Thursday, June 28th, 2018

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct-2 Nov 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ, Creation

2 Kings 19:15

And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 23:8-24:6

* What helps me keep from being stirred up to anger by others?

- There is a quote that I really love. "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." Imagine how your life would be if everyone treated you as you wish deep down to be treated.

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 17-18

17 Nathan first approves David's building of a house of the Lord, then restrains him - David's son will build the temple - The triumph of Israel is foretold - David thanks the Lord for His goodness to Israel.

18 David subdues all the adversaries of Israel and reigns in justice over the people.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Isn't it wonderful that the name given by revelation to the restored Church binds together the two most important elements in each gospel covenant? First is the name Jesus Christ. This Church belongs to Him, and His sanctifying Atonement and covenants are the only pathway to salvation and exaltation. The second name refers to us: the Saints, or in other words, His witnesses and His disciples."

James is going to the valley today to get materials so he can start the job at the Phoenix Country Club tomorrow. They are pouring 10,000 square feet of concrete at the driving range and 500 lineal feet of 12" high curb.

Before he left he called Verizon to complain about my not receiving a label to send my old phone back. He finally got someone who helped and seemed to know what she was doing. She said they would send out a label immediately. 

James went to town to get the tire fixed that he had a blowout on yesterday. It was one of the tires on the trailer. When he returned he started loaded up his trailer for the valley.

I baked chocolate chip cookies this morning and delivered them to my neighbor Chelsea. She had her two year old daughter Peyton with her and her nephew Cooper. Peyton flipped off the mini-tramp and hit her head pretty hard. Cooper went over and gave her a hug and a kiss.

Chelsea teaches Primary, is the girls camp director, and her husband is a Smoke Jumper in Alaska. A smoke jumper is one grade up from a Hot Shot. He actually jumps out of an airplane to fight fires. The young women, as part of a camp service project are making kits for the firemen which include chapstick, wipes, tissues, dried fruit, mints, Gold Bond powder, eye drops, and nose spray.

I took a list and told her I would help buy the items.

I love Chelsea's dog. He is huge and I usually don't like big dogs. He is a St. Bernard. He is so gentle and nice, never trying to jump up on you like most dogs. If I ever got a big dog I would get one like Brutus. The name fits his physique, but not his personality.

I gave Chelsea a family booklet so she could fill out information and then I told her I would help her register on Family Search.

James got his check from the Chunky Monkey contest today for $443. He is keeping it and says he will buy home improvement items with it.

I am really enjoying President Eyring's biography!

Ben, Ian, and Joe on the streets

of Edinburgh, Scotland

Hey, London has one of those big ferris 

wheels too!

Brian made a new friend.

Kim says:"This city is unreal"!

I wonder how old these buildings are.

A blue heeler to help the Chafin's herd cattle.

Wonder when they are coming to Vernon.

Funny

I couldn't resist.

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

DC 122:8

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:19-30

"A More Hardened and a More Stiff-Necked People"

The record states that Aaron and his companions served among those who were "a more hardened and a more stiff-necked people" (Alma 20:30). Their experience parallels the experience of many who try to teach those who either have no interest in, or who are antagonistic toward the gospel. President Henry B. Eyring explained why we must still try to reach every soul: "Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing? Well the danger may be hard to see but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you" (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33).

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 7-8

7 The sons and families are named for Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher.

8 The sons and chief men of Benjamin are named.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Together, our covenants and our Savior's Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem."

New Era: "Stopping Anger In It's Tracks," "My Blessing of Love and Comfort."

Ian, Sheri, Alex Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, and Joseph left for Europe today. What an adventure they are going to have for the next three weeks!

They already look tired.

Poor Ollie got left at home.

He went to visit Indy and Lady.

Michael is the dog sitter.

We left for our shift at the temple this morning at 5:40. 

Again I have the same schedule I have had the past three shifts.

 The Palmer's was a video on how to help the disabled in a session. 

My first assignment was in initiatory. I love the initiatory ordinances but I still don't have all the wording memorized. Everything is becoming more familiar though. I was able to be a patron for one of my own names. James took 5 sisters names and 5 brothers names to the baptistry from my family. I got them from Take A Name.  Now we will have initiatory to do next week.

My next assignment was in the Celestial Room. I love the Celestial Room this time of day. Not only is it beautiful but it is so quiet and peaceful. I read several chapters from the Book of Mormon. 

Next I had my break with James and Debbie L., two of my favorite people. 

James and I did the 9:30 session together. He was the officiator and I was the only sisters follower. There were only six sisters in the session so Sister McCleary went as a partron. 

James did not make any mistakes this time. Brother Bradshaw was the brothers follower and offered the prayer.

After the session I went back to initiatory, then downstairs to be the baptistry greeter while James checked recommends at the door. My last assignment was locker room. As I was sitting there reading from the Book of Mormon Sister Cochran volunteered to fill in for me so I could go home. How sweet,  and she didn't have to ask twice.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Sister Crane from Flagstaff filled in for Sister Cureton. She is not related to our Cranes.

