Saturday, January 18th, 2020

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Abraham 2:8

My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning: therefore my hand shall be over thee.

Book of Mormon, "Come Follow Me"

Iron Rod, Tree of Life discussion

 "The Two Great Commandments"

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to love and treat all people with kindness and civility - even when we disagree. We affirm that those who avail themselves of laws or court rulings authorizing same-sex marriage should not be treated disrespectfully."

Today was a beautiful day in Vernon, Arizona. The high was around 45 with lots of sunshine. I didn't leave my room until I finished blogging January 6th. It was 10 a.m. at which time I headed for the kitchen. I made a pot of chicken noodle soup and heated up some individual french rolls that Sheri left here. I took the rolls to the Relief Society service activity. Kerri called them "butt" rolls. 'Oh Kerri, I see what you mean.'

Trina, Addy, and I left for the church around 11:40 just a head of Darrel and the other kids who were planning on going to the pit to go sledding. We saw the herd of elk as we were leaving and Trina pointed to them for Darrel but he didn't see them. 

The Relief Society service project is making headache bags for the cancer center and baby blankets for the hospital. It runs from 11-2. We dropped my rolls off in the Relief Society room and decided we would eat before going in to help with the project. 

There were ten different types of soups to choose from and just as many types of bread. Addy had five types of bread. I had the pasta fagoili soup. It was delicious, like Olive Gardens except it had corn. Addy bumped in to me and I spilled my soup all over the front of my white blouse. She felt so bad. I told her it was okay. We sat down and ate and visited with Kerri and Michelle Tesarek. I was glad Michelle was there because I wanted Trina to meet her. Virgil Cooper and Anthony were the priesthood. Because there was honey being served he began to tell us about raising bees. He also said that mesquite honey was the most healthy type of honey.

When we were finished eating we went to help Maxine tie quilts. Addy and Trina finished their quilts before I did so Addy helped me finish. 

Addy and Maxine. In the background Catherine is

hemming Anthony's jeans.

Amy Gordon came over and visited with us. She talked about herself and said more than I have ever heard her say before. Her maiden name is Hatch and she grew up in Taylor.

After finishing our quilts we left and went to Dollar General. I needed to get a gift card for MaKenzi Forrester's baby shower. We had almost as much fun at Dollar General as we did when we went to Western Drug last summer. Addy and Trina are just fun to shop with. Trina ended up getting Lola and Ruby coloring books. 

When we returned home we found out that the road to the Pit had been closed and Darrel got his car stuck. James had to go rescue them. Not much fun for the kids. James saw a herd of deer like we saw a herd of elk.

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date

Addy made brownies this afternoon and saved a couple for Maxine who told us she can't make brownies in her toaster oven. We will give them to her at church tomorrow.

Darrel has been marinating chicken thighs all day and this evening he grilled them for us. They were delicious. We also had asparagus, salad, and beans. We could not find Ruby and Rowan when it was time to eat. They had taken the sled up the hill by the side of our house to sled. I guess there were too many rocks for it to work very well. 

After dinner Trina said she had to go upstairs to go shopping for jewelry (Lola) and donate to the "Help save the animals organization." The kids love to play store in my office. Trina came down to talk to Addy who needed  some counseling from her mom so I went upstairs with the girls. Ruby was looking at things through the microscope and Lola was coloring. As a side note here Trina told me of a condition that she, Addy and Ruby all have. It is called trytophobia or fear of circle clusters in nature. Ruby looked at a slide with a cluster of cells on it and said that freaked her out. Addy had told me earlier that she didn't like the word cluster. I guess that's why. Trina showed me some people online who have the phobia also. I have never heard of it and am sorry to say I don't completely understand it. 

Lola wanted me to play some music on my phone, which I did. I played Dancing Queen and then I played the music from Phantom of the Opera. She liked it and when I told her it was from a movie she wanted to watch the movie. Darrel came into our bedroom and connected the DVD player to the TV and Ruby, Lola, and Rowan and I watched half of "Phantom of the Opera" before grandpa came in to go to bed. I told them we would finish watching it tomorrow although I really didn't want to watch it on Sunday.

 Emily's new book

 Ruby and Lola

 Cope is a friend and member of our ward.

Happy 70th Birthday!

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

 Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Alma 7:13

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:1-11

*How do common beliefs help us share the gospel?

