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.

Sunday, March 4th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4-5 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

1Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

*How do you talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?

Old Testament

Numbers 10-11

10 Silver trumpets are used to call assemblies and to blow alarms - The cloud is taken from the tabernacle, and the children of Israel march forth in their prescribed order - The ark of the covenant goes before them in their journeyings.

11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel - Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna - Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone - He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him - The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites - The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp -Israel is provided with quail - The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die. 

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:12

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There may be many things about life that are beyond your control. But in the end, you have the power to choose both your destination and many of your experiences along the way. It is not so much your abilities but your choices that make the difference in life."

The following people bore their testimonies in our fast and testimony sacrament meeting this morning: Bishop Miller, Stefani H., Sister Miller, Sister Allen, Brother Allen, Sister Beard, Brother Scott, Brother Reynolds, Brother Secard, Jace A., Sister Goodman, Sister Crane, Brother Peeler, Jackson A., and children from Primary: Colter, Benson, Liana, unknown boy, Brooks, Chloe.

Attending my Primary class today: Colter, Liana, and Andyn. Missing: Amaron, Gracie who is sick, and Jace. My goal is to visit Jace this week and give him an assignment for next week.

Our lesson today was:"Jehovah makes Covenants with Abraham."

Colter said he read about Abraham and Isaac in his Old Testament Scripture Stories book so I let him tell the story although it is not included in our lesson today. 

Liana and Andyn both did their newsletters and got to choose a prize but they didn't want anything I have. Liana asked me to bring the old prizes I used to have in the bigger basket. I will and I will get some new ones when I go shopping at Walmart this week.

Colter really wants the Rubiks Cube but he does not want to do his paper. He wants me to give him the Rubis Cube and then he will do the paper. I told him it didn't work that way. 

Sister Skousen did singing time today. Sister Hall was not here. The first song we sang is a golden oldie, "Give Said the Little Stream."

We also sang, "I Am a Child of God," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and of course, "Once There Was a Snowman."  

During Sister Hunsaker's sharing time we sang, "Do As I'm Doing." Sister Analee chose the closing song, "Search, Ponder, and Pray."

We only had six children in sharing time. It is much less noisy but I miss the little children in junior Primary. Children in senior Primary: Zemira, Curtis, Christian who is Sister Skousen's grandson visiting from Lakeside, Colter, Andyn, and Liana.

Andyn and Liana help me carry my things to the car. Colter is still begging for the Rubiks Cube. I told him if he finished his paper at home he could call me and I would bring it to him. That did not happen.

It was so windy today. My hair was blowing straight up in the air. 

We broke our fast about 45 minutes early at my request. I had a cheese crisp, cereal and yogurt. James had a cheese crisp and Hormel chili with a hotdog. 

We took our naps and then I got up and got dressed because bishop is coming home teaching around 3. I listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "Three Sisters." I was working on my blog when the doorbell rang.

The bishop brought Andyn with him. We talked a little bit about our Primary lesson today so I asked her what three of the things were that we inherit from Abraham. She said, Priesthood, Promised Land, and Posterity. I love this girl!

The bishop read 2 Nephi 31:13 and we discussed what it means to be a hypocrite. We talked about the story Elder Holland told in his conference talk about the priest who wasn't living all that he believed. We decided we were all hypocrites in one way or another but what makes the difference is if we are repenting and trying to do better and how we feel in our hearts.

I got Andyn a bag and told her to take some candy home to her family, which she did. 

Our Book of Mormon reading today was: 2 Nephi 25:14-26. Along with this reading I also read to James Elder Bruce R. McConkie's talk: "What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace." 

Sheri made arrangements for her boys to come home with James when he goes down on March 14th.

We read by the fire from "Life Everlasting". James is tired and hurts and wants to go to bed but I am trying to do my weekly planning. I finally cave. He won't go to bed without me.

Cathi embracing her short, curly hair.

