Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Thessalonians 1:10

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-39

New Testament

Luke 15

General Conference

The Eye of Faith

Neil L. Andersen

"Jesus said, 'I am the way the truth, and the life.' Truth shows us the way to eternal life, and it comes only through our savior, Jesus Christ. There is no other way. Jesus Christ teaches us how to live, and, through His Atonement and Resurrection, He offers us forgiveness from our sins and immortality beyond the veil. This is absolutely true."

The following quotes go along with this week's "Come Follow Me" lesson:

"Some are lost because they are different. If only we had more compassion for those who are different from us, it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today."

-Joseph B. Wirthlin

"The distance to 'a far country' is not to be measured by miles but by how far our hearts and minds are from Jesus. Fidelity, not geography really determines the distance."

- Neal A. Maxwell

I heard the following disturbing news this week regarding a family we know and love in Chandler:

My friend, Carol posted this on Facebook for me as it is too hard for me to do right now, so I am tagging a few friends, so they can pass this information on to those who knew and loved our sons, Todd.

"Please keep the Withers family in your thoughts and prayers. It is with heavy heart that we let you know that Doug and Juanita's youngest son, Todd, unexpectedly passed away yesterday afternoon. The funeral arrangements have been made:

Tuesday, May 14th, there will be a 10 am viewing followed by the 11 am service for Todd Withers at the church - Chandler West Stake Center on Dobson & Galveston.

Todd was one of Jared Ammon's friends in high school. We have known the Wither's for years. Juanita was Kim's Merrie Miss teacher when she was in Primary. I don't know the cause of Todd's death but it is always a tragedy when a young person with so much promise passes away.

We had elk in our yard today. The grass is turning green because of all of the rain we have had. Elk in our yard is always a cause for happiness around here, except when they destroy our trees.

The Grapp's were going to come over this afternoon so I got all ready and made sure the dishes were done and the house was clean and then they didn't come. I had made parmesan crusted chicken for lunch so the kitchen was quite a mess. Oh well, I guess I had to clean it anyway, and James probably appreciated the fact that I put on makeup and combed my hair.

Another day with 20,000 steps.

These photos are actually from a video of

Charlie crawling across the floor.

 So proud of herself

One of my favorite Hallmark actresses

with her husband in France.

 Loving this weather

 Congratulations Alice!

Tuesday, November 27th, 2018

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Death of

Matthew 12:40

For an Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 8:12-25

*How can Moroni's words in verse 22 strengthen us as we labor in the Lord's cause?

- We know that no matter what happens the Lord is in charge and His eternal purposes will be accomplished.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 51-52

Old Testament

Amos 1-2

General Conference

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter

"Through His ministry, Christ taught that He had power over the physical body. We cannot control the timing of when Christ's healing of our physical ailments will occur. Healing occurs according to His will and wisdom. In the scriptures, some suffered for decades; others, their entire mortal lives. Mortal infirmities can refine us and deepen our reliance upon God. But when we allow Christ to be involved. He will always strengthen us spiritually so we can have greater capacity to endure our burdens."

Choose You This Day

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Christ's advocacy is, at least in part, to remind us that He has paid for our sins and that no one is excluded from the reach of God's mercy. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized, and endure to the end - a process that leads to reconciliation - the Savior forgives, heals, and advocates. He is our helper, consoler, and intercessor - attesting to and vouching for our reconciliation with God."

Because I am reading the book of Amos I have been reading about Amos in the Old Testament student manual. 
"Amos was a shepherd from a city called Tekoa now a hilltop of ancient ruins 6 miles south of Bethlehem." 

We had a book trades live help session this morning. James listened to it while I prepared two more books to ship. 

Heidi Grows Up and a book about Herbs did not want to go. I guess they will be in the next shipment. 

James and I made a trip to town. James dropped me off at Walmart while he mailed the packages, which did not cost anything because of the Amazon packing label, and then he went to Home Depot to look for metal shelves. We are putting the shelves in the garage  to organize our books on. No metal shelves at Home Depot, he had to go to Lowe's. 

I bought a star for the tree at Walmart.  Although it does not light up, it actually looks kind of old fashioned....I really like it. I also bought a live poinsettia for the front porch and some other miscellaneous items. 

I had James park the car outside the garage so I could clean the garage and make a place for the shelves. It took me less than an hour to make a place and James less than 30 minutes to put the shelves together.

Here are the Christmas movies I watched, or at least listened to today: "Christmas on Chestnut Street" - sappy; "A Gift Wrapped Christmas" - personal shopper falls for single dad and son. I liked this one. "Hope at Christmas," a good one starring Ryan Pavey.

Can you stand the cuteness?

Love those chocolate eyes!

 Cousin Randy had a birthday.

Love this story!

This is a great story too!

Wednesday, June 20th, 2018

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Alma 19:13

For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:12-21

*Why do you think Abish waited to make her conversion known to the Lamanites?
-In Matt 7:6 the Savior taught "neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Abish was waiting for the right time to share her testimony. She was waiting until the Lord prompted her. There has to be people ready to listen to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament
1 Chronicles 1-2
1 The genealogies and family ties from Adam to Abraham are given - The posterity of Abraham is listed.
2 The descendants of Israel, Judah, Jesse, Caleb, and others are listed.
General Conference

His Spirit to Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"My hope today is to increase your desire and your ability to receive the Holy Ghost. Remember, He is the third member of the Godhead. The Father and the Son are resurrected beings. The Holy Ghost is a person of spirit. (See DC 130:22.) It is your choice whether to receive Him and welcome Him into your heart and mind."

