OUR FAMILY

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012 by

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Mosiah 21:23-22:16

31-32 The people make covenants with God.

35 The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized but no one had the authority.

Mosiah 22:1 - The people desire to be out of bondage.

3 Gideon has an idea!

9 The king likes Gideon's plan.

10 The people escape and return to Zarahemla.

T/S The temporal deliverance of the Lord's people is but a type, an illustration of the Holy One's role in delivering His chosen from the fiery darts of the evil one.

* What have you learned from Mosiah 21-22 that would give encouragement to anyone who needed to experience the Lord's power to deliver us from sin?

* Repentance is essential to your happiness in this life and throughout eternity. Repentance is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings. It is a change of mind and heart... It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "The Lord will give relief with divine power when you seek deliverance in humility and faith in Jesus Christ. Don't say, 'No one understands me; I can't sort it out or get the help I need.' Those comments are self-defeating. No one can help you without faith and effort on your part. Your personal growth requires that. Don't look for a life virtually free from discomfort, pain, pressure, challenge, or grief, for those are the tools a loving Father uses to stimulate our personal growth and understanding. As the scriptures repeatedly affirm, you will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ....Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings. That leads to hope, and hope bring charity, the pure love of Christ - that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power."' ("To Be Healed," Ensign, May 1994, 8).

3 Nephi 21

1-7 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon is a Sign of the Father's Work.

8-11 Joseph Smith and the Great and Marvelous Work.

12-21 The unrepentant Gentiles to be destroyed.

22-29 The Establishment of the New Jerusalem.

3 Nephi 22

1-17 The Savior Quotes Isaiah on the Gathering of Israel.

DC 65-66

65 Revelation on prayer given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 30, 1831.

The keys of the kingdom of God are committed to man on earth, and the gospel cause will triumph; The millennial kingdom of heaven will come and join the kingdom of God on earth.

66 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith. At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

The everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel; Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.

What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven?

The kingdom of God is Christ's Church on the earth. We are preparing for the kingdom of Heaven when Christ will come down from Heaven and lead His Church upon earth.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our Father ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives. The cultural element of this plan was the promise that Jesus Christ would offer Himself as a sacrifice, to rescue us from sin and death. Our task in that plan is to accept the Savior's sacrifice by obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

Here are some gospel study notes I took: We are commanded to repent of all our sins. The Lord will show us the things we need to repent of. If we are faithful in doing the Lord's will, He will be with us and will bless us so we can accomplish what He requires of us. The Lord wants us to forsake all things that cumber our spiritual progress. The Lord knows our specific challenges and temptations. If we continue faithfully to the end we will receive eternal life.

After prayer and a few pages from "To Kill a Mockingbird," James left for the valley. I won't be leaving until later this afternoon. He points out that the elk are here again this morning before he gives me a goodbye kiss.

Today after my gospel studies I paid bill, worked on my blog, Primary lesson, and family history. I left for the valley around 3:30 and went through Salt River Canyon because of the sun and rush hour traffic. After a couple of stops for gas and an ice cream, and a carwash at Sam's Club in Chandler to get the bugs off my grill and windshield, I arrived at Cathi's and Terry's around sundown.

They are having new tar paper put on their roof because of leaks, so all the tile pieces are taken off. Cathi says they have been sick because they got the flu from James. I feel so bad.

James is hungry so we go to IHOP to get something to eat. I got the Swedish crepes. The were very good but I couldn't eat them all so now I have something to look forward to in the morning.

Yummy!

It is pretty late when we get back to Cathi and Terry's and since James will start early in the morning, we go straight to bed.

Fun Photos and Quotes:

A fun time while Addy and Trina were at

Science camp.

Hannigan Meadows

Molly in El Paso, playing in the snow.

Indy's lookalike getting her teeth brushed.

A 1,500 year old tree in South Carolina

A stalking leopard.

We have some real cowboys around here.

Havasupai

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 March, 1999 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

We had 7 elk in the yard this morning.

