Tuesday, February 26th, 2019

Boston, Massachusetts
100th operating temple
Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 10:57

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 19:1-20:11

*How do you combat the four evils Isaiah denounces -- pride, errant leaders, wickedness, and neglecting the poor and needy?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 6:14-24

"The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us To Pray" Juan A. Uceda 10/16

General Conference

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter

President Boyd K. Packer stated: "Our spirits are damaged when we make mistakes and commit sins. But unlike the case of our mortal bodies, when the repentance process is complete, no scars remain because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The promised is: 'Behold, he who had repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more' DC 58:42"

Choose You This Day

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"We need to choose whom we will serve. The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on choosing the living God and joining Him in His work. As we strive to 'do the next bit' on our own, we practice using our agency correctly. As two former Relief Society General Presidents said, we should not be 'babies that need petting and correction all the time. No, God wants us to become mature adults and govern ourselves."

Kathy Crane and I visited with the Robertson's this morning. Kathy was kind enough to offer to drive her four-wheel drive Suburban because the roads are still wet and muddy. 

Sister Robertson has been in the hospital. She had a bad case of pancreaitis and is at home recovering. Her husband Joel has been with her but he needs to go back to his job in Houston so Kathy and I are representing the Relief Society to see what we can do to help.

We had a nice visit and then I asked Marie what we could do to help. Would she like someone to come and stay with her? No. Would she like us to bring in food? Maybe a couple of times a week. Kathy offered to bring some chicken noodle soup and some Cafe Rio chicken and pork she already had made up because she had company this week. That sounded good and since she was bringing it tonight Joel would still be there to enjoy it.

Marie will be staying alone after Joel leaves except for her six dogs that keep her company. She is 75 years old. 

As we were leaving Joel showed us a picture of the actor Ed Asner. I guess he is a friend. He wrote Marie a nice letter when her son passed away. Joel also showed us the letter. 

I came home and made some ground beef tacos and a salad for lunch. After lunch it was rest time and a Hallmark movie. I walked and paid bills this afternoon and made a no-bake cheesecake. 

I made, or I should say warmed up,  some Sister Schuster rolls for Kathy to take over to the Robertson's this evening. When Kathy came to pick them up she had Cafe Rio burros for us and part of an apple pie. Thank you kind neighbor.

James and I watched an episode of "Victoria" this evening. I did not like this one. It featured the cholera epidemic and one of the main characters Nancy Skerret Francatelli died. It was too sad. This is why I like Hallmark movies, none of the main characters ever die and there is always a happy ending.

I inventoried several books this evening. The best was the Book of Mormon Reader. If it sells we will make $35.

James got us new car insurance today. National General was raising our policy by $50 a month because of a claim James had when he ran into a fence. We now have Liberty Mutual for both our house and my car.

Happy Birthday Adam and Joe!

 Those were the days!

Hallmark Movie

All dressed up for our 50th

This girl is sooo much fun!

Wednesday, September 19th, 2018

Boston, Masschusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Nephi 11:33

And I, Nephi saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 6:15-31

*What happens to our hearts if we set them upon the riches of the world?

- If our hearts are set upon the riches of the world then they probably aren't set upon the riches of heaven. Where you treasure is, there will your heart be also. Setting our hearts upon the riches of the world also opens the door to Satan's influence. If we treasure eternal things our hearts will be open to Christ.

Old Testament

Isaiah 10-12

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

"Obedience will give us the strength to overcome sin. We must also understand that the trial of our faith requires us to obey, often without know the results."

It was a mistake to leave our windows open last night. They are doing a prescribed burn near us and we breathed smoke most of the night. Luckily it rained today and put out their darn fire and the air is fresh and clean again.

I went to the Reidhead's this morning to help with their move. Ashley has served faithfully in Relief Society and recently in the Young Women's presidency. Clayton has been our ward mission leader. They are both returned missionares and a very dedicated couple. They have three children: Ridger who just turned 4, Evelyn who is 2, and Branch who was born a couple of weeks ago. 

Clayton was born and raised in Heber and Ashley is from Alabama. They run an industrial cleaning service and are re-locating to Georgia which will be 3 hours away from Ashley's mom in Alabama instead of 17 hours away here in Arizona. They will be living in Snowflake with Clayton's brother for a couple of months before going to Georgia. Clayton is concerned about the hunting conditions in Georgia. Ashley said there are no elk, but you can kill up to four bucks a year. That satisfied him but he still wants a place to come back to here in Arizona.

