Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 9:12

And he answered and told the, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 3:1-18

*How did the Nephites persevere despite their difficulties?

- Verse 3 - There were many contentions and dissensions so they departed and went to another land. (1) Walk away from contention.

Verse 7 - They went to work. They became expert in making cement and provided homes for their families (2) Go to work. Verse 9 - They were concerned about the future of others, so they were united about not cutting down trees until they grew tall. (3) Concern for others and the future Verse 13-16 - Record keeping was important. (4) Keep individual and family records.

Old Testament

Ecclesiastes 1-6

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presidency of the Seventy have considered these adjustments over an extended period of time. With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundations of priesthood quorums, and confirmation that this is the Lord's will, we are moving forward with unanimity in what is in reality one more step in the unfolding of the Restoration. The Lord's direction is manifest, and I rejoice in it, as I bear witness of Him, His priesthood, and your ordinations in that priesthood, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Some of my favorite verses from what I read in Ecclesiastes today:

"Let not thy mouth cause thy flesh to sin."

"All is vanity."

First thing when he got up around 6:30, James stood out on the porch and the balcony upstairs and bugled for elk. I asked if he saw or heard any. He said yes, on the hill across the road he saw a bull herding a herd of cows. Oh the joys of living in the country. I asked him why the elk no longer travel through our property. He said because they used to go down to the water and now that the spring is dried up they no longer go that way.

A little breeze blowing through the open window as I do some ironing feels so good!

James filed a lien against National Turd (oops I mean Turf) today.

This is an email Ben sent to Sheri and she sent to me:

I sent this to Sheri because I know she is struggling. 

"Sometimes we wonder if we can go on, but we can't stop. We move forward by relying on our Savior more than we did before, and eventually we realize the miracles that have surrounded us all along."

Listened to Chapter 11 from "The Healing Christ." It is called, The Judging Christ.

" We do not earn heaven, we co-create Heaven here on earth."

"The Lord's judgment is centered in love" 

I love this chapter! Judgement day is a day of mercy when all will be made right!

Finished my Debbie Gibson movie and read from the new LDS Living magazine. I read, "When Desire Drowns Out Revelation," and "Faith to Find Annie." Annie is Piano Guy John Schmidt's daughter who died in a hiking accident in Oregon.

From the Old Testament student manual regarding the book of Hosea: "The modern world entices people as it did in the day of Hosea to worship at the shrine of pleasure." So true. We are basically a hedonistic society. This is no way to prepare for the Second Coming. This is why missionary work is so important, so that people's hearts are turned from pleasure seeking to commandment keeping.

I made cupcakes for Tamara's birthday which is tomorrow. I also gave her one of my daisy cards and had Kerri and Maxine sign it. I tried to make a caligraphy copy of Phillipians 4:13 but it didn't turn out so I gave her a quote about ministering that I had framed. It was actually given to me by my friend Hailey. I have enjoyed it for several years and now I am passing it on. 

After our RS presidency meeting tonight we gave Tamara her gifts. 

Paula J. is our assistant secretary and she attended our meeting this evening. Paula does so much community service. She is president of the Vernon Park, runs the Vernon Food Bank, and is historian for the Vernon Fire Department. She shared an experience she had with a destitute man here in Vernon. He has no electricity, no water, and he can't hear. She took him a case of water and some food. She said he can talk perfectly but she had to write things down for him to read because he cannot hear. Trash was piled inside and outside his home because he has no transportation. She felt so compelled to help him more but wasn't sure how. She asked us if she should tell the bishop and we said yes, she should. He may have resources that we don't know about. 

When I got home James was reading from the Lambson Family History book. He wants to share some things with the kids this weekend about his family. I think I am going to share what I learned about William Bailey Maxwell. I also found my grandpa's sister, Ella Lee's life story and I can share some things from that. I actually knew Ella. We read a chapter from "The Secret Keeper" before going to bed.

Practicing her leg lifts

 Card for the day

Such a sweet photo!

Monday, October 9th, 2017

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar. 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Ether 3:13

And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 2:1-19

*Why do you think forgetting spiritual experiences can make us vulnerable to Satan?

*What can we do to ensure that we do not forget the spiritual experiences we have had?

-I record spiritual experiences I have so I will remember and never forget them. Keeping a journal/blog has blessed me many times!

I sometimes go back and look at it and reflect on the good times and spiritual experiences I've had, and all that God has blessed me with. I try to record when I have felt the Spirit on a daily basis. Keeping a journal helps me to see God's hand in my life. 

