Sunday, June 21st, 2020

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

Revelation 7:14 (1 Nephi 12:11)

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

(And the angel said unto me: Look! And I looked, and beheld three generations pass away in righteousness; and their garments were white even like unto the Lamb of God. And the angel said unto me: These are made white in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him.)

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Review of Alma 13-16 "Enter into the Rest of the Lord"

April General Conference

"A Perfect Brightness of Hope"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"We pray for those who have lost loved ones in this modern plague, as well as for those who are currently infected or at risk. We certainly pray for those who are giving such magnificent health care. When we have conquered this - and we will - may we be equally committed to freeing the world from the virus of hunger, freeing neighborhoods and nations from the virus of poverty. May we hope for schools where students are taught - not terrified they will be shot - and for the gift of personal dignity for every child of God, unmarred by any form of racial, ethnic, or religious prejudice. Undergirding all of this is our relentless hope for greater devotion to the two greatest of all commandments: to love God by keeping His counsel and to love our neighbors by showing kindness and compassion, patience and forgiveness. These two divine directives are still - and forever will be - the only real hope we have for giving our children a better world than the one they now know."

James went out to feed Luna as he does every morning only to find that cows had come in the night and eaten more than a bale of hay.

Not only that, they drank all of her water too!

 They were back in the evening when he went out so he chased them away and put the hay inside the electric fence. Two bales of hay donated to feed Kerry Dobson's cows.

Happy Father's Day to my sweetheart. He is the best husband, father, and grandpa anyone could ask for.  We have been married for 52 years and I love him more now than ever.

I got up early this morning and started a stew for our dinner. I started the meat first and it smelled so good. When James got up I had a card and a gift bag for him to open. I got him two books that are as different as they can be from each other. I ordered him something for the outside grill but it hasn't come yet.

 I started reading this one!

He would have a better chance if

he kept quiet.

We had our "Come Follow Me" meeting at the Goodman's this morning. The opening song was "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief", all seven verses. I gave the opening prayer and then we sang the sacrament song, "With Humble Hearts". James and Owen blessed and passed the sacrament.

Pierce asked us if we had seen Elder Bednar's YouTube video about Covid-19 and Religious Freedom. We had all heard of it but none of us had watched it. We took a vote and decided instead of going over the "Come Follow Me" lesson which we had all studied, we would watch the video. It was informative and eye-opening.

James wants all of the kids to watch it too. Sheri watched it this evening. 

After the video we had a discussion about it and the situation of the world right now. Pierce told a story about Danny Arnett living in Manhattan and seeing busloads of Antifa members being unloaded. We talked about being required to wear a mask if going out in public in both Maricopa county and Tucson. Elder Bednar spoke about how the government should not be allowed to have unlimited power. We are all concerned about the future but mostly for our children and grand children.

We had delicious lemon squares for our refreshments. We said our goodbyes and went home to our stew.

We both loved the stew and after lunch we laid down to take a nap. I couldn't sleep so I got up after about five minutes.

I spent most of the rest of the afternoon going over the talks for our discussion on Covenants. 

At 5:15 Jared called for our weekly Face Time talk. Charlie wasn't really in the mood for company until she got her drink and animal crackers. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie were able to attend church today. They said they had not looked forward to it but it was actually a very nice experience. The quiet atmosphere of just having 50 people in attendance helped them to feel the Spirit. 

When we were talking to Pierce today he said that the bishops and stake president had decided to skip phase one of going back to church and were waiting for phase two.

Jared, Kacey, Kim, Brian, and Sheri joined us for our discussion on covenants. Kim shared about how she had prayed for peace and felt it. My take away from the discussion was something Kim said and an experience that Kacey shared. Kim said she realized that in order to truly keep her covenants she needed to be involved more in sharing the gospel and ministering to others. Kacey shared how when she became active at the age of 23 she was still struggling with some addictions. She got her patriarchal blessing and in the blessing it said she needed to go to the temple. (Sorry Kacey, I know I'm paraphrasing). She went to the temple and no longer had the problem with the addictions. That is the power of obedience and keep covenants. Kim is going to be in charge of next week's discussion. I tried to get Stacy to join us. She promised she would next week.

