Our Sabbath Day -

We have come to the end of July the month has gone by so fast as it always does.  I have been busy as I have not taken the time to record in my Blog.  The weather has been great - we have had a nice month of July with prefect weather- I'm sitting with Dan and Holly Bradshaw in sacrament today.  Dan was a missionary companion from their mission.  They have been great friends for 46 years.  We have a cabin full this weekend with the Burbidge family.  Trisha & Buck and their family, Bucks sister Brittany and her family and Buck’s parents came too.  They have not been up here for over 20 years.  It has been a fun weekend to have them all here.  

Ezra

I dont know much about this man and his mission -I can not recall much from my past study - this is an area I have skipped over so this week taking the time  to study and learn more - I first went to the Bible dictionary to learn who Ezra is as he has a book written and added to our Old Testament-   It is the 15th book  section-  I was surprised how much information there is written in the Bible dictionary - Ezra

A famous priest and scribe who brought back part of the exiles from captivity (Ezra 7–10; Neh. 8; 12). The object of his mission was “to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” In 458 B.C. he obtained from Artaxerxes an important edict (Ezra 7:12–26) allowing him to take to Jerusalem any Jewish exiles who cared to go, along with offerings for the temple with which he was entrusted, and giving to the Jews various rights and privileges. He was also directed to appoint magistrates and judges. On arriving in Jerusalem his first reform was to cause the Jews to separate from their foreign wives, and a list is given of those who had offended in this way (Ezra 10). The later history of Ezra is found in the book of Nehemiah, which is a sequel to the book of Ezra. Along with Nehemiah he took steps to instruct the people in the Mosaic law (Neh. 8). Hitherto “the law” had been to a great extent the exclusive possession of the priests. It was now brought within the reach of every Jew. The open reading of “the book of the law” was a new departure and marked the law as the center of Jewish national life.

A good many traditions have gathered around the name of Ezra. He is said to have formed the canon of Hebrew scripture and to have established an important national council, called the Great Synagogue, over which he presided. But for none of these traditions is there trustworthy evidence. The Jews of later days were inclined to attribute to the influence of Ezra every religious development between the days of Nehemiah and the Maccabees.

The book of Ezra contains also an introductory section (Ezra 1–6) describing events that happened from 60 to 80 years before the arrival of Ezra in Jerusalem, that is, the decree of Cyrus, 537 B.C., and the return of Jews under Zerubbabel; the attempt to build the temple and the hindrances due to the Samaritans; the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah and the completion of the temple, 516 B.C. There is no record in the book of any events between this date and the mission of Ezra.

Religious values in the book of Ezra are found in the teaching that (1) the promises of the Lord through His prophets shall all be fulfilled (Ezra 1:1; see also Jer. 25:13; 29:10; D&C 1:37–38; 5:20); (2) discipline and patience are born of disappointment, as one expectation after another was frustrated; (3) there is eternal significance in everyday life; (4) preparation is needed for the rule of Messiah, the law being the schoolmaster to bring men to Christ.

Beginning my reading of this section this week - what is thr spirit teaching me ? 

Come Follow Me This Week

July 18–24

Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8

“I Am Doing a Great Work”

President Ezra Taft Benson taught, “The word of God … has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014],  I really like this quote from our lesson material this week there was so much material to cover last week.  It repeats the same theme this week - studying the scriptures- holding to the iron rod as we learn in the Book of Mormon -  it is our strength in this life to stay on course - get on and stay on the covenant path as our Prophet President Russell M Nelson counsels.  Look forward to studying the reading material this week.  There is so much to learn in my Old Testament study- I’m striving to stay on course with my gospel study time-  I learned a lot last week.  I spent time learning about the different Kings in the Northern Kingdom of Israel before their fall in 722BC and learning about the Kings in the south kingdom - Judah - their gal was in 587 BC taken in as captives of the Babylon empire.  Had they all stayed faithful to the only one true God the lives of all these millions of Israelites would have been so different.  It is a repeat pride cycle over and over of falling away from Gods Laws and follow man’s laws on earth- worshiping false Gods-  it is a warning for us today to follow only Gods Law for true happiness in this life.   Learning about Ezra an Old Testament prophet - 

Sabbath Day

We had a quite day to rest our souls.  Felt good to slow down.  I worked hard yesterday washing windows and cleaning things up from our family visits. Aubrey and her friends left Thursday.  I have been reading my Old Testament study- I’m learning so very much-  I’m trying really hard to stay on task. There has been alot of information to cover.  We drove down to Draper this afternoon so we could baby sit our little Cora for a couple of days-  she was not happy changing sitters- she likes her Nanny- she finally calmed down when we started a movie for her.  She hurt her knee jumping on the trampoline - so see how she feel tomorrow.  She could have broken it.    

