Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 76:41

That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

How can we make the word of God available to all?

-Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.

Use social media to bear testimony, live the gospel, love the gospel, stand as a witness at all times and in all places.

Old Testament

1 Kings 1-2

1 Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age - Adonijah aspires to be king - Bathsheba and Nathan advise David of Adonijah's plotting - David names Solomon as king, and he is anointed by Zadok - Adonijah's cause fails.

2 David charges Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the ways of the Lord - King David dies and Solomon reigns - Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei are put to death, and Abiathar is rejected as high priest - The kingdom is established with Solomon.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors."

I was up at 4:24 a.m. I ate, and then got ready to go to the temple. 

We said a prayer before we left and then had scriptures and a general conference talk on the way. 

Sister Wenhardt and her daughter are gone to Hawaii so that leaves Sister Cochran in charge.

The Palmer's conducted the preparation meeting. We saw films on temple clothing. 

I have the same schedule that I have had for the past month which is ok with me. I start out in initiatory then go to the celestial room and then I have a break with James. 

During our break with visit with Sister Humphreys from St. Johns who knew Uncle Delbert and Sister LundrAfen whose husband is from Vernon. We tell them about our weight loss challenge and our "green" smoothies.

There is an own endowment couple in our session. I say our session because James led the prayer circle and gave one of the best prayers that I have ever heard given in the temple. 

After the endowment session the couple have their four month old baby girl sealed to them. Sister Bower got to be in the sealing and she told me all about it. She said that to her the sealing of a family is the culminating ordinance in the temple and I would certainly agree with her. 

After the session I went back to initiatory for 30 minutes, was the baptismal greeter and then last I was in charge of assigning lockers in the women's dressing room. 

Tyler, from our ward was here this week. He said he felt bad about missing last time but his phone was doing an update and his alarm didn't work. He said he came and did a session because he felt so guilty.

Our friends from Chandler, the Vance's were not here this week. We miss seeing them when they aren't here.

When we got home James took a quick nap and then went over to the Howard's to help Brother Howard clear trees. He was gone from about 4-6:30.

While James was gone I did some walking and then I went upstairs to find some things to put together for a family history display tomorrow. I am in charge of the displays at our ward activity on June 23rd. I was specifically looking for the picture of my "Nannie" in a big hat when she was about five years old. I found lots of other photos, but never did find the one I was looking for. I found plenty to make a display using old photos, an old sewing machine, some personal documents of my dad's and his Book of Remembrance. I found a family photo of myself as a baby with my mom and dad and a family photo of my dad with his parents, Aunt Gene, and Uncle Jerry. Uncle Jerry was not dad's brother he was my grandma Verdie's brother but she raised him as her own.

I called Charlotte this afternoon to see how she was doing. She got new glasses and she can see! She seemed pretty positive and said I could take her off of my worry list. This is great news!

I took a bath and went to bed quite early with the intention of getting up early and finishing up the lesson I am giving for Relief Society tomorrow.

Sunrise

Uncle Delbert at the 

Lambson Family Reunion

Aunt Luella and Uncle Delbert

One of my favorite pictures of Emmy

Addy and Emmy

Such cuties!

Anna

James Hayden

My mom and I

Ollie enjoying the 3-day weekend.

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

* What are some things prophets and apostles teach in our day that will help us avoid suffering and sorrow?

3 Nephi 18

1-14 The sacrament of the Lord's supper is instituted and explained.

15-21 Watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation.

22-25 The Church is to meet together often and invite all to come unto Christ.

26-39 The Twelve instructed to judge worthiness to partake of the sacrament and empowered to confer the Holy Ghost.

DC 64:1-13

The Saints are commanded to forgive one another, lest there remain in them the greater sin;

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

*Why should we resolve conflict quickly?

- Elder Klebingat: "Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life.  Don't hold grudges, don't be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly.  Spiritual confidence increases when you know the Lord knows you bear no ill feelings toward another soul." (Oct.2014) 

General Conference

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

 Elder Benjamin DeHoyos

"The Savior's gospel and His restored Church give us many opportunities for our light to be a part of the great standard for the nations."

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"My plea is that we will make the sacrifices and have the humility necessary to strengthen the foundations of our faith in the Lord

Jesus Christ."

I read two chapters in "Women and the Priesthodd" by Sheri Dew.  I loved the cSthapter on Personal Revelation and wish I would have read it before my presentation on the 22nd.  

We sat by our friend Colin D. at stake conference today.  When we asked where his wife was he said: "She is in the valley visiting with grandkids.  She isn't over that fix yet.  I got over it in about 15 minutes."  He seemed a little sad and lonely and I felt bad for him.

We need some of these trees in Vernon.

