Tuesday, October 29th, 2019

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Head of the Church

Matthew 16:18

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 15:1-24

Why is it so important to keep the commandments? And how does keeping the commandments allow us to be a light unto others?

New Testament: 

1 Timothy 3-4; 1 Timothy 4:10-16 If I am an "example of the believers," I can lead others to the Savior and His gospel.

General Conference

Power to Overcome the Adversary

Elder Peter M. Johnson

"How do we find peace, remember who we are, and overcome the three Ds of the adversary?"

Our house and land appraised for $1,073,000.00. We should be closing on our loans by the end of the week.

James is feeling better today. He figured out a way to fix the tire on the skidsteer and saved himself a trip to town to get it fixed.

I listened to the book webinar this morning featuring Kathy and Kris. I am trying to buy 15 books a week to build up my inventory. Today I sold three books including one of the library books James picked up last week.

I watched two of my favorite dances from "DWTS." I like Emma and James, and Gleb and Lauren and I liked both of their dances this week. I'm not a huge fan of Halloween week. 

For dinner I make alfredo noodles and chicken. James really liked it and so did I. 

I'm really wishing I hadn't deposited the check from French Bruce. (Weird name, yes!) I should have said I can only accept cashiers checks and sent it back.

It's supposed to get down to 16 degrees tonight.

Cute little Lola

 Two of my favorite things painted by Hayden,

antelope and sunflowers!

Monday, October 28th, 2019

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

Mormon 5:17

They were once a delightsome people, and they had Christ for their shepherd; yea, they were led even by God the Father.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 14:1-27

What fundamental truths do we learn from Christ's teachings in these verses? How will you incorporate these important teachings into you life?

New Testament: 1,2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon "Be Thou an Example of the Believers"

1, 2 Timothy; Titus "Who were Timothy and Titus?" SS - "Understanding true doctrine will help us avoid being deceived"

General Conference

Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies

President M. Russell Ballard

"One of the most important things we can learn in this life is how to emphasize our eternal spiritual nature and control our evil desires."

RWC:"Each person had a salvation time line, their personal plan of salvation within the plan of salvation When properly stimulated, premortal testimonies like premortal talents will emerge and flourish.

Sheri called me around 7 this morning. She had already talked to Ben. 

Elder Littlefield, a Seventy over the missions in Central and South America visited Ben's mission today. He asked to speak with Ben. He said to him: "Elder Trezise, I understand you had 13 people come to church on Sunday. We don't even get that in third world countries where the gospel is flourishing. I want to know what your secret is?" 

Elder Trezise was mentioned in another zone conference and then during Ben's zone conference a missionary shared something he had learned. When Elder Littlefield asked him where he learned that principle the missionary said, "Elder Trezise taught it to me during training." 

Here is Elder Trezise's letter for this week:

Elder Trezise makes me want to be better!

It was cold and windy today and James did not feel well. He had planned on working outside but it was just too cold. He took a nap instead. 

This afternoon he went to get the mail. There were five books that I had ordered to sell and a letter addressed to me. The letter addressed to me was a check for $6,000. A guy that goes by the name of French Bruce texted me last week and said he was going to send a check for one of the cemetery plots. After what happened last time I can't get too excited about it until I know for sure that it is real. I had told him to send a money order for the exact amount. Well even though it is for the exact amount he did not send a money order which is a little frustrating. Here is what the check looks like:

Just like the last check, this one is a business located in one state and the bank located in another. James told me to deposit the check using my phone, which I did. He sent a text saying we were depositing the check. He received a text back saying, let me make sure the funds are available and a text a few minutes later saying the funds were available. I am writing this on Tuesday evening at 9:23 Arizona time. I deposited the check around 3:30 p.m. Monday, Arizona time and it still has not cleared. What's going on. 

The guy told James they needed the deed to the plot by Saturday because they are planning on burying someone that day. James told him he was going to check with the mortuary to see if they had a burial scheduled for Saturday. We haven't heard back.

I watched "Dancing with the Stars" this evening. It was the Halloween episode. Karamo is going home. I wish it was Sean.

 Look Mama, I'm a Lama!

Harrison Fjiord in Bulgaria. Where's Dallin?

Sunday, October 27th, 2019

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

3 Nephi 16:3
But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefor I go to show myself unto them.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 13:16-34
How can we make sure we are laying up treasures in heaven and not on earth?
New Testament: 1-2Thessalonians  Review: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled"

General Conference

Knowing, Loving, and Growing

Elder Hans T. Boom

"May we all come to understand our part in this great ministering work so that we will become more like Him."

