Sunday, August 27th, 2017

Dallas, Texas
30th operating temple
Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984 by: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 19:16

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Alma 57:1-16

How do I fortify myself against the attacks of the adversary?

Our bishop gave a brief message today on obedience. He quoted President Benson: "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power."

I guess I would say then that I strive to be obedient in all things so I can be armed with God's power. I have a ways to go, but that is my desire. 

DC 124:50-69

What did I learn from these verses?

The Lord says that whenever He gives a commandment, no matter what it is about, to the children of man, and they go to with their might and endeavor to fulfill His commandment, and do that which is required of them, and they are prevented by their enemies, or any other means, from accomplishing it, He does not require any more at their hands. He accepts of their offering.

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"One observer noted, 'Jesus taught his followers to do as he did: to welcome everyone but also to teach about sin, since love demands warning people about what can hurt them.'"

Today the Umphresses spoke in sacrament meeting. There was a little time left at the end of the meeting so the bishop spoke to us about obedience. I am going to share again the quote he gave:

"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." - Ezra Taft Benson

I found a talk today on obedience that I want to read. It is from the April 1998 General Conference by Elder Donald L. Staheli called, "Obedience - Life's Greatest Challenge."

My Primary class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Jace, Gracie, Bailey, and Ashten. Sister Kuffer's friend passed away and her funeral is on Tuesday. Sister Kuffer should be here next week to take her class. Bailey and Ashten are both in her class.

Houston is facing the worst flood disaster in U.S. History. They, and surrounding areas, have had around 50 inches of rain. I guess Kevin is surviving, and so is Jillie and her family.

The Houston temple had flooding on the first floor. Thank goodness that is all.

Thousands of homes are flooded with people trapped inside. The worst is yet to come. Residence heard conflicting stories as to whether to evacuate. Evacuation itself creates a nightmare. The news is urging people to stay at home. Millions are at risk. Airports are closed. 9 million people are under flash flood warning. I am grateful that our two Vernon boys and their wives got out. Kendall and his wife were at church today here in Vernon.

During sharing/singing time all of the teachers were in a teacher council meeting. Arizona and another little girl went out to go to the bathroom. Afterwards, Salena, the other girl who is staying at Nadine's ran home instead of going back in to Primary. I guess we are going to have to have hall monitors for Primary now.

I texted Sheri today and said we should go to the Carefree, Arizona tea room for her birthday. She agreed.

We spent a quiet, relaxing afternoon at home with no TV. We did go outside and read a couple of chapters from our book. We are still reading "A Lady in Disguise."

Photos, etc:

New stake presidency of the Pleasanton, California stake.

Brother Black, in the middle, the stake president,

is a former member of our ward in Chandler.

This is Brian and Stephanie 28 years ago on 

the windy wedding day.

Stephanie is Bruce R. McConkie's granddaughter.

She writes murder mysteries.

This is her latest.

I love how pink these piggies are.

Another castle to add to my collection.

This was taken a few years ago.

Trenda, Talon, Alice, Andy.

The Grand Canyon

  

Wednesday, August 9th, 2017

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958 

By: David O. McKay

Rededicated: 18-20 Oct 1992

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Mosiah 13:28

And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal existence of

John 1:1

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

Alma 47:20-36

Why did prior knowledge of the Lord cause the dissenters to forget the Lord their God?

*Instagram answer: Those who fell away from the gospel most likely also lost the influence of the Spirit. They sought after others who were in the same situation and as often happens they pulled each other down.  When you intentionally reject the gospel you set yourself up to drift here and there.

DC 109:61-80

How can we always be filled with joy and praise God ad the Lamb?

*Keeping the companionship of the Holy Ghost, which requires humility, repentance, forgiveness, and keeping the commandments. Through the Holy Ghost we can be filled with joy and praise for God and the Lamb.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"Covenant-keeping men and women seek for ways to keep themselves unspotted from the world so there will be nothing blocking their access to the Savior's power."

The Trezise's are getting a dog!

His name is Oliver James.

The boys are so excited and so is Sheri!

James worked outside all morning long. We left for the valley around 12:30 after having another family prayer. 

Our first stop was in Show Low to get gas and the car washed. Our first mishap occurred when the code wouldn't work in the carwash. James called the help number and the guy said to look for the attendant on duty. We looked. There wasn't one. We called again and the guy gave us his personal code, which worked. As we were sitting there all of a sudden we were both wet. The sky roof was not completely shut and was leaking all over us!  Finally we got it closed.

Our next stop was the Show Low post office to mail Molly's Moana doll. Jared sent us a text saying Molly had decided to be baptized and the date is September 9th.  James and I really want to go. 

Before leaving town we stopped at Arby's to get something to eat. James got a turkey reuben and I got a salad. Finally we are on the road!  We have nothing to read but hopefully our new book will be waiting for us at Cathi's. 

We had to make a 10-15 minute stop in Salt River Canyon for roadwork. We stopped at Burger House for two mixed greens and two green burros for Cathi and Terry. Of course we also had to get a couple for ourselves which we ate along the way. They were, of course, delicious!

When we arrive at Cathi and Terry's my four new purple Pioneer Woman goblets are waiting for me along with our new book by Sarah Eden, "Romancing Daphne." I only get to visit with Cathi a few minutes before it's time to go see Lois and Dawn. We stop and pick up food for Elmer's as both Dawn and Lois love their machaca tacos and burros. 

