Saturday, March 9th, 2019

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple 
Dedicated: 17 My 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Today's gospel study included: John 4:14; 2 Nephi 28:1-16; Mark 4:1-34; "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom" by Jeffrey R. Holland, 10/1996, and "One in Christ: by Ulisses Soares, 10/2018.

One in Christ

Ulisses Soares

"My beloved companions in the work of the Lord, I believe we can do much better and should do better in welcoming new friends into the Church. I invite you to consider what we can do to be more embracing, accepting, and helpful to them, starting this very next Sunday. Be careful not to let your Church assignments get in the way of welcoming new friends at Church meetings and activities. After all, these souls are precious before the eyes of God and are much more important than programs and activities. If we minister to our new friends with our hearts full of pure love as the Savior did, I promise you, in His name, that He will assist us in our efforts."

We left for the temple around 5:45. James was pretty "stressed out" because he wanted to leave by 5:30. We started off with a beeping noise in Sheri's van. We stopped twice to try and close the doors. The back door on the driver's side does not completely close. I wonder if it was like that when we got the van. Finally the beeping stopped and we were able to listen to two conference talks on the way over. We made it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 which was presided over by President and Sister Palmer.

One of the first people to welcome me back was Debbie Vance, my friend from Chandler. Sister Cochran and Sister Humphries also said they were glad to see me. I missed seeing Sister Bowers and Sister McCleary. Sister Bowers is taking a leave of absence. I'm not sure where Sister McCleary is.

My schedule went something like this: ASD - Assistant sealing director. I sat under the stairs in the corner at a desk and assist people when they come in to do sealings. I was only there from 7:30 - 8 and assisted three different people. I had to go up and down the stairs to the sealing room three times. Too bad I don't have my phone with me. I was also a greeter a couple of time, and worked in initiatory two times. The third time was at the end of our shift and the afternoon workers had someone to take through so I was excused early. 

I dressed and went outside to wait for James. He was at the recommend desk so I was able to tell him where I was. As I was walking around the parking lot I noticed a fellow worker, Sister Blank, who is a young adult returned missionary, sitting in her car calling someone on the phone. I didn't think too much of it until a few minutes later when a police officer showed up. I guess she had something stolen from her car. The last time I heard of this happening it was at night. This time it was done in broad daylight. We must remember to lock our cars!

On the way home I texted Max to make sure everything was okay. He said it was and that they were fine so James and I went to Walmart to pick up my thyroid prescription. While James was at the pharmacy, I walked in the McDonald's entrance and ordered him a quarter pounder and got myself an ice cream cone. He seemed very appreciative because he was quite hungry.

When we got home the boys were playing hide and go seek outside. It was great to see them doing something besides playing video games. 

I cooked steak for dinner in my cast iron skillet. James cooked some on the grill and I thought they were better. The boys were already done eating by the time the ones on the grill were done.

This evening I worked on my blog and watched the Hallmark movie, "Harvest Moon." 

The boys watched Harry Potter in the family room.

In other news, President Nelson and President Ballard were able to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican today. It is the first time a President of the Church has met with the Pope.

This little girl brings so much joy!

Sunday, September 30th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil
111th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:14-26

*What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

- Repentance leads us to Christ's grace. The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power. Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts. (p. 279-80 BMSM)
Old Testament
Isaiah 43-45
General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but you time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in you homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

Fast and Testimony meeting - James passed the sacrament. Talon is back and he blessed along with Charlie G. Seems funny not to have Jackson here. He is at the MTC in the Philippines.

Chuck conducted and offered a five point testimony: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, and today's Prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

Elder Bernecker testified that we need to be brilliant in the basics. Brother Joe W. said that the Savior's sacrifice means everything to him. James/Dad bore a five point, powerful testimony. 

Brother Burkee says that the Spirit causes people to glow. Millie S. said that when she and Brother Scott went to sacrament meeting for the first time he turned to her and said: "Millie, the people are glowing."

