Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Mosiah 5:5-15

* How do you think making and keeping covenants helps us continue in the process of experiencing a change of heart?

* What name did King Benjamin give his people?

* When do we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?

James: "When we are baptized and strive to keep the commandments."

Kacey: "I don't always get to read all the responses or add my thought but tonight I have a quick minute so I'll share.  Today's question made me think of a talk by Sister Bonnie D. Parking that I read a while back.  She said, ' Making covenants is the expression of a willing heart; keeping covenants, the expression of a faithful heart...The spiritual integrity to keep our covenants comes from consistency in scripture study, prayer, service, and sacrifice.'

Consistency in doing these things is the process that changes our hearts.  It strengthens our faith and helps us to be armed with the power and protection promised to us as we keep keeping our covenants.  I'm certainly grateful for this knowledge, especially while in the trenches of sore trials." 

Helaman 8

Corrupt judges seek to incite the people against Nephi - Abraham, Moses, Zenos, Zenock, Ezias, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lehi, and Hephi all testified of Christ - By inspiration Nephi announces the murder of the chief judge. About 23-21 B.C.

DC 56:11-20

Seek wisdom, cry repentance, trust in the Spirit; Keep the commandments, and study the Lord's word;

Why does the Lord want us to be self-reliant?

General Conference

Songs Sung and Unsung

Jeffrey R. Holland

"I plead with each one of us to stay permanently

and faithfully in the choir."

James and I left for the valley a little after 8 a.m.  I had wanted to leave at noon and James had wanted to leave at 4 a.m., so we compromised.  He is anxious to get down and see how is job is going.  I read a couple of chapters from our new book, the Innkeeper of Ivy Hill and slept.  Soon we were in Miami and picked up our order of burros.  There is nothing quite like a fresh green chili burro from Burger House.  Divine!

We went by to check on the job and nothing has been done since James left.  He was a little upset.  When we arrived at Cathi and Terry's they were gone to the R.O.C.  We made ourselves at home and I finished my gospel study, and then took a nap.  A long one.

Here is what I found out about the Second Coming in the enrichment section of the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual:

"The Savior's Four Appearances

1.  His first appearance will be at the city of the New Jerusalem.  The Lord shall suddenly come to His temple." (DC 133:2.)

2.  Next will be the appearance at Adam-Ondi-Ahman to a solemn assembly to those who have held priesthood keys and others who are specially invited.

3.  The appearance at the Mount of Olives to the Jews while they are beseiged by many nations.  At the close of Armageddon, the Jews will flee for safety to the Mount of Olives.  There the Savior will make His appearance.

4.  The Second Coming: The appearance to the whole world.  Joseph Smith said: "Then will appear one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven.  The world will say it is a planet or comet.  But the Son of Man will come as the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, which will be as the light of the morning cometh out of the east. (Teachings, p. 287.)

Following the sign there will be silence in heaven for the space of half as hour, and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded" and the Lord will make His glorious appearance. (DC 88:95.)  

So great will be the glory and power of His coming that the earth will tremble, the sun shall hide it's face in shame, the mountains will melt and flow down, and the waters of the sea will boil (see DC 133:40-42, 49; 101:25.)  All that is corruptible shall be consumed and destroyed by the brightness of His glorious presence (see DC 5:19; 101:24-24.)  The Lord will wear red apparel, signifying His great sacrifice and also His judgments upon the wicked (DC 133:48-51.)

The Lord's people will receive the reward for their faithfulness and endurance (see DC 54:10; 133:52-53.)  Both the righteous living and the celestial dead will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air to be rewarded according to their deeds while the wicked are destroyed and cast into outer darkness (see DC 88:96-97; 101:89-91.)  This will be the "great and dreadful day of the Lord." (DC 110:14-16.)

This water will be boiling when the

Savior comes.

Up from my nap to go shopping to find the items to make these cute little bunnies for our party on Saturday.

I found the Safe-T-Pops at Sweetie's.  I bought a box of 100. The ribbon and pom pom's for the tails were at Walmart.  The only difference is my tails will be different colors because they did not have a bag of just white pom poms.  I did not want to go to Michael's or Hobby Lobby this evening.  I also made a stop at Carl's Jr. for the Santa Fe chicken sandwiches which have chicken, green chili, and cheese.  I took one home for James too.

Spent the evening reading and working on my blog.

Fun Photos:

 Trina posted this picture of Ruby today,

with every other tooth missing.

She is still beautiful!

Last year on his birthday Dallin came

for a visit.  He likes this sign right

outside of Vernon.

First day of school 

Ruby and her baby sister

Joshua loves Lola and it looks

like the feeling is mutual.

