Wednesday, June 27th, 2018

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Creation

Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Moses 2:26-27

And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so. And I, God, said: Let them have dominion over the fishes of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of min Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them.

Book of Mormon

Alma 22:27-23:7

*How can we become so converted to the Lord that we never will fall away?

-James Lambson: "First, we have to develop the disposition to only do good and resist evil. We have to begin to be converted, ie., keep the commandments because we love the Lord not just because we know we are supposed to. Then things that are not important begin to fall away from our lives and with greater frequency we begin to be directed by the Spirit because at that point, belief has turned into knowledge. It's like a light being turned on in the darkness, and we become happy inspite of trials because of the eternal perspective of the gospel.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 15-16

15 David prepares a place for the ark - The Levites bring the ark to Jerusalem - They sing and minister before the Lord.

16 People offer sacrifices and praise the Lord - David delivers a psalm of thanksgiving - He praises the Lord - Asaph, Obededom, Zadok, and others minister before the Lord.

General Conference

Behold the Man!

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Because of Jesus Christ, your death will be temporary. Your spirit one day will reunite with your body. This resurrected body will not be subject to death, and you will live in the eternities, free from pain and physical suffering."

New Era:

"Bandwagon Fans or Contributors on the Team," "@ldsyouth," "Fun Stop," "Dress for Success."

James and I had scriptures and prayer this morning before he left to fix a problem at the place where he worked yesterday, and then on to Taylor to take the tractor in to be fixed so he can give it to Brother Howard. 

A good breakfast is important

I heard this morning from Stacy about coming up next week, Kim about a castle they are visiting today, Sheri about their trip to Scotland, and Kacey who wants Lois's enchilada recipe. I also heard from Trina last night. It's nice to hear from one's family.

I finally  worked out my Deseret Book Plus account and was able to download President Eyring's biography, "I Will Lead You Along." I have had the book for quite sometime but have never read it. Now I can listen to it. I love President Eyring and his sweet testimony.

James saw some antelope today between our house and the Crane's. There were six does and one fawn. He said this means the coyotes probably got 11 of the fawns because most does have two babies. How sad. Later in our yard we saw four does, and one buck and a fawn right outside of our bedroom door.

I worked on stripping the floor for a couple of hours today. This afternoon I went to see my friend Jean to help her with family history. I forgot my wifi so I couldn't register her on familysearch, but I did have her fill out the family booklet the Church has put out. Jean had a sad childhood and hardly knew her real father.

I came home just about the time James was arriving at the Howard's. He had a blowout on the trailer taking the tractor to Taylor. James is going to do some repair work on the Howard's home while they are gone on vacation to Illinois to see Brother Howard's mother and Jean's daughter Kathy.

At home I made myself and James green smoothies, and did my walking. At 6:45 I left for the Church to have presidency meeting with Kerri and Tamara. We worked on the visiting teaching board and discussed who could be our new secretary since Laurann has asked to be released. We met for 2 hours and then had to go home because of priesthood. Tamara said she would finish at home and have the assignments ready for Sunday.

As we went outside there was a full moon and Kerri let out a howl.

Tamara's son Ty was waiting to drive her home. Is he really old enough to drive. I remember him as a cute little kid who fell out of a tree and broke him arm.

Elder McConkie writes a psalm of praise to the Lord.

Glamis Castle.

It's known as the most haunted castle in Scotland.

We are going to have lunch and then go on a tour.

I am a little nervous. - Kim

Scottish Highlands

Old Man of Storr

and Isle of Skye

Kacey and Jared's new home in Tyler, Texas:

Tuesday, June 26th, 2018

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

3 Nephi 1:13

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

Book of Mormon

Alma 22:15-26

*What was Lamoni's father willing to give up to know God? (vs. 15-18). How might such willingness help us draw nearer to God? (see Omni 1:26).

