Friday, July 29, 2016

I have this things for temples.

Alma 42:1-25

1 - Alma perceives through the Spirit what is bothering Corianton.

2 - He tells the story of Adam and Eve to explain agency.

4 - A time was granted for repentance.

6 - Man became fallen.

7 - Adam and Eve were cut off temporally and spiritually from the Lord.

9 - A redemption from spiritual death needed to be made.

10 - Our probationary state is a preparatory state.

13 - The plan of redemption comes about through repentance.  Marcy cannot rob justice.

14 - Fallen man is in the grasp of justice without repentance.

15 - The plan of mercy was brought about through the Atonement.  God Himself atoneth for the sins of the world.

17 - There must be a punishment for breaking the law in order for us to repent.

18 - Punishment for breaking the law bring remorse of conscience.

20 - If there was no law against sine men would not be afraid to sin.

23 - Mercy claimeth the penitent and mercy comes because of the Atonement, and the Atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; the resurrection brings men back into the presence of God to be judged according to their works and law and justice.

24 - . . . none but the truly penitent are saved.

25 - Mercy cannot rob justice.

GC: "Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders Among You" Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

Kim posted this picture while in 

Monument Valley.

Gorgeous!

James and I had to go to town again today to pick up his prescriptions and deposit a check into the bank. James also had to pick up some supplies at Home Depot.  I went in to look for a patio lounge chair but they had nothing.  I did a little searching online and the prices were outrageous.  I guess it will be another year before we get out lounge chairs for the deck.

I finished the first book in the Fablehaven series today.  I will be taking it to church on Sunday to give it to Braylin to read.

James and I went outside on the deck to read from our book and it got so windy we had to come in.  We got a little bit of a storm here but I guess the valley really got pelted.

I just can't get enough of the clouds up here.

  It looks like a storm in the distance

Some of this is smoke from the fire near Pinetop

or else they are doing a burn somewhere close.

Clouds and smoke together as we come in to Vernon.

I found this picture of Holly today and had to post it.

I still can't believe she's gone.

I haven't been to see the new dog, Shipley yet.

Tonight is our movie night and so we turned on a new Hallmark movie, "Summer Villa" starring Hillare Burton and Victor Webster.  It was a good one but the end was cut off which really irritated James.  I told him it was fine because we could come up with our own ending.  His meds are helping him to feel a little better.

I love this desert sunset.

This was before the monsoon hit.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

TBT to the Mesa, Arizona temple

where James and I were married,

and all of our children.

Alma 41:1-15

In the Resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery.  Wickedness never was happiness - Carnal men are without God in the world. - Every person receives again in the Restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality.

GC: "The Power of Godliness" Elder Kent F. Richards.

Primary: "Nephi Prophesies" this lesson emphasizes the importance of prophets in our lives.  It is based on Helaman 7-9. 

 My August family newsletter is ready to mail.  Scipture study is the gospel principle for this month.  I actually caught up on my blog this morning!

I left around 10 o'clock to go visiting teaching to Hailey Chaffin.  I arrived almost an hour later.  She lives 20 miles away but the last part of her road is treacherously filled with huge rocks that I have to dodge.  Hailey was there with all her children.  The lesson is on the importance of parenthood and how children are our real treasures in life.  I told Braylin and Taylor that they were treasures.  They seemed to like that idea. I didn't stay long because I got a text from James while I was there.  He was miserable when I left because of pain in his left side.  He called Dr. Moffat for pain meds and the doctor told him he needed to go to the emergency room right away to be checked for a blood clot or a collapsed lung.  I left immediately and was home in about 45 minutes.  We drove to the hospital and checked James in to the emergency room #9.  While he was waiting for them to take an x-ray I went to do some of my errands.  First my veggie rice bowl at Panda and then on to the Dollar Store to pick out some treasures for my Primary class to reward them for scripture reading and learning the Articles of Faith.  I had a blast and found lots of good things.  Afterwards I called James and he told me to go to the gas station and get gas.  I forgot to deposit a check at the bank but I can do that tomorrow or Saturday.  I took a picture of the sky while waiting in line at Panda.

I hope Vernon is getting rain!

The hospital gave James a shot for pain and did some x-rays.  While waiting for the results I read to him from our new book:

James was so tired because of the pain shot that I only read one short chapter and then I read from my book:

I told Braylin Chaffin he could borrow my book when I finished.  I should be finished by Sunday.  He is reading the series but hasn't read all of #1.