It's hard to get them all in a picture together.

Mosiah 21:1-22

After Limhi's people revolt against the Lamanites and are beaten three times, they humble themselves before the Lord and begin to prosper.

* How did the people change after their third defeat?

* Even though the people were not immediately delivered from captivity, how did the Lord bless them as they began to repent?

* What are you doing to seek the Lords power of deliverance from your sins?

* In what ways have you been "prospered by degrees" when you have sought the Lord's help?

Gospel Principle:

When we humble ourselves, call upon the Lord, and repent of our sins, He will hear our prayers and ease the burden of our sins in His own time.

3 Nephi 20 - The beginning of the Covenant People Discourse

1-9 Jesus miraculously provides the sacramental elements

10-22 The Fulfillment of God's Covenant with Israel

23-24 Jesus Testifies of Himself

25-46 The Gathering of Israel fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant: Priesthood, Property, Posterity, and Prosperity

DC 64:26-43

The Saints are warned against debt; The rebellious will be cut off out of Zion; The Church will judge the nations; Zion will flourish.

What great things have I seen when I have been doing service for others?

Hearts softened, love increasing, I feel closer to the Savior. "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." My trials seem less important.

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"We learn from these New Testament sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."

"My Peace I Leave With You"

President Henry B. Eyring

Ether 12:27...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

"These words can be a comfort to us. Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress. Your awareness of your weaknesses is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior. The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature.

Then weak things become strong."

I went on the website northstarlds.org today to learn a little more about gender dysphoria. Here are some things I learned:

"As we interact with those who have gender dysphoria it is important that we have heartfelt compassion, unfeigned love, emotional sensitivity, open-mindedness with an uncompromising devotion to eternal principles and to our eternal identities and potential as His sons and daughters."

"For those who experience gender dysphoria, we know that it is possible to live your life in harmony with the gospel as you manage your dysphoria. It is not a sin to have this condition."

These things helped me feel better but I still have alot of questions and alot to learn. Chloe's mother said that every LDS counselor she went to, and she went to more than one, said this is not something that will change or go away.

There is lots of smoke today because of a prescribed burn. It makes me angry that the Forest Service doesn't care how their smoke affects people with health issues like James and Sister Hunter in our ward. It makes it difficult to even go outside.

The elk were back again this evening.

It's like we have our own private herd.

I made banana nut muffins for dinner. I also read to him from "To Kill a Mockingbird." We also watched a couple of Good Witch movies, "The Good Witch's Charm," and "The Good Witch's Destiny." The messages: Things don't always appear as they are, and we create our own destiny.

Fun Photos:

Trina says: Don't let the boots fool you. I

carried her the entire way. She was so relaxed

and comfortable she took a nap.

Antelope Canyon

I wonder how it got it's name.

I miss Holly.

She had a great life.

Heavenly Father is so creative.

The Tucson temple open house starts June 1st I believe.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Monday, May 1st, 2017

Lubbock, Texas
109th operating temple
Dedicated 21 April 2002
by Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 20:12-26

* What do prophets and apostles teach that will help bring us peace and happiness and help us return to God's presence?

Elder Robert D. Hales: "Our spiritual safety lies in turning to the clear voice of our living prophet. If we listen to his voice and obey his counsel, we will be able to live as Christ would have us live and endure to the end so that one day we, along with our families, will return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ."

As I was listening to Sister Cordon's talk in the women's session of General Conference this morning she poses these questions:

* How do I keep centered on the Savior and lean not unto my own understanding?

* How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?

* How do I cultivate trust in the Savior?

3 Nephi 18

1-14 The Sacrament of the Lord's supper is instituted and explained.

15-21 Watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation.

22-25 The Church is to meet together often and invite all to come unto Christ.

26-39 The Twelve are instructed to judge worthiness to partake of the Sacrament and empowered to confer the Holy Ghost

3 Nephi 19

1-8 The Twelve prepare the multitude for continued teaching from Jesus.

9-15 Nephite apostles are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

16-34 The Savior's prayer cannot be written or uttered by man.

