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.

Monday, April 30th, 2018

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

John 13:21

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

* Why did the Lord let Limhi's people end up in bondage?

- sue_heugly: There are two kinds of bondage: The self-inflicted kind from poor choices and iniquity, and the kind that comes from the consequences and choices of others. Limhi's people chose sin, which is to serve Satan. Abinadi warned and prophesied that the people would be brought into bondage because they hardened their hearts against Abinadi's words and wouldn't repent. The dues of discipleship do not come cheap. If we want blessings and freedom from bondage, we must be loyal to God, obey his prophets, keep the commandments and remain humble, submitting our will to His. A blessing always carries with it a responsibility, and a consequence. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 4

The Israelites are smitten and defeated by the Philistines, who also capture the ark of God - Eli's sons are slain, Eli dies in an accident, and his daughter-in-law dies in childbirth.

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

"Your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days."

Rescuing Wayward Children (221) "When you are united, your power is limitless." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Russell M. Nelson:(4/99) Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women

The Atoning One Chapter 9: "Potential Perils of Grace",

Chapter 10: "The Gospel of God", Chapter 11: "Speaking of the Lord's Atonement" 

I am a little sad I finished this book today because I have really enjoyed it. Next I am going to listen to Elder and Sister Renlund's book, The Melchizedek Priesthood.

At 8 a.m. I left for town, about 20 minutes behind James. We are taking the truck and Lexy in to get new tires. James has to pay for his, I don't have to pay for mine. It's to replace the used one they put on a few days ago when I got a flat coming home from the Morrison's.

 They got our tires on in less than 30 minutes. We took a short walk and it was time to go. Next stop, Walmart, to get the oil changed in Lexy. James made the arrangements and then left. I walked down to the mailbox and mailed the note I wrote to President Shumway.

Now it's time to go in and do my weekly shopping.

I took my time shopping, calculating all my expenses. I checked out and then went to see if my car was ready. I sat in the little waiting room and watched some of Harry Potter. I could see the hood still up on Lexy so I took a spin around the store. This trip is going to be more costly than it seems because I found things to put on my wish list: Grabbit Stick, Black memory foam shoes, "Oh The Places You'll Go" Dr. Seuss book, "Coco,"the movie, and "Coco book and playset. "Star Wars 5 Minute Stories." I actually went home and used my Amazon gift card to by two of the books and the movie. I also bought the movie, "Wonder" because Stacy said it was so good. 

Two more things on my wishlist, cute photo album papers, and some new Ginger scissors.

Finally after a few more trips around the store and the passing of two hours, Lexy was finished. I paid the girl, got my report, and loaded up Lexy for home.

I got home and put everything away and sat down in my recliner wondering where James was. He came in a few minutes later with Brother Howard's Cat skidsteer on his trailer. I was watching a Hallmark movie and he sat down and finished watching it with me. 

For dinner we had cooked cabbage. For F.H.E. we listened to President Nelson's conference talk from October 1999, "A Testimony of the Book of Mormon."

James took me outside to show me how to feed the bunnies. There was a full moon behind clouds that looked rather eerie.

8th grade. Better than his dad.

These two are pretty amazing.

My rose garden.

Ready to go

The Philistines God

Christina's Post

Maybe they should have named him Harry

or Fluffy.

Daddy Daughter Super Hero Dates

Sunday, April 29th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept. 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:1-24

* Why is it important to think less of yourself and more of others?

- sue_heugly: vs-11 The King commanded the men to leave their wives and children. Does this not show why it's important to think less of yourself and more of others? King Noah's selfishness activated all the cardinal sins, and blocked the way for developing the divine qualities such as love, mercy, patience, kindness and goodness. His example not only ruined his life, but those who served him. Following the Savior is overcoming selfishness. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 3

The Lord calls Samuel - The house of Eli will not be purged by sacrifices and offerings - Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel - The Lord appears to him.

General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Pursuing divinely appointed responsibilities in righteousness, unity, and equality will prepare us to meet God."

I read these two quotes in my prayer journal today:

"Faith does not stand still. It is either increasing or

disappearing." As President Henry B. Eyring

said: "Faith has a short shelf life."

White Mountain Stake Conference

Lakeside, Arizona

President Shumway conducted this session. 

