Friday, April 26th, 2019

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 19:7

The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

New Testament "Come Follow Me
Luke 10:25-37 How can we be better neighbors?

General Conference

Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles

Juan Pablo Villar

"Just as reading and earning about muscles is not enough to build muscle, reading and learning about faith without adding action is insufficient to build faith."

This morning I work up thinking of my neighbor Kathy Crane. Interesting how today's Come Follow Me lesson is about the Good Samaritan. I think I am feeling guilty because I have not bought any eggs from Kathy. I also woke up with the impression that I should visit the sisters I minister to and take them some bread. Most of my inspiration comes in the early hours of the morning.

Well Paul is going to Costa Rico with his boss. She chose him over several other people. I hope she doesn't think he speaks Spanish. 

We are surrounded by smoke this morning because of the brush burn. This does not make me happy. 

I buffed the wax on the floor today and I must say they look pretty good. James loves how they look. I think I put too much wax on and they are a little too shiny. I spent most of the afternoon cleaning, getting ready for Kim and Brian. They arrived at 6 pm. Grateful to be here. It's 104 degrees in the valley and they are already tired of it. 

Kim, Brian and I were watching a Hallmark Christmas movie when James came in and announced that he did not have his temple recommend. I guess it was in his wallet that he left at Darrel and Trina's.

We sold another book and made $15.63 profit. Whoopee.

We were in bed by 9:30 because we have to get up early tomorrow for our shift at the temple.

                                trade our time in Chandler for anything.

 Molly looks happy, Charlie looks a little scared.

The movie I watched with Brian and Kim.

 Giraffees are such interesting animals.

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:46-60

*What's the difference between believing and knowing?

-It is belief that pushes us forward to come to know. Knowing is when you receive a spiritual confirmation from the Holy Ghost that confirms your belief is true.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 11-12

11 Rehoboam strengthens the kingdom of Judah but is forbidden to subdue Israel - Jeroboam leads the kingdom of Israel into idolatry - Rehoboam takes many wives and concubines.

12 Rehoboam forsakes the law of the Lord - The Egyptians plunder Jerusalem and take the treasures of the house of the Lord - The people repent and receive partial deliverance - Rehoboam dies.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

"Family prayer is another prime opportunity to teach.

I've always been impressed with how Heavenly Father introduces Jesus Christ as His Beloved Son. I enjoy praying for my children by name as they listen to me express to Heavenly Father how beloved they are to me. It seems there is no better time to communicate love to our children than when praying with them or blessing them When families gather in humble prayer, powerful and lasting lessons are taught."

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

"An earlier prophet foresaw blessings for both the living and the dead. a heavenly messenger showed Ezekiel a vision of a temple with water gushing out of it. Ezekiel was told:

'These waters issue out ... and go down into the desert, and go into the dead sea ... , and the waters shall be healed.

'And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live, ... for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.'

Two characteristics of the water are noteworthy. First, though the small stream had no tribuatries, it grew into a mighty river, becoming wider and deeper the farther it flowed. Something similar happens with the blessings that flow from the temple as individuals are sealed as families Meaningful growth occurs going backward and forward through the generations as sealing ordinances weld families together.

Second, the river renewed everything that it touched. The blessings of the temple likewise have a stunning capacity to heal. Temple blessings can heal heart and lives and families."

As I was looking on my gospel library app I found an article in the February 2018 Ensign by the General Sunday School president, Tad R. Callister: "What Can I Do to Teach More Like the Savior?"

Here are the things that Brother Callister says that we can do to teach more like the Savior:

1. Be humble,  2. Have a desire to teach like the Savior,  3. Teach by the Spirit,  4. Focus on the doctrine, 5. Become an avid learner, 6. Seek revelation, 7. Demonstrate love.

It rained off and on for most of the day today. James did me a favor and went to get the mail. I got the garlic press I ordered and the Little Pony, "Songbird Serenade" that I ordered for Lola. The Little Pony was tiny, much tinier than her other ponies. I decided I would make a trip into town to get the Princess Celestia I had seen at Walmart yesterday. 

