Tuesday, May 1st, 2018

Copenhagen, Denmark

118th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

1Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 20:12-21:8

*What lesson can we learn from King Limhi on how we should treat our enemies?

- Ultimately we all must turn to the Lord for deliverance from our enemies. Limhi's people will try to take care of the situation themselves but will not succeed. Finally, they will humble themselves and turn to the Lord. The Lord in His wisdom will not rescue them too soon. He waits until genuine internal change has taken place and then provides for the needed rescue.

As far as how to treat our enemies, the Lord says to love your enemies, and to do good to those who despitefully use you.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines place the ark in the house of Dagon, their god - The Philistines in Ashdod, then Gath, and then Ekron are plagued and slain because the ark is lodged with them.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God
"I have known our new prophet-president for over 60 years. I have served with him in the Quorum of the Twelve for 33 years, and I am a witness that the hand of the Lord has been preparing him to become our presiding apostle and prophet to administer all the keys of the holy priesthood on the earth. May each one of us completely sustain him and his counselors and follow their direction."

Russell M. Nelson, 10/99: A Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Russell M. Nelson, 4/00: The Creation

BMSM, 158: "Our observance of the Sabbath day reflects our appreciation of the Atonement of Jesus Christ" - Elder Mark E. Petersen

Meridian Magazine: Teaching Our Children to Trust God

2 Nephi 4:34 - O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.

RWC: DC 29:5-6 

5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.

6 And, as it is written - Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

Elder Renlund: The Melchizedek Priesthood

Listened to the Relief Society section of the handbook. We need an update!

I got a text from my friend Laurann. She is sick and so are her twins and she has no baby wipes. She asked me if I would go to Dollar General and get some. I had told her if she needed anything to call me so of course I had to spring into action. I got dressed, did my hair and headed out. It's just a hop, skip and a jump to Dollar General. Not. It's about 12 miles. I got the wipes and made the delivery. My little buddy Amaron answered the door. I guess he is the only one that isn't sick. He offered to pay me and of course I declined. They were only $2. I am grateful for the opportunity to do this very small favor for a friend.

When I got home from Laurann's my next task was to mend the scripture case I gave Amaron. What kind of a case breaks the first time you use it? The little task gave me alot of grief. I had to handsew and I couldn't make the stitches look even. I kept getting loops. After about two hours I declared I was finished and then I noticed I needed to secure the handle a little better. Will this never end? Finally.

 While fixing Amaron's scripture case and while working on my blog I had the TV on, I watched: "The Voice," and a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that I really liked called "The Beach House." I learned about the habits of Loggerhead turtles while watching "The Beach House."

James had some rather bad/sad news to tell me today. While working on the golf course removing concrete he got the bucket a little full and this happened:

Yikes!

When James tried to turn it off the engine kept  running and cause it to throw a rod. Remember, this is our friend, Bother Howard's machine. It could cost up to $4,000 to fix. Of course, I imagine James will try to get it fixed much cheaper than that either by someone he knows or by fixing it himself.

No school again today in most schools in Arizona. The parents are getting quite frustrated, or so I hear from Stacy.

Cheese!

Monday, April 30th, 2018

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

John 13:21

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

* Why did the Lord let Limhi's people end up in bondage?

- sue_heugly: There are two kinds of bondage: The self-inflicted kind from poor choices and iniquity, and the kind that comes from the consequences and choices of others. Limhi's people chose sin, which is to serve Satan. Abinadi warned and prophesied that the people would be brought into bondage because they hardened their hearts against Abinadi's words and wouldn't repent. The dues of discipleship do not come cheap. If we want blessings and freedom from bondage, we must be loyal to God, obey his prophets, keep the commandments and remain humble, submitting our will to His. A blessing always carries with it a responsibility, and a consequence. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 4

The Israelites are smitten and defeated by the Philistines, who also capture the ark of God - Eli's sons are slain, Eli dies in an accident, and his daughter-in-law dies in childbirth.

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

"Your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days."

Rescuing Wayward Children (221) "When you are united, your power is limitless." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Russell M. Nelson:(4/99) Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women

The Atoning One Chapter 9: "Potential Perils of Grace",

Chapter 10: "The Gospel of God", Chapter 11: "Speaking of the Lord's Atonement" 

I am a little sad I finished this book today because I have really enjoyed it. Next I am going to listen to Elder and Sister Renlund's book, The Melchizedek Priesthood.

