Thursday, July 20th, 2017

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico
75th operating temple
Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000 by:
James E. Faust

Atonement

1 Peter 2:21

Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 28

Alma 36:1-24

*What impresses you about Alma's testimony in Alma 36:1-5?

*How long was Alma "racked with eternal torment while harrowed up by the memory of his sins?"

*What can Alma's experience teach us about sin?

*According to Alma 36:17, what did he remember?

*If we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, then He will deliver us from the pain of our sins and fill us with joy.

*President Uchtdorf: "Satan will try to make us believe that our sins are not forgiven because we can remember them. Satan is a liar; he tries to blur our vision and lead us away from the path of repentance and forgiveness. God did not promise that we would not remember our sins. Remembering will help us avoid making the same mistakes again. But if we stay true and faithful, the memory of our sins will be softened over time. This will be part of the needed healing and sanctification process. Alma testified that after he cried out to Jesus for mercy, he could still remember his sins, but the memory of his sins no longer distressed and tortured him, because he knew he had been forgiven. It is our responsibility to avoid anything that would bring back old sinful memories. When we continue to have a 'broken heart and a contrite spirit,' we may trust that God will 'remember our sins no more.'"

DC 103:14-28

11-20, The redemption of Zion will come by power, and the Lord will go before His people; 21-28, The Saints are to gather in Zion, and those who lay down their lives will find them again;

How can we not pollute our inheritances?

*In verse 19 it tells us to not let our hearts be faint (weak). We must not let our hearts fail us! Our faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to the commandments and covenants we have made makes our hearts strong! So don't "pollute our inheritance" through sin - repent and look to God and live!

General Conference

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

" Ordination to the priesthood is an invitation from the Lord to walk with Him. And what does it mean to walk with the Lord? It means to do what He does, to serve the way He serves. He sacrificed His own comforts to bless those in need, so that's what we try to do. He seemed to take particular notice of people who were overlooked and even shunned by society, so we should try to do that too. He testified boldly yet lovingly of the true doctrine He received from His Father, even if it was unpopular, and so must we. He said to all, 'Come unto me' (Matt. 11:28), and we say to all, 'Come unto Him.' As priesthood holders, we are His representatives. We act not for ourselves but for Him. We speak not our words, but His. The people we serve come to know Him better because of our service."

We had a solid rain this morning before sunrise. 

James and I have prayer before he leaves for the valley to start his job. He is doing more remodeling at the medical building on McKellips Rd. that he did a couple of months ago. He leaves at 5:30 and after he leaves I say another prayer for his safety.

I guess the news of the day is that senator John McCain has brain cancer. Here is a picture of him in 1973 when he returned from being a prisoner of war in Vietnam.

By 6:30 the sun is shining and it stopped raining. I prefer rain in the day time.  

I am not feeling well this morning so I am going to watch a Hallmark Christmas movie, "Every Christmas Has a Story."

Sheri and Shayna picked up Alex in Los Angeles today. He just got back from his trip to Europe and he looks pretty pleased to be home.

 Why the happy face?

I needed to go into town to do some shopping at Walmart. Normally I would go in the afternoon but I decided to leave at 10:30 to hopefully beat the rain. My first stop was at Aliberto's for lunch. I had the #2 plate which includes two shredded beef tacos with rice and beans. Next time I think I will skip the rice and beans. While I am at Walmart I can hear the rain coming down hard on the Walmart roof. It stopped before I was finished so I didn't get wet. On my way home I ate a chocolate pudding filled donut. Yum! It rains hard until I get home and the sky looks like this:

We live on the edge.

I watched a few more Christmas movies today. You might even say I O.D. I watched: "Christmas Cookies" with Wes Brown and Jill Wagner. "A Wish for Christmas" starring Lacey Chabert and Paul Greene. This house was in the movie.

Beautiful!

I also watched, "Looks Like Christmas" starring Anne Heche and Dylan Neal, and "Hearts of Christmas."" I was in bed before midnight.

