Thursday, October 4th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

* How does the principle of agency play into this chapter?

- We can choose our actions but not the consequences. What is God's divine love? The Lord loves all people but cannot tolerate sin. Athought Helaman 15:4 states that the Lord hated the Lamanites  because their deeds have been evil continually," Samuel is an example of the many Lamanites who were taught the gospel message and gained God's favor once they were converted.

President Russell M. Nelson addressed the subject of God's love for those who sin: "Does this mean the Lord doesn't love the sinner? Of course not. He hates the sin but loves the sinner. Divine love is infinite and universal. The Savior loves both saints and sinners. The Apostle John affirmed, 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' (1 John 4:19). And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: '...Yea, they spit upon Him, and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men (1 Nephi 19:9). We know the expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again." ("Divine Love," Ensign, Feb. 2003, 24).

Old Testament

Isaiah 54-56

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Lessons taught through the traditions we establish in our homes, though small and simple, are increasingly important in today's world."

We left for the valley at 6:30, about 30 minutes later than planned but I was still able to make it on time to my appointment at Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. Dr. Douglas is my dentist. 

I had x-rays and my teeth cleaned. Bad news. I need two new crowns. Cavities developing under the old ones. This is going to be very costly, $820 a piece. I guess I need dental insurance. 

While I was at the dentist James took the boys to breakfast at IHOP. They all ordered pancakes. Rowan of course ordered the chocolate pancakes. 

After taking the Chandler boys home, Max, Evan, and Joshua, James and Rowan came back and picked me up. We went across the street to Chandler Eyecare and traded cars, getting our Lexy back. 

We then took Rowan home. We beat Darrel home and had to wait for him to get back from the gym to open the door for us. 

We unpacked the car, and left to go to Sears to get the oil in Lexy changed. We went to the Sears by the Chandler mall and James dropped me off at the Carter store which sells baby clothes. Everything in the store was 50% off! 

After dropping the car off James joined me and we walked to Olive Garden across Chandler Blvd. Luckily it was not sweltering hot, it was only in the upper 80's but we were still warm when we reached the restaurant. 

The reason for Olive Garden other than it's one of my favorites, was that we have a gift card. I soon discovered that I had left the gift card in my other purse so we had to put the charge on our credit card.

Because I forgot to put my earrings in this morning I walked over to Claire's at the mall and bought a pair of earrings so my ears don't close up. James went to Sears, picked up the car, and then picked me up at the mall. I had him drop me off at the Carter store again so I could get some things for Scarlett.

Our next stop was Costco so James could get batteries for his hearing aid. He also got a watermelon to make up for the fact that they didn't have Alpine Valley bread. 

Met Stacy at the scrubs store. She starts at the National Laser Institute on the 15th.

Back at home Darrel was taking the kids to the park. Lola wanted me to go but I told her I had to go take a nap. It was just Darrel, Rowan, and Lola who went. Ruby was at a friends and Addy is at school. She is the only one who isn't out for fall break.

After our naps it was time to go visit Dawn and Lois for their birthdays. We stopped at Fry's on the way to get gas. I also got a plant to give to them. We had to wait until this evening to visit so we could see Dawn too. 

We took them the small desk, the cupboard with drawers, a basket with candles, body wash, and other good smelling things. I told them they could decide who gets what. We also gave them their two handmade cards. We had a nice visit. I showed them the patchwork table runner I bought so Lois showed me a quilt she was making and the bedspread she made for Dawn:

Designs are made on Lois's machine.

Each one is different.

We didn't take any photos but thank 
goodness Teresa did.

 Our friends Janet and Clint

 Looks like quite a fortress

Is there anything more precious?

I sure do love these boys!

He is always there for us.

Paul has lost 90 lbs!

Where's your credit card Mom?

Serving from the Vernon ward

Love Trenda and Emery!

 O be wise, what can I say more?

 Card craze

Saturday, May 12th, 2018

Draper, Utah,

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Book of Mormon
Mosiah 28:1-20
*Why did the sons of Mosiah want to preach to the Lamanites? 
- Because the thought that any soul should endure endless torment caused them to quake and tremble..they were desirous to declare salvation to every creature.
We as members of His Church are not salesmen but servants of the most high who work for peace. By inviting all to repent and come unto Christ, we are encouraging peace, hope and comfort by helping others change their hearts. We need to learn the language of the Spirit, so we can find they way to the hearts of those we are called to teach. We are His messengers. 
Old Testament
1 Samuel 29-30
29 Israel and the Philistines gather for war - The Philistine princes send David away.
30 The Amalekites spoil Ziklag and the borders of Judah - David smites Amalek and regains and divides the spoil.
General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

President Thomas S. Monson counseled us that young men need to understand "what it means to be bearers of the priesthood of God They need to be guided to a spiritual awareness of the sacredness of their ordained calling."

Today I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide us to a greater understanding of the power and sacredness of the Aaronic Priesthood and inspire us to focus more diligently on our priesthood duties. My message is for all Aaronic Priesthood holders, including those who also hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Russell M. Nelson: 4/05: #45. Now Is The Time to Prepare

"Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late."

