Friday, October 25th, 2019

London, England

12th operating temple 

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Helaman 15:13

And this is according to the prophecy, that they shall again be brought to the true knowledge, which is the knowledge of their Redeemer, and their great and true shepherd, and be numbered among his sheep.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:25-48

What does it mean to me to be perfect?

New Testament: Thessalonians 1&2: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or be Troubled"

2 Thessalonians 2; "Causes and Effects of Apostasy"; Ideas for FSS and FHE

General Conference

Deceive Me Not

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"As we obey God's commandments, we will always be led in the right way and will not be deceived."

The Second Great Commandment

President Russell M. Nelson

"Our greatest joy comes as we help our brothers and sisters."

RWC: Spiritual hunger comes from the need for the most powerful nutrient a fallen human can receive: the Spirit of the Lord...The Fall creates the hunger. Many people experience only the hunger their entire lives. Many who have the gospel are in a state of half (gospel) and half (world), and that causes the hunger.

After scripture reading this morning James and I watched one of the videos in the Sunday School version of the lesson. It was about the restoration, the story of Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff.

I texted my cousin Rita today to tell her about Sister Tedder's accident. Pat was Rita's babysitter when she was a child. I told her to tell Aunt Gene about "Patsy" (that's what Rita called her). Rita asked for her address at the rehab center and said both she and her mom had fond memories of Patsy and Jody, Patsy's sister. 

I haven't sold any books for the last couple of days so I did some repricing. I always sell books after I reprice. Before I went to bed I checked and sure enough I had sold one.

I made rolls today, chicken noodle soup with the added chicken from the roasted chicken I bought, and banana nut bread. The rolls are for the temple tomorrow, the soup for James and I, and the banana nut bread is for the temple worker's devotional Sunday evening. We are going to the valley on Sunday to hear Stacy sing in sacrament meeting and won't be back in time for the devotional. I am giving the bread to Sister Elmer tomorrow at the temple so she can take it with her to the devotional.

I washed, on the outside, the window above the outside bbq grill. It was splattered with grease and has been bothering me for a long time. No I can actually look out the window without feeling guilty!

James went to the post office today. He brought back a book to sell and a package addressed to me from Kacey. This was in the package:

The coloring book is the one I got for Dawn and Lois. The pens are the best I've ever used. What a sweet and thoughtful gift and a complete surprise!

We watched the first new Christmas movie on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel. It was called, "A Merry Christmas Match."

 Lola modeling one of my hats

Thursday, October 24th, 2019

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 April 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Helaman 7:18

It is because you have hardened your hearts; yea, ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd; yea, ye have provoked him to anger against you.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:1-24

How do you make sure you aren't putting your light under a bushel?

New Testament: Thessalonians 1-2: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind or Be Troubled" Today: 2 Thess. 1 and 2 Thess. 2: "An apostasy, or falling away from truth, was prophesied" SS: "An apostasy was to precede the Second Coming of Jesus Christ"

General Conference

The Savior's Touch

Elder Walter F. Gonzlez

"As we come unto Him, God will come to our rescue, whether to heal us or to give us the strength to face any situation."

RWC: "Habits of disobedience enhance the 'veil of forgetfulness' and we are 'cut off from God.'"

In reading about the apostasy I came across this quote:

"Apostasy is often not simply a passive letting go of truth, but an active rebellion that originates within the covenant community."

Candi Campbell has a mini-stroke but seems to be doing okay. Jimmie Applegate and the missionaries gave her a blessing.

James went to town this morning but didn't stop at the post office because he was hurrying back to be here when the appraiser was scheduled to come at 10. He got back five minutes before the appraiser arrived. The appraiser introduced himself as Jeremy Schnepf. James asked him if he knew Max and Carolyn Schnepf. He said, "yes, they are my grandparents." Marlane Porter is his aunt. He is also a brother-in-law to our stake president, President Beeler. They are both married to sisters. 

James had the house plans out but Jeremy said he couldn't use them, he had to actually do the measurements himself. Jeremy was here less than an hour and he was on his way. He is the third appraiser to come and he seem the most qualified. He said he loves the job because he can do most of it at home and it provides him a good living. 

James worked outside for awhile but it was so cold he decided to come in for awhile. He made some Bear Creek vegetable soup of lunch. It was very tasty. I read to him from "Aunt Dimity's Christmas." 

I bought books today and worked on my list of conference talks for the upcoming Relief Society lessons. I got 10,000 steps before 5 pm at which time I began getting ready for my stake Relief Society meeting.

At 6 p.m. I picked up Kerri and Tamara at the Vernon library and we left before 6:15.

On the way we discussed our 3 month lesson calender. Here is what we came up with:

November 10th - "Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies" by President M. Russell Ballard.

