Thursday, April 4th, 2019

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 20:21

Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 1:15-2:8

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-13; Luke 9:28-36 BD: Transfiguration

General Conference

Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Wherever you are on this earth, there are plenty of opportunities to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

We sold another of our proper romance novels, "Seeking Persephone." We have two more books pending sale - "Friends and Foe", and "Founding Brothers."

We left for the valley a little before 9 this morning. We stopped in Show Low and picked up the wheel and tire James took to Cat and took it to Robert's Tire to be fixed and we will pick it up tomorrow on our way home from the valley.

We made on stop in Globe on our way. The first thing we wanted to do was cash the check James got for a book he returned. We stopped at the Chase bank on Pecos and Arizona Avenue. James went in and came out to announce that this wasn't a full bank anymore. They would not cash his check. He had to deposit it and then get cash out.

We met Sheri, Kim, and Stacy at the Cafe Rio on Chandler Blvd. 

James and I both got chicken quesadillas. Stacy ate half of mine and then she got an individual key lime pie which we shared. Sheri got the chicken toastada and Kim did not eat. The purpose of the lunch was to plan the time, place, and menu for our Easter potluck. We determined to have it at Sheri's at noon on Saturday. Sunday won't work because Sheri and Ian go to Ian's parents on Sunday. Monte is having surgery on the 19th in the Chandler hospital and we are going to invite his family over for dinner so that's why we are having it at Sheri's instead of Darrel and Trina's. 

After lunch James and I went to Terry and Cathi's to visit his mom. Rebecca was also there and she and Cathi were doing some painting. Lois seemed to be in a good mood and we had a nice visit. She is very happy at Cathi and Terry's. She will go home on the weekend when Dawn is home. 

James is doing a little repair job for our friends Reed and Janis. We stopped by to visit them. James served with Reed in a bishopric and I served with Janis in a Relief Society presidencies. We love them and are so grateful for their example and friendship. James is coming back next week to begin work on the roof on their patio.

When we finally got to Darrel and Trina's, Darrel was gone to pick up Ruby at dance. Trina was at work, Rowan was outside with friends and Lola was watching "My Little Ponies" on the TV. 

We unloaded our stuff into our new room and new bed. We are sleeping in Trina's craft room. After unloading we got in the car and drove to Jersey Mike's for dinner.

James took the car to Erik's to have him look at it. The check engine light has been on for a long time but recently it has started blinking and the car is idling very rough. 

Erik determined there was something wrong with the coils. He and James thought maybe there were some wires chewed in two by mice. James came home and will check it out in the morning before going back to see Erik.

I played Rummicub with Addy and Ruby. Addy won.  When James returned we went for a walk around the green belt in front of Darrel and Trina's before going to bed. 

Getting in to bed was a little difficult because the bed is so high but it was worth it because it was very comfy. There is no fan in the room yet so I opened both windows. Poor James, he got cold during the night but never closed a window. I finally got up and closed one of them.

Nothing like a good nap.

 James showing his baby bunnies to Rebecca

and Cathi.

Scarlett trying out the dryer.

Two of my favorite Hallmarkies.

 Darrel and Trina's new home.

Ollie after his summer haircut.

 If I took the time to make these I would

never allow anyone to eat them. I would

frame them and hang them on the wall.

Tuesday, January 8th, 2019

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Psalms 2:7

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

* The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi. Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

New Testament

Matthew 1; Luke 1; Who were Matthew and Luke?

General Conference

Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"A husband and wife who have consistently and happily followed the counsel of the Brethren in their lives were grieved by the difficulty they experienced in having children. They expended substantial funds working with competent medical professionals, and, after a time, they were blessed with a son. Tragically, however, after only about a year, the baby was the victim of an accident that we no one's fault but that left him semicomatose, with significant brain damage. He has received the best of care, but doctors cannot predict how things will unfold going forward. The child this couple worked and prayed so hard to bring into the world has in a sense been taken away, and they don't know if he will be returned to them. They struggle now to care for the baby's critical needs while meeting their other responsibilities. In this supremely difficult moment, they have turned to the Lord. They rely on the daily bread they receive from Him. They are aided by compassionate friends and family and strengthened by priesthood blessings. They have drawn closer to one another, their union perhaps now deeper and more complete than might otherwise have been possible."

