Monday, July 13th, 2020

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

DC 76:21

And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 32; "Book of Mormon Central"

April General Conference

"A Good Foundation Against the Time to Come"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

As I contemplate the next four years of the life of this beautiful, noble, exalted, and awe-inspiring Salt Lake Temple, I envision it more as a time of renewal rather than a time of closure. In a similar way, we might ask ourselves, "How could this extensive renewal of the Salt Lake Temple inspire us to undergo our own spiritual renewal, reconstruction, rebirth, revitalization, or restoration?"

 The first thing I did this morning was to work on my blog. I finished everything except downloading pictures when James told me he wanted to leave for town before 9:00 because he had "lots to do today." I  hear that phrase quite often. I got up and got ready to go. We left for town with my two boxes of books, and a load to take to Goodwill.  

After dropping off our donations at Goodwill, James always makes me take the donation slip to fill out, James dropped me off at Walmart. He went to Home Depot to get light bulbs and then across the street to Circle K to get gas and a car wash. I was finished with most of the shopping when James returned to Walmart. His assignment was to pick up my prescriptions and pick out a watermelon. He was so funny picking out the watermelon, thumping and holding his ear close. He made several choices before he finally decided on the "best watermelon in the bunch."

Walmart is refusing to take cash at most registers. I guess there is a coin shortage. I heard of a woman who only had cash and was not able to get her groceries. I think someone should have volunteered to put her purchases on their card and then taken her cash. What is the world coming to?

After finishing at the scan and go we headed for Taco Bell for some lunch. While I was eating my tacos James went to Harbor Freight to do an exchange. Next it was Tractor Supply for supplies for the fence. Finally we were on our way home. I looked at my watch as we left Show Low, 11:45. I told James we should have stopped at the post office on our way to town because now by the time we got back to Vernon it would be closed. He said it was okay he would come back and get the mail. I knew I would have books, which I did, seven of them.

I got some throw pillow for the couch upstairs. When I went to put them on the couch I made a quick run-thru of all the rooms. It's a good thing I did because there were more dead ants in Ian and Sheri's room. 

When things finally settled down I finished my blog post and was going to buy a few books. I need to buy 50 more books before the end of the month and in order for them to get to Amazon before textbook season, they need to be mailed this week or at the latest the beginning of next. 

I heard from Laura today. She got the book, "Grace Where You Are", that I sent to her for her birthday. Her birthday is Wednesday. She seemed excited to read it.

I checked to see how Summer was doing and Kacey said she was fine, just a little tired. I just figured she would get the virus because her boyfriend tested positive.

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Joshua, Rowan, Ollie, and Ziggie arrived around 6 p.m. That had brought dinner with them, three pizzas and some breadsticks from Little Caesar's. So much stuff unloaded in the kitchen. Alex and Joe are coming up tomorrow so Sheri brought lots of food. I bet we still go to Walmart tomorrow though. 

James tried to get the boys to ride Luna but no one seemed interested. Sheri, the dogs, Ian and I went out to watch James ride. He was kind of "showing off" but running her and then stopping quickly. It's okay. I am just grateful that he loves to ride her.

We had scripture and prayer together, reading Alma 32. Sheri made sure of it.

 Idaho Falls Temple

From Book of Mormon Central

 I love how Max and Evan have their legs up and spread out and

Joshua is sandwiched in between them with his legs

straight out. They are all sitting together on the

broken chair. Maybe I should get an updated picture today.

Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31-33 Review; Begin Jacob 1-4

October 2019 GenCon

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"I testify that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives. And I witness that the risen and living Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad. Of these truths I testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

"Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon"
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud
"I solemnly testify that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth of it time after time to anyone who, with a sincere heart, seeks knowledge unto the salvation of their soul. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I attended ward council this morning at 7:30 a.m. The ward council consists of Bishop Hunsaker and his counselors, Brother Goodman and Brother Grapp. Brother Umphress, the ward executive secretary. Elder Sagers and Elder Richards, the missionaries assigned to our ward, the Primary President Sister Gillespie, the Young Women's President, Sister Allen, Brother Diewald, the ward clerk, and Brother Thompson representing the Elder's Quorum and me representing the Relief Society. 

The main thing we did after going over the calendar was to go through the ward list and discuss each family or individual.

I felt like it was a good thing because I found out some things about people that I knew nothing about. Meetings are supposed to be about people and this one certainly was.

James drove the truck to the church. It was nice to be early for sacrament meeting. Yesterday I sent emails to two sets of ministering sisters. One of them was Sister Van Haren whom I was able to speak with a few minutes before sacrament meeting. She said she visited one of the sisters on her beat but one of the other never answers her texts.  She also has never visited Sister Sommers who live near her. I told her I had visited her and she was very nice and receptive. If she would set up an appointment I would go with her on a visit. She said that would be great.

