Sunday, July 1st, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ, Creation

3 Nephi 9:15

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

Book of Mormon

Alma 25:1-17

* How were Abinadi's prophecies fulfilled?

- The Lord sends His prophets to serve as His messengers and make His will known. Sometimes they predict future events. Alma 25 is the fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy from Mosiah 17:14-19. Please think and reflect on counsel of today's prophets.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 23-24

23 Solomon is made king - The Levites are numbered and assigned their various religious duties.

24 The sons of Aaron and the rest of the sons of Levi are divided into groups and assigned their duties by lot.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

President M. Russell Ballard

"Given the reality of our human weaknesses and shortcomings, how do we move forward in supporting and sustaining each other? It begins with faith - real, sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is the first principles of the doctrine and gospel of Christ. 

If we have faith as small as a mustard seed, the Lord can help us remove the mountains of discouragement and doubt in the tasks ahead of us as we serve with God's children, including family members, Church members, and those who are not yet members of the Church."

The Messianic Expectation in the New Testament

Other messianic prophecies revealed the life and mission of the Messiah in definite detail. Those who believed in Christ saw the fulfillment of these prophecies in his life. The writers of the four Gospels in the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John pointed out how Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies that referred to the coming Messiah. For example, Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea (compare Micah 5:2 with Matthew 2:1-6), would be an object of great adoration (compare Psalm 72:10 with Matthew 2:1-11), would be preceded by a forerunner (compare Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1 with Luke 1:17 and Matthew 3:1-3).

His ministry was to begin in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2, Matt 4:12, 16-23), he would teach in parables (Psalm 78:2, Matt 13:34-35). His ministry would be marked by miracles (Isaiah 35:5-6, Matt 11:4-5) and by rejection of his message (Psalm 69:8, Isaiah 53:3, John 1:11, John 7:5). Near the end, Messiah would enter Jerusalem in triumph on the back of an ass (Zechariah 11:12, Matt 26:15), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12, Matt 26:15), would be betrayed by a close friend (Psalm 41:9, 55:12-14, John 13:18, 21), and would be deserted by his associates (Zechariah 13:7, Matt 26:31-56). He would be smitten on the cheek (Micah 5:1, Matt 27:30), spat upon (Isaiah 50:6, Matt 27:30), mocked (Psalm 22:7-8, Matt 27:31, 39-44), and beaten (Isaiah 50:6, Matt 26:67; 27:26, 30). His hands and feet were to be pierced (Psalm 22:16, Zechariah 12:10, John 19:33-37); yet, not a bone in his body would be broken (Psalm 34:20, John 19:33-36). He would be numbered with transgressors (Isaiah 53:9, Matt 27:38). He would be given vinegar to drink (Psalm 69:21, Matt 27:34) while thirsting and in pain (Psalm 22:15, John 19:28). When dead, he would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:12, Matt 27:57-60); but his body would not see corruption (Psalm 16:10, Acts 2:31), for he would rise from death (Psalm 2:7; 16:10, Acts 13:33), making it possible for all the dead to rise (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2, Matt 27:52-53).

From a modern point of view, it hardly seems possible that so many signs could be overlooked by so many, but as the Savior himself said, they were spiritually blind (Matt 15:14).

I crawled out of bed at 5:25 to prepare my Relief Society Council Meeting agenda. (Is that what you call it?)

I worked until it was time for me to get ready for Church.

We had lots of visitors in our ward as we always do on a holiday weekend. The DeWitts are back from their mission at the Taipei, Taiwan temple and they brought much of their fan club with them, kids and spouses, and grandkids from Gilbert. They all went to the Taylor rodeo yesterday. Brother DeWitt says it's like a mutual activity because they start the rodeo with a prayer and they talk alot about liberty. Both Brother and Sister DeWitt bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting. It was nice. 

We were asked to pray for moisture, attend the temple, and pray for Sister Peeler and Brother Loran DeWitt who had an accident several months ago and is still not doing well. We were also asked to pray for Brother Sean Bowen's father. 

Elder Bernecker bore his testimony. Yesterday at our dinner he asked Chuck if they could teach him the discussions and Chuck said no. I think he has heard the discussions many times. I am not sure what is holding him back. Anyway, Elder Bernecker's testimony was solid and doctrinally based.

