Wednesday, February 13th, 2019

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 36:18

Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

"Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." - Gordon B. Hinckley

*What are ways that you live after the manner of happiness?

- "Living after the manner of happiness means to see the good. There is a lot in this world that is hard or bad. Focus on the good. Choose joy. Choose happiness. Choose to stay on the covenant path. Find the blessing in the trial." - jlandersen78, Instagram

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 2:11; 3:7; 4:14

"Receiving and Retaining a Might Change" Wilford W. Anderson, Ensign, April 2012

Ensign

"Overcoming the Plague of Addiction" Kevin S. Theriot

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The scriptures reveal that the more we love God and His children, the happier we become. The love God speaks of is the kind that enters our hearts when we awake in the morning, stays with us throughout the day, and swells in our hearts as we give voice to our prayers of gratitude at evening's end. It is this endless compassion that allows us to more clearly see others for who they are. Through the lens of pure love, we see immortal beings of infinite potential and worth and beloved sons and daughters of Almighty God."

"When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God..." Robert D. Hales

Cloudy days make me and Kim happy!

We sold our first merchant fulfilled book today, "American Jubilee." This was one of my books. We made about $3.00. Woohoo.

We got the scanner James ordered and now he is trying to figure out how to use it. I am afraid the scanner won round one. 

Although I have frosted sugar cookies in the freezer I decided to make some more for tomorrow, Valentine's Day. While the cookies were setting up in the refrigerator, I made some Valentines.

These are for the Catherine, Kerri, Cammy,

Thomas and the Wilhelm's.

I still have to make some for the four Grapp kids.

While I baked cookies this evening James went to the church to take Sister Wilson a copy of the "Come Follow Me" manual. Her daughter is supposed to be in James's Primary class but she doesn't come very often.

Somehow I walked over 15,000 steps today. James is still working on the scanner. Now he says we need an app that comes with a monthly fee. 

I called my ministering companion, Marie Robertson, to see if she would be able to go on visits with me tomorrow. She had walking pneumonia in January and is still not feeling well. I wished her a happy Valentine's day and tole her I would do the visits myself.

I set up something with Catherine and Cammy. Jean is out of town closing on the house they bought in the valley.

While working today I had an old Hallmark movie on, "Sand, Sun, and Romance" starring Tricia Helfer and Paul Campbell.

Another happily ever after

 Just a girl and her giraffe

 Stacy said they ate this much 3x over.

Joshua is going to name his kids Peter and Piper.

 Our friends Chuck and Pam are always on

an adventure.

After seeing the dentist it is treat time.

Monday, November 5th, 2018

Trujillo, Peru

147th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 June 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic descent of

Matthew 1:1

The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Book of Mormon#1

3 Nephi 20:20-46

*What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord?"

- Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "to avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way."

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 29-Alma 1

Old Testament

Ezekiel 20-22

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Is it still safe and wise to bring children unto this seemingly wicked and frightening world we live in?"

Gather Together in One All Things in Christ

Elder David A. Bednar

"I pray that the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider how the principle of gathering together in one all things in Christ applies in practical ways to learning and living His restored gospel in our daily lives."

I watched part of the movie "Annie Claus is Coming To Town" this morning. I like this quote by Annie: "Infuse yourself with the Christmas spirit and life just looks better." 

James spent most of the morning outside cutting up his deer and packaging it in freezer bags. Now we have venison for Thanksgiving morning and Christmas morning. He also worked on our book business.

I emailed Ben, paid bills, worked a little on my blog, and walked and that's about all that I accomplished. I did watch a few Christmas movies which I normally have playing in the background. Oh yes, I made cookies for Sister Dye this evening and James delivered them. Today is her birthday.

We got a book we ordered for a trade-in so we prepared it to mail to Amazon. Hopefully they will like it and we will make a few dollars. 

For FHE we listened to Elder Bednar's conference talk and then James worked on the computer looking for more books to buy while I watched a new Christmas movie, "Marrying Father Christmas." I still have a sore throat, and cough and now my chest hurts. I am going to try to sleep in my own bed tonight thought.