James was busy reading something when I left so I went into town by myself. I left around 4:20 and was back by 6, Princess Celestia in hand. It rained on me most of the way.

I got a text from Sheri today. She said Laura had messaged her and said that Ben had received his assignment and would be getting his call probably sometime next week. Perfect timing as the Trezise's will be back this weekend from Europe.

I am enjoying watching old Christmas movies on Hallmark this week. They are running them through July 1-15th. Today I watched "Romance at Reindeer Lodge." 

This evening James and I watched a Hailey Dean mystery on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Even though he doesn't much like Kelly Martin he does like these Hailey Dean mysteries. 

Finished my steps before going to bed.

Sheri's posts from Paris, France:

ing their soccer team on to victory.

The cheer that went up after they won was

infectious!

Stacy used to have this photo in her living room.

  

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

I visited with Cathi this morning while I was working on my blog.  At 11:00 I leave for my infusion at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates office in Mesa. One girl poked me twice trying to find a vein and was unsuccessful.  The next girl poked me once and thank goodness she was successful.  I was beginning to feel like a pin cushion. 
The TV was on in the infusion room and a special report came on.  Two armed gunmen opened fire at a county complex in San Bernadino, California during a Christmas party.  Fourteen people were killed and seventeen more injured.  The two gunmen were later killed while driving their black SUV.  It was a man and a wife, both of them were Muslims.  Since the initial attack information was discovered linking them to the terrorist group ISIS.  We are under attack right here in the United States.  

After my infusion was finished I did a little shopping.  I got a medal case at Hobby Lobby to display Michael's track medals in.  I went to Walmart to look for the Star Shower laser lights I saw there the other day.  I think it was the Walmart in Show Low.  The one here on Arizona Avenue did not have them.  I did pick up my Tramadol prescription so the stop was not a total loss.  I also went to Sam's Club and picked up some blankets.  I always give each one of the grandkids a blanket for Christmas.  
When I got back to Cathi's, Terry was home.  I had a short nap and then Cathi and I got ready to go to Deseret Book to a book signing by Ann Romney.  
There was a little crowd already gathered when we arrived.  We listened to Ann read an excerpt from her book, "We Are In This Together."  When it came time for her to sign books she said:  "How can we make this go quickly, I have a plane to catch."  Cathi and I were both a little disappointed and it felt like we were rushed through the line.  No time for pictures, unless you were her special friends, and barely time for her to look up and say: "Hello."

Ann with some of her friends

Cathi getting her book signed

After I got my book signing, Cathi took my picture.

 All of the proceeds for Ann's book go to support

research for MS, alzheimer's, and brain tumors.

When we got home we I had a tamale, some of Cathi's beans, and cranberry celebration for dinner.

We only watched one movie tonight, "Mrs. Miracle", because Cathi has to get up early tomorrow and spend 8 hours serving at the Records Center in Mesa with Terry for their mission.

 

 

Monday, November 23, 2015

I actually got up at 4 this morning.  Something I haven't done for awhile.  

It was a beautiful day today with the high around 60 here in Vernon.

I got ready this morning and went into town to get a turkey.  James decided he needed to stay home and work.  I made a frozen pizza before I left and ate a couple of pieces thinking James would eat some and I would have another slice when I got back from town.  When I got home the pizza was totally gone...he ate it all.  I was a little peeved.  He said I thought for sure I would get something in town.  I told him no, I was looking forward to having a piece of pizza when I got home.  It was a little ridiculous that we were fighting over a piece of pizza.  

I worked upstairs this afternoon cleaning and putting up curtains.  James washed the upstairs windows both inside and out.  

For dinner I made chicken tacos from the roasted chicken I bought at Walmart.  We also had some fresh pineapple.