I also love when Jackson Allen bears his testimony because I always feel the Spirit, as I did today. He is such a great young man. He told about going through the temple in Canada with all of his siblings and his parents and how wonderful it was. 

During Sunday School I was in the Relief Society room writing the names of the young women who will be ministering sisters on the chalkboard. There are 12 of them. I don't know Jennifer G. so I spoke with her mom and found out some things about her.

The Primary needed help from the young women today so as if it were planned, the young women leaders came in to Relief Society today. It felt like Heavenly Father had planned it. 

The meeting went well today with lots of participation.

James was set apart after the block today by Brother Thompson. 
The Peeler's are in the valley so of course we did not take the sacrament in today.

We were going to wait until 2 p.m. to break our fast but James needed to take something for pain so we broke it a little sooner. 

We had leftover pork chops, etc., for dinner. Afterwards we took a nap. James is leaving for the valley this afternoon. Alice W. had surgery on her foot and I told her mom we would bring her cookies, so I made her some chocolate chip cookies. I also made some for her brother Zemira who has missed church the past two weeks because of red dots all over his body. He has a bad case of mersa.

James left with the cookies around 3 and went straight to the valley afterwards. He said he wanted to go to bed by 7 because he is getting up at 3 a.m. for work.

I finished reading my scriptures and listened to a conference talk and then Kerri H. came over to bring me a card to sign for Laurann who is our secretary who is being released. Kerri is going to be gone from July 9th - 13th and her mom is pretty stressed about it. 
Kerri is worried about her and I told her I would take care of her mom while she was gone.

I watched a Hallmark movie and the finale of The Good Witch. Something I usually don't do on Sunday, but I was lonely. I also worked on my blog. I was in bed by ten.

Happy Birthday Max!

Go kart riding for Max's 15th birthday!

Max is cool.

This dog wants to be coool like Max.

Saturday, June 30th, 2018

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Creation

Mosiah 4:2

And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 24:19-30

*24:24-26: "Now when the Lamanites saw this they did forbear from slaying them; and there were many whose hearts had swollen..., for they repented of the things which they had done...The people were joined that day by more than the number who had been slain; and those who had been slain were righteous people, therefore we have no reason to doubt but what they were saved."

Elder L. Tom Perry: "While the message of this story is not to insist on universal pacifism, we do learn that by not returning aggressions from others we can have a profound effect on them. Literally, we can change their hearts when we follow Christ's example and turn the other cheek. Our examples as peaceable followers of Christ inspire others to follow Him."

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 21-22

21 David sins by numbering Israel - The Lord sends pestilence upon the people - David offers sacrifices and the plague is stayed.

22 David prepares gold, silver, brass, iron, stone, and cedar wood for the temple - He charges Solomon to do the work of building it.

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

"This general conference marks the beginning of a new era of ministering. The Lord has made important adjustments in the way we care for each other. Sisters and brothers - old and young - will serve one another in a new, holier way. Elders quorums will be strengthened to bless the lives of men, women, and children throughout the world. Relief Society sisters will continue to minister in their unique and loving way, extending opportunities to younger sisters to join them as appropriately assigned."

Happy 29th Anniversary Paul & Stacy

The Messianic Expectation in the Book of Mormon

   Not all of the Old Testament people had misread the prophecies, however. All of the Old Testament prophets and the Book of Mormon prophets before Christ understood the true picture. In a great vision given some six hundred years before the Savior's advent in the flesh (1 Nephi 11:13-33), Nephi learned that Messiah would be born of a virgin "after the manner of the flesh," (v.18), would be baptized by a "prophet who should prepare the way before him" (v. 27), would go forth "ministering unto the people, in power and great glory" (v.28), and would heal the sick and infirm.

They knew that he would "suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people" (Mosiah 3:7). Nephi and others foresaw that he would be treated as a thing of naught, rejected by his people, scourged, spit upon, and crucified (see 1 Nephi 19:9; Jacob 4:3-4).

It was a busy day for both James and I after scriptures and prayers this morning. This is what James did:

-Loaded his truck for the job on Monday.

-He washed the kitchen, dining room, and family room windows both inside and out, at my request. 

-He took the garbage to the dump.

-Swept, washed and sealed the patio.

