Saturday, February 24th, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7-10 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

*Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people he knew would reject the message?

Old Testament

Leviticus 25-26

25 Each seventh year is to be kept as a sabbath year - Each fiftieth year is to be one of jubilee, in which liberty is proclaimed throughout the land - Laws are revealed for the sale and redemption of lands, houses, and servants - The land is the Lord's, as are the servants - Usury is forbidden.

26 Temporal and spiritual blessings will abound in Israel if the people keep the commandments - Cursing, scourging, and desolation will be theirs if they disobey the Lord - When His people repent, the Lord will show mercy unto them.

According to the Old Testament Student Manual, Leviticus 26 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Old Testament.

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Tad R. Callister

" The Book of Mormon is one of God's priceless gifts to us. It is both sword and shield - it sends the word of God into battle to fight for the hearts of the just and serves as an arch defender of the truth. As Saints we have not only the privilege to defend the Book of Mormon but also the opportunity to take the offense - to preach with power its divine doctrine and bear testimony of its crowning witness of Jesus Christ."

When we left this morning for the temple, there was 2" of snow on the ground. In the town of Vernon there was just a skiff. There was some ice on the highway until we got to the Maverick in Show Low. There was no snow after turning onto the 77.

President and Sister Reidhead were in charge of preparation meeting today. We had two films about the initiatory ordinances. Sister Palmer and Sister Brimhall are both sick so I wonder if the Reidhead's have been doing double duty. 

My first assignment was in initiatory. Sister Bowers is still the co-ordinator. I started in clothing then rotated into anointing. Clothin is the easiest. Next I was assigned the locker room after the 8 a.m. session had already started. We were short handed today and I knew the sister assigned next was not here today so I stayed when I noticed three sisters coming in. I'm glad I did because they were here to do initiatories before the 9:30 session and they had never been here before. I assigned them lockers and then showed them was to go for initiatory. 

During my break I visited with Sister Elmer and ate some of her delicious beans and ham. I also visited with Sister Shelton from Eagar who told me that he daughter is married to Neal Lambson's son. 

I was the second follower in the 9:30 session. We had 26 sisters and 16 brothers, with one sister here for her own endowment. Sister Sauwen was the first follower. They Reynolds' from our ward were in this session. 

After the session I was assigned to the celestial room where I could just sit and relax for 30 minutes. After my 30 minutes was up I went back to initiatory. One of the patrons, Sister Broadbent, thanked me for being here so she could come and do work for her ancestors. I think that just made my day. 

My last assignment was downstairs behind the recommend desk as greeter one. Sister Elmer was greeter two. Since it was a quiet time and we go home in 30 minutes she told me she would watch my post if I wanted to go get dressed. She didn't have to ask me twice. I thanked her and told her I would cover for her next time. She just smiled because she knew I might not never have the chance.

We went to El Cupido's for lunch. We got a booth before it started getting really busy. Just as we were about to leave the Elmer's walked in. I told them they could have our booth so Brother Elmer came over and sat down while Sister Elmer went and placed their order. James asked Brother Elmer earlier today if he had any relatives who lived in Chandler and he said he did not. He could be related because he is tall and blonde.

On the drive home the mountains looked beautiful coated in snow. When we got home we took naps and then I worked on my Primary lesson. 

Adam and his friends went into town to get some dinner. They came back with frozen pizza and cookie dough. After we go to bed they play a game upstairs with their phones. Kyle doesn't have a smart phone so he borrows my ipad. I am glad the internet works so they can play their online game.

I got 5,000 steps today and James got 20,000. He takes his phone with him around the temple while I leave mine in my locker. 

Sheri did her half marathon today. I am very proud that she set this goal and then followed through with it.

Sheri's stats

The finish line, always a welcome sight.

My lesson tomorrow is on Noah's Ark

Curtis's family. Can you tell where they have been?

Joshua is amazed at all the flavors.

First In n Out Burger and then Cold Stone.

Spoon lickin' good.

Tuesday, February 6th, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Warning: This actually happened on Thursday, Feb 8th,
I skipped Wed, Feb 7th so it will be posted on Thurs, Feb 8th.

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 1:1

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

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:30-2:10

*How do I keep the balanced perspective of my dependence on God's grace with the desire to live righteously?

