Friday, May 11th, 2018

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:18-37

*How does it feel to have your soul "redeemed from the gall of bitternness and the bonds of iniquity?"

- Who among us has not felt the dark abyss, the remorse of conscience from our sins and mistakes, those awful feelings of guilt? Those feelings of pain to our spirit can be harder to bear than physical pain. I liked how Alma explained what the atonement of Christ did for him, and can do for us. Boyd K. Packer states: "The Atonement of Christ is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, he can heal us. If Christ hadn't made his Atonement, the penalties for mistakes would be added one on top of the other. Life would be hopeless. But he willingly sacrificed in order that we may be redeemed."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 27-28

27 David flees to Achish at Gath - He dwells among the Philistines for sixteen months.

28 Saul inquires of the witch of Endor for revelation - She foretells his death, the death of his sons, and the defeat of Israel by the Philistines.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work - Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"As Church members, we do have a divinely appointed responsibility to seek out our ancestors and compile family histories. This is far more than an encouraged hobby, because the ordinances of salvation are necessary for all of God's children. We are to identify our own ancestors who died without receiving the ordinances of salvation. We can perform the ordinances vicariously in temples, and our ancestors may choose to accept the ordinances. We are also encouraged to help ward and stake members with the family names. It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead."

"Fruit detached from the branches cannot long survive."
-Russell M. Nelson

Rescuing Wayward Children:

"Be not afraid, only believe."

-Mark 5:36

Worth the Wrestle:

"Asking inspired questions leads to knowledge, revelation, greater faith, and peace."

Russell M. Nelson, 10/04, #44. Senior Missionaries and the Gospel

"I express gratitude for our senior missionaries. they are young in spirit, wise, and willing to work."

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood: Chapter 10

#2 - The Proper Expression of the Priesthood is Learned

Truman G. Madsen: The Prophet Joseph Smith: Chapter 2

Spiritual Gifts of Joseph Smith

"Don't let a doctrinal doubt drive a wedge between you and the Church."

James had three things to fix before he goes back on the job: His tractor, which is at the Wallace's and is being worked on by one of the Westbrook boys, his power steering line on the truck, and the brakes on the trailer.

This morning he thinks he found the problem with the power steering line. The hose isn't securely clamped. Brother Wallace gave him a clamp and we got some power steering fluid and now it's fixed. 

This morning we went into town so James could get some supplies and I could do a little shopping at Walmart. I saw Laurann and her boys while I was shopping. I also saw my cousin Rita and spoke with her a few minutes.

When I got home from town I made a stew to take to the temple tomorrow. I also worked on my blog and did my 45 minute walking. My life is so predictable. 

James made himself a green smoothie using Trina's recipe this evening. It was delicious! 

We missed the YW Navajo Taco, Pie Auction dinner this evening. James just wanted to stay home and relax. We ended up keeping the lemon pie and we are each going to have a piece after we weigh in on Sunday morning. 

We watched the episode of "When Calls the Heart" where Elizabeth is told that Jack is dead. Tomorrow night we will watch the finale.

Twinners

Earphones

My rose

Eden and her horse lover friends

We want some horses!

I remember how ridiculous I thought it was.

Wayne Todd and his granddaughter.

Baby Kyler looks like he's praying.

I like this idea to keep the plants away from the bunnies.

Sunday, July 30th, 2017

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Rededicated: 13-15 March

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Alma 42:26-43:14

*How can we not become distracted by questions that do not need to be answered in this life and focus on repentance?

DC 106:1-8

1-3, Warren A. Cowdery is called as a local presiding officer; 4-5, The Second Coming will not overtake the children of light as a thief; 6-8, Great blessings follow faithful service in the Church.

vs. 6...Has there been a time when I felt there was joy in heaven because I made an eternal decision?

*Personally I believe when I feel joy, true joy, there is joy in heaven, and that happens when I bear my testimony, accept a call to serve, attend the temple, support my leaders, etc. In short, when I keep the commandments, repent often, and have a humble heart, I feel joy and heaven rejoices with me.

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"In our home we wanted our children to learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit. We believe that happened as we studied the Book of Mormon each day as a family. Our testimonies were strengthened as we talked about sacred truths. Scripture study becomes the channel for the Spirit to give each of us a customized tutorial. As you study the scriptures each day, alone, and with your family, you will learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit and will come to know God."