-In Alma 22:18 Lamoni's father says: "I will give away all my sins to know thee." Like Lamoni's father, we must be willing to sacrifice all things to be born of God. In the Lectures on Faith we learn the importance of sacrifice in our eternal progression: "Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do His will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek His face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life."  To take His name upon us means a willingness to do whatever He requires of us.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 13-14

13 David fetches the ark from Kirjath-jearim - Uzza is slain by the Lord when he steadies the ark - The house of Obed-edom prospers because they care for the ark.

14 David marries wives, begets children, and defeats the Philistines; his fame spread to all nations.

General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"Combining Relief Society efforts with the now-restrucured elders quorum will bring a unity that can yield astonishing results. Ministering becomes one coordiated effort to fulfill the priesthood duty to 'visit the house of each member' and to 'watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,' as well as to achieve the Relief Society ppurpose to help on another prepare for the blessings of eternal life. Working together under the direction of the bishop, elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies can be inspired as they seek the best ways to watch over and care for each individual and family."

New Era:

"The Final Sprint," "How to Teach from Life," What, Why, and How: A Breakdown of the Restoration."

After prayer James left to go do a job spreading cinders and gravel, about 220 tons. He came home with $250. He gave me $190 to add to my personal budget. Thanks honey!

I did my errands early today because I had planned on going with James to the stake center this evening to get his new temple recommend signed by a member of the stake presidency. 

My first stop in Show Low was at the printers where I left my Savior bookmark to make copies for Laura and Cathi. It is very warm today. My thermostat in my car says 97!

Next stop, J.C. Penney's for some new tops for church. One of my former young women, Jordyn works there and gave me a hug. She is also my friend Tamara's daughter. I found 2 petite large and one extra large blouse. I bought all 3 and will wear the extra large this Sunday and save the other 2 for when I lose more weight.

Dollar Tree is just down from Penney's so I stopped in to get some trays and baskets to put cookies and muffins in when I give them away. Also bought some cute patriotic napkins.

Finally I get to Walmart. It is crazy busy today. It looks like everyone from Whiteriver is here. I bought my weekly groceries and some pork chops, rolls, potatoes, broccoli, salad stuff, and ice cream to fix for the missionaries on Saturday evening. 

Sunday I asked Elder Bernecker what he wanted for dinner Saturday and he said pork chops, so pork chops it is. We also have the Wood's coming too. Chuck W. is a non-member.

I got home around 4 p.m. and it took awhile to put all of my purchases away. I bought Jared Ammon a gift card for his birthday on July 8th but Stacy doesn't know how to get it to him. She suggested that I contact Dallin.

Stacy wants to bring Joshua and Rowan up next week. Addy is gone to Wisconsin with her cousins, Kilee and Kayla. Lexy's parents live on an island in Wisconsin and they are going to visit them.

I made both James and I a green smoothie for dinner and sat down to watch "Summer Villa," one of my favorite Hallmark movies starring Hilary Burton, and Victor Webster.

James came in and got ready to go get his temple recommend and I had planned to go with him but I began having stomach pains. 

I wonder if its from the green smoothie or maybe the pint of Halo I ate on the way home from Show Low.

James went to the stake center by himself. He was gone for a couple of hours and said President Wright of the new stake presidency signed his new recommend. My recommend doesn't expire until February of 2020.

I felt better after awhile and was able to finish my steps, my blog, and take a shower and wash my hair. When James gets home I read from "Riders on the Orphan Train." Over 110,000 children were shipped west on these trains. Trina sent me a link of a guy who has worked at the Mexican border and the tragedies he has seen happen, especially to young children. These kinds of stories increase my desire for the Second Coming to come soon.

This morning I woke up with this question on my mind: Who is Artie Elizabeth Walker Rutledge's mother. Artie is my Nannie's mother. I looked it up and now remember, her name is Amanda Sophrina Epley. I began looking at her children and she has one daughter whose work has not been done because she has no first name and whoever put her in family search put to commas before her last name. I need to clear this up and do some research so her work can be done.

Braylin is feeling better after surgery on his arm.

