18 November 2017 ASL endowment

I just realized I hadn't published this page until now so it will appear out of order, but it is what it is. Last night, Friday 17 November, was ASL temple night in which we did a ASL endowment session. Now when I write about the temple things I try to keep it simple and not say or write anything I shouldn't, saying this please understand I'm not keeping things secret, but sacred. Sister Slade and I were patrons for the session, which was good because it allowed the deaf members to be the ordinance workers. We work in the temple everyday, so it was better for them. Patty and I were the witness couple. I have been in a few ASL sessions, so I knew how it was, but I did learn something last night I didn't know. Being vague, here it is. In the prayer circle, the worker organizing the prayer and giving it, is the follower (if there is one). The voice giving instruction is James. If Peter is the officiator then James is the follower. The other things I learned, not because I didn't know it, but never saw it was the ASL group signing the prayer. As in a regular session the culmination of the endowment is the vale, so it was with the ASL session. Without saying much, I really enjoyed the vale in ASL. It takes longer for sure, but it's interesting. All in all it was a good session and shift. I will finish this page with reports on some up coming events, as they happen. Everyday at the temple is special, something always keeps me thinking and ever worshiping my God. I thank Him daily for the opportunity to serve here and in the temple. There are ups and downs but, what a blessing the temple is to all the world. We are a covenant people for sure. Until next time, keep the faith.

28 November 2017 Temple Christmas Devotional, and other items admissible for journals.

Thursday 23 November 2017, Thanksgiving was spent with the temple missionaries, we all met at the church building and enjoyed each other's company and were thankful for all our blessings. It was a turkey dinner and lots of other food items. It was fun and delicious. The brethren sang a couple of thanksgiving songs with a duet from Brother Bishop and his twin (visiting from another mission near by) Elder Bishop. They sang "How Great Thou Art". Very nice, both have a lovely voice.Then there was the turkey gobbling demo, humorous for sure. I'll post the pictures at the bottom, as usual.  That was November 23rd, on Friday and Saturday temple days as usual, always things happen. Even very small sessions, (the one on Saturday I officiated had 3 patrons), but the policy is if someone comes to the temple we will have a session for them. Serving here is different than in Mesa, which is the only other temple I have served in. I'll give a couple of examples, saying this does not take away from either temple. Each has it's policies and workers and their ways. I have mentioned this before but it is one of the reason I like the DC temple, First thing you do is get OK'd on the various positions then start in working the positions. I only worked in Mesa a short time as a set apart ordinance worker, but in doing so was never asked or even mentioned to about being a coordinator, of any kind. Since being here I have been trained and worked as a Veil coordinator, Veil director, Initiatory director, Baptism director, endowment officiator, helped an own endowment patron through the veil, that's not happening in Mesa. I don't mean to sound negative it is just such a great experience  learning all this. If you are reading this and not a member of the church or have not been endowed it may not make sense, but it is a thrill to be used in such a capacity. Again as mentioned before, the opportunity to go from assignment to assignment daily and perform various ordinances is a blessing! I remember working in Mesa at the Recommend desk   ( front desk) and being told you don't make conversation with the patrons even if you know them, just politely welcome them and scan the Recommend, if they said anything  you can respond. At the desk here it's encouraged to say good morning, afternoon, evening, mention how happy you are to see them and in some cases someone might think you are mad if you don't say anything. I love being in the temple and seeing other workers come and go and talk with them because you know them and love them. Today I was waiting after my shift and was sitting with another missionary talking and then another missionary came and sat with us, just about everybody that walked by it was "hi" or "bye" or "enjoy the rest of your day"or "welcome to the temple". It's wonderful. The Spirit is strong, maybe it's because it's a mission or that we are there everyday, I just know it's pretty cool.  Anyway to close on this and in defense of Mesa, I bet the average time line of a Mesa worker is 15 yrs. Meaning the years of a Mesa temple worker is 15 or more years, they are established and set. Here in DC there are many who have been around that long, but are inter-mixed with young people and of course missionaries coming and going. The missionaries are the go to group, when we open on a Monday for a holiday, the presidency asked the district workers to see if they can work out their schedule to be there, but they say "we expect all missionaries to be there". Another case in point is an announcement was made stating "if the weather is bad or you feel you can't safely drive to your shift please don't try to come, just let your shift coordinator know, but this does not apply to missionaries we expect you to be here" ( smile). Of course it's a five minute drive.

