Monday, May 22nd, 2017

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 4 November 2007 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 4:5-20

* What does the phrase "bearing down in pure testimony" (Alma 4:19) suggest about how Alma would teach?

* When have you heard people bear "pure testimony?"  How have these experiences influenced you?

* What truths can we learn from Alma's example in Alma 4:19-20?

Principles:

* Fulfilling our spiritual duties may require sacrifice.

* Bearing pure testimony helps others draw closer to God.

Ether 11-12

11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life; Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent; The people reject the words of the prophets.

12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God; Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith; Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ; The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble;The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith; Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation; Moroni saw Jesus face to face.

DC 76:81-101

81-113, The status of those in the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial glories is explained;

 How can the gospel be a gospel of tremendous love?

* As we show kindness and charity to others and develop Christlike attributes the gospel can be a gospel of love.

How can the Church be a stumblingblock to the wicked?

* The wicked feel inhibited by the commandments because they keep them from doing many of the things they want to do.  

General Conference

"Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It"

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith us' us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God's will.  Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily, fasting regularly, and praying with real intent deepen our well of spiritual capacity to meet the demands of mortality.  Over time, simple habits of belief lead to miraculous results.  They transform our faith from a seedling into a dynamic power for good in our lives. Then, when challenges come our way, our rootedness in Christ provides steadfastness for our souls.  God shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys, and causes 'all things to work together for our good.'"

We had five elk outside this morning when I got up.  I have decided that the elk and the internet are a big distraction during the beginning of my gospel study time.  

Here are some other things I studied today: The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "Kingdoms of Glory," the topical guide, Jesus Christ, and of course my study journals, The Living Christ, The Family Proclamation, the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures, my patriarchal blessing, scriptures on the Atonement to take with me to sacrament meeting, and 100 Favorite Verses about Christ.

More pictures of the Paris temple

James left this morning around 10 am. to pick up his friend Anthony.  Anthony is without a truck right now because of a frivolous lawsuit so the priesthood of our ward are providing transportation for him.  He told James he wanted to go to town to pick up some groceries at the Dollar Tree.  James ended up taking him five different places and buying lunch for him.  James was gone five hours but he did not complain.  He said Anthony was very appreciative.  One of the kids in my Primary class told me that the Cal-Ranch store had fidget spinners.  I sent James there to pick up a few.  When he asked the clerk if they had any he said they can't keep them.  As soon as they get here they are sold out.  I guess I will just have to wait for the ones I ordered from Amazon to get here.

Elder and Sister Renlund, then and now.

I noticed at 10:20 this morning that four of the elk were still here, and at 4:30 two of them walked through the yard probably looking for water.  James told me an interesting fact about elk.  He said there is an actual calendar you can get that will tell you when the elk are expected to come out on a particular day.  He told me about going hunting in New Mexico with his cousin Tommy and he had one of these calendars.  He said the elk are supposed to come out at 3:47 in the afternoon.  They had not seen any elk all day and then all of a sudden, just before 4 pm., several herds walked out in the open area where they were to feed.  He said deer are not like that.  They come out depending on the moon cycle.

Electra Lake in Colorado.  Tyler, my nephew,

posted this and said it is within walking distance

of where he lives.  Beautiful!

I ordered some birthday cards for our June family birthdays from Anna.  I can hardly wait for them to get here.

Rowan and his piano teacher after his

recital.  I am sad I missed it.

For F.H.E. we read lesson 11 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "Home - the Basis of a Righteous Life."  Afterwards we watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch."  This series is not making me happy like the movies did.

These are pictures of my friend Brayling who is 

handicapped enjoying activity day at his school.

James and I read a story today about a white couple who

adopted two dark children and then chose to give birth

to black triplet daughters whom they adopted as embryos.

It was a great story!

Our friends the Miner's.

 I love the sunsets here because we have trees

and no electrical lines.

Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 August 2005 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 3:20-4:4

* According to Alma 3:26-27, what reward comes to those who obey the Lord?

* What consequence comes to those who do not follow the Lord?

* What blessings have you received from the Lord as you have chosen to follow Him?

Ether 10

One king succeeds another; Some of the kings are righteous; others are wicked; When righteousness prevails, the people are blessed and prospered by the Lord.

DC 76:63-80

50-70 The glory and reward of exalted beings in the celestial kingdom is described; 71-80 Those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom are described; 

How can we be more valiant in our testimony of the Savior? 

