Tuesday, July 3rd, 2018

Apia, Samoa
22nd operating temple
Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983
Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Job 10:8

Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 26:17-37

*Alma 26:26. Perseverance Leads to Success

-The success the sons of Mosiah experienced among the Lamanites exceeded their expectations (Alma 26:30-31). As they began their missions, the Lord promised, "I will make an instrument of thee inn my hands unto the salvation of many souls" (Alma 17:11). With this promise they "took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to declare unto them the word of God" (Alma 17:12). Success in their endeavors did not come automatically, even though the Lord had promised it. During the course of their 12-year mission, they experienced "all manner of afflictions" (Alma 26:30). The record further indicates their hearts became "depressed, and they were about to turn back" (Alma 26:27). Yet, trusting in the promises of the Lord, they continued in their efforts. Then, as He always does, the Lord honored His promises and rewarded their perseverance.

Alma 26:27-30. The Realities of Missionary Service

-Elder F. Burton Howard of the Seventy shared how his reading Alma 26 as a young missionary impacted his testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon: "I was reading again the twenty-sixth chapter of Alma and the story of Ammon's mission. I read out loud, as I sometimes do, trying to put myself in the position of the characters in the book, imagining that I was saying or hearing the words, that I was there. Once more I went over the report, and, with a clarity which cannot be described and which would be difficult to comprehend by one who has not experienced it, the Spirit spoke to my soul, saying, did you notice? Everything that happened to Ammon happened to you? 

"It was a totally unexpected sentiment. It was startling in its scope; it was a thought that had never occurred to me before I quickly reread the story. Yes, there were times when my heart had been depressed and I had thought about going home. I too had gone to a foreign land to teach the gospel to the Lamanites. I had gone forth among them, had suffered hardships, had slept on the floor, endured the cold, gone without eating. I too had traveled from house to house, knocking on doors for months at a time without being invited in, relying on the mercies of God. There had been other times when we had entered houses and talked to people. We had taught them on their streets and on their hills. We had even preached in other churches. I remembered the time I had been spit upon. I remembered the time when I, as a young district leader assigned by the mission president to open up a new town, had entered, with three other elders, the main square of a city that had never had missionaries before. We went into the park, sang a hymn, and a crowd gathered. Then the lot fell on me, as district leader, to preach. I stood upon a stone bench and spoke to the people. I told the story of the restoration of the gospel, of the boy Joseph Smith going in to the grove and the appearance of the Father and the Son to him. I remembered well a group of teenage boys, in the evening shadows, throwing rocks at us. I remembered the concern about being hit or injured by those who did not want to hear the message. I remembered spending time in jail while my legal right to be a missionary in a certain country was decided by the police authorities. I still remember the feeling I had when the door was closed and I was far away from home, alone, with only the mercies of the Lord to rely on for deliverance. I remembered enduring these things with the hope that 'we might be the means of saving some soul' (Alma 26:30). And then on that day as I read, the Spirit testified to me again, and the words remain with me even today: No one but a missionary could have written this story. Joseph Smith could never had known what it was like to be a missionary to the Lamanites, for no one he knew had ever done such a thing before."

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 27-28

27 The officers who serve the king are named - The princes of the tribes of Israel are set forth.

28 David assembles the leaders of Israel - Solomon is appointed to build the temple - David exhorts Solomon and the people to keep the commandemnts - David gives Solomon the pattern and materials for the temple.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The period of time between the death of a prophet and the reorganization of the First Presidency is referred to as an 'apostolic interregnum." During this period, the Quorum of the Twelve, under the leadership of the quorum president, jointly holds the keys to administer the leadership of the Church. President Joseph F. Smith taught, 'There is always a head in the Church, and if the Presidency of the Church are removed by death or other cause, then the next head of the Church is the Twelve Apostles, until a presidency is again organized."

Ensign: "Three Modern Pioneers Journey's" "Feel Disconnected? Try Slowing Down"

I listened to four chapters from President Eyring's biography today. I watered the flowers, grass, and the bunnies. Although I don't particularly like the wind, I love to here it blowing through the pine trees, and I love the clouds!

This afternoon I went into town to do some shopping. First stop was Dollar Tree to get more silver cookie platters. I bought all they had left, 8. Next I went to J.C. Penney's and bought three new tops. Two of them were on sale. Last of all, Walmart.

I bought a few groceries, some birthday gifts for Lola, and items to put in the service bags the young women are doing for the firemen. Around here firemen are almost royalty. I know of one young woman who wants to be a fireman and she is going to take courses to qualify to be one. 

One I returned home and put all my purchases away I swept, cleaned and polished the hall and entryway floor, using the same polish I used on the wood floor. It looks very nice.

I also finished my steps and watch Hallmark's "Lovestruck Cafe" starring Andrew Walker, one of my favorites. I fell asleep during a Christmas movie so I went to bed.

Truckload #11 for James at the Phoenix

Country Club.

Ian's mom has a big family!

 

Addy's vacation with her cousins in Wisconsin

These two came to visit me before I left
for the valley.

Monday, July 2nd, 2018

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedication: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 14:9

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness;

Book of Mormon

Alma 26:1-16

* How is it a blessing to be an instrument in the hands of God?

- Because we literally have the opportunity to do the things He would do if he were here.

