~ August 31 to September 6, 2015 ~
in IDAHO.
...
August 31, 2015 - Monday...
We slept in, then exercised. Walt starts with 30 minutes on the exercise bike...which is about 6 miles. I walked 20 minutes on the tread mill and got in a half mile. We had a late breakfast.
We ran some errands and I ordered new glasses with the prescription that David gave me June 1st when he examined our eyes.
We got some "Fly Sticks" at CalRanch that Jolene had told us were the best way to catch flies and other flying insects. It's interesting that they are made in Poland.
We got back home just in time for me to mix the rolls, and I took the first batch out of the oven just in time to take them to our monthly FHE of our Neighborhood Empty Nesters.
{Roskelleys and Gortons--we miss you but know you are where you should be as you serve the Lord on your missions in Texas and Cyprus, Greece.}
At this table were Ken and Bonnie Hansen, Scott Bloxham, Dan Black, Dave and Marilyn Gibbons.
I love this antique door they have put in this south side of their home.
After he finished a summary of the following article by Elder Ringwood, he asked us to share our "hero" from the scriptures or elsewhere and to share that after we finished dinner.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- The article from the New Era - August 2010 that Ken shared with us.
- Shiblon, My Book of Mormon Hero
-
(I tried copying the article, but only half a page showed.
It is easy to find online.) - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
- As it started to get chilly outside, we gathered inside to share who our heroes were.
While we were waiting to see if Scott would return from having been called to go home to check out something with a grandson, Bonnie asked us to share what we do on the Sabbath Day.
Dan said he is busy early in the morning with leadership meeting for the ward high priest group. After he returns home about 2:30 from the ward block, he does very little and has a peaceful afternoon and evening.
Walt said when he was in school in Wendell, he and his friends would play touch football. And our sons and their friends also did that on Sunday afternoons.
Ken and Bonnie have a combined family dinner each Sunday with their children and grandchildren who live in Burley. Each one has only one dish to prepare, so it's not a lot for each family to bring, and combined it makes a wonderful dinner each Sunday.
Gary and Colleen have a nice meal, and they read. Gary has read all the Joseph Smith Papers that have recently been published.
The Gibbons read scriptures and Gospel lessons, and have a nap.
The Fronks listen to four General Conference talks each Sunday.
As the bishop taught on Sunday, August 30, each family will receive revelation for what to do to keep the Sabbath Day holy.
We decided Scott was not going to make it back, so Ken had us start with the hero we had chosen.
1. I started out and said my heroes are the 2000 Stripling Warriors because they believed the truths their mothers taught them and they did not doubt. And though these young men fought valently in many battles, not one was killed, even though in one of the biggest battle, every single one was injured.
2. Walt Petersen shared that his heroes were the four sons of Mosiah who served a mission to the Lamanites with all their heart, might, mind, and strength. They served for 14 years.
3. Dan Black said his hero was David O. McKay whom he loved as our Prophet for 29 years.
4. Bonnie Hansen said that her hero is Moroni. She admires how he kept the faith living among all those disobedient Nephites and led them in so many battles in defending themselves against the Lamanites.
5. Ken Hansen said King David is his hero. How he was so strong in his youth, and became a great king after King Saul turned from righteousness.
6. Gary McCall chose Joseph Smith and shared new insights he's learned from The Joseph Smith Papers
Gary said he has learned much about the personality of Joseph Smith from reading The Joseph Smith Papers, and this history has reconfirmed his testimony that what Joseph Smith said was true.
Joseph Smith lived a life of persecution. Why would anyone do that if he had not truly talked with God and His Son Jesus Christ and had been called to be the Prophet of the Restoration.
The Joseph Smith Papers - history
The Joseph Smith Papers (or Joseph Smith Papers Project) is a project researching, collecting, and publishing all
manuscripts and documents created by, or under the direction of, Joseph
Smith, Jr., the
founder of the Latter Day Saint
movement. The
documents, which include transcriptions and annotations, have been published
both online and in printed form. The project is sponsored by the Church History
Department of The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), while the website and volumes are published
under the department's imprint, the Church Historian's
Press.[2]
History
of the project - Wikipedia
After Joseph Smith’s death in 1844, a collection of his papers
was carried West by Brigham Young and other church leaders.