-Made a cherry cobbler for tonight's dinner.

-He helped finish the mashed potatoes. I gave him the butter and a small container of cream failing to tell him to pour in the cream a little at a time until the potatoes were the right consistency.

-Prepared a pitcher of iced water.

Here is my list:

-Polished the newly stripped floor.

-Peeled, and cooked potatoes for mashing.

-Made stuffing, gravy and cooked the pork chops.

-Made a salad.

-Made broccoli.

-Set the table with china and a tablecloth. 

-Set applesauce and cranberry celebration on the table.

-Made rolls.

We are feeding the missionaries and our friends Pam and Chuck this evening.

Pam and Chuck arrived right on time at 5 p.m. Pam came right into the kitchen to help. It's like Chuck said, she considers everyone her friend and she's never known a stranger. She is very thoughtful and sweet and I love her. Chuck is very nice too and is not a member of the Church.

I finally called the missionaries and got no answer. A few minutes later I had James call again and he got no answer. After the second call we got a text saying they would be late. They ended up being 45 minutes late and Pam and I went in to put the pork chops back in the oven and heat up the potatoes in the microwave.

Elder Bernecker apologized when they got here and said they had been arguing with Pete Acton. I told him that I recognized that name as being on a prayer list I still have in my prayer journal from 2014 when it was given to me by the missionaries.

Elder Bernecker called us the 'Lamberts' and Elder Smith corrected him. 

Everyone seemed to love the dinner and Pam kept saying it felt like Thanksgiving. James cherry cobbler was a big hit. It was divine with some Bluebell homemade vanilla ice cream.

It was a very nice evening and everyone stayed until around 7. I sent rolls and chocolate chip cookies home with the missionaries.

James and I started right in on the dishes. It only took us an hour or so to get the kitchen back in order. 

I finished my steps and then we went to bed. I was too tired to study or do much of anything else this evening.

Colter, one of my former Primary students.

The Lamoreaux Family Reunion

Jean and Ralph are our friends 

from Chandler.

Friday, June 29th, 2018

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Creation

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Book of Mormon

Alma 24:7-18

*What are you willing to "bury" to keep your testimony bright?

- "I will bury my pride. I will bury y desire to do everything on my own and I will ask for and recognize the hand of the Savior in every detail of my life...I will grow the fruits of forgiveness, humility, gratitude, and discipleship."

*President Boyd K. Packer on the Atonement of Jesus Christ:

"When we are tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, He can heal us. While we do not fully understand how the Atonement of Christ was made, we can experience 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Philippians4:7). We all make mistakes. Sometimes we harm ourselves and seriously injure others in ways that we alone cannot repair. We break things that we alone cannot fix. It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering, which we alone cannot cure. That is when the healing power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ will help. The Lord said, 'Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent' (DC 19:16)...

The Atonement of Jesus Christ has practical, personal, everyday value; apply it in your life. It can be activated with so simple a beginning as prayer. You will not thereafter be free from trouble and mistakes but can erase the guilt through repentance and be at peace" (Ensign, May 2001, 23-24).

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 19-20

19 The Ammonites insult David's messengers and plan war against Israel - David defeats the Ammonites and the Syrians.

20 The Ammonites are overcome - Israel defeats the Philistines.

General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"These keys, restored in the Kirtland temple, provide the 'power from on high' for divinely appointed responsibilities that constitute the primary purpose of the Church. On that wonderful Easter day in the Kirtland Temple, three keys were restored:
First, Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which is missionary work.
Second, Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant. 
Third, Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history work and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead. 
There are, under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, three executive councils at Church headquarters that oversee these divinely appointed responsibilities based on the keys that were restored in the Kirtland Temple. They are the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and the Temple and Family History Executive Council."

Sheri's Isle of Skye photos finally came through on Instagram. Also, at 3 a.m. I got an email from White Cap with a charge  for $2,129.00. I verified with James and it's legit. The job has commenced.

I can't find my Maxwell book that tells where the Maxwell lived in Scotland. I should have been looking for it long before Kim asked for it. Darn!

I have to share this from the Old Testament Student Manual, Volume 2, p. 68:

Why Did the Jews Misinterpret Prophecy Regarding the Deliverer?

