Monday, July 23rd, 2018

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Ephesians 3:9

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

*What things does Alma ask Helaman to teach the people? Why are those things important?

- In Alma 37:33-47 we see the same counsel most of our Fathers have tried to teach us. The basics beginning with repentance, and faith in our Savior...to be humble, fight temptation and don't be weary in good works. Prayer is big on the list.."Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good."

Verse 33 "Teach the an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity." Stan wraps sin in colorful wrapping paper and gently whispers to us that every one loves his presents and we will be happier once we open his presents. Alma is using the strongest words he knows to warn his son of the dangerous traps of sin. It is the difference between a life of freedom or slavery. Alma teaches Helaman the answers to all of life's questions. "Look to God and live." 

Old Testament

Nehemiah 4-6

4 The Jews' enemies seek to prevent them from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - Nehemiah arms the laborers and keeps the work progressing.

5 Many Jews are in bondage to their fellow Jews - At Nehemiah's direction they are freed, their lands are restored, and the taking of usury is discontinued.

6 Sanballat engages in intrigue against Nehemiah and the building of the wall - The Jews finish the construction of the wall.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Said the Prophet Joseph Smith: 'It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of - a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given.' And so it is today. Sacred covenants and ordinances, not available anywhere else, are received in 159 holy houses of the Lord in 43 countries. Promised blessings come through restored priesthood keys, doctrine, and authority, reflecting our faith, obedience, and the promises of His Holy Spirit to us in our generations, in time and eternity."

FHE:

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children."

  

Happy 17th Birthday Summer!

Summer got her birthday card from us,
but Molly didn't. We mailed them together.

Jared frosting Summer's cake.
Is that Coolwhip or whipped cream Jared?

 Looks delicious! We used to also make a chocolate
cake with bananas and Coolwhip.

Cute picture!

After James left for the Howard's today I decided to work on my blog and then get out some framed family photographs and make an arrangement on the wall in the hallway. Before I started on my blog I called Sister Scott to see if she would be willing to loan her wheelchair to Sister Peeler. She was more than happy to do so and said she had already made the offer but Brother Peeler had turned it down. I told her I didn't think he would turn it down this time because Sister Peeler had told me she wanted it.

As I sat down at the computer the phone rang. It was my friend Jean. She wanted to know if I was going to the valley tomorrow. I told her I hadn't planned on it. She has a doctor's appointment and her husband wants to stay here and help James with the remodeling he is doing on their house. Jean had severe injuries that will not allow her to drive herself. I told her that I would be glad to take her. She seemed excited. 

Jean and her husband Tom came over this morning to look at our wood flooring since they need to pick some out for their remodeling. They loved our house, especially the logs. Tom said he hasn't seen a better house up here. Well, it's not fancy but it is rustic and we love it too.

James left with Tom and Jean to go into Home Depot to pick out their flooring. I stayed to get some things done and boy am I glad I did. We had the best rain storm around 1 p.m. I mean it rained hard and we even got some hail. So much for the weather report that said 20 % chance!

I have had a guitar in the hall closet for a long time. I finally took it out today and put a picture of it on Facebook asking who it belonged to. Stacy said she didn't know but Michael said it was there. He was ready to give it to Joseph. Jared Ammon said it was worth what it would take to fix it and Dallin made some comment I didn't fully understand. Come to find out, the guitar belongs to Stacy, according to Paul that is. She didn't remember. Since Talon played the guitar in church on Sunday I thought maybe Andy, his younger brother, might like a guitar for his birthday. Oh well, it was a nice thought. Nobody would have even known if I hadn't said anything and just gave it to him.

Stacy's guitar. I want to her her play it.

Since I thought I was going to the valley tomorrow with my friend Jean I decided to go grocery shopping this afternoon. We are having the Peeler's over this week for dinner, either Wednesday or Thursday, and I want to be prepared. Just before I left for town Jean called and said Tom had decided to go down with her. I guess their granddaughter wants them to come and stay with her. I went to town anyway.

This evening I read to James, finished my steps and a Christmas movie and then we sat down and listened to President Nelson's conference talk on revelation.

First Day of School in Chandler

Max is a freshman in high school this year.

He just turned 15 and will be going to

Chandler High.

 Evan is in 6th grade and so is Joshua.

They both go to Hancock Elementary.

This will be their last year there.

Posted by Christina, Rebecca's daughter

 This photo came up today and I just had to post it

again. This is President Shumway and his wife.

He is my favorite stake president of all time.

Floating market in Indonesia.

I love the colors and design.

Monday, April 30th, 2018

Accra, Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

John 13:21

When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 19:25-20:11

* Why did the Lord let Limhi's people end up in bondage?

