Tuesday, June 9th, 2020

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Mosiah 2:19

And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 9 with James; Study Guide; "Scripture Study Project" podcast

April General Conference

"Coming unto Christ - Living as Latter-day Saints"

Elder John A. McCune

"There will be times when we will not be able to see any way that a current situation will end well and might even express, as Nephi, 'My heart sorroweth because of my flesh.' There may be times that the only hope we have is in Jesus Christ. What a blessing to have that hope and trust in Him. Christ is the one who will always keep His promises. His rest is assured for all who come unto Him."

"Following Up"

M. Russell Ballard

April 2014

"Where Much is Given, Much is Required"

Boyd K. Packer

October 1974

"In the Strength of the Lord"

David A. Bednar

BYU Devotional

October 2001

It is amazing how we each are affected by so many people in our lives. James work up with a backache and then we found out that the basement leaked again. I was walking around the table near the entryway when I smelled something. I opened the downstairs and knew there was water down there. The sad thing is that James put in sand and plastic to stop the water from coming in from the planter. He is now of the opinion that one of the pipes down below the plastic is leaking. This is just one more thing to add to the number of burdens he is feeling right now. He says he will have to dig down at least four feet to get to the pipe. I told him we need to stop using that faucet and water the plants from the other front faucet. Of course he had to move furniture in order to get the carpet up. He will probably have to move out the bed because the water has gone so far. We need to put tile in the bedroom downstairs. 

I spoke to my friend Jean Howard today. James had heard from Anthony that she was not doing well. Jean is always very pleasant to talk to no matter how she feels or what she is going through. She said she had to go to the hospital this week because she felt like she couldn't breathe. She was told that her heart is failing and that she only has one functioning kidney. This is why she has been tired lately. She is supposed to stay home and take it easy but she said she is not one to do that. She said that Tom is going to town tomorrow and she plans on going with him. She also said I should come over and we should go to lunch in the next few days. I told her to please listen to the doctor and take it easy and I would call her on Thursday morning.

James is concerned about our neighbors Chuck and Kathy. Chuck has been having chest pains. He is having a procedure done on Thursday. Today he and Kathy took Dave K. down to the valley. Dave had surgery several months ago and got mersa while he was in the hospital. The incision in his chest pops open every time he gets up out of his chair. He is going down today to have the incision sewn up. James is worried about Chuck taking Dave down in the condition he is in. 

Camrie posted her engagement pictures today on Facebook. She wrote a long post about overcoming the trial she has been through. Her husband was unfaithful to her while she was carrying his child. She has spent the past two years struggling but through the struggle she is come closer to the Savior. She has studied the Atonement of Jesus Christ and forgiveness. I remember a talk she gave on these very topics and it was amazing. For someone so young she has become so wise. I love her and I am so happy she has found a righteous priesthood holder to love and cherish her and her three little ones.

Paul posted a picture today of his boys who still live at home, everyone except Dallin. They were all sitting around on the couch playing a video game. Jared Ammon was hardly recognizable with long hair and a beard. I looked at them and my heart was sad to think of what could have been with all of them. None of them are really active in the gospel except for Joshua. What will happen to him? Will he remain strong in the gospel and go on a mission? I don't know. Stacy's puzzle was on the table in front of the boys. I thought of her and how unhappy she is right now. She feels like a failure with her boys and the thing I am most concerned about is that she is not taking care of her spirit right now because she is so discouraged. 

So many people to care about. Most of all my family and the pain and sorrow they have to suffer. I know the Lord is with us because I see his hand in the details of our lives. So much suffering in the world right now with the Covid-19 virus and the rioting and protesting in our country. Without the knowledge that the Lord is in charge this present situation could seem impossible. I am so grateful for my Savior and look forward to His coming and the peace that will prevail at that time. I think of Alma and the things he went through to preach the gospel in Ammonihah. This life is not easy, but it will be worth it if we keep the commandments and become clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I blogged, walked, worked on my business, and studied the gospel today. James and I watched episode 3, season 4 of "Lark Rise to Candeford." Only three more episodes left and then what will we watch?

 Trina posted this

I remember this night. Thank you family for

celebrating our anniversary with us at the temple

 There were two fires when we returned

from the valley. Those are under control.

