Monday, March 9th, 2020

Indianapolis, Indiana

148th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Aug 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Judge

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 1; I/F Lesson; Discussion Group watched "Teaching with Power"

Ensign March 2020

"Extraordinary Daughters of God"

Sister Jean B. Bingham

RS General President

Saints, Volume 2

Chapter 39

In the Hands of God

Oct 2019 GenCon

"Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes" 

President Russell M. Nelson

"The First Presidency and the Twelve are united in endorsing these efforts to strengthen our youth. Oh, how we love them and pray for them! They are the 'hope of Israel, Zion's army, children of the promised day.' We express our complete confidence in our youth and our gratitude for them. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

"Adjustments to Strengthen Youth"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Dear brothers and sisters, I promise and testify that these comprehensive adjustments, under the direction of an inspired president and prophet, Russell M. Nelson, will empower and strengthen every member of the Church. Our youth will develop greater faith in the Savior, be protected from the temptations of the adversary, and stand prepared to meet life's challenges. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

We, as a presidency, are praying to know who the Lord wants to replace Becky Skousen as a teacher in Relief Society. We are considering four different sisters but need to pray about it to see who the Lord wants.

I got up at 3:30 this morning. I had too many nightly "visitors" and couldn't sleep. I had 6,000 steps by 7 am. My goal is 10,000 by noon and I think I might make it.

James had a diesel mechanic and his assistant come out to look at 

his two Cats. He wants to take them down to the Chacon job. They stayed for several hours, didn't fix anything, but recommended a fuel pump for the smaller Cat and a new celanoid for the larger Cat. Ken Nutter, the mechanic, charged James $720.00. 

Armando was supposed to start digging footings at the Chacon job but he said he was going to postpone because it is forecast to rain all week. James was so disappointed. 

I blogged and worked on my book business this morning. I also cleaned the kitchen and did some laundry. I continued with my steps and this afternoon I made a shortbread cake for our meeting tonight. I cut it in two and made two layers of Coolwhip frosting and strawberries. I should have taken a picture. This is the only picture I got. 

It fell apart when I cut it but it was

very tasty!

Our guests this evening loved it too, especially Barbara and Pierce. Instead of doing this lesson in the manual this evening we watched "Teaching with Power." We talked a little about polygamy and Owen told a story about one of his grandmothers who was a second wife and lived in Ramah. She grew a garden and raised animals so she had plenty of food. Her husband came, loaded it up, and took it to his first wife's home. That's when she decided that plural marriage was not for her and she left on foot headed back to Arizona.

James did so many things for me today. He went to the store, and the post office to pick up books. He also cleaned the mud off the front porch and sprayed off all of the driveway. When our meeting was over this evening and our guests had left he washed the dishes.

I am so grateful for such a kind and thoughtful husband.

I was shocked when I went on Amazon today and noticed that my rating had gone down to 71%. When I researched why it was because someone who ordered a book from me had received the wrong book and complained about it. I don't blame her for complaining but I had to dispute it because it wasn't my fault. The first time I wrote a dispute to Amazon they didn't accept it. I think robots run their business. The second time I used the exact words on their webiste that it gives for reasons to have a feedback rating removed: The entire feedback comment is regarding fulfillment or customer service for an order fulfilled by Amazon. 

They removed the feedback and my rating went back up to 83%. 

That rating is not that great but again a feedback regarding a book not having a dust cover. I could not ever find this order and disputed it but it was not removed. 

It has been 2 weeks since Jared Ammon told me he spoke with Discover Student Loans. I called to see if they had sent my check and "no they hadn't." When I asked why, they couldn't give me a good answer. The girl I spoke to started asking me questions and I said: "It's interesting to me how you treat the co-signers on a loan. You contact them to pay if the signer doesn't pay, which I have done from almost the very start, but when it comes to giving a refund they are not allowed to receive one, even thought they have made all of the payments." She apologized and said she would send out the refund right away and then asked me for Jared's address, which she already had, "just to verify." Grrrrr!

Harry Potter trip to England 2005

 Can you find Ardeth Kapp and Sharon Larsen?

 I should really cut myself out of this one.

I look like Karen's short boyfriend.

