Saturday, March 14th, 2020

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 4:11-18

Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone.

October 2019 Gen Conf

"Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me"

Reyna I. Aburto

"I testify to you that 'thru cloud and sunshine' the Lord will abide with us, our 'afflictions can be swallowed up in the joy of Christ,' and 'it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.' I testify that Jesus Christ will return to the earth 'with healing in his wings.' Ultimately, He 'shall wipe away all tears from our eyes; and there shall be no more ... sorrow.' For all who will 'come unto Christ, and be perfected in him,' the 'sun shall no more go down; ... for the Lord shall be our everlasting light, and the days of our mourning shall be ended.' In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We left the house this morning at 5:37 a.m. for the Snowflake temple. We arrived at the Show Low turn off at 6:05. 

We listened to scriptures and conference talks all the way to the temple. When we got to the Flake bridge barricades had been put up because water had run across the road. Someone had set the barricade aside and we went on through as did the two other cars that were also going to the temple.

After parking I noticed the beautiful sunrise and had to stop and take a couple of pictures.

I took this picture because you can see 
Greenspeak.

It was gorgeous!

We had six subs for the sisters today and one sister who didn't show up and did not get a sub. 

The Reidhead's presided at our morning preparation meeting. Sister Reidhead couldn't stress enough the importance of washing hands and not touching your face. We were all sad because we don't know how long the temple is going to be closed. 

My first assignment was in the baptistry. There isn't much to do between 7:30 and 8. I sat in the dressing room with Sister DeWitt who is a sub today. We had a nice visit and left just as a group was coming in.

I went to initiatory two times, top of the stairs twice, and was in sealings as a witness for an hour. Brother and Sister Bowen were doing initiatory today for their Norwegian relatives. They are so good at pronouncing the names but I struggle with them. Brother Bowen told James he has done 880 ordinances this week. Wow!

Time went by quickly today because we were busy. I did get to sit in the Celestial room and visit with Trenda. She was here with her husband and her parents were here too but in a different session.

James and I were going to stay and go to the 1:30 session but I was just too tired. I told him that when the temple opens up again I would like to start going to a session on the Saturdays we don't work. He said he would think about and that he liked the idea of going after we work because we save on gas. I said yes, but if I'm asleep during the session I don't get much out of it.

Instead of doing a session we went to Eva's for lunch. I had my regular chicken enchilada with red sauce and a side of beans and rice. James had a chicken enchilada with green sauce and a side of beans. After Eva's we stopped at the Walmart in Taylor and did some shopping. 

These are some of my friends from the temple that I will miss. Sister Cureton, Debbie Vance, Elwanda Reidhead, Diana Elmer, the Hamblin's, the Cureton's, the Farr's, the Gentry's, Sister Rupert who is from Idaho Falls, the Hancock's, and the three Neff couples, Sister Humphrey's, Sister Cochran, and the Palmer's and Reidhead's of the temple presidency.

This evening I got my book order ready to ship, finished walking, and called people such as Debra Brewer who might not know that we don't have church tomorrow.  Will tomorrow feel like Sunday if we don't have church?

Joshua on a hike with his dad

Charlie staying busy during 

social distancing

Scarlett

Lola

Beautiful baby

Sheri:

Pi-fection in Mesa

 Max and Ollie

Friday, March 13th, 2020

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sept 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Judge

John 9:39

And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 4:1-10

All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ 

October Gen Conf

"Standing By Our Promises and Covenants"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I conclude with an invitation and promise. First, the invitation: I invite you to consider the promises and covenants you make with the Lord, and with others, with great integrity, knowing that your word is your bond. Second, I promise you, as you do this, the Lord will establish your words and sanction your deeds as you strive with unwearied diligence to build up your lives, your families, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be with you, my dear brothers and sisters, and you can, with confidence, look forward to being 'received into heaven, that thereby you may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness ... for the Lord God hath spoken it.'

Of this I testify and promise in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 43

A Great Necessity for Union

Ensign

Proactive Parenting

I like the rain but I don't like the mud that it brings. We have a muddy driveway again and my car is totally covered in mud. I was in a hurry last night going to the church and I really hit some big puddles. 

We had about 20 elk this morning come off the hill and run in front of our house. I think they were running away from the Crane's barking dogs. 

We were wondering if we would be working at the temple tomorrow and then we saw an announcement online about temples. All temples will be closed as of Monday, March 16th. They will only be open for life ordinances by appointment only. Yes, we will be working tomorrow at the temple but it may be our last day for a long time. 

I got my books all inventoried today but my shipment will not be ready until tomorrow evening. James will mail it for me on Monday when he goes to the valley. 

We went to town this afternoon and washed the car, picked up prescriptions. I did a little shopping but Walmart was out of bread, eggs, butter, milk, and all paper goods. I still managed to spend $200. 

I made rolls for the temple for the last time for awhile this morning. Liana Grapp did my baptisms at the temple. She will miss going every week.

Emily's Inklings Group Live Event

 Come Follow Me

Anthony is ready to fight the coronavirus

 We had one like this too

I remember this day so well!