The Howard's were not here today and I am wondering why. 

Yogi Vizcarra was the youth speaker today. For a new convert he did an amazing job. He was quoting scriptures and seemed so sincere. He told of Hailey H. giving him a Book of Mormon which was the start of his conversion. Someone told him at his baptism to write down everything he felt, which he did. He said if we listen to the Holy Ghost, read our scriptures, and keep the commandments and pray our lives will be so much easier. He quoted: 2 Nephi 33:10-11 and 2 Nephi 32:8-9 and said, I believe these scriptures are true. It was a great first talk for a convert.

Anne and Bishop Miller were the adult speakers. Anne's talk was based on Brother Owen's talk, "Be Faithful, Not Faithless."

She told the story of the deer that were fed hay and how they starved to death with their stomach's full. Are we the same way spiritually? Where do we find our spiritual nourishment? What can keep us from being nourished spiritually? We must have the love of Christ as our foremost goal. We cannot base our faith on false idols. Satan tells us to procrastinate spiritual nourishment. I main purpose for reading the scriptures individually and as a family is to get closer to Christ. We must have faith in the promises of the prophets.

Bishop Miller used Elder Renlund's talk, "Unwavering Commitment of Jesus Christ" as the basis for his talk. We must learn of Him and learn to follow Him. If we have pure intent, and a total commitment to Jesus Christ, everything else in our lives will fall into place. Joy from that commitment surpasses anything else. He talked about Clayton M. Christensen and what an amazing Harvard professor and missionary he was. I guess he passed away a couple of months ago. Bishop Miller said that he used to think false idols were golden calves. He realized when he was deciding rather he should go on a mission or not that hunting and the out of doors was a false idol for him. It almost kept him from going and having one of the most amazing experiences of his lifetime. What it all boils down to is putting God first in our lives and trusting in Him.

Sandra Wilhelm taught Relief Society today for Becky Skousen who was out of town celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband. The lesson was based on two conference talks, "Covenant Daughters in Partnership with God," and "Knowing, Loving, and Growing" by Elder Boom. Both addresses talk about ministering and that is why we picked them. Sandra did a good job. Here are some of the notes I took: Covenants, ministering, helping others reach their divine potential. We need all instruments and all of God's children. What is my purpose. Which part is yours and which part is mine? (Michael McLean song). Forcing someone to do something offends their spirits. We need to minister to each other and too all in need. Strive to stay on the covenant path. Ministering is exercising divine love. And Sandra said this: "My kids don't need me to tell them where they need to improve, they need to feel of my love so they have the desire to improve." Repentance is a daily process. Am I to quick to judge and to slow to listen? Debra Brewer who spent the last year caring for her husband before he passed away: "Joy is not in how much you do but the quality of service you give." The gospel lifts our souls.

Those attending: Sandra, Kerri H., Debra B., Shaleyn S., Sue H., a new sister, Sister McClelland and her mother, Donna Lundgren, Geraldine Corona, Pam Woods, Rosie Lauritzen, Linda Diewald, Ruth Wallace, Amy G., Ellen K., Kathy C., Maxine T., Donna P., Diana C., Kristen L., Colleen K., Debbie M., Chris B., Darla R., Judy H., Catherine H., Sheba, Tamara, Stefani H., and myself.

James went out to see Anthony this afternoon with his companion Dave Westbrook. I stayed home and worked on my blog and did some family history work. 

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Molly. Jared has something in between rheumatoid and pustular psoriatic arthritis. He is back on methotrexate and some new medicine. Molly played the banjo and sang, "This Land is Your Land" for us. Tanner and Summer were there and Summer's dog Ollie. Charlie always gives us hugs and kisses at the end of our call. We enjoy doing this each Sabbath day.

This evening I watched Emily and Dave in "Don't Miss This" and James and I watched "Teaching with Power."

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day.

So true.

 Joshua teaching

So adorable

 Thinking about Nursery

 Why do they make me go?

I thought they loved me.

 "I'm so glad Molly is here.

 "She loves me."

 "I love Ollie!"

"She's heavy"

 Writing his weekly email to

Elder Trezise

 Sunday is a day of rest

A cute Ollie photo

Sunday, February 16th, 2020

Curitiba, Brazil

126th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 2008

by: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 8:5

My righteousness is near; my salvation is gone forth, and mine arm shall judge the people. The isles shall wait upon me, and on mine arm shall they trust.

Book of Mormon

Review 2 Nephi 6-10

"Beloved Daughters"

Bonnie H. Cordon

"Class presidencies, you have been called of God and trusted to lead a group of His daughters. 'The Lord knows you. ...He chose you.' You have been set apart by one who has priesthood authority; this means as you perform the duties of your calling, you exercise priesthood authority. You have an important work to do. Be sensitive to and act on the promptings of the Holy Ghost. As you do so, you can serve with confidence, for you do not serve alone!"

