Friday, September 30th, 2016

Happy Birthday to the young lady down on the end
in the white jacket.
We love you Dawn!

Helaman 12:14-26

What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

Repentance leads us to Christ's grace.  The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power.  Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.  "Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.  This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts." (BMSM, 279-80; or Ensign, Nov. 2004, 76-77).

Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy: "The grace of the Lord through the Atonement can both cleanse us of sin and assist us in perfecting ourselves through our trials, sicknesses, and even character defects . .  Christ can repair our flaws and failing that otherwise are not repairable (see Genesis 18:14; Mark 9:23-24) (Ensign, May 1993, 80-81).

GC: 'Tomorrow the Lord will do Wonders Among You' Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Please remember tomorrow, and all the days after that, that the Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments and try to keep them, who cherish Christlike virtues and strive to the best of their ability to acquire them.

If you stumble in that pursuit, so does everyone; the Savior is 

there to help you keep going.  If you fall, summon His strength.

Call out like Alma, "O Jesus, . . . have mercy on me."

(Alma 36:18)

He will help you get back up.  He will help you repent, repair, fix whatever you have to fix, and keep going.  Soon enough you

will have the success you seek."

  

It might be time for a haircut.

Dale the Quail

We had another miracle today.  James had just about given up on fixing the Razr.  He came in and said he was going to have Adam bring the trailer up so he could take it in to town to be fixed before next weekend when Darrel and Sheri's families come up.  I said to him:  "Please try one more time.  I really do think Heavenly Father is going to help you."  He gave it one more try using something called Locktight and, it worked!  We both said a prayer of gratitude because I know it was Heavenly Father that helped him.  He knew we couldn't afford to take it in to Show Low Motorsports.

I am intrigued by Dr. Campbell's book, The China Study, which is a study in nutrition.  He is telling about his decision to study the protein cancer connection as a result of studies done in the Philippines linking children with cancer to the amount of protein they eat.  Dr. Campbell advocates a Whole Food Plant Based diet.

I've just about had to learn a whole new vocabulary for my fantasy book Fablehaven.  I am reading about dwarfs, satyrs, dryads, fairies, hamadryads, Fairy Queens, naiads, goblins, revenants, talismans, and zombies.  Here is an excerpt from what I read today:

This is the Fairy Queen speaking to Kendra, who is a 14 year old girl trying to help fight the shadow plague that is taking over the mystical creature preserve, Fablehaven, where her grandpa is the caretaker: "While in your possession, the talisman will cast an umbrella of energy that will help protect those around you.  If you bring the talisman into contact with the dark object, both will be destroyed.  Be forewarned.  Whoever connects the objects will perish.  Much that has darkened will be restored.  Live a fruitful life.  Resist evil.  Give more than you take.  Help others to do likewise."  Such a wise little fairy queen.

Before going to town this afternoon James and I cleaned out the frig and ate most of the leftovers for lunch.  Homemade veggie soup, tortellini, and beans.  I always like to clean the frig the day I go grocery shopping.

The first thing we did when we got into town was go to visit aunt Gene at Haven in Lakeside.  We didn't stay long because she had a room full of people, including my cousin Arlee.  Aunt Gene was in good spirits and obviously felt much better.  Here is the last good picture I have of her.  

She has lost most of her hair and teeth, but she is still
beautiful to me.

We got gas at the Maverick right next to Haven and then headed back to Walmart.  James dropped me off and then he went to Harbor Freight to get some kind of a saw blade sharpener.

We got in to a little rain coming back home.  James carried in the groceries for me and then he headed out on the Razr to call elk.  My back was hurting so badly I grabbed some more Tramadol to take for the pain.  Here are a couple of goodies I got at the store:

I saved most of this for tomorrow so 

I would have something to look forward to.

This is what I had for dinner.

I love this time of year when everything with pumpkin flavoring comes out, so do the orange and yellow leaves, turkeys, and corn maizes.

I could probably handle this one.

Rowan got an attendance award today, just like Ruby

I don't think he likes to show his teeth when he smiles.

