Friday, August 9th, 2019

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Foreordained

Moses 4:2

But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me - Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

New Testament "The Power of God unto Salvation"

Romans 5

General Conference

The Eye of Faith

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Principles of the Proclamation on the Family are beautifully connected. If we pick and choose what we accept in the proclamation, we cloud our eternal view, putting too much importance on our experience here and now. By prayerfully pondering the proclamation through the eye of faith, we better understand how the principles are beautifully connected, supporting one another revealing our Father's plan for His children."

It started raining in the middle of the night and it is still raining this morning. James came in the bathroom while I was getting ready to go to the temple and said that 20 elk just walked across the back yard. I asked him why he didn't come and tell me and he said, "Well they are probably still on the hill if you want to come and see." Me: "Too late."

I listened to a podcast this morning that goes with the "Come Follow Me" lesson for this week by Scott and Maurine Proctor. It was so good and I feel like I understand Grace, Justification, and Sanctification a little better. We go from sin to repentance and receive forgiveness and if we continue on the covenant path our nature becomes divine and we are sanctified. 

Here are a few quick notes I took while again, getting ready for the temple. Do we sin ignorantly or are we deliberately transgressing?

Mosiah 3 and 3 Nephi 6. 

Martin Luther believed and taught that we are saved by grace only but Paul taught about faith and works. Nephi said, "we are saved by grace after all we can do." We can go from becoming a caterpillar to a butterfly as we accept Christ's Atonement and strive to keep His commandments. We become at one with Him through His divine grace. We become infused with spiritual attributes such as patience, hope, love, and gratitude.

We made it to the 8:30 endowment session. It was a full session with several extra chairs set up. 

It was still raining when we came out of our session. We stopped at Sonic for cherry limeades and crispy chicken sandwiches. The crispy chicken sandwiches tasted like they had been cooked in old oil and really were not very good, but those cherry limeades were divine!

Back at home the rain finally stopped. This afternoon I made rolls, did some repricing on Amazon of my books, washed temple clothes, and walked. It was a great day!

 Cousins across the water

More like sisters that aunt and niece

They have fun together, 

 They get into trouble together.

 Scarlett loves to help "Pop" in the kitchen.

Friday, February 15th, 2019

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hincley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 6:69

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 8:1-25

*God will gather his saints and comfort Zion.

Why do you think so many people put so much trust in the things of men instead of trying to get close to the Lord?

- Elder Scott counseled: "Trust in God ... no matter how challenging the circumstance. ... Your peace of mind, your assurance of answers to vexing problems, your ultimate joy depend upon your trust in Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ" ("The Sustaining Power of Faith in Time of Uncertainty and Testing," Ensign, May 2003, 76.78).

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 2:1-11; John 3:1-21 I must be born again to enter the kingdom of God.

"Living Water to Quench Spiritual Thirst" Joseph B. Wirthlin, April, 1995

Ensign

"Finding Peace in the Storm of Addiction" Chakell Wardleigh

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

"Never suppress a generous thought. Sometimes when I have an impression to do something for someone, I wonder if it was a prompting or just my own thoughts. But I am reminded that 'that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.' Whether they are direct promptings or just impulses to help, a good deed is never wasted, for 'charity never faileth' and is never the wrong response."

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Christina B. Franco 

President Dallin H. Oaks taught: "Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service. He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others. He continued: A familiar example of losing ourselves in the service of others ... is the sacrifice parents make for their children. Mothers suffer pain and loss of personal priorities and comforts to bear and rear each child. Fathers adjust their lives and priorities to support a family. ..."

My right knee hurts. Is 15,000 too many steps?

"It is not possible for you to sink

lower than the infinite light of Christ's Atonement shines." 

I love this quote because it gives so much hope to us and our loved one.

I also love the article I read in the Ensign, "Finding Peace in the Storm of Addiction."

James has a theory about moisture: "Timing is more important than quantity, but it's important to have quantity in the winter time. 6" rain or 2' of snow in the winter is good because it slowly seeps into the ground. A light rain after the snow is good because moisture soaked in won't dry out because it stays wet on the top of the ground." So scientific honey. I am impressed!

The research about scanners continues and James is learning alot of valuable information. The reason we bought a scanner is to take with us when we are locally buying/sourcing books. We can scan the ISBN and find out the sales ranking and what it is selling for on Amazon. This will help us decide if we want to buy the book or not. 

Something exciting happened today for missionaries and their families. Normally on p-day missionaries can send and receive emails from family and friends. Now missionaries can initiate a skype, Facetime, text, or phone call to family and friends. Sheri is so excited that Ben will be able to text or talk to Max who really needs him right now.

