Sunday, March 25th, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 132:59

Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

*Preparation for the second Coming of Jesus Christ.

*Elder Dean L. Larsen, while serving as a member of the Seventy, declared that each of us is part of this final effort to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ: "Now is the period during which the Lord and his servants will make the final great effort to take the message of truth to all the peoples of the earth and to reclaim the descendants of ancient Israel who have lost their true identity. You have come to the earth when the foundation has been laid for this great work. The gospel has been restored for the last time. The stage is set for the final dramatic scenes to be enacted. You will be the principal players. You are among the last laborers in the vineyard. This is the service for which you are chosen."

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 15-16

15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released - The people are admonished to care for the poor - Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year - The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's.

16 Israel is to keep the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles - All males are to appear annually before the Lord at these three feasts - Judges are not to make dishonest judgments nor take gifts.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard
" I testify that 'the trek continues,' and I invite you to stay on the gospel path as you continue pressing forward by reaching out to all of God's children in love and compassion, that we may unitedly make our hearts pure and our hands clean to receive the 'multiplicity of blessings' awaiting all who truly love our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, for which I humbly pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

James helped me set up my room. We put photos of 11 temples around the room for the children to identify. He listed the scriptures on the chalkboard and I posted the photo of Rebekah at the well fetching water for Abraham's servant. 

The table in the back was left for the handouts, the cards for each lesson, a 3-D temple, and the monthly handout. 

The younger sister  Halcomb and Brother Halls from the high council were the speakers today in sacrament meeting. 

Sister Halcomb spoke on a 2002 April General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Calling." Pray to know the Lord's will when you are called. There is no small calling. You are called by revelation and the Holy Ghost will testify of this to you.

The Hunsaker twin sisters sang, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." They harmonize very well.

Brother Halls - The prophets connect heaven to earth. The Holy Ghost confirms truth. Great things happen by small means. The weak shall teach the strong. The weak shall do great things and perform miracles. President Shumway loves the Lord and he has loved the people he has served. He will be released at stake conference in April. President Shumway seeks the will of the Lord.

The ward choir sang "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee."

Jace, Colter, Amaron, Andyn, Liana, and Gracie were all in class today. Most of my temple pictures had fallen to the ground. The children helped me put them back up. 

The purpose of the lesson today was to teach the children that the same eternal blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be theirs if they make and honor temple marriage covenants. 

Jace and Colter were quite disruptive and I am afraid I did not handle it very well. I must be better prepared with a more positive solution. 

The temple game went well. They each had to identify one to two temples. Most everyone liked the San Diego temple the best.

We also played the match game with the children writing on two cards what they will do to serve others. It was fun.

During singing/sharing time I went to the teachers council meeting.

Sister Skousen was released as the Primary president today and Sister Gillespie was sustained. Sister Hunsaker is a counselor and Sister Umphress the other. Sister Deatherage will be the secretary. We still don't have a new Relief Society president.

Here are some notes I took in the teacher council meeting, third hour: "Every thing bears record of the Savior." - Sister Hunter.

"Teach until the light comes on." - Brother Scott

Spiritual preparation is vital. Pray by name for each person in your class. Rely on the Spirit. "Answer questions when they are asked." - Sister Tice. "If we have the Spirit we won't offend people." - Brother M. Wilhelm. "Cater to the Spirit in the room rather than trying to finish the lesson. If you touch my heart, you touch my spirit." - Brother Miller.

The Goodman's were called as temple workers today. They will be working the 1st and 3rd Saturday afternoons.

Kim and Brian were just about ready to leave for home when we returned. I thought they were going to eat with us, but they already ate. I guess they want to get an early start getting home. We ate their leftover lunch. Brats and green beans.

Brian cut up some veggies 

for the trip home.

Our chicken is still marinating and we will be eating it by ourselves at another time. 

As I took a nap James went home teaching with Brother Westbrook. They visited Anthony and the Peeler's. 

We had scriptures when James returned. 

I sent a note to the family reminding them of the picnic next Saturday.

My friend Pam sent this to me.

I love it!

My evening snack.

Sheri's Saturday Facebook post.

Joshua's Easter eggs.

Chandler High egg

Sunday, June 18th, 2017

Happy Father's Day!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

expected completion date:

mid-2019

3 Nephi 12

Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples; He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount; He speaks the Beatitudes; His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses; Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect; Compare Matthew 5.

Alma 18:12-43

As Ammon teaches the plan of redemption, Lamoni recognizes his need for the Savior.

*What are some things Ammon was able to do beyond his natural ability?

