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!

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Moroni 19:1-24

Rejecting the words of the Lord's servants brings suffering and sorrow.

* The Lord sent Abinadi to warn the Nephites the consequences of their sins.  What is the purpose of a warning?  Who wanrs you about things you should avoid or things that might be harmful to you?

* Prophecy about King Noah's people (Mosiah 12:1-2; 17:17)

Fulfillment (Mosiah 19:10, 14-15; 20:20; 21:2-4)

* Prophecy about King Noah (Mosiah 12:3; 17:18)

Fulfillment (Mosiah 19:18-20)

3 Nephi 16-17

16

1-3 The Lost Tribes of Israel

4-20 The Fulness of the Gentiles.  Gentiles know of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.

 17

1-4 The Savior commands the people to prepare for additonal instruction.

5-12 Jesus heals the sick.

13-20 The prototype of a perfect prayer.

21-25 Jesus blesses the children and fire encircles and angels attend them.

DC 63:49-66

Blessings are assured the faithful at the Second Coming, in the Resurrection, and during the Millennium; This is a day of warning; the Lord's name is taken in vain by those who use it without authority.

Why should we always remember to keep the Lord's name sacred?

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"God knows you and invites you to know Him."

I woke up to a winter wonderland.  It was so beautiful and it felt like December.

Trees outside our house this morning.

It was a weird weather day.  By noon all the snow had melted and the sun was shining.  By mid afternoon it was snowing again, but nothing white stayed on the ground.

James is still quite sick with allergies and a bronchial infection.  I read about this concoction on Facebook that is supposed to be 10x stronger than penicillin for getting rid of infections, so I made him a batch.  Here is the recipe: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of apple cider vineager, 8 tablespoons of honey and two teaspoons of garlic. 

I gave James the best haircut I have ever given him today.  He looks so handsome!  We watched "Country Wedding" together this afternoon and it was quite relaxing.  

This evening we went to the adult session of stake conference.  We had to stop and put air in one of our tires so we were relegated to the seats in the cultural hall.  We actually sat next to the Skousens from our ward.  The visiting authority was an area seventy from Oklahoma, Elder Southward.  His wife Victoria was here with him. He was amazing.  He spoke for 45 minutes and never looked at a note.  He has alot of good stories and quotes, and has many scriptures memorized.  Here are a few notes I took in my stake conference notebook:

I had a feeling of reverence and love as I listened to Elder Southward.  I guess you could say that I felt the Spirit.  He thanked everyone on the program.  He told so many good stories!  

"The teacher is always the Holy Ghost. 3 Nephi 11:3 - the voice did pierce them that heard to the center.  Alma 46 Moroni and the Title of Liberty.  Moroni rallied his people.  We are being attacked now and must rally around our covenants."

On the way home we stopped for a bite to eat at Taco Bell.  We wanted to go to Firehouse Subs, but it was closed.  It was around ten when we got home.  We went straight to bed because we have to be back at the stake center at 9 a.m.

Fun Photos

Love it!

Trina and Darrel's selfie.

A bike ride to the Handlebar Diner in severe wind.

Alex and Shana went to Water Wheel in Payson.

Alex said the water was freezing.

An elk growing new antlers.

Joshua at the fathers and sons outing

in Bear Creek.

The Thinker.

Where's my Eggo?

Exhausted.

Evan cracks me up!

Such a handsome guy!

No-Fear Ruby.  Alot like Emmy.

Molly and Indy.

I love the look on both of their faces.

Now that's a happy face!

Lola's second birthday.

Arizona sunset.

Friday, March 24, 2017

Durban, South Africa

To Be Completed in 2018

Jacob 5:52-72

The Lord's 4th Visit to His Vineyard. Israel's Final Gathering.

In verse 70 the servant brought forth other servants to strengthen the vineyard.  Who do you think these servants might be? (Missionaries.)

Lesson: "The influence of gospel covenants allows Heavenly Father's children to overcome sin and bring forth righteousness." (BM Seminary Teacher Manual, 161.)

Alma 48 - 49

48 Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites - Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians - He rejoices in liberty and freedom and is a mighty man of God. About 72 B.C.

49 The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah - Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni - Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church.

DC 45:36-46

39-47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 

44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.

45 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.

46 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

These are the verses that spoke to me.

General Conference

The Righteous Judge

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To effectively teach a child is the very essence of good parenting, and to lovingly discipline is the very essence of being a righteous judge.  President George Albert Smith taught:

'unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord. The spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness; it is a spirit of patience; it is a spirit of charity and love and forbearance and long suffering ... Kindness is the power that God has given us to unlock hard hearts and subdue stubborn souls.'"