Happy 8th Birthday

Happy Birthday to our little Ani!!! With a huge personality.  We love you! Never change!! CHEERS to 8 years old!

wow She can do the splits.  They celebrated in Lake Powell this year as a family on a really fun house boat.  They had a great time.  

Relief Society Activity

Wednesday night was our summer relief society activity.  I’m the new committee chairman for planning and decorating for it.  It all turned out so nice.  We had about 25 sisters show up.  It was bring a  pie to be judged -  I won the most tasty pie.  I made apple crisp pie-  it’s a recipe I have refined and it did turn out really good.   I picked wild flowers from the fields above our home for decorations for the tables. They turned out darling - I had canning jars to place them in.   We had a great turn out more than I thought would attend.  Everyone loved that attended this event.  

Friday / Beautiful Summer

The week has gone by fast for us.  Craig and were able to calm down from little dispute last week. Sunday was a nice day to attend church together and have a nice day of quite from all our family being here at the lake since the 4th of July.  Aubrey arrived Monday afternoon with two girlfriends they stayed till Thursday mid morning.  We had great weather.  It has been really hot the warmest time of the year so far. We took the girls boating two days-  Aubrey learned how to surf and Craig taught them how to get up one ski-  so that was fun them.  They had a great time.  I worked out in the yard two mornings cleaning up my potted plants and repotting a few. It was really hot. It felt good to be out on the lake. We played pickleball last night but had to stop due to high winds- it was blowing crazy hard.  Craig went on a boat rescue last night he came home soak and wet.  I was worried about him being on the lake with high winds and extreme rough water.  I said a prayer that he would be protected.  He did arrive home safely!  I didn’t sleep well last night I tossed and turned which isn’t usual for me-  I think I was to hot. I love opening the window and feeling the cool mountain air at night.  Craig gets too cold and shuts the window.  I fell asleep before him which is usual for me.  I have just been falling in bed late at night and I’m out.  I got up early to play pickleball this morning since we got blown away last night.  It was fun to play and enjoy the morning.  Today is much cooler which feels so nice.  It has drop about 20 degrees from 97 to 77.  It is getting windy now and and very cloudy it would be nice to get some rain we need it.  It hasn’t rained at all in July here at the lake.  I stopped by the store on my way home and picked up a few groceries at our new Mikes market. It is nice to have a new store in our little town.  Our town has grown alot in the past two years.  I don’t feel so isolated now.  I was craving some steak and eggs so I pick up some steak that was on sale.  I came home and fixed us a nice breakfast.  It was more like Brunch.  Craig wanted to get a shake so we drove down in the corvette.  It is fun to drive in the summer months.  It is nice to have a day to rest.  We are both really tired today- 1pm and Craig had to lay down and take nap- I tired but have been tinker around- watering my flowers and keeping the laundry going. I need to do the kitchen dishes but I’m going to rest for a bit now too.  I love the smell of the salty air coming off the lake with the wind blowing- feels like we are at the ocean.  

New Come Follow me Lesson

This week the new lesson material - July 11–17 2 Kings 17–25

“He Trusted in the Lord God of Israel”. We will be finishing reading the book of 2 kings.   I’m trying really hard to stay on course.    “ When Josiah heard the words from the book of the law, he responded in faith. How can you respond in faith to what you read in 2 Kings 17–25?”  Working on responding in greater faith.

