Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31-33 Review; Begin Jacob 1-4

October 2019 GenCon

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"I testify that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives. And I witness that the risen and living Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad. Of these truths I testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

"Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon"
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud
"I solemnly testify that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth of it time after time to anyone who, with a sincere heart, seeks knowledge unto the salvation of their soul. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I attended ward council this morning at 7:30 a.m. The ward council consists of Bishop Hunsaker and his counselors, Brother Goodman and Brother Grapp. Brother Umphress, the ward executive secretary. Elder Sagers and Elder Richards, the missionaries assigned to our ward, the Primary President Sister Gillespie, the Young Women's President, Sister Allen, Brother Diewald, the ward clerk, and Brother Thompson representing the Elder's Quorum and me representing the Relief Society. 

The main thing we did after going over the calendar was to go through the ward list and discuss each family or individual.

I felt like it was a good thing because I found out some things about people that I knew nothing about. Meetings are supposed to be about people and this one certainly was.

James drove the truck to the church. It was nice to be early for sacrament meeting. Yesterday I sent emails to two sets of ministering sisters. One of them was Sister Van Haren whom I was able to speak with a few minutes before sacrament meeting. She said she visited one of the sisters on her beat but one of the other never answers her texts.  She also has never visited Sister Sommers who live near her. I told her I had visited her and she was very nice and receptive. If she would set up an appointment I would go with her on a visit. She said that would be great.

The Howard's were not here today and I am wondering why. 

Yogi Vizcarra was the youth speaker today. For a new convert he did an amazing job. He was quoting scriptures and seemed so sincere. He told of Hailey H. giving him a Book of Mormon which was the start of his conversion. Someone told him at his baptism to write down everything he felt, which he did. He said if we listen to the Holy Ghost, read our scriptures, and keep the commandments and pray our lives will be so much easier. He quoted: 2 Nephi 33:10-11 and 2 Nephi 32:8-9 and said, I believe these scriptures are true. It was a great first talk for a convert.

Anne and Bishop Miller were the adult speakers. Anne's talk was based on Brother Owen's talk, "Be Faithful, Not Faithless."

She told the story of the deer that were fed hay and how they starved to death with their stomach's full. Are we the same way spiritually? Where do we find our spiritual nourishment? What can keep us from being nourished spiritually? We must have the love of Christ as our foremost goal. We cannot base our faith on false idols. Satan tells us to procrastinate spiritual nourishment. I main purpose for reading the scriptures individually and as a family is to get closer to Christ. We must have faith in the promises of the prophets.

Bishop Miller used Elder Renlund's talk, "Unwavering Commitment of Jesus Christ" as the basis for his talk. We must learn of Him and learn to follow Him. If we have pure intent, and a total commitment to Jesus Christ, everything else in our lives will fall into place. Joy from that commitment surpasses anything else. He talked about Clayton M. Christensen and what an amazing Harvard professor and missionary he was. I guess he passed away a couple of months ago. Bishop Miller said that he used to think false idols were golden calves. He realized when he was deciding rather he should go on a mission or not that hunting and the out of doors was a false idol for him. It almost kept him from going and having one of the most amazing experiences of his lifetime. What it all boils down to is putting God first in our lives and trusting in Him.

Sandra Wilhelm taught Relief Society today for Becky Skousen who was out of town celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband. The lesson was based on two conference talks, "Covenant Daughters in Partnership with God," and "Knowing, Loving, and Growing" by Elder Boom. Both addresses talk about ministering and that is why we picked them. Sandra did a good job. Here are some of the notes I took: Covenants, ministering, helping others reach their divine potential. We need all instruments and all of God's children. What is my purpose. Which part is yours and which part is mine? (Michael McLean song). Forcing someone to do something offends their spirits. We need to minister to each other and too all in need. Strive to stay on the covenant path. Ministering is exercising divine love. And Sandra said this: "My kids don't need me to tell them where they need to improve, they need to feel of my love so they have the desire to improve." Repentance is a daily process. Am I to quick to judge and to slow to listen? Debra Brewer who spent the last year caring for her husband before he passed away: "Joy is not in how much you do but the quality of service you give." The gospel lifts our souls.

Those attending: Sandra, Kerri H., Debra B., Shaleyn S., Sue H., a new sister, Sister McClelland and her mother, Donna Lundgren, Geraldine Corona, Pam Woods, Rosie Lauritzen, Linda Diewald, Ruth Wallace, Amy G., Ellen K., Kathy C., Maxine T., Donna P., Diana C., Kristen L., Colleen K., Debbie M., Chris B., Darla R., Judy H., Catherine H., Sheba, Tamara, Stefani H., and myself.

James went out to see Anthony this afternoon with his companion Dave Westbrook. I stayed home and worked on my blog and did some family history work. 

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Molly. Jared has something in between rheumatoid and pustular psoriatic arthritis. He is back on methotrexate and some new medicine. Molly played the banjo and sang, "This Land is Your Land" for us. Tanner and Summer were there and Summer's dog Ollie. Charlie always gives us hugs and kisses at the end of our call. We enjoy doing this each Sabbath day.