My girl Trenda

My favorite picture of "us"

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Happy Anniversary to my brother Dennis and

his wife Denise.  They have been married 19 years.

This picture was taken on their 8th anniversary as they

rafted down the Salt River with Harold, Vickie, Dennis's son

Eric, and Denise's daughter Rachel.  At one point Rachel

and Vickie fell overboard.

Mosiah 5:1-4

King Benjamin's people describe the mighty change they have experienced through the Spirit.

* In what ways do we choose to be changed when we choose to follow Jesus Christ?

Elder David A. Bednar: "The essence of the gtospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through our reliance upon the 'merits and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah' (2 Nephi 2:8). As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed - to be spiritually reborn."

* Why do you think we need the Atonement of Jesus Christ in order to truly change?

Gospel Truth: As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Spirit we can experience a mighty change of heart.

Helaman 7

Nephi is rejected in the north and returns to Zarahemla - He prays upon his garden tower and then calls upon the people to repent or perish. About 23-21 B.C.

DC 56:1-10

The Saints must take up their cross and follow the Lord to gain salvation; The Lord commands and revokes, and the disobedient are cast off;

* Under what circumstances does the Lord revoke that which He has commanded?

- When we prove unworthy, as Ezra Thayre did.

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

"The constellation of characteristics that result from faith in Christ are all necessary to our standing strong in these last days."

I studied the Gordon B. Hinckley lesson for this week, "The Whisperings of the Spirit."  It was a good one and I can use some of the information there in my presentation on receiving personal revelation.

James flew his drone again today.  He still hasn't figured out how to take pictures, but I am confident he will.  He is a pretty capable guy.  He fixed me this delicious pork chop for dinner.

Not really picture worthy, but oh well.

We had some good discussion on our family scripture thread today.  Brian bore his testimony regarding the Atonement.  James made some awesome comments and Jared joined in too.  I bore my testimony to Jared Ammon on a post he made.  I am not sure he appreciated it because he took it off his feed.

I love this picture of Lake Powell

We read a couple of chapters from our new book today.  James says he likes the last one better, but I told him he needed to give this one a chance.  He agreed.  

Great picture of a baby seal

I am excited because Sheri is doing the Easter beans for our Saturday potluck.  That means I will just be doing the ham and scalloped potatoes!

Fun Photos:

Sheri and Evan taking a stroll in the creek at Greer.

Baby Ruby

Evan trying to pick up Ruby

And she's up!

Grandpa with Ruby and Molly

Adorable!

Rowan, Joshua, Emmy, and Addy!

Monday, April 10, 2017

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Mosiah 4:9-30

King Benjamin teaches how to retain a remission of sins.

* Why is this also important for each of us to know?

Read verses 9-11 and look for what we must do to retain a remission of our sins.

* How does remembering God's power, goodness, and love influence our willingness to obey Him?

Read Mosiah 4:12.  What are the blessings in this verse that come to those who do what is taught in verses 5-11?

Mosiah 4:13-16 contains King Benjamin's description of people who retain a remission of their sins.

* What are the attitudes and qualities that King Benjamin described in those who seek to retain a remission of their sins?

Read verses 16-23.

* According to King Benjamin, how are we all beggars?

* How can this understanding help us be more compassionate to others?

Read verse 27.

* What do you think it means to do all things in "wisdom and order?"

Read verses 28-30.

* What is the relationship between our thoughts, words, and deeds?

* What can we do to watch ourselves?

* In what ways can we help each other?

President Ezra Taft Benson:

" Think clean thoughts.  Those who think clean thoughts do not do dirty deeds.  You are not only responsible before God for your acts but also for controlling your thoughts.  So live that you would not blush with shame if your thoughts and acts could be flashed on a screen in your church.  The old adage is still true that you sow thoughts and you reap acts, you sow acts and you reap habits, you sow habits and you reap a character, and your character determines your eternal destiny. 'As a man thinketh, so is he.'"

DC 55:1-6

William W. Phelps is called and chosen to be baptized, to be ordained an elder, and to preach the gospel; He is also to write books for children in Church schools; He is to travel to Missouri, which will be the area of his labors.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power, which is available to every earnestly seeking daughter or son

of God."

I also studied the gospel doctrine lesson, "Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts."  Most of the spiritual gifts we can obtain are listed in DC 46.

I spent a relaxing day at home with James until later this afternoon when we had to go into town to pick up his blood pressure medicine.  We also stopped at  Burger King for a Whopper Jr., and the bank to deposit some checks.  James says he can't believe that the car didn't head for Walmart on its own.  Ha Ha.

This looks like a nice place to visit

but I don't think I would want to live there.

