Sunday, March 25th, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 132:59

Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

*Preparation for the second Coming of Jesus Christ.

*Elder Dean L. Larsen, while serving as a member of the Seventy, declared that each of us is part of this final effort to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ: "Now is the period during which the Lord and his servants will make the final great effort to take the message of truth to all the peoples of the earth and to reclaim the descendants of ancient Israel who have lost their true identity. You have come to the earth when the foundation has been laid for this great work. The gospel has been restored for the last time. The stage is set for the final dramatic scenes to be enacted. You will be the principal players. You are among the last laborers in the vineyard. This is the service for which you are chosen."

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 15-16

15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released - The people are admonished to care for the poor - Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year - The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's.

16 Israel is to keep the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles - All males are to appear annually before the Lord at these three feasts - Judges are not to make dishonest judgments nor take gifts.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard
" I testify that 'the trek continues,' and I invite you to stay on the gospel path as you continue pressing forward by reaching out to all of God's children in love and compassion, that we may unitedly make our hearts pure and our hands clean to receive the 'multiplicity of blessings' awaiting all who truly love our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, for which I humbly pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

James helped me set up my room. We put photos of 11 temples around the room for the children to identify. He listed the scriptures on the chalkboard and I posted the photo of Rebekah at the well fetching water for Abraham's servant. 

The table in the back was left for the handouts, the cards for each lesson, a 3-D temple, and the monthly handout. 

The younger sister  Halcomb and Brother Halls from the high council were the speakers today in sacrament meeting. 

Sister Halcomb spoke on a 2002 April General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Calling." Pray to know the Lord's will when you are called. There is no small calling. You are called by revelation and the Holy Ghost will testify of this to you.

The Hunsaker twin sisters sang, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." They harmonize very well.

Brother Halls - The prophets connect heaven to earth. The Holy Ghost confirms truth. Great things happen by small means. The weak shall teach the strong. The weak shall do great things and perform miracles. President Shumway loves the Lord and he has loved the people he has served. He will be released at stake conference in April. President Shumway seeks the will of the Lord.

The ward choir sang "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee."

Jace, Colter, Amaron, Andyn, Liana, and Gracie were all in class today. Most of my temple pictures had fallen to the ground. The children helped me put them back up. 

The purpose of the lesson today was to teach the children that the same eternal blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be theirs if they make and honor temple marriage covenants. 

Jace and Colter were quite disruptive and I am afraid I did not handle it very well. I must be better prepared with a more positive solution. 

The temple game went well. They each had to identify one to two temples. Most everyone liked the San Diego temple the best.

We also played the match game with the children writing on two cards what they will do to serve others. It was fun.

During singing/sharing time I went to the teachers council meeting.

Sister Skousen was released as the Primary president today and Sister Gillespie was sustained. Sister Hunsaker is a counselor and Sister Umphress the other. Sister Deatherage will be the secretary. We still don't have a new Relief Society president.

Here are some notes I took in the teacher council meeting, third hour: "Every thing bears record of the Savior." - Sister Hunter.

"Teach until the light comes on." - Brother Scott

Spiritual preparation is vital. Pray by name for each person in your class. Rely on the Spirit. "Answer questions when they are asked." - Sister Tice. "If we have the Spirit we won't offend people." - Brother M. Wilhelm. "Cater to the Spirit in the room rather than trying to finish the lesson. If you touch my heart, you touch my spirit." - Brother Miller.

The Goodman's were called as temple workers today. They will be working the 1st and 3rd Saturday afternoons.

Kim and Brian were just about ready to leave for home when we returned. I thought they were going to eat with us, but they already ate. I guess they want to get an early start getting home. We ate their leftover lunch. Brats and green beans.

Brian cut up some veggies 

for the trip home.

Our chicken is still marinating and we will be eating it by ourselves at another time. 

As I took a nap James went home teaching with Brother Westbrook. They visited Anthony and the Peeler's. 

We had scriptures when James returned. 

I sent a note to the family reminding them of the picnic next Saturday.

My friend Pam sent this to me.

I love it!

My evening snack.

Sheri's Saturday Facebook post.

Joshua's Easter eggs.

Chandler High egg

Saturday, March 24th, 2018

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 124:123

Verily I say unto you, I now give unto you the officers belonging to my Priesthood, that ye may hold the keys thereof, even the Priesthood which is after the order of Melchizedek, which is after the order of mine Only Begotten Son.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:49-69

Share thoughts regarding these verses.

