Thursday, August 16th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Moses 1:33
And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:13-21
*How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?
-We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger. "Beware of Pride" Ezra Taft Benson.

Psalms 26-32
26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience - He loves the Lord's house.
27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation - He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever - He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions - David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
29 David counsels, Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness - David sets forth the wonder and power of the voice of the Lord.
30 David sings praises and gives thanks to the Lord - David pleads for mercy.
31 David trusts in the Lord and rejoices in His mercy - Speaking as the Messiah he says, Into Thine hand I commit my spirit - He counsels, O love the Lord, all ye His Saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful.
32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity - David acknowledges his sin - He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks
"To fulfill this divine charge, we must be faithful in 'magnifying' our priesthood callings and responsibilities, President Harold B. Lee explained what it means to magnify the priesthood: 'When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand. That is what it means to magnify the priesthood.'"

I read the "Living Christ" this morning and want to share the last sentence of testimony:

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

I made banana nut muffins this morning. James took three of them to work with him but no one else ate any so I put them in the freezer. 

Alex and his friends went into town to play frisbee golf on the Show Low Creek course where we walk. They also went shopping at Walmart. Before they left Sky asked me if we needed anything at the store. I said no but I was impressed with her thoughtfulness.

I made a green chili stew today but didn't use any of the "hot" green chilies. James said he missed them.

We got lots of lightning, thunder and rain today. That didn't stop the kids from driving the Razr up to Green's Peak. They weren't even muddy when they returned.  

I had to pay the business credit card today and James says we need over $2,000 to pay for the repairs on the tractor. Yikes! We are having a cash crisis. Hopefully he will get paid for work done at the Phoenician very soon!

Jean Howard wants James to make a tree slab countertop, like the one she has in her bathroom at home, for the bunkhouse.

I like the sink and the faucet too. James found a 4 foot wide alligator juniper tree on our property if we could only find a saw big enough to cut the slab.

After leaving the Howard's James and I drove into town to get the oil changed in Lexy. Instead of going to Walmart where it takes anywhere from 1-3 hours we stopped at Jiffy Lube. We were in and out in 30 minutes. They really are jiffy! We enjoyed the overcast skies and walked to McDonald's where I got an ice cream cone. We walked down by President Beeler's gorgeous home and saw Show Low Creek and the green pastures with horses and cows. 

The attendant at Jiffy Lube told James the filter on the ac filter needs to be changed. He cleaned out a bunch of debri that looked like stuff a rat had drug in to make a nest. Yikes! A rat was inside my car? The filter and fan for the ac is behind the glove compartment. 

This evening I entered my ministering district in the computer. There are four sisters who visit each other that we will have to change.

The kids fixed frozen pizza for dinner and James told them about Pete the crow. 

Blast from the past.

Can you find Sheri?

Storm near Tucson

Joshua's baptism

Our bishop, his son, and his dad, all 

members of our ward.

Such a cute couple

Sunday, August 12th, 2018

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Book of Mormon

Alma 49:9-30

*Why is it important to be aware of our own weaknesses?

- Knowing our weaknesses keeps us humble, and helps us grow and rely on the Lord. Something that stood out to me was Moroni, "altered the management of affairs among the Nephites. "He knew Amalickiah's intent and arranged his army so that their work areas were no longer weak. I think it's important to be aware of our weak areas so we can "alter the management of our affairs" and strengthen ourselves against Satan's attacks. It is critical to have the Spirit with us to both know our weaknesses and know how to improve. 

Old Testament

Psalms 1-8

1 Blessed are the righteous - The ungodly will perish.

2 A messianic psalm - The heathen will rage against the Lord's anointed - The Lord speaks of His Son, whom He has begotten.

3 David cries unto the Lord and is heard - Salvation is of the Lord

4 David pleads for mercy - He counsels, Put your trust in the Lord.

5 David asks the Lord to hear his voice - The Lord hates workers of iniquity - He blesses and shields the righteous.

6 David cries unto the Lord for mercy - He asks to be healed and saved.

7 David trusts in the Lord, who will judge the people - God is angry with the wicked.

General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Know

Douglas D. Holmes

"Increased faith in Christ always leads to a desire to change or repent. So it is logical that the key of the ministering of angels would be accompanied by the key of the preparatory gospel, 'the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins.'"

