Saturday, October 21, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

Mark 16:9

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 10:1-19

*How have you seen Christ work in your life like a "hen gathering her chickens under her wings" for protection?

- A hen cares for her chicks and would sacrifice her life to protect them. When danger threatens, she gathers the chicks under her wings for protection. In a similar way, the Lord loves his people, the house of Israel. He gave His life for His people and has sought to gather the together so he could protect and nourish them. President Henry B. Eyring said: "More than once He has said that He would gather us to Him as a hen would gather her chickens under her wings. He says that we must choose to come to Him in meekness and with enough faith in Him to repent with full purpose of heart. (3 Nephi 10:6). One way to do that is to gather with the Saints in His Church. Go to your meetings, even when it seems hard. If you are determined, He will help you find the strength to do it" (CR, Apr. 2004, 16-17; or Ensign, May 2004, 18).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 130:18-19

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

Relief Society

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

How can I better honor Jesus Christ in His many titles and responsibilities?

General Conference

Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

"I began teaching this missionary who wanted to go home, about the sacred nature of his call. I encouraged him to 'forget himself and go to work.' But no matter what formula I offered, his mind did not change. It finally occurred to me that I might not have the whole picture. It was then that I felt a prompting to ask him the question: 'Elder, what is hard for you?' What he said pierced my heart. 'President, I can't read.' 

James and I worked at the Snowflake temple this morning for the Diewalds. They are gone and had asked the Crane's to work for them but since Chuck was released as a temple worker, Kathy asked us if we would work. We were glad to do it. I noticed there were several people from our shift who were there. I asked Sister Bradshaw if she works every Saturday with her husband and she said yes. I guess that is true for many. We are scheduled to work on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays. 

I met a Sister Nelson and she asked if we could work for them on November 4th and they would work for us on October 28th. We said we would. She lived in Gilbert so I asked if she the DeWitt's. She said yes, her husband was a fireman with Colin in Phoenix and Gilbert. She told me to ask Colin if he knew Willie Nelson.

President and Sister Scott presided at the temple today. They are my favorites. Their daughter is expecting triplets at the end of the month, just at the time of their releases.

We were very busy at the temple today. There were two people getting their own endowments, two sealings, including at least one beautiful bride. 

My first assignment was some alone time in the Celestial Room. As I sat there in that beautiful room pondering on some of the challenges of life, I realized how holy our lives really are. I felt very close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sister R. Wilhelm from our ward helped me with my assignment as the credenza greeter. The credenza is where patrons can pick up the temple ordinance cards they have completed or where they can pick up a name to do. I now understand the system.

I had an hour to study the initiatory ordinances today. I did a session and did a name for one of the sisters in our ward.

James took our 13 baptism cards and all of them were done today. Now we will go next week and get the initiatories done.

On the way home James dropped me off at Walmart while he got us some lunch at Arby's. I had to get ingredients to make another cake for Hailey. I ended up spending over $100. It is hard to believe how expensive groceries are these days.

We came home, watched at episode of Heartland, "Step by Step" and then I worked on my blog and did some steps. Around 6 p.m. we left for stake conference. We saw a three car accident on the way. We went on the 60. I think every emergency vehicle in Show Low responded. 

We made it to the stake center in Lakeside in plenty of time and sat right up front and center. This was one of the best Saturday night stake conferences I can remember attending, even though we had no visiting authorities.

Here are some of my notes:

President Bealer made a plea for more couple missionaries, quoting prophets and apostles. 

President Jensen was the first speaker. He announced that the theme of our conference is: "To become and help others become true followers of the Savior and to come to the temple."

Raising a sin-resistant generation. "Teaching in the Savior's Way" is like Parenting 101. Are we using doctrine, the word of God, in teaching our children? 3 Nephi 18: "... continue to minister and come unto me with full purpose of heart." Be an example! Our children and grandchildren need our time. Grandsons week and grandaughters week at grandparents house. 

