Phoenix, Arizona
144th operating temple
Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014
By: Thomas S. Monson
Jesus Christ Atonement through
1 John 3:5
And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
Book of Mormon
Ether 13:1-18
*How can we better cultivate the characteristics that will help us to be worthy to dwell in the New Jerusalem?
President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) wrote the following about the New Jerusalem:
"The prevailing notion in the world is that this [the New Jerusalem] is the city of Jerusalem, the ancient city of the Jews which in the day of regeneration will be renewed, but this is not the case. We read in the book of Ether that the Lord revealed to him many of the same things which were seen by John. Ether was the last of the prophets among the Jaredites, and the Lord had revealed to him much concerning the history of the Jews and their city of Jerusalem which stood in the days of the ministry of our Savior. Ether saw the old city of Jerusalem and also the new city which has not yet been built, and he wrote of them as follows: Ether 13:2-11...
"In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent" (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., 5 vols., 2:103-4).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 31:9
Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.
General Conference
That Your Joy Might Be Full
Sister Jean B. Bingham
"As I have studied the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with more focus, and committed 'The Living Christ,' to memory, my gratitude and love for our Savior have increased. Each sentence of that inspired document contains a sermon and has enhanced my understanding of His divine roles and earthly mission. What I have learned and felt through this period of study and reflection confirms that Jesus truly 'is the light, the life, and hope of the world.' Ancient scripture and latter-day prophets' words written or spoken in praise of Him bear witness that 'His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."
Light the World
Jesus taught: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad."
-Matthew 5:12
God loves us and wants us to be happy. We have many reasons to be happy, even if we don't realize all of them. One way we find joy is by helping others feel joy.
James left this morning a little before 8 a.m. to help with a service project at Sister Kuffer's. Sean Hunsaker is her home teacher and is in charge of the project. They are turning two storage units into living spaces for her daughter, son-in-law, and five children.
James got home around 2 p.m. and we went into town to get a pizza. We have both been craving a veggie thin crust pizza so that's what we got at Dominoes. Traffic was backed up on the hill by Maverick because of the construction so we went around to Lakeside and home on the Porter Mountain Rd.
It was 52 degrees today with no clouds. I am praying for snow.
I wrapped all of Jared's family's presents today and got half way through Stacy's family. I watched these movies: "On Strike for Christmas," "Kristin's Christmas Past," and "A Christmas Proposal." James and I also watched two episodes of Heartland.
We slept on the recliners again tonight.
As much as I love Christmas I am always overwhelmed by it, even when I think I am simplifying. One thing I have enjoyed doing this year is wrapping my packages in shiny paper and making real bows for them.
Things I have to do this week: Mail packages to Texas, make pumpkin bread, get Primary gifts ready and delivered, and prepare for the trip to the valley and the family party.
Michael's 20th birthday
This tells alot about Michael. He is a runner
and he runs for Grand Canyon University.
Michael always celebrates his birthday at
Organ Stop Pizza. It is a family tradition. I am sorry
we could not be there with him to celebrate.
Jared's family's packages. These are going to
be fun to mail.
Christmas tree in the dark.
Provo City Center temple,
one of my favorites.