Our Thanksgiving group 

 Elder Barney gobbling

Elder Hockett's turn 

Elder Papa and Brother Nelson's turn 

The Bishop twins

On Sunday 26 November 2017 was the DC Temple Devotional. All district workers and missionaries with their endowed family members were invited. It was held on the 7th floor (the Priesthood Room). Speakers were the Temple Presidency, Matron and Assistant to the Matron. Music was provided by the Washington DC Mormon Choir. All was beautiful and enjoyable. We invited Kenna Brown (Shirley's daughter) to join us. Speaking of Kenna we have had a couple opportunities to visit and have dinner with her. She is such a joy and a sweetheart. I would guess there were about 600+ people there. I wish I had pictures, but of course it's in the temple so that's not going to happen. All the missionaries were ushers and Patty and I were assigned to usher the ASL group, so we all know that means FRONT ROW SEATS. 3 aisles were reserved for the ASL, but only needed 7 spots which means we and Kenna and her friend sat on the second row up front. When it was over and we finished our assignments we went outside and the temple Christmas lights were on for the first time this season, it was beautiful.  At the Visitor Center is a cut-out of the temple for all to see the rooms inside, I edited it to explain:

  The 6th floor is where the sealing rooms are. There are 15 rooms some hold as many as 60 people

On the 4th floor there are 6 endowment rooms all around the Celestial Room.

On the 2nd floor, if you look smack dab in the middle is a mural depicting the Savior's coming on his right are the righteous and on his left, well not so good. it is an eye opening picture. One thing I noticed was that on the right there are children but none on the left side.

This is an interesting picture, what you are seeing is the cut-out of the temple display with the Christus reflecting from behind and the actual Temple in the glass outside. Cool huh!

Another reflection of the Christus  

  Kenna with Patty and I

Monday 27 November 2017 P-day, we decided to go to Fort McHenry in Baltimore MD. It is rich in American history, but I'm going to post this one historic battle:

War of 1812[edit]

Main article: Battle of Baltimore

Bombardment of Fort McHenry

Beginning at 6:00 a.m. on September 13, 1814, British warships under the command of Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane continuously bombarded Fort McHenry for 25 hours.^[4] The American defenders had 18-, 24- and 32-pounder (8, 11, and 16 kg) cannons. The British guns had a range of 2 miles (3 km), and the British rockets had a 1.75-mile (2.8 km) range, but neither guns nor rockets were accurate. The British ships were unable to pass Fort McHenry and penetrate Baltimore Harbor because of its defenses, including a chain of 22 sunken ships, and the American cannons. The British vessels were only able to fire their rockets and mortars at the fort at the weapons' maximum range. The poor accuracy on both sides resulted in very little damage to either side before the British, having depleted their ammunition, ceased their attack on the morning of September 14.^[5] Thus the naval part of the British invasion of Baltimore had been repulsed. Only one British warship, a bomb vessel, received a direct hit from the fort's return fire, which wounded one crewman.^{[citation needed]}

The Americans, under the command of Major George Armistead, lost four killed—including one African-American soldier, Private William Williams, and a woman who was cut in half by a bomb as she carried supplies to the troops—and 24 wounded. At one point during the bombardment, a bomb crashed through the fort's powder magazine. Fortunately for the Americans, either the rain extinguished the fuse or the bomb was a dud.^[6]

Star Spangled Banner[edit]