My Temple Interview

This was a very special moment I shared with my dear husband today.  We had a blow up I Friday afternoon.  With all the family here non stop for two weeks we both are getting tired and our patience is thin.  I seem to have a blow up every time this time of year.  Craig spoke harshly to me cutting me off in our conversation.  Stacy had just sent me a video report of the effect of the vaccine world wide and the harm it is doing to many.  The evidence is coming out now.  But is not being told on mainstream media.  China has made over 1 billion doses selling to the world and not giving it to their own people. We have governments around the would making it mandatory in order to keep their jobs.  Our own military is making it mandatory this week enforcing the mandate.  Those choosing  not to receive the Jab are being denied their jobs in the military and dismissed for failure to comply with the mandate. Over a 100,000- forced to leave when it a time we have open boarders with people flooding to come. Here from all over the world that can do us harm as a county. Our constitutional rights are being take away our own government.  The vaccine debate goes on- well I was wanting to share what I had just listened to when Craig cut me off short and said he didn’t want to listen to it he didn’t believe the vaccine is used as a bio- weapon- that Stacy and I need to stop listening to this stuff it is causing contention between Chad and Stacy and us.    I told him that is the problem -you won’t Listen or even try - just cut us off.  Stacy tries to share things she is learning with Chad and he shuts her off - just like Craig did you me.  I was deeply hurt by his actions-  it obviously meant something to me and I I wanted to share it with him and talk about it.  Why does it have to be the heated division.  Well his reaction made me very angry and upset stirring up old feelings over the years where I have tried to share with Craig things I’m learning and he cuts me off.  Communication with a pause can be very difficult at times and challenging.  He has learned he needs to be more open and not short- cut me off- I had hit the end of my rope his reaction totally took me off guard and I was packing up and leaving going to our Draper home. I was so up set with him and didn’t want to see him right now.  Well he knew I was upset and thought I had left for Draper-  I drove down to the southern end of the lake and sat in the rest area parking lot crying.  I talked to Stacy and Shannon for a long time.  We all three feel like we are being gained up on by family members that don’t try to even listen to our point of view and get really uptight and confrontational.  I just backed off and haven’t said much - just share what we are learning between us.  It got late 10:30 pm and I don’t like driving in the dark.  I came back to the cabin.  Trisha and Buck knew I was up set.  I didn’t want to drag them in the disagreement I just went to bed downstairs and sleep where it is quieter.  Having 9 teenagers - Karlee’s friends I was feeling invaded in our home.  That is the challenge living here fulltime our home get taken over- I  have to just let things go.  It is constantly picking up after everyone.  I can’t stand the messes, clothes, and wet towels left everywhere with all their clutter.  No one notices-  I’m behind the scene’s keeping things tidied up.  Craig said he didn’t even notice I had come back which was even more upsetting.  I didn’t sleep well in emotional turmoil and out of harmony with my husband- still feeling  hurt and angry at him.  I’m trying really hard to calm down and think rationally and not let my anger take me over.  Craig went and played pickleball with some friends which made me feel even more excluded.  I get left out because I don’t play as well.   I like to play and I’m getting better.  By noon he came back and came in our bed room still speaking harshly to me - what is your problem ?  I told him I was not talking to him until he could figure it out? I just needed something to calm my spirits so I went outside to listened to the Relief Society assigned conference talk for our Sunday discussion- it put me a calmer frame of mind.   Craig finally came and opened a dissuasion with me.  Told me I was upset because he cut me off and that what mattered to me was not important by his actions- he said he was sorry and didn't mean to hurt my feelings- he was tired and just not in a good mood.  He told me he would listen to the pod cast now.  I told him that didn’t matter it was how he treated that was so up setting.  I wouldn't have said anything if it didn't  mean something to me.  Well we were able to visit  and soften our closed off feeling toward one another and bring back harmony in our relationship.  I was proud of my self that I held my ground in a kind way and waited for him to come around. We said we were sorry for getting angry and will do better in listening to one another.  So with that back ground - having my dear husband interview me for the renewal of my temple recommend brought tears to both our eyes. It was a very scared moment to share as he serves as 1st counselor in the Bishopric.  His time is short in this calling.  He will most likely be released in September.  So I have the scared memory of this moment and the signature of my husband on my temple recommend for the next two years. 

Who is in the Lords Side

 A sister was speaking in the 2nd ward while I was sitting in the foyer area waiting for my temple recommend interview for my renewal - her words caught my attention -  Courage and faith is contiguous- the Lord is testing us to see who is on the Lords side.  The Lord needs a stout heart.  Be boldly brave -have a willingly heart to serve and stand strong.  In the last days -grant us the power to become a Zion people.  We have to make a stand!!   Who is on the Lords side? really stood out me.   The hymn came to my mind - page 266- 1. Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Now is the time to show.

