Thursday, April 12, 2018

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Betrayal of

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 6:1-7:7

* After reading about King Benjamin's life, what are the Christ-like attributes you noticed he possessed?

-Some would say that King Benjamin was the greatest King who ever lived..Perhaps because he had many Christlike attributes. He like Christ, lived solely for the good of his people. He put aside every personal ambition to devote himself wholly to the welfare of those whom he ruled - no only their temporal and social welfare but also their eternal welfare. King Benjamin was a great light after the dark ages of his people, winning several generations of peace from his enemies. He was a humble man, who heard directly from Heavenly messengers. I've always admired the way he taught the people. Such a great teacher, even a master teacher just like the Savior. He also had the power to have had the riches of a king...but instead showed a much different example of humility and service to his people. In every way he was a model for Christlike living.

Old Testament

Joshua 21-22

21 The Levites receive forty-eight cities with their suburbs - The Lord fulfills all His promises and gives Israel rest.

22 The 2 1/2 tribes are dismissed with a blessing - They build an altar of testimony by the Jordan to show they are the Lord's people - It is not an altar for sacrifices or burnt offerings.

General Conference

Introductory Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

" We announce a significant restructuring of our Melchizedek Priesthood quorums to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively."

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

" Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in a ward unifies priesthood holders to accomplish all aspects of the work of salvation."

What should I pray for? 3 Nephi 19:9

And they did pray for that which they most desired; and they desired that the Holy Ghost should be given unto them.

I wish I had time to read all the articles in Meridian Magazine. There were two today that sounded interesting: "Insights on Ministering" by Elder Andersen and "Why a Russian Temple is Meaningful to President Nelson." I did read "5 Ways Sisters Exercise Priesthood Authority." Here are the five ways:

1.) In their callings when they are set apart, 2.) Through ordinances and covenants, 3.) Faith and prayer, 4.) Temple sealing, 5.) Temple worker. 

I also saw these headlines as I was scrolling through today's news on Meridian:

"Crash kills 257 in Algeria's deadliest aviation disaster - the entire country is in mourning."

"Trump warns Syria and Russia of military strike."

Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura are coming on the 26th of this month to visit and to target practice and look for elk antlers. We will be happy to have their company.

My reading in the Ensign today: "Understanding Islam" by Daniel C. Peterson. Islam is the world's 2nd largest religion. Is-LAAM means submission to God. A believer in Islam is called a Muslim, meaning a submitter.

From "Rescuing Wayward Children": Charity Never Faileth. Perfect love casteth out fear. (1 John 4:21). We love God because He first loved us. It is the same way with a parent and a child.

Primary lesson:Jacob and His Family. The purpose of this lesson is to help the children desire to be honest and live with integrity.

In Joshua 22 the altar of testimony is called Ed. Ed the Altar.

Russell M. Nelson talk #14: "Choices"
1. Who am I, 2. Where did I come from?, 3. Why am I here?
Truthful answers to these questions will remind you of important anchors and unchanging principles. They will be a protection to you.

Chapter 3 of The Atoning One by Robert L. Millet, "The Great I Am." 
Christ is God of the Cosmos.

Here is a report on President and Sister Nelson's and the Holland's Global Ministry Tour:
"A meeting will be held in London Thursday evening, April 12, which will be broadcast to Church meetinghouses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. This is a ticketed even and tickets are being distributed. The Church has about 186,000 members in the UK and nearly 4,000 members in Ireland. The first missionaries to go overseas were sent to Britain in 1837 only seven years after the Church was founded.

James made a live rabbit trap. He claims that Rowan asked him how to catch a rabbit. When I asked him what he was going to do with the rabbits he caught, he said: "Sell them or eat them."
"Wait a minute. Did you set these rabbits up by feeding and watering them and making them think you were their friend only to turn on them. Oh, no we are not going to eat these rabbits!  That was my response.

I made chicken enchiladas for lunch and they were yumdeli-icious!
James said: "These are so good but so not good for you that we should probably only eat them once a month." I sadly agree. They are probably my favorite meal.

I called Aunt Gene, who could barely hear me, and asked if Vickie and I could come and visit on Tuesday at 1:30. She said that would be great and she would write in on her calendar.

