Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship
Luke 22:70
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 19:7-24
*Have there been times in my life when I chose not to retaliate after a wrong was done to me? How did I feel?
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
BD: John the Baptist
General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The prophet Nephi likewise taught that Jesus 'shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture.' I find abiding peace in knowing that 'the Lord is my shepherd' and that each of us is known by Him and under His care. When we confront life's wind and rainstorms, sickness, injuries and drought, the Lord - our Shepherd - will minister to us. He will restore our souls."

Slept in until after 7 and then I had chicken noodle soup for breakfast. It was delicious!  

I'm getting better but did not feel well enough to go to presidency meeting tonight. Tamara said we would either Skype or Facetime.

I learned something today I should have known before. Abortion clinics are in the business of making money and part of that business is selling fetal tissue. Wickedness abounds in the hearts of these people. How can people be so heartless and cruel to an innocent child? It sickens me. They are treating unborn children as if they are not a living entity and have no rights. How long will the Lord allow this to happen in the Promised Land?

James is really trying to understand this book business and how to buy, sell and profit from it. We have spent so much money and have sold five books. 

For lunch today we had a California Kitchen frozen pizza while studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson.

Tonight I put on makeup and did my hair, well at least I combed it. I set up my phone and computer at the table and got out my Relief Society notebook. Kerri couldn't figure out how to do Facetime, she doesn't have an i-phone is the problem, and my Skype account is connected to Microsoft and my Microsoft account is not active, so we just did a conference call on the phone.

At first I was a little annoyed that Tamara was insisting I be a part of the meeting but now I see she was inspired. Our meeting was all about ministering and changes that need to be made. I was able to participate and learned how to do some things on lds.org on the ministering page. It was a good meeting and I was grateful to Tamara for including me.

The question isn't do I like him as a person. 

The question is, is he good for our country?

 Love B. Kaufaman's photos

Rowan competing with the big boys! 

Thursday, August 23rd, 2018

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 104:17

For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.

Book of Mormon

Alma 55:15-35

*What can we learn from Moroni's example?

- We have to be in the world but not of the world. His christian beliefs were always the basis of his choices. His only motivation in war was to save people, not to murder. It is possible to do what the Lord wants us to do without destroying others.

Old Testament

Psalms 66-70

66 Praise and worship the Lord - He tests and tries men - Sacrifices are to be offered in His house.

67 A messianic psalm - The Lord will cause His face to shine upon men - He will judge and govern in righteousness.

68 A messianic psalm of David - He extols JAH - The Lord gave the word - He takes captivity captive - He delivers us from death - Sing praises unto the Lord.

69 A messianic psalm of David - The zeal of the Lord's house has eaten Him up - Reproach has broken His heart - He is given gall and vinegar to drink - He is persecuted - He will save Zion.

70 David proclaims, Let God be magnified.

General Conference

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"Imagine the miracle of it! Whatever our Church calling, we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small."

James left for the Howard's this morning to work after scriptures, prayers and breakfast. I made chocolate chip cookies and delivered them to Chelsea and Cammy. 

Chelsea just lives down and across the road from us. She is expecting her second baby on November 27th. Her husband has been a smoke jumper in Alaska since April and he will be home sometime at the end of September or early October. Chelsea is coaching 7th grade girls softball at the Show Low Junior High with her friend Madison Allen Halcomb. Madison is the Allen's daughter and she is married to Sister Halcomb's grandson. They have their first game today. 

After visiting Chelsea, Peyton, and Brutus, I had a few minutes before my next appointment so I went home and put chicken sausage links and cabbage in the crockpot to cook, and then I drove to the Grapp's. Cammy answered the door holding her month old baby. My girl Lianna came over and gave me a hug.

Lianna loves to read. She joined the book club

at the library and read over 40 books this summer.

I gave Cammy a book called My Family for her to enter her pedigree chart. When she didn't seem very interested I wondered what was wrong. Lianna said, "Tell her how you really feel, Mom." Cammy began to tell me about some of the unfortunate experiences she has had with family, both her own and her husband Thomas's. 

It was pretty sad and my heart went out to her. How can I help her to feel the love of the Savior in her life? 

Thank goodness for Thomas's grandparents who live next door and are very kind to Cammy.

