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

Sunday, July 29th, 2018

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 May 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

2 Nephi 2:15

And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter.

Book of Mormon

Alma 42:1-15

*What can we learn from the fall?

- We have our agency but must accept the consequences of our choices. God loves us and provides a way for us to return to Him.

Old Testament

Esther 9 - Job 1

9 The Jews slay their enemies, including Haman's ten sons - The Feast of Purim is instituted to commemorate their deliverance and victory.

10 Mordecai, the Jew, stands next to Ahasuerus in power and might.

Job 1

1 Job, a just and perfect man, is blessed with great riches - Satan obtains permission from the Lord to tempt and try Job - Job's property and children are destroyed, and yet he praises and blesses the Lord.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"My dear brothers and sisters, are we active in the gospel, or are we merely busy in the Church? The key is to follow the example of the Savior in all things. If we do that, we will naturally focus on saving individuals rather than performing tasks and implementing programs."

Sister Deatherage and Sister Applegate were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. 

Sister Deatherage used two talks for her talk: "Being in the Thick of Thin Things" by Sister Michelle Craig, First Counselor in the General Young Women's Presidency. This talk was given at BYU women's conference. "As the world gets busier and noisier, it becomes critical for us to carve out time for those things that are of greatest importance." What will you take with you, what will you leave behind? Sister Craig says we take our covenants, relationships, and things that have built our character. We take those things that are of eternal importance. Do you have any personal quiet time? "Unless we make time for quiet contemplative time, the voice of the Spirit may not get through to us." What are you doing that you should not be doing? What am I not doing that I should start doing?

The next part of her talk was based on a General Conference address given by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Am I Sleeping through the Restoration?" Selfishness and addictions and two road blocks to our progression and being active in the restoration.

Brother Applegate: How Can We Overcome Challenges, Weaknesses, and Sins? Brother Applegate only had about ten minutes for his talk. He spoke really fast but with enthusiasm and sincerity. He quoted Ether 12:27 - "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them."

This thought came to me as I was listening to Brother Applegate's talk: "If my love for the Lord is greater than my love for my weaknesses, He will help me overcome them." Brother Applegate's talk was pretty amazing!

Sister Wood gave our Sunday School lesson: O.T. #29: "He Took Up...the Mantle of Elijah" 2 Kings 2; 5-6

The purpose of the lesson was to help us understand how the authority (mantle) passes from one prophet to another, to encourage us to obey the words of the prophets, and to assure us that the power of God is greater than any other power.

The 3rd hour was under the direction of the Bishop because it is the 5th Sunday. Bishop Miller started out by asking if there were any questions or concerns. Brother DeWitt wanted to know if there was a plan in place in case of an intruder with a gun. I guess because of the incident in Fallon, Nevada this concern is on most people's minds. The handbook states that we should hide, flee, or fight back in case of an intruder. Only law enforcement officers are allowed to carry weapons. We must realize that we are under the Lord's protection when we are at Church. I am not sure this was what Brother DeWitt wanted but the bishop really has no authority in this matter.

I asked the question: Why aren't ministering brothers and sisters set apart. The bishop thought it was a very good question. My answer came from Brother Patrick and Sister Miller and lots of others in between. Brother Patrick says that ministering is not a calling it is an assignment and that we only set people apart for callings. Sister Miller said that we are under our baptismal covenant to minister and care for one another. Those answers satisfied me. 

Bishop Miller gave some wonderful counsel about ministering. He told of a time when he was living in Texas and was extremely busy including taking 24 credits in college. He was asked to home teach a very needy man and what a blessing it became in his life. He says that when you minister, you in return are ministered to. Also when we serve others we find ourselves because there is more of us to find. It was a great meeting.

At home after lunch and rest time I got a text from Stacy asking if we could change the couples retreat to September 15th. There is some confusion as to when our next deep clean of the temple is. The bulletin says Sept 12th but that is a Wednesday and deep cleans are always done on Saturday. When James got up from his nap he called Brother Patterson who is the stake cleaning coordinator. the cleaning is on September 1st so we are good with September 15th for the couples retreat. Now Kim is going to talk to Sheri and Stacy is going to talk to Trina about coming. Neither of them wanted to leave their kids at home. I told Stacy to please not pressure them to come but tell them there are things we want to do, such as have a council/counsel meeting and work on family history that will be easier if kids are not involved. Next year I would like to plan a family reunion for everyone and make it at a time that Jared and Kacey can come too.