- I know that if I do the best I can that the Lord will do the rest.

Old Testament

Exodus 30-32

30 An altar of incense is to be placed before the veil - Atonement is to be made with the blood of the sin offering - Atonement money is to be paid to ransom each male - Priests are to use holy anointing oil and perfume.

31 Artisans are inspired in building and furnishing the tabernacle - Israel is commanded to keep the Lord's Sabbaths - The death penalty is decreed for Sabbath desecration - Moses receives the stone tablets. 

32 Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships - Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel - Moses breaks the tablets of stone - The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels - Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 17:3-4, 7

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

" Sometimes we feel that we don't have any particularly important gifts. One day, a discouraged sister pleaded, 'Lord, what is my personal ministry?' He answered, 'Notice others.' It was a spiritual gift! Since then, she has found joy in noticing those who are regularly forgotten, and God has worked through her to bless many. While some spiritual gifts may not be prominent by the world's standards, they are essential to God and His work."

 "Our only hope for true perfection is in receiving it as a gift from heaven." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

We went to the 11 a.m. session at the Snowflake temple. James wants to watch the officiator so he will know what to do when he is asked to officiate. We were the witness couple which is always a special privilege. We noticed the the officiator said very little and at one point I even thought maybe he was mute, but not so. 

Before going home we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch. I had a Big Jake burro and a diet Dr. Pepper. They have the best ice!  

We also stopped at Walmart and I got some things to add to my Valentine centerpiece on the dining room table. We also had to get some gas. One the way home we noticed lots of dark clouds above us. We went home the White Mountain Lake way and I must say I was not impressed although the road was paved all the way. They really need some zoning laws up here. 

On the way home Jared texted and asked if we could do a marriage survey for one of Autumn's college classes. She needs to interview a couple who have been married at least 20 years. I told him we would work on it when we got home from the temple. 

We really thought the clouds were going to bring us some moisture, which they did, but it only lasted a few minutes. 

We got home to find out that our internet and phones were down. There was no way to contact Jared or Autumn to tell them of our situation. They were down all the rest of the day. I couldn't pay bills either. So I watched an episode of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." I hadn't seen it before and I really enjoyed it but can't remember the name of the episode so I called it, "Until the Cows Come Home."

We also watched two episodes of "Victoria," "The Warp and Weft," and "Sins of the Fathers."  

My knee started to hurt so I only got 4,650 steps today. James has over 20,000 steps. He has lots of people on Pacer who like his progress but someone named Denise likes his progress better than anyone.

We look so old!

Can you tell how much he loves

picking out new glasses?

Carmen's zebra cake

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.

Saturday, November 25th, 2017

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 10:15

As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 6:6-22

Mormon asks his people why they rejected the open arms of Christ. Mormon taught that their reunion with the Savior would have been joyful (6:17). We too must prepare ourselves to stand before the Lord at the Judgment. President James E. Faust explained: 

"We long for the ultimate blessing of the Atonement - to become one with Him, to be in His divine presence, to be called individually by name as He warmly welcomes us home with a radiant smile, beckoning us with open arms to be enfolded in His boundless love.

How gloriously sublime this experience will be if we can feel worthy enough to be in His presence. The free gift of His great atoning sacrifice for each of us is the only way we can be exalted enough to stand before Him and see Him face to face. The overwhelming message of the Atonement is the perfect love the Savior has for each of us. It is a love full of mercy, patience, grace, equity, long-suffering and, above all, forgiving. The evil influence of Satan would destroy any hope we have in overcoming our mistakes. He would have us feel that we are lost and that there is no hope. In contrast, Jesus reaches down to us to lift us up. Through our repentance and the gift of the Atonement, we can prepare to be worthy to stand in His presence."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:25

Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things:

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Brother Tad R. Callister

"How did Joseph produce a book that radiates with the Spirit, and where did he get such profound doctrine, much of which clarifies or contradicts the Christian beliefs of his time? For example, the Book of Mormon teaches, contrary to most Christian beliefs, that the Fall of Adam was a positive step forward. It reveals the covenants made at baptism, which are not addressed in the Bible."

James gave me a blessing before we left for the temple this morning. It gave me comfort and peace. My day went something like this: Preparation meeting with President Palmer and his wife presiding. We saw a patron film that we had seen before. 

