October 15 -21 - 28

These pictures are all from the temple devotional on October 14 with the Presidency and their wives speaking.

Brother Johnson from the temple

Brother Aldridge from the temple

Sister Akaka

Brother Dodson

Sister Arletta Kealoha

Carole Ann and Ray Broadbent 

Sister Helen Goo took us to China Town one Monday 

At FHE we had a missionary couple from New Zealand and who serve in the Aukland village come and speak to us about the Maori peope.  What a wonderful life they have had.  They met at BYU and he planned to be a great builder.  He graduated with the skills and was set to go build some great buildings.  Then he got a call from the Church asking him to come build a chapel in New Zealand.  That began a long life of being called by the Lord to build many chapels and be called as a mission president and then President of the New Zealand MTC.  They followed the callings of the Lord and it has blessed their lives and those of their family.  They are an inspiration to us all. 

This was a week we went into the temple at 2 - 9 pm.  We was good to get to know the night people better.  We serve with some wonderful people

Elder & Sister Cain took some of us to the PCC BBQ for lunch before their free tickets ran out.  Elder & Sister Luker and Allen, Cains and us

The 20th and 21st was Stake Conference.  Elders Richard Maines and Murray from the 70's were our visiting authorities.  We were getting a new presidency on Sunday.  Saturday night's meeting was one of the best we have every been to.  Following are my notes from their talks.

Sister Whitford, Saturday coordinator

Sister 

President and Sister Ta'ala

Elder Murray and Elder Maines

Brother & Sister 

The Kiingsly Ah You family, recently released from the Stake Presidency

Angel and Joel Hair, Lexy and Josh came to visit

CaroleAnn and Ray Broadbent 

Laie North Stake Conference   October 20, 2018

Elder Maines and Elder Murray from the 70’s came to reorganize the Stake

Elder Murray—tonight can be revelatory for each of us.  Three points: Faith, Christ atonement has power and what ministering can really be.  What’s the worst that could happen?  Loss of faith.  Faith needs to be embedded in our hearts.  Faith is to know that God will do something.  Power restored thru remembrance.   Replace fear with faith.  Luke 15  Lost and found chapter. 

Elder Maines—Blessings we receive from Heavenly Father who wants us to succeed  1) His son Jesus Christ  2) 1 Ne 10  power of the Holy Ghost—His association in the Godhead.  Revelation for our lives—how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will.  Learn to receive Him—worthy and sensitive. What makes you different?  Joseph Smith “mode of baptism and laying on of hands for gift of the Holy Ghost  3 Ne 18  how to pray:  unto the Father in my name What to pray for  “what is right 3 Ne 19 Jesus Christ prayed for the people Did pray for the Holy Ghost be given unto them.

What is the highlight of the week?  Sabbath—sacrament meeting—sacrament and opportunity to reflect on the atonement—His name upon us, remember Him,  Keep His commandments His spirit will be with us.  Thy spirit, His spirit D&C 121:26

Goal:  celestial Kingdom—home  eternal nature of family D&C 130:1, 2

Earth life – Alma  Lehi “state of probation (test),

choice, habit, tradition, define culture, celestial traditions or false traditions --  42 true traditions taken from PMG missionaries teach to investigators

Choice, Habit, tradition, culture  nature of choice you become a teacher of that choice.  If you choose not to hold FHE you are teaching, without saying anything, that it is not important.  If you are at the grocery store and the clerk gives you the wrong change and you keep it you are teaching your children it is okay to steal, our family tradition is stealing etc.

Repentance change ones mind, heart and position—change and come into harmony with the gospel

Principle of responsibility—agency or moral agency  every choice makes a tradition of Celestial or false goal

Stay on the covenant path—the gate are the laws of Christ—repent-receive the Holy Ghost.  We are not perfect but we can be worthy—progress is fewer mistakes.  REPENTENCE IS A GLORIOUS THING, WE SHOULD SMILE WHEN WE HEAR IT.