Some significant documents remained with John Whitmer,
Smith’s widow Emma, and others. Many of these were not published until years
later by the LDS Church, the Community of Christ, and independent
researchers. The “Roots of the current effort” began in the late 1960s when Truman G. Madsen invited Dean C. Jessee,
then an employee of the Church Historian’s Office, to contribute documents
relating to Joseph Smith and early Mormonism to
issues of BYU Studies. In 1972 Leonard J. Arringtonwas appointed the Church Historian and
he directed Jessee to continue to "locate, collect, and transcribe Smith’s
writings.”[3] This resulted in Jessee’s 1984
publication, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith followed by the
two volume Papers of Joseph Smith, the first in 1989 and the second
in 1992.[4]
In 2001, Dean Jessee's project became a joint venture between Brigham Young University and the LDS
Church Archives. The project was renamed The Joseph Smith Papers and
expanded with added funding from Larry H. and
Gail Miller.[5]
In August 2004, the Project received endorsement by the National
Historical Publications and Records Commission, a division of the National Archives,[6] to ensure research is conducted
according to the highest scholarly standards.[7] The Project was moved back to the Church
History Department in 2005.[4]
Although not an official part of the project, a documentary TV
series also called The Joseph Smith Papers was
created. This series documented the creation of and work involved in the Joseph
Smith Papers Project. It was produced by KJZZ-TV in
cooperation with the LDS Church Historical Department.[8]
7. Colleen McCall said she was indecisive but she had always liked Jonah because of his honesty in not wanting to go to Ninevah and going the other direction. But when he returned from his experience in the ocean, he was upset that the people of Ninevah did repent. So Colleen said that she didn't like him as much after he had that attitude.
She said she also liked Paul for all the missions he did and the many people that he taught. He was very intelligent.
Bonnie added the description of Paul given by Joseph Smith: He was about 5' tall, had a Roman nose, dark skin, dark piercing eyes, a whiny voice but spoke with the roar of a lion.
She said she also liked Paul for all the missions he did and the many people that he taught. He was very intelligent.
Bonnie added the description of Paul given by Joseph Smith: He was about 5' tall, had a Roman nose, dark skin, dark piercing eyes, a whiny voice but spoke with the roar of a lion.
8. Bonnie Fronk admires Abish in the Book of Mormon who was by herself believing in the Gospel and when she had an
opportunity she gathered many people to come and see the miracle with the King and Queen in accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior, hoping this would convert many to the true Gospel.
9. Marilyn Gibbons said "Nephi started the Book of Mormon by saying "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents..." It was not easy for him to leave his home, but he was obedient to his father. It wasn't easy for him to deal with his disobedient older brothers, but he always tried to help them. He went back again, and then again. He did what he was asked to do.
She compared this to us in our day that we need to do what we are asked to do. We, too, have each been born of goodly parents.
She compared this to us in our day that we need to do what we are asked to do. We, too, have each been born of goodly parents.
10. David Gibbons said he admires Abraham as a hero because he was always faithful even though he had a hard time--even from a young age in Egypt tied to an altar and almost killed by the Egyptian priests.
All the righteous covenants Abraham made so long ago are blessing us today.
Abraham had a tough life, he had problems with Lot. Then he was willing to sacrifice his only son when the Lord commanded it.
Isaac must have also been a very good person to also be willing to let his aged father sacrifice him.
[Eileen's note: It's been said that the Lord knew that He would save Isaac at the last second, and He knew that Abraham would be obedient. It was Abraham who had to learn something about Abraham.]
All the righteous covenants Abraham made so long ago are blessing us today.
Abraham had a tough life, he had problems with Lot. Then he was willing to sacrifice his only son when the Lord commanded it.
Isaac must have also been a very good person to also be willing to let his aged father sacrifice him.
[Eileen's note: It's been said that the Lord knew that He would save Isaac at the last second, and He knew that Abraham would be obedient. It was Abraham who had to learn something about Abraham.]
11. Ken Fronk summarized that each one of these heroes believed in God and Jesus Christ and were committed to keeping the commandments. The Lord had a hand in their lives and the Lord has a hand in our lives.
This Gospel is true. It is good to have in our lives and in the lives of our families.