Brother Wallace told of having a friend here and giving him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it. He made the comment: "Don't ever run out of your Books of Mormon.

Macy W., a young woman talked about trials, trusting Heavenly Father and her parents. She said they have very little, but really, they have everything. It was great! To me, one of the most memorable testimonies born.

We sat by the Howard's. After sacrament meeting Jean asked if she could stay with me. I was supposed to go to teacher council meeting but I went to Brother Smith's Sunday School class with her instead. We talked about Isaiah.

There is a scripture that says that the Lord never wearies of us. Brother Smith asked how we felt about that and then asked if we could do the same for those in our lives.

He then related the phrase of Joseph Smith in the 131st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "O God where are thou?" Have we ever asked this question? How did we handle the situation? 

We discussed relying on the Spirit and turning things over to the Lord. "All things work together for good to those that love God."

In Relief Society Sister S. Wilhelm led the discussion on allowing others to minister to us. She had this quote on the board:

"The many missions we have in life cannot be embarked upon successfully without the help of others." 

This afternoon we broke our fast and had lunch. I finished off the Big Jake burro I got yesterday at El Cupido's. James had some leftover stew and a roll. Afterwards we laid down for a nap. We got up a little before and hopped in the car to meet Sheri and Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan in Heber. The boys are coming up here for a few days since they are on fall break.

We drove Sheri's van back to our house and she took our car home. We are going down on Thursday for appointments and will get our car back.

Since Ben is in the mission field now his P-day has changed from Tuesday to Monday so James and I emailed him before going to bed. 

We had family prayer with the boys and James told them to be in bed by 11.

 Card

Dot Journal

 A storm is definitely coming!

 They better let him have some!

I never thought Hungary was 

beautiful until now.

 Michael and Alexis went to the
Cardinals vs. Seahawks game.

So much cuteness!

So sad

While the rest of the boys were downstairs

eating grilled cheese sandwiches, Evan

was upstairs and did this.

He said he bumped his head but wouldn't

explain how.

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31
*How has the gospel of Jesus Christ brought you joy?
Talk: The Great Plan of Happiness By: Marcus B. Nash 10/06
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me joy, it has given me a sense of hope, and a desire to minister. Every hour of every day I am blessed by His gospel. Every time I look at one of my children ( I include their spouses as my children), or one of my grandchildren, every time I go to the temple with James, and he holds my hand I feel the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the treasures I have in this life that let me know of my eternity. My eternal family brings me joy. I love His perfect gospel!
Old Testament
Ruth 2
Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi - He treats Ruth kindly.
General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."

At 7:30, after my gospel study time, I made muffins to take to Sister MacArthur's house to share with her family and with Laurann, my companion.

After the muffins were done I made out a grocery list and menu plan, and then got ready to start out on my adventures for the day.

I met Laurann down by the Hunsaker's and drove her to Sister MacArthur's. Of course Laurann has her twin one year old boys and Chelsea has her 2 year old daughter Peyton and her nephew Cooper who belongs to the Umphresses. After handing out the muffins to Peyton and Cooper I asked Chelsea if I could take a picture of the mule deer mounted on her wall. I tried to tell James about it last time but I needed a picture.

Shot on Chelsea's parents ranch in Idaho.

I guess I should have taken a photo of the people, but I didn't.

We had a nice visit. Chelsea said she wanted to come and see our house and I told her just give me a warning text so I could make sure I was dressed and she could come any time. Laurann said she would like to come out and go for a walk sometime. Maybe we could walk down to "Chocolate Lake."

Just as I am getting ready to go Laurann asks me if I know Jeanne Wallen. At first she caught me off guard and then I explained how I knew her. She said her mom is best friends with Jeanne and Jeanne told her that I lived in Vernon and that I was very sweet. I told Laurann I could say the same thing about Jeanne.

