Saturday, September 8th, 2018

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 15:15

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Alma 63:1-17

*Just like the Nephites, we are continually marching to battle. How do I remain humble and refrain from pride?

-By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 18-20

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute. I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you'll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship."

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"I invite each of us to ask ourselves, 'What ordinances, including the sacrament, do I need to receive, and what covenants do I need to make, keep, and honor?' I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

We did our scriptures and conference talks on the way to the Snowflake temple this morning. 

The Palmer's were our instructor's and officiator's. We watched a couple of films on the new name and the first name of the individual on the card. 

My first assignment was at the top of the stairs to greet people as they came in for the 8 am session. Next I was greeter 3 behind the recommend desk. A new wooden handmade vase was on top of the credenza and Sister Sauwen and Brother Farr and I were admiring it and wondering how it was made. The brother who made it is a temple worker here in Snowflake. His name is Brother Rowell.

I worked in initiatory and then had my break with Sister Bowers. I found out that she is from east Texas and she has a daughter named Samantha Cumoux who lives in Tyler, Texas. It's a small world.

I was assistant sealing director under the stairs for an hour, working with Sister Flake in the sealing room, helping prepare people's names that they want to seal today. I helped the Lofgreen's, the Fish's, and a Sister Fulton.

I was greeter 1 and 3, did initiatory again and my last assignment was in the Celestial room. 

For potluck we took the loaf of whole wheat bread Sister Grapp made us along with some cream cheese, butter, and Sister Crane's jalapeno jelly. The Bradshaw's loved the jelly and Sister Bradshaw begged James to get the recipe for her. I'm not sure Kathy will give it out since she sells the jelly.

We spent a quiet afternoon and evening at home after stopping at El Cupido's for lunch. My Big Jake burrito will last me at least 24 hours. I put a rack of baby back ribs in the crockpot to cook. Tomorrow I will put them on the grill or under the broiler to finish them off. They won't be smoked but they will be good.

 Family Search sent me this information on my

great, great grandfather. When I looked him up,

someone had also posted his life story.

I am grateful to know I have a Nauvoo pioneer in

my ancestry.

 Time passes so quickly! This was Addy's

baptism day.

Charlie Mae:

Dressed and ready to go

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 21:1-23

*What does it mean to be "zealous" for keeping the commandments of God?

- President Uchtdorf said: "... for some of us, obedience to Gods commandments doesn't always feel very joyful. Let's face it: there may be some that seem harder or less appealing - commandments that we approach with the enthusiasm of a child sitting before a plate of healthy but hated vegetables. We grit our teeth and force ourselves to comply so that we can move on to more desirable activities. Perhaps during times such as these, we might find ourselves asking, 'Do we really need to obey all of God's commandments?' My response to this question is simple: I think God knows something we don't - things that are beyond our capacity to comprehend! Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you ... We need to accept that the commandments of God aren't just a long list of good ideas. They aren't 'life hacks' from an internet blog or motivational quotes from a Pinterest board. They are divine counsel based on eternal truths, give to bring 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' So we have a choice. On the one hand there is the opinion of the world with its ever changing theories and questionable motives. On the other hand, there is God's word to His children - His eternal wisdom, His certain promises, and His loving instructions for returning to His presence in glory, love, and majesty. The choice is yours!"

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 9-10

9 The inhabitants of Jerusalem are listed - The responsibilities of the Levites and the areas where they are to serve are listed - The family of Saul is named.

10 The Philistines defeat Israel - Saul dies for his transgressions.

General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Brothers and sisters, I want to testify to you that President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God on earth. I have never seen anyone more kind and loving than he is. Though I felt so inadequate for this sacred call, his words and the tender look in his eyes as he extended this responsibility made me feel embraced by the Savior's love. Thank you, President Nelson. I sustain you and I love you."

Sacrament meeting went something like this today: We sat with the Howard's. There were several rows of visitors with lots of children. Some I knew, some I didn't.

Bishop Miller conducted. There will be a deep clean of the building on July 7th at 8 a.m. Everyone is invited to help. Jackson was called as a ward missionary until he leaves on his mission. 

Ty Applegate blessed the sacrament for the first time. He did a good job. Layne Hall also blessed the sacrament.

Hailey H. was the first speaker. She mentioned President Nelson's five challenges and then spent the rest of the time talking about her trek experience. At one point Brother Thompson tapped her on the back and told her to shorten it, which she did. She said she was looking for a spiritual experience and she finally had it during the women's pull. She ended by bearing her testimony and saying that she loves her pioneer ancestors.

Brother Brady was the next speaker. He started out by saying he and Curt Gillespie were the only real natives of Vernon who never left and proceeded to give a brief history of the church in Vernon.