Sister Tanner - Keep loving, trying, and trusting. Rock bottom can be a good foundation. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. "You are the only one that can make you happy." Attitude makes the difference in any circumstance. Prayer is the answer. Enjoy the now. Learn to be happy with what we have now. 

Bishop and Sister Berges (Sister Berges is President Shumway's sister) "We must protect our nestlings." Boyd K. Packer.

Satan has found a way into our homes. The 3 T's of fighting pornography. 1.) Technology. Cell phones are the number one place that pornography is viewed. General restrictions on cell phones. Bishop Berges showed how to set restrictions on a smart phone. They also have their children turn in their cell phones at 9 p.m. every night.

2.) Talking. Sister Berges says she is the queen of awkward conversation. We cannot be afraid to tackle hard topics with our children!

3.) Teaching. The greatest thing we can teach our children is how to recognize the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the greatest filter there is. 

Prayerfully studying the Book of Mormon will strengthen us against pornography. Satan does not fight fair. The Lord loves us and will protect us as we come unto Him. Parents are the instruments the Lord is using to protect His children.

President Shumway - We must be more vigilant in protecting against pornography. There is always hope. President Shumway spoke about "Prophetic Priorities." 

1.) Prophets and the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 18:19 - teach nothing save that spoken by the prophets.

DC 43:8-10 - Pattern our teaching after the Savior's way of teaching. 

DC 1:14 - Hear His voice or be cut off.

2 Nephi 31:3 - For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understandin; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

President Shumway told about the Book of Mormon experiement. Pages from the Book of Mormon were given to random people and they were to mark references to God. They then interviewed several people and the responses to the Book of Mormon were very positive.

Every 1.7 verses in the Book of Mormon has a reference to God.

2.) Going to the Rescue. We watched the Bible video of Jesus healing a lame man on the Sabbath. John 5:2-12. Luke 15:4-5. We must be more willing to rescue others!

3.) Temple and Family History Work - As we save our ancestors and do their temple ordinances they will help fight our battles for us. Our hearts change when we do service for our ancestors. 

4.)The Sabbath day - Who can we help today? The Sabbath Day is God's time. We don't do our pleasures on the Sabbath but what we do can be pleasureable. Which side of the line am I on? President Monson's testimony of the Savior. 

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

Benediction: Joshua Hall

Photos:

This from a man who says, "No dogs in the house!"

This was brought out in our conference this evening.

Fall

West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon

Fall really does come to Arizona!

Just a couple of oldies at the temple

Look how big the fish is and how little Alex is!

Saturday, October 7th, 2017

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Alma 19:13

For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.

3 Nephi 1:1-14

*What does it mean to you to "lift up your head and be of good cheer?"

-"To not despair in spite of your circumstances Literally lift up your head, look to Him and His Atonement. Be optimistic and exercise faith and remember what President Hinckley: 'Things will work out.'"

Scripture Mastery

DC 19:16-19

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"In a parable, Jesus described those who hear the word but become unfruitful when that word is choked by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. In His final teachings in mortality, He told His Apostles, 'If ye were of the world, the world would love His own: but because ye are not of the world, ... the world hateth you'(John 15:19). "

"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy to God" (James 4:4).

I read my talk to James this morning and basically what it was, was a quote from every conference talk. He told me it was good at first but then he got confused because I changed subjects so often and it was hard to follow. Back to the drawing board, but first I have to finish cleaning upstairs because Sheri, Ian, and the boys are coming and will be here around 1.

I cleaned upstairs until noon, even polishing the wood floor. I took a shower and started to re-write my talk. The Trezise's and Joshua got here around 1:30. I will have to finish my talk later. Ollie is adorable and much smaller than I thought he would be. Sheri is definitely his mom and main caregiver. 

After unloading and taking Ollie potty, Sheri and I get in my car and go to Walmart. I picked up my alternate thyroid prescription ( Levothyroxin) and some groceries: 3 Halo ice creams, potatoes, Dayquil for James, corn, grapes, strawberries, and hot dog buns.

