75 degrees Today

The high is going to be 75 degrees today we are so excited to have it warm up.  Craig got the boat out. We are going to take the grandkids out boating later this afternoon.  We have been working in the yard. We got the canoe placed and I started putting soil in it.   I have been weeding the high side and cutting down the grass.  Slowly making things look better around here on the landscape.  Craig and Buck cut up the old telephone Pole in section to make me some nautical pillars. It will add a fun touch.  Trisha bought me some hanging flowers to bring up excited for her to bring them up and get them planted.  

It is a start for the summer flowers.  

Burbidge Family Arrive

It is going to be a beautiful week.  Lots of sunshine- the weather is warming up.  Wednesday forecast is going to be 75 here which is really nice for this time of year.  Buck brought up the canoe I found in the classified ads,  I have been wanting an old boat to make a flower bed out of this will be a project for us and I want him to make my flower box around our big pine tree and one in the upper highway bed,  Then the fun part of planting all my flowers pots with beautiful flowers and getting ready for summer.  Saydee picked up Aubrey on their way up.  Buck and Boston came too.  Trisha stayed home.  Karlee went to Oregon with her cousin’s on the  Burbidge side.  Fun to have family here for a few days.  

Back At The Lake

We spent a week at our Draper home enjoying the warmer weather.  Craig made two big grow boxes for Shannon in her big back yard.  We went out three days working in her yard weeding her flowers beds- they had over grown with weeds and placed her new garden boxes in the yard.  It is a lot of work.  It is slow work but did make progress to where she can get her garden planted this year.  We stopped by the Burbidge family- Trisha & Buck were working in their front yard planting trees and shrub.  It is looking really pretty.  They got several of the white flowering trees I love this time of year.   We stopped by to see the  Thomas family. Baby Cora Rose has grown so much she is smiling so cute and starting to fill out.  They left for the weekend to go to St George.  They rented a very nice home with a pool. Tasha is heading from there to spend the week with Stacy in California.  She said she needed to get out she had not gone anywhere the past 6 weeks.  Only to Walmart once.  She has had all her food delivered to the house.  It is nice that Costco and Walmart will deliver groceries.  While in town we visited Neil Griffiths.  He had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  He does not look good.  We stopped by twice  to visit and Craig took him to lunch one day.  I don’t think he is going to be with us much longer.  The weather is warmer up at the lake.  It feels so nice.  I have been digging in the dirt.  I have been taming the upper highway section of our lot.  It had been over come with weeds and grass.  Last year I weeded the entire section between us and  Flints property.  I weeded their raspberry patch and got some raspberries last year, This year I want to dig some up and move to our side of the yard.  I have gotten our section of the highway side all cleared out it is ready for planting.  I’m having Craig make me a planter box section too- like he made for Shannon yards.  There are so many rocks in the Utah soil.  We were moving rocks out of her soil and now here at the lake doing the same moving rocks.  It is tiring but a little each day makes a huge improvement.  I dug some blue flowers last year along the highway and planted them- this year it is so fun to see them popping up.  I want to go the nursery I found in Logan to buy my flowers this year for all my pots.  Exited to be working in the yard.  The weather is suppose to be 75 degrees by Wednesday here at the lake and in the 80’s in the Salt Lake valley this week.  Excited for the warmer weather.  The  Burbidge grandkids want to come up this week sometime.  They are tired of home schooling and ready for a change of scenery.   I want Craig to build me a flower bed around our big pine this week so we have plenty of projects to get done here at the lake.  

Thomas grandkids having fun swimming in St George this weekend.  Baby Cora is so darling in her little floating tube.  

Being Safe

Tasha posted these cute pictures of her and Annie today being safe with the virus wearing pink masks in their matching Pink dresses.

 

Jude’s 9th Birthday

Stacy just posted some fun pictures of our Jude Boy on his birthday April 9th- Living in California we were not able to be there.  Looks like they had a fun time as a family 

Cole’s Mission Call

April 15th -We just got notice Cole’s mission call came today- surprised to hear!!! It usually comes on Tuesday.  It’s is just a few minutes passed 6pm.  We threw on our shoes and out the door we went to drive to Kaysville-  we had just got back to the cabin last night and off we go again.  So excited to see where he is called to serve.  We arrived in time to visit and get all our family logged onto Facebook live-those that were not there to Participate with us .  It was fun to see all the family that joined in. Craig’s mother Lavon and my mother were able to log in on their own in their 8o’s they have learned to be tech savvy for their age.  Grandmother Lavon said it was meat to be for her to join in and to even notice on her phone.  My mother said it was a miracle and blessing for her too because she does not have good internet where she lives.  We all made our placement in the world map where we thought Cole would be called.  Craig changed his guess from Kentucky to Hawaii and then he realized he would be all alone from choices.  He studied the map again and felt Lima Peru jump out to him so he moved his magnet at the last minute to Lima.  I didn’t even know he had move his magnet there.  I moved mine from Texas to Budapest Hungary.   With the missionaries being sent home from the virus all over the world not sure where he would be serving ?  The time arrived as we were all gathering online and  few friends and family at the Noriega home.  Dave gave a short  introduction and then Cole read his mission call -  he was called to serve in the Lima, Peru mission!! We were all so surprised and Craig was waving his arms in the air, he had guessed the correct location out of over 50 people participating . Craig won the grand prize.   Craig is lucky but we both felt it was inspiration for him in knowing where he would be called as his Grandfather.  This has indeed been very special memory in our lives as we have our first grandson serve a mission.  