Alma and D&C 88:15  spirit and body = soul.  Redeeming the soul—resurrection.  Poor and meek—courage to repent and change purified thru the laws of Christ—learn, believe, internalize, live it.  Steps forward—process of sanctification

D&C 19  who fills in the gap for those on the covenant path?  Jesus Christ.  Who fills in the gap for those not on the covenant path.  The individual and it is a heavy price to pay.

Your body becomes the key to the kingdom.  Amos 3:7 work His will thru His prophets.

Sunday morning conference was held at the Cannon Center.  Our new Stake Presidency are President Schlag, Varas and Tui Niutupulvaha.  President Schlag was the former Executive Secretary, Varas was Bishop of the Kahuka 2nd Ward adn Tui Niutupulvaha was an assistant coordinator on Friday in the temple.  They had a men's choir and it was wonderful.  I mentiion this because Elder Maines said Saturday night the music had been so exceptional all day and then he heard there was going to be a men's choir.  They did great.

The week of the 22 we switched to the morning schedule 7-2.  Tuesday we need to be in their for prayer meeting at 6:15.  This is the last full week of our Presidency, President Kealoah, Nihipali, and Taala.  They will all be back to serve on a shift after a little break. 

During the last two weeks we received word that our dear Friend Lowell Tripp passed away from his cancer.  We feel so badly because life was just getting good for him with his marriage to Judy and some joy for him.  They did go to the temple to be sealed the first of October and he had all of his life in order, so I am sure it was a great reunion for him and he will be busy sharing the gospel there.  Judy is struggling because his children are not being very kind.  We also heard that our friends Lowell and Karen Thorstead from Palmyra 2008 are stuggling.  Karen is on hospice and not doing well.  That prompted reaching out to others in our group and also talking to Timmy Sieback and Wendy Cederlof.  Both are doing well and keeping busy.  Wendy is serving in the Bountiful temple and lives with a daughter and her family.  Timmy is alone right now.  Her son, who lived next door, passed away in August and his wife just moved to Wisconsin to be closer to some sisters.  Her other son who was in Japan recently retired and bought a home about 5 miles from her so that is good news. 

We love our temple work.  Everyday is the same but different.  We have many young adults from BYUH serving in the temple.  All have served missions somewhere in the world and that is fun to be with them.  Then we have long time temple workers who are so diligent and faithful.  We are very blessed. The Broadbents are settling in nicely and we love having them here. 

Friday I went over to Leslie's to help clean her room again.  We bought her a utility shelf hoping to bring some order to her caois.  She is a sweet lady, about 54 and suffered from a traffic accident which left her almost unable to walk so she is now in an assisted living facility.   We stop to see her on Sunday's when we go to "Just Serve". 

Tuesday the Ward had a truck or treat that we went to and had chilli and rice.  When we came home we had locked ourselves out of the apartment.  The bathroom window was open so we got our neighbor Brother Hughes and his daughter Mia to come over and help us.  He lifted her into the window and down into the tub and she ran around and opened the door for us.  What a sweetheart. 

wild pigs at the Assisted Living facility

Paul's haircut

Laie 1st Ward Truck or Treat

Truck or treat

Mia and Dad helping us break into our apartment

Friday night I went to the university to watch a musical play written and performed by the students.  It was exceellent

At the performance, I barely got in.  It was sold out. 

Sarah and Jaxson with a little pre halloween fun 

 Last night we watched the 3rd game of the world Series, Dodgers and Boston.  It went 17 innings and 7 hours 20 minutes and the Dodgers finally won it.  Good thing they are down 2-1.  Paul is watching again today. 