Old Testament

2 Kings 25

Nebuchadnezzar again besieges Jerusalem - Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed, and most of the people of Judah are carried into Babylon - Gedaliah, left to govern the remnant, is slain - The remnant flee to Egypt - Jehoiachin is shown favor in Babylon.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

"I have heard many justifications from those who have stopped participating actively in the Church and have lost the correct vision of the purpose of our journey on this earth. I exhort them to reflect and to return, because I believe that no one will be able to make excuses before our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Rowan caught another bunny and a rat last night.

So cute

Even this guy looks kinda cute.

He let the bunny out here in the yard and later James took the rat 

off somewhere and let him go.

Ben had his mission interview with the stake president in Chandler last night. We are so excited!

James had a doctors appointment this morning. We gathered everyone together and had family prayer before he left.

James got up at 2 am to use the bathroom and heard the water running upstairs. We have a toilet that has a handle that needs to be pushed up after use and sometimes the kids forget. The kids were all still up playing games. When he asked them about it this morning they said they didn't got to bed until around 4 am. 

Ruby and were playing the match game when Lola, Addy, and Kayla came over. I heard the toilet running again and went upstairs to fix it. Ruby came running upstairs crying and when I tried to comfort her she told me Addy had done something but I couldn't really understand what. She went in and laid down on the bed. I told Addy she should go apologize, which she did. I think Ruby is just emotional from being so tired.

Darrel and Trina clean the cabin and start washing sheets and towels while the kids play games. Darrel took Kreed and Rowan on a Razr ride because the girls got to go to the pit with grandpa yesterday and now it's the boys turn.

Kayla, Addy and I were playing Five Crowns when I got a phone call from Debbie at the post office. She said she had some people there who wanted to come out and visit with us. When I asked who it was she said, the Bear's. They are old friends from Chandler who have a place on Rainbow Lake and some land in Vernon. It is actually the land where Bishop Miller keeps his horse. I gave them directions on how to get here.

In the meantime, Darrel and family are ready to go so I went out and took some pictures on the front porch.

A nice looking group

Thanks for wanting to have your birthday at the

cabin Ruby!

Dog pile on Kayla!

James is still at the doctor's and also had to wait on my car. He took it to Walmart to have the oil changed. 

After waiting quite awhile I call Brother Bear to see where they are. I can tell they are lost and don't know which way to go, so I hop on the Razr and go to the rescue. They are past the Hunsaker turnoff and the wash but did not know where to go next because Brother Bear forgot to write down N3466. 

I gave them the grand tour except for the basement. They were amazed at the logs and the high ceilings. They just kept going on and on. I went outside to show them the fire pit and we were on the porch talking when James came out. They visited awhile longer and Sandy told me they have 33 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren. She said that in their family they have an 18 piece string orchestra and when they play on their ramada at their place in Lakeside, people in boats on the lake come over to listen. They also allow their families wards to have their girls camps at their place, but first they have to go up early and get rid of the 200 geese that live in their yard when they aren't there. 
 I am so glad they came to see us today. They are wonderful people that we have known since 1971 when we moved to Chandler.

James brought lunch from LaCasita for he and I. We both had a green chili enchilada with chicken. Thanks honey!

I took it easy today and watched the latest Hallmark wedding movie. I also worked on my blog.

For FHE we listened to Elder Zivic's talk on enduring to the end and worked on "Putting Our Things in Order" for Kim and Brian who will be our will executors.

James took this photo a few years back. 

I love it!

The choices the sisters in the Galveston 3rd ward,

Chandler West Stake were given for their first

Sunday Council meetings.

Laura sent this to me. No wonder she feels

like she is in therapy.

Such a cool photo. It reminds me of Lion King.

Couch we got from the Howard's. 

It is so comfy!

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31
*How has the gospel of Jesus Christ brought you joy?
Talk: The Great Plan of Happiness By: Marcus B. Nash 10/06
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me joy, it has given me a sense of hope, and a desire to minister. Every hour of every day I am blessed by His gospel. Every time I look at one of my children ( I include their spouses as my children), or one of my grandchildren, every time I go to the temple with James, and he holds my hand I feel the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the treasures I have in this life that let me know of my eternity. My eternal family brings me joy. I love His perfect gospel!
Old Testament
Ruth 2
Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi - He treats Ruth kindly.
General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."

At 7:30, after my gospel study time, I made muffins to take to Sister MacArthur's house to share with her family and with Laurann, my companion.

