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.

Thursday, October 4th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

* How does the principle of agency play into this chapter?

- We can choose our actions but not the consequences. What is God's divine love? The Lord loves all people but cannot tolerate sin. Athought Helaman 15:4 states that the Lord hated the Lamanites  because their deeds have been evil continually," Samuel is an example of the many Lamanites who were taught the gospel message and gained God's favor once they were converted.

President Russell M. Nelson addressed the subject of God's love for those who sin: "Does this mean the Lord doesn't love the sinner? Of course not. He hates the sin but loves the sinner. Divine love is infinite and universal. The Savior loves both saints and sinners. The Apostle John affirmed, 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' (1 John 4:19). And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: '...Yea, they spit upon Him, and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men (1 Nephi 19:9). We know the expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again." ("Divine Love," Ensign, Feb. 2003, 24).

Old Testament

Isaiah 54-56

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Lessons taught through the traditions we establish in our homes, though small and simple, are increasingly important in today's world."

We left for the valley at 6:30, about 30 minutes later than planned but I was still able to make it on time to my appointment at Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. Dr. Douglas is my dentist. 

I had x-rays and my teeth cleaned. Bad news. I need two new crowns. Cavities developing under the old ones. This is going to be very costly, $820 a piece. I guess I need dental insurance. 

While I was at the dentist James took the boys to breakfast at IHOP. They all ordered pancakes. Rowan of course ordered the chocolate pancakes. 

After taking the Chandler boys home, Max, Evan, and Joshua, James and Rowan came back and picked me up. We went across the street to Chandler Eyecare and traded cars, getting our Lexy back. 

We then took Rowan home. We beat Darrel home and had to wait for him to get back from the gym to open the door for us. 

We unpacked the car, and left to go to Sears to get the oil in Lexy changed. We went to the Sears by the Chandler mall and James dropped me off at the Carter store which sells baby clothes. Everything in the store was 50% off! 

After dropping the car off James joined me and we walked to Olive Garden across Chandler Blvd. Luckily it was not sweltering hot, it was only in the upper 80's but we were still warm when we reached the restaurant. 

The reason for Olive Garden other than it's one of my favorites, was that we have a gift card. I soon discovered that I had left the gift card in my other purse so we had to put the charge on our credit card.

Because I forgot to put my earrings in this morning I walked over to Claire's at the mall and bought a pair of earrings so my ears don't close up. James went to Sears, picked up the car, and then picked me up at the mall. I had him drop me off at the Carter store again so I could get some things for Scarlett.

Our next stop was Costco so James could get batteries for his hearing aid. He also got a watermelon to make up for the fact that they didn't have Alpine Valley bread. 

Met Stacy at the scrubs store. She starts at the National Laser Institute on the 15th.

Back at home Darrel was taking the kids to the park. Lola wanted me to go but I told her I had to go take a nap. It was just Darrel, Rowan, and Lola who went. Ruby was at a friends and Addy is at school. She is the only one who isn't out for fall break.

After our naps it was time to go visit Dawn and Lois for their birthdays. We stopped at Fry's on the way to get gas. I also got a plant to give to them. We had to wait until this evening to visit so we could see Dawn too. 

We took them the small desk, the cupboard with drawers, a basket with candles, body wash, and other good smelling things. I told them they could decide who gets what. We also gave them their two handmade cards. We had a nice visit. I showed them the patchwork table runner I bought so Lois showed me a quilt she was making and the bedspread she made for Dawn:

Designs are made on Lois's machine.

Each one is different.

We didn't take any photos but thank 
goodness Teresa did.

 Our friends Janet and Clint

 Looks like quite a fortress

Is there anything more precious?

I sure do love these boys!

He is always there for us.

Paul has lost 90 lbs!

Where's your credit card Mom?

Serving from the Vernon ward

Love Trenda and Emery!

 O be wise, what can I say more?

 Card craze

Saturday, April 28th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:44

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 18:17-35

*What teachings did Alma introduce to the new converts and how did these teachings differ from King Noah?

