Saturday, January 12th, 2018

Colonia Juarez, Chichuachua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

2 Nephi 17:14

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign - Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 10:11-11:11

*What do I think it means to "diligently seek"?

* How has the gift of the Holy Ghost blessed you in your life?

New Testament "Come Follow Me" #2

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38 The faithful willingly submit to God's will.

Luke 1:37 - "With God nothing shall be impossible."

Luke 1:38 - "Be it unto me according to thy word."

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The scriptures teach us that 'without faith it is impossible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. This is the promise to all who seek to believe."

I read an article today in the Ensign called, "The Purpose that Will Change Our Ministering." Here are some quotes from that article:

Our efforts should be guided by the desire to help others achieve a deeper individual conversion and become more liked the Savior." In DC 67:13 it says: "Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in 

patience until ye are perfected." 

1.) Connect service with the Savior, 2.) Focus on the Covenant Path, 3.) Invite and encourage.

Six ways we can help others progress toward Christ: Share, Promise Blessings (DC 130:20-21), Invite, Plan together, Support, Follow-up.

We were scheduled to clean the church again today. The Allen's were there when we arrived a little before 9 a.m. The Gardner's came at 9 and brought their two sons, Dimitri and Liam.

Here are what our cars looked like parked in front of the church: Notice they are all supposed to be white cars:

Allen's

Lexy

Gardner's 

They definitely win for dirtiest car.

Tina Allen and I cleaned the bathrooms. I got a kick out of this list I found:

The funny part is where it says to always were safety goggles.

Ha!

After we were finished at the church we went to the post office and mailed Anna's birthday card. I can't believe that she is going to be 17!

For lunch we had leftover beef steak and some venison. I believe I liked the venison better. James wanted to wash the car in the warmest part of the day, between 12 and 1, but I convinced him that we needed a nap before we started.

Once we got on our "gear" for using the power sprayer in the snow and mud we were ready to start. It was slow going at first. My assignment was to scrap as much mud out of the garage as possible while James worked on getting the power sprayer going. The first problem we had was that the hose had frozen water in it. I think frozen water is called ice. I got the heater from the bedroom and James slowly thawed the ice.

The next problem we had was getting it started. It is gas and has a pull rope. James tried a few times and then asked me to try. Nothing. He tried again and finally got it started. He wanted to clean out the garage first and then do the car. 

I got to help do the car. It was fun. I like using the power sprayer and watching the caked on mud come off. Here is my man working:

It's so nice to have a clean car and garage!

I always want to have a clean car when I go to

church or to the temple. Remember,

cleanliness is next to Godliness.

I blogged and then tried to order an antenna for our Mifi from Verizon but it's not happening because we have a business account and no one seems to be able to help me. 

James just ordered a book from a company called Bookholders for $46.99 and it sells on Amazon for $145.33. Hopefully ours will sell. So far we have sold one book for a profit.

We watched the new Hallmark movie tonight, "Winter Proposal" starring Taylor Cole, and Jack Turner. James has a little crush on Taylor.

Merry Christmas from the Dowdle's

I love our little "lamb" with her lamb

Such a sweetie!

Look how much she's grown!
Kacey's Bff

 Sheri's Bff

 I love this picture of Rowan snowboarding
about four years ago at Sunrise.

I don't think Addy liked it as much

as Rowan did.

 What a doll!

Sunday, August 5th, 2018

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 5:15

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

*Why should we be wary of the "flatteries" of men?

- The Book of Mormon has taught and cautioned us many times about people who's only desire is to serve themselves, gain power and position over others, and whose motives, trends, and philosophies serve their own agendas. Christ used his words to build and uplift others, Satan and his followers use words and thoughts to destroy.

Old Testament

Job 20-22

20  Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked - He says: The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.

21 Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life - Then he testifies that their judgment shall be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction. 

22 Eliphaz accuses Job of divers sins and exhorts him to repent.

General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To keep our hope resilient as we face life's trials, the Savior's grace is ever ready and ever present. His grace is a 'divine means of help or strength, ... an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.' His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise 'succors his people,' even as they stumble along the strait and narrow path."

