Sunday, March 8th, 2020

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 31-33 Review; Begin Jacob 1-4

October 2019 GenCon

"Watchful unto Prayer Continually"

Elder David A. Bednar

"I testify that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives. And I witness that the risen and living Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad. Of these truths I testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

"Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon"
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud
"I solemnly testify that the Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and that the Holy Ghost will confirm the truth of it time after time to anyone who, with a sincere heart, seeks knowledge unto the salvation of their soul. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I attended ward council this morning at 7:30 a.m. The ward council consists of Bishop Hunsaker and his counselors, Brother Goodman and Brother Grapp. Brother Umphress, the ward executive secretary. Elder Sagers and Elder Richards, the missionaries assigned to our ward, the Primary President Sister Gillespie, the Young Women's President, Sister Allen, Brother Diewald, the ward clerk, and Brother Thompson representing the Elder's Quorum and me representing the Relief Society. 

The main thing we did after going over the calendar was to go through the ward list and discuss each family or individual.

I felt like it was a good thing because I found out some things about people that I knew nothing about. Meetings are supposed to be about people and this one certainly was.

James drove the truck to the church. It was nice to be early for sacrament meeting. Yesterday I sent emails to two sets of ministering sisters. One of them was Sister Van Haren whom I was able to speak with a few minutes before sacrament meeting. She said she visited one of the sisters on her beat but one of the other never answers her texts.  She also has never visited Sister Sommers who live near her. I told her I had visited her and she was very nice and receptive. If she would set up an appointment I would go with her on a visit. She said that would be great.

The Howard's were not here today and I am wondering why. 

Yogi Vizcarra was the youth speaker today. For a new convert he did an amazing job. He was quoting scriptures and seemed so sincere. He told of Hailey H. giving him a Book of Mormon which was the start of his conversion. Someone told him at his baptism to write down everything he felt, which he did. He said if we listen to the Holy Ghost, read our scriptures, and keep the commandments and pray our lives will be so much easier. He quoted: 2 Nephi 33:10-11 and 2 Nephi 32:8-9 and said, I believe these scriptures are true. It was a great first talk for a convert.

Anne and Bishop Miller were the adult speakers. Anne's talk was based on Brother Owen's talk, "Be Faithful, Not Faithless."

She told the story of the deer that were fed hay and how they starved to death with their stomach's full. Are we the same way spiritually? Where do we find our spiritual nourishment? What can keep us from being nourished spiritually? We must have the love of Christ as our foremost goal. We cannot base our faith on false idols. Satan tells us to procrastinate spiritual nourishment. I main purpose for reading the scriptures individually and as a family is to get closer to Christ. We must have faith in the promises of the prophets.

Bishop Miller used Elder Renlund's talk, "Unwavering Commitment of Jesus Christ" as the basis for his talk. We must learn of Him and learn to follow Him. If we have pure intent, and a total commitment to Jesus Christ, everything else in our lives will fall into place. Joy from that commitment surpasses anything else. He talked about Clayton M. Christensen and what an amazing Harvard professor and missionary he was. I guess he passed away a couple of months ago. Bishop Miller said that he used to think false idols were golden calves. He realized when he was deciding rather he should go on a mission or not that hunting and the out of doors was a false idol for him. It almost kept him from going and having one of the most amazing experiences of his lifetime. What it all boils down to is putting God first in our lives and trusting in Him.

Sandra Wilhelm taught Relief Society today for Becky Skousen who was out of town celebrating her wedding anniversary with her husband. The lesson was based on two conference talks, "Covenant Daughters in Partnership with God," and "Knowing, Loving, and Growing" by Elder Boom. Both addresses talk about ministering and that is why we picked them. Sandra did a good job. Here are some of the notes I took: Covenants, ministering, helping others reach their divine potential. We need all instruments and all of God's children. What is my purpose. Which part is yours and which part is mine? (Michael McLean song). Forcing someone to do something offends their spirits. We need to minister to each other and too all in need. Strive to stay on the covenant path. Ministering is exercising divine love. And Sandra said this: "My kids don't need me to tell them where they need to improve, they need to feel of my love so they have the desire to improve." Repentance is a daily process. Am I to quick to judge and to slow to listen? Debra Brewer who spent the last year caring for her husband before he passed away: "Joy is not in how much you do but the quality of service you give." The gospel lifts our souls.

Those attending: Sandra, Kerri H., Debra B., Shaleyn S., Sue H., a new sister, Sister McClelland and her mother, Donna Lundgren, Geraldine Corona, Pam Woods, Rosie Lauritzen, Linda Diewald, Ruth Wallace, Amy G., Ellen K., Kathy C., Maxine T., Donna P., Diana C., Kristen L., Colleen K., Debbie M., Chris B., Darla R., Judy H., Catherine H., Sheba, Tamara, Stefani H., and myself.

