Tuesday, April 17th, 2018

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

104th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragrah #4

It was the custom to pray three times a day, as David (Ps.55:17), Daniel (Dan.6:10), and the later Jews. Prayer was said before meat ( 1 Sam.9:13; Matt. 15:36; Acts 27:35).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 17:22

And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 10:1-22

*What happens if traditions are based on things that aren't true?

- Unwanted traditions are those which lead us away from performing holy ordinances and keeping sacred covenants. Our guide should be the doctrine taught by the scriptures and the prophets. Traditions which devalue marriage and family, abase women or do not recognize the majesty of their divine nature and God-given roles, or honor temporal success more than spiritual, or teach that reliance upon God is a weakness of character, all lead us away from eternal truths.

Old Testament

Judges 9-11
9 Gideon's son Abimelech is made king - He slays his seventy brothers - Jotham tells a fable of trees choosing a king - The Shechemites conspire against Abimelech - He is slain at Thebez.
10 Tola and then Jair judge Israel - The children of Israel worship false gods, are forsaken by the Lord, and are distressed by their enemies - They repent and ask the Lord for deliverance.
11 Jephthah is chosen as the captain of the armies of Israel - The Ammonites assail Israel in war - Jephthah is guided by the Spirit and defeats Ammon with a great slaughter - He makes a rash vow, which leads to the sacrifice of his only daughter.

General Conference

Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Massimo De Feo

" The gospel of Jesus Christ is centered on the love of the Father and the Savior for us and our love for Them and for one another."

Along with reading the Old Testament I am reading the BYU Old Testament Student Manual. It says this about this period of time, the time of the Judges, in the Israelites history:

"After this, the Israelites grew effeminate as to fighting any more against their enemies, but applied themselves to the cultivation of the land, which producing them great plenty and riches, they neglected the regular disposition of the settlement, and indulged themselves in luxury and pleasures; nor were they any longer careful to hear the laws that belong to their political government: whereupon God was provoked to anger, and put them in mind, first, how, contrary to His directions, they had spared the Canaanites: and, after that, how those Canaanites, as opportunity served, used them very barbarously.

Extraordinary courage was required for an Israelite to be devoted to the Lord during this ear. Unfortunately, this situation arose not because of pressure from outside of Israel but because of pressure from within. Gideon's neighbors, not a group of pagan Canaanites, were worked into a murderous frenzy when Gideon destroyed the altar of Baal. Jotham's prophecy was uttered against his own brother, not against some Philistine king. Indeed, Israel's problem did not stem from the pagan masses they faced. It lay within their own hearts. Their greatest enemies were not the power-hungry Midianites or Moabites but inward vacillation, apathy, disobedience, and rebellion. Their outward enemies raged through them constantly only because the inward weaknesses raged unchecked also. 

The Canaanites and Philistines are gone today. But are not the offspring of their gods, metamorphosed into modern form and made intellectually acceptable, still with us And what of apathy, disobedience, vacillation, and rebellion? Is not our greatest enemy within? If so, then the same kind of courage displayed by the people of whom you have just read is as necessary now as it was then."

Ensign reading: Freedom or Captivity - "sometimes the wrong path looks more interesting. We have to remember our ultimate goal, or we'll lose the destination we are seeking." (p. 56)

I read a conference talk that Jared recommended: "Waiting Upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done" Elder Robert D. Hales, October 2011 GC. 

"The purpose of our life on earth...is to grow, and develop, and be strengthened through our own experiences." 

This was a great talk. Thank you Jared for recommending it.

President Nelson, Sister Nelson and the Holland's continue their tour:

Tuesday, April 17, Harare, Zimbabwe

"Meetings will be held with missionaries and member in Zimbabwe. A devotional will be broadcast to all Latter-day Saint congregations in that African country. 

Nearly 30,000 Latter-day Saints call Zimbabwe home. Missionary work began in what was then Southern Rhodesia in the early 1930's.

