Sunday, April 28th, 2019

Barranquilla, Colombia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Acts 3:13

The God Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review Matthew 18 and Luke 10

General Conference

Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing

David A. Bednar

"Blessings will come as we strive to fulfill our individual responsibility to learn and love the restored gospel of Jesus Christ."

I missed seeing Shelly this morning at church. She didn't want to cause a disruption in the chapel so she sat in the foyer and I missed her. Afterward sacrament meeting she went to the singles ward.

We sat by Kim and Brian during sacrament on the back row. Several youth spoke on conference talks and it was difficult to hear them. Elder Irish was the last speaker and we could hear him fine. He bore his testimony and shared some messages from the prophet, President Nelson. Kim and Brian went home after sacrament meeting. 

Cammy was nervous about teaching in Relief Society. She is teaching from Elder Holland's conference address, "Behold the Lamb of God."  The sisters came through for Cammy and we had a good discussion about reverence in the chapel and during the sacrament. I noticed that Holly G. wasn't there and I texted her after church to make sure she was okay. 

We had a family history meeting after the block. I forgot about it and was visiting in the RS room with Tamara, Kailee, and Kerri. I was a little embarrassed coming in late. Everyone was there except our teenager Ty. I texted him afterwards and told him we wanted him to visit Charlie G. and that James would go with him. Tamara his mom said he would do it but it would be after May 4th because he is preparing for the state track tournament.

James and I fixed biscuits and gravy for Kim and Brian before they left. James did all the work. I got the biscuits out of the freezer and warmed them up in the oven. The venison gravy was delicious!

Kim, Brian and I played a game of Five Crowns before they left. Brian whipped us each by over a 100 points. Maybe he was getting even with us for eating Rocky Road ice cream in front of him. (He's lactose intolerant).

After Kim and Brian left James went to the Howard's to help Tom with family history. While I was home alone I listened to a podcast interview with Sheri Dew about her association with prophets. She has written three books about prophets, Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and now Russell M. Nelson. She told the story of the circumstances surrounding the meeting of Wendy Watson and President Nelson. She was a part of them getting together. I want this book that she has written for mother's day. I have told James and posted an advertisement for it on my white board. No jewlery honey, just a book.

I caught up on my blog this evening and watched a Mormon Message video, "The Passover Lamb." Tamara told us about this video in Relief Society today. This is something I will watch every Easter.

Happy Sabbath from these two sweet girls!

 Anxiously awaiting!

Dear sweet Ruby

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 55:2

And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

*What are things I prioritize that won't satisfy? How does 9:51 affect where I spend my time, money, and work?

- We all spend money on things that don't have lasting value. We work hard and long so that we can enjoy the best life has to offer. I have always felt that if I'm paying my tithes and offerings and trying to live the gospel, that of course we can do things..go places and have possessions that don't have an eternal value, but add beauty and wholesome enjoyment to my life and for my family. If we can't afford to pay our tithing or engage in activities that take us away from Sabbath day worship, or course we need to rethink our priorities. Money pays the bills sends missionaries, builds temple, buys meals for the sick and the poor, clothes the naked, pays for doctors and pays for vacations. Our life can enjoy all that God has created, and we can delight in the fatness of the gospel blessings. It's about priorities, balance, and obedience first, then letting your heart rejoice. (Sue_heugly)

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-26 Lasting happiness comes from living the way Jesus Christ taught.

"The Power of Self-Mastery" James E. Faust, April 2000

Ensign

"The Most Influential People" and "Time to Serve"

General Conference

"The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

President M. Russell Ballard

"The revelation he received on October 3 comforted his heart and provided answers to many of his questions. We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we and our loved ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day."

Sister Barton called me this morning around 7:30. She cancelled her appointment with the attorney in Snowflake because of the weather. She said that she spoke with someone in the office who said there was 10 inches of snow in Snowflake. I was shocked. I have never heard of Snowflake getting that much snow, especially when there isn't nearly that much in Show Low or here. I wish she would have called me before she cancelled because I am sure the roads would be clear. Later this evening I spoke with Maxine who goes to the temple every Tuesday. She said there was barely a skiff of snow in Snowflake. Just as I suspected.