At 8 a.m. I left for town, about 20 minutes behind James. We are taking the truck and Lexy in to get new tires. James has to pay for his, I don't have to pay for mine. It's to replace the used one they put on a few days ago when I got a flat coming home from the Morrison's.

 They got our tires on in less than 30 minutes. We took a short walk and it was time to go. Next stop, Walmart, to get the oil changed in Lexy. James made the arrangements and then left. I walked down to the mailbox and mailed the note I wrote to President Shumway.

Now it's time to go in and do my weekly shopping.

I took my time shopping, calculating all my expenses. I checked out and then went to see if my car was ready. I sat in the little waiting room and watched some of Harry Potter. I could see the hood still up on Lexy so I took a spin around the store. This trip is going to be more costly than it seems because I found things to put on my wish list: Grabbit Stick, Black memory foam shoes, "Oh The Places You'll Go" Dr. Seuss book, "Coco,"the movie, and "Coco book and playset. "Star Wars 5 Minute Stories." I actually went home and used my Amazon gift card to by two of the books and the movie. I also bought the movie, "Wonder" because Stacy said it was so good. 

Two more things on my wishlist, cute photo album papers, and some new Ginger scissors.

Finally after a few more trips around the store and the passing of two hours, Lexy was finished. I paid the girl, got my report, and loaded up Lexy for home.

I got home and put everything away and sat down in my recliner wondering where James was. He came in a few minutes later with Brother Howard's Cat skidsteer on his trailer. I was watching a Hallmark movie and he sat down and finished watching it with me. 

For dinner we had cooked cabbage. For F.H.E. we listened to President Nelson's conference talk from October 1999, "A Testimony of the Book of Mormon."

James took me outside to show me how to feed the bunnies. There was a full moon behind clouds that looked rather eerie.

8th grade. Better than his dad.

These two are pretty amazing.

My rose garden.

Ready to go

The Philistines God

Christina's Post

Maybe they should have named him Harry

or Fluffy.

Daddy Daughter Super Hero Dates

Sunday, April 29th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept. 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:1-24

* Why is it important to think less of yourself and more of others?

- sue_heugly: vs-11 The King commanded the men to leave their wives and children. Does this not show why it's important to think less of yourself and more of others? King Noah's selfishness activated all the cardinal sins, and blocked the way for developing the divine qualities such as love, mercy, patience, kindness and goodness. His example not only ruined his life, but those who served him. Following the Savior is overcoming selfishness. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 3

The Lord calls Samuel - The house of Eli will not be purged by sacrifices and offerings - Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel - The Lord appears to him.

General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Pursuing divinely appointed responsibilities in righteousness, unity, and equality will prepare us to meet God."

I read these two quotes in my prayer journal today:

"Faith does not stand still. It is either increasing or

disappearing." As President Henry B. Eyring

said: "Faith has a short shelf life."

White Mountain Stake Conference

Lakeside, Arizona

President Shumway conducted this session. 

Opening Hymn: "Families Can Be Together Forever" 

The invocation was offered by a bearded, bald brother.

Stake Business: Elder Jones - Release of Stake Presidency with a vote of thanks: President Shumway, President Jensen and President Beeler. 

Calling and sustaining of new Stake Presidency:

President - Joshua J. Beeler

1st counselor - Douglas Wright

2nd counselor - William Miles

Bishop Hall was released from the high council and Brother Ed Miller from our ward was sustained as a new high councilman along with a brother Woods from another ward.

New elders from our ward: Anthony Romyak, Jackson Allen

New high priests from our ward: Tom Howard.

Sustaining of Church and Stake officers.

Stake Choir: "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me"

Those from our ward singing in the stake choir, or at least the ones we could see as we were in the back of the cultural hall - Kathy Crane, Tamara Applegate, Donna Peeler, Stefani and Alicia Hunsaker.

President Shumway:

"For nine years I have seen you through God's eyes.

President Beeler is a man of God.

It is wonderful to know that you are on the Lord's path.

We do not marry happiness, we create it.