I found this quote my President Ballard in a talk he gave this week:

"Our nation was founded on prayer, it was preserved by prayer, and needs prayer again. I plead with you this evening to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God. remember, this country was established and preserved by our founding fathers and mothers who repeatedly acknowledged the hand of God through prayer."

We walked into the McQueen on McQueen and Willis in Chandler at 9:45, thinking Stacy's ward met at 10:00. James went down the hall to use the restroom and the first person he saw was Kim. She told him that Stacy's ward starts at 10:30. The first thing he said to me was, "I could have slept an extra 30 minutes!"

We sat in the back of the chapel on the left side facing the pulpit. When Stacy, Paul, Joshua, and Michael came in they sat towards the front of the chapel on the other side. Once they sat down we walked over and sat behind them. It took a few minutes for them to see that it was us behind them. It was great to see Joshua passing the sacrament.

All of the talks today were are temple and family history work. The youth speaker told the story of her maternal grandmother who had polio. She said that we need to document important events to strengthen the faith of others.

The next sister said her dad passed his love of family history work down to her. She said God wants us close to Him, that's why we have temples. Clean hands and a pure heart keep us worthy of the temple. We must put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There is no compulsion in the work of the Lord, only opportunity. Always stay worthy of the temple.

Stacy and a girl named Brooklyn Hawkins sang: "I Wonder When He Come Again." The girl sang soprano and Stacy sang the second part. I loved when they sang together but my favorite part was when Stacy sang by herself. I love her singing voice and so does James. So many people came up to her after sacrament meeting and complimented her on the song.

The last speaker based her talk on a talk Elder Renlund gave about temple and family history work where he listed the blessing associated with doing the work. It increases our faith, brings the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, the blessings of the Atonement, and the gift of repentance. It also increases family love and protection. She closed by saying that the temple brings peace.

The lesson in Relief Society was based on Elder Rasband's talk from the April conference, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection." It's the same lesson they are having in the Vernon ward! It was one of my favorite talks from the April conference.

A sister named Caroline Kempton was the teacher. We spoke to her husband after the meeting and asked if he knew Martin Kempton. He said no, he didn't but they were probably related because they are both from the Gila Valley.

I finally got my hug from Joshua when we said our goodbyes. We headed for Kim and Brian's because we heard they were going to see James's mom. Kim fed us while we were at her house. I had pizza and James had a shake and some toast. Brian also shared his Halloween candy with me. Kim was in charge of their ward's Halloween party and she had lots of left over candy. 

Sheri came to pick Kim up and brought me a bag of chocolate chip cookies. We took our own car over to Tempe. We got there before Sheri and Kim. Lois was using a walker which concerned me a little but she seemed to be in a good mood. Once Sheri and Kim got there Sheri asked her how she ever raised 8 children. She said they raised themselves. Then she told about milking the cow, feeding the chickens and chopping wood for the stove. I certainly don't remember my mom doing those things. I guess that was why she didn't like living in Ramah very well.

We left for home and I asked if we could go the Payson way. James complained about it, but ended up going that way. I got a call from Liz Kelly. I told her we were meeting at Laura and Dave's on the 7th at 2 pm and gave her the address. She asked how I was doing and the phone cut out. 

I slept until we stopped for gas in Payson. I read for awhile from "Aunt Dimity" on the way home. We were gone for 12 hours from home and it felt great to be back.

We got to FaceTime with Jared, Kacey and Charlie. While we were talking Charlie went and got her "scriptures" and wanted to read about Jesus so we ended our call early. We are so looking forward to them being here in November! She has changed so much since we saw her in January!

James went to bed early. I stayed up and worked on my blog and then watched two "Come Follow Me" YouTube presentations, "Teaching with Power" and "Cwic Media with Greg Matsen.

This little girl brings so much happiness

and joy!

 Phoenix Temple Open House

 Such a pretty little girl

Saturday, October 26th, 2019

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

3 Nephi 15:21

And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall her my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:1-15

Why is it so important to forgive our fellowman?

New Testament: Thessalonians 1-2: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled"

2 Thessalonians 3

General Conference

Holiness and the Plan of Happiness

President Henry B. Eyring

"Greater happiness comes from greater personal holiness."

The Brimhall's presided at the temple this morning during our shift. In our preparation meeting President Brimhall announced that Brother Hatch, our recorder and fixer of all things broken, was called to server as a recorder in the Los Angeles temple. When they had a going away dinner for him Brother Hatch said, "Don't worry, I will be back, I'm an Arizona boy."

