OUR FAMILY

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Sunday, August 25th, 2019

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

Book of Mormon

Alma 56:18-40

New Testament "Be Perfectly Joined Together" 1 Corinthians 1-7

Review 1 Corinthians 1-7

General Conference

Cleansed by Repentance

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Overarching God's plan and all of His commandments is His love for each of us, which is 'most desirable above all things ... and the most joyous to the soul'. The prophet Isaiah assured even the wicked that when they 'return unto the Lord, ... he will have mercy ... and abundantly pardon'. Alma taught, 'Behold he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them'. The risen Lord told the Nephites, 'Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive'. From these and many other scriptural teachings, we know that our loving Savior opens His arms to receive all men and women on the loving conditions He has prescribed to enjoy the greatest blessings God has for His children."

Marie and Jasmine were confirmed today in sacrament meeting. They were dressed nice and they were glowing. I congratulated both of them afterwards.

My friend Jean came to sacrament meeting today at my request but I could tell she did not feel well and I felt a little guilty. She went home after sacrament meeting.

Dimitri G. was the youth speaker today. He spoke on the impact of the "Come Follow Me" program on his family. He said that the "Come Follow Me" program has helped him feel the Spirit and grow close to Jesus Christ. It was a great talk!

The choir sang "Amazing Grace". They need more men. Lots of women but not enough men.

Brother S. Hunsaker was the last speaker. He used Elder Kyle S. McKay's talk, "The Immediate Goodness of God" as the basis for his talk but used his own examples. I could listen to Sean talk all day. Such a sweet, good man. Here are some quotes: "Even while we are patiently waiting upon the Lord, these are certain blessing that come to us immediately" When Alma's people reached Zarahemla: "When they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of ... bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God." The immediate goodness of God comes to all who call upon Him with real intent and full purpose of heart. He has promised, "My kindness shall not depart from thee." Paul said, 'nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus.'

Sister Skousen taught Relief Society today based on Elder Uchtodorf's talk, "Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart". The sisters had lots of stories to tell and really carried the lesson.

After lunch and rest time I reviewed this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson by listening to Brother Butler's and Sister Freeman's YouTube video and filling out their work sheet. I did the same thing with next week's lesson.

James went to visit the Peeler's and when he returned we headed for the Woods' for dinner. We met Rosa and Dave there. Dave and James are the ministering brothers for Pam and Chuck. When they asked for an appointment Pam invited them to bring their wives for dinner.

We sat out on the deck and visited while waiting for the sun to go down. After the sun was down we ate out on the deck at the table that was set up. First was the salad which was served in a bowl made from the knot on a tree from Alaska. James asked what kind of tree but they didn't know.

For dinner we had a delicious meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, and broccoli. For dessert a homemade cherry pie with the best crust I have ever tasted!

After dinner we watched photos projected on the screen from the Woods' recent trip to Prince Edward Island, Kentucky, and Tennesse. Lots of pictures of quilts from the quilt museum in Kentucky.

Pam has been quilting since she was 20 years old and she is now 70. She is a hand quilter. Chuck does the machine quilting.

Pam with some of her quilts

Lots of awards!

Pam is one of the nicest people I have ever met. She considers everyone her friend and is so kind and loving.

On the way home we stopped at the Halcomb's to get some peaches. They had two big boxes full. We only took a small bag.

This post was done by Elder Heyman,

Dianne's husband.

Our friends Bob and Claire:

Sweet little Charlie

This weeks "Come Follow Me"

Saturday, August 24th, 2019

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Exodus 40:34

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Book of Mormon

Alma 56:1-17

New Testament "Be Perfectly Joined Together" 1 Cor. 1-7

1 Corinthians 7

General Conference

Come, Follow Me

President Russell M. Nelson

"The anguish of my heart is that many people whom I love, whom I admire, and whom I respect decline His invitation. They ignore the pleadings of Jesus Christ when He beckons, 'Come, follow me.'"

Today we worked in the temple. President and Sister Reidhead presided. After our preparation meeting President Reidhead spoke with both James and I, separately about continuing on as temple workers. It has been two years since we were called and that is the end of our first term. We both told him we would work as long as we were able and as long as they needed us.

James has his voice today. Yesterday he did not have a voice and was not sure he would be able to talk today. Our prayers were answered.

We had several own endowments and live sealings today. One of the live sealings was the Hall-Crandall wedding. President Hall and President Crandall are both counselors to President Williams in the Show Low stake presidency. President Hall's daughter married President Crandall's son. What a cute couple they were. They looked so young! When they came out of the temple, a big cheer went up outside.

I saw several people I knew today in the temple which is always fun. Brother and Sister Bowers, former temple workers, did 2 sessions. They brought a crab salad and ate lunch with our shift. James actually ate with them. Their salad was delicious and I told Janet she should bring it every time we are here.

After our shift was complete we got lunch at Arby's, meh, and then stopped in at the CVS in Taylor for some bandages. Sister Halcomb, Kerri's mom, fell and hurt both arms. Kerri is gone to Utah to get peaches and Catherine needs someone to help change her bandages. I told her James and I would stop by after the temple, which we did.

Catherine's skin is so thin, she
bruises very easily.

Never fear, Dr. Jim is here.

Catherine calls this her sunflower tree.

After snacking on ice cream James and I both took naps. For some reason we are exhausted after working in the temple.

I read a little from my Aunt Dimity book and then spent and hour or so walking. James carries his phone in the temple, I don't so I'm always behind in my steps. While walking I watched "Pioneer Woman," and "Supermarket Stakeout." James worked on his Primary lesson.

This evening we watched the new Hallmark summer movie starring Autumn Reeser and Brennan Elliott.

The birthday card we sent Charlie

She got a new book with the money
we sent.

I would buy one in a minute if they
would stay small.

The Ellsworth-Harding family

Alyssa and Joshua

Alyssa
Last month hiking in Canada, this
month a beautiful bride

Hatch family

This Campbell sisters were baptized today.

Marie and Jasmine. Bishop Miller and Brother Applegate

did the honors. Lucretia, the great grandmother gave the

talk on the Holy Ghost.

Another wedding

James's former counselor and friend,
Brother Chubbs

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Friday, August 23rd, 2019

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Exodus 33:17-18

And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

Book of Mormon

Alma 55:15-35

New Testament "Be Perfectly Joined Together" 1 Cor. 1-7

1 Corinthians 6

General Conference

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

"Alma prophesied that Christ 'shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.' Why? 'That his bowels may be filled with mercy, ... that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.'"

James and Alex left for Silver Creek this morning. While they were gone I got a call from Chuck asking if James was home. Chuck and Kathy were on their way to the valley to see the Kostusiaks. When I told him no, he said he would call someone else. I asked him what he needed. He said our neighbor, Sister MacArthur has two rattlesnakes in her yard. Chelsie is there alone with two small children. He husband is a hot shot jumper in Alaska and won't be back until October. I texted Chelsie and she said that Brother S. Hunsaker came over and killed the snakes for her. The Priesthood to the rescue, thank goodness!

James and Alex were only gone a couple of hours. Alex caught two fish. Here is one of them:

This guy is gasping for breath so

Alex threw him back in.

Silver Creek

Alex left almost as soon as they got back from fishing. I told him we had to take a picture.

Best of friends

We had such a great visit with Alex and are so grateful he came to see us.

I made rolls this afternoon for the temple tomorrow. James helped me join his walking group on Pacer. I sold some books today which always makes me happy. All in all, it was a good day.