Thursday, December 7th, 2017

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Corinthians 5:18

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

Book of Mormon

Ether 5:1-6:11
The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of light for our world and for our lives. The Lord touched the stones the brother of Jared presented to Him "to give light unto men, women, and children"(6:3) as they crossed the ocean. The Lord also provides light to guide us through the darkness of mortality and toward the brightness of the celestial kingdom - our promised land. Our way is lit by the light of apostles and prophets, the standard works, and inspired leaders and teachers. We too can be a light-we can light the way for others when we hearken to the Lord's counsel and keep ourselves worthy of His Spirit. Sister Ardeth G. Kapp, former Young Women General President counseled: "You have the light within. You can shine in darkness. You can light up the world. You can help dispel darkness. You ca make a difference." I was privileged to travel with Sister Kapp when I went to England. She invited my friend and I to have dinner with her and her sisters. She went out of her way to be kind to us, virtual strangers. She seemed genuinely interested in us and asked us question about our lives. I have never met a kinder or sweeter person. She truly radiates the light of Christ!
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:29
And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

"Focus on others. We can follow Christ, 'who went about doing good.' If you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation' DC 11:8. The primary purpose of divine assignments is to bless others and to do much good."

Moroni did not use King Mosiah's Hebrew translation of the Jaredite plates. He made his own translation in reformed Egyptian. 

Happy Birthday Curtis!

This boy turns 10 today

I left for the valley around 9:30 this morning by myself. James is too sick to go with me. I stopped in Show Low and Heber to put air in my tire because the indicator light kept coming on to tell me I had a low tire. By the time I got to Payson it was ok. I think maybe it was low because of the cold air. 

My first stop in the valley was at Chandler Eyecare. Sheri put new lenses in my glasses and then we went to lunch at Zupa's. I had a gift card that Kim gave me last year. When the girl scanned it, the computer froze up so she told me my lunch was free. I had a salad and some soup.

After lunch I went to the Fry's on Germann and Alma School and picked up a birthday card and gift card to Outback for Paul since today is his birthday. I also got a box of oatmeal for Stacy so Joshua could make cookies for Paul. 

Sister Wilhelm asked me if I would pic up something for Wendy DeWitt for her. Wendy is making her copies of kids movies on a flash drive for Christmas. Wendy had sent me her address so I put it in my GPS and drove directly to it. After visiting with Wendy and Colin a few minutes Wendy gave me a card and asked if I would deliver it to the Scott's. She also asked me not to tell them who it was from. I said I would make the delivery and my lips were sealed. 

While I was in Gilbert I stopped at Deseret Book and got a triple combination for Curtis in my Primary class. I had his name engraved on it. Next stop, the Costco next door. I picked up some more blankets, and wrapping paper, but they were out of ribbon, the main reason I stopped. 

I hurried back to Stacy's in Chandler. Joshua has a concert tonight and he and Stacy needed a ride. Paul is meeting them there, driving they only car they have right now that is working. Joshua plays the trumpet. I took a picture of him before they left. I am sad his and Evan's concert is tonight, the same night as Addy's.

Such a handsome guy!

Right after Joshua's concert, Evan had his first orchestra concert.

The cutest violinist I've ever seen!

I dropped off gifts at Sheri's today and got to see Ben and Ollie.

This evening I dropped off at Sam's Club to see if they had any Christmas ribbon. Sure enough they did. I am so glad I stopped. I got some more wrapping paper and some croissants. They make the best. 

After my stop at Sam's Club I drove out to Darrel and Trina's. Addy was already at the school but Trina and the other kids were home. 

We all jumped in Trina's car and drove to Desert Ridge High School. Trina's mom had saved us seats down front. The concert was short and sweet. Addy and her group sang "Santa Baby" as one of their songs. Lola told Addy she really lie t.

It was a great concert. I'm just sorry James and Darrel couldn't be there.

I managed to get my steps in today.

Kacey posted this picture. It actually snowed

in San Antonio. 

Jared is in El Paso and he posted this:

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, July 15th, 2017

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple 
Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015 by
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Atonement

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, e humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Ama 33:1-11

Why did the Lord hear Zenos's prayer?

DC 101:63-74

63-75, The Saints are to continue gathering together;

Why should we always be prepared before we go on the Lord's errand?

* "Let all things be prepared before you." This same idea is repeated about three times in these verses. We've all heard the popular saying haste makes waste" and surely it does! On the other hand "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (DC38:30)

Being prepared for anything takes the anxiety and fear out of whatever we are asked to do. If we prepare ourselves spiritually, temporally, physically and mentally, we can go forward in the confidence of the Lord.

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Overcoming the world is keeping our promises to God - our baptismal and temple covenants and our oath of faithfulness to our eternal companion. Overcoming the world leads us humbly to the sacrament table each week, asking for forgiveness and pledging to 'remember Him and keep His commandments that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.'"

Before going to Ruby's baptism this morning I had to make a trip to Walmart to find a necklace to wear. I didn't have much to choose from but ended up buying two cheapies. 

As I am getting ready to go, I knock over something on the bathroom counter and it lands on my glasses frames and the frame breaks.

I ended up wearing my sunglasses at the baptism

and at the luncheon afterwards at Darrel and Trina's.

Later this afternoon Sheri takes the to Chandler Eyecare

and she and Nancy put on a new set of frames for me.

This is the second time this dynamic duo have come to my rescue!