- sue_heugly: There are two kinds of bondage: The self-inflicted kind from poor choices and iniquity, and the kind that comes from the consequences and choices of others. Limhi's people chose sin, which is to serve Satan. Abinadi warned and prophesied that the people would be brought into bondage because they hardened their hearts against Abinadi's words and wouldn't repent. The dues of discipleship do not come cheap. If we want blessings and freedom from bondage, we must be loyal to God, obey his prophets, keep the commandments and remain humble, submitting our will to His. A blessing always carries with it a responsibility, and a consequence. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 4

The Israelites are smitten and defeated by the Philistines, who also capture the ark of God - Eli's sons are slain, Eli dies in an accident, and his daughter-in-law dies in childbirth.

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

"Your desire to obey will be enhanced as you remember and reflect upon what you have felt these past two days."

Rescuing Wayward Children (221) "When you are united, your power is limitless." - Gordon B. Hinckley

Russell M. Nelson:(4/99) Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women

The Atoning One Chapter 9: "Potential Perils of Grace",

Chapter 10: "The Gospel of God", Chapter 11: "Speaking of the Lord's Atonement" 

I am a little sad I finished this book today because I have really enjoyed it. Next I am going to listen to Elder and Sister Renlund's book, The Melchizedek Priesthood.

At 8 a.m. I left for town, about 20 minutes behind James. We are taking the truck and Lexy in to get new tires. James has to pay for his, I don't have to pay for mine. It's to replace the used one they put on a few days ago when I got a flat coming home from the Morrison's.

 They got our tires on in less than 30 minutes. We took a short walk and it was time to go. Next stop, Walmart, to get the oil changed in Lexy. James made the arrangements and then left. I walked down to the mailbox and mailed the note I wrote to President Shumway.

Now it's time to go in and do my weekly shopping.

I took my time shopping, calculating all my expenses. I checked out and then went to see if my car was ready. I sat in the little waiting room and watched some of Harry Potter. I could see the hood still up on Lexy so I took a spin around the store. This trip is going to be more costly than it seems because I found things to put on my wish list: Grabbit Stick, Black memory foam shoes, "Oh The Places You'll Go" Dr. Seuss book, "Coco,"the movie, and "Coco book and playset. "Star Wars 5 Minute Stories." I actually went home and used my Amazon gift card to by two of the books and the movie. I also bought the movie, "Wonder" because Stacy said it was so good. 

Two more things on my wishlist, cute photo album papers, and some new Ginger scissors.

Finally after a few more trips around the store and the passing of two hours, Lexy was finished. I paid the girl, got my report, and loaded up Lexy for home.

I got home and put everything away and sat down in my recliner wondering where James was. He came in a few minutes later with Brother Howard's Cat skidsteer on his trailer. I was watching a Hallmark movie and he sat down and finished watching it with me. 

For dinner we had cooked cabbage. For F.H.E. we listened to President Nelson's conference talk from October 1999, "A Testimony of the Book of Mormon."

James took me outside to show me how to feed the bunnies. There was a full moon behind clouds that looked rather eerie.

8th grade. Better than his dad.

These two are pretty amazing.

My rose garden.

Ready to go

The Philistines God

Christina's Post

Maybe they should have named him Harry

or Fluffy.

Daddy Daughter Super Hero Dates

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 John 3:5

Jesus Christ, Advocate
Hebrews 7:25; 924; 1 John 2:1
Alma 39:1-19
*Why are some sins more serious than others?
*What was Alma's reason for teaching Corianton the seriousness of his sin?
*Elder D. Todd Christofferson:"The invitation to repent is an expression of love....If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring" ("The Divine Gift of Repentance," Ensign, Nov. 2011, 39).
*When our sins affect others, what must we do as a part of our repentance?
*Why was the coming of Jesus Christ good news for Corianton?
DC 104:51-65
47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately; 54-66, The sacred treasury of the Lord is set up for the printing of the scriptures;
Do we have revelations today that are printed for us to learn from?
*Yes we do. A couple of examples are, "The Living Christ," and "The Family Proclamation."
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

" What we know of the nature of God the Father is mostly what we can learn from the ministry and teachings of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. One of the paramount purposes of Jesus's ministry was to reveal to mortals 'what God our Eternal Father is like,...to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven.' The Bible contains an apostolic witness that Jesus was 'the express image' of His Fathers person (Hebrews 1:3), which merely elaborates Jesus's own teaching that 'he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.' (John 14:9)."

I got up at 4 a.m. with James this morning. We had prayer and kisses before he left for the valley to finish the remodeling at the medical building at McKellips. 

As I am studying at the dining room table I look outside and four bunnies are nibbling on our grass. I think this is the reason James planted it. He also loves feeding the hummingbirds.

There is no rain but there are cool breezes and huge dark clouds. There is so much to enjoy here but it's not nearly as enjoyable without someone to share it with.