She got spaghetti and meatballs to make for the boys. I told her I was going to make her and Ian chicken enchiladas, which I did. they both loved them. 

There is definitely an Ollie obsession going on in the Trezise clan. Sheri went to bed at 8, after scriptures and prayers because she plans on getting up with Ollie at 3 am. The boys and Ian watch Ollie until they go to bed, then they take him and put him in his kennel.

I re-wrote my talk, hopefully for the last time. I was in bed by 11. This time I spoke about my experiences with last April's conference and how they affected me. It was more from the heart.

What an amazing family!

Grandpa Jared and Scarlett

I love this time of year.

Twinkie 'stashed minions

2014

Fond memories

Temple memories

I can identify

The day Addy faced her fears and went on 

Tower of Terror

2015

2015 the Trezise boys and their mom

helped Grandmother with yard work.

Sunday, September 10th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1990 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 1:18-34

When situations in your life get hard, what do you do to keep your faith alive?

I think of one of my favorite scriptures: "Be still and know that I am God." I calm my thoughts through prayer. I quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. I reunite my light with the Savior's light. I study my scriptures and listen to conference talks.

DC 132:18-28

Does marriage in the temple assure one of exaltation? 

Only when the covenants are kept and the marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson
"When you reach up for the Lord's power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him - when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life - you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you."

I like this quote I found today while studying the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. It is by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

"It follows that the sins of the godfearing and the righteous are continually remitted because they repent and seek the Lord anew every day and every hour."

We attended the Stone Oak ward today with Jared, Kacey and Summer. It is a big ward and we end up sitting in the overflow.

Four people from the Wheeler family spoke in sacrament meeting.

This family has ten children, eight of them are adopted. Their two natural children, Braxton and Tristan were the youth speakers. 

Braxton spoke on the responsibilities of families. He said:

"Although taught the gospel, children will sin. Alma the Younger is an example. The parents have the responsibility to teach the children, and the children have the responsibility to be obedient."

Tristan told us that many in their family have special needs. Recently she was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She had to quit her job and was in a wheelchair for awhile. She is better now and says she would not have been able to make it without the support of her family.

Sister Wheeler told the history of their family. After having two children they were not able to biologically have any more. First they adopted Brother Wheeler's half brother and then became foster parents. Four children who were living in shelters were adopted. At the same time they were fostering 25 other children. At one point they had 11 kids under 9 in their home. Their FHE's included such topics as, how to not hurt your teacher, or how to use toilet paper correctly. "We love despite the behavior of our children. Patience isn't my gift, but it can be learned. Aiden came to us when he was four. He had been living in the woods by himself, no one knows how long. After a time of learning how to communicate, Sister Wheeler asked Aiden what would make him feel safe. He pointed to a picture of the Savior on the wall and said, 'that guy.' What do you know about Him? He helps kids that are hungry and cold. 

Awhile later after having several root canals Aiden told Sister Wheeler that Jesus told him that he didn't need him any more because he had a mom. 

Sister Wheeler quoted the scripture that got me through the most difficult time in my life: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." She also said we teach rather than discipline. It reminded me of my mentor, Sue Kempton, and her style of parenting. "Be like the Savior and love like the Savior."

After Sister Wheeler's talk we sang "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd." It was so appropriate after what she told us about Aiden.

Brother Wheeler was the final speaker. He is from Beaumont, Texas and his family was in the middle of Hurricane Harvey. He has been going down and taking supplies to those in need. This entire ward is making trips down to do cleanup in the Houston area. Brother Wheeler reminded us that some areas got 42" of rain in 24 hours. He talked about listening to the Spirit and then going forward and serving. He also talked about giving Priesthood blessings. He talked about the importance of Father's blessings and told of an experience giving one of his sons who was afraid of the dark a blessing. The son did not want the blessing and complained while it was being given. He had been having a difficult time sleeping and after the blessing slept all night. The next morning he came in and put his father's hands on his head and said: "I need another one of those blessings." 

