Saturday, April 28th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

*What teachings did Alma introduce to the new converts and how did these teachings differ from King Noah?

Article: Live by the Savior's Teachings

By: N. Eldon Tanner

Dec. 1982

tavacivan: "For their labor, they were to receive the grace of God" (26) In Christ's Church, we have a lay ministry which sets us apart from other churches in the world. We also believe that a higher law allows us power to do what we are asked to do as we serve our fellowman. This is a compensation that cannot be imitated by money. It is His power and His strength that we have access to. We are to take care of each other spiritually, temporally and emotionally. (28,29) The Church of Jesus Christ is run by imperfect people but the organization and doctrine of the Church is sound and constant. His laws are perfect and when implemented correctly, we have great power and strength. These people were drawn to truth and were hungry and ready for Alma's teachings! We have access to so much truth! 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines place the ark in the house of Dagon, their god - The Philistines in Ashdod, then Gath, and then Ekron are plagued and slain because the ark is lodged with them.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The Church is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them."

I was up at 4:15 this morning. I showered and then had breakfast. James thinks Hong Kong is in Taiwan so I have to get out my world map and show him he is wrong. Ridiculous. Why would I waste time doing this when I should have been getting ready to go to the temple? I am ashamed of myself, even if I was right about Hong Kong. The win was bittersweet because I had to rush to get ready. We left in a rush and then realized we had forgotten to bring the muffins so we had to come back to get them. Now we are officially later than we've ever been for our temple shift,  but thanks to James's driving we make it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 a.m.

We were under the direction of President and Sister Reidhead this morning, our old schoolmates at Snowflake Union High School.

Sister Reidhead talked about the new garments for sisters and then we watched films about the ordinances clothes and the endowment session. 

My schedule for today went something like this:

7:30 - Initiatory worker, which I am beginning to love even though I don't have everything memorized. These blessings are so amazing!

8:00 - Celestial Room - time to ponder and meditate and admire the beauty of this room.

8;30 - Break time with James, Sister Badger who remembered James from high school and his pet Pete the Crow. She was a close friend of James's sister Connie. Her last name was Petersen in high school. Sister Hansen joined us. She is from Joseph City and knows the Hunsakers. She told me a story of when she was Kip's Cub Scout leader.

9 - Prepare for the 9:30 session. Today I am the 1st follower. Sister Badger is the 2nd follower. James is the follower for the brothers and led the prayer circle and did an awesome job.

This afternoon I worked in initiatory again, was the greeter for the baptistry. During this time I got to visit with my good friend from Chandler and fellow temple worker, Debbie. Her daughter is married to Rex Bergstrom. My last assignment was the locker room. Since I was the last one on our shift with this assignment I had to check all the locked lockers to make sure no one had left anything.

One of the exciting things that happened in the temple today was the sealing of Bishop and Sister Hall's son, Kendall to his wife Chanel.  Bishop Hall was our first bishop in Vernon and when I was a youth growing up in Show Low his grandpa was my bishop. 

A great day for this family. Weston, Kendall's brother should have been there but I didn't see him. I guess he is working for a pest control company in Florida.

James and I got home from the temple a little after 2. I ate, had a short rest and then got ready to go to stake conference leadership meeting. James took me to the church where the Applegate's and Sister Halcomb were waiting for me. Our meeting in Lakeside starts at 4.

Our company left this morning. 

Our leadership training meeting went something like this:

President Beeler: 
"God's hands are in the details of the work."

President Jensen:
"One more step in the unfolding of the restoration."

President Shumway:
"The Lord wants our hearts. When we give our hearts to Him, He performs miracles."

Elder Jones:
DC 43:8-9
8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me-
DC 107:89 - Preside, council, teach.

Elder Brent D. Foster
"Authority and keys establish order."
Exaltation - Life like Him
Eternal Life - Life with Him
Testimony - I know - Alma 30:41; Conversion - I do - Hel. 6:3;
Sanctification - I feel - Hel. 3:35; Exaltation - I become -
A council is a fundamental principle of human life. When you tell someone what to do, you are telling them to become like you.
Leadership is the ability to draw forth people's potentiality. 
The greater the agency and opportunity, the greater the growth. 
" I want to expand the vision of why the Lord wants us to work in councils."
DC 88:122
Vision determines direction
1. Vision
2. Share
3. Agree on outcome
John 10:12-12
Goals
Distance Indicators
Specific plan
Motivate, inspire
We can't program people back to heaven.
Romans 0:16-17; DC 84:38; DC 58:25-26; Hel.10:4-5; 
It's all about revelation.

During the break between meetings the Applegate's and Kerri went to get dinner. I stayed at the church and moved up in the chapel to save a place for James. He ended up being late because of a flat tire and sat in the back. Gratefully the Lauritzen's from our ward came and sat by me.

