"

By: Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, April 2008

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 3-4

3 Israel destroys people of Bashan - Their lands, on east of Jordan, given to Reuben and Gad - Moses sees Canaan from Pisgah but is denied entrance thereto - He counsels and strengthens Joshua.

4 Moses exhorts Israel to keep commandments, to teach them to their children and to be exemplary before all nations - They are forbidden to make graven images or worship other gods - To witness that they had heard the voice of God - Israel shall be scattered among all nations when they worship other gods - They shall be gathered again in latter days when they seek the Lord their God - Moses extols mercy and goodness of God to Israel.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

That Your Joy Might Be Full

 Sister Jean B. Bingham

" As we learn more about Jesus Christ, we develop greater faith in Him and we naturally want to follow His example. Keeping His commandments becomes our greatest desire. Our hearts yearn to relieve others' suffering, as He did, and we want them to experience the peace and happiness we have found."

James is always so miserable when he gets up in the morning and today was no different. I sympathize with him but usually it just takes some time and, oh yes, some lemon juice.

The snow is all gone except for a few small patches here and there. Hopefully we will get some more. 

One of our ward members, I will call him Brother Scott, was assigned to clean the church this past week. No one else that was assigned was able to be there, including his wife who is quite ill. Brother Scott went down at 8:30 on Saturday to clean and at 4:00, after Charlie's baptism he was still there cleaning. Now that's dedication! I already loved this brother, but now I love him even more.

I am struggling with trying to give up sugar. It is much harder for me than giving up Dr. Pepper 10. I have not had any since the 4th of March.

James went upstairs to work on taxes and had a difficult time getting on our bank website. I finally had to go up and help him. It is usually him helping me so it's nice that I can help him once in awhile.

For lunch we had steak, baked potatoes, and a salad. Afterwards I had a nice nap. 

This afternoon I blogged, walked, and read to James. Somehow I missed cleaning. Around 4:30 we left for Show Low. James went to Home Depot to look for some wax remover for the wood floor. I went to Walmart to get a dessert for Sister Howard whom I am visiting tomorrow. Her birthday is on Thursday. Not only am I her visiting teacher, I consider her a good friend. 

Home Depot had no wax remover so on the way home I ordered some online from Walmart. 

James grilled me a cheeseburger for dinner. We had four hamburger patties left from when Max, Evan, and Joshua were here.

For FHE we listened to Sister Bingham's conference talk, "That Your Joy Might Be Full." I also showed James around the Family Search website.

I quit watching "Upstairs, Downstairs" on my phone. It got to be too racy. Instead I am watching "Little Men" which is a TV series based on the book "Little Men" by Louisa May Alcott. The March sisters Jo, Amy and Meg are all in it, and so is Lauri.

I think I post this every year.

Our bishop and his buddy.

What is it about seals that I like?

Maybe it's the cute face.

Trina and the kids in Sedona.

Tomlinson's and their cousins in D.C.

Looks like an elephant to me, or a 

woolly mammoth.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Mosiah 4:1-8

King Benjamin's people receive a remission of their sins and are filled with joy and peace.

*Read Mosiah 4:1-2. When the people recognized their sinfulness, they repented, expressing their faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  

*According to Mosiah 4:3, what feelings come to those who have been forgiven of their sins by the Lord?

*Read Mosiah 4:4-8. What did King Benjamin want his people to understand after they had received a remission of their sins?

*According to these verses, what are the only "conditions whereby we can be saved"?

*Repentance and obedience require much work and effort on our part.  However, no matter how hard we work, we could never receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of salvation without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Helaman 6

The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites - Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty - Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness - The robbers take over the Nephite government. About 29-23 B.C.

DC 54:1-10

The Saints must keep the gospel covenant to gain mercy; they must be patient in tribulation.

There are many great verses, which ones spoke to me?

Verses 3; 6; 10.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord

will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life."

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark E. Bragg

"Even in the most difficult and darkest of times, there is light and goodness all around us."

I was up at 5 a.m. to finish my talk and work on my Primary lesson, "Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns." I was so tired and had to take a short nap before Church.  

Sandra W. and I spoke in sacrament meeting on The Strengthening Marriage class manual.  Sandra spoke on the first three chapters, Applying Gospel Principles, Communicating with Love, and Fostering Equality and Unity.  She spoke for 25 minutes.  I spoke on the last three chapters, Overcoming Anger, Resolving Conflict, and Enriching Marriage.  I spoke for about 15 minutes which left 5 minutes or so for Anne M. to make a few comments and bear her testimony.  I was grateful to have Kim, Brian and Jared in the congregation today.  I am glad this assignment is over.  Now I need to focus on Easter, and then my talk on receiving personal revelation for women's conference.

This is what happens in Primary when we sing "Once There Was a Snowman."

It looks like an air raid.

Kim, Brian, and Jared all went to James's gospel doctrine class which made him feel good.  After the block James and Brian gave Jared a health blessing and a comfort blessing.  Brian anointed and James was the spokesperson.  

We enjoyed our lunch and then Jared got out his computer and looked up information on Brian's family.  There were several pictures of his grandparents and other relatives which was exciting for both him and Kim.

Brian trying to send the photos they found

to his dad.

Everyone left in the early afternoon.  Jared went the Green's Peak way.  We went in to take a nap after they left. James had his phone on vibrate and received a message from Jared that he got stuck.  James's truck isn't here so he called Chuck Crane for help. Somehow Owen P. and Kip H. found out that Jared was stuck and offered to help.  That is the way people are around here. We are small in numbers but mighty in spirit.

Jared, Kim Brian

Jared went on his way just an hour or two later than he planned on. He got home around 1 a.m. El Paso time.

Fun Photos:

 The Palo Verde trees are blooming

 One of my most favorite talks

Nice picture of our home

Gilbert temple

James Hayden

Anna

Emmy

Evan

Molly