My first assignment was the locker room where I assigned patrons coming in for the 8 a.m. session. Sister Applegate was one of those patrons. My second assignment was as an initiatory patron, and then I had some study time and then went back to be an initiatory worker. I did the washing ordinances again and it was good practice for me. 

My next assignment was as the greeter downstairs behind the check in desk. A young brother came in for his own endowment. The only person who came with him was his escort, no other family or friends.

I had a break and got to sit down and have a snack with James and the Vance's. The rest of my time was spent as being the 2nd follower in the 11 a.m. endowment session. The 2nd follower counts the sisters as they enter the session and checks to make sure they received the new name. The 2nd follower gives the tokens and helps patrons at the veil. Last time I did not do so well at the veil but this time it went well. The only person I really had to help was a little Navajo lady who knew nothing. At first when I tried to help her she just stared at me and I thought maybe she didn't speak English. I then said to her, just say what I say. She did it and we got through it. It was a good day for me. President Williams, the Show Low stake president and his wife were in my session. Afterwards they James spoke with them. President Williams told him he loved having him on the high council in Show Low because then he wasn't the only one with a deformed ear. President Williams was a wrestler at ASU too. He loves wrestling!

On the way home we stopped at El Cupido's and I got my Big Jake burro. It was perfect. We also went to Home Depot and Lowe's in Show Low to look for replacement lights for the tree. We didn't get home until 3:30. Erik and Kristofor had come by with their families on their way to look for Christmas trees. When they left they said they were going on the McNary road. James called and told them there were no Christmas trees, only pine trees on that road. He directed them to go up by Green's Peak, which they did. This is what they got:

Erik said the most important thing to

him was the good smell from the tree.

Kristofor, Christine, and Erik's little girl

Tabitha

Tonight was the annual ASU vs. UofA game. It is a battle for the territorial cup. After a Razr ride with Kim Brian came back and turned the game on. We watched the game and played a game of Five Crowns, which I won. ASU also ended up winning, 42-30.

I got my steps in today inspite of being at the temple.

Lola says: 

"Not pity for the Kitty!"

Something Darrel taught her to say regarding

the ASU vs. UofA game.

How sad.

Saturday, November 4th, 2017

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of
John 14:28
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 19:30-20:19
*What does the Savior promise those who partake of the sacrament? Why is this promise so significant?
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "Attendance at church each week provides the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, as the Lord has commanded us (see DC 59:9). If we act with the right preparation and attitude, partaking of the sacrament renews the cleansing effect of our baptism and qualifies us for the promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. A mission of that Spirt, the Holy Ghost, is to testify of the Father and the Son and to lead us into truth, (see John 14:26; 2 Nephi 31:18). Testimony and truth, which are essential to our personal conversion, are the choice harvest of this weekly renewing of our covenants.In the day to day decisions of my life and in my personal spiritual growth, I have enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise" (Ensign, May 2002, 34).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture
DC 1:32-33
32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.
General Conference

The Needs Before Us

Bonnie L. Oscarson

The Savior taught, "For whosoever will save his life shall lost it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

President Thomas S. Monson said of this scripture: "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish-and in effect save their lives."

Happy Birthday Jared!

Kacey's post:

Had to see this one more closeup.

This one too.

James and I finally left for the temple at 5:45 this morning. On the way we read 3 Nephi 19:30-20:19 and Sister Oscarson's talk, "The Needs Before Us." James grabbed the wrong book, instead of our Regency romance novel he brought "Rescuing Wayward Children."

I started reading from it and we both enjoyed it so much the idea came up that maybe we should ask our kids to read with us. I think most all of them have a copy of the book. 

The new temple presidency is in effect. To our surprise our friends from high school, Stephen and Trisha Reidhead are in the presidency. They conducted the preparation meeting today. They have lived in the same house in Snowflake for 40 years. Stephen was the stake president when President Hinckley came to chose the Snowflake temple site. They have 3 daughters and 5 sons and all their sons live in Snowflake and help their dad run his logging business.  They have 25 grandchildren and 22 of them live in Snowflake. It is going to be great being able to work with them.

James was the assistant director in the baptistry all of our shift. He was extremely busy. There were several large groups coming in and he had to run the temple cards up to the recorders office several times. He got lots of steps today. He said this was his favorite day so far working in the temple.

