Friday, November 8th, 2019

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 41:3

And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 23:1-14

What value is there in searching the scriptures and the prophets?

Answer: Today I quote from 3 prophets because I couldn't choose one. The Prophet Joseph Smith: "Search the scriptures, search the revelations and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. When men/women receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them."

President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I am grateful for the emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that rather it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."

President Henry B. Eyring: "The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day. The words of the scriptures invite the Holy Spirit. With daily study of the scriptures we can count on this blessing. We treasure the word of God not only by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture. 

One of my grandchildren said to me: "Grandma, I love reading the scriptures." I think it may have been Addy, but why didn't I write down who it was? 

New Testament

Hebrews 5; I/F: FSS and FHE - Hebrews 1:8-9; 2:1-4

SS: Hebrews 5:1-5 Those who serve in God's Kingdom must be called of God.

10/19 General Conference

"Found Through the Power of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Reuben V. Alliaud

"Jesus Christ Himself is the Lord of lost things. He cares for lost things That is surely why He taught the three parable that we find in the 15th chapter of Luke: the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin,and, finally, the prodigal son. All these stories have a common denominator: It doesn't matter why they were lost. It doesn't matter even if they were aware they were lost. There reigns supreme a feeling of joy that exclaims, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found that which was lost.' In the end, nothing is truly lost to Him."

I was at Dr. Shah's at 7:00 this morning per their request. There was a lot of sitting around and waiting. Cute Noah who is 22 took x-rays, did my consultation, and assisted Dr. Shah with the tooth extraction. I think maybe some of the girls in the office are a little jealous of him. Others might have a crush on him. I think I would if I was 22.

Tooth #14 is to be extracted. Can you find it?

Can you find the implant?

Noah showed me the full head X-ray shot. It is kind of creepy to see yourself as a skeleton.

While I was waiting for the surgery I got cold so Noah brought me a blanket. Such service! 

We started out with a price of $1,600. Dr. Shah deducted $300 when I said budget was a concern. I elected to have a local shot instead of oral sedation and the price was brought down to $600.

Dr. Shah gave me two shots. One was in the roof of my mouth. Noah said that would be the worst part, but it wasn't. The grinding, and the pressure from the pulling was the worst part. I'm not sure I want to be awake for that ever again. 

Because this is a major chewing tooth, Dr. Shah did some bone graft for a future implant. 

The nice thing about the local anesthetic is that I was able to walk out the front door of the office instead of having James come around to the back to get me. I saw some poor woman with two pieces of bloody gauze in her mouth waiting in the back for someone to pick her up. 

I was supposed to wait an hour before eating, which would have been around 11,  but we headed straight for Culver's where both James and I got a vanilla malt. It was delicious. I was ready to head for home but James had to stop at the Montessori school in Mesa. This job isn't even going to start until school is out in the spring. They are having difficulty finding the sewer line so James and the architect keep having these little mini-meetings. 

I went to McDonald's and got some chicken nuggets with hot mustard sauce. James was so excited about the hot mustard sauce. He said the last time he asked for it they told him they didn't have it anymore. 

We finally headed for home the Payson way a little after noon. Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Shipley, and Vader are coming up to Vernon this afternoon. They left a two going the Globe way. They stopped at El Rey in Globe for dinner. 

We got home around 4 o'clock. I hurried and put my stuff away so I could watch a Hallmark movie before Stacy and Paul got here. Neither one of them are in to Hallmark movies and neither is Joshua. I watched "A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas." I love the house/lodge in this movie. I've seen it in another Hallmark movie. It was fun to see all that they did to decorate the lodge and the barn for Christmas.

Stacy, Paul, Joshua and the two dogs got here a little after six just after my movie ended. Paul and Joshua are here to help James split and stack wood tomorrow. We work in the temple tomorrow so it will be in the afternoon.

I made rolls and baked them before going to bed.

Photos:

 Lola and friends

 Charlie's all in. Not so sure about Scarlett.

 One year anniversary of the Paradise, California fire.

Lucretia Barton's home where she lived over 50 years

was destroyed. She left everything behind and came to

live with her granddaughter, Candi Campbell, who 

had just moved to Vernon with her family.

Last visit to the cabin a few weeks ago.

 Former "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants.

Allison was also a pro on "Dancing with the Stars."

 Lynda is a member of our ward.

My friend Elida Pope took this picture in 

Pinetop-Lakeside.

Saturday, July 13th, 2019

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 March 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 32:1-20

New Testament "What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do?"

Acts 9:23-43

General Conference

Your Priesthood Playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"I asked a few of the Brethren to recommend plays you might include in your playbook. Here are some of their inspired suggestions:

*Pray every day for greater light and a testimony of Jesus Christ.