James and I left for the church a little before 8 a.m. We met Brother Miller and the Howard's. James helped Ed give Tom a blessing. Tom has melanoma cancer on his nose and is leaving for the valley today to get treatments at the Anderson Cancer Center in Mesa.

I guess Ed has given Tom several blessings and as a result Tom's faith has grown because he has always been made well. This has happened because of Tom's faith in the Lord and I suppose in Ed.

Sacrament meeting was amazing today.

Brother Moore was confirmed by Brother Thompson.

 Layne H. was the youth speaker. He told about what he enjoyed about and learned from trek. At one point he told about receiving a letter from his mother that was written in her secret language. He then proceeded to tell us that the secret language that he couldn't read was cursive. He said he felt he had grown closer to Heavenly Father as a result of trek. He quoted DC 88:118:

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Layne is a priest in our ward. He works at Arby's and was chosen employee of the month for the month of August.

Sister Beard, who is the Hunsaker's daughter (Sean & Stefani's), spoke about Being Faithful Through Trials. She started out by saying that last December she became a single mom. I might add that she also had her third child last December. She said she tried to save the marriage that was so sacred to her. She said she was struggling to know what to do but after listening to General Conference in April she knew which direction she should take. 

DC 121:7-8: 7 My son (daughter), peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

She said one of the things she felt inspired to do was be 100% diligent in attending the temple. She then listed, as given in Elder Renlund's recent conference talk, all of the blessings associated with temple and family history work. She said she did not want to be a hateful person. She began doing a comprehensive study of the Atonement and was able to forgive her ex-husband who had been unfaithful to her. She didn't put it that way. She said, "I felt love toward's the person who had wronged me." She talked about faith in the Savior. "Patience refines understanding." 

Brother Greer Stake High Councilman. Brother Greer is a former mission president and is an awesome speaker. He talked about enduring faith and doing hard things. He said that Bishop Miller, who is not here today, is one of his favorite people. He said that he knows through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and through the Holy Ghost that this Gospel is true. He said, you gotta do your part. Prayer is an action verb. He talked about President Eyring's talk on the Holy Spirit. We can't do it alone. We need to ask, obey, and accept course correction. DC 95:1-2: 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation,and I have loved you-
2 Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;

Brother Smith taught Sunday School. We discussed our favorite Proverbs and verses in Ecclesiastes. Mine is Proverbs 3:5-6:
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding;
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sister Smith (Yes, she is Brother Smith's wife), taught Relief Society using President Oaks's conference address, "Small and Simple Things." One thing Sister Smith is good at is getting everyone involved. She gave out assignments ahead of time and she also had us divide into groups and discuss certain things and then share with the entire group. It was good, although she had a handout and I think most people were confused how to use it. Sometimes she tries to do too much.

After the closing prayer we had refreshments in the back. We fed lots of Primary children, which is ok. We finished off all of the cookies and cake leftover from yesterday's baptism.

After nap time this afternoon I worked on my blog and finding names on Family Search. I have a couple of temple cards I need to print. Found out what names Sheri and Kim have. Ben's temple recommend interview with the stake is Tuesday night. Hoping we can go through with him next Saturday.

Update regarding Sister Peeler. They put two permanent rods in her back. She is doing better but still in pain. Brother Peeler came home to do laundry. James said he sounded exhausted but was very hopeful that she was on her way to recovery. He has been the primary caretaker the past few weeks since Donna's compression fracture fall.

It rained a little this evening but from what I understand Cibeque got the bulk of it with 8.5 inches in an hour. Maybe they did a rain dance!

 Arizona Highways

Lavender fields forever!

 We're on the edge - Headed for Cibeque

Friday, August 10th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 29:31

For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal - 

Book of Mormon

Moroni 48:1-18

*What can we learn from Moroni's character?