After the muffins were done I made out a grocery list and menu plan, and then got ready to start out on my adventures for the day.

I met Laurann down by the Hunsaker's and drove her to Sister MacArthur's. Of course Laurann has her twin one year old boys and Chelsea has her 2 year old daughter Peyton and her nephew Cooper who belongs to the Umphresses. After handing out the muffins to Peyton and Cooper I asked Chelsea if I could take a picture of the mule deer mounted on her wall. I tried to tell James about it last time but I needed a picture.

Shot on Chelsea's parents ranch in Idaho.

I guess I should have taken a photo of the people, but I didn't.

We had a nice visit. Chelsea said she wanted to come and see our house and I told her just give me a warning text so I could make sure I was dressed and she could come any time. Laurann said she would like to come out and go for a walk sometime. Maybe we could walk down to "Chocolate Lake."

Just as I am getting ready to go Laurann asks me if I know Jeanne Wallen. At first she caught me off guard and then I explained how I knew her. She said her mom is best friends with Jeanne and Jeanne told her that I lived in Vernon and that I was very sweet. I told Laurann I could say the same thing about Jeanne.

I left a little after ten for my lunch appointment with my friend Pam at the Show Low hospital. Pam invited her friend and co-worker, Jennifer to join us for lunch. When I got to the checkout in the lunch line Pam swiped her badge before I had a chance to get my card out. That makes the fifth lunch in the past two weeks that I have not paid for. 

Jennifer's husband Ed had a bad accident not too long ago and has been without work. Pam got Jennifer hired at the hospital and now Ed has to have surgery and Jennifer will have insurance to cover it. Jennifer also has a 15 year old daughter that has a brain tumor. She needs good insurance! Pam is a saint. She also brought Jennifer to church on Sunday and Jennifer is very interested in the gospel.

I so much enjoyed my lunch with these two sweethearts, plus I got all three of my veggie servings!

Next stop, grocery shopping at Walmart, with my calculator because I am trying to stay within my budget of $200. I had to eliminate some of the things from my list, but my total was under $200 at $197.

When I got home James was putting shutters on the house. He had made them and painted them while I was gone. I'm glad I wasn't here to see him put them on the upstairs bathroom window. A picture is forthcoming when he finishes the ones for our bedroom.

I put the groceries away, rest a few minutes, and then blog and listen to President Nelson's talk from the October 1996 conference, "The Atonement." 

For dinner I bought a ready made kit made by Walmart. It had pulled pork, country style beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was delicious. I especially loved the beans. 

I finished the April Ensign today, read to James from "Stars Above Northumberland", and listened to Robert Millett's book, "The Atoning One," chapters 6 "On Calvary's Cross," and 7 "Infinite, Yet Intimate." I also walked a few steps.

Part of my gospel study today.

Eden and Winter

Here is the story as posted by their mom, Christina:

Evan and his "little brother," Oliver.

It's so nice that Oliver likes this.

What's he thinking here?

My friend Taylor looks beautiful

in her new glasses.

Those were the days!

Duddings were members of our ward.

It's changing hearts that makes a difference.

Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 21:24

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 19:7-24

*Have there been times in my life when I chose not to retaliate after a wrong was done to me? How did I feel?

Old Testament

Exodus 16-17

16 Israel murmurs for want of bread and lusts for the fleshpots of Egypt - The Lord rains bread from heaven and sends quail for meat - Israel is given manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years.

17 Israel murmurs for want of water - Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth - Aaron and Hur uphold Moses' hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Malachi 4:5-6

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Quoting Elder Hales: 

"When we choose to have faith, we are prepared to stand in the presence of God....After the Saviors Crucifixion, He appeared only to those 'who had been faithful in the testimony of Him while they lived in mortality.' (DC 138:12)

Those 'who rejected the testimonies...of the...prophets could not behold the Savior's presence, nor look upon his face.' (DC 138:21)...Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of the Lord."

Did you know the number of names in Family Search has increased from about 2 million to 179 million in only six years. Wow!

Another Wow! moment: There were 20 elk in our yard this morning.!

James went to see the bishop at his new home this morning. He is helping build shelves, etc., in the closets and needs to know the layout. 

When James got home we left for Licano's in Show Low around 10:50. Elder Heyman arrived just as we were getting out of our car. He flies into the Show Low airport and then rents a car. He comes up once a month on Tuesdays to meet with the Board of Directors of Navapache Electric. He is their legal counsel.  Periodically he also holds council meetings with the stake presidents, mission presidents, and temple presidents in the area for training.