It is safe to follow the prophet.

My counselors are trusted and eternal friends.

I love the youth of this stake.

I lift thee and thou lift me and we ascend together.

Put God in the middle of your plans. Begin with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

Eternal families.

Nothing that is wrong in this life is permanent.

Jesus fixes things."

Heidi Shumway:

" I sustain the new stake presidency.

It has not been a sacrifice but a pleasure to serve, a great blessing and investment.

You can never give to the Lord without gaining so much more.

We have loved having the youth and the missionaries in our home.

2 Nephi 26:13, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31-33.

The Savior is the Redeemer of our weaknesses."

President Jensen

" An amazing nine years. I sustain our new stake presidency. 

President Miles headed up the Love Kitchen service project.

The Lord is in the small things of our lives."

President Beeler

"My Star Wars cuff links ground me.

It has been a great privilege to serve the last nine years with these good brothers.

President Shumway is a great minister.

He said in the beginning that we would be in the homes of those who need us.

My wife is the reason I am standing here. She is my rock.

It's in the people that God achieves His greatest work.

God is in the details of this work.

Jesus Christ is our Savior and leads this Church."

Sister Beeler

(My high school friend Beverly's niece. She is in remission from breast cancer.)

" We have a Heavenly Father who loves us.

I have been ministered to by the members of this stake."

President Wright

" I remember the things the past stake presidency has taught.

I have a testimony. I love the Savior's example of serving others."

President Miles

" The past stake presidency has served you because they love you.

Enos 1:27 

I have felt the cleansing of the Savior's Atonement."

Sister Robinson

"This is the true and living Church.

3 Nephi 5:13 - Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

Elder Jones

"The law of witness is a spiritual gift. 

Pray together for inspiration, guidance, and the Spirit. 

Information leads to inspiration."

Elder Foster

" Family is the eternal, enduring unit.

Multi-generational families, work hard to make that happen.

Don't let the world change your view of family.

Watch the movie "Coco."

Help others see what they can't see so they can get back to Heavenly Father.

The Church has never been stronger.

If it doesn't work the first time, do it again. Sometimes miracles take time.

Bore testimony of Heavenly Father's plan.

When you take the Sacrament it's like writing His name upon your heart."

"Before Thee Lord"

Benediction - Rebecca Woods

Before we left for stake conference this morning James and I handed in our Chunky Monkey reports to Trina.

Darrel lost the most weight this week, 9 lbs. James was second with 5. James and I and several other people tied for points. We got all of them.

At stake conference we sat by the Curtis's from our ward. Diana is a Relief Society teacher and I work with the teachers. She won't be here for her next lesson on May 27th so I told her I would teach for her. The lesson is on ministering.

We had green chili burros from Burger House for lunch and then we both took a nap.

For the rest of the day I studied, worked on my blog and helped James find family information for Tina Allen. He was very happy with me!

 This is something we need to see again!

The Minnard's, one of my former

young women, Mary.

My flower is blooming!

Marissa's baby, Graham

Old-time Chandlerite,

Sister Chapman. Her

daughter works in the Snowflake

temple.

The third photo of Scarlett

sleeping this weekend. They

must have worn her out!

Gorgeous Vernon sunset

Saturday, April 28th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

*What teachings did Alma introduce to the new converts and how did these teachings differ from King Noah?

Article: Live by the Savior's Teachings

By: N. Eldon Tanner

Dec. 1982

tavacivan: "For their labor, they were to receive the grace of God" (26) In Christ's Church, we have a lay ministry which sets us apart from other churches in the world. We also believe that a higher law allows us power to do what we are asked to do as we serve our fellowman. This is a compensation that cannot be imitated by money. It is His power and His strength that we have access to. We are to take care of each other spiritually, temporally and emotionally. (28,29) The Church of Jesus Christ is run by imperfect people but the organization and doctrine of the Church is sound and constant. His laws are perfect and when implemented correctly, we have great power and strength. These people were drawn to truth and were hungry and ready for Alma's teachings! We have access to so much truth! 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines place the ark in the house of Dagon, their god - The Philistines in Ashdod, then Gath, and then Ekron are plagued and slain because the ark is lodged with them.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The Church is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them."