Ruby's baptism was very special because she is such a sweet and loving girl. 

I wish I would have gotten a picture of her 

and Darrel together.

I was worried the flowers in her hair would

come out when she went under the water but they didn't.

Holding her new scriptures.

The luncheon at Trina and Darrel's was attended by our family and Trina's. 

Trina's dad visiting with Darrel, Trina,

Lexy and Brice. He mentioned to us what

great friends these four are.

I had an enjoyable time visiting with Trina's mom. She really is an awesome grandma. She takes all of her grandkids school shopping before school starts and then out to dinner.  She says she has so many now that she does them by families.

Denise's daughter Rachel had her baby girl today. She was a couple of weeks early.

Evie Lynn Pfeil

Today is also Laura's birthday.

She is spending it in Boise, Idaho

with Jon's family.

Happy Birthday Laura!

When we get back to Cathi and Terry's it is time for a nap. The first thing Cathi does is apologize for how warm it is in their home. It is 83 degrees. The repairman can't come until Monday afternoon.

We have two fans going in our bedroom and it is tolerable.

James goes to Dickey's Barbeque for takeout. Michael work's there and they got to have a quick visit. I told him to take a picture but he forgot. 

He brought me back a pulled pork sandwich. It was delicious. We will definitely go back. 

A monsoon storm is brewing outside. A lot of wind blowing the dust around but no rain in our area. 

Terry and Cathi went shopping at Walmart and Terry bought James some cream for his hands called "Working Hands." How very thoughtful of him. 

I gave James a haircut this evening and a darn good one if I do say so myself. He has to look good when he ordains Max a teacher tomorrow.

James's cousin Curtis got married today to his fiance' Joie.

These two are my new heroes.

Not only are they adopting three boys,

the are also raising Curtis's five grandkids.

Pretty amazing.

They rented a cabin in Flagstaff and

were married in the backyard.

Joie's son walked her down the aisle.

He is living with them too.

Kyra's daughter

Today was a day filled with wonderful memories. I am truly grateful for my life and the many people who make it so special.

This made me laugh!

Saturday, July 1st, 2017

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct - 2 Nov 1978 by

Spencer W. Kimball

Rededicated: 22 Feb 2004 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 25:1-17

*How were Abinadi's prophecies fulfilled?

The Lord sends His prophets to serve as His messengers and make His will known. Slometimes they predict future events. Alma 25 is the fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy from Mosiah 17:14-19.

*What has our prophet counseled us to do today?

DC 95:1-17

1-6, The Saints are chastened for their failure to build the house of the Lord; 7-10, The Lord desires to use His house to endow His people with power from on high; 11-17, The house is to be dedicated as a place of worship and for the school of the Apostles.

Which verse stood out to me?

*1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you-

8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;

11 Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it.

13 Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord - let the house be built, not after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world;

14 Therefore, let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three of you, whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

" We must each ask: How do I keep centered and lean not unto mine own understanding? How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?

How do I cultivate trust in the Savior: May I suggest three ways to increase our knowledge of and trust in the Savior?

First, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Scriptures enlighten our minds, nourish our spirits, answer our questions, increase our trust in the Lord, and help us center our lives on Him.

Second, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him through prayer. As we make a habit of approaching Heavenly Father in prayer, we will come to know the Savior. We will come to trust Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that Heavenly Father is ready to give if we will but ask in faith.

Third, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we sacrifice to serve others."

James and I made an early morning trip to town. Kim and Brian were still in bed so I left them a note. It was James's errand but I took advantage of it. I bought a mattress topper for the bed in James's office. I bought ping pong balls and paddles, and various and other sundry items. We stopped at Jack-in-the Box for breakfast and I had one of their yummy supreme croissants.  

Happy 14th Birthday Max!

This is one amazing kid. He seems tough on the outside but

on the inside he is a marshmallow.

Max absolutely loves Michael!

They are buddies, even if Michael did

knock his tooth out on the trampoline.

Such a handsome boy, and so talented!

His brothers and his cousins are his

best friends.

Such a smart boy, even at this age!

I love you Max!

We had smoke from the San Carlos Hilltop fire today. It got so bad that it was difficult to go outside. It kept Kim and Brian from going for a walk and a Razr ride. They even talked about going home. That's how bad it was. 

James went to Kyra's funeral in St. Johns. This is a picture of Kyra's dad Curtis, and his finance Joie. They are pretty amazing people. More to come about them at a later date.

Curtis is Uncle Delbert's youngest son.

Uncle Delbert was a prisoner of war in

World War II. He wrote a book about it.

He is 94 years old and he and Uncle Kay are the

only two of James's dad's siblings that are

still alive. He lives in St. Johns.

Kyra's kids and one of two of the

children that Joie and Curtis adopted.

I stayed home from the funeral to finish cleaning upstairs. Jared and Kacey and their kids will be arriving tonight. There were so many dead bugs in the bathtubs!  It was a chore, but I finished. The upstairs is ready for company.

Brian cooked me a cheeseburger for lunch. Thanks Brian.  I am so tired. When James got home he, Kim and I played a game of Five Crowns.

Jared, Kacey and the kids arrived around 9:30 after spending 15.5 hours in the car.  They were exhausted and went straight to bed.

Random Photos:

Molly met Kacey's friend Gloria and they were

instantly best friends!

Upper Black River

I love the diversity of scenery in Arizona!