Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 March 2000

by James E. Faust

Alma 5:26-42

*How will experiencing a change of heart now help prepare you to receive a place i the kingdom of heaven?

*In what ways is the Savior the Good Shepherd?

*How are people like sheep in need of a shepherd?

*According to Alma 5:37-38, how does the Good Shepherd show His love and concern for the sheep?

*President Ezra Taft Benson: "When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed...Men and women changed for Christ will be captained by Christ....Their will is swallowed up in His will.  They do always those things that please the Lord. Not only would they die for the Lord but they want to live for Him. Enter their homes, and the pictures on their walls, the books on their shelves, the music in the air, their words and acts reveal them as Christians.  They stand was witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places.  They have Christ on their minds as they look unto Him in every thought.  They have Christ in their hearts as their affections are placed on Him forever."

Ether 14

The iniquity of the people brings a curse upon the land; Coriantumr engages in warfare against Gilead, the Lib, and then Shiz; Blood and carnage cover the land.

DC 77:1-15

1-4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5-7, This earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8-10, Various angels restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the 144,000; 12-14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.

What questions do I have about the book of Revelations?

*None right now.

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Fear rarely has the power to change our hearts, and it will never transform us into people who love what is right and who want to obey Heavenly Father."

The visiting teaching message for April was on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.  In it, there was a quote by Sister Linda K. Burton, who was then the General Relief Society President:
"I invite you to memorize the oath and covenant of the priesthood, which can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44.  By doing so, I promise you that the Holy Ghost will expand your understanding of the priesthood and inspire and uplift you in wonderful ways."  I immediately began memorizing these verses and I am still working on them.  At the time, I did not realize that she gave this challenge in 2014.  I am grateful for the challenge because I learned something during my study of the Doctrine and Covenants that applies, I think to these scriptures.
DC 84:33 says:

For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

Whenever I have read this scripture, I have always thought of President Hinckley and how much energy he had in his old age.  Today while reading in the Doctrine and Covenant Student Manual for DC 77:15 I read this quote by Elder Orson Pratt which gave DC 84:33 an expanded meaning for me.  Elder Orson Pratt:

"When the temple is built in the New Jerusalem the sons of the two Priesthoods, Melchizedek and Aaronic, will enter into that temple.... and all of them who are pure in heart will behold the face of the Lord and that too before He comes in His glory in the clouds of heaven, for He will suddenly come to His temple, and He will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.  In doing this, He will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.  In doing this, He will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that temple, but He will purify their bodies until they shall be quickened, and renewed and strengthened and they will be partially changed, not to immortality, but changed in part that they can be filled with the power of God, and they can stand in the presence of Jesus, and behold His face in the midst of that temple.

" This will prepare them for further ministrations among the nations of the earth, it will prepare them to go forth in the days of tribulation and vengeance upon the nations of the wicked, when God will smite t hem with pestilence, plague, ad earthquake, such as former generations never knew.  Then the servants of God wll need to be armed with the power of God, they will need to have that sealing blessing pronounced upon their foreheads that they can stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues and not be overcome by  them.  When John the Revelator describes this scene he says he saw four angels sent forth, ready to hold the four winds that should blow from the four quarters of heaven. Another angel ascended from the east and cried to the four angels, and said, 'Smite not the earth now, but wait a little while."
'How long?' 'Until the servants of our God are sealed in their foreheads.' What for To prepare the to stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues, and not be overcome.  When they are prepared, when they have received a renewal of their bodies in the Lord's temple, and have been filled with the Holy Ghost and purified as gold and silver in a furnace of fire, then they will be prepared to stand before the nations of the earth and preach glad tiding of salvation in the midst of judgments that are to come like a whirlwind upon the wicked." (In Journal of Discourses, 15:365-66.)

That is a lot to take in, but I find it very interesting.  I finished my book "100 Favorite Verses To Bring You Closer To Christ." After having family prayer and scripture study James went out to work on the well.  In less than two hours he fixed both the air leak and the water leak.  Pretty amazing.  I am grateful to have a husband who has skills.  At ten o'clock this morning he left to go get Anthony and take him to the cannery to fill a food order.   He was gone for five hours.  Anthony could not believe how much stuff they had at the cannery and how organized it was.  
One of my fidget spinners came today.  At first James thought it was lame but when he saw how well it worked he liked it.

