Monday, March 27, 2017

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Jacob 7:1-20

Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God - All of the prophets have spoken of Christ and His Atonement - The Nephites lived out their days as wanderers, born in tribulation, and hated by the Lamanites. About 544-421 B.C.

Some thoughts on this chapter:

*"One of mortality's great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized" - Elder Robert D. Hales

* Consider how Jacob responded when Sherem challenged his beliefs. (see verses 5, 8, 10-11, 12, 13-14.

* As we rely on the Lord, we can overcome challenges to our faith.

* As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.

* What is one thing you will begin doing or continue doing to help you prepare for a time when someone challenges your faith?

Alma 52

Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites - Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites - The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Zoramite is slain. About 66-64 B.C.

DC 46:1-26

1-2, Elders are to conduct meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit; 3-6, Truth seekers should not be excluded from sacramental services; 7-12, Ask of God and seek the gifts of the Spirit; 13-26, An enumeration of some of these gifts is given; 

How have you recognized these gifts in your life?

General Conference

The Doctrine of Christ

Brian K. Ashton

"As our constant companion, the Holy Ghost gives us additional power or strength to keep our covenants.  He also sanctifies us, which means to make us 'free fro sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Christ.  The process of sanctification not only cleanses us, but it also endows us with needed spiritual gifts or divine attributes of the Savior and changes our very nature, such 'that we have no more disposition to do evil.'

Each time we receive the Holy Ghost into our lives through faith, repentance, ordinances, Christ-like service, and other righteous endeavors, we are changed until step by step little by little we become like Christ.'"

James visited Anthony Romyak this afternoon.  Anthony lives way out in the middle of nowhere and James got lost.  He was gone 2 1/2 hours, but had a nice visit.  Anthony is a recent convert and says he knows that he joined the Church for a very important reason.  James suggested it could be family history and also mentioned getting his patriarchal blessing.  Anthony knew nothing about patriarchal blessings and seemed very excited.  What a blessing to have Anthony in our ward.

Horseshoe Bend

We finished "Witness in the Dark" and started "A Fine Gentleman," by Sarah Eden, one of our favorite LDS authors.

This is what my dining room table looks like

when I am doing my morning gospel study.

For dinner tonight James made a salad and I made a grilled tuna and cheese sandwich for him.  After dinner we had FHE.  We listened to Elder Carl B. Cook's conference address, "Serve."

Afterwards we watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart."  

James loaded up his truck for his trip to the valley tomorrow.

Fun Photos:

Grandmother Lois and Erik's son Oliver.

Another family of women at Women's Conference.

Lola, May 2016

Just up from her nap.

High School graduation

Alex and Michael

Michael

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Jacob 6:1-13

The Lord will recover Israel in the last days - The world will be burned with fire - Men must follow Christ to avoid the lake of fire and brimstone. About 544-421 B.C.

How is repentance a continuous process?  Why doesn't it end once you take the sacrament?

Alma 51

The king-men seek to change the law and set up a king - Pahoran and the freemen are supported by the voice of the people - Moroni compels the king-men to defend their country or be put to death - Amalickiah and the Lamanites capture many fortified cities - Teancum repels the Lamanite invasion and slays Amalickiah in his tent. About 67-66 B.C.

DC 45:60-75

60-62, The Prophet is instructed to begin the translation of the New Testament, through which important information will be made known; 63-75, The Saints are commanded to gather and build the New Jerusalem, to which people from all nations will come.

How can we make our homes a sanctuary for peace?

General Conference

"If Ye Had Known Me"

Elder David A. Bednar

"Serving Him requires all of our heart, might, mind and strength.  Consequently, selflessly serving others counteracts the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man.  We grow to love those whom we serve.  And because serving others is serving God, we grow to love Him and our brothers and sisters more deeply.  Such love is a manifestation of the spiritual gift of charity, even the pure love of Christ."

From the women's session of General Conference

I forgot to post yesterday about James flying his drone.  He and Darrel went out in the back and it flew high and far.  Now he needs to learn how to use the camera so he can spy on the nearby wildlife.

Evan woke up sick to his stomach this morning.  Rowan said he was a little bit sick too, and Trina got no sleep because of Lola, so Trina stayed home from church with the two boys.