James built a fire before we went to bed.

Country night on DWTS. Kim and Stacy discuss voting. I sent Kim my friend Lina's suggestions on how to vote.

A picture a day keeps the blues away.

 Journal ideas

Thursday October 18th, 2018

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

DC 54:1

Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world -

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:15-8:4 & 2 Nephi 27-28

* What part does the Holy Ghost play in conversion?

-As we exercise faith, repent of our sins, and obey the commandments, we receive a witness born of the Spirit that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We are visited "by the power and Spirit of God," (v.21) as we listen to testimonies of apostles and prophets. The Spirit testifies of truth and touches hearts that are humble and teachable. 

How can we become more deeply converted? What lack I yet? How can we be a better influence for good?

Without the Holy Spirit we will not know what is truth and it will not prick our heart to change. A mighty change of heart to completely follow the Savior and His gospel is an indication of true conversion and happens through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Old Testament

Jeremiah 31-33

General Conference

The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead

President M. Russell Ballard

"I testify that the vision President Joseph F. Smith received is true. I bear witness that every person can come to know it is true."

I looked out the window this morning from our bedroom and saw a lone elk. James couldn't get up fast enough but he missed seeing her. She must have been late for an appointment because she was gone fast.

Our book arbitrage session this morning was quite enlightening. We learned how to set filters and buy books. Neither one of us can just sit and listen for very long, we have to be walking around the table or doing something else.

James left for awhile this morning and while he was gone I made Jared's yummy cookies that he made while we were at his house. I am visiting the Grapp's this afternoon and I always take the kids cookies. Cookies and cookie dough are both tasty. 

I left the house around 12:30 even though I am not scheduled to pick up my partner Marie until 2. I went into town to wash my car. I was too embarrassed to pick her up in such a mud splattered car.

I was at Marie's a little before two. She was down the hill from her house waiting for me. When she got in she informed me that she had put diapers on all six of her dogs. I wish she would have given me a picture of that. I guess they have been using her home for a bathroom and she is tired of it. I wouldn't want to be the one to change those diapers.

I introduced Marie to the Grapp clan. They seemed to warm right up to her. Emsley had her stuffed pony I gave her for her birthday and came right over and snuggled up on my lap. Tildy wanted to play Old Maids. I had the last draw and didn't pick the Old Maid. Tildy was sad and did something that got her grounded to her room. I felt terrible. Afterwards I came home and wrote her a note that next time I would be the Old Maid. 

Marie said a prayer before we left and it was very sweet. Cammy is so excited that her brother Jared is going through the temple for the very first time. He is also being sealed to his wife and two little boys. Thomas will be his escort.

James had put my cookie dishes in the dishwasher while I was gone. I certainly appreciate his thoughtfulness.

I walked and blogged, and walked and blogged this afternoon. This evening James and I did another book arbitrage session.

Tomorrow we will be setting up our sellers account on Amazon.

She's pretty excited!

 Isn't a want really a need?

Branch's family, Daddy, Ridger,

Evelyn, and Mamma.

 So many cute card ideas on Pinterest!

Oh the memories! This was the last 

FHE we had in Chandler before moving

to Vernon.

 This is a photo I found on Instagram

The poster is Oldkyrenian. Not sure

what or where that is.

 Reminds me of a photo we had of

Stacy when she was a baby.

She looks worried.

Today's Steps:

14,019

Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 20:1-22

*How have I been refined by the Lord and what have I gained from the experience?

-What the Mormon Message, "The Refiner's Fire."

Old Testament

Exodus 18-19

18 Jethro comes to Moses bringing Moses' wife and sons and offers sacrifices to the Lord - Moses sits in the judgment seat and hears all cases - Jethro counsels Moses to teach the law, to appoint lesser judges, and to delegate power to them.

19 The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation - The people sanctify themselves - The Lord appears on Sinai amid fire, smoke, and earthquakes.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

" There is an energy that comes from happiness and optimism that doesn't just bless us - it builds everyone around us. Any small thing you do to light real happiness in others shows that you are already carrying the torch that President Kimball lit."