One of those old houses I would love

to explore.

I would like to explore this castle but

I'm not sure how to get there. Do

you see a road?

What's left of our beautiful tree.

Sunday, February 4th, 2018

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 11:11

For, behold, it is I that speak; behold, I am the light which shineth in darkness, and by my power I give these words unto thee.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-12

*How have the American continents been kept sacred?

- The sacredness is in the freedoms we have and the people striving to keep the commandments.

Old Testament

Exodus 26-27

26 The tabernacle is to be built with ten curtains and with boards - A veil is to separate the holy place from the most holy place - The ark of testimony (with the mercy seat) is to be put in the most holy place.

27 The tabernacle is to contain an altar for burnt offerings and a court surrounded by pillars - A light is to burn always in the tabernacle of the congregation.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 9:11-13

11 And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.

12 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

General Conference

"A Yearning for Home"

" Blessings will come not so much because of your abilities but because of your choices. And the God of the universe will work within and through you, magnifying your humble efforts for His purposes. His work has always advanced on this important principle: "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

We were a little late getting to church this morning. We arrived at the building at 8:50. We had lots of things to carry in for my lesson. I am grateful for James's help. 

Our fast and testimony meeting was conducted by Brother Crane. It was his first fast and testimony meeting to conduct. The following people bore their testimonies: Brother Crane, Brother M. Wilhelm, Sister Johnson, Sister Smith who is leaving this Wednesday for the MTC, Brother Applegate, Brother Peeler, Bishop Hall, Brother Skousen, Elders Macy and Smith our fulltime missionaries, Sister Applegate, Brother Curtis, Brother Grapp, Sister Gillespie, Sister Kennedy and Jace was the only youth. We had these children from Primary bear their testimonies: Colter, Zemira, Curtis, Liana, and Benson.

It was a good fast and testimony meeting. I thought something Sister Kennedy said in her testimony was interesting. She said that when Elder Renlund was called to the Quorum of the Twelve, President Nelson handed him a copy to The Family, a Proclamation to the World and said: "This is your instruction guide."

My Primary lesson went quite well except for the fact that Colter and Amaron are really not interested in the lesson which causes a distraction. Amaron did like the picture of the Savior that I had on the cross and asked some questions about it. Andyn was a little disappointed because I didn't have a newsletter today.

The Goodman's have been called to teach the 6-7 year old Primary class. Also, Tyler Hunsaker has been called to teach the 10-11 year olds.

During singing time we sang: "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and "I Am a Child of God," all four verses. For sharing time Brother Thompson talked to the kids about the creation and then Sister Skousen did an activity with them. Again, Amaron was not interested in anything except talking to me. He is very sweet and helped me carry my stuff to the car after the meetings were over. 

James stayed at the church while I went home and broke my fast and had some lunch. I went back to the church around 1:00 for a meeting with the bishop about one of the sisters I visit teach. The bishop asked me to invite this sister to lunch but I struggled with that because she is not even speaking to me. We went from being best friends to nothing and I don't know why. 

James came home with me after my meeting with the bishop. I was concerned about what he had asked me to do until I read President Uchtdorf's talk, "Three Sisters," and this quote: "What did the Savior teach? 'I say unto you Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.' This is the Savior's way. It is the first step in breaking down the barriers that create so much anger, hatred, division, and violence in the world."

My whole attitude changed when I read this quote and I knew I could reach out to this sister and eventually invite her to lunch. I felt peace instead of turmoil.

James broke his fast and took a nap and so did I. When we got up we spent the rest of the day studying the gospel and I wrote in my journal (blog). No Super Bowl for us.

Today is my brother Harold's 68th birthday. I wished him a happy birthday and told him that I loved him.

I got a message from C. Arnett today. This is what she said: "I went to Primary today to listen to my granddaughters talk. I walked into Primary and sat down. A flood of memories and the sweet spirit I felt serving with you and Betty overcame me. I could not stop crying. Thank you Thank you for the best spiritual experience of my life! Heavenly Father is real and He loves all of His children."

