Wednesday, June 20th, 2018

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

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.

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:12-21

*Why do you think Abish waited to make her conversion known to the Lamanites?
-In Matt 7:6 the Savior taught "neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Abish was waiting for the right time to share her testimony. She was waiting until the Lord prompted her. There has to be people ready to listen to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament
1 Chronicles 1-2
1 The genealogies and family ties from Adam to Abraham are given - The posterity of Abraham is listed.
2 The descendants of Israel, Judah, Jesse, Caleb, and others are listed.
General Conference

His Spirit to Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost. Remember, He is the third member of the Godhead. The Father and the Son are resurrected beings. The Holy Ghost is a person of spirit. (See DC 130:22.) It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind."

Russell M. Nelson 10/17 #70 The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?

"In a most miraculous and singular way, the Book of Mormon teaches us of Jesus Christ and His gospel."

Ensign: "The Savior Heals Our Hurts" and "Place Your Trust in Him." 

I got up at 5, my regular time, for the first time in a few days. 

I asked Sheri if Ben had sent in his mission papers yet and she said President Johansen sent them in last night. I think they are sent electronically.

Here are some of the guesses as to where he is going: 

Grandma: Scotland/England or the Philippines.

Grandpa: Borneo, Mongolia or the big island of Hawaii. He remembers going to church there and how wonderful the people were.

Brian: North Carolina so he can convert the Avett Brothers.

We actually probably have relatives in North Carolina. That's where my grandpa Strickland was from. Brian also guessed Virginia.

Michael: Bulgaria or Korea

Kim: New Zealand

Adam: California or Washington

Stacy: Georgia

Anyone else want to guess?

James sent his old phone back to Verizon today. He got his mailing label in the mail but I did not get mine. Trying to get this mailing label is like pulling teeth. I tried several times to get it online and James called Verizon and they said he had to get it online. He finally went to the Verizon store and used their phone to order another one. 

James also went to the dump and did some other errands in town while I stayed home and worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. Another task that is as hard as pulling teeth. That polish does not want to come off. Sometimes I have to scrape it off because the remover doesn't get it all. Not a fun task. I also ordered some more finish so when I get the old polish off, I can put a new satin finish back on.

James and I watched one of the Hailey Dean mysteries this evening. It was a good one. She finally found out who killed her fiance. His best friend was the mastermind behind it. The killer was supposed to have killed her. I don't usually like murder mysteries but I like these. The stories are written by the reporter, Nancy Grace and she appears in all of the episodes as a TV news commentator.

I want these purple flowers all over my yard.

So funny!

I hope this means he can feed himself now.

I want one of these for our family!

Rain and lightning over the 

Grand Canyon.

Relief Society 4th Sunday lessons

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

* What did Amulek give up by choosing to live the gospel and seve as a missionary? (see Alma 15:16)

-His wealth, family, and friends.

* What did he gain? (Alma 34:8; Ether 12:12-13)

- A testimony of the Savior, and eternal life.

Old Testament

2 Kings 13-14

13 Jehoahaz and his successors reign in wickedness in Israel - Elisha prophesies that Joash will defeat Syria - Elisha dies - A dead Israelite is restored to life after touching Elisha's bones.

14 Amaziah reigns well in Judah - Israel defeats Judah in battle - Jeroboam reigns in wickedness in Israel.

General Conference

Behold! A Royal Army

Ronald A. Rasband

"Changes in organizations and functions of the Church are not uncommon. In 1883 the Lord said to President John Taylor: 

'Concerning the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood ... I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom.'"

Russell M. Nelson 10/15, #66. A Plea to My Sisters

"We need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices."

Ensign: - 1. Four Ways to Serve Families with Disabilities

2. Extending the Blessings of the Priesthood

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood: Summaries of Chapters.

James returned two dead trees to Home Depot this morning and got store credit for them. 

I sent another text to Laurann today to tell her I hope I had not offended her. I did not, she is just weighed down with concerns. Here is her text back to me:

Thiessen is now sick. Charlie is working 80 plus hours a week, and Amaron's birth father decided to make contact using Amaron's cousins that he has never met before. Now Amaron is very confused and he is having behavioral issues because of it. 

My dad's sister is in the hospital and she needs to be able to die so she can be out of misery. Also so her dying husband can pass as well. He's waiting on her. My dad's upset waiting on his sister to be able to pass on and not be in pain.

Our new house is taking forever to get finished and we are stuck in packing mode. We are always running out of water because Charles is always working. 

I'm sorry, it's just really busy here and very chaotic. I will get your text read and make a decision soon. I'm not mad, I promise.

I texted the company I ordered James's Smart Watch from and told them I wanted to return it. So far I have not heard back from them.

I ordered Addy's birthday presents and it cost me nothing because of points I had on my credit card. Now I need to get something for Ruby.

The audio clips that came with Children Learning Reading didn't work. I emailed, Jim, the writer of the program, and within a few minutes he had sent me all the audio clips via email and reloaded them onto my computer. I wish all companies had this kind of customer service. 

Ben has his mission papers completed. He has an interview with the bishop this week and then will need to see the stake president. Hopefully he can get his papers sent off before he leaves for Europe.! So proud! The first missionary from our family since Darrel returned about 18 years ago!

Ian got his birthday card today and Sheri said he was super excited!

I stripped polish off the wood floor for about three hours today. It is hard work, but an added bonus is I had over 10,000 steps when I was finished for the day.

The clouds looked like rain today, but nothing came out.

So promising

Such a shame they didn't deliver

I had a presidency meeting at the church this evening and James had an appointment with Brother Thompson of the bishopric.

My meeting went well. We planned lessons for July and I need to ask a sister to teach the 2nd week and the 3rd week. Also, I am leading the council meeting on the 1st week. 

We talked about partners for young women in ministering and Tamara gave us a copy of all the partnerships. She is going to go home to her "board" and revise the partnerships as needed.

I am in charge of displays at our upcoming ward activity. Tables will be setup Friday night and we are going down on Saturday at 4 to set up. I would go earlier but I am working in the temple that day.

James has a new calling. Brother Thompson asked if he would be a Primary teacher. He does not know what class he will be teaching or who he will be working with. 

I got two thank you notes today. One from the bishopric for my talk on May 20th,  and one from Diana Curtis for teaching her lesson last month.

Go-cart fun in Lakeside a few years ago.

Pondering the word of God.