The rest of the time he spoke about what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ and the importance of attending the Temple. He spoke about the importance of prayer, love, charity, kindness, patience, and a knowledge of the gospel. He said that the temple keeps us focused. The gospel is centered in love. Small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.

Finally it was James's turn. He spoke on receiving personal revelation. "Faith comes by obedience and by faith comes personal revelation. Answers come thru prayer, scripture study, attending Church and the Temple. DC 46:9; Alma 17:1-2; James 1:5; Matthew 16, "Whom say ye that I am?" He shared some personal experiences and bore his testimony and sat down. It was a great talk but because I typed it for him I knew he had prepared much, much more.

The ward choir sang the closing number: "Ere You Left Your Room This Morning." There were 7 brothers in the choir and 10 sisters. They sounded very good. Stefani H. is the choir director and Analee H. is the pianist and organist.

I was happy to have my friend Jean come to Sunday School with me. Sister Wood gave the lesson. First she had the visitors or new people introduce themselves. I sat by Brother South, a friend of the Wallace's who is building a house across the road from them, Brother Campbell said they moved to Vernon because they got lost. Brother Ryan says he comes from the land of the learning impaired, California. He seems very into politics.
The lesson today was on David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, one of my least favorite stories in the Old Testament. I guess the purpose of the lessons was to help us to come up with strategies to prevent immoral thoughts and behavior. 

Diana Curtis taught Relief Society about learning how to minister as the Savior does. She is the best teacher. We talked about the Savior teaching the Samaritan woman at the well and how the Samaritans were hated by the Jews. She said that the Savior was preparing the Samaritans for later teachings by the Apostles. I love her lessons! She really knows how to teach by the Spirit.

I gave Jean a hug after Relief Society and thanked her for being my friend. 

Again we went to the Peeler's after the block and with the Smith's took her the sacrament. I love this special time and being able to give Donna a hug.

After lunch today I helped Kathy update her gospel library app. Now she thinks I'm a computer genius.

Stacy ask James to loan her some money to take a course at the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale. He had to tell her no but encouraged her to prepare for the course in three months because she is so excited about it. It was great that they could talk without me having to be in the middle.

Jared, Kacey and Summer are going back to San Antonio. They have to bring a car back and tomorrow Jared is meeting with a mediator and so is Tricia about settling their divorce. Tricia is suing him for an additional $30,000. He has already given her over $250,000. Jared asked us all to fast and pray for him and most of us said we would.

I baked cookies for Chuck because he is having surgery this week. James took them over and came back with some of Kathy's homemade salsa.

Briley attended our ward today.

I love this!

Monday, January 22, 2018

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 19:6

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, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard?"

*How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Exodus 1-2
1 The children of Israel multiply-They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians-Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.
2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh's daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and Marries Zipporah-Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: "healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

We left for the Howard's house a little before ten this morning. It was 14 degrees last night and our kitchen faucet was frozen up.

When we got to the Howard's they had the same problem only they didn't have any water in their house. 

Jean and I are planning on going to lunch, but first she and Tom wanted to show James some work they need done on their house. Jean's closet rod with all of her clothes on it fell off the wall and she needs it fixed. Also they have some big cracks in their walls and across their floor. Jean designed the house and her cousin built it. They have had a couple of add-ons and that might be what the problem is. There is settling which is causing the cracks.

Jean gave me a tour while Tom and James were talking about the problems. The house is bigger than it looks, probably bigger or as big as ours, but it needs some work.

James and Tom gave Jean a blessing before we left for town. She is having another back and neck surgery on Thursday. 

James, Jean, and I headed into town after Jean's blessing.  Tom had to stay at home because Wayne Todd is coming out to shoe the horses.

We tried to stop for lunch at Persnikkity's but it was too crowded. Brother Applegate stuck his head out the door and waved at us as we left.

We went up to Darby's. Here is what we ordered: Jean had the chicken salad sandwich on ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. James had the Reuben sandwich with a side of potato salad, and I had the roast beef sandwich with green chili and cheese with a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. Of course James finished his but both Jean and I took some of ours home.

We made a stop at Home Depot where James got a new hose for our hot water heater. Jean looked for a new latch for her front door but she wasn't sure what the brand was so she is going to have to come back. 

Tom met us at the bottom of their hill. We said our goodbyes and I promised Jean we would pray for her. 

When we got home I took a nap and then blogged and did some walking. We listened to a conference talk for FHE and then watched the new Hallmark movie, "One Winter Weekend" starring Taylor Cole, James's favorite because she is gorgeous and Jack Turner.

They look so sad.

They look so happy.

Tyler H., on the left, and friends.

I plead guilty

White Tank Mountains,

somewhere in Arizona.

This is the little dog we met and fell in love

with at the Howard's. It belongs to their daughter

Deana. She is half blue heeler and half corgi,

and she doesn't bark. Her name is Nally.

Our dear friends Martin and Sue Kempton.