James went out to see Anthony this afternoon with his companion Dave Westbrook. I stayed home and worked on my blog and did some family history work. 

We FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, Charlie, and Molly. Jared has something in between rheumatoid and pustular psoriatic arthritis. He is back on methotrexate and some new medicine. Molly played the banjo and sang, "This Land is Your Land" for us. Tanner and Summer were there and Summer's dog Ollie. Charlie always gives us hugs and kisses at the end of our call. We enjoy doing this each Sabbath day.

This evening I watched Emily and Dave in "Don't Miss This" and James and I watched "Teaching with Power."

It was a wonderful Sabbath Day.

So true.

 Joshua teaching

So adorable

 Thinking about Nursery

 Why do they make me go?

I thought they loved me.

 "I'm so glad Molly is here.

 "She loves me."

 "I love Ollie!"

"She's heavy"

 Writing his weekly email to

Elder Trezise

 Sunday is a day of rest

A cute Ollie photo

Sunday, September 15th, 2019

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Alma 13:24

For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land; and this is for the purpose of preparing the hearts of the children of men to receive his word at the time of his coming in his glory.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 4;18-5:4

New Testament "Be Ye Reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 1-7

Review

General Conference

Look Unto Jesus Christ

Elder Kim B. Clark

"Have we not cause to rejoice? We do! We hold the holy priesthood of God. As we look unto Jesus Christ, live our covenants, and rivet our focus on Him, we will join with our sisters and minister in a holier way, gather scattered Israel on both sides of the veil, strengthen and seal our families, and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. It will happen. I so testify."

I had a difficult time going to sleep last night. I was so wound up from the evenings events that I couldn't shut my mind off. I finally went in and took some Nyquil, something I don't like to do too often. It worked, I finally went to sleep.

James had to wake me up this morning. When I asked him what time it was he said, "7:30." What? I never sleep in this late! It was difficult for me to get out of bed, but somehow I managed. 

I just had time to eat some breakfast, take a shower and get ready for church before it was time to leave. It looked like it might rain so I took my umbrella. I'm glad I did because it rained on me as I walked into sacrament meeting.

Bishop Miller conducted the meeting today. Chuck was on the stand but Brother Thompson is still in the valley. He will have his knee surgery on Wednesday.

The bishop read in several new families to the ward. One of the families is McKenzi and Tyler Forrester. McKenzi is one of my former young women and it's great to have her back in the ward.

I met a family sitting behind us who is new but I can't remember their names. Duh.

We had two Tys speak with us today. One was an Applegate and the other the high councilman whose last name is Woods.

Ty A.'s topic was "How I Can Invite Others to Come unto Christ." 

He talked about how difficult this can be at the high school. He said that it's important to be seen as a leader. He said we have choices everyday. Are we going to tease, gossip, or encourage and lift others up. Be a good example. Give someone the scriptures with your testimony in them. He closed by bearing his testimony. His parents can be proud of him, he did a good job!

Brother Woods' talk was on hearing and following the right voices.

He used Elder Homer's talk from conference as the basis of his talk but he shared different experiences. He talked about Korihor listening to the wrong voices and how it pretty much destroyed his life. 

There are many voices in this life and most people follow what is most convenient. Some truths will never change, such as, the Proclamation to the world on the family. This proclamation is a test for this generation. He quoted Moroni 10:4-5. Brother Woods is an avid hiker and he said that it is important when hiking on glaciers to follow the guidelines and gave an example of going off the path and his pole sinking into a huge hole. 

Apostles and prophets help to keep us on the straight and narrow path. We must have faith and trust in Heavenly Father and His timing. We need to know how the Holy Ghost speaks to us. Be sensitive to the impressions you receive. Communicate with family members. Effort before answers. Pray with real intent. Most promptings are very subtle. Take time to meditate and pray. (The reason I got up at 4 am when my children were in the home). You will receive comfort not necessarily solutions. Proceed with faith. Faith is complete trust in God. Teach by the power of the Holy Ghost. 

At the end of his talk Brother Woods told about an experience of talking a group of boys hiking. The hike was long and treacherous up the side of a mountain. As they neared the peak. They sat down to rest in an area of thick trees. You couldn't seek the peak of the mountain. He gave the boys as choice as to whether they wanted to continue or wait here. Some of the boys said, we aren't going any further than we have to. Others said, we aren't coming this far without going to the top. The ones that chose to go to the top left the others behind in the trees. As they left the trees and could see the peak of the mountain, it was spectacular. Someone said, "I'm sure if those boys who chose to stay behind could see this, they would have come." He likened this to our progression towards the Celestial Kingdom. Many give up just before the end. Part of the gospel of Jesus Christ is enduring to the end.

