Saturday, March 23rd, 2019

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 14:61

But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:35-48

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 13

"The Blessings of Sacrifice"

M. Russell Ballard

General Conference

"The Correct Name of the Church"

President Russell M. Nelson

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord's Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen. We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord."

We left for the temple this morning around 5:40. 

The Brimhall's did our training today and it was unique and interesting. President Brimhall explained what a investiture and an endowment is. He told a story of when he worked for the Benson Foundation and a farmer in Arizona wanted to donate 10 million dollars. This farmer laid out in detail how exactly he wanted this endowment to be set up and what the terms were. He likened this to the temple endowment and how our Heavenly Father covenants with us to do certain things contingent upon us obeying His commandments.
Oh and by the way, this farmer lived in a small three bedroom home and drove an old pickup truck. Brother Phelps, the name of the farmer, wanted the funds set up to help developing countries in the field of agriculture. I couldn't help but think of Brother Westbrook and his mission to Algeria. Perhaps he should have gone through the Benson Foundation. 

As we were entering Shumway Valley James pointed out to me three small bull elk grazing in a farmer's field. 

I had the opportunity to help in the baptistry and in initiatory several times today. Maybe someday I will have the initiatory endowment memorized.

I saw Anne Williams, President Williams's wife when I was in initiatory. I know how much she loves coming to the temple. I told her to say hello to President Williams for me. 

Other sisters I associated or worked with today: Sister DeWitt, Sisters Humphries, Fish, Turley, Wenhardt, and Reidhead. I love them all!

The Bowers' who are on a leave of absence from our shift came in today to do the sealings for relatives of Sister Bowers. She had a picture of the 11 daughters of this family. They were all beautiful!
I love the Bowers. Their daughter lives in Tyler, Texas and they are from the same town where Palmer's grandparents live. I think the town is Gilmore.

We had no cinnamon rolls left. James couldn't help but notice that the bunch of bananas laying next to the cinnamon rolls had not been touched.

This afternoon I worked on my blog, did some walking, and started preparing for the lesson I will be teaching tomorrow. The gospel certainly keeps us busy, and I love it! Oh yes, I had time for two Hallmark movies while I was walking and working on my blog. One of them was a brand new one!

A girl on the go with squeaky shoes

Love the girl and the saying, you go Kate!

Pam and Rick about 18 years ago

A great movie about rescue pet adoption and
a little romance!

She loves books and she loves her Dad!

I love hearts!

Sunday, October 14th, 2018

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

DC 21:9

For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:1-19

*What do these verses teach us about forgiveness?
- Forgiveness can be a healing balm for the person who has been offended. Usually those who have gone through the most in regards to trials are also those who have developed empathy and are good listeners and have developed Christlike love. 
When we forgive the person who did us wrong we will find liberty in letting go of the resentment which if not dealt with can turn into contention. Forgiveness is never easy but in the long run will bring peace and contentment.
Old Testament
Jeremiah 19-21
General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

"Divine discontent can move us to act in faith, follow the Savior's invitations to do good, and give our lives humbly to Him."

We attended the Whitehouse ward, Tyler, Texas stake, sacrament meeting this morning with Bishop Anderson presiding. The building is located in Bullard, Texas.

Jared gave Charlie a name and a blessing. The following were in the circle: James, Darrel, Albert, and Palmer. 

Jared blessed  Charlie Mae Lambson that she would have a desire for knowledge, a testimony and a love of the Savior, that she would be an example to her family and bring them closer together. He blessed her that she would be strong in the gospel and seek an education and that she would be married in the temple.  He blessed her that she would stay close to her mother and follow her counsel. He blessed her to know that the Savior watches over her and loves her. It was a beautiful blessing and I am so grateful we were able to be here.

There were three speakers in the meeting today. An Aaronic Priesthood youth Madden, Sister Sluder, and Brother Wiseman. 

Madden spoke about the Holy Ghost and although he spoke very fast, he was prepared and did a good job. He ended with this scripture: Moroni 10:7 - And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever.

Sister Sluder asked us to think of one person who had influenced our life for good. Sister Kempton came to my mind. Can one person really make a difference? I would say yes and could give many examples, Kacey being one. 
Are we an example of the believers? "That thy light may be a standard to the world. Member's examples are the greatest missionaries to the world. 
Do we have His image in our countenance? If we do, people won't need to ask who we believe in or what church we belong to. 

Brother Wiseman quoted from the Proclamation to the World
to stress the point of how we need each other. He shared the story of how he and his wife met and his conversion and baptism. He quoted the Savior from the book of John: "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

After sacrament meeting Kacey had all the family gather in the foyer and her friend took a picture.

 Kacey had more family, most of them coming

from Arkansas,  but Jared's family came further.

Charlie's blessing dress:

Charlie Mae Lambson

Darrel and Trina left after sacrament meeting. They had an assignment to put the ham in the oven. Jared and Kacey taught and fed with Jared's cookies, their Sunday School class of 17 year olds. 

I took Charlie with us to Sunday School where we learned about the teachings of Isaiah. She slept the entire time. 

