Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 67:12

Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:21-39

New Testament: Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians 3

General Conference

True Disciples of the Savior

Elder Terrence Vinson

"We can feel enduring joy when our Savior and His gospel become the framework around which we build our lives."

I learned something today by reading in the New Testament Student Manual. John the Revelator was the president of the Church after Peter died. He moved the headquarters of the Church from Jerusalem to Epheseus. He took Mary, Jesus's mother, with him.

Here are some more notes from the New Testament Student Manual: "By referring to members of the Church as Saints, Paul was teaching that every follower of Jesus Christ is made holy - set apart from the world - through the Atonement and should therefore strive to be a holy person."

I sold two copies of the book "Grammaire" today. This is a book that teaches French grammar.

James and I signed birthday cards today for Lois and Dawn. We are going to the valley tomorrow and will see them tomorrow night.

The appraisers came today for the new loan. There was a woman who came into the bedroom as I was working at my desk. She took some pictures and commented about what a large bedroom this was, and left. James told me later that there was a man, he says they were a married couple. James says the man weighed over 600 lbs (an estimate) and had a difficult time getting up the stairs on the porch, much less the stairs going upstairs or to the basement. He had his wife do all of that. They were not here very long because James had house plans ready for the man to look at.

I went into town after the appraisers left. My first stop was CVS to pick up James's prescriptions. One was ready but the second one was not. I picked up the one and then left to go to Walmart. At Walmart I bought lots of lotions, handsoap and bodywash to put in gift baskets for Alice, Lois, and Dawn. Here is what one of the gift baskets looked like:

Tomorrow is Alice Wilhelm's birthday. Since we are

leaving early in the morning James dropped off her

basket and gift card this evening.

After shopping at Walmart for gift baskets and more stuff for another batch of zuppa tuscana, I left to go back to CVS to pick up James's second prescription. I also stopped at Dairy Queen for a box of cherry and a box of chocolate Dilly bars. 

When I got home, it was after six, and James was still working on the logs outside. While he delivered Alice's gift basket I finished up my book shipment and got it all packed in the box. James put it in the car. It weighs 37 lbs.

The Church came out with a new policy regarding who can witness baptisms and sealings, which includes women and in the case of live baptisms, older children.

I finished walking while watching Chopped Jr. 

Today was a perfect day. 70 degrees and no wind.

Happy 92nd Birthday Lois!

Grandmother Lois meeting Charlie

Lunch at Mimi's, Lois's favorite

There are two things Lois loves,

her family, and making beautiful

things for them.

 James brought me a flower

I think James could have been an architect.
Drawing of front porch he is going to build
for the Bowen's.

Tricia's sister Stacy with Tricia's baby

Sweet Charlie feeding her baby

Tuesday, October 1st, 2019

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

New Testament: Ephesians: "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians 2

General Conference

The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"Through the incessant din and drumbeat of our day, may we strive to see Christ at the center of our lives, of our faith, and of our service."

A quote from "Rescuing Wayward Children" under the heading: "The Noble and Great Ones Do the Work of Redemption"

The thing that characterizes the God's and those who aspire to godhead is the love of the work of redemption. Israel means 'men becoming like God.' Cry repentance. If the Lord's intention is the redemption of all His children, no childs' birth into a LDS home is a mistake or roll of the dice. The chances of being born into an LDS home are 1 in 508.

My books keep selling and I am creeping towards $10,000 in sales. It will happen sometime in October. 

I paid bills and my tithing today. James did errands for me. He went to take a photo of the Bowen's where he is bidding a porch, stopped at Dollar General to get money for Scarlett's card, and mailed Scarlett's card. I hope she gets it in time. 

I watched "DWTS". Because Ray Lewis got hurt and had to quit, no one else was eliminated.

Anthony had a horrible, near death reaction, to the arthritis drug Humira. They are taking every precaution and paying for him to go to the valley to get more tests done. He said they even paid for his lunch which was a bologna and cheese sandwich on white bread, and a lukewarm bottle of water.

I am inventoring my new books and getting ready to ship them. I am sending one back.

We finished our leftovers today so tomorrow I can make something new, a Dr. Pepper pork roast.

We kept seeing old cars come through town on Friday and

this was why.

Monday, September 30th, 2019

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

JS-H: 1:17

It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of the spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other - This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:14-26

New Testament: Ephesians "For the Perfecting of the Saints"

Ephesians 1

General Conference

Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Our testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, our homes, our families, and our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be our personal fortresses of protection surrounding us and shielding us from the power of the evil one. Of this I bear my solemn witness in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen."

Closing Remarks
President Russell M. Nelson
"I leave my love and blessing with you, assuring you that revelation continues in this, the Lord's Church. It will continue until 'the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.'"

Today is Dawn's birthday. I'm not sure how old she is, but I know she is a few years younger than I am. Dawn and I have been friends for over 50 years. We took guitar lessons together, and she was a wonderful example to my children as they were growing up. She has always been kind, patient, loving, and willing to serve others. She is talented like her mother. I remember when she and Carmen and Rebecca were teenagers, they made quilts for our kids. Dawn has a Phd in education and is a wise and patient teacher of children. She now teaches 7-8th grade at a Montessori school in Mesa.