I made a daily schedule but wasn't able to stay on it. I'm tired, unmotivated and distracted. What am I to do? I know, watch Christmas movies!

Here are a few in my que: 
"I'm Not Ready for Christmas," "Christmas Melody," "Merry Matrimony," "My Christmas Dream," "Christmas List," "A Bride for Christmas," and "A Cookie Cutter Christmas."

Random Photos and Posts:

Back to school for these two cuties.

Rowan is in 5th grade and Ruby in 3rd.

Addy doesn't start until next week.

Lyman, Harold, Gary, Jack, and Ray.

I add some blueberries and Coolwhip...Delicious!

This is Christina and Winter.

Christina is Rebecca's only daughter.

The following is a story she told on Facebook.

Near Flagstaff. This reminds me of the flower

fields in Vernon.

I love cute animal photos!

Breakfast at Curtis's and Joie's

Adoption day for these three.

Curtis is probably taking the picture.

Saturday, May 20th, 2017

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 3:1-19

* Whom did the Amlicites want to be "distinguished from"?

* How might some people today distinguish themselves from the righteous through their outward appearance?

* What phrase in Alma 3:18 describes the Amlicites' actions and attitude toward God?

* Truths: Those who come out in open rebellion against God bring negative consequences upon themselves.  It we are separated from God, it is because we have separated ourselves from Him. 

* What are some ways we can show through our dress and appearance that we are disciples of Jesus Christ? (see 'For the Strength of Youth,' "Dress and Appearance".)

Ether 9

The kingdom passes from one to another by descent, intrigue, and murder; Emer saw the Son of Righteousness; Many prophets cry repentance; A famine and poisonous serpents plague the people.

DC 76:50-62

The glory and reward of exalted beings in the celestial kingdom is described;

What is meant by the Church of the Firstborn?  Those who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom are those who are members of the Church of the Firstborn; in other words, those who keep all the commandments of the Lord.

General Commandment

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"My father was the most excited among us to learn and know the truth and to share it.  He used to wake up early in the morning to study the scriptures for over two hours every day.  After work

he went with the missionaries to visit our family, friends, and neighbors nearly every day.  Seven months after we were baptized, 23 of my family and relatives became members of the Church.  That was followed by the miracle of seeing 130 people baptized in the following year through my father's member missionary work."

I spent an hour or so today recording in my study journal "The Recipe for Becoming a Celestial Person" as recorded in DC 76.

I also studied the Living Christ today.  I have about half of it memorized.  I am really enjoying reading the scriptures regarding Jesus in the topical guide.  I am grateful for this guidance and suggestion from President Nelson.

James and I finished reading "Go Set a Watchman."  I can't say I really enjoyed it because there was just too much foul language. 

I did some sweeping outside this afternoon and realized that we have an ant problem.  They were all over the patio and climbing up the tree on the deck.  I got out my trusty spray and got rid of many of them.

James and I are so concerned about our grandchildren right now.  Many of them have lost their testimonies.  We spoke with one today that read a book that convinced him that the God we believe in can't be real.  He wants us to read the book, so I ordered it.  I don't think I will read it, but James wants too.  The sad thing is this book was written by an LDS man.  I feel the need to encourage my grandchildren to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truth.  This grandson said he would read the Book of Mormon.  Now if we can only get him to pray too.  The influence of Satan is so strong in the world right now.  It is going to take a great effort on our part to pass the gospel legacy on to our grandchildren. Weekly temple attendance is a must!

On a lighter side,  I enjoyed this post by Christina, Rebecca and Brent's daughter. Eden is her three year old daughter.

This puts a smile on my face.

I had lunch with my friend Pam yesterday, not even realizing that today is her birthday.  I guess lunch will be on me next time.  

Addy said she would be happy to do the baptism for Clydia Strickland.  Darrel and Trina said they would take her to do it.  I am hoping I can find some more names for her to take.

James is so upset about our water problem.  He says the well runs constantly.  He called and talked to Brent today because Brent installs sprinklers for a living.  Brent gave James some things to try, and he has determined there is a leak somewhere around the patio.  He is going to have to dig up the grass area, and maybe even take some bricks out of the patio.  Not a happy camper.  He just dealt with this kind of thing in Chandler when he was putting in the Jiminez's water line.  Plumbing problems are the worst!

If I had this tree in my yard I would

think I had died and gone to heaven.

I typed James's lesson quotes for him and worked on my Primary lesson this evening.  Oh, by the way, I have a new favorite drink.  It is one juiced orange in a glass of diet 7-Up with ice.  Delicious!

I love the look on Lois's face in this picture.

This is Teresa's son, Jack.  Teresa says they

really like each other and there is 80 years

between them.

This is where Trina and Darrel went

last year with Trina's brothers and sisters.