Back at home James worked on a bid and I blogged for Friday and Saturday.  We watched a new Hallmark movie, "Moonlight in Vermont", starring Lacey Chaubert.  I missed watching "Dancing with the Stars" because James doesn't like it.  I will get up early tomorrow to watch.  Here are some of the dancers:

Heather Morris from Glee

with Allen who is filling in for Maks

who got injured a couple of weeks ago.

Heather is really good!

Rashad Jennings and Emma.  Finally

Emma has a decent partner.  Rashad plays for the NFL.

This was most memorable year week.  He told about a time he gave up a scholarship to come home and help take care of his dad

who had to have his leg amputated.  He is one of my favorites,

in fact, I kind of hope they win!

Julianne Hough told him he missed his calling, that he should have

been a dancer.

Nancy Kerrigan and Artem. Nancy is a great dancer.

She had six miscarriages in 8 years but was 

determined to have more children so she did invitro.

She now has the three children she always dreamed 

she would have.

Mr. T and Kym

Mr. T is not much of a dancer but he seems like a really 

great guy.  He is 64 and 20 years ago he had cancer.

He said: "Lord give me the strength to do your will."

His attitude is inspirational.

Dave Ross formerly of the Chicago Cubs.

He is not a dancer but for some reason the

judges really like him.

He is with Lindsey Arnold, one of the

Mormon girls from Utah.

Enough of DWTS.  Here is someone you can really

admire.  President Monson and his wife Frances.

A friend made this chart for her kids to fill-in

for Easter week.  What a great idea.

Grand Falls in Arizona, but I am not

exactly sure where.

Fun Photos:

2015

Tea Party and Molly's Birthday

2015

Lola takes her first steps

July 2015

Michael becomes a Loper

I love to watch the sky when a storm

is coming.

Sunday, April 9, 2017

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Mosiah 4:1-8

King Benjamin's people receive a remission of their sins and are filled with joy and peace.

*Read Mosiah 4:1-2. When the people recognized their sinfulness, they repented, expressing their faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.  

*According to Mosiah 4:3, what feelings come to those who have been forgiven of their sins by the Lord?

*Read Mosiah 4:4-8. What did King Benjamin want his people to understand after they had received a remission of their sins?

*According to these verses, what are the only "conditions whereby we can be saved"?

*Repentance and obedience require much work and effort on our part.  However, no matter how hard we work, we could never receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of salvation without the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

Helaman 6

The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites - Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty - Lucifer, the author of sin, stirs up the hearts of the wicked and the Gadianton robbers in murder and wickedness - The robbers take over the Nephite government. About 29-23 B.C.

DC 54:1-10

The Saints must keep the gospel covenant to gain mercy; they must be patient in tribulation.

There are many great verses, which ones spoke to me?

Verses 3; 6; 10.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord

will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life."

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark E. Bragg

"Even in the most difficult and darkest of times, there is light and goodness all around us."

I was up at 5 a.m. to finish my talk and work on my Primary lesson, "Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns." I was so tired and had to take a short nap before Church.  

Sandra W. and I spoke in sacrament meeting on The Strengthening Marriage class manual.  Sandra spoke on the first three chapters, Applying Gospel Principles, Communicating with Love, and Fostering Equality and Unity.  She spoke for 25 minutes.  I spoke on the last three chapters, Overcoming Anger, Resolving Conflict, and Enriching Marriage.  I spoke for about 15 minutes which left 5 minutes or so for Anne M. to make a few comments and bear her testimony.  I was grateful to have Kim, Brian and Jared in the congregation today.  I am glad this assignment is over.  Now I need to focus on Easter, and then my talk on receiving personal revelation for women's conference.

This is what happens in Primary when we sing "Once There Was a Snowman."

It looks like an air raid.

Kim, Brian, and Jared all went to James's gospel doctrine class which made him feel good.  After the block James and Brian gave Jared a health blessing and a comfort blessing.  Brian anointed and James was the spokesperson.  

We enjoyed our lunch and then Jared got out his computer and looked up information on Brian's family.  There were several pictures of his grandparents and other relatives which was exciting for both him and Kim.

Brian trying to send the photos they found

to his dad.

Everyone left in the early afternoon.  Jared went the Green's Peak way.  We went in to take a nap after they left. James had his phone on vibrate and received a message from Jared that he got stuck.  James's truck isn't here so he called Chuck Crane for help. Somehow Owen P. and Kip H. found out that Jared was stuck and offered to help.  That is the way people are around here. We are small in numbers but mighty in spirit.

Jared, Kim Brian

Jared went on his way just an hour or two later than he planned on. He got home around 1 a.m. El Paso time.

Fun Photos:

 The Palo Verde trees are blooming

 One of my most favorite talks

Nice picture of our home

Gilbert temple

James Hayden

Anna

Emmy

Evan

Molly