At 11:30 today I met Denise, her mom Peg, and Vickie at Licano's in Show Low for lunch. Everyone else had chicken tacos and I had a chicken enchilada with green sauce. It was quite delicious. Vickie ended up buying it for me. Thanks Vickie!

We visited awhile and then we walked up the hill to Aunt Gene's house. She lives in grandma and grandpa's old house behind Licano's. We were an hour early and caught her without her wig on, watching the news on television. We visited a few minutes and she said we were going to have a party and excused herself to put on her wig. We all helped get the muffins and the hot chocolate and miniature marshmallows on the table. She even used her china plates. We took pictures, ate, and laughed, while Aunt Gene told us funny stories about growing up in Lakeside and Show Low. Once she and some friends ditched the last part of the school day. It was her idea. She said if they walked up Springer Hill which was covered with snow backwards, the truant officer would never find them. Well he did find them as they were trying to build a fire to keep warm. What was the truant officers name? Arlee Maxwell, Aunt Gene's dad!

Another time in high school she and a group of friends were in Snowflake and decided to steal some of the Neff family's chickens. (James and I work with some Neff's in the temple.) They stole the chickens, killed them by popping their heads, which Aunt Gene demonstrated, and then decided not to cook them that night. They took them to Aunt Gene's family's restaurant, the Show Low Cafe, and put them in the refrigerator with the idea they would go back the next day and cook them. Aunt Gene had to get up early in the morning, 6 a.m., to open the cafe with her dad, my grandpa. They heard a knock on the door and their stood a police officer. Aunt Gene said: "Darn, someone snitched on us!"

Aunt Gene talked about her 90th birthday party and how all of her grandchildren were there except Emmy, Rita's daughter who lives in Texas and one other of Randy's kids. She said even Rita's son Rusty, who works in Washington D.C. on the Foreign Affairs Committee was there. 

Aunt Gene is excited to be going with Gary in May to his son Max's graduation from Harvard. She is also happy that Senator Jeff Flake is the keynote speaker. She said, "His dad Glenn was one of my first boyfriends!" The Flake family is from Snowflake.

 Aunt Gene, Denise, Vickie, Me

Denise, Aunt Gene, Peg, and Vickie

(Peg and I were roommates when I went to

New York with Dennis and Denise. I love her!)

Denise, Aunt Gene, Me, Peg

You will notice how Denise has the seat closest to Aunt Gene. They

absolutely love each other. Those were poppy seed muffins and were very good although I only ate half of mine. 

Randy, my cousin and Aunt Gene's son, says his mom plays bridge in Pinetop on Thursdays and they warn everybody between Show Low and Pinetop that she's on the road. She has a beautiful new cadillac that she drives. How many 90 year olds still drive?

I am so grateful for my Aunt Gene's life. She is my oldest living relative. I told her I would be back to hear more of her stories.

I went to Walmart to pick up a few items and then to The Book Barn to get my Primary boy Amaron some scriptures and a scripture cover. This is the cover I got:

He asked me if I would buy him the kind 

that are open and don't have a zipper but 

they didn't have that kind for boys.

While at The Book Barn I spoke with Brother Rhoton, who is the stake clerk, about who he thought the next stake president was going to be. He said he didn't know but he was sad that President Shumway was being released. I told him I felt the same way.

He suggested Bishop Miller could be the next president. I told him I hoped he wasn't because he is a great bishop. 

As I have been thinking about it I think Brother Greer would be a great stake president. He has been a mission president and he loves people!

As soon as I got home I took a quick rest on the recliner and then read to James from "Ashes on the Moor."  

I listened to my 19th President Nelson talk. This was is from April 1993, "Honoring the Priesthood."

" Honoring the priesthood fosters respect, respect promotes reverence, and reverence invites revelation."

James wrote a check for $381 for federal income taxes. He said we would be getting $50 back from the state. The federal website is down so everyone was given a days extension on their taxes. They expect 14 million to request an even further extension.