I am waiting to hear if he can now feed himself.

Cali Fire

Monday, June 25th, 2018

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Mosiah 14:1-3

1 Yea, even doth not Isaiah say: Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground, he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him there is no beauty that we should desire him.

3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Book of Mormon

Alma 22:1-14

* Why did Aaron begin teaching by establishing the king's belief in God?

- Aaron began by establishing a belief in God because that's where the king was in his understanding. That is how God teaches, by coming to the place where we are and leading us to where He is.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 11-12

11 David is anointed king in Hebron - He takes Zion, the City of David - His valiant warriors are named and their deeds recounted.

General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"We will continue to visit homes as possible, but local circumstances such as large numbers, long distances, personal safety, and other challenging conditions may preclude a visit to every home every month. As the First Presidency counseled years ago, do the best you can. In addition to whatever schedule you establish for actual visits, that calendar can be supplemented with telephone calls, written notes, texts, emails, video chats, conversations at Church meetings, shared service projects, social activities, and a host of possibilities in the world of social media. However, I should stress that this expansive new view does not include the sorry statement I recently saw on an automobile bumper sticker. It read, 'If I honk, you've been home taught.' Please, please, brethren (the sisters would never be guilty of that - I speak to the brethren of the Church), with these adjustments we want more care and concern, not less."

New Era: "Church Under a Canopy," "Finish Together, Finish Strong"

James left for the valley this morning after family prayer. He is meeting someone about work on a golf course in Phoenix. 

We are fasting for Jared today. He was in mediation all day but nothing came of it. Tricia will not bend. She won't even bring the kids half way to Tyler so he can see them once a month. She is suing him for $30,000 and was heard screaming during part of her session. Next is go to court. This session today cost Jared thousands of dollars. I am sure he wishes he had never signed that first agreement regarding alimony.

I tried to keep busy today. I paid bills, cleaned the family and living room, and work on stripping the polish off the floor. While I was sitting at my computer in the bedroom this afternoon around 4 o'clock, James tried to sneak up on me, but I heard him. When I saw him I yelled. I really didn't think he would be home that early.

For FHE we listened to Elder Holland's conference address, "Be with and Strengthen Them." James didn't get to walk much today because of all the driving so he walked while I planned.

Scotland

Alex's Shayna

James loves mangos

Sunday, June 24th, 2018

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Isaiah 53:2

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 

Book of Mormon

Alma 21:1-23

*What does it mean to be "zealous" for keeping the commandments of God?

- President Uchtdorf said: "... for some of us, obedience to Gods commandments doesn't always feel very joyful. Let's face it: there may be some that seem harder or less appealing - commandments that we approach with the enthusiasm of a child sitting before a plate of healthy but hated vegetables. We grit our teeth and force ourselves to comply so that we can move on to more desirable activities. Perhaps during times such as these, we might find ourselves asking, 'Do we really need to obey all of God's commandments?' My response to this question is simple: I think God knows something we don't - things that are beyond our capacity to comprehend! Our Father in Heaven is an eternal being whose experience, wisdom, and intelligence are infinitely greater than ours. Not only that, but He is also eternally loving, compassionate, and focused on one blessed goal: to bring to pass our immortality and eternal life. In other words, He not only knows what is best for you; He also anxiously wants you to choose what is best for you ... We need to accept that the commandments of God aren't just a long list of good ideas. They aren't 'life hacks' from an internet blog or motivational quotes from a Pinterest board. They are divine counsel based on eternal truths, give to bring 'peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come.' So we have a choice. On the one hand there is the opinion of the world with its ever changing theories and questionable motives. On the other hand, there is God's word to His children - His eternal wisdom, His certain promises, and His loving instructions for returning to His presence in glory, love, and majesty. The choice is yours!"

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 9-10

9 The inhabitants of Jerusalem are listed - The responsibilities of the Levites and the areas where they are to serve are listed - The family of Saul is named.