This session of stake conference was another spiritual feast.  The first speaker was our stake president, President Shumway.  He spoke about the Atonement of Jesus Christ:  "All we like sheep have gone astray.  The sheep know the shepherd, the Holy One of Israel.  Christ must be the center of everything we do. Study the Atonement and put all you know on an 81/2 x 11 page.  The Atonement of Jesus Christ washes away every stain.  We must have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.  The best time to repent is today.  Time doesn't heal all wounds, the Savior heals all wounds.  As we follow counsel we become changed, we become more like the Savior.  Be more faithful and studious in the Book of Mormon.  Study everyday.  Write you testimony in the Book of Mormon and give it to someone."
Other speakers: Talon W. from our ward, President Jensen, Brother and Sister Miller of the Snowflake temple presidency, Sister Carol Thompson the White Mountain stake Relief Society President.  And of course, Elder and Sister Southward.  Here are some notes I took during Elder Southward's talk.  He spoke for over 30 minutes again with not notes.  "We live in a troubled world.  Our religious freedom is threatened, marriage is being challenged, and we have natural disasters around the world.  There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven....(he had this entire scripture memorized.)  Trials may come so the Lord can magnify His power through us.  Faith in Jesus Christ can make us whole.  We must repent daily.  We must have a broken (humble) heart and a contrite (deeply repentant) spirit.  Heavenly Father knows each of us by name.  Follow the counsel given by our prophet.  2013 tornado in Oklahoma story.  Testified to the divinity of Jesus Christ.  Put the Lord first and give our very best to Him.  Align our will with the will of the Lord."

Grilled tuna sandwiches and chicken noodle soup for lunch.  The soup was homemade from Safeway and I did not like it, but the sandwich was delicious.  After lunch we took a nap. 

When I got up from my nap I went on Facebook.  I saw a picture of a boy who we know in the Galveston 3rd ward only he was almost unrecognizable because he was made up like a girl.  He announced that he has transgender dysphoria.  This boy who now goes by the name of Chloe was one of the stalwart young men in the ward.  He bore a wonderful testimony one of the last times we visited the ward.  He is a good friend of Ben's.  Soon after he made his announcement his parents each made a statement. 

This statement was from Chloe's mother:
"When my second child was born and was placed in my arms for the first time, I was overcome with an immense love for this child straight from God.  It was stronger than anything I had experienced.  I kissed and expressed love over and over.  The doctor commented he had never seen a mom bond so strongly and so instantly with a newborn.  I never forgot this experience and wondered what it meant.  God blessed me with this love.  I feel this same love today.  I love you Chloe.

This statement from Chloe's father:
"When my wife was pregnant for the second time, during a routine ultrasound, the technician let us know we were having a boy.  My wife wanted a daughter so bad that she cried.  I loved the name Elizabeth and am almost certain that was a name we would use for our daughter.  It took us eighteen years to learn that the ultrasound was wrong.  I am pleased to introduce Chloe Elizabeth.  She is the most courageous girl I know.  She is beautiful on the inside and out.  She is kind-hearted and incredibly talented.  She still hates the Raiders.  I feel so blessed that God trusted me to be her father.  I hope I can live up to my responsibility.  Chloe, I love you."

This is a boy that James and I taught in Primary, along with our grandson Alex.  He was bright, intelligent, sensitive, and spiritual.  I admire and love his parents so much.  They are amazing.  It is hard for me to believe this is really happening.  James and I are both in shock but we want to understand and extend our love to Chloe and all of her family.  Her brother Alex is serving a mission in Chile. James is very close to Alex.  He spoke at his farewell and was his mentor on his Eagle project, spending hours helping him build cages for the animals at Desert Oasis Park in Chandler.  Chloe's mother was the Primary President when James was the bishop.  Now she is the Relief Society President.  I have such respect for her and her husband for the Christlike love they are exhibiting to their child who has one of the greatest challenges to face in this life.  Right now everyone is very loving and supportive but I wonder what Chloe's life will be like in the future.  (It is so hard for me to call the boy I knew by this name.)  I pray for understanding and acceptance.

This evening we watched a past episode of "The Good Witch."  This is such a good show and I don't feel guilty watching it on Sunday because Cassie Nightingale is one of the most kind and loving people portrayed on television.

I had a hard time going to sleep tonight.  I think I am still in shock.

Fun Photos:

How is this for a kids clubhouse.

He claims he doesn't allow dogs on the bed.

Lady is his pet.

Should I be jealous?

Max showing off his braces.

Anna took this picture.

I love this picture of Rowan.

Two beautiful girls!

So funny.  Evan isn't quite sure 

what to do.

Monday, April 10, 2017

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Mosiah 4:9-30

King Benjamin teaches how to retain a remission of sins.

* Why is this also important for each of us to know?

Read verses 9-11 and look for what we must do to retain a remission of our sins.

* How does remembering God's power, goodness, and love influence our willingness to obey Him?

Read Mosiah 4:12.  What are the blessings in this verse that come to those who do what is taught in verses 5-11?

Mosiah 4:13-16 contains King Benjamin's description of people who retain a remission of their sins.

* What are the attitudes and qualities that King Benjamin described in those who seek to retain a remission of their sins?

Read verses 16-23.

* According to King Benjamin, how are we all beggars?

* How can this understanding help us be more compassionate to others?

Read verse 27.