We missed Dawn's birthday dinner this evening at Garcia's in Mesa.  It was a little far for us to travel.  We stayed home and watched episode 2 of Chesapeake Shores.  Wow!  My back is making me feel like I am crippled.  I hope it is better tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Congratulations Nicoll family on

you newest edition, baby

Guy!

When I left for the valley on Saturday I had asked Kaeli is she would try to finish up our visiting teaching or at least make appointment for Wednesday while I was gone, if she felt up to it.  Her baby wasn't due for another week or so.  Well instead of visiting teaching, on Monday Kaeli had a beautiful baby boy!

So sweet!

Love the shoes

I love the look of shear joy on sister Natalie's face.

James had a sleep study again last night.  He was home before 6 a.m. and said he didn't get any sleep.  First the mask on the new machine was too tight and then it was too loose.  The good news is they think this machine is going to help him get a good night's rest.  Let's see if the insurance will cover it. 

Alma 58:30-59:13

30 - The Lamanite armies flee out of all this quarter of the land.  They carried with them many Nephite women and children.

31 - Those cities which had been taken by the Lamanites in this quarter of the land are in our pssession.

32 - Helaman says his armies are small to maintain so great a number of cities.

33 - "But behold, we trust in our God who has given us victory . . .

34 - We don't know why the government doesn't give us more men and provisions.

36 - We fear there is some faction in the government.

37 - It mattereth not, we trust God will deliver us.

38 - This is the 29th year.

40 - The sons of the Ammonites are in Manti with Helaman.  None are killed but they have received many wounds  Nevertheless they stand fast in that liberty wherewith God has made themm free.  They are strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day.

41 - And now my beloved brother Moroni, may the Lord our God, who has redeemed us and made us free, keep you continually in His presence.

Alma 59:1-13

1 - Moroni rejoices in Helaman's epistle.

3 - Moroni sends an epistle to Pahoran requesting men be sent to help Helaman.

4 - Moroni begins to lay a plan to obtain the remainder of the cities the Lamanites had taken.

5 - The city of Nephihah is attacked by the Lamanites.

6 - The Lamanites were exceedingly numerous and were receiving strength from day to day.

7 - They did slay the Nephites with an exceeding slaughter.

8 - The people of Nephihah flee and join Moroni.

11 - Moroni was exceedingly sorrowful for the loss of the city of Nephihah.  He began to doubt because of the wickedness of the people.

13 - Moroni was angry with the government because of their seeming indifference concerning the freedom of their country.

GC: "Tomorrow the Lord will Do Wonders Among You" Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.  The last conference talk.  I have read them all five times and will read them again in September. 

James drove me to Hailey Chaffin's today in his truck for visiting teaching.  I had a nice visit with Hailey and Huntleigh, her one year old who is walking everywhere.  I love Hailey and her family!

On the way home James and I stopped at the Stanford Store and had lunch at their deli.  James had a ham sandwich on rye and I had a hamburger with fries.

 Sweet potato fries that is!

When we got home we read on the porch from our new book:

Reading makes me tired, so I took a nap.  After napping I was working on my blog and texted Claire Mercado and Randa Covert my two sisters I haven't visited yet.  Claire texted and said she was moving back in with her mom and Cope and I could probably catch her around five.  It was close to five so I left.  I was able to talk to Claire and her daughter Marlie and give them my handout for the month about speaking softly as a way to show love.  They also loved the lip balm.  I will still be able to visit Claire while she is living with her mom Amy.

When I returned home I parked my car at the end of the driveway because James was working and had the Cat parked in the driveway.  I told him to be careful when he moved the Cat and please not hit my car.

He forgot.

I was very upset at first, but I realized that whenever I make a mistake like this he is very patient and kind.  I said I was sorry and was ashamed the way I reacted at first.  Of course my husband is much more important than my car.  

I was excited that Randa texted me back and said I could come and visit her next week.  I need to do that on Tuesday because I will be gone the rest of the week.

I found this on Facebook today:

you were sent from God."

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.