We sat by an older brother named Bruce Bennett. When he found out we were from Arizona he said he had an old college roommate from Show Low. His name was Jeff Frost. Did we know him? 

Yes, we did. He used to work in my dad's store and his parents, Aut and Jayne were good friends with my grandparents. It's a small world!

After Sunday School Kacey came and got Charlie and she and Jared went home. I think James and I were the only family members who stayed for the entire block. Sister Wood, the Relief Society President, introduced herself to me and then she introduced me in Relief Society. The lesson was from a talk in 2016 by Elder Kevin Duncan on forgiveness.

The family gathered at Jared and Kacey's for lunch. There was ham, baked beans, Kacey's homemade potato salad, salad and rolls. Everything was delicious. For dessert we had brownies by Trina, cookies by Jared, and ice cream by Darrel. We enjoyed visiting with Autumn and her family, and Loren, Kacey's sister, and her husband Albert and their kids Michael, Macey, and McCoy. Michael brought his girlfriend but I can't remember her name.

Since Autumn and Palmer have over a three hour drive back to Arkansas they were the first to leave. Loren and Albert live in the same town as Autumn and Palmer, Benton, and they left before 5.

Jared and Kacey took us to a park for an afternoon walk. The park was beautiful. We did see lots of large daddy long leg like spiders and painted rocks with scriptures on them. I can't remember the name of the park but it is in Tyler. We drove past some gorgeous homes with big beautiful lawns and trees. This really is a beautiful area. The temperature today was 90 degrees and the humidity was 71%. James, Darrel, Trina and I aren't used to the humidity.

This evening we watched more of our home movies.  

Jared and Darrel both have rheumatoid arthritis. Jared was between medications when he moved here and tried to find a doctor. He said there were some days he was pretty miserable. I am so sorry that my boys are afflicted with this disease. 

We said our goodbyes before going to bed as we are getting up at 5am Texas time, which is 3 am Arizona time, to leave for home. National Turf put a stop payment on their check and we need to find out why. We are overdrawn in the Lambson Construction account. 

Charlie was definitely the center of attention today.

Visiting with family

Albert says he is coming to Arizona

to hunt elk. 

 When Charlie has a tummy ache

this is how Jared holds her.

 Path we followed at the park.

 Jared bought Kacey this rug for her

birthday and it is so soft!

 Trina being silly. Darrel even held the

baby but I didn't get a picture. 

 While everyone else was eating, Trina

was holding Charlie.

Thursday, November 30th, 2017

Rexburg, Idaho
125th operating temple
Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008
By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 17:4

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 9:22-37

Mormon knew that Moroni faced overwhelming challenges due to the wickedness of the Nephites. Nevertheless, Mormon also knew that Moroni could endure with the assistance of divine grace. The book 'True to the Faith' explains that grace provides strength to persevere in the daily struggles of life: "The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 18:15-16

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

16 And now, if you joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In the commotion and confusion of our modern world, trusting and believing in the words of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve is vital to our spiritual growth and endurance. We came having prayed and prepared. For many of us, there are pressing worries and earnest questions. We want to renew our faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to strengthen our ability to resist temptation and avoid distractions. We come to be taught from on high."

Not much happened today. I seem to be in a rut. I haven't even started decorating for Christmas. I am feeling under the weather. I have a cough and a mean sore throat. I stayed home and studied, worked on my blog and watched Christmas movies and walked. James worked outside and then this evening he went to a high priest group leadership meeting at the church. Here are the Christmas movies that I watched:

"Switched for Christmas," a new one starring Candace Cameron-Bure, "A Gift Wrapped Christmas," "Wish Upon a Christmas," which is number 100 for me this year!  "Christmas in the City," "3 Holiday Tails," and "Christmas Angel."

When James got home we watched an episode from season 4 of Heartland.

Vernon sunrise

Jared's date with Anna to the Hunter Hayes

Concert.

Lola when she went through her phase

of being in love with Evan.

My favorite Ruby photo. This girl would

not stop until every potato was peeled.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008 by

Thomas S. Monson

John 17:4

Atonement

3 Nephi 11:18-41

The Savior sets forth the mode and manner of baptism; The spirit of contention is of the devil; Christ's doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

Alma 18:1-11

King Lamoni is impressed by Ammon's faithfulness.

*What ideas did the king and his servants have about Ammon's identity?

*According to Alma 18:2,4, what did Lamoni think Ammon's purpose was in coming?

*According to Alma 18:10, what impressed Lamoni besides the power Ammon demonstrated in defending the flocks?

*As we serve others faithfully,...

DC 88:78-86

74-80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom; 81-85, Every man who has been warned should warn his neighbor; 

What great things are promised in verses 78 and 80?

*78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

*80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
Some thoughts on today's scriptures from the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual: As we teach one another diligently, the Lord will help us understand His truths more perfectly. By teaching one another, we can prepare to share the gospel with others.
Because we have been warned through the message of the gospel, the Lord expects us to warn our neighbors.

