Monday, November 11th, 2019

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 27:1-12

New Testament

Hebrews 7-13 "An High Priest of Good Things to Come"; Hebrews 7; 7:1-22 Living worthy of the covenants and blessings of the Melchizedek Priesthood leads to exaltation.

10/2019 General Conference

"Consistent and Resilient Trust

Elder L. Todd Budge

"Our son Dan got very sick on his mission in Africa and was taken to a medical facility with limited resources. As we read his first letter to us after his illness, we expected that he would be discouraged, but instead he wrote, 'Even as I lay in the emergency room, I felt peace. I have never been so consistently and resiliently happy in my life.'

As my wife and I read these words, we were overcome with emotion. Consistently and resiliently happy. We had never heard happiness described that way, but his words rang true. We knew that the happiness he described was not simply pleasure or an elevated mood but a peace and joy that come when we surrender ourselves to God and put our trust in Him in all things. We too had had those times in our lives when God spoke peace to our souls and caused us to have hope in Christ even when life was hard and uncertain."

RWC: "A successful parent is one who has loved, one who has sacrificed, and one who has cared for, taught, and ministered to the needs of a child." - President Howard W. Hunter

I sold a merchant fulfilled book, "City of Glass." It's one that Sheri gave to us when we were at her house last time. Someone in a detention center in Florida bought it.

James is working on the roof and under the eaves today. This always makes me a little nervous. 

After lunch James went to the post office to mail "A City of Glass" and to pick up the mail. We forgot it was the day the federal government is celebrating veterans day so there was no mail.

Sean Spicer was finally eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars." What a relief! I thought someone he can't dance was going to make it to the finale.

I am doing something I found on Instagram called "7 Scriptures to Pray for The Child in Your Life." Sheri is doing it with me and we are doing it for Max.

Today was Day 1: Salvation - Mark 10:15

The gospel is simple Jesus died to redeem lost people and He rose from the dead to save them. All children need to know the saving love of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Prayer: "I pray the message of the gospel would be heard and understood by Max today. I pray for clarity and understanding of the message and that Max will come to know thee and thy Son. Thank you Heavenly Father, for thy offer of salvation and that everyone who follows thee can rest in thy forgiveness."

Beautiful weather while I stayed inside to blog, walk, and work on books and pay bills.

 The road to fall

 Please get well Charlie. We love you!

Sunday, November 10th, 2019

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 43:15

Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Are we ready to be judged of our works? In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable. I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us a few years ago. As I watched her saying her prayers one evening, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence. I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I knew. Tears come to my eyes when I think of it. We can truly be taught by children. 

How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? (v. 19-21). They did what Jesus taught them to do. They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration. "They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another." They were baptized in the name of Jesus And were called the Church of Christ.

New Testament

Review Hebrews 1-6

Oct 2019 General Conference

"CFM - The Lord's Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan"

Brother Mark L. Pace

"I add my witness to those shared previously. I bear testimony of God, our Eternal Father. He lives and loves us and watches over us His plan of happiness provides the blessing of this mortal life and our eventual return to His presence.

I also bear testimony of Jesus Christ. He is God's Only Begotten Son. He saved us from death, and He redeems us from sin as we exercise faith in Him and repent. His infinite atoning sacrifice in our behalf brings the blessings of immortality and eternal life. Indeed, 'God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine son.'"

I attended ward council this morning at 7:15 a.m. to represent the Relief Society Tamara is in the valley visiting her father who recently had a stroke. I took notes and sent them to Tamara and Kerri only to have Brother Diewald send his notes. I guess I didn't really need to take notes, but of course being me, I did.

I had a pleasant surprise when I walked in to sacrament meeting today. Elder Ray Heyman was on the stand. I had to go up and give him a hug. James, Stacy, and Paul all did the same thing.

Elder Slater and Elder Sager were the first speakers in sacrament meeting today. They basically bore their testimonies. 

Rowdy Atkinson from the high council was the main speaker. 
Brother Atkinson started out by saying that a simple testimony can bring us great joy. He served a mission in the London South Mission in the ghettos where many African immigrants lived. He said they were poor but happy because they had found freedom and the gospel. He compared a caramel with an apple. With the caramel the joy is fleeting and there are no real nutrients. The apple brings joy and nutrients. He then compared this to the gospel which also brings lasting joy. He told the story of a brother and a sister who were out on their mission at the same time and while they were gone the rest of their family died. Although the circumstances were very sad, their focus was on Christ which brought them peace and joy. We can also do good while we are suffering.