 Loved the English countryside and all the castles.

Cutest little shopper I've ever seen.

Braylin doesn't let being handicapped stop
him from having fun. He has a great
attitude!

 Our friends the Woods'

Thank goodness Saturday is Pi Day

Tuesday, June 26th, 2018

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

3 Nephi 1:13

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.

Book of Mormon

Alma 22:15-26

*What was Lamoni's father willing to give up to know God? (vs. 15-18). How might such willingness help us draw nearer to God? (see Omni 1:26).

-In Alma 22:18 Lamoni's father says: "I will give away all my sins to know thee." Like Lamoni's father, we must be willing to sacrifice all things to be born of God. In the Lectures on Faith we learn the importance of sacrifice in our eternal progression: "Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do His will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek His face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life."  To take His name upon us means a willingness to do whatever He requires of us.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 13-14

13 David fetches the ark from Kirjath-jearim - Uzza is slain by the Lord when he steadies the ark - The house of Obed-edom prospers because they care for the ark.

14 David marries wives, begets children, and defeats the Philistines; his fame spread to all nations.

General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"Combining Relief Society efforts with the now-restrucured elders quorum will bring a unity that can yield astonishing results. Ministering becomes one coordiated effort to fulfill the priesthood duty to 'visit the house of each member' and to 'watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,' as well as to achieve the Relief Society ppurpose to help on another prepare for the blessings of eternal life. Working together under the direction of the bishop, elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies can be inspired as they seek the best ways to watch over and care for each individual and family."

New Era:

"The Final Sprint," "How to Teach from Life," What, Why, and How: A Breakdown of the Restoration."

After prayer James left to go do a job spreading cinders and gravel, about 220 tons. He came home with $250. He gave me $190 to add to my personal budget. Thanks honey!

I did my errands early today because I had planned on going with James to the stake center this evening to get his new temple recommend signed by a member of the stake presidency. 

My first stop in Show Low was at the printers where I left my Savior bookmark to make copies for Laura and Cathi. It is very warm today. My thermostat in my car says 97!

Next stop, J.C. Penney's for some new tops for church. One of my former young women, Jordyn works there and gave me a hug. She is also my friend Tamara's daughter. I found 2 petite large and one extra large blouse. I bought all 3 and will wear the extra large this Sunday and save the other 2 for when I lose more weight.

Dollar Tree is just down from Penney's so I stopped in to get some trays and baskets to put cookies and muffins in when I give them away. Also bought some cute patriotic napkins.

Finally I get to Walmart. It is crazy busy today. It looks like everyone from Whiteriver is here. I bought my weekly groceries and some pork chops, rolls, potatoes, broccoli, salad stuff, and ice cream to fix for the missionaries on Saturday evening. 

Sunday I asked Elder Bernecker what he wanted for dinner Saturday and he said pork chops, so pork chops it is. We also have the Wood's coming too. Chuck W. is a non-member.

I got home around 4 p.m. and it took awhile to put all of my purchases away. I bought Jared Ammon a gift card for his birthday on July 8th but Stacy doesn't know how to get it to him. She suggested that I contact Dallin.

Stacy wants to bring Joshua and Rowan up next week. Addy is gone to Wisconsin with her cousins, Kilee and Kayla. Lexy's parents live on an island in Wisconsin and they are going to visit them.

I made both James and I a green smoothie for dinner and sat down to watch "Summer Villa," one of my favorite Hallmark movies starring Hilary Burton, and Victor Webster.

James came in and got ready to go get his temple recommend and I had planned to go with him but I began having stomach pains. 

I wonder if its from the green smoothie or maybe the pint of Halo I ate on the way home from Show Low.

James went to the stake center by himself. He was gone for a couple of hours and said President Wright of the new stake presidency signed his new recommend. My recommend doesn't expire until February of 2020.

I felt better after awhile and was able to finish my steps, my blog, and take a shower and wash my hair. When James gets home I read from "Riders on the Orphan Train." Over 110,000 children were shipped west on these trains. Trina sent me a link of a guy who has worked at the Mexican border and the tragedies he has seen happen, especially to young children. These kinds of stories increase my desire for the Second Coming to come soon.