As I was studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson this morning I discovered that in addition to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, there is the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6. It says the Savior came down from the mount to give this sermon. No one knows if this was a plateau or an actual plain. It also could have been a continuation of the sermon he was giving on the mount. We do know this: "Jesus Christ came to correct unjust conditions of a fallen world."

We had leftover spaghetti that I made for Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan when they were here and froze, for lunch. It was quite tasty and went great with the salad I made.

We had sunshine and snow again today. James worked on his online traffic class and finished by the end of the day. 

I had a meeting this evening with the rest of the Relief Society presidency, the Elder's quorum presidency, and the bishopric.

As I was driving to the church this evening I noticed how beautiful the full moon was shining on the snow. 

The focus of this meeting under the direction of the bishop was missionary, family history, and temple work. The bishop pointed out that this is how we gather Israel, and seal families in preparation for the Second Coming. The Elder's Quorum and the Relief Society are now directly responsible for missionary, and family history work. Kerri and Sean H. are assigned missionary work and Brother Curtis and I family history and temple work. 

I was impressed with the bishops desire and sincerity in doing the Lord's work. He has a powerful personal testimony of both aspects of this work. He said: "We can't stand idle any longer. We have to know our people and serve them better." 

The importance of effective ministering was brought up several times during the meeting. Bishop gave the example of visiting the Gordon's and asking them how their "Come Follow Me" study was going. They looked confused and said they hadn't started. (This is a mom and son who were recently baptized). The bishopric sat down with them and had a discussion using one of the lessons in the manual and they could see a lightbulb go on in the Gordon's. 

Bishop says we need to be asking these questions to the families we minister to and during our ministering interviews in addition to working with them on family history.

After the meeting Kerri, Tamara, Maxine and I had a quick discussion about Marie Robertson and whether Kerri and I should go to visit her tomorrow in Flagstaff. I texted Marilyn, Marie's ministering sister and she said Marilyn may be coming home tomorrow. I told Kerri I would call Marie's husband in the morning and find out what was going on before we leave.

I got permission from Ben to post a letter he sent to Sheri about how he gained his testimony.

 I look forward to Scarlett and Charlie photos

everyday!

 Going out to shovel snow out of 

the driveway.

Everyone in our stake was sent this letter.

 I may have had all of some of

these movies on today.

 James found these books in my library and

wants to sell them. The 3rd one has a good

sales rank. He is using that scanner to scan

all of our books.

Sunday, August 5th, 2018

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 5:15

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

*Why should we be wary of the "flatteries" of men?

- The Book of Mormon has taught and cautioned us many times about people who's only desire is to serve themselves, gain power and position over others, and whose motives, trends, and philosophies serve their own agendas. Christ used his words to build and uplift others, Satan and his followers use words and thoughts to destroy.

Old Testament

Job 20-22

20  Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked - He says: The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.

21 Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life - Then he testifies that their judgment shall be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction. 

22 Eliphaz accuses Job of divers sins and exhorts him to repent.

General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To keep our hope resilient as we face life's trials, the Savior's grace is ever ready and ever present. His grace is a 'divine means of help or strength, ... an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.' His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise 'succors his people,' even as they stumble along the strait and narrow path."

Left this morning around 5:30 a.m. for the valley. We arrived at the Galveston building in Chandler about ten minutes before sacrament meeting. We walked in and the first people we saw were Terry and Cathi. We sat by them. They have both lost weight. Cathi says they are on the beriatric diet with Laura. Laura is losing weight to qualify for a lung transplant. Dave and Laura are gone to Idaho this weekend. 

James, Evan, and Cathi bore their testimonies during fast and testimony meeting. 

James said Ben has been a light to our family and now he will be a light to the world. I loved that.

Cathi mentioned that she was grateful to be a part of the Lambson family.

Evan bore testimony about Joseph Smith and the Savior. He said Jesus will help us through our trials. (This is the first time I have heard Evan bear his testimony. It was definitely not your typical kid testimony).