Stacy attended Relief Society with me. I conducted and Diana Curtis gave the lesson. It was based on President M. Russell Ballard's conference talk, "Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies." It was a good lesson with lots of participation. Afterwards Stacy said she like the sisters in our ward because they seem so genuine and down to earth. Today was Lucretia Barton's 92nd birthday so we sang happy birthday to her. 

When we got home I made bacon, pancakes, and sausage for lunch. I realized that Joshua does not really care for pancakes with syrup. He does love to eat fresh strawberries, stems and all. 

Durings rest time Stacy turned on the movie, "Bye, Bye Birdie." She remembers doing songs from this movie during one of the roadshows when she was a youth. Paul was in the roadshow too. 

We said goodbye to Stacy and Paul. Right after they left we Face Timed with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. 

I worked on my blog this evening and James and I listened to "Don't Miss This" with Dave and Emily, and "Teaching with Power." They both gave presentations for Hebrews 7-13, the "Come Follow Me" lesson for the week.

 Reminds me of the road to Whistler

from Vancouver.

Sweet Sabbath-ready girl!

 Fall in Whitehouse, Texas

 Thanks for coming!

Happy Birthday Lucretia!

Saturday, October 14th, 2017

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 April

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 7:4

And I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face; and he said unto me: Look, and I will show unto thee the world for the space of many generations.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:1-15

*What do these verses teach us about forgiveness?

-Forgiveness can be a healing balm for the person who has been offended. Usually those who have gone through the most in regards to trials are also those who have developed empathy and are good listeners and have developed Christlike love. When we forgive the person who did us wrong we will find liberty in letting go of the resentment which if not dealt with can turn into contention. Forgiveness is never easy but in the long run will bring peace and contentment.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 76:22-24

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

David F. Evans

"Through study, prayer, and keeping the commandments, I found that there are answers to all of my important questions. I also found that for some  questions, continuing faith, patience, and revelation are needed."

We left for the temple at 5:45 this morning. President Hancock, the temple president, and his wife conducted prayer meeting. This will be their last one on this shift. There is a new temple president's handbook. Brother Hatch from the recording office explained the new procedures in the baptistry. Patrons, except the baptizer and the one being baptized no longer have to change into whites. They can even wear their street shoes.

Here are some of the highlights of my day in the temple. I was the downstairs greeter when people began coming in for "the Martineau sealing." The Martineau's have 14 children, 10 of them are adopted. They live in Heber and Sister Martineau is also the Relief Society President.

I met a sister from Kansas who came out to Arizona to tour the new temples. She is a worker in the Oklahoma City temple but it is being close for rennovation. Her husband didn't want to come so she came by herself. She stopped at the Lubbock, Texas temple on her way here. Next she is going to the valley and then on to Safford. I admired her for going on this littler adventure by herself. She is at least seventy years old.

I was in the 9:30 and was so tired that I fell asleep but thank goodness, I didn't snore!  

I had a nice visit with my friend Debbie from Chandler who is also a temple worker. We were both sitting in the back of the dressing room studying the initiatory ordinances.

James had a good day too. He got to be a veil worker. He also worked in the baptistry and a group from Chandler came in and he got to visit with Kaleena Thomas. He used to be her bishop and we also attended her baptism. While he was in the baptistry he visited with our friend Pete from high school who is also a temple worker.

James also met patrons from Germany and England. We both had "as assigned" in our last time slot and we were both able to leave a little early. We stopped at Arby's for turkey Reubens on the way home and arrived home around 2 p.m.

When we got home Kim and Brian were gone on a Razr ride to see the fall leaves. James went in to take a nap and I sat down to blog. We have to leave for the temple again at 5:15 to clean. 

When Kim and Brian got home their faces were covered with dirt!

They said there were lots of people on the mountain, some cutting wood, others turkey hunting and camping, and some just out having fun. Lots of people on top of Green's Peak looking at the leaves.

Chuck Crane came with us to the temple. Kathy was canning all day so she didn't come. He rode in our back seat and told us we needed new shocks. I will add it to my list of things to have done on my car.

Again we cleaned with the Show Low Creek ward with the Patterson's and the Brewer's in charge. We had 32 people attend with 17 being from our ward. Here is our list: Chuck C., Virgil C., Jerry S., Colin D., Blain C., Teresa and Wes S., John and Sandra, Amy R., the Thompson's, Grapp's, Brother Woodruff, and us. 

John and Sandra had the hardest job. They cleaned the baptismal font, including the oxen. 