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Bishop Dean M. Davies

" As with the early Saints, so it is with us today: the Lord has revealed and continues to reveal to the President of the Church the patterns by which the kingdom of God is to be directed in our day. And, at a personal level, he provides guidance as to how each of us should direct our lives, such that our conduct may likewise be acceptable to the Lord."

Nothing to eat or drink since midnight, not even an Icebreaker. 

Trina was juicing celery this morning in the kitchen for Darrel to take to work with him. I told the story of how when I first got arthritis a friend convinced me that if I drank fresh carrot juice it would help my arthritis. I drank so much carrot juice I turned orange. I told Ruby if she turned green like the Grinch I would know it was because she drank too much celery juice. 

We arrived at Dr. Shah's office right on time at 8:50. The first thing the receptionist asked me was for payment. I told her I had registered for Care Credit and was accepted so she ask for my card. I went out to the car and got the information I had but there was no card. This is becoming an embarrassing situation. The girl behind Dr. Shah's desk got Care credit on the line. I guess they had tried to send my card but they sent it to our physical address instead of our mailing address. They took the block off my account and everything was okay. 

My surgery was over before I knew it. I remember them taking me back and hooking me up to everything and Dr. Shah and the girls talking about snow because I told them there was two foot of snow where I live. The next thing I heard was, "Karen, we're all done." One of the girls took me back for an x-ray and then I was leaving with James. On the way out the doctors says, we got close to your sinus so no sneezing or blowing your nose until you two week appointment. I laughed and he said, no, I am serious.

We got back to Trina's and I realized my glass case had fallen out of my purse. James turned around and went back to get them, about 30 miles round trip. He also bought me mashed potatoes from Boston Market. I am supposed to be eating soft foods. I also had some yogurt, ice cream, a shake, and some pudding. 

I accidentally sneezed and it started some bleeding at the sight. Trina gave me some gauze and told me to bite down on it for 30 minutes which I did, and the bleeding stopped. 

James took a nap and we were on our way home. We stopped at McDonald's in Globe for ice cream but their ice cream machine is still broken.

We stopped to pick up Lyrica at the CVS in Show Low for James. The clerk said $406.27 and James handed him the credit card. I said, you do know what he said don't you? He says yes, $4.27. No, the clerk said, "$406.27. James says, "Oh, never mind." 

I sure hope he is ok without it.

So much of the snow has melted. Now we have mud and big puddles. Two bull elk run in front of us just before we turn to go up our hill. 

Once we get everything unloaded and put away James works on the book business while I work on my blog. We picked up a book James had ordered from the post office. Our goal is to post 100 books a month.

 Showing a little shoulder while she sleeps.

 Ruby almost ready for school.

She needs her shoes and her unicorn backpack.

Lola is almost ready too. She loves to walk

around brushing her teeth.

 Jackson's friend got a coatimundi.

Very rare in Arizona.

 James accidentally bought an ebook.

Thank goodness they refunded our money.

Cathi loves the beasts and the children.

Thursday, April 26th, 2018

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

*What take away is there knowing that Abinadi sacrificed his life and only had one convert? 

- sue_heugly: "Abinadi stood against the trends and standards of his society. His osition was not popular or well received and led to his death. Abinadi's words fell on mostly deaf ears yet that 'one conversion of Alma had a lasting impact on Nephite society for over 500 years and is still impacting millions today. Alma's outspoken defense of Abinadi forced him to flee for his life. His secret proselyting ventures back into the city of Nephi ultimately led to the conversion of 450 souls who were willing to leave their homes and society and depart into the wilderness. Without Abinadi's story, the Book of Mormon would lack continuity, and a major part of the books' message would be missing.

