Sunday, March 31st, 2019

Cebu City, Phillipines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Jacob 4:5,11

Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten. 

Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Omni 1:1-11

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review: Matthew 14-15; Mark 6-7; John 5-6

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"My dear brothers and sisters, the assaults of the adversary are increasing exponentially, in intensity and in variety. Our need to be in the temple on a regular basis has never been greater. I plead with you to take a prayerful look at how you spend your time. Invest time in you future and in that of your family. If you have reasonable access to a temple, I urge you to find a way to make an appointment regularly with the Lord - to be in His holy house - then keep that appointment with exactness and joy. I promise you that the Lord will being the miracles He knows you need as you make sacrifices to serve and worship in His temples."

Today was our fast and testimony meeting because for the next two weeks we have General and stake conference. I bore my testimony. I felt prompted to tell about the feelings I had yesterday in the celestial room of the temple when Holly and Charlie embraced for such a long time. I said I thought was how it was going to be when we meet our loved ones in Heaven.

The second hour Bishop Miller talked to us about finances. He said all bishops were instructed to do so by the First Presidency because of the financial status of so many members. It was quite sobering as James and I realized how ill prepared we really are for retirement. The only way for us to go is up. 

Sister Barton, a 90 year old member of our ward who lost her home in the Paradise, California fire, bore her testimony and talked about how she used to be a Baptist. She said there were lots of great baptists, and that John was one. Somehow that just struck me funny. I tried not to laugh out loud because after all, we were in sacrament meeting.

After the block we had a family history meeting where Brother Curtis went over a list that the bishop provided and each consultant was given some people to work with, except for Ty and Sister Klug who were not here.

James got a text from his sister Dawn. His mom was back in the hospital for back pain. She will probably go home tomorrow as soon as they get her blood pressure under control.

I had my quarterly ministering interviews today. I spoke or texted with everyone except Sister Deatherage. She is my ministering sister so I pretty much know that she has not visited. Besides, she has also been ill.

Today is the 20th anniversary of my mom's death. Stacy always remembers. She posted this on Facebook:

Snow White

Mickey Mouse

Trident original flavor gum

blue green eye shadow

leather purse

yummy food'unforgettable laugh

Can't believe it's been 20 years

Love you Gramma

Charlie loves books for many reasons

Scarlett is ready for Sunday photos!

 

Such a cute girl!

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

DC 138:35

And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 11:1-17

*How can we keep our ears and hearts open to the whisperings of the Spirit?

-We need to provide the opportunity for the Spirit to speak to us. 

We need to slow down and not be in such a hurry to move on to the next thing, especially while praying, that we don't stop to listen. We also need to have open hearts where we can be ready to hear the Spirit's promptings and focus on what is really important. 

When we turn ourselves completely to Christ it seems we understand and witness of Him on a higher level. The people turned their eyes, ears, faces and hearts to heaven. They stretched forth their hands to Christ. They bowed in worship at His feet. They were still. The key to keeping our ears and hearts open to the whisperings of the Spirit is to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10).

Book of Mormon #2

Jacob 5

Old Testament

Jeremiah 43-45

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, and the Savior's healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope."

I was up at 3 am. I could't sleep and I hated wasting time. I think it's because I took Tramadol a little later than normal yesterday. The doctor always asks me if it makes me drowsy, but it has the opposite effect on me.

The first thing I try to do when I get up is think about yesterday and repent of those things I did wrong. That's what I did today. I plan my day and try to remember to record when I felt the Spirit.

Next I get my bowl of cereal and read from the Book of Mormon while I eat. I love the challenge President Nelson gave us to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Every time I read I get something new out of the experience.

Hurricane Michael wrecked so much havoc in Florida and now there is supposedly another one coming. It was supposed to rain here today but it didn't. Maybe tomorrow.

I read a great article in the New Era today called, "The Why and How of Living the Gospel" Here are some notes:
Why 
W - Worship, Worthiness, Word of God
H - Health, Hope, Happiness.
Y - Yearning, Yoked with Christ, Youth, You.
How
H - Hearken, Holy Ghost, Humility.
O - Obey, Ordinances, Offer.
W - Works, Witness, Walk with God.

I made a trip to town this morning. My first stop was Chase bank to deposit the check from National Turf. I went inside, something I don't ordinarily do. 