We ask it fearlessly:

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

We wage no common war,

Cope with no common foe.

The enemy’s awake;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

[Chorus]

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Now is the time to show.

We ask it fearlessly:

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

2. We serve the living God,

And want his foes to know

That, if but few, we’re great;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

We’re going on to win;

No fear must blanch the brow.

The Lord of Hosts is ours;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

3. The stone cut without hands

To fill the earth must grow.

Who’ll help to roll it on?

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Our ensign to the world

Is floating proudly now.

No coward bears our flag;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

4. The pow’rs of earth and hell

In rage direct the blow

That’s aimed to crush the work;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Truth, life, and liberty,

Freedom from death and woe,

Are stakes we’re fighting for;

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

[Chorus]

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Now is the time to show.

We ask it fearlessly:

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

What Matters Most ?

As we center our lives on Jesus Christ, we will be guided to do what mattereth most.  Our Relief society lesson today was on the conference talk given in Women’s conference last April 2022.    Our teacher Sister Bulher asked us the question?  what do we do each day that matters most - each day we should focus on what matters most and adjust our actions.   That is a great question to ask ourself and pray to Heavenly Father to be guided to do what matters most that day in our daily journey?   I like this quote from the closing remarks of her talk -  it’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters. It’s applying the doctrine of Christ in our lives as we strive to become more like Him. The more we do to stay firmly on the covenant path, the more our faith in Jesus Christ will grow. The more our faith grows, the more we will desire to repent. And the more we repent, the more we will strengthen our covenant relationship with God. That covenant relationship draws us to the temple because keeping temple covenants is how we endure to the end.

Sabbath Day -The Holy Scriptures-

As we sang the rest hymn between our speakers today has really spoken to my heart -  As I search the holy scriptures -  

Pg- 277

1.  As I search the holy scriptures,

Loving Father of mankind,

May my heart be blessed with wisdom,

And may knowledge fill my mind.

2. As I search the holy scriptures,

Touch my spirit, Lord, I pray.

May life’s myst’ries be unfolded

As I study day by day.

3. As I search the holy scriptures,

May thy mercy be revealed.

Soothe my troubled heart and spirit;

May my unseen wounds be healed.

4. As I search the holy scriptures,

Help me ponder and obey.

In thy word is life eternal;

May thy light show me the way.  I love the scriptures and have had a love since I was a young child of 4 years old when my parents gave me my first white Bible. I wanted to make my scriptures look pretty so I scribbled purple canyon in my new scriptures.  My parents weren’t  happy about that and I received a spanking for coloring in my new Bible -I took my white Bible to church with me every Sunday as I attend Sunday school and vacation Bible school in the summers.  I memorized all the books of the old and New Testament.  I loved learning the Bible stories-  I memorized many scriptures and held dearly to my heart.  Some of my favorite bible stories were David as a young boy who slayed the gaint Goliath with his sling shot- he was brave and trusted in his living God.  I love learning about Esther and Ruth, baby Moses and all the miracles he performed and parting the Red Sea- Daniel in the Lions den, Meshak, Shadrack and Abendigo being throwing in the firey furnace and not burning- Jonah swallowed by a whale and living to teach Gods word- they each testified of God and that they would obey Gods commandments.  They loved God with all their hearts and serve him. I loved  learning about Jesus Christ in the New Testament and the many miracles performed.   When I was 11 years old I was baptized in the LDS church.  I was so impressed with sister Eliason sitting by her in church and seeing her scriptures all highlighted in bright colors -the scriptures that meant something to her.  She was very knowledgeable and I wanted to to be just like her.  I loved primary and memorizing more Scriptures in my new found faith in God.  I loved attended seminary and learning more about the Holy Scriptures.  I had the best seminary teachers that inspired me with stories from the scriptures.   Brother Ogden my senior year really opened up my love for the Old Testament.  He taught me so very much.  He became a professor at BYU in ancient biblical  history teaching the Old Testament and ongoing ancient research for the church. He brought the scriptures alive for me and instilled in me the desire to continue my own personal study.  I love attending Brother Mike Wilcox a professor of institute religion at Utah university.  I attending his weekly religion class for many years and went thru all the 4 standard works, the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Coveants- and Pearl of Great Price.  I have learned so much and continue my daily study of the scriptures.  I love 

