Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 76:41

That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

How can we make the word of God available to all?

-Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.

Use social media to bear testimony, live the gospel, love the gospel, stand as a witness at all times and in all places.

Old Testament

1 Kings 1-2

1 Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age - Adonijah aspires to be king - Bathsheba and Nathan advise David of Adonijah's plotting - David names Solomon as king, and he is anointed by Zadok - Adonijah's cause fails.

2 David charges Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the ways of the Lord - King David dies and Solomon reigns - Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei are put to death, and Abiathar is rejected as high priest - The kingdom is established with Solomon.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors."

I was up at 4:24 a.m. I ate, and then got ready to go to the temple. 

We said a prayer before we left and then had scriptures and a general conference talk on the way. 

Sister Wenhardt and her daughter are gone to Hawaii so that leaves Sister Cochran in charge.

The Palmer's conducted the preparation meeting. We saw films on temple clothing. 

I have the same schedule that I have had for the past month which is ok with me. I start out in initiatory then go to the celestial room and then I have a break with James. 

During our break with visit with Sister Humphreys from St. Johns who knew Uncle Delbert and Sister LundrAfen whose husband is from Vernon. We tell them about our weight loss challenge and our "green" smoothies.

There is an own endowment couple in our session. I say our session because James led the prayer circle and gave one of the best prayers that I have ever heard given in the temple. 

After the endowment session the couple have their four month old baby girl sealed to them. Sister Bower got to be in the sealing and she told me all about it. She said that to her the sealing of a family is the culminating ordinance in the temple and I would certainly agree with her. 

After the session I went back to initiatory for 30 minutes, was the baptismal greeter and then last I was in charge of assigning lockers in the women's dressing room. 

Tyler, from our ward was here this week. He said he felt bad about missing last time but his phone was doing an update and his alarm didn't work. He said he came and did a session because he felt so guilty.

Our friends from Chandler, the Vance's were not here this week. We miss seeing them when they aren't here.

When we got home James took a quick nap and then went over to the Howard's to help Brother Howard clear trees. He was gone from about 4-6:30.

While James was gone I did some walking and then I went upstairs to find some things to put together for a family history display tomorrow. I am in charge of the displays at our ward activity on June 23rd. I was specifically looking for the picture of my "Nannie" in a big hat when she was about five years old. I found lots of other photos, but never did find the one I was looking for. I found plenty to make a display using old photos, an old sewing machine, some personal documents of my dad's and his Book of Remembrance. I found a family photo of myself as a baby with my mom and dad and a family photo of my dad with his parents, Aunt Gene, and Uncle Jerry. Uncle Jerry was not dad's brother he was my grandma Verdie's brother but she raised him as her own.

I called Charlotte this afternoon to see how she was doing. She got new glasses and she can see! She seemed pretty positive and said I could take her off of my worry list. This is great news!

I took a bath and went to bed quite early with the intention of getting up early and finishing up the lesson I am giving for Relief Society tomorrow.

Sunrise

Uncle Delbert at the 

Lambson Family Reunion

Aunt Luella and Uncle Delbert

One of my favorite pictures of Emmy

Addy and Emmy

Such cuties!

Anna

James Hayden

My mom and I

Ollie enjoying the 3-day weekend.

Friday, July 14th, 2017

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Alma 32:21-43

*How do we plant spiritual "seeds?"

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

DC 101:51-62

63-75, The Saints are to continue gathering together;

How can we stay stronger amid the chaos that is around us?

*"Peace, it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." We can gain that peace by doing those things that make our soul happy...reading scriptures, praying, service, going to church, etc...When we are at peace, it doesn't matter what chaos is billowing all around us. We are grounded and strong because of our choices.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel

Valeri V. Cordon

" Verily, verily I say nto you, The Son can do nothig of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." -John 5:19

I had my infusion this morning at 9:30. 

Afterwards James and I went to lunch at Pei Wei. I have been craving their lettuce wraps and spicy chicken salad. Both were delicious!

When we got home we took a nap and then I had a date with Ruby. 