November 24th -"Spiritual Capacity" by Michelle D. Craig

December 8th - "Spiritual Treasures" President Russell M. Nelson

December 22nd -No lesson, only Sacrament meeting

January 12th - "Your Great Adventure" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

January 26th - "Stand By Our Promises and Covenants" Elder Ronald A. Rasband

Sister Thompson, the stake Relief Society president, was absent from our meeting this evening. She stayed home with an ill husband. President Beeler took her place. He sat in front of us and counseled with us. 

 He asked what was our greatest concern regarding Relief Society. Someone said ministering. We had a wonderful discussion about ministering. Here are some of the ideas that were shared:

* Visiting teaching monthly visits and lesson helped sisters feel like they were doing something worthwhile. The new system is a little less structured and some sisters are struggling. 

* Now that the bishop is the Young Men's president, there is more responsibility given to the Elder's Quorum and Relief Society.

* We need to have a relationship with the sisters in our district. Tamara said, to my surprise, that Bishop Miller wants us to minister to one sister in our district who is struggling so she can see what ministering is like. 

* One ward is assigning one inactive sister to visit one active sister.

* President Beeler quoted Elder Heyman: "Don't judge the worthiness if you in your calling by others exercising their agency."

* President Beeler had us discuss DC 121:41-44 which he called the Code of Conduct for Priesthood Leadership.

Persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, pure knowledge, no hypocrisy or guile, soul enlarged. 

Showing an increase of love after reproving by the Spirit

Faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

*President Beeler says he judges all that he does against the two great commandments, loving the Lord and loving our fellowman.

* Don't ask others to do what you yourself are not willing to do.

* He asked us to pray for the gift of discernment, the ability to see others for who they really are.

* Ask about others rather than talking about yourself.

* Alma the younger is President Beeler's leadership hero because he was a great builder of people. He helped Amulek, Zeezrom, his sons Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. He also helps us as we read Alma 5. President Beeler says he reads it as part of a PPI with himself.

* Power is influence and influence is felt when we teach. He said: "The only power I have is the power to teach." Teach the doctrine.

The problem President Beeler sees with Relief Society is so much the sharing of feelings and not enough teaching the doctrine. We as a presidency preside over the meetings and we need to close the meeting by bearing testimony and teaching doctrine. Keep it short. 1-2 minutes. The person presiding has power to receive direct revelation for the group.

* When we are taught doctrine we feel the Spirit and the Spirit helps us through difficult times.

* Make changes in ministering slowly as Revelation is received. Line upon line, precept upon precept.

* For ministering to truly succeed, the Relief Society and Elders Quorum must be one.

* "You are doing better than you think."

* Callings are temporary. Covenants are eternal. 

* President Beeler says he imagines a prayer on the day he is released. What am I going to tell the Lord regarding my calling?

How does that affect what I am doing now?

* General Conference focused on joy. Satan's counterfeit for joy is fun.

*DC 46 Conduct all meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit. We are the guardians of what is taught in meetings. 

*Study the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood in DC 84:33-34,44 and the Code of Conduct for Priesthood in DC 121:34-46.

Wow! I felt the Spirit and learned so much. I love President Beeler! We had refreshments, including hot apple cider, and were on our way home.

James was looking for books for me to buy while I was gone plus earlier he went to the library and bought five books.

I read to him from, "Insights" and Aunt Dimity's Christmas before going to bed.

 I'm not sure what Scarlett is doing here but

she's at a pumpkin patch doing some

"Hands on" stuff.

Loom hats Jared asked to see.

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Alma 5:57

And now I say unto you, all you that are desirous to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things; and behold, their names shall be blotted out, that the names of the wicked shall not be numbered among the names of the righteous, that the word of God may be fulfilled, which saith: The names of the wicked shall not be mingled with the names of my people;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 11:18-41

What does the Savior teach about baptism and contention?

New Testament: Tessalonians 1&2:"Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled"

1 Thessalonians 5;  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; 5:1-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:4-10 "If I am faith and watchful, I will be prepared for the Second Coming" SS: 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:7-13 "We should work to provide for ourselves and those in need.

General Conference

Your Great Adventure

Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf

"The Savior invites us, each day. to set aside our comforts and securities and join Him on the journey of discipleship."

RWC: "Spiritual hunger motivates the need for redemption..The only thing that can satisfy a hungry and thirsty soul is the Holy Ghost, and the satisfaction that He provides results in true joy, which transforms a life and returns it from the natural back to the spiritual."

I made James scrambled eggs for breakfast. He also had some toast, a most substantial breakfast.

I went upstairs this morning and put clean sheets on the bed that Chris slept on. I also went around picking up dead bugs. I will finish putting sheets on the other beds tomorrow.