As the years passed and the messianic expectation remained unfulfilled, the Jews interpreted the sayings and writings of the prophets erroneously. The deeper they fell into apostasy, the more they lost sight of the true meaning of the prophecies. But it is not surprising that they came to see only the political aspects of the Messiah, for there was some scriptural basis for such a belief. Several hundred years before the birth of Christ Zechariah wrote of a day when the Lord (Messiah) would fight against the Jewish enemies "as when he fought in the day of battle (anciently)" (Zechariah 14:3). Zechariah pictured Jerusalem being delivered in great power from all who had opposed her (see Zechariah 14:1-15). Isaiah spoke of the Messiah as having the government upon his shoulder (Isaiah 9:6). That phrase certainly suggested a political kingdom. Numerous other prophets foretold His coming in power and glory.

When one studies the prophecies carefully, however, a dual picture of the Messiah emerges. One picture is that of the "suffering servant." Isaiah 53 is an outstanding example of the "suffering servant" kind of prophecy. It foretells the sufferings of the Messiah: he will be "a man of sorrows?? (v.3), one who stands "as a sheep before her shearers" (v. 7), one who takes man's transgressions upon himself. The other picture of the Messiah is that of the "King of Glory." Zechariah 14 and Isaiah 9 contain examples of the "King of Glory: prophecies, which paint a picture of deliverance, political power, and the destruction of the enemies of Israel. 

Latter-day Saints, with the benefit of modern revelation and a perspective of history, easily understand this dualism. There are two comings of the Messiah. Christ came the first time as a mortal. He was born in a stable, lived in a town of little reputation, took no political role, and flatly rejected attempts to make him a king. This coming was foretold in the "suffering servant" prophecies. His second coming will be in fulfillment of the "King of Glory" prophecies. He will put down all kingdoms and deliver Israel from the powers of Babylon.

The tragedy is that the Jewish nation, for the most art, lost the understanding of the two comings. In their state of spiritual darkness, they looked only for a political deliverer.

Thus, when the Savior refused to take up the sword against Rome, the Jews' hopes were dashed. And his crucifixion was seen by the majority not as a fulfillment of prophecy but as the ultimate proof that he could not have been the promised deliverer.

From President Eyring's biography:

"Henry B. Eyring, Hal,  was asked to join his friend, General Doriot,  a professor at Harvard Business School, in the investment in a new up and coming company called DEC, (Digital Equipment Company), who had a dream of building small, user-friendly computers to compete with IBM's larger, more complex machines.  Doriot's venture capital company had bought 70 percent of DEC for $70,000, a large investment at the time, and he wanted someone like Hal to help him oversee this and similar investments. 

The offer made Hal wonder why his heart wasn't drawn to the kind of business opportunity. Hal realized that what he loved about business wasn't making products or doing deals. It was thinking critically about complex problems. For the first time he thought, Maybe I should stay in school and become a professor. General Doriot, who would remain Hal's lifelong friend and mentor, too graciously Hal's decision to decline. In ten years the $70,000 investment in DEC became worth $355 million."

I got a phone call this morning while I was working in the laundry room. It was my friend Jean. Her husband, Tom, was in Taylor buying some hay and had locked his keys in the car. Jean has the extra key but needs a ride to Taylor. Of course I said I would take her. 

After taking a few minutes to get ready I headed up the hill toward's Jean's house when a bigger car came barreling down the road. I wondered who it was and thought maybe Deana came home and was doing the errand for her mom. About that time Jean called me and wondered when I would be there. I told her in less than five minutes. As Jean got in the car she told me that was Sister Grapp who came to get the key from her to take it to Tom. (The Grapp children LOVE Tom). She told her thank you for the offer, but I was coming to take her to Taylor. 

Using my GPS we put in the Taylor address and it told us to go down Bourdon Ranch Road instead of going into Show Low and turning at the corner by Maverick, the usual way to go to Taylor and Snowflake. I followed direction and the route was a pleasant surprise. It was paved the entire way until we actually got to where Tom was. He was waiting patiently. 

Tom and Jean offered to pay for my gas but I declined. They then offered to take me to lunch at Trapper's Restaurant. I accepted. I have wanted to eat at Trapper's for awhile now. 

Nothing fancy but my BLT was delicious and the coconut cream pie I had for dessert was divine. 