Flag that flew over Fort McHenry during its bombardment in 1814, which was witnessed by Francis Scott Key. The family of Major Armistead, the commander of the fort, kept the flag until they donated it to the Smithsonian in 1912.^[7]

Main article: Star Spangled Banner Flag

Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer who had come to Baltimore to negotiate the release of Dr. William Beanes, a civilian prisoner of war, witnessed the bombardment from a nearby truce ship. An oversized American flag had been sewn by Mary Pickersgill for $405.90^[8] in anticipation of the British attack on the fort. When Key saw the flag emerge intact in the dawn of September 14,^[5] he was so moved that he began that morning to compose the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" that was later set to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven" which would later be renamed "The Star-Spangled Banner" and become the United States' national anthem.

It is a heart warming and touching story, I believe, if I may say, and I can because it's my blog, I think every American and specially those athletes protesting the during the National Anthem should see and hear the story. Maybe learn why Americans get upset when you degrade, protest or disrespect our Flag or our Anthem. Listen to the words of the Anthem and try to get a picture of what Francis Scott Key witnessed that morning. Remember after 25 hrs. of bombardment he didn't know who's flag was going to be raised, you see not only were the British attacking at the harbor but also a land attack to the northwest of Baltimore. No one knew how the land attack was going nor, because of the black powder smoke in the air after 25 hrs, how the sea attack was going. Then when the smoke finally cleared it was there, the Star Spangled Banner, the American Flag still waved. Anyone who knows and truly understands the American history can't help but know that the Hand of God was there, this is the "land of promise".  

We had the opportunity to unfurl a flag that was the actual size of the one

at Fort McHenry. Notice the size of the people to the flag.

The Flag is 40'x30'

If you can see the bridge, it is about 4 miles out. The British were 2 miles out lobbing shells

for 25 hrs. 

The barn looking building is where the powder kegs were kept.

One shell hit it square and landed inside, but it was a dud. Surely

this was a "coincidence". Hmmm?  

This is the same place the flag stood when it was hoisted up on 14 September 1814

The flag pole, which is a ship mast, is 90' in the air.

There is more to come, the history around here is rich. Until next time and as always "God Bless America"

12 November 2017...Temple stories and other items for journal entries

I have a couple of thoughts, I know that doesn't happen often, but I do get them. I was in the temple the other day and was in the initiatory room, as the initiatory director, we had several patrons come in and I needed to set up 3 booths, which is not very common, I also was handling the name issue booth,  so I was moving from area to area as needed. As time moved forward the ordinance workers were leaving for other assignments, leaving myself and one other worker. So I decided to enter the ordinance booth and assist the one worker. Every once in awhile checking to see about the name issue booth. The point being made is, to me anyway, it is pretty amazing how the brain functions when needed to. Each of the ordinances are memorized and you move from ordinance to ordinance and back, hopefully never missing a beat or word as it would be. The Spirit is strong in the temple. Last Friday was ASL training in the temple we worked on the endowment/ vale ordinance in preparation for next Friday's ASL temple day. Which means we have to get on learning the vale ordinance. I feel pretty sure I have it down, we'll see. One more story, even though the temple is busy, it is not unlike most other temples that during mid-day/ week days it can be slow. Sister Slade and I were officiating at a 4pm session and it looked slim, about 10 minutes before the session started, a single sister came in, then a couple (our witness couple). That's it! I thought no there is still some one needing this session, they wanted to close the doors, and I said wait a minute someone else is coming. Along comes another couple, then another. It was still small but we had twice as many as before. This is not unusual, and is compensated for (if you attend the temple you know what I mean).

Monday 13 November, a trip to Mt Vernon & the last BBQ for the season:
Today we took a trip to Mt Vernon, home of George Washington. I couldn't begin to say all that there is to say about George Washington, when you learn his history, despite what some people say about American History, you can't help but know there was Devine intervention in his life. Here are some pictures:

Front of the house 

backyard looking at the Potomac River

Back of the house

I took this in the backyard

Looks cold huh

It was about 40 degrees 

The carriage

this is a chair cart, notice the chair attached to the base

Out by the wharf 

on the Potomac

This is where George and Martha (and others) are interred. 