Kaylee is doing wonderful and we are so proud of her.  She is a Sister Trainer Leader now and got moved but is still in the same Stake.  Courtney is finishing up her dental assist classes, I think three more weeks.  Robbie has been driver training all week and is knocking it out.  Because some other kids did not show up he got two driving lessons in along with observation.  He will be able to take the driving test next week when he finishes.  Brody won his football game and is in the championship next week.  Riley made a soccer goal.  Blake is loving preschool.  Mallorie has finished up cross country and just in time, her foot is starting to hurt again.  Brayden is about ready to get his boot off.  Tyler is trying to figure out what to do next year and is going to Missionary Prep classes.  Josh is refeeing at the community center and Gage is practicing the piano.  Everyone is busy and doing well.  I am still encouraging everyone to get to the temple at least twice a month. 

We love the gospel of Jesus Christ and we love our family.  We feel very blessed.    Have a great week.

October 1 - 7, 8 - 14

Putting Yourself in a Place to Receive Revelation

President Russell M. Nelson told us, “Does God really want to speak to you? Yes!…You don’t have to wonder what is true.”

He said, “I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:61).

He also added this very solemn warning. “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

Gratitude. Prayer. Scripture. Pondering. Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. These all put us in a place to receive revelation, so if you were the Adversary, what would you do to block it? You would do everything to make a person’s life trivial, urgent and demanding so that these things had no place in it. You’d rock their world with too much to do, disbelief, and endless lists. You’d tell them they had no time to ponder. If they read scriptures, you’d suggest that one verse was enough. You’d tell them that reading last thing at night when they were too tired to hold their eyes open was sufficient. You’d feel their life with noise so that there was time neither for real study or prayer. You’d block that path of revelation in every way possible.

Owen Anderson planned a 1st Cousins party to remember Arthur and Mary Alice Anderson.  Wish we could have been there but we did send in some memories.  We come from a great family.  We are a missionary family, we love the Lord and we support each other. 

David, Dezann, Aunt Barbara, Robin, Janice
Lisa, Joquita, Cathy, Mike, Debbie
Mike, Julie, Owen

 The temple has been very busy all week but Saturday the parking lot was full.  We have never seen it this full before.

Temple parking lot at the end of the day 

Two weeks have gone by and I hope I can remember some of our activities.  First, Elder and Sister Ray and Carole Ann Broadbent have arrived and we are now on a new schedule.  The first week, while they were still in jet lag we introduced them to the temple and the two sessions we do each day.  We also took a few trips to Walmart and Costco to get some groceries and a few other amenities to get them settled in.  They were also looking for a car.  They found their car by Friday and are now trying to get it registered.  We went Monday to take care of it but the title had a problem so they are still working on that.  They are delightful people and are from Evanston Wyoming where he is a cattle and sheep man.  They have quite a large ranch in their family with 25,000 sheep and maybe as many cattle.  It is a second marriage for each of them.  Their previous spouses both passed away.  

We just finished up our first week of evening schedule.  We started out with the morning schedule 7-2 so they could get use to the time difference and now we have completed the first week of our evening shift 2-9.  They have been great.  We have enjoyed meeting all the workers now in the temple.  Some shifts have been very short so we have been going in extra to help out.  Thursday I went in at 6:30 - 11 and then back at 2-9.  You might be a little tired but it's a good feeling to be able to help out.  

We have had some wonderful own endowments and sealings we have been able to help with during these three weeks.  Yesterday a couple from Las Vegas came to be sealed.  Just the two of them and her parents.  It was a second marriage for each of these young people, probably in their late 30's.  It is so sweet to be a part of these experiences.  We had a family come from Kaui and many of their ward came with them to receive their endowment and have their son sealed to them and then flew home that afternoon.  This pass week we had a group from the Marshall Islands come and three couples were sealed and then had children sealed to them.  So very sweet.  

Today, fast Sunday, we attended the Huu'uka 4th Ward.  Many people from the temple live there.  Paul bore his testimony and we attended classes.  A very sweet spirit.  Sister Riseman lives in this ward.  She plays the organ on Tuesday mornings at the temple.  