* "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him."  Deny ourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all our might, mind, and strength. (See Moroni 10:32)

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"The Holy Ghost binds us to the Lord.  By divine assignment, He inspires, testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in the light of the Lord.  We have the sacred responsibility to learn to 

recognize His influence in our lives and respond."

When I opened my window this morning on saw three bunnies, and eight elk.  One of the bunnies was sitting on the sidewalk watching the elk.  I saw a bunny out in the field close to the elk running faster than I have ever seen a cottontail run to get away from the elk.  They didn't even notice him.

I got up early this morning to plan, pray, do my study notebooks and prepare for my Primary lesson on the Law of Consecration.  

We had two talks in sacrament meeting about the Book of Mormon. The deadline for finishing is May 29th so we are almost there.  

During Primary I walked out on my class because they were being very disruptive.  I came right back in after getting a drink and they were very good.  When I was telling the kids about the saints sacrificing to build the Kirtland temple I told them that some very special things happened in that temple and that the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith.  Lianna was so excited!  She said, "Oh I want to get married in that temple."  When I told her the Church didn't own it anymore she said, "Well they need to buy it back.!"

We had stake visitors during sharing time.  The stake Primary president was right behind my class and Jace and Curtis were terrible.  I was a little embarrassed.

This afternoon we had lunch, a rest, and scriptures before James left to go home teach Anthony.  He was gone over two hours because Anthony lives so far away.  He went with his partner Dave and they had a good visit.  Dave's wife Rosa gave us some of her fresh eggs.  Dave's granddaughter Maddie was one of my young women.  James said she is getting married this week and moving to Payson to a guy who just barely graduated from high school.  He is not a member and Maddie is too young to get married.  I guess no one is too happy about it, least of all the boys parents.  The boy got a scholarship to go to college but now he will have to find a job to support a wife.  The last I heard Maddie was the Laurel class president. I will miss Maddie but wish her all the very best.

Maddie and her man

I watched the church video, "Only a Stonecutter" this evening and asked all the kids to watch it.  Sheri and Ben, Kim and Brian loved it but Darrel and Stacy both said the music was too loud to hear it.  I was so disappointed because I really wanted my grandsons to feel what I felt when I watched it.  Sometimes things don't work out the way you want them too.

I studied the family proclamation today.  I have it about half way memorized.  I am very slow at memorizing!

More Photos:

I want James to make one of these.

My mom and I.

Kaeli and Guy

My hardworking man.

Another one of my young women who

is about to get engaged.  She will

get married in the temple.

Sometimes we catch a really good sunset.

  

Saturday, May 20th, 2017

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 3:1-19

* Whom did the Amlicites want to be "distinguished from"?

* How might some people today distinguish themselves from the righteous through their outward appearance?

* What phrase in Alma 3:18 describes the Amlicites' actions and attitude toward God?

* Truths: Those who come out in open rebellion against God bring negative consequences upon themselves.  It we are separated from God, it is because we have separated ourselves from Him. 

* What are some ways we can show through our dress and appearance that we are disciples of Jesus Christ? (see 'For the Strength of Youth,' "Dress and Appearance".)

Ether 9

The kingdom passes from one to another by descent, intrigue, and murder; Emer saw the Son of Righteousness; Many prophets cry repentance; A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.

DC 76:50-62

The glory and reward of exalted beings in the celestial kingdom is described;

What is meant by the Church of the Firstborn?  Those who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom are those who are members of the Church of the Firstborn; in other words, those who keep all the commandments of the Lord.

General Commandment

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"My father was the most excited among us to learn and know the truth and to share it.  He used to wake up early in the morning to study the scriptures for over two hours every day.  After work

he went with the missionaries to visit our family, friends, and neighbors nearly every day.  Seven months after we were baptized, 23 of my family and relatives became members of the Church.  That was followed by the miracle of seeing 130 people baptized in the following year through my father's member missionary work."

I spent an hour or so today recording in my study journal "The Recipe for Becoming a Celestial Person" as recorded in DC 76.

I also studied the Living Christ today.  I have about half of it memorized.  I am really enjoying reading the scriptures regarding Jesus in the topical guide.  I am grateful for this guidance and suggestion from President Nelson.

James and I finished reading "Go Set a Watchman."  I can't say I really enjoyed it because there was just too much foul language. 