Barbara Bush passed away and the flags will be at half-mast tomorrow.

Barbara Bush is the only woman besides Abigail Adams to have her son and her husband be president of the United States.

Area Seventies of African descent.

A new species of Bird of Paradise?

Brian and Cher on their Harley.

No wonder Colby wants one.

Look how cool the look. jk

Monday, April 16th, 2018

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 3

Even in the times of the Judges, the children of Israel did not forget to cry unto the Lord, and a model of prayer is furnished by Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1). Samuel was recognized by his nation to be characteristically a man of prayer ( 1 Sam. 7:5; 8;12:19, 23; Ps. 99:6).David's Psalms, and the Psalms generally, breathe the highest spirit of prayer. The nation that possessed them must have been rich in teachers and examples of prayer. Remarkable prayers were prayed by Solomon (1 Kgs. 8); Hezekiah (2 Kgs. 19:14, etc.; Isa. 38:9, etc.); Ezra (Ezra 9:5); the Levites (Neh. 9:5, etc.); and Daniel (Dan. 9:3, etc.). "Making many prayers" was a part of the corrupt religion of Israel under the later kings (Isa. 1:15) and a marked feature of the religion of the Pharisees (Matt. 6:5; 23:14).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 10:4

Sion the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 9:1-19

* How can we relate this story of Zeniff and his people to our own lives?

- I can relate to Zeniff because I have been over-zealous at times in doing things my way, and have been slow to remember the Lord. Remembering past blessings helps us to wake up.. and recall the times the Lord has delivered us, and we can once again call upon God and ask for His help. When we are faithful we can receive the help we need to overcome sin, adversity and to warn us of spiritual dangers. How grateful I am that we have a God that believes in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chances.. How grateful I am that between my sins and adversity is a variety of mistakes and errors and that with the gift of the Atonement, I can right the wrongs, and I can erase and repair all that keeps me from returning to my Creator. 

Old Testament

Judges 6-8

6 Israel is in bondage to the Midianites - An angel appears to Gideon and calls him to deliver Israel - He overthrows the altar of Baal, the Spirit of the Lord rests upon him, and the Lord gives him a sign to show he is called to deliver Israel.

7 Gideon's army is reduced to 300 - They frighten the Midianite armies with trumpets and lights - The Midianites fight among themselves, flee, and are defeated by Israel.

8 Gideon pursues and destroys the Midianites - He frees the children of Israel but refuses their invitation to reign as king over them - Gideon dies, and Israel returns to idolatry.

General Conference

Ministering with the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

" We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving kindness."

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

" What an incomparable gift comes to those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. That gift is the Holy Spirit."

Happy Birthday

Alexander Kay Trezise

Born: April 16, 1998

Alex and Shayna

A read an article from the Ensign today entitled, "Christlike Attributes: Integrity," by Sister Barbara A. Lewis. Here are some notes I took:

" When we have integrity we live by our righteous beliefs and standards."

President Hinckley: 

"Keeping our covenants with honor is part of our integrity. The strength of our integrity is often tested when we are at our weakest. If we listen to the Holy Ghost we can develop trued integrity."

I always read from the Ensign first thing in the morning while I am eating my breakfast, and then I read from "Rescuing Wayward Children." Here are a few notes from that book:

"Center on your covenants, attend the temple, fast and pray, sanctify yourselves as you strive to rescue your children."

I had lunch with my friend Jean at Persnikkity's today. She got to the register before I did and consequently she bought my lunch.

I had a twisted philly cheesesteak sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. Jean had a salad. How sensible of her.

This is Jean with her daughter Deana.

Jean has had to have multiple surgeries on

her back and neck because of a horrific car

accident she was in. It is a miracle she is alive.

I value her friendship and see the good that

she does in serving others.