Abinadi: Prophet and Martyr...lds.org.

Old Testament

Ruth 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife - Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"May we show our gratitude and love for God by ministering with love to our eternal sisters and brothers."

I love Emily Watts. Heard her speak

at BYU Women's Conference a few

years back. She is both spiritual and

hilarious.

"It is in commitment to true principles, combined with self-discipline, that true greatness lies." - President N. Eldon Tanner

New Era: "Getting to Know the Savior" 'As you learn about Jesus Christ, you invite His peace and presence into your life.'

I thought this was interesting regarding the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. This comes from the Old Testament Student Manual, Volume I, 264:

"The book of Ruth contains one of the most beautiful stories ever written. Despite being set in a day when political chaos and moral degeneracy existed in parts of the land, this story contains not a single demeaning feature and is uplifting and heartwarming. The following are examples of quiet devotion and obedience from this story:

1. Ruth's marriage to Mahlon led to her conversion from the Moabite to the Israelite way of life.

2. Ruth's choice to remain with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, is an example of selfless concern for others.

3. The acts of kindness exhibited by Ruth and Boaz had a positive effect on those around them.

4. Ruth's virtue and integrity impressed the noble Boaz, and he was honorable in his relation to her, showing willingness to assume family responsibility.

5. The union of Boaz and Ruth produced a royal posterity from whom came King David and eventually Jesus Christ.

"No virtues in the perfection we strive for are more important than integrity and honesty. Let us then be complete, unbroken, pure, and sincere, to develop in ourselves that quality of soul we prize so highly in others." 

The Book of Ruth, even though it is only 4 chapters, was so refreshing after reading about Samson.

FYI: I have lost 11 lbs. since the first of April. Now I am in this Chunky Monkey competition and the weight is coming off a little slower. 

We have been praying in conjunction with going to the temple, to receive further light and knowledge as to how we can help our families realize the blessings of the gospel and the temple. We also want to find ways to create greater family unity. As I was praying and pondering this morning an idea came to me. We should have a couples retreat with all of our children and their spouses. The purpose would be to create greater family unity and a better support system. We would focus on Faith, Family, and Fun. When I told James about it he thought it was a great idea. Now I just have to get the kids on board and start planning, and decide on a date.

James went to town and came home and made a set of shutters and put them up all before noon. The shutters just give a finishing touch to the front of the house (cabin).

James went to town for a tractor part. He came back, put it on, and the tractor still doesn't work. 

Cathi texted and wanted to know where Burger House was. We told her it but she thought it was in Globe. Luckily they saw it when they went through Miami. They are bringing up burros for dinner.

I worked about five hours cleaning house before our company got here. I finished upstairs and even polished the floor. Then I came down and polished the floor and vacuumed and dusted in the family/living room. When everything was done and after lunch I went in and took a whirpool bath. I felt soo good. I got over 8,000 steps just cleaning.

I listened to President Nelson's talk "A New Harvest Time."
From 'Rescuing Wayward Children':

The Language of Priesthood Power

"To accomplish most things in life, mankind must exert physical effort, whereas God works by faith and the power of words." -Bruce R. McConkie

Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady got here around 3 pm. Dave's main concern was getting Laura settled with her oxygen. Her level went down to 83 when it should be 99.  Cathi, Laura and I talked around the entry table for awhile and then moved to the more comfortable furniture in the family room. I have missed visiting with my dear sisters!

James took Dave and Terry for a Razr ride to look for wildlife and antlers. They only saw two deer. 

We really enjoyed our burros from Burger House for dinner.

I took a long walk outside before bedtime. Laura and Dave slept on the recliners in the family room because Laura needs to sit up while she sleeps and Terry and Cathi slept upstairs in Sheri and Ian's room. Poor Lady is almost totally blind. She slept on Cathi and Terry's bed.

Cathi brought these and I think I 

ate almost the entire bag.