Craig- GranPa Symes with the grand prize !

Family picture 

Cole with his girlfriend and friends 

Winter Is Back

Thursday morning we woke up to snow !! Old man winter is back.  It is a cold day and we are staying inside for the day.  I spent the day immersing myself in my scriptures.  Studying the come follow me lesson for this week.  I spent time studying the book of Omni - and reading. Mosiah chapters 1-3.  There is so much to learn and I have enjoyed my time to study and learn the word of God.    

So proud of our Cole, I’m going on a mission to Lima Peru checking Into the mission home July 14th. We are so very blessed as grandparents.  I had a sweet conversation with my mother today.  She told me how she had a vision of the days she was converted to the church.  It flashed back all the things she had forgotten.  It is a reminder to her how blessed she is in listening to the missionaries and having the courage to be baptized when forces of evil were discouraging her.  Our lives have all been blessed and now she is able to see her first great grandson serve a mission.  

Easter This Year

We spent 4 days at our Draper home and came back yesterday late afternoon.  The weather is really cold.  We have had a cold spell come through.  It is snowing here at the lake today.  We tinkered in our yard for a little bit but started snowing so guess we are done.  It is predicted to be even colder tomorrow. So guess we will be staying inside for the next few days.  I’m so ready for spring.  We had a different Easter weekend this year not getting to together as a family.  Craig and I spent the day Saturday putting a Shopping Mart set together for Annie and Winn for Easter.  I spent the afternoon cooking.. 

 

It has a scanner for the food items and a roller belt just like at the grocery store.  They have had fun playing with it.  I made sweet rolls  Easter morning and we went over to see the Thomas family.  They had a fun Easter egg hunt.  We enjoyed spending time with them.  Bridger fell Saturday getting rocks for his yard and hurt his knee.  He was laid up on the couch.  It is very swollen and painful.  

After spending time with the Thomas family we went home for a bit.  I had just enough time to make a potato salad and we headed out the door to Celebrate Jacobs 10th birthday.  Shar invited us over at 2pm. We had a very nice dinner with their family. We enjoyed watching the Noriega grandkids participate in their family Easter egg hunt, sing happy birthday and watch Jacob open his birthday gifts. Afterward Cole and Austin prepared the sacrament for us.  With us being home we are able to bless and participate in the Sacrament as a family.  I was so impressed with the boys in their reverence and passes of the sacrament to us.  They have been taught well.  They are both two very special young men.  We got home about 6pm-  we were tired.  I was thinking of inviting the Chaudhry family over for dinner,  but I was just too tired and didn’t have the energy to host their family and didn’t know if they would even come.  We had a fun Easter Sunday visiting the Thomas and Noriega 

Family.  

Our Jacob 10 yrs old- a fun family party.  With the Virus going around we are socially distancing.

 

The Towner family had a fun day with their family.  Stacy sent me some darling pictures of their Easter Day and darling video of their family Easter egg hunt. 

We stopped by the Burbidge family and Chaudhry family on Monday to deliver our Easter cupcakes I made.  The Chaudhry family didn’t even celebrate Easter this year.  Ryan didn’t want them spending any money with the uncertain times.  We are blessed to have all our family well and safe with this virus going around.  It hasn’t hit Utah hard only 20 deaths so far.  Compare to our population this is not many deaths.  Do mourn for the loss for the families that are hurting.  Thankful for this Easter season and the time to reflect upon the Savior-  the blessing of the atonement to all mankind if we but believe and turn to the Savior 

Friday - World Fast

Craig and I drove to draper today to enjoy the warm weather-   Craig went on bike ride with his friend Richard this afternoon I hung out at our place.   When he got home we broke our fast and went to Burger King for dinner and to Costco to fill up our car for gas and buy a few groceries.  They have people wearing mask and 6ft apart shopping.  Extremely being careful to not spread the virus.  Utah is up to 20 deaths for the virus- they are hoping by the end of April we will have reached the peaked.   We have fasted to strengthen those on the front lines caring for those sick and that this virus can be contained as we each do our part.  This has been one the most defining points In Our life time effecting our way of life.  Sharlena posted these darling pictures of their family -Just got these photos back yesterday. #thefrontporchproject.  A historic picture of our family during the pandemic. Everyone is wearing something representing one or two ways they have been affected by this pandemic.

