Thursday, January 17th, 2019

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 9:7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:28-39

* What is the number one reason I am thankful for the scriptures? 

- They testify of Christ and teach the Plan of Salvation.

* Why do the Gentiles in Nephi's dream stumble? When were the plain and precious things recovered?

- In the Book of Mormon.

New Testament "Come Follow Me" 

Worshipping and Witnessing: Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna

General Conference

Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel

President Russell M. Nelson

" As you read the Book of Mormon I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen."

I got up late and missed reading my article from the Ensign. When I don't do the important things first somehow they fall by the wayside. I did read the Book of Mormon with James and we had prayer together.

At 9 this morning we tuned in to the Book webinar. Two successful members were featured, Kris and Kathy. This is one of the best help session we've had. They even answered a question I had posted.

Kathy talked about setting goals. She reminded us that having your goals set and looking at them everyday is important for success. She gave an example: If you want to make $75,000 a year and you can make $25 a book, you would have to sell 3,000 books a year. That's 250 books a month or 12 or so a day if you work five days a week.  This helped me to realize we really need to step our game up. 

Kathy told about a scanner she has connected to her phone that she uses when she goes to books sales and libraries. She scans the ISBN number and it tells the ranking and other information about the book. Luke and John recommend only selling books that are under 500,000 ranking. There was lots of good information but those are a couple of the highlights. Both Kathy and Kris said there favorite place to source books is in Book Arbitrage using the software. Kris said for buying set your limits at $5.00 maximum.

Kathy says "Under promise, over deliver."

The best way to source books. All of

the orange lines indicate books that fit

the filters.

I finished working on the current book shipment of 20 books and we dropped it off at the UPS store. James needed to price some items at Home Depot for his bid at the school so he dropped me off at Walmart. I really didn't have any shopping to do but I figured it was a good place to do some walking. While there I got a call from Stacy. She does have to have surgery for her cyst. She is in quite a bit of pain. She is upset at Michael because he ignored the court date he had for a traffic ticket and now they served him papers and suspended his license. He finally went in to the court and worked out a payment plan and they un-suspended his license. He has been driving for Lyft and needs his license.

On the way home we stopped at the new Goodwill store to look at books. We took picture of several books to come home and check their rankings. If we had the scanner they talked about this morning we could have scanned them in the store and found the information we needed. Most of the books were $3 which is a good price but not as good as the ones we get at the library. The only problem with the ones at the library is the library markings.

I was not going to go to town with James because I needed to stay home and clean for our guests who are coming tonight. James made a deal with me that if I came to town with him he would clean upstairs while I cleaned the kitchen, family, dining, and living area. He also wanted me to read from "The Captain's Daughter." I said it was a deal. We ended up finishing the book.

James did clean upstairs while I cleaned the ground level. I even had time to watch an old Hallmark movie I hadn't seen for awhile.

We went to bed after 10. Adam and friend won't be here for another couple of hours.

Happy 17th Birthday Anna!

Hunter Hayes concert

 Sleeping Beauty

I wonder if Addy would like these

Another sleeping beauty

 Sounds like something I would do.

 We need this.

Carmen's latest cake. This would be cute for

Charlie's first birthday, or maybe her second

because the animals came in twos.

 Love this outdoor patio

 Getting ready for the Rome temple

open house.

Friday, August 10th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 29:31

For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal - 

Book of Mormon

Moroni 48:1-18

*What can we learn from Moroni's character?

- Trust in the Lord and live up to our divine potential. Pray as if every thing depended on the Lord. Work as if every thing depended on you.

Old Testament

Job 35-37

35 Elihu contrasts the weakness of man and the power of God - Our wickedness hurts other men, and our righteousness helps them - Man should trust in the Lord.

36 Elihu says, Those who are righteous are prospered - The wicked perish and die without knowledge - Elihu praises the greatness of God.

37 Elihu concludes, saying, The Lord controls the laws of nature - God reigns in terrible majesty.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home:A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

" Family scripture study is an ideal forum for teaching doctrine in the home. President Russell M. Nelson said, 'Not only are parents to cling to the word of the Lord, but they have a divine mandate to teach it to their children.'"

Happy 12th Birthday Rowan!

I've never seen Rowan drink a soda. That must be

one of his dad's. When this sweet boy was asked what he

wanted for his birthday he said: "I'm getting the priesthood, I don't need anything else." You will not find a better brother, son, grandson, or friend that this young man. He is incredible!

Marvin J. Ashton, a former member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and one of my favorites, said this:

Tragedy and frustration are the unexpected intruder's on life's plans."