We went straight home, not even stopping at Walmart. I took a nap and then started getting ready for the ward activity. Oh yes, I also put the enchiladas in to cook. 

We were supposed to meet at the church as a Relief Society presidency at 4, but we were a little late. 

The tables were all set up, but no chairs, so James set up the chairs. We found some plastic tablecloths for the tables and started setting up the memorabilia and the food. Brother Miller, the bishop's dad, had a dish labeled possum and sweet potatoes. No way. He also had some jambalaya that he said was way better than Sister Reidhead's because his was from Mississippi and hers was from Alabama and it was probably just a copy of his. I actually loved her jambalaya and was a little afraid to try his.

We had a great turnout! Lots of good food and people to visit with.

The following people set up memorabilia and told a little about their families: Tamara, the Crane's, Sister Singleton, Sister Smith, Bishop Miller, Sister Vaught, James, myself, Brother Diewald, and Brother Peeler. Brother Peeler had the coolest coat of arms, made in Peru. I wish I would have remembered to take some photos.

The missionaries did a presentation about families. It wasn't quite what we had envisioned, but it was great. 

Elder Bernecker, our new missionary and I really hit it off. Last week when Trina was here and I told her we had a new elder named Bernecker she said that her dad's best friend when he was young was Brian Bernecker. I asked Elder Bernecker what his dad's first name was and he said Brian. I told him the story and the connection was made. He gave me his dad's number and I texted him. Later he called me and we talked about the Case's and what a great friend Bob was, his very best friend. He and his wife and his mother were all at Darrel and Trina's wedding. It's a small world, especially in the Church.

James was pretty stressed because he thought he would have time to work on his talk and lesson tonight and he really didn't because he was helping me. I carried most of the things in and put them away while he studied at the table. 

A great day but I am glad tomorrow is our day of rest.

Elder Bernecker and Elder Smith

The DeWitt's are coming home!

I love President and

Sister Nelson so much!

Cool, but scary!

Huntleigh is a cowgirl through and through!

Wednesday, January 24th, 2018

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Dan 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:1-16

*Why did Nephi feel so blessed in spite of their suffering?

-Because he knew the Lord was watching over them as long as they were obedient. 

*How has the Lord been your light in the wilderness?

-The Lord has guided and directed my life since I was ten years old and saw my first Book of Mormon in my grandma and grandpa Maxwell's house. I wondered why I had never seen one before but I made a pledge then and there that I would read it. Since that day I have read it many times and it has been a guiding light in my life, just like the Liahona was for Lehi's family.

Old Testament

Exodus 5-6

5 Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to free Israel - Pharaoh responds, Who is the Lord? - He places greater burdens upon the children of Israel.

6 The Lord identifies Himself as Jehovah - The genealogies of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are listed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

General Conference

The Trek Continues!

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"An official Church statement, issued one year ago, states:

"We urge Church members to be cautious about participating in any group that promises - in exchange for money - miraculous healings or that claims to have special methods for accessing healing power outside of properly ordained priesthood holders."

"Every bit of time we spend in the temple results in some personal increase." - Jean B. Bingham, General Relief Society President

"Parents should teach the importance of the temple from a child's earliest days." - President Russell M. Nelson

"There should be a picture of the temple in every child's bedroom."

- President Spencer W. Kimball

"The temple is the object of every activity, every lesson, every progressive step in the Church." - President Russell M. Nelson

"Sanctification comes by giving our hearts to God." - Elder Marion D. Hanks

James got a call from Anthony this morning. He said he was assaulted by a guy named D. Flake and T. Baker. They were angry at Anthony for getting water from a state-owned well. The Nicoll brothers have rights to the well and gave Anthony permission to get water. Tom Baker uses the well to water his cattle. An officer arrived on the scene and gave Tom a ticket. The saga of the Nicoll's brothers versus the Baker's continues. Range wars are still happening here in Vernon, Arizona.

James took some wood to Sister Dye and then he and I made a trip to town in the truck. James keeps telling me that the truck has no brakes, yet I went with him.  He needed to get lumber for the Howard job. While he was shopping at Home Depot I did my grocery shopping at Walmart. Afterwards we got some sandwiches at Firehouse Subs for dinner. I got the steak and cheese and it was great.

Tom Baker asked Anthony on Facebook if he was going to get his water from his home teachers now. Since James is his home teacher I responded: "Anthony is a great guy and anytime he needs water his home teachers will be glad to help."

As a result of this post, which caused some controversy, I became friends with Don Nicoll.  He thinks Anthony is a great guy too whereas the Baker's don't. Enough said, except for one more thing. Darrel knows the Baker's son and he doesn't speak to his parents.

James and I watched a new murder mystery series on Hallmark. A girl named Kiki was the murderer. I guessed it.

 Our friend Nally

One of my favorite photos of the cabin

The Jones's

Our first bishop in Chandler and my first

visiting teaching companion.