I was up at 4:15 this morning. I showered and then had breakfast. James thinks Hong Kong is in Taiwan so I have to get out my world map and show him he is wrong. Ridiculous. Why would I waste time doing this when I should have been getting ready to go to the temple? I am ashamed of myself, even if I was right about Hong Kong. The win was bittersweet because I had to rush to get ready. We left in a rush and then realized we had forgotten to bring the muffins so we had to come back to get them. Now we are officially later than we've ever been for our temple shift,  but thanks to James's driving we make it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 a.m.

We were under the direction of President and Sister Reidhead this morning, our old schoolmates at Snowflake Union High School.

Sister Reidhead talked about the new garments for sisters and then we watched films about the ordinances clothes and the endowment session. 

My schedule for today went something like this:

7:30 - Initiatory worker, which I am beginning to love even though I don't have everything memorized. These blessings are so amazing!

8:00 - Celestial Room - time to ponder and meditate and admire the beauty of this room.

8;30 - Break time with James, Sister Badger who remembered James from high school and his pet Pete the Crow. She was a close friend of James's sister Connie. Her last name was Petersen in high school. Sister Hansen joined us. She is from Joseph City and knows the Hunsakers. She told me a story of when she was Kip's Cub Scout leader.

9 - Prepare for the 9:30 session. Today I am the 1st follower. Sister Badger is the 2nd follower. James is the follower for the brothers and led the prayer circle and did an awesome job.

This afternoon I worked in initiatory again, was the greeter for the baptistry. During this time I got to visit with my good friend from Chandler and fellow temple worker, Debbie. Her daughter is married to Rex Bergstrom. My last assignment was the locker room. Since I was the last one on our shift with this assignment I had to check all the locked lockers to make sure no one had left anything.

One of the exciting things that happened in the temple today was the sealing of Bishop and Sister Hall's son, Kendall to his wife Chanel.  Bishop Hall was our first bishop in Vernon and when I was a youth growing up in Show Low his grandpa was my bishop. 

A great day for this family. Weston, Kendall's brother should have been there but I didn't see him. I guess he is working for a pest control company in Florida.

James and I got home from the temple a little after 2. I ate, had a short rest and then got ready to go to stake conference leadership meeting. James took me to the church where the Applegate's and Sister Halcomb were waiting for me. Our meeting in Lakeside starts at 4.

Our company left this morning. 

Our leadership training meeting went something like this:

President Beeler: 
"God's hands are in the details of the work."

President Jensen:
"One more step in the unfolding of the restoration."

President Shumway:
"The Lord wants our hearts. When we give our hearts to Him, He performs miracles."

Elder Jones:
DC 43:8-9
8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me-
DC 107:89 - Preside, council, teach.

Elder Brent D. Foster
"Authority and keys establish order."
Exaltation - Life like Him
Eternal Life - Life with Him
Testimony - I know - Alma 30:41; Conversion - I do - Hel. 6:3;
Sanctification - I feel - Hel. 3:35; Exaltation - I become -
A council is a fundamental principle of human life. When you tell someone what to do, you are telling them to become like you.
Leadership is the ability to draw forth people's potentiality. 
The greater the agency and opportunity, the greater the growth. 
" I want to expand the vision of why the Lord wants us to work in councils."
DC 88:122
Vision determines direction
1. Vision
2. Share
3. Agree on outcome
John 10:12-12
Goals
Distance Indicators
Specific plan
Motivate, inspire
We can't program people back to heaven.
Romans 0:16-17; DC 84:38; DC 58:25-26; Hel.10:4-5; 
It's all about revelation.

During the break between meetings the Applegate's and Kerri went to get dinner. I stayed at the church and moved up in the chapel to save a place for James. He ended up being late because of a flat tire and sat in the back. Gratefully the Lauritzen's from our ward came and sat by me.

Adult Session

The invocation was given by Sister Gatewood, the first woman to be the chairman of the White Mountain Apace Tribe. 

Elder Jones

Video: saw, felt, heard.

"Simple acts of service can be profound."

"Why we minister: Because we follow Jesus Christ."

"Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children home."

How can I be a minister for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Sister Thomas, Stake Relief Society President

"Pray for each individual."

President Shumway

"Study the why. So people can know God, that is the why. Our heart becomes His."

