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

September 10 - 16

Monday we spent a little time at the PunchBowl National Cemetery.  Monuments and information on the Korean, WWII wars.  

The Philippeans

My favorite trees, Monkey Trees

views from Punch Bowl

Pearl Harbor, Battleship row, Arizona monument

Some of the big ships there today

Tuesday we went in at 6 for prayer meeting.  Paul went on the session and I was a follower and then I was assigned to a new patron.  I was able to help in the clothing area and she attended our 11 am session.  She is going to Australia for her mission.  They are from New Zealand but their temple was closed so they chose here. 

Hurricane Oliver missed us and except for a little rain and some power outage on Thursday we didn't notice much change.  Very humid and muggy.  I was able to help Sister Munson get home two days this week.  Luckily it was not raining as I pushed her home.  Thursday they needed some extra help so I sent in at 7:30.  Later in the day around 3:30 the power went out.  I was on a session and it finished and then they determined it would be some time before the power would be back on so they closed the temple.  I took Sister Munson home and Paul picked me up.  We went over to the PCC and walked around and by then the power was back on so we had dinner at Pounders. 

Today, Friday, Elder Ray and Sister Carol Ann Broadbent should be arriving.  They have been preparing their apartment. They did arrived that evening.  Saturday they came to the temple and were set apart and we began introducing them and taking them around the temple.  Of course, they were pretty exhausted by the end of the day.  After the temple we drove them to Walmart and Costco so you know they had to be really exhausted.  We got to Costco just as it was closing so didn't get a pizza or hot dog.

Sunday they got up and came to 8 o'clock church.  they have been trying to get settled in.  We are so happy to have them with us.  They are going to be great.  Very personable, fun people from Evanston, Wyoming.

Judy and Tom Everton from Camarillo

Sunday evening Judy and Tom Everton were in town with some friends they work with at the Temple in LA.  They came out and we all had dinner together with the Allens.  The Allens were their mission president in Arizona.  A really fun visit.  Learned about all the people we love and care about in Camarillo.  They were headed to Maui on Monday and we were able to meet up again because Sister Dain left her purse at our house so we met them in Kaneohe before their flight out. 

We learned by Elder Allen that they will have about 70 sister misionaries at the VC by the end of October and they received 25 new lap top computers that the sisters will use in their apartments.  Now they will have enough missionaries to take care of the four things they should do.  1) Visitor Center, 2) PCC, 3) teaching center and 4) assigned to Wards and proselye.  They do an amazing job.  We are fortunate to live close to them. 

Kaylee was moved to a new area last week and is now a Sister Trainer Leader.  She is doing a great job.  So very proud of her.  Courtney is into her third week of dental assistant school and is liking it.  She fills up her extra time working for Rob.

Hope everyone has a great week and most importantly get yourself to the temple before the end of the month. 

White caps out in the ocean

August 27 - September 9 (Kory' Family)

I guess we have just been having too much fun and I could not get back to this so now two weeks have passed by.  Now can we remember anything that we did during that time.

Saturday, 25th we left the temple and drove to the West shore where we stayed in Kory's condo for a couple of days.  It was beautiful over there.  We had a nice stay in the condo and walked around the grounds but never got into the ocean or pool. 

Sunday we went to the closest church and met several people from the temple.  Brother Jones, who Paul knew from LA Temple, was the High Counselor speaker and then there were a couple of Sister ordinance workers and also a couple who come and bring a friend who is in a wheel chair.  So it is always fun to make a connection outside of the temple.  There was a 140 Primary celebration that evening at the Stake Center so we went to that.  Each Ward and Branch had their primary sing two of their favorite songs.  It was really good.  Especially the Tonga Branch.  They wore traditiional clothing and sang like crazy.  A very fun evening and also a beautiful Stake Center.

Monday Kory and family arrived.  So fun to see them.  We stopped for dinner at Big Taco out by their condo and then we had them drop us off to get our car so we could head home.  We rented a van for them and spent all day Monday waiting for them by shopping at our favorite places, Costco, Sams Club and Walmart.  Where did the day go. 

We were back at the temple all week and they were off having fun at the beach and trying out new foods.  Saturday they came out and stayed with us for the rest of their visit.  Monday we went snorkeling at Sharks Cove and I went out to edge of the rocks with them.  Dad had to go get the car checked out because the light came on.  Monday we also went to the PCC and walked thru the villages and wen to the night show with them.  A really fun time with them.  The boys are getting so big.  We were wall to wall bed so Paul and I ended up in the garage on the queen mattress.  Couldn't get the boys to go out with us except for Gage the first night.  We also had a guest, Sister Morales brother, David, was here for a week and needed a place to stay.  They only doubled for a couple of nights.  They flew out early Wednesday morning so we both had to drive down and drop off the van and then pick Paul up.