-Losing a testimony usually happens a little at a time Having the Spirit with us on a daily basis helps keep our testimonies alive. That is why we need to read the scriptures everyday and pray. When we take the sacrament each week, we eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we promise that we will always remember Him. Remembering is so important. When we feel close to Him we act differently. When we forget we gradually withdraw ourselves from Him and His Spirit.

-President Henry B. Eyring on keeping a journal: "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question:'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?'

As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of our family members that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance - even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened" ("O Remember, Remember," Ensign Nov 2007, 67).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 58:26-27

26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"I believe that Jesus did not intend His Sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings. No, I believe He intended it to be a tribute to who and what God the Eternal Father is and what we can achieve with Him in eternity.

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"President Monson, mindful of those desiring to wish him happy birthday, described an ideal birthday gift. 'Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That's all I would ask.'"

After breakfast Sheri and I took Max, Evan and Joshua for a ride to The Lollipop Shoppe in Alpine. Sheri and I wanted to see the changing colors of the leaves but neither one of us wanted to take our cars on the road to Greens Peak. I suggested Alpine and then maybe Hannigan Meadows because of my friend Sherry's post on Facebook. On the way through Nutrioso I suggested we stop at the house where my grandpa Maxwell was born and grew up. 

Sheri took a picture of the boys and I  and then later I realized I should have had Joshua take a picture of Sheri, the boys and I for 3 generations.

The Maxwell Homestead

Vickie said that grandpa told them he used to walk to school in Round Valley everyday and that's why he was such a fast runner.

Stopping here turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We spent a lot of money at the Lollipop Shoppe but it was quite disappointing. We didn't go on to Hannigan Meadows because Sheri was anxious to get back. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's and got drinks and french fries for the boys.

It was a little cold today, the high was 56. Too bad Kim and Brian aren't here. The rest of the week will be in the 60's and 70's. They are coming Friday evening.

James worked on the patio again today and then took Ian over to Dave's pond. 

Always working on the equipment

The boys love to play games. Here they are playing Uno. They also played Quelf, and Yahtzee.

Sheri loves Moana and I wanted to know why so I put it on this afternoon. The one time I watched it was with Lola and I was a little distracted. I love it too now, but Cinderella is still my favorite. 

This one is my favorite!

We had burgers, hotdogs, fries, and squash for dinner. After dinner we read scriptures and then Sheri told a story for F.H.E. It was the story of the human chain from Sister Eubank's conference talk. Being different is ok. Developing talents and using them to serve others is what Heavenly Father would like for us to do.

We also watched DWTS, most memorable year episode. My favorite dances were Lindsey and Mark's, Lindsay and Jordan's, and Val and Victoria. 

James went on a Razr ride this evening and saw 16 elk very close to our house.

Some things never change. This photo was taken in 2016 but

it could have been taken tonight.

I wonder if any of those 16 elk 

was this big.

Elder Hales and Jason, his "tie buddy"

Sister Hales gave Jason Elder Hale's tie

after his funeral.

Cousin fun in San Antonio

Lola thought her eyebrows needed to be

a little darker.

Montana mountains and pebbles

 Memories:

Supergirl!

Such a sweetie!

Post by Christina

McDowell Sonoran Reserve

lambsondallen

So beautiful!

Hogwarts wannabe

Yikes!

He works hard for no money

He works hard for the money

Missed him at conference but he was there in

spirit. So many speakers quoted him!

Addy waiting for the electric light parade.

Sheri and Ian's wedding party

1996

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Happy Birthday to this beautiful lady,

Denise Curry-Maxwell, my sister-in-law.

She can be the life of the party and does

a mean dance to Rocky Top Tennessee.

Denise and her daughter Rachel.

As a side note, Rachel and I share birthdays.

A Maxwell gathering for Denise's birthday last year.

Since Tasha and Monte are in this picture I want to share something Tasha posted yesterday on Facebook:

BTW, Tasha's birthday was on September 15th.

"Without work ethic I would be a lost sheep.

I struggled in school and had many nights I had to work extra hard to study for the test, but it was up to me to stay up late and do my best.  It wasn't my parents' job or my teacher's.

Then in the spectrum of sports I had to work extra hard compared to the tall person next to me that could 'stand' at the net and block.

But with showing up to practice early, listening to the coach, not

making excuses, and working hard I was able to attend two free

years of college with a scholarship.  My own children know that 

one of our biggest expectations is work ethic in the classroom and on the field.  Our saying to them is that one of the biggest factors

you can control is your effort.  So many ties I see excuses being

made and it breaks my heart because with some effort and work people can conquer the world."

Here is a picture Denise posted on Facebook.  This was

taken in about 1971 when Muhammed Ali was training in

Show Low and staying at my grandparents hotel,

The Maxwell House.  In the front that is my brother Dennis

with the shades on, he is now married to Denise, next to Dennis is

Muhammed Ali hold Kami Hawkins, Aunt Gene's granddaughter.