Opening Hymn: "Families Can Be Together Forever" 

The invocation was offered by a bearded, bald brother.

Stake Business: Elder Jones - Release of Stake Presidency with a vote of thanks: President Shumway, President Jensen and President Beeler. 

Calling and sustaining of new Stake Presidency:

President - Joshua J. Beeler

1st counselor - Douglas Wright

2nd counselor - William Miles

Bishop Hall was released from the high council and Brother Ed Miller from our ward was sustained as a new high councilman along with a brother Woods from another ward.

New elders from our ward: Anthony Romyak, Jackson Allen

New high priests from our ward: Tom Howard.

Sustaining of Church and Stake officers.

Stake Choir: "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me"

Those from our ward singing in the stake choir, or at least the ones we could see as we were in the back of the cultural hall - Kathy Crane, Tamara Applegate, Donna Peeler, Stefani and Alicia Hunsaker.

President Shumway:

"For nine years I have seen you through God's eyes.

President Beeler is a man of God.

It is wonderful to know that you are on the Lord's path.

We do not marry happiness, we create it.

It is safe to follow the prophet.

My counselors are trusted and eternal friends.

I love the youth of this stake.

I lift thee and thou lift me and we ascend together.

Put God in the middle of your plans. Begin with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

Eternal families.

Nothing that is wrong in this life is permanent.

Jesus fixes things."

Heidi Shumway:

" I sustain the new stake presidency.

It has not been a sacrifice but a pleasure to serve, a great blessing and investment.

You can never give to the Lord without gaining so much more.

We have loved having the youth and the missionaries in our home.

2 Nephi 26:13, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31-33.

The Savior is the Redeemer of our weaknesses."

President Jensen

" An amazing nine years. I sustain our new stake presidency. 

President Miles headed up the Love Kitchen service project.

The Lord is in the small things of our lives."

President Beeler

"My Star Wars cuff links ground me.

It has been a great privilege to serve the last nine years with these good brothers.

President Shumway is a great minister.

He said in the beginning that we would be in the homes of those who need us.

My wife is the reason I am standing here. She is my rock.

It's in the people that God achieves His greatest work.

God is in the details of this work.

Jesus Christ is our Savior and leads this Church."

Sister Beeler

(My high school friend Beverly's niece. She is in remission from breast cancer.)

" We have a Heavenly Father who loves us.

I have been ministered to by the members of this stake."

President Wright

" I remember the things the past stake presidency has taught.

I have a testimony. I love the Savior's example of serving others."

President Miles

" The past stake presidency has served you because they love you.

Enos 1:27 

I have felt the cleansing of the Savior's Atonement."

Sister Robinson

"This is the true and living Church.

3 Nephi 5:13 - Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

Elder Jones

"The law of witness is a spiritual gift. 

Pray together for inspiration, guidance, and the Spirit. 

Information leads to inspiration."

Elder Foster

" Family is the eternal, enduring unit.

Multi-generational families, work hard to make that happen.

Don't let the world change your view of family.

Watch the movie "Coco."

Help others see what they can't see so they can get back to Heavenly Father.

The Church has never been stronger.

If it doesn't work the first time, do it again. Sometimes miracles take time.

Bore testimony of Heavenly Father's plan.

When you take the Sacrament it's like writing His name upon your heart."

"Before Thee Lord"

Benediction - Rebecca Woods

Before we left for stake conference this morning James and I handed in our Chunky Monkey reports to Trina.

Darrel lost the most weight this week, 9 lbs. James was second with 5. James and I and several other people tied for points. We got all of them.

At stake conference we sat by the Curtis's from our ward. Diana is a Relief Society teacher and I work with the teachers. She won't be here for her next lesson on May 27th so I told her I would teach for her. The lesson is on ministering.

We had green chili burros from Burger House for lunch and then we both took a nap.

For the rest of the day I studied, worked on my blog and helped James find family information for Tina Allen. He was very happy with me!

 This is something we need to see again!

The Minnard's, one of my former

young women, Mary.

My flower is blooming!

Marissa's baby, Graham

Old-time Chandlerite,

Sister Chapman. Her

daughter works in the Snowflake

temple.

The third photo of Scarlett

sleeping this weekend. They

must have worn her out!

Gorgeous Vernon sunset