*Listen carefully to the teachings of your parents, your bishop, and your Young Men and quorum leaders.

*Avoid pornography and immoral social media content.

*Remember the promises you have made to God, and work to keep them.

*Study scripture stories of great prophets, and emulate their good qualities.

*Bless Heavenly Father's children through service.

*Seek good friends to help you become the person you want to be.

*Become an expert in the FamilySearch app, and research your own family history.

*Plan places of retreat where you can escape evil influences.

*Love and help strengthen other members of your priesthood quorum."

I got up and went to the temple by myself this morning, taking my blueberry "babycakes" with me. 

When I picked up my schedule from Sister Elmer I saw that I was no longer the assistant veil director working with Sister Reidhead. I was the veil director and Sister Rubert was my assistant. We were missing several sisters today so I am glad that I came.

We watched some videos for our preparation training and then President Reidhead said that "If you in here today don't come forth in the morning of the First Resurrection then I don't know who will. Believe in yourself and believe that you are good enough."

These are the other assignments I had today: Initiatory 2x, greeter 2x, Celestial room (I was there all by myself). 

None of the sessions were very full and their were no own endowments, short veil ceremonies, or newly weds, so being the veil director for the first time was very easy. I must say I do miss Sister Reidhead and our visits. We had such a fun time working together.

I found out today that Sister Bradshaw gave birth to and raised 11 children. I have a new respect for her! 

Sister Larsen had a high blood sugar and forgot her insulin so Sister DeWitt had to leave early and take her home. Sister Larsen thought she had left her insulin in Sister DeWitt's car so Sister Elmer was outside trying to find Sister DeWitt's car to get the insulin but it wasn't there. It was a little crazy because of this for awhile but everything worked out.

It was 88 degrees when I left Snowflake this afternoon. There were clouds but no rain all the way home until I turned off 3261. There was a cloud burst right over where we live and the roads were muddy the rest of the way home. I was pleasantly surprised!

This kids cooked outside this evening, burgers, and bratwurst. James and I went into the Dollar Store because I was having a craving for chocolate and needed a Hershey bar. I also bought Little Debbie turtle brownies for me and regular brownies for James and some Dove dark chocolate for James.

The Millennial Choir and Orchestra from Arizon, which includes the Kaufmann's, Karin Gonda Brimhall, and the Whalen girls to name a few, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City last night. Tonight the Millennial Choirs from Utah and southern California were supposed to perform but there was a blackout in New York when the electricity went off. Instead, the choir went to the streets. Here are some of the reports I got:

 Millennial Choir and Orchestra from Arizona

 The Kaufmann's and their granddaughter

are in the choir

Kaufmann's and Auxier's from Chandler

 The Wave in Antelope Canyon

 If this one doesn't work,

 then this one will!

So cute and curious!

 I love this picture and I love these faces!

 These missionaries make me so happy,

especially the one on the left.

 A new family in our ward.

They have only been members for

four years.

Sunday, June 17th, 2018

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 18:1-11

*How was Ammon's reaction to adversity an act of faith?

- He went fearlessly to teach the gospel to the Lamanites. When he is faced with adversity he fearlessly fights them off. Ammon had confidence in the Lord and His work. Faith and fear cannot exist at the same time. When we have faith and confidence in the Lord we can be great missionaries like Ammon.

Old Testament

2 Kings 21-22

21 Manasseh turns Judah to idolatry, even sacrificing a son to a heathen god - Prophets foretell the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem - Wickedness continues under Amon

22 Josiah reigns in righteousness in Judah - Hilkiah repairs the temple and finds the book of the law - Josiah sorrows because of the wickedness of his fathers - Huldah prophesies wrath upon the people but blessings upon Josiah.

General Conference

With One Accord

Sister Reyna I. Aburto

"Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of unity with His Father. They are one in purpose in love, and in works, with 'the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.'"

The last weigh-in for the Chunky Monkey Weight Loss Challenge.

I lost 1.8 lbs and James lost 3. He is at 137 and a woman never reveals her weight unless she is forced to. Darrel concedes that dad beat him but we still have to wait for Tristyn to report and she is five hours behind us so it will be this afternoon.

James and I made green chili stew using the beef stew meat I had in the refrigerator. We will have the stew after church. I also made some banana nut muffins for breakfast. 

I got James a new drinking container for Father's Day.

Prettier than the red one.

In sacrament meeting this morning several people gave reports on the Stake Youth Trek which was held this week in the hills near Vernon. 
Jace loved his family and had a great experience. They even had a family cheer as they gathered in a circle and put their families in the middle and shouted, "Go family!"