James was released with the diagnosis that he has a torn muscle, hence the intense pain but we are grateful it's not a collapsed lung or a blood clot which are life threatening.  We dropped a couple of prescriptions by CVS and then headed home.  James immediately laid down to take a nap while I ate some dinner and began my nightly study.  I read from "The Lincoln Hypothesis" and a new book that Kacey recommended, "Falling to Heaven."

Wish we had a Lincoln today to get us out of this mess.

I love James Ferrel

I went out to check on my Gerber daisies and found this:

A dead daisy.  This is senseless killing

and is so sad.

I will keep watering and spray with repellant to

see if I can grow some more.

Kim and Brian are on their way to Red Rock, Colorado to an Avett Brothers concert.  Kim got a room with a view in Monument Valley.  This has been a dream of hers for a long time to visit Monument Valley.

Since this is TBT (Throwback Thursday), I am posting some more pictures from the past:

Our two homes

Joshua and Lola two years ago.

Ruby and Lola

Trenda, one of my favorite young women.

Batman who used to visit me every morning

about 6 am.  A juice box for breakfast.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

This morning's sunrise.

Alma 40:15-26

What happens between death and the resurrection.  It says in verse 21: . . . there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

GC: "Refuge from the Storm" by Elder Patrick Kearon

Rowan and Ruby started school today.  They are in a new school so it will be a challenge to make new friends.

Ruby is in 2nd grade and Rowan is in the 4th.

I love these two sweeties!

James had to make an emergency trip to town for more plumbing supplies for the sprinklers he's putting in.  I went with him and we had lunch at Panda again and I went to Walmart to pick up a prescription while he went to Home Depot.  I think we may be in a rut.  On the way home we finished reading "The Washington Hypothesis."  I loved this book and have gained a new appreciation for John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Knox, and especially George Washington.  Where are men like this when we need them right now.  I don't think the people of America are honoring God and our National Covenant, 'If ye keep the commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.'  I fear for America.  

When we returned from town Alicia Hunsaker brought us some Protandim which is a new supplement designed to help rid your body of free radicals.

James and I both want to feel better and so in addition

to changing our diet we are trying this supplement.

I am always tired when I return from town so I put on my comfy clothes and laid down in the recliner and watched an episode of "Chopped."  Afterwards I got ready for my visiting teaching visit with Claire Mercado.  I prepared this handout:

The lesson was on the blessing of children and

our potential for parenthood.

I really do like Claire and she has been an example to me on how to eat right.  She is a vegan and seems to be quite healthy.

We had a really nice visit.  I feel like she has become my friend.

For dinner we had beans, salsa, chips, radishes, and cucumbers.  It was quite tasty and we ate the last of the beans I cooked last week.

Tonight I studied "The Seven Miracles that Saved America."  One of these miracles was Christopher Columbus and that's who I am reading about now.  I also read "The Seven Tipping Points that Saved the World."  One of these was Christianity and it's effect on the thinking of the people of Europe.  Fascinating reading and I am learning so much.

When Dallin came to visit he took this picture.

I hope he remembers the Savior everyday of his life.

Today is Claire's birthday.  She is Dallin's friend and came with him to the cabin.  I hope she had a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday Claire!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

It's not a temple but I love castles.

This reminds me of Hogwarts.

Alma 40:1-14

Christ brings to pass the resurrection of all men - The righteous dead go to Paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrection - All things will be restored to the proper and perfect frame in the Resurrection.

What happens to our spirits after we die?

If we have been baptized and have repented of our sins, and considered righteous, we are received into a state of happiness, which is called Paradise, (See Alma 40:12).  A place called Spirit Prison is reserved for 'those who have died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets' (D&C 138:32).

GC: "Opposition In All Things" Elder Dallin H. Oaks

'Some things can only be learned by faith.'

My dear friend Anne Reber passed away today.  Now she can be with her sweetheart Alvin.  I served with Anne back in the seventies when we were still part of the Mesa West stake in the stake Primary presidency.  She was fun-loving, spiritual, and very talented.  We were in a car accident together traveling to Casa Grande to visit a Primary in our stake.  I loved Anne very much and will definitely look forward to seeing her again.

Anne Reber

On Sunday the ward handed out the instructions the bishop used in our last 5th Sunday meeting on how to find ancestors on Family Search.  I used those instructions and found, just on one line, four people who need temple ordinances done.  One was a baptism.  Thank you bishop for your help!

I love this picture that Trina posted of Darrel:

It is hard to get a picture of Darrel, but

one where he is smiling is a real bonus.  He would

only do this for Trina.