The question we as a Relief Society presidency are considering today is whether our next council meeting in September should be about dealing with depression and suicide prevention. I am praying for an answer.

Today I made hamburger soup for lunch and for the weekend. Luckily James loved it. He said he was pleasantly surprised when he got here at lunch time.

I also made rolls for the temple tomorrow and chocolate chip cookies for Brother Moore's baptism. It was a day spent in the kitchen. 

James worked at the Howard's most of the day trying to get their bunkhouse finished and ready for their open house on the 25th. 

I read from Dragonwatch, The Way of Kings, The Secret Keeper, Loving Lieutenant Lancaster, and Life Everlasting, the last two with James. 

It was a hazy day. I read that the California fires and causing smoke throughout the United States clear to New York. 

We started having some thunder around 4:15 pm. It rained a while but in Tempe they had what they are calling a 100 year storm, if you can believe the media. They got 3.5 inches of rain in less than an hour according to my friend Karen.

 Adalyn Tibbetts

Sheri's fifth child

 Love the cone shaped roof

 If I got these for the yard I wonder if James

would try to feed them.

 Whiteriver gets the most!

 Priest in our ward

Love this view of the Idaho Falls temple.

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.

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 10:1-19

*How did Nephi qualify for the great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?

-My answer: The answer to the first question in found in verses 4 and 5. The last sentence in verse four says: 'Thou has 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, yes, if it is the Lord's will. 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 lie 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. 

James: "When I serve and feel I have blessed someone elses life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what he would have done and I feel His love. I feel 'wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love.' I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I testify to you that if you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray, and repent, the heavens will open and you will know, as I know, that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and He is yours."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations. Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard - give up a poor habit or an addiction, put aside worldly pursuits, sacrifice a favorite activity because it is the Sabbath, forgive someone who has wronged you - think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him. And thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more."

We were supposed to leave for the valley by 7:30 but it was 8:00 before we pulled out of the driveway. I am supposed to pick my friend Jean up for lunch in Chandler at 11:30 but I think it will be closer to noon.

We stopped in Show Low for gas and to wash the car. Our next stop was in Miami at Burger House where we ordered several burros for Cathi and Terry and a couple for ourselves. 

Cathi and Terry surprised us by being home when we arrived. I guess the church is being cleaned and so they are working at home. 

James stayed there and will borrow Terry's truck to go to his doctors appointment and I left to pick up Jean. I had told her earlier that I was going to be a little late. Jean's house here in Chandler is up for sale. I had forgotten which one it was but when I saw the for sale sign and the vehicle from Tate's in Show Low I knew.

Jean had on a sweater and complained about being cold when we were in "Fresh Start." I wish we would have asked to sit on the patio. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and Jean had a salad. We talked a little about her grandson Dustin who is now living with them since they bailed him out of jail. Jean seemed tired so we didn't stay long. After we said our goodbye's and I gave her the visiting teaching handout I drove her home. When I left I was thinking about how I could help her and I decided I need to ask her to be a part of our Book of Mormon reading group. I guess that is what I will do next month. She can't come back to Vernon because she has to stay with Dustin and the courts won't let him come to Show Low.

I went to Hobby Lobby and spent my 40% off coupon and then some. I bought some wooden pumpkins, a wreath, and some supplies to make Alice W. a sweet sixteen candy bouquet. 

I got back to Cathi and Terry's before James was finished with his doctor's appointment. Cathi and I had a visit. I guess her brother-in-law Paul is not doing very well. He has cancer. I have been praying for him. 

James's appointment was with a rheumatologist. He ordered bloodwork which James had done at the Sonoran lab where we used to go. The bloodwork will determine what he has that is causing his laryngitis. The doctor also wrote him a prescription for prednisone.

As soon as James walked in the door he was ready to head home. I wanted Chik-fil-a on the way home and told James there was one on Power Rd. I was reading and he missed the turnoff. We ended up going to the one at Superstition Springs mall. When James makes a mistake he does everything he can to make it right. I do appreciate that about him. 

We stopped at Fry's in Globe for bananas. I am making banana nut bread for Hailey, one of the other sisters I visit teach. James also got some cranberry celebration. We also stopped at the Safeway in Show Low because I didn't think he got enough bananas.

We got home around 7:30. We stopped at the post office and my box of Doctrine and Covenant Stories that I ordered for my Primary class arrived. We changed clothes and got into our relax mode.

We watched the last episode of Heartland, called "Showdown." It was a stressful one because Tim got shot in the chest. It was the last show of the season. Our new dvd won't be here until next Monday so we have to wait that long for the next episode.