There were five of us this morning along with Ashley: Maxine, Pat, Kathy, Linda who is new, and myself. We accomplished a great deal, emptying and packing up most of the kitchen. Linda and Pat even made dinner in the crockpot. Maxine held the baby and took the older two out on the swingset, and comforted Ridger when he got bit by Evelyn who needed some attention. After she bit Ridger and cried and then said she was sorry, she went over and picked up the baby out of his swing.  As we were leaving just before noon, it began to rain and it rained most of the day and into the night.

 Maxine comforting Ridger

Sweet little Branch in his swing.

Before Branch

I have never heard the name Branch before but in the past year two families I know have named their babies Branch and I wondered why. Trina said it was a cowboy name. I don't know, I've known a few cowboys but none named Branch. This evening I was reading from the Old Testament BYU Student Manual p. 148, (13-58) Who Is the "Branch"?

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote the following analysis of the meaning of the Branch:

"Since it takes a first and a second coming to fulfill many Messianic prophecies, we of necessity must consider them here, and in the case of the Davidic-Messianic utterances show also how they apply to our Lord's Second Coming. Christ is the Son of David, the Seed of David, the inheritor, through Mary his mother, of the blood of the great king. He is also called the Stem of Jesse and the Branch, meaning Branch of David. Messianic prophecies under these headings deal with the power and dominion he shall wield as he sits on David's throne, and have reference almost exclusively to his second sojourn on planet earth. 

"Jesse was the father of David. Isaiah speaks of the Stem of Jesse, whom he also designates as a branch growing out of the root of that ancient worthy. He recites how the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:how he shall be mighty in judgment; how he shall smite the earth and slay the wicked; and how the lamb and the lion shall lie down together in that day - all of which has reference to the Second Coming and the millennial era thereby ushered in. (Isa11.) As to the identity of the Stem of Jesse, the revealed word says: 'Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.' (DC 113:1-2.) This also means that the Branch is Christ, as we shall now see from other related scriptures.

"By the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord foretells the ancient scattering and the latter-day gathering of his chosen Israel. After they have been gathered 'out of all countries whither I have driven them,' after the kingdom has been restored to Israel as desired by the ancient apostles in Acts 1:6, then this eventuality, yet future and millennial in nature, shall be fulfilled: 

'Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.' (Jer 23:3-6). That is to say, the King who shall reign personally upon the earth during the Millennium shall be the Branch who grew out of the house of David. He shall execute judgment and justice in all the earth because he is the Lord Jehovah , even hi whom we call Christ. 

"Through Zechariah the Lord spoke similarly: 'Thus saith the Lord of hosts: . . . I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. . . . I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day (meaning that the wicked shall be destroyed and the millennial era of peace and righteousness commence). In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.' (Zech. 3:7-10.) Of that glorious millennial day the Lord says also: 'Behold the man whose name if The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shal bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne.' (Zech 6:12-13.)

That the Branch of David is Christ is perfectly clear.

I found this reading to be very interesting and I now can accept the name Branch as a real, meaningful name for a child.

I did a lot of walking this afternoon as I didn't get much done this morning. At the end of the day I had over 12,000 steps. 

I found a print out on Pinterest to help with personal histories that was originally on Family Search. It is twelve sheets of paper and the title is: "52 Stories. There is one category for each month. These are the categories: 1- Goals & Achievements, 2-Love & Friendship, 3-Occupations & Hobbies, 4-Home & Hearth, 5-Mothers & Motherhood 6-Fathers & Fatherhood, 7-Events & Milestones, 8-Travels & Vacations, 9-Education & School, 10-Values & Beliefs, 11-Causes & Convictions, 12-Holidays & Traditions. I copied these and placed them in a notebook where I will begin again to record my personal history.

I listened to "The Lake House" this afternoon and made a trip to Dollar General for some refreshment. I have a hard time controlling my eating in the afternoon. The good thing is I usually stop eating by 5:30-6pm. I wanted James to go with me but he stayed behind to build a cat coffin. Anthony's cat "Pinky" passed away. Anthony told James he was afraid to bury her because he thought that coyotes would dig her up. James told him he would make her a box so that is what he did this afternoon out in the drizzle.

James made his smoothie for dinner. I had already used all my calories for the day so I passed. He puts the sweet carrots from the Crane's garden in his smoothie and the color is quite disgusting. 

We read from "Loving Lieutenant Lancaster" this evening, the Sarah Eden book we had started before reading "The Secret Keeper." We will return to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" after Lieutenant Lancaster.  

In the high 40's and a little too cold to sleep with the windows open. We did for awhile because we like hearing the rain.

I love geometric shapes!

I sure do love this Elder. He will be

a great missionary. As his mom says,

he knows no strangers and is friendly 

to everyone. That's Rusty his awesome

big brother. Loved these two in Mutual.

They always held the door open for me and

offered to carry my things on outings.