A couple of sickies

Today was our fast and testimony meeting.  I bore my testimony and said that all I ever needed to learn in life I learned in Primary. I know that Heavenly Father loves me, that the Savior died for my sins, that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration and that he translated the Book of Mormon.  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, that the Church is true, and that we have a prophet on the earth today, even Thomas S. Monson.  When I went back to my seat Ruby whispered to me, "good job."  What a sweetie!

Many of the testimonies were in regards to Ravenna Gillespie and what an influence she was here in Vernon.  

I love the statue of the Savior

My lesson in Primary today was about "The First Latter-day Missionaries"  I was impressed with the sacrifices these early missionaries made to preach the gospel and tried to impress upon the children in my class how important it is for us to make sacrifices to share the gospel.  The third hour we had teacher council meeting.  When I told my class I wouldn't be in sharing time because I was going to a meeting to help me be a better teacher.  Curtis and Lianna both said: "You are already a great teacher." That made me feel good and a little guilty because I actually ask Curtis to leave the class for awhile today because he would not stop making weird noises.

Flagstaff area

We broke our fast this afternoon and had leftover green chili pork stew, mini corndogs and pizza rolls that Darrel cooked.  Here are some things we did this afternoon:

These girls did a puzzle

Kayla, Addy, and Darrel played Tenzi's.

Trina wanted to play too but Lola insisted that she sit and

watch Toy Story 2 with her.

Addy and Grandpa "hung out"

The kids got their picture taken

Lola and I went outside and I blew bubbles while Lola chased them.  It was so much fun to here her giggle and laugh.

Evan ate crackers because of his upset stomach.  I made "brookies," chocolate chip cookies with brownie batter.  The were ok, but I think I like my regular chocolate chip cookies better.

Finally we had to say our goodbyes.

Love these people and I am so grateful 

they came to visit.

James went home teaching to the Peeler's today and we started our new book, "Witness in the Dark."  Ordinarily we wouldn't read on Sunday but we have to finish this one before Tuesday so James can return it to Cathi.  It is in modern time and takes place in Tooele, Utah.  It is about a girl who witnesses a murder and is thrown into a mine shaft.  A little mute girl saw it happen and takes care of her until she is found 7 days later.  It was a good book.

I got a call from the stake Relief Society President this evening. She would like me to speak at a stake women's conference on Saturday, April 22nd.  The topic is receiving personal revelation.  I am humbled that I would be ask to do this but now I have two talks to give this month plus three Primary lessons to prepare.  I better not waste any time getting started. 

Fun Photos:

Bishop Hall's son Kendall got 

married last night. Congratulations!

Drennan, Heather and their two girls came to 

Arizona to visit.  In this picture Heather looks like

Dianne and the little girl she is holding looks like her

as a child.

  I wrote Lola's name on a piece of paper in

sacrament meeting.  She copied it.

Genius.

Ruby's drawings during sacrament meeting

I love how she spelled grandpa.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Jacob 5:73-77

The Millennium, the last great day of gathering.  Every Latter-day Saint should be actively engaged in the Gathering of Israel.  What does the Lord promise us as we labor with Him in His vineyard? (See verse 75.)

Alma 50

Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites - They build many new cities - Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations - Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum - Nephihah dies, and his son Pahoran fills the judgment seat. About 72-67 B.C.

DC 45:47-59

Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 

What lessons do we learn from the parable of the ten virgins?

General Conference

Gratitude on the Sabbath Day

President Henry B. Eyring

"You could begin today with a private and family prayer of thanks for all God has done for you.  You could pray to know what the Lord would have you do to serve Him and others.  Particularly, you could pray to have the Holy Ghost tell you of someone who is lonely or in need to whom the Lord would have you go."

Lola found the candy stash in my desk.  After giving her some, she wanted some more.  I said, "You should go ask your mom."  To which she replied, "No, I'm asking you."  What was I to do.

I love castles, not as much as temples,

but I do love them.

These are some of the things the kids did this morning.  They rode the Razr down to Chocolate Lake and then up to the Village with Addy doing all the driving.  They played Apples to Apples and Zombies.  Ruby and I played the Match Game.  She beat me 24-10.

Addy was bragging about how Ruby once almost beat Alex.