This morning I woke up with this question on my mind: Who is Artie Elizabeth Walker Rutledge's mother. Artie is my Nannie's mother. I looked it up and now remember, her name is Amanda Sophrina Epley. I began looking at her children and she has one daughter whose work has not been done because she has no first name and whoever put her in family search put to commas before her last name. I need to clear this up and do some research so her work can be done.

Braylin is feeling better after surgery on his arm.

I am waiting to hear if he can now feed himself.

Cali Fire

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

Sunday, June 10th, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Book of Mormon

Alma 13:21-14:5

*Why does the word of God tend to divide people?

Talk: Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions

By: Richard G. Scott

Oct. 2007

Old Testament

2 Kings 7-8

7 Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria - The Syrian hosts flee at a noise of battle and leave their possessions - Israel takes spoil from the Syrians.

8 Elisha prophesies a seven-year famine - The Shunammite woman is preserved through the famine - Jehoram and then Ahaziah reign in wickedness in Judah.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Healing and Sealing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path." - President Russell M. Nelson

I lost 1.2 lbs. this week but I am out of the points race. James is still in the points race and he lost 2 lbs. I think he is probably still ahead. One more week. He just might win.

We studied our scriptures and had family prayer before church this morning. I also studied Elder Renlund's talk which is the talk we are studying today in Relief Society and I ironed James a shirt. I should have ironed the shirt last night. Sacrament meeting had barely started when we walked in. 

Charlie G. blessed the sacrament for the first time today. We also have a new elder but I didn't catch his name as he was passing the sacrament. 

Marci W. gave a talk today on the personal finance class she took as part of the Church's self-reliance program. I looked up the manual on my gospel library app and told James we should study it for FHE. He wants me to help him on familysearch instead. 

Three Westbrook's got new callings today. Marci is going to be the Primary chorister, Corina will be the nursery leader, and Joe will be YM secretary. 

Brother Reidhead spoke today on ministering and talked a lot about President Nelson's talk last Sunday evening to the youth. The take is entitled "Hope of Israel" and President Nelson asks the youth to be part of his "Youth Batallion" to help Gather Israel. He gave five challenges to the youth.

1. Hold a seven-day fast from social media.

2. Make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord for three weeks.

3. Keep on the covenant path. If you are off, repent and get back on the path.

4. Pray daily that all of God's children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

5. Stand out. Be different. Be a light. Give to a friend one copy of the booklet For the Strength of Youth.

These were President Nelson's closing remarks:

"My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!

"As I conclude, I invite you to stand with the youth from all around the world and experience the thrill of being a member of the Lord's youth battalion in 'Zion's army' by singing our closing hymn, 'Hope of Israel,' because this hymn is all about you!

From the depths of my soul, I testify that this is the work of Almighty God. He lives. Jesus is the Christ. This is His Church, restored to accomplish its divine destiny, including the promised gather of Israel. You are the hope of Israel, 'children of the promised day'! I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A powerful message from a prophet of God!

Brother Scott taught the lesson in Sunday School. They must have skipped a lesson because he was on lesson 22 instead of 21. We spoke about David being anointed king by Samuel and then slaying Goliath. Saul was disobedient and therefore lost his standing with the Lord.

My friend Rosie L. taught Relief Society today. We discussed Elder Renlund's talk on family history and temple work and focused mainly on the promised blessing outlined in his talk. I especially love this blessing promised by our prophet:

"Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path." - President Russell M. Nelson

I especially loved Sister Hunter's comments about working in the temple and covenants.

Also, I loved a clip of a talk given by Elder Bednar regarding the spiritual gift of discernment. It think we all need to have this gift in our lives.

Well, today is sugar day. I had cookies for breakfast and apple crescent rolls for dessert after lunch. I love Sundays!

Talked to Jared and Kacey. Kacey is moving to Tyler next week. Jared is already working there. A new beginning for them.

 Plus the 11 I lost before I started this challenge.

So true.

A stroll down memory lane with Dennis,

baby Eric, and Muhammed Ali.

Jeff was one of James's counselors when

he served as Bishop.

Braylin, reading a Percy Jackson book.

I introduced him to Rick Riordan and

Percy.

Cousin Brett and his family.