The guys both have the chicken taco special and I get a green chili burro.  I forgot how much fun Elder Heyman can be. Sheri says that next to dad, he was her favorite bishop. We told about what our kids our doing and he told us about his and Dianne. It was a very enjoyable visit. 

When we get home we both took a nap and then James returned to the Miller's to work. I visited a new sister on my visiting teaching beat, Catherine Halcomb. I really enjoyed getting to know her. 

After my visit with Catherine I went back in to town to do some grocery shopping. I am taking dinner to the Crane's tomorrow and I really didn't want to wait until the morning to go shopping.  

This evening James and I watched a new Hallmark winter movie starring Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson. I finished my steps and then we watched an episode of Heartland.

 Elder Heyman's flight home was delayed so
he bought Domino's Pizza for the airport crew.

Lola performing for us the last time we visited.

My brother Harold had a girl friend
in high school from Holbrook.
Her name was Londa Hubbell. I wonder
if this was her families business.

Ok, I know this isn't twenty elk but you have

to admit they are cute!

Saturday, January 27th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

*When has the Lord asked me to do something and then given me the instructions rather than do the work for me?

*How can you build your life just like Nephi built the ship, not after the manner of men but "after the manner which the Lord has shown unto" you?

Old Testament

Exodus 11-12

11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors - The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home - He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

12 The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread - Lambs without blemish are slain - Israel is saved by their blood - The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain - Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years - No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Daniel 2:44-45

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

" Hard is part of the gospel plan. One of the purposes of this life is for us to be proven (see Abraham 3:25). Few have suffered more undeservedly than the people of Alma. They fled from wicked King Noah, only to become slaves to the Lamanites! Through those trials the Lord taught them that He chastens His people and tries 'their patience and their faith' (Mosiah 23:21)."

We left this morning at 5:45 and James was stressed that we were going to be late but of course we weren't. Preparation meeting started at 7 a.m. with President and Sister Palmer presiding and Brother Coltrin conducting. We watched a video and the meeting was over by 7:30.

I was assigned to be the 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. session. I am the one at the door with the counter making sure everyone has their cards checked and all the previous ordinances have been done. 

Sister Crosby, who knows the Wilhelm's, was the 1st follower. Brother Neff was the officiator and Brother McHood led the prayer circle.

The temple film gives the creation a little different than it is found in Moses. I noticed because I just gave the lesson on the creation in my Primary class.

I was also the first greeter downstairs, keeping track of who comes in for the 11 session. I had my break with Sister Humphrey, Sister Thomas and Sister Larsen. Sister Humphrey asked Sister Larsen about the windmills in Holland and so we learned about all of the different kinds of windmills. She said one of her great-grandmothers was born in a windmill.

I had a break for about an hour where I was "on call" in the upstairs sitting room. I got to visit with Sister Lundgren and Sister Cochran. Sister Cochran told me all about her family and her son-in-law joining the Church. Chester Crandall, was her brother.

I worked in initiatory for an hour with Sister McHood, Sister Shelton, Sister McCleary, and Sister Cochran. We finished with patrons around 12:45 and Sister Wenhardt who is our co-ordinator, wanted to do some more names. Sister Bradshaw looked at her and said: "But I'm cleaning up." I told Sister Wenhardt that I had to come back and clean tonight so she excused me. I am not sure what happened after I left.

On the way home we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch. I had a Big Jake burro. When we get home we take a nap and I spent a little time working on preparing for my Sunday assignments, Primary, and speaking to the Young Women. We left again for Snowflae around 5:15.

We clean with the Show Low Creek ward and between our two wards we had 50 people come to clean! Those from our ward: Us, Reynolds', Grapps', Westbrooks, Applegates, Skousens, Diewalds, 5 Hunsakers, Brothers Cooper, Curtis, Scott, Peeler, and bishop and Brother Butler. James and I were done quite early. We vacuumed the two endowment rooms. We were home around 9 p.m. It was one of the easier nights since we have been cleaning and I rather enjoyed it.

This deer was bedded down in a yard a couple

of years ago. The third deer we had seen

in two days which is pretty unusual.

This woman had suffered for 12 years with

an issue of blood.

Evan writing in his journal before going 

to bed. I am so proud!

Rowan pulled up the couch and got cozy

to practice the piano.