The wheels on the bus go round and round.
Originally made for children with autism,
these handy little spinners are a big
hit with kids of all ages.

I still feel pretty lousy today.  I have a sore throat, and I am achy and tired.  

It was announced today that President 
Monson is no longer attending his
weekly meetings because of his failing health.
Let's all be sure and pray for him.

Congratulations to Addy and friends for
being Goldern Scholars at their school!
(Notice the photo bomber in the right hand corner).

In response to the tragedy in Manchester
last night.

Evan reporting on Pat Tillman.
Sheri did a video of his report which he had memorized.
It was pretty amazing!

Pat with his friend Wyatt Earp.

Joshua had his report on Wyatt Earp memorized too.
It was very entertaining!

East Fork of the Black River.  This picture was taken back
in the 1960's.

Kacey's new profile picture on Facebook.

Our friends the Howard's have a new colt.
For now, his name is Maui.

Lola painted her fingers and toes while Trina was in the shower.

Some of the elk who came to visit today.





  

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Oakland, California
13th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-19 November 1964
by David O. McKay

Alma 5:1-25

*How might it have helped Alma's people to hear the account of the bondage, deliverance, and conversion of Alma's father and those who followed him?

*Look at Alma 5:7.  According to this verse, what kind of change had occurred in the lives of Alma's father and his people?

* What do you think it means to experience a "change of heart"? (see Alma 5:7-9, 14.)

*What connection do you see between believing in the word of God and experiencing a change of heart?

*Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "You may ask, why doesn't this mighty change happen more quickly with me? ... For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time.  Being born again. . Is more a process than an event.  And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality."

*What words and phrases did Alma use that describe the condition you would lie to be in when you stand before God to be judged? (see Alma 5:16, 19.)

Ether 13

Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem to be built in America by the seed of Joseph; He prophesies, is cast out, writes the Jaredite history, and foretells the destruction of the Jaredites; War rages over all the land.

DC 76:102-119

114-19 The faithful may see and understand the mysteries of Gods kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How has the Holy Ghost helped me understand spiritual things better?

*He has testified to my spirit as I have tried to serve Him and keep His commandments.  He has comforted me and prompted me to do righteous things and He has brought me peace.

General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"In contrast to the belief that God is an incomprehensible and unknowable mystery is the truth that the nature of God and our relationship to Him is knowable and is the key to everything else in our doctrine."

I reviewed one of the earlier Primary lessons this year on Joseph Smith Preparing to Receive the Gold Plates.  Here is an excerpt from the lesson: Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote that after the first visits of Moroni, "Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he gave us a relation of the same. ...During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined.  He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship  This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp 82-83.)

Four years passed between the time Joseph first saw the gold pates and when he actually received them.  The angel Moroni was preparing Joseph for the work he had been called to do.  During these four years, Joseph also met with many other Nephite prophets, such as Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior in America (see Church History in the Fulness of Times, p. 41).

I find this information both interesting and fascinating.  I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  I am grateful for his humility and desire to learn his duty in serving the Lord.

Today in the Topical Guide of the scriptures under Jesus Christ I read about the Savior choosing his 12 Apostles.  There is some discrepancy between Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Matthew and Mark have the 11th apostle listed as Labbaeus Thaddeus and Luke has listed Judas, the brother of James. 

I left this morning for town to do the last of my visiting teaching.  Hailey, the sister I am visiting, said she was going to be at Whipple Ranch Elementary School helping her friend who is the reading resource person there move all of her stuff out.  She is going to a different school next year.  I offered to bring them a pizza and Hailey seemed to like that idea.  I picked up a pepperoni pizza at Dominoes and headed for the school, which is just down the street from where I lived in Show Low.  I got to see Hailey and Huntleigh.  Huntleigh will be two at the end of June and of course she is always with her mom.  She calls me "gma." I invited Hailey to be a part of my Book of Mormon text group and she said yes.  I also told her that President Monson has ask us to read the Book of Mormon.  Hailey and her family have not been to church for several months now.  Her daughter Taylor has not been baptized since she turned 8 last October.  She is supposed to be in my Primary class.  I am so excited that Hailey agreed to read the Book of Mormon with us.  I forgot to tell her we were already started and we are studying Alma 5 this week.  Oh well, I guess she will find out soon enough.  I took half,  (I ate the other half on the way home) to James for lunch.  

