Thursday, August 27, 2015

On Sunday 14 June Eileen has lost 4 pounds and I have lost 4.6 pounds in the last week.  I read "Yes, We Can and Will Win!," Elder Ulisses Soares' talk from the priesthood session of general conference.  We enjoyed attending the Ironwood Crossing 2nd Ward.  We observed yesterday that it is part of the Queen Creek North Stake.
Elder Ulisses Soares of the Presidency of the Seventy


Ironwood Crossing building


Opening hymn was #9 "Come, Rejoice" text and music by Tracy Y. Cannon (1879-1961). 

Sacrament hymn was #181 "Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King" text and music by Hugh W. Dougall (1872-1963).

The Young Women went to girls' camp last week and there were about a dozen of them on the stand in their red camp t-shirts.  They were all invited to share their thoughts about camp and their testimonies.

Other sisters in the congregation also wore their red camp t-shirts.  They told of the fun things that they did, especially how much they enjoyed testimony meeting.  Many of them thanked their leaders.  The fourth year girls met separately the first few days of camp.

Closing hymn was #85 "How Firm a Foundation" text attributed to Robert Keen ca. 1787 and music attributed to J. Ellis, ca. 1889.  It was included in the first LDS hymnbook in 1835.

Gospel Doctrine was lesson #22, “Inherit the Kingdom Prepared for You" using Matthew 25.

The purpose of the lesson is to help class members prepare themselves for the Second Coming through living righteously, developing their talents, and serving others.

1. Jesus presents the parable of the ten virgins.

President Spencer W. Kimball stated, “In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972]).

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985)
2. Jesus presents the parable of the talents.

Elder James E. Faust said of those who seem to have received fewer talents: “If their talents are used to build the kingdom of God and serve others, they will fully enjoy the promises of the Savior. The great promise of the Savior is that they ‘shall receive [their] reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come’ (D&C 59:23)” (in General Conference, Apr. 1994).
President James E. Faust (1920-2007)
Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught that “it is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them." He further stated, "Let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable. 

“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in General Conference, Oct. 1987).
Elder Marvin J. Ashton
of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (1915-1994)
3. Jesus presents the parable of the sheep and the goats.

Elder Marion D. Hanks said: “Jesus taught his followers the parable of the sheep and the goats, representing the judgment to come, in which he clearly identified those who will inherit ‘life eternal’ and those who will ‘go away into everlasting punishment’ (Matthew 25:46). The key difference was that those who should inherit the kingdom with him had developed the habit of helping, had experienced the joy of giving and the satisfaction of serving. They had responded to the needs of the hungry, thirsty, homeless, the naked, the sick, and those in prison. … 

“Nothing would seem more clear than the high premium the Savior put upon selfless service to others as an indispensable element of Christian conduct and of salvation. Helping, giving, and sacrificing are, or should be, as natural as growing and breathing” (in General Conference, Apr. 1992).
Elder Marion D. Hanks of the Presidency of the Seventy (1921-2011)
We should prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We should develop the gifts God has given us and follow the Savior’s example in devoting our lives to the service of others. We can all do these things, regardless of our circumstances.

The hymn in priesthood was #237 "Do What Is Right" text by anonymous, The Psalms of Life, Boston, 1857, and music by George Kaillmark (1781-1835).

 The priesthood lesson was #11 from "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson" entitled "Follow the Living Prophet." 


“The most important prophet, so far as we are concerned, is the one who is living in our day and age.”

1. The President of the Church is the Lord’s mouthpiece on the earth.

2. The most important prophet for us is the living prophet.

3. The living prophet tells us what we need to know, not necessarily what we want to hear.

4. We will be blessed as we follow the living prophet.

The teacher of our lesson called upon us to especially read and put into practice (he used the word inculcate which means instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction) the words of the prophet, that is, President Thomas S. Monson, in his talks to the brethren of the priesthood.  So shortly after getting home I reread President Monson's talk in our most recent priesthood session of conference.

He said, "Let us consider our callings; let us reflect on our responsibilities; let us determine our duty; and let us follow Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Let us take most seriously the callings, the responsibilities, and the duties which come with the priesthood we hold. 

"Brethren, each of us had been entrusted with one of the most precious gifts ever bestowed upon mankind.  As we honor our priesthood and live our lives so that we are at all times worthy, the blessings of the priesthood will flow through us. 

"As bearers of the priesthood of God, we are engaged in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have answered His call; we are on His errand.  Let us learn of Him. Let us follow in His footsteps. Let us live by His precepts. By so doing, we will be prepared for any service He calls us to perform. This is His work. This is His Church. Indeed, He is our captain, the King of Glory, even the Son of God." ("The Priesthood - a Sacred Gift," General Conference, April 2015).
President Thomas S. Monson
In the evening I finished following up on the hint in Ancestry.com for August Mangold, an ancestor of my brother-in-law Paul Segerdahl and some of August's relatives.

