Showing posts with label President Nelson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President Nelson. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018

Lubbock, Texas
109th operating temple
Dedicated: 21 April 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?
Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 9
Book of Mormon references on prayer include 1 Ne. 18:3; Alma 34:17-28; Ether 2:14.
Jesus Christ betrayal of
Luke 22:6
And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 13:5-35
How might this story of Abinadi give you courage when you face difficult tasks?
- It takes courage to respond to every situation the way the Savior would. Most of us will not have to die in order to bear testimony of Christ but we will be asked to show our loyalty and courage by living the gospel in an ever increasing world. How does the story of Abinadi give me courage when faced with difficulties? I like this quote by President Russell M. Nelson: "When we know who we are and what God expects of us - when his law is written in our hearts..we are spiritually protected." More than anything I desire to do what God expects of me. 
Old Testament
Judges 21
The people lament the desolation of Benjamin - The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead are destroyed for not engaging in the war with Benjamin - Wives are provided for the remnant of Benjamin.
General Conference
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives
President Russell M. Nelson
"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."



We begin our "Chunky Monkey" challenge today. I have already lost 10 lbs. so I am ready for this.

James helped me cut these out at the last minute today for my lesson. Each figure represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel
The lesson was about Joseph's brothers selling him into Egypt.

Lots of cutting and folding.
We made a set for each child in my class
and a couple of extras.

James left for church before I did. I have a meeting afterwards so we took separate cars. I got there just before 9. James had already set the chairs up in my room and carried my stuff in for me.

Pam and Rick are here. Pam grabbed me to remind me of our lunch date on Tuesday. I am so happy they are here. Pam brought a friend. Her name is Jennifer.

Ty A. was the youth speaker. He spoke on family history work and using FamilySearch. "Power comes from doing family history. There will be more closeness in your family. We can be strengthened when we do family history work."

Brother Grapp spoke next. His topic was strengthening our testimony of living prophets. He quoted Article of Faith #9. He also said that Christ spoke and gave specific instructions to individuals as well as His apostles. DC 1:38-39. The Prophet speaks to the world and to us as individuals. The Holy Spirit tailors his message to each one of us. The prophets are speaking to us. Are we listening? The Family Proclamation is a good example. Prophets show us the joy that comes from living the gospel. "Decisions Determine Destiny." This was something President Monson said. 
Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles.

Brother Patrick was the closing speaker. His time was cut short. He spoke about the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

Brother Grapp and Brother Patrick both started their talks with Aloha! Brother Grapp served a mission in Hawaii and Brother Patrick was stationed there in the military. He was baptized in Hawaii on December 25th, 1968.

The Vernon ward choir sang the closing number: "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"

Today is my last week to teach Primary.  These are the children that attended: Liana, Andyn, Amaron, and Colter. I don't know where Jace and Gracie were.
James came in for the attention activity and explained to the class how a pearl is made inside of an oyster. It starts with an irritant, sand, and grows into something beautiful. The analogy is that even though bad things happen to us we can turn them around for good if we have the right attitude. This is what Joseph did after he was sold into Egypt.

Once we got through the lesson we celebrated Andyn's birthday, which is today, by letting her open her birthday gifts from me. I got her some little toys from Dollar General, a jewelry box with a butterfly on top, and a beautiful heart-shaped crystal necklace. 
I also gave her a card and told her how much I loved her and how proud I was of her for her knowledge of the scriptures.
Andyn: Such a sweetheart

I walked Amaron down to sharing time and gave him a hug. He loves to sit by me and he will probably miss me the most. 

Now, on to Relief Society. I have decided I like the new arrangement of sitting in a circle because you can see everyone. Pam was sitting by Millie. I guess her friend went home. Sister Curtis gave the lesson. It was about keeping the Sabbath day holy through worship and service. She did an excellent job and had good participation. 

After the block Tamara, Laurann, Kerri and I sat around the table in the front of the Relief Society room and had our first presidency meeting. I gave the spiritual thought by quoting from Moroni 10:32. Laurann's boys played on the floor and we ate lunch and snacks while we discussed the business of Relief Society.

We  need a new teacher so Tamara is going to talk to the bishop and request Sister Skousen. We chose conference talks for the lessons this coming month. I will not have to teach until July. 

After our meeting I went home and took a short nap. Brother Westbrook is gone visiting his new granddaughter in Safford so James needs someone to go with him to visit the Woods.'