Thursday, March 12th, 2020

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Judge

John 8:16

And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 3 and Study Guide

The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God - Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of the Nephites - Jacob warns against fornication, lasciviousness, and every sin.

Oct 2019 Gen Con

"After the Trial of Our Faith"

 Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

As I consider the example of my parents, I realize that our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will show us the way back to our heavenly home. I know miracles come after the trial of our faith.

I bear testimony of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. I know He is our Savior and Deliverer. He and our Heavenly Father came that morning in the spring of 1820 to young Joseph Smith, the prophet of the Restoration. President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of our day. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Ensign

Weekly Book of Mormon Insights

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 42

Inspiration at the Divine Fountain

I had breakfast at 5 am. This is what I had: a frozen burrito (cooked of course), a Slimfast shake, and a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. No wonder I need to diet!

Here are some quotes I came across today during my reading:

"Miracles come after the trial of our faith."

"Love increases through righteous restraint." - D.A.Bednar

"Almost any virtue taken to excess can become a vice." 

- Elder Quentin L. Cook

I made a cream cheese pie with things we had in the frig and pantry. I used the cream cheese filling that comes in a tub topped with Coolwhip and put it in the walnut pie crust I had in the pantry. It was delicious!

All Sacrament meetings within the Church have been cancelled until further notice. The World Health Organization says the country is in a pandemic state and many people are panicking. It's more than just our country that is in the pandemic state, I think it is the entire world.

In other news, here in Vernon we had some rain and we had fifty or so elk cross our field. James is still frustrated because he can't get either one of the Cats to work after spending over $700 for the mechanic and buying two parts, one for each Cat. He wants to take one back to Tom Howard and use the other one on the Chacon job.

Look how tiny they are!

 Once upon a time there was a little

girl named....."Charlie"!

 She loves her baby!

No thanks!

Our herd of elk. James took this picture through

the window blinds.

 President Nelson put a video called:

"A Message of Hope" on the 

Church website. It was great!

Wednesday, March 11th, 2020

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Judge

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 2:22-35 and Sunday School lesson

Ensign

What Church Leaders are Saying about Why We Need

the Church

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 41

So Long Submerged

Oct 2019 Gen Con

"Consistent and Resilient Trust"

Elder L. Todd Budge

"I testify that as we commend ourselves unto the Lord and consistently and resiliently trust in Jesus Christ and His divine purposes in our lives, He will visit us with assurances, speak peace to our souls, and cause us to 'hope for our deliverance in him.' I witness that Jesus is the Christ. He is the source of all joy. His grace is sufficient, and He is mighty to save. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. He will not let us perish. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I took Catherine H. to Culver's for her 86th birthday and gave her a gift basket similar to Jean's only Catherine's basket was pink. When Kerri her daughter saw it was pink, she said, "oh that's got to stay in your room." They are so opposite. Catherine's favorite color is pink and Kerri hates it.

Catherine and I both got Reuben sandwiches and a small drink for lunch. She got a scoop of chocolate ice cream and I got a turtle sundae. We came for their ice cream, or custard as they call it. It is so creamy!

As we were getting ready to leave Catherine asked me if I wanted to go to Walmart to do any shopping. I told her no, I was fine. If I knew then what I know now, I probably would have gone and got a package of toilet paper. 

The Church announced today that they are postponing all stake conferences. I guess this corona virus is getting quite serious. Yesterday they said no people at General Conference and now they are postponing stake conferences. What's next? Cancelling church?

This afternoon I spent some time preparing for tonight's Young Women activity. Kyah asked me to come and show the girls how to get registered on Family Search. Kerri is coming with me. She is bringing her computer and TV screen. 

We got there 30 minutes early. When I drove up to the church, Kerri and James were standing out on the porch talking. James is there for ministering interviews. Lynda Finnell helped Kerri and I set up in the young women's room. She is a specialist for the young women. We were almost set up when Brother Goodman came and said the young men were joining us. We didn't think the young women's room was big enough so we moved to the Relief Society room. Kerri got her computer hooked up to the TV screen and then she went in the library and got a TV to hook my computer to.

Because the group was so small we didn't use either screens.  Here was our group: young women - Jasmine, Liana, Brecken, and Talena. Talena and Brecken downloaded the Family Tree app on their phones. Liana had a tablet and she already knew how to get on. I showed her how to use ordinance ready. She also took the four names I had because she is going to the temple on Friday. 

I worked with Jasmine. She said her mom won't let her do baptisms for the dead because she doesn't think we should force people to be members of our church. I tried to explain to her that is not how it works, that everyone has a choice as to whether they will accept the work of not. I'm not sure I did any good. She needs to get with her great - grandma, Lucretia, who is in our ward and has a temple recommend and has done work for family names. I spoke with Maxine, one of our family history consultants and she said she would take Jasmine to see Lucretia and join their lines.

Cameron Kenyon was one of the young men. He has never been baptized but he was very excited to download the family tree app and enter his information.

All in all, even though the group was small, Kyah wasn't even there which was a disappointment, I felt like it was a success. I thanked Kerri for coming and told her I would go out with her and do missionary work whenever she needed me to.