*Why do you think it is important to teach about the Creation and the Fall when we teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

*As we understand our need for the Savior, we will desire to repent.

DC 88:87-98

86-94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord; 

How are men's hearts failing them today?

* Because of fear, poor health, and sin.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" To be effective Church leaders, we must learn this critical lesson: leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God. As Saints of the Most High God, we are to 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.'"

Happy 8th Birthday to Ruby!

Waffles with whipped cream,

two of her favorite things!

Ruby and cousin Kreed

2015, six years old

2012, 3 years old

Before church today James and I celebrated Father's Day.

Sorry to interrupt your studies Honey,

but it's Father's Day!

Two new ties, a white shirt, the shirt he is

wearing, a Harry's razor and aftershave,

and an . . .

My hero!

So handsome, and it makes you look taller!

Put on your thinking hat.

Kacey posted this.

An amazing example of forgiveness and

fatherhood in the scriptures,

The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Ty A. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. He spoke about the importance of keeping a journal. Amen!

Jackson A. was the next speaker, he is 18 and spoke on leadership. and example. He started off by saying that his parents are the best examples of leadership in his life. "My dad has always taken me to work. He has taught me to work hard. When I run my dad follows me in his truck." "As we follow the example of the Savior our light will shine for others. my family are great examples for me to follow." Jackson also looks to the young men in the ward for ideas of how to be better. "People are always watching you, so be a good example." "I am grateful for the example of my Savior and Church leaders like the Prophet Joseph Smith." We need to learn from others mistakes. All the young men in our ward have the goal to serve a mission.  My brother is a return missionary and has now been married in the temple. He is a great example to me.

David Clark Halls from the high council was the concluding speaker.  He spoke on the Holy Ghost and started out by saying that President Shumway ministers to others through the Holy Ghost.  He gave the example in Elder Rasband's talk about being a first responder of the Holy Ghost. "Learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit. Sometimes it is just a thought.  Doubters will say that it is not reasonable that the Spirit would speak to us."  "Sometimes we 'coast' and lose the Spirit. It is those times that we need to get back on track. Matt 1:22 - "The very elect will be deceived." Keep close to the Spirit to keep from being deceived.

The Holy Ghost also comforts and guides us. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are joy, love, and peace. Mosiah 3:19 talks about the natural man being an enemy to God. If we are a "natural man or woman" the things of the Spirit don't make sense to us. The Holy Ghost can smooth off our rough edges. 3 Nephi 17 Christ blesses the sick and the children. We can always have the Spirit of Christ with us through the Holy Ghost. To now God we must learn to language of the Spirit. (I loved this talk!)

The Relief Society had a nice luncheon prepared for all the men in the ward. Colter was late for class because he went and got a cookie. Thank goodness I had cookies for the rest of my class.  My class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Jace, Liana, and Jack a visitor. After Primary Curtis and I delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner and cookies to Braxton who wasn't home. We gave them to his dad.

We learned during singing time that Brother Hunsaker can wiggle his ears.  Brother Miller taught James's class today. Brother Cooper taught the high priests and went off on a tangent about the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  I told James that was against Church policy and someone should speak to him about it.

For lunch we had grilled tuna and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. I took a nap while James and his partner Brother Westbrook visited the Peeler's. James is getting his voice back thanks to his steroid prescription.

All of James's kids texted or called him today which made his day.  I made him some chocolate covered strawberries and we had them for dinner.  It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!

It was 96 degrees here in Vernon!

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Fall in Vermont

3 Nephi 6:15-30

Why is it so important to follow our leaders, especially in these the latter days?

Answer: Because these "men are inspired from heaven." (v.20)

There was a great divide, in these years just before the coming of Christ, between the righteous and the wicked, just as there is a similar divide happening today before the Second Coming of Christ.  "Some were lifted up in pride and others were exceedingly humble."  The parallels today are not by chance.  Christ is coming again.  Satan knows it so he is ramping up all his efforts again.  The chasm between the wicked and the righteous is widening at an extremely fast pace, just as it did in this chapter.  How does this happen?  By allowing Satan to stir up our hearts to do iniquity.  We must decide whose side we are on, the Savior's or Satan's.  There will be no middle ground.  By following our church leaders we are choosing to follow the Savior.

GC: ' There is Power in the Book' by Elder LeGrand R. Curtis, Jr.

" The greatest power of the Book of Mormon is its impact in bringing us closer to Jesus Christ."

Today in sacrament meeting we had the Primary Children's Program.  I thought the children did a great job.  