Reviewing the Prophets Words / 5 counsel points-Seek Miracles

I’m taking the time to review the talks given by President Nelson in our last April 2022 Conference- these are highlights that stand out to me for guidance and direction to follow at this season in my life-  open session - “ My dear brothers and sisters, welcome to general conference! I have looked forward to this day with great anticipation. I pray for you every day. I have also prayed that this conference will be a time of spiritual rejuvenation for each one of you -  the prophet saying he prays for us everyday is so moving to me and I should be praying for him everyday -  I need to be better in my daily prayers-  I get lazy - I commit to do better and be more faithful in my daily prayers to God-  conference was a rejuvenation to my soul - as I was hurting from the passes of Craig’s mother and the unkind words of his siblings-  it gave me comfort and courage to press forward-  Prophets have foreseen our day, when there would be wars and rumors of wars and when the whole earth would be in commotion… . We call upon people everywhere to pray for those in need, to do what they can to help the distressed, and to seek the Lord’s help in ending any major conflicts…. The spiritual darkness in the world makes the light of Jesus Christ needed more than ever. Everyone deserves the chance to know about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Every person deserves to know where they can find the hope and peace that “[pass] all understanding.”  May this conference be a time of peace and spiritual feasting for you. May you seek and receive personal revelation during these sessions.  I can truly say that conference sessions spoke deep to my aching soul and did indeed speak peace and revelation to me as to what I should be doing and how to treat others- even when it is hard to do.  

Spiritual Momentum- by President -  I pray daily that you will be protected from the fierce attacks of the adversary and have the strength to push forward through whatever challenges you face.  . we can control ourselves. My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you.  These words speak loudly to me to control my temper- speak kind words to one another our words make all the difference!!! We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony?  … I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives…

We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his efforts to erode our personal spiritual foundation…. Many actions can ignite positive spiritual momentum. Obedience, love, humility, service, and gratitude are but a few..

Today I would like to suggest five specific actions we can take to help us maintain positive spiritual momentum.-  

First: Get on the covenant path and stay there.

Discover the joy of daily repentance… 

My third suggestion: Learn about God and how He works… 

With frightening speed, a testimony that is not nourished daily “by the good word of God” can crumble. Thus, the antidote to Satan’s scheme is clear: we need daily experiences worshipping the Lord and studying His gospel. I plead with you to let God prevail in your life. Give Him a fair share of your time. As you do, notice what happens to your positive spiritual momentum…

 4: Seek and expect miracles.  This goes right along with our come follow me lesson this week reading about all the many miracles that the prophet Elisha preformed by the power of God to bless our lives and curse the wicked-  god is a god of miracles -   In the same way, the Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, “doubting nothing.” Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith. I promise that you can experience for yourself that Jesus Christ “giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.  

5: End conflict in your personal life.  I repeat my call to end the conflicts in your life. Exercise the humility, courage, and strength required both to forgive and to seek forgiveness. The Savior has promised that “if [we] forgive men their trespasses, [our] heavenly Father will also forgive [us].”

My dear brothers and sisters, with all the pleadings of my heart, I urge you to get on the covenant path and stay there. Experience the joy of repenting daily. Learn about God and how He works. Seek and expect miracles. Strive to end conflict in your life.

I love this promise from our Prophet as we strive to do what he says -  As you act on these pursuits, I promise you the ability to move forward on the covenant path with increased momentum, despite whatever obstacles you face. And I promise you greater strength to resist temptation, more peace of mind, freedom from fear, and greater unity in your families. — these are very comforting blessing!! God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us… Now is the time we can learn. Now is the time we can repent. Now is the time we can bless others and “lift up the hands which hang down.” As Mormon counseled his son Moroni, “Let us labor diligently; … for we have a labor to perform [while] in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. "The adversary never sleeps. There will always be opposition to the truth. I repeat my urging from this morning to do those things that will increase your positive spiritual momentum,… Positive spiritual momentum increases as we worship in the temple and grow in our understanding of the magnificent breadth and depth of the blessings we receive there. I plead with you to counter worldly ways by focusing on the eternal blessings of the temple. Your time there brings blessings for eternity…   I’m striving to attend the temple more often - and invite the Holy Spirit to teach me while I’m in the temple.  

