Monday, October 1st, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeds follishness;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

How can I be more like Samuel the Lamanite?

-I can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. I also should not be afraid of others and their opinions.

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

We had much needed rain most of the day today. I know it also rained and cooled down in the valley too. 

On our trip to Heber on Sunday we noticed all the dead pine trees along the way because of the dryness which causes bark beetles to attack the trees and kill them.

I learned some interesting things about the Creation during my personal gospel study this morning. Here is a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"...the word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos - chaotic matter, which is element, and in which dwells all the glory. Element had an existence from the time He had. The pure principles of elemennt are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and re-organized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end "(TPJS, p. 350-52; see also 28 Truths Taught by the Book of Mormon, p. 42).

I made pancakes for the boys this morning. They each ate one big one and they were done. I had planned on going shopping this morning but ended up paying bills instead. 

James came home because he couldn't work in the rain. The two of us went to town to get pizza and chicken for the boys. I let each boy choose a meal or two. Evan and Max wanted Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, and Evan asked for fried chicken. Max doesn't like Walmart or KFC chicken so we went to Safeway for the chicken before picking up the pizzas. 

James said I shouldn't have gotten two large pizzas, that mediums would have been enough. Those pizzas were gone in five minutes time. 

After lunch and a nap I went back in to town to do some real grocery shopping. Joshua wants spaghetti and burgers, Max wants hot dogs and steak, and Rowan asked for honey lime chicken enchiladas like his mom makes. I bought a lot of groceries and spent double what I normally spend. I did by lots of snacks and plenty of steak and hamburger. 

Since we had pizza for lunch, we had the chicken for dinner. I also made macaroni and cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread and fresh pineapple.

For F.H.E. we watched the video about Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff called, "A Search for Truth." 

After FHE the boys went outside to play with the laser guns.

We heard the news that President Ballard's wife Barbara passed away today. How sad to happen right before he speaks in General Conference.

James and I worked on our book business this evening. By working I mean we did some more training sessions. James said that the more he learns the more he is getting excited about doing this business. I got my Amazon Store Card approval for an extra 5% off of all purchases we make.

Huddled around Max's phone because we couldn't get the

FHE video to work on the computers.

"A Search for Truth."

 Ben and his companion Elder Nelson from

Minnesota who is the zone leader.

Ben does all the driving. Grandpa will give some

pointers about driving in the snow.

Taylor Wanlass took this photo yesterday after

sacrament meeting. Ben is in his sister-in-laws ward.

Taylor's dad is the bishop of the Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Playing Apples to Apples. These boys get

along so well together!

The faces of Charlie. I have got to make 

a photo album!

Skittles misses Joshua. She broke out of her cage

to tell Stacy about it.

Sunday, September 30th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil
111th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:14-26

*What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

- Repentance leads us to Christ's grace. The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power. Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts. (p. 279-80 BMSM)
Old Testament
Isaiah 43-45
General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but you time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in you homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

Fast and Testimony meeting - James passed the sacrament. Talon is back and he blessed along with Charlie G. Seems funny not to have Jackson here. He is at the MTC in the Philippines.

Chuck conducted and offered a five point testimony: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, and today's Prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

Elder Bernecker testified that we need to be brilliant in the basics. Brother Joe W. said that the Savior's sacrifice means everything to him. James/Dad bore a five point, powerful testimony. 

Brother Burkee says that the Spirit causes people to glow. Millie S. said that when she and Brother Scott went to sacrament meeting for the first time he turned to her and said: "Millie, the people are glowing."

Brother Wallace told of having a friend here and giving him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it. He made the comment: "Don't ever run out of your Books of Mormon.

Macy W., a young woman talked about trials, trusting Heavenly Father and her parents. She said they have very little, but really, they have everything. It was great! To me, one of the most memorable testimonies born.

We sat by the Howard's. After sacrament meeting Jean asked if she could stay with me. I was supposed to go to teacher council meeting but I went to Brother Smith's Sunday School class with her instead. We talked about Isaiah.

There is a scripture that says that the Lord never wearies of us. Brother Smith asked how we felt about that and then asked if we could do the same for those in our lives.

He then related the phrase of Joseph Smith in the 131st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "O God where are thou?" Have we ever asked this question? How did we handle the situation? 

We discussed relying on the Spirit and turning things over to the Lord. "All things work together for good to those that love God."

In Relief Society Sister S. Wilhelm led the discussion on allowing others to minister to us. She had this quote on the board:

"The many missions we have in life cannot be embarked upon successfully without the help of others." 