Today was a pretty exciting day for both Anna and Addy. Anna got her learner's permit and Addy got to go to Harry Potter World.

It seems impossible, but it's true.

A dream come true!

I love this picture taken near Sedona.

Christmas in July

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

Tucson, Arizona temple

Dedication: 13 August 2017

Atonement

Hebrews 9:28

Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 9:15; 11:10; 27:2-33

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter parallels what is happening today. Millions are being killed, cast out, or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees who need us, to welcome and to love them, even though they don't have the same religious beliefs as we do.

DC 103:1-13

1-4, Why the Lord permitted the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; 5-10, The Saints will prevail if they keep the commandments;

How have my prayers been answered because I heeded the word of the Lord?

*The persecution to the Saints had become merciless and they were pleading to know when relief would come. Many had been driven from their homes "and they earnestly desired to know how and by what means Zion was to be redeemed." (Hyrum Smith) This revelation came and was received four months and 12 days directing the Prophet to begin to gather up the strength of the Church for a relief expedition; which subsequently came to be know as Zion's Camp. The Lord gives the conditions of the blessings that can be given in verse 5 and 6: "and inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour to the counsel which I, the Lord their God shall give unto them...they shall never cease to prevail." Sadly, many did not and the persecution worsened. So the question then begs to be asked of us: how many blessings and opportunities have we forfeited for failure to render prompt and unconditional obedience?

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: Our Savior."

James: "I can't find my notebook that has critical information about this job." Thank goodness he did eventually find it.

James made tasty potato and egg patties for breakfast. As we are enjoying our breakfast I look outside and see three bunnies munching on the grass outside enjoying their breakfast too.

We have such a predictable life but it's a satisfying one. We went outside on the deck to read from "A Lady Unrivaled" and to watch the clouds in. After we are finished James goes out to start putting the new brakes on his truck. Oh dear. I don't think he's ever done this before. 

After lunch I go with James to the Dollar General at the Y to get some brake fluid. I went in the store and wandered around wondering what I should buy. I came out with a bottle of water. How unoriginal. James bought brake fluid and Dove dark chocolates. He tried to tempt me with them but I turned them down. I had to help James when he put the brake fluid in his truck by holding down the brakes and then letting them up. It's nice to be useful once in a while.

Proof that it rained.

It rained this afternoon and of course we had to go back on the deck and read another chapter. I also blogged and paid bills today.

After dinner we snacked on watermelon while watching Christmas movies. We watched "The Christmas Cure," and "Love You Like Christmas."

Random Photos

James and all of his siblings at his dad's funeral.

Ben and Sheri being goofy

One of my favorite Ruby photos.

Wish I could make this for Addy's birthday.

My workbooks.

Tuesday, July 18th, 2017

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Atonement

Hebrews 5:9

Jesus Christ

2Nephi 25:19; Mosiah 3:8

Alma 34:17-41

*What must we do to receive the full blessings of the Atonement?

*President Uchtdorf; "We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent...Faith in Christ will change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with God's will....Repentance means a change of mind and heart - we stop doing things that are wrong and we start doing things that are right."

*What happens if we do not exercise faith unto repentance?

(To be "exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice" means to suffer the full consequences for our sins and to forfeit the blessing of eternal life.)

*Why do you think prayer is an important part of exercising faith unto repentance?
*What does it mean to procrastinate?
*This life is the time for us to prepare to meet God. How would you explain this truth to someone?
*In Alma 34:31, what assurance is given to those who repent now?
*President Boyd K. Packer: "You need not know everything before the power of the Atonement will work for you. Have faith in Christ; it begins to work the day you ask!"
How does understanding this assurance help us?
DC 102:13-34
19-23, The president of the council renders the decision; 24-34, Appellate procedure is set forth.
General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse'

" As you invite your younger brothers to 'prepare the way,' you help the recognize and honor the sacred authority they hold. By doing so, you help them prepare their own way as they prepare for the day that they receive and exercise the higher priesthood."

It says there is an 80% chance of rain today but right now there are now clouds. 