*"Who can glory too much in the Lord?" (Alma 26:15-16)

Just as Ammon felt to glory in the Lord and to sing His praises, so should we. Sister Sheri L. Dew, while serving as a counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, taught us concerning the role Jesus Christ plays in our daily lives:

"Is it possible to be happy when life is hard? To feel peace amid uncertainty and hope in the midst of cynicism? Is it possible to change, to shake off old habits and become new again? Is it possible to live with integrity and purity in a world that no longer values the virtues that distinguish the followers of Christ? Yes. The answer is yes because of Jesus Christ, whose Atonement ensures that we need not bear the burdens of mortality alone. Through the years I, like you, have experienced pressures and disappointments that would have crushed me had I not been able to draw upon a source of wisdom and strength far greater than my own. He has never forgotten or forsaken me, and I have come to know for myself that Jesus is the Christ and that this is His Church. With Ammon I say, 'For who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of His great power, and of His mercy...? Behold,...I cannot say the smallest part which I feel' (Alma 26:16). I testify that in this, the twilight of the dispensation of the fullness of times, when Lucifer is working overtime to jeopardize our journey home and to separate us from the Savior's atoning power, the only answer for any of us is Jesus Christ (Ensign, May 1999, 67).

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 25-26

25 The Levite singers and musicians are assigned their duties by lot.

26 The Levites are assigned as porters - They have charge of the treasures, serve as officers and judges, and conduct the outward business pertaining to the Israelites.

General Conference

Am I a Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"Brothers and sisters, how can each of us experience the power of understanding our divine identity? It begins by seeking to know God, our Father. President Russell M. Nelson testified, 'Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son."

FHE:

Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye

Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."

July Ensign: "Knowing Who You Are-and Who You Have Always Been," Sister Sheri L. Dew; "My Conference Notebook: April 2018 General Conference."

Jesus Is the Christ, the Expected Messiah

Jesus is the Son of God. He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal father. He made an infinite atonement for man's sins.

He was resurrected, thus opening the doors of immortality and eternal life for all mankind. Jesus is the only individual who ever lived to have the details of his birth, life, mission, death, and resurrection spelled out in public documents centuries before.

Who could have written the life of any great man before it happened? Nothing but divine foreknowledge and power could have revealed the life of Jesus in such detail and then brought it to pass. No man could have done this. It was God's way of placing his divine stamp on the life and work of his Only Begotten Son, a means for letting all mankind know that Jesus was the promised Messiah, the hope and desire of the ages. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., said:

"We of our faith know that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ. This is our knowledge. We must proclaim it at all times and under all circumstances. . . .

"So as I conceive it, we must stand adamant for the doctrine of the atonement of Jesus the Christ, for the divinity of his conception, for his sinless life, and for, shall I say, the divinity of his death, his voluntary surrender of life. He was not killed; he gave up his life . . . .

"It is our mission, perhaps the most fundamental purpose of our work, to bear constant testimony of Jesus the Christ. We must never permit to enter into our thoughts and certainly not into our teachings, the idea that he was merely a great teacher, a great philosopher, the builder of a great system of ethics. It is our duty, day after day, year in and year out, always to declare that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ who brought redemption to the world and to all the inhabitants thereof." (In Conference Report, October 1955, pp. 22-24).

I miss James. It's lonely here, so I turn on the TV.

I was glad that when I texted Jared this morning I found out that he has his kids for the 4th of July!

I have a comment to make regarding someone we were asked to pray for yesterday at sacrament meeting. He is not in our stake but is a temple worker. His name is Loran DeWitt. When I went to the Show Low stake center in December to see Elders Bednar, Cornish, and Heyman, I sat by LeRoy DeWitt's daughter, Loran's niece. 

Loran had an accident back then which she told me about and he is still not recovered after six months. I have fond memories of Loran. As a teenager he was my Sunday School teacher. He made learning fun and I remember he took us to other churches to see how they worshipped. I remember going to St. Rita's Catholic church in Show Low and was so surprised that part of the service was in Latin. The priest said something we didn't understand and then everyone knelt on the kneeling boards in front of them. We weren't sure what we were supposed to do. Also, the sacrament was only taken by those who felt like getting in line and waiting for the priest to place the wafer under their tongue.

Sheri texted today and said: "Salt Lake called our stake President about Ben's application because we wrote that he sleep walks. I had to give David more information, so probably no mission call this week." I asked if his doctor couldn't prescribe something to help him. She said yes but he hasn't done it for awhile so there has been no need. Also he has never tried to leave the house or harm anyone, so that's good.

A quote by President Harold B. Lee in President Eyring's book:

"If you want personal revelation you must study and do your homework."

Had my own FHE, did my steps, and then watched some TV before going to bed by myself.

 Mammoth Lake in northern Cali

with the Jensen's

 Ruby found someone who loves to play

the match game as much as she does.

Maybe this will take the pressure off!

 Addy with her cousins Kayla and Kylie

in Wisconsin at their grandma's house.

Their grandparents live on an island.

Some of the Trezise's take a walk.

Where is Evan? 

 Joe posted this on the Isle of Skye.

I love the sheep!

 Is there a new "Old Man of Storr?"

 This gorgeous photo was posted by Alex!

Part of James's pour at the 

Phoenix Country Club

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.