Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 6:8

And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his father, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:14-27

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 25:14-30; Mark 12:13-17; 41-44; Luke 21:1-4

General Conference

Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing

David A. Bednar

"The programs and activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are becoming ever more home centered and Church supported, as evidenced by the series of adjustments announced in recent general conferences. President Russell M. Nelson has counseled us: 'There is much more to come. ...Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It's going to be exciting.'"

We sold the book, "Signing Naturally," today and made over $20.

I got my next "Done For You" list and bought several more books. I then repriced 25 books in our inventory. 

This afternoon James and I did some errands. First we took a "Come Follow Me" manual to my friend Marie. She seemed happy to get it. 

Next stop was the bank to see when our stocks would be put in our checking account. James went in and spoke to Jeremy. He said that they would be put up for sale this week and the money should be in our account by Friday. That's good news because we need it for propane and new tires and my crown and maybe even some could be used to buy more books.

James dropped me off at Dollar Tree so I could buy some cards. Their cards are fifty cents to a dollar. If I went to Walmart to buy cards I would pay a lot more than that. James went to Lowe's to look at barn doors for the Howard's. 

When I was done shopping at Dollar Tree I walked over to Taco Bell and James met me there for dinner. I had my usual, a taco and a tostada. James had a tostada and a chicken quesadilla.

When we got home there was still enough daylight for James to work outside. James got a bottle jack? out of his truck and jacked up the deck, put shims under the posts to hold it up. My guy can do just about anything when it comes to construction. Not so on the computer.

It was a beautiful day today except for the fact that there was a prescribed burn around Timber Knoll. They know how to ruin a beautiful day at the Lakeside Ranger station.

Joshua sang "We Will Rock You" at his school's talent show and the kids loved it!

 Looks like a perfect Hallmark moon

 James used to do handyman work for Susan

before she got remarried. I use to joke and called

her his "other wife."

Clouds

 Part of our book webinar today. Talking about Amazon fees for

fulfilled by Amazon.

 I love the quote on the wall!

 Kissy face

Wednesday, March 13th, 2019

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 36:17

And it came to pass that  as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 31:1-21

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 11; Luke 7:19-35

"Walk With Me" Henry B. Eyring, 4/2017

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

"The surprising truth is that our weaknesses can be a blessing when they humble us and turn us to Christ. Discontent becomes divine when we hubly approach Jesus Christ with our want, rather than hold back in self-pity."

We woke up to a blizzard this morning, and it just kept snowing. I did one blog post this morning before breakfast. I wasn't feeling well so I took some Tramadol and sat down on my recliner to watch "When Calls the Heart" until my Tramadol kicks in. Little did I know at the time this would be the last episode with Lori Loughlin. I did not know the extent of the crime she had committed and how Hallmark would react so quickly by severing ties with her. She is my favorite character on the show as the mayor of Hope Valley. She is a strong woman and a good role model. She and Elizabeth Thatcher (Erin Krakow) have an incredible friendship bond and have been a main part of the show from the beginning. Lori's character, Abigail Stanton, always believes in giving people second chances and is forgiving and kind. So sad to see her go. One of the best characters on TV right now. Lori Loughlin in this part, exudes wholesomeness, especially on "When Calls the Heart".

What Lori and her husband did was wrong and dishonest. She should have to pay for what she did, but I wish Hallmark would allow her to finish out the season and go from there. That is what most of the "Heartie" fans want.

 In this interview Lori says the greatest thing about

"When Calls the Heart" is her friendship with Erin Krakow.

Abigail and Elizabeth

I am sure going to miss the strongest female character

on the show and a great role model, Abigail Stanton.

James says we need to leave for the valley before our planned time of 2 pm because of the snow. I fixed biscuits, breadsticks, bacon, chicken, and pizza rolls for lunch. I figured I wanted to get rid of more food and I was fixing at one thing everyone would like.

 James did the dishes afterwards while I took a shower to expedite things. We got ready to leave around 12:30.

James went out to the well house to turn off the pump and dropped his phone in the snow so we had to turn around and go back so he could get it. We almost got stuck on our own road.

I talked James into going the Payson way and I am so glad we did. The trees between Heber and Payson were beautiful. They got quite a bit more snow than we did. 

Our first stop in the valley was Max and Evan's house. Sheri was still at work but Ollie was there. This is the first time I've ever been in Sheri's that he didn't go on a barking rampage. I guess it was because of Evan and Max. 

Rowan, James and I went to Joshua's to drop him off and say goodbye. Of course his dogs were so happy to see him. Sophie did most of the barking. Stacy gave me a slice of her homemade vanilla bean cake. It was delicious!

Next stop was Bill Valentic's yard on south Arizona Avenue where James picked up his truck then it was back to Sheri's to trade her van for our car. Sheri was upset the back door on the driver's side would not close. I thought it was that way when we got it but apparently not. She immediately took it to Erik who was able to close it but will have to order a new part. I told her we would be happy to help pay for it but she said no, the van was 11 years old and it was bound to happen.

We finally got Rowan home. Trina was at work but Darrel and the girls were happy to see him, and us as well. 