Sunday School was taught by Brother Foster. It was the same lesson we had last week about Elijah passing the mantle of the prophet to Elisha. James and I sat by Cathi and Terry.   Brother Foster had prepared a power point presentation that was quite nice.

Relief Society here we come. Cathi refused to sit in the circle so we sat against the back wall with Dahlia D., Kate G. and her adorable baby Lorelei, Hillary J. and her mother-in-law Kathy, and Bunny M.

The topic for today was emotional and mental health. The sister leading the discussion had her smart phone hooked up to a TV monitor and she showed us how to find this topic on lds.org.

I want one of these!

We listened to individuals tell about dealing with depression and Elder Holland spoke from his conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel." The RS presidency in the ward did a survey and this was the number one topic the sisters wanted to discuss. Two sisters shared about their struggles with depression which cast a negative feeling. The discussion leader said she wanted us to remember the word hope and those people on the video talked about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ had helped them. Paula C. told how listening to music about the Savior helps her to feel peace. 

There really was no action plan. The discussion leader said we would all need to make our own. I though things would have ended more on a positive note if she would have shared some of the things on lds.org.  

"The world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save." -President Thomas S. Monson

We invite Church and community members alike to increase their compassion and support of those who are struggling and take an active role in caring for their own mental health. 

*Watch your words. Your language can change perceptions. Avoid potentially harmful or negative phrases, and choose words that are more descriptive of what you observe. Visit Time to Change or the American Psychiatric Association to learn more.

*Be a friend. Listen patiently and without judgment when others share their concerns. Help them locate professional resources if they need additional support. Visit HelpGuide.org or Active Minds to learn more. 

*Practice self-care. The limitations of mortality may require us to slow down and restore our strength at certain times (see Mosiah 4:27). It is not selfish to take time for yourself. Visit Mind.org or watch a TED Talk on the importance of self-care to learn more.

Cathi told me later she would not be attending Relief Society on a regular basis. She came away feeling sad and like she had been in a therapy session.  She said thank goodness for Ben's ordination to restore the Spirit!

We had to wait for Isaac D.'s ordination. He has been called to serve a mission in Argentina. 

When the Dowdle's came out, the Lambson's went in to the high council room. We all sat around the high council table while Brother Price told Ben that he was an answer to his parents and grandparents prayers. 

James did the ordination with the following family members in the circle: Paul, Brian, Terry, and Adam. Bishop Wanlass and Brother Price were also there. James gave Ben a wonderful blessing. It was a very happy occasion for all who were there. The following family members attended: James, myself, Sheri, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua.

Ben definitely has a glow about him.

After everyone gave Ben a hug Bishop Wanlass took him to his office for a temple recommend interview. Sheri asked if we could give him a ride home so she could go home and finish preparing dinner. We waited in the foyer and watched the young adults come in for the YSA ward.

I forgot to take a photo of James and Ben so this one Sheri took a while back will have to suffice.

Dinner at the Trezise's was delicious! We had roast, potatoes and carrots, rolls, broccoli, and ribs that Ian had made. For dessert there was brownies and vanilla ice cream. Our fast is broken.

After resting awhile and making friends with Ollie, we headed for home.

 We arrived around 6:30. It looked like it had rained at our place. I took this photo of a rainbow over Green's Peak. Our gas gauge says we could have gone another 12 miles. We did not want to stop and buy gas on Sunday! It was a great Sabbath!

Sunday, May 6th, 2018

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

2 Nephi 17:14

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign - Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15
*How has prayer helped ease your daily burdens?
- Prayer will strengthen us to carry our burdens. In vs. 15 "The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease." When we pray for help we will receive strength, we then find hope in Christ. By submitting cheerfully the Lord will deliver us from our burdens.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 16-17
16 The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king - He is anointed by Samuel - Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
17 Israel and the Philistines engage in war - Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat - David goes against him in the name of the Lord - David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone - Israel defeats the Philistines.
General Conference

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as the Lord's prophet and as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we were part of a divinely decreed solemn assembly - solemn because the events of this past hour have been anticipated in the heavens since before the world was. The Lord Jesus Christ, who directs His work, has today through President Eyring presented His prophet, His anointed leader, to us, His covenant people, allowing us publicly to manifest our willingness to sustain him and follow his counsel."

