Monday, March 27, 2017

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Jacob 7:1-20

Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God - All of the prophets have spoken of Christ and His Atonement - The Nephites lived out their days as wanderers, born in tribulation, and hated by the Lamanites. About 544-421 B.C.

Some thoughts on this chapter:

*"One of mortality's great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized" - Elder Robert D. Hales

* Consider how Jacob responded when Sherem challenged his beliefs. (see verses 5, 8, 10-11, 12, 13-14.

* As we rely on the Lord, we can overcome challenges to our faith.

* As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.

* What is one thing you will begin doing or continue doing to help you prepare for a time when someone challenges your faith?

Alma 52

Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites - Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites - The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Zoramite is slain. About 66-64 B.C.

DC 46:1-26

1-2, Elders are to conduct meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit; 3-6, Truth seekers should not be excluded from sacramental services; 7-12, Ask of God and seek the gifts of the Spirit; 13-26, An enumeration of some of these gifts is given; 

How have you recognized these gifts in your life?

General Conference

The Doctrine of Christ

Brian K. Ashton

"As our constant companion, the Holy Ghost gives us additional power or strength to keep our covenants.  He also sanctifies us, which means to make us 'free fro sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Christ.  The process of sanctification not only cleanses us, but it also endows us with needed spiritual gifts or divine attributes of the Savior and changes our very nature, such 'that we have no more disposition to do evil.'

Each time we receive the Holy Ghost into our lives through faith, repentance, ordinances, Christ-like service, and other righteous endeavors, we are changed until step by step little by little we become like Christ.'"

James visited Anthony Romyak this afternoon.  Anthony lives way out in the middle of nowhere and James got lost.  He was gone 2 1/2 hours, but had a nice visit.  Anthony is a recent convert and says he knows that he joined the Church for a very important reason.  James suggested it could be family history and also mentioned getting his patriarchal blessing.  Anthony knew nothing about patriarchal blessings and seemed very excited.  What a blessing to have Anthony in our ward.

Horseshoe Bend

We finished "Witness in the Dark" and started "A Fine Gentleman," by Sarah Eden, one of our favorite LDS authors.

This is what my dining room table looks like

when I am doing my morning gospel study.

For dinner tonight James made a salad and I made a grilled tuna and cheese sandwich for him.  After dinner we had FHE.  We listened to Elder Carl B. Cook's conference address, "Serve."

Afterwards we watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart."  

James loaded up his truck for his trip to the valley tomorrow.

Fun Photos:

Grandmother Lois and Erik's son Oliver.

Another family of women at Women's Conference.

Lola, May 2016

Just up from her nap.

High School graduation

Alex and Michael

Michael

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Jacob 5:73-77

The Millennium, the last great day of gathering.  Every Latter-day Saint should be actively engaged in the Gathering of Israel.  What does the Lord promise us as we labor with Him in His vineyard? (See verse 75.)

Alma 50

Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites - They build many new cities - Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations - Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum - Nephihah dies, and his son Pahoran fills the judgment seat. About 72-67 B.C.

DC 45:47-59

Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 

What lessons do we learn from the parable of the ten virgins?

General Conference

Gratitude on the Sabbath Day

President Henry B. Eyring

"You could begin today with a private and family prayer of thanks for all God has done for you.  You could pray to know what the Lord would have you do to serve Him and others.  Particularly, you could pray to have the Holy Ghost tell you of someone who is lonely or in need to whom the Lord would have you go."

Lola found the candy stash in my desk.  After giving her some, she wanted some more.  I said, "You should go ask your mom."  To which she replied, "No, I'm asking you."  What was I to do.

I love castles, not as much as temples,

but I do love them.

These are some of the things the kids did this morning.  They rode the Razr down to Chocolate Lake and then up to the Village with Addy doing all the driving.  They played Apples to Apples and Zombies.  Ruby and I played the Match Game.  She beat me 24-10.

Addy was bragging about how Ruby once almost beat Alex.

While Ruby and I were playing the Match Game Darrel was trying to put the cartoon Beauty and the Beast into the BlueRay player.  When he couldn't get the disk out or get it to play he yelled.  Ruby made this comment to me: "He does that sometimes.  He yells at Netflix too."

James took the cookies I made to the church and helped set up chairs for the luncheon.  He said it was packed.  Ravenna was blind for 20 years but still led the music in sacrament meeting.  He memorized all of the hymns.

From what I have heard Ravenna Gillespie was an amazing

woman who impacted the lives of many people.

Trina made macaroni and cheese but wouldn't call the kids inside because she was so glad they were outside playing and figured they would come in to eat when they were hungry. 

The Falls are still running.  Both Darrel and James took kids up on the Razr and Trina drove her car.  I am glad that James loves to take pictures.

 Ruby on the go.

Crazy kids

On top.  I hope Evan doesn't slip in

those flipflops.

Love that smile

Rowan and Evan

Darrel and the girls

Trina makes me laugh!

There's a goblin in my house!

Oh, it's just Lola!

Emmy and Molly at the rodeo chasing a calf to get the ribbon

off it's tail.

Some more happenings of the day:  Lola and I played with bubbles and balloons.  Lola likes the purple Barbie suitcase and my pink Herrod's bag.  Darrel cooked hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner.

Afterwards I begin my fast for Kacey and Jared.  James started his before dinner.  

Trina and I watched the women's session of General Conference in the bedroom. There were four speakers:

1.  Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"We can center our lives on the Savior by coming to know Him,

and He will direct our paths."

2. The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven has provided for us all that is required

so that we can become holy as He is holy."

*This was my favorite talk.

3. Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"Certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His

atoning sacrifice."

4. "My Peace I Leave with You

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord promised peace to His disciples as He was 

about to leave the.  He has made the same 

promise to us."

This was my favorite talk.

Dianne and family