Sunday, September 24th, 2017

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 9:1-7

*Some prophecies, like Nephi's in this chapter, are difficult to believe. How have you gained your testimony in President Monson and his teachings?

- My answer: "I loved reading President Monson's biography. He went back and forth to Germany for 30 years and gained the confidence of the German government. After 30 years he was able to receive permission to have a temple built behind the Iron Curtain. I loved the stories of his travels and how he would give his suit coat and shoes to those in need. I love the stories of him personally visiting the 80 widows in his ward when he was a 22 year old bishop. I love the stories of him receiving promptings to visit someone and going immediately. I have also gained a greater love for President Monson as I have tried to apply his teachings in my life. Not only is President Monson a true disciple of Jesus Christ, he is the prophet of God I know because the Spirit has borne witness of this to me.
DC 138:26-44
*How does knowing that the Lord never gives up on us bring us hope?
-"One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." - President Thomas S. Monson
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Attaining what the apostle Paul described as 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ'(Eph. 4:13) requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ challenge us to becoming something."

We were not sure if it was fast Sunday today and we didn't fast. I ended up bearing my testimony anyway. 

In his testimony Brother Allen encouraged us to write down questions we would like to see answered in General Conference. James loved this idea and is going to share it with our kids and grandkids.

Jace, Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Liana, and a visitor, the Baker's granddaughter Paisley, were in my Primary class today. The lesson was on the Nauvoo temple and temple ordinances performed there.

I told how the temple was completely destroyed and then

rebuilt and rededicated in June of 2002 by

President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I did a "To Know You Is To Love You" for Liana for her birthday. The kids were much better this week than last week, especially Jace.

During the third hour we had our teachers council meeting. I shared several things including the inspiration I got when reading Bishop Causse's talk. It was a good meeting. Those attending: Brother and Sister M. Wilhelm, Sister Westbrook, Sister Kuffer, Brother S. Hunsaker, Brother and Sister Smith, Sister Tice, Brother and Sister Penrod, Brother Cooper, Brother Gordon, and Sister Wood, along with James and I.

Things we missed today. 

1. Sheri's talk on obedience. She sent it to us last night to read. It was excellent. James asked Cathi how she did and Cathi said it was well delivered and was an outstanding talk. Sheri said she cried but I told her that was okay.

2. Meeting Oliver James. He arrived at the Trezise home today.

You have to love those ears!

Max took him over to Cathi and Terry's

to meet his aunt and uncle and his

cousins Indee and Lady. They liked him!

3. Joshua's final Primary program. He was the narrator and did a great job. Here is what Stacy posted.

Sure wish we could have been there. Darrel and Trina's kids had their program today too.

This kid has charisma!

I love spending Sunday afternoons with my sweetheart. We nap, study, relax and enjoy each others company. I also blog. I got a text from Autumn thanking me for the Target gift card I sent for her baby shower. Little Scarlett Jane is due on October 12th! Jared is going to be a grandpa!

Stained glass in the Paris temple.

Sister Joy D. Jones

General Primary President

Trina told us about this last night.

Arizona's beauty

How about this dog Brian?

Vernon sunset.

Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017

Mexico City, Mexico
26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 16 Nov 2008 By: Thomas S. Monson

Rededicated: 13 Sept 2015 By: Henry B. Eyring

Atonement

Moroni 8:20

And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Ether 3:16

Behold, this body, which e now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

Alma 55:15-35

What can we learn from Moroni's example?

*We have to be in the world but not of the world. His Christian beliefs were always the basis of his choices. His only motivation in war was to save people, not to murder. It is possible to do what the Lord wants us to do without destroying others.

DC 123:1-17

What is the purpose of collecting documents of anti-Mormon oppression:

*To try to get help from government leaders. Because the Lord enjoined them to. "That the whole nation may be left without excuse before He can send forth the power of His mighty arm."

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children."

"Whether we reach our potential depends on whether our spirits govern our bodies, whether we prevail over 'the natural man.'

- Elder Terence M. Vinson, Ensign, August 2017, 50-53.

A rainy, gorgeous afternoon and evening. We went into town and had dinner at LaCasita. We both had green chili burros, enchilada style. We discovered they charge an additional $3.50 for enchilada style. That might be the last time we order our burros enchilada style.

The great thing about the rain is that it was not forecast. I had prayed that it would rain, and it did, clear into the night. It felt like Heavenly Father sent it just for me.

Photos:

Baby Lola

I sure do love this face!

The Trezise's are anxiously awaiting for

Oliver James.

A few of James's pet birds.

Michael and a fellow track star.

Winna and baby Denisyn

She is raising him and he is her great-grandson.

A young Paul.

Does he remind you of anyone?

Cleveland, Ohio castle.