Hopefully this one is nothing.

 Our lunch: Turkey bacon, turkey deli meat,

tomato, avocado, with a cream cheese spread

and cheddar cheese wrapped in a tortilla

all for Taco Tuesday

Jared Ammon, Michael, Joshua, Adam

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Deuteronomy 21:23

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Book of Mormon 

3 Nephi 11:18-41

*What does the Savior teach about baptism and contention? What do modern prophets say?

- There appears to have been some contention among the Nephites concerning the manner of baptism The Lord clarified how the ordinance should be performed. President Boyd K. Packer explained the significance of baptism and cautioned that we should not alter this sacred ordinance: "Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is the first ordinance. Baptism must be by immersion, for it is symbolic of both the coming forth from temporal death, from the grave, and the cleansing required for redemption from spiritual death...Under the plan, baptism is not just for entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ. It begins a spiritual rebirth that may eventually lead back into the presence of God. If we really understood what baptism signifies, we could never consider it trivial nor alter the form of this sacred ordinance....through the sacrament we renew the covenant." 

President Henry B. Eyring helps us understand that the Spirit of God will not lead people into contention: "Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29). It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife. It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. (Ensign, May 1998, 67).

Old Testament

Jeremiah 46-48

General Conference

The Correct Name of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus Christ directed us to call the Church by His name because it is His Church, filled with His power."

James and I left the house before 8 am to take my tire and rim into Discount Tire to be fixed. After dropping the tire off James said he needed to stop by Kay's Building Supply. I stayed in the truck and told James to leave the engine running. (Sometimes he has a hard time starting it). 

It is raining hard, even some hail, thunder and lightening. James is in the store for over 15 minutes. I am in the truck thinking of all the things I need to do and trying to be patient. I have already done my Book of Mormon, Old Testament, and General Conference. I guess I will listen to something from the New Era. I listened to a talk by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen: "My Quarterback Questions." We need to Ask God, Record Impressions, and Trust God.

From my reading in "The Distant Hours" by Kate Morton. This is the character, Percy Blythe, in reference to her family home, Mildehurst Castle: "A place is more than the sum of its physical parts, it is a repository of memories, a record and retainer of all that's happened within it's boundaries."  I love this! One more:"There is something deeply disquieting about a beloved place relieved of its rightful occupants."

After leaving Kay's we went to Safeway. I wish I would have brought my umbrella. Picked up some DP10 because I can't get it at Walmart. Next was Walmart to pick up my methotrexate and then over to Mountain Thai to pick up soup for Jean, Marie and myself. 

When we drove up the owner came out to talk to us. He told us that they had no electricity. I told him we only wanted soup and he said they could handle soup so I went inside. I was writing a check, in spite of the 'No Checks' sign on the wall, because the credit card machine is obviously electric. Just as I was finished with the check the electricity came back on. I tore up the check and used my credit card. I ordered soup for Jean, Marie and myself.

On the way home James and I listened to chapter 28 of "Saints."

Marie followed us up to the Howard's. The rain is almost over and the road was not too muddy. Marie brought spaghetti and brownies for Jean for this evening.

It was the perfect day for soup. Marie and I had vegetable noodle soup and Jean had clear bean vegetable with shrimp. I bought a bottle of sweet chili for Jean and she and I poured it into our soup. Marie was afraid it would be too hot for her. 

After lunch we said goodbye to Jean who will be in the valley the rest of the week and Marie and I met James at the post office. He said our road was too muddy for Marie to drive on.

Marie was going to go to the temple with Catherine and I tomorrow but she has a cough and a possible sinus infection. 

This evening I downloaded the software for our TextbookMoney business. Now I need to review how to start using the software.

 The Happiest Place on Earth

Lola made a new friend

This independent little girl is touring

the War Veterans Museum

 So funny!

Jean wants James to make her a

table like this.

 Laying a finger a side of her cheek....

 Uh oh

 Stacy at the National Laser Institute

Journal ideas

 This two share a birthday. I told

his mom that he has a great name.

How exciting for our friend Betty!

