Friday, May 10th, 2019

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:1-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 16-17

General Conference

Feasting upon the Words of Christ

Takashi Wada

"When I was young, I thought that feasting was simply having a big meal with rice, sushi, and soy sauce. I now know true feasting is more than enjoying a delicious meal. It is an experience of joy, nourishment, celebration, sharing, expressing love to families and loved ones, communicating our thanksgiving to God, and building relationships while enjoying abundant, incredibly delicious food. I believe when we feast upon the words of Christ, we ought to be thinking of the same kind of experience. Feasting upon the scriptures is not just reading them. It should bring us real joy and build our relationship with the Savior."

This is the first thing James said to me when he got up this morning: "It rained all night." I'm not sure how he knows these things but from the looks of things outside he's probably right.

Something I read today while studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson: "No matter how difficult and impossible the circumstances we face, we must retain the attitude that we are still in the Lord's debt. Just keeping the commandments may be enough to maintain our faith but not enough to increase it. We must continue sacrificing and serving with no thought of reward. We do it out of love and gratitude for the Lord, to whom we owe everything." - Elder John K. Carmack

We had about six or seven cow elk feeding on our property again today. Two of them look like they are going to calf very soon.

We went in to town today to mail the books I prepared for shipment yesterday. There are only five books and they are going to three different places. After dropping the books off at UPS we did a little shopping in Walmart, stopped for lunch at Taco Bell, got gas and headed back to Vernon. On our way home we stopped at the Grapp's to pick up the stuff from the meal I took in last week. Cammy was embarrassed about yesterday and I told her not to be,  that coming by was on our way home from town. She said her father came to visit and wasn't very nice to her and it threw her for a loop. Thank goodness she has a good husband who is kind to her and sticks up for her.

I came home and started some rolls for tomorrow and washed m temple clothes. I walked over 20,000 steps and now my knee is hurting.

 Our friend Pam and one of her beautiful quilts

 Kacey says that every once in awhile

Charlie stops like this and looks at this statue.

She's a mover now

 This is Paul Greene speaking about Lori Loughlin.

Paul plays Dr. Carson Shepherd on 

"When Calls the Heart."

 Missionary turned fisherman

Is there anything more precious than a sleeping baby?

 Movie of the day

Sunday, April 29th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept. 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:48

But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:1-24

* Why is it important to think less of yourself and more of others?

- sue_heugly: vs-11 The King commanded the men to leave their wives and children. Does this not show why it's important to think less of yourself and more of others? King Noah's selfishness activated all the cardinal sins, and blocked the way for developing the divine qualities such as love, mercy, patience, kindness and goodness. His example not only ruined his life, but those who served him. Following the Savior is overcoming selfishness. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 3

The Lord calls Samuel - The house of Eli will not be purged by sacrifices and offerings - Samuel is recognized as a prophet by all Israel - The Lord appears to him.

General Conference

Prepare to Meet God

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Pursuing divinely appointed responsibilities in righteousness, unity, and equality will prepare us to meet God."

I read these two quotes in my prayer journal today:

"Faith does not stand still. It is either increasing or

disappearing." As President Henry B. Eyring

said: "Faith has a short shelf life."

White Mountain Stake Conference

Lakeside, Arizona

President Shumway conducted this session. 

Opening Hymn: "Families Can Be Together Forever" 

The invocation was offered by a bearded, bald brother.

Stake Business: Elder Jones - Release of Stake Presidency with a vote of thanks: President Shumway, President Jensen and President Beeler. 

Calling and sustaining of new Stake Presidency:

President - Joshua J. Beeler

1st counselor - Douglas Wright

2nd counselor - William Miles

Bishop Hall was released from the high council and Brother Ed Miller from our ward was sustained as a new high councilman along with a brother Woods from another ward.

New elders from our ward: Anthony Romyak, Jackson Allen

New high priests from our ward: Tom Howard.

Sustaining of Church and Stake officers.

Stake Choir: "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me"

Those from our ward singing in the stake choir, or at least the ones we could see as we were in the back of the cultural hall - Kathy Crane, Tamara Applegate, Donna Peeler, Stefani and Alicia Hunsaker.

President Shumway:

"For nine years I have seen you through God's eyes.

President Beeler is a man of God.

It is wonderful to know that you are on the Lord's path.

We do not marry happiness, we create it.

It is safe to follow the prophet.

My counselors are trusted and eternal friends.

I love the youth of this stake.

I lift thee and thou lift me and we ascend together.

Put God in the middle of your plans. Begin with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.

Eternal families.

Nothing that is wrong in this life is permanent.

Jesus fixes things."

Heidi Shumway:

" I sustain the new stake presidency.

It has not been a sacrifice but a pleasure to serve, a great blessing and investment.

You can never give to the Lord without gaining so much more.

We have loved having the youth and the missionaries in our home.

2 Nephi 26:13, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31-33.

The Savior is the Redeemer of our weaknesses."

