Happy Month of Spring
This week
March 27, 2017
to
April 2, 2017
April 2, 2017
End of Winter
Beginning of Spring
March April May
Monday - March 27, 2017
Today we hung out at home.
For FHE we watched the historical movie "Wilson" made in 1944 aboutWoodrow Wilson (from his life in 1909 to 1921.) He was President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. The United States entered World War I in 1917 and the war ended in 1918. He tried to get the League of Nations started but Congress would not approve it.
Thomas Woodrow Wilson was an American politician and academic who served as the 28th President of the United States from 1913 to 1921. Born in Staunton, Virginia, he spent his early years in Augusta, Georgia and Columbia, South Carolina. Wikipedia
He was president of Princeton University when the political powers persuaded him to run for the Governor of New Jersey. That's what got him in to politics, plus he had written many books about government and politics and the democratic way of life.
Born: December 28, 1856, Staunton, Virginia, VA
Died: February 3, 1924, at age 64 Washington, D.C.
Presidential term: March 4, 1913 – March 4, 1921
Spouse: Edith Wilson (m. 1915–1924), Ellen Axson Wilson (m. 1885–1914)
I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.
If you want to make enemies, try to change something.
The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty.
Tuesday - March 28, 2017
Today we went to the CSI walking class, then to Institute, being taught from the new lesson manual Teachings of the Living Prophets, Lesson 1: "Our Need For Living Prophets" taught by Nancy Blauer. These are two stand-out quotes from today:
"...we require a living tree--a living fountain--living intelligence, proceeding from the living priesthood in heaven, through the living priesthood on the earth..."
"...it always requires new revelations, adapted to the peculiar circumstances in which the churches or individuals were placed..."
One more:
"...a former justice of the Supreme Court of England...said about living prophets on the earth: "If what you have told me is true, it is the greatest message that has come to this earth since the angels announced the birth of Christ." --Hugh B. Brown, Conference Report, Oct. 1967, 118, 120.
It is true!
Tuesday evening
This evening was another great Stake High Priests' Dinner. Jeff Rasmussen, did a great job being the high councilor over it this year. About a month ago he had asked Walt to speak about Burley Stake being divided and Burley Idaho West Stake being formed in May 1983. Walt was so nervous about speaking because of his bouts of having his mind go blank in mid-sentence since his open heart surgery (March 19, 2014).
He worked on this more than any other talk he has given since we were married--almost 56 years ago. I told him the Lord would come through for him as He has done for him in his many other talks. However, he was still so scared that he had me come up and sit by him to prompt him if his mind did so blank.
He gave a great talk. He did lose the word he wanted a couple of times, but I was able to give him a prompt and he could go right on.
I was sitting by him in a chair, but at the end when he said some nice things about me, he had me stand up beside him.
Several said to Walt after: "It was so wonderful to hear you speak again to us!"
And, of course, President Paul Young and President Chad Jones gave very inspirational talks also--as we knew they would. Each of these past and current stake presidents spoke 14 minutes each. But with wonderful musical numbers* in between, it all went by very quickly and most everyone got home before nine o'clock (except those who helped put everything away and clean up).
Chris Kemp and (Bench gal) sang two sweet songs:
"Whenever I Feel Afraid"
and "I Am Homeward Bound"
And any time Jeff Rasmussen is the piano accompanist,
everything is better.
Chris's son, Peter Kemp, learned how to play the ukulele on his mission in Norway, and played and sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Here are Jeff and Amy Rasmussen with us.
We learned that President Joe and Sister Sherre Sagers return from their mission in North Carolina on April 10. Rollo and Gladys Harrison just returned from their CES mission last Thursday and were there tonight. It was wonderful to see them again. And Mark and LeAnn Fillmore will return from their Guatemala Mission in April, also.
Wednesday - March 29, 2017
Today we went to the CSI walking class, then drove to Twin Falls where we did the three o'clock session at the Temple with Dale and Connie. After the session, Ruth Melling, joined the four of us at Tomato's for dinner.
They have delicious Italian food. I always get their lasagna.
Walt gets raviolis.
It was really fun to have Ruth join us.
Ruth has recently been called to work at the temple again on
the same shift she'd had before her
hip replacement last August--Wednesday midday.
It was a chilly, windy March day.
The skys were cloudy and gray.