DC 64:14-25

The unrepentant are to be brought before the Church;

He that is tithed will not be burned at the Lord's coming;

"....may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear...."

What does this phrase mean to me?

It is possible to overcome trials and temptations only when we are obedient and have the Lord's help and assistance. "Let your commitment be stronger than your mood."

(See also Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1990.)

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"I see the beauty of holiness in sisters whose hearts

are centered on all that is good, who want to become

more like the Savior. They offer their whole soul,

heart, might, mind and strength to the Lord in the

very way they live every life everyday."

As I said my prayers this morning I asked the Lord to help me feel peace and to understand gender dysphoria and what it means in relation to the gospel, for the person who has it. I just keep thinking of the line from the Family Proclomation: "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." Why would someone have a condition that makes him/her feel the opposite of what gender they were born with?

When I read Sister Cordon's talk this morning I realized that I needed to trust the Lord, and find out all I could about this condition, gender dysphoria, so as to understand it better. From Sister McConkie's talk: "Sit at the feet of the Holy One of Israel. take time to be holy, be submissive, meek, humble, full of love, and realize my utter dependence upon the Lord."

James and I made a trip to town today for something he needed to repair the sprinklers. Our first stop was at Firehouse Subs for lunch. I got the Hook and Ladder and he got the Smoker. I gave James half of mine. Next time I need to order the small. While James went to Home Depot, I went to Walmart. On the way out of the parking lot James gave a woman $5. One of his goals is to always have cash on hand to give to people. It's something he and another brother discussed after a lesson last year in Gospel Doctrine on giving to the poor. We read from "To Kill a Mockingbird" on the way home.

When I arrived home and checked my emails I realized I had one from the mother of Chloe. It was a letter she had sent to her mother about Chloe and was very insightful and heartwarming. It also included a website regarding gender dysphoria. The website is: northstarlds.org. I was so grateful to receive this email and sent a reply of how much I appreciated her example of Christlike love.

This evening James and I listened to Sister Cordon's talk together. In this talk she tells of a sister with cancer who has only about one good day a month. To forget about herself and her struggles she goes out and serves others. She says that service has saved her life.

We made cabbage with onions, garlic and ham for dinner. The onions got a little burnt. James liked it but I think I prefer steamed cabbage by itself.

We also watched an episode of the Good Witch called: "The Good Witch's Family." Cassie, the Good Witch, discovers she has a cousin named Abigail. Abigail decides to come for a visit. Abigail is jealous of Cassie and tries every way she can to cause disunity in her family. Cassie always looks for the good in others and tries to understand why they do what they do. Cassie forgives Abigail. She understands her need for acceptance and love. Because Abigail feels Cassie's love she changes her feelings of resentment and jealousy for feelings of love. Cassie also helps Martha who is push and demanding to feel wanted and needed. I love the show because it helps me want to be a better person. Now I not only say "What would Jesus do," but what would the Good Witch do?

Fun Photos

I sent this one to Ann because she

loves puns.

Last summer at Havasupai

Havasupai

Trina showing her courage

Ian in an amazing photo!

Alex

Ben taking it easy

Monday, May 1, 2017

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

* What are some things prophets and apostles teach in our day that will help us avoid suffering and sorrow?

3 Nephi 18

1-14 The sacrament of the Lord's supper is instituted and explained.

15-21 Watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation.

22-25 The Church is to meet together often and invite all to come unto Christ.

26-39 The Twelve instructed to judge worthiness to partake of the sacrament and empowered to confer the Holy Ghost.

DC 64:1-13

The Saints are commanded to forgive one another, lest there remain in them the greater sin;

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

*Why should we resolve conflict quickly?

- Elder Klebingat: "Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don't hold grudges, don't be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly. Spiritual confidence increases when you know the Lord knows you bear no ill feelings toward another soul." (Oct.2014)

General Conference

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin DeHoyos

"The Savior's gospel and His restored Church give us many opportunities for our light to be a part of the great standard for the nations."