James and I had scriptures and prayers together and then he went to the Miller's to work. I made chocolate chip cookies and polished the floor, getting ready for my visiting teacher, Kaeli to come. Kaeli came by herself and we had a nice visit. I gave her some cookies to take home and asked her to take some over to the Miller's where the guys were working. I guess she misunderstood me. She gave the cookies to Anne and the kids instead of the workers. There were enough for both. When I asked James how he liked the cookies he said: "I didn't get any cookies. I saw kids with chocolate on their faces but no one offered me any cookies."  I gave him a couple of the ones I had saved for the Cranes.

We made a trip to Dollar General and Stanford General Store today. I needed a stew seasoning mix for the stew I'm making for the Cranes and I sent James into Stanford to get the menu for their deli. We came home and James helped me brown and season the stew meat before putting it in the stew pot. After we got the stew on we made a trip to the Howard's. James went inside, Jimmy McNeil was there, to check on his work in Jean's closet. 

When we returned home James took stew, french bread, and chocolate chip cookies to the Crane's. We had the same thing for dinner. It was quite good.

I did some blogging today and we watched an episode of "Heartland." Jack gets his truck, "Goldie" back after Tim has the junkyard come and pick it and two other old trucks up.

This morning there was a "Super Blue Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse."

Here are some pictures I took with my phone from our front porch around 7 a.m.

All look same

Our friend Brother Kaufman took this next photo:

What a difference a camera with a good lense makes.

Taken near Tucson.

Showing the different phases.

Colorado

New York

(Is this real?)

Monday, November 20th, 2017

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:17-29

What happens when the strength of the Lord is not with us and we are left unto ourselves as it says in verse 26? 

We may not recognize and appreciate how much Heavenly Father helps us in our daily lives as we try to live faithfully. Mormon wrote that when his people became wicked they lost the strength of the Lord that had previously protected them. While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Ray H. Wood explained: 

"When a person violates any of God's commandments, if  there is no repentance the Lord withdraws His protective and sustaining influence. When we lose power with God, we know of a certainty that the problem lies within us and not within God! I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise' (DC 82:10). Our misdeeds bring despair. They sadden and extinguish the 'perfect brightness of hope' offered by Christ (2 Ne. 31:20). Without God's help, we are left to ourselves" (Ensign, May 1999, 40-41). I am personally amazed and grateful to Mormon for his righteousness amidst such wickedness. It must have been difficult to stand as a witness of Christ against such odds!

I listened to Elder Bednar's book "One by One" while walking today. Nothing like killing two birds with one stone.

I got out my Thanksgiving recipes and planned the menu for our dinner. It will go something like this: Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sausage and herb stuffing, fresh green beans, Ruth Chris sweet potatoes casserole, cranberries with pineapple and nuts, rolls, and homemade apple pie with ice cream. Kim and Brian are bringing pumpkin delight and a pecan pie.

I made cookies this afternoon for the Wilhelm's and the Hunsaker's.

James went to the Wilhelm's FHE and talked about President Nelson's talk on the Book of Mormon and what our lives would be like without it. For our FHE we listened to Elder Bednar's talk "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises." Here are two phrases that I picked up while reading this talk: "Look to God and Live," and "We need to be Partakers of the Divine Nature."

Today's Christmas movies: "A Very Country Christmas," (Up)

"The Christmas Calendar," (UP) "The Tree that Saved Christmas," (UP). We also watched an episode of Heartland, "Ring of Fire."

It was night one of the DWTS finale. Emma and Drew were eliminated. The final three are Jordan and Lindsay, Mark and Lindsey, Witney and Frankie.

I got a call from Stacy today. I did not know that they broke her foot when they did the surgery and that is why it is taking so long to heal.

My hard working hubby.

A basket of puppies.

Our friends Pam and Ricky

Pam and her dad

Last years tree.

This year we are still waiting for the lights to be fixed.

Alex helped Rowan catch a fish

Switzerland

I wish we had some of that green