Fourth Visit: 52-72 - Today

52-56 - Zenos describes Israel's Final Gathering

57-59 - The good to overcome evil

60-72 - The vineyard nourished for the last time.

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 13-14

13 The Lord tests His people to see if they will worship false gods - Prophets, dreamers, relatives, or friends who advocate worship of false gods will be put to death - Idolatrous cities will be destroyed.

14 The Israelites are children of the Lord Jehovah - Unclean beasts, fish, and fowl are not to be eaten - The Israelites are to tithe all the increase of their seed annually. 

General Conference

"Fear Not To Do Good"

President Henry B. Eyring

"The best days are ahead for the kingdom of God on the earth.

Opposition will strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ, as it has since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Faith always defeats fear. Standing together produces unity. And your prayers for those in need are heard and answered by a loving God. He neither slumbers nor does He sleep."

We left at 5:40 this morning for the temple. It was a beautiful morning. When we got to the temple there was no wind. Brother Bowers carried the rolls in for me. 

I have some new assignments on my schedule today. Greeter at the top of the stairs, kitchen, and giving out the new name. President and Sister Brimhall conducted the preparation meeting today. The subject was the officiator in the endowment session. 

They also handed out a paper regarding proper temple attire. 

My first assignment was top of the stairs greeter. The Brimhall's joined me. Next I worked in initiatory and then I had a break with Sister Lundgren, Sister Humphreys, and Sister Gentry, and Sister Johnson. 

After my break I went to the celestial room. I had several minutes by myself before the 8 o'clock session came in. I offered a prayer for our family. After the celestial room I went back to initiatory and was able to do the two names I didn't get done on Thursday. 

Sister Cochran told me I could take the paper in with me when I gave the new name. I don't think I will have a problem, but just in case. 

I had only given out a couple of names when Sister Cochran said she was going to take over for me. There were no couples in this session and they needed James and I to be the witness couple. I hurried downstairs to get my packet and took my names from initiatory to the office to have them recorded. I ended up doing the name: Ada Bell. I am not sure which of our family lines she is from.

Because the temple will be closed for 2 weeks after today we thought we would be busy, but that was not the case. 

Something special happened in the prayer circle. A man with a disfigured face came up. He did not have a partner. A young sister came up to be his partner and afterwards she shook his hand and thanked him. He had the biggest smile on his face afterwards.

On the way home we stopped at Walmart for more green chili salsa and Rotelle for the chili we are making for tonight's ward chili cookoff.

I bought some lamb's, golden eggs, and tulips.

Here are the lambs. Kim wants the black sheep.

James cut up the meat for the pork stew and browned it in a skillet before putting it in the cast iron cooking pot. I added the other ingredients and let it simmer. An hour or so later we all tasted it. It has some kick, and we loved it!  

I hurt my knee today working at the temple. It may have been the stairs or kneeling at the altar, but I am limping. I didn't want to go to the ward party so I told James I would take him so he could hold the food. He was in a hurry and took the pot of chili out to the car. He dropped it and half of it fell out on the garage floor. He felt so bad I couldn't say anything.

I put the store bought chocolate cake on my fancy cake plate and James held it while the pot of chili, or what was left of it, sat on the back seat. When we got to the church everyone was bringing in their crockpots full of chili and again I felt bad for James. He also forgot to warm it up when he got there. Bishop and Chuck were the judges. The Grapp's got first place and Kip got second. James said he liked Brother Kustusiak's elk chili but still liked ours the best.

I had a nice visit with Kim and Brian while James was gone. Brian told about his conversion and setting a goal in 2016 to read from the Book of Mormon everyday. That year the Bronco's, his favorite team, went to the super bowl and he didn't even feel like watching it. He attributes that to reading the Book of Mormon.

My goal was to get over 5,000 steps today and I accomplished that goal.

Teri was my secretary when I was the

stake Relief Society president.

Tanner bonding with Scarlett

Two weeks in a row for Curtis, Johnny, 

and Zemira.

They hiked Picachio Peak today.

The Grand Canyon

Desert storm

Friday, March 23rd, 2018

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 107:3

Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:35-48

*Jacob 5:41 says that the Lord wept for his wild trees after all of his work to help them grow. How can you relate?

Third Visit 29-60

29-32 - Zenos prophesies of Latter-day Restoration.