Happy Birthday Dawn. I love you.

Dawn, Carmen and Rebecca after a day of skiing.
Skiing was on Dawn's bucket list.

Before going home Carmen, Rebecca, and
Dawn helped me clean the church.

We don't get to see Carmen very often so it's

always fun when she comes.

I read this quote in "Aunt Dimity's Christmas." 

"Too much comfort is as corrosive to the soul as too little."

I think most of us who live in the United States are in danger of having too much comfort and must be careful it doesn't destory us spiritually. 

Another quote from another book I am reading, "Rescuing Wayward Children":

"Children born in the lineage of Israel are placed there because of the role they will play in serving others. They were faithful and strong before this life marked for greatness here because of their former greatness. They were given the assignment to prepare the world for the Savior's Second Coming. Premortally they had 'conformed to the image of God's Son.' "(Romans 8:29)

James got up this morning and looked outside and said: "That wind is blowing something fierce." I told him I heard an elk close by. James calls, hears him, and leaves. 

Around 6 a.m. I got a text from Tamara,  who is out of town with her husband Jimmy, that there is a fire on Serviceberry Hill, and Jordyn, the only person at home in their family, was being evacuated. I looked outside and saw a small fire on the hill just above Cherry Moyers house where they had been burning brush. James said that this is Serviceberry Hill. I watched as the fire trucks came and eventually the flames were gone and all that was left was smoke. I texted Tamara who is in the valley and told her that her house was in no danger and that Jordyn should be able to return home soon, which she did. It's funny how we can go many days and nothing happens but the minute we leave home something like this happens. We laughed about it and felt grateful to the fire department that the fire was so quickly under control. 

I realized that I was not going to be able to attend my dear friend Analee's funeral later this week because we will be in the valley for my infusion and James's doctor's appointment. The family was asking for donations to pay the hospital bill rather than people sending flowers so James and I signed a card and we sent them a small check, expressing our love for Analee and for the family we know here in Vernon. 

My friend and Relief Society teacher, Diana Curtis, had hip replacement surgery last week. Kathy Crane and I are putting food together to take to Diana and her husband, Blain this evening. 

Kathy made sweet pork burros and had some Texas sheetcake which she put together in a bag. I told her I would make refried beans and a salad to take. I wanted to do more so I also made Zuppa Tuscana soup and some rolls. James and I delivered the food and visited for a few minutes with Diana and Blain who are our dear friends. It is a privilege to have such friends as the Curtis's.

On the way home we stopped at Tanna Conrad's house to give her a sympathy card. Tanna just lost her grandmother who had raised her and lived with her. We spoke with her a few minutes and when she said she wanted a service for her grandmother we gave her the Bishop's phone number and James contacted the bishop.

When we got home I heard our elk calling. James didn't answer this time. We went inside and after cleaning the kitchen we watched the new Ruby Herring mystery, starring Taylor Cole.

Sheri shared Ben's letter with us.

Serviceberry Hill

How do I keep this guy grounded?

Sunday, September 29th, 2019

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sep 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Glory of

Moses 1:39

For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Book of Mormon

 Helaman 12:1-13

New Testament Galatians: "Walk in the Spirit"

Review

General Conference

The Immediate Goodness of God

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"I bear witness that Jesus Christ is the Great Deliverer, and in His name, I promise that as you turn to Him with real intent and full purpose of heart, He will deliver you from everything that threatens to diminish or destroy your life or joy. That deliverance may take longer than you would like - perhaps a lifetime or longer. So, to give you comfort, courage, and hope, to sustain and strengthen you to that day of ultimate deliverance, I commend to you and testify of the immediate goodness of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I finished this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson before it was time to get ready for stake conference. The session this morning started at 10 a.m. in Lakeside. We sat in the overflow in front of a family from our ward with two small children, the Bowen's. 

The choir was singing "I Believe in Christ" and it sounded beautiful.  Kathy Crane, Pierce Goodman, and Virgil Cooper from our ward were in the choir.

President Miles was the first speaker this morning. He quoted from 2 Timothy 3:1,13 - regarding perilous times in the last days. He said there would be many distractions and deceptions. 

He said there are four primary questions that we need to ask ourselves: 1) Is there a God? 2) Is there a Savior? 3) Was Joseph Smith a prophet? 4) Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the Kingdom of God on earth today?

He said he listened to a talk given by Elder Corbridge of the Seventy at a BYU Devotional regarding the Book of Mormon. The last time he read the Book of Mormon he began with the Title page and the testimonies of the witnesses. He also read from the "Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt" regarding his testimony of the Book of Mormon. A testimony of the Book of Mormon will help with the primary questions mentioned earlier. Here are some other things regarding the Book of Mormon: 1) It is the keystone of our religion. 2) It testifies of Christ. 3) It helps us deal with today's issues. 4) It helps us to maintain our testimonies and helps us not to fall away or be deceived. 2 Nephi 25:26. Ezra Taft Benson says that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion in three different ways: As a witness of Christ, it is the keystone of the doctrine of Christ, and of our testimonies of Christ. There is power in the book to help us stay on the Covenant Path. President Miles has received a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.

