Sunday, March 10th, 2019

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

 Gospel Study: Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship - John 5:5; 

2 Nephi 28:17-32; Review Matthew 8-9 and Mark 2-5;

"Finding a Safe Harbor" Joseph B. Wirthlin, 4/2000

"Our Campfire of Faith" Gerrit W. Gong, 10/2018.

Our Campfire of Faith

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

" As we keep the best of familiar patterns while seeking new and holier ways to love God and help us and others prepare to meet Him, our campfire of faith can encourage us to remember perfection is in Christ, not in ourselves or in the perfectionism of the world."

I ironed four white shirts and four pairs of pants before church this morning. Thank goodness I didn't need to iron James's shirt.

Paula Johnson and Curt Gillespie were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Paula spoke about recently going to the temple and getting her endowments and Curt bore testimony of the importance of fast offerings. He has been the financial clerk in this ward for over 10 years. He had a personal story to tell about fast offerings his parents paid when they were in an assisted living home, even when they couldn't afford it. He said when they paid their fast offerings there was always a way made possible to pay their other bills. 

The boys all went to their classes. Brother Applegate said he appreciated having Joshua, Rowan, and Evan in his class because of their participation. John Wilhelm said the same thing about Max. It was a proud grandparents moment for us.l

Sister Curtis gave the lesson in Relief Society using Elder Uchtdorf's talk "Believe, Love, Do." 

We took the boys home and fed them lunch and then we returned to the church for our family history training meeting. Before the meeting started Maxine showed James how to get on Ancestry and My Heritage from Family Search. He said he learned more in the five minutes he spent with her than in all the other training he has received. The problem with the training is, they don't train you on how to use Family Search!

This evening James gave the "Come Follow Me" lesson. It was very good and the boys seemed interested. He had them read a scripture from the lesson and then he would show a video. After it was all over he asked each one what their favorite miracle was that Jesus performed. Max said feeding the five thousand, Evan healing the blind, Rowan the woman with an issue of blood, and Joshua walking on the water. 

I gave Evan some lotion and antibacterial ointment for his hands. They are so red and chapped that they are starting to bleed. 

The weather today was nice in the morning and windy and cold in the afternoon. It started to rain around 9 p.m.

Today the Rome, Italy temple was dedicated by President Nelson. This temple had great opposition and took ten years to build from the day it was announced.

Happy 15th Birthday Tanner!

Tanner had a party in Arkansas at his Aunt Loren's house.

Three other cousins also had birthdays.

Keela loves Tanner.

 Charlie in her Sunday best.

Scarlett getting some rest.

 I love quilts with geometric shapes.

 Dinner

 "Come Follow Me"

Harry Potter marathon

 I love this!

 The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

all attended the temple dedication at the request of

President Russell M. Nelson

I wondered about the shape of the temple.

This motif is carried throughout the decor

inside the temple.

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeds follishness;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

How can I be more like Samuel the Lamanite?

-I can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. I also should not be afraid of others and their opinions.

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

We had much needed rain most of the day today. I know it also rained and cooled down in the valley too. 

On our trip to Heber on Sunday we noticed all the dead pine trees along the way because of the dryness which causes bark beetles to attack the trees and kill them.

I learned some interesting things about the Creation during my personal gospel study this morning. Here is a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"...the word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos - chaotic matter, which is element, and in which dwells all the glory. Element had an existence from the time He had. The pure principles of elemennt are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and re-organized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end "(TPJS, p. 350-52; see also 28 Truths Taught by the Book of Mormon, p. 42).

I made pancakes for the boys this morning. They each ate one big one and they were done. I had planned on going shopping this morning but ended up paying bills instead. 

James came home because he couldn't work in the rain. The two of us went to town to get pizza and chicken for the boys. I let each boy choose a meal or two. Evan and Max wanted Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, and Evan asked for fried chicken. Max doesn't like Walmart or KFC chicken so we went to Safeway for the chicken before picking up the pizzas. 

James said I shouldn't have gotten two large pizzas, that mediums would have been enough. Those pizzas were gone in five minutes time. 

After lunch and a nap I went back in to town to do some real grocery shopping. Joshua wants spaghetti and burgers, Max wants hot dogs and steak, and Rowan asked for honey lime chicken enchiladas like his mom makes. I bought a lot of groceries and spent double what I normally spend. I did by lots of snacks and plenty of steak and hamburger. 