I drove home by myself because Tom, Jean's husband picked her up so she could go sign some legal papers. I had a difficult time staying awake on the way home but as soon as I got out of the car at the post office the blasting wind woke me up. 

After nap time I went out to help James cut lumber to use for forms on the job he is starting at Legacy Golf Course on the 1st of May. While I helped I listened to a talk by President Nelson, from the October 1992 conference, "Where Is Wisdom"? This is the 18th talk I have listened to of his. I also listened to Brother Robert Millet's "The Atoning One," chapters 5, Treading the Winepress, and chapter 6, On Calvary's Cross.

My view. My job was to hold the boards

as they came through the saw.

Whistling while he works until he realizes

afterwards how much his back hurts.

When James took a break, I finished before he did, I read to him from Ashes on the Moor. I finished my blog and walked and walked, and walked. 

For FHE we listened to Elder Wilson's conference talk: "Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide." James worked on entering names of children and grandchildren. He is just about finished.

Dedicated to his calling, even though

he hates the computer.

President Nelson's visit to Africa

Lola watching leap and getting ready to "leap."

Fay Canyon in Sedona

Wonder where she got the deer and if

she kept him in her house.

This rabbit was caught in this trap and

then transferred to the black cage, 

which he got out of.

Sunday, April 15th, 2018

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, Prayer, paragraph 2

Prayer is nowhere specifically commanded as a duty in the law, and prayers were not prescribed at the sacrifices except on two occasions: a confession of sin on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:21) and a thanksgiving when offering the firstfruits and tithes (Deut. 26:3, 13). It is, however, certain from the nature of things, and from the custom in later times, that prayer accompanied sacrifice.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Zechariah 13:6

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 8:1-21

*What does it mean to you to sustain President Nelson as prophet, seer, and revelator?

- What a blessing to have a prophet, seer, and revelator to learn from the past and to prepare for the future. I still am pondering President Nelson's warning at conference: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

To me President Nelson is a pilot of a large passenger jet and he just announced to everyone to buckle up, stay in your seat because we are heading into turbulence.
Old Testament
Judges 3-5
3 The children of Israel intermarry with the Canaanites, worship false gods, and are cursed - Othniel judges the Israelites - They serve Moab and are delivered by Ehud, who slays Eglon.
4 Deborah, a prophetess, judges Israel - She and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites - Jael, a woman, slays Sisera, the Canaanite.
5 Deborah and Barak sing a song of praise because Israel is delivered from Canaanite bondage.
General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

" The magnifying of the holy priesthood you hold is vital to the work of the Lord in your families and in your Church callings."

Up early to finalize my Primary preparations. I had another knee episode last night around midnight but it is better this morning. 

My lesson today is about Jacob's family and the beginning of the 12 tribes of Israel. 

Our sacrament meeting was packed today. Also, Bishop Hall from the high council and all three members of the stake presidency were on the stand. President Shumway leaned around the pulpit to wave at us. We sat in the third row from the front on the right side of the chapel facing the podium.

I was sustained as the second counselor in the Relief Society but was not officially released from Primary. Brother Crane did ask me if I would fill in for a couple of weeks until they got a new Primary teacher. I sure am going to miss these kids.

Talon was the youth speaker. He spoke on staying on the covenant path. I can't remember a better talk given by a youth.

Thomas and Liana Grapp played a hymn on the piano. They are teaching themselves to play.

Bishop Miller spoke next. He talked about his folicle strength as opposed to President Shumway. (He is mostly bald.)

We are led by a prophet of God. Never miss a solemn assembly. Be united and learn how to minister with the pure love of Christ.

President Shumway asked to speak a few words. He spoke very highly of the Vernon ward comparing it to the celestial kingdom and Walmart to the great and spacious building. "By your fruits ye shall know them." God is a God of miracles. What we may think of as coincidences are actually miracles. A coincidence is a miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous. We must be worthy so that revelation will pour out upon us. Our purpose is to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior.

