Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer", paragraph 8

there are many passages in the New Testament that teach the duty of prayer (Matt. 7:7; 26:41; Luke 18:1; 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Philip. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17, 25; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8). Christians are taught to pray in Christ's name (John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24). We pray in Christ's name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ - when His words abide in us (John 15:7).We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ's name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man's heart.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:11

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:17-13:4

*How do you "apply your heart to understanding?"

- A great talk called "Learning with Our Hearts" by Elder Gonzalez gave great insight. Some would have you believe that all you need to know is found on the web. But good and bad information is not enough. God has given us another source. He can give us knowledge when we navigate the celestial web in our hearts and minds. We access the celestial source by reading scriptures, harkening to the living prophet, prayer, and taking time to be still. As we follow the celestial promptings (thru the gift of the Holy Ghost) we will feel and see things that cannot be learned with modern technology, but thru the mind and heart.

Old Testament

Judges 20

All Israel arises against the Benjamites, who refuse to deliver up the men of Gibeah - The Benjamites are smitten and destroyed.

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

" We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, seemingly small things bring to pass great things."

I took a photo of the snow this morning before it disappeared.

James's snow picture, a couple of hours 

after mine.

From the Ensign I read an article called, "The Myth of Invisible Motherhood." 

"Even when we think no one sees or appreciates what we do, God sees."

"As you press forward in faith, you testify to your children that Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. Those are the bricks that you lay daily in their temples."

"We never know what impact our everyday acts of kindness may have for others."

I also enjoyed listening to President Nelson's talk from April, 1995: "Children of the Covenant."

James and I had a lunch of leftovers today:

The bread is homemade by Sister Grapp

Trenda texted me this morning and said she was here if I would like to come over and see her mom's baby, Lanel Sheree. I quickly got dressed and grabbed James because I did not want to miss seeing Trenda since she was leaving at 2:30.

Trenda and her husband Emery were both at Sandra's. They live in Flagstaff where Emery is going to school to be a civil engineer and Trenda is working at a doctor's office. I asked her where she was working and she said, Flagstaff Bone and Joint. That just so happens where James has an appointment this coming Friday!

His appointment is with Dr. Flint and Trenda assured him that he was a great doctor.

I got to hold the baby the entire time we were there. We gave Sandra a box of clothes, a blanket, etc. for the baby. George was fascinated with the box and taking things in and out of it. He is going to be three in August.

Lanel Sheree is named after a legend in Vernon,

Aunt Lannie. She is our Primary President,

Aunt Lannie that is, and the assistant superintendent

of schools in Navajo county.

When we returned home it was nap time, walk time, and blog time.

James had to make a trip to town. Something about parts for the tractor he is trying to fix before his job starts on May 1st. While he was gone I heard a couple of ATV's drive up and stop and then someone knock on the door. It was his good friend Owen. Owen said he was camped up on the mountain looking for antlers and James should come up and see him when he gets home. 

When James returned home I told him about Owen's visit and sure enough he went up to see him. Owen said they have been there for over a week and have not found any antlers but they did find several dead carcasses of deer and elk. This could be because of poachers or predators.

While James was gone 4 or 5 elk came onto our property to feed.

Sorry for the quality of the photos but that's

the best I can do with my phone.

When James got home he went outside and scared the elk away.

I worked on my Primary lesson this evening, the last one I will give. It is about Joseph being sold into Egypt by his brothers.

I had a hot bath after my walking and then James wanted me to watch a movie with him so we watched the next episode of "When Calls the Heart."

Mr. Fixit at work.

I love this!

Such a cute picture. I hope I look this good at 92.

What am I saying? I want to be in heaven

when I am 92!

People who complain about

Braylin is going to have a surgery on his arms that will

hopefully allow him to feed himself.

He really is an amazing boy!

My evening meal.

David Archuleta at the Austin, Tx

Aquarium. I'm not sure what that is

he's holding.

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.

Monday, April 3, 2017

Gilbert, Arizona
142nd operating temple

As President Eyring mentioned in his conference talk on gathering the family of God, today is the 181st anniversary of Elijah's visit to the Kirtland temple to restore the priesthood sealing power to the earth.  How grateful I am for the glorious event and for the opportunity to do temple work for my family.

Mosiah 1:1-18

* King Benjamin teaches his sons the importance of the scriptures.

* What would your life be like if you never had the scriptures?

* What truths would be the most difficult for you to live without?

* When has scripture study helped you keep the commandments?

Alma 61-62:14

61 Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection and rebellion against the government - The king-men take Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites - Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. About 62 B.C.

62 Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon

DC 50:40-51:6

Christ is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel.

Edward Partridge is appointed to regulate stewardships and properties;

* In verses 40-42...replace your name when you read "little children." Read it out loud.  How do these verses help you understand the love our Savior has for each one of us?

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"Certain women are disciples centered in the Savior, Jesus Christ

and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."

Today I also studied the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "The Law of Consecration."  It goes along with some of the things I am reading in "The Contrite Spirit" about consecration.  I am beginning to understand that all we have, even our very lives, belong to the Lord.