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"My plea is that we will make the sacrifices and have the humility necessary to strengthen the foundations of our faith in the Lord

Jesus Christ."

I read two chapters in "Women and the Priesthodd" by Sheri Dew. I loved the cSthapter on Personal Revelation and wish I would have read it before my presentation on the 22nd.

We sat by our friend Colin D. at stake conference today. When we asked where his wife was he said: "She is in the valley visiting with grandkids. She isn't over that fix yet. I got over it in about 15 minutes." He seemed a little sad and lonely and I felt bad for him.

We need some of these trees in Vernon.

This session of stake conference was another spiritual feast. The first speaker was our stake president, President Shumway. He spoke about the Atonement of Jesus Christ: "All we like sheep have gone astray. The sheep know the shepherd, the Holy One of Israel. Christ must be the center of everything we do. Study the Atonement and put all you know on an 81/2 x 11 page. The Atonement of Jesus Christ washes away every stain. We must have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. The best time to repent is today. Time doesn't heal all wounds, the Savior heals all wounds. As we follow counsel we become changed, we become more like the Savior. Be more faithful and studious in the Book of Mormon. Study everyday. Write you testimony in the Book of Mormon and give it to someone."
Other speakers: Talon W. from our ward, President Jensen, Brother and Sister Miller of the Snowflake temple presidency, Sister Carol Thompson the White Mountain stake Relief Society President. And of course, Elder and Sister Southward. Here are some notes I took during Elder Southward's talk. He spoke for over 30 minutes again with not notes. "We live in a troubled world. Our religious freedom is threatened, marriage is being challenged, and we have natural disasters around the world. There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven....(he had this entire scripture memorized.) Trials may come so the Lord can magnify His power through us. Faith in Jesus Christ can make us whole. We must repent daily. We must have a broken (humble) heart and a contrite (deeply repentant) spirit. Heavenly Father knows each of us by name. Follow the counsel given by our prophet. 2013 tornado in Oklahoma story. Testified to the divinity of Jesus Christ. Put the Lord first and give our very best to Him. Align our will with the will of the Lord."

Grilled tuna sandwiches and chicken noodle soup for lunch. The soup was homemade from Safeway and I did not like it, but the sandwich was delicious. After lunch we took a nap.

When I got up from my nap I went on Facebook. I saw a picture of a boy who we know in the Galveston 3rd ward only he was almost unrecognizable because he was made up like a girl. He announced that he has transgender dysphoria. This boy who now goes by the name of Chloe was one of the stalwart young men in the ward. He bore a wonderful testimony one of the last times we visited the ward. He is a good friend of Ben's. Soon after he made his announcement his parents each made a statement.

This statement was from Chloe's mother:
"When my second child was born and was placed in my arms for the first time, I was overcome with an immense love for this child straight from God. It was stronger than anything I had experienced. I kissed and expressed love over and over. The doctor commented he had never seen a mom bond so strongly and so instantly with a newborn. I never forgot this experience and wondered what it meant. God blessed me with this love. I feel this same love today. I love you Chloe.

This statement from Chloe's father:
"When my wife was pregnant for the second time, during a routine ultrasound, the technician let us know we were having a boy. My wife wanted a daughter so bad that she cried. I loved the name Elizabeth and am almost certain that was a name we would use for our daughter. It took us eighteen years to learn that the ultrasound was wrong. I am pleased to introduce Chloe Elizabeth. She is the most courageous girl I know. She is beautiful on the inside and out. She is kind-hearted and incredibly talented. She still hates the Raiders. I feel so blessed that God trusted me to be her father. I hope I can live up to my responsibility. Chloe, I love you."