James wanted me to read from "Life Everlasting," our Sunday reading book. We went out on the porch and read about the Resurrection.

I listened to the last chapter from "A Reason for Faith," Science and Religion Friends or Foes.

Sheri asked James to ordain Ben to the Melchizedek priesthood. Ben asked him to be his escort in the temple. What a wonderful month August is going to be!

James worked on our family tree that we are showing the kids at the couples retreat. Actually we have three trees. One for our council meeting and two for our family history meeting. Here are the trees:

Council Meeting

How can the image of this tree help us to raise a righteous posterity?

That will be our beginning statement and then we will go from there with a discussion on how we can help each other to raise righteous children.

How can we be more united as a family?

What are your concerns and feelings regarding this?

Family History

First we will talk about this combined tree which makes

the James Lambson and Karen Maxwell Family Tree.

We will then give each person a family tree to fill out of

their family.

We will get on family search and fill in names and talk

about the importance of establishing a strong family tree.

Can this family tree help us with raising our children?

If so, how?

Our children were represented on the tree given in the council meeting.

We will also be going to a spot on the river where we can relax, hike and have lunch together. Paul is going to cook dinner using a flat iron steak recipe that Stacy raves about. 

Before leaving for the outing on Saturday morning James and I will make biscuits, with steak and gravy. We will also have fresh fruit for those of us who are light eaters. 

After Fast and Testimony meeting on Sunday we will come home to a delicious crockpot meal and a big salad. I am not sure what the meal will be yet.

When James was working on the family tree he noticed that both of my great grandfathers on my dad's side died at the very young age of 38. 

After going to bed tonight we experienced quite a show of lightning and thunder. We also got a little of unexpected rain.

It was a wonderful Sabbath day.

 I need to visit Aunt Gene again. She is my link

to the past for the Maxwell and Robinson

families. I also need to find out who is Uncle Walter's

closest relative so I can get permission to do his and his wife's temple work

I love this family photo from 1978-79.

Monday, September 25th, 2017

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Deuteronomy 34:10

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

Helaman 9:18-41

As we prepare for General Conference let's remember that the words of prophets will be fulfilled. (See DC 1:37-38)

*It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe. What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

-Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Young Women's President:

"Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense, that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles. Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward, but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan's lies."

DC 138:45-60

*How has your appreciation for temples grown since reading these verses?

- scripturestudy: "I love everything about the temple. The peace and joy I feel from being in the house of my Lord and that I can serve those who have passed on and they can receive of eternal blessings. I also believe that as I help those on the other side of the veil that they will help me and my family here. We are becoming one with our Savior and each other as we serve each other and do temple work and are sealed to each other eternally. I love everything about the temple. vs. 56 - 'Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.' I love this, that we knew each other in the premortal life and we were tutored and taught and were determined to do our part in mortality."

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Christ's perfect love overcomes temptations to harm, coerce, bully, or oppress. Christ's perfect love allows us to walk with humility, dignity, and a bold confidence as followers of our beloved Savior. Christ's perfect love gives us the confidence to press through our fears and place our complete trust in the power and goodness of our Heavenly Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ."

Instead of turning on the fan this morning when I got up, I turned up the space heater in the dining room.

After scriptures and prayer with James I read a chapter from "Mind Games" to him. I then prepared the steak for tonight's meal and put it in the crockpot. 

Kaeli, my visiting teacher came for a visit around 10 a.m. She brought her kids, Natalie and Guy with her. Guy is walking now and he did a little exploring. Natalie knows where the Barbie's are and went straight upstairs. At one point she wanted me to come up and help her put dresses on all of the Barbie's. We ran out of Barbie's before we ran out of dresses and this was a little upsetting to Natalie. Kaeli and I had a good visit. I enjoyed having them come and see me. 

After they left James and I had lunch and a rest time. I also worked on my blog before starting the mashed potatoes for tonight's meal. 

Around 5 p.m. James and I packed half the steak and gravy, mashed potaotes and corn up and took it to the Scott's. We visited with them a few minutes before leaving. Millie is able to use one of her arms and was in good spirits tonight. I always enjoy visiting with her. 