2 Kings 2–6 God can work miracles in my life.

Lesson theme this week -  There is a prophet among  us-  he is here to bless our lives and is a mouth piece From God

for us to follow even when we don’t always understand-  I love this picture shared in our Manuel there are angels surrounding us to help fight our battles 

Following the cousel of our Prophet President Nelson In my time on earth - I have taken the time to review the talks given by him-  this past year - October 2021 -Opening talk-  Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation

By President Russell M. Nelson - There has never been a time in the history of the world when knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world—and those in our individual lives—would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and heed His teachings…. I invite you to listen for three things during this conference: pure truth, the pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation… Contrary to the doubts of some, there really is such a thing as right and wrong. There really is absolute truth—eternal truth. One of the plagues of our day is that too few people know where to turn for truth. I can assure you that what you will hear today and tomorrow constitutes pure truth….

This is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are His covenant people. The Lord declared that He would hasten His work in its time, and He is doing so at an ever-increasing pace. We are privileged to participate in His holy work… I invoke a blessing upon all who are seeking greater light, knowledge, and truth… And to each of you who has made temple covenants, I plead with you to seek—prayerfully and consistently—to understand temple covenants and ordinances. Spiritual doors will open. You will learn how to part the veil between heaven and earth, how to ask for God’s angels to attend you, and how better to receive direction from heaven. Your diligent efforts to do so will reinforce and strengthen your spiritual foundation….this is a powerful promise !! I can learn how to part the veil and ask angels to attend to me and my family unit…. 

The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation/By President Russell M. Nelson- Whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants!   The Salt Lake Temple a symbol to all the world - rebuilding a foundation that will withstand the forces of nature into the Millennium. In like manner, it is now time that we each implement extraordinary measures—perhaps measures we have never taken before—to strengthen our personal spiritual foundations. Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.

My dear brothers and sisters, these are the latter days. If you and I are to withstand the forthcoming perils and pressures, it is imperative that we each have a firm spiritual foundation built upon the rock of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. The temple lies at the center of strengthening our faith and spiritual fortitude because the Savior and His doctrine are the very heart of the temple. Everything taught in the temple, through instruction and through the Spirit, increases our understanding of Jesus Christ. His essential ordinances bind us to Him through sacred priesthood covenants. Then, as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power. And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead…. We have been promised that “if [we] are prepared [we] shall not fear.” This assurance has profound implications today. The Lord has declared that despite today’s unprecedented challenges, those who build their foundations upon Jesus Christ, and have learned how to draw upon His power, need not succumb to the unique anxieties of this era…. Temples have been part of this dispensation from its earliest days. Elijah committed the keys of sealing authority to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple. The fulness of the priesthood was restored in the Nauvoo Temple.  D&C 110 

13 ​After this vision had closed, another great and glorious ​​​vision​ burst upon us; for ​​​Elijah​ the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:

​​​14 ​Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—

​​​15 ​To ​​​turn​ the ​​​hearts​ of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—

​​​16 ​Therefore, the ​​​keys​ of this ​​​dispensation​ are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful ​​​day​ of the Lord is near, even at the doors… I just read about Elijah and his mission while in the earth in the Old Testament and that he was carried into Heaven in a chariot of fire with horses-  a glorious vision which the following prophet Elisha was allowed to see as a witness.  I have been studying about him this week and the many miracles he  performed in his earthly mission- he asked for a double portion of the holy priesthood to be with him as Elijah left this earth and was granted this blessing with all the many miracles he was able to perform.  …whenever any kind of upheaval occurs in your life, the safest place to be spiritually is living inside your temple covenants! …Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants made in the temple, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable… You are free to choose who you will be—and with whom you will be—in the world to come!

God lives! Jesus is the Christ! This is His Church, restored to help you fulfill your divine destiny. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Closing talk of fall Conference -  Make time for the Lord - I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.   The pandemic has demonstrated how quickly life can change, at times from circumstances beyond our control. However, there are many things we can control. We set our own priorities and determine how we use our energy, time, and means. We decide how we will treat each other. We choose those to whom we will turn for truth and guidance…. The voices and pressures of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive, seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day…. So how do I do this ?  His counsel was-  If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band.   I need to pray daily for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and daily gospel study-  I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always.