This afternoon we broke our fast and had lunch. I finished off the Big Jake burro I got yesterday at El Cupido's. James had some leftover stew and a roll. Afterwards we laid down for a nap. We got up a little before and hopped in the car to meet Sheri and Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan in Heber. The boys are coming up here for a few days since they are on fall break.

We drove Sheri's van back to our house and she took our car home. We are going down on Thursday for appointments and will get our car back.

Since Ben is in the mission field now his P-day has changed from Tuesday to Monday so James and I emailed him before going to bed. 

We had family prayer with the boys and James told them to be in bed by 11.

 Card

Dot Journal

 A storm is definitely coming!

 They better let him have some!

I never thought Hungary was 

beautiful until now.

 Michael and Alexis went to the
Cardinals vs. Seahawks game.

So much cuteness!

So sad

While the rest of the boys were downstairs

eating grilled cheese sandwiches, Evan

was upstairs and did this.

He said he bumped his head but wouldn't

explain how.

Saturday, September 29th, 2018

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 4:10

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:1-13

*How will you be blessed if you put your trust in the Lord?

-I can live with peace knowing He has a plan for me. I can remember past blessings. He will prosper me, but when He does, I must not forget Him. As I follow the commandments I am blessed. Obedience is the key!

James/Dad: That is exactly right. If we put our trust in the Lord, then we are blessed with a greater desire to keep the commandments and repent of sins and mistakes. Then the blessings begin to flow. Our faith increases. As our faith increases our ability to feel the Savior's words when we read or hear them increases. We begin to recognize His tender mercies in our lives. We more readily feel of His Spirit and begin to develop an eternal perspective which gives us hope and comfort during trials and tribulation that comes to each of us. We develop the ability to feel happiness and joy even while we are suffering, which dispells discouragement. Things of little or of no eternal value begin to fall out of our lives. We learn and live what is really important.

Old Testament

Isaiah 40-42

General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Please be assured that senior Church leaders who preside over the divinely appointed purposes of the Church receive divine assistance. This guidance comes from the Spirit and sometimes directly from the Savior. Both kinds of spiritual guidance are given. I am grateful to have received such assistance. But guidance is given in the Lord's time, line upon line and precept upon precept, when 'an omniscient Lord deliberately chooses to school us. Guidance for the Church as a whole comes only to His prophet."

We had to stop at the Shell station in Taylor to pick up some Icebreakers before going to the temple. I am not sure I could make it through the shift without them. I also had to share with James because he forgot his Biotin spray.

President Palmer and Sister Palmer were our supervisors today. 
We had the same training video as last time about the endowment session but afterwards President Palmer did some training on his own. He emphasized not trying to do things "in sync" but to do them by the Spirit.  It was a good training.

Here were some of the highlights of my day: 
I was in the new name booth for the first session. It was my first time and I actually enjoyed it.

I was greeter 1 downstairs behind the recommend desk when our friend Anthony came in. I told him the next endowment session wasn't until 9:30 but he could do initiatories while he was waiting. He looked at me and said, "Is there a place I can take a shower first." I was a little taken aback by this request but then I remembered his situation, no running water or electricity, out in the middle of nowhere. I directed him down to the baptismal dressing area and told him there was a shower there. After Anthony went down the hall I spoke with Sister Palmer who was standing behind me by the stained glass artwork. I told her what I had done and she said they had done that with a sister earlier in the week and it was fine. She also said she was glad that I was here when he came in because I understood his situation, which made me feel good.

Again I worked in initiatory twice, which is good practice for me, and something I really enjoy. I also got to assist Sister Wenhardt in the baptistry and listen to President Palmer speak to the groups coming in for baptisms. He told some neat stories, one was about when he served in the West Indies and a couple went without electricity for a year and saved the money so they could go to the temple. He also told about his third great grandfather whose wife joined the Church but he didn't. This was before the construction of the Nauvoo temple and baptisms for the dead were being done in the river. He said his great 3x grandmother was baptized for his grandfather. After the building of the Nauvoo temple this practice stopped and females could only be baptized for other females and males only for other males. He said he and his wife were listening to the new church history book, "The Saints" and they talked about this practice of females being baptized for males and visa versa.

My last assignment was in the Celestial room. I get the group coming from the 11:00 session and I enjoy being there. It's a good way to end my shift. The temple will be closed after today until October 16th.

James and I stopped for lunch at El Cupido's in Snowflake and saw our old friends from high school, Paul and Dianne. We visited and made jokes about getting old. Paul and Dianne work at the temple on Wednesdays. Dianne's sister Tricia and her husband are in the temple presidency.

James went down to the church after we got home to visit with a brother from our ward who wanted some counsel and advice from him. I stayed home relaxed, walked, and worked on my blog.