Thursday - March 30, 2017
Today we went to the CSI walking class, then to Institute. The lesson was on "General Conference."
Friday - March 31, 2017
Today we did two hours of Family History work with the help of our ward family history consultant--Kathleen Hedberg. They were able to find all the children for the ancestor of Nellie Katie Olson--Walt's maternal great-grandmother.
I was able to add a photo to the life story of my Uncle Warren Albertson who lived 1916 to 1973. He was the second child of 8 to Clarence and Blanche Ilene Hartwell Albertson. My father, Arnold, was the oldest child of 4 boys and 4 girls.
I hope to find a better photo of him, but this is all I have been able to find so far. He was a fun uncle who liked to tease us.
Here's a photo of my father - Arnold Albertson--in 1946, at age 34.
We are so blessed to have Kathleen Hedberg come each Friday morning to help us with our genealogy. She is an expert in all phases of family history, but her specialty is in Swedish research.
Friday Afternoon
In the afternoon we picked up Dale and Connie in Twin Falls and all went to the wedding of their sister, Phyllis's grandson, Jacob Bunn in Wendell. Bishop Nebeker of their Wendell Ward, who performed the ceremony at the Stake Center--lives in the home that their Dad, Ray Petersen built.
Here's Jake's father, Don Bunn, dancing with the bride, and Jake is dancing with his sister Donna Rae. Donna Rae got her grandmother Phyllis's beautiful red hair.
Here are some of the cute nieces who were flower girls.
The two on the right are Chad and Alison's girls, Brooke and Hailey.
Chad is Jake's older brother.
Here's one with Lydia, Rhonda and Curt Hill's daughter. Rhonda is Jake's sister.
Also, Hailey Bunn, Chad and Alison's daughter.
They all looked so pretty in their purple dresses.
Here are Chad and Alison. The bridesmaids had pretty purple dresses.
It was great to be with the Bunn family for this special occasion.
We wish the newlyweds much happiness as they begin their life together.
They served a yummy pulled-pork dinner to the large group who
attended the wedding
Between the dinner and the reception, Dale, Connie, Walt, and I
drove around Wendell sharing memories with each other.
Connie has already heard a lot about where we three grew up.
And we enjoy hearing about her growing up years in Rupert, Idaho.
Matthew, thanks for taking our photo outside the Wendell Stake Center.
At the reception we had fun talking with Jim & Lucille Campbell
and their darling granddaugher Meagan and her daughter,
(I think Kinley was her name--but not sure).
It was a fun day to be with family and friends.
Saturday - April 1, 2017
We were anxious to be taught at the feet of our living Prophets and Apostles, and the Quorum of the Seventy, and General Auxiliary leaders.
And it has been wonderful plus inspiring!
And it has been wonderful plus inspiring!
This is a photo from the 2013 General Conference showing
some of the Conference Center.
General Conference - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Sessions 10:00-Noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00; Priesthood Session 6:00-7:30*
p.m. (*Is this a permanent change from 6-8pm?)
p.m. (*Is this a permanent change from 6-8pm?)
The First Presidency
Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet
Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor
Henry B. Eyring gave the opening address for the Saturday morning session.
Each First Presidency member, Apostle, Seventy, and General Presidency Member gave us a message that
will help us in our daily lives...
Morning:
President Henry B. Eyring, 1st Counselor, First Presidency
Elder Joseph Brough, General Young Men Presidency
Elder Weatherford Clayton, Seventy
Elder Dale G. Renlund, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Ulisses Soares - Seventy
Elder Mark A. Bragg - Seventy
President Russell M. Nelson, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Afternoon:
Elder Robert D. Hales, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gary B. Sabin, Seventy
Elder Valeri V. Cordón, Seventy
Elder Neil L. Andersen, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder M. Russell Ballard, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Priesthood Session:
President Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet
Elder David A. Bednar, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Gérald Caussé, Presiding Bishop
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor, First Presidency
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor, First Presidency
Jean B. Bingham, Sharon Eubank and Reyna I. Aburto will oversee the Church’s Relief Society, one of the largest women’s organizations in the world. Under the direction of the First Presidency, the Relief Society presidency oversees the activities of all Mormon women ages 18 and over. These leaders travel frequently to help guide and support the women of the Church.