Next stop was Walmart. As I was waiting in line to check out I called Mountain Thai and discovered they were closed on Monday's. I told Jean and she said to get her a sandwich at Firehouse because that is where I was going anyway to get sandwiches for Anthony, James and Tom.

I delivered the sandwiches to James and went home to unload my groceries. As I was unloading I was feeling bad about not getting Jean her soup so I invited her over to watch a Hallmark movie with me. She is supposed to stay down and keep her leg elevated and I knew she could do that here in one of our recliners. 

No problems on the way over to Jean's but the last leg of the trip coming back seemed awfully rough. About a mile from home I stopped and checked my tires. Sure enough, the front one on the driver's side was flat. I made an unwise decision and drove the rest of the way home on it. I called James and told him about it and he was a little upset with me. He said if I ruined the rim it was cost $700. Yikes! I said a little prayer that I had not ruined the rim.

The rim isn't ruined but the tire sure is..

Jean and I watched "Country Wedding," one of my favorite Hallmark movies. She says she likes country movies so I gave her Season 1 and Season 2 of "Heartland" to watch. 

Tom came to pick up Jean and James and I jumped in the backseat of their truck and drove to the Elkins' to look at the gate and fence. Tom was impressed. He wants to build one like it at his place.

Tom dropped us off at the bottom of our hill and we walked up the road. He was going to take us all the way home and we said no, we wanted the steps. 

For FHE we watched President Faust's YouTube presentation, "Voice of the Spirit." Afterwards we did another training session for our book arbitrage business.

I watched part of DWTS. Tonight is Disney night, my favorite night. Disney advertised three new movies coming out this winter:
"The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," "Mary Poppins" and a new Wreck it Ralph movie. I would like to see the first two but have no interest in Wreck it Ralph.

She is one happy baby!

Prayer book, Book of Mormon, 

and journal. My three books.

I just can't get enough!

Teacup kitty

Bubbles!

Charlie got a bouncer!

 There is something I love about geometric shapes

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

*Nehor used flattery and false doctrine to attract followers and attack the church of God. His teachings were popular because they excused sin in the name of religion. He encouraged wickedness, rationalizing that in the end all men should have eternal life regardless of their personal behavior. Elder L. Tom Perry:

"Nehor's words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right."

Verse 16 states that priestcraft was 'preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor.' Do we have people doing this today?

*The record states that Gideon "was an instrument in the hands of God" (Alma 1:8). When confronted by Nehor's false teachings, Gideon admonished Nehor "with the words of God (Alma 1:7). As a result, Gideon was slain for defending the faith. 

How do you defend your faith?

Old Testament

2 Samuel 5-6

5 All Israel anoints David king - He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord - He conquers the Philistines.

6 David takes the ark to the city of David - Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies - David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label. It is a divine power held in trust to use for the benefit of God's work for his children. We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not 'the priesthood.' It is not appropriate to refer to 'the priesthood and the women.' We should refer to 'the holders of the priesthood and the women.'"

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: 

We must teach our children that God's commandments 

are patterns for safe and happy living.

Worth the Wrestle, 14:

"The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; (Alma 12:11).

In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth - and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

-Sheri Dew

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood:

Chapter 13, Prinicple #5

A Priesthood Holder's Identity Becomes Christlike

Truman G. Madsen, The Prophet Joseph Smith

Lecture 5

Joseph and the Kirtland Temple

After my study time this morning I started dinner for the Scott's. 

I put out two dozen rolls to rise and made a stew and put it in the crockpot. Later on I made an Olive Garden salad.

My day is pretty predictable. I walked, rested, blogged, budgeted and took a whirpool bath. Before leaving for the Scott's a little after 5 I made a salad and a green smoothie for me to eat on the way to my delivery. 

Sister Hunter was at the Scott's visiting when I arrived. Brother Scott helped me carry the food in and he took the food out of my containers and put it in some of their's. He even completely washed the crockpot for me. They seemed very appreciative and Sister Scott said that I outdid myself. After saying goodbye I hurried down to the church for a meeting with Sister Applegate and Brother Reidhead to finalize our plans for the ward activity we are in charge of on June 23rd. Kerri is in the valley. She has a doctor's appointment and then she will be picking up the Burton's things in storage and bringing them back up here. Laurann is having some tests done because she has been having chest pains. We prayed for both of them.