10 The Philistines defeat Israel - Saul dies for his transgressions.

General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Brothers and sisters, I want to testify to you that President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God on earth. I have never seen anyone more kind and loving than he is. Though I felt so inadequate for this sacred call, his words and the tender look in his eyes as he extended this responsibility made me feel embraced by the Savior's love. Thank you, President Nelson. I sustain you and I love you."

Sacrament meeting went something like this today: We sat with the Howard's. There were several rows of visitors with lots of children. Some I knew, some I didn't.

Bishop Miller conducted. There will be a deep clean of the building on July 7th at 8 a.m. Everyone is invited to help. Jackson was called as a ward missionary until he leaves on his mission. 

Ty Applegate blessed the sacrament for the first time. He did a good job. Layne Hall also blessed the sacrament.

Hailey H. was the first speaker. She mentioned President Nelson's five challenges and then spent the rest of the time talking about her trek experience. At one point Brother Thompson tapped her on the back and told her to shorten it, which she did. She said she was looking for a spiritual experience and she finally had it during the women's pull. She ended by bearing her testimony and saying that she loves her pioneer ancestors.

Brother Brady was the next speaker. He started out by saying he and Curt Gillespie were the only real natives of Vernon who never left and proceeded to give a brief history of the church in Vernon.

The rest of the time he spoke about what it means to be a true follower of Jesus Christ and the importance of attending the Temple. He spoke about the importance of prayer, love, charity, kindness, patience, and a knowledge of the gospel. He said that the temple keeps us focused. The gospel is centered in love. Small acts of kindness can truly make a difference.

Finally it was James's turn. He spoke on receiving personal revelation. "Faith comes by obedience and by faith comes personal revelation. Answers come thru prayer, scripture study, attending Church and the Temple. DC 46:9; Alma 17:1-2; James 1:5; Matthew 16, "Whom say ye that I am?" He shared some personal experiences and bore his testimony and sat down. It was a great talk but because I typed it for him I knew he had prepared much, much more.

The ward choir sang the closing number: "Ere You Left Your Room This Morning." There were 7 brothers in the choir and 10 sisters. They sounded very good. Stefani H. is the choir director and Analee H. is the pianist and organist.

I was happy to have my friend Jean come to Sunday School with me. Sister Wood gave the lesson. First she had the visitors or new people introduce themselves. I sat by Brother South, a friend of the Wallace's who is building a house across the road from them, Brother Campbell said they moved to Vernon because they got lost. Brother Ryan says he comes from the land of the learning impaired, California. He seems very into politics.
The lesson today was on David, Bathsheba, and Uriah, one of my least favorite stories in the Old Testament. I guess the purpose of the lessons was to help us to come up with strategies to prevent immoral thoughts and behavior. 

Diana Curtis taught Relief Society about learning how to minister as the Savior does. She is the best teacher. We talked about the Savior teaching the Samaritan woman at the well and how the Samaritans were hated by the Jews. She said that the Savior was preparing the Samaritans for later teachings by the Apostles. I love her lessons! She really knows how to teach by the Spirit.

I gave Jean a hug after Relief Society and thanked her for being my friend. 

Again we went to the Peeler's after the block and with the Smith's took her the sacrament. I love this special time and being able to give Donna a hug.

After lunch today I helped Kathy update her gospel library app. Now she thinks I'm a computer genius.

Stacy ask James to loan her some money to take a course at the National Laser Institute in Scottsdale. He had to tell her no but encouraged her to prepare for the course in three months because she is so excited about it. It was great that they could talk without me having to be in the middle.

Jared, Kacey and Summer are going back to San Antonio. They have to bring a car back and tomorrow Jared is meeting with a mediator and so is Tricia about settling their divorce. Tricia is suing him for an additional $30,000. He has already given her over $250,000. Jared asked us all to fast and pray for him and most of us said we would.

I baked cookies for Chuck because he is having surgery this week. James took them over and came back with some of Kathy's homemade salsa.

Briley attended our ward today.

I love this!