Cole was not able to complete his track events being a Senior is very disappointing. He is a senior in high school and don’t even know if they are going to have a graduation?  He is waiting for his mission call and it has been a month now and no mission call yet.  With many missionaries coming home from around the world-  I’m sure the church is having to reorganize the missionary callings and reassignment for 100’s of missionaries.  So we all are patiently waiting for his mission call.  The kids are all home schooling for the rest of the school year.  The Utah governor announced the kids will not be going back to school this year.  Aubrey is missing playing in her high school soft ball team and seeing her friends. Austin wasn’t able to finish his wrestle competitions.  Dave is doing his radio show at home on the daily air- Jacob is home doing home schooling and celebrating his birthday at home this year.  Sharlena works at the school and is putting time there limited hours keeping things going.  This virus has greatly effected all our lives.  We are not going to be able to get together as family for Easter this year.  I made Easter cup cakes to take around to the families since we can’t gather this year.  

Wednesday - Hear Him

April 8th the warmest day of the year so far at the lake - Craig has been busy working-  he changed the oil in our Acadia,vacuum the car out and then wanted to put the wave blaster in to play around on the beautiful water today.  I helped him put on his dry suit- that was a little challenging, he is out enjoying the water.  It is about 58 degrees today.. it is a good thing he has his dry suit on, he is trying to get the Boat Bowie the ice dragged out this Winter-  he is having a hard getting it in without falling off the blaster.  

 wint  

Each day this week striving to Hear Him - bringing the closeness of my Savior in my life as I reflect upon him this Easter season.  Today is hearing the Savior’s voice by reading the scriptures-  I love these two quotes from the Hear Me outline -Prophetic Teaching

”Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. …

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change” (Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2011,6).  Craig and I sat in the swing enjoying the warm spring sunshine and repeated the sacrament prayers of the Bread and Water as a reminder of hearing our Savior -promising this week to obey his commandments, and being a witness of Jesus. So that we may have his spirit in our lives.  We need to be more earnest in our prayers together and prepare for a world fast this coming Friday.  Craig repeated the Temple recommend question to me that he has memorized.  As he asked me each question I answered yes -I’m striving to live the gospel with all my heart-  I felt a burning in my heart this is the true Church of God on the earth and I became very emotional as tears filled my eyes-  I could feel and hear the Savior speaking to me.  This is the true church restored for us all to prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Savior -  there is much work to do in sharing this gospel message.  The one scripture that comes to my mind many times in my life is John 3:16 I don’t remember making a decision to memorize this scripture but I have remember from my scripture study and it has stuck with me- "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."-  this scripture give me great comfort and I have reflected upon it many times as a reminder God is there and he loves us and gave us the Savior his only begotten son to die for us and atone for the entire world of their sins -  if I but believe in the Savior and come unto him- repent and live the commandments I can  have everlasting last life.  I’m working today to memorized vs 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.   This another scripture that has a huge impact on my life Matthew 25:40 -And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  A verse that was apart of my conversion story.  The spirit repeated in my mother’s mind when she shut the door turning the Missionaries away- this very scripture was repeated in Her mind-  the next things she knew she was running down the sidewalk inviting them back in our home to hear their message.  When ye do it unto them ye do unto me- she knew they were messenger's from God and she needed to listen to them-  

Tuesday our theme was serving others- as a ministering sister I made contact with my two new sisters assigned to check on them in this time of social distant to give them a call and make sure they are ok and that they have my phone number and know who I’m.   I was real excited when I was first assigned to these two new sister that just moves in a couple months ago.  They are struggling single sisters that need lots of help-  my dear husband reminded me that I do have some of the most difficult sisters in the ward assigned to me and that we do need to look after them.  They are poor and don’t have much money-  I can give service by helping with the resources I have to offer in caring for them physically and spiritually-  this is my opportunity to serve. Love thy neighbor.  President Nelson Conference talk I read this morning - this quote stood out to me -followers of Jesus Christ, are always looking for ways to help, to lift, and to love others. They who are willing to be called the Lord’s people “are willing to bear one another’s burdens, … to mourn with those that mourn; … and [to] comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”

Come Follow Me

Today I’m taking the time to study the come follow me lesson in preparing for the Easter season.  The great blessing of the knowledge of the Resurrection is to come to all men-  this is a gift to all who have been  born on this earth.  Resurrection is the permanent reuniting of the body and the spirit. In the Book of Mormon I read 2 Nephi 9:7–15 and Alma 11:41–45 -identify words and phrases in these verses that teach about resurrection. 

