Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

9 Oct 1994 by Howard W. Hunter

Helaman 3:1-18

How did the Nephites persevere despite their difficulties?

sue_heugly: "I noticed 4 things that helped the Nephites persevere despite their difficulties. Vs-3 There were many contentions and dissensions so they departed and went to another land (1) Walk away from contention. Vs-7 They went to work. They became expert in making cement and provided homes for their families. (2) Go to work. Vs-9. They were concerned about the future of others, so they were united about not cutting down trees until they grew tall (3) Concern for others and the future. Vs.-13-16. Record keeping was important. (4) Keep individual and family records.

DC 132:46-66

Can our exaltation be sure?
Verse 49: "I am the Lord thy God...for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father."

General Conference

Stand Up Inside and Be All In

Elder Gary B. Sabin

"It is hard to measure the impact for good each individual can have by standing up inside. My father and his two shipmates refused to listen to those in the great and spacious building who were pointing the finger of scorn. They knew that it is far better to follow the Creator than the crowd."

While Irma raged, 11,000 Mormon volunteers worked to save Texas home Irma went after Florida, but Harvey is still trying to kill Texans. Deadly black mold threatens lives and will destroy thousands of Harvey-ravaged homes within days if they aren't cleaned out quickly. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 10,000 Mormon Helping Hands volunteers mucked out the homes of anyone who asked. 

James said when he attended priesthood in the San Antonio Stone Oak ward almost the entire meeting was spent organizing forces to go down and help in Houston the following week. The Priesthood in action.

As a busy stake president, it's not unusual for Joseph Lindsay to spend most of his day on a typical Sunday inside a Mormon meetinghouse. But Sunday, September 10th, was a Sabbath day like no other for the leader of the Fort Myers Stake. President Lindsay and his wife, Stacy, spent Sunday hunkered down inside the Bonita Springs ward building as Hurricane Irma raged and howled outside. The Lindsays weren't alone. Thirty-two full-time missionaries serving in the Fort Myers area joined them for the weekend. Besides a few bouts of cabin fever, everyone weathered the storm in good shape.

"The waiting was the hardest part," said President Lindsay, who remained at the meetinghouse with the missionaries on Monday while power and running water were being restored across the region.

"It's been a great blessing that the storm was muted in our area," he said. 

Mormon leaders living along Irma's Florida path were making initial damage assessments Monday and checking on the welfare of their members. The arduous work of contacting people and gathering information will likely take several days. Many from the Fort Myers stake and others evacuated their homes and won't return for several days.

Prior to Irma's arrival, missionaries in vulnerable areas received instruction to be prepared with food, water and other provisions. They were also moved to secure areas outside their residences, as needed. 

Thousands without water or electricity

This report that I read from Meridian Magazine reminds me of a similar situation back in the early 90's when Hurrican Mitch hit Honduras. I am grateful for an inspired mission president that sent all the missionaires to a safe place where plenty of food and water had been stored. Darrel was one of those missionaries.

James and I had to return the rental car at 8 a.m. to Hatch Toyota in Show Low. Afterwards we went to Safeway to get some Dr. Pepper 10, lemons, ice, and facial wipes. James went in and got everything but the facial wipes. He brought back a package of Kleenx tissues instead.

Next stop was Aliberto's drive thru where we ordered a number 1 for James and #2 meal for me to take home and eat for lunch. 

James set up new vehicle insurance for our Lambson Construction equipment today. It will be about $150 cheaper a month.

We sat outside today and finished reading "Brownlie Manor" while enjoying the beauties of nature: mountains, trees, sky, clouds, grass, and flashes of lightning. 

I sure do love where I live!

This evening before going to be we watched an episode from Heartland Season 1, "Thicker Than Water."

Photos:

Antelope Canyon

Another example of the diversity of nature

found in Arizona.

"Hello everyone, my name is Miles"

In case you were wondering

I tried to teach this to my kids but I 

am not sure that I succeeded.

Dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

This brother lives in the Galveston 3rd ward,

Chandler, Arizona. He sits behind us in

sacrament meeting when we attend that ward.

Since I missed getting my patio set,

I want this swing for our patio.

I can get it on one of my favorite sites:

Jet.com

Birthday gifts from my dear, sweet friend Karen.

Monday, September 11th, 2017

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 April 1993 by Thomas S. Monson

Helaman 1:18-34

How do you avoid being deceived by the flattery of men?