I spent this evening reading from the book about the temple that I got James for Father's Day while he wrote a letter to Elder Trezise.

Fountain Hills with the Bush Fire in
the background

Goodnight everyone.

Sunday, June 18th, 2017

Happy Father's Day!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

expected completion date:

mid-2019

3 Nephi 12

Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples; He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount; He speaks the Beatitudes; His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses; Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect; Compare Matthew 5.

Alma 18:12-43

As Ammon teaches the plan of redemption, Lamoni recognizes his need for the Savior.

*What are some things Ammon was able to do beyond his natural ability?

*Why do you think it is important to teach about the Creation and the Fall when we teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

*As we understand our need for the Savior, we will desire to repent.

DC 88:87-98

86-94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord; 

How are men's hearts failing them today?

* Because of fear, poor health, and sin.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" To be effective Church leaders, we must learn this critical lesson: leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God. As Saints of the Most High God, we are to 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.'"

Happy 8th Birthday to Ruby!

Waffles with whipped cream,

two of her favorite things!

Ruby and cousin Kreed

2015, six years old

2012, 3 years old

Before church today James and I celebrated Father's Day.

Sorry to interrupt your studies Honey,

but it's Father's Day!

Two new ties, a white shirt, the shirt he is

wearing, a Harry's razor and aftershave,

and an . . .

My hero!

So handsome, and it makes you look taller!

Put on your thinking hat.

Kacey posted this.

An amazing example of forgiveness and

fatherhood in the scriptures,

The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Ty A. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. He spoke about the importance of keeping a journal. Amen!

Jackson A. was the next speaker, he is 18 and spoke on leadership. and example. He started off by saying that his parents are the best examples of leadership in his life. "My dad has always taken me to work. He has taught me to work hard. When I run my dad follows me in his truck." "As we follow the example of the Savior our light will shine for others. my family are great examples for me to follow." Jackson also looks to the young men in the ward for ideas of how to be better. "People are always watching you, so be a good example." "I am grateful for the example of my Savior and Church leaders like the Prophet Joseph Smith." We need to learn from others mistakes. All the young men in our ward have the goal to serve a mission.  My brother is a return missionary and has now been married in the temple. He is a great example to me.

David Clark Halls from the high council was the concluding speaker.  He spoke on the Holy Ghost and started out by saying that President Shumway ministers to others through the Holy Ghost.  He gave the example in Elder Rasband's talk about being a first responder of the Holy Ghost. "Learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit. Sometimes it is just a thought.  Doubters will say that it is not reasonable that the Spirit would speak to us."  "Sometimes we 'coast' and lose the Spirit. It is those times that we need to get back on track. Matt 1:22 - "The very elect will be deceived." Keep close to the Spirit to keep from being deceived.

The Holy Ghost also comforts and guides us. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are joy, love, and peace. Mosiah 3:19 talks about the natural man being an enemy to God. If we are a "natural man or woman" the things of the Spirit don't make sense to us. The Holy Ghost can smooth off our rough edges. 3 Nephi 17 Christ blesses the sick and the children. We can always have the Spirit of Christ with us through the Holy Ghost. To now God we must learn to language of the Spirit. (I loved this talk!)

The Relief Society had a nice luncheon prepared for all the men in the ward. Colter was late for class because he went and got a cookie. Thank goodness I had cookies for the rest of my class.  My class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Jace, Liana, and Jack a visitor. After Primary Curtis and I delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner and cookies to Braxton who wasn't home. We gave them to his dad.

We learned during singing time that Brother Hunsaker can wiggle his ears.  Brother Miller taught James's class today. Brother Cooper taught the high priests and went off on a tangent about the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  I told James that was against Church policy and someone should speak to him about it.

For lunch we had grilled tuna and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. I took a nap while James and his partner Brother Westbrook visited the Peeler's. James is getting his voice back thanks to his steroid prescription.