Scottsdale Mission President - President Robinson

"I am an ordained apostle of Jesus Christ." President Nelson's answer when a king asked him who he was.

Youth Choir: 

Amazing Love

Sister Palmer, Matron of the Snowflake Temple

"Spend more time in the temple."

President Palmer of the Snowflake Temple

Isaiah 2:2-3

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Elder Jones

God anointed Jesus Christ who went about doing good. 

Told a ministering story of a young widow with two children.

Bradley D. Foster

"God wants His children home. 1 Nephi 5:16-17. There is power in knowing who we are and where we are going. 

Family History: Discover-Gather-Connect.

He told us to watch the movie "Coco."

Pass on stories and photos. 

"Don't let the wisdom of the old die with them."

One of the things Elder Foster had us do was the same thing Terry had us do last night on the Family Tree app. I was related to so many people it was ridiculous, including Elder Foster, President Robinson, Sister Halcomb and Brother Applegate, and Brother Allen.

Promised blessings of doing Temple and Family History Work from the prophets.

More closeness and joy with family, and divine protection. 

Quentin L. Cook

Our amazing stake president, President Shumway

with his wife Heidi.

White Mountain Apache Tribe

recently elected chairwoman.

Kim's pom and cheer team.

Stacy had moved on to high school.

Sister Bingham and her look-a-likes,

except one.

Friday, April 27th, 2018

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 11:18

And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people were astonished at his doctrine.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:1-16

* What does it mean to you to bear, mourn, comfort, and stand as a witness?

- alaynaleilanie: "We often forget that part of the baptismal covenant is to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Alma reminds us of this important principle. Someone has said that people would rather be understood than be loved. In truth, the surest way to increase our love for someone is to listen with patience and respect. I believe that our baptismal covenant demands this. How can we 'mourn with those that mourn' and bear one another's burdens' if we don't listen to know what those burdens are? Neal A. Maxwell said: "It is abundantly clear, therefore, that we have a duty to comfort others, to mourn with them, to serve them, and to help them. When there is so much to do to help others, there is little time for self-pity. To stand as witnesses of God at all times I believe can be achieved as we bear one another's burdens. As we mourn and offer comfort aren't we standing as a witness?

Old Testament

1 Samuel 1

Hannah prays for a son and vows to give him to the Lord - Eli the priest blesses her - Samuel is born - Hannah loans him to the Lord.

General Conference

"Behold the Man!"

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" Those who find a way to truly behold the Man find the doorway to life's greatest joys and the balm to life's most demanding despairs."

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:" 

" No power is greater than priesthood power to rescue the wayward and bring them to Christ."

"Worthy men and women are endowed with keys of revelation to personally save their children, others for whom they have stewardship, and themselves. (217-19).

"Priesthood power comes by becoming godly. Temple keys are keys to salvation."

Russell M. Nelson: #29, 10/98, "We Are Children of God."

I went outside and walked until my soundtrack was finished. I ended up with 8,000 steps. Came back in and began baking rolls. Some were small and the last batch were large because I let them rise longer.

Dave and Terry did some target practicing today.

This afternoon I took a nap and then got up and played a game of Five Crowns with Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura. James was busy getting ready for his job that starts on Monday. I ended up winning the game!

Terry showed us something on our phones family tree app. We opened it up and then went to "Relatives Around Me." I was related to Cathi, Laura, and of course Dave and Terry. It was so much fun. Cathi and I are 9th cousins once removed and Laura and I are 12th cousins.

Brother Wallace told James he could use his Case tractor for his job but first he, Brother Wallace, had to go get it at Brother Mayfield's.

Dave and Laura brought homemade Sloppy Joe mix from home and warmed it up for dinner. It was delicious. We also had salad, carrots, and tomatoes. 

After dinner I went for another walk and then came in and made two batches of muffins, one blueberry and the other banana nut to take with us tomorrow to the temple.

We said our goodbye's because we will be gone before most everyone, except David, gets up. 

Ollie in his natural habitat.

Everyday hero.

I told Cathi I was making her a pair of these

for Christmas. Ha!

These girls went to the temple together.

This guy babysat so they could go.

There is nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby

and this one is adorable!

Arizona Desert Sunset