Never underestimate the profound truth that “the Spirit speaketh … of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be.” “It will show unto you all things what ye should do.” … Nothing invites the Spirit more than fixing your focus on Jesus Christ. Talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, feast upon the words of Christ, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Make your Sabbath a delight as you worship Him, partake of the sacrament, and keep His day holy… please make time for the Lord in His holy house. Nothing will strengthen your spiritual foundation like temple service and temple worship…. The Lord knows you and loves you. He is your Savior and your Redeemer. He leads and guides His Church. He will lead and guide you in your personal life if you will make time for Him in your life—each and every day.  These are highlight quotes that stood out to me in the fall conference as the prophet spoke to reinforce my spiritual foundation-  to daily seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost it is Critical to survive the coming days ahead.  

Since this conference session I have tired to attend the temple more often and concentrate on the new endowment changes and focus on what the spirit is teaching me in the temple-  The day my mother was in the hospital dying in November - I was in the Logan temple performing sealings for our ancestors- I have relied on strength from my Heavenly Father as I went thru the death of my own mother and then the death of Craig’s step mother Louise in January and then Craig's mothers death in March in a four month period 3 deaths close to our hearts. Challenges with our grandchildren and my own daughters I have had to gather strength in my temple attendance and comfort for my soul.  Our recommend just expired the end of June.  Craig and I are anxious to get ours renewed.  I attend the temple

Twice last month and I wanted to attend more.  Just challenging with all our family activities we had a very busy June in 2022.   I want to make the temple a much greater focus in my life to gain the spiritual strength I need to not fear and feel the ancestors helping me on the other side.  

Having Faith In God

2 Kings 5

If I am humble and obedient, Jesus Christ can heal.  Today I watched a very touching video where the King of Syria had leprosery a flesh eating disease.  A Israelite slave girl told the queen of a prophet in Israel that could heal the king. The king traveled to see the prophet Elisha- he was offended when he had traveled all this way to see him and then he did not come out to see him but sent a young messenger who told him to wash in the River Jordan 7 times.  The king left angry and offended.  Looking at the River Jordan the waters were not as clean as the waters in Syria, he question why he was asked to wash 7 times in the dirty river.  King Naaman did humble himself and did as commanded to do -he washed himself seven times- in amazement, healing came upon the king- his skin became as a little child clean and pure, with no sight of the terrible flesh eating disease-  not being a follow of God - the kings did this day show faith in the Living God thru his Prophet for a gift of healing and this blessing was awarded to him- by simply showing faith- he did not understand but did as he was commanded to do and was heal.  It was truly a remarkable miracle that took place.  In my come follow me lesson today -  “Sometimes it’s easier to find personal meaning in the scriptures when you compare physical things in a story with spiritual things. For example, while reading 2 Kings 5, you might compare Naaman’s leprosy with a spiritual challenge you are facing. Like Naaman, perhaps you have hoped that the Lord would “do some great thing” (verse 13) to help you. What does Naaman’s experience teach you? In your life, what would be the equivalent of following the simple counsel to “wash, and be clean”?  

It all begins with faith in God - he requires our faith to move us to action and then the blessing can come.  He test our Faith to see if we will do first- 

Conference talk attached to the lesson April 2017 -  Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It-by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

Of the Presidency of the Seventy

“ When we decide to do “whatsoever [God] saith unto” us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God’s will.”   Every day, consciously or otherwise, we all choose “whom [we] will serve.    We demonstrate our determination to serve the Lord by faithfully engaging in daily acts of devotion. The Lord promises to direct our paths, but for Him to do that, we have to walk, trusting that He knows the way because He is “the way.” 

Miracles In Our lives

I went for an hour walk today and listened to chapter 1-9 of 2 Kings -  what stood out to me was the many Miracles that the prophet Elisha performed and were many of the same miracles that Jesus Christ preformed when he was on the earth.  I had forgotten this part of the Old Testament.  It seems time like the first time reading - yet I know I have read- but the stories of the miracles are jumping off the pages for me as I read and a loud reminder that God does perform many miracles in our own lives as we look to him in faith and follow our modern day prophet who is a mouth piece for our Eternal God-  I’m reminded of a Conference Talk from president Nelson telling us to look for and ask for miracles in our lives-  I want to review this conference message it has so much more meaning to me after reading these chapters today.   

