Monday, August 13th, 2018

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated 23 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator 

DC 76:24

That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 50:1-20

* What cane we do to cut off our spiritual enemies from their strongholds?

- It's imporatnt that even when we are under "prosperous circumstances," that we do "not stop making preparations...to defend ourselves". There is a tendency for us to become at ease when things are going well. However, we can't let our guard down for one moment. We have to continually be building "strong and high" defenses against the adversary, "preparing strongholds" and "securing...our people from the hands of the devil and evil forces." We can't ever let our guard down and stop preparing."

Old Testament

Psalms 9-14

9 A messianic psalm of David - He praises the Lord for rebuking the nations - The Lord will judge the world in righteousness - He will dwell in Zion - The wicked will be sent to hell.

10 David speaks of various acts of the wicked - God is not in their thoughts - But the Lord is King forever and ever - He will judge the fatherless and oppressed.

11 David rejoices that the Lord is in His holy temple - The Lord tests the righteous and hates the wicked.

12 David decries flattering lips and proud tongues - He says, The words of the Lord are pure words.

13 David trusts in the Lord's mercy and rejoices in His salvation.

14 David says, The fool has said in his heart, there is no God - Israel will rejoice in the day of restoration.

General Conference

Introductory Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"These modifications have been under study for many months. We have felt a pressing need to improve the way we care for our members and report our contacts with them. To do that better, we need to strengthen our priesthood quorums to give greater direction to the ministering of love and support that the Lord intends for His Saints."

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Thanks be to God for the men of the priesthood and for the service they will yet render in lifting individuals and families and in establishing Zion."

Today is the 2nd Monday of the month. The empty nester RS sisters are coming to my house for a potluck lunch. I started out by making two Texas sheetcakes, one chocolate and one almond, pecan with white cake. 

James pitched in without even asking. He cleaned up around in the yard, tried to mow the lawn but he couldn't get the mower to work, sprayed the bird poop off the front porch and helped me set up the awning outside on the patio in case it is so crowded we need some people to sit out side. It looks like this:

We ended up having only 14 sisters so we did not use the outside setup. These are the people who attended: Catherine, Kerri, Stefani, Linda, Judy, Ellen, Tamara, Amy, Teresa, Maxine, Patsy, Debbie, Millie and myself.

After cleaning up and putting the leftover cake in the freezer, I sat down for a rest. James came in a couple of hours later and said we needed to go into town to fix my tire. It was all I could do to pry myself out of my chair. I am glad we went though. Not only did I get a new tire for only $28, I got in a good long walk, and did some of my weekly shopping at Walmart. It was a good use of time.
We listened to a conference talk on the way home and counted it for FHE. 

James and I are reading the book club book together, "The Secret Keeper," by Kate Morton.

 Last nights storm that landed in Cibeque

 Max and Ollie playing

 Erik and Amelia's kids:

Mabel, Oliver, Aurora, Tabitha Rose

 Relief Society sisters luncheon

Scenes from my walk

Our electricity was off from 8:18 to until a little after 10. We lit a couple of our kerosene lanterns. They don't give off a ton of light but they create a cozy atmosphere. I had to get a flashlight to read to James from "The Secret Keeper."

Sunday, August 12th, 2018

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Book of Mormon

Alma 49:9-30

*Why is it important to be aware of our own weaknesses?

- Knowing our weaknesses keeps us humble, and helps us grow and rely on the Lord. Something that stood out to me was Moroni, "altered the management of affairs among the Nephites. "He knew Amalickiah's intent and arranged his army so that their work areas were no longer weak. I think it's important to be aware of our weak areas so we can "alter the management of our affairs" and strengthen ourselves against Satan's attacks. It is critical to have the Spirit with us to both know our weaknesses and know how to improve. 

Old Testament

Psalms 1-8

1 Blessed are the righteous - The ungodly will perish.

2 A messianic psalm - The heathen will rage against the Lord's anointed - The Lord speaks of His Son, whom He has begotten.

3 David cries unto the Lord and is heard - Salvation is of the Lord

4 David pleads for mercy - He counsels, Put your trust in the Lord.

5 David asks the Lord to hear his voice - The Lord hates workers of iniquity - He blesses and shields the righteous.

6 David cries unto the Lord for mercy - He asks to be healed and saved.

7 David trusts in the Lord, who will judge the people - God is angry with the wicked.

General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Know

Douglas D. Holmes

"Increased faith in Christ always leads to a desire to change or repent. So it is logical that the key of the ministering of angels would be accompanied by the key of the preparatory gospel, 'the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins.'"