When I get to Darrel and Trina's I am bombarded with hugs and kisses from four sweet kids. Trina was at work and Darrel was with the kids. I should have taken some pictures.

Ruby and I headed to Deseret Book to get her some scriptures. Ruby is getting baptized tomorrow. We saw Cathi while we were shopping and Ruby invited her to her baptism. 

Ruby picked out the maroon leather quad. While we are waiting for her name to be imprinted We do a little more shopping and then as we leave I suggest that we go to Kneader's and get everyone some brownies. 

Ruby is so worried that I am going to spend too much money on her. I love that about her. We buy a dozen brownies and head back to take Ruby home. On the way Ruby says: "Oh grandma, these scriptures are so soft." Such a sweet girl. 

I called my friend Charlotte and talked with her while driving home. When I tell her I need to go she says a quick goodbye and hangs up. It makes me feel bad.

James painted his water trailer and is getting ready to sell it. I work on my blog for July 1st and 2nd. It is so hot, something is wrong with Cathi and Terry's air conditioner, they go to bed at 8.

James was hungry so I asked Cathi if he could have some ziti. Of course she said yes. 

Jared and Kacey got a house. They move in tomorrow.

Random Photos:

Lola enjoying her brownie.

She was asleep when we got home.

Darrel sent me this picture.

Tea Party 2015?

 I couldn't agree more.

2015

Jared and Emmy having scriptures together.

Emmy's date.

I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset.

Saturday, July 8th, 2017

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

by: Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 26

Jesus expounds all things from the beginning to the end; Babes and children utter marvelous things that cannot be written; Those in the Church of Christ have all things in common among them. A.D. 34.

Alma 30:12-28

*What teachings have you been exposed to that are similar to Korihor's teachings?

*According to Alma 30:18, what did Korihor's teachings lead the people to do?

*Why do you think these teachings lead people to give in to temptation?

*What can we learn from these verses about the dangers of false doctrines?

*If your friend begins to criticize your beliefs, saying that they limit your freedom, how might you respond?

DC 99:1-8

1-8, John Murdock is called to proclaim the gospel, and those who receive him receive the Lord and will obtain mercy.

What responsibility rests on our shoulders since we know the truth?

*We are to share it with others.

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" The Savior's mortal ministry was indeed characterized by love, compassion, and empathy. He did not disdainfully walk the dusty roads of Galilee and Judea, flinching at the sight of sinners. He did not dodge them in abject horror. No, he ate with them. He helped and blessed, lifted and edified, and replaced fear and despair with hope and joy. Like the true shepherd He is, He seeks us and finds us to offer relief and hope. Understanding His compassion and love helps us exercise faith in Him - to repent and be healed."

Happy Birthday to Jared Ammon!

One of my favorite pictures!

An amazing runner.

He loves dogs.

We had family prayer with the boys this morning. Yes, we still have Ben, Max, Evan, and Rowan. Joshua went home with his parents yesterday. After prayer I asked the boys to put all of their personal items in their rooms and to make sure their rooms were clean. Sheri and Ian are coming this afternoon.

I started cleaning and did a lot but did not get the floors done before Sheri and Ian arrived.  They brought James and I burros from Burger House.  

Sheri wants to go shopping so I take a shower and get ready to go with her. Sheri likes to go to the Taylor Walmart because it is way less busy than the one in Show Low. Max goes with us to buy magic cards.  Stacy and Paul are coming tomorrow and I am wondering what to feed them. I decide to buy steaks for all of the adults and let the kids have hamburgers and hot dogs.  

On our trip home it looks like rain all around us.  It rained in Vernon, but not at our place. It is overcast and nice and cool though.  After we put the groceries away we go to work to clean the floors. I polish the wood floors and Sheri does the tile in the kitchen and dining room and the travertine in the hall and the entry.

  Thanks Sheri!

You're the bomb!

Not sure what this face is about.

Ben helped James finished the front posts on the fence today.  They also hauled off 24 bags of garbage from our cousins reunion. On the bright side it only cost $5.  