We went out on the porch today while the weather was nice, just before it rained, to read.  We noticed that bees had taken over our humming bird feeder not allowing the birds to drink.  James found a weapon and began shooing them away.

He's lucky he didn't get stung.

I used my new electric skillet and made the best stirfry I have ever made using no oil, water, or butter.  I had onions, red potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, snap peas, and an orange and a yellow bell pepper.  James said he could eat it everyday.  Sorry I didn't take a picture. 

Now I am sitting on the deck outside our bedroom enjoying the cool weather, rain and thunder around me, and the hummingbirds.

I just read from Fablehaven, Discovering the Word of Wisdom, The American Covenant, while eating grapes.  This is the life.

It was a gorgeous afternoon and evening thanks to the rain.

This picture was actually taken in 2014.

James and I planted two Gerber daisies in the pots on our front porch.  I also cleaned bird poop off our two rocking chairs on the porch. (Thank you Kim and Brian for the rockers!)

Today was a productive day.  I changed sheets on two beds, cleaned our bedroom and bath and washed all of the towels in our bathroom.  There are six. 

For dinner I made pesto flatbread on whole wheat flatbread with grilled fresh tomatoes and mozarella cheese.  I had one and a half flatbreads and James had two and a half.  They are delicious.

While I was studying this evening James went for a walk up on the hill.  He thought he heard someone shooting guns on our property, but they were across the road.  I told him to be careful in case they weren't good shots.

Here is a picture of the fire pit and patio that James wants to build.

Monday, July 25, 2016

A beautiful sunrise this morning

Alma 39:1-19

Alma's letter to his son Corianton who had gone astray and visited the harlot Izabel on his mission to the Zoramites.

Sexual sin is an abomination - Corianton's sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word - Christ's redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it. About 74 B.C.

10 - Be nourished by your brothers.  ( Older brothers should be an example to younger siblings).

12 - Refrain from your iniquities and apologize to the Zoramites.

GC: "Always Remember Him" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong.

Quotes as I read from the New Era:

"Do not take counsel from your fears." - Elder David A. Bednar

"Fasting chnges our nature so we have no more disposition to do evil." - President Henry B. Eyring

My cleaning goal today was to put away something from the garage and clean and polish the wood floor in the living and family room.

I soon realized that I did not have enough polish so I talked James into going to town.  He always needs something at Home Depot. I read a chapter from "The Washington Hypothesis" to James on the way to town.

Our first stop was at Panda Express for lunch.  I had brown rice, steamed veggies and shrimp with veggies.  It was delicious!  Now I have the energy to shop!

I shopped at Walmart while James went to Home Depot.  I forgot ice so on the way home we stopped at McDonald's for ice.  It rained really hard at our place while we were gone as evidenced by the mud puddles and filled trenches where James is putting in a sprinkler system.  

As I think more about the upcoming election I realize that America is in trouble.  Hillary is evil and Trump is only slightly better.  

I finished polishing the wood floor and it looks beautiful!   

James is excited because he put in a new faucet outside.  The old one has been broken for awhile.  It's the one on the pump house.

Today for dinner we had leftovers and then for FHE we listened to Elder Kearon's conference talk entitled "A Place of Refuge."
Also read from "Christ in Every Hour" and putting the section on The Cleansing Power of Christ in my study journal.

In some parts of the world people are still on vacation:

I never thought in a "minion" years I would see Anna with this guy.

John and Ruthie

This reminds me of this:

My favorite!

In other parts of the world, like Chandler, Arizona, kids are going back to school.

Joshua is in the 4th grade

Evan is in the 4th grade too.

Max is starting junior high at Bogle

and will be a 7th grader.

Sunday, July 24, 2016

In honor of our pioneers

Battling stormy weather.

Enjoying family and friends.

Working together, equally yoked.

I am grateful for the perserverance and faith of the Mormon pioneers.  I am also grateful for my ancestors who paved the way for me to receive the gospel in my life.  My mother and her mother joined the Church while living in Show Low.  They set the example for me.  My greatest desire as a youth was to have a family raised in the Church and one who kept the commandments of God.  My desire is to pass the gospel legacy down to my children and grandchildren.  I love the gospel of Jesus Christ with all my heart.

I was up early this morning to finish preparing for my Primary lesson: "Nephi and Lehi in Prison".  I also studied from the Book of Mormon:

Alma 38:1-15

Shiblon was persecuted for righteousness sake - Salvation is in Christ, who is the life and the light of the world - Bridle all your passions.  This is Alma's letter to his son Shiblon and it was written about 74 B.C.