It is 2:15 and I only have 10,000 steps. At 3:15 I have to leave to go pick up my boy Amaron at school. He is in my Primary class and I told him I would help him do his class "homework" so he could get a treasure. 

He is such a sweet boy. We worked on the paper and then he would take a candy break. After we finished the first page he took a tour of the upstairs and I got the dice out to make my dice pyramids.

Amaron finished his paper and got his treasure, the little stuffed giraffe. On the way home we stopped at Colter's and Jace's and left them a paper so they can get a treasure on Sunday too. 
Amaron told me that Jace is a bully and I told him that made me sad.

When we got to Amaron's home I was surprised by what I saw. Laurann his mom was folding clothes and she looked totally overwhelmed. I am wondering if I should offer my help to her. She has twin boys that are almost a year old.

Laurann needs someone to watch Amaron next Wednesday but that is now the day we are going down to pick up our car. She said that Amaron could come over again next Thursday and I will help him with his reading.

I got home and had some dinner and began walking. I have alot of steps to take. James works on putting in family birthdays, etc., on family search. I also worked on my Primary lesson and ate pistachios.

I made my goal of 21,000!

These are my walking shoes for the past several days.
I used to walk with just socks on but these really do
give me support. I bought them for when I work in the
temple, but I didn't like wearing them for long periods.
They are perfect for walking!

My dear, sweet Ruby!

This is so true

No wonder I love the snow so much.

Wednesday, April 11th, 2018

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Betrayal of

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 5:1-15

*What benefit is there in taking upon us Christ's yoke?

- Because his yoke is the one best suited for us...it is custom fit to our needs. The Savior's ways help us live in harmony with our true nature because He knows us and can succor us individually.

Camille Fronk Olson mentions the benefits of discipleship, and ways our burdens become lighter when we are yoked with Christ.

We can dispose of unnecessary baggage thru repentance...

We can gain power thru covenants we make, because when we covenant, God promises to bear us up...There is mutual support from other saints. We help one another, and rejoice with one another. The Lord makes us stronger and helps us build spiritual muscles... Christ teaches us how to carry burdens. We learn to not be weary, and how to be patient in trials and submit to God's will. 

The yoke of Christ is heavy in meaning, though it is designed to make things lighter.

Old Testament

Joshua 19-20

19 Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan receive their inheritances by lot.

20 Six cities of refuge are appointed for those guilty of manslaughter.

General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthod Holder Needs to Understand

Brother Douglas D. Holmes

" Your Aaronic Priesthood ordination is central to helping God's children receive Christ's atoning power."

Today is Dennis and Denise's 20th wedding anniversary so I texted them to wish them a Happy Anniversary. I remember my Mom being Dennis's best man (mom). They were married outside at Greer on a beautiful spring day.

Today is also Jeffrey's birthday so I wished him a happy one.

From the Ensign today I read the article and looked at the picture, "The Savior's Final, Lonely Journey."  'No mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane. His suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sins, and made mercy available to those who believe in His holy name.' President Boyd K. Packer

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:  By the power of our righteousness and not by force, bad things will improve and good things will flow to us.' (p. 185)

#13.Talk by Russell M. Nelson: October 1987 General Women's Meeting:

" Lessons from Eve": From our study of Eve, we may learn five fundamental lessons of everlasting importance:

1.) She labored beside her companion (see Moses 5:1).

2.) She and Adam bore the responsibilities of parenthood (see Moses 5:2).

3.) She and her partner worshipped the Lord in prayer (see Moses 5:4).

4.) She and Adam heeded divine commandments of obedience and sacrifice (see Moses 5:5,6).

5.) She and her husband taught the gospel to their children (see Moses 5:12).

From my study of Preach My Gospel Chapter 5, What is the Role of the Book of Mormon? quote by Boyd K. Packer, p. 108:

" In a world ever more dangerous...the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ has the nourishing power to heal starving spirits of the world."

With all the walking I do, about three hours or so, I have tried different things to listen to while I walk. I have tried conference talks, books, and music. Music seems to work the best. I have the soundtrack of the movie, "The Greatest Showman."  The tract is 40 minutes long and I like all of the songs so that is what I have been using. Most of the songs are upbeat and help me to move along a little quicker than I normally would. 

I set a new record!

My running track. Start at the end of the table

by the window, walk around the island in the 

kitchen and back down around the table.