What a sweet message and reminder of how much I love C. Arnett!

Oh yes, and Brother Goodman in our ward is her first cousin.

 This photo came up on my Facebook

feed. It was taken last year right after 

Kacey and Jared got married.

 James gave me this gem.

I love it!

Taken at Uncle Kay's funeral by

Dane Lambson. I am sorry I don't know everyone

and he didn't label the photos.

The redhead is Uncle Kay's daughter Lori.

With her is Laurie, Uncle Gene's daughter.

James thinks the man is Marshall, Uncle

Delbert's son, but he is not sure. 

Aunt Flora, Uncle Gene's wife, and

Uncle Delbert, the only one left of

13 children. He is grandpa George's older

brother and he lives in St. Johns. 

Uncle Delbert and his son Curtis. 

 On the left is Daniel Lambson, Uncle

Kay's son.

 Last year playing Five Crowns with Harold, Vickie,

Dennis, and Denise.

Harold. Love those blue eyes!

Sunday, January 28th, 2018

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 1:22

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:5-20

*When has Christ been a "ship" in my life, and kept me safe from life's storms?

*Why did the Liahona stop working for Lehi's family? How can we avoid this happening in our lives?

Old Testament

Exodus 13

The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord - The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan - Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt - The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

General Conference

Essential Truths - Our Need to Act

Adilson de Paula

"A Savior and Redeemer was needed to free us from death and sin. Under Heavenly Father's direction, Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered, died on the cross and was resurrected so that we too can be resurrected and, with sincere repentance and the making and keeping of sacred covenants be once again in the presence of God."

I lost my typed Primary lesson on the computer. Sometimes I just don't like technology. I decided to use the power point on my Ipad instead. 

I have made cookies 3x this week and the ones I made today are the very best. I put walnuts in some of them for James. James kept saying that I put Mrs. Fields to shame.

Today in sacrament meeting was Shaelyn's farewell before leaving for her mission. She reports on February 7th at the MTC in Provo.

Alice Wilhelm was the youth speaker, and Brother Greer from the high council was the final speaker. Brother Greer is a former mission president and he still keeps in contact with many of his former missionaries. Here are some notes from his talk.

"President Shumway has been given a special gift of love and his emphasis on the temple is divinely inspired. His other concern is self-reliance. There will be a self-reliance seminar on February 22nd. You might ask yourself, How can I feel the Saviors love in my life everyday? I say, read the Book of Mormon. We can do what the Lord has asked us to do and be immunized against the evils of our day.

President and Trisha Reidhead attended our sacrament meeting today. I was embarrassed because our ward was so noisy before sacrament meeting started. 

All six of my Primary kids were in class today. The boys, Colter, Jace, and Amaron were quite disruptive. The boys also have a problem looking up and reading scriptures. I need to do something different. Andyn and Liana got coloring books for bringing back their completed Valiant Newsletters from last week. 

During the third hour I attended part of the teachers council meeting. Sister Tice was concerned about her class. She thinks because they are 18 they should act like adults. Apparently that isn't always true. I had to leave early to go to the Beehive class. Sister Hunsaker asked me to share my story about how I have come to know Christ through the years. When I first got in the class Chuck Crane was setting apart Bailey Umphress as an officer in the Beehive class presidency. I am not sure what her calling is but Churck did a nice job. Those attending the Beehive class today: Maddie, Bailey, and Talena. Sister Hunsaker, Sister Deatherage, and Sister Ulmer were also there. 

I started out by telling the girls about my experience with finding a Book of Mormon at my grandma's house when I was 10 and thinking that someday I was going to read that book.

I felt good about sharing my testimony with these girls and sisters. I have spent years getting up early for gospel study and prayers and I believe this has helped me to come to know the Savior better.

We had stew for lunch and then it was nap time. 