Conference was again historical.  Many changes.  In January 2019 we will go to a two hour schedule.  We are moving to a home centered and church supported format.  We will all need to step up.  In the women's conference we were challenged to do four things.  1.  Read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year 2. Attend and make RS a priority 3.  Increase our attendance in the temple  4.  a 10 day fast from social media.  

ticket so unselfishly given by the Erricos

Marie Osmond and brothers

at the concert 

Saturday evening Brother and Sister Errico gave us their tickets to the Maria Osmond concert in Honolulu.  It was a terrific concert. She has such a range of voice and songs.  She also had her four older brothers there performing for the last time together.  We really enjoyed it and thank the Errico's so very much for their generosity. 

Jay, Marie, Merle Osmond

October 13, 2019 we lost a dear friend and brother in the gospel.  He was one of our great successes in our MLS mission in Salt Lake City South Mission in 2017.  The Sister missionaries had been trying to get in to see him but could never catch him home.  We said we would do it.  We checked a few times and then one day he was home from work.  He invited us right in.  We learned about his life.  He had been raised in an inactive family and by the time he was a teenager and a Priest he had fallen away from the Church.  He joined the service and served in Viet Nam.  Even after getting out of the service he was always very active in the VFW and held many responsible possitions there.  He was willing to learn again the gospel message.  We loved him from the start.  We met with him every Monday evening.  We first asked about the Book of Mormon and he ran downstairs and brought back the old blue seminary Book of Mormon which his grandmother had given him.  Every week we would give him a chapter to read and then we would discuss it the next time and teach him.  The thing I loved about him was that when he said he would do something he did it.  Never once did he disappoint us.  Slowly the spirit worked on him.  He wanted to go at his own pace and not be pushed.  Many people in the ward also were helping him.  Bishop Davis was also a millitary man and they had a great friendship along with many others.  He first committed to coming to Stake Conference with us on Saturday night where he met President Kurt Soffe, who his family had known for years.  He then committed to going to Priesthood general conference with Paul.  Slowly slowly he eased his way back into church.  He was eventually rebaptized and given the priesthood, then a responsibility.  He never missed his Sunday School class.  When we left he was embrassed by the Nicholacians, the new MLS couple.  We went to the Draper Temple with him to receive his endowment.  Shortly thereafter a new sister moved into the Ward and lived right across from him.  Within months they had found a love for each other.  They were married in May civilly.  Shortly thereafter Lowell was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  They then moved quickly to be sealed in the temple, which happened in the early part of October.  Yesterday, October 13th, he passed away.  It is heartbreaking for those who are left but he was prepared to meet his Savior and we know will be welcomed home with much love and a "well done good and faithful servant".  Judy helped him set things right with his children and I believe he had all in order.  We were so blessed to be a small part of his incredible life.  The Lord loves us and provides a way for us to return to Him with honor and glory.  Judy is an angel and blessed his life in so many ways.  He wasn't alone thru any of this and we know he will be beside her thru years until they are together again.  Thanks for blessing our lives Lowell.  We love you.

Lowell & Judy Tripp
River Ridge 8th Ward, Cornerstone 

Mar Jean Paul Judy Lowell, lunch at their home

September 24 - 30

"Be a pineapple.  Stand tall. Wear a crown and be sweet"  a statement from one of our single Sister Missionaries who is going home.  I wanted to remember it. 

A great week on our new schedule.  We went in at 6 am on Tuesday and stayed until 2 pm.  I was on a line but Paul worked wherever they needed him.  The rest of the week we went in at 7 - 2 and it was pretty much the same.  We were able to help with a sealing on Friday and Saturday we both,
   Broadbents and us, had sealing couples to help.  All went well.  Now we need to figure out what to do with the rest of our day.

A selfie with my newest haircut

This week Paul and Tonita Crookston were in town with her two brothers.  They were staying in a time share at the end of our street right on the beach.  We were able to meet with them several times.  Had dinner with them a couple of times and met them at the PCC where we went to the night show with them.  It's always exciting to see that show. 