All of James's kids texted or called him today which made his day.  I made him some chocolate covered strawberries and we had them for dinner.  It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!

It was 96 degrees here in Vernon!

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day to all those awesome Dad's out there.  James is an awesome husband, father, and grandpa.  He loved his gifts that I got him:  An ASU Shirt, a Superman watch, and three books from the Church bookstore.

For Young Women today I prepared a review of 1st Nephi.  Since I was busy preparing for a lesson, James took the chocolate chip cookies that Sheri made to the church for the goodie plates the Relief Society is making for the men today.

Erin Windsor, Lorraine Tieman, and Rick Laurtizen were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Erin is a priest and an awesome young man.  He bore a powerful testimony of the Savior a few months back that I will not soon forget. He spoke on how families are ordained of God and that we should all love and care for each other. Lorraine's talk on the restoration and temples was quite lengthy so Rick only had a few minutes to talk about the Atonement of the Savior.
 It was nice to have Sheri, Ian, and all their boys with us today in Sacrament meeting.  After the meeting all of them except Alex went back to the cabin.  Alex stayed with us for the entire block.

In Sunday School we had a lesson on the 2nd Coming entitled: Looking Forth for the Great Day of the Lord."  My review of 1st Nephi in Young Women's went quite well.  Next week Kaeli Nicoll and I are taking the girls who have read through Alma 1 to our timeshare in Scottsdale.  So far five girls, Jordyn, Trenda, Shelly, Kilee and LeeAnn say they are on track.

After the block Kaeli, Julie and I had a short meeting to discuss camp awards.  James and Alex waited in the car for me. 

When we returned to the cabin Sheri, Ian, Max, and Ben were in a heated game of 5 Crowns.  Ben was losing and wanted to quit.  I know how he feels.  I have felt that way many times.

For Dinner we had steak, 3 bean salad, and broccoli and coleslaw.  Quite delicious.  Sheri and Ian left this afternoon with Ben, Max, and Evan.  Alex stayed here with us in spite of the fact that his right wrist is still bothering him.  I think he wanted to stay for the Mutual fish fry on Wednesday.

I took a nap after our early dinner or late lunch, whichever you want to call it.  After my nap I decided to clean the wood floor which always looks so terrible after a lot of traffic.  I swept, mopped and waxed it.  Now it looks beautiful!

Alex made up a card game called "Tricks"  which he and I played.  Interesting.  He also made a trap outside to catch a critter.  He was aiming for a chipmunk but no such luck.  He did catch a little
mouse.

James and Alex enjoyed watching the show "North America."  We waited around for Dallin and his friends to arrive.  James and I went to bed around 10:30.  About five minutes later we heard them arrive.  There are four of them; Dallin, Kevin, John, and Mario.  They are all singers and musicians.

Sunday, June 17, 2012

We had a high councilman and his daughter speak in sacrament meeting today.  Her name was Brooklyn Brown and she spoke on infinite worth and overcoming adversity.  From "Once upon a time to happily everafter" requires some adversity in between. Jesus Christ understands all that we are going through.

Morgan Brown of the high council reminded us of our challenge from the stake president to memorize the family proclomation.  He also gave an outstanding talk on charity and used several examples from the Book of Mormon.  He admonished us to read and study Moroni 7 where Moroni reminds us that charity is the pure love of Christ.

The lesson in Sunday school taught by Brother Wilhelm was taken from Alma 5-7 where Alma asks: "Have ye Received His Image in Your Countenance?"

The lesson in Relief Society was on missionary work and was taught by Tamara Applegate.

After our meetings we came home and had some lunch.  James opened his father's day card from me and his gift, the two Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies.  We took a nap and then got ready and left for the valley.  We stopped in Chandler so James could get his truck and to pick up Michael and then we headed for Sheraton Desert Oasis in Scottsdale where Alex was waiting for us.  We have one week here in our timeshare and we are staying in rooms 1055 and 1056.  Sheri's family stayed last night and we will stay tonight and tomorrow night.  Tomorrow we will have Ruby's birthday party here.