This afternoon I watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."  Each of the three finalists will dance a redemption dance and a freestyle.  The redemption dance is a dance they performed earlier in the year.  They dance it again to see how much they have improved.  The freestyle is just what it sounds like; no rules apply, anything goes!  I want Rashad Jennings to win.  He and Emma got a perfect score for the night.  Rashad is a free agent in the NFL.  One the night he told his story he told about getting a college scholarship to play football when he got a phone call from his mother saying his father was very ill.  Rashad gave up the scholarship to go home and be with his family at this most difficult time.  He also practiced one hundred hours more than any other finalist.  His work ethic is amazing.  Also, I love his partner, Emma Slater, and would love for her to win with Rashad.

I didn't actually watch tonight's finale but I woke up in the middle of the night to see this:

They won!

I am so happy for them because they are both amazing people!

Emma has never had a good partner.  Last year she was stuck with Rick Perry and he was one of the first to go home.  She is always upbeat and kind to her partners and never complains about them.

She deserves this too! Besides, I love her British accent.

James is so discouraged.  He took the pump apart today trying to fix it but was not successful.  When I got home from town, he had tried putting it back together and could not get it to work.  We knelt down and said a prayer and he went out and tried one more time.  This time it worked!  He still has to figure out why we have a leaks; one water leak and one air leak.  Tomorrow is another day.  He has had enough stress for today.  

We watched an episode of "Victoria" to relax. Victoria is a Masterpiece Classic on the Public Broadcasting station.  Victoria is the story of queen Victoria of England who came to reign at the young age of 18. She marries her cousin, Albert from Germany.  He is trying to find a place in the government and takes on the issue of abolishing slavery.  His first speech in front of parliament is very well received.  He wants to be known as a man of principle. They are very much in love and everyone is waiting for them to produce an heir.  Oh dear.

 We also started reading a book that Cathi loaned us called "The Shack."

Cathi didn't tell us much about it but I believe it is based on a

true story.

I am also reading a book by Greg Trimble, who is LDS, called: "Dad's Who Stay and Fight."

The chapter I read today was called: "Dads and Technology."

"Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master."

-Christian Lauge

"I fear that we have yet to fully realize the severe emotional, spiritual, and physical consequences our youth will experience in coming years due to our overly digital age. 

- Brandon Stewart

Founding musical director for the Millennial Choirs

and Orchestras.

"Technology is active vegetation of your kids' minds."

-Greg Trimble

Monday, May 22nd, 2017

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 4 November 2007 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 4:5-20

* What does the phrase "bearing down in pure testimony" (Alma 4:19) suggest about how Alma would teach?

* When have you heard people bear "pure testimony?"  How have these experiences influenced you?

* What truths can we learn from Alma's example in Alma 4:19-20?

Principles:

* Fulfilling our spiritual duties may require sacrifice.

* Bearing pure testimony helps others draw closer to God.

Ether 11-12

11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life; Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent; The people reject the words of the prophets.

12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God; Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith; Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ; The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble;The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith; Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation; Moroni saw Jesus face to face.

DC 76:81-101

81-113, The status of those in the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial glories is explained;

 How can the gospel be a gospel of tremendous love?

* As we show kindness and charity to others and develop Christlike attributes the gospel can be a gospel of love.

How can the Church be a stumblingblock to the wicked?

* The wicked feel inhibited by the commandments because they keep them from doing many of the things they want to do.  

General Conference

"Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It"

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith us' us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God's will.  Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily, fasting regularly, and praying with real intent deepen our well of spiritual capacity to meet the demands of mortality.  Over time, simple habits of belief lead to miraculous results.  They transform our faith from a seedling into a dynamic power for good in our lives. Then, when challenges come our way, our rootedness in Christ provides steadfastness for our souls.  God shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys, and causes 'all things to work together for our good.'"