I love listening to Robert L. Millet's book, "The Atoning One."

Today I listened to chapter two, 'Life in a Fallen World.' Here is a quote: " A redeemed man is capable of rising much higher than an unfallen man. Natural men are not redeemed, living by their own light."

My silk flowers are planted. I hope they don't blow away in the wind. 

Looks like I need to paint the pots. 

James and I went to the 8:30 session at the Snowflake temple this morning. We both did a family name. My name was Sarah and she was born in 1792. That's all I really know about her. I also sent Sheri two names to do.

We came straight home after the temple, only stopping for gas at Maverick. We fixed lunch at home. A frozen Korean BBQ dinner, salad, and for James some ham and eggs. 

I spent the afternoon walking, blogging, and listening to music and gospel talks. It was a beautiful day but tomorrow it is supposed to be very windy and James's weather app says there is fire danger in Vernon. Already?

I ate my last carbs before 6 p.m., strawberries, whipped cream, and yogurt. I only had 12,000 steps around 6 and my goal is 20,000. I made it! (See above)

James and I watched the next episode after Jack and Elizabeth get married of "When Calls the Heart."

Pretty much the same for 39 years.

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

(The Houston temple was damaged during the recent hurricane in Texas. It is scheduled for rededication on Sunday, April 22, 2018).

Jesus Christ Baptism of

2 Nephi 31:5

And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy. should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:16-30

* How are we all "beggars?"

- "Ye have been calling on His name, and begging for a remission of your sins. And has He suffered that ye have begged in vain? Nay; He has poured out His Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped that ye could not find utterance, so exceedingly great was your joy." I truly have been filled with this kind of joy! Everything that we have comes from God! God does answer our prayers. He delights in blessing us. Elder Holland said: "For one thing, we can, as King Benjamin taught, cease withholding our means because we see the poor as having brought their misery upon themselves. Perhaps some have created their own difficulties, but don't the rest of us do exactly the same thing?"

Old Testament

Joshua 17-18

17 Manasseh and Ephraim both receive an additional inheritance - Ephraim is to drive out the Canaanites from the hill country.

18 The tabernacle of the congregation is set up at Shiloh - Benjamin receives an inheritance by lot.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"When we gather our family histories and go to the temple on behalf of our ancestors, God fulfills promised blessings simultaneously on both sides of the veil."

What should I pray for?

Alma 37:36-37

36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and He will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

This from "Rescuing Wayward Children:" Patience and faith go hand in hand. The law of the harvest is this: whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap. Between sowing and reaping lies enduring with patience. Eventual triumph depends on what we do once the seed is sown.

I got excited when I looked at my weather app this morning and it said 10% chance of rain for both Friday and Saturday next week. I will cling to any small chance.

President Nelson and his wife Wendy, and Elder Holland and his wife Pat left today for their Global Ministry Tour. A meeting will be held in London Thursday evening, April 12, which will be broadcast to Church meetinghouses in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Church has about 186,000 members in the UK and nearly 4,000 members in Ireland.

Do my actions align with my prayers and goals? I hope so. Has the Atonement changed my heart? Absolutely! Preach My Gospel:

" If Christ had not made His Atonement, the penalties for mistakes would be added one on the other. Life would be hopeless. But He willingly sacrificed that we may be redeemed." - President Boyd K. Packer. 

Relief from torment and guilt is available through repentance. 

Elder Maxwell gave the following quote by Anne Morrow Lindbergh:

"My life cannot implement in action the demands of all the people to whom my heart responds."

From President Russell M. Nelson's talk in the April 1990 GC:

#12. "Thus Shall My Church Be Called" 

* A Saint is a believer in Christ and knows of His perfect love. 

Latter-day: The divine promise is being fulfilled that this restored gospel shall be preached unto every nation, kindred, tongue and people.

Jesus Christ: "Ye shall call the Church in my name...and how be it my Church save it be called in my name?" (3 Nephi 27:7-8)

I performed somewhat of a triathalon today. I was stripping the polish off the wood floor when I realized it was time to fix lunch. I put the remover on the floor and set my timer for 5 minutes and skipped to the kitchen to start lunch. Once lunch was started I went into the laundry room to fold clothes when the timer for the polish remover went off. I repeated this several times until all the polish remover was gone. That's a good way to get some exercise.