Through the inspiration of the Spirit. We must stay spiritually centered and remember what really matters. Read Lynn G. Robbins, "Which Way Do You Face," October 2014 General Conference.

DC 132:29-45

Why should we always be obedient to what the Lord asks us to do?

Because we love Him. The Lord loves all of His children but He can only bless them when they are obedient. Obedience to commandments increases our faith, and brings us exaltation where we can become gods instead of angels.

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

"Patience, Peter teaches, leads us to godliness. As the Father is patient with us, His children, we become patient with one another and ourselves. From temperance to patience and from patience to godliness, our natures change. We gain the brotherly kindness that is a hallmark of all true disciples. Like the Good Samaritan, we cross the road to minister to whoever is in need, even if they are not within the circle of our friends. We bless them that curse us. We do good to those who despitefully use us. Is any attribute more godly or Christlike?"

We said our goodbyes, gave hugs, and had family prayer together with Jared giving the prayer, before we left for home. We are so very grateful for being able to come and spend time with Jared, Kacey, and Summer and to attend Molly's baptism and to be able to do sealings in the San Antonio temple. It was a wonderful trip and we are so grateful we were able to come.

'Til we meet again

As we left, Kacey and Summer were gone and Jared was at home cutting up fruit for lunches and doing laundry. He does not have to go to work until 10.

Thank goodness for Googlemaps or we wouldn't have found our way out of Jared and Kaceys neighborhood. We got on to the freeway and stopped for gas in Boerne where my friend Kay used to live. We read our scriptures and then I read from Brownlie Manor before taking a nap.

We got off the freeway in the little town of Ozona for a potty break and since we were there we got more gas. This town says it's the "biggest little town in the world," Some of the things to do in Ozona are: birdwatching, hunting, star gazing and off-roading. These are the same things we do here in Vernon! There are some beautiful trees and old homes and buildings in Ozona. I didn't get any pictures of homes but here is the town name and motto and the Crockett county courthouse located in Ozona.

The name of the gas station and store where we stopped was Stripes. It is the same place we stopped on Friday. 

On to Van Horn for gas and lunch at McDonald's. This is my friend Hailey's hometown. She says I should have texted her and let her know I was going to be there and she would have suggested some places to eat. She says Lizy's is good and her cousins place RJ's, but RJ's may only be open in the evenings.

Instead of going through Socorro we went back through Deming and Silver City up to Luna and Alpine. This way is more scenic but I do not like the windy road up the mountain. 

We got home around 5 p.m. Arizona time, gaining two hours coming home. It was good to be home except I found a bloated, belly up mouse caught in a trap in the pantry. Welcome home to critterville. 

Brian left us some green chili pork stew. Thanks Brian! After unloading and putting things away I did a little blogging and reading before going to bed. We were in bed by 9.

I did not forget that today was the anniversary of 9/11. Here are some photos I found on Facebook.

 Other random photos I like:

This is NOT the mouse we found in the pantry.

This one is cute, that one wasn't!

Sun and summer storm over the Grand Canyon.

I'm calling this one Cinderella's castle.

The Skousen's

Sister Skousen on the left is our Primary President.

She is a great one!

  

Sunday, September 10th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1990 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 1:18-34

When situations in your life get hard, what do you do to keep your faith alive?

I think of one of my favorite scriptures: "Be still and know that I am God." I calm my thoughts through prayer. I quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. I reunite my light with the Savior's light. I study my scriptures and listen to conference talks.

DC 132:18-28

Does marriage in the temple assure one of exaltation? 

Only when the covenants are kept and the marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson
"When you reach up for the Lord's power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him - when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life - you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you."

I like this quote I found today while studying the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. It is by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

"It follows that the sins of the godfearing and the righteous are continually remitted because they repent and seek the Lord anew every day and every hour."

We attended the Stone Oak ward today with Jared, Kacey and Summer. It is a big ward and we end up sitting in the overflow.

Four people from the Wheeler family spoke in sacrament meeting.

This family has ten children, eight of them are adopted. Their two natural children, Braxton and Tristan were the youth speakers. 

Braxton spoke on the responsibilities of families. He said:

"Although taught the gospel, children will sin. Alma the Younger is an example. The parents have the responsibility to teach the children, and the children have the responsibility to be obedient."

Tristan told us that many in their family have special needs. Recently she was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She had to quit her job and was in a wheelchair for awhile. She is better now and says she would not have been able to make it without the support of her family.