On the way to the temple this morning James and I listened to 1 Samuel 29-30. David becomes friends with the Philistines and lives with them for about 16 months. I read from the Book of Mormon and the conference talk for the day because we forgot to bring our speaker and we couldn't hear the phone very well in the car.

This is my morning schedule on the days we work in the temple. I get up at 4 and today I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast and put the stew on to warm up. I also have my prayers. James gets up around 4:45 and showers. I come back in a little after five and take over the bathroom to get ready to go. 

Before we left I put the stew back in the crockpot with the crockpot turned on. We took it to the temple in the crockpot. 

The men and women had separate training today. Sister Reidhead and Sister Cochran were the women's trainers. We talked about initiatory and the baptistry. Sister Reidhead said there was a temple trainer here from Salt Lake last week. He was amazed at how many family names we have to do in the credenza. He said that he has never seen so many names at any other temple. I guess we have lots of people in our temple district doing family history.

Sister Wenhardt was not here today. She is a florist and Mother's Day is her biggest day of the year. 

The Wilhelm's from our ward were taking the Gentry's place today. Also, Ione Whipple worked our shift. I knew her as a youth in Show Low. I don't think she recognized me. When I knew her everyone called her "Babe." I guess maybe she didn't want to put Babe on her temple badge.

One of my former young women who is now married came to the temple today. She wasn't just any young woman, but my favorite. Trenda and her husband Emery were the witness couple in the session where I was the 1st follower. I got to help her at the veil and her grandpa, Brother Wilhelm was the receiver for her. He was so excited about this opportunity!

During break Sister Sauwen told me about a restaurant at the golf course called The Skillet. She said the food was really good and it was reasonably priced. Maybe another day. Today I am on a weight loss challenge. I want to kill my chunky monkey!

I loves the temple. I always feel so good when I am here, even though at the end of my shift I am ready to go home and take a nap.

I guess my stew was a hit because there was very little left to take home. It's a good thing I saved some for James in our frig.

After nap time I made a green smoothie for both James and I. He gulped his down and took off for the Wallace's to see about his tractor and then he went to get some gas in the car because we forgot on the way home.

I stayed home and did my 45 minute walk. Afterwards I had a Slimfast and a bell pepper for dinner.

James and I watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart." James agreed with me that it was really well done in spite of Jack dying.

Summer and Tanner were asked to clean the kitchen.

Tanner is working and Summer is dancing

around the kitchen. When she sees her mom

is making a video, she falls to the ground.

It is pretty funny!

 The Navajo taco dinner fundraiser.

We didn't got but we did buy tickets and

let someone else eat our tacos.

They made $1,700.00!

This castle needs a remodel. I don't know if

anyone lives there but it looks like they are

running a herd of cattle. Or, maybe the cattle live in the castle.

 Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid 1400's by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Lord of Glenorchy.

I'm starting to collect photos of 

dresses I like.

Fiji looks divine!

I really like the skirt, not sure about the top.

Dreaming about catching the birds and cats

he chases all the time. Yes that curly thing

is his tail.

Saturday, October 28th, 2017

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 20:20

And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 14:1-27

What fundamental truths do we learn from Christ's teachings in these verses? How will you incorporate these important teachings into your life?

"Stop judging, extend love. Follow the Savior's example. Verse 7 - Pray for others and for answers. Verse 12 - Live the Golden Rule. Beware of false prophets. Build our foundation upon the rock of Christ and when the storm comes we will stand strong."

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Study

JS-H 1:15-20

General Conference

Loved One Another as He Has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

"By serving and forgiving others with real love, we can be healed and receive the strength to overcome our ow challenges."

I read this quote by President Benson today:

"The Book of Mormon is the instrument that God designed to 'sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out His elect' ... The Book of Mormon shall so affect men that the whole earth and all its' peoples will have been influenced and governed by it." (Ensign, Oct. 2005, 60-62)

 It was one year ago today that these two couples got engaged:

Married January 21, 2017

Married October 31, 2016

Collin with his new aunt to be,  and

uncle Nathan.

I stayed at home all day today and worked on my blog, made cookies, and studied and watched Christmas movies. James worked on the patio. He also went to watch Zemira and Andy wrestle at a tournament in Show Low. He just missed Zemira win the championship but saw Andy who also won the championship in his weight. These guys are amazing!

Sheri and her office crew entered a race today. 

Joshua in his Halloween costume.

I love this Halloween picture from a couple

of years ago.

Trenda and Emery

A hunter and his deer

So cute!

Wanlass family going to the temple together.

Fall

Sadie and Aaron celebrated Halloween

by having a baby. Congratulations!

Enoch is going home after being

in the hospital for a few days

with breathing problems.

Ethan just turned 8. When he was in our

ward he was the sweetest boy in Primary!

These photos were in my 2015

picture file. This one is James.

Anna

Emmy

Molly

2015 picking pinions

It's always nice to end with a beautiful sunset.