Adult Session

The invocation was given by Sister Gatewood, the first woman to be the chairman of the White Mountain Apace Tribe. 

Elder Jones

Video: saw, felt, heard.

"Simple acts of service can be profound."

"Why we minister: Because we follow Jesus Christ."

"Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children home."

How can I be a minister for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Sister Thomas, Stake Relief Society President

"Pray for each individual."

President Shumway

"Study the why. So people can know God, that is the why. Our heart becomes His."

Scottsdale Mission President - President Robinson

"I am an ordained apostle of Jesus Christ." President Nelson's answer when a king asked him who he was.

Youth Choir: 

Amazing Love

Sister Palmer, Matron of the Snowflake Temple

"Spend more time in the temple."

President Palmer of the Snowflake Temple

Isaiah 2:2-3

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Elder Jones

God anointed Jesus Christ who went about doing good. 

Told a ministering story of a young widow with two children.

Bradley D. Foster

"God wants His children home. 1 Nephi 5:16-17. There is power in knowing who we are and where we are going. 

Family History: Discover-Gather-Connect.

He told us to watch the movie "Coco."

Pass on stories and photos. 

"Don't let the wisdom of the old die with them."

One of the things Elder Foster had us do was the same thing Terry had us do last night on the Family Tree app. I was related to so many people it was ridiculous, including Elder Foster, President Robinson, Sister Halcomb and Brother Applegate, and Brother Allen.

Promised blessings of doing Temple and Family History Work from the prophets.

More closeness and joy with family, and divine protection. 

Quentin L. Cook

Our amazing stake president, President Shumway

with his wife Heidi.

White Mountain Apache Tribe

recently elected chairwoman.

Kim's pom and cheer team.

Stacy had moved on to high school.

Sister Bingham and her look-a-likes,

except one.

Friday, August 11th 2017

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Rededicated: 21 Sept 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Alma 48:18-49:8

*In a class I took from Sister Jennifer Gardiner she compared Moroni's building program and fortifications to President Hinckley's building program of temples. In 1995 when President Hinckley took office there were 47 temples. In 2003, when Jennifer made this comment, there were 114 temples with 14 under construction. President Monson has continued with the building of temples. Today there are 156 operating temples, 13 under construction, and 13 announced. Why is the building of temples so important and how are they like a fortification to us?

*Many of us will have the opportunity this week to attend a temple dedication with our children 8 and older. What a great privilege, blessing and opportunity to teach our children about the temple!

DC 111:1-11
How can we always remember to include the Lord in our decision making?
*juliekiser says: If I include the Lord in my decision making going through the proper steps, then I can rest assured all will be well. It doesn't mean it will be easy or without challenges but I have the confidence that I have the Lord's "stamp of approval" so I can go on. If we don't go to the Lord in fasting and prayer, when we are making a big decision then we don't know if we've made the right decision. When the challenges come we will second guess the decision we made. But if I go through the proper order of decision making including going to the temple, then I move forward with peace knowing the Lord has answered my prayers and guided me in the right direction. I can't make a decision any other way. It's important to always remember the Lord in our decision making. He desires to guide and bless us, we just need to ask!
General Conference

Songs Sung and Unsung

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"With divine imperatives of love and faith, repentance and compassion, honesty and forgiveness, there is room in this choir for all who wish to be here. 'Come as your are,' a loving Father says to each of us, but He adds, 'Don't plan to stay as you are.' We smile and remember that God is determined to make of us more than we thought we could be."

Using Terry's truck we took the car to Sears this morning for an oil change. They say we need an alignment and when James asked how much it would cost they said, $600. He said "he would look into it." I am not sure what that means but he will probably take it to Erik to look at. It is driving fine and there is no indication that it is out of alignment. 

We picked up the car at 10:15 and I was going to drive to my infusion appointment in Mesa but I realized I was totally out of gas so I went down Chandler Blvd. to the nearest station. I filled the tank and headed down the 101 to Mesa. I happened to look out the rear view mirror to see I had forgotten to replace the tank lid and it was dangling on the side of the car. I made a quick exist on Warner. I while waiting for the light to change ran out and replaced the lid and got back on the freeway. I was only about six minutes late for my appointment. 

A new girl set up my infusion and drew blood. I had an appointment to see Dr Caldron and had a nice visit with him. He took Dr. Moffat's lab request for thyroid bloodwork and told me he would have the lab do it and send it to Dr. Moffat.

At 12:30 I was at Firebird's having lunch with my friend Karen Schneider. This was my birthday lunch, on Karen. I ordered what I always order at Firebirds, the coconut shrimp appetizer with habanero coleslaw. We both also love their sourdough bread that comes to every table. Karen also made sure I ordered a scoop of ice cream with chocolate sauce although she herself did not indulge.