I had a good day too. This is not our regular shift, we traded with the Nelson's but we have friends from Vernon who work on this shift, the Wilhelm's and the Diewald's. 

I got to do sealings today which is always a blessing. I did not do a session but I got to help in the baptistry with James. A sister from Lakeside asked if I spoke at the White Mountain Stake Women's Conference last spring. When I told her yes she told me how wonderful my talk was. Positive feedback always makes you feel good.

I had about 30 minutes of study time today. I think I know the first section of the initiatory ordinance. I still have a long ways to go though.

I had a nice chat with Sister Jones who is also a former high school acquaintance. She now lives in Joseph City. I heard one of the sisters from Joe City tell a joke. She said when the pioneers came down they stopped in Joe City and were going to camp there until the wind stopped blowing but wound up staying and building the city because the wind never stopped. 

There was a wedding today, the Solomon, Caldwell wedding, both local people so there was a huge crowd. Sixty people must have come out of that little sealing room. Sister Jones said there was standing room only. They were a loud bunch but thankfully they took their party outside.

We get off at one and since James didn't have a break he was pretty hungry. We stopped at El Cupido's for lunch because I couldn't stop thinking about the Big Jake burro I had last week and I wanted another one. I also got a drink.

On the way home we mailed a bill at the Show Low post office and stopped to get gas. Most of the smoke from yesterday's fire was gone from our area but we saw it in Shumway and Taylor.

This afternoon and evening we read, I blogged, James worked a little outside, we got our steps, watched some Christmas movies and then watched Heartland, "Starting Gate."

Evan's birthday lunch at his favorite

pizza place.

Arizona's Territorial Capital in Prescott

Evan in 2016 with his favorite Costco cake.

Eden and grandma Rebecca

Home from his mission in Argentina

Thursday, August 31st, 2017

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Mosiah 7:27

And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth -

Alma 58:30-59:13

How did Helaman's young warriors show their faith in God, despite the "many wounds" they received? (Alma 58:38-40)

As you face challenges in life, how can you benefit from following the example of the sons of Helaman?

*"It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent."

-President Ezra Taft Benson

*Sheri: I listened to a talk today where Elder Hales talked about this. He said: "Sometimes people ask, 'Why do I have to go to sacrament meeting?' or 'Why do I have to live the Word of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can't I have one foot in Babylon?' May I tell you why? Because spiritual pedaling takes both feet! Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel--living it with all of your 'heart, might, mind and strength'--you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness."

DC 124:131-145

What did I learn from this chapter?

*Verse 143: The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for helps and for governments for the work of the ministry and the perfecting of my saints.

General Conference

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Adversity should not be viewed as either disfavor from the Lord or a withdrawal of His blessings. Opposition in all things is part of the refiner's fire to prepare us for an eternal celestial destiny. Think of the Savior on the cross and the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail."

I love this quote!

My car has a flat tire and we don't have the wheel lock to change it. When we got our oil changed and tires rotated at Sears last time, they kept the wheel lock. Thank goodness for Brian. He went to Lexus of Chandler and purchased a new wheel lock and will bring it up with him when he and Kim come tomorrow. 

We went to the Snowflake distribution center to pick up our temple clothes that we ordered. I got my shoes but the top I ordered was not available. I ordered another one in another size. After picking up our clothes we went to El Cupido's for something to eat. James and I both got their special, a taco and a toastado. They were both very tasty!  Next stop, Walmart. I bought another lamp for Kim and Brian's room downstairs. We picked up a few other things, but I will have to do my real shopping tomorrow. Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

I worked on my blog this afternoon. James is pretty discouraged because of the equipment situation around here and so am I. The tractor is still sitting where it was a week ago when James was going to load it on the trailer to take it to the valley. 

I put sheets on the bed downstairs in the basement for Kim and Brian, did some cleaning and put up the new lamp. Let there be light!

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, shopping and cleaning!

Photos:

One of my favorite views

Our tractor we were going to take to the 

valley to trade in won't start

Look what we brought back from the valley...

more broken down equipment!

Braylin took Arnold the pig to school.

Arnold gave Braylin a kiss. I guess he likes school.

The Vernon ward elders quorum president

One of the two missionaries serving from Vernon

who comes home in a few days. Elder Hall.

A valley storm