Adrian Bellagio a recent convert who is now preparing to go on a mission.  He was an investigator for ten years before joining the Church. After graduating from high school he joined the Church and then fell away. He went to Eastern Arizona Junior College and got involved in institute and had some good friends. That's when he decided to go on a mission. He loves the talk by Jeffrey R. Holland, "Lord I Believe." He is going to the Reno, Nevada mission.

Sister Suzy Ray of the Aspen Ward her husband was a non-member for over 30 years. He was baptized last December in Hawaii, fulfilling a 20 year dream of his. Never say never. When her husband said to her last year, "I think I'm ready to be baptized" she was very pleasantly surprised. He had two friends who helped him. Karl in Hawaii, and Brian in both Arizona and Connecticut. They also have many good friends in the Aspen ward. On December 18th, 2018, her husband was baptized in the ocean in Hawaii. Their sons participated in the baptism and confirmation.

Brother Earl Ray, a convert of almost a year Hello, I am an investigator of over 30 years. Eight years ago I had a near death experience in Connecticut and I asked my son to give me a blessing. Everything was okay. Another time here in Lakeside I wanted a blessing for health reasons and decided to call the missionaries serving in our ward. About that time there came a knock on the door. Lo and behold, it was the missionaries saying that had a feeling they should come and visit me. He told of an experience where he fast and prayed to know if he should join the Church. He had always wanted a spiritual experience similar to Joseph Smith's. Instead he got an incredible feeling of peace and he knew that was his answer.

President Wright In this talk President Wright returns to the Book of Mormon and begins to discuss the Tree of Life Vision of Lehi found in 1 Nephi 8. The fruit of the tree of life represents the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the enabling power of God. President Wright read Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. He also read Ether 12:4 - Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God. And, Moroni 7:44-48 - If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren and sisters, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
Invitation: Find someone who is having a hard time and do something nice for them.

Sister Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission She and her husband were recently called to be the President of the Scottsdale Mission. They are from Colorado. She talked about going to Scottsdale in July and said they arranged to be in the White Mountains much of July. She bore testimony using the primary questions President Miles mentioned. She testified of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. She ended her testimony by saying that she knows the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Kingdom of God on earth today.

President Cox of the Scottsdale, Arizona Mission They were in the MTC with President Shumway and his wife, our former stake president who is now the mission president in Chicago, Illinois. President Shumway told them that the White Mountain Stake would be the best stake in their mission and to send the best missionaries to the wards in the White Mountain Stake. 
President Cox spoke about the importance of inviting investigators to Church activities. He also said that 50% of converts come from part-member families. The Book of Mormon is the tool we use in conversion. It contains the doctrine of Christ. Prayer is also a key to missionary work. Through prayer great miracles happen.

President Beeler, Stake President of the White Mountain Stake
The Spirit of the Lord is here. A tapestry of faith is woven by the Spirit of the Lord. He told of an experience of two boys jumping waves with their fathers. When a huge wave came his son "held on and didn't let go." The other boy did not hold on and he was driven by the waves and tossed. One boy had a great experience and learned to trust his father, the other doubted his father's love for him. Helaman 5:12 - And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. "Hold on and don't let go." Hold fast and endure well.
Alma 7:11 - And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and that that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.( President Oaks scripture, which also includes verses 12 and 13).
We swim the deep waters with Jesus Christ. Saints are not exempt from trials, nothing could be further from the truth.
Alma 36:18 - Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.
Recently, when darkness came upon me, I prayed like Alma the younger. "I can't do it anymore, I'm sorry, I've got to give this to you." I was harrowed up by my trials no more. A harrow on my grandpa's farm in Idaho, is a tool to break up the ground so you can start fresh. My burdens were lifted, although they didn't disappear. 
The uneasiness I have felt comes because of my priesthood keys. 
Matthew 24:24 - "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
They have a form of godliness but they deny the power thereof. 
Who is influencing my influencers? Personal devices can bring devices of Satan and false Christs. Satan is a great copycat. 
Don't be critical of the Lord's Anointed. Don't get ahead of the Brethren. Don't do it! 
Your concerns will be answered in General Conference. They are mouthpieces of God. I know God speaks today. Times will be turbulent but we know in who we can grasp.

Wow! I love President Beeler so much. He is truly inspired of God.

We did another chicken pot pie remake for lunch. Afterwards it was nap time. Later this afternoon we FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey, and Charlie. Charlie tried to say Gamma! Jared says she says everything, or at least tries to. She is going to be a talker, and eventually a walker! Scarlett calls her Teddy Bear. She really is a little teddy bear!

I worked on my blog this evening, wrote a short letter to Ben, and read a little from Aunt Dimity. The new youth and children's program came out today and most wards watched the presentation. Since we had stake conference we didn't see it. We will be seeing it on October 13th. 

We listened to Dave and Emily's "Come Follow Me" Youtube presentation on the chapter of Ephesians.

I love these Sunday morning girls!

 This Baptist minister loves the Book

of Mormon and recommends it to his

congregation.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.