Tonita and Paul Crookston (from Palmyra Temple)

At the Visitor Center after tram ride from PCC and then on to the night show "Ha"

Sunday afternoon I went over to the FHC and worked with Sister Maria Draper.  Hopefull she inspired me enough to do some work.  She did remind me I had 68 ordinances that still needed to be done.  I told her, these are from my cousin, Darlene, who does a lot of work and we help by completing the ordinances.  But I still feel compelled to do something in the FH sector.  Maybe just cleanup.

Sister Ballard, Pres. Russel M. Ballard's wife, passed away today.  This must be so hard for him.  Apparently she has been waning over the last several years with Alsheimers and other ailments.  She sounds like she was a wonderful woman.  I feel for the brethren as they lose their lifelong friend and confident and still carry on this great work. 

President and Sister Ballard, she was 86

Sunday evening we had Sister Wong and Lee for dinner.  They brought with them a Chinese couple they have been teaching, the Tseungs.  They speak very little English so we had interpretation.  They have been here seven years and own a farm but are growing something against th WofW so are trying to sell that part of their farm before they get baptised.  They brought us a box full of bananas.  Later we distributed many of them to the Sister Missionaries around us.  It's wonderful to be a part of the missionary work. 

Sister Wong, Lee, Mrs. Tseung, Mr. Tseung and Paul

All of us with a timer

Kaylee is doing well in London and had a very inspiring week.  Mallorie went to homecoming.  Kory bought a new car, a Volt and seems to like it.  All seems to be well at home.

Her reply to being asked to Homecoming, a funny story:  her invitation to go came right before she was leaving on another date with someone else.

Mallorie and her date to Homecoming in Jerome Idaho

I thought this might be worth recording for history sake. 

16 Ways the Church Has Changed Since Last General Conference

byDanielle B. Wagner | Sep. 29, 2018

Mormon Life

Latter-day Saints were blown away last general conference by the whirlwind of changes and announcements that took place. But that was just a small taste of what we've been experiencing these past six months. Here are the changes that have happened since last general conference that prove our Church is a living Church directed by the Lord's chosen messenger today.

1. We are no longer Mormons and we always use the Church's proper name.

"The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have work before us to bring ourselves in harmony with His will," President Nelson said. These changes include focusing more on our Savior, whose Church this is, by avoiding using "Mormon Church," "LDS Church," "Church of the Latter-day Saints," or the terms "Mormon" and "Mormonism."

2. We are now ministers, not home and visiting teachers.

In line with the "newer, holier approach" our prophet and Church leaders outlined for us last conference, we now focus more on caring, loving, and serving our fellow brothers and sisters and less on reports and checklists.

3. Elders quorums got a little bigger.

President Nelson announced during the Saturday priesthood session that the high priests would meet with the elders in the elders quorum "to accomplish the work of the Lord more effectively." This change has helped create unity and learning opportunities for all involved.

4. The way missionary calls are sent and Preach My Gospel were updated. 

The Church made quite a few adjustments concerning missionaries over the past year, including updating the missionary handbook to improve safety measures for those serving, sending calls online instead of through the mail, and updating the missionary tool Preach My Gospel to reflect changes in the Church.

5. President Nelson has toured the world meeting and teaching Latter-day Saints around the globe.

Our new prophet's travels have not ended with his global ministry tour that included eight countries visited in eleven days. Since then, he has continued to travel, hold firesides, and meet with Church members everywhere from major league baseball fields to hockey stadiums.

6. The Church released a groundbreaking new history.

The Church recently released the first Church history book in nearly a century, Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days. Unlike previous histories, this book brings the stories of past members to life with vivid storytelling that doesn't shy away from controversial Church topics. Both accessible and informative, the narrative-form book gives readers a look into the lives of the Saints who dedicated their hearts to establishing the Church and spreading the gospel throughout the world. 

