August 10, 2008 - Panama City Panama Temple

President Monson traveled to Panama City to dedicate the Panama City Panama Temple. We now have 127 temples to serve in around the world.

The article at LDS Church News related how 10 women from each stake were asked to volunteer to assemble the chandeliers in the temple. I would have loved to volunteer for that job.

I believe this is President Monson's first trip to Panama. The area is inspiring. Below is an aerial view of the temple grounds. It looks so peaceful and inviting! For a brief history of this temple, please visit http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/panamacity/ You can also read President Monson's dedicatory prayer: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/panamacity/prayer/


Where will President Monson travel next? According to my records, his next trip will be to Twin Falls, Idaho for the dedication of another temple. Do you know anywhere else our Prophet will be traveling? Please leave a comment and let me know.

June 22, 2008 - Provo, Utah

President Monson spoke at a special Sacrament Meeting for new Mission Presidents and their wives at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah.

My nephew, who is now in the Vancouver Canada Mission, was at the MTC that day. He said you could feel the change in the campus while the whole First Presidency and some of the Apostles were there. He said, "It was way cool!"

Mission Presidents begin to preside over their assigned missions on July 1st of every year. (That's my parent's wedding anniversary and my sister-in-law's birthday, but that probably doesn't really matter to you. Unless, of course, you are my parents or my sister-in-law.) A friend of ours is the new Mission President for the Las Vegas Nevada Mission. Ironically, our ward has two missionaries, an Elder and a Sister, who are coming home from that same mission next week!

I really liked this quote from President Monson's talk:

"Someone said, 'The power to lead is also the power to mislead, and the power to mislead is the power to destroy.' Let there be positive leading, positive motivation, positive uplift on your part as you inspire your missionaries."

I believe we are all leaders. You never know who is watching you. Let's be happy and positive, even with our own family members! (That's sometimes the hardest, but it should mean the most.)

Time to Learn the Apostles . . .

Examples . . . President Monson Wiggles his Ears