Karen has cancer and has chemo treatments every other week. She is one of the lucky ones who has not lost her hair. We had alot of catching up to do. She is a dear friend and we have quite a bit of history together. She is an amazing resource person for doing family history. The best researcher I know.

After returning to Cathi's I had a short rest and then it was time to pack up and get ready to go home. We said our goodbye's and thanked Cathi and Terry for their hospitality. On our way out of town James let me stop at Deseret Book to buy a hankie for the temple dedication. 

We picked up Addy and Ruby who are going with us to Vernon. The rest of their family is coming up tomorrow for Rowan's birthday celebration. 

Since we won't be here for Addy's birthday on the 28th we gave her birthday present to her. I got her a complete new set of Harry Potter books. She seemed excited. Also, she gets to choose where we have dinner. She chose Rubio's. We found one in the Walmart shopping center on Signal Butte near Baseline. 

After our delicious Rubio's meal Addy, Ruby, and I walked to the Bosa Donut shop nearby and ordered a dozen donuts from a little oriental lady we could barely understand. Now it's on to the cabin. 

Of course James went the Salt River Canyon way. I know Addy doesn't like it but she never complained. 

It has definitely rained here since we were gone.  We could tell by our muddy road and the puddles in the road. 

Our first order of business was to get rid of the dead moths upstairs, which I did much to Addy and Ruby's delight. I also vacuumed their room and James helped by putting sheets on the bed in Sheri's room. I guess we are now ready for company, except for the broken box springs in James's office. It happened when kids jumped from the loft onto the bed. Ruby admitted it was her, and Molly, and she says Emmy did it once. Addy said she knew they did it, but she didn't.

After we settled in, the girls wanted to watch the Incredibles so I put it on for them and watched a little with them before going to bed. It is good to be home.

Photos

You know it's going to be a good day when

the sunrise looks like this.

I am in love with this little girl.

Trina made the skirt and the ribbons in her 

hair match.

I've seen a few of these this summer. It

reminds me of spending my summers in

Lakeside with Nannie when I was a girl.

She always had bird feeders. She didn't like the

bluejays because they drove the other birds away.

Her favorites along with my grandpa Al's, were

the cardinals. Maybe they loved them because

 they were big St. Louis Cardinals fans.

Whenever they were playing my grandpa would have the game on.

I may have already posted this, but

I couldn't take the chance that I hadn't.

Addy and grandpa at Big Lake a 

few years ago.

Addy loved this and wanted me to send it to her.

Cute photo of these two.

Two Vernon boys and their wives who

now live in Houston.

Friday, April 14, 2017

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

(recently renovated)

Mosiah 7

* In verse 33 what does Limhi exhort his people to do?

* What principles can we learn from Limhi and his people about the effect of recognizing and feeling sorrow for our sins?

Helaman 11-12

11 Nephi persuades the Lord to replace their war with a famine - Man people perish - They repent, and Nephi importunes the Lord for rain - Nephi and Lehi receive many revelations - The Gadianton robbers entrench themselves in the land. About 20-6 B.C.

12 Men are unstable and foolish and quick to do evil - The Lord chastens His people - The nothingness of men is compared with the power of God - In the day of judgment, men will gain everlasting life or everlasting damnation. About 6 B.C.

DC 58:1-12

Those who endure tribulation will be crowned with glory; The Saints are to prepare for the marriage of the Lamb and the supper of the Lord;

Why does the Lord allow tribulations to come upon His people?

* To help us develop humility and prove worthy of eternal blessings.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel

Elder Valerie V. Cordon

"Powerful teaching is extremely important to preserve the gospel in our families, and it requires diligence and effort."

James broke another irrigation line last night so we won't be going to the temple this morning.  I went grocery shopping instead and to the bank to get money for the egg hunt.  I went to the Walmart on Germann and Gilbert because it is a little less hectic than the one on Arizona Avenue.  I am excited about the recipe I have for cooking a ham, I just hope my ham will fit in a crockpot.  I stopped at In 'n' Out for burgers and fries for lunch.  Cathi was excited because she got the last two green chili burros for her lunch.

Sedona

This afternoon Sheri and Kim colored eggs at Sheri's. I went down to visit and fill Easter eggs for tomorrow's hunt.  To my surprise Joe was there.  He cut his hair.  It looks great!

Joe is a handsome guy especially with

his new do.

Alex and Shana were coloring eggs, but Alex was wearing a blanket around because he has the flu.  Joshua and Rowan were there too.  Rowan colored some eggs but Joshua said he was going to color eggs at home with his mom.  Joshua got his hair cut too.

He says his mom doesn't like it but he does

because now he looks like a real Mexican.

James was not able to fix the broken water line because someone irrigated before he got the glue on and filled the hole with water.  He was digging up a tree as a favor for Sal when this last break happened.  He is so discouraged.

