Tuesday, March 5th, 2019

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Acts 8:37

And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:27-26:11

*What are some prideful actions I might get caught up in and not realize it's prideful? (See "Beware of Pride," E.T. Benson, 4/1989

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 9:18-31; Mark 5:22-43; The Savior can heal infirmities and sicknesses; "The Savior's Touch," M. Russell Ballard, 10/1980

General Conference

Gather Together in One All Things in Christ

Elder David A. Bednar

"I began my message by highlighting the strength that is created as individual strands of material are twisted or braided together into a rope. In a similar way, I promise that increased perspective, purpose, and power will be evident in our learning and living of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as we strive to gather together in one all things in Christ - even in Him.

All opportunities and blessings of eternal consequence originate in, are possible and have purpose because of, and endure through the Lord Jesus Christ. As Alma testified: 'There is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world."

We sold another book today. This one is by Wayne Dyer, "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life." The sale of our anatomy and physiology book has still not gone through. It is listed as pending and I am getting a little concerned.

I went with my friend Catherine to the temple this morning. She asked if I would take her. Today is the 9th anniversary of the day she buried her husband and she wanted to talk to him in the celestial room. After our 11 o'clock session she sat down in a chair in the celestial room and bowed her head and folded her arms. After a few minutes she got up and said that she had received her answer and we could go now. Such faith.

We stopped at Dollar General on the way home so I could a container to take dinner over to the Campbell's this evening.

I just had time to read Ben's email to Sheri when I got home and then I had to start preparing dinner. Here is the email:

For dinner I made homemade alfredo sauce with fettucini noodles. James grilled some chicken breasts to go with it. I also had breadsticks, a salad, and some homemade sugar cookies with pink frosting.

The Campbell family consists of: Candi, the mom, Terry, the dad and stepdad, Marie the 19 year old daughter, Jasmine the 12 year old daughter, and Winter 4, and Cassie who is 2, and Candi's grandmother Lucretia. As we were taking the food in Winter asked if we had anything for her. I told her if she ate her dinner I made her a pink cookie she could have for dessert. 

Candi had surgery yesterday morning for her breast cancer.  

James was so sweet when we returned from the Campbell's. He knew I was tired so he volunteered to clean the kitchen and do the dishes. I really do appreciate him.

I walked and watched "Love in Paradise" starring Luke Perry. As I was watching James said, "You know Luke Perry died this week." I didn't know but I checked on the internet. He was only 52 and he died of a massive stroke at his home in Beverly Hills. Very sad. He left behind a daughter and a son.

We watched the finale of this seasons "Victoria." The last scene is Albert collapsing on the floor as Victoria cries, "Albert, Albert." I know he dies young but I didn't think it was his time yet but just to make sure I checked on the internet. In this episode he just finished the Great Exhibition. He still has ten more years and a couple of more children to father.  Stacy says they just needed a cliff hanger.

 Luke Perry is holding a pig.

He plays a western movie star 

in this Hallmark movie.

Scarlett made corndogs with her mom today.

She only got put in time out one time.

 Water over the spillway at Fool's Hollow, the

lake where James proposed to me over 50 years ago.

 She looks like she is so proud of herself

for drinking from a bottle.

Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Book of Mormon
Helaman 10:1-19
*How did Nephi qualify for this great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?
- The answer to the first question is found in verses 4 & 5. The last sentence in verse four says: "Thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did and if it is the Lord's will, I would say yes. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel like a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions.
Old Testament
Isaiah 31-33
General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"I gladly bear my personal witness that these revelatory changes are inspired of God and that, as we embrace them with willing hearts, we will become better prepared to meet His Son, Jesus Christ, as His coming. We will be closer to becoming a Zion people and will feel surpassing joy with those whom we have helped along the path of discipleship."

"

"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God." - OTSM, Vol.2, p 162.

James left for Howard's this morning with the request that I wait until he gets back so he can go to town with me.

I worked on my blog, changed the sheets on our bed, worked a little in my office, and did some ministering interviews today. 

Our first stop in town was at Aliberto's for lunch. We ordered the two taco plate and shared it. It was yummy. Afterwards I went shopping at Walmart while James made some phone calls. 

On the way home I read to James from "Loving Lieutenant Lancaster." This afternoon was spent walking, talking to Sister Butler on the phone, and watching a little of "Dancing with the Stars." I am starting to become disenchanted with this show.

At 7 p.m. I had a Relief Society presidency meeting at the church with Tamara, Maxine, and Kerri.

Tamara had us listen to a song called "Blessings" by a Christian composer, Laura Story. Laura won a grammy for this song. My favorite line: "What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise."