- Trust in the Lord and live up to our divine potential. Pray as if every thing depended on the Lord. Work as if every thing depended on you.

Old Testament

Job 35-37

35 Elihu contrasts the weakness of man and the power of God - Our wickedness hurts other men, and our righteousness helps them - Man should trust in the Lord.

36 Elihu says, Those who are righteous are prospered - The wicked perish and die without knowledge - Elihu praises the greatness of God.

37 Elihu concludes, saying, The Lord controls the laws of nature - God reigns in terrible majesty.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home:A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

" Family scripture study is an ideal forum for teaching doctrine in the home. President Russell M. Nelson said, 'Not only are parents to cling to the word of the Lord, but they have a divine mandate to teach it to their children.'"

Happy 12th Birthday Rowan!

I've never seen Rowan drink a soda. That must be

one of his dad's. When this sweet boy was asked what he

wanted for his birthday he said: "I'm getting the priesthood, I don't need anything else." You will not find a better brother, son, grandson, or friend that this young man. He is incredible!

Marvin J. Ashton, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and one of my favorites, said this:

Tragedy and frustration are the unexpected intruder's on life's plans."

The question we as a Relief Society presidency are considering today is whether our next council meeting in September should be about dealing with depression and suicide prevention. I am praying for an answer.

Today I made hamburger soup for lunch and for the weekend. Luckily James loved it. He said he was pleasantly surprised when he got here at lunch time.

I also made rolls for the temple tomorrow and chocolate chip cookies for Brother Moore's baptism. It was a day spent in the kitchen. 

James worked at the Howard's most of the day trying to get their bunkhouse finished and ready for their open house on the 25th. 

I read from Dragonwatch, The Way of Kings, The Secret Keeper, Loving Lieutenant Lancaster, and Life Everlasting, the last two with James. 

It was a hazy day. I read that the California fires and causing smoke throughout the United States clear to New York. 

We started having some thunder around 4:15 pm. It rained a while but in Tempe they had what they are calling a 100 year storm, if you can believe the media. They got 3.5 inches of rain in less than an hour according to my friend Karen.

 Adalyn Tibbetts

Sheri's fifth child

 Love the cone shaped roof

 If I got these for the yard I wonder if James

would try to feed them.

 Whiteriver gets the most!

 Priest in our ward

Love this view of the Idaho Falls temple.

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Ether 3:16

Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

*Why did prior knowledge of the Lord cause the dissenters to harden their hearts?

- Those who fell away from the gospel most likely also lost the influence of the Spirit. They sought after others who were in the same situation and as often happens they pulled each other down.

When you intentionally reject the gospel you set yourself up to drift here and there.

Old Testament

Job 32-34

32 Elihu, n anger, answers Job and his three friends - He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise. 

33 Elihu says: God is greater than man - He speaks to man in dreams and visions - He ransoms those cast into the pit - He delivers their souls and gives them life.

34 Elihu teaches, God cannot be unjust, commit iniquity, pervert judgment, or respect persons - Man should bear chastisement and do iniquity no more.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela Wakolo

"The many distractions and temptations of life are like 'ravening wolves' (Matt 7:15). It is the true shepherd who will prepare, protect, and warn the sheep and the flock when these wolves are approaching. As undershepherds who seek to emulate the perfect life of the Good Shepherd, aren't we shepherds of our own soul as well as of others? With the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators, whom we just sustained, and with the power and gift of the Holy Ghost, we can see the wolves coming if we are watchful and prepared. In contrast, when we are casual shepherds of our own soul and others' souls, casualties are likely. Casualness leads to casualties. I invite each of us to be a faithful shepherd."

James called the pump company this morning and was told how to fix the problem with the pump. Woohoo! I got to take a shower and wash my hair before going to the temple this morning.

I left the house around 9:20 to pick up my friend Catherine. She is 83 but seems younger. She did one of my family names, Laura Lewis, and I did Georgia Ruthledge.

Catherine worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years. She happened to run into a friend from her days in Mesa and they had a great visit before and after the session.