For dinner we had grilled chicken, beans, bread and butter, and strawberry angel food cake.  Sheri and Ian went upstairs and James and I had scriptures with the boys. Joshua informed me that he had four apples today. He also snacked on saltine crackers this evening.

Photos:

Kacey sent me this picture of the ride home.

I think it speaks volumes.

Curtis posted this on Facebook. He just lost his

daughter a couple of weeks ago. So sad.

Elk in someone's yard.

He invites his friends.

8 of the 13 bull elk Lynda J. saw at their ranch.

This picture should have been posted on Thursday.

Emmy's horse refused to move even with the coaxing

of Hunter.  I am sure Emmy, being the action-loving girl

she is, was quite frustrating.

A home fire in Pinetop-Lakeside.

East Fork of the Black River.

Two DWTS weddings today.

Julianne and her hockey player Brooks.

Maks and Peta.

Sunday, June 4th, 2017

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 September 2016 by

Henry B. Eyring

Alma 11:1-25

* What did the lawyers do in order to get gain? (see verse 20.)

* What was Amulek's answer to Zeezrom regarding the questions Zeezrom wanted to ask him? (verse 22.)

* Do you think Zeezrom would have honored his offer?

DC 84:54-73

54-61, The Saints must testify of those things they have received; 62-76, They are to preach the gospel, and signs will follow;

How can we always remember the importance of the Book of Mormon?

* By reading from it daily.  Holding it up as a standard and bearing testimony of it.  Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit, so said the prophet, Ezra Taft Benson.

General Conference

"My Peace I Leave With You"

President Henry B. Eyring

"You will at times have your faith challenged by Satan; it happens to all disciples of Jesus Christ.  Your defense against these attacks is to keep the Holy Ghost as your companion.  The Spirit will speak peace to your soul.  He will urge you forward in faith.  And He will bring back the memory of those times when you felt the light and the love of Jesus Christ.  Remembering may be one of the most precious gifts the Spirit can give you."

Happy 12th Birthday Emmy!

Up early to finish preparing for my Primary lesson. The lesson is about Joseph Smith translating the Bible and other scriptures.  I think the kids will be interested to here about the Egyptian papyrus that he translated.  I found this picture to show them.

An Egyptian mummy similar to the ones where

ancient papyrus was found. Joseph Smith

translated the writings on these papyrus and we now

know them as the book of Abraham in

the Pearl of Great Price.

Winna U. bore her testimony today.  She was holding her great grandson Densyn.  I loved her testimony.  She said she knew her family was broken but Heavenly Father sent this child to them and she was grateful because there is nothing more precious than a new born baby.  She said that she hoped someday the baby's mother would get well and be able to be a real mother to him.  She is an amazing woman, probably about the same age as I am.

James had to chase cows before we left for church and another 3 times when we got home.  I am going to call him Cowboy Jim.  He is trying to protect his precious patch of grass, fruit trees, and vines. These cows are relentless.  

After Primary Liana from my class usually comes back to the classroom to help me clean up.  Today she didn't come but her five year old sister Tildy did.  When we were finished she gave me a hug and told me that she loved me.  Do you think it is because I always give her candy?

I have a new girl in my Primary class.  Her name is Gracie.  Her sister Bailey is in the older class.  I had her class today to, which means I had Bailey, Zemira, and Kacey.  I am not sure where Sister Kuffer was.

After church we came home and broke our fast.  James grilled some steaks and I made a salad.  Afterwards I took a short nap and James took a long one.  I got up to study and work on my journal (blog.)  I wrote a family message and sent it to the kids.  I encouraged them to teach their kids the Articles of Faith along with their scripture study.  I also reminded them about the family temple night this coming Thursday at the Mesa temple.  

Today the Idaho Falls temple was rededicated by President Henry B. Eyring.

Fun Photos:

Sunday cows

June 2016

Good Ole War

Emmy 2016

2016

2016

Since it's her birthday I am finding last

year pictures of Emmy.

Not sure when this was. Maybe 4th grade?

Here they are again.

 Another twosome!