We also watched one of the new Hallmark movies, "Falling for Vermont."

The girl winds up in a town in Vermont with

amnesia and falls for the local doctor.

Typical Hallmark plot.

I am attracted to cute puppies.

Here's another one.

I love fall.

I love my hardworking hubby!

Oh, it's Holly

9/26/15

The soccer stars!

9/26/15

Darrel's car after his crash

9/26/14

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

2 Nephi 33:1-15

Nephi's words are true - They testify of Christ - Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi's words - They shall stand as a witness before the judgment bar.

When has the Lord asked you to do something and you follow through simply for the sake of obedience?

Alma 34

Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation - Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish - The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God - The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance - Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings - This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God - Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

DC 42:66-78

61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed; 70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support Church officers;

How can daily repentance bring us closer to Christ?

- "No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily chose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior's Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, whenever you go. Living in this manner, you can truly 'always retain a remission of your sins' and thus be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time." - Elder Jorg Klebingat, October 2014.

DCSM, page 386 - overcoming Sin and Obtaining Forgiveness

"When we think of the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the suffering He endured for us, we would be ingrates if we did not appreciate it so far as our power made it possible.  He suffered and died for us, yet if we do not repent, all His anguish and pain on our account are futile." (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," p. 145.)

General Conference

Emissaries for the Church

Jeffrey R. Holland

"We are asking you as home teachers to be God's emissaries to His children to love and care and pray for the people you are assigned, as we love and care and pray for you."

This morning I worked on perfecting my hashbrowns in my cast iron skillet.  I still have a ways to go.

I found out today that Cathi has been very ill and even in the hospital.  They finally diagnosed her with cellulitis and got her on a powerful antibiotic.  James says she is pretty lethargic and has not energy.  She called and I told her about my experience with cellullitis in my face.  Hers is in her neck and shoulder.  

My friend Claire has been in Washington state visiting her daughter Marlie who is living with her dad.  She was going to bring her back here but her ex-husband made sure Marlie was not available.  Finally on Monday Claire went to Marlie's school and got to see her.  After counseling with her mom Claire decided to let Marlie stay until school is out and then will bring her back here to live with her.  Claire will be back in Phoenix tomorrow and needs a ride to Vernon.  I told her mom, Amy, I was going down tomorrow and she could bring my car back because I could come back with James in his truck.  Amy said Claire doesn't feel comfortable driving someone else's car but could she, Amy, go down with me tomorrow and bring Claire back.  I told her that was a great idea and I would pick her up around noon tomorrow.

Havasupai

I am reading a book called "The Contrite Spirit."  In this book the story of Lydia Knight, wife of Newell Knight, is told.  Newell died as they were getting ready to leave Nauvoo leaving her with 7 children.  I read a section called The Ravens Will Feed You.  Lydia experienced deprivation I can't even imagine but through it all she remained faithful and was willling to give all she had for the cause of Zion.  She is one of my new heroines. 

Spring Break Roadtrip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Lola went around sampling the herbs and then told Trina:

"I had a salad for lunch."

 Lola is doing her own thing.

James lost his phone today at the Sam's Club gas pumps.  Someone from the Mattress Pro store which is next door, found it.  James was so grateful he said he would by a mattress, or rather a box springs from him. 

The dog groomer came to Cathi's today to groom Indy and Lady.  James opened the door and was a little shocked.  Heather, the name of the groomer, had a low-cut tank top on with two skeletons with large teeth tatooed on her chest.  James was a little embarrassed and went in the bedroom.  They funny thing is that she is LDS and was just called as a young women's leader in her ward.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Vernon.  Thank goodness the smoke is all gone and there is no wind.  James gave me a list of things to bring with me tomorrow that he forgot: His breathing machine, his phone charger, a key to the doctor's office he is working on, and his watch.

After paying bills, blogging and studying I watched a Hallmark movied called: "Perfect on Paper."

I read about baptism and confirmation in the Preach My Gospel manual.  

Jared texted me to tell me that I am going to be a great-grandmother.  Autumn is expecting a baby.  Congratulations are in order.  Jared, this also means you are going to be a grandpa.

He and Kacey are leaving for San Antonio today.  They are taking his kids to Six Flags on Friday.

Fun Photos:

Ronald and Veleda on their wedding day almost 68 years ago.

Veleda was my mom's best friend and Ronald played football with my dad.

The Trezise men and boys

This was when J.D. was still alive.

James's birdhouse

Jared playing a game with Molly while

Emmy and James look on.

Stop in Greer for ice cream.