I took both Chelsea and Cammy some homemade chocolate chip cookies which always make things better! I also brought my calender so we could plan the next time I will be babysitting so Thomas and Cammy can go out together.

Well James loves the cabbage and sausage links I cooked. He had several helpings. I wasn't as crazy about it but I did eat some.

I spent the afternoon cleaning upstairs, the kitchen, and the family/living room. Sheri, Ian, and the boys are coming for a visit and will be arriving tonight.

This afternoon when James got home he started the power washer for me so I could give Lexy a bath. She was very dirty. Afterwards he washed the truck and sprayed the driveway off. I sure do love him! As a reward, I read a very long chapter to him from our book, "The Secret Keeper."

We went to bed around 10 and Sheri, Ian, and the boys arrived around 11. At one point Ian wanted to turn around and come home because it was raining so hard. This was before Superior. I told Sheri to pull over and have a family prayer, which they did. Afterwards it stopped raining and they were able to continue on their trip.

This memory came up on my phone today.

Owen and James on their trip to the Northwest

Territories. I believe it was 2007.

Elk crossing

A couple of years ago. I miss them.

This shadow on the Superstition Mountain

looks like a cougar.  One of the things I like about

staying at Darrel and Trina's is the view of

the Superstition Mountains.

Aunt Gene

Saturday, March 17th, 2018

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 20:14

And the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you this land, for your inheritance.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

*Why is it important to remember that all our blessings come from our Heavenly Father?

Old Testament

Numbers 35-36

35 Levites to possess their own cities - Cities of refuge established for those guilty of manslaughter - Murderers shall be executed by the revenger of blood.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Richard J. Maynes

" It is my prayer this evening that we might all first place our trust in the Lord, as Nephi exemplified, and then, through the integrity of our hearts, earn the trust of the Lord, as well as the trust of our wives and children. As we understand and apply this sacred principle of trust built on integrity, we will be true to our sacred covenants. We will also succeed in presiding in our families with love and righteousness, providing the necessities of life and protecting our families from the evils of the world. Of these truths I humbly testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

There were 20 or so elk in the yard this morning but I was the only one who saw them. Everyone else was still in bed. I tried to wake James but I guess he didn't hear me. 

Today is St. Patrick's day. I don't really have any green clothes to wear, so I wore a green CTR wristband. 

We had bacon and waffles for breakfast. Afterwards we read Jacob 2. 

I worked on cutting out Abraham's tents for each of the kids in my Primary class. 

Lot, Abraham and Sarah, and

baby Isaac.

I got a text from Kim today about a video she wants me to watch for Primary sharing time. It is 18 minutes long and she wants my opinion on whether she should use it tomorrow for her Primary sharing time assignment. I watched the video and loved it. It features three songs, The Miracle, Gethsemane, and I Know that My Redeemer Lives. I think the kids will really like it. Kim was worried that she was coping out by using a video. I said know, this one was special for Easter. The video is on youtube, "Laura Nielson Sharing Time."

I started rolls this morning and cooked two dozen in time for lunch. I made spaghetti for the boys. We are taking them later this afternoon to Heber to meet Sheri.

I watched "Upstairs/Downstairs" on my phone while I finished cutting out Abraham's tents. 

Michael had a track meet at UofA today and Paul posted these pictures.

He did really well until the last 300. He is really frustrated. He ran 4 seconds faster at his timed trial. That time would have gotten him 1st place.

The boys are upstairs and James is gone to Charles Gordon's baptism. I take a nap and work on Primary some more. 

When James gets home from the baptism we load up the car and get ready to take the boys to Heber to meet Sheri. 

Our timing was great, we got to the Circle K in Heber a couple of minutes after Sheri, at 5:30. We went inside and got some snacks before saying our goodbyes. I got hot chocolate and James got a Special Dark Hershey bar. Sheri paid for them both. 

Sheri and the boys head home to the valley and we head back to Vernon.

I am grateful James came because he did all the driving. I read some and then took a nap. 

We were back at home in time to watch the new Hallmark movie. Afterwards we went to bed.

Wilhelm wrestlers. Three first place medals.

Tomlinson's in D.C. for Spring Break.