My major assignment is to be in charge of the displays, Brother Reidhead is working with the missionaries and the family history consultants with the family history demonstration, Tamara is in charge of the food, and Kerri the children's activities.

It was a good meeting and Brother Reidhead went home to watch sick kids so his wife could come to Mutual.

Afterwards Tamara and I stayed for a presidency meeting. We planned the lessons for June and talked about ministering companionships for the young women. I need to ask Sister Thompson if she will teach Relief Society on June 10th. The lesson will be based on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Temple and Family History Work - Healing and Sealing."

I came home, took a shower so I could wash my hair, did some reading, talked to James on the phone, and went to bed.

James sent me this photo. Out with the old,

in with the new. Golf cart path that is.

Congratulations Cash for making it into

National Junior Honor Society!

These guys look like they could be

from Vernon.

"Dancing with the Stars"

I'm watching the Athletes season right now.

Salt and Pepper or

Blackie and Whitie,

my Grandpa Strickland, who we called Grandpa Al,  

would have called the white one

Pepper and the black one Salt.

That's what he did with his own cats.

Jeffrey at Disneyland when he was four.

Such a cutie!

The beautiful Gilbert temple

Friday, December 8th, 2017

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

We learn that the Jaredites were taught the importance of humility. Modern revelation also teaches us the importance of humility: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers" (DC 112:10). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that "humility is the recognition and attitude that one must rely on the Lord's assistance to make it through life" (CR, Oct. 2004, 110).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:31-33
31 And we know also, that sanctificaton through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength
32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation;
General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"I have spoken of receiving the Savior's atoning grace to take away our sins and the stain of those sins in us. But figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood has a further meaning, and that is to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints 'through the atonement of Christ the Lord. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being. Jesus could not have atoned for the sins of others unless He Himself was sinless. Since justice had no claim on Him, He could offer Himself in our place to satisfy justice and then extend mercy. As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life."

Addy came in and gave me a hug before leaving for school. I was in Ruby's bed and Ruby was in Lola's. As the rest of the family left I unloaded their gifts and put them by their Christmas tree. 

They have a train under their tree.

This cute display is at the bottom of the

landing on their stairs.

I left for Chandler and stopped at the CVS by Kim's house to get Ben a birthday card. Afterwards I stopped by Kim's and left their gifts and took a picture of her tree with over 5,000 lights.

Her house glows when the lights are on.

I went by Sheri's and left Ben's card and picked up some cash she collected for us from Sal Jiminez. 

I got to Stacy's house around 10 a.m. We are going to the Chandler Costco to get her a tree. We also picked up 100 stamps, half for Sheri. The trees cost around $55 which is cheaper by about half than any other place around. The catch is, they don't come with a stand. Oh well, we will worry about that later. We loaded the tree into the car and just before leaving Sheri came by and bought half my stamps. Before going to Stacy's we went across Chandler Blvd. and had lunch at Olive Garden. I had my favorite dish, beef and tortellini. 

It was pretty hilarious unloading the Christmas tree at Stacy's, especially with two dogs at our feet. I said goodbye to Stacy and headed to Mesa for my infusion at 1 p.m. 

I was a little early and had to wait for 30 minutes before Barb came to get me. I was done in an hour and on my way to the Target on Longmore and Southern. I still had to get a bow for my wreath. The old one came apart and I decided we needed a new one. Of course I bought more than a bow. I can't go into a store without going over my budget.

I left the Target parking lot at 3:20 and was home in Vernon by 6:30, and that's going the Payson way with no stops, something I've never done before!

James was busy at the table doing paperwork. He carried in my two cases of DP10 and one other bag. I carried in everything else. Even after all of that, I only got 7,141 steps today. 

Finally I got to sit down and watch a movie. James got Ruth and Mel Wilhelm to work for us in the temple tomorrow. 

James joined me for the movie. We watched "Christmas Melody" starring Mariah Carey, Lacey Chabert, and Brennan Elliott. It's an old one but James had never seen it. 

Stacy's tree

Lunch with these lovely ladies 2 years ago

to celebrate Carmen's birthday. We sent Carmen

this picture.

This is a real blast from the past. A quarter pounder

now days cost more like six dollars.

I love this picture.