James is leaving today.  He has a doctor's appointment at 4:15 in Show Low and will go on to the valley from his appointment.  Because he was leaving I read several chapters from our book, "A Fine Gentlemen: at his request.  I also fixed enchiladas for lunch using the leftover chili from our dinner Saturday night.  At first James thought it sounded a little weird, but they were delicious and he loved them. We took a nap together.  Of course we read scriptures and said our prayers together.  He left around 3:30 for his appointment with Dr. LeSeuer.  After waiting an hour there and never being called back, he left for the valley, arriving safely.  I am always grateful and thank Heavenly Father for his safe arrival. 

Saguaro National Park

Here at home I blogged, worked on my talk about strengthening marriage, and watched "Dancing with the Stars."

North Carolin won.

I wonder if there were any Strickland's on the team.

Fun Photos:

Ruby's birthday date last June.

Addy came with us and got a 

Harry Potter bobblehead.

 Isn't he cute?

Back at the condo

I can't for the life of me remember what she named

these bears.

Fun in the water.

Those are not my feet, by the way.

Addy is so sweet with Ruby.

We had dinner at the mall, but they needed some

refreshments after swimming.

I hope Ruby doesn't get a headrush.

I guess she didn't.

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Words of Mormon

* This book serves as a bridge between the small plates of Nephi and Mormon's abridgment of the large plates of Nephi.

* In this book, which Mormon wrote almost 400 years after the birth of Jesus Christ, Mormon explained that he sought direction from God and was guided by the Holy Spirit about what to include in his record.

* 130 B.C. Amaleki gives the records to King Benjamin.  King Benjamin's record begins in the book of Mosiah.

* Words of Mormon helps us understand that the Book of Mormon was compiled from many records.  It also shows that revelation guided this process.

* Why did Mormon include the small plates with his abridgment of the large plates? (vs. 7)

* The Lord knows all things and He can work through us to accomplish His will.

* Can you think of a promoting you have received, how you acted upon that prompting, and what happened as a result?

* What are some teachings in 1 Nephi through Omni that you are grateful to have?

Alma 60

Moroni complains to Pahoran of the government's neglect of the armies - The Lord suffers the righteous to be slain - The Nephites must use all of their power and means to deliver themselves from their enemies - Moroni threatens to fight against the government unless help is supplied to his armies.  About 62 B.C.

DC 50:26-39

The faithful are possessors of all things; The prayers of the purified are answered;

* How can man become "possessor of all things?"

- By doing what it takes to receive an inheritance in the Celestial Kingdom.

General Conference

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven has provided for us all that is required so that we can become holy as He is holy."

187th Annual General Conference

Sunday Morning Session

23.  The Power of the Book of Mormon by President Thomas S. Monson

       Five new temples: 1. Brazilia, Brazil; 2. Manila, Philippines; 

3. Nairobi, Kenya; 4. Pocatello, Idaho; 5. Saragosa Springs, Utah.

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the

Book of Mormon each day."

24. A Sin-Resistant Generation by Joy D. Jones

"As you teach, lead, and love children, you can receive personal 

revelation that will aid you in creating and arming

valiant, sin-resistant children."

25. Don't Look Around, Look Up! by Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"Inviting others to come unto Christ is our purpose,

and we can fulfill this purpose by looking up to Jesus Christ."

26.  Let the Holy Spirit Guide by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"By divine assignment, the Holy Ghost inspires,

testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in

the light of the Lord."

New Relief Society Presidency

Sister Bingham, the president was a counselor in the

Primary and had to be released from that calling.

She was there only a year.  

1st Counselor: Sister Eubank

2nd Counselor: Sister Aburto

27.  Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It by Elder L. Whitney Clayton

"When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith unto' us,

we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior

with God's will."

28.  The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Because we have the truth about the Godhead and our

relationship to Them, we have the ultimate road map for our

journey through mortality."

29.  Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Let us set aside our fears and live instead with joy,

humility, hope, and a bold confidence that the Lord is with us."

The Watch Tower

187th Annual General Conference

Sunday Afternoon Session

30.  The Voice of Warning by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"While the duty to warn is felt especially keenly by prophets,

it is a duty shared by others as well."

31.  To the Friends and Investigators of the Church by Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"If you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray,

and repent, the heavens will open and you will know that

Jesus is the Christ."

32.  The Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him by Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard,

think of the Lord beholding you, loving you,

and inviting you to follow Him."

33.  How Does the Holy Ghost Help You? by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The Holy Ghost warns, the Holy Ghost comforts, and

the Holy Ghost testifies."

34.  And This Is Life Eternal by Elder C. Scott Grow

"God know you and invites you to know Him."

35.  That OUr Light May Be a Standard for the Nations by Elder Benjamin De Hoyos

"The Savior's gospel and His restored Church give us many opportunities for our light to be a part of the great 

standard for the nations."

36.  Foundations of Faith by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"My plea is that we will make the sacrifices and have the

humility necessary to strengthen the foundations of our

faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

The Watchmen on the Tower.

We had a gorgeous sunset this evening.  James wanted to use the big camera but I said I thought my phone could get some good photos:

Not bad for phone photos

Since James is going to be gone all week we watched the new episode of "When Calls the Heart" tonight.  

I love this show.

Elizabeth Thatcher, played by Erin Krakow,  is the school teacher.  She told her students:

"Bad things happen when good people

do nothing."
This show always has a good message.