After lunch, reading and naps, James and I headed for Show Low. Today is the day I do my grocery shopping and he had some errands he wanted to run. It was a beautiful day today and there was very little wind. 

There must be some bad weather somewhere because Walmart had a sign up in their produce section apologizing for the meager amount of produce. Not only was there not much to pick from but the prices were very high. I was going to buy some blueberries when I notice a container cost $5.98. I spent enough money as it is.

After I finished putting groceries away I planned tomorrow and noticed that it was 6:45 and I only have 10,580 steps. 

James and I spent the evening working on family records. He is trying to get all the kids and grandkids entered on his familysearch page. I paid tithing, helped him and checked on some family names. 

Christina posted on Facebook that mango trees cross-pollinate with flies instead of bees. She hung a poopy diaper in her mango tree and this is the result: 

If you look hard enough you can see quite a

few little mangoes.

National Sibling Day

James gave me the sweater for Christmas.

He loves this picture but I think I look

a little dorky.

The Bogle siblings are their mom.

The Allen kids

Jackson is the small one in front. He was 12 here.

He is now 18 and getting ready for his mission.

Monday, April 9th, 2018

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Baptism of

1 Nephi 10:9

And my father said he should baptize in Bethabara, beyond Jordan; and he also said he should baptize the Messiah with water.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 4:4-15

* Which belief mentioned by King Benjamin is most essential for my life right now?

- In verse 11 King Benjamin again mentions our nothingness. This might sound harsh. We aren't nothing, we are children of God. The point he is trying to make is WE NEED GOD. When we remember our "nothingness" and realize how much we need Him we turn to Him. King Benjamin says, "calling on the name of the Lord daily," is a humble action of turning to Him. As we do this: "Ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of Him that created you." What a wonderful invitation and truth! I am grateful for prophets to help us on the path that leads to salvation and the joy we receive as we humbly believe and act to come unto Him.

Old Testament

Joshua 15-16

15 Judah is given an inheritance in Canaan - The Jebusites dwell with Judah at Jerusalem.

16 The children of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) receive their inheritances - Some Canaanites continue to dwell among the Ephraimites.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

 Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

" Participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in the ever-darkening world."

Teaching in the Home - A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

" I plead for heaven's help as we strive to be Christlike teachers in our homes."

What should I pray for? 

Alma 34:17-27

17 Therefore may God grant unto you that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon His holy name, that he would have mercy upon you;

18 Yea, cry unto Him for mercy; for He is mighty to save.

19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto Him.

20 Cry unto Him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks

21 Cry unto Him in your houses, yea, over all your household, morning, mid-day, and evening.

22 Yea, cry unto Him against the power of your enemies.

23 Yea, cry unto Him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.

24 Yea, cry unto Him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. 

25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.

26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto Him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.

This scripture just about covers it all. When we aren't praying vocally we should always have a prayer in our hearts.

I read an article in this month's Ensign by Elder Stevenson entitled: "Let Us Share Our Knowledge of a Savior". In this article Elder Stevenson talks about how social media can help us to do missionary work. He also points out the negative things of social media. It was a great article. He quoted the prophecy of King Benjamin where all people of the world will know of the Savior. Social media and the internet can help with this goal. Just as a side note, in 1830 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were in print. Today there are over 175 million.

In Rescuing Wayward Children I read this: 

We all have an abundance of what will hurt us and canker our souls - too much envy, too much pride, too much animosity. Joseph Smith taught that the sacrifice of all things, good and bad, is what is required for perfection and eternal life.

While studying in "Teaching in the Savior's Way," i cam across this question: What Christlike qualities do I feel I should develop more fully? I need meekness and more patience. If I have more patience then my faith and trust in the Lord will increase.

I listened to President Nelson's October 1989 conference address: "Woman - Of Infinite Worth." 

A worthy faithful woman is more concerned about being righteous than selfish. She chooses compassion over dominion, integrity over notoriety, and she knows she is of infinite worth.

Since I do so much walking I needed something else to listen to while I am walking so I went on Deseret Bookshelf Plus and downloaded a book by Brother Robert Millet called, "The Atoning One." Thank you Jared for getting me this gift. I know it will expire in May so I want to take full advantage.

