Nuku'alofa, Tonga
23rd operating temple
Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 by
Gordon B. Hinckley
Rededicated: 4 November 2007 by
Russell M. Nelson
Alma 4:5-20
* What does the phrase "bearing down in pure testimony" (Alma 4:19) suggest about how Alma would teach?
* When have you heard people bear "pure testimony?" How have these experiences influenced you?
* What truths can we learn from Alma's example in Alma 4:19-20?
Principles:
* Fulfilling our spiritual duties may require sacrifice.
* Bearing pure testimony helps others draw closer to God.
Ether 11-12
11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life; Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent; The people reject the words of the prophets.
12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God; Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith; Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ; The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble;The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith; Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation; Moroni saw Jesus face to face.
DC 76:81-101
81-113, The status of those in the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial glories is explained;
How can the gospel be a gospel of tremendous love?
* As we show kindness and charity to others and develop Christlike attributes the gospel can be a gospel of love.
How can the Church be a stumblingblock to the wicked?
* The wicked feel inhibited by the commandments because they keep them from doing many of the things they want to do.
General Conference
"Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It"
Elder L. Whitney Clayton
" When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith us' us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God's will. Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily, fasting regularly, and praying with real intent deepen our well of spiritual capacity to meet the demands of mortality. Over time, simple habits of belief lead to miraculous results. They transform our faith from a seedling into a dynamic power for good in our lives. Then, when challenges come our way, our rootedness in Christ provides steadfastness for our souls. God shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys, and causes 'all things to work together for our good.'"
We had five elk outside this morning when I got up. I have decided that the elk and the internet are a big distraction during the beginning of my gospel study time.
Here are some other things I studied today: The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "Kingdoms of Glory," the topical guide, Jesus Christ, and of course my study journals, The Living Christ, The Family Proclamation, the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures, my patriarchal blessing, scriptures on the Atonement to take with me to sacrament meeting, and 100 Favorite Verses about Christ.
More pictures of the Paris temple
James left this morning around 10 am. to pick up his friend Anthony. Anthony is without a truck right now because of a frivolous lawsuit so the priesthood of our ward are providing transportation for him. He told James he wanted to go to town to pick up some groceries at the Dollar Tree. James ended up taking him five different places and buying lunch for him. James was gone five hours but he did not complain. He said Anthony was very appreciative. One of the kids in my Primary class told me that the Cal-Ranch store had fidget spinners. I sent James there to pick up a few. When he asked the clerk if they had any he said they can't keep them. As soon as they get here they are sold out. I guess I will just have to wait for the ones I ordered from Amazon to get here.
Elder and Sister Renlund, then and now.
I noticed at 10:20 this morning that four of the elk were still here, and at 4:30 two of them walked through the yard probably looking for water. James told me an interesting fact about elk. He said there is an actual calendar you can get that will tell you when the elk are expected to come out on a particular day. He told me about going hunting in New Mexico with his cousin Tommy and he had one of these calendars. He said the elk are supposed to come out at 3:47 in the afternoon. They had not seen any elk all day and then all of a sudden, just before 4 pm., several herds walked out in the open area where they were to feed. He said deer are not like that. They come out depending on the moon cycle.
Electra Lake in Colorado. Tyler, my nephew,
posted this and said it is within walking distance
of where he lives. Beautiful!
I ordered some birthday cards for our June family birthdays from Anna. I can hardly wait for them to get here.
Rowan and his piano teacher after his
recital. I am sad I missed it.
For F.H.E. we read lesson 11 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "Home - the Basis of a Righteous Life." Afterwards we watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch." This series is not making me happy like the movies did.
These are pictures of my friend Brayling who is
handicapped enjoying activity day at his school.
James and I read a story today about a white couple who
adopted two dark children and then chose to give birth
to black triplet daughters whom they adopted as embryos.
It was a great story!
Our friends the Miner's.
I love the sunsets here because we have trees
and no electrical lines.