I am ready to go to town for tacos!  Instead James talks me into going to LaCasita for green chili burros. I really don't care for their tacos, but he's right, their green chili burros enchilada style are delicious!

I went to Walmart while James went to Home Depot. Afterwards we went to O'Reilly's Auto Repair to get him some brake pads for his truck. 

This afternoon James and his partner Dave go out to visit Anthony on the Nicoll ranch. While James is gone I work on my July 6th blog post which is all about our day horseback riding so it takes an extra long time because I have so many pictures to post. 

Well happy day! We did get some rain and because of the rain it cools down into the 60's and makes for a gorgeous day. James and I go out on the deck and read from "Lady Unrivaled." This is one of our favorite things to do when it rains. 

We watched several movies today. I watched more than James did. I got in a couple of extras while he was gone and I was working on my blog. "A Christmas to Remember" starring Cameron Mathison, 

"A Dream for Christmas," "My Christmas Love," and a new one starring Victor Webster and Catherine Bell, "Home on Christmas Day." 

I love Christmas in July!

Random Photos:

Two of my favorite places.

Another favorite that feels like home.

Gilbert temple

Mesa temple where it all began.

The most gorgeous temple exterior.

January 21st outside the San Antonio temple 

The Salt Lake temple at

Christmas time.

Castles of the world

Curtis and Joie's home in Flagstaff with

their 10 kids.

Coming up this weekend

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Hebrew 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Alma 34:1-16

*Why do you think Jesus Christ is the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?

*President Russell M. Nelson: "His Atonement is infinite - without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from neverending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering....It was infinite in scope - it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension, 'Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite Atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.'"

DC 102:1-16

1-8, A high council is appointed to settle important difficulties that arise in the Church; 9-18, Procedures are given for hearing cases;

What is the function of the High Council?

*To settle important difficulties which might arise in the Church.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

" Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

" Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the higher priesthood. A lifetime of selfless priesthood service lies before you. Prepare now by frequently rendering meaningful service. Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy."

A day to relax and enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies. I love Christmas in July! This morning I watched "December Bride," and "The Christmas Secret." It rained around one o'clock so James and I went out on the porch and finished "The Reluctant Duchess." Afterwards we went inside and had some of Trina's white chili. Yes, it's still good!

I tell James that we are many times 'on the edge.' I tried to take some picture to explain what this means:

On the edge of the clouds and the storm.

The left is cloudy and looks like rain any minute.

The right is clear and the sun is shining.

I love to look out at the grass James planted and see the bunnies enjoying a feast. Today a squirrel joined in. He was holding a blade of grass in his little front legs and chewing on it. I guess he gave up on getting into our garbage since we are careful about leaving the garage door closed.

Today is what I call a "down" day or a recovery day.  I did clean the kitchen and dining room floor with my new Floormate. 

James didn't go to the dump. He has decided he is going to burn the trash and then dig out the cans, etc. That's fine with me as long as he gets rid of it. 

James: "I can't find my saw."

James is having F.H.E. with the Wilhelm family this evening. He gave the lesson on a plan for your goals. Last month they all wrote out their goals and gave them to him. Ruthie was taking care of a baby bluebird. 

Brother Westbrook said Sadie and her husband were in an accident and totaled his truck. They both got accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be leaving in a couple of weeks. Brother Westbrook is giving them their car to drive. What a great dad! 

I watched "Christmas in Homestead" while James was gone. When he returned we watched the finale of "The Good Witch." Sam and Cassie are engaged.

Random Photos:

Wish they would come back.

They were going to stay awhile but something

scared them away.

Annie is my favorite!

I love their bums. They look like targets.

The herd

The Vernon watchmen on the hill.

The road home.

I love the clouds!

Phoenix

Show Low Walmart parking lot.

Somewhere in Scotland or Ireland

Beautiful!

Sunday, July 16th, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

Spencer W. Kimball

Alma 33:12-23

*What can the account of the Israelites and the brass serpent teach about what we must do to be healed spiritually?