During second hour while I was teaching Primary James was in a special priesthood meeting where the Elder's Quorum was reorganized. Thomas Grapp is the President, and Blain Curtis and Sean Hunsaker are his counselors. They were set apart by the stake presidency. Thomas's parents and his brothers were there to support him. James said President Shumway gave him an amazing blessing.

All of my class except for Wyatt were in Primary today and everyone had done their papers except Liana. She always does her paper but she forgot. The kids are sad I am leaving and I am sad too. I am looking forward to serving in Relief Society but my heart will still be in Primary for awhile.

I felt my lesson went quite well and the children were interested in learning about the 12 tribes. I was called out of sharing time to be set apart in Relief Society. 

The sisters in Relief Society now sit in a circle and we were set apart in the middle of the circle, kind of like we were on display. 

Bishop Miller set apart Sister Applegate with her husband assisting. Today is their anniversary so afterwards he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Brother Thompson set apart Sister Halcomb  with the rest of the bishopric assisting. Brother Crane set me apart with James assisting. Afterwards I gave both of them a hug. Bishop Miller set apart Sister Morrison with her husband standing close by. He is a convert and is a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bishop told Sister Morrison how important secretaries are to a presidency.

I stayed for the lesson taught by Sister Grapp. The lesson was based on Sister Eubank's conference talk from October, "Turn On Your Light." 

After helping me clean up my room and carrying my five baskets of stuff to the car, James drove me home.

I had put a roast on this morning and it smelled so good. We had roast, corn, salad, and rolls for lunch. It was delicious. I love this new roast recipe which uses peppercini's, Ranch powdered dressing, and powdered Aujus flavoring and a cube of butter. I also added onions. It's called Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast and you cook it on low for 8 hours. Ours was done after 7.

Delicious!

Naptime and then James leaves to go, pardon me for using the old term, "home teaching."

When James came home I was working on my blog. He said that President Shumway was going to call and wanted to talk to both of us. When he called James put him on speaker phone. This is what he said:

"I wanted to talk to you at church but I didn't get a chance.

I want you two to know that the Lord has made it known to me that he approves of you at this very moment in your lives. If you were to meet Him today, He would be well-pleased with you, and take you lovingly into His arms."

He said that this doesn't happen very often and when it does he feels a need to share it with those concerned. I believe this is the most profound thing that anyone has said to either one of us. President Shumway is being released at stake conference on April 29th and I am so sad about that. 

Listened to President Nelson's conference talk from April, 1992, "The Doors of Death." 'Death is essential to our happiness.'

Global Ministry Tour

Jerusalem, Israel - Hours after the United States Armed Forces ordered a strike on Syria, President Russell M. Nelson cut short his stay in Jerusalem, leaving the central location of his global ministry tour following conference sessions at the BYU Jerusalem Center.

At a time of rising tensions, the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more important than ever, he said Saturday morning from the Holy City.

The message of the Lord Jesus Christ is a message of hope, it is a message of love, it is a message of joy," said President Nelson. "It is underlined in this time of a little heightened tension."

Had a nice discussion with some of the kids about conference talks. I quoted some things from Brother Durrant's talk which I had asked them to read earlier in the week.   I heard from Kim, Sheri, and Jared.

Today was a glorious Sabbath Day!

This is the bookmark I got from the stake Primary

when they visited our ward for our ward conference.

I made one for each of my kids and their families.

I study the back of it during the sacrament.

Original size so you can see what I am studying.

Wish it was bigger and more clear.

One of my favorite treats.

They are sweeter than strawberries.

Last night was the Show Low High School prom.

Here are some of the kids from our ward and their dates.

Jackson and his date.

Alice and her jeep.

Alice's brother Talon and his date.

We have some great youth in our ward even though we are a small ward.

Pretty ingenious Khalie.

106 years ago the Titanic sunk 400 miles south

of Newfoundland. 