Article: Live by the Savior's Teachings

By: N. Eldon Tanner

Dec. 1982

tavacivan: "For their labor, they were to receive the grace of God" (26) In Christ's Church, we have a lay ministry which sets us apart from other churches in the world. We also believe that a higher law allows us power to do what we are asked to do as we serve our fellowman. This is a compensation that cannot be imitated by money. It is His power and His strength that we have access to. We are to take care of each other spiritually, temporally and emotionally. (28,29) The Church of Jesus Christ is run by imperfect people but the organization and doctrine of the Church is sound and constant. His laws are perfect and when implemented correctly, we have great power and strength. These people were drawn to truth and were hungry and ready for Alma's teachings! We have access to so much truth! 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 5

The Philistines place the ark in the house of Dagon, their god - The Philistines in Ashdod, then Gath, and then Ekron are plagued and slain because the ark is lodged with them.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The Church is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them."

I was up at 4:15 this morning. I showered and then had breakfast. James thinks Hong Kong is in Taiwan so I have to get out my world map and show him he is wrong. Ridiculous. Why would I waste time doing this when I should have been getting ready to go to the temple? I am ashamed of myself, even if I was right about Hong Kong. The win was bittersweet because I had to rush to get ready. We left in a rush and then realized we had forgotten to bring the muffins so we had to come back to get them. Now we are officially later than we've ever been for our temple shift,  but thanks to James's driving we make it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 a.m.

We were under the direction of President and Sister Reidhead this morning, our old schoolmates at Snowflake Union High School.

Sister Reidhead talked about the new garments for sisters and then we watched films about the ordinances clothes and the endowment session. 

My schedule for today went something like this:

7:30 - Initiatory worker, which I am beginning to love even though I don't have everything memorized. These blessings are so amazing!

8:00 - Celestial Room - time to ponder and meditate and admire the beauty of this room.

8;30 - Break time with James, Sister Badger who remembered James from high school and his pet Pete the Crow. She was a close friend of James's sister Connie. Her last name was Petersen in high school. Sister Hansen joined us. She is from Joseph City and knows the Hunsakers. She told me a story of when she was Kip's Cub Scout leader.

9 - Prepare for the 9:30 session. Today I am the 1st follower. Sister Badger is the 2nd follower. James is the follower for the brothers and led the prayer circle and did an awesome job.

This afternoon I worked in initiatory again, was the greeter for the baptistry. During this time I got to visit with my good friend from Chandler and fellow temple worker, Debbie. Her daughter is married to Rex Bergstrom. My last assignment was the locker room. Since I was the last one on our shift with this assignment I had to check all the locked lockers to make sure no one had left anything.

One of the exciting things that happened in the temple today was the sealing of Bishop and Sister Hall's son, Kendall to his wife Chanel.  Bishop Hall was our first bishop in Vernon and when I was a youth growing up in Show Low his grandpa was my bishop. 

A great day for this family. Weston, Kendall's brother should have been there but I didn't see him. I guess he is working for a pest control company in Florida.

James and I got home from the temple a little after 2. I ate, had a short rest and then got ready to go to stake conference leadership meeting. James took me to the church where the Applegate's and Sister Halcomb were waiting for me. Our meeting in Lakeside starts at 4.

Our company left this morning. 

Our leadership training meeting went something like this:

President Beeler: 
"God's hands are in the details of the work."

President Jensen:
"One more step in the unfolding of the restoration."

President Shumway:
"The Lord wants our hearts. When we give our hearts to Him, He performs miracles."

Elder Jones:
DC 43:8-9
8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me-
DC 107:89 - Preside, council, teach.

Elder Brent D. Foster
"Authority and keys establish order."
Exaltation - Life like Him
Eternal Life - Life with Him
Testimony - I know - Alma 30:41; Conversion - I do - Hel. 6:3;
Sanctification - I feel - Hel. 3:35; Exaltation - I become -
A council is a fundamental principle of human life. When you tell someone what to do, you are telling them to become like you.
Leadership is the ability to draw forth people's potentiality. 
The greater the agency and opportunity, the greater the growth. 
" I want to expand the vision of why the Lord wants us to work in councils."
DC 88:122
Vision determines direction
1. Vision
2. Share
3. Agree on outcome
John 10:12-12
Goals
Distance Indicators
Specific plan
Motivate, inspire
We can't program people back to heaven.
Romans 0:16-17; DC 84:38; DC 58:25-26; Hel.10:4-5; 
It's all about revelation.

During the break between meetings the Applegate's and Kerri went to get dinner. I stayed at the church and moved up in the chapel to save a place for James. He ended up being late because of a flat tire and sat in the back. Gratefully the Lauritzen's from our ward came and sat by me.