What an amazing family! I was so grateful we were able to listen to them speak. They reminded me of the book we read, "Lily of the Manor" where the couple had 11 adopted children.

Jared went to teach his Primary class and took his Doubletree Inn cookies with him. Kacey, James and I attended the Gospel Doctrine class taught by Brother Richards. When he found out we were from Arizona he asked lots of questions, such as, how close are we to Snowflake. He seemed to know the Show Low area quite well.

The lesson was #35 "A Mission of Saving," regarding the rescue of the Willie and Martin Handcart Company. I have notes in my Sunday School journal. It is sad to hear about the experience of these handcart companies but what an inspiration to hear about those who were willing to sacrifice so much, some their lives, to rescue those in need. It also compares these rescues to how the Savior is there to rescue all of us. The last part of the lesson reminds us that we need to rescue those in need. How appropriate for this ward that is so involved in the rescuing of victims of Hurrican Harvey.  One of my favorite stories from this lesson is that of Nellie Purcell who lost her legs up to her knees because of frostbite. She later married and raised six children all the while walking on her knees. Incredible!

Kacey and James left after Sunday School and I was left by myself to attend Relief Society. A Sister Greer came up to me and began talking about how her husband is from St. Johns and that when she dies she is looking forward to being buried in St. Johns. I thought it was a funny thing to say, but I appreciated her friendliness.

The lesson was from the President Hinckley manual and was entitled, "Continue in the Process of Learning." I had already read this lesson but enjoyed many of the comments that were made by the sisters in this ward. Sister Black gave the lesson. Here are some notes I took: *History can and should show the Lord's hand in things. * Designate a quiet area in the home for study and learning.

* Sister Greer told about President Nelson waking up the baby when he would get home from his work at the hospital and read scriptures to her. He said he wanted the language of the scriptures to be taught at an early age.*"Get all the education you can."(President Hinckley). *When we say "I can't" we are denying the Savior the power to help us change. 

When we got home from church Jared baked us some of his famous cookies. Kacey had a Laurel class presidency meeting but before leaving she mixed up a meatloaf and put it in the oven and gave instructions to Jared as to how to finish preparing it. Jared made some mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. When Kacey returned from her meeting we all sat down to eat together.

Sorry Summer is missing from the picture

After dinner Jared had a stake priesthood meeting. Summer did the dishes. I bonded with her when I found out that her favorite color is purple! I showed her a picture of my dream car.

The only car that will ever replace Lexy!

  After the dishes were done we all sat down to watch the YSA Broadcast featuring Elder David A. Bednar. Kacey informed me that he is from Arkansas, just like her. 

He spoke about family history and asked that no one be the weak link in their family chain. Here are some other notes:

*With the help of the Lord, you can do it.

*Create patterns of righteousness in your family

*We are not totally victims of circumstance

*It begins with you

*"Eternal family inks are only welded together through priesthood authority and personal righteousness."

Sister Bednar said: "Be a faithful link in the chain of generations."

She also said: "Your choices are not just about you...The choices you make for good or bad will extend across the generations."

After Jared returned home we had scriptures and then I said the family prayer. What a great Sabbath Day!

I guess it was not so great for some in Florida and the Carribean as Hurricane Irma hit. 

Photos:

Jared's sealing cards. I took home 12 couples

for James and I to do.

I know I have posted this before but all of these boys

had a birthday this week and I just had to post this again.

Back home in Vernon Elder Hall reported on his

mission to Argentina. Sorry we missed it.

He was one of my favorites when he was in

young mens.'

Reunited and it feels so good.

Along with their Dad, they both served missions

in Argentina.

The next Elder Hall. Just a couple of more years.

The only missionary still out from the
Vernon ward.