Russell M. Nelson 10/17 #70 The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?

"In a most miraculous and singular way, the Book of Mormon teaches us of Jesus Christ and His gospel."

Ensign: "The Savior Heals Our Hurts" and "Place Your Trust in Him." 

I got up at 5, my regular time, for the first time in a few days. 

I asked Sheri if Ben had sent in his mission papers yet and she said President Johansen sent them in last night. I think they are sent electronically.

Here are some of the guesses as to where he is going: 

Grandma: Scotland/England or the Philippines.

Grandpa: Borneo, Mongolia or the big island of Hawaii. He remembers going to church there and how wonderful the people were.

Brian: North Carolina so he can convert the Avett Brothers.

We actually probably have relatives in North Carolina. That's where my grandpa Strickland was from. Brian also guessed Virginia.

Michael: Bulgaria or Korea

Kim: New Zealand

Adam: California or Washington

Stacy: Georgia

Anyone else want to guess?

James sent his old phone back to Verizon today. He got his mailing label in the mail but I did not get mine. Trying to get this mailing label is like pulling teeth. I tried several times to get it online and James called Verizon and they said he had to get it online. He finally went to the Verizon store and used their phone to order another one. 

James also went to the dump and did some other errands in town while I stayed home and worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. Another task that is as hard as pulling teeth. That polish does not want to come off. Sometimes I have to scrape it off because the remover doesn't get it all. Not a fun task. I also ordered some more finish so when I get the old polish off, I can put a new satin finish back on.

James and I watched one of the Hailey Dean mysteries this evening. It was a good one. She finally found out who killed her fiance. His best friend was the mastermind behind it. The killer was supposed to have killed her. I don't usually like murder mysteries but I like these. The stories are written by the reporter, Nancy Grace and she appears in all of the episodes as a TV news commentator.

I want these purple flowers all over my yard.

So funny!

I hope this means he can feed himself now.

I want one of these for our family!

Rain and lightning over the 

Grand Canyon.

Relief Society 4th Sunday lessons

Friday, January 12th, 2018

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 74:7

But little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ; and this is what the scriptures mean.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 10:11-11:11

*What do I think it means to "diligently seek?"

*How has the gift of the Holy Ghost blessed my life?

Old Testament

Genesis 26-28

26 The Lord promises Isaac posterity as the stars of heaven in number - In his seed, all nations will be blessed - The Lord prospers Isaac, temporally and spiritually, for Abraham's sake - Isaac offers sacrifices - Esau marries Hittite wives to the sorrow of his parents.

27 Rebekah guides Jacob in seeking blessings - Jacob is blessed to have dominion and rule over peoples and nations - Esau hates Jacob and plans to say him - Rebekah fears that Jacob may marry one of the daughters of Heth.

28 Isaac forbids Jacob to marry a Canaanite - He blesses Jacob and his seed with the blessings of Abraham - Esau marries a daughter of Ishmael - Jacob sees in vision a ladder reaching up into heaven - The Lord promises him seed as the dust of the earth in number - The Lord also promises Jacob that in him and in his seed all the families of the earth will be blessed - Jacob covenants to pay tithes.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"What should you be looking for in your own life? What are God's miracles that remind you that He is close, saying, "I am right here"? Think of those times, some daily, when the Lord has acted in your life - and then acted again. Treasure them as moments the Lord has shown confidence in you and in your choices. But allow Him to make more of you than you can make of yourself on your own. Treasure His involvement. Sometimes we consider changes in our plans as missteps on our journey. Think of them more as first steps to being "on the Lord's errand."

Another quote from Elder Rasband:

"The Lord does not do things by coincidence but by divine design."

I can't bend my knee this morning and it hurts. Nevertheless I helped James and Chuck clean the church. We have to do it today because tomorrow we work in the temple. On the way home we checked the mail...nothing...Diane Rico said she would send us a check for December's payment, but we haven't seen it.

For lunch James grilled steaks and I made lemon pepper asparagus in the oven. Everything tasted so good and we must have been hungry because we ate it all. 

I watched President Monson's funeral this afternoon. I wonder if his favorite color was purple. The tabernacle choir had purple robes and ties, and so did some of the speakers. I really enjoyed his daughter's, Ann Dibb's, talk.

I spent most of the day looking for photos of James in the photo albums in the family room. James scanned some of them into the computer and sent them to Stacy, two at a time. There were 70 of them so it took awhile. Stacy is making a power point for James's birthday party. 

Here are some of the photos I found in an album Dawn gave me for Christmas a few years ago. 

I think he looks like James Hayden

in this picture.

David is the tall one.

In spite of my knee I pushed myself and walked over 11,000 steps today. 

This evening our episode of Heartland was called, "The Road Ahead."

More old photos:

Jared and James

Family Letter 1978 or 1979

James and Rocky

Joel Heaton, Jared, James

San Antonio temple

Tanner and James

The shootout last summer

Tanner won.