When I got up from my Sunday afternoon nap it was gospel study time. While I was studying I got a text from Kaeli, the Relief Society president, that Sister Howard was having serious complications after her surgery. Since I am her visiting teacher and her friend, Kaeli wanted me to know. Kaeli was receiving texts from Sister Howard's daughter Deana. This is what she said: 

"They had to put a central line in because all the lines blew. Her potassium is way too low. She is as big as Shreck, she is normally very thin, and she is as stiff as a board and has infection all the way around her arm and her blood pressure is 243/220.

When I heard this report I started to cry. It sounded to me like she wasn't going to live. I immediately texted Trina and she helped me to feel better. She said: "I don't really know her whole story. It's hard to say no or yes about surviving. I would say yes. All those things can be treated." After saying a prayer and hearing this from Trina I felt so much better.

I studied my patriarchal blessing this evening, read from "Life Everlasting" with James and had scriptures and prayer with James before going to bed.

 I am loving the music from this movie!

Brent and Rebecca

Jesus and the children

The new First Presidency

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 15:19-36

*What does it mean when it says "whoso will hearken unto the word of God, and will hold fast unto it, they will never perish"?

* How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Genesis 50

Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes.

Thus on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him."

I got up at 4:30 this morning and got ready for church. We left for home around 5:15. The roads were fine until Timber Camp where there was ice and snow. We hit ice and snow again as we were coming into Show Low. There is more snow at our house than there is in the actual town of Vernon. We probably got 2-3 inches.

Photos taken from the car.

Rowan asked me to send him pictures of snow.

When we got to Vernon we were going to go straight to the church but we had enough time to go home and make some toast and then head back to the church.

Tyler H. spoke about his mission. It is so good to have him back and he is a changed man! He definitely went away a boy and came back a man with a powerful testimony and confidence in expressing himself. Bishop Miller also spoke.

All six of my children, Andyn, Amaron, Colter, Gracie, Jace, and Liana were in class today. Our lesson was on The Creation. Jace gave some good answers. During sharing/singing time I sat by Amaron. The Primary presidency had given himm a CTR ring and he was so proud of it. He asked Lannie where The Tree of Life was during her sharing time presentation. He told me he was sorry I had arthritis as he looked at the bumps on my hands. 

After sharing time Liana came back to the classroom and helped me clean up and carry my stuff back to the car. 

Back at home we had leftover enchiladas and rice for lunch then we took a nap and started getting ready for the fireside at our house tonight. I cleaned the kitchen floor and countertops. James shines the stainless steel and cleans the snow off the front steps and lights a fire. 

Two recently returned missionaries, Tyler and Weston H., were the featured speakers. They were amazing! Here are some of the notes I took:

Weston - DC 82:10 and 1Nephi 3:7 and his two favorite scriptures. There is always a way to keep the commandments. The Lord will always bless you when you keep the commandments. He bore his testimony in spanish.

Tyler - The Spirit has its' own language. The gospel is not very convenient. It wasn't convenient for the Savior. DC....the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. The Father's plan is in place. Whatever can be done for us has already been done. The burdens that we carry, really carry us. In our spiritual backpack sins are loaded on us every day, every week. We can unload our sins each week as we partake of the sacrament. You cannot convert someone passed your own conversion. Don't tell people you are a latter-day saint, show them. Ways to prepare for a mission. 1) Create a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father. 2) Have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Joy is the motivating factor in our quest for eternal life.

These are the people who attended the fireside: Weston, Tyler, Bishop, Anne, and baby Sophia, Gary T. and Maxine's cookies, Jimmy, Tamara, Jace, Ty A., Sean, Stefani, Holly, Kilee, LeeAnn, Hailey, Kip, Colter H., Ashley R., Amy, Kelly R., 3 new kids in the ward, John, Sandra, Talon, Alice, Andy W. Ashten and Madison came with Weston, and James and I. It was a great evening and the cookies were delicious.

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