 I found this information on the internet and found it interesting.  I got the pineapple for James hoping it would help him with his dry throat and cough and with my inflammation.

After dinner we read Elder Cook's conference talk for FHE in front of the fireplace, then we watched our Christmas movie, "Murder She Baked: A Plum Pudding Mystery" starring Allison Sweeney and Cameron Matthison.  We both liked this one.

 

Friday, December 19, 2014

Happy Birthday to this handsome guy.

Michael turns 17 today.  He has been sick all week, but maybe not too sick to celebrate a little.  I didn't actually see him today but I left his birthday card and money on the dining room table.

I hope Michael has a great day because he is a great kid!

James and I had lunch at Pei Wei today.  I absolutely love their lettuce wraps and the Pei Wei spicy chicken salad!  As we were leaving we saw Lance Schneider and spoke with him for a few minutes.

I thought when we left for home that James would drive his truck and I would drive my car.  He wanted to go with me and offered to drive me.  I was so happy because I was very tired! We got nourishment at Burger House and soon we were home.  As soon as we had the car unloaded we settled down to watch a Christmas movie.  We are missing Michael's family party at Organ Stop.

One of the treasures we brought home with us was the much loved berry jam that Sheri makes every year.

 

I have wondered what to do with the Christmas cards we get from friends with family pictures.  I have decided to post them here.

 Drea and Jason Boles and their son Benjamin.

Benjamin was adopted into the Boles' family October, 2013.

 

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Snow on the ground this morning.

James took my car to his 6am high council meeting in Show Low.  He was back by 8am.  

we got about two inches of snow, just enough to cover the ground.  Because of the wind some places it drifted deeper and in other places the ground was bare.  

Westin Hall was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  He spoke on the importance of choosing good friends.  Sharma and Jim Taylor were the main speakers.  They are new in our ward.  They spoke on reactivation and fellowshipping.  

During Sunday School James and I both attended a stake training for the new youth curriculum for Sunday School and Young Men's and Young Women's.  It was really good.  The Young Women leaders were late for Young Women's but it was ok because the bishop took over.  He was asking each of the girls how they felt about last week's trip to the temple.  It was neat.  Sandra Wilhelm gave a lesson on spiritual gifts.  She used some of the techniques we learned in our training.  Kelly Reynolds, Trenda, Coty, Alex, Arizona and Hunter were missing.  Kilee used me as an example of someone who speaks words of wisdom.  I love that girl!

For lunch we had roast and potatoes and then we took a nap.  James tried to index an intermediate batch of names.  He worked over an hour and was only able to do 10 names.  

We watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.  For the first time that I can remember they had speakers other than the First Presidency speak.  President Monson was the only member of the First Presidency who spoke.  We also watched part two of "Love's Christmas Journey".

Facebook finds:

The Dowdle Family from Chandler

Ben holding his friend Benjamin Boles

Thursday, November 14, 2013

James had two people tell him that the steaks at the dinner last night were the best they ever tasted.  The Curtis's like my rolls, so I baked some this morning and took them, along with steak and cheesecake to them. 

After James left for work I wrote a thank you note to Trenda.  I called James about taking his workers to lunch.  He thought it was a great idea so I get ready to go to town.  I dropped off Trenda's note at the post office and take the food to the Curtis's. 

When I picked up James at the job he said Francisco and Reuben turned him down for lunch, so it was just he and I.  LaCasita here we come! 

We introduced ourselves to our waitress, whose name is Charlotte.  She is so warm and friendly and always makes us feel so glad that we came. 

After taking James back to work I get gas and do a little shopping at Walmart.  James called and says he's on his way home.  He actually beat me there. 

I paid some bills and talked to my sister-in-law Cathi on the phone.  I had a funny dream about her and Terry last night so I called to see how they were. 

For dinner James and I have steak, potato, and salad.  I wish I had Analee Hunsaker's self-control.

This evening we watched Person of Interest, Elementary, and a Christmas movie, "Christmas Dance."