General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The perfect model of the close relationship that exists between the two priesthoods is found in the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist. Can one possibly imagine John the Baptist without Jesus? What would the Savior's mission have been like without the preparatory work performed by John?"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland took to Facebook to post one of the most beautiful messages of hope that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could wish for.

"What a terrific time to be alive!

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most certain, the most secure, the most reliable, and the most rewarding truth on earth and in heaven, in time and in eternity. Nothing - not anything, not anyone, not any influence - will keep this Church from fulfilling its mission and realizing its destiny declared from before the foundation of the world. Ours is that fail-safe, inexorable, indestructible dispensation of the fulness of the gospel. There is no need to be afraid or tentative about the future.

"Unlike every other era before us, this dispensation will not experience an institutional apostasy; it will not see a loss of priesthood keys; it will not suffer a cessation of revelation from the voice of Almighty God. Individuals will apostatize or turn a deaf ear to heaven, but never again will the dispensation collectively do so. What a secure thought! What a day in which to live!

"If there are some bumps along the way while waiting to see every promise kept and every prophecy fulfilled, so be it. If you haven't noticed, I am bullish about the latter days. In nothing could I have more faith than I have in God the Eternal Father, in Jesus Christ His Son, in Their redeeming gospel, and in their divinely-guided Church. Believe. Rise up. Be faithful. And make the most of the remarkable day in which we live!"

I am not sure who Elder Holland is with in this
picture, but I love the fact that they are laughing.

I recorded in my testimony journal Alma's testimony as recorded in Alma 5.  It is so powerful!

For the first time in a long time Jared has all of his kids this weekend.  It says it is a little hard as he and Kacey try to blend their two families.  His kids no longer go to the LDS church. Tricia takes them to a different church so they complain about having to go for 3 hours.  I know Jared and Kacey are doing the right thing by trying to set a good example for their kids and I know the Lord is aware of their situation and will bless them.

I did a little research today on Neil Gorsuch, Trump's pick for the Supreme Court.  Here are some things I found out.

Neil Gorsuch

1. Attended Catholic schools.

2. Has supported religious groups against U.S. government.

3. Opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, two positions that coincide with the views of a majority of Christian denominations.

4. Has not ruled in an abortion related case. He wrote this:

"All human beings are intrinsically valuable and the intentional taking of human life by private persons is always wrong.

The law doesn't just apply to protect popular religious beliefs: it does perhaps its' most important work in protecting unpopular religious beliefs, vindicating this nations long-held aspiration to serve as a refuge of religious tolerance."

5. Gorsuch reminds some, rightly or wrongly, of Scalia, who was a conservative and an originalist and who spoke often of his Catholic faith.

University of Denver law professor Justin Marcean told the Denver Post that Gorsuch would be Scalia's "intellectual equal and almost certainly his equal on conservative jurisprudential approaches to criminal justice and social justice issues that are bound to keep coming up in the country." (deseretnews.com.)

Here are a list of the U.S. Supreme Court Judges in 2017:

1. Chief John G. Roberts appointed by George W. Bush, Sept. 29, 2005. (62 years old)

2. Anthony M. Kennedy appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1987 with a 97-0 vote. (80 years old)

3. Clarence Thomas appointed by George Bush in 1991. Senate approval 52-48. (68 years old)

4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg appointed by Bill Clinton. Confirmed vote 96-3. Worked as ACLU's General Council. (84 years old)

5. Stephen G. Breyer appointed by Bill Clinton in 1994. 87-9 vote. (78 years old)

6. Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. Appointed by George W. Bush in 2005. 58-42 vote. (67 years old)

7. Sonia Sotomayor appointed by Barack Obama in 2009, 68-31 vote. (62 years old)

8. Elena Kagan appointed by Barack Obama in 2010. Confirmed by a 63-37 vote. (57 years old)

9. Neil Gorsuchl appointed by Donald Trump in 2017. In order to get Gorsuch confirmed, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed senate rules to end debate on Supreme Court nominees with a simple majority of 52 votes instead of the regular 60. (49 years old)

James worked at the Howard's all morning long.  The was a reminder of the Frank Bates Lambson and Annie Laurie Mangum reunion on June 30-July 1 in Ramah, New Mexico.  Sorry, we are having our own reunion here in Vernon!

I did some blogging today after my 5 hours of gospel study and then went to town with James.  He went to Home Depot to get some trees and some Zep floor polish.  I went to Walmart and spent $145 and did not buy one thing to eat. I got some father's day gifts, jumper cables, a tool box for the kitchen, a magnetic board, and other various and sundry items.

We went home and got ready to go to Makenzi's and Tyler's wedding reception.  We got home after dark and James went out and planted his trees anyway.  I put things away, folded laundry and prepared for my Primary lesson tomorrow.  

Makenzi's and Tyler's Reception

Tyler is a return missionary and an active member of

the Church. They were married yesterday in the Gilbert temple.

He is from Roswell, New Mexico and that is where they will live.

Such a cute couple!

Makenzi and her dad.

Grandma Annalee dancing with a great grandson.

Two sisters at the reception,

Nadine and Lorraine.

A gorgeous night in Vernon to have an outside reception.

Some of the crowd