Horseshoe Bend

Our dead tree before it fell over.

It wasn't dead when we bought this property.

In fact, James says this tree is one of the

reasons he bought the place.

Amazing!

So long, farewell!

Monday, October 9th, 2017

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar. 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Ether 3:13

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 2:1-19

*Why do you think forgetting spiritual experiences can make us vulnerable to Satan?

*What can we do to ensure that we do not forget the spiritual experiences we have had?

-I record spiritual experiences I have so I will remember and never forget them. Keeping a journal/blog has blessed me many times!

I sometimes go back and look at it and reflect on the good times and spiritual experiences I've had, and all that God has blessed me with. I try to record when I have felt the Spirit on a daily basis. Keeping a journal helps me to see God's hand in my life. 

-Losing a testimony usually happens a little at a time Having the Spirit with us on a daily basis helps keep our testimonies alive. That is why we need to read the scriptures everyday and pray. When we take the sacrament each week, we eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we promise that we will always remember Him. Remembering is so important. When we feel close to Him we act differently. When we forget we gradually withdraw ourselves from Him and His Spirit.

-President Henry B. Eyring on keeping a journal: "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question:'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?'

As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of our family members that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance - even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened" ("O Remember, Remember," Ensign Nov 2007, 67).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 58:26-27

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"I believe that Jesus did not intend His Sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings. No, I believe He intended it to be a tribute to who and what God the Eternal Father is and what we can achieve with Him in eternity.

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"President Monson, mindful of those desiring to wish him happy birthday, described an ideal birthday gift. 'Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That's all I would ask.'"

After breakfast Sheri and I took Max, Evan and Joshua for a ride to The Lollipop Shoppe in Alpine. Sheri and I wanted to see the changing colors of the leaves but neither one of us wanted to take our cars on the road to Greens Peak. I suggested Alpine and then maybe Hannigan Meadows because of my friend Sherry's post on Facebook. On the way through Nutrioso I suggested we stop at the house where my grandpa Maxwell was born and grew up. 

Sheri took a picture of the boys and I  and then later I realized I should have had Joshua take a picture of Sheri, the boys and I for 3 generations.

The Maxwell Homestead

Vickie said that grandpa told them he used to walk to school in Round Valley everyday and that's why he was such a fast runner.

Stopping here turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We spent a lot of money at the Lollipop Shoppe but it was quite disappointing. We didn't go on to Hannigan Meadows because Sheri was anxious to get back. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's and got drinks and french fries for the boys.

It was a little cold today, the high was 56. Too bad Kim and Brian aren't here. The rest of the week will be in the 60's and 70's. They are coming Friday evening.

James worked on the patio again today and then took Ian over to Dave's pond. 

Always working on the equipment

The boys love to play games. Here they are playing Uno. They also played Quelf, and Yahtzee.

Sheri loves Moana and I wanted to know why so I put it on this afternoon. The one time I watched it was with Lola and I was a little distracted. I love it too now, but Cinderella is still my favorite. 

This one is my favorite!

We had burgers, hotdogs, fries, and squash for dinner. After dinner we read scriptures and then Sheri told a story for F.H.E. It was the story of the human chain from Sister Eubank's conference talk. Being different is ok. Developing talents and using them to serve others is what Heavenly Father would like for us to do.

We also watched DWTS, most memorable year episode. My favorite dances were Lindsey and Mark's, Lindsay and Jordan's, and Val and Victoria. 

James went on a Razr ride this evening and saw 16 elk very close to our house.

Some things never change. This photo was taken in 2016 but

it could have been taken tonight.

I wonder if any of those 16 elk 

was this big.

Elder Hales and Jason, his "tie buddy"

Sister Hales gave Jason Elder Hale's tie

after his funeral.

Cousin fun in San Antonio

Lola thought her eyebrows needed to be

a little darker.

Montana mountains and pebbles

 Memories:

Supergirl!

Such a sweetie!

Post by Christina

McDowell Sonoran Reserve

lambsondallen

So beautiful!

Hogwarts wannabe

Yikes!

He works hard for no money

He works hard for the money

Missed him at conference but he was there in

spirit. So many speakers quoted him!

Addy waiting for the electric light parade.

Sheri and Ian's wedding party

1996