The Weights, and Bishops and me. Patty didn't feel like going so she stayed home

Monday was the last BBQ for the Brookside apts. for the season, I had been promising Sonoran dogs for my family and friends. I have been preparing for this for 3 weeks getting things ready, I was planning on making 24 dogs, which I did. I promised several people some Sonoran Dogs, so Im made 28, they were, to say the least over done!! The coals were way to hot and the bacon caused the coals to flare up. Anyway they burned, I was very disappointed, I felt like I built them up so much and it was not good. We had everything for the dogs, plus pie. Oh well, I gonna make it up on taco night. I decided to make my pan fried tacos, I'll let you know how that works out. Anyway here are some pictures of the BBQ:

Geri (Slade) Gillespie ask if we could take a picture of the "family"

So here we are the Slade's, one way or another.

Patty and I on the left, Paul and Pat (Slade) Nelson, Arnold and Geri (Slade) Gillespie

Wayne and Sue Slade

All standing in front of one of the apt buildings, actually the balcony with the wreath on it is Wayne's, Next to it with the tree lit is Geri's and above it is Pat's. Ours is on the other side of the building.

7 Nov. 2017 Faith and prayer!

Couple of stories at the temple and branch, 4 November 2017 was the deaf branch temple day. This month was baptisms, initiatory, and sealings. We had a great turn out, several youth and adults. The baptisms were first, followed by initiatory, then lunch. We had all the deaf members, who were doing ordinances, in the break room of the temple. A potato bar was served and some cookies and punch. Patty made butter cookies cut out in the shape of the "I Love You" hand sign, they were a big hit, and tasty too. The day was capped off in the sealing room, where President Swift performed the sealings. I just want to say the temple presidency and particularly President Swift go all out to accommodate the deaf program. They love the people and do a lot to further their temple attendance. I feel it a privilege to serve with them. Sunday 5 November, as always we rode the Metro in to the city. It was fast Sunday and as always the entire time was taken (plus 15 min over), in bareing testimonies. The main topic was Temple day! After Sacrament we were talking with the first counselor when a sister (a mom) asked if we had seen her son, he is 5 yrs old with Down Syndrome, No we hadn't and neither has anyone else. A sense of panic was overcoming everyone as we searched the building and even outside, which by the way is in the city of D.C. We walked around the block and up and down the streets with no luck. Patty said we need to pray, and President Merrell said so also. He offered a prayer, very touching one, and then we started looking again. Literally 3 minutes later the mom gets a call from the police and they say they have him in the car. He was 5 blocks away and headed for a busy street, from this street you can see the Capital Building. I don't like to over do sacred things, but I just want to write one piece of President Merrell's prayer. He said, to Heavenly Father, We don't know where he is, but You do, please help us find him. Then they called. Anyway afterward we were asked to sub in the nursery, there were three small children, cute as buttons. Even more so was watching them signing, they are less than 18 months old, cute, cute. After the block was "linger Longer" we had a Thanksgiving dinner, lots of good food. Anyway what a great day on a mission. On Monday we went to DC with Wayne and Sue Slade, Gari and Arnold Gillespie and Paul and Pat Nelson. Basically thats Wayne Slade, Gari Slade Gillespie and Pat Slade Nelson with Jim and Pat Slade, wow.  Here are some pictures:

The "I Love You" cookies. If you know Patty,

the hands were frosted, then the fingers were marked with a toothpick. 

This is the church building

Holly Berry bush

Washington Monument 

 ( Art museum)

Inside the art museum

More art museum

Something important I'm sure 

This is on the way from the Temple, Patty spotted it. We have seen several does, but this is the first buck we've seen.

More coming.....