Our Sabbath Day

 

Shannon sent this picture to me.  There is so much turbulence going on in the world around us today. Fires, earthquakes, the virus, civil unrest, rioting, political words of strife-  something we had not seen the extent in such force.  It feels the world is falling apart all round us.  Where do I find peach ? In the calmness of the Savior.   

Craig had Bishopric meeting and ward council starting at 7:30 am.  They had a Conference calls for their meetings.  With the increase of the virus we still are not having our meetings.   They have opened the new visitor church building for 100 church visitors to attend a 9am- 11am sacrament session.  Craig and I  have missed not attending sacrament meetings.  It is not the same for me having sacrament at home.  Hard when it is the two of us every week since the middle of March. We have not been having any church meetings.  We did attend the visitor ward at 11am together.  I enjoyed having the sacrament, singing hymns, praying together and listening to the speakers.  We had the two twin Larsen sisters speak about their mission experiences called to serve in Chili.  They both had the special opportunity to serve in the same mission and serve together as companions.  They both gave great talks.  They talked about having the courage to talk and share the message of the gospel with all strangers.   I loved the stories they shared.  We were able to have a come follow me lesson with Michael in the evening.  We watched a Book of Mormon video of the sons of Mosiah teaching the gospel to the Lamanites that hated the Nephites.  Yet they prepared by fasting, prayer and learning the word of God.  They had a desire that all their brethren May hear the word of God.  By their faith in God they did have great success in teaching the word of God - they had hardships yet they continue in faith of God to share the gospel message’s.   We then watch a video of our prophet Thomas S. Monson who died January 2018. It was a very touching video-  the great life and service he gave his entire life.  He was called as a Bishop at the age of 22 years old-  Which is amazing.  He had the gift of hearing the spirit of the Lord and acting on those promptings- serving the one.  He touched many hearts and has a great influence of love to all.  We all loved him as our prophet.  In the video we could see how Heavenly Father has prepared him to become a Prophet of God-  thru God our lives become much more than we can do on our own.  I enjoyed watching videos with our come follow me lesson material.  In my scripture study time this morning I came across these quotes that have really stood out to me.  I had a long conversation with Michael-Friday night driving back to the lake,-our three hour drive in the car- so we had lots of time to talk and visit.  Michael is having a hard time accepting the gospel message of the restoration and his membership in The church.  It has given me time to reflect on our conversation and pray for the words I need to help inspire him to learn more.  He questions how faith works?  He needs proof!   In the History of the Church -by Joseph Smith vol 3 page 379  -  the prophet on various Doctrines - “ Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God. That testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy  and revelation.  For Faith comes not by signs - but by hearing the Word of God-  this teaching really stood out to me to share with my Michael.  Since our conversation I have been praying in my heart for words that I can share with him that will open his heart to Listen to the gospel messages and to have the desire to take the time to learn more- that he may strengthen his own testimony- that he has lost in his teen years.  Pray his heart can be opened up.   

My Gospel Study

“Message from Our Prophet President Nelson - Jan. 1st 2020

”When I spoke during last October’s general conference, I designated 2020 as a bicentennial period commemorating 200 years since God the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith in a vision,” said President Nelson in a blog post. “This is a hinge point in the history of the Church and your part is vital.”

What does the prophet mean by saying -this is a Hinge point in the history of the church and our part is vital?   The word Hinge meaning- noun -that on which something is based or depends; pivotal consideration or factor.

Verb- - to be dependent or contingent on, or as if on, a hinge (usually followed by on or upon Everything hinges on his decision.   From the definition of this word gives me a greater understanding of what our prophet is telling us from his message for the  members of the Church is Jesus Christ-    This is a pivotal time in our lives and history of the church going forward- and each of us being involved  in the future events is vital- another meaning -  a central point or principle on which everything depends.  As we celebrate 200 years of the first vision, the restoration of the true Church in these latter days -  my testimony depends on these vital  truths, that this is the true church of Jesus, the gospel of Jesus has been restored  to the earth for my eternal progression in this season.  Do I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon?  Is the word of God and another Testament of Jesus Christ-  has the priesthood of God been restored on the earth?  I do have a testimony of the restoration - that this is the true church of God on the earth today-  the Book of  Mormon is true-  the priesthood of God has been restored and blesses my life.  We have a prophet of God leading this church and  teaching us what we need to do in preparing the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ.  We each need to share the gospel message with our family and those around us.  The message of Jesus Christ is what will bring peace to our lives.  

A Rainy Day / Study of Giants in the Earth

I woke up early again today.  It is much cooler and raining.  I was able to get two hours of weeding in the raspberry patch before the rain began.  It felt so good to be outside in the early morning fresh air. I’m trying to get some heathy raspberries this year.  I have fertilize them and giving them more water this year. They are looking much better now that they are free of grass weeds and seem to be growing well so far.  I saw the first flowers blossoms popping out.  I gave them a good spraying too to kill the ants.  They were terrible last year so hopefully I have gotten ahead of the game this year in caring and nurturing the  raspberry patch.  I have been able to spend the day inside and have spent time reading and studying my scriptures today.  Studying Alma 13- learning about the power of the priesthood.  In my cross-referencing I can across this scripture in the book of Moses -8: 18 And in those days there were giants on the earth, and they sought Noah to take away his life; but the Lord was with Noah, and the power of the Lord was upon him.

19 And the Lord ordained Noah after his own order, and commanded him that he should go forth and declare his Gospel unto the children of men, even as it was given unto Enoch.  This time period was before the flood.  It caught my interest because I had a recent conversation with  Shannon about the existence of Giants in the earth- in my cross references I came across many referring to giants in the land.  I have spent several hours reading and learning.  I have come to the conclusion that there were giants on the earth and supported in the Old Testament and the Book of Moses.   Fun to studying and learn knew information.  I have enjoying the rainy day inside to slow down and read for while.   I sent all my scriptures that refer to giants to Shannon. How tall they really were is unknow, but they were larger than the average man.  In this time period man lived much longer up to almost a 1000 years old, so why not giants?  Mystery for us now and hard to comprehend.

Working In The Yard

I worked up early 6am this morning.  I got up and read in my scriptures and started the come follow me lesson for this week Alma 13-17. Learning this morning more about the priesthood of God that was created from the foundation of our world.  I learned about the power and our mission before we were born in the pre-existence.  I fixed us a nice breakfast and out in the cool morning air to work in our yard.  I’m taming the highway side between us and Biessinger’s side.  Watering the Raspberries with the spring water.  I have to keep moving the hose around.  I came in to rest and it is already 2:30 pm the morning flew by.  We are heading to get a drink at the Shell station.  I’m beat and need to rest for a bit.  It is a cooler day in the low 70’s which feels so good. 

Ivy City Photo Shoot

Love these pictures Natasha posted-  Anni and our baby Cora Rose- her first photo shoot - 

Our Annie is so darling.  

Nice Weekend

We have had a nice weekend.  Took a rhino ride up in the mountains-  I love the poppy fields so pretty to see.  Today we played two hours of pickleball with our friend the Mcdougal’s -they were here visiting this weekend.   It has been a windy weekend.  We did enjoy our boat for a few hours.  Craig got his first ski ride in for the year.  Michael skied too.  We are enjoying our summer so far - and having our Michael boy living with us for the summer.  We played pickleball with him a couple of hours and he is 

doing really good.  

Fishing

Tammy and I went fishing last week in our kayaks it was a beautiful evening on the lake.  We didn’t catch anything just fun enjoying the lake. 

The scenery is so beautiful