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.
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.