Monte's kids Kaytlynn and Zach. Kaytlynn

came to support Zach at his track meet.

He is quite the shotput thrower just

like his dad was.

Carter and Shayna took Alex on a

roadtrip to Yosemite for his birthday.

This is one of the pictures he posted.

Scarlett watching TV at Lolly and Pop's

(Kacey and Jared's)

Kate with Prince Louis Arthur Charles

Elder R and Ricky. Those were the days.

Teacher walkout today in Arizona

Our friends the Ellsworth's from Chandler are

both teachers at Chandler High School.

Brother Pace and his daughter Chelsea were

at the strike at the Arizona Capitol.

Marcy

  

Sunday, March 4th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4-5 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

1Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

*How do you talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?

Old Testament

Numbers 10-11

10 Silver trumpets are used to call assemblies and to blow alarms - The cloud is taken from the tabernacle, and the children of Israel march forth in their prescribed order - The ark of the covenant goes before them in their journeyings.

11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel - Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna - Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone - He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him - The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites - The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp -Israel is provided with quail - The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die. 

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:12

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There may be many things about life that are beyond your control. But in the end, you have the power to choose both your destination and many of your experiences along the way. It is not so much your abilities but your choices that make the difference in life."

The following people bore their testimonies in our fast and testimony sacrament meeting this morning: Bishop Miller, Stefani H., Sister Miller, Sister Allen, Brother Allen, Sister Beard, Brother Scott, Brother Reynolds, Brother Secard, Jace A., Sister Goodman, Sister Crane, Brother Peeler, Jackson A., and children from Primary: Colter, Benson, Liana, unknown boy, Brooks, Chloe.

Attending my Primary class today: Colter, Liana, and Andyn. Missing: Amaron, Gracie who is sick, and Jace. My goal is to visit Jace this week and give him an assignment for next week.

Our lesson today was:"Jehovah makes Covenants with Abraham."

Colter said he read about Abraham and Isaac in his Old Testament Scripture Stories book so I let him tell the story although it is not included in our lesson today. 

Liana and Andyn both did their newsletters and got to choose a prize but they didn't want anything I have. Liana asked me to bring the old prizes I used to have in the bigger basket. I will and I will get some new ones when I go shopping at Walmart this week.

Colter really wants the Rubiks Cube but he does not want to do his paper. He wants me to give him the Rubis Cube and then he will do the paper. I told him it didn't work that way. 

Sister Skousen did singing time today. Sister Hall was not here. The first song we sang is a golden oldie, "Give Said the Little Stream."

We also sang, "I Am a Child of God," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and of course, "Once There Was a Snowman."  

During Sister Hunsaker's sharing time we sang, "Do As I'm Doing." Sister Analee chose the closing song, "Search, Ponder, and Pray."

We only had six children in sharing time. It is much less noisy but I miss the little children in junior Primary. Children in senior Primary: Zemira, Curtis, Christian who is Sister Skousen's grandson visiting from Lakeside, Colter, Andyn, and Liana.

Andyn and Liana help me carry my things to the car. Colter is still begging for the Rubiks Cube. I told him if he finished his paper at home he could call me and I would bring it to him. That did not happen.

It was so windy today. My hair was blowing straight up in the air. 

We broke our fast about 45 minutes early at my request. I had a cheese crisp, cereal and yogurt. James had a cheese crisp and Hormel chili with a hotdog. 

We took our naps and then I got up and got dressed because bishop is coming home teaching around 3. I listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "Three Sisters." I was working on my blog when the doorbell rang.

The bishop brought Andyn with him. We talked a little bit about our Primary lesson today so I asked her what three of the things were that we inherit from Abraham. She said, Priesthood, Promised Land, and Posterity. I love this girl!

The bishop read 2 Nephi 31:13 and we discussed what it means to be a hypocrite. We talked about the story Elder Holland told in his conference talk about the priest who wasn't living all that he believed. We decided we were all hypocrites in one way or another but what makes the difference is if we are repenting and trying to do better and how we feel in our hearts.

