Friday, February 2nd, 2018

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-24 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Luke 4:32

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:22-22:10

*What does it mean that the Gentiles will nurse Israel back to health? What are some examples I have noticed?

The U.S. government helping with native Americans.

Old Testament

Exodus 22-23

22 The Lord reveals His laws pertaining to stealing, destructions by fire, care of the property of others, borrowing, lascivious acts, sacrifices to false gods, affecting widows, usury, reviling God, and the firstborn of men and of animals - The men of Israel are commanded to be holy.

23 The Lord reveals His laws pertaining to integrity and godly conduct - The land is to rest during a sabbatical year - The children of Israel are to keep three annual feasts - An angel, bearing the Lord's name, will guide them - Sickness will be removed - The nations of Canaan will be driven out gradually.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 7:23-24

23 And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth: and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark.

24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"Mothers, you might be kneeling next to your four-year-old as he says his bedtime prayer. A feeling flows over you as you listen. You feel warmth and peace. The feeling is brief, but you recognize that you, at that moment, are counted worthy to receive. We may seldom, if ever receive huge spiritual manifestations in our lives; but we can frequently savor the sweet whisperings of the Holy Ghost verifying the truth of our spiritual worth."

James and I left this morning around 7:30 for his appointment with Dr. Memon at 8:15 in Chandler. I dropped him off and after seeing Dr. Memon he is going to walk to his next doctor's appointment which is only about 1/2 mile away. I drove back to Darrel and Trina's to get ready for my infusion appointment. I brought Lola a Krispy Kreme donut but she said she only like donuts that have chocolate on them so of course I had to eat it. I had already had a lemon filled one. Not good when I have to weigh at the doctor's today.

I hurried and showered and left for Hobby Lobby. I wanted a new centerpiece for the dining room table and some valentines. I found what I wanted and then had to hurry to pick up James at Fry and Dobson. He then drove me to the arthritis center in Mesa for my infusion. AARC is moving. This will be my last appointment at this location. Next time I will be going to Country Club and Baseline.

On the way over to Tempe to see James's mom we stop at the Sweet Tomatoes by her house for lunch. I like this place but I think two times in two days is enough. 

Lois has lots of gifts for James, plus she made him an orange no-bake cheesecake. She also gave me some Barbie dolls she had leftover from Christmas. 

She tells us about Dawn's new job where she works 80 hours a week. She did not get paid for the first few weeks because she was in training. I don't think anyone should have a job where they have to work 80 hours a week. That worries me.

Dawn may be going on a cruise in March for work and if she does Carmen says she is coming to stay with her mom. If she does, it will be nice to see her again. I really love Carmen.

After saying our goodbye's to Lois we headed for the Howard's in Chandler. Sister Howard is recovering from her neck surgery. She seems to be feeling pretty good but her brace comes up to her mouth and it is difficult to talk to people. Deana, the Howard's daughter, and Dakota, Deana's daughter, and Brecken, Dakota's newborn baby came to visit so we said our goodbyes.

Our next stop was Stacy's house, which is just a few miles from the Howard's. We had to wait a few minutes for her to get home as she was picking up Joshua from school. We gave Stacy her birthday card and a gift card for Outback restaurant. We also gave Joshua his knife he left at the cabin and Michael's scripture manual. Stacy said she finished the power point picture file. It has almost 300 photos. I am anxious to get my copy. 

Connie, James's sister, had to have emergency surgery today for a perforated ulcer. We wouldn't have known about it except that I am friends with her daughter Katie on Facebook and she posted about it. Facebook is good for some things. 

James went by to see Salvador about the new business they are starting together and Salvador paid him $200 for his monthly payment for the waterline James put in for him to connect him to city water. I am very impressed with Sal.

This evening while Trina is running kids around, Darrel is at work, and James is visiting Sal and then comes home and goes outside to walk, Lola and I were TV buddies. First we watched a few episodes of "Peppa the Pig," and then we watched "Despicable Me." When it came to the part where Gru shows things he has stolen and the Statue of Liberty comes up Lola gets all excited and says: "I have one of those, pause it."  She runs upstairs and gets the small Statue of Liberty that Darrel and Trina brought back from New York. She looks and hers and then looks and the screen and is so excited that they are exactly alike. She says: "Look, they even have the same book."