James and I went to Fry's to get a case of water. We wanted to buy more, but funds are low so we didn't. James got gas while I started to walk back to Darrel's. He picked me up on Signal Butte in front of the huge Legacy Charter School. 

Addy, Rowan, Ruby and I played Harry Potter Clue. I won by process of elimination. James and I went for a walk. 

 Feeling a little better today.

Monday, March 4th, 2019

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Mattew 8:1-17; 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12 "Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole"

"Healing the Sick" Dallin H. Oaks

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"I believe that it is less a question of whether our children are 'getting it' in the midst of our teaching, such as while striving to read the scriptures or to have family home evening or to attend Mutual and other Church meetings. It is less a question of whether in those moments they are understanding the importance of those activities and more a question of whether we, as parents, are exercising faith enough to follow the Lord's counsel to diligently live, teach, exhort, and set forth expectations that are inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an effort driven by our faith - our belief that one day the seeds sown in their youth will take root and begin to sprout and grow."

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Be not troubled." No matter how much wickedness and chaos fill the earth, we are promised by our daily faithfulness in Jesus Christ the 'peace of God, which passeth all understanding.' And when Christ comes in all power and glory, evil, rebellion, and injustice will end." 

Ensign "Your Adventure Through Mortality," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come Follow Me."

Brother Howard had lunch with President Shumway today and found out that he is going to be a mission president in Chicago. He leaves with his family in June. He will be a wonderful mission president but we will miss him here in Arizona.

Tom told President Shumway about taking family names and going to the temple. President Shumway told him he needed to continue doing that. Tom asked James to help him find his family names. 

James called the realtor in Deming, the name Hailey gave us. She doesn't want to sell our lots because she says there isn't much commission involved. They don't have water so they are only worth about $10,000 a piece. We have two of them. I guess we are going to have to go down and put for sale signs on them and try to sell them ourselves.

I had to pay some Lambson Construction bills out of our personal account today: Verizon, the line of credit, and Desert Ready Mix. 

We did sell a book today, "Freedom at Midnight," one of the library books we bought for ten cents

I lost half the blog post I did so I got discouraged and quit. I will have to come back to it another time. 

This afternoon James and I did errands in town. I shopped at Walmart while he went to Home Depot to find lightbulbs for the front porch. I got the stuff I need to take dinner to the Campbell's tomorrow night. I also got Tanner's birthday card and mailed it along with my bill from Sallie Mae and the one for Desert Ready Mix. 

We listened. to "Healing Hearts" on the way home. Scarlet fever has broken out in Savage Wells. 23 of the children have it and the doctor is out of town so of course Miriam takes charge.

Today is Ben's email day. I always look forward to hearing from him. 

I finished walking when I got back from town and while I was walking I watched "The Shoe Addict's Christmas."

The Bowen's gave James's name to the Judd's as someone who could build their house.

Sheri's post 

 Last one in the trilogy and the best.

Maybe it's because I guessed 

whodunit.

 Scarlett's sad because it's Monday

and Charlie is sad because she

got her shots today.

Saturday, February 16th, 2019

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 11:27
She saith unto him, Yea Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:1-14
*What's my favorite title for Jesus Christ and why?
- My favorite title for Jesus is Savior because He has provided a way for all of us to be saved from our sins.
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
John 3:16-17 Heavenly Father shows His love for me through Jesus Christ. "The Sabbath and the Sacrament" L. Tom Perry, 4/2011
Ensign
"The Miracle of Covenant Belonging" Gerrit W. Gong, "Joseph Smith's Quest to Secure Religious Freedom for All", S.W. McBride
General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"There will be times when you feel that your progress in learning how better to nurture is slow. It will take faith to endure. The Savior sent you this encouragement: 

'Wherefore be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 'Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.'"

I asked myself the question this morning, who should I reach out to today... and the thought occurred to me that I should call Charlotte, which I did. She said she is not doing well and seemed a little down. She seemed a little abrupt closing the call. I think maybe I should visit her the next time I am in the valley.

I watched a couple of movies today while I was blogging, walking, and doing my other work. They are both Hallmark movies that I have seen before.

They danced to the song "Spooky"

Also watched "The Nine Lives of Christmas"

We had fish for lunch. It was Van Camp breaded fillets that someone left in our frig. There were 10. I had 2 and James had the other 8. I guess you could say that he likes fish.

Something I love is Sister Schubert's rolls. I think I called her Schuster last time but it's Schubert.

We had snow, wind, and sun today. That's what I love about the weather here, you never know what to expect. 

We sold book #9 today, "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton. One of my favorite books!

James and I watched the newest Hallmark movie this evening,

"Love, Romance, and Chocolate," starring Lacy Chabert and Will Kemp. I loved this movie set in Belgium. I wish Will Kemp was in more movies because I love his accent!

The theme song for this movie was an old

Frank Sinatra song, "The Way You

Look Tonight."

 Love this memory

 My friend Janet does the neatest

posts on Instagram. This is one of them.

Love quilts with geometric designs

 Charlie meets Keela

What a cutie