2Nephi 9 here Jacob the brother of Nephi is teaching about the resurrection to the people about 544 bc before the Savior has been born on the earth-  7 ​Wherefore, it must needs be an ​​​infinite​ ​​​atonement​—save it should be an infinite atonement this ​​corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the ​​​first​ judgment which came upon man must needs have ​​​remained​ to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more. - From this verse I learn that the atonement is eternal  - our first judgement came because Of the fall of Adam- all mankind must die and go to the world of spirits in this spirit form we are are separated from our bodies.  And will become like the 1/3 of the host of follows that choose Satan’s way to never have a physical body- coming to the earth to receive a body and then die a mortal death leaves us in the form of a spirit again and not able to continue our eternal progress and growth if we were to remain in this state eternally  we would then become like the spirits of Satan and remain in this state.  ​​​8 ​O the ​​​wisdom​ of God, his ​​​mercy​ and ​​​grace​! For behold, if the ​​​flesh​ should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who ​​​fell​ from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the ​​​devil​, to rise no more- This verse describes that we are spiritually separated from our Heavenly Father our joy is not complete until we can receive an immoral body, which is like our Heavenly Father-  we need this immoral body in order to gain eternal life and live in the presence of God- if not for the resurrection we would become like the spirits of the devil - .​​​9 ​And our spirits must have become ​​​like​ unto him, and we become devils, ​​​angels​ to a ​​​devil​, to be ​​​shut out​ from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of ​​​lies​, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who ​​​beguiled​ our first parents, who ​​​transformeth​ himself nigh unto an ​​​angel​ of light, and ​​​stirreth up​ the children of men unto ​​​secret combinations​ of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness
.​​​10 ​O how great the ​​​goodness​ of our God, who prepareth a way for our ​​​escape​ from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, ​​​death​ and ​​​hell​, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.​​​11 ​And because of the way of ​​​deliverance​ of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this ​​​death​, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave. We ​​​12 ​And this ​​​death​ of which I have spoken, which is the spiritual death, shall deliver up its dead; which spiritual death is ​​​hell​; wherefore, death and hell must ​​​deliver​ up their dead, and hell must deliver up its ​​​captive​ ​​​spirits​, and the grave must deliver up its captive ​​​bodies​, 
and the bodies and the ​​​spirits​ of men will be ​​​restored​ one to the other; and it is by the power of the resurrection of the Holy One of Israel.​​​  it is by the power of the Savior and his love for all mankind to return to our heavenly home the Savior was the first to be resurrected to open the door of the world of spirits - the graves are opened to all mankind and receive an eternal body - our spirit connected with our mortal bodies and becoming immortal never to die and be separated from our body again. 
13 ​O how great the ​​​plan​ of our God! For on the other hand, the ​​​paradise​ of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous, and the grave deliver up the body of the righteous; and the spirit and the body is ​​​restored​ to itself again, and all men become incorruptible, and ​​​immortal​, and they are living souls, having a ​​​perfect​ ​​​knowledge​ like unto us in the flesh, save it be that our knowledge shall be perfect.​​​ )Because of our Heavenly Fathers plan we can become like him having a prefect knowledge )14 ​Wherefore, we shall have a ​​​perfect​ ​​​knowledge​ of all our ​​​guilt​, and our ​​​uncleanness​, and our ​​​nakedness​; and the righteous shall ​​have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their ​​​righteousness​, being ​​​clothed​ with ​​​purity​, yea, even with the ​​​robe​ of righteousness.​​​

( I love this verse the righteous shall have a prefect knowledge of their enjoyment - all sorrow from our earth life will be taken away as we strive to live righteously- repent of all our sins- acknowledge those sins and strive in mortality to live a righteous life-  Being clothed with purity-with righteousness-  even the Robes of righteousness -  this our temple endowment -the robes of righteousness -  in order to have a temple recommend we live a higher law of purity and cleanliness that is required to have a recommend to enter the holy temple-  we will have a prefect knowledge of our sins and guilt after death- if we have not strived to repent and apply the atonement of the Savior in our lives-  we will be resurrected to the life we lived in our mortal life-  
15 ​And it shall come to pass that when all men shall have passed from this first death unto life, insomuch as they have become immortal, they must appear before the ​​​judgment-seat​ of the Holy One of Israel; and then cometh the ​​​judgment​, and then must they be judged according to the holy judgment of God.

 What is death compared to?

 How is resurrection described? 21 ​But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a ​​​space​ between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in ​​​happiness​ or in ​​​misery​ until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be ​​​brought​ to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

​​​22 ​Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets.

​​​23 ​The ​​​soul​ shall be ​​​restored​ to the ​​​body​, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a ​​​hair​ of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and ​​​perfect​ frame.

 Why do we need a resurrected body? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 93:33–34). 33 ​For man is ​​​spirit​. The elements are ​​​eternal​, and ​​​spirit​ and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy;

​​​34 ​And when ​​​separated​, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. - when we are separated from our bodies we can not receive a fullness of joy-

My thoughts  John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world- that he gave us his only begotten son that who so ever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life - to bring to pass the immorality and eternal life of all men - men are that that my have joy- ( eternal joy) -  

Monday

Craig and I just hung around the cabin today.  We finished our Bear lake puzzle 🧩 we started last Thursday.  It is a fun puzzle that the Burbidge family gave us for Christmas.  Something to do while we are staying home safe from the virus.   I cooked swishes meatball for lunch Trisha’s recipe.  They turned out yummy.  I tidied up the cupboards and took inventory of our food supply and gathered a few things to take to our draper home later-  we thought we would head down while the weather is going to be 63 on Wednesday.  The day has flew by for us.  We took a nice long walk up the road from our place. The sun was setting and so pretty.  Felt so good to be outside and smell the fresh air.  The snow is melting and things are staring to green up a little- buds are starting to pop out on the trees.  Craig put fertilizer on our lawn so it will green up.  We are excited for warmer weather to arrive. We have been watching Madam secretary a TV series on Netfilx’s to pass the time staying home.  It has 5 seasons and we are on Season 2- this will keep us entertained for a while.   It is Easter next Sunday and guess we are not going to be  able to get together because of the virus an unusual course of event in our lives we will never forget.  The virus is getting worse and is predicted to be a rough couple weeks with death rates peaking.  