While Ruby and I were playing the Match Game Darrel was trying to put the cartoon Beauty and the Beast into the BlueRay player.  When he couldn't get the disk out or get it to play he yelled.  Ruby made this comment to me: "He does that sometimes.  He yells at Netflix too."

James took the cookies I made to the church and helped set up chairs for the luncheon.  He said it was packed.  Ravenna was blind for 20 years but still led the music in sacrament meeting.  He memorized all of the hymns.

From what I have heard Ravenna Gillespie was an amazing

woman who impacted the lives of many people.

Trina made macaroni and cheese but wouldn't call the kids inside because she was so glad they were outside playing and figured they would come in to eat when they were hungry. 

The Falls are still running.  Both Darrel and James took kids up on the Razr and Trina drove her car.  I am glad that James loves to take pictures.

 Ruby on the go.

Crazy kids

On top.  I hope Evan doesn't slip in

those flipflops.

Love that smile

Rowan and Evan

Darrel and the girls

Trina makes me laugh!

There's a goblin in my house!

Oh, it's just Lola!

Emmy and Molly at the rodeo chasing a calf to get the ribbon

off it's tail.

Some more happenings of the day:  Lola and I played with bubbles and balloons.  Lola likes the purple Barbie suitcase and my pink Herrod's bag.  Darrel cooked hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner.

Afterwards I begin my fast for Kacey and Jared.  James started his before dinner.  

Trina and I watched the women's session of General Conference in the bedroom. There were four speakers:

1.  Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"We can center our lives on the Savior by coming to know Him,

and He will direct our paths."

2. The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven has provided for us all that is required

so that we can become holy as He is holy."

*This was my favorite talk.

3. Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"Certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His

atoning sacrifice."

4. "My Peace I Leave with You

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord promised peace to His disciples as He was 

about to leave the.  He has made the same 

promise to us."

This was my favorite talk.

Dianne and family

Friday, March 24, 2017

Durban, South Africa

To Be Completed in 2018

Jacob 5:52-72

The Lord's 4th Visit to His Vineyard. Israel's Final Gathering.

In verse 70 the servant brought forth other servants to strengthen the vineyard.  Who do you think these servants might be? (Missionaries.)

Lesson: "The influence of gospel covenants allows Heavenly Father's children to overcome sin and bring forth righteousness." (BM Seminary Teacher Manual, 161.)

Alma 48 - 49

48 Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites - Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians - He rejoices in liberty and freedom and is a mighty man of God. About 72 B.C.

49 The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah - Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni - Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church.

DC 45:36-46

39-47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 

44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.

45 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.

46 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

These are the verses that spoke to me.

General Conference

The Righteous Judge

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To effectively teach a child is the very essence of good parenting, and to lovingly discipline is the very essence of being a righteous judge.  President George Albert Smith taught:

'unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord. The spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness; it is a spirit of patience; it is a spirit of charity and love and forbearance and long suffering ... Kindness is the power that God has given us to unlock hard hearts and subdue stubborn souls.'"

James got home around 11 am.  He brought burros and my Tramadol with him.  We have to finish our book "The Governess" and "A Witness in the Dark" before next Tuesday when James goes back to the valley.  Cathi texted me and said her friend wants her daughter who will be down here for conference to take them back to Utah.  

San Tan Valley

I love the purples in this picture.

I blog, take a nap with James and then get up and make cookies for Ravenna Gillespie's funeral, and a green chili pork stew for dinner.  BTW, the stew was delicious.  James loved it!

We do lots more reading, then I go upstairs to make sure the place is company worthy.  It doesn't take long to get it that way and then it is back to reading.  Darrel, Trina, Addy, Kayla, Rowan, Evan, Ruby and Lola arrive around 9.  This is the first thing the four oldest kids do:

Playing Apples to Apples, Addy's favorite game.

In the background on the TV you can see that Darrel has

the NCAA basketball tournament on.

We are always grateful when our company arrives safely.

Fun Photos:

These two were fellow Primary teachers until Sadie got married and moved.  I miss her and I bet Rosa and her Primary class does too.

Rowan says he wants a dog just like Indy.

These four at science camp

May 2016

James making me a sling, like the one David killed Goliath with,

for my Primary class.

Grandpa and a couple of his sweeties.

I love it when LaVerne and Shirley come to visit.

Sounds good to me!