(That was the end of the lesson.)
(That was the end of the lesson.)
We always learn great things during our family home evening lessons with each other.
Everyone's input adds up to a great "whole." Thank you for sharing your knowledge and feelings with us. We are always better for it.
Here we are before most everyone departed:
David, Marilyn, Bonnie H, Bonnie F, Gary, Colleen, Ken F., Dan, Walt.
And here's the photo that Bonnie took for me to be in it.
- McCalls are going to do it for September. Gibbons have it for October, then Walt and I will do it in November.
We love gathering together each month. We are happy that Steve and Sherry Ormond will be back with us since he was released as Branch President of the Young Adult Singles Burley Branch on Sunday, August 30. They were out of town for tonight's FHE.
September 1, 2015 - Tuesday
We had some left-over dough from the rolls I mixed yesterday for FHE, so I made scones today. Who doesn't love hot scones?
We had these friends into our home this afternoon.
Jan Peccerilli and Charlene Smith.
September 2, 2015 - Wednesday
At the Twin Falls Temple this afternoon we talked with John Hall who is the next to youngest son of the Hall family who were in our Wendell Ward when we were growing up. There were 9 children in their family--Kimble, Miles was in Walt's Class of 1952; Celecta was in Eileen's Class of 1957; and then I can't remember the other names. John and his wife live back north of Wendell now.
There are a great family.
September 3, 2015 - Thursday
We had a busy day scheduled today. I had an early-morning appointment with a physician. Everything turned out good.
Walt took a photo--he thought--but my camera was on an odd "timer" function, and the photo didn't take.
Then before noon I had an appointment with Jenny McGill to get a hair cut. Didn't get a photo there, either. Jenny's name has been on the Dairy Queen marque this week wishing her a "Happy 50th Birthday."
She said she and her husband have been good friends with Con ______, (his last name escapes me right cnow), and they share a common birthday, as does Con's daughter, Conna.
Jenny said it doesn't bother her--and people have been so nice to tell her "Oh, you sure don't look 50!" Which is very true.
Jenny's "Salon Sensations" got the "best beauty salon" of the year in the Spring voting in the Burley area for "best businesses" in many different categories.
Here's a photo of Jenny on the left, with two of her beauticians Meggan and Jena receiving the 2015 award.
They are a talented family in many ways, including very musical.
Then the funnest of all, Ruth Melling invited us to come to have dinner at her home when she was feeding the Spanish-speaking full-time Missionary Sisters.
Ruth's tomatoes--that her son David planted in the spring--are producing so well that she decided to make BLT's - Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato sandwiches, which she served with corn-on-the-cob.
And from Don's peach trees, Ruth made a delicious fresh peach pie.
Yummy!
She said Don always loved the peach pies made during the peach harvest.
We all miss Don!
The sisters left after their 1-hour time for dinner was up.
We started this morning with a fun serendipity when Karen Taylor stopped in for a visit before she and Carol Stocks were driving back to Utah from having visited with their friend, Evelyn Harrell.
She and Ross are doing really well.
From there we dashed over to Dollar Tree to get some balloons and stuff for Rigdon's family "One Year" birthday party when they get here this evening.
Beginning of Labor Day WeekendKids and grandkids began arriving tonight. The backyard was surveyed to plan out the repairs needed for Saturday...
Gary, Jacob, and Isaac got here later in the evening.
September 5, 2015 - Saturday
Kids/grandkids here to help repair the backyard fence.
We had a cocoa 'n toast 'n cereal breakfast.
John determined how much new lumber was needed.
We had a cocoa 'n toast 'n cereal breakfast.
Off went David and Dad to the Starr's Ferry Lumber Yard to bring back the lumber.
...more work...David...
Janie helped me make potato salad, Ashley helped cut watermelon and cantelope...
Julie and John's family...
Janie and Shawn, Daniel and Kelly, Sam, Ashley, and Michael.
Steve had a training, Brian in Tennessee and Jen in Minnesota too far away for "weekend" gatherings like this.
Daniel held the rope safely as each one climbed up then rappelled down.
Can you believe the recording ended with 6 minutes left in the game! By then word was out that something fantastic had happened at the end.
John again to the rescue to pull up "ESPN Watch....to replay" and that explosive last second "Hail Mary" was seen.