Chaudhry family taking things seriously and striving to protect one another from the virus. 

General Conference

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 190th Annual General Conference from April 4-5. This blog summarizes the key points from each session.

It has been 200 years since the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, said he saw God and Jesus Christ — a foundational event for the church that would become known as the "First Vision." April’s conference will celebrate that anniversary, and President Nelson urged members to spiritually prepare for the event.

Unlike past conferences, April’s will be focused on a central theme, namely, the "Restoration" — or what Latter-day Saints believe is the period of time when Jesus Christ’s church was restored on the earth. And, because of the spread of COVID-19, this is the first time the conference will be held through technology only.President Oaks is conducting the first session.  SALT LAKE CITY — Six months ago, President Russell M. Nelson promised members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a general conference unlike any they had ever seen.

Even he didn’t understand the magnitude of that promise, made prior to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But on Saturday, he began to reveal what he meant. Speaking from a mostly empty auditorium in the Church Office Building, President Nelson announced Saturday that a portion of the Sunday morning session of the conference will become a worldwide solemn assembly of the church, when he will lead church members in the Hosanna Shout. “We pray that this conference will be memorable and unforgettable because of the messages you will hear, the unique announcements which will be made, and the experiences in which you will be invited to participate,” President Nelson said. Solemn assemblies are unlike regular conference meetings in that they are special meetings held for a variety of holy purposes defined as sacred, the church explained. Such meetings include the-naming of new presidents of the church, the dedication of a new temple or similar religious building, the introduction of new scripture, or similar meetings.

President Nelson will indicate the purpose of Sunday morning’s solemn assembly during his remarks.

Generally reserved for special circumstances such as temple dedications, the Hosanna Shout is a way for Latter-day Saints to give honor and praise to God the Father and his son Jesus Christ, according to an explainer by the churchThe action stems from the time of Jesus Christ, when he was ushered into Jerusalem during the last week of his life. The shout is accompanied by each participant waving a white handkerchief in the air. In the absence of a clean white kerchief, President Nelson said church members may simply wave their hand. When the Hosannah Shout concludes, members will sing the Latter-day Saint hymn, "The Spirit of God," the same way early church members did at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.  “We pray that this will be a spiritual highlight for you as we express in global unison our profound gratitude to God the Father and His beloved Son by praising them in this unique way.  

Palm Sunday tomorrow -  we are doing the Hosanna shout as a church wide- save us now means - Hosanna Shout -  

Evening Session -  two youth spoke for the first time in a conference session.  The young lady did so well. She a had a moving story about the blessings of the priesthood in her life 

She was wearing the dress Natasha  designed and is selling in her online Clorhing business- so exciting for her.  Our Aubrey wore the same dress on her first date.  

Sunday General Conference Session President woodruff letter written 1893- of the time temples are closed - live a temple worthy life-

 Sunday Morning session highlights -President Oaks conducting- SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is holding its 190th Annual General Conference from April 4-5. This blog summarizes the key points from each session.

It has been 200 years since the church’s founder, Joseph Smith, said he saw God and Jesus Christ — a foundational event for the church that would become known as the "First Vision." April’s conference celebrates that anniversary, and before the conference, President Nelson urged members to spiritually prepare for the event.Unlike past conferences, April’s is focused on a central theme, namely, the "Restoration" — or what Latter-day Saints believe defines when Jesus Christ’s church was restored on the earth, and is the ongoing revelation given to church leaders and members today. And, because of the spread of COVID-19, this is the first time the conference will be held through technology only.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband — Fulfillment of Prophecy

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began his talk by quoting ancient prophecies about the Restoration from Daniel, Peter, Joseph and others. Such prophesies about the Restoration, which include a global gospel and temple work, are believed to be fulfilled according to church historians. Latter-day Saint faithful believe the Restoration was when Jesus Christ’s church was restored on the earth, and that the Restoration is ongoing through revelation today.

Roanald A Rasband-  sacred grove the beginning is the restoration-  Daniel’s dream small stone cut out of the MOUNTIAN without hands- profound witness today-  Peter, Paul, Rome Italy temple - living witnesses- Joseph a seer shall be raise up , John revelatory- Moroni is the Angel -  Malichi, Elijah each prophet restored the priesthood keys of the gathering - 168 temples dotting the earth now-  we are charged to usher in the second coming of the Savior - making and keeping sacred temple covenants-  this church will fill the world- our prophet has visited 32 counties - in his two years-  mission calls to the people to teach -  Isaiah’s prophecy - many flowing to the top of the mountians - from all nations to Salt lake city-  the higher cause-  we must be prepare for the saviors returns the restoration continues-  the work will continue-  following our leaders and heed the message of the ancient prophets- 

“What I am describing is a fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that in the last days, nations shall flow unto the mountain of the Lord’s house. The great Salt Lake Temple stands in the center of that majesty and glory.”