Ben flew to Idaho today and met his mission

president and his wife.

She did not like the bow!

Lola

 You can track anything with a dot journal.

Ollie, you are such a poser!

Friday, April 20th, 2018

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 7

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

*Why do you think King Noah and his priests chose not to listen to Abinadi's warnings?

- Don't we hear what we want to hear? Who wants to be told they are wrong and need to repent? When we start to veer off the path our sight becomes clouded. We don't see things in their true light. It's so easy to get confused. What is the cause? Pride, wickedness, and rationalization, just to name a few. When we don't have the Holy Ghost with us, and we do all the thinking we can go off the strait and narrow path quickly. When we think evil is good, and good is evil, and have no need to listen to the Lord's anointed, we can be sure we are in trouble spiritually. No one wants to believe Satan has a hold on their heart. But when we aren't following Christ and his appointed leaders, then aren't we followers of evil?

Old Testament

Judges 18-19

18 The Danites send men to seek an inheritance - They take Michah's images and priest, burn the city of Laish, and set up idolatry. 

19 A Levite's concubine returns to her father - Her husband takes her back, and they lodge overnight in Gibeah - The men of Gibeah abuse the concubine and she dies - The Levite husband cuts her into twelve pieces and sends them to the tribes of Israel.

General Conference

His Spirit To Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously."

I got up late this morning and then James told me we had to go to town to get our tire checked out at Discount Tire. 

We arrived at Discount Tire at 8:30. Our tire is ruined, probably because I drove on it for quite awhile before I noticed it was flat, but they will still honor our warranty. They don't have any new tires to fit our car but they gave us a used one and they will trade it for a brand new one when it comes in. They said it would take about an hour. I had some shopping to do at Walmart so that was perfect.

The Grapp kids and Amaron are coming over tonight so I got some stuff to fix hamburgers. I also got some frozen lemonade, limeade, grape juice, and fruit punch. 

While I was in Walmart James went to Home Depot for potting soil and a couple of irises and a hydrangea bush. 

When we got back to Discount, an hour since we left our car, it was just sitting in the work bay. I knew an hour sounded too good to be true. I talked James into going back to the hiking trail on Show Low Creek just this side of the Hampton Inn. We realized we could not only hike here but could take the kids fishing too. Sheri and I did this hike once sometime back but I did not remember about the fishing. 

We hiked for probably 45 minutes and turned back. We could have gone further but decided it was time to go back to check on Lexy.

My picture of James

His picture of me

Selfie because Jared and Kacey 

requested it. 

Beware of the livestock

This is place is right by the highway so it's

very convenient.

When we got back to Discount James went in to get the car and I was supposed to drive the truck home. Instead I sent a couple of texts so he ended up leaving before I did. I also stopped at Dollar General on the way home to get marshmallows and chocolate for Smores tonight for the Grapp kids. I got a little carried away. I found baby gifts for the Wilhelm baby, some fun stuff for Andyn's birthday, and a pair of pants for James. 

When I got home I fixed lunch and then took a short nap. 

I worked on my blog while James went outside to work. 

Stacy texted me about the date for our anniversary party. We finally settled on June 2nd, which is the Saturday we will be at the timeshare in Scottsdale. I have the assignment to see if there is a room available for us to use. 

Stacy mentioned the Arizona Teacher's Walkout schedule for this next Thursday. I guess if demands are not met for better wages the teachers will not be showing up for school.

I tried to get all of my steps in before 5 p.m., the time that the

Grapp's are supposed to show up. I made it!

The Grapp's arrived at 5 but Amaron's mom, Laurann got lost and I had to go pick him up down by the Hunsaker's. She has a Prius

and she bottomed out in a couple of places so she was going to go home. I told her I would come and get Amaron who was crying.

A storm is definitely on it's way. It looks like it is raining pretty hard towards Snowflake and Taylor.  It finally arrived here while the kids were eating only it wasn't rain, but snow. We had a white cover on the ground when it got dark. 

Benson and Tildy watched The Little Mermaid II in our room and Liana watched Beauty and the Beast in the family room after dinner. Emsley played upstairs and Amaron hung out in the kitchen asking for food. He had a smore and then some more chocolate and I sent him upstairs to play. Emsley never came down for a smore, she did come down once for a drink of water. 

We only had one altercation, Emsley hit Tildy with something and made her cry. Tildy went to Liana for comfort but didn't seem like she was hurt too badly. I went up to talk to Emsley and she was curled up in a ball on the couch with her hands in her face. I just told her that Tildy loved her and was sad that she hit her. I could tell she already felt bad so I didn't say too much. 