*How does Alma 33:22-23 answer this question?

*How has your choice to believe in the Savior influenced your everyday life?

*How has personal scripture study, prayer, and worship strengthened your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

*Belief in Jesus Christ is a choice we make. Alma 33:23 says: "And even all this can ye do if ye will."

*President Henry B. Eyring: "Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice."

DC 101:75-101

76-80, The Lord established the Constitution of the United States; 81-101, The Saints are to importune for the redress of grievances, according to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.

How does the constitution benefit all men?

*In verses 77-80, the Lord repeatedly reminds us Who set up this constitution! He refers to Himself and then lets us know why He set it up. "That every man may act in doctrine and principle...according to the moral agency which I have given unto him" "...that every man may be accountable for his own sins..." (78). He prepared this land. He brought the explorers here to discover it! He set up, with a divine hand, the constitution. He carefully worded it so that all men who set foot on this soil could  "act in doctrine" and be "accountable" for themselves. Agency is important to the Lord. It is what the war in heaven was all about. Acting and not being acted upon is crucial for us to learn. How blessed we are to have this land. The history of the setting up of the constitution is replete with sacrifice of lives and inspired acts of giving their all. May we always be grateful and show gratitude to Him by using our agency to find Him in our daily worship and our everyday living.

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

" To return to is presence and to receive the eternal blessings that come from making and keeping covenants are the most important goals we can set. We return and receive by having 'unshaken faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, relying wholly upon' His merits, pressing 'forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men and women..., feasting upon the word of Christ and enduring to the end.'"

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning. We sat in the second row with Sheri and her boys.

April St. Onge was the youth speaker and Lynda and Ernie Cull were the main speakers. They all did a great job. I went up and spoke with Lynda afterwards. She says she has been working on getting her YW's Personal Progress and every time she does a value she reads the Book of Mormon cover to cover. I was her visiting teacher when she and Ernie got married around 20 years ago.

We also attended the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class taught by Gerry P. (I was her visiting teacher when we lived here in 2015). We sat by Cathi and Terry. We participated by reading some assigned parts. The lesson was on the Kirtland missionaries. 

I went to the first part of Relief Society. Hillary J. came over and sat by Cathi and I. I was only there a few minutes when Sheri came and pulled me out for Max's ordination.

Max was ordained in the teacher's quorum. Brother Allen, and Brother Ellsworth were there along with James and Ben and the other boys in the teacher's quorum. Sheri, Evan and I were also there. Grandpa James did a great job with the ordination although there were times when I couldn't hear him.

After the ordination we didn't go back to our meetings. We went home a little early and had a snack and then took a nap. 

Around 3:30 or so we went down to Sheri and Ian's for dinner. It was Sheri's way of say thank you to dad for ordaining Max.

Sheri had a feast prepared: steak, salmon, shrimp, rice, potatoes, veggies, brownies and grape juice, and DP10, some of James's favorites! (And mine too!) Everything was delicious!

We packed up and left for home around 4:30. We got in to a very heavy rainstorm where it was almost impossible to see. Some people stopped along the side of the road. When we arrive home it looks like it has rained in Vernon. It is 64 degrees and you can smell the wet pine trees when we stop at the post office to pick up our mail. It is great to be home! 

We unload and unpack and watch an episode of "The Good Witch."

Kacey and Jared had a flood in their new home in the laundry room, but I guess it was too bad. Kacey sent this picture:

Jared the elf.

Other Random Photos:

Since we didn't get any pictures of Max and

Gpa James today I am posting pictures that have Max in them.

A couple of years ago at Darrel's and Trina's.

Kids around the table eating smores.

2016 1st day of school

Not sure what year this is but it looks like

another school picture.

2016 Greens Peak

2016

Love the hats!

Greer

This is where they like to sleep.

1/23/17

Happy Birthday Gpa!

Max and his snowman

January 2016

Game time. It looks like poker.

Ice skating with family.

Fun with Shayna

So handsome!

2016