President Jensen

" An amazing nine years. I sustain our new stake presidency. 

President Miles headed up the Love Kitchen service project.

The Lord is in the small things of our lives."

President Beeler

"My Star Wars cuff links ground me.

It has been a great privilege to serve the last nine years with these good brothers.

President Shumway is a great minister.

He said in the beginning that we would be in the homes of those who need us.

My wife is the reason I am standing here. She is my rock.

It's in the people that God achieves His greatest work.

God is in the details of this work.

Jesus Christ is our Savior and leads this Church."

Sister Beeler

(My high school friend Beverly's niece. She is in remission from breast cancer.)

" We have a Heavenly Father who loves us.

I have been ministered to by the members of this stake."

President Wright

" I remember the things the past stake presidency has taught.

I have a testimony. I love the Savior's example of serving others."

President Miles

" The past stake presidency has served you because they love you.

Enos 1:27 

I have felt the cleansing of the Savior's Atonement."

Sister Robinson

"This is the true and living Church.

3 Nephi 5:13 - Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life."

Elder Jones

"The law of witness is a spiritual gift. 

Pray together for inspiration, guidance, and the Spirit. 

Information leads to inspiration."

Elder Foster

" Family is the eternal, enduring unit.

Multi-generational families, work hard to make that happen.

Don't let the world change your view of family.

Watch the movie "Coco."

Help others see what they can't see so they can get back to Heavenly Father.

The Church has never been stronger.

If it doesn't work the first time, do it again. Sometimes miracles take time.

Bore testimony of Heavenly Father's plan.

When you take the Sacrament it's like writing His name upon your heart."

"Before Thee Lord"

Benediction - Rebecca Woods

Before we left for stake conference this morning James and I handed in our Chunky Monkey reports to Trina.

Darrel lost the most weight this week, 9 lbs. James was second with 5. James and I and several other people tied for points. We got all of them.

At stake conference we sat by the Curtis's from our ward. Diana is a Relief Society teacher and I work with the teachers. She won't be here for her next lesson on May 27th so I told her I would teach for her. The lesson is on ministering.

We had green chili burros from Burger House for lunch and then we both took a nap.

For the rest of the day I studied, worked on my blog and helped James find family information for Tina Allen. He was very happy with me!

 This is something we need to see again!

The Minnard's, one of my former

young women, Mary.

My flower is blooming!

Marissa's baby, Graham

Old-time Chandlerite,

Sister Chapman. Her

daughter works in the Snowflake

temple.

The third photo of Scarlett

sleeping this weekend. They

must have worn her out!

Gorgeous Vernon sunset

Wednesday, June 14th, 2017

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 September 2003 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 6:1-21

* How did Alma's prophetic guidance help the Nephites?

* As we seek and follow guidance from the Lord's prophets, the Lord strengthens and protects us. We will develop a shield of faith to withstand all the fiery darts of the adversary.

DC 88:36-50

36-41, All kingdoms are governed by law; 42-45, God has given a law unto all things; 46-50, Man will comprehend even God;

What should be the only reason we obey the law?

* The best reason of all is illustrated by the person who feels the desire to do right because he wants to add glory to his Father in heaven. - Elder Robert L. Simpson (DCSM, p. 200).

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Those who overcome the world develop an all-encompassing love for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His divine birth His perfect life, His infinite Atonement at Gethsemane and Golgotha assured the Resurrection of each of us. And with our sincere repentance, He alone is able to cleanse us from our sins, allowing us to return to the presence of God. 'We love Him, because He first loved us.'

Jesus said, 'Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.' Later he added, 'I will that ye should overcome the world.'"

Happy Birthday Brian and Dallin!

Of course Brian is celebrating his birthday

at the beach in San Diego.

Last year Dallin celebrated his

birthday at the cabin.

James went out to work this morning.  He struck out two times.  He had a dead battery on the Cat and he tried to use the truck battery but it wouldn't fit.  He also tried to use the tractor battery but it was dead too.

The baby bluebirds from the birdhouse were practicing their flying today.  They got as far as the railing on the deck.  

I had my Primary class party today.  James was such a help!  First he went into town and picked up the pizza and ice.  He helped with the games and then took the boys home on the Razr.  Here are some pictures from the party:

Colter, Bailey, Gracie, Zemira, Curtis, Frankie, Jace.

(Liana is by Gracie but you can't see her in this picture.)

 Liana is the third girl down the left side of the table.

Playing pin the tail on the donkey, the

game Liana brought.

Jace and Gracie

Curtis

Cup stacking contest. Some of the boys went upstairs to

play ping pong.

Zemira was really into it.

Ice cream sundaes after the pizza and games.

Jace making himself a fort.

We also played Tenzi's.

We tried to deliver Braxton his scriptures, fidget spinner, and cookies but he wasn't home.  We will try again on Sunday.

I needed a nap when everyone went home before cleaning up the mess.