Later I finished reading "The Pioneers" by James Fenimore Cooper which I began on 19 January. I have also read "Last of the Mohicans," "The Spy," and "Old Ironsides" by Cooper.
James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851)
On Monday 15 June I read "Seeking the Lord," Elder Jose A. Teixeira's talk from the Sunday morning session of general conference. 
Elder Jose A. Teixeira of the Seventy
We visited Bud (LaMarr) and Jan Farr in Mesa.  They were part of our missionary group on our mission.  We got the family file cards that they have done for us in the temple and we gave them 20 more cards.  We enjoyed lunch at Rosa's Mexican Grill.  We returned to their home and visited some more, making a date to get together on the 24th and go to the temple together.  They gave us the DVD entitled "He Knows My Name" about Jesus of Nazareth as a little gift.
Bud, Eileen, and Jan

Eileen, Jan, and Bud
We visited Winco Supermarket but they had no Fruit-2-O.  Then we went to Fry's and they had grape and strawberry flavors.  I dropped Eileen off at Embellish Nail & Spa.  Colleen was to meet her there and both get their nails done.  Erin was supposed to be there, too, but she couldn't make it.  William is working late this week and I guess she didn't know that.  Eileen got her a gift card.

Sean ordered Papa John's pizza which was half-price because the Arizona Diamondbacks won yesterday.  I went and picked it up, stopping at Walmart on the way.

I worked on more hints from Ancestry.com, finding information about the Calder's, Ewing's, and Gutterman's.  Based on this I found the 1910 census of the Gutterman family.

Colleen and Eileen got home and their nails looked lovely.  We had family home evening.  As part of the evening we watched the DVD that we got from the Farr's.  It was 35 minutes long.  I couldn't really hear it though :(

I finished researching the Gutterman family and most of them will have their temple work done.

I finished reading "The Life of Timon of Athens" by William Shakespeare which I began on 6 June.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
I read "Is It Still Wonderful to You?," Bishop Gerald Causse's talk from the Sunday morning session of general conference. 
Bishop Gerald Causse of the Presiding Bishopric

On Tuesday 16 June I read "Stay by the Tree," Elder Kevin W. Pearson's talk from the Sunday afternoon session of general conference. 
Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy
I stopped at Walmart and then took the car to Earnhardt Toyota for an oil change and tire rotation. The cashier at Walmart said "yes" to my two Book of Mormon questions!
Earnhardt Toyota
On the way home I filled up for $2.239 at Fry's, getting 40 cents off.

Back home I worked on more hints from Ancestry.com, finding information about the Peskofsky's, Opatosky's, Schaeffer's, Silverman's, and Leshnik's, all ancestors of our son-in-law David Opatosky.

After supper we went to Ashton's Cub Scout pack meeting at church and Spencer went to Boy Scouts at the community pool.
Ashton

Tanner and Ashton on the left
I read "The Eternal Perspective of the Gospel," Elder Rafael E. Pino's talk from the Sunday afternoon session of general conference. 
Elder Rafael E. Pino of the Seventy
On Wednesday 17 June I read "If You Will Be Responsible,"
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos' talk from the Sunday afternoon session of general conference. 
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy

 Together we prepared the birthday cards for Eileen's brother Russell; our friend in Ellijay, Sabrina Bayless, whom we home teach and who doesn't have e-mail, hence the need for a "real" birthday card; and our old friend in Lehi, Utah, Alton King.

Eileen and I went shopping at Walmart for the ingredients for the zucchini lasagna that will be for supper.  Our cashier said "yes" to my two Book of Mormon questions!

Back at home we called some of the families that we home and visit teach.

I ran out and returned an item to Walmart and the same gal helped me at customer service who was our cashier earlier.  Then I drove to Target and got several things, including one we couldn't get at Walmart.

It's over 110 degrees here!

I worked on my 5 April blog entry.  Eileen worked on the zucchini lasagna, which we enjoyed for supper.

Later I worked on a hint from Ancestry.com, finding information about the ancestors of my dad's second wife Barbara.  There is work yet to be done on these ancestors.


I finished reading "The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain which I began on 17 May.  I have also read "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court," "A Tramp Abroad," "The Innocents Abroad," "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," "Life on the Mississippi," and "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." 