I got up at 4:30 this morning. Today is the day we weigh and report to Trina on how we did. I lost 2.2 lbs. James lost over 4. I am still happy though. Men always lose faster than women, especially in the beginning.

I prepared a few notes on ministering from the ministering.lds.org website to take with me to young women's when I talk to them today. I also really got in to the RS lesson on revelation. There are so many good things in President Nelson's conference talk. 

We had a really good fast and testimony meeting today. One of my favorite testimonies was Brother Allen's. He said that Sister Brewer came to him last week and asked him what his favorite hymn was. She said because he has been through so much these past few weeks she wanted to do something for him. He said it was "I Stand All Amazed." This was our sacrament hymn today. Brother Allen told why it is favorite hymn. He said when he was 7 or 8 years old he was acting up. His grandfather, who was the stake president, took him by the hand and sat him down next to him on the piano bench. His grandfather began playing and singing "I Stand All Amazed." Brother Allen says he still remembers this incident every time he hears this hymn. He thanks his grandfather for taking the time to teach him and give him an opportunity to feel the Spirit.

Linda Price, a summer, part time member of our ward told about her grandson's sealing in the Salt Lake temple. President Dallin H. Oaks was the sealer and she got to give him a hug.

James got up and after bearing his testimony he began talking about me and how our 50th wedding anniversary is coming up. It was very sweet of him.

Because of James's testimony Linda Price, before Relief Society started showed me some photos of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration two years ago. 

Our  friends the Prices'

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

7 Kids, 40 Grandkids, and 12 Great-Grandkids

Grandchildren, oldest to youngest

7 grandchildren missed the party because of

Missions, college and pregnancy.

Several of the people James and I have stewardship over are having problems today. Pam's husband Ricky is having hernia surgery in the morning. Sister Peeler is in the ER having tests done to see what is causing her pain. It turned out to be not too serious, but still a concern. Anthony, James's friend, has a severe toothache. James checked and he does have antibiotics. Some of the Grapp kids have pink eye and Jean Howard has flu symptons. Our ministering skills will be put to work this week.

I attended the gospel doctrine class for the first time since I was called to teach Primary 3 years ago. Brother Scott was the teacher. He is very knowledgeable but I was disappointed we didn't read any of the scriptures in the lesson except one verse.

I went in to speak to the young women about their upcoming ministering responsibilities. The only ones I knew were LeeAnn and Alice. Of course I know Hailey and Holly and Talena and Bailey but not like I know the older girls. I think it went quite well. Sister Allen only wanted me to take 5-10 minutes so I didn't say nearly as much as I had prepared.

Tamara gave the discussion on personal revelation in Relief Society and from what I heard it was very good. President Nelson's talk from conference on revelation was one of my favorites.

I forgot to mention our future missionary, Jackson Allen, was ordained an elder today after the block. I heard his mom talking about it and half the Allen family attended our ward today. He already has his mission papers in.

This is Jackson. He is quite the mountain man too.

Here he says that you need to appreciate where you are from.

He loves the White Mountains. He is passing up wrestling

scholarships to serve a mission. He is quite the young man.

When James and I got home from church we broke our fast and had lunch. After lunch we shared a quart of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. It was delicious!

I took an hour and a half nap and James was down for about 3-4 hours. He needs the rest because he is going to have a brutal week out in the sun beginning tomorrow. 

It was a wonderful Sabbath day. We were in bed by 9:30 because of James's early schedule tomorrow.

Evan treats me like a baby 'cuz I'm the 

younger brother.

Paul wrote this yesterday 

on Facebook.

Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

Over 200 years old on the Tweed River.

If I ever go back to Europe it will be to

visit Scotland.

Baby Leo, who had open heart surgery when

he was just a few days old was blessed today

by his dad.

The Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge Stats:

If James loses any more weight he is

going to blow away. Boy he makes

me look like a chunky monkey.

I guess I shouldn't blame him, should I.

 Woohoo!