I needed to finish getting my steps today but Lola didn't want me to walk, she wanted me to sit by her. Trina brought home dinner from Panda at Lola's request. She wanted chicken and noodles and a cookie, but not a square cookie. The other kids are gone to Kreed's birthday party. His birthday is the same day as Stacy's and Kilee's is the same day as Michael's.  

After Trina goes to get the kids we all watch the last episode ever of KC Undercover starring Zendaya.  

Lola falls asleep on the stairs. James fixes the drain in the upstairs bathroom sink.

Brooklyn Carroll Hobrock had her baby today. A little boy named Deklin.  

Ruby and her things.

She fell asleep like this.

Congratulations!

Connie, James's sister who lives in

San Angelo, Texas.

On this day some time in the

last few years.

Our new First Presidency

Sunday, January 28th, 2018

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 1:22

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:5-20

*When has Christ been a "ship" in my life, and kept me safe from life's storms?

*Why did the Liahona stop working for Lehi's family? How can we avoid this happening in our lives?

Old Testament

Exodus 13

The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord - The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan - Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt - The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

General Conference

Essential Truths - Our Need to Act

Adilson de Paula

"A Savior and Redeemer was needed to free us from death and sin. Under Heavenly Father's direction, Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered, died on the cross and was resurrected so that we too can be resurrected and, with sincere repentance and the making and keeping of sacred covenants be once again in the presence of God."

I lost my typed Primary lesson on the computer. Sometimes I just don't like technology. I decided to use the power point on my Ipad instead. 

I have made cookies 3x this week and the ones I made today are the very best. I put walnuts in some of them for James. James kept saying that I put Mrs. Fields to shame.

Today in sacrament meeting was Shaelyn's farewell before leaving for her mission. She reports on February 7th at the MTC in Provo.

Alice Wilhelm was the youth speaker, and Brother Greer from the high council was the final speaker. Brother Greer is a former mission president and he still keeps in contact with many of his former missionaries. Here are some notes from his talk.

"President Shumway has been given a special gift of love and his emphasis on the temple is divinely inspired. His other concern is self-reliance. There will be a self-reliance seminar on February 22nd. You might ask yourself, How can I feel the Saviors love in my life everyday? I say, read the Book of Mormon. We can do what the Lord has asked us to do and be immunized against the evils of our day.

President and Trisha Reidhead attended our sacrament meeting today. I was embarrassed because our ward was so noisy before sacrament meeting started. 

All six of my Primary kids were in class today. The boys, Colter, Jace, and Amaron were quite disruptive. The boys also have a problem looking up and reading scriptures. I need to do something different. Andyn and Liana got coloring books for bringing back their completed Valiant Newsletters from last week. 

During the third hour I attended part of the teachers council meeting. Sister Tice was concerned about her class. She thinks because they are 18 they should act like adults. Apparently that isn't always true. I had to leave early to go to the Beehive class. Sister Hunsaker asked me to share my story about how I have come to know Christ through the years. When I first got in the class Chuck Crane was setting apart Bailey Umphress as an officer in the Beehive class presidency. I am not sure what her calling is but Churck did a nice job. Those attending the Beehive class today: Maddie, Bailey, and Talena. Sister Hunsaker, Sister Deatherage, and Sister Ulmer were also there. 

I started out by telling the girls about my experience with finding a Book of Mormon at my grandma's house when I was 10 and thinking that someday I was going to read that book.

I felt good about sharing my testimony with these girls and sisters. I have spent years getting up early for gospel study and prayers and I believe this has helped me to come to know the Savior better.

We had stew for lunch and then it was nap time. 

When I got up from my Sunday afternoon nap it was gospel study time. While I was studying I got a text from Kaeli, the Relief Society president, that Sister Howard was having serious complications after her surgery. Since I am her visiting teacher and her friend, Kaeli wanted me to know. Kaeli was receiving texts from Sister Howard's daughter Deana. This is what she said: 

"They had to put a central line in because all the lines blew. Her potassium is way too low. She is as big as Shreck, she is normally very thin, and she is as stiff as a board and has infection all the way around her arm and her blood pressure is 243/220.