I came across this in my studies today and the reference given was JST - Matthew 19:25-26. Once we forgive someone, spiritual gifts are unleashed to aid us.

A few months back when the Carroll family were evicted from where they were living they put most of their furniture, etc. in the Westbrook's barn. Today the priesthood helped to move their things from the barn to a moving truck. James was one of the priesthood brethren who helped. He said people must have been listening to President Nelson because there was a great turnout.

For F.H.E. I think we should name the bunnies. I saw a big doe that I think we should name Doe Ann.

I ordered a blanket for Sister Wilhelm's expectant baby girl due this month, from Jamie. She has an Etsy shop. It has castles and unicorns, right up my alley, well the castles anyway, I prefer regular horses over unicorns.

For FHE I read Elder Durrants talk about teaching children in the home and James and I together listened to Presdient Nelson's address in priesthood meeting. James said the bishop asked all of the priesthood to read it at least three times this week.

I worked on my personal history while James attacked Family Search. A little after nine I was tired and wanted to go to bed. He told me he was staying up until he conquered which lasted until 10:45. 

I was tired because I took over 18,000 steps today.

She looks so proud of herself!

Sister Lewis's 75th birthday

Love this family and these girls!

What a great memory!

Jared helping Brian find his family on

Family Search. I wonder if Brian is taking

notes.

I remember their visit. 

One of the reasons I love to stay at 

Darrel and Trina's is the view of

the Superstition Mountain.

He is helping me overcome my addictions.

This is baby Christopher. He belongs

to one of my former young women,

Mary, who got married last year.

Sunday, April 8th, 2018

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Baptism of

John 1:32

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 3:19-4:3

*What can I do to more fully yield "to the enticings of the Holy Spirit"?

- I can do the things that King Benjamin listed in Mosiah 3:19:

Become as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon me, even as a child doth submit to his father. 

Old Testament

Joshua 13-14

13 There remain some lands yet to be possessed - Some inhabitants are not expelled - The inheritances of Reuben, Gad, and one half of Manasseh are confirmed.

14 The land is divided by lot among 9 1/2 tribes - Caleb inherits Hebron as a special reward for his faithfulness.

Old Testament Favorite Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:5

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson

" Every young woman in the Church should feel valued, have opportunities to serve, and feel that she has something of worth to contribute to this work."

What should I pray for? Alma 13:28

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on His holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;

I got up at 4:47 to work on my Primary lesson. I got a little distracted when I was making wordstrips and I couldn't find my ruler because the drawer where I keep it was so messy, so I ended up cleaning out the drawer. Luckily I still had enough time to finish up my lesson on Jacob and Esau.

My clean drawer. I wonder how

long it will stay that way.

James always helps me carry in my supplies when we get to the church and he helps me set up my classroom. It certainly would be a lot harder to fulfill my calling without him. 

James and I came home from town yesterday afternoon around 12:30 and started our fast. We had a prayer to start. We are fasting and praying for moisture. There is a forecast of three months of drought but our land is in dire need of some moisture before the fire season begins at the end of May. We would hope that when we open our weather app and look at the two weeks forecast there will be some sign of moisture.

Dave, the guy we sold the water trailer to says there is a hole in it and it won't hold water. James assured him that he would pay to get it fixed. This is not good news as it may cost hundreds of dollars. Something else to pray for.

I bore my testimony in our fast and testimony meeting today. I felt prompted to share two examples of how general conference has helped me in the past year. The first example was regarding President Nelson's challenge in the April 2017 conference regarding studying the life of Christ using the 57 topical headings in the Bible's Topical Guide. There are many scriptures under these 57 headings. I am reading one a day. This has helped me to more fully appreciate the Savior's life and all he has done for me.

The second example was from the October 2017 conference. I shared with them how I read each conference talk each month and March was the sixth month in the cycle. James and I fasted for better health in March and Sunday afternoon after we broke our fast I was thinking about what I could do to improve my health. At the same time I was looking at the Ensign and read from the section Conference Notes, a summary of Sister Joy D. Jones's talk. A quote jumped out at me and touched my heart. This is the quote.

"If the love we feel for the Savior and what He did for us is greater than the energy we give to weaknesses, self-doubts, or bad habits, then He will help us over the things which cause suffering in our lives. He saves us from ourselves."