James and I left for the church a little before 8 a.m. We met Brother Miller and the Howard's. James helped Ed give Tom a blessing. Tom has melanoma cancer on his nose and is leaving for the valley today to get treatments at the Anderson Cancer Center in Mesa.

I guess Ed has given Tom several blessings and as a result Tom's faith has grown because he has always been made well. This has happened because of Tom's faith in the Lord and I suppose in Ed.

Sacrament meeting was amazing today.

Brother Moore was confirmed by Brother Thompson.

 Layne H. was the youth speaker. He told about what he enjoyed about and learned from trek. At one point he told about receiving a letter from his mother that was written in her secret language. He then proceeded to tell us that the secret language that he couldn't read was cursive. He said he felt he had grown closer to Heavenly Father as a result of trek. He quoted DC 88:118:

And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Layne is a priest in our ward. He works at Arby's and was chosen employee of the month for the month of August.

Sister Beard, who is the Hunsaker's daughter (Sean & Stefani's), spoke about Being Faithful Through Trials. She started out by saying that last December she became a single mom. I might add that she also had her third child last December. She said she tried to save the marriage that was so sacred to her. She said she was struggling to know what to do but after listening to General Conference in April she knew which direction she should take. 

DC 121:7-8: 7 My son (daughter), peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; 8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

She said one of the things she felt inspired to do was be 100% diligent in attending the temple. She then listed, as given in Elder Renlund's recent conference talk, all of the blessings associated with temple and family history work. She said she did not want to be a hateful person. She began doing a comprehensive study of the Atonement and was able to forgive her ex-husband who had been unfaithful to her. She didn't put it that way. She said, "I felt love toward's the person who had wronged me." She talked about faith in the Savior. "Patience refines understanding." 

Brother Greer Stake High Councilman. Brother Greer is a former mission president and is an awesome speaker. He talked about enduring faith and doing hard things. He said that Bishop Miller, who is not here today, is one of his favorite people. He said that he knows through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and through the Holy Ghost that this Gospel is true. He said, you gotta do your part. Prayer is an action verb. He talked about President Eyring's talk on the Holy Spirit. We can't do it alone. We need to ask, obey, and accept course correction. DC 95:1-2: 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation,and I have loved you-
2 Wherefore, ye must needs be chastened and stand rebuked before my face;

Brother Smith taught Sunday School. We discussed our favorite Proverbs and verses in Ecclesiastes. Mine is Proverbs 3:5-6:
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding;
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sister Smith (Yes, she is Brother Smith's wife), taught Relief Society using President Oaks's conference address, "Small and Simple Things." One thing Sister Smith is good at is getting everyone involved. She gave out assignments ahead of time and she also had us divide into groups and discuss certain things and then share with the entire group. It was good, although she had a handout and I think most people were confused how to use it. Sometimes she tries to do too much.

After the closing prayer we had refreshments in the back. We fed lots of Primary children, which is ok. We finished off all of the cookies and cake leftover from yesterday's baptism.

After nap time this afternoon I worked on my blog and finding names on Family Search. I have a couple of temple cards I need to print. Found out what names Sheri and Kim have. Ben's temple recommend interview with the stake is Tuesday night. Hoping we can go through with him next Saturday.

Update regarding Sister Peeler. They put two permanent rods in her back. She is doing better but still in pain. Brother Peeler came home to do laundry. James said he sounded exhausted but was very hopeful that she was on her way to recovery. He has been the primary caretaker the past few weeks since Donna's compression fracture fall.

It rained a little this evening but from what I understand Cibeque got the bulk of it with 8.5 inches in an hour. Maybe they did a rain dance!

 Arizona Highways

Lavender fields forever!

 We're on the edge - Headed for Cibeque

Saturday, August 11th, 2018

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 38:3

I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 48:18-49:8

*How does humility promote peace?

- Becoming humble is an active process whereby we are changed from the natural man to a person of obedience. It's not the good deeds that we do that change us into humble creatures, but rather it's the effect of those deeds in us and others that create a peaceful society.

Old Testament

Job 38-42

38 God asks Job where he was when the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and when all the sons of God shouted for joy - The phenomena of nature show the greatness of God and the weakness of man.

39 Man's weakness and ignorance are compared with God's mighty works - Does man even know how the laws of nature operate?