Sister Wheeler told the history of their family. After having two children they were not able to biologically have any more. First they adopted Brother Wheeler's half brother and then became foster parents. Four children who were living in shelters were adopted. At the same time they were fostering 25 other children. At one point they had 11 kids under 9 in their home. Their FHE's included such topics as, how to not hurt your teacher, or how to use toilet paper correctly. "We love despite the behavior of our children. Patience isn't my gift, but it can be learned. Aiden came to us when he was four. He had been living in the woods by himself, no one knows how long. After a time of learning how to communicate, Sister Wheeler asked Aiden what would make him feel safe. He pointed to a picture of the Savior on the wall and said, 'that guy.' What do you know about Him? He helps kids that are hungry and cold. 

Awhile later after having several root canals Aiden told Sister Wheeler that Jesus told him that he didn't need him any more because he had a mom. 

Sister Wheeler quoted the scripture that got me through the most difficult time in my life: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." She also said we teach rather than discipline. It reminded me of my mentor, Sue Kempton, and her style of parenting. "Be like the Savior and love like the Savior."

After Sister Wheeler's talk we sang "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd." It was so appropriate after what she told us about Aiden.

Brother Wheeler was the final speaker. He is from Beaumont, Texas and his family was in the middle of Hurricane Harvey. He has been going down and taking supplies to those in need. This entire ward is making trips down to do cleanup in the Houston area. Brother Wheeler reminded us that some areas got 42" of rain in 24 hours. He talked about listening to the Spirit and then going forward and serving. He also talked about giving Priesthood blessings. He talked about the importance of Father's blessings and told of an experience giving one of his sons who was afraid of the dark a blessing. The son did not want the blessing and complained while it was being given. He had been having a difficult time sleeping and after the blessing slept all night. The next morning he came in and put his father's hands on his head and said: "I need another one of those blessings." 

What an amazing family! I was so grateful we were able to listen to them speak. They reminded me of the book we read, "Lily of the Manor" where the couple had 11 adopted children.

Jared went to teach his Primary class and took his Doubletree Inn cookies with him. Kacey, James and I attended the Gospel Doctrine class taught by Brother Richards. When he found out we were from Arizona he asked lots of questions, such as, how close are we to Snowflake. He seemed to know the Show Low area quite well.

The lesson was #35 "A Mission of Saving," regarding the rescue of the Willie and Martin Handcart Company. I have notes in my Sunday School journal. It is sad to hear about the experience of these handcart companies but what an inspiration to hear about those who were willing to sacrifice so much, some their lives, to rescue those in need. It also compares these rescues to how the Savior is there to rescue all of us. The last part of the lesson reminds us that we need to rescue those in need. How appropriate for this ward that is so involved in the rescuing of victims of Hurrican Harvey.  One of my favorite stories from this lesson is that of Nellie Purcell who lost her legs up to her knees because of frostbite. She later married and raised six children all the while walking on her knees. Incredible!

Kacey and James left after Sunday School and I was left by myself to attend Relief Society. A Sister Greer came up to me and began talking about how her husband is from St. Johns and that when she dies she is looking forward to being buried in St. Johns. I thought it was a funny thing to say, but I appreciated her friendliness.

The lesson was from the President Hinckley manual and was entitled, "Continue in the Process of Learning." I had already read this lesson but enjoyed many of the comments that were made by the sisters in this ward. Sister Black gave the lesson. Here are some notes I took: *History can and should show the Lord's hand in things. * Designate a quiet area in the home for study and learning.

* Sister Greer told about President Nelson waking up the baby when he would get home from his work at the hospital and read scriptures to her. He said he wanted the language of the scriptures to be taught at an early age.*"Get all the education you can."(President Hinckley). *When we say "I can't" we are denying the Savior the power to help us change. 

When we got home from church Jared baked us some of his famous cookies. Kacey had a Laurel class presidency meeting but before leaving she mixed up a meatloaf and put it in the oven and gave instructions to Jared as to how to finish preparing it. Jared made some mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. When Kacey returned from her meeting we all sat down to eat together.

Sorry Summer is missing from the picture

After dinner Jared had a stake priesthood meeting. Summer did the dishes. I bonded with her when I found out that her favorite color is purple! I showed her a picture of my dream car.

The only car that will ever replace Lexy!