Since we had pizza for lunch, we had the chicken for dinner. I also made macaroni and cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread and fresh pineapple.

For F.H.E. we watched the video about Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff called, "A Search for Truth." 

After FHE the boys went outside to play with the laser guns.

We heard the news that President Ballard's wife Barbara passed away today. How sad to happen right before he speaks in General Conference.

James and I worked on our book business this evening. By working I mean we did some more training sessions. James said that the more he learns the more he is getting excited about doing this business. I got my Amazon Store Card approval for an extra 5% off of all purchases we make.

Huddled around Max's phone because we couldn't get the

FHE video to work on the computers.

"A Search for Truth."

 Ben and his companion Elder Nelson from

Minnesota who is the zone leader.

Ben does all the driving. Grandpa will give some

pointers about driving in the snow.

Taylor Wanlass took this photo yesterday after

sacrament meeting. Ben is in his sister-in-laws ward.

Taylor's dad is the bishop of the Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Playing Apples to Apples. These boys get

along so well together!

The faces of Charlie. I have got to make 

a photo album!

Skittles misses Joshua. She broke out of her cage

to tell Stacy about it.

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay
112th operating temple
Dedicated: 19 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15
*How are people living in darkness today? How can we help them?
- sue_heugly: " I believe more than ever people feel loneliness. David O. McKay said; The greatest battle of life is fought in the silent chambers of the soul.. Feeling alone or lonely leaves people grasping for light, for they only see darkness. We all need our alone time, our moments of meditation and prayer.. in fact we need our sacred grove moment. But we can do much to help others fight their loneliness. While it is part of life...We need never feel alone for service in the Church has everything to do with preventing loneliness. The world is filled with need people, and the gospel gives us opportunities to contribute, and turn those resources to help others cope with their loneliness, and in return it helps us with ours. Life is hard.. There will be times of loneliness, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is full of light. It helps us to engage in activities which help us not feel alone. When we think of others we feel less alone, and our light shines giving others a glimmer of hope wading thru dark times.
Old Testament
Ruth 3
By Naomi's instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz - He promives as a relative to take her as his wife.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

" Our prayer today is that every man and woman will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another."

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:"

Of the priesthood's power to protect and to guide, President Harold B. Lee taught, "The temple ceremonies are designed by a wise Heavenly Father, who has revealed them to us in these last days as a guide and a protection throughout our lives. . . . We talk of security in this day, and yet we fail to understand that here on this Temple Block we have standing the holy temple wherein we may find the symbols by which power might be generated that will save this nation from destruction. Therein may be found the fulness of the blessings of the Priesthood. Certainly, if the guidance of the temple covenants and ordinances can save the nation from destruction, it can save our children."

In the New Era I read an article by Elder Robert D. Hales, "Prayer The Key to Testimony and the Restoration," and "The Savior of You" by Charlotte Larcabal. I love the New Era and this issue is all about the Savior.

I listened to a talk by President James E. Faust from the October 1997, "The Weightier Matters of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, Faith."

"The thought is Father to the deed. Focus on the good in others and what is right."

I liked this statement from Elder Holland's talk: " The Church provides a structured way for us to live the 2nd commandment."

James's mechanics finally got here. The rats chewed the wire in to on his tractor and they also chewed the instruction manual. We tried to download a schematic of the wire configuration but it wouldn't download. The guys finally left with their $440 and we were left with a tractor that still doesn't run. They told him to order a new switch, which he did. 

Russell M. Nelson talk #27: "Endure and Be Lifted Up." "Energy and the will to endure are essential, energy is always required to provide lift over opposing forces."

Robert Millett: Chapter 8, "A Grace Awakening." 

This was my lunch. Salad and squash with swedish meatballs and noodles. James had turkey and stuffing courteous of Marie Callender. 

Well, it's time to clean. I started downstairs in the basement and ended upstairs. I only worked until 2 p.m. when I had to stop and get ready to go to the temple. We left at 2:45 for the 4 o'clock session. I was assigned the handicapped locker. I like it because it's so roomy. The session was quite full and Sister Brewer from our shift was one of the followers. Sister Sawen helped at the veil and I also saw President Scott, and the DeWitt's, Loran and Marylou.

Marylou was one of my advisors when I was a young woman.  

On the way home we stopped at Home Depot to get some more lumber for the last set of shutters. We also got gas and stopped at the post office. I was hungry and it felt like it took forever to get home.