40 The Lord challenges Job, and Job replies humbly - The Lord speaks of His power to Job - He asks, Hast thou an arm like God? - He points to His power in the behemoth.

41 The Lord points to His power in the leviathan - All things under the whole heaven are the Lord's.

42 Job repents in dust and ashes - He sees the Lord with his eyes - The Lord chastises Job's friends, accepts Job, blesses him, and makes his latter days greater than his beginning.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing & Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

""God, in His infinite capacity, seals and heals individuals and families despite tragedy, loss, and hardship. We sometimes compare the feelings we experience in temples, as having caught a glimpse of heaven. 'Mortals say of some temporal suffering, No future bliss can make up for it, not knowing that Heaven, once attained, will work backwards and turn even that agony into a gory. The Blessed will say, 'We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven.'"

We said family prayer before we left the house this morning at 5:45. We listened to scriptures and the conference talk of the day on the way to the temple.

James and I thought preparation meeting was upstairs like it normally is so we went upstairs to find the room closed and dark, so we went downstairs and joined the other workers in the chapel. Soon Brother Coltrin came in and said the meeting was upstairs. Too bad I don't carry my phone in the temple for the steps.

The Reidhead's were in charge but President Reidhead was late so Brother Hatch took charge. We watched videos about the baptistry. When President Reidhead arrived he explained that he did not think they were on the schedule. He was outside trimming roses when he looked at his phone and saw that the temple was calling. Sister Reidhead will be coming later.

For my first break I visited with James, Sister Lundgren and Sister Humphrey. I am on schedule to assist Sister Bradshaw with a live sealing so we sat in the break room later and discussed our responsibililties. She will help the bride dress and to the short veil ceremony with the bride and groom. I will direct the guests into the chapel, bring them upstairs, get the marriage license and have it signed. Sister Bradshaw will be in the sealing and return the marriage license information to the records office. The last name of the bride was Ault and the groom, Sargeant. Both families are from Snowflake. There were 55 guests attending.

My last assignment was in initiatory. James and I are getting off early to attend Brother Moore's baptism in Vernon. I got off earlier than James and waited for him outside where it was nice and warm.

We arrived at the Vernon church building at 12:30, the same time Kerri, Tamara, and Maxine, the other members of the RS presidency, arrived. James helped us set up the refreshment table and made himself useful. 

The Moore's live here in the summer and in Yuma in the winter. They had over 50 friends and family at this baptism supporting them. Nita's grandson, a Farnsworth, did the baptizing. After the service was over the missionaries called the mission president and explained that Brother Farnsworth did not have his right arm raised to the square, so they had to do the baptism over again after all the guests were gone. 

We had tons of refreshments. Nita bought a big cake and made two gluten free cakes and some gluten free cookies for her great grandsons who get sick if they eat anything with gluten in it. Ward members brought cake and cookies and we had milk and water to drink. We made plates for the missionaries to take to families, and we are saving other leftovers for RS tomorrow. I forgot and took my cookies home.

When we got home James loaded up our stinky garbage and went to the dump. He hadn't been gone too long when I got a call asking me to look for his glasses in the bedroom. I told him they weren't there and he said, "darn," I must have lost them when I fell into the garbage dumpster. I asked him how that happened. He said he was standing on the tailgate of his truck when it broke loose and he went flying, landing on top of the garbage. A lady near by screamed. I guess she thought he was dead. James really does have the weirdest accidents. Sorry I don't have a picture.

I came home after the baptism and crashed. I watched a Hallmark movie and then did some walking and reading. James worked on his Primary lesson this evening while I read.

I want to make these for Valentine's Day

A little girl and her rhino taking a walk

Racoons take a swim

Taken along the Bush Highway between

Mesa and Payson

Friday, August 10th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 29:31

For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal - 

Book of Mormon

Moroni 48:1-18

*What can we learn from Moroni's character?

- Trust in the Lord and live up to our divine potential. Pray as if every thing depended on the Lord. Work as if every thing depended on you.

Old Testament

Job 35-37

35 Elihu contrasts the weakness of man and the power of God - Our wickedness hurts other men, and our righteousness helps them - Man should trust in the Lord.

36 Elihu says, Those who are righteous are prospered - The wicked perish and die without knowledge - Elihu praises the greatness of God.