"Covenant Women in Partnership with God"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Becoming a covenant woman in partnership with God is how great and good daughters of God have always mothered, led, and ministered, serving in whatever way and place He has prepared for them. I promise that you will find joy in your journey to your heavenly home as you return to Him as a covenant-keeping daughter of God."

I read an article in Meridian Magazine this morning called, "Co-workers with Angels: Angelic Involvement in the Lives of Missionaries." There were several examples given and then this quote by Joseph Smith:

In a letter to the elders of the Church in 1835 Joseph Smith taught:

"And now, I ask, how righteousness and truth are going to sweep the earth as with a flood. I will answer. Men and angels are to be co-workers in bringing to pass this great work."

I was reminded of Ben's story of how they were saved from being hit by a truck and how the driver, Elder Legas, attributed it to angels.

All of our guests attended sacrament meeting today but left right afterwards. James was a little miffed because they didn't stay. Kaitlyn told me it was because Kyle felt uncomfortable. 

Kaitlyn did say how much she enjoyed Brother Reagan's talk. Brother Reagan was our high council speaker today. He spoke about being wary of the adversary. He also talked about casual versus careful. Brother Reagan is a surgeon and served his mission in Moscow, Russia. Humility is the way we allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to affect us. He quoted from Lehi's Dream and the temptations of Satan. He talked about Brother Packer's 1976 talk, the year Brother Reagan was born, called "Spiritual Crocodiles." In this talk Brother Packer lists three warnings about the enemy, Satan. 1. Beware of evils beguiling disguises. 2. Stay awake and be alert. 3. Understand the intent of the enemy. He quoted some scriptures regarding spiritual safety: Alma 7:11-12, DC 30:31.

It was nice to have James sitting by me during Sunday School. Brother Judd was the teacher and did a wonderful job of leading a discussion of 2 Nephi 6-10. Brother Peeler made the comment that if everyone would read 2 Nephi 9 our chapels would be bursting at the seams with new members. Brother Goodman said it was sad to him that a person could go their entire lives without even knowing about Jesus Christ and how much we depend on Him for our salvation. 

We had planned to have a family history training meeting for our youth consultants today at our house at 3:00. The meeting got cancelled because both of the youth consultants, Kyah and Ty are out of town. Kyah promised me she would get with Ty and decided on another time.

We came home and had left over meatloaf and green beans for lunch. James also had his fish taco from last nights dinner. Afterwards we went into the bedroom to take our naps. James on the bed and me on the recliner. For some reason I don't like to sleep on the bed during the day.

I worked on my family history for a couple of hours today and then as part of my calling with family history in the ward I divided the ward list into three sections for James, Brother Peeler, and I to call ward members regarding family history.

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. James played "Barbara Ann" one of her favorite songs. Jared told us about Anna getting her second tatoo for her birthday. He said all of their children are making bad choices right now. Kacey had just returned from a trip to Arkansas and was exhausted. Autumn was busy with school work so Kacey watched the girls. Neither one of them felt well so they did not get along. Also Charlie cried the entire way home. Charlie gave us hugs and kisses at the end and said "Ooohie. I'm not sure what it means but I guesses she says it when she gives hugs and kisses.

This evening I began studying for this coming week's "Come Follow Me" lesson. I listened to Dave and Emily's "Don't Miss This" and Brian Wilcox's "The Power of Teaching." They were both good. I also went through the Individual/Family lesson and wrote in my Sunday Journal.

James and I both wrote a letter to Ben and then James wrote one to Elder Wilhelm from our ward who is serving in Uganda. Elder Wilhelm told the funniest story last week. He was at the church and a Ugandan woman came up and took his hand and began praying for the missionaries. When she was finished she slapped him up one side and down the other and then a couple of times on the face. She then said, "Now you are protected by the blood of Jesus and no harm will come to you."

I'm glad Ben's in Idaho.

When it was time to say our family prayer this evening I wanted to invite Adam, Joshua and friends to join us. James said they were all asleep except Chris and Kyle. I asked how he knew and he said he could only hear them Chris and Kyle talking upstairs. I said, "Just because someone isn't talking you think they are asleep?" End of conversation. I suggested we get them together before they leave tomorrow and pray with them for a safe drive home. He agreed.

Love to watch Allison and Twitch dance!

Love

Sheri sent me this. She said this is the only
site that Harry and Megan follow on
Instagram. I guess this story went 
worldwide.

Psych!

Sheri and her dogs.
Ziggie thinks she's human walking
on two legs.

 2012 Last FHE at 108th Way

Charlie goes to church...are reads the program

Wore my Valentine gift to church today with
my red sweater. I love!!