We had five elk outside this morning when I got up.  I have decided that the elk and the internet are a big distraction during the beginning of my gospel study time.  

Here are some other things I studied today: The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "Kingdoms of Glory," the topical guide, Jesus Christ, and of course my study journals, The Living Christ, The Family Proclamation, the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures, my patriarchal blessing, scriptures on the Atonement to take with me to sacrament meeting, and 100 Favorite Verses about Christ.

More pictures of the Paris temple

James left this morning around 10 am. to pick up his friend Anthony.  Anthony is without a truck right now because of a frivolous lawsuit so the priesthood of our ward are providing transportation for him.  He told James he wanted to go to town to pick up some groceries at the Dollar Tree.  James ended up taking him five different places and buying lunch for him.  James was gone five hours but he did not complain.  He said Anthony was very appreciative.  One of the kids in my Primary class told me that the Cal-Ranch store had fidget spinners.  I sent James there to pick up a few.  When he asked the clerk if they had any he said they can't keep them.  As soon as they get here they are sold out.  I guess I will just have to wait for the ones I ordered from Amazon to get here.

Elder and Sister Renlund, then and now.

I noticed at 10:20 this morning that four of the elk were still here, and at 4:30 two of them walked through the yard probably looking for water.  James told me an interesting fact about elk.  He said there is an actual calendar you can get that will tell you when the elk are expected to come out on a particular day.  He told me about going hunting in New Mexico with his cousin Tommy and he had one of these calendars.  He said the elk are supposed to come out at 3:47 in the afternoon.  They had not seen any elk all day and then all of a sudden, just before 4 pm., several herds walked out in the open area where they were to feed.  He said deer are not like that.  They come out depending on the moon cycle.

Electra Lake in Colorado.  Tyler, my nephew,

posted this and said it is within walking distance

of where he lives.  Beautiful!

I ordered some birthday cards for our June family birthdays from Anna.  I can hardly wait for them to get here.

Rowan and his piano teacher after his

recital.  I am sad I missed it.

For F.H.E. we read lesson 11 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "Home - the Basis of a Righteous Life."  Afterwards we watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch."  This series is not making me happy like the movies did.

These are pictures of my friend Brayling who is 

handicapped enjoying activity day at his school.

James and I read a story today about a white couple who

adopted two dark children and then chose to give birth

to black triplet daughters whom they adopted as embryos.

It was a great story!

Our friends the Miner's.

 I love the sunsets here because we have trees

and no electrical lines.

Sunday, May 21st, 2017

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 August 2005 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 3:20-4:4

* According to Alma 3:26-27, what reward comes to those who obey the Lord?

* What consequence comes to those who do not follow the Lord?

* What blessings have you received from the Lord as you have chosen to follow Him?

Ether 10

One king succeeds another; Some of the kings are righteous; others are wicked; When righteousness prevails, the people are blessed and prospered by the Lord.

DC 76:63-80

50-70 The glory and reward of exalted beings in the celestial kingdom is described; 71-80 Those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom are described; 

How can we be more valiant in our testimony of the Savior? 

* "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him."  Deny ourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all our might, mind, and strength. (See Moroni 10:32)

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"The Holy Ghost binds us to the Lord.  By divine assignment, He inspires, testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in the light of the Lord.  We have the sacred responsibility to learn to 

recognize His influence in our lives and respond."

When I opened my window this morning on saw three bunnies, and eight elk.  One of the bunnies was sitting on the sidewalk watching the elk.  I saw a bunny out in the field close to the elk running faster than I have ever seen a cottontail run to get away from the elk.  They didn't even notice him.

I got up early this morning to plan, pray, do my study notebooks and prepare for my Primary lesson on the Law of Consecration.  

We had two talks in sacrament meeting about the Book of Mormon. The deadline for finishing is May 29th so we are almost there.  

During Primary I walked out on my class because they were being very disruptive.  I came right back in after getting a drink and they were very good.  When I was telling the kids about the saints sacrificing to build the Kirtland temple I told them that some very special things happened in that temple and that the Savior appeared to Joseph Smith.  Lianna was so excited!  She said, "Oh I want to get married in that temple."  When I told her the Church didn't own it anymore she said, "Well they need to buy it back.!"