37 Elihu concludes, saying, The Lord controls the laws of nature - God reigns in terrible majesty.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home:A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

" Family scripture study is an ideal forum for teaching doctrine in the home. President Russell M. Nelson said, 'Not only are parents to cling to the word of the Lord, but they have a divine mandate to teach it to their children.'"

Happy 12th Birthday Rowan!

I've never seen Rowan drink a soda. That must be

one of his dad's. When this sweet boy was asked what he

wanted for his birthday he said: "I'm getting the priesthood, I don't need anything else." You will not find a better brother, son, grandson, or friend that this young man. He is incredible!

Marvin J. Ashton, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and one of my favorites, said this:

Tragedy and frustration are the unexpected intruder's on life's plans."

The question we as a Relief Society presidency are considering today is whether our next council meeting in September should be about dealing with depression and suicide prevention. I am praying for an answer.

Today I made hamburger soup for lunch and for the weekend. Luckily James loved it. He said he was pleasantly surprised when he got here at lunch time.

I also made rolls for the temple tomorrow and chocolate chip cookies for Brother Moore's baptism. It was a day spent in the kitchen. 

James worked at the Howard's most of the day trying to get their bunkhouse finished and ready for their open house on the 25th. 

I read from Dragonwatch, The Way of Kings, The Secret Keeper, Loving Lieutenant Lancaster, and Life Everlasting, the last two with James. 

It was a hazy day. I read that the California fires and causing smoke throughout the United States clear to New York. 

We started having some thunder around 4:15 pm. It rained a while but in Tempe they had what they are calling a 100 year storm, if you can believe the media. They got 3.5 inches of rain in less than an hour according to my friend Karen.

 Adalyn Tibbetts

Sheri's fifth child

 Love the cone shaped roof

 If I got these for the yard I wonder if James

would try to feed them.

 Whiteriver gets the most!

 Priest in our ward

Love this view of the Idaho Falls temple.

Thursday, August 9th, 2018

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Ether 3:16

Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

*Why did prior knowledge of the Lord cause the dissenters to harden their hearts?

- Those who fell away from the gospel most likely also lost the influence of the Spirit. They sought after others who were in the same situation and as often happens they pulled each other down.

When you intentionally reject the gospel you set yourself up to drift here and there.

Old Testament

Job 32-34

32 Elihu, n anger, answers Job and his three friends - He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise. 

33 Elihu says: God is greater than man - He speaks to man in dreams and visions - He ransoms those cast into the pit - He delivers their souls and gives them life.

34 Elihu teaches, God cannot be unjust, commit iniquity, pervert judgment, or respect persons - Man should bear chastisement and do iniquity no more.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela Wakolo

"The many distractions and temptations of life are like 'ravening wolves' (Matt 7:15). It is the true shepherd who will prepare, protect, and warn the sheep and the flock when these wolves are approaching. As undershepherds who seek to emulate the perfect life of the Good Shepherd, aren't we shepherds of our own soul as well as of others? With the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators, whom we just sustained, and with the power and gift of the Holy Ghost, we can see the wolves coming if we are watchful and prepared. In contrast, when we are casual shepherds of our own soul and others' souls, casualties are likely. Casualness leads to casualties. I invite each of us to be a faithful shepherd."

James called the pump company this morning and was told how to fix the problem with the pump. Woohoo! I got to take a shower and wash my hair before going to the temple this morning.

I left the house around 9:20 to pick up my friend Catherine. She is 83 but seems younger. She did one of my family names, Laura Lewis, and I did Georgia Ruthledge.

Catherine worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years. She happened to run into a friend from her days in Mesa and they had a great visit before and after the session.

The session was pretty full with a row of sisters on the brothers side. President Jensen, formerly of our stake presidency and his wife were in the session, and our stake patriarch, Brother Toronto was the officiator. Catherine and I took a selfie afterwards.

Sorry for the goofy looking face by "Yours truly."

When I got home this afternoon I phoned a new sisters in the ward whom we haven't seen because she has been sick. She is from Woodland, Texas and her name is Marie. She said she had bronchitis but is much better. She is living here alone right now with her six dogs. Her husband will be in Texas for another year. She is 74 years old and it sounds like we could be friends.

We had a beautiful unexpected rain this evening, something I always enjoy. I also walked over 20,000 steps and then James and I watched the newest episode of the Garage Sale Mysteries, "Pandora's Box." A murder mystery, Hallmark style.

I sure do love this boy!

 Is Cierci an alpaca or a llama?