Prior to her call, Sister Bingham was serving as first counselor in the Church’s Primary general presidency. Sister Bonnie H. Cordon, who was the second counselor in the Primary presidency, was announced Saturday as the new first counselor. Sister Cristina B. Franco will be the new second counselor. The Primary presidency oversees the teaching of children ages 18 months to 11 years the gospel of Jesus Christ and helps them live its principles. These leaders serve under the direction of the First Presidency and travel frequently to help guide and support the children and their local leaders.
Final Four of the NCAA = National Collegiate Athletic Association...
aka March Madness.
Yes, with 5 minutes left in a nip 'n tuck game, it was time to switch back to the Priesthood Session.
So at 7:30 at the end of the Priesthood Session, we pulled up the recorded game and found the 5-minute mark left. What a thrilling end....with the Zags only able to pull it out with 2.2 second left when two three throws put them 4 up making it impossible for even a three-pointer to tie it up.
Final Score: Gonzaga 77 - South Carolina 73.
Oregon lost to North Carolina - 77-76*
(This is the exact score I put for the championship game
when filling out my brackets.)
when filling out my brackets.)
The Championship Game will be Monday, April 3--
Gonzaga vs North Carolina.
But I can't find what time it will be.
Sunday - April 2, 2017
General Conference - from the LDS.org Blog Staff
"President Monson Speaks of “Critical Need” at April 2017 Conference
“We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness,” said President Thomas S. Monson. “What will protect us from the evil so prevalent in the world today?”
It’s a worry on the minds of many, and President Monson spent time addressing that question during the April 2017 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At the start of his Sunday morning address, President Monson announced five new temples to be built around the world.
It was exciting at the beginning of the Saturday morning session
Brasilla, Brazil
Neirobi, Kenya
Manilla, Philippines
Pocatello, Idaho
Saratoga Spring, Utah
He then went on to speak of “critical need[s]” for our day.
A Strong Testimony of Jesus Christ
“I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety.”
More Kindness, Charity, and Love
“We do not honor the priesthood of God if we are not kind to others.”
“Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable. As we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.”
“Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior’s example by being kind, loving, and charitable. As we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the powers of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home.”
Daily, Prayerful Study of the Book of Mormon
“I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.”
“As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives.”
A Testimony of the Holy Priesthood of God
“The holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children.”
A Testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This “is the Lord’s Church here on the earth. … If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one.”
Developing firm testimonies of the things that matter most; continued obedience to God’s commandments; daily prayer; more dedicated following of the Savior’s example of kindness, love, and charity; and studying the Book of Mormon every day. That is the counsel from our prophet today. That is how we will find protection in this time of great trouble and wickedness."
- Watch President Monson’s full address from the Sunday morning session. And all the other addresses at lds.org
- Watch President Monson’s full address from the general priesthood session. Also at lds.org
General Conference speakers:
Sunday morning:
President Thomas S. Monson, President and Prophet
Sister Joy D. Jones, General Primary President
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi, Seventy
Elder Ronald A. Rasband, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Whitney L. Clayton, Presidency of the Seventy
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 2nd Counselor - First Presidency
Saturday afternoon:
Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Joaquin E. Coasta, Seventy
Elder Mark Palmer, Seventy
Elder Gary E. Stevenson, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder C. Scott Grow, Seventy
Elder BenjamÃn DeHoyos, Seventy
Elder Quentin L. Cook, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
We have been taught.
Now we need to change our lives for the better.
We need to study the "new scripture" given to us today.
We look forward to the next General Conference Sep 23, then Sep 30-Oct 1, 2017.
At the end of this special General Conference Sabbath Day, we add our humble testimonies...
We know that Heavenly Father lives, and loves us. He knows and loves each one of us. I liked the way President Uchtdorf said it this morning:
"God knows you perfectly. He loves you perfectly."
Jesus Christ, is the first-born spirit son of our Heavenly Parents, and He is the only Begotten Son of Heavenly Father. He knows each one of us and loves each one of us. Because of His Atonement, we have the hope of being resurrected and being families together forever.
The true Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored to the earth by the Prophet Joseph Smith.
The Prophet Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration.
The Book of Mormon is the word of God and is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ." As President Monson taught us today: “I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.”
The Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.
Today Thomas S. Monson is God's living prophet for the entire earth.
Of this we testify on April 2, 2017.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Walter Ray Petersen and Eileen Albertson Petersen - Burley, Idaho