1 - My son, give ear to my words, for I say unto you, even as I said unto Helaman, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep the commandments of God ye shall be cut off from his presence.  (This scripture is repeated throughout the Book of Mormon so it must be important.  Brother Ballard says it is the National Covenant).

5 - And now my son, Shiblon, I would that ye should remember, that as much as ye shall put your trust in God even so much ye shall be delivered out of your trials, and your troubles, and your afflictions, and ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

9 - And now, my son, I have told you this that ye may learn wisdom, that ye may learn of me that there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ.  Behold, he is the life and the light of the world.  Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness.  

( Can you imagine writing a letter like this to one of your children?)

11 - See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.

12 - Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.

GC: "He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home" President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and "The Holy Ghost" by Elder Robert D. Hales. 

Today in sacrament meeting the Butler's reported on their mission to Tennessee.  Sister Butler created within me a desire to serve a mission.  

Our sacrament meeting was packed with visitors today.  I guess it's the last holiday weekend before school starts.  We had two visitors in our Primary class, both staying at the Whiting Homestead, Malia and Grant.  I was proud of Braylin because he read the scripture assignment for the lesson today and then told the class what he had read.  He got to pick something from the Treasure Box.

During the third hour James and I attended the Teacher Council Meeting and discussed asking meaningful questions as outlined in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual.  The discussion are very helpful and enlightening.  

After church, James, Jared, Kacey and I had lunch together.  We had sandwiches, fruit, and chips.  After lunch James went home teaching to the Scott's and the Kip Hunsaker family.  He brought home some of Millie Scott's homemade blueberry jam.  It was amazingly delicious!  Kacey, Jared and I played Five Crowns with Jared winning.  Kacey is just learning how but I think I was still the big time loser. 

After our game Kacey and Jared got ready to leave.  We really enjoyed meeting Kacey and the time we got to spend with her and Jared.

Cute couple!

James and I took naps and then I studied my lesson for next week and my other gospel related materials.  I also read from "Christ in Every Hour" and "The Power of Everyday Missionaries."  I am going to set a date as to when I will invite someone to listen to the missionaries.  My date is November 15, 2016.  Thanks Brother Clay Christensen for motivating me.

Stacy posted this picture on Facebook.  It brings back great memories.  

Joshua is still in heaven waiting to come down.

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Vernon, Arizona

Mount Mentoso

The Highlands of Scotland
I would love to go there someday!

Alma 37:26-47

33 - Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

GC: "See Yourself in the Temple" by Elder Quentin L. Cook

This talk was appropriate for today.  James and I took Jared and Kacey with us this morning to the Snowflake temple.  I was impressed that they would get in late last night and be up and prepared to leave for the temple by 6:45 this morning.

Kacey is from Hallsville, Texas and has a 

nice southern accent.  James and I really liked her.

We didn't have to take a selfie!

Our friends from Chandler, Curtis and Hilary Whalen

were in town today for the 24th of July celebration.

They have had a family picture taken in front of all

the temples in Arizona.

I got this quote from Preach My Gospel.

I love it.

After our session in the temple we took Kacey for some local mexican food at El Cupido.  I got a bacon breakfast burrito with green chilies.  James got a buffalo chicken salad, and Jared and Kacey both got Grande burros.  We were going to stop at Walmart on the way home but it was too busy.  James and I went back to the Walmart in Show Low later on in the day so Jared could take Kacey to Green's Peak, Greer, and Pinetop.  This is her first trip to Arizona.

We missed the Snowflake parade this morning.  Our graduating class was supposed to ride on a float.  We thought going to the temple was more important.  Here are two of my favorite people from Vernon watching the parade.

Shelly Applegate and Ruthie Wilhelm

James and I went to our class reunion dinner this evening at Eva's in Snowflake.  There were over 60 people in attendance and we had a great time.  I especially enjoyed visiting with Kathy Mattice who married Leon Stock, Deann Hunt, January Smith Stratton whose husband Blaine has been a mission president and temple president in Peru.  Now he is a stake president at BYU.  I also visited with Ted Kipeke, Richard Farrabe whose wife is Eb Lewis's sister, Mike Chlarson who lives in Vernon, and Sharon McCleve and Lorin Hatch.  I am so glad we went!

Alex posted this picture on Instagram and I thought he drew it.  I guess he has an app that does this to photos.  Anyway, I really like it.