 Two boys in Phoenix were struck by lightning too.

How sad.

 Huntleigh the brave!

Wednesday, August 8th, 2018

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Alma 5:15

Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raise in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:1-19

*How can the interaction between Amalickiah and Lehonti be symbolic of our interaction with temptations?

- Amalickiah never gave up even though Lehonti refused him several times. Eventually Lehonti gave in just like we often do to Satan.

Old Testament

Job 29-31

29 Job recalls his former prosperity and greatness - He was blessed because of his righteousness, his charity, and his good deeds

30 Job is derided by the children of vile and base men - In his afflicted state, he cries to the Lord - Job says that he wept for those in trouble.

31 Job invites judgment so that God may know his integrity - If he has done ill, Job welcomes the penalties for so doing.

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"As we consider the roles that our young women will be expected to assume in the near future we might ask ourselves what kind of experiences we could provide for them now that will help with their preparation to be missionaries, gospel scholars, leaders in the Church auxiliaries temple workers, wives, mothers, mentors, examples, and friends. They can actually begin now to fill many of those roles. Youth are often asked to hep teach lessons on Sunday in their classes. Opportunities are now available for our young women to perform service in the temple previously completed by ordinance workers or volunteers when they attend with their youth groups to perform baptisms for the dead. Our primary -age girls are now invited to attend Temple and Priesthood Preparation meetings, which will help them understand that they too are important participants in priesthood-directed work. They are learning that men, women, youth, and children are all recipients of priesthood blessings and all can take an active role in moving forward the Lord's work."

Happy 9th Birthday Molly!

I love this girl's zest for life and her smile!

I enjoy listening to articles from the Ensign while I am ironing. Today I listened to: "Parents, Help Them to Prepare," and "My Scar Story."

James made three trips to town today to get parts for the pump on the well and it's still not working right. I have had no shower since Monday and James is quite discouraged. In the morning he will be calling the manufacturer of the pump.

My friend Jean and I went to lunch today. We went to Mountain Thai because that is one of her favorite restaurants up here on the mountain. James and I went there once and we did not like what we ordered. Jean says she gets the soup. I ordered the same thing she did, the vegetable soup with shrimp except I ordered egg noddles and she ordered clear noodles. When we asked the waitress what the difference was she said the clear noodles are better for you but the egg noodles have a better flavor. I said I would go for the flavor. Jean reminded the waitress to bring over the bottle of sweet chili and then she ordered sticky rice and mangoes for her daughter Deana, and one order for us to share.

When our soup came it tasted pretty bland until we poured in the sweet chili sauce. Delicious!  Neither one of us finished so we got take home boxes. I love when I can get two meals out of an order!

We may have been too full to finish off our soup but we weren't too full to eat all of the fresh mangoes and sticky rice. This is the best dessert I have had in a long time! Jean insisted that she pay for my lunch even though I protested and told her it was my turn. She said I always pick her up and she wanted to treat me. I told her I was so glad we came here and I would come back and bring James with me. She said the four of us should come back together.

On the way home we stopped at Dr. Hall's dentist office. Hunter, Jean's granddaughter works here. Hunter's mom Deana was waiting for us to pick her up. First we loaded Dean's groceries into my car and then we followed Deana to her mother-in-laws home where she took Hunter's car. Jimmy will pick it up there and take it to get new tires. Deana then got in and we drove home. I told her I was sure glad she ordered the mangoes and sticky rice otherwise I wouldn't have known what I was missing. Deana is Jean's daughter and she has some health issues as do both her mom and dad. She was on oxygen. Deana I think is probably around 50 years old.

I went home, took a short rest on my recliner in front of the TV and then worked on getting my 20,000 steps today, inspite of not being able to take a shower. 

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the check engine light is no on in my car. The maintenance required light has been on for quite some time. I am beginning to get concerned. Don't fail me now Lexy!

Donna update from Kathy: 

"Doctor Francis saw the fracture on the MRI and said nothing to panic about and she shouldn't have been sent down. No surgery with that fracture. They are going to do an MRI today on her upper back and neck."  -10:13 AM

"Just got a call from Owen. Donna has been in a lot of pain today and elevated blood pressure. They took another MRI and have decided to do surgery tomorrow. She will have a rod put in to keep her back straight to try and help it to heal." - 7:37 PM

Happy 15th Anniversary to these two!

Interesting!

I wonder what she wanted.

Always on the look out.

Gilbert temple after a rain storm.