This evening I watched Emily and Dave in "Don't Miss This" and James and I watched "Teaching with Power."

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day.

So true.

 Joshua teaching

So adorable

 Thinking about Nursery

 Why do they make me go?

I thought they loved me.

 "I'm so glad Molly is here.

 "She loves me."

 "I love Ollie!"

"She's heavy"

 Writing his weekly email to

Elder Trezise

 Sunday is a day of rest

A cute Ollie photo

Sunday, November 10th, 2019

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 43:15

Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Are we ready to be judged of our works? In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable. I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us a few years ago. As I watched her saying her prayers one evening, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence. I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I knew. Tears come to my eyes when I think of it. We can truly be taught by children. 

How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? (v. 19-21). They did what Jesus taught them to do. They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration. "They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another." They were baptized in the name of Jesus And were called the Church of Christ.

New Testament

Review Hebrews 1-6

Oct 2019 General Conference

"CFM - The Lord's Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan"

Brother Mark L. Pace

"I add my witness to those shared previously. I bear testimony of God, our Eternal Father. He lives and loves us and watches over us His plan of happiness provides the blessing of this mortal life and our eventual return to His presence.

I also bear testimony of Jesus Christ. He is God's Only Begotten Son. He saved us from death, and He redeems us from sin as we exercise faith in Him and repent. His infinite atoning sacrifice in our behalf brings the blessings of immortality and eternal life. Indeed, 'God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine son.'"

I attended ward council this morning at 7:15 a.m. to represent the Relief Society Tamara is in the valley visiting her father who recently had a stroke. I took notes and sent them to Tamara and Kerri only to have Brother Diewald send his notes. I guess I didn't really need to take notes, but of course being me, I did.

I had a pleasant surprise when I walked in to sacrament meeting today. Elder Ray Heyman was on the stand. I had to go up and give him a hug. James, Stacy, and Paul all did the same thing.

Elder Slater and Elder Sager were the first speakers in sacrament meeting today. They basically bore their testimonies. 

Rowdy Atkinson from the high council was the main speaker. 
Brother Atkinson started out by saying that a simple testimony can bring us great joy. He served a mission in the London South Mission in the ghettos where many African immigrants lived. He said they were poor but happy because they had found freedom and the gospel. He compared a caramel with an apple. With the caramel the joy is fleeting and there are no real nutrients. The apple brings joy and nutrients. He then compared this to the gospel which also brings lasting joy. He told the story of a brother and a sister who were out on their mission at the same time and while they were gone the rest of their family died. Although the circumstances were very sad, their focus was on Christ which brought them peace and joy. We can also do good while we are suffering.

Stacy attended Relief Society with me. I conducted and Diana Curtis gave the lesson. It was based on President M. Russell Ballard's conference talk, "Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies." It was a good lesson with lots of participation. Afterwards Stacy said she like the sisters in our ward because they seem so genuine and down to earth. Today was Lucretia Barton's 92nd birthday so we sang happy birthday to her. 

When we got home I made bacon, pancakes, and sausage for lunch. I realized that Joshua does not really care for pancakes with syrup. He does love to eat fresh strawberries, stems and all. 

Durings rest time Stacy turned on the movie, "Bye, Bye Birdie." She remembers doing songs from this movie during one of the roadshows when she was a youth. Paul was in the roadshow too. 

We said goodbye to Stacy and Paul. Right after they left we Face Timed with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. 

I worked on my blog this evening and James and I listened to "Don't Miss This" with Dave and Emily, and "Teaching with Power." They both gave presentations for Hebrews 7-13, the "Come Follow Me" lesson for the week.

 Reminds me of the road to Whistler

from Vancouver.

Sweet Sabbath-ready girl!

 Fall in Whitehouse, Texas

 Thanks for coming!

Happy Birthday Lucretia!

Sunday, February 24th, 2019

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

3 Nephi 20:31

And they shall believe in me, that I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and shall pray unto the Father in my name.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

*Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people he knew would reject the message?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review Matthew 5 and Luke 6

"Be a Peacemaker" Franklin D. Richards, 10/83

General Conference

The Correct Name of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Our revised style guide is helpful. It states: 'In the first reference, the full name of the Church is preferred: 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.' When a shortened reference is needed, the terms 'the Church' or the "Church of Jesus Christ' are encouraged. The restored Church of Jesus Christ' is also accurate and encouraged. If someone should ask, 'Are you a Mormon?' you could reply, 'If you are asking if I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, yes, I am!"

I had to be at ward council this morning at 7:15. James drove me because of the snow and mud. He went to his Primary room and studied and set up for his lesson. 

Bishop said the well was froze up and if they couldn't get it fixed they would have to cancel church. Luckily Brother Grapp's brother was able to fix it. 

Brother and Sister Merrill from the stake Self-Reliance Services did a presentation today using the personal finance manual. Afterwards they asked everyone to sign up for the class. It ended up being the ward council signing up for the class which does not normally include me. They decided they would meet on Thursday evenings at 7 . The class lasts for 12 weeks. 