Tuesday, August 21st, 2018

Ciudad, Juarez

71st operating temple

Dedicated 26 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

2 Peter 3:5

 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:

Book of Mormon

Alma 53:18-54:12

*What can we learn from the stripling warriors courage

- The lesson I learn from the stripling warriors is that sometimes there are challenges in this life that we have to face, that we really don't want to face. If we go with courage, with faith in God, and with obedience to His commandments, we need not fear. The end result will be a blessing to us.

Old Testament

Psalms 56-60

56 David seeks mercy, trusts in and praises the Lord, and thanks Him for deliverance.

57 David pleads for mercy and acclaims the glory and exaltation of God.

58 David reproves wicked judges - They go astray and speak lies.

59 David prays to be delivered from his enemies - God rules in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. 

60 David says that the Lord has scattered His people - The Lord places Ephraim at the head and makes Judah His lawgiver.

General Conference

His Spirit to Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"More precious than a memory of events is the memory of the Holy Ghost touching our hearts and His continuing affirmation of truth. More precious than seeing with our eyes or remembering words spoken and read is recalling the feelings that accompanied the quiet voice of the Spirit. Rarely I have felt it exactly as the travelers on the road to Emmaus did - as a soft but unmistakable burning in the heart. More often it is a feeling of light and quiet assurance.

We have the priceless promise of the Holy Ghost as a companion, and we also have true directions on how to claim that gift. These words are said by the Lord's authorized servant with his hands on our head: 'Receive the Holy Ghost.' At that moment you and I have the assurance He will be sent. But our obligation is to choose to open our hearts to receive the ministration of the Spirit over a lifetime."

Heavenly Father sent a rainy day for me to enjoy because I wasn't here on my birthday. It rained off and on all day long.

James left at 4 am to pick up the tractor in Taylor. I got up at 5 and at 5:30 I thought he was still asleep and I ran back in the bedroom to get him up. The guy was going to be gone from his house at 5:30 and I thought he was late. I was relieved to find an empty bed.

I was supposed to go to book club at the Vernon library with my friend Linda today but I cancelled. I think I just needed a day to stay at home. Linda was so thoughtful. She checked out next month's book for me from the library. It's called "Time and Again" by Jack Finney.

This is Linda and her 12th great granddaughter

born Saturday morning. The baby's name

is Jovi. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz.

My neighbor Kathy brought over some vegetables from her garden this afternoon. She came with her two dogs and her daughters dog. One of them kept trying to get in the house. She gave us summer squash, flower squash, zucchini and tomatoes. 

James worked at the Howard's today and came home and had some squash for lunch. 

Well, the news is out, Darrel and Trina bought a house. It is about 3,500 square feet. James is going to help Darrel put a pool in the back yard. It is in Eastmark but instead of being south of Warner, it is north. It will probably take 6-9 months to finish. 

I spent $100 on Amazon today using my birthday gift cards. 

I got 15,000 steps today and listened to Glenn Yarborough along with The Greatest Showman.

Tanner

Not sure if this is the right day but Summer and Tanner

both started school this week. 

Summer is a senior and Tanner a freshman.

Happy Birthday Teresa

David and Teresa a few years ago.

Ian's parents, John and Betty

This is the church in Scotland where they

were married. Sheri and Ian went there this summer.

Thursday, April 26th, 2018

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

*What take away is there knowing that Abinadi sacrificed his life and only had one convert? 

- sue_heugly: "Abinadi stood against the trends and standards of his society. His osition was not popular or well received and led to his death. Abinadi's words fell on mostly deaf ears yet that 'one conversion of Alma had a lasting impact on Nephite society for over 500 years and is still impacting millions today. Alma's outspoken defense of Abinadi forced him to flee for his life. His secret proselyting ventures back into the city of Nephi ultimately led to the conversion of 450 souls who were willing to leave their homes and society and depart into the wilderness. Without Abinadi's story, the Book of Mormon would lack continuity, and a major part of the books' message would be missing.

Abinadi: Prophet and Martyr...lds.org.

Old Testament

Ruth 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife - Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"May we show our gratitude and love for God by ministering with love to our eternal sisters and brothers."

I love Emily Watts. Heard her speak

at BYU Women's Conference a few

years back. She is both spiritual and

hilarious.