We started our fast after lunch.

We missed a call from our friend Millie. She had baked an apple pie and wanted to give it to us. Darn!

Happy 23rd anniversary Kim & Brian!

They spent it at the beach and 

going to a concert.

 Trina doing her spring triathalon

 Lola being a "fancy" girl

 Ben having dinner at a members home

in Idaho Falls

James planted some flowers for me.

The little rose bush and the gerber daisy

were gifts for our anniversary.

 Teaching in a journal the

Plan of Salvation

I can hardly wait to meet this

little doll.

 My friend Rosa is visiting her daughter

and her family in Idaho.

 These photos were taken at the Idaho Falls temple.

 Throwback to Dallin 2012.

I wish I could make this card for Christmas.

I love it!

One of those unforgettable movies.

At least that one scene anyway.

Talon returned from Washington today.
Brother George was happy to see him.

Talon shot a bear while in Washington.

Friday, September 28th, 2018

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know asuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 11;21-38

It can be very easy to forget Heavenly Father and fall into wicked ways. What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing?

-Seek to surround yourself with righteous people. Those who will uplift you and make you better. Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin. Avoid contention. Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times. Always have a prayer in your heart Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation. All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, ad endure in faith. true doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. Understand the power of covenants. Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple. Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders. Be humble and teachable, not prideful. Love God more than man. Put Him first in your life. Keep the commandments Prayer and scripture study everyday so we don't forget Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are the givers of all our blessings. Daily repentance. Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. Love one another.

Old Testament

Isaiah 37-39

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Ours is not just a Sunday church. Our worship continues each day of the week, wherever we are and in whatever we do. Our homes in particular are "the primary sanctuaries of our faith." It is most often in our homes that we pray, we bless, we study, we teach the word of God, and we serve with pure love. I can testify from personal experience that our homes are sacred places where the Spirit can abound - as much as, and sometimes even more than, in our formal places of worship."

James and I received a phone call from a representative of the online business we are looking in to. James said before the call: "We are not going to spend more than $400 to get into this business." Not so. It cost much more. We stopped during the call and went in to the bedroom to offer a prayer. After the prayer we waited a few minutes to see how we felt. James said he felt good. I said I felt neither bad nor good but that I would go with his feelings. We signed up. 

James had to leave to work at the Howard's but I watched the first training session which was two hours long. This is going to be a little more involved and complicated than we had originally thought. James is still confident that we will be able to do it and make money at it so I am going to support him in that.

James wasn't gone long when he asked me to call Dr. Moffat and make him an appointment. When I asked him what the appointment was for, this is what he said: "The swelling in my leg from where I fell through the boards on the upstairs deck has not gone down for 9 days and my elbow is still swollen from where I fell into the dumpster 5 weeks ago." I made the call do Dr. Moffat's around noon only to learn that the office closes at noon on Friday.

I was supposed to go to Jean's this afternoon to help her with her family history. I forgot and put rolls out to rise. I called and told her I would work here at home on her family names and we would meet next week. 

I started reading "The Lilac Girls: A Novel" again. It's about two women in three different places during WWII. One is an American living in New York working at the French consulate. Her name is Caroline. Another is a Polish girl in Poland during the bombings and German takeovers. Her name is Kasha. The last is Hatta who is a German living in Dusseldorf. So far I'm not very fond of the book. 

Stacy is going to receive training at the National Laser Institute. Her loan was approved. She is very excited to say the least.

I packaged 39 rolls to take to the temple tomorrow. They are delicious! I had stew and rolls for lunch. I must not have sweets in my house. I ate the little lemon cakes and snickerdoodle cookies also. Next time, no dessert for the missionaries unless it's fruit.

Tonight is Show Low's homecoming. Kerri asked if I wanted to go. I said I did but I have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to work at the temple. She is involved in the ward wood cutting breakfast in the morning and said she should get to bed early too, so needless to say, we stayed home. Kerri's dad was the head football coach at Westwood High for years. She and her mom both love football. 

Sheri called this evening and said Max wants to come up next week since it is the first week of fall break. I told her Adam and Kaitlin are coming up next weekend and Kaitlin's mom and her two grandsons may come too. She called back and said Max wants to come up Sunday and then go home with us when we come down on Thursday. Not only do Max and Evan want to come but they want to bring Rowan and Joshua. I told Sheri only if we could trade cars and use her van because our car isn't big enough for four boys and two adults.

The weather was perfect today with the high in the 70's.

Now that's a  "fancy" girl!

 Dot Journal

Card

Cross Country for Addy and Rowan

One of the seven wonders of the world