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

Friday, November 17th, 2017

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Atonement

Zechariah 9:11

As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.

Book of Mormon

What are the characteristics of a true believer in Christ?

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says: "True believers are settled in their views of Christ. Despite their weaknesses, their spirituality is centered on the Savior. True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom. They include partaking worthily of the sacrament, rendering Christian service, studying the scriptures, praying, fasting, receiving ordinances, attending to family duties, paying tithes and offerings. ...True believers are humble. they are not easily offended. They do not resist counsel. True believers are willing to do what Christ wants. Are we willing to let the Lord lead us into further developmental experiences Or do we shrink back? The things which enlarge the soul inevitably involve stretching. True believers truly pray. Their prayers are sincere and heartfelt. True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct. They are so secure in their relationship with the Lord that their goodness would continue even if nobody were watching. True believers rejoice in the success of others. They don't regard colleagues as competitors. True believers remember that forgetting is part of forgiving. They follow the Lord's example: 'I will remember their sins no more' (DC 58:42). true believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive. They are kind, but candid. They love other people. True believers are happy. They are serious about how they live life, but are also of good cheer" (True Believers, New Era, April 1994, 20-24).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 8:2-3

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Light allows us to discern between truth and error and between the vital and the trivial. When we are in the light, we can make righteous choices based on true principles. When we are in the light, we have a 'perfect brightness of hope' because we can see our mortal trials from an eternal perspective. We will find spiritual healing as we step away from the shadows of the world and into the everlasting Light of Christ."

Shaylyn got her mission call this week. She is going to the Indiana, Indianapolis mission and reports to the MTC February 7th.  She and Shelly are good friends and Shelly left for the MTC on Wednesday.

Shelly is going to the Baltimore, Maryland

mission.

James has insomnia. Normally when I get up at 5 a.m. he is still in bed. The last couple of mornings he has been getting up around 3-3:30. By afternoon he needs a nap, but that's pretty normal anyway. 

Today at 7 a.m. it was 55 degrees. Tomorrow, according to my weather app, it will be 25. Things are cooling down as they should, now if we could only get some rain, or snow!

My day today was pretty much like all other days that I spend at home. I blog, I study, I do some housework, and I watch Christmas movies and do my steps. Today at 4 p.m. we left for the temple.  I took a bath earlier and when James came in to take his shower there was no hot water left. Sorry honey.

It is our ward temple night and we signed up to do an endowment session which starts at 6 p.m. but we were told to be in the chapel by 5:15.

We gathered in the chapel at the temple, although they no longer do chapel sessions. President Reidhead came in and spoke to us a few minutes and then those who were doing baptisms were dismissed. They had over 200 baptisms to do thanks to Sister Thompson. I asked her if she does her own research and she said yes, "That's what I do all day." 

Brother Wilhelm did Tyler Tedder's name. Tyler was a young man in our ward who passed away a couple of years ago. He was a good friend with John's son Talon.

Brother Wilhelm, Sr., was the officiator at our session and Brother Peeler was the follower. Their wives were the two women followers. Brother Wilhelm asked us to be the witness couple and of course we said yes. It was a wonderful, spiritual session. Brother Patterson, someone I knew in high school was my receiver at the veil. The new name was the same one I had when I went through for my own endowments 49 years ago.

 Those attending from our ward: The Applegates, two Wilhelm couples, the Diewald's, the Thompsons, Sean and Stefani, Sister Allen, Bishop Miller, and Brother Romyak. Youth that I saw: Alice, Holly, Ashten, Talon and Jace but Talon and Jace were waiting in the foyer with dates. 

Alice totaled her new car while she was taking George somewhere. She was looking at George in the backseat and ran into a tree. Oh yes, George is her baby brother. I feel so bad for her.

On the way home we stopped at Burger King for burgers. Not so great. We also read from our book, "Once an Heiress." We really like it.

This morning's sunrise

Finally we are getting some attention

This is Porter Mountain in Lakeside.

Window Rock of Window Rock, Arizona

This is Shirley. She came last year to see me

but she hasn't been back this year.

I miss her.

A few years ago when we took Ruby 

to Disneyland. She was a delight!

I am dying to try this!