The session was pretty full with a row of sisters on the brothers side. President Jensen, formerly of our stake presidency and his wife were in the session, and our stake patriarch, Brother Toronto was the officiator. Catherine and I took a selfie afterwards.

Sorry for the goofy looking face by "Yours truly."

When I got home this afternoon I phoned a new sisters in the ward whom we haven't seen because she has been sick. She is from Woodland, Texas and her name is Marie. She said she had bronchitis but is much better. She is living here alone right now with her six dogs. Her husband will be in Texas for another year. She is 74 years old and it sounds like we could be friends.

We had a beautiful unexpected rain this evening, something I always enjoy. I also walked over 20,000 steps and then James and I watched the newest episode of the Garage Sale Mysteries, "Pandora's Box." A murder mystery, Hallmark style.

I sure do love this boy!

 Is Cierci an alpaca or a llama?

 Two boys in Phoenix were struck by lightning too.

How sad.

 Huntleigh the brave!

Monday, July 16th, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Book of Mormon

Alma 33:12-23

*Why is it important to know the scriptures?

- It's important to know the scriptures so we don't "dwindle in unbelief" as do so many when they no longer have or believe the words of Christ...

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 28-30

28 Ahaz reigns in wickedness and practices idolatry; his people are defeated by Israel - The captives are freed by the command of a prophet - The Edomites and Philistines attack Judah - Ahaz continues his idolatrous ways.

29 Hezekiah reigns in righteousness and restores the worship of Jehovah - The Levites cleanse and sanctify the house of the Lord - The priests offer sacrifices and make reconciliation and atonement for the people - Hezekiah and all the people worship the Lord and praise His name.

30 Hezekiah invites all Israel to a solemn Passover in Jerusalem - Some accept the call; others laugh him to scorn - The faithful Israelites worship the Lord in Jerusalem.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The most important principle for all priesthood holders is the principle taught by the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob. After he and his brother Joseph were consecrated priests and teachers of the people, he declared, 'And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence.'(Jacob 1:19),"

FHE:

Ministering with the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson
"A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families. Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness."

James went to work at the Howard's again this morning. 

I made blueberry muffins for the girls and insisted they each at least eat one before I would take them to Dollar General. It took awhile for Tildy, but they both ate a muffin and I put the rest in a basket to give to Brother Grapp when he came. 

We packed all of the girls stuff in the car and headed for Dollar General around 8:45. The girls and I did our shopping. I bought each of them a couple of toys. Emsley knew before she went in that she wanted high heels. Tildy wanted a tu-tu but they didn't have any. Emsley found her Cinderella high heels right away. She said she was going to be Cinderella for Halloween. She also found a tiara and a wand. Tildy settled for fake makeup and a phone. As we were leaving the store Brother Grapp drove up with Benson.

I gave each of the girls, and Benson a hug and I gave the muffins to Brother Grapp. He said: "You are the sweetest person." Well that made me feel good.

Today is Amazon Prime Day so I did some shopping.

 Jared said Molly likes stuffed horses so I bought one for her and sent it to Jared's address. I found a stuffed horse that looks like the horse Ruby loves, Pepper, so I ordered one and sent it to Ruby. Then I remembered Ruthie had a birthday this coming Saturday so I ordered one for her too. Three horses in one blow.

James has been asking me to make him some beans so I finally do so today. After getting the beans on I had corn for lunch. 

This afternoon the storm clouds began rolling in. The first ones just passed us by but later some more came rolling in and there was a downpour starting around 5:20. I love watching the clouds and seeing these storms!

Ben received his mission call. We are all so excited but he wants to wait until Sunday at 6 p.m. to open it when all of his friends will be in town. Sheri said he hid the envelope so no one would be tempted to steam it open and reseal it.

James and I read from Abby's Crossing this evening and then James tried to answer a post that Jared Ammon posted on Facebook. Here is the post.

This statement was made in 1954

Here are the comments that went with the post:

Thank you Jared Lambson for your response. It was heartfelt and right on. I appreciate you so much for doing this.