I wonder if the Lambson's are related to him.

Refueling my love for castles.

Saturday, April 14th, 2018

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary: Prayer, Paragraph #1.

Before the first generation of mankind had passed away, men began to call upon the name of the Lord (Gen 4:26; Moses 5:4). Prayers, whether with (Gen. 12:8; 13:4) or without (Gen.20:7; 32:9-11) sacrifice, were constantly offered by the patriarchs to God. The efficacy of the intercession of good men was recognized (Gen. 18:23; 20:7; Ex. 32:11).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:9

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value;

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:18-33
* How are King Laman's cunning ways similar to Satan's tactics?
- How many times have we been deceived? Satan is the father of lies...It's easy to see ho King Laman and Satan's tactics are similar. There is much symbolism in these scriptures....The luring of unrealistic security as they move closer to him. Satan can seem generous as he persuades us away from true security. Vs. 22 - All this for the sole purpose of bringing this people in subjection (bondage) symbolizing Satan's true motives, as he cunningly tempts us. As the people get ready to pay tribute to the King with one half of all their increase...We see the symbolism that Satan abandons us after he gets what he wants, and turns into the beast we know him to be. It's not until after we have fallen prey to his trap, that we realize Satan's motives. Thank Heaven there is a way out of our foolish choices...Vs.33 Turn to the Lord and with all of your heart trust him, and serve him...and the Lord will deliver us out of bondage symbolic of being freed from the bondage of sin.
Old Testament
Judges 1-2
1 Judah, Simeon, and Joseph continue to conquer the Canaanites - Remnants of the Canaanites remain in the lands of Judah, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulum, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan.
2 An angel rebukes Israel for not serving the Lord - As a pattern of future events, a new generation arises that forsakes the Lord and serves Baal and Ashtaroth - The Lord is angry with the children of Israel and ceases to preserve them - He raises up judges to guide and lead them - The Canaanites are left in the land to test Israel.
General Conference

Inspired Ministering

President Henry B. Eyring

" We receive the Holy Spirit best when we are focused on serving others. That is why we have the priesthood responsibility to serve for the Savior."

I was up at 12:30 a.m.with severe pain in my right knee. I got up, ate a bowl of cereal and took two aspirin before lying down on the recliner. I was worried about going to the temple in a few hours so I said a prayer asking that I might be able to fulfill my calling in the temple today. At 1 o'clock I set my alarm for 4:30 a.m. and went to sleep. 

When I woke up I was going to tell James that I wouldn't be going with him to the temple when I realized that my leg was much better and that I was able to walk around without the pain I had experienced earlier. I am so grateful to the Lord for hearing and answering my prayer.

On the way to Snowflake James and I listened to the Old Testament, Judges 1-2, and I read from the Book of Mormon. We then listened to President Eyring's talk, "Inspired Ministering."

After dropping the rolls I brought in the kitchen I went to get dressed. I always use a toilet stall because I do not like getting dressed in front of others. Sister Farr does the same thing. 

I got my schedule from Sister Winhardt and realized I was assigned to help with a live sealing. She said not to worry she would help me, and there is a list of things to do that is spelled out very clearly. 

President and Sister Brimhall presided over preparation meeting. We discussed general conference and the emphasis placed on temples and temple work. There were 10 talks that mentioned temple work and two talks in which temple work was the main focus. Those two talks were Elder Renlund's and Elder Cook's. We also discussed the fact that seven new temples will be built and three of them are in countries where there are no other temples, Nicaragua, India, and Russia. 

During the discussion here are some things that were said:

Sister McCleary: "When I worked in the Salt Lake temple the Nelson would come every Friday night to do temple work."

President Brimhall: "I was touched that we were asked to pray for our families, on both sides of the veil."

One of the sisters, Sister Lofgreen, is from Italy and she and her husband are preparing to go to participate in the Rome temple dedication. 