Elder Rasband then recounted when he dedicated the Durban South Africa Temple, saying that temple covenants bring families together and bind Saints together. He also fondly discussed wanting to go on an international mission, before later gaining a strong witness his calling to the Eastern States Mission, headquartered in New York, was right for him. Elder Rasband also discussed how the church participated in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake, how church presidents hosted world leaders and leaders from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and welcomed the United Nations Sixty Eighth Civil Society Conference, among others. He stated that such events were fulfillment of prophecy.

We do not know when the Savior will return but this we do know. We must be prepared in heart and mind worthy to receive Him and honored to be part of all that was prophesied so long ago.” In conclusion, Elder Rasband urged listeners to turn to modern prophets and apostles and see the works of a global, restored gospel.

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon — That They May See

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, the Young Women general president, focused her message on a passage in the Book of Mormon — which Latter-day Saints consider to be scripture — found in 3 Nephi: "Let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." She said she’s grown to love the phrase “that they may see.” She spoke of a friend sitting next to a business executive, and a collegiate basketball player who chose to serve a mission as examples of this message. Both were worried about how they would represent their beliefs, but were able to gain the strength and spread the message of their faith.

Sister Bonnie Cordon -  restoration we can be filled with the light let your light so shine- That they may see-  others see the path come into a Christ- story about  feeding the chickens-  elder Perry needed the flashlight shined in his path - I need to see the light on the path-  he needed her light.  Saviors example of following the light-  sister at the well -  Savior is the living water-  “[Christ] will bring the light if we will just point others to Him.” Her message was that everyone has enough “light to share,” and the ability to help draw another person closer to Christ.—Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland — A Perfect Brightness of Hope

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, began his talk by pushing back on 1800s ideas of God as cold and unfeeling, or as a deity who abandoned his children. Instead, he forwarded the idea of a God who sent his Son to die for his children for ultimate love. He said that if we had lived in the early 19th century, we would have longed for the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, the renewal of temple work, and answers to many of the doubts in modern Christendom. “Well, our 1820 list of hopes could go on but perhaps the most important message of the Restoration is that such hopes would not have been in vain,” Elder Holland stated.

Apostle Holland-  saving ordancies restored in our time-  hope of the restoration-  our gift of hope for the future and go forward in hope-  we did not come this far to come this far -  prophet Nephi receive the gospel press forward with brightness of Hope of the great last dispensation -  promises to keep and  we have miles to go before we sleep-  this is the gospel of Christ-  powerful talk need to study he had some big words I did not understand- "Even as we speak, we are waging an “all hands on deck” war with COVID-19, a solemn reminder that a virus 1,000 times smaller than a grain of sand can bring entire populations and global economies to their knees."-, acknowledging the effects of COVID-19 and offering prayers for those who have lost loved ones or who have become infected, and for health care workers. He also encouraged members to be equally committed once the pandemic ends, to racial equality, freedom from poverty, and fulfillment of Jesus’ messages to love God and love our neighbors.

Elder Holland claimed that, outlining both the religious deficiencies of the past and present, all must hope for a better future in the face of insurmountable odds.-“We all need to believe that what we desire in righteousness can someday, someway, somehow yet be ours. - He then testified to members that one day, with a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and all men, it is possible to have eternal life.

Elder Holland concluded his talk by painting a future full of miracles, and encouraged listeners to hope for greater blessings from God’s ongoing revelation, benevolence and grace.-  

Elder David A. Bednar — Let This House Be Built Unto My Name 

Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke of the importance of the church’s temples. He said temples emphasize the divinity of Jesus Christ and God’s “great plan of happiness.”

Bednar-  the importance of family history work-  priesthood ordinances - covenants received to the sanctification of our hearts turning our hearts to our own fathers-  on both sides is the veil-  the lords works from the inside and then outward changes come- the Lords changes the man-  we come to the temple to conquer evil-  March 27 1836 -  Kirtland temple dedication-  this is the beginning of the blessings upon my people-  168 temples and 49 under construction. 88 languages -15 next years will double in languages -  

150 years to the 1st -18 temple - hastening of temple work-  temple blessing to all people is our most important -  the building up of Zion -  we - our time to roll forward the Latter Day glory-  the salvation of the human family of the earth-  

“The most sacred covenants and priesthood ordinances are received only in a temple — the House of the Lord."- 
"Everything that is learned and all that is done in the temple emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ and His role in Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness.

Singing  come let us rejoice-  

Israel God is calling -  

The Spirit of God 

 President Nelson -  Hosanna shout -  Hear Him-  daily immersion in our daily lives the scriptures nesserary -  also the temple -  please take time to serve in the temple-  increase our time in family history work -notice how the spirit speaks to me-thoughts Will come to my mind-  to receive personal relations and how to more forward in our lives-  heed the words-so do our prophets- they piont the way-  hear - harken - heed the promptings in our lives-proclamation-   the restoration of the gospel is the restored church of Jesus Christ -  April 2O20

SALT LAKE CITY — President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints revealed on Sunday a new proclamation as the church celebrates the 200th anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision.

“We felt impressed to create a monument, not of granite or stone, but of words — words of solemn and sacred proclamation. Not to be carved in tables of stone, but to be etched in the fleshy tables of our hearts,” President Nelson said.