The four of us eat diner together and we have a nice visit. Lois gives me back a Snow White doll I gave her along with an Anne of Green Gables and a grandma with a little girl. Dawn brings out a tray of miniature Madame Alexander dolls.

They said I could have whichever ones I wanted. 

I picked out three from the Wizard of Oz to go

with the set I got from McDonald's a few years ago.

The Lollipop Guild boy, Elphaba, and  the Wizard

were the ones I chose.

When we get back to Cathi and Terry's she is watching a new show she loves called "Heartland." It is a series and I have been curious about it for a while. She loves it but she gets it on Netflix which we don't have so I order the first season on DVD.

Before going to bed I read a chapter from our new book, "Romancing Daphne."

Random Photos

This is true of Tramadol!

When Sheri announced they were getting a dog,

Brian said he wanted one. Kim posted this photo

and said: "You have one."

One thing I like about coming through Globe is

seeing Superstition Mountain when we hit 

Apache Junction.

Vickie posted this picture on Facebook.

I love it!

Autumn had a sonogram today.

Kacey met her in Dallas and they went to the temple.

The castles continue.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Jacob 4:1-18

All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ - Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544-421 B.C.

When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take He counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

Alma 43

Alma and his sons preach the word - The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites - The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war - Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor - The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites - The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion - The aries of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

DC 44:1-6

Elders are to assemble in conference; The are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.

How can we better listen to the Spirit so that we can help people in various circumstances?

General Conference

Joy and Spiritual Survival

President Russell M. Nelson

"He taught us how to have joy  When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior's Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy."

I like a quote I read in The Contrite Spirit:

"If we keep our covenants with Him, He will keep us spiritually safe."

At 10:15 James and I left for Hailey's to deliver her desk, some cookies, and the visiting teaching message.  Hailey has a new car.  She traded in her Jeep for a Toyota 4-Runner.  

After we left Hailey's we went to Persnikkity's for lunch.  I had the green chili chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries.  James had the Phillly cheesesteak sandwich and broccoli, cheese soup.  Next stop was the Book Barn to get Jeron and Jace's names put on their scriptures.  I texted Hailey and told her they had the "Dragonwatch" book at Book Barn.  Braylin, her son, is a big Fablehaven fan.

This is the book I got for Addy.

When I was in Walmart doing a little shopping I saw my cousin Rita and her husband Bill.

Rita said her mom was doing quite well except for her back.

She is going to have a proceedure done at the Arizona Pain Center in Show Low.

This afternoon I worked on my blog and did some filing.  James and I watched the movie "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" and then had FHE.  We listened to the conference talk, "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves.  We went to bed around 8:30.

Fun Photos

The home builder built a home for

his feathered friends.

Don't you just love this face!

I wish I could remember who Emmy was doing her report on.

My favorite salad, Pei Wei's

spicy chicken.

Dallin, Joe, and Michael the photo bomber.

Harry Potter look alikes.

When it rains, the frogs come out.

2012

Our dream patio

Wupatki National Monument

Friday, September 2, 2016

San Antonio temple

Alma 60:14-28

14 - I fear that the judgments of God will come upon this people; because of their exceeding slothfulness.

15 - . . . we could have withstood our enemies.

16 - Had it not been for the kingmen and the war that broke out among ourselves, we should have dispersed our enemies.

17 - Our people are suffering all manner of afflictions because of these kingmen.

18 - Perhaps you are traitors to our country.

19 - Maybe you neglect us because you are surrounded by security.

20 - Have ye forgotten the commandments or the captivity of your fathers and the many times we have been delivered?

21 - Do ye suppose the Lord will deliver us while we sit upon our thrones and don't make use of the means the Lord has provided for us?

22 - Will ye sit in idleness while thousands are falling by the sword?

23 - Remember God has said cleanse the inner vessel first.

24 - Except ye do repent and send forth food and men unto us we will come and cleanse the inner vessel, our government.

28 - I do not fear your power and authority, it is my God whom I fear.

GC: "What Shall We Do?" Sister Marriott.

I worked on my Primary lesson a couple of hours this morning.  I know with company this weekend it will be difficult to study tomorrow.  The lesson is on the Savior visiting the Nephites after His resurrection.

Grand Canyon

James and I made a trip to town today.  I went to Walmart and James went to Dennis's to return the blankets he used for the lawn.

Walmart was insane!  This is the busiest weekend of the month plus it's a holiday weekend so there are extra people here from the valley and Tucson.

James and I ate subs and chips on the way home and called it dinner.  We have got to stop eating in the car!

I love President Hinckley!

Another day that is overcast but no rain.  The high was around 74.  We sat on the porch and read from our new book.  James really likes it.  It's about the Vandermark mansion in New York state back around 1898.

Sophie van Riijn is the main character.

The story takes place in a little village called New Holland.

James helped me put the clean sheets on Kim and Brian's bed downstairs.  They got here somewhere between 9 and 10, just before we went to bed.  Glad they arrived safely.

Polar Bears arguing

Interesting. I like the polar bears better.

Here are the other two books I am reading right now.  I actually
finished this Fablehave book 2 and have moved on to book 3.