When I got home I had a slice of Sister Grapp's homemade bread with butter, some salad leftover from lunch, and an apple. 

I went up and finished cleaning Sheri and Ian's room and bathroom and then we went to bed.

Kissee face

This is for you Jared and Kacey

Friday, November 17th, 2017

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Atonement

Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.

Book of Mormon

What are the characteristics of a true believer in Christ?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says: "True believers are settled in their views of Christ. Despite their weaknesses, their spirituality is centered on the Savior. True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom. They include partaking worthily of the sacrament, rendering Christian service, studying the scriptures, praying, fasting, receiving ordinances, attending to family duties, paying tithes and offerings. ...True believers are humble. they are not easily offended. They do not resist counsel. True believers are willing to do what Christ wants. Are we willing to let the Lord lead us into further developmental experiences Or do we shrink back? The things which enlarge the soul inevitably involve stretching. True believers truly pray. Their prayers are sincere and heartfelt. True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct. They are so secure in their relationship with the Lord that their goodness would continue even if nobody were watching. True believers rejoice in the success of others. They don't regard colleagues as competitors. True believers remember that forgetting is part of forgiving. They follow the Lord's example: 'I will remember their sins no more' (DC 58:42). true believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive. They are kind, but candid. They love other people. True believers are happy. They are serious about how they live life, but are also of good cheer" (True Believers, New Era, April 1994, 20-24).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 8:2-3

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Light allows us to discern between truth and error and between the vital and the trivial. When we are in the light, we can make righteous choices based on true principles. When we are in the light, we have a 'perfect brightness of hope' because we can see our mortal trials from an eternal perspective. We will find spiritual healing as we step away from the shadows of the world and into the everlasting Light of Christ."

Shaylyn got her mission call this week. She is going to the Indiana, Indianapolis mission and reports to the MTC February 7th.  She and Shelly are good friends and Shelly left for the MTC on Wednesday.

Shelly is going to the Baltimore, Maryland

mission.

James has insomnia. Normally when I get up at 5 a.m. he is still in bed. The last couple of mornings he has been getting up around 3-3:30. By afternoon he needs a nap, but that's pretty normal anyway. 

Today at 7 a.m. it was 55 degrees. Tomorrow, according to my weather app, it will be 25. Things are cooling down as they should, now if we could only get some rain, or snow!

My day today was pretty much like all other days that I spend at home. I blog, I study, I do some housework, and I watch Christmas movies and do my steps. Today at 4 p.m. we left for the temple.  I took a bath earlier and when James came in to take his shower there was no hot water left. Sorry honey.

It is our ward temple night and we signed up to do an endowment session which starts at 6 p.m. but we were told to be in the chapel by 5:15.

We gathered in the chapel at the temple, although they no longer do chapel sessions. President Reidhead came in and spoke to us a few minutes and then those who were doing baptisms were dismissed. They had over 200 baptisms to do thanks to Sister Thompson. I asked her if she does her own research and she said yes, "That's what I do all day." 

Brother Wilhelm did Tyler Tedder's name. Tyler was a young man in our ward who passed away a couple of years ago. He was a good friend with John's son Talon.

Brother Wilhelm, Sr., was the officiator at our session and Brother Peeler was the follower. Their wives were the two women followers. Brother Wilhelm asked us to be the witness couple and of course we said yes. It was a wonderful, spiritual session. Brother Patterson, someone I knew in high school was my receiver at the veil. The new name was the same one I had when I went through for my own endowments 49 years ago.

 Those attending from our ward: The Applegates, two Wilhelm couples, the Diewald's, the Thompsons, Sean and Stefani, Sister Allen, Bishop Miller, and Brother Romyak. Youth that I saw: Alice, Holly, Ashten, Talon and Jace but Talon and Jace were waiting in the foyer with dates. 

Alice totaled her new car while she was taking George somewhere. She was looking at George in the backseat and ran into a tree. Oh yes, George is her baby brother. I feel so bad for her.

On the way home we stopped at Burger King for burgers. Not so great. We also read from our book, "Once an Heiress." We really like it.

This morning's sunrise

Finally we are getting some attention

This is Porter Mountain in Lakeside.

Window Rock of Window Rock, Arizona

This is Shirley. She came last year to see me

but she hasn't been back this year.

I miss her.

A few years ago when we took Ruby 

to Disneyland. She was a delight!

I am dying to try this!

Christmas is coming!