I was a little negative about going but quickly repented. The Wood's are about our age and they moved to Vernon for peace and quiet, like we did. They love to travel and went to Alaska last year. They will be going to BYU's graduation next week and taking one of their homemade quilts to a loved one, I think it's Sister Woods' daughter. She has 3 children by a previous marriage. Her first husband died. Brother Wood had two sons by a previous marriage.

We both enjoyed the visit and found we have a lot in common with them and things to admire that aren't common with us.

This evening we studied the gospel and read. I listened to President Nelson's conference address from October 1995, "Perfection Pending." 'Our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus.'





Sister Heyman has a duck that nested in one
of her flower pots. Today some of the eggs
hatched. The ones that didn't hatch, sadly the
mamma duck left behind.

So cute! They should name one Petunia since
they were born in a petunia bed.

There she is, Petunia!

Everybody wants to see.

The following post was written by
Rebecca's daughter Christina:



I thought this was so beautiful that
I wanted to share it.

Lola looks a little stressed. Last year at the
resort she was afraid of the water. I wonder
how she will be this year.






Saturday, April 21, 2018

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Perth, Australia
106th operating temple
Dedicated: 20 May 2001
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?
Bible Dictionary "Prayer" paragraph 6
Prayers were said at the Sanctuary (1 Sam. 1:9-12; 1 Kgs. 8; Ps. 42:2, 4) or looking toward the Sanctuary (1 Kgs. 8:44, 48; Ps. 5:7; Dan 6:10); on the housetop or in an upper chamber (Dan. 6:10; Acts 10:9). The Pharisees prayed publicly in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets (Matt. 6:5). The Lord prayed upon the tops of mountains (Matt. 14:23; Luke 9:28) or in solitary places (Mark 1:35).
Jesus Christ betrayal of
Matthew 26:2
Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 11:16-29
*Why do you think false prophets and false teachers flourish among wicked people?
Talk: Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers
By: M. Russell Ballard
- False prophets and teachers flourish among the wicked because they appeal to the natural man. The church of the devil is easy..no rules. Are you materialistic? No problem, having wealth is encouraged, especially if you have to walk on a few people to get it. Maybe your challenge is with sexual immorality. Hey, the church of the devil with all his false teachings encourages free love, and experimentation, and broken covenants. You were made that way right? Let's not forget pride, the me, me attitude is accepted. False teachings are taught by false teachers who want followers. They want to be popular and well liked. They don't teach whole truths, but bits and pieces of truth mingled with natural man desires, and for some that is enough to want to convert to the church of the devil. Satan is the master of deception, the father of lies. False teachings draw us away from truth. Truth taught by those anointed can warn us of false teachers and prophets.
Old Testament
Judges 15-17
15 Samson burns the grain of the Philistines - They burn his wife and father-in-law - Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.
16 Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaze - He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines - He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.
17 Micah has a house of gods (images) and consecrates his own priests.
General Conference
He That Shall Endure to the End, the Same Shall Be Saved
Elder Claudio D. Zivic
" Let us be faithful to what we have believed and know."



We have a friend in the ward named Anthony. James is/was his home teacher. He lives way out in the wide open spaces where there is no water or electricity. The other day he saw a wolf stalking a small herd of antelope. He called James. James told him, "don't worry the antelope will get in a circle facing out and the wolf will leave." Sure enough that is what happened. Anthony had to call James back and tell him how smart he was. 

I listened to President Nelson's talk "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," from the April 1994 general conference.

For lunch today I cooked some cabbage and boiled some sausage tortellini. It went together well and was very tasty, James even said so. 

This afternoon Laurann and I went visiting. Our first stop was to see Catherine Halcomb. Laurann had all three of her kids. Amaron is out of school because he had pinkeye earlier in the week. Laurann grabs the twins carseats and loops one through each arm. I don't know how she can carry both of them.

We had a nice visit with Catherine and Amaron gave her one of the blueberry muffins I made. When we were getting ready to leave she said she was having a biopsy on her arm this coming Monday. I will have to check back and see how she is doing.

Our next stop was at the Grapp's. The entire family was home. Of course everyone wanted a muffin. I didn't stay too long but took Amaron home with me.

I supposed to be helping Amaron with his reading but I wasn't really prepared today. I had him do a couple of worksheets and then I read to him one of my favorite books, "Miss Suzy." We played with the dominoes and dice and of course he had to have a treat. He ate two cups of my mandarin oranges and took some Teddy Grahams home to his brothers. 