Katie Hahn, a sister in our ward with breast cancer spoke in sacrament meeting. She wore a hat and told everyone why she had a hat on. She was asked to use Elder Uchtdorf's talk, "Believe, Love, Do" in her talk. 

Joe Westbrook was the other speaker. I have never heard him speak before but he has a wonderful testimony and told some cowboy stories and how he knew that the Savior loved him because of the help He has given him when in difficult situations.

Cammy Grapp taught Relief Society from the talk given by Sister Cordon on shepherding. She did a good job and got lots of discussion. We had a full house. 

James and I went home and had lunch and took a nap and then we were back at the church by 3 pm for family history consultant training by the stake representatives, Brother and Sister Ranstrom. 

I thought it would be hands on but they just showed videos and did an overview of family history. They will be back next week and we will begin having some hands on training. We had all of our consultants in attendance except for Sister Klug who is on her way to the Roots Tech conference in Salt Lake. 

Maxine told me that Barbara and Fred Klug have tickets to go to the dedication of the Rome temple. They leave March 8th. The granddaughter served her mission in Rome and will do all the driving while in Italy. How exciting!

Spent a relaxing evening at home. We watched the first episode of the new season of "When Calls the Heart" and I worked on my blog while James wrote an email to Ben.

Love seeing Charlie and Scarlett in

their Sunday best!

 Our friends Rosa and Dave. Their son

Joe spoke in sacrament meeting today.

Love this series of pictures. The 

last one she looks puzzled, like;

"What's wrong with this baby?"

 I ask James if this is what Pete the crow 

looked like and he said yes.

Tonight's sunset looks good with the snow

and trees.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

I went to bed at 1am after I finished the handouts for today's lesson in Young Women's on service.  I was up at 5:40 to finish preparing the lesson.  At 7 am I attended ward council since Natalie Soderquist, the Young Women's president is still out of town.  I was supposed to do the training from the handbook but no one had told me so I read a few paragraphs and made a couple of comments and that was it.
We have several things coming up this week in the ward.  For Mutual it's a combined activity at the skate park in Show Low.  Friday night is the adult pinewood derby, and Saturday there is a stake dance for the youth, and Sunday is a stake youth fireside.  I found out today that Trenda Wilhelm's little four year old brother has leukemia and goes for treatment's every week to the Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Trenda is such an awesome young woman and the Wilhelm's are a wonderful family with 8 children.  I will be sure and pray for little Curtis.  Trenda is the oldest.  She is only 14 but seems older and is quite mature.  Maybe it's because she drives her dad's truck to church.  Things are different here in the country than they are in the big city of Chandler.
The them for sacrament meeting was pioneers.  At home Dave, Laura and Ben were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Their theme was also pioneers.  I am so sorry I missed Ben's first talk in sacrament meeting.
Kilee Hunsaker made me feel good today in Young Women's.  She said I was her favorite.  I told her jokingly that maybe that's because she doesn't know me very well, but I was touched by her comment.
Our lesson went well and I told the girls I would be emailing every night this week and giving them a service challenge.  We are going to be Secret Service Agents.  Here is a picture of my handouts:

The spoon goes along with the story that is attached and represents loving and serving.  

The gum wrapper says: "Chews you this day whom ye will serve."

I came home from church and enjoyed some down time.  I had something to eat and did a little TV watching.  I watched Project Runway, the finale for The Next Foodnetwork Star, Justin won, and the finale for The Bachelorette where Emily chose my favorite guy, Jef, who is from Utah and is definitely LDS.

Here is a picture of Emily and Jef

I am going to miss Trina's delicious dinners.  I am still eating the enchiladas left over from Darrel's farewell luncheon.  They are delicious.  It rained hard this evening for a long time.

Sunday, July 8, 2012

I got up at 5 and worked on my lesson for an hour, then I got ready and left for ward council which was at 7am.  It was long.  It wasn't over until almost 8:30 and I just had time to go home run off my lesson, pick up the guys and drive back to the church.  The Howard's spoke in church on having the Spirit in our lives and some of the tools that Satan uses.  The kids will remember Brother Howard's talk because he used the example of Krispy Kreme donuts.  They lure you in to their shop by giving you a free donut.  You aren't going to buy anything but when you taste the donut and smell the donuts baking you end up buying two dozen.  That's how Satan tempts us.
Alex and Michael sat with us.  Joe and Brian chose to sit in the back.  As soon as the meeting was over Alex and Michael were speed walking out of the chapel and gone with Brian before we could even leave the chapel.  I texted Brian and told him I was not happy with the boys choice.  He felt bad and was going to bring them back.  I said no.  This evening after Brian had gone home we had a FHE about being converted and truly committed to the gospel, even in a ward other than their own.

My young women's lesson went fine. I need to get to know the girls better though.  I got to meet the Young Women's secretary Tina Allen.  She contributed quite a bit to the lesson.

Today is Jared Ammon's 20th birthday.  I texted him and told him his card was at his Mom and Dad's house.
Stacy called this evening saying she had a broken waterline.  Terry came over and turned off the water for them and said he would come over in the morning and fix it.  Thank goodness for James's brothers.

Some random pictures of clouds.  One of my most favorite things to do up here is to look at the clouds.