When President Brimhall pushed the button to play a training video the narration for the endowment session began. He immediately stopped it and went to the office. When he came back he explained that he had downloaded the video but it had reverted back to the previous mode. He said, "And guess who's not here to fix it?" That is an indication of how much we depend on Brother Hatch. 

President Brimhall pushed the button again, and the training video began to play.

I was assigned today to do something I have never done before. I was assigned to be a helper to a sister who was here for her own endowments. I was supposed to meet her at the front desk at 10 o'clock in the morning. I got there right at ten because I was in initiatory from 9:30 until 10:00. I sat by the front desk. Two sisters came in and I thought it was the sister I was to help and her escort. It was Sister Yates's sister. I sat awhile longer and began wondering if my sister was going to be a "no show." Soon Sister Shelton saw me and came over and said, "I've been looking for you. Your sister is already upstairs in the recorders office. She had come early while I was still in the initiatory room.

Sister Elmer had already taken the new sisters personal belongings into the locker room. The sisters name is Karen Hayden. When Sister Hayden came out of the recorders office she wondered where her suitcase was. Sister Crosby said, "Oh we have already taken it to a locker." She seemed a little taken aback and said, "I had some personal items in there." We all walked back to the locker room. Sister Jones took over for me here. "We have already checked your ordinance packet and everything is there. Your garments have the proper signs. We now need you to take all of your clothes off and put on your garments, white dress, white hose and shoes." Sister Hayden went in to the locker and made the changes. When she came out I pinned a paper badge on her that said: "Own endowment; Karen Hayden." 

As the other sisters go Sister Hayden ready for the initiatory ordinances, I went in to the clothing section of initiatory. I sealed the anointing ordinance as you normally do when you are in clothing and read the clothing ordinance along with the new name presentation. 

Next I escorted Sister Hayden and her escort, who happens to be a worker in the Denver temple, to the matron's office where Sister Brimhall will speak with them and the other new sister and her escort. Sister Yates and I waited in the hall for 25 minutes until they were done. Sister Brimhall told me Sister Hayden is hard of hearing in her right ear and when I am at the veil with her I need to be on her left side. If necessary I should change with someone.

  Sister Yates and I escorted the new sisters and their escorts to the front row of the endowment session where ropes had been lain over the chairs to save for them. While they were in the session I did initiatory again for the third time today. I guess Sister Elmer thinks I need lots of repetition so I can learn all of the ordinances.

When it was time to do the veil I told the others sisters going to the veil that I needed to be on the left side of Sister Hayden. There is no longer an extra sister to come in and be the veil director. The first follower in the session directs the veil. Today it was Sister Crosby. I told her the same thing about Sister Hayden's hearing that I told the sister in the hall. I thought when I was finished at the veil that I would be dismissed but Sister Elmer told me to go and be with Sister Hayden in the Celestial room and wait for her and walk her back to the locker room. 

Sister Hayden was with five other people in the Celestial room, including her husband. I went over and gave her a hug and she thanked me for helping her. I went and sat in a chair by the door and waited for her to leave. They stayed in the Celestial room a long time. When she left, I followed her and her escort back to the locker room and said goodbye. Honestly, it almost felt like I was stalking her.

It was a good experience though. I thought about hearing initiatory for the first time and all of the special blessings that are given. When Sister Hayden was in the Celestial room she had the happiest look on her face as she held hands with her husband. I saw that they are being sealed next Saturday, November 2nd. 

After our shift was over we went outside in the car and waited for Brother and Sister Elmer to come out. I had promised I would make refreshments for the devotional tomorrow night for temple workers but I knew we would not be back from the valley if we went to hear Stacy sing. When Sister Elmer came out she was holding a crockpot and Brother Elmer's hands were full too. We followed them back to their car and gave them our two loaves of banana bread. They are going to Thatcher to see their grand children's Primary program and then will come straight to the devotional tomorrow. My bread will be sitting in their car another 24 hours or so. I hope it tastes good when it finally comes time to eat it.

I went in to Walmart to get some bread and some other items while James bought gas for the car. On the way home we stopped at Sonic. I ordered a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon and a large cherry limeade because it was happy hour. James ate most of the breakfast sandwich but he should have taken the bacon off first because it really hurt his throat. I took the rest of the bacon and ate it and he finally was able to finish the rest of the sandwich.

At home I worked on my blog, walked, drank some herbal tea and watched the new Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Christmas movie, "A Merry Christmas Match." There will be new Christmas movies on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night until Christmas.

Two will be on channel 187 Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and two on channel 185, the Hallmark channel.

 I love sheep!

 Cousins and Cross Country:

Kilee, Addy, and Kayla

 Roller Derby Duo

 A witch and her kitty

Shouldn't this be against the law?

 Amen!