Sunday, January 14th, 2018

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Apr 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 138:2

And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son of God, for the redemption of the world;

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10

*What are the mists of darkness you encounter in your life?

*How can you overcome them?

Old Testament

Genesis 31-34

31 The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly - Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace - Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

32 Jacob sees angels - He asks God to preserve him from Esau, for whom he prepares presents - He wrestles all night with a messenger of God - Jacob's name is changed to Israel - He sees God face to face.

33 Jacob and Esau meet and are reconciled - Esau receives Jacob's presents - Jacob settles in Canaan, where he builds an altar.

34  Shechem defiles Dinah - The Hivites seek to arrange marriages with Jacob's family - Many, having been circumcised, are slain bu Simeon and Levi - Jacob reproves his son.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Deuteronomy 7:3-4

3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

General Conference

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It

President Russell M. Nelson

"The Book of Mormon both illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary. The Book of Mormon teaches true doctrine to dispel false religious traditions - such as the erroneous practice of performing infant baptisms. The Book of Mormon gives purpose to life by urging us to ponder the potential of eternal life and 'never-ending happiness.' The Book of Mormon shatters the false beliefs that happiness can be found in wickedness and that individual goodness is all the is required to return to the presence of God. It abolishes forever the false concepts that revelation ended with the Bible and that the heavens are sealed today."

I did this morning what I do early every Sunday morning, finish preparing for my Primary lesson. James helped me make smiley and frowny faces for an activity. 

It was 8:43 when we left. We haven't left this late since I started teaching Primary!

Tyler H. returned from his mission yesterday. His sister Holly was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. I suppose we will hear from Tyler next week.

Tina Allen, the Young Women's President was the next speaker. She spoke about the Mutual them as found in DC 19:23:

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

They have shortened the theme to "Peace in Christ." 

John Wilhelm, the Young Men's President was the next speaker. 

I had three girls, Andyn, Gracie, and Liana in my Primary class today and no boys. As much as I love my boys, the class was much more quiet and peaceful with just the girls. We had a good discussion about agency.

After sharing time, Becky Skousen, the Primary President, told me I was the best Primary teacher ever. She made me feel good.

I am still trying to eat low-carb. James fixes lunch. He made cheeseburgers with cheese, onion, green chili and tomatoes with no bun. They were great. My knee is still hurting so I let him do the cooking.

James went home teaching most of the afternoon. I rested.

For dinner I made some bacon and cooked some spinach in the grease. I added some vinegar and it was delicious. 

While James scanned photos and sent them to Stacy, I watched the new Hallmark move, "Frozen in Love."  

This past week my right knee hurt worse than I can ever remember it hurting before. I think it's a combination of me not having my infusion and trying to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  No more walking for awhile.

Welcome Home!

The resurrected Christ

Sheri and Ian's new couch.

Soccer game throwback photo

The DeWitt's in front of the Taipei, Taiwan

temple where they are serving a mission.

Photo memories

Four Brothers

Four Brothers again

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ ascension of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 18:1-14

How can we better focus on Christ while partaking of the sacrament each Sunday?

The Savior taught that the principal purpose for taking the sacrament is to remember Him. We have an opportunity to concentrate on the Son of God during the sacrament ordinance; we should not allow our thoughts to wander or be distracted. 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland described several appropriate ways to remember the Lord while renewing our covenants through the sacrament: "We could remember the Savior's premortal life and all that we know Him to have done, the simple grandeur of His mortal birth to just a young woman, His miracles and His teachings, His healings and His help - We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said all of us should be more like them. We could remember that Christ called His disciples His friends. We could, and should, remember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that all things which are good come of Christ.' (Moroni 7:24). On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment He received, the rejection He experienced, and the injustice He endured. We can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:19-20

19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh -

20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less!"

James and I took Lola and left Darrel and Trina's around 8 a.m. Darrel was at the doctor's, Ruby and Trina were getting ready to go on a fieldtrip to the planetarium, Rowan was getting ready for school and Addy had already left. We had family prayer before we left. 

On the way to Stacy's we stopped at the Fry's Marketplace on Ocotillo and Gilbert Rd. I did most of the shopping while James kept Lola entertained. He bought himself some cranberry celebration and Lola her favorite Lunchable. 

When we arrived at Stacy's the first thing I did was put the roasts in the crockpot and started the rolls. James left to do some errands. Lola loved the doggies and even wanted them to lick her in the face. Stacy took Vader upstairs with her and left Shipley with us. Shipley seemed nervous around Lola. She snapped at her and made Lola cry so we traded with Stacy and Vader came down with us. Vader and Lola were a good match. They played outside together and inside they played fetch. So cute.

So adorable!

Lola's new friend Vader.

Lola and I ate some strawberries for our snack. She also ate her Lunchable, saving some of her cookies for the doggies, and some Goldfish. James brought me back a chili dog from Sonic. 

Darrel picked up Lola in the early afternoon. I was sorry to see him Kim because I was really enjoying her company. She told me all about the My Little Pony TV show. 

Adam got home from work early today because he said he wasn''t feeling well.

I fixed the mashed potatoes while James picked up Joshua from choir practice at 4. When they returned dinner was mostly ready. James shredded the roast and riced the potatoes for me. We sat down and ate with Joshua and Stacy. James was anxious to get home so we left before Paul got home at 6:15. Stacy said he was so excited when he saw all the food. He even posted a picture on Facebook.

James drove us home safely and even stopped at the McDonald's for an ice cream for me. We read from our new book, "For Love or Honor" by Sarah Eden one of our favorite authors. 

The Jonquil family saga continues.

When we got home we unpacked, put things away and even though it was late we watched an episode of Heartland, "The Haunting of Hanley's Barn," a real thriller.

Memories:

Fun at Peter Piper Pizza

Cute couple!

2015

What's Halloween without a few bats

Logan, Jon, Lexy

I love fall photos.