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

On Thursday 18 June I read "Be Fruitful, Multiply, and Subdue the Earth," Elder Joseph W. Sitati's talk from the Sunday afternoon session of general conference.  That concludes all of the talks by the Seventy's.
Elder Joseph W. Sitati of the Seventy
Lunchtime the four of us went to the Gilbert Temple and did lots of sealings.  Then Colleen and Sean went on the 3:15 endowment session and we drove home.  The boys had been home by themselves for over three hours.

After dropping Eileen off I went to the UPS store to fax a form to Marcy Kelly in Maryland and bought several items at Fry's.  The temperature was 117 degrees!

I returned home and Eileen was FaceTiming with Heather and Tom.  She is expecting the end of February!  So our next mission timeframe would be the end of March 2016.

After supper we all went to Sub Zero for ice cream.  I tasted a bit of Eileen's yellow cake batter.  It was quite good!  Unfortunately there aren't any in Georgia.  But lots in Utah!

Tanner at Sub Zero
I entered the temple work done today into my PAF database.  And I had to re-research Frank E. Hildebrandt and his family.  I was sure that I had already done it and put the source notes in PAF for him, his wife, and three children.  I had even changed his and the children's last names from Hildenbrandt to Hildebrandt, yet none of this work was in PAF!  Doing the research was good, however, as I found lots more about him and his family.

Talk about a small world!  Colleen found that the individual (whose last name was Bailey) who married Wesley Cubberley in 1895/6 had been merged by none other than Ed Moulder on March 29th and linked to a second husband named Simpson.  Cubberley died in 1904 and married Simpson the following year.  Eileen found them on the 1910 census with the two Cubberley children and a two-year-old Simpson child.  I will have to email Ed!

I read "Fatherhood-Our Eternal Destiny," Brother Larry M. Gibson's talk from the priesthood session of general conference (he was recently released as first counselor in the Young Men General Presidency). 
Brother Larry M. Gibson
On Friday 19 June I found Eileen's dad's Italian sausage sauce recipe and sent it to Eileen.  We will have sausage and burgers on Monday.

I watched the DVD "He Knows My Name" on my laptop using my earphones and I could hear almost all of it.  It was very good!

Later I watched the LDS Church video about the temple garments which I had mentioned in my 5 April blog entry.  It can be seen at the link http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments and is 4:16 in length.

Then I published the 5 April blog entry which included the first two days of our Gatlinburg vacation.

I began and finished "S.O.S. A Short Story" and "The Dressmaker's Doll A Short Story," both by Agatha Christie.


Agatha Christie (1890-1976)
Eileen and I went out after supper and did some shopping at Target, Kohl's, and Fry's, among other places hunting for a duster or housecoat for Eileen.  She was successful at Kohl's.

I watched a Bible video on lds.org,  It was "Jesus Teaches a Samaritan Woman."  The link is: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-10-011-jesus-teaches-a-samaritan-woman?lang=eng

Later at home I worked on a hint from Ancestry.com, finding information about my Treco ancestors from the Bahamas.

I read "Filling Our Homes with Light and Truth," Sister Cheryl A. Esplin's talk from the women's session of general conference (second counselor in the Primary General Presidency). 
Sister Cheryl A. Esplin
On Saturday 20 June I read "The Family Is of God," Sister Carole M. Stephens' talk from the women's session of general conference (first counselor in the Relief Society Presidency).  Eileen's blood sugar was 99, the first time in over a month that she got back under 100.  Mine was 80.
Sister Carole M. Stephens
Eileen and Colleen went shopping while I stayed home with the boys.  Sean, of course, was sleeping as he works nights at the hospital's emergency room.

I worked some more on my Treco ancestors from the Bahamas.  Most of their temple work has been done, but a few people need their work done and some sealings need to be done.

I called the Redlands California Temple to make reservations for the 5 pm session next Friday.

I read "Defenders of the Family Proclamation," Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson's (Young Women General President) talk from the women's session of general conference. 

Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson
We enjoyed getting the Sunday bulletins for the 7th, 14th, and tomorrow the 21st from Betty Hall back in Georgia.  She also sent the baptismal program for Chris Dobson, whom the widow Cindy Bozeman married two days ago.  His baptism is tomorrow!  I emailed Betty about switching the week my team is cleaning the building with Jason Bivens from 25 July to 1 August.

I began and finished "Swan Song A Short Story" by Agatha Christie.


After supper I emailed Ed Moulder about finding him on the temple ordinance page of one of Colleen’s husband Sean’s ancestors!


Then I watched a video about Elder L. Tom Perry (1922-2015) entitled “A Builder of the Kingdom” which can be seen at the link https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/biographies/elder-l-tom-perry?lang=eng.

We helped Colleen with PAF on her laptop and Family Tree in familysearch.org working on the Cubberley family history.

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