We came home and enjoyed our dinner. James took a Razr ride out to pick up his camera at Chocolate Lake and saw some elk.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Christofferson's conference talk about warning our neighbor. We then watched Heartland, "Summer's End."

Not sure what they are doing or where they are,

but I love these two!

lambsondallen

Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell in

their square dancing days.

Lindsey and Mark as butterflies

The entire country is upset with the NFL

players for disrespecting the American flag.

Max and Ollie

Oliver Trezise

Our little Minion 2015

What a face

Peppermint Patty residue

Joshua 2011

James, Aunt Gene, Denise

2015

Friday, August 4th, 2017

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Rededicated: 15-16 Apr 1975

By: Spencer W. Kimball

(Scheduled to close in 2018 for renovations.)

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 38:4

I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.

Alma 44:16-45:14

*Why do you think it was so important to Moroni to have the Lamanites make a covenant of peace?

*What happens to those who sin against "so great light and knowledge"?

*The Nephites were at war with the Lamanites when Ala and Helaman had this conversation. How do you think Helaman's faith may have helped him during the war and throughout his ministry?

*How has your faith helped you?

DC 107:76-100

77-84, The First Presidency and the Twelve constitute the highest court in the Church; 85-100, Priesthood presidents govern their respective quorums.

Why is it important to The Lord that we teach one another in love?

*Because that is how the gospel is spread.

General Conference

"My Peace I Leave with You"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Alma pleaded with his people 'that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and love one towards another' (Mosiah 18:21). Unity is necessary for us to have the Spirit in our class and in our family. Such loving unity is hard to maintain. It takes having the Holy Ghost as a companion to open our eyes and temper our feelings."

James came in from working outside today after taking some Tramadol. He said he felt like he had ant bites on his back. It makes me itch, but I have never felt like ants were biting me. 

Most of our hummingbirds are gone. It is probably because of that bully Rufus or because there are so many flowers in bloom the birds don't need James's special nectar.

James worked on the greenhouse all day. He was having one problem with a connection. He even called the company but they weren't much help. He finally figured it out on his own. 

I worked on a family birthday calendar adding Kacey, Autumn, Palmar, Summer, and Tanner.  

Kim and Brian arrived this evening. I was sad to tell them we had no rain today. 

The Chandler National Little League team made it to the Western Regionals in California. 

James and I had a discussion about Tramadol and how it gives us a sense of well-being. James said this in spite of the ant bite episode.

Random Photos:

A seventeen year old cottonwood tree bit the dust

during the storm last night.

The Phoenix Zoo was closed today to clean up

after the storm last night.

Water running off Camelback Mountain.

Aunt Gene with former Arizona governor

Rose Mofford.

How exciting!

Flowers in our front planter.

Another gorgeous Vernon sunset.

Thursday, May 4th, 2017

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004 by

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 23:1-20

The Lord helps Alma and his people escape from the armies of King Noah and establish a righteous city.

* What do the phrases "caught in a snare" and "bound with the bands of iniquity" teach about the effects of sin?

* Why is it helpful for us to recognize the influences that have led us to sin in the past?

Gospel Principle:

When we repent and choose to live righteously, the Lord will bless us and free us from the bonds of sin.

3 Nephi 23-25

23:1-3 Great are the words of Isaiah - Isaiah is our checklist for the Second Coming of Christ.

4-13 Jesus commands the Nephites to add missing parts to their scripture records.  (Many Saints arose and ministered unto them, and the words of Samuel the Lamanite.)

24:1-18 Jesus quotes the Father's word to Malachi regarding tithing.

25:1-6 The coming of Elijah the Prophet.  The messenger is the gospel through Joseph Smith.  The wicked will burn as stubble.  Our hearts should be turned to our ancestors and our progenitors.

DC 67:1-14

The Lord hears the prayers of and watches over His elders; He challenges the wisest person to duplicate the least of His revelations; Faithful elders will be quickened by the Spirit and see the face of God.

Why is it important to teach by the Spirit?

*Because the Spirit testifies of truth.  Without the Spirit you preach and teach the philosophies of men.  The Spirit brings the message into the hearts of the people we teach.