Ty was pioneer Peter McBride and told about his experiences. His said his family was chaotic. Peter McBride was a 6 year old when he crossed the plains and his father died. 

Macy was impressed with one of the girls on the trek who got run over by a cart and kept going and never complained. 

Brother Nichols was a pa. He said he was proud of the youth in this stake. Holly, from our ward, got blisters on her feet the first day and never complained. He said that the wagon master, Brother John W., was brutal. He called one of the more difficult hills, John's Revenge.

Brother Wilhelm said that this is indeed a choice generation.

Sister Nichols said they walked 30 miles and she loved when they sang, "Nearer My God to Thee."

Layne H. said he learned that working together makes work easier.

Finally it was time for the high councilman, Brother Wright to speak. He reminded us that the gospel does matter in our lives. He told the story of his parents who came from broken families and did not grow up with the gospel. When the missionaries taught them they embraced it. We need to strengthen and unify our families and all members. He said an indication of unity was seen on the trek this week among the 170 youth who participated. 

Brother Smith taught Sunday School. The lesson was Old Testament #23, "The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever."
It was the story of Jonathan, David and Saul. Brother Smith focused on how the gospel helps us in our relationships. It was a great lesson.

Sister Grapp taught Relief Society. The lesson was based on Elder Cook's conference address, "Prepared to Meet God." I felt like the lesson went very well and we had a good discussion. Elder Cook says that the Church's three-fold mission is based on Moses, Elias, and Elijah visiting the Kirtland Temple.

First Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which is missionary work.

Second, Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the purpose of the covenants keys is to prepare members for the kingdom of God. He said: "We know who we are and we know what God expects of us."

Third, Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead.

There are, under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, three executive councils at Church headquarters that oversee these divinely appointed responsibilities based on the keys that were restored in the Kirtland Temple. They are the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and the Temple and Family History Executive Council.

After sacrament meeting we had the youth help us distribute the cookies to all of the men in the congregation. We had plenty so we let the young men have some too.

On the way home from church I went with James to take bless the sacrament for Sister Peeler. Brother and Sister Peeler and Brother and Sister Smith were waiting for us when we got there. Brother Smith blessed the bread and James blessed the water. It was a very sacred and spiritual experience. We all gave Sister Peeler a hug and she had tears in her eyes. She is in an extreme amount of pain from bulging disks in her back and a compression fracture in her back.
I miss seeing her at church so much.

Darrel, Trina and the kids only stayed for sacrament meeting. 

I love this family with all my heart!

After lunch and a couple of Razr rides, we went over to the Howard's to see their horses. Ruby wanted to say hello to Pepper, the pony she rode last year. Pepper was in a pen with his wife and one other Shetland pony. His wife is expecting.

There were two baby filly's, one two weeks old and one six days old. They were so cute. Another mare, Mirage, Moai's mom, is due any day.

Bull was walking around with us, Chocolate, and the twins, Solo and Eyore were in a pen next to Pepper and the girls. Moai was down at the other barn and a new mare was in a pen by herself. 

I think Rowan enjoyed the dogs, Molly and Mya, as much as he did the horses. Ruby spent most of her time with Pepper.

Ruby renewing her friendship with Pepper

while the girls look on.

Brother Howard and the gang visiting

Chocolate, Eyore, and Solo.

Rowan and Kreed felt bad that the dogs were

in cage. They liked Molly, the shaggy one

the best. Mya, the Alaskan Husky, was a

little more spirited and I think a little jealous

that the boys were giving Molly so much attention.

Bull and Lola saying hello to one of the babies.

I guess Molly renamed Bull, Oreo when she was

here last year. Brother Howard says the horses don't

get named right away. They have to earn their names.

The kids all wanted to know what the babies' names

were.

Grandpa and Lola visiting Mirage who is about

to deliver any day now.

Mirage loved all of the attention. When the girls

would stop petting her, she would stick her head

through the bars and look at them. She especially

liked Kayla.

So cute. I want one!

Is this an acceptible Sunday activity?

We had strawberry cake and brownies for dinner. Lola and I played bowling and some people watched TV or played games. Uno seems to be a favorite on this trip. 

James helped Rowan to set a trap to catch one of the bunnies.

We all had family prayer together.

Those are Darrel's feet you see on the back of

the couch. 

Lola wanted to make sure that grandpa knew that

grandma is the boss of the cabin.

I made cookies for Talon who

is going to Washington to work

for the summer.

The Allen family children at the 

Cardston, Alberta temple.

Jackson, who is in our ward and

getting ready to serve a mission in

the Philippines, got his endowments

on Saturday. His sister lives in Alberta.