Christmas is coming!

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Amos 9:1

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Helaman 13:21-39

*Why do you feel it is important to listen to the prophets of God?

-Elder M. Russell Ballard has said: "If we bring the teachings of the prophets and apostles into our homes our relationships with family members will improve and so will our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we draw close to the Lord we will be able to feel the Spirit and He will teach us and prompt us to know what to do to follow the counsel given that our testimonies might be strengthened and that we might have peace and joy" (Ensign, May 2001, 67).

DC 8:2-3

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Sister Neill F. Marriott

We need to continually deepen our knowledge of and obedience to Heavenly Father. Our relationship with Him is eternal. We are His beloved children, and that will not change. How are we going to whole heartedly accept His invitation to draw near to Him and thus enjoy the blessings He longs to give us in this life and in the world to come. Do we trust Him enough to abide in Him and walk with Him?

I read an article in the New Era this morning by Elder David A Bednar called, "A Christlike Character." Here are some notes from that article:

"There could have been no Atonement without the character of Christ." - Neal A. Maxwell

"Character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward."

"Jesus, who suffered the most, has the most compassion for all of us who suffer so much less. Indeed, the depth of suffering and compassion is intimately linked to the depth of love felt by the ministering one."

The hurrier I go, the behinder I get. James and I did finish "Mind Games" today. Our friend Stephanie is a pretty good writer. 

I made one of my new recipes for dinner: foil steak and potatoes, and asparagus. I will not make this meal again. Too much work, and not the right way to cook a delicious ribeye steak.

I also made rolls and banana nut bread. 

It was windy today, which is never pleasant when James goes outside to work.

I am patiently waiting for the conference talks to be downloaded onto lds.org.

I worked on Alice's candy bouquet while James went to the dump, Empire Cat, Home Depot, Aliberto's and Verizon. He brought me back a tace! Bless him!

I worked on my blog for the 27th and 28th of September.

Carmen is here for her mom's 90th birthday. Her daughters Sarah and Sydney came with her. She was very sad that Lois's party was cancelled and that we were not coming down. So is Gail. 

For F.H.E. we read from Preach My Gospel. Afterwards we watched "Chesapeake Shores." 

Happy Birthday Mom, Grandmother, ....

You are the best!

(Cake by Amelia)

Teresa, the oldest granchild, wrote this.

Going to the gym has paid off for Trina

Sedona

Fun with Friends

Trina always wanted a pink Jeep!

I am obsessed with goats right now.

My friend Hailey posted this.

I can't wait until we get our horses!

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Curitiba, Brazil 

126th operating temple

Jacob 3:1-14

3 The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God - Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of the Nephites - Jacob warns against fornicstion, lasciviousness, and every sin. About 544-421 B.C.

Why does Jacob choose to say 'awake' in this chapter instead of just repent or change?  What do you visualize in Jacob 3:11?

Alma 41-42

41 In the Resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery - Wickedness never was happiness - Carnal men are without God in the world - Every person receives again in the Restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality. About 74 B.C.

42 Mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent and serve God - The Fall brought temporal and spiritual death upon all mankind - Redemption comes through repentance - God Himself atones for the sins of the world - Mercy is for those who repent - All others are subject to God's justice - Mercy comes because of the Atonement - Only the truly penitent are saved.

DC 43:24-35

23-28, The Lord calls upon men by His own voice and through the forces of nature; 29-35, The Millennium and the binding of Satan will come.

How can we let the solemnities of eternity rest upon our minds so that we may always have an eternal perspective?

General Conference

Principles and Promises

President Thomas S. Monson

" May we care for our bodies and our minds by observing the principles set forth in the Word of Wisdom, a divinely provided plan.  With all my heart and soul, I testify of the glorious blessings which await us as we do."

The Perfect Path to Happiness

President Thomas S. Monson

" We are blessed to have the truth.  We have a mandate to share the truth.  Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit.  He has told us, 'This is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.'"

Sister Curtis and Brother Kearl were the speakers in sacrament meeting today.  My Primary lesson: "Important Ordinances Are Restored."  Those attending my class:  Jace, Jerom, Curtis, Lianna.