"It is in commitment to true principles, combined with self-discipline, that true greatness lies." - President N. Eldon Tanner

New Era: "Getting to Know the Savior" 'As you learn about Jesus Christ, you invite His peace and presence into your life.'

I thought this was interesting regarding the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. This comes from the Old Testament Student Manual, Volume I, 264:

"The book of Ruth contains one of the most beautiful stories ever written. Despite being set in a day when political chaos and moral degeneracy existed in parts of the land, this story contains not a single demeaning feature and is uplifting and heartwarming. The following are examples of quiet devotion and obedience from this story:

1. Ruth's marriage to Mahlon led to her conversion from the Moabite to the Israelite way of life.

2. Ruth's choice to remain with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, is an example of selfless concern for others.

3. The acts of kindness exhibited by Ruth and Boaz had a positive effect on those around them.

4. Ruth's virtue and integrity impressed the noble Boaz, and he was honorable in his relation to her, showing willingness to assume family responsibility.

5. The union of Boaz and Ruth produced a royal posterity from whom came King David and eventually Jesus Christ.

"No virtues in the perfection we strive for are more important than integrity and honesty. Let us then be complete, unbroken, pure, and sincere, to develop in ourselves that quality of soul we prize so highly in others." 

The Book of Ruth, even though it is only 4 chapters, was so refreshing after reading about Samson.

FYI: I have lost 11 lbs. since the first of April. Now I am in this Chunky Monkey competition and the weight is coming off a little slower. 

We have been praying in conjunction with going to the temple, to receive further light and knowledge as to how we can help our families realize the blessings of the gospel and the temple. We also want to find ways to create greater family unity. As I was praying and pondering this morning an idea came to me. We should have a couples retreat with all of our children and their spouses. The purpose would be to create greater family unity and a better support system. We would focus on Faith, Family, and Fun. When I told James about it he thought it was a great idea. Now I just have to get the kids on board and start planning, and decide on a date.

James went to town and came home and made a set of shutters and put them up all before noon. The shutters just give a finishing touch to the front of the house (cabin).

James went to town for a tractor part. He came back, put it on, and the tractor still doesn't work. 

Cathi texted and wanted to know where Burger House was. We told her it but she thought it was in Globe. Luckily they saw it when they went through Miami. They are bringing up burros for dinner.

I worked about five hours cleaning house before our company got here. I finished upstairs and even polished the floor. Then I came down and polished the floor and vacuumed and dusted in the family/living room. When everything was done and after lunch I went in and took a whirpool bath. I felt soo good. I got over 8,000 steps just cleaning.

I listened to President Nelson's talk "A New Harvest Time."
From 'Rescuing Wayward Children':

The Language of Priesthood Power

"To accomplish most things in life, mankind must exert physical effort, whereas God works by faith and the power of words." -Bruce R. McConkie

Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady got here around 3 pm. Dave's main concern was getting Laura settled with her oxygen. Her level went down to 83 when it should be 99.  Cathi, Laura and I talked around the entry table for awhile and then moved to the more comfortable furniture in the family room. I have missed visiting with my dear sisters!

James took Dave and Terry for a Razr ride to look for wildlife and antlers. They only saw two deer. 

We really enjoyed our burros from Burger House for dinner.

I took a long walk outside before bedtime. Laura and Dave slept on the recliners in the family room because Laura needs to sit up while she sleeps and Terry and Cathi slept upstairs in Sheri and Ian's room. Poor Lady is almost totally blind. She slept on Cathi and Terry's bed.

Cathi brought these and I think I 

ate almost the entire bag.

Monte's kids Kaytlynn and Zach. Kaytlynn

came to support Zach at his track meet.

He is quite the shotput thrower just

like his dad was.

Carter and Shayna took Alex on a

roadtrip to Yosemite for his birthday.

This is one of the pictures he posted.

Scarlett watching TV at Lolly and Pop's

(Kacey and Jared's)

Kate with Prince Louis Arthur Charles

Elder R and Ricky. Those were the days.

Teacher walkout today in Arizona

Our friends the Ellsworth's from Chandler are

both teachers at Chandler High School.

Brother Pace and his daughter Chelsea were

at the strike at the Arizona Capitol.

Marcy