OUR FAMILY: Goodbye Kim and Brian

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 132:59

Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

*Preparation for the second Coming of Jesus Christ.

*Elder Dean L. Larsen, while serving as a member of the Seventy, declared that each of us is part of this final effort to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ: "Now is the period during which the Lord and his servants will make the final great effort to take the message of truth to all the peoples of the earth and to reclaim the descendants of ancient Israel who have lost their true identity. You have come to the earth when the foundation has been laid for this great work. The gospel has been restored for the last time. The stage is set for the final dramatic scenes to be enacted. You will be the principal players. You are among the last laborers in the vineyard. This is the service for which you are chosen."

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 15-16

15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released - The people are admonished to care for the poor - Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year - The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's.

16 Israel is to keep the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles - All males are to appear annually before the Lord at these three feasts - Judges are not to make dishonest judgments nor take gifts.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard
" I testify that 'the trek continues,' and I invite you to stay on the gospel path as you continue pressing forward by reaching out to all of God's children in love and compassion, that we may unitedly make our hearts pure and our hands clean to receive the 'multiplicity of blessings' awaiting all who truly love our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, for which I humbly pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

James helped me set up my room. We put photos of 11 temples around the room for the children to identify. He listed the scriptures on the chalkboard and I posted the photo of Rebekah at the well fetching water for Abraham's servant.

The table in the back was left for the handouts, the cards for each lesson, a 3-D temple, and the monthly handout.

The younger sister Halcomb and Brother Halls from the high council were the speakers today in sacrament meeting.

Sister Halcomb spoke on a 2002 April General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Calling." Pray to know the Lord's will when you are called. There is no small calling. You are called by revelation and the Holy Ghost will testify of this to you.

The Hunsaker twin sisters sang, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." They harmonize very well.

Brother Halls - The prophets connect heaven to earth. The Holy Ghost confirms truth. Great things happen by small means. The weak shall teach the strong. The weak shall do great things and perform miracles. President Shumway loves the Lord and he has loved the people he has served. He will be released at stake conference in April. President Shumway seeks the will of the Lord.

The ward choir sang "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee."

Jace, Colter, Amaron, Andyn, Liana, and Gracie were all in class today. Most of my temple pictures had fallen to the ground. The children helped me put them back up.

The purpose of the lesson today was to teach the children that the same eternal blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be theirs if they make and honor temple marriage covenants.

Jace and Colter were quite disruptive and I am afraid I did not handle it very well. I must be better prepared with a more positive solution.

The temple game went well. They each had to identify one to two temples. Most everyone liked the San Diego temple the best.

We also played the match game with the children writing on two cards what they will do to serve others. It was fun.

During singing/sharing time I went to the teachers council meeting.

Sister Skousen was released as the Primary president today and Sister Gillespie was sustained. Sister Hunsaker is a counselor and Sister Umphress the other. Sister Deatherage will be the secretary. We still don't have a new Relief Society president.

Here are some notes I took in the teacher council meeting, third hour: "Every thing bears record of the Savior." - Sister Hunter.

"Teach until the light comes on." - Brother Scott

Spiritual preparation is vital. Pray by name for each person in your class. Rely on the Spirit. "Answer questions when they are asked." - Sister Tice. "If we have the Spirit we won't offend people." - Brother M. Wilhelm. "Cater to the Spirit in the room rather than trying to finish the lesson. If you touch my heart, you touch my spirit." - Brother Miller.

The Goodman's were called as temple workers today. They will be working the 1st and 3rd Saturday afternoons.

Kim and Brian were just about ready to leave for home when we returned. I thought they were going to eat with us, but they already ate. I guess they want to get an early start getting home. We ate their leftover lunch. Brats and green beans.