Left this morning around 5:30 a.m. for the valley. We arrived at the Galveston building in Chandler about ten minutes before sacrament meeting. We walked in and the first people we saw were Terry and Cathi. We sat by them. They have both lost weight. Cathi says they are on the beriatric diet with Laura. Laura is losing weight to qualify for a lung transplant. Dave and Laura are gone to Idaho this weekend. 

James, Evan, and Cathi bore their testimonies during fast and testimony meeting. 

James said Ben has been a light to our family and now he will be a light to the world. I loved that.

Cathi mentioned that she was grateful to be a part of the Lambson family.

Evan bore testimony about Joseph Smith and the Savior. He said Jesus will help us through our trials. (This is the first time I have heard Evan bear his testimony. It was definitely not your typical kid testimony).

Sunday School was taught by Brother Foster. It was the same lesson we had last week about Elijah passing the mantle of the prophet to Elisha. James and I sat by Cathi and Terry.   Brother Foster had prepared a power point presentation that was quite nice.

Relief Society here we come. Cathi refused to sit in the circle so we sat against the back wall with Dahlia D., Kate G. and her adorable baby Lorelei, Hillary J. and her mother-in-law Kathy, and Bunny M.

The topic for today was emotional and mental health. The sister leading the discussion had her smart phone hooked up to a TV monitor and she showed us how to find this topic on lds.org.

I want one of these!

We listened to individuals tell about dealing with depression and Elder Holland spoke from his conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel." The RS presidency in the ward did a survey and this was the number one topic the sisters wanted to discuss. Two sisters shared about their struggles with depression which cast a negative feeling. The discussion leader said she wanted us to remember the word hope and those people on the video talked about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ had helped them. Paula C. told how listening to music about the Savior helps her to feel peace. 

There really was no action plan. The discussion leader said we would all need to make our own. I though things would have ended more on a positive note if she would have shared some of the things on lds.org.  

"The world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save." -President Thomas S. Monson

We invite Church and community members alike to increase their compassion and support of those who are struggling and take an active role in caring for their own mental health. 

*Watch your words. Your language can change perceptions. Avoid potentially harmful or negative phrases, and choose words that are more descriptive of what you observe. Visit Time to Change or the American Psychiatric Association to learn more.

*Be a friend. Listen patiently and without judgment when others share their concerns. Help them locate professional resources if they need additional support. Visit HelpGuide.org or Active Minds to learn more. 

*Practice self-care. The limitations of mortality may require us to slow down and restore our strength at certain times (see Mosiah 4:27). It is not selfish to take time for yourself. Visit Mind.org or watch a TED Talk on the importance of self-care to learn more.

Cathi told me later she would not be attending Relief Society on a regular basis. She came away feeling sad and like she had been in a therapy session.  She said thank goodness for Ben's ordination to restore the Spirit!

We had to wait for Isaac D.'s ordination. He has been called to serve a mission in Argentina. 

When the Dowdle's came out, the Lambson's went in to the high council room. We all sat around the high council table while Brother Price told Ben that he was an answer to his parents and grandparents prayers. 

James did the ordination with the following family members in the circle: Paul, Brian, Terry, and Adam. Bishop Wanlass and Brother Price were also there. James gave Ben a wonderful blessing. It was a very happy occasion for all who were there. The following family members attended: James, myself, Sheri, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua.

Ben definitely has a glow about him.

After everyone gave Ben a hug Bishop Wanlass took him to his office for a temple recommend interview. Sheri asked if we could give him a ride home so she could go home and finish preparing dinner. We waited in the foyer and watched the young adults come in for the YSA ward.

I forgot to take a photo of James and Ben so this one Sheri took a while back will have to suffice.

Dinner at the Trezise's was delicious! We had roast, potatoes and carrots, rolls, broccoli, and ribs that Ian had made. For dessert there was brownies and vanilla ice cream. Our fast is broken.

After resting awhile and making friends with Ollie, we headed for home.