"I Know the Scriptures are True"

Journey with us through the Book of Mormon 

and other scriptures and let us teach you

what we have learned this year.

Children participating: Johnny, Ruthie, Curtis and Zemira Wilhelm, Braylin and Taylor Chaffin, Kacey Westbrook, Kharima Penrod, Talena and Jace Singleton, Marlie Mercado, Benson, Tildee, Liana Grapp, Andyn and Cathryn Miller, Colter Hunsaker, and Ashten Hall.

Songs:

"Book of Mormon Stories", "I Will Follow God's Plan",

"Stand for the Right", "Fourth Article of Faith", 

"I Love to See the Temple", "The Lord Gave Me a Temple",

"I Hope They Call Me on a Mission", "If I Listen with My Heart",

"Praise to the Man"

Closing Remarks: Bishop Wes Miller 

Our lesson today in our Primary class was: "Jesus Christ Teaches the Nephites to Pray."  Braylin, Curtis, Kacey, and Zemira were all in my class.

After church was over James stayed to home teach Virgil C.  Afterwards he drove me home and then went with his partner Rick, and visited Millie and Jerry, Kip's family, and George and Ruth.  It must feel nice to get it all done in one day.  That never happens for me.  I stayed home ate, and took a nap.

I love this picture of Michael taken a few years back.

When James got home he fed himself while I got ready for the marriage class.  

Anne arrived a little after six with some cookies and milk.  She is the teacher of the class.  Only two other couples showed up, Cammy and Thomas, and Sandra and John.  We had a great class anyway.  We discussed the family proclamation and how its principles apply to us.  Afterwards we had a nice visit around the milk and cookies.

This thing is called a peacock grasshopper.

Weird.

Sheri texted me this afternoon and said that Evan told her this last night: The cabin feels like home.  He misses it and you and dad. 

Well guess what?  I miss him too!

I sent this to Addy because she is such a 

Harry Potter fan.

Oh I forgot to mention that one of the couples that James home teaches saw a jaguarundi carrying off a rabbit in their yard.

Creepy.  Its tail is as long as its body.

It was another one of those great Sabbath days.

Which temple?

Sunday, September 18. 2016

Happy Birthday to my sweet cousin Rita.

We are exactly one day and one month apart.

From 4am to 8am on Sunday morning I pray and prepare for my Primary lesson.  Today the lesson is on 3 Nephi 17 where the Savior blesses the sick among the Nephites, prays with and for them, and blesses the children.  I love these Book of Mormon lessons.

I was excited to see Brother Jerry Corter in sacrament meeting this week.  He is a new member and has not been coming the past few months.  He has been on my prayer list.

We had three speakers in sacrament meeting today.  First, Alicia Hunsaker who spoke on personal revelation.  "Living a clean and pure life opens the channels of revelation.  Pondering the scriptures is one of the greatest ways to invite the Spirit and the Spirit is the medium to revelation.  Seek God's will.  Do not try to force spiritual things.  Be patient and let it grow.  Revelation is the natural inheritance of true believers."

Next was Ashley Reidnead who is new in our ward.  She is young, and a return missionary.  She is from Alabama and was just called as the Relief Society secretary.  Her thoughts were based on the talk in General Conference by Elder Snow, "Be Thou Humble."  Here are some of my notes: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness.  I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them. (Ether 12:27).  We must be humble as a little child to return to the kingdom of Heaven.  We need to be teachable, repentant, and dependent on the Lord.  Pride is the ultimate sin and is the opposite of charity.  The antidote for pride is humility.  Mosiah 4: 11-12.

Our stake president, President Williams was the final speaker.  He told about a Sister Diana Batson of the Clay Springs ward thought she had the flu.  She went to the hospital and they said she needed to fly to Phoenix but would probably die before she got there.  She had to have both her legs, one arm, and the fingers on the other hand amputated.  Her ward had a fundraiser for her on Saturday.  Her son is on a mission right now.  She is 40 years old.  The Lord is aware of each and every one of us and he will send people to comfort us.  He spoke about centering our lives on Christ and referred to Elder Maynes's talk in the October 2015 general conference, "The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life."  He said that General Conference is like tuning our lives as if we were tuning a musical instrument.  I love President Williams.

The Vernon church

Brayin, Curtis, and Zemira were in Primary today.  I also had Madison from Sister Hall's class.  During singing time Curtis actually sang.  His positive reinforcement was a box of Milk Duds.