We attended the 4 p.m. endowment session at the temple today. Our friends, the Applegate's, were also in the session. This is their regular time for going to the temple. After the session we were in the Celestial Room and a tall, handsome young man came up to us and asked if we were the Lambson's. Yes we are. He introduced himself as Joshua Van Vleet. He grew up in our ward in Chandler. Nancy, his mom is a good friend and works with Sheri at Chandler Eyecare. He and his wife Katie live in Snowflake. Katie says she grew up in the same ward as Trina. I am so glad Joshua recognized us because we would never had recognized him.

I am so grateful to have a temple close by. There is nothing that feels better than going to the temple.!

We left 9 cards that need baptism in our stake file in the credenza. Maxine is going to pick them up in the morning when the youth from our ward come to do baptisms. In return James took one of her brothers names through the endowment session today.

This was part of the "Come Follow Me" lesson this week.

I always have wondered why a snake was used as a type and a shadow of the Savior.

A typical breakfast: toast with butter, and jam

a slice of ham cut in half with melted cheese

in between. Delicious!

 Our little bookworm

 What a great Valentine's gift Brother Tomlinson!

From my boss, Sister Applegate:

 Quilted by my friend Kate

 Would love to take the family here:

 Snowflake temple

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth 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 1:1-14

*Nehor used flattery and false doctrine to attract followers and attack the church of God. His teachings were popular because they excused sin in the name of religion. He encouraged wickedness, rationalizing that in the end all men should have eternal life regardless of their personal behavior. Elder L. Tom Perry:

"Nehor's words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right."

Verse 16 states that priestcraft was 'preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor.' Do we have people doing this today?

*The record states that Gideon "was an instrument in the hands of God" (Alma 1:8). When confronted by Nehor's false teachings, Gideon admonished Nehor "with the words of God (Alma 1:7). As a result, Gideon was slain for defending the faith. 

How do you defend your faith?

Old Testament

2 Samuel 5-6

5 All Israel anoints David king - He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord - He conquers the Philistines.

6 David takes the ark to the city of David - Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies - David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label. It is a divine power held in trust to use for the benefit of God's work for his children. We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not 'the priesthood.' It is not appropriate to refer to 'the priesthood and the women.' We should refer to 'the holders of the priesthood and the women.'"

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: 

We must teach our children that God's commandments 

are patterns for safe and happy living.

Worth the Wrestle, 14:

"The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; (Alma 12:11).

In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth - and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

-Sheri Dew

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood:

Chapter 13, Prinicple #5

A Priesthood Holder's Identity Becomes Christlike

Truman G. Madsen, The Prophet Joseph Smith

Lecture 5

Joseph and the Kirtland Temple

After my study time this morning I started dinner for the Scott's. 

I put out two dozen rolls to rise and made a stew and put it in the crockpot. Later on I made an Olive Garden salad.

My day is pretty predictable. I walked, rested, blogged, budgeted and took a whirpool bath. Before leaving for the Scott's a little after 5 I made a salad and a green smoothie for me to eat on the way to my delivery. 

Sister Hunter was at the Scott's visiting when I arrived. Brother Scott helped me carry the food in and he took the food out of my containers and put it in some of their's. He even completely washed the crockpot for me. They seemed very appreciative and Sister Scott said that I outdid myself. After saying goodbye I hurried down to the church for a meeting with Sister Applegate and Brother Reidhead to finalize our plans for the ward activity we are in charge of on June 23rd. Kerri is in the valley. She has a doctor's appointment and then she will be picking up the Burton's things in storage and bringing them back up here. Laurann is having some tests done because she has been having chest pains. We prayed for both of them.

My major assignment is to be in charge of the displays, Brother Reidhead is working with the missionaries and the family history consultants with the family history demonstration, Tamara is in charge of the food, and Kerri the children's activities.

It was a good meeting and Brother Reidhead went home to watch sick kids so his wife could come to Mutual.

Afterwards Tamara and I stayed for a presidency meeting. We planned the lessons for June and talked about ministering companionships for the young women. I need to ask Sister Thompson if she will teach Relief Society on June 10th. The lesson will be based on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Temple and Family History Work - Healing and Sealing."

I came home, took a shower so I could wash my hair, did some reading, talked to James on the phone, and went to bed.

James sent me this photo. Out with the old,

in with the new. Golf cart path that is.

Congratulations Cash for making it into

National Junior Honor Society!