We went to dinner at Cafe Rio and he had a chance to relax and unwind. 

Colin, Terry's grandson, spent the night at Cathi and Terry's.  He and Cathi painted Easter eggs and he and Terry played a video game with the new wireless controller Terry got him.  James and I read from our book and went to bed early.

Fun Photos

Friends Rusty and Kendall who just got married

last week.

 I love Salt Lake in the spring time

with all the flowers.  When I was the stake Relief Society

President I went to all the Relief Society open houses in

Salt Lake, which meant I was there twice a year for 

five years.  I miss those trips.

Those were the days.

Michael in his Batman cape and mask would come

down to our house dressed just like this at 6 a.m.

Trina caught Darrel smiling!

My two homes, built by James.

My dear sweet friend Ann who passed away

last year.  She was the stake Primary President

and I was her counselor.  We were in a car accident

together in 1977.  I severed all the tendons in my

right knee.

My dream patio

I love this picture of Molly

Her eyes are sparkling!

First day of school

Junior High

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Mosiah 3:11-27

King Benjamin testifies tat through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can put off the natural man and become saints.

*Read verses 11-13, 16 and look for the answers to these questions.  How does the Atonement apply:

1. To those who die without a knowledge of the gospel?

2. To those who rebel against God and deliberately sin?

3. To children who die before they reach the age of accountability?

Dallin H. Oaks:  "These teachings that the resurrection and cleansing power of the Atonement is for all contradict the assertion that the grace of God saves only a chosen few. His grace is for all.  These teachings of the Book of Mormon expand our vision and enlarge our understanding of the all-encompassing love of God and the universal effect of His Atonement for all men everywhere."

*Read Mosiah 3:19.

1. How did the angel describe a natural man's relationship with God?

2. According to this verse, how can we put off the natural man?

A natural man is "a person who chooses to be influenced by the passions, desires, appetites, and senses of the flesh rather than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Such a person can comprehend physical things but not spiritual. All people are carnal, or mortal, because of the fall of Adam and Eve.  Each person must be born again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

3. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, a person does more than just stop being a "natural man." He or she "becometh a saint."

In addition to saving us from our sins, the Savior changes us into better people than we could ever be on our own. He helps us become more like Him.

One last quote, this one from David A. Bednar:

"Both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.  Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior's Atonement.  Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better.  All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are can never produce clean hands and a pure heart.  It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength.  The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us."

Helaman 5 - My Wow! Chapter

Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching - Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears - Christ redeems those who repent - Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them - A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people - The earth shakes, and a voice commands men to repent - Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude is encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.

DC 53:1-7
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Algernon Sidney Gilbert, at Kirtland, Ohio, June 8, 1831. At Sidney Gilbert's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord as to Brother Gilbert's work and appointment in the Church.
*What witness have I received that the Lord truly does hear my prayers? 
-Our car was fixed when we were in San Antonio and we made it home when we were totally out of gas the last 20 miles of our trip home.
General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His 

diseased sheep progress toward healing."

Today I learned about the conditions that will exist at the time of Christ's Second Coming.  Some good, some bad, depending on what side of the fence you are standing regarding being a follower of Jesus Christ.

Today James and I slept in until after 7:30.  Brian made us a delicious brunch: eggs with bellpeppers, tomatoes, potatoes, sausage and bacon.  Thank you Brian!  I managed to do my scripture study today but I haven't worked on my blog since Thursday.  I said I was not going to get behind again.  I will catch up after my talk tomorrow.  

Around 3 p.m. James and I went to town to get some groceries. We finished our book, "A Fine Gentlemen," and started this one:

One of my favorite authors of

Proper Romance novels

James ask me to fix green chili pork stew since Jared is coming tonight. I gave James a couple of choices and this was number one.  I thought Kim and Brian would like it too but they are on a gluten-free diet.  It was soooo windy today.  When we returned from town Kim and Brian were gone on a Razr ride.  They turned around before Christmas Tree Trail because of snow and mud.  I got a text from Jared around four saying he was leaving El Paso.  That means he should be here around ten.

The pork stew took awhile to make.  James and Brian grilled steaks for dinner and Kim roasted some broccoli and cauliflower.  The pork stew will be for tomorrow after church.  True to what I said, Jared got here around ten.  He visited with Brian and Kim and I went in the bedroom to work on my talk until around 11:30.  James went to bed.  

Fun Photos:

Pinewood Derby for Joshua today

 A close-up of his car.

Last year he was the winner.

Let's see what happens today.

Ready to race

1st Place again!

 So proud!

He even got a driver's license

Joshua dancing with his cousin at

their Uncle George's wedding reception tonight.

These two, Kendall and Rusty,  also got married today in the

Snowflake temple.

Rusty's parents live in Vernon.

They are both returned missionaries and

are an awesome couple.

Sunset at the Grand Canyon