When I heard this report I started to cry. It sounded to me like she wasn't going to live. I immediately texted Trina and she helped me to feel better. She said: "I don't really know her whole story. It's hard to say no or yes about surviving. I would say yes. All those things can be treated." After saying a prayer and hearing this from Trina I felt so much better.

I studied my patriarchal blessing this evening, read from "Life Everlasting" with James and had scriptures and prayer with James before going to bed.

 I am loving the music from this movie!

Brent and Rebecca

Jesus and the children

The new First Presidency

Friday, December 8th, 2017

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Ephesians 2:16

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

Book of Mormon

Ether 6:12-30

We learn that the Jaredites were taught the importance of humility. Modern revelation also teaches us the importance of humility: "Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answers to thy prayers" (DC 112:10). Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin explained that "humility is the recognition and attitude that one must rely on the Lord's assistance to make it through life" (CR, Oct. 2004, 110).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 20:31-33
31 And we know also, that sanctificaton through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength
32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation;
General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"I have spoken of receiving the Savior's atoning grace to take away our sins and the stain of those sins in us. But figuratively eating His flesh and drinking His blood has a further meaning, and that is to internalize the qualities and character of Christ, putting off the natural man and becoming Saints 'through the atonement of Christ the Lord. As we partake of the sacramental bread and water each week, we would do well to consider how fully and completely we must incorporate His character and the pattern of His sinless life into our life and being. Jesus could not have atoned for the sins of others unless He Himself was sinless. Since justice had no claim on Him, He could offer Himself in our place to satisfy justice and then extend mercy. As we remember and honor His atoning sacrifice, we should also contemplate His sinless life."

Addy came in and gave me a hug before leaving for school. I was in Ruby's bed and Ruby was in Lola's. As the rest of the family left I unloaded their gifts and put them by their Christmas tree. 

They have a train under their tree.

This cute display is at the bottom of the

landing on their stairs.

I left for Chandler and stopped at the CVS by Kim's house to get Ben a birthday card. Afterwards I stopped by Kim's and left their gifts and took a picture of her tree with over 5,000 lights.

Her house glows when the lights are on.

I went by Sheri's and left Ben's card and picked up some cash she collected for us from Sal Jiminez. 

I got to Stacy's house around 10 a.m. We are going to the Chandler Costco to get her a tree. We also picked up 100 stamps, half for Sheri. The trees cost around $55 which is cheaper by about half than any other place around. The catch is, they don't come with a stand. Oh well, we will worry about that later. We loaded the tree into the car and just before leaving Sheri came by and bought half my stamps. Before going to Stacy's we went across Chandler Blvd. and had lunch at Olive Garden. I had my favorite dish, beef and tortellini. 

It was pretty hilarious unloading the Christmas tree at Stacy's, especially with two dogs at our feet. I said goodbye to Stacy and headed to Mesa for my infusion at 1 p.m. 

I was a little early and had to wait for 30 minutes before Barb came to get me. I was done in an hour and on my way to the Target on Longmore and Southern. I still had to get a bow for my wreath. The old one came apart and I decided we needed a new one. Of course I bought more than a bow. I can't go into a store without going over my budget.

I left the Target parking lot at 3:20 and was home in Vernon by 6:30, and that's going the Payson way with no stops, something I've never done before!

James was busy at the table doing paperwork. He carried in my two cases of DP10 and one other bag. I carried in everything else. Even after all of that, I only got 7,141 steps today. 

Finally I got to sit down and watch a movie. James got Ruth and Mel Wilhelm to work for us in the temple tomorrow. 

James joined me for the movie. We watched "Christmas Melody" starring Mariah Carey, Lacey Chabert, and Brennan Elliott. It's an old one but James had never seen it. 

Stacy's tree

Lunch with these lovely ladies 2 years ago

to celebrate Carmen's birthday. We sent Carmen

this picture.