  After the dishes were done we all sat down to watch the YSA Broadcast featuring Elder David A. Bednar. Kacey informed me that he is from Arkansas, just like her. 

He spoke about family history and asked that no one be the weak link in their family chain. Here are some other notes:

*With the help of the Lord, you can do it.

*Create patterns of righteousness in your family

*We are not totally victims of circumstance

*It begins with you

*"Eternal family inks are only welded together through priesthood authority and personal righteousness."

Sister Bednar said: "Be a faithful link in the chain of generations."

She also said: "Your choices are not just about you...The choices you make for good or bad will extend across the generations."

After Jared returned home we had scriptures and then I said the family prayer. What a great Sabbath Day!

I guess it was not so great for some in Florida and the Carribean as Hurricane Irma hit. 

Photos:

Jared's sealing cards. I took home 12 couples

for James and I to do.

I know I have posted this before but all of these boys

had a birthday this week and I just had to post this again.

Back home in Vernon Elder Hall reported on his

mission to Argentina. Sorry we missed it.

He was one of my favorites when he was in

young mens.'

Reunited and it feels so good.

Along with their Dad, they both served missions

in Argentina.

The next Elder Hall. Just a couple of more years.

The only missionary still out from the
Vernon ward.

Saturday, September 9th, 2017

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 1:1-17

What causes anger and contention and how can we avoid it?

truijillofamilyjournal: "Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention, and so do hardness of heart. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing our dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ and patience is what we all should be striving for."

DC 132:1-17

How can we prepare our hearts to receive instruction?

melanieryerse:"We need to inquire or pray to God to prepare our hearts to receive instruction. That is what the Doctrine and Covenants is all about. We need to inquire, receive, and make needed changes."

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

President Boyd K Packer taught: "The Spirit of Christ is always there...The Light of Christ is as universal as sunlight itself. Wherever there is human life there is the Spirit of Christ."

James got up and went to help clean the church at 7:30 this morning with Jared, Kacey, and Summer. I stayed home ad read scriptures and worked on my blog. 

As we were getting ready to go to Molly's baptism, I asked Jared if he would like his dad to give him a father's blessing and he said yes. The Spirit was strong for me during that blessing. It was a sweet father - son moment.

The baptism was quite a ways away. Tricia and the kids are in a different stake than Jared and Kacey.  We arrived a few minutes early and I was able to give Molly, Emmy, Anna, and James a hug. 

I even said hello to Tricia and gave her a hug. I also gave James his birthday card and Anna the money I owed her for the last birthday cards she did. We also said hello to Tricia's parents, the Wallens'.

I took a picture of Molly and Jared.

Here is a copy of the program:

Molly was baptized by Jeremy Fernandes instead of Jared and Tricia's dad confirmed her. I don't think these were Molly's wishes. I am sure she had some coaxing from her mother. I know this was difficult for all of us but we should restraint. 

James and Jared were the witnesses for Molly. James did a great job playing the piano. I gave the opening prayer. Another hurtful thing was the song by Jeremy, Anna, and Tricia Fernandes. I guess we can be grateful that the program said Molly Lambson. Oh yes, one more thing. Tricia was not the chorister, Emmy was. I think maybe she needed a little more coaching.

We took a picture with Molly before leaving. I gave her the scriptures and tote I bought for her and we left right after the photo, not staying for the refreshments. Jared did go in and said goodbye to his kids. 

We attended another baptism five years ago on this day.

There is just something about a girl in a white dress.

James and I suggested that we all go to lunch at Olive Garden and use the gift cards I got from Kim and Brian, and Darrel and Trina, which we did.

I ordered the Braised Beef and Tortellini. It is my new favorite dish at Olive Garden! The beef was so tender. I sat by Summer and James and across from Kacey and Jared. Kacey ordered salmon and said it was a little dry. James got the stuffed marsala chicken. I can't remember what Jared got. Summer got the fetuccini and steak but didn't eat very much.

We dropped Summer off at home and then the four of us went to the San Antonio temple to do sealings. Jared had an amazing amount of sealing cards run off. Children to parents, and couples. I am grateful for the research he has done. He is definitely our family history specialist!

Doing sealings was a joyous experience

Also Jared told us we were going to Sonic

on the way home.

Back at home Jared and James quickly changed clothes and went to the Hursts (old friends of Darrel and Trina's), to pick up an entertainment center they are giving to Jared and Kacey. It was funny listening to James and Jared talk about how to set this entertainment center up. It looked very nice once it was all done. Wish I would have taken a picture. Maybe Jared will send me one.

