Tuesday, October 8th, 2019

Barranquilla, Colombia

161st operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Dec 2018

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Psalms 95:7

For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice,

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 1:15-30

New Testament: Ephesians Review: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

General Conference

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

(Alma 34:39; Moroni 6:4; Luke 21:36)

David A. Bednar

"Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency and casualness."

I forgot a major thing that happened yesterday. Sheri went running yesterday morning and asked Ben to call around 8 a.m., which he did. It was a Skype call so we got to see him and talk to him. He is so happy that he wasn't called as the A.P. He is staying in Ammon but his companion is being transferred. Sheri spoke to his companion and asked him how he felt about not being Elder Trezise's companion anymore. He said that he "cussed up a storm" when he heard.

Sheri talked to "Elder Trezise", he doesn't want us to call him Ben, probably for almost an hour. It was great to see him and hear him talk about his mission and the people he is teaching. Here is his letter and Sheri's letter to him:

James, Ian, Alex, and Max went fishing at Silver Creek this morning. 

Here are the results:

 Ian was the only one who didn't catch fish. I guess he's a little out of practice. 

Back at home Sheri, Evan, Joshua, and I decided we wanted to go somewhere. Evan suggested Greer and I suggested Woodland Lake. We ended up going to Woodland Lake. I made waffles for Evan and Joshua and they sat down to watch Sponge Bob and Evan ended up taking a nap before we left for our adventure.  

When we got to the lake I had hoped we would be able to walk completely around on the path. Last time we came I was with James, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua and James wanted to leave after I just got started. 

This time the same thing happened. We had just started walking when Sheri began receiving texts from Ian, Alex, and Max wanting to know what was for lunch and was she going to bring them something to eat. Immediately Sheri wanted to leave. I guess I will have to come another time to make it around the lake.

Evan relaxing at the lake.

On the way home we stopped at: Burger King, Subway, and McDonald's to get lunch for the Trezise guys and Joshua. James was home frying tilapia and sharing it with whoever wanted some.

When we got home Sheri started on her third puzzle. I went into the bedroom to rest and watch part of a movie. When it came time to cook dinner we had steak, veggies, and rolls. Afterwards James made a fire in the firepit and those who wanted to made smores. Max sang and played the guitar for our entertainment.

Outside in the cold, barefoot, and no shirt.

 Love this sweet girl

 I told Sheri that Ollie needs a kitty, ha!

 Sheri did three puzzles, here she just took one down.

These were big puzzles!

 The boys did a Mario puzzle together

Wednesday, June 12th, 2019

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

Mark 10:21

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:32-15:4

New Testament "Not My Will, But Thou Wilt"

Matt 26:26-30 Mark 14:22-26 Luke 22:14-20 Gospel Topic: The Sacrament.

General Conference

Behold the Lamb of God

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"My beloved brothers and sisters, with the exciting new emphasis on increased gospel learning in the home, it is crucial for us to remember that we are still commanded to 'go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day.' In addition to making time for more home-centered gospel instruction, our modified Sunday service is also to reduce the complexity of the meeting schedule in a way that properly emphasizes the sacrament of the Lord's Supper as the sacred, acknowledged focal point of our weekly worship experience. We are to remember in as personal a way as possible that Christ died from a heart broken by shouldering entirely alone the sins and sorrows of the whole human family."

I love this quote by President Nelson:

"I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation." 

He counseled us to pray. to listen, to write down our thoughts, and to take action.

After breakfast and scriptures this morning we all left for town. I am going to do some grocery shopping while James takes the kids to Woodland Lake to take some pictures on the covered bridge.

Our first stop was Wendy's for lunch. We saw Brother and Sister Elmer from Eagar at Wendy's. They are our temple coordinators and we enjoyed seeing them and introducing them to the grandkids.

After lunch I walked over to Walmart while James loaded the kids in the car to take them to Woodland Lake. Trina called while I was in the Walmart parking lot and I told her she should probably call James if she wanted to talk to the kids, which she did.

Charles Gordon from our ward checked me out at Walmart. He is quite shy and quiet, barely saying anything to me. I must say he was an efficient cashier though.

Here are the photos James took at the lake:

I wish I would have done Lola's hair better.

She says her mom is the best at doing her hair. She can do

it anyway. Sorry Trina.

On the way home I read an email from a sister in our ward who is giving away two cats to a good home. Rowan texted his mom with a picture and of course she said no.

Lola likes this one

Back at home the kids watched the movie "Rio" and ate popcorn and M&M's. Afterwards Rowan and Ruby went on a hike and Rowan found a horned toad. 

Ruby even got to hold it.

While Rowan and Ruby were hiking with granpa Lola played with the Calico Critters.

She has shoes on because she was going to go on the hike

but she changed her mind.

For dinner I fixed chicken nuggets, peas, rolls and strawberries. 

After dinner James took the kids on a long Razr ride while I had a 

Relief Society presidency meeting with Tamara, Kerri, and Maxine. We worked on our father's day gifts, candy bars with clever quotes for dad's.

One of the things reported in our meeting was the brother Joel Robertson is speaking after having a stroke. This was good news! 

Happy Birthday Ian!

 The first time in 40 years a church has been

recognized in Kuwait.

 Hush, Hush sweet Charlie

 I love this!