The thought came to me, which do I love more, the Savior or my Dr. Pepper 10. That thought, along with the promise that the Lord will help me, propelled me to action. I drank my last Dr. Pepper 10 and offered a prayer of help from the Lord so that I could improve my health. I have not had a soda of any kind for over a month. I know I could not have done this alone because I have tried before.

I will be eternally grateful to Sister Jones and hope that someday I can meet her and thank her. (Trina is good friends with her daughter, and has met Brother and Sister Jones.)

This month I am giving up sweets. At the end of the month I will re-evaluate how I want to handle sweets for the rest of my life.

These are the children who attended my Primary class today:

Liana, Andyn, Gracie, Colter, Kacey, Curtis, and Zemira. The last three are from the older class. Their teacher didn't show up.

In our lesson Esau is angry because of the deception that went on when Isaac gave Jacob his blessing. He says he is going to slay Jacob when he is through mourning the death of his father. 

Jacob is sent away to choose a wife from his mother's brother's family. He is gone for 20 years. When he returns he bows down to Esau and offers him gifts. Esau says he needs no gift and he meets him, embraces him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. (Genesis 33:4). This was my favorite part of the lesson.

I am doing away with my Primary Treasure Box. It has been good for Liana and Andyn but Colter just can't deal with the fact that he doesn't get anything because he doesn't do the work. I let him have something from the Treasure Box 2 because he says I "owed him for a time he did a paper." I have no recollection but I told him he could choose something anyway. I will do it this next week and that's it. Not a good spirit, too much contention...not what I wanted it to do. 

After the block Chuck Crane asked to meet with us. Next week I will have a new calling. I am not going to say what it is until after next Sunday. In a way I am excited for a change but I will so miss my dear sweet Primary children whom I have grown to love.

We got home, broke our fast, and had lunch and our naps. I laid down on the recliner and tried to listen to a talk by President Nelson from 1989 but I fell asleep so I will have to listen to it again tomorrow.

Stacy called me because she was lonely and hungry. I wish I was there to help her. She said Paul went to Church today and that Joshua bore his testimony. It went something like this: 

" I'd like to share a story with you about something that 

happened to me this week. 

I was at scouts the other night and we were reciting the

scout law and oath. My scout leader told me to

slow down and listen for the meaning of the words and

I would feel reverent. I thought to myself, how can I feel reverent?

Today during the sacrament I decided to slow down and to listen

to the words. I felt a feeling of reverence and I know

that my Savior and Heavenly Father love me."

What a sweet testimony. I hope he is able to keep it strong. I remember when Dallin used to bear his testimony every fast Sunday.

This evening I helped James get on Family Search. He started to enter our children and their spouses and came up with two Stacy's and couldn't get rid of one of them and I couldn't figure out how to do it either. Merging didn't work and there was no place to edit. Both Stacy's have the same ID number. We tried the help center but they weren't much help. Family Search is doing upgrades so I told him we should try again tomorrow and maybe we would get to talk to a live person. I am sad he had such a frustrating experience.

I asked for help with doing endowments for several names we have. Jared and Sheri responded. Thanks to them!

Today is James's sister Rebecca's birthday. He sent her a message on Facebook and then was afraid she wouldn't see it so he texted Brent because he didn't have Rebecca's number. He remembers that she was born on Easter Sunday and after his Dad went to visit her and his mom in the hospital in Gallup he came back and took all of the kids on a picnic. He says he loves that memory.

I got a text from Hailey today who moved to New Mexico. I was her visiting teacher and she thanked me for always coming to visit her even though she lived on a horrible road. She said the Church needs more "Sister Lambsons." She mad my day.

My friend Sandra asked for the quote I mentioned in my testimony so I sent her Sister Jones's quote.

Channy Arnett's daughter got married in Queen Creek yesterday and we were invited. Although I have never met her daughter I am sorry we couldn't go because I absolutely love the Arnett's.

Channy's daughter Shandra and

her husband.

This was taken on Saturday

during a soccer game.

This is Jared's post, obviously.

Our friends the Lueck's.

There kids have grown up!

Wow! Our friend Betty as a teenager!

I love the Arizona desert in the spring.

When we were down last week it still

hadn't bloomed. Is that because of the drought?

This is the bookmark I received from

the stake Primary presidency. I 

sent it to Stacy today because of

Joshua's testimony.