I came downstairs and worked on my blog for awhile and then I researched books. My goal is to buy 12-15 books a week. So far I have 9.

I made two loaves of pumpkin bread this afternoon. One was for Catherine H. and the other for Tanna. I also made a dozen "monster" donuts to take to the Grapp's.

The Grapp's loved their donuts!

I visited Catherine first this afternoon. She is alone during the day and enjoys when people visit. We had a nice visit and before I left I asked her which was her favorite conference talk. She ran and got her tablet and began scrolling through the talks. She said she liked both President Eyring's talk and President Nelson's talk in the women's session. I told her I would make a note of it when we chose which talks to use for our lessons. Catherine is 85 years old. We are good friends. Kerri, the other RS counselor is her daughter.

When I got to the Grapp's Benson was outside and came running over to open the gate for me. When he saw the donuts he went crazy and ran in the house to tell his mom. Cammy, Leland, and Liana were in the house. Tildy and Emsley were down watering the horses. Cammy made Benson wait before he got his donut so she could take a picture.

Cammy and I had a nice visit. She told me what her plans were for re-finishing their wood floor. Another goal she has is to organize her photos of her children and family. I told her about my blog and she thought that was a good idea. I was ready to leave as Thomas got home from work. The kids had to tell me what they were going to be for Halloween. I told them I wouldn't be here but would they please take a picture and send me. 

Benson is going to be a werewolf, Liana a scarecrow, Tildy a witch, Emsley a pumpkin, and Leland a horse. Here is a picture of Tildy in her costume which they got at a thrift store.

I came home and made a big batch of mashed potatoes for James. That's what we had for dinner. I also finished my steps, I walked 13,106,  and my blog, and finished reading the book to James, "Aunt Dimity Digs In." 

Today is James's brother Dave's birthday. Happy birthday Dave. Dave is 73 years old.

Charlie exploring the Rose Garden

in Tyler, Texas

I love how she does her leg. James has

that same kind of walk.

Such a great photo shoot!

This talk was given by Elder David A. Bednar:

Such a cute picture of Autumn!

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd
Alma 5:38
Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 11:1-17
How can we keep our ears and hearts open to the whisperings of the Spirit?
New Testament: Thessalonians 1-2: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind or Be Troubled"
1 Thessalonians 3-4 & 1 Thess. 3:9-4:12 "As I follow Jesus Christ, I can become holy"

General Conference

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Christina B. Franco

"We have a loving Father in Heaven, who is waiting for us to turn to Him to bless our lives and the lives of those around us."

CFM: "It is in quiet moments of contemplation and communion with the Almighty that we come to know and love Him as our Father."

I listened to the Book Webinar this morning. Kathy and Kris were the presenters. I decided I was going to set a goal to buy 10-15 books a week. So far I have 7.

I sold two books today.

This morning I baked a loaf of pumpkin bread for Jean Howard. I was going to go visit her this afternoon around 2 but she called and said she had a doctor's appointment around noon. She said she would call me when she got home. When she had not called by 3:15 I left to do my errands. I wasn't sure if the UPS store closed at 4 or 5. 

After dropping off my box of books at UPS I went shopping at Walmart. James called the doctor and he said James could go on the soft diet. He wants me to get him some soup and make him some mashed potatoes. I also got some more bananas so I can make banana bread and put it in the freezer for him.

It was around 6:15 or so when I got home from town. I put the groceries away and had a sandwich to eat. I called Jean and asked if James and I could come over for a visit. She said we could. 

It was very quiet at Jean and Tom's. Jean and I sat in the room with the fireplace and Tom and James sat in Tom's office to talk. I asked Jean how her doctor's appointment went and she said very well. She said other than being filled with metal from all of her accidents, the doctor said she was in great shape for her age. Jean is 79 years old. Tom is the same age as we are. Jean does look good for being 79. 

I asked Jean if Dustin was going to the valley with them in the morning and she said she didn't think so. She said he had a bad day. He said he wanted to be alone and spent the entire day in his room.

I asked if they were ready to put their house up for sale. She said no, she doesn't want to sell it. She doesn't understand why Tom wants to sell. Jean designed and helped build the house so she is invest emotionally. 

We didn't stay long because we knew they were getting up early to go to the valley. I gave Jean the "Come Follow Me" manual and hopefully next week we can arrange to meet together and discuss the next lesson.

 This is so good!

I should never buy it.

 Mine too!

I love this so much!!

 Since the Aunt Dimity books take place in 

England Lori and her friends are always having

"tea." James and I have gotten into the habit of

having herbal tea since we began reading the books.

 I saw Brother Finnell at the store today. He said

His wife Lynda, my ministering sister companion was

in Dalla visiting their daughter and they were right

in the middle of the tornadoes. One touched down just

four miles from where they were staying.