Jean and Tom have had a bear come to their home at least twice in the past couple of weeks. It came right up to the window the last time and Tom yelled at it to scare it away. They called an officer from the Game and Fish Department to come and relocate the bear. He came, shot a tranquilizer at the bear, but missed. The next time while he was there, he got a call from his wife who lives not far from Tom and Jean. She said the bear was at their house and he needed to hurry home!

As I was driving home, I noticed there were huge fluffy clouds just to the east of us near Springerville. I texted James and told him we were "Right on the edge again." He knew what I was talking about because it happens so often.

James, to my surprise, was home from the valley around 4 p.m. I was working and the computer and didn't hear him come in. When I turned around and he was standing there, I jumped and yelled. He laughed.

James stayed at Sheri and Ian's with Ollie and Michael. He said that Ollie would bark at him, stop barking while he petted him, and then bark again. It probably was annoying to Michael when Ollie started barking everytime James got up to use the bathroom and when he left for work at 4 a.m. 

I worked on the RS Newsletter this afternoon and my preparation for leading this month's RS council meeting this Sunday.

James walked and so did I so we could get our steps before going to bed.

Lola: Going on a Snipe hunt?

Our friend the Hatch's hiking in Iceland

My friend Amaron

I was a visiting teacher for the sweet lady on the left,

Sister Cluff. She inspired me to register for 

Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, which I did, along

with my partner and friend Cidnie E.

RS Newsletter

Thursday, June 28th, 2018

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct-2 Nov 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Creation

2 Kings 19:15

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 23:8-24:6

* What helps me keep from being stirred up to anger by others?

- There is a quote that I really love. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Imagine how your life would be if everyone treated you as you wish deep down to be treated.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 17-18

17 Nathan first approves David's building of a house of the Lord, then restrains him - David's son will build the temple - The triumph of Israel is foretold - David thanks the Lord for His goodness to Israel.

18 David subdues all the adversaries of Israel and reigns in justice over the people.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Isn't it wonderful that the name given by revelation to the restored Church binds together the two most important elements in each gospel covenant? First is the name Jesus Christ. This Church belongs to Him, and His sanctifying Atonement and covenants are the only pathway to salvation and exaltation. The second name refers to us: the Saints, or in other words, His witnesses and His disciples."

James is going to the valley today to get materials so he can start the job at the Phoenix Country Club tomorrow. They are pouring 10,000 square feet of concrete at the driving range and 500 lineal feet of 12" high curb.

Before he left he called Verizon to complain about my not receiving a label to send my old phone back. He finally got someone who helped and seemed to know what she was doing. She said they would send out a label immediately. 

James went to town to get the tire fixed that he had a blowout on yesterday. It was one of the tires on the trailer. When he returned he started loaded up his trailer for the valley.

I baked chocolate chip cookies this morning and delivered them to my neighbor Chelsea. She had her two year old daughter Peyton with her and her nephew Cooper. Peyton flipped off the mini-tramp and hit her head pretty hard. Cooper went over and gave her a hug and a kiss.

Chelsea teaches Primary, is the girls camp director, and her husband is a Smoke Jumper in Alaska. A smoke jumper is one grade up from a Hot Shot. He actually jumps out of an airplane to fight fires. The young women, as part of a camp service project are making kits for the firemen which include chapstick, wipes, tissues, dried fruit, mints, Gold Bond powder, eye drops, and nose spray.

I took a list and told her I would help buy the items.

I love Chelsea's dog. He is huge and I usually don't like big dogs. He is a St. Bernard. He is so gentle and nice, never trying to jump up on you like most dogs. If I ever got a big dog I would get one like Brutus. The name fits his physique, but not his personality.

I gave Chelsea a family booklet so she could fill out information and then I told her I would help her register on Family Search.

James got his check from the Chunky Monkey contest today for $443. He is keeping it and says he will buy home improvement items with it.

I am really enjoying President Eyring's biography!

Ben, Ian, and Joe on the streets

of Edinburgh, Scotland

Hey, London has one of those big ferris 

wheels too!

Brian made a new friend.

Kim says:"This city is unreal"!

I wonder how old these buildings are.

A blue heeler to help the Chafin's herd cattle.

Wonder when they are coming to Vernon.

Funny

I couldn't resist.