The proclamation, titled “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World,” was read by President Nelson in a previously recorded video at the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York — the site of the First Vision.

"We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world. God the Father has given us the divine birth, the incomparable life, and the infinite atoning sacrifice of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. By the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death. He is our Savior, our Exemplar, and our Redeemer," it states in part.It is the church’s sixth proclamation and first since 1995. Church officials said it is most similar to a proclamation issued as the church celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1980. The newest proclamation has already been transcribed in 12 languages, President Nelson said.This April's conference has been focused on the 200th anniversary of the First Vision, when the church's founder Joseph Smith said he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ; Joseph Smith then began what church members call the Restoration of the gospel, establishing the church, receiving revelation, and discovering and receiving new scripture. The Book of Mormon was published and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formed 10 years after the vision.

Two hundred years have now elapsed since this Restoration was initiated by God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Millions throughout the world have embraced a knowledge of these prophesied events," the proclamation states. "We gladly declare that the promised Restoration goes forward through continuing revelation. The earth will never again be the same, as God will 'gather together in one all things in Christ.'"

Afternoon session - 

president Oaks this conference of an outpouring of the restoration of the gospel on the earth today- 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson — Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection

The blessings of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ are available to all those who want them, Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the church’s Quorum of Twelve Apostles said. The Book of Mormon “belongs to mankind,” the spirit is for everyone, and promised blessings are available to all the world. 

That is why members of the church should not fail to invite others to learn about the gospel, he added.

“We are invited, even commanded, to pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that we may be filled with this love,” Elder Christofferson said.

“Our invitations cannot be a matter of self-interest, rather, they must be an expression of selfless love,” he added.

Elder Christofferson presented three requirements for members’ invitations to others to learn about the gospel: your love, your example, and your use of the Book of Mormon. 

Your example — or “what you are” — brings authenticity to inviting others to learn about the gospel. That is what makes invitations powerful, Elder Christofferson said. “Everyone is worthy of such an invitation — 'all are alike unto God;' the Lord is pleased with every effort we make, no matter the outcome; a declined invitation is no reason for our association to end; and a lack of interest today may well turn to interest in some future day,” he added. “Regardless, our love remains constant.”

Elder L. Whitney Clayton — The Finest Homes 

Elder L. Whitney Clayton — a leader of the Quorum of the Seventy, one of the church’s governing bodies — recently saw a billboard in Salt Lake City that caught his eye. It read: “Serving the finest homes in Salt Lake City.” The sign made him think about the question: What is a “finest home?”

Elder Clayton said he’s identified four characteristics of a fine home. 

• The personal qualities of the people who live in a home determine the quality of the home. Their net worth and social status don’t matter, but the interior design of their soul does.
• Residents in the finest homes make time to study the scriptures and the words of living prophets.
• Fine homes follow the blueprint created by God for His home: the temple. Those who wish to create a fine home must metaphorically clear brush and level land, create a strong foundation, and establish a steel framework by following God’s commandments and having a change of heart.
• Fine homes are refuges from the storms of life, and those who keep the commandments will “prosper in the land.”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf — Come and Belong Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ requires more than simply talking and preaching, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles said; it takes practice. 

To quote the common refrain: practice makes perfect. 

“Actively participating in The Church of Jesus Christ and its great variety of opportunities will help us to be better prepared for life’s changing circumstances, whatever they may be,” the former airline pilot said. 

Elder Uchtdorf offered several invitations for those who are not members of the church who may be watching general conference: read the Book of Mormon, visit ComeUntoChrist.org, and invite church missionaries to visit online or at home.  There is no threshold of perfection you must attain in order to qualify for God’s grace,” Elder Uchtdorf said. “Your prayers do not have to be loud or eloquent or grammatically correct in order to reach heaven. “In truth, God does not show favoritism — the things the world values mean nothing to Him. He knows your heart, and He loves you regardless of your title, financial net worth, or number of Instagram followers.” God didn’t wait to find a perfect person when he called Joseph Smith 200 years ago; he works the same way today, the church leader said. Perfection is not a minimum requirement.

70ty -  great talk on our home desgin and & Temples interior design -great talk.

Those who live the commandments will have the finest home.  -  the church is the prefect blueprint-  

Elder Todd D. Christoffersen the restoration belongs to the world.  

Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez — Finding Refuge from the Storms of Life 

Elder Ricardo P. Gimenez — a member of the Quorum of the Seventy, one of the governing bodies of the church — recounted a time when he served as a firefighter in Chile on New Year’s Eve.

At midnight, he and his fellow firefighters heard fireworks go off, marking the new year. But not long after, the fire station bell began ringing, indicating an emergency. As Elder Gimenez rushed to help, he noticed crowds of people celebrating, unconcerned and carefree, unaware of the people nearby who were in trouble. 

“This experience helped me realize that although our lives may at times be relatively smooth, the time will come for each of us when we will face unexpected challenges and storms that will push the limits of our ability to endure,” Elder Gimenez said. 