This is a real blast from the past. A quarter pounder

now days cost more like six dollars.

I love this picture.

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Guatemala City, Guatemala

32nd operating temple

Mosiah 2:10-28

* King Benjamin teaches about the importance of serving God and each other and about our eternal indebtedness to God.

* Mosiah 2:10-15

Can you find evidences of King Benjamin's concern about serving the people and not about his own status or recognition?

* President Howard W. Hunter:

" Don't be overly concerned with status....It is important to be appreciated.  But our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition; on service, not status."

* Mosiah 2:16-17

What did King Benjamin want his people to learn?

* Mosiah 2:18-24

Why would King Benjamin refer to himself and his people as unprofitable servants?

* What blessings have you received for which you feel indebted to God?

* Why is it important to realize that we are "eternally indebted" to God?

Alma 63-Helaman 1

Alma 63 

Shiblon and later Helaman take possession of the sacred records - Many Nephites travel to the land northward - Hagoth builds ships, which sail forth in the west sea - Moronihah defeats the Lamanites in battle. About 56-52 B.C.

Helaman 1 

Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen - Pacumeni fells the judgment seat - Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni - Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr s slain. 

DC 52:1-11

The next conference is designated to be held in Missouri; Appointments of certain elders to travel together are made; The elders are to teach what the apostles and prophets have written;

* What standard has the Lord set for how missionaries are supposed to teach?

- Verse 9.  What the prophets and apostles have written and what is taught the by the Comforter through the prayer of faith.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"God the Father wants His children home again, in families and in glory."

In preparation for the last days I learned the following:

"If ye are prepared ye shall not fear" DC 38:30

"Those who are not purified shall not abide that day" DC 38:8

Parables of Preparation are found in Matthew 25.

There are three ways to prepare: 1.) Spiritual Power 2.) Stewardships 3.) Christian service.

The First Presidency

President Monson and his two counselors,

President Eyring and President Uchtdorf

It is a monumental day!  I am actually caught up on my blog.  I would do a little happy dance but I am afraid I might hurt myself.

After I finished blogging I started to get ready for my trip to the valley.  I ironed two blouses, and listened to a couple of conference talks, I ran off my strengthening marriage talk and Primary lesson, showered, packed, and loaded everything into the car. It is such a beautiful day here, around 65 degrees with a slight breeze.  It was around 1:30 or so when I left.  My first stop was at the Vernon post office.  Again my box was packed full.

It's a good thing I brought my doggie bag.

On to Show Low where I stopped for gas at the Splash and Dash.  I was going to get my car washed but the line was too long.  I stopped at Arby's before leaving Show Low for a sandwich and a drink.  The regular Arby's was too big, I should have ordered a junior, and my drink was flat.  I donated a $1 to some charity.  My bills was over $7.  I should have just made a donation and forgotten about the food.  

The trip to Salt River Canyon was pretty uneventful.  There was no traffic so it didn't take me long to get to Globe.  To keep myself awake I listened to music and at butterscotch baking chips.  In Globe I stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone and another drink.  By the way, did you know McDonald's now has Grand Big Mac's, regular Big Mac's, and junior Big Mac's.  A Big Mac for everyone, except me that is.  I passed up Burger House because I figured James bought them on Monday.  Outside of Miami the traffic picks up and my speed slows down.  They are still working on the road so my speed doesn't pick up until I get to Gonzales Pass.

I stopped at Darrel and Trina's on the way in to town to bring Addy her boots that she left at the cabin.  Darrel and the girls were home. Trina was at work and Rowan was at ball practice.  When I ask to use the bathroom Lola said to me: "I want to come to, I want to see your bum."  I told her that was not appropriate, and besides I didn't think she would like my bum anyway.  She is hilarious!

I did some shopping at Deseret Book and stopped at Sam's Club to wash my car.  This is what I bought at Deseret Book:

The Ensign is for my friend Charlotte,

Covenant Hearts is a marriage book by Bruce C. Hafen,

the old guy carrying the pack on his back is Sheri Dew's new book, "Worth the Wrestle", it's based on a talk of her's that she gave at BYU-Idaho that I loved.  The Julie Klassen book is a proper romance for James and I to read, and the two triple combinations are for less active kids in my Primary class.  We are going to visit them as a class, take them cookies and give them the scriptures as we invite them to come to Primary.