We had stake visitors during sharing time.  The stake Primary president was right behind my class and Jace and Curtis were terrible.  I was a little embarrassed.

This afternoon we had lunch, a rest, and scriptures before James left to go home teach Anthony.  He was gone over two hours because Anthony lives so far away.  He went with his partner Dave and they had a good visit.  Dave's wife Rosa gave us some of her fresh eggs.  Dave's granddaughter Maddie was one of my young women.  James said she is getting married this week and moving to Payson to a guy who just barely graduated from high school.  He is not a member and Maddie is too young to get married.  I guess no one is too happy about it, least of all the boys parents.  The boy got a scholarship to go to college but now he will have to find a job to support a wife.  The last I heard Maddie was the Laurel class president. I will miss Maddie but wish her all the very best.

Maddie and her man

I watched the church video, "Only a Stonecutter" this evening and asked all the kids to watch it.  Sheri and Ben, Kim and Brian loved it but Darrel and Stacy both said the music was too loud to hear it.  I was so disappointed because I really wanted my grandsons to feel what I felt when I watched it.  Sometimes things don't work out the way you want them too.

I studied the family proclamation today.  I have it about half way memorized.  I am very slow at memorizing!

More Photos:

I want James to make one of these.

My mom and I.

Kaeli and Guy

My hardworking man.

Another one of my young women who

is about to get engaged.  She will

get married in the temple.

Sometimes we catch a really good sunset.

  

Saturday, May 20th, 2017

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 3:1-19

* Whom did the Amlicites want to be "distinguished from"?

* How might some people today distinguish themselves from the righteous through their outward appearance?

* What phrase in Alma 3:18 describes the Amlicites' actions and attitude toward God?

* Truths: Those who come out in open rebellion against God bring negative consequences upon themselves.  It we are separated from God, it is because we have separated ourselves from Him. 

* What are some ways we can show through our dress and appearance that we are disciples of Jesus Christ? (see 'For the Strength of Youth,' "Dress and Appearance".)

Ether 9

The kingdom passes from one to another by descent, intrigue, and murder; Emer saw the Son of Righteousness; Many prophets cry repentance; A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.

DC 76:50-62

The glory and reward of exalted beings in the celestial kingdom is described;

What is meant by the Church of the Firstborn?  Those who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom are those who are members of the Church of the Firstborn; in other words, those who keep all the commandments of the Lord.

General Commandment

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"My father was the most excited among us to learn and know the truth and to share it.  He used to wake up early in the morning to study the scriptures for over two hours every day.  After work

he went with the missionaries to visit our family, friends, and neighbors nearly every day.  Seven months after we were baptized, 23 of my family and relatives became members of the Church.  That was followed by the miracle of seeing 130 people baptized in the following year through my father's member missionary work."

I spent an hour or so today recording in my study journal "The Recipe for Becoming a Celestial Person" as recorded in DC 76.

I also studied the Living Christ today.  I have about half of it memorized.  I am really enjoying reading the scriptures regarding Jesus in the topical guide.  I am grateful for this guidance and suggestion from President Nelson.

James and I finished reading "Go Set a Watchman."  I can't say I really enjoyed it because there was just too much foul language. 

I did some sweeping outside this afternoon and realized that we have an ant problem.  They were all over the patio and climbing up the tree on the deck.  I got out my trusty spray and got rid of many of them.

James and I are so concerned about our grandchildren right now.  Many of them have lost their testimonies.  We spoke with one today that read a book that convinced him that the God we believe in can't be real.  He wants us to read the book, so I ordered it.  I don't think I will read it, but James wants too.  The sad thing is this book was written by an LDS man.  I feel the need to encourage my grandchildren to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truth.  This grandson said he would read the Book of Mormon.  Now if we can only get him to pray too.  The influence of Satan is so strong in the world right now.  It is going to take a great effort on our part to pass the gospel legacy on to our grandchildren. Weekly temple attendance is a must!