While there may be fierce storms that everyone has to endure, “faith is the antidote for fear,” Elder Gimenez said, quoting President Russell M. Nelson from a previous address. No matter what kind of storm someone is facing, faith in Jesus Christ is the refuge that everyone needs, Elder Gimenez added. Those who have already found it have a responsibility to help others do the same.

Elder Quentin L. Cook — The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives

Modern and continuous revelation is a key distinction of Jesus Christ’s church, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles said Sunday afternoon. Nowhere was that more evident than in President Russell M. Nelson’s earlier proclamation on the Restoration of the gospel, he added.

“The seminal declaration by President Nelson has made it clear that The Church of Jesus Christ owes its origin, existence and direction for the future to the principle of continuous revelation,” Elder Cook said. “The new proclamation represents a loving father’s communication to his children.” Members of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and other church leaders have been “present and participated” in various degrees with revelation received by recent prophets. This includes some earlier revelations “relating to sacred temple ordinances,” in which President Nelson received revelation, involved the sisters who led the Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations, and received final guidance in the temple with the Quorum of the Twelve and First Presidency. Recent changes in church administration and policy have also come by revelation, he added. But personal revelation, which Elder Cook said is as important as revelation from church leaders, is “available to all those who humbly seek guidance from the Lord,” by way of spiritual communication “in your mind and in your heart.”Additional revelation can come through study of scriptures and other church materials, attending church meetings, and when members seek to “bless others” in service, both planned and unplanned. But one person is designated to receive guidance for the entire church.Guidance for the church, as a whole,” Elder Cook said, “comes to the president and prophet of the church.”President Dallin H. Oaks - The Great Plan-President Dallin H. Oaks, the first counselor in the church’s top governing body, began the last session of April's general conference by detailing “the great plan of happiness” — or what Latter-day Saints believe is God’s plan for His children to be tested and eventually achieve eternal life. The purpose of mortal life, and growth after death, is to become like God — but essential to that purpose is the Atonement, or the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, President Oaks said. God’s children must be subject to opposition and temptation, but the Atonement can help them achieve what they could not on their own.Sometimes our needed growth is achieved better by suffering and adversity than by comfort and tranquility.” Through Christ’s suffering, all can repent and be cleansed of their sins, President Oaks added. Christ also took upon Himself all mortal infirmities and revoked the finality of death, meaning God’s children’s progress doesn’t end at death, the apostle said. “We who know God’s plan and who have covenanted to participate, have a clear responsibility to teach these truths and do all that we can to further them for others and in our own circumstances in mortality,” President Oaks said.

President Dallin H. Oaks - The Great Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks, the first counselor in the church’s top governing body, began the last session of April's general conference by detailing “the great plan of happiness” — or what Latter-day Saints believe is God’s plan for His children to be tested and eventually achieve eternal life. The purpose of mortal life, and growth after death, is to become like God — but essential to that purpose is the Atonement, or the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, President Oaks said. God’s children must be subject to opposition and temptation, but the Atonement can help them achieve what they could not on their own.

President Russell M. Nelson — Hear Him

In his remarks, President Russell M. Nelson encouraged those listening to improve their ability to "Hear Him," or the Savior, and recognize when and how God is speaking to them. 

He suggested daily scripture study, regular temple attendance, family history work and refining one's ability to hear and understand the promptings of the Holy Ghost as ways to help members improve their ability to "Hear Him."

He also issued a new proclamation to commemorate the Restoration — or what Latter-day Saints believe was when Jesus Christ’s church was restored on the earth, and is also ongoing revelation given to church leaders and members today — in its bicentennial year.

Proclamations are unique statements issued by church leaders which summarize and expound gospel doctrine. The last proclamation issued was “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” which was revealed in 1995. 

President Nelson encouraged members to read and study the proclamation, both individually and with their families. He testified that such study would bring blessings. 

The proclamation was introduced with a recording of President Nelson in the Sacred Grove, a location where members believe Joseph Smith was visited by God and his Son, Jesus Christ. - our Prophet announced 8 new temples to to be built -   China Shanghai -  Dubai temple-  great and welcome suprise-  the doors of China are slowly opening.  The proclamation asserts the divinity of Joseph Smith’s vision, saying that he restored the full gospel under the direction of divine messengers. It also bears witness that Joseph Smith translated the ancient scripture that makes up the Book of Mormon. The proclamation also declares that all people are sons and daughters of God, and that the church is Jesus Christ’s restored church. “Study [the proclamation] privately and with your family members and friends. Ponder the truths and think of the impact those truths will have on your life if you will hear them, hearken to them and heed the commandments and covenants that accompany them.”

Listeners then participated in a solemn assembly to further commemorate the Restoration. A solemn assembly is a sacred ceremony for specific occasions such as temple dedications or the introduction of new scripture. During the assembly, President Nelson led members in a Hosannah Shout. This event was very moving to me spiritually,  Craig and I only had a white paper towel to participate in the solemn assembly.  So exciting !! 

Well,  broke my pinky toe this morning. Life is really being good to me. 😭😱😳  At least I will be getting lots of snuggles today. 💕

Though all temples are currently closed because of the virus, members can still honor the promises they made in the temples or prepare to enter them when they reopen, President Nelson added this afternoon session closing remarks.