7. We can all contribute to the Church's new hymnbook and children's songbook.

Over the next few years, the Church will be revising their current Hymns and Children's Songbook, and they've asked for us to contribute. Find out how you can submit a song of your own here.

8. The First Presidency released new guidelines for interviewing youth.

In a news release, it was stated that "Bishops have a sacred responsibility to lead, teach, and inspire youth. Effective personal interviews are one important way they do this. These interviews provide opportunities to help youth become disciples of the Savior, repent of transgressions, and live the gospel of Jesus Christ," the First Presidency shared in a letter. "To help ensure that youth and parents are aware of the topics and questions covered in these interviews, the bishop should share the enclosed guidelines with them before the first interview."

9. We have new resources to study Primary and Sunday School lessons at home.

The curriculum of the Church is changing.

“Programs of the Church are home-centered and Church-sponsored,” said Mike Magelby, director of the curriculum for the Church. “Your study starts at home. You will get the doctrine and learn things from the home manual.”

Brian J. Hansbrow, a curriculum developer for the Church, added, “[Research has] found that scripture study in the home—personal religious devotion—had a greater impact on conversion than anything else." And the Church is utilizing that information to strengthen how we learn and teach the gospel.

10. We have 14 new general board members on the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary boards.

We are excited to learn more about these remarkable women as they join other Church leaders for the upcoming general women's session of general conference.  

11. We have new resources for preventing suicide and for families impacted by suicide.

In addition to asking the Church membership to join in prayers and making a historic donation to an LGBTQ support group for suicide prevention, the Church released a powerful new video series and provided new resources to help others feel loved, receive needed help, and to combat the rising suicide rates.

12. The Church has now teamed up with the NAACP to change the world for the better.

For the first time, members of the First Presidency and leaders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) met together in a historic meeting to learn how they could unite in their shared causes. Leon W. Russell, chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors, called the meeting between the NAACP and the Church "God-assisted." "No matter what your belief is, sometimes you have to believe there is some direction coming. I believe that spiritually this was directed. It was meant to be, purposeful, and intended," he said. "It was mutual, let's say God-assisted, work. It so happened we were looking for ways to reach out, they were looking for ways to reach out, and we got connected, and so here we are."

13. The Church announced a new initiative for children and youth.

Set to roll out in January 2020, Newsroom said about this new initiative: "For years, Church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This new approach is intended to help all girls and boys, young women and young men discover their eternal identity, build character and resilience, develop life skills and fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God."

14. We're looking forward to the dedication of our 160th temple.

Shortly before last general conference, the Church announced the dedication dates for the Rome Italy Temple. Just a few days later, President Nelson stood at the pulpit and announced seven more temples: Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia. Since then, the Church has continued to move forward releasing renderings of what some of our new temples will look like, announcing rededication dates for current temples under renovation, and even showing Church members the first glimpse inside the Church's 160th temple, set to be dedicated on October 28. 

15. We celebrated the 40th anniversary of the priesthood revelation with an unprecedented event.

The "Be One" celebration featured a message from the First Presidency, stories of faith from Church member across the globe, and music from Gladys Knight, Alex Boyé, the Bonnor family, the Unity Gospel Choir International, and members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. It was a beautiful commemoration of people all over the world who were blessed by the declaration that worthy black men in the Church could begin to hold the priesthood.

16. We are less distracted by social media at church.

In order to help enhance Latter-day Saints' worship experience, many social media sites were no longer available in church meetinghouses beginning in May.

The following social media sites were blocked:

Instagram
Pinterest
Tumblr
MySpace
Twitter
Flixster
Xfinity TV
Spotify
Pandora
Rhapsody
Netflix
Amazon Video
Hulu
Soundcloud
Zynga
Kahoot
Clash of Clans
Big Fish Games
Gamespot