 I think I have a picture of Sheri at this age

doing the very same thing.

Scarlett loves Target!

My wildflowers from the weekend.

The purples were found at 

Sheep's Crossing.

 Kacey never forgets to send photos!

Thinking about her home in Heaven.

I think Evan is a creative genius!

Friday, April 13th, 2018

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Zechariah 11:12

And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:8-17

* What are some weaknesses that put you in bondage?

Talk: He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things

By: Jeffrey R. Holland

Oct. 1997

-As I thought about my weaknesses and being in bondage because of them I realized that King Benjamin's speech was about not just changing our actions, but in acquiring a change of heart. A change of heart is brought about by faith in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost. A true change of heart means you no longer desire to return to your old ways. In reality you have become a new person. We get the strength to overcome our weaknesses by humbling ourselves and going to the Lord and pleading to Him for the power and strength to overcome them. He will come to our aid. We will be able to find the power to change our weaknesses into strengths if we show Him that we truly love Him more than we do our weaknesses.

Old Testament

Joshua 23-24

23 Joshua exhorts Israel to be courageous, keep the commandments, love the Lord, and neither marry among nor cleave unto the remnants of the Canaanites who remain in the land - When the children of Israel serve other gods, they will be cursed and dispossessed.

24 Joshua recites how the Lord has blessed and led Israel - Joshua and all the people covenant to choose the Lord and serve Him only - Joshua and Eleazar die - The bones of Joseph, taken from Egypt, are buried in Shechem.

General Conference

Behold! A Royal Army

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" What a joy it will be for all Melchizedek Priesthood holders to have the blessing of teaching, earning, and serving shoulder to shoulder."

What should I pray for?

DC 50:13-22

13 Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question - unto what were ye ordained?

14 To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.

15 And then received ye spirits which ye could not understand, and received them to be of God; and in this are ye justified?

16 Behold ye shall answer this question yourselves; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto you; he that is weak among you hereafter shall be made strong.

17 Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

18 And if it be by some other way it is not of God.

19 And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?

20 If it be some other way it is not of God.

21 Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?

22 Wherefore , he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.

I ironed my third white shirt of the week today. James and I went to the temple on Wednesday, we work at the temple on Saturday, and we go to Church on Sunday. Three white shirts.

When I got up this morning the sky was covered with clouds that looked like rain clouds but the wind blew them all away.

James caught a squirrel in his live rabbit trap. He has no need for a squirrel so he let it go. He is such a nice guy. Really very tender-hearted if you know him like I do.

I made a crockpot version of chicken cordon bleu today that tasted more like chicken and stuffing. It was good but not what I wanted. When we used to go to Sizzler I would always order the Malibu chicken with ham, swiss cheese, and a honey mustard sauce. I had forgotten about it but James reminded me. I looked up the recipe and next time that is what I am going to fix.

Two of my very favorite foods are homemade white rolls and chicken enchiladas with white sauce. I had both of them today. James and I decided that these enchiladas are really our favorite food but we can't eat them too often. He says once a month. We shall see.

My chapter from "The Atoning One" was entitled, "What Manner of Man Is This." I love listening to Brother Millet and so far I love this book. Cicero said to his military troops: "He who commands the seas commands everything." Brother Millet: I would agree and he also walks on water. "Peace be still." 

Russell M. Nelson - 4/91- #15. "Listen to Learn."

Children - To rule chldren by force is the technique of Satan, not of the Savior.

Parents - Trying being gentle and persuasive.

Partners - Marion G. Romney and his wife Ida: "What is it Marion, I've answered you 3x."

Neighbors - The wise listen to learn from neighbors.

Church Leaders - "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you...; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you."

The Lord - Hear the word of the Lord through prayer. "Be still and know that I am God."

Hear is an update of the Global Ministry Tour of President and Sister Nelson and the Holland's: 

I didn't get my 21,000 steps today because my right knee started hurting. I did get over 18,000 though. There is nothing like a hot whirlpool bath after a day on the walking track.

Around 3:30 James and I left for town. We checked the post office and no giftcards from Chase so when we got to Walmart I bought an Outback card for Alex before mailing his card.

I bought a lot of extras today: a shoerack for James because he wants to organize his closet. Two Rubik's cubes, one for Jace and one for Zemira. Three necklaces one for each of the girls in my class and printers ink. James got me some paint for the pots on the front porch.

James is discouraged because we had such warm weather in February and March that the blossoms came out on all his fruit tree. Last night it got down to around 20 degrees and it is supposed to do the same tonight. He covered his trees with blankets but the wind blew the blankets off and consequently all of the blossoms fell off the trees.

I gave James a much needed haircut tonight because he wants to look good at the temple tomorrow.