I got Amaron home just when the missionaries came to their house for dinner. I left and when I got out on the highway I realized that I had a flat tire. I stopped by the new tower on highway 60 and tried to call James. Of course I could not get through so I just kept sending texts. Finally he called me back. When he got here he took the tire off and we took it home where he tried to patch it. The first two attempts failed but on the third try he used Rubber Cement and it worked. Back to put it on Lexy. I drove her home and it was a very shaky ride but the air held in the tire. I was so happy to finally be home!

I only got 11,000 steps today. Instead of walking I watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart" with James.





Happy Anniversary to Sheri and Ian:







22 blissful years, 4 boys and 1 dog.

Jackson announced on fast Sunday
that he's going on a mission.





I know this is long and a little messed up
but I loved the part about how he was going
to announce six temples and the Lord told
him to announce the one in India.



Scarlett, Kacey posted this.

Hilarious!




Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Sunday, April 1st, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan
88th operating temple
Dedicated: 11 June 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of
DC 76:42
That through Him all might be saved whom the Father had put into His power and made by Him;
Book of Mormon
Omni 1:12-30
*What's your favorite part of Omni 1:26?
Old Testament
Deuteronomy 32-33
32 Israel will sing the song of Moses and acclaim: God speaks to heaven and earth; the children of Israel were known in the premortal life; God chose them in this life; they forgot the Rock of their salvation; He sent terror, a sword, and vengeance upon them; there is no God beside Him - Moses will be gathered to his people.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
30 When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice;
31 (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which He sware unto them.
General Conference
Precious Gifts from God
President M. Russell Ballard
" Life can be filled with faith, joy, happiness, hope, and love when we exercise the smallest amount of real faith in Christ."



Happy Easter







The Easter bunny came for Darrel and Trina's kids this morning. They all got swim suits, towels, and either sandals or flipflops, and lots of candy. 
Yesterday I learned that Addy does not like flamingos. Luckily the flamingo bathing suit belongs to Lola and the flamingo towel belongs to Ruby. Addy got a towel with pineapples on it. She loves pineapples. I couldn't resist showing her this picture:

On Instagram their heads were moving.
They do have weird heads and beaks.

Before conference started Darrel fixed us a big breakfast: French toast, fresh strawberries, biscuits, and eggs. It was a great way to start the day!







A birds eye view.

Conference began at 9:00 a.m. Here are a few photos I took and a brief summary of the speakers:

188th Annual General Conference

Sunday Morning Session
20. "Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide"
Larry Y. Wilson
21. "With One Accord"
Reyna I. Aburto
22. "Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True
Disciple of Jesus Christ"
Massimo De Feo
23. "He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same 
Shall Be Saved"
Claudio D. Zivic
24. "His Spirit to Be with You"
Henry B. Eyring
25. "Small and Simple Things"
Dallin H. Oaks
26. "Revelation for the Church,
Revelation for Our Lives"
Russell M. Nelson










During the first session the kids played with Legos. Darrel made them put them away before the second session. Also, as part of their Easter gifts they got a web swing which Darrel hung between sessions. I loved what Rowan made with the Legos. It helped me to know that he was thinking about the Savior. 

Such a sweet boy!







Addy is trying to re-construct Hogwarts.



James dressed in his Sunday clothes,
taking notes.

It looks like he lost his concentration.

Checking the new swing out.

Peppa pig and her family. Dad needs a shave.

Lola with her new swimsuit and goggles.

One of Addy's April Fool's pranks.
Smiley faces with mustaches on all the faces in
all the family photos.



Sunday Afternoon Session
27. "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today"
Gerrit W. Gong
28. "Prophets Speak by the
Power of the Holy Spirit"
Ulisses Soares
29. "Ministering"
Russell M. Nelson
30. "Be With and Strengthen Them"
Jeffrey R. Holland
31. "Ministering as the Savior Does"
Jean B. Bingham
32. "Behold the Man!"
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
33. "It Is All about People"
Gerald Causse
34. "Prepare to Meet God"
35. "Let Us All Press On"
Russell M. Nelson

In President Nelson's last talk he announced 7 new temples to be built around the world: 1.) Salta, Argentina; 2.) Bengalurio, India;
3.) Mangua, Nicaragua; 4.) Cagayan de Ore, Philippines; 5.) Layton, Utah; 6.) Richmond, Virginia; 7.) and a major city in Russia.

Quotes from the afternoon session







After the last session of conference we left for home.
But not before saying goodbye to these cuties.





Memories of President Nelson

Tears of joy









Waving goodbye with his sweet wife Wendy
at the end of conference.