Rest time and writing on my blog this afternoon while James took a nap. 

There are lots of oaks in San Antonio. By oaks I mean trees and streets. There is Hardy Oak, Stone Oak, Enchanted Oak, Majestic Oak, Wilderness Oak, and Crescent Oak, just to name a few. The streets are windy and without a GPS I don't think I could ever find my way around. 

This evening Jared and Kacey went shopping at the big grocery store near their home. It is called H.E.B. (H.E.B., not HEB) I guess the name is the initials of some famous Texan. They brought back dinner for us just as I had convinced James to go out and find a Taco Cabana. There was barbequed brisket, beans and potato salad, and a regular salad. Jared said there is a restaurant inside the store. Oh yes, and don't forget the Blue Bell ice cream. Our flavor of the evening is camo. The green in the camo was pistachio, the cream colored was cheesecake, and of course the brown was chocolate. It was quite delicious. A nice dinner and dessert. Thanks Jared and Kacey!

Kacey teaches first grade at a school about 45 minutes away. She was grading papers this evening and realized some of her kids need help with reading and spelling. 

Summer went out with friends from the ward. One of her girlfriends had her 16th birthday party.

Here is what's going on in other parts of the country:

 Montana and all over the Northwest.

Miami Beach before the 90mph winds of 

Irma hit. I wonder if the tall skyscraper will survive.

A video Brian sent James of the rain in Vernon.

Kim said it rained most of the day until time 

for their evening elk find on the Razr.

This video doesn't play. Not sure why but somehow

in the transfer from James's phone to mine, I lost it.

Friday, September 8th, 2017

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 63:1-17

The Book of Mormon prophets were commanded to keep sacred records. Why is it still important for each of us to keep our own records today?

*They help us remember! We can see patterns in our lives as we go back and review our records kept in our journals, such as the receiving mercy of the Lord. I am hoping that my posterity will better understand me and my motives and my heart by the records I keep. Hopefully my testimony is being kept there. My story is unique. There have been times that I have been strengthened or taught by my own words as I remember all the Lord has done for me.

DC 131 1-8

What is meant by eternal increase?

*"Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. (History of the Church)

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. We will be enabled to subdue negative impulses, and we will develop the capacity to overcome even what appear to be overwhelming obstacles. This was what enabled King Limhi's people to make a spectacular escape from their Lamanite captivity."

We are on our way to San Antonio! We left Vernon at 5:30 a.m. Arizona time, praying in the car before we left. Because San Antonio is two hours ahead of us, we will lose two hours time on our trip. It will take us about 13 hours but it will be 15 hours on the clock. We are driving a silver 2017 Toyota Corolla. Sorry I didn't get a picture. 

Although there are no fires in Arizona at this time, the sky is hazy from the fires all over the west coast and in Idaho and Montana.

Fire Map

Instead of going through Silver City and Deming, I talked James into going through Pie Town and Socorro to get to the I-10 Freeway in El Paso. I wanted to take a picture of Pie Town but I must have blinked and missed it. I only saw one little building which was probably where they sell their pies.

We read several chapters from our book, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor."  We stopped and got gas at the Rudy's in El Paso. I never knew they were a gas station. After getting gas we found a Whataburger where we had lunch, and then it was on to Van Horn, Fort Stockton, and Ozona where we stopped again for gas. 

We got in to San Antonio around 9 p.m. Texas time. Jared and Kacey waited up until we got there to eat their dinner. We had some yummy beef stroganoff.  Summer was gone to the Ronald Reagan Rattlers football game. That is the name of her school and the Rattlers are their mascot. 

We appreciate having a place to stay with family. We stayed in Tanner's room which is right next to Summer's. The bed was very comfy and we have our own bathroom.

Along with the fires and hurricanes, Mexico had an 8.1 earthquake hit yesterday. 2.5 million people are in need of aid and 96 people have been killed. Officials rush to get food and water to stricken communities in the poor south.

Photos:

 Kristen turned 18! I remember when she

was in our Primary class!

The Chandler flood of 2014

This is unheard of!

This is what it looks like when it floods 

in Vernon.

Paul's blended family, a few years ago.

Sweet and talented Carmen.

Elder Andersen and Dr. Crowe, President

of ASU. Look at Elder Andersen's tie.