BYU
Cougars
(1-0)
|
33
|
Nebraska
Cornhuskers
(0-1)
|
28
|
After all the hard work and then the excitement of the game...everyone was worn out. We ended the day just talking and relaxing in the living room.
We cannot express in adequate words our profound appreciation for everyone's wonderful help today.
Fishers headed home, then later Gary and his boys headed home. Julie and John and family; David; and Daniel and Kelly stayed overnight.
September 6, 2015 - Sunday
Fast Sunday
While Max was guarding our family room...
Grampa measured the kids on the "measuring wall."
Jackson...
Here's Rigdon's first measurement on "the wall."
We so love having family come to be with us. And we like to have their cute dog, Max, come, too.
Sixteen testimonies given by Eric Pierce, Kathy Marker, a Sister Missionary, Lanada Kerbs, a child, Randy Parish, Ellen Peterson, Liz, Mindy Carson, Bernadine, Amber Grayson, Sister Missionary, Chris Kemp, Jan Pecerilli, Winmill, and Ann Harper shared of sacred experiences, their love for the Savior and Heavenly Father, The Prophet Joseph Smith and our current Prophet Thomas S. Monson, and their thankfulness for many tender mercies.
Several mentioned how strong the spirit was today. We felt it! We thank all who had the courage and conviction to walk to the podium and share their testimonies.
In Gospel Doctrine class, Bro. Robert Watts taught Lesson #33 of the New Testament, entitled "Ye Are A Temple of God," covering 1 Corinthians, Chapters 1-10.
"Purpose
To inspire class members to seek the blessings that come from being unified in Christ, following the Spirit, and being morally clean.
- "Paul exhorts the Saints to avoid contention and be one in mind and judgment.
- "Paul counsels the Saints to rely on the Spirit rather than the wisdom and philosophies of the world.
- "Paul exhorts the Saints to be morally clean.
- "Elder Boyd K. Packer counseled: “It is essential for a teacher to understand that people are basically good. It is essential to know that their tendency is to do the thing that is right. Such an exalted thought is productive of faith. It makes all the difference when we stand before our own children or go before a class of young people to teach them..."
For the first Sunday of each month, a member of the Relief Socity Presidency teaches the lesson. Today, Amber Grayson, first counselor, chose "Patience" as her topic. She played some of the talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf from the April 2010 General Conference to begin. Here are a few quotes...
"Patience—the ability
to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want
what we want, and we want it now. Therefore, the very idea of patience may seem
unpleasant and, at times, bitter.
"Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
"Nevertheless, without patience, we cannot please God; we cannot become perfect. Indeed, patience is a purifying process that refines understanding, deepens happiness, focuses action, and offers hope for peace.
"Brigham Young taught that when something came
up which he could not comprehend fully, he would pray to the Lord, “Give me
patience to wait until I can understand it for myself.” 5 And then Brigham would continue to pray until he could
comprehend it.
"We must learn that in the Lord’s plan, our
understanding comes 'line upon line, precept upon precept.' 6 In short, knowledge and understanding come at the price of
patience.
"Patience
is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!
"Patience is a process of perfection. The Savior Himself said
that in your patience you possess your souls. 11 Or,
to use another translation of the Greek text, in your patience you win mastery of your souls."
Sister Grayson followed with personal experiences and had good class participation. She is an excellent teacher.
I pray that I might work on having more patience in the coming days of my life.
Sunday evening I made scones from the left-over dough I'd mixed for the Sunday dinner rolls.
We have so enjoyed having David here staying over to Monday morning.
1. Elohim, God our Heavenly Father knows us by name and loves each one of us.
2. His Son, Jesus Christ, was chosen by Elohim, His Father--both spiritual and mortal--to come to earth to live a perfect life to become our Savior. Her fulfilled the Atonement by living a perfect life and then what He suffered in Gethsemane and on the Cross.
He is the Redeemer of all.
3. Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration of all Truths.
4. The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and teaches us truth, as does the Bible "as far as it is translated correctly." (quote from Articles of Faith)
5. President Thomas S. Monson is the Prophet for the entire world today.
Of these truths we testify, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Walter and Eileen Petersen - Burley, I D A H O