I got Andyn a bag and told her to take some candy home to her family, which she did. 

Our Book of Mormon reading today was: 2 Nephi 25:14-26. Along with this reading I also read to James Elder Bruce R. McConkie's talk: "What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace." 

Sheri made arrangements for her boys to come home with James when he goes down on March 14th.

We read by the fire from "Life Everlasting". James is tired and hurts and wants to go to bed but I am trying to do my weekly planning. I finally cave. He won't go to bed without me.

Cathi embracing her short, curly hair.

One of those old houses I would love

to explore.

I would like to explore this castle but

I'm not sure how to get there. Do

you see a road?

What's left of our beautiful tree.

Friday, September 22nd, 2017

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 March 1999

By: President Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Deuteronomy 5:24

And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man,, and he liveth.

Helaman 7:13-8:10

*When have you raised your voice in support of the living prophet?

-Some of my thoughts: "By my sustaining vote in General Conference, by listening to their counsel and trying to follow it, bearing testimony and standing as a witness. I try to remember them in my prayers and speak out against those who are critical of them.

DC 138:1-10

*How can pondering the scriptures be a prerequisite to receiving revelation?

-Revelations come to those who are prepared spiritually and mentally. "When we are relaxed in a private room we are susceptible to revelation. My best thoughts come in the morning when I am relaxed and thinking about the duties of the day." -President David O. McKay.  Studying and pondering the scriptures prepares one's mind and heart to receive the things of the Spirit. Under those conditions one can be taught from on high.

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"If we let the Lord know in our morning prayers that we are ready, He will call on us to respond. If we respond, He will call on us time and time again and we will find ourselves on what President Monson calls 'the Lords errand.' We will become spiritual first responders bringing help from on high."

"Following gospel standards and keeping the commandments set us apart as true disciples of Christ. When we make that step to go from good to even better, we truly please our Father in Heaven. We need to rely on Jesus Christ and the power of His Atonement to improve at least a little bit each day. There are no fence-sitters in the gospel. We are either moving forward or falling back, and the idea of 'I'm doing well enough right now' will inevitably cause us to fall back." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

The Church, because of some generous donors, was able to acquire the printers manuscript of the Book of Mormon from the Community of Christ Church for $35 million.  

The inauguration was held for the 17th BYU-Idaho President. President Henry B. Eyring formally installed his son, Henry J. Eyring.

Trump declares disaster in Puerto Rico and makes more federal funds available.

The Church is grieving the deaths of several LDS during the recent quakes in Mexico while providing temporal and spiritual support.

I had lunch at my friend Pam's today. I am her visiting teacher and she invites me to lunch. She made the most delicious minestrone soup. After we finished eating we went to visit Mary C. who is my visiting teaching companion. We came away from the visit trying to figure out how we could help Mary. She has four small children at home and one of them is a little boy who has autism. He does not sleep well at night and is quite a handful during the day. Mary is exhausted and we feel like she could use some help. I am going to talk to the Relief Society president and see what can be done.

While I was making egg salad sandwiches for our potluck at the temple tomorrow James went on a Razr ride down to Chocolate Lake. He ran out of gas. I had to stop what I was doing and take him some gas. Oh the things we do for those we love.

We watched Heartland, "Sweethearts of the Rodeo."

This is Frankie, she is a handicapped goat

taken care of by "Goats of Anarchy."

Dallin with choir backup. I think Joe is in the choir.

Primary booklets to be given out at the end

of the year. A page summary of each lesson.

An example of one of the pages.

This month's visiting teaching handout.

The purple case is a sewing kit that goes

with the scripture: "Our hearts knit together

in unity and love." -Mosiah 18:21

Paul, Stacy and Joshua at Disney's

Splash Mountain.

Stained glass windows at the San Antonio temple.

This photo was taken by Jared Lambson.

Cathi and Terry in Salt Lake for

the family history conference.

Cathi and Terry on their wedding day.

Arizona Highways