I did some sweeping outside this afternoon and realized that we have an ant problem.  They were all over the patio and climbing up the tree on the deck.  I got out my trusty spray and got rid of many of them.

James and I are so concerned about our grandchildren right now.  Many of them have lost their testimonies.  We spoke with one today that read a book that convinced him that the God we believe in can't be real.  He wants us to read the book, so I ordered it.  I don't think I will read it, but James wants too.  The sad thing is this book was written by an LDS man.  I feel the need to encourage my grandchildren to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truth.  This grandson said he would read the Book of Mormon.  Now if we can only get him to pray too.  The influence of Satan is so strong in the world right now.  It is going to take a great effort on our part to pass the gospel legacy on to our grandchildren. Weekly temple attendance is a must!

On a lighter side,  I enjoyed this post by Christina, Rebecca and Brent's daughter. Eden is her three year old daughter.

This puts a smile on my face.

I had lunch with my friend Pam yesterday, not even realizing that today is her birthday.  I guess lunch will be on me next time.  

Addy said she would be happy to do the baptism for Clydia Strickland.  Darrel and Trina said they would take her to do it.  I am hoping I can find some more names for her to take.

James is so upset about our water problem.  He says the well runs constantly.  He called and talked to Brent today because Brent installs sprinklers for a living.  Brent gave James some things to try, and he has determined there is a leak somewhere around the patio.  He is going to have to dig up the grass area, and maybe even take some bricks out of the patio.  Not a happy camper.  He just dealt with this kind of thing in Chandler when he was putting in the Jiminez's water line.  Plumbing problems are the worst!

If I had this tree in my yard I would

think I had died and gone to heaven.

I typed James's lesson quotes for him and worked on my Primary lesson this evening.  Oh, by the way, I have a new favorite drink.  It is one juiced orange in a glass of diet 7-Up with ice.  Delicious!

I love the look on Lois's face in this picture.

This is Teresa's son, Jack.  Teresa says they

really like each other and there is 80 years

between them.

This is where Trina and Darrel went

last year with Trina's brothers and sisters.

Friday, May 19th, 2017

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by

James E. Faust

Alma 2:19-38

* According to Alma 2:28, why did the Lord strengthen the Nephites?

* How can you follow Alma's example when you stand against wickedness?

* What is one way you can stand against wickedness now?

Ether 7-8

7 Orihah reigns in righteousness; Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up; Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.

8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom; Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king; Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations; Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.

DC 76:38-49

Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation; all others gain some degree of salvation;

How can the sons of perdition "reign" in eternity?

* They will reign under laws of the kingdom of the Devil, and of which we have had numerous illustrations in human history during the dark ages of ignorance, superstition, tyranny, and iniquity.  Evil passions of human beings and evil spirits rage, unrestrained by the gospel in the Devil's kingdom.  

General Conference

Raising a Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones

"We honor children who strive to live pure and obedient lives.  I have witnessed the strength of many children throughout the world.  They stand resilient, "steadfast and immovable" in a variety of challenging circumstances and environments.  These children understand their divine identity, feel Heavenly Father's love for them, and seek to obey His will."

Today I read from "Dads Who Stay and Fight," the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which I am trying to memorize, my Primary lesson, and Jesus Christ in the topical guide. 

The trees were frosted when I got up this morning. 

James and I went to town today.  We left around 11.  I had a lunch date at 11:30 with my friend Pam at Persnikkity's.  She offered to buy my lunch but I told her no because I was ordering something for James.  Little did I know that tomorrow is her birthday and I should have bought her lunch.  I did give her a conference quote attached to a bottle of diet Seven-Up.  

We both ordered salads.  I had the chicken oriental salad and it was delicious.  Pam ordered the nuts and berries salad and said it was delicious too.  This really is my favorite place to eat in Show Low, unless I want mexican food of course, and then it's Licano's.

Mr. Bluebird outside of his home.

I did some grocery shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get some screws, etc., for the trailer he is remodeling.  When we got home we watched an episode of Victoria.  She begins to like Albert and finally asks him to marry her.  

I ordered a 125GB iPad on Amazon today.  Because of my Amazon Prime membership there was no shipping charges, I get 5% off, on an already discounted price.  I also had $52 to use from credit card points.  They won't deliver it to a PO number so I had it sent to Cathi's.  Brian and Kim can bring it up when they come next week.

I am so excited!  I also got a lavender case for it. 

James changed our ac filters today.  I think it's

been awhile.