Tonight's sunset.

I love this Thanksgiving veggie tray!

Saturday, December 8, 2012

It feels good to be back home in Vernon.  James and I love it here.  We unloaded my car and started putting things away.  James hung the wreath on our front door.  I set out two nativity sets and some poinsettas (fake), and put tablecloths and center pieces on both tables.  Our house is beginning to look more Christmasy.  We still need to fix the lights on the tree and decorate it.  James said he would do the lights tomorrow.  He said he was too busy today. 

James made us a delicious lunch.  A loaded ham sandwich and a salad.  Very tasty.  As you can tell, I am all about the food.  After lunch we laid down for a nap.  I was up within an hour but James slept for 3 hours.  I guess he needed it. 

This afternoon I made two Texas sheetcakes for our ward party.  We had a potato bar and James helped serve.  I was part of the entertainment.  I got up with the young men and young women and sang Christmas carols.  After the party was over James and I both stayed and help clean.  We were some of the last to leave.  It was a fun, low-key evening.  We sat by Chris Skousen and his wife Becky.  I enjoyed visiting with Becky.  James worked with Chris in the High Priest's.  They are in their fifties and they are taking care of his parents.  That's why they moved to Vernon.

When we got home we followed our December tradition of watching a Christmas movie every evening. 
Here are a few we have watched so far: The 2nd Day of Christmas, Annie Claus is Coming to Town, The Road to Christmas (one of my favorites), The Christmas Card (another favorite), A Nanny for Christmas, A Christmas Wish, A Christmas Proposal, and Dear Santa.  I have to admit I have watched some of these alone when James is out of town.  We actually started watching them around Thanksgiving time.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Lois's surgery went well this morning.  She had a 90% blockage in her main artery and so they did put a stint in.  She should feel much better.  I think she is in pretty good shape for someone in her mid 80's.

James worked on signing up for medicare today.  The deadline is December 7th.  I paid some bills.  In the afternoon we went outside to do a little cleaning.  I swept off the driveway and inside the garage and James washed my car and his truck.  We worked until it got dark, around 5:30.

This evening I watched the finale for "Dancing with the Stars".  I wanted Melissa Rycroft and Tony Delavano to win.  Tony is the pro and he has been on the show for 14 seasons and has never won.  They did win and Tony was so excited!

We also watched a Christmas movie.

Friday, November 23, 2012

James and Alex got up very early this morning to go fishing at Silver Creek.  James says it was 29 degrees when they got there.  Alex had a very successful day fishing.  James said he caught 13 fish, more than everyone else there put together.  Here is the biggest one.

The biggest rainbow trout ever!

The kid is a fishing genius

Notice the unsuccessful fishermen in the background.

I made that lucky hat.

Smiling fish.

Cody, Chelsea, Carter, and Cash Pace came up today.  They are best friends with Brian and Kim.

Brian made us all delicious burgers for dinner.  Burgers with cheese and poblano chilies.  

James, Joe, and Alex went out looking for coyotes this evening.  They were not very successful.

The boys are in the truck waiting for Grandpa who forgot his keys.

Brian and Cody watched the ASU, UofA game, which ASU ended up winning.  

Kim and I played a game of 5 Crowns with Chelsea and then while she spent time with her boys we went in and watched a Christmas movie.  I also worked on my lesson for Sunday. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Well I am still sick this morning but I have to go Thanksgiving shopping.  I have to buy a turkey and begin thawing it.  James went with me.  He went to Home Depot while I shopped at Wallmart.  Afterwards we had lunch at Wendy's.  I had their chili and a frosty again because they both feel so good on my throat. 

It was the most perfect day today weather wise.  The high was around 55 and there was sunshine but no wind.  I loved it!

I came home from my shopping trip and rested on the couch.  James is so sweet.  He waits on me hand and foot and makes sure I have something to eat and drink when I need it. 

We watched a Christmas movie together.