This is a boy that James and I taught in Primary, along with our grandson Alex. He was bright, intelligent, sensitive, and spiritual. I admire and love his parents so much. They are amazing. It is hard for me to believe this is really happening. James and I are both in shock but we want to understand and extend our love to Chloe and all of her family. Her brother Alex is serving a mission in Chile. James is very close to Alex. He spoke at his farewell and was his mentor on his Eagle project, spending hours helping him build cages for the animals at Desert Oasis Park in Chandler. Chloe's mother was the Primary President when James was the bishop. Now she is the Relief Society President. I have such respect for her and her husband for the Christlike love they are exhibiting to their child who has one of the greatest challenges to face in this life. Right now everyone is very loving and supportive but I wonder what Chloe's life will be like in the future. (It is so hard for me to call the boy I knew by this name.) I pray for understanding and acceptance.

This evening we watched a past episode of "The Good Witch." This is such a good show and I don't feel guilty watching it on Sunday because Cassie Nightingale is one of the most kind and loving people portrayed on television.

I had a hard time going to sleep tonight. I think I am still in shock.

Fun Photos:

How is this for a kids clubhouse.

He claims he doesn't allow dogs on the bed.

Lady is his pet.

Should I be jealous?

Max showing off his braces.

Anna took this picture.

I love this picture of Rowan.

Two beautiful girls!

So funny. Evan isn't quite sure

what to do.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Moroni 19:1-24

Rejecting the words of the Lord's servants brings suffering and sorrow.

* The Lord sent Abinadi to warn the Nephites the consequences of their sins. What is the purpose of a warning? Who wanrs you about things you should avoid or things that might be harmful to you?

* Prophecy about King Noah's people (Mosiah 12:1-2; 17:17)

Fulfillment (Mosiah 19:10, 14-15; 20:20; 21:2-4)

* Prophecy about King Noah (Mosiah 12:3; 17:18)

Fulfillment (Mosiah 19:18-20)

3 Nephi 16-17

1-3 The Lost Tribes of Israel

4-20 The Fulness of the Gentiles. Gentiles know of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost.

1-4 The Savior commands the people to prepare for additonal instruction.

5-12 Jesus heals the sick.

13-20 The prototype of a perfect prayer.

21-25 Jesus blesses the children and fire encircles and angels attend them.

DC 63:49-66

Blessings are assured the faithful at the Second Coming, in the Resurrection, and during the Millennium; This is a day of warning; the Lord's name is taken in vain by those who use it without authority.

Why should we always remember to keep the Lord's name sacred?

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"God knows you and invites you to know Him."

I woke up to a winter wonderland. It was so beautiful and it felt like December.

Trees outside our house this morning.

It was a weird weather day. By noon all the snow had melted and the sun was shining. By mid afternoon it was snowing again, but nothing white stayed on the ground.

James is still quite sick with allergies and a bronchial infection. I read about this concoction on Facebook that is supposed to be 10x stronger than penicillin for getting rid of infections, so I made him a batch. Here is the recipe: 1 cup of water, 1/4 cup of apple cider vineager, 8 tablespoons of honey and two teaspoons of garlic.

I gave James the best haircut I have ever given him today. He looks so handsome! We watched "Country Wedding" together this afternoon and it was quite relaxing.

This evening we went to the adult session of stake conference. We had to stop and put air in one of our tires so we were relegated to the seats in the cultural hall. We actually sat next to the Skousens from our ward. The visiting authority was an area seventy from Oklahoma, Elder Southward. His wife Victoria was here with him. He was amazing. He spoke for 45 minutes and never looked at a note. He has alot of good stories and quotes, and has many scriptures memorized. Here are a few notes I took in my stake conference notebook:

I had a feeling of reverence and love as I listened to Elder Southward. I guess you could say that I felt the Spirit. He thanked everyone on the program. He told so many good stories!

"The teacher is always the Holy Ghost. 3 Nephi 11:3 - the voice did pierce them that heard to the center. Alma 46 Moroni and the Title of Liberty. Moroni rallied his people. We are being attacked now and must rally around our covenants."

On the way home we stopped for a bite to eat at Taco Bell. We wanted to go to Firehouse Subs, but it was closed. It was around ten when we got home. We went straight to bed because we have to be back at the stake center at 9 a.m.

Fun Photos