Adult Session

The invocation was given by Sister Gatewood, the first woman to be the chairman of the White Mountain Apace Tribe. 

Elder Jones

Video: saw, felt, heard.

"Simple acts of service can be profound."

"Why we minister: Because we follow Jesus Christ."

"Our Heavenly Father wants all of His children home."

How can I be a minister for the Savior Jesus Christ.

Sister Thomas, Stake Relief Society President

"Pray for each individual."

President Shumway

"Study the why. So people can know God, that is the why. Our heart becomes His."

Scottsdale Mission President - President Robinson

"I am an ordained apostle of Jesus Christ." President Nelson's answer when a king asked him who he was.

Youth Choir: 

Amazing Love

Sister Palmer, Matron of the Snowflake Temple

"Spend more time in the temple."

President Palmer of the Snowflake Temple

Isaiah 2:2-3

Come let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Elder Jones

God anointed Jesus Christ who went about doing good. 

Told a ministering story of a young widow with two children.

Bradley D. Foster

"God wants His children home. 1 Nephi 5:16-17. There is power in knowing who we are and where we are going. 

Family History: Discover-Gather-Connect.

He told us to watch the movie "Coco."

Pass on stories and photos. 

"Don't let the wisdom of the old die with them."

One of the things Elder Foster had us do was the same thing Terry had us do last night on the Family Tree app. I was related to so many people it was ridiculous, including Elder Foster, President Robinson, Sister Halcomb and Brother Applegate, and Brother Allen.

Promised blessings of doing Temple and Family History Work from the prophets.

More closeness and joy with family, and divine protection. 

Quentin L. Cook

Our amazing stake president, President Shumway

with his wife Heidi.

White Mountain Apache Tribe

recently elected chairwoman.

Kim's pom and cheer team.

Stacy had moved on to high school.

Sister Bingham and her look-a-likes,

except one.

Monday, November 20th, 2017

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:17-29

What happens when the strength of the Lord is not with us and we are left unto ourselves as it says in verse 26? 

We may not recognize and appreciate how much Heavenly Father helps us in our daily lives as we try to live faithfully. Mormon wrote that when his people became wicked they lost the strength of the Lord that had previously protected them. While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Ray H. Wood explained: 

"When a person violates any of God's commandments, if  there is no repentance the Lord withdraws His protective and sustaining influence. When we lose power with God, we know of a certainty that the problem lies within us and not within God! I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise' (DC 82:10). Our misdeeds bring despair. They sadden and extinguish the 'perfect brightness of hope' offered by Christ (2 Ne. 31:20). Without God's help, we are left to ourselves" (Ensign, May 1999, 40-41). I am personally amazed and grateful to Mormon for his righteousness amidst such wickedness. It must have been difficult to stand as a witness of Christ against such odds!

I listened to Elder Bednar's book "One by One" while walking today. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone.

I got out my Thanksgiving recipes and planned the menu for our dinner. It will go something like this: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sausage and herb stuffing, fresh green beans, Ruth Chris sweet potatoes casserole, cranberries with pineapple and nuts, rolls, and homemade apple pie with ice cream. Kim and Brian are bringing pumpkin delight and a pecan pie.

I made cookies this afternoon for the Wilhelm's and the Hunsaker's.

James went to the Wilhelm's FHE and talked about President Nelson's talk on the Book of Mormon and what our lives would be like without it. For our FHE we listened to Elder Bednar's talk "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises." Here are two phrases that I picked up while reading this talk: "Look to God and Live," and "We need to be Partakers of the Divine Nature."

Today's Christmas movies: "A Very Country Christmas," (Up)

"The Christmas Calendar," (UP) "The Tree that Saved Christmas," (UP). We also watched an episode of Heartland, "Ring of Fire."

It was night one of the DWTS finale. Emma and Drew were eliminated. The final three are Jordan and Lindsay, Mark and Lindsey, Witney and Frankie.

I got a call from Stacy today. I did not know that they broke her foot when they did the surgery and that is why it is taking so long to heal.

My hard working hubby.

A basket of puppies.

Our friends Pam and Ricky

Pam and her dad

Last years tree.

This year we are still waiting for the lights to be fixed.

Alex helped Rowan catch a fish

Switzerland

I wish we had some of that green