After our meetings James went home teaching with his partner Rick.  They visited the Scott's, the Hunsaker's, and the Wallace's.  Sister Wallace has done submitted over 15,000 names for temple work.  I have got to call her and find out how she does it.

I ate lunch, had a nap and then did my gospel study for the day.  I read from my book "Christ in Every Hour."  I read one of my favorite chapters, The Restorative Power of Christ.

  

Helaman 6:1-14.

How do you remain firm and steady in your faith?

Instagram-bofm365-sue_heugly.  Stay obedient in the little day to day things, and it won't be as hard when the big things challenge us.  Forgive, repent, love others.  barleestacey - Steady, devoted covenant keeping builds a fortress of faith and makes us steadfast and immovable.

GC: 'Eternal Families' by President Henry B. Eyring

"What can the young elder do to help in the creation of eternal families?  He may be about to go into the mission field.  He can pray with all his heart that he will be able to find, teach

and baptize families."

GC:  'A Sacred Trust' by President Thomas S. Monson

" Then the Holy Spiirt spoke to my friend: 'You have the

priesthood.  Command the rescuers to pick you up.

He did as prompted: 'n the name of Jesus Christ and by the

power of the priesthood, turn about and pick us up.'

Within a few minutes the vessel was beside them, helping them on deck."

Today President Henry B. Eyring dedicated the Philadelphia temple.  He said he was baptized in Philadelphia so it was like coming home.

 I love the front porch on this little guest house.

When James got home he ate and took a short nap and then we read from Millennial Glory.  It was a wonderful Sabbath day!

From Facebook:

This was a post by Kacey.

Antelope Canyon

There are so many unique and beautiful places in Arizona.

This is our friend from Chandler, Paula.

Her friends and family threw her a surprise

birthday party.  

She loves Disneyland and James calls her Tinkerbell.

She even has the wings.

The tree in our yard.

Sunday, May 25, 2014

2 Nephi 32:3

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.  Wherefore, I say unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

 This is the handout I gave the girls today for the lesson on the importance of scriptures.  I got up at 3:30am to make these handouts and to finish preparing for my lesson.  I made 20 handouts and gave them all away.  We had six or seven visitors.  

James got up in sacrament meeting and presented Rusty Allen's name to be ordained to the officer of an elder.  Rusty was not able to be here today.  On the way home from Rusty's high school graduation his grandpa passed away and so he is with the family and grandma today.  Thomas Wilhelm Applegate, better known as Ty, and Cody Westbrook were presented as worthy to be ordained as deacons.  How exciting to how more worthy deacons to pass the sacrament.

Alice Wilhelm, Tamara Applegate and Jimmy Applegate were the speakers in sacrament meeting today so you know it was a good meeting.  Sheri said she really enjoyed it and would like to stay for the rest of the block but everyone else wanted to go home.

In Sunday School today we studied Moses last sermon to the Israelites.  In the bible it says Moses died but through modern revelation we know that he was actually translated.  

We had 16 girls in young women's today, which must be a record.  Nine of our own were here and the rest were visitors.  We had Alice, Trenda, Hope, Heaven, Shelly, Jordyn, Kilee, LeeAnn and Maddie attending from our ward.  I felt good about my lesson.  It is always rewarding to bear testimony of the importance of scriptures.

After the block I went with James into the cultural hall as he home taught Sister Lorraine Vaught.

Back at home Ian had prepared some asparagus, and chocolate covered strawberries.  We also had leftover chicken and popcorn shrimp for lunch.  We played Five Crowns and Evan found a little bag and some "jewels" to put in it.  He also searched through the pantry and found some Rice Krispy cereal.  He wanted to make rice crispy treats but the cereal had expired over a year ago.  Max and Evan made some awesome drawings and Max made up a game that Sheri, Ian, and Evan played with him.  It looked like alot of fun.  

James and Alex and Michael went home teaching to the Wilhelm's and the Peeler's.  Later James went to the Hunsaker's.  

Sheri gave a FHE lesson about Moses becoming a leader of the Israelites and we talked about destiny and patriarchal blessings.  Just like Moses had to chose to either follow the Lord or stay in Egypt and become a powerful ruler we have to decide if we are going to follow the path the Lord wants us to or go the way of the world.  It was a great lesson and this has been a wonderful Sabbath Day!

Last but certainly not least Michael and Alex fixed dinner for us.  This is a recipe Stacy fixes for her family and one of Michael's favorites: Shrimp scampi with lemon linguini.  It was delicious!

Michael is reviewing the recipe in his head.