I also ordered a years subscription to the Ensign for my friend Charlotte.  I had to call her and get her address.  I was happy to hear that her kids all sent her flowers for mother's day.

We got our income tax papers from the accountant today.  We don't owe any income tax but we owe the accountant over $700.

Joshua's report on Wyatt Earp.

Now all he has to do is grow a mustache!

Paris, France temple

Baptismal font

Chapel

Spiral staircase

Celestial room

I am sure the Savior is pleased

with this new temple.

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Mt. Timpanogos, Utah
49th operating temple
Dedicated: 13-19 October 1996 by
Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 2:1-18

* Why do you think it is important to receive strength from God to stand against wickedness rather than having wicked influences removed completely from our lives?

James: "Trials help us grow and develop.  They not only can help us become stronger and more resistant, but they teach us valuable lessons and help us to recognize our reliance on God.  When we realize our reliance on God and exercise faith in Him, our love for Him and our savior increases and He is able to, through our faith perform miracles in our lives.  When we recognize the Lord's tender mercies we also receive a spiritual confirmation in our hearts that He knows us personally and loves us.  I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!

Ether 5-6

5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

6 The Jaredite barges are driven by the winds to the promised land; 

The people praise the Lord for His goodness; Orihah is appointed king over them; Jared and his brother die.

DC 76:25-37

An angel of God fell and became the devil; Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation;

What is the "second death" and who are affected by this?

* Bruce R. McConkie: "Spiritual death is the second death.  It is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit.  All are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have sinned unto death, (DC 64:7), or sons of perdition.

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.  The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon 

cannot be overstated."

There were patches of snow on the ground this morning when I got up.  Not enough to completely cover the ground, but still, it's May and there is snow.

I studied the old missionary discussions, Preach My Gospel, "Dad's Who Stay and Fight," Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide of the scriptures, and my Primary lesson.  I downloaded the book "Are Mormon's Christians" on my phone for James,  and tried to set up Deseret Bookshelf Plus on my tablet, but I got the message that they are not compatible.  It is an older and cheaper tablet and there probably are not enough gigabytes.  I see an iPad on the horizon.

We made a trip into town today to get the tire fixed on my car and to have the tires rotated.  Next week it will be an oil change and a new windshield.  James met me at Discount Tire and took care of all the business for me then we hopped in his truck and drove to Darbi's in Pinetop for lunch.  I had a patty melt and a coleslaw.  James had a tuna melt and potato salad.  After lunch I was going to go shopping but I just didn't feel like it.  I will be back in town tomorrow to go to lunch with my friend Pam and I will hit Walmart then.

I stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone and a diet coke. Their fountain drinks are the best!  James went to Safeway and then Kmart looking for Dr. Pepper 10 since Walmart is out.  He found some at Kmart.  I appreciate him being so thoughtful.

James worked on his trailer this afternoon and I paid bills, worked on my blog, and found a name to do ordinances for on Family Search.  The name is Clydia Strickland.  I recognize this name because this is my grandpa's sister.  I thought her work had been done, but I was wrong.  I even have her husband's name so she can be sealed to her spouse. James is a little jealous and wants me to work on his line.

I read a neat story about the Paris temple today.  Elder Andersen came to do an inspection and was concerned because there weren't enough flowers for the VIP tour which was to begin the next morning.  The gardener went to the nearest nursery and bought all of their flowers.  In the meantime he called a bishop and asked for volunteers to come and plant the flowers that evening.  40 people showed up, including children.  The flowers were all planted before the next morning and when Elder Andersen returned he said the grounds looked 100 percent better.  That is the magic of Mormonism!

We watched another two hours of Victoria today.  Tomorrow she will meet Prince Albert whom she is destined to marry.  On the way to bed I looked out the window and saw three elk.  James had a hard time seeing them, but finally his elk eyes came into focus.

Photos:

 I loved Elder Pace!

I wonder if any of this is edible.

I am a sucker for clouds, sunsets, and trees.

Windmills, not so much, but this one is great.

A burrowing owl looking into the camera lens.

Joshua telling Michael about Silver Surfer and

a scorpion.  So cute!

This temple has more stained glass art than any 

other temple.

A Christus outside on the grounds.

Not quite the same as the picture above you Dallin.

Scary!

Perfect attendance for Ruby the first quarter

of last year.

Love these two!!

This boy has the best 

sense humor!

An award for Rowan!