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos

"The light that we are talking about comes from the devotion that we give to Sabbath day observance, in the Church as well as in the home; it is the light that grows as we keep ourselves unspotted from the world; it is the light that comes from offering up our sacraments on His holy day and from paying our devotions to the Most High - all of which enable us to always have His Spirit with us...

As we keep the Sabbath day holy and partake of the sacrament, we are not only cleansed, but our light also grows brighter."

My Primary lesson today was on Zion Camps march to Missouri. The purpose was to help the children learn that trials and tests of faith can strengthen us if we are faithful and obedient. I showed a video of Zions Camp and the kids really enjoyed it. I felt the Spirit the most when I talked about Curtis and Zemira. They did not get to bed until 2 a.m. because they stayed to clean up after Trenda's reception. Instead of sleeping in this morning the entire family was at Church. I talked about their family being faithful and obedient in coming to Church even though it would have been so easy to sleep in.

Those attending my class: Colter, Curtis, Liana, Gracie, Zemira, and Bailey. We were missing: Taylor, Cameron, Braxton, Jace, Wyatt, and Lej.

Elder Hansen, a red-headed missionary from Utah was the first speaker in sacrament meeting. He spoke on seeking a testimony of Jesus Christ. A testimony is a witness of what we believe. Elder Hansen said he struggled to know if he wanted to go on a mission. He prayed, fasted, and attended the temple. While reading in Ether about the brother of Jared he felt God's presence come into his life. It was at that moment he knew he wanted to serve a mission. He said that Christ is at the center of his testimony. He bore witness to the youth in the congregation of how you mission will impact every decision in your life. He said it is his, "holy ground."

Our stake patriarch, Roger Toronto was the concluding speaker. He talked about patriarchal blessings and how Heavenly Father delights in blessing His people. Patriarchal blessings are unique and special and like our own personal Liahona. Patriarchal blessings chart the way to our heavenly home. They work according to our faith. Adam blessed his posterity to bring them back into the presence of God. Jacob blessed Ephraim with the birthright blessing. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the first patriarch in this dispensation. You should use our patriarchal blessings to help guide our lives and give us direction.

Since today is a 5th Sunday the bishopric did the third hour teaching. The two counselors spoke to the youth and Bishop Miller spoke to the adults. 

Bishop talked about fasting and prayer and that sacrificing is giving up something we want for something the Lord wants.

We need to be mindful of the law of the fast in our lives in order to bless not only ourselves but others also. Hunger could be eliminated if everyone lived the law of the fast. 

He then moved on to speak of family history work. We are the link to the past and the future. "Just keep plugging away." Sister Rut Wallace has done over 30,000 ordinances for extended family members. Many of our ancestors are waiting. Make a sacrifice of time to go to the temple more often. Don't wait, just go.

The bishops last topic was the Vernon ward youth. All the girls in our ward have been asked to have sex, all of the youth have seen porn. Many of the youth feel hopeless regarding this matter. They must see you go to the temple and you must also take them to the temple. Get them to do family history. The comes a spiritual change of heart when we do temple and family history work. Pornography is no respecter of persons or callings. "I am as tempted as the next person." We have to step it up! Relationships come through a sacrifice of time. Overcoming addictions takes a support team. The law of the Gospel is the first two great commandments, loving the Lord and loving our fellowman. If we are critical of others we aren't living these two commandments. We need less criticism and more compliments. Be more gentle, please be kind to one another.

Wow! Such a powerful message from our Bishop. You can tell how much he loves the youth and how concerned he is for them. He was in tears. He ask us to please fast and pray for them.

We had leftovers for lunch and then went outside and read while it rained. Rain is such a beautiful thing!

This is how the rest of my day went. I colored my frog picture from my calendar, worked on my blog read, and fixed blt's for dinner.

We went to bed by 9 p.m.  It was a beautiful Sabbath day!

More photos:

This picture was taken yesterday at Marisa's

baby shower. These are all people I know and love,

from left to right: Tammy, Adrian, Christy, Sheri, Marisa, and

Courtney.

Vernon ward young women.

There is something about those mountains!

(The Alps)

Arizona Highways: 

San Francisco Peaks in the background.

I have always loved koala bears.

I also like cute animal pictures.