Sheri and Ian had a family vote as to when they would leave to go home.  Sheri and Evan voted to go tonight but the rest of them voted to go home tomorrow morning.  I know Ben wanted to play grey wolf again, a game they play at night with the lights out, and the boys wanted me to fix french toast for breakfast in the morning.  Evan and Sheri were good sports and went along with what everyone else wanted.  Tomorrow morning it is.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

As much fun as our trip was, it feels good to be back home again.  I've missed the Vernon skies.

This sky in on fire.

James leaves early for his high council meeting and while I am in the bathroom getting ready for church, he walks in and scares me to death!  We do get to go to church together.

Jordyn Applegate was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  She spoke on repentance.  Sandra Wilhelm and Judy Hunter both spoke on keeping the sabbath day holy.

In Sunday School the lesson was on the joy of doing family history and temple work.  Of course Ruth Wallace's name came up.  She is a sister in our ward who has submitted thousands of names for temple work.  Everyone in our ward who goes to the temple has taken at least one of Ruth's names.

Sandra Wilhelm taught all of the young women today instead of just the Mia Maids because none of the other teachers were prepared.  Shelly, Trenda and Jordyn all shared why going to seminary is important.

At home James and I had our Burger House burros for lunch.  Afterwards we took a short nap and then James went home teaching to the Peeler's and the Hunsaker's.

When James returned home from home teaching we read our scriptures and two conference talks.  Afterwards we watched a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Something really sad happened in the world this week.  While we were spending an enjoyable vacation in California, the people in the Philipines we being hit by a deadly typhoon.  Thousands are dead and thousands are without the homes or any worldly possessions.  Thank goodness all the missionaries are safe and accounted for.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

James went to high council this morning and I went to our ward council for Diana. 

Sherry Swansey leaving the Church was a big topic of conversation in ward council.  The bishopric visited her this week and told her we still loved her and would like to see her at ward activities.  The bishop thinks she will be back, but I am not sure.  I certainly hope so.

Today in sacrament meeting the Primary put on their annual program.  This year it was entitled "I Am a Child of God."  In Sunday School we talked about temporal and spiritual self-reliance.  I could certainly do better in both areas.

In Young Women's Sandra Wilhelm gave a lesson on Christlike service.  It was really good.  Afterwards Shelly Applegate carried my bag to my car for me.  I love that girl!!

Kathy Crane was selling her salsa and jalapeno jelly out of the back of her car after Church.  The women were gathered around giving her money, and I was included.  That jelly is to die for!  I told her it reminded me of the money changers at the temple.  Tamara Applegate laughed and said she felt the same way.  We all joked about it but Kathy seemed a little defensive.

We had our green chili burros for lunch then it was nap time.  James went home teaching with Kendall Hall to the Hunsaker's and the Peeler's then came home and cooked pork chops for dinner.

We read scriptures and read two conference addresses and watched a Hallmark movie before going to bed.

Paul posted this picture of Joshua on Facebook:

General Grievous is in town.

Sunday, August 25, 2013

Today we said goodbye to our friends Wes and Teresa Smith.  They are leaving to serve a mission in Kansas.  Not only did Wes shave his beard and mustache but he has a real suit with a real tie and real shoes instead of cowboy boots.

Today was also Taylor Wanlass's farewell in Chandler.  He is leaving for the MTC in Mexico City and will be serving in the Texas San Antonio mission.  Here is a picture of Taylor with his dad and his brothers.

Wendy Dewitt taught our Sunday School class today in Brother Mel Wilhelm's absence.  The lesson was on eternal marriage and Wendy did an excellent job.  In Young Women Sandra Wilhelm gave a lesson on dating standards.

I finally gave Kaeli Nicoll her baby gift.  Little Natalie Jo is due in September.  We have several new babies in our ward right now.  There's Hyrum Miller, Matthew Pope, and Alexandria Carroll.  Alexandria is Maddie's little sister.  She had pneumonia but is doing much better.

The weather was gorgeous today.  It was 65 degrees with some rain.

I love these views!

I helped James do his home teaching today.  First we visited with Lorraine Vaught after church.  After church we went to visit the Sean Hunsaker's family.  The lesson was on gratitude and on keeping a journal of blessings.  The Hunsaker's shared some of their chocolate no-bake cookies with us.  After our visit with the Hunsaker's we went for a ride to see the fields of sunflowers.

Even James had to admit they were beautiful!

We came home and I wrote on my blog.  We sat down to watch The Walton's and as we were watching a bat flew by.  Oh great!  We aren't rid of them yet.

James is off pain killers and has very little pain in his leg right now.  We are grateful.