During the second hour I attended the teacher council meeting conducted by our Sunday School president Brother Allen. Those attending the class: Brother and Sister Allen, Amy Reynolds, Sean and Stefani Hunsaker and their daughter Camrie, Brother Curtis, Sam Gordon, the Applegates, and Bishop and Anne Miller, Becky Skousen, and of course myself.

We had a good discussion. Amy wanted to know some good attention getters. Here were some of the suggestions: Start with a thought provoking question. Share a spiritual experience. Show a Mormon Messages video. 

We discussed last night's meeting and Alma 7:11 - And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind, and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of His people. (See also vs. 12-13).

When teaching we need to learn to be comfortable with silence. Allow people to sit and ponder. 

Encourage your class members to study the lesson in advance. 

Sister Skousen mentioned that the Relief Society sends out an email of the lesson along, the week of the lesson, with questions for the sisters to ponder.

I believe the Elders Quorum does the same thing.

We talked about the difference between the "Come Follow Me" lessons in the book for individuals and families and the one for Sunday School teachers. We wish they were more alike but Sister Allen says her answer is to open up the Sunday School teacher's lesson when she is attending Sunday School. Good idea.

Bishop reminded us that this program is fairly new and a work in progress and we need to be patient. 

Remember we come to feed, not to be fed. 

I was still tired when we got home after our meetings. James fixed lunch and then cleaned the kitchen before rest time.

We did FaceTime with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie which is the highlight of our Sabbath day.

We listened to a message on YouTube from "The Power of Teaching" about next week's lesson on 2 Corinthians 8-13. The name of the lesson is, "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver." I challenged the family to give abundantly this week and then share with us their experiences.

I worked on my blog but Saturday's post is going to take awhile.

Happy 19th Birthday James Hayden!

 She looks like a little doll

 Ok Mom, that's enough

 Beautiful Scarlett

Scarlett loves kitties!

Janet and Clint, I invited them to come see us.

 I wish I would have thought of this last night.

 I love these two families!

Elder Andersen dedicated the Lisbon, Portugal

Temple today. Temple #166

Sunday, September 8th, 2019

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

1 Nephi 22:24

And the time cometh speedily that the righteous must be led up as calves of the stall, and the Holy One of Israel must reign in dominion, and might, and power, and great glory.

Book of Mormon

Alma 63:1-17

New Testament: Review 1 Corinthians 14-16"God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace"

General Conference

Seeking Knowledge By The Spirit

Elder Mathias Held

"Many precious truths have become spiritual building blocks of what God is helping me to become. And I look forward to the many new teachings that He still wants me - and you - to receive as we go through this wonderful life and 'learn ... even by study and also by faith.' I know these things to be true and testify of them in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I spent the morning getting ready for Relief Society. I typed out and studied the section from Elder Homer's talk, "Hearing His Voice." Sister Curtis asked me to share , "Listening to the Wrong Voice," which is basically the story of Korihor and how listening to the wrong voice led him to destruction.

I also printed out the rest of my ministering companionships that had changes and handed them out before sacrament meeting.

Bailey, the young woman who was supposed to be the youth speaker was a "no show" as Brother Crane put it. Heather Bowen was the next speaker and she spoke less than 5 minutes. Alicia H. had the rest of the time but when she finished there was still 15 minutes on the clock. 

Brother Crane was the only member of the bishopric on the stand today. Brother Grapp, the elders quorum president joined him and got up and spoke the last ten minutes of sacrament meeting and did a wonderful job relating faith promoting stories from his family and his mission to Hawaii.

Sister Curtis did a great job in Relief Society starting the discussion on listen to the voice of the Spirit. I sat by Sister Kuffer who very rarely comes to church because she works on Sunday.
She told about her 15 year old grandson who recently collapsed in Walmart and was taken to the emergency room of the Show Low hospital. They discovered his kidneys were 30% shut down and jetted him to the valley. That was over two weeks ago. The doctors are saying they are not sure what caused this but they are saying it is caused by an autoimmune disorder. His kidneys are now 90% shutdown. They have him on dialysis and on a kidney transplant list but they are afraid his body will reject new kidneys. It is a very sad situation. The bishop called a special fast for him.

