Tuesday, November 7th, 2017

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

Ephesians 4:10

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things. 

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 22:1-17

When have you felt Heavenly Father reach out and touch your heart to draw you to Him? "...with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee.." (v.8) "The world is not a safe place. It is not a place where children will feel peace, hope, and direction unless they are taught to love and follow the Savior. Please help them know that these great blessings can be theirs, and show them what they need to do to receive these blessings" (Patricia P. Pineager, Ensign, Nov 1999, 68).

"Prayer is essential to developing faith." (Carol F. McConkie, Ensign, Nov 2016, 25).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 3:19-20

19 And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records - that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;

20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen.

General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven  

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The doctrine of Christ expresses what we must do to receive atoning grace. It is to believe and have faith in Christ, to repent and be baptized, and to receive the Holy Ghost, 'and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost."

This is the gate, our access to the Savior's atoning grace and to the strait and narrow path leading to His kingdom.

It was overcast all day long but there was no moisture. I want snow!

James borrowed the Hunsaker's compactor today for the new patio. Once he got everything compacted, he realized that he is going to need some more sand. 

I cleaned the living room and family room floor and the family room couch today. I watched some Christmas movies while I was cleaning and blogging. I watched, "The Magic Stocking," "Charming Christmas," "A Crown for Christmas," and James and I watched a new one together, "Miss Christmas."

I also worked on family history, Primary, and planned menus for next week. I got the recipes off Facebook. 

Heartland: "Broken Arrow," and "Eye of the Wolf."

Sad news. Neither Darrel and Trina, or Jared and Kacey are coming for Thanksgiving. Kim and Brian are still coming the day after Thanksgiving so at least we won't be alone. 

I love Summer's smile.

When the elk used to come to visit last year.

Evan's birthday, 2015.

Evan and his Legos

Grandpa sharing some of his wisdom with Alex.

James working on his project

Old Chandler LDS Photos

Ada and Archie Jones at a stake conference

luncheon in 1986.

Archie was a bishop and the stake patriarch. 

Ada at one time served on the Relief Society

General Board.

Dean was our first home teacher and

he and Barbara hired James to build their home.

Leslie and Maurice Christensen.

I don't know who the other brother is.

Evan and Terry Farnsworth, Martin and Suzanne

Kempton and Elder Boyd K. Packer.

Chandler Stake Presidency:

Garth Paxman, Evans Farnsworth, Martin Kempton

Monday, November 6th, 2017

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

Acts 1:11

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 21:1-29

*What signs of the gathering of Israel do we see today?

Jesus told the Nephites he would give them "a sign" (3 Ne. 21:1) so they would now when the gathering of Israel had begun. He then foretold the Restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the establishment of a free nation in America, and the taking of the gospel to their seed (v.1-7). He called the Restoration of the latter days "a great and marvelous work (v.8). In the early days of the Restoration, the Savior said "a marvelous work is about to come forth" (DC 4:1). President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of the Restoration and of our responsibility to help move the work forward: "This glorious gospel was ushered in with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the boy Joseph. The dawn of the dispensation of the fulness of times rose upon the world. All of the good, the beautiful, the divine of all previous dispensations was restored in the most remarkable season. Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have? We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before. It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this Church. A solemn obligation rests upon us. We must live as true followers of Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us" (Ensign, May 2004, 83-4).

James made a trip to town today. He bought two tacos like I asked him to but he only made it home with one. That's okay honey, I only needed one anyway. He went to the rescue and picked up my thyroid pills and folic acid.

Cathi's brother-in-law, Paul, Pam's husband, lost his bout with cancer. Cathi will go and stay with Pam for awhile after the funeral.

There was a mass shooting at a small church in Texas today. Why does this continue to happen?

A quote from President Boyd K. Packer in the book, "Rescuing Wayward Children."

"If our children are sealed to us and if we keep our temple covenants, they will return after they have received the Lord's correction."

Today's Christmas movies: "Angels and Ornaments," "Christmas Magic," "Christmas in the Air," "The Christmas Ornament," "The Christmas Secret," and "Christmas Festival of Ice."

Now don't get the wrong idea. I don't just sit around watching movies all day. I do my work and other activities while I am watching. This works well because I have seen most of them before In the evening James and I watch a new Christmas movie if we have any to watch and then an episode of "Heartland." Tonight's Heartland episode was called "The Fix."

James measured so he could order the pavers for  the new patio. He wants to have it finished, fire pit and all, by Thanksgiving.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Christofferson's conference talk, "The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven." An amazing talk that encourages us to become more holy.

Happy 11th Birthday Evan!

Sheri's post:

Evan through the years

Happy Birthday President Uchtdorf

 What a handsome man!

President and Sister Uchtdorf

The other gospel doctrine teacher

in our ward.

I love trees!

Travis Dutson posted this photo.

I am not sure if this is his cat.