The Grapp's took Amaron home so Laurann didn't have to venture over here again.

I did listen to one of President Nelson's talks today. This one was from October 1994, "The Spirit of Elijah."  After our company left, they left after nine, James and I read from our books and then went to bed.

President and Sister Nelson in India

The fires have already begun.

Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon

*How can we strive to be more like Christ in our lives?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: "The entire ministry of the Master was characterized by His voluntary subordination to His Heavenly Fathers will", and in the Savior's own words, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me... for I do always the things that please Him" (John 8:28-29).  Christ was not only perfectly obedient, but maybe even more importantly, perfectly trusting. So if we choose, like Jesus Christ, to trust more completely, to follow more obediently, and to make doing the will of our Father the core motivation behind decision-making, focus, thoughts, actions, and if we make understanding His will our very purpose, what could the ripple effect of that be? Would we be cultivating and deepening Christlike virtues such as truth, wisdom, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, godliness, faith and self-control? Would we be more completely and exactly following the Savior's example? Would we experience deeper peace, happiness, and joy? Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: "Only by aligning our wills with God's is full happiness to be found...progression toward submission confers...an enhanced capacity for joy."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:5-7

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another - if we are responsive to spiritual promptings.

Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives."

Neither one of us had to prepare a lesson today. We left for church around 8:45. I did not feel well but I made myself go. It was fast and testimony meeting and Shelly bore her testimony for the last time in sacrament meeting before leaving for her mission. Her family is taking her to Utah to the MTC on Tuesday. 

The bishop was out of town today and Anne was home with two sick babies. The bishop's parents brought the older children so they would be here for the Primary program practice. 

I loved Brother Secard's testimony. He got up as he normally does and as he was talking he tried to explain that he had an illness but he couldn't remember the name of it. He said: "You know, it's the one where you can't remember anything." 

My friend Rosa who is also a Primary teacher told me we were supposed to teach today but she didn't come prepared because she thought we were practicing for the program both hours. I told her I wasn't prepared either and I went to talk to Sister Skousen, the Primary president. She said originally we were not going to teach but they decided two hours was too long to practice so she had Sister Thompson the secretary, call every one. I told her I did not get a call and neither did Rosa. She said it was okay that the presidency would cover the teaching hour, which they did along with the music director. Sister Thompson came to me and apologized and told me she sent out an email on Thursday. I told her I didn't get it but then I realized that every day I delete over 200 emails and maybe I accidentally deleted it. Sure enough, I found it in my deleted files. I was a little embarrassed. Oh well, I guess I need to be more careful in the future.

One exciting thing happened today. Braxton, one of the boys in my class who very rarely comes, came to Primary today and participated in the program!

I was so tired and sleepy I just kept watching the clock and almost decided to leave early during the practice since I was just sitting there anyway. I knew if I went home though I would just have to come back and pick up James so I stayed.

As soon as we got home we broke our fast and I sat down to watch a Christmas movie while eating a peanut butter sandwich and drinking a glass of milk. 

James grilled some steaks and cooked some corn for our real lunch. It was delicious. I was still tired and had a headache and just camped in front of the TV watching Hallmark Christmas movies. 

I watched: "The Sweetest Christmas" starring Lacey Chabert, and Lea Coco. "A Cookie Cutter Christmas" starring Erin Krakow, and David Haydn-Jones, and Alan Thicke. "A Song for Christmas" starring Rebecca Tobin, Kevin McGarry, and Kendra Leigh Thomas. And last but not least, "Enchanted Christmas" starring Carlos and Alexa PenaVega.  Afterwards I vowed there would be no more TV watching on Sunday. It just wasn't right because it kept James from indexing and me from working on family history.

I gave Pam and Ricky conference Ensigns yesterday on the way home from the temple. Pam texted me and said she had finished reading the entire Ensign! Wow! Pretty amazing!

More photos from last night's

Patriotic Program in Chandler

Sister Bear, Sister Barney (from Snowflake), 

Sister Lamb, and Sister Davis.

Brian L., friends with James

The Montgomery's, who happen to have a

summer place in Vernon.

Pres. A. Farnsworth with his daughter and son-in-law.

Sister Kempton and Sister Layton

my counselor and secretary when I was the Primary

President in Chandler 2nd ward.

Fall photo of the day

Kilee, one of my young women

This is about what I look like first thing in the morning.

The Whalen family

The Whalen family Christmas tree

Northern Lights and a glowing igloo

Sooo cute!

My kids cousins and their kids

The Living Christ