I was touched by Brother Patterson's message. He talked about how each of us should take our particular cleaning tasks to heart and act as if we were cleaning for the Savior and that he will appreciate our efforts. He has a spiritual quality about him that is very touching.

We were home by 9 p.m. I ate and finished my steps. I ended up with 11,100. I had a wonderful day serving the Lord. Our selfie was not good so I will not be posting it.

October 14, 2017

So sweet.

Kim took this picture on their Razr ride.

From the top of Green's Peak.

October 14, 2016

Ruby and the donut puzzle.

Rowan helped grandpa chop and pile this 

wood all morning.

Subway at the Walmart in Payson where we

met Trina so the kids could go home with her.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 March 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Ether 9:22

And after he had anointed Coriantum to reign in his stead he lived four years, and he saw peace in the land; yea, and he even saw the Son of Righteousness, and did rejoice and glory in his day; and he died in peace. (Emer)

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 3:11-26

*Why did Lachoneus admonish his people to pray? After they prayed what did they do to fortify their lands and possessions?

-He wanted them to repent and be right before the Lord so they could receive His blessings. They gathered together with food and weapons."

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 59:9-10

9 And that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;

10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;

General Conference

By Divine Design
Elder Ronald A. Rasband
"Elder Neal A. Maxwell once explained: 'None of us ever fully utilizes the people-opportunities allocated to us within our circles of friendship. You ad I may call these intersectings coincidence. This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by coincidence but ... by divine design.'"

James went out this morning to pick up his wildlife camera. This time he had pictures of elk on it. I won't be sharing them here because they really aren't that great. Right now he is unloading the 20 bags of concrete we bought yesterday. 

Three people so far, have dropped out of our temple cleaning cre for Saturday night. 

We left for the valley around one and I only have around 5,000 steps so far today. Our first stop was the dump where we got rid of a weeks worth of garbage. There is always a little more when we have company. 

James was hungry so we went through Arby's in Show Low so he could get a turkey Reuben sandwich. We also stopped at Burger House but we didn't get anything for ourselves. We got two green burros and two green mixed for Darrel and Trina. 

When we got to the valley our first stop was Darrel and Trina's. We are staying with them tonight. Darrel said Lola has been so excited that we were coming that she just sat in front of the window for the longest time watching for us. Darrel, Rowan and a friend, and Lola were the only ones home when we arrived. Addy was down the street babysitting and Ruby was down the street with a friend. 

When Darrel told her we were sleeping upstairs in her room, she said, you mean cabin grandma and grandpa? When he said yes, she wanted to know how we were going to get upstairs. I guess she thinks we are so feeble we can't climb.

Soon after Ruby and Addy got home we all got in Darrel and Trina's car and went to Peter Piper Pizza for dinner. I ordered an extra large half cheese half pepperoni pizza for the kids, and a large California veggie for the adults. I also ordered a large cinnamon pizza. It was the most popular. Darrel got some wings. The kids had a great time playing. James and I went outside and got some steps but still not enough so we walked part of the way home with Addy and Ruby. Lola fell asleep.

Trina got home from work a little after eight and Rowan helped me do an object lesson for F.H.E. Afterwards we watched "When Calls the Heart."  It was the episode with Andrew Walker. He is a con artist after Elizabeth and her family's money.

Trina just heard from her aunt in California. She and her partner lost their house. It is near Napa Valley.

I was sitting on the couch with Ruby. She had her Ipad and was asking Suiri to find things for her. One of her requests was "show me lots of baby animals." Suiri thought she said, "Show me butts of baby animals."

Lola wanted to make sure grandpa slept in her bed but that was fine with me because Ruby's bed was much more comfortable!

October 11, 2017

I did it!

Looks like a nice place to live.

From my tree photos collection.

October 11, 2016

The Long-Eared Drifter

Max told us to get tools when we went to the

store. He wants them to work on the Lounge.

Addy was a little overwhelmed.

Evan wanted me to buy Quelf. It started out

fun but it didn't turn out fun for Ruby.

There is some kind of debate going on here.

Ruby had more fun riding the Razr with Grandpa.

After a hard day playing the boys relax to

watch some TV.

Our friends the Curtis's and some of their grandkids

on top of Green's Peak. It was windy and cold.

Not sure what year this is but it's not 2016

although it was in my 2016 photo file.

They are playing the match game.

Not sure what year this was. Its at Thanksgiving

and Joe is helping his mom make her pumpkin,

pecan dessert.

October 11, 2015 Photo File:

I want one!

Ding dong the witch is dead.

Kim and Brian

The Schneider's

Pinions

He loves them. To me they are too much work

and not enough reward.