Come Follow Me Lesson

July 4-10th -2 Kings 2–7

“There Is a Prophet in Israel” I’m trying to stay on task in my scripture reading.  It is a challenge with all the family here.  Just finished reading the book of 1 Kings now on 2 Kings this week.  A prophet’s main mission is to teach and testify of the Savior Jesus Christ. This week I’m learning about the prophet Elisha who was called to serve after the Prophet Elijah left this earth in a dramatic fashion in a chariot of fire - as a translated being to another realm of our Eternal growth.  He passed the mantle of the priesthood power of God to Elisha-  “As you read the scriptures, the Holy Ghost may bring to your attention certain phrases or passages. Consider writing down why those passages are meaningful to you.”  Looking for what is meaningful to me in my scripture study this week.  In learning about the books of kings - . The books of Kings narrate the history from the rebellion of Adonijah to the final captivity of Judah, including the whole history of the northern kingdom from the separation till its disappearance in 721 B.C., because of apostasy the entire northern kingdom of Israel 10 of the tribes are taken into captivity,   The southern kingdom is Judah and the tribe of Ben they are taken captive 587BC- the time period when we start reading in the Book of Mormon.  Another record of people in a far away land from Judah- the Lord is still guiding  them thru prophets and word of God.  Learning Old Testament history remains me of the importance of following the guidance of a prophet.  

4th of July 2022

Another 4th of July this year- the year has gone by fast in many ways.  My Mom was here last year and missing her-  the family is all here except Shan & Ryan, Jaxon, Alec and Ashtyn and our Saydee on her mission-she is calling us today at 12:30-  it’s crazy with all the kids running around.-and picking up after them constantly - They are all out boating right now- feels good to have a little quite time and not so chaotic. Enjoying this beautiful sunny day.  We are having our traditional 4th of July lunch when they all come in.  Grilled hamburgers, potato salad, watermelon, chips and dip and jello cake.  Noriega and Thomas family are leaving later today.  

Michael & Landon 

Natasha, little Cora and Lincoln 

Thomas family on the 4th of July boating 

Time to eat our 4th of July cake!! So yummy - Annie, Farrah and Winn 

Sabbath Day - July 3rd

I taught gospel doctrine today-  it is stressful on me trying to get my study time in to prepare when it is the 4th of July weekend.  Having a cabin full of family is a lot of work.  We had a busy day filled with boating and playing outside.   We have 15 grandkids 8 adults and two more family arriving today.  It  has been a constant pick up after everyone non-stop for me trying to keep some order in all the chaos.   We ended the night with a firework show hosted by Garden City-  they did a great job.  I was beat -and had to go to bed by 11pm - Bridger woke us up with stomach pain looking for some anti-acid pills-  that was at 1:30 am and everyone was still up.  The grandkids going strong- it was after 2:30 am before getting most of them down for the night.  Everyone was sleeping in today after their late night. Craig and and I got up at 6:30 am to get ready for our church meetings.  Our sweet Stacy was the only one to make it to church.  She attended my Sunday school class.  It went well.  We were crowed with visitors due to the holiday weekend so I had to teach in the chapel that is always a little intimidating.  I had invited three ward members to share what they learned from three different chapters we were studying in the lesson material- we always run out of time.  It did go well and I felt the spirit in our class time. I’m always tired after teaching.  I’m enjoying sitting out on our deck eating potato chips with our little Cora Rose-  she is so darling. 

Cora with her messy face-  Towners and Thomas family are going on a hike with the kids for a few hours which will give us some time to rest.  11 grandkids 13yrs old and down to Cora who is 2yrs old keeps us all going-  this was the most crowded Sunday we have had since the covid shut down in 2020- building our new visitor ward building has helped a lot to keep the crowds down in our home ward so we can have more quality meetings.  It was crowded today but not like it has in the past- it is now manageable.  Sigh of relief I can now sit back and enjoy the family more now that my teaching is over I’m trying to stay on course in my Come Follow Me study.  Studying the Old Testament there is so much reading and so much to learn.  I’m loving my time spent learning and immersing myself in the scriptures.