 We arrived around 6:30. It looked like it had rained at our place. I took this photo of a rainbow over Green's Peak. Our gas gauge says we could have gone another 12 miles. We did not want to stop and buy gas on Sunday! It was a great Sabbath!

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Jacob 4:9

For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:1-15

* Why did Moroni offer Zerahemnah mercy?

- Because he did not desire bloodshed. He stops the fighting and bears testimony to Zerahemnah.

Old Testament

Job 14-16

14 Job testifies of the shortness of life, the certainty of death, and the guarantee of a resurrection - He asks, If a man die, will he live again? - Job answers that he will await the Lord's call to come forth from the grave.

15 Eliphaz sets forth the disquietude of wicked men - They do not believe they will return out of darkness and be resurrected.

16 Job speaks against the wicked who oppose him - Though even his friends corn him, he testifies that his witness is in heaven and his record is on high.

General Conference

Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye

Larry J. Echo Hawk

"Brothers and sisters, are there people in our lives who have hurt us?Do we harbor what seem like fully justified feelings of resentment and anger? Are we letting pride keep us from forgiving and letting go? I invite all of us to forgive completely and let healing occur from within. And even if forgiveness doesn't come today, know that as we desire it and work for it, it will come - just as it eventually did for me after my brother's death."

I got to see Ruby and Rowan before they went to school. Here is a picture of Ruby, who is in the fourth grade.

Last day in this house.

While James and Trina loaded furniture Lola and I bonded.

 Well we bonded except the one time she got caught 

on the stairs.

 I like the butterfly dress, Lola.

 Not sure why she's lying on the floor.

Maybe she thought someone would move the couch

out from under her.

Load ready to go to the rental.

After James and Trina took over this load James and I left for my infusion. He dropped me off at Vine and Baseline in Mesa while he went to wash the truck and get gas.

Interesting time in the infusion center. I went right back and there were very few patients this time as compared to last time when I had to wait for a chair. Later a woman came in fuming. She had been waiting for over an hour and a half. She used some bad language and said she was going to get that girl at the front desk fired.  It was a little tense for awhile until she calmed down, although I must say I knew how she felt because it happened to me once. I hope I wasn't quite so verbal and unforgiving.

James came to pick me up around 12:30 and we found a Jersey Mike's in Tempe for lunch before going to his mom's. 

Kim and Stacy both met us at Lois's. 

Lois has made a quilt for Kacey and Jared's baby and also a baby dress which she needs to put buttons on.

She also made 20 Christmas stockings for our family. Kim took one for Joe so I still have 19. Trina just made stockings for their family that match so these will go to everyone else.

I think there is even enough for Autumn, Palmer,

Scarlett, and baby girl Lambson!

We went back to Darrel and Trina's before going home so James could help Trina take over one more load. Trina's dad was there to help and her mom came just as we were leaving to go home.

This load is going to Bob's truck across the street.

The trailer is already full.

 Addy on her phone while it's charging. 

The TV is on the fritz, but no worries, we have

other electronic devises.

Ruby is at a friends this afternoon. Glad I saw here this morning.

We left for home after the last load. I got to pick Rowan up from the bus stop. Trina told me to be sure and have him call and tell her if he made the football team, which I did. He called and said he didn't make it and she was so sorry, and then he said, oh yeah, I did make it. She was a little miffed and I would have been too. Good work Rowan. Not many 6th graders made the team but Rowan did and so did some of his friends.

We had to go back to Lois's before going home because I forgot my purple purse. James was a good sport about it and a good sport about going home the Payson way until traffic got backed up. Not to self: "Don't go home through Payson on a Friday night in the summer." 

When we drove up to our place there was a herd of elk grazing, I would say about 20, all calves and young ones.

 I want my bedroom to look like this.

Maybe next year.

Scarlett is 10 months old.

Her mom describes her as as smart and happy.

Who could ask for anything more, oh yes and Adorable!!

 I had to stay up past my bedtime to accomplish this which I 

think made James a little sad.

Impressive! I wonder if Lexy can last that long!