Tamara and I went to Sister Tesarek's setting apart after the block. She has been called to be the Relief Society activities chairman and we are so excited to be working with her. She is young, energetic and has lots of great ideas and is a born leader. Kerri couldn't be there because she had a missionary committee meeting.

This afternoon James and I FaceTimed with Charlie, Kacey, and Jared. I look forward to this every week.  We are counting the weeks until they come in November for a convention.

I taped President Nelson's 95th birthday celebration and we were watching it when our friends the Halcomb's rang the doorbell.

There friends, Dennis and Kelly have property in Vernon and as soon as they sell their home in Ajo they want to move up and build a home here. 

While James showed Dennis around Kerri and Catherine and I visited in the family room. Kelly, Dennis's wife is in Ajo this weekend.

We finished watching President Nelson's birthday celebration after they left. We also listened to the YouTube presentation by The Power of Teaching for 2 Corinthians 1-7.

 Separate homes or just separate play areas?

Sunday, August 11th, 2019

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Foreordained

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 48:19-49:8

New Testament "The Power of God unto Salvation"

Review of Romans 1-6

General Conference

Hearing His Voice

David P. Homer

"We will find our Father's voice in many places. We will find it when we pray, study the scriptures, attend church, engage in faithful discussions, or go to the temple. Surely, we will find it in conference this very weekend.

Today we sustained 15 men as prophets, seers, and revelators. Their spirituality and experience give them a unique perspective that we desperately need. Their messages are easy to find and spoken with absolute clarity. They tell us what God wants us to know, whether it is popular or not.

Seeking His voice in anyone of these places is good, but seeking it in many of them is even better. And when we hear it, we need to follow the direction that is given. The Apostles James said, 'Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only.' And President Thomas S. Monson once taught: 'We watch. We wait. We listen for that still, small voice. When it speaks, wise men and women obey.'"

We woke up to rain this morning. I grabbed an umbrella from my closet and as I was closing it when I entered the church I noticed it had a Disneyland logo on it. Oh well, I don't think anyone noticed except maybe the boys who held the door open for me when I came in.

Bishop Miller was out of town today and Brother Thompson is still having knee problems so he was not here. It was Chuck and Brother Grapp, the elders quorum president, on the stand.

Tana, Corina, and Brother M. Wilhelm were the speakers today. 

Tana W. was the youth speaker. She spoke about how we can be "His Hands" and talked about the song. I remember when Stacy sang this song at a special Relief Society program in our home in Chandler. Tana ended her talk by saying: "I feel closer to Christ when I give service. I feel like I have a purpose."

Corina used Sister Eubanks conference talk, "The Light of Christ," as the basis of her talk. We need to to stay connected to our souce of light and power, Jesus Christ. Corina shared an experience she had of bearing testimony to a non-member friend that she is a daughter of God and the impact that statement had on her friend. 

How do we stay connected to Christ's light? We repent, we bear testimony, we do things daily, such as show love, seek Him diligently through prayer and scripture study, etc. We are His light. He needs us and we need Him.

Brother Wilhelm us Elder Holland's talk, "Behold, the Lamb of God," as the basis for his talk. He started his talk by asking us the question, "Are you using the sacrament the way the Lord intended"? Jesus introduced the sacrament to His apostles. Brother Wilhelm used the analogy of a Handyman jack says that the jack lifts us out of the mire, just as the Atonement and the sacrament lifts us from our life of sin. We need to commit to a higher level of behavior in the chapel where the sacrament is served. He used the phrase of offering a "crust of comfort, and a cup of compassion" to others as the Savior did for us.

Diana Curtis, using a walker, came to teach her Relief Society lesson today. I admire her for that. We had a good discussion on Brother Brock P. Hales conference address, "Answers to Prayer."

For lunch James made burgers with provolone cheese. The burgers were the frozen Fat Burgers and I did not like the flavor or the texture. I feel like throwing away the rest of the box but I don't think James would approve. 

I roasted the rest of the poblano chilies I have and peeled them but they were not ready in time to put on the burgers. At least now they are ready to use in the refrigerator.

For dessert we had Pepperidge Farm cherry turnovers. They were delicious. After lunch we took our food coma naps.

Later this afternoon I Facetimed with Jared, Charlie, and Scarlett who is staying with Lolly and Pop. Charlie and Scarlett are so cute together!

James had Brother Anderson over to work on Family Search. On Family Search the wrong person was put in as Greg's father.  It took awhile for us to change it, but we did. We put a call into Cathi and Terry and they helped us.

This evening James wrote a letter to Ben while I tried to do some catchup on my blog. 

 On their way to dance class

Not on Sunday 

 Watching their favorite TV show