DWTS

Cheryl and Terrel Owens.

They are going home. Too bad because I 

thought he was better than Drew Scott.

Trio night. Drew, Emma, and Rashad

Jennings, the reigning champion.

Victoria and Val

Victoria and Val with Laurie Hernandez

Witney and Frankie with Alfonso Robeiro.

Mark and Lindsey also danced with

Kristy Yamaguichi who was the winner

9 years ago with Mark.

Lindsay and Jordan with Corbin Bleu

Lindsay and Jordan got a perfect

score for both dances tonight.

Sunday, November 5th, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 20:17

 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto the, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 20:20-46

What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord?"

Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "To avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture

DC 1:37-38

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Dallin H. Oaks

" What is the meaning of the scriptural cautions and commandments not to be 'of the world' or the modern commandment to 'forsake the world"? (DC 53:2)

President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings:

'We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.'"

We gave Kathy a ride to the church this morning for the North American Southwest Regional Conference broadcast. Before the broadcast started President Beeler spoke to us. The title of his talk was "Safe Enough." 

Where is safe enough? There is opposition in all things. The neutrality of the Garden of Eden couldn't accomplish God's purposes. Spiritual progress means we must be fully engaged. Sacred ground is found as a result of increased righteousness. We have no more desire to do evil but to do good continually. Here are some safe zones: Home, the temple, the Church, and the stake.

The temple is a blueprint for homes and families. Missionaries carry the Light of Christ to the world. Who are God's messengers:

Prophets, apostles, missionaries, and members. Satan's desire is to stop the messengers. Satan tries to convince us that apathy and indifference are okay. Minister to the one. Who do I need to serve today? There is no neutral ground, we choose our direction, God expects us to move forward in the right direction. We need to allow Christ to point us in the direction of the one.

Soutwest Regional Broadcast

Elder Cornish conducted this meeting to 263 stakes, 3 districts and 21 missions with 50 temples.

Elder T.B. Wakalolo - We need to become better at giving service.What will I do differently as a result of this conference? How can the Atonement help me? 

DC 101:78 - Act in Doctrine and Principle.

JOY - J=Jesus O=Others Y=You

God is our loving Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39, John 3:16. Substitute family for world. It's all about love, love, love.

Understanding true doctrine is critical.

Sister Neill F. Marriott - "Members of the Household of Faith."

Rescue and sacrifice. She told the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:30-35. We all carry sorrows that the eye can't see. The Lord will help us as we try to submit ourselves to His ways. Do we ignore the needs of others? The is power in keeping our covenants. Remember Him. Pray to know who needs my help. What a difference remembering Jesus Christ can make.

Stranger at her door. She fed him her husbands dinner and her husband ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. 

Do you feel a critical need to study the Book of Mormon?

President Romney's promise:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in the wake peace, joy, and happiness."

It took Brother and Sister Marriott seven years to read the Book of Mormon with their children. As a result, the established righteous patterns.

Elder Cornish - Hurricane Harvey. 52" of rain in a day. Rescuing those in need. Thousands of volunteers in yellow vests called "Yellow Angels." Love one to another, stranger to stranger. 

Christian caring begins in the hearts of each of us. Each of us can do a little better. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Doing His will is the way to true happiness.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Spoke about President Monson's service. President Monson still gives 100%. Parable of the Talents.

Diligent where we are and with what we have.

Honor President Monson for what he has already said. 

Work in love to serve those in need. Give others something to do. 

Some teachings of President Monson: 1) Missionary service - bears testimony, loves people. 2) Marriage and Family - preserving fidelity. Strict obedience to temple covenants. 3) Youth - stand firm, remain faithful. 4) Religious activity in the home is critial. Hear my voice and know my words. 5) Kindness and charity. 6) The Book of Mormon. President Monson's promise in the April 2017 General Conference:

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven's help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

It was a wonderful conference emphasizing living the commandments, serving, and reading the Book of Mormon.

We had chili dogs for lunch and then we both took a nap. 

At 3 p.m. James has a High Priest Group meeting. I stayed home and watched Christmas movies while working on my blog, ones I've already seen before: "Christmas Cookies," "Christmas Land," and "The Christmas Pageant."

Sheri and Kim are going to read "Rescuing Wayward Children" with us and then we will discuss it on Sunday. We are starting this week with the introduction.

James and I watched a new Christmas movie, "The Perfect Christmas Present" starring Sam Page, and Tara Holt. A good message!

Suzy and Trina, two of my favorites!

2016

Elk in our yard

Spike and friends

Studying his lesson by the fire.

Love these clouds!

2015

Shopping for Evan's birthday.

Making a Lego person

The three Musketeers

Love these three!
Where's Max?

Food is always necessary

Hard at work

Snow on November 5th!

I stopped at a gas station in Heber on my
way to the valley and took this picture.
November 5th