James got home around 11 am.  He brought burros and my Tramadol with him.  We have to finish our book "The Governess" and "A Witness in the Dark" before next Tuesday when James goes back to the valley.  Cathi texted me and said her friend wants her daughter who will be down here for conference to take them back to Utah.  

San Tan Valley

I love the purples in this picture.

I blog, take a nap with James and then get up and make cookies for Ravenna Gillespie's funeral, and a green chili pork stew for dinner.  BTW, the stew was delicious.  James loved it!

We do lots more reading, then I go upstairs to make sure the place is company worthy.  It doesn't take long to get it that way and then it is back to reading.  Darrel, Trina, Addy, Kayla, Rowan, Evan, Ruby and Lola arrive around 9.  This is the first thing the four oldest kids do:

Playing Apples to Apples, Addy's favorite game.

In the background on the TV you can see that Darrel has

the NCAA basketball tournament on.

We are always grateful when our company arrives safely.

Fun Photos:

These two were fellow Primary teachers until Sadie got married and moved.  I miss her and I bet Rosa and her Primary class does too.

Rowan says he wants a dog just like Indy.

These four at science camp

May 2016

James making me a sling, like the one David killed Goliath with,

for my Primary class.

Grandpa and a couple of his sweeties.

I love it when LaVerne and Shirley come to visit.

Sounds good to me!

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

I love this view

2 Nephi 2:11-21

What are some insights learned about the Plan of Salvation in this chapter?

Mosiah 2:18-3:13

DC:20:13-24

What can we do to help us give "no heed" to temptation?

Talk: "Shunning Temptation: A Key to Receiving Revelation"

By: Ian S. Arden

February 2004 Ensign

GC:"A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up" by Elder Craig C. Christensen

'Because Joseph was a prophet, we have the blessings and

ordinances of the temple that bind us to God, make us His people, and manifest to us "the power of godliness," making it possible one day to "see the face of God, even the Father, and live."

Because Joseph was a prophet, we know that marriage and family are an essential part of God's plan for our happiness.  We know that through temple ordinances and covenants, our cherished family relationships can endure eternally.'

GC: 'The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Pray' by Elder Juan A. Uceda

"Do you prepare yourself to make important decisions by praying to your Heavenly Father?  Do you prepare yourself for a moment of prayer?"

Seven Lessons Learned from the Savior:

1.  Satan is the source of temptation - 2 Nephi 2:27, Matthew 4:10

2.  The Savior immediately dismissed temptation.

3.  Jesus took strength from the scriptures as a means of shunning temptation.

4.  From the Joseph Smith Translation, we know that Jesus did not go into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil as portrayed in the King James version, for the righteous seek no temptation.  Rather,

"Jesus was led up of the Spirit, into the wilderness to be with God."

(JST. Matt 4:1)  When we are trying to lose weight, we stay away from the bakery.

5.  Satan tempts us at our weakest point.

6.  Obedience.

7.  Christ was tempted three times in quick succession.  Satan does not give up.

Aba, Nigeria temple

I had hot and sour soup and a sandwich for lunch.  I cleaned our bedroom and bathroom today which included changing the sheets, and washing towels and rugs.  

I blogged for January 18th and 19th. 

I made chicken rice soup and Red Lobster biscuits for dinner this evening.  I also paid bills, and emptied one storage box.  

The Church's Pathway Program has gone global and the President of BYU-Idaho, President Tanner is taking it over.  Henry J. Eyring is the new president of BYU-Idaho.  He has to be President Eyring's son because he looks just like him.  At one time President Eyring was president of Rick's College, which was renamed BYU-Idaho  

After FHE James and I watched a Hallmark movie called "Makeover."  We were in bed by 9.

Fun Photos

A familiar face when visiting Cathi and Terry's.

Such a cute picture!

Speaking of Cathi and Terry, here they are with the

amazing indexing group from Galveston 3rd ward,

one of the best in the entire Church.

Some more familiar faces when visiting at Cathi and Terry's.

Indy on the bed, Lady on the pillow.

Grandpa and Lola

Grandpa with the guys playing Hearts.

Grandpa wins this game 90% of the time.

Some of my young women at the Snowflake temple.

Sisters: Alice and Trenda and

Sisters: Shelly and Jordyn.

Glasses or no glasses, this girl is cute and sweet!

Beautiful!