My first assignment was to be the greeter at the top of the stairs. I like this assignment because you get to greet people who are on their way to the 8 a.m. session. Soon President and Sister Brimhall joined me. They served a mission at the Guayaquil, Ecuador temple. I told them my son served his mission in Ecuador. Also, one of the young sisters working today is preparing to go to Ecuador on her mission in June. 

The Brimhall's live in Pinedale. I told them we had a home in Pinedale but it burned down in the fire. They said their's did too, but they rebuilt. I told them we rebuilt too, only this time in Vernon. We talked about the San Juan fire and how it came within a mile of so of our home. 

Next I was assigned to do a half hour in initiatory. I have still not got anything memorized but I love to hear the blessings that are offered with this ordinance. 

Next I had a break so I went down to the kitchen. I sat with Sister Humphrey from St. Johns and for the first time ever for break James was there too. 

I was greeter one behind the recommend desk. I counted the people who said they were going to the 9:30 session. 

My responsibility with the live sealing was greeting, and seating the guests and caring for the couples two sons who were 14 and 20. Sister Brewer took care of the bride and the groom. 

I was to seat the guests in the chapel downstairs and make sure they turned their cell phones off and had on either socks, nylons, or the temple white booties. It got a little congested because at the same time the guests were coming in there was a group doing baptisms. 

The Vernon ward was also here today doing baptisms. I spoke with Anne Miller for quite awhile. She told me how much Andyn loves me as a Primary teacher. Of course I couldn't tell her that I was being released. 

The chapel was full when it was time to take them upstairs. Also, many of the guests went through the 8 a.m. session when the couple were endowed. The sealing room was full. Brother Bowers took the boys upstairs in the waiting room but Brother Hatch made him take them in the matron's office. 

I stood at one end of the hall and Sister Cochran stood at the other. She singled me when it was time for the boys to come and I opened the door and motioned to them to come. Again, Brother Bowers walked them down. 

Although I did not get to be a part of the sealing it was fun to help prepare for it. I also went to the office and got the papers the witnesses are to sign.

Afterwards I ushered the boys downstairs and showed them were to wait for their parents and then I went upstairs and told their mom where they were.  I asked the boys how they felt about being sealed to their parents and they said it was wonderful and they felt really good about it. They are converts of two years and live in Show Low now. President Shumway was at the sealing and so was President Williams. President Rhoton of Lakeside performed the sealing. The families last name is Ramirez. 

The rest of the day went quickly. I monitored the lockers and worked in initiatory for a little while and then helped at the veil for the 11 session. That is a nice way to end the shift.

On the way out James and I met Brother M. Williams from Heber who says he is a personal friend of Brother Reidhead's from our ward. It's a small world in the Church and in the Snowflake area. 

When we got home we ate and took a nap. I got texts from Jared and Sheri. I love hearing from my kids. They both have issues they are dealing with but they have strong testimonies and they are genuinely good people. I love them so much, as is true for all my children.

While working on my blog I listened to a talk by President Nelson, then Elder Nelson from 10/91. It is entitled: "These...Were Our Examples." He spoke about the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs tour of Europe which he attended. He said they are outstanding missionaries and ambassadors for the Church. He used these attributes to describe them: Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, and diligence. They sang in 10 languages! One brother who attended a performance said: "Listening to the choir makes me want to be a better person." Can you imagine getting hotel rooms for 500 people, and think of the luggage. One sister's luggage was lost and she tried to make the best of it by looking her best with the same clothes she wore the day before.

This evening I took a whirpool bath, did a little walking but only enough to get 5,000 steps, and worked on my Primary lesson before going to bed.

Hiking buddies, Trina and Lexy.

Pretty amazing!

Isaiah 49:17

"I have engraven thee on the palms

of my hands."

Wow.

Crescent moon over Four Peaks.

Video of a howling husky puppy.

Hilarious!

Oh, how I wish this was now!

JFK have a tea party with daughter Caroline.