33-37 - The blood of Israel preserved through Apostasy.

38-46 - Universal Apostasy, all branches of Israel affected.

47-51 - Branches overcome Roots = Apostasy

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 11-12
11 Thou shalt love and obey the Lord thy God - If the children of Israel obey, they will be blessed with rain and harvests and will drive out mighty nations - Israel must learn God's laws and teach them - Blessings flow from obedience; cursings attend disobedience.
General Conference

"Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

"I witness that through the power of Jesus Christ, we become able to look spiritually beyond what we see literally."

I read an article by Elder David A. Bednar today: "Quick to Observe" from the Dec 2006, Ensign. It was very good!

I felt the Spirit when I read the first sentence in Exodus 33:11. It says: "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." Is the Savior my friend and will He speak to me face to face?  

I ironed two white shirts this morning and cleaned the mud and bird poop off the front porch. It isn't a pleasant job but needed to be done.

I made rolls and pork green chili today. I used the crockpot to make the chili. It came out shredded. James likes it better in chunks.

I took a nap, walked, worked on my budget and called a new sister I visit, Sister MacArthur. I found out she is Sister Umphress's sister and lives across the road from me. I made an appointment with her for next Tuesday.

Kim and Brian came in this afternoon from Albuquerque where they attended the Avett Brothers concert. They brought Doubletree Inn cookies with them. Yum!

James and I had to run to town to pick up the wax/acrylic remover I ordered, to get gas for the Razr, and propane for the grill. 

We had the pork chili for dinner and everyone decided it needed a little more kick. I bought some of this to put in it.

Spicy delicious!

I also bought a dozen eggs a piece for each of the 7 younger children that will be hunting for eggs on Saturday. Each person will receive their own color of eggs. I bought golden eggs for all the kids which will have money in them.

The basket is for Stacy. She is having surgery on her foot on Friday.

I enjoyed visiting with Kim while she did the Italy puzzle that Brian got her for Christmas. 

I worked on my blog and walked before going to bed. Tomorrow is our temple day. We wanted to go to bed at 9 but it was actually 10.

beautiful state in the nation!

The kids got a good start on my temple.

Can't we all just get along.

I love the Lamb cookies!

Talon from our ward.

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 93:17

And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:19-34

*Share a time you chose to nourish a bad tree hoping that it would improve but it profited you nothing in the end.

Second Visit: 15-28

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 9-10

9 Other nations driven out of Canaan because of their wickedness - Moses rehearses rebellions of Israel, and tells how he mediated between them and the Lord - On two occasions he has gone without food and water for forty days.

10 Tables of stones containing Ten Commandments placed in ark - All that God requires is that Israel loves and serve him - How great and mighty is the Lord!

General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

" Elder Richard G. Scott taught this eternal truth: 'True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ...There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled."

I have a book called, "The Treasure of a Friend," by John C. Maxwell, (I wonder if we are related), and today I read the story of Abrecht Durer and his brother Hans. The story is called "Praying 

Hands":

As children, brothers Hans and Albrecht, the German-born sons of a Hungarian goldsmith, dreamt about becoming great artists. And they both began studying art at an early age. But times were difficult for their family in the late 1400s, and it soon became clear that their studies were a luxury the family could not afford. It looked like the brothers would have to return to their father's  shop

and become goldsmiths.

But that disturbed Hans. He saw that his brother had a great gift for artistry, and he didn't want that wonderful talent to be wasted. Thus, Hans gave himself to the family trade so that Albrecht could continue studying.

And study he dd. Apprenticing under painter and printer Michael Wolgemut, he blossomed into a profoundly talented artist. Many consider Albrecht Durer the greatest German artist of the Renaissance era. He went on to create world-famous prints, such as The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Passion of Christ, and The Last Supper.

Though not Durer's most dramatic or spectacular work, Study of Praying Hands is one of his most poignant pieces. It display the sinewy, callused hands of a laborer coming together in the contrite act of prayer. It embodies the humble dependence on God believers are to possess. Who was the model for Albrecht Durer's famous work? None other than his brother Hans, the man who made it possible for him to pursue his calling as an artist. For all time, this expression of Durer's faith also symbolizes the deep love, appreciation, and friendship of one brother for another."

I woke up at 4 and was going to go back to sleep until 5 but when I woke up it was 6 so I started an hour late.