Jim and Clessene Heil

passed away on January 15th and 17th.

Old Chandler people in our ward.

The DeWitts in Taiwan.

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:

Sunday, June 11th, 2017

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011 by

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Alma 14:6-22

* Why did the Lord suffer these women and children to be burned?

* According to Alma, how would the women and children be blessed for their trust in the Lord? (see verse 11)

* When we trust in the Lord, He strengthens us during our trials.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "This life is an experience in profound trust - trust in Jesus Christ....To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning. To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience."

DC 88:1-13

1-5, Faithful Saints receive that Comforter, which is the promise of eternal life; 6-13, All things are controlled and governed by the Light of Christ;

What does 'light' mean in these verses? 

* The light of Christ. (see DCSM p. 198). through the Light of Christ, God gives light and life to all His creations.

What is the other Comforter spoken of in verses 3-4?

* The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses....

"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions - Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (Teachings, pp. 149-51.)

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

In 2 Peter and in DC 4, we learn that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation.  We measure our faith by what it leads us to do - by our obedience. "If ye will have faith in me," the Lord promised "ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." Faith is a catalyst. Without works, without virtuous living, our faith is without power to activate discipleship. Indeed, faith is dead.

My lesson in Primary today is entitled: "Joseph Smith is Tarred and Feathered."  The main gospel principle is the importance of forgiveness.  It was a pretty amazing story how Joseph was dragged from his home while he was caring for a sick child and tarred and feathered. The child died as a result of exposure to the cold night air. Joseph's friends spent most of the night taking the tar off of Joseph's body. The next day he preached the gospel to a group of Saints and some of the mob who had attacked him the night before were in the audience.  Today I had both my class and Sister Kuffer's. She had to leave Church to visit a friend in need. Those who attended today: Bailey, Zemira, Raya, and her brother Graham who are visitors, Curtis, Colter, Gracie, and Liana.  I gave them all fidget spinners.  

I hope I contributed to helping the

Savior feed His sheep today.

The DeWitt's reported on their mission to the Dominican Republic today in sacrament meeting. Brother DeWitt was an auditor for 11 missions.  The Dominican Republic includes 30 Caribbean islands and 3 South American countries.  In 1975 there were no members of the Church. In 1978 there were enough members to have missionaries.  In December 1978 the land was dedicated by Elder M. Russell Ballard and soon became the fasting growing area in the Church.  The missionaries were directed by the Spirit. There were 10 baptisms everyday for over 30 years. 

Brother DeWitt started out his talk with an auditor joke.  He said: "Auditors come after the battle is fought and bayonet the wounded. Nobody likes auditors."  He had 440 units to audit 2x a year, in 30 different countries.  Most are first generation members and have to be taught. Brother DeWitt said he started a journal and began keeping track of the names of people he met who went the second mile.  People who accept calling and have vision and do more than is expected of them.  He said "do more" became his motto.  He met and worked with a brother who was general council for the Church. This man was blind and deaf.  His name was Elder Gardener. He would teach others how to function without sight. His wife would sit with him in a meeting and tell him everyone who was present and where they were sitting.  When he spoke he would look right at you as if he could see you. He was an amazing individual. 

Another man was the janitor.  Once when Elder Renlund came to visit, Brother DeWitt noticed this janitor in a suit and tie on the stand. He was asked to play a piano solo. He had practiced the piano as a way to serve and make himself more useful.  He was willing to 'do more.'  It was an amazing meeting.

In the MTC. They were ready to leave for

the Caribbean in 3 days. This is May, 2015.

The DeWitt family. It was a sacrifice to leave all

of these people behind.

My sacrament commitment this week is to draw closer to the Lord so I can be a savior to my family, both the living and the dead. I need to be more patient with James. I want to "do more" to follow the Savior.

We came home from church and James grilled the chicken that has been marinating in the refrigerator since yesterday afternoon.  Afterwards I took a short nap. James arranged for Brother Allen to take Anthony to get his patriarchal blessing in Lakeside.  I am excited for Anthony.  

Kim, Brian, Joe, Sheri, Ian's family and Shayna, and Stacy, Paul, Michael, and Joshua are all vacationing in San Diego this week.
This is the first picture that was posted. I think it was before Shayna and Alex arrived.

Ask you can see by my mistake of leaving it on

the picture Stacy posted these. This is Old Town

San Diego, the mexican food restaurant.

Love Joe and Michael's smiles and Sheri peeking

her head around Ian.

This evening I started preparing for next week's Primary lesson which is: "The Latter-day Revelations are Published." One of my favorite gospel stories is about Mary Elizabeth and Caroline Rollins saving the manuscripts for part of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Elder Ballard speaking at a devotional.

I had to share this amazing cake made

by James's sister Carmen.

She made this cake for Ruby's 3rd birthday.

Arches National Park.

(This reminds me of the picture of Tanner at

Six Flags with the world on his head.)