109th operating temple
Dedicated 21 April 2002
by Gordon B. Hinckley
Mosiah 20:12-26
* What do prophets and apostles teach that will help bring us peace and happiness and help us return to God's presence?
Elder Robert D. Hales: "Our spiritual safety lies in turning to the clear voice of our living prophet. If we listen to his voice and obey his counsel, we will be able to live as Christ would have us live and endure to the end so that one day we, along with our families, will return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ."
As I was listening to Sister Cordon's talk in the women's session of General Conference this morning she poses these questions:
* How do I keep centered on the Savior and lean not unto my own understanding?
* How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?
* How do I cultivate trust in the Savior?
3 Nephi 18
1-14 The Sacrament of the Lord's supper is instituted and explained.
15-21 Watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation.
22-25 The Church is to meet together often and invite all to come unto Christ.
26-39 The Twelve are instructed to judge worthiness to partake of the Sacrament and empowered to confer the Holy Ghost
3 Nephi 19
1-8 The Twelve prepare the multitude for continued teaching from Jesus.
9-15 Nephite apostles are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.
16-34 The Savior's prayer cannot be written or uttered by man.
DC 64:14-25
The unrepentant are to be brought before the Church;
He that is tithed will not be burned at the Lord's coming;
"....may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear...."
What does this phrase mean to me?
It is possible to overcome trials and temptations only when we are obedient and have the Lord's help and assistance. "Let your commitment be stronger than your mood."
(See also Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1990.)
General Conference
Trust in the Lord and Lean Not
Bonnie H. Cordon
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
The Beauty of Holiness
Carol F. McConkie
"I see the beauty of holiness in sisters whose hearts
are centered on all that is good, who want to become
more like the Savior. They offer their whole soul,
heart, might, mind and strength to the Lord in the
very way they live every life everyday."
As I said my prayers this morning I asked the Lord to help me feel peace and to understand gender dysphoria and what it means in relation to the gospel, for the person who has it. I just keep thinking of the line from the Family Proclomation: "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." Why would someone have a condition that makes him/her feel the opposite of what gender they were born with?
When I read Sister Cordon's talk this morning I realized that I needed to trust the Lord, and find out all I could about this condition, gender dysphoria, so as to understand it better. From Sister McConkie's talk: "Sit at the feet of the Holy One of Israel. take time to be holy, be submissive, meek, humble, full of love, and realize my utter dependence upon the Lord."
James and I made a trip to town today for something he needed to repair the sprinklers. Our first stop was at Firehouse Subs for lunch. I got the Hook and Ladder and he got the Smoker. I gave James half of mine. Next time I need to order the small. While James went to Home Depot, I went to Walmart. On the way out of the parking lot James gave a woman $5. One of his goals is to always have cash on hand to give to people. It's something he and another brother discussed after a lesson last year in Gospel Doctrine on giving to the poor. We read from "To Kill a Mockingbird" on the way home.
When I arrived home and checked my emails I realized I had one from the mother of Chloe. It was a letter she had sent to her mother about Chloe and was very insightful and heartwarming. It also included a website regarding gender dysphoria. The website is: northstarlds.org. I was so grateful to receive this email and sent a reply of how much I appreciated her example of Christlike love.
This evening James and I listened to Sister Cordon's talk together. In this talk she tells of a sister with cancer who has only about one good day a month. To forget about herself and her struggles she goes out and serves others. She says that service has saved her life.
We made cabbage with onions, garlic and ham for dinner. The onions got a little burnt. James liked it but I think I prefer steamed cabbage by itself.
We also watched an episode of the Good Witch called: "The Good Witch's Family." Cassie, the Good Witch, discovers she has a cousin named Abigail. Abigail decides to come for a visit. Abigail is jealous of Cassie and tries every way she can to cause disunity in her family. Cassie always looks for the good in others and tries to understand why they do what they do. Cassie forgives Abigail. She understands her need for acceptance and love. Because Abigail feels Cassie's love she changes her feelings of resentment and jealousy for feelings of love. Cassie also helps Martha who is push and demanding to feel wanted and needed. I love the show because it helps me want to be a better person. Now I not only say "What would Jesus do," but what would the Good Witch do?
Fun Photos
I sent this one to Ann because she
loves puns.
Last summer at Havasupai
Havasupai
Trina showing her courage
Ian in an amazing photo!
Alex
Ben taking it easy