General Conference

His Daily Guiding Hand

M. Joseph Brough

"Tolerating improper behavior without loving correction is false compassion and reinforces the common notion that wickedness might in fact be happiness."

I gave James some advice this morning when he was complaining about his laryngitis.  I told him to remember President Kimball after he had his throat surgery.  His raspy voice did not stop him from preaching the gospel.  

The banging on Cathi and Terry's roof started at 5:30 this morning instead of the scheduled 6:30.  It was fine for James and I because we were up early.  We had prayer before James left for work around 5:30.  I felt sorry for Cathi and Terry though.  They usually don't get up until 6:30 on days the go to the R.O.C.

I had a funny experience this morning.  We gave Cathi and Terry a gift card to Outback or Carrabbas for their anniversary.  We also had some giftcards I got as a result of the rewards program on my credit card.  We wanted to go to dinner together tonight.  Cathi told me that the Outback on Chandler Blvd.  had closed.  I knew there was one on Market St. in Gilbert.  When I looked on Map Quest it said to the side of all of the Outbacks and Carrabbas, Now closed in bright red letters.  I was beginning to get worried.  I tried Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory and got the same message.  I began to panic and think there must be some kind of an epidemic going on.  Finally I realized when it said: "Closed now."  It meant closed at 7:30 in the morning!  We will be going to either the Outback or Carrabbas in Gilbert on Market St.

I had lunch today with my friend Jean from Vernon.  We always go to Fresh Start.  She loves the french toast with fresh fruit and I got a grilled ham and cheese sandwich which was very tasty.  Jean is an amazing woman.  She has had a lot of sad things happen to her in her life yet she remains faithful.  Right now her grandson, who she raised as her son, is in jail.  Her family is the family that started a business with their horses, taking people on trail rides.  I asked her if we could arrange a trail ride in July for some of my grandchildren and she said she was sure they could.  They have horses of all sizes, some mini's even for the little ones.

After lunch I was supposed to pick up my friend Charlotte and take her to the Apple Store to receive some lessons on how to use her Ipad.  When I called she said she was too tired.  She said what she really wants to do is read the scriptures with her daughter using the BofM365 program.  I went home and typed her a schedule to use through May and part of June.  When I dropped it off she seemed very grateful.

I don't want to be cremated, but I 

couldn't resist posting this.

I went home and had a nap and then Sheri picked me up around 4:45 to go with her to Max's track meet at Payne Jr. High out near the Santan Mountains.  Max was supposed to run the 400 and he told Sheri if she was there by 5:30 she would be in plenty of time for his race.  We got there at 5:15 and Max had already ran.  He decided to run the mile instead.  We told him next time to let his mom know ahead of time if he changes his plans.  He had his backpack with him that looked awfully heavy.  He said it weighs about 30 lbs.  They no longer have lockers at Bogle Jr. High so he has to carry around all of his books all day long.

This evening, James, Cathi, Terry and I decided to have dinner at Carrabbas because Cathi and Terry had never been there.  James told them that one of the best steaks he ever had was at Carrabbas.  Carrabbas is right next door to Outback.  The first people we saw inside the restaurant were the Ray's.  Their daughter Heather is married to Patrick.  We had a quick visit and then they left.  It looked like they had been to the temple.

Terry, Cathi, and I all ordered the same thing, medium fillets with asparagus.  James got the chicken Marsala.  He said he liked Olive Garden's a little better.  We got the Caprese for an appetizer.  Cathi and I loved it, small tomatoes with olive oil and herbs with soft mozarella cheese.  I could have made that my dinner with their warm bread.  We had enough gift cards to pay for our meal.  It is always fun to visit with Cathi and Terry.  

This evening I read to James from "To Kill a Mockingbird" before going to bed.

Fun Photos:

 My appreciation for cowboys has grown 

since moving to Vernon.

Evan got some new shoes.  He broke them in

running around the movie theater before the

show started.

I am always amazed at the variety of the

creations of Heavenly Father.

Meet Vader, Stacy and Paul's new puppy.

Stacy is not too happy about having

to be the one to potty train him.

Paul bought him without first consulting her.

Aunt Gene with some of her family when 

she was in the hospital last year.

Baby Lola

Joshua, Stacy, Paul out to dinner at

Xavier's Casa Reynoso in Mesa.

One of my most favorite views.