These guys look like they could be

from Vernon.

"Dancing with the Stars"

I'm watching the Athletes season right now.

Salt and Pepper or

Blackie and Whitie,

my Grandpa Strickland, who we called Grandpa Al,  

would have called the white one

Pepper and the black one Salt.

That's what he did with his own cats.

Jeffrey at Disneyland when he was four.

Such a cutie!

The beautiful Gilbert temple

Saturday, May 5th, 2018

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 23:16-39
*How do you remember to give thanks? Why is it an important thing to do?
- frankorion0711: "Sometimes when I pray I only give thanks for all the blessings and trials, or opportunities to grow, in my life. It really puts things in perspective.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 13-15
13 Saul offers a burnt offering - The Lord rejects him and chooses another captain over His people.
14 Jonathan smites the garrison of the Philistines - Saul instructs the people to eat no food until evening - Unaware of the oath, Jonathan eats, and Saul decrees his death - He is rescued by the people - Saul vexes his enemies on every hand.
15 Saul is commanded to smite and destroy the Amalekites and all that they have - He saves some animals to sacrifice - Saul is rejected as king and told that to obey is better than sacrifice - Samuel destroys Agag.
General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"Success," it has been said, "isn't the absence of failure, but going from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm."

Russell M. Nelson:4/02 How Firm a Foundation:

"The foundation of one's individual faith, if anchored firmly to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an eternal perspective."

Rescuing Wayward Children: p. 239-40:

Elder Bruce C. Hafen wrote:

" A covenant marriage in the highest sense will begin as a temple marriage. When the partners are then sufficiently righteous, the marriage will be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (DC 132:7), 

"which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true" (DC 76:53). Such a marriage will then be not only eternal in duration but also celestial in quality, for it will be a marriage that partakes of God's quality of life."

Elder Dale G. Renlund:The Melchizedek Priesthood: Chapter 4:

"The Priesthood Blesses the Priesthood Holder"

I am so grateful for my dear, sweet husband. He knew he was only going to be able to get things done for me today because tomorrow is the Sabbath and he leaves again for his job at Legacy Golf Course early Monday morning. Here is a list of the things he did this morning:

*Took the wet vacuum and blew out the dryer vent. I now have a working dryer!

*He went to the dump

*Washed the car because we are going to the temple this afternoon

*Took the shelves we got from Trina and put them upstairs where they belong. 

He is the best!

He's handsome too!

When I was at Fry's yesterday I bought a boxed meal, Jerk chicken with stewed greens,  with all the ingredients in the box. All you have to do is follow the directions for preparation and boom! your meals is ready.

The chicken was cooked perfectly but I didn't like the jerk seasoning very well. The stewed kale was good but my favorite was the mango salsa. James liked everything quite well too.

After lunch we started our fast. We are fasting for family concerns, our grandchildren who have gone away from the gospel, and what we can do to help them and their parents. We are also fasting that all of our children and their spouses will have family prayer, scripture study, and FHE. It is a good thing to be united together in fasting and prayer.

We left for Snowflake at 3:15 for the 4:30 temple session. I was fortunate to sit by a former temple matron's assistant during the session, Sister Miller. She says that all of the former temple presidency and their wives are temple workers. I knew we were in good company as temple workers!

James looks puzzled and I look like

I have a spider leg on my forehead.

We stopped at Walmart on the way home to pick up some ice cream. Tomorrow is the day we have our big treat for the week. We both love Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia so that's what I got, you know, one of those small containers. A 1/2 cup of this stuff has 260 calories!

I finished my 10,000 steps this evening and didn't even drink any water. I did have some sugarfree Icebreakers. I couldn't survive without my Icebreakers.

James worked on loading his truck for work on Monday and I worked on studying for tomorrow's RS lesson on Revelation and what I am going to say to the Young Women about ministering. Sister Allen asked one of us to come in and explain to the girls what the Laurels and Mia Maids responsibilities will be in their ministering assignments.

Today is my brother Dennis's Birthday.

Happy birthday Dennis!

Let's do lunch.

 Looking a little tired at the state track meet

in Mesa. It was over 100 degrees.

Well, after all, he is 64!

Today is also my dear sweet friend 

Betty Bogle's birthday. Here she is with

9 of her 10 children. Her oldest, Bobby,

was killed in an airplane crash several

years ago.

Congratulations Zachary!

As a sophmore he got 3rd in state in the

shot put. Throwing a distance of 49' 8".

Royal children, Princess Charlotte kissing

her brother Prince Louis.