On a lighter side,  I enjoyed this post by Christina, Rebecca and Brent's daughter. Eden is her three year old daughter.

This puts a smile on my face.

I had lunch with my friend Pam yesterday, not even realizing that today is her birthday.  I guess lunch will be on me next time.  

Addy said she would be happy to do the baptism for Clydia Strickland.  Darrel and Trina said they would take her to do it.  I am hoping I can find some more names for her to take.

James is so upset about our water problem.  He says the well runs constantly.  He called and talked to Brent today because Brent installs sprinklers for a living.  Brent gave James some things to try, and he has determined there is a leak somewhere around the patio.  He is going to have to dig up the grass area, and maybe even take some bricks out of the patio.  Not a happy camper.  He just dealt with this kind of thing in Chandler when he was putting in the Jiminez's water line.  Plumbing problems are the worst!

If I had this tree in my yard I would

think I had died and gone to heaven.

I typed James's lesson quotes for him and worked on my Primary lesson this evening.  Oh, by the way, I have a new favorite drink.  It is one juiced orange in a glass of diet 7-Up with ice.  Delicious!

I love the look on Lois's face in this picture.

This is Teresa's son, Jack.  Teresa says they

really like each other and there is 80 years

between them.

This is where Trina and Darrel went

last year with Trina's brothers and sisters.

Friday, May 19th, 2017

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by

James E. Faust

Alma 2:19-38

* According to Alma 2:28, why did the Lord strengthen the Nephites?

* How can you follow Alma's example when you stand against wickedness?

* What is one way you can stand against wickedness now?

Ether 7-8

7 Orihah reigns in righteousness; Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up; Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.

8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom; Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king; Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations; Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.

DC 76:38-49

Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation; all others gain some degree of salvation;

How can the sons of perdition "reign" in eternity?

* They will reign under laws of the kingdom of the Devil, and of which we have had numerous illustrations in human history during the dark ages of ignorance, superstition, tyranny, and iniquity.  Evil passions of human beings and evil spirits rage, unrestrained by the gospel in the Devil's kingdom.  

General Conference

Raising a Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones

"We honor children who strive to live pure and obedient lives.  I have witnessed the strength of many children throughout the world.  They stand resilient, "steadfast and immovable" in a variety of challenging circumstances and environments.  These children understand their divine identity, feel Heavenly Father's love for them, and seek to obey His will."

Today I read from "Dads Who Stay and Fight," the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which I am trying to memorize, my Primary lesson, and Jesus Christ in the topical guide. 

The trees were frosted when I got up this morning. 

James and I went to town today.  We left around 11.  I had a lunch date at 11:30 with my friend Pam at Persnikkity's.  She offered to buy my lunch but I told her no because I was ordering something for James.  Little did I know that tomorrow is her birthday and I should have bought her lunch.  I did give her a conference quote attached to a bottle of diet Seven-Up.  

We both ordered salads.  I had the chicken oriental salad and it was delicious.  Pam ordered the nuts and berries salad and said it was delicious too.  This really is my favorite place to eat in Show Low, unless I want mexican food of course, and then it's Licano's.

Mr. Bluebird outside of his home.

I did some grocery shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get some screws, etc., for the trailer he is remodeling.  When we got home we watched an episode of Victoria.  She begins to like Albert and finally asks him to marry her.  

I ordered a 125GB iPad on Amazon today.  Because of my Amazon Prime membership there was no shipping charges, I get 5% off, on an already discounted price.  I also had $52 to use from credit card points.  They won't deliver it to a PO number so I had it sent to Cathi's.  Brian and Kim can bring it up when they come next week.

I am so excited!  I also got a lavender case for it. 

James changed our ac filters today.  I think it's

been awhile.

I also ordered a years subscription to the Ensign for my friend Charlotte.  I had to call her and get her address.  I was happy to hear that her kids all sent her flowers for mother's day.

We got our income tax papers from the accountant today.  We don't owe any income tax but we owe the accountant over $700.

Joshua's report on Wyatt Earp.

Now all he has to do is grow a mustache!

Paris, France temple

Baptismal font

Chapel

Spiral staircase

Celestial room

I am sure the Savior is pleased

with this new temple.