Next to Muhammed is my grandpa Arlee.

I am not sure who the man standing in the back is.

I am so grateful Denise marred Dennis and became a part of our family.

About this time of year the first thing James does in the morning and the last thing he does at night is bugle for elk.  

The bugling has begun.

Helaman 7:1-12

How can we follow Nephi's example in these verses?

*Remember the righteousness of those who have gone before me.

*Joy in the righteousness of others.

* Sorrow because of wickedness.

*Be prayerful and seek guidance from Heavenly Father.

*Bear testimony to others in spite of opposition.

GC:          'Fathers' by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another. . . .

But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of 

truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love

one another, and to serve one another."

Today just happens to be International Peace Day.

We had an overcast day but had very little rain.  When I say little I mean maybe 10 minutes.  It was wonderful to sit on the porch and read from Millennial Glory with James.  Later this evening I read from The China Study and The China Study Cookbook.  I know I need to eat more healthy and reading these books motivates me.

I love living in Vernon

"On the evening of the twenty-first

of September 1823 . . ."

Thursday, October 2, 2014

"We all make mistakes.  Sometimes we harm ourselves and

seriously injure others in ways that we alone cannot

repair.  We break things that we alone cannot fix.  It is then in our nature to feel guilt and humiliation and suffering,

which we alone cannot cure.  That is when the healing power of

the Atonement will help."

-President Boyd K. Packer

 Happy Birthday to James's mother who

turns 87 today.

Lois is one of the most amazing women I have ever met.  She is the mother of eight very talented children.  She raised her children to be hardworking and independent.  She is an wonderful cook, and seamstress.  She makes the most beautiful Barbie clothes you have ever seen.  She is smart and not afraid to try new things.  In the last few years she has taken up painting and like so many other things she does, she has a real talent for it.  For years she has bought Christmas and birthday gifts for all of her children, their spouses, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She makes the most beautiful bows and packages you have ever seen.  She grows beautiful flowers and up until recently did most of her yardwork herself.  I have just scratched the surface of her many talents.  I have been a part of her family for 46 years and she has been such an amazing mother to me, especially after my own mother passed away.   Thank you Lois.  I love you!

James went out elk bugling this morning.  He wants to get close enough to take some good pictures.  For breakfast this morning I made bacon, eggs, and biscuits.  I had quite a crowd for breakfast, Darrel, James, Alex, Kyle, and Adam when he eventually woke up.  James tried to get the boys to try the jalapeno jelly but the only one who liked it was Kyle.

James and I went into town today.  I bought enough groceries at Walmart to feed this group for four days and then we stopped and bought Little Caesar's on the way home.  

It was an absolute gorgeous day here with the high between 65-70 degrees.  

This afternoon I read to James and then I fixed calico beans and cornbread for dinner.  They boys went into town to get gas for the Razr and to try and download a game that came out this evening at the McDonald's where they have free wifi.  I guess it was way to slow they so they came home.  I told them they couldn't use ours until we get our plan changed because we are already over our limit.  

Darrel gave 25 shots today, one for shingles and the others for flu.

Today is Throwback Thursday:

Sheri thinks this picture of me looks

alot like Evan.

My grandparents, Verdie and Arlee Maxwell

The Chandler vs. Hamilton game was tonight.

For the first time in 10 years, Chandler won

and it was at Hamilton's field!

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Fall is here with the high's in the low 70's.  This is James's favorite time of year in Vernon.  Every night he steps outside on the porch and bugles for elk.

This has been one of the laziest weeks of my life. I think I'm going to get something done and then I look in the mirror and lose all my steam.  I have been studying my scriptures and working on Personal Progress.  I feel so sad that I can't participate in Young Women's or go visiting teaching. 

Stacy and Paul put a down payment on an apartment today.  She said they would pay October and November's rent and be out by December 1st unless we sold the house before that.  It still makes me sad to think about selling it.

Ruby had a soccer game this morning.  Sheri went and took some pictures.  Here they are.

Warm up with her coach.

This is about as aggressive as she got.

"I've had enough, and besides, I don't like how Dad did my hair."

Ben went over and mowed Ian's parents lawn.  It's his job.  When Sheri went to get him Ian's Mom had bought Evan a pirates costume.  He loved it!!

Ahoy Mates!

I talked James in to taking me into town this afternoon.  We washed my car.  It still had squished bugs all over the front of it from our trip to Texas.  We also stopped at Circle K and I got a Dr. Pepper and James and I shared a tuna sandwich.  These little jaunts in to town are my only escape.