I need to get this necklace for Ruby. This is

the song she has someone sing for her

every night before bed.

Our friends, the Ford's.

This photo should make you laugh!

I'm not sure what this will do.

A trip down memory lane:

Addy was the cutest Queen of Hearts!

Dennis and baby Eric with 

Muhammed Ali.

I remember the day I heard the announcement

of the Berlin wall coming down.

Sunday, November 5th, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 20:17

 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto the, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 20:20-46

What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord?"

Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "To avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture

DC 1:37-38

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Dallin H. Oaks

" What is the meaning of the scriptural cautions and commandments not to be 'of the world' or the modern commandment to 'forsake the world"? (DC 53:2)

President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings:

'We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.'"

We gave Kathy a ride to the church this morning for the North American Southwest Regional Conference broadcast. Before the broadcast started President Beeler spoke to us. The title of his talk was "Safe Enough." 

Where is safe enough? There is opposition in all things. The neutrality of the Garden of Eden couldn't accomplish God's purposes. Spiritual progress means we must be fully engaged. Sacred ground is found as a result of increased righteousness. We have no more desire to do evil but to do good continually. Here are some safe zones: Home, the temple, the Church, and the stake.

The temple is a blueprint for homes and families. Missionaries carry the Light of Christ to the world. Who are God's messengers:

Prophets, apostles, missionaries, and members. Satan's desire is to stop the messengers. Satan tries to convince us that apathy and indifference are okay. Minister to the one. Who do I need to serve today? There is no neutral ground, we choose our direction, God expects us to move forward in the right direction. We need to allow Christ to point us in the direction of the one.

Soutwest Regional Broadcast

Elder Cornish conducted this meeting to 263 stakes, 3 districts and 21 missions with 50 temples.

Elder T.B. Wakalolo - We need to become better at giving service.What will I do differently as a result of this conference? How can the Atonement help me? 

DC 101:78 - Act in Doctrine and Principle.

JOY - J=Jesus O=Others Y=You

God is our loving Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39, John 3:16. Substitute family for world. It's all about love, love, love.

Understanding true doctrine is critical.

Sister Neill F. Marriott - "Members of the Household of Faith."

Rescue and sacrifice. She told the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:30-35. We all carry sorrows that the eye can't see. The Lord will help us as we try to submit ourselves to His ways. Do we ignore the needs of others? The is power in keeping our covenants. Remember Him. Pray to know who needs my help. What a difference remembering Jesus Christ can make.

Stranger at her door. She fed him her husbands dinner and her husband ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. 

Do you feel a critical need to study the Book of Mormon?

President Romney's promise:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in the wake peace, joy, and happiness."

It took Brother and Sister Marriott seven years to read the Book of Mormon with their children. As a result, the established righteous patterns.

Elder Cornish - Hurricane Harvey. 52" of rain in a day. Rescuing those in need. Thousands of volunteers in yellow vests called "Yellow Angels." Love one to another, stranger to stranger. 

Christian caring begins in the hearts of each of us. Each of us can do a little better. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Doing His will is the way to true happiness.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Spoke about President Monson's service. President Monson still gives 100%. Parable of the Talents.

Diligent where we are and with what we have.

Honor President Monson for what he has already said. 

Work in love to serve those in need. Give others something to do. 

Some teachings of President Monson: 1) Missionary service - bears testimony, loves people. 2) Marriage and Family - preserving fidelity. Strict obedience to temple covenants. 3) Youth - stand firm, remain faithful. 4) Religious activity in the home is critial. Hear my voice and know my words. 5) Kindness and charity. 6) The Book of Mormon. President Monson's promise in the April 2017 General Conference:

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven's help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

It was a wonderful conference emphasizing living the commandments, serving, and reading the Book of Mormon.

We had chili dogs for lunch and then we both took a nap. 

At 3 p.m. James has a High Priest Group meeting. I stayed home and watched Christmas movies while working on my blog, ones I've already seen before: "Christmas Cookies," "Christmas Land," and "The Christmas Pageant."

Sheri and Kim are going to read "Rescuing Wayward Children" with us and then we will discuss it on Sunday. We are starting this week with the introduction.

James and I watched a new Christmas movie, "The Perfect Christmas Present" starring Sam Page, and Tara Holt. A good message!

Suzy and Trina, two of my favorites!

2016

Elk in our yard

Spike and friends

Studying his lesson by the fire.

Love these clouds!

2015

Shopping for Evan's birthday.

Making a Lego person

The three Musketeers

Love these three!
Where's Max?

Food is always necessary

Hard at work

Snow on November 5th!

I stopped at a gas station in Heber on my
way to the valley and took this picture.
November 5th