Now we are back to normal and preparing for another hurricane or tropical storm this week.  Today was a typical Tuesday.  We went in at 6 am for prayer meeting and then I ended up following the 7 am session and Paul was a patron on it.  Afterwards he went home for an hour and I met and helped the own endowment sister and then we continued our work for the rest of the day and came home at 6pm.  It's good to be busy doing Heavenly Father's work.  I got some new names from Darlene this weekend and today while I was waiting for the OE four sister missionaries came in and took some of my names.  So happy.  Today we met a couple on our session who recently returned from the Tiijuana Temple and knew my cousin, Elraine and Larry Thompson, who are serving there. 

Jayden Tuttle, husband of Lauren, granddaughter of Charlene Bushman who is living here in Laie

The Wongs from HK here for the wedding of a neice

The wedding party at Matsimotos

The Wongs

Spear throwing at the Tonga Village

pictuare at their condo 

Mermaid caverns

PCC

August 20 - 26

Monday evening for FHE we had a zone conference with President & Sister Bekker.  Sister Bekker spoke on the blessings that come from serving a mission.  Many thoughts came the D&C.  D&C 105:15  I will fight your battles; Alma 2:28 pray mightily Lord will bless them  Joshua 4:1-7, none shall stay thee.  he will be with you; D&C 31:5 sins are forgiven  great faith, ask, knock, seek, seek and pray for opportunities to find.

President Bekker spoke on Preach My Gospel and challenged us to EVERY DAY BOOK OF MORMON AND PREACH MY GOSPEL.  PMG speaks to the missionaries -- do not use anything else.  Eight things PMG will do for you while you are a missionary and afterwards.
accountable to the Lord; help with our personal conversion; learned to rely on the Spirit; promised blessings that are personal and powerful; find spiritual gifts; becoming better rather than doing better; well rounded--Christ centered life; help we answer gospel questions.

IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!  Paul and I gave the prayers for the meeting.

Tuesday morning we arrived at the temple at 6 am, attended prayer meeting then I went on a session and Paul helped with an own endowment brother.  At 9:30 we met the Stone family.  We helped them with their preparations for their own endowment, they were on our 11 am session and then we assisted with their sealing.  Paul got to be a witness.  They were also sealed to their 12 year old daughter.  Very special people from Miliani.  We finished out the day with the 4 pm session and then I took Sister Wong and Lee with me to the RS Pool party at Gunstock Ranch where we had a great taco salad dinner then we had to leave.

Hurricane Lane is headed our way so there was lots of talk about preparation.  We'll see what happens to us. Can't say I feel totally prepared.

We are preparing for Hurricane Lane.  It looks like a really big category 4 which may hit us.  The following message was written by one of the sr. missionary's grandson.

"Elder Farnsworth's grandson sent the following text:

“I feel that you guys are safe now. We just were reading family scriptures and Alma 26:6. . . it’s talking about the missionary’s. 

“Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the storm cometh they shall gather together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.”

Wednesday in the temple I did three sessions.  Two we followed and one I went as a patron.  Paul spent the time helping with a sealing.  We came home and went out and got a little more water just in case we need it.

The temple, the Visitors Center and the PCC were all closed Thursday and Friday because of Hurricane Lane which was expected to hit us  late Thursday night.  We spent Thursday and Friday hunkered in our apartment waiting for it to arrive.  We kept our eyes on the news most of the day.   In between we watched some movies and did some reading and studying.  The Hurricane slowed way down from 16 mph to 5 mph.  The State had really prepared for this hit.  They have had everything in place in case of a disaster.  Fortunately prayers were answered and today it started to break up and turn west and was downgraded to a tropical storm.  However, the Big Island, Hawaii, did get hit pretty hard with rain, flooding, landslides because of saturated ground.  today we saw some rain and winds but nothing harmful here in Laie.  From the forecast it should come thru tonight and everything will be back to normal tomorrow.

Temple Street before  Hurricane Lane

Pine outside our apartment

Some rain and wind on Friday

Wind on Friday 

It has been an experience and we have been grateful for the calls from friends and family about our welfare.  We feel very blessed.

Saturday we will be back in the temple.  We and all the sister missionaries have had enough of sitting around.  We are all ready to get busy again.

Today August 24th Robbie Meier celebrated his birthday.  He is 15 and also passed his permit drivers test.  So proud of this young man.