I left a little after ten for my lunch appointment with my friend Pam at the Show Low hospital. Pam invited her friend and co-worker, Jennifer to join us for lunch. When I got to the checkout in the lunch line Pam swiped her badge before I had a chance to get my card out. That makes the fifth lunch in the past two weeks that I have not paid for. 

Jennifer's husband Ed had a bad accident not too long ago and has been without work. Pam got Jennifer hired at the hospital and now Ed has to have surgery and Jennifer will have insurance to cover it. Jennifer also has a 15 year old daughter that has a brain tumor. She needs good insurance! Pam is a saint. She also brought Jennifer to church on Sunday and Jennifer is very interested in the gospel.

I so much enjoyed my lunch with these two sweethearts, plus I got all three of my veggie servings!

Next stop, grocery shopping at Walmart, with my calculator because I am trying to stay within my budget of $200. I had to eliminate some of the things from my list, but my total was under $200 at $197.

When I got home James was putting shutters on the house. He had made them and painted them while I was gone. I'm glad I wasn't here to see him put them on the upstairs bathroom window. A picture is forthcoming when he finishes the ones for our bedroom.

I put the groceries away, rest a few minutes, and then blog and listen to President Nelson's talk from the October 1996 conference, "The Atonement." 

For dinner I bought a ready made kit made by Walmart. It had pulled pork, country style beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was delicious. I especially loved the beans. 

I finished the April Ensign today, read to James from "Stars Above Northumberland", and listened to Robert Millett's book, "The Atoning One," chapters 6 "On Calvary's Cross," and 7 "Infinite, Yet Intimate." I also walked a few steps.

Part of my gospel study today.

Eden and Winter

Here is the story as posted by their mom, Christina:

Evan and his "little brother," Oliver.

It's so nice that Oliver likes this.

What's he thinking here?

My friend Taylor looks beautiful

in her new glasses.

Those were the days!

Duddings were members of our ward.

It's changing hearts that makes a difference.

Thursday, November 16th, 2017

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement

Mosiah 14:6

All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.

Book of Mormon

4 Nephi 1:1-22

What is the key to avoiding contention?

President Russell M. Nelson described the source of the great peace that was described in 4 Nephi: "Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: "There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people" (4 Ne.1:15). Love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne. 12:9). Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Phillipians 4:7), be your, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:37

Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"Being a person of integrity simply means your intentions, as well as your actions, are pure and righteous in all aspects of your life, both in public and in private. With each decision we make, we either merit more of God's trust or diminish His trust. The principle is perhaps most clearly manifest in our divinely appointed responsibilities as parents." 

There were six bunnies outside on the grass this morning with their thick winter fur. The high today is going to be 68. 

James caught two more mice this morning. He is keeping track and says the is close to 100 for the year. 

I had 5,000 steps by 8:30 this morning. I have set a goal to break my record and get at least 17,000 steps for the day. I would have had this record by 8 a.m. but instead I read a chapter from "Once an Heiress" to James. 

James decides he needs to go to town and wants me to go too. I drop everything and go. He goes to Home Depot while I am at Walmart. My main focus was to get James some more shakes and some Christmas tags for my blanket packages. Jared called me while I was shopping in Walmart and we had a nice visit.

On the way home we stopped at Taco Bell. I got a taco salad which was quite tasty. I did not eat the shell which is where most of the calories are.

James put up the Christmas tree this evening as he promised he would. Three strings of lights are not working so we have that to deal with before we can decorate it. 

We sat down to watch our new season 3 of Heartland only to find out that all but four episodes were ones we had seen in season 2. What's going on?

I am so excited! I got 20,000 steps today the most ever!

Woohoo!

Love the Vernon skies!

Hard at work.

Congratulations to Jillie and her husband

Eloise Phoebe. They call her Ellie.

Grandma Cici with Cora and Graham.

Speaking of grandkids here are a couple 

of my cuties: Lola

Ruby

Ro, Evan, Josh 3 years ago

Gotta love those Russian architects

Cute kitty