As I was changing the vacuum cleaner bag today the handle of the vacuum fell to the floor and knocked the starter switch so James and I had to operate on it. The sad thing is we got it all fixed and the handle drop again and we had to start all over. We finally did get it fixed and I was able to finish my vacuuming. 

We had chicken, baked potato, and salad for lunch again today. Afterwards I had a short nap. After my nap I got ready to go to the temple. I have seven initiatory names that need to be done and I may not be able to get them done when I work on Saturday, so I am taking them today. It was almost 4 o'clock before I got in the initiatory line. There were several sisters a head of me, including Jane Finch, my new friend from Eager. She had been waiting almost 45 minutes when I got there. When had a nice visit. It is amazing how the gospel makes it so easy to make new friends. 

I also saw my friend and neighbor Kathy C. who works in the temple on Thursday afternoons. She was getting ready to go in to do sealings. 

These are the names I did today: Sarah M. McCroy, Mary Hannah, Sallie M. Lee, Anna Smith, and Sarah. Sarah was born in 1704.

I saw President and Sister Reidhead while I was there. 

On the way home I wanted to stop at McDonald's to get an ice cream cone but the drive-thru was closed and I didn't feel like going in. I stopped at Walmart and got the ingredient for green pork chili. I also got some mini powdered donuts to eat on the way home. I wish I didn't have such a sweet tooth.

James had a cheeseburger ready for me when I arrived home. After dinner to show my thanks I read to him from "Charity House Courtship," and then blogged. I walk until I get 400 calories burned which is over 13,000 steps. James walked over 30,000 steps today. That is a new record!

We went to bed at 10:30, almost an hour late. That's what happens when you start late.

My steps

James's steps

Kim and Brian were in Albuquerque

tonight seeing the Avett Brothers.

Baby news:

Baby Leo after open heart surgery.

 Winter is not having a 

good day.

Kyler is learning to smile.

Wednesday, March 21st, 2018

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 93:4

The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:1-18

*The branches are dependent on the nourishment from the trunk. What are some types of nourishment we can receive?

* What did you learn from these verses?

Talk: "The Lord Has Not Forgotten You"

By: Linda S. Reeves, October 2012 GC, women's session

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 7-8

7 Israel to destroy seven nations of Canaan - Marriages with them are forbidden lest apostasy result - Israel has a mission as a holy and chosen people - The Lord shows mercy unto those who love him and keep his commandments - He promises to remove sickness from Israel if they hearken.

8 The Lord tested Israel in wilderness for forty years - Eating manna taught them that man lives by word of God - Their raiment waxed not old - The Lord chastened them - If Israel shall serve other gods, they shall perish.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

" The gospel is so much more than a routine checklist of discrete tasks to be performed; rather, it is a magnificent tapestry of truth 'fitly framed' and woven together, designed to help us become like our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, even partakers of the divine nature. Truly, we are blinded 'by looking beyond the mark' when this overarching spiritual reality is over shadowed by the cares, concerns, and casualness of the world."

I felt the Spirit today as I read Elder Hale's testimony at the end of this month's Ensign. 

By 11:30 this morning I had 8,234 steps. By 1p.m. I had 10,000 steps. 

I watched the 5th episode of "Little Men" and refuse to watch anymore of "Upstairs/Downstairs.

James cooked the chicken thighs Darrel and Trina left after I marinated them in the sesame sauce I bought. They were so delicious. Chicken thighs are so much better than chicken breasts.

This afternoon James took me to see Jean. She was home alone and I gave her the small cake and bonsai tree I bought her, along with a birthday card. She said she always keeps my cards. I said I keep the cards I get too. And she said, "Oh, I don't keep all my cards, just the ones from people I really like."

Tom was gone to the doctor. I guess his heart problems are caused because of his lungs and his C.O.P.D. The doctor told him he should not live up here and that he needs to be on oxygen all the time. Getting old is so frustrating. I gave Jean a hug before I left and told her I loved her.

After leaving Jean's we went to the dump and I read to James from "Charity House Courtship."

It was a beautiful afternoon, no wind, with the high around 60.

I watched "Little Men" while I blogged. This evening I read from "Life Everlasting" and "A Reason for Faith."

James and I watched an episode of "Heartland," and then we 'walked the house' to get the rest of our steps. 

Stacy is having surgery on her other foot on Friday, March 30th. Also, the first one has to be re-done.

"Forgiven" by Greg Olsen

The beauty of Arizona