* What do you think it means to do all things in "wisdom and order?"

Read verses 28-30.

* What is the relationship between our thoughts, words, and deeds?

* What can we do to watch ourselves?

* In what ways can we help each other?

President Ezra Taft Benson:

" Think clean thoughts.  Those who think clean thoughts do not do dirty deeds.  You are not only responsible before God for your acts but also for controlling your thoughts.  So live that you would not blush with shame if your thoughts and acts could be flashed on a screen in your church.  The old adage is still true that you sow thoughts and you reap acts, you sow acts and you reap habits, you sow habits and you reap a character, and your character determines your eternal destiny. 'As a man thinketh, so is he.'"

DC 55:1-6

William W. Phelps is called and chosen to be baptized, to be ordained an elder, and to preach the gospel; He is also to write books for children in Church schools; He is to travel to Missouri, which will be the area of his labors.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power, which is available to every earnestly seeking daughter or son

of God."

I also studied the gospel doctrine lesson, "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts."  Most of the spiritual gifts we can obtain are listed in DC 46.

I spent a relaxing day at home with James until later this afternoon when we had to go into town to pick up his blood pressure medicine.  We also stopped at  Burger King for a Whopper Jr., and the bank to deposit some checks.  James says he can't believe that the car didn't head for Walmart on its own.  Ha Ha.

This looks like a nice place to visit

but I don't think I would want to live there.

Back at home James worked on a bid and I blogged for Friday and Saturday.  We watched a new Hallmark movie, "Moonlight in Vermont", starring Lacey Chaubert.  I missed watching "Dancing with the Stars" because James doesn't like it.  I will get up early tomorrow to watch.  Here are some of the dancers:

Heather Morris from Glee

with Allen who is filling in for Maks

who got injured a couple of weeks ago.

Heather is really good!

Rashad Jennings and Emma.  Finally

Emma has a decent partner.  Rashad plays for the NFL.

This was most memorable year week.  He told about a time he gave up a scholarship to come home and help take care of his dad

who had to have his leg amputated.  He is one of my favorites,

in fact, I kind of hope they win!

Julianne Hough told him he missed his calling, that he should have

been a dancer.

Nancy Kerrigan and Artem. Nancy is a great dancer.

She had six miscarriages in 8 years but was 

determined to have more children so she did invitro.

She now has the three children she always dreamed 

she would have.

Mr. T and Kym

Mr. T is not much of a dancer but he seems like a really 

great guy.  He is 64 and 20 years ago he had cancer.

He said: "Lord give me the strength to do your will."

His attitude is inspirational.

Dave Ross formerly of the Chicago Cubs.

He is not a dancer but for some reason the

judges really like him.

He is with Lindsey Arnold, one of the

Mormon girls from Utah.

Enough of DWTS.  Here is someone you can really

admire.  President Monson and his wife Frances.

A friend made this chart for her kids to fill-in

for Easter week.  What a great idea.

Grand Falls in Arizona, but I am not

exactly sure where.

Fun Photos:

2015

Tea Party and Molly's Birthday

2015

Lola takes her first steps

July 2015

Michael becomes a Loper

I love to watch the sky when a storm

is coming.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Jacob 4:1-18

All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ - Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544-421 B.C.

When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take He counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

Alma 43

Alma and his sons preach the word - The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites - The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war - Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor - The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites - The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion - The aries of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

DC 44:1-6

Elders are to assemble in conference; The are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.

How can we better listen to the Spirit so that we can help people in various circumstances?

General Conference

Joy and Spiritual Survival

President Russell M. Nelson

"He taught us how to have joy  When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior's Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy."

I like a quote I read in The Contrite Spirit:

"If we keep our covenants with Him, He will keep us spiritually safe."

At 10:15 James and I left for Hailey's to deliver her desk, some cookies, and the visiting teaching message.  Hailey has a new car.  She traded in her Jeep for a Toyota 4-Runner.  

After we left Hailey's we went to Persnikkity's for lunch.  I had the green chili chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries.  James had the Phillly cheesesteak sandwich and broccoli, cheese soup.  Next stop was the Book Barn to get Jeron and Jace's names put on their scriptures.  I texted Hailey and told her they had the "Dragonwatch" book at Book Barn.  Braylin, her son, is a big Fablehaven fan.

This is the book I got for Addy.

When I was in Walmart doing a little shopping I saw my cousin Rita and her husband Bill.

Rita said her mom was doing quite well except for her back.

She is going to have a proceedure done at the Arizona Pain Center in Show Low.

This afternoon I worked on my blog and did some filing.  James and I watched the movie "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" and then had FHE.  We listened to the conference talk, "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves.  We went to bed around 8:30.

Fun Photos

The home builder built a home for

his feathered friends.

Don't you just love this face!

I wish I could remember who Emmy was doing her report on.

My favorite salad, Pei Wei's

spicy chicken.

Dallin, Joe, and Michael the photo bomber.

Harry Potter look alikes.

When it rains, the frogs come out.

2012

Our dream patio

Wupatki National Monument