Curtis took marbles from the prize box after Primary and it made me worried because he has a little brother who is only one.  I messaged his mom and she assured me she would monitor them, which made me feel better. 

Sister Gillespie lived most of her life right here in Vernon.  Her son and daughter-in-law are in our ward.  She was blind for 20 years and still led the music.  She memorized all the hymns.

James and I had fish for lunch and then we took a nap.  We had our home teachers come this afternoon, Bishop Miller and Jace A.  We had a nice visit.  Bishop knows one of our friends from Chandler, Brother Bear.  In fact, the Bear's own property in Vernon and the bishop pastures his horse on the Bear's land.

I tried a new banana nut bread recipe today.  This one calls for chocolate.  It was quite good but the chocolate overcame the taste of the bananas.  I promised James I would make some regular banana bread with walnuts later in the week.

Someone must have liked it.

I studied and James indexed this evening.  Before going to bed we started a new book.

Fun Photos:

Kacey posted this picture.

I absolutely love it.

Molly looks so cute.

Montezuma's Castle here in Arizona

Temple girls: 

Alice, Holly, Shelly

Alex and Michael's graduation party

Alex's graduation announcement photo

Michael's graduation announcement photo

Saturday, February 4, 2017O

Paris, France temple

The dedication is scheduled for May 21, 2017.

2 Nephi 1:1-12

How have the American continents been kept sacred?

Enos and Jarom

DC 19:15-24

How can we be more humble and willing to accept our trials?

Broadcast: 'That We Might "Not Shrink"'

By: David A. Bednar

March 3, 2013

GC:  'Fourth Floor, Last Door' by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The purpose of faith is not to change God's will but to empower us to act on God's will.  Faith is trust - trust that God sees what we cannot and that He knows what we do not.  Sometimes, trusting our own vision and judgment is not enough."

GC:  'O How Great the Plan of Our God!' by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Brothers and sisters, we are eternal beings, without beginning and without end.  We have always existed.  We are the literal spirit children of divine, immortal, and omnipotent Heavenly Parents! 

We come from the heavenly courts of the Lord our God.  We are of the royal house of Elohim, the Most High God.

We walked with Him in our premortal life.  We heard Him speak, witnessed His majesty, learned His ways."

After gospel study and scriptures and prayers with James, we went to clean the Vernon chapel.  Kaeli, a friend and our Relief Society President, Ari met us there as she and her husband Chris are scheduled to help us.  Christ had already made a commitment to work on his dad's ranch so he was not able to come.  

We cleaned for over two hours and determined that no one has cleaned the building since James and I cleaned it on January 14th.  The trash was still half full like we had left it. (I looked for my pictures of the chapel but couldn't find them.)

James and I came home and had lunch, grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup, and a salad.  After lunch we started our fast.  We are fasting for Stacy's family.  I took an hour nap and worked on my blog for awhile before it was time to get ready to go clean the temple.  

I almost forgot that it is my brother Harold's 67th birthday!

Happy Birthday Harold!

We left our home at 5:45 and picked up Brother Cooper at the church.  We arrived at the temple at 6 o'clock.  We are doing a deep clean with the Show Low City Creek ward from our stake.  There are two couples that are stake cleaning coordinators, the Pattersons' and the Brooks'.  They are in charge, which means James and I are off the hook as far as making sure everything runs smoothly.  We even got to clean together.!  We did the men's dressing room.  

One of the reasons so many members of our ward couldn't make it for the cleaning.  The Show Low wrestling team were in Payson participating in sectionals.  Every Show Low wrestler qualified and they came in first!

James has been making phone calls for the last couple of days trying to get at least 15 people to come for the cleaning.  Six people cancelled and our last minute fill-ins were: The Wallaces, Peelers, and Applegates.  We ended up with 16 people.  Besides these three coupls we had Brother Gordon, Brother Miller, Brother Curtis, the Lauritzens, Skousens, Brother Cooper, and us.  

Brother Patterson, a stake co-ordinator, said we had 37 people total and that was a new record!  The Vernon ward rocks!

  The nice thing is we were home and in bed before 10.

Fun Photos

In honor of Harold I had to post John Wayne.

This boy is hilarious!

Oh Michael, you

look like a missionary!!

FHE Pileup