I find James quite stressed when I arrive at Cathi and Terry's.  He was supposed to get paid for a job today but found out that the person he emailed the billing to never received it.  I helped him and we finally found the document but we couldn't mail it.  We finally gave up and went to Winco to get some dinner.  Early in the morning James figured how to send it off.

Fun Photos:

Baby Lola a couple of years ago

My friend Julie teaching the girls at girl's camp

about tree rings.  Fascinating stuff.  You can tell how much 

moisture in a year by the tree ring.

Mario and Peter

Paul's dad Gilbert with his boys

I love this picture 

Brian at the place he loves the most

Dallin and friends at the cabin

Sunday, July 3, 2016

The First Presidency

President Eyring, President Monson and

President Uchtdorf

Alma 26:17-37

17 - God was merciful to us and snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state.

18 - We threatened to destroy His Church.

19 - Why didn't He allow the sword of justice fall upon us and doom us to eternal despair.

20 - . . . He did not exercise His justice upon us, but in His great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.

21 - What natural man is there that knoweth these things?  None, save it be the penitent.

22 - He that repenteth and exerciseth faith and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing - unto such it is given to reveal things which never have been revealed, to bring thousands to repentance . . .

23 - We were laughed to scorn when we said we were going among the Lamanites.

25 - The Nephites wanted to destroy the Lamanites.

26 - Our desire was to save some few of their souls.

27 - When we were depressed, the Lord comforted us and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give you success.

28 - We have suffered every privation but relied upon the mercies of God.

29 - We taught them everywhere and have been cast out, mocked, spit upon, and smote upon our cheeks, stoned, bound with strong cords and cast into prison.  Through the power and wisdom of God we have been delivered.

30 - We did it that perhaps we might save some soul.

31 - We can witness the fruits of our labors.

33 - They have such great love, even greater than the Nephites toward their brethren.

35 - We have great reason to rejoice!God has all power, all wisdom and understanding, knowledge, and mercy.

36 - This is my life, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption from everlasting wo.  Blessed be the name of my God who has been mindful of us, wanderers in a strange land.

37 - God is mindful of every people.  I will give thanks unto my God forever!

GC: "I Was An Hungered" by Sister Linda K. Burton.

We  attended the Galveston 3rd ward meetings today.  Cathi and Terry rode with us to the church but we sat by Sheri's family.  

Mike Ellsworth conducted the meeting and bore his testimony.  It was wonderful and really got the ball rolling.  Cathi and I both bore our testimonies.  I loved Brother Arington's testimony.  He is a new convert.  Brian Ross who leaves for his mission this week, and his dad Mike Ross both bore their testimonies.  The Ross's are also moving this week.  Brooklyn Lieb sat by us and drew this picture for us:

Brooklyn just turned six and had on the cutest

Little Mermaid dress.

I got to sit in Primary with Sheri's class while she met with the bishop and here one of my favorite songs: "I Can Follow God's Plan for Me." After opening I went to Sunday School because Ian was there to teach the class. 

Julio Careces was the teacher and always does a great job and has lots of power point presentations.

Debbie Lieb taught Relief Society.  The lesson was based on Elder Cook's talk, "See Yourself in the Temple."  We had lots of good discussion.

We broke out fast when we got home from lunch and ate leftovers for our meal.  I had the rest of my food from Cheesecake Factory and James had the rest of some chicken he had from El Pollo Asado.

We visited with Terry & Cathi and then went to see James's mom and Dawn.  At first Dawn was gone helping Aunt June who has alzheimers.  Lois talked about how much she didn't like the Lambson's until I got her started on her life history.  We got as far as her first year of high school and stopped.  I told her we would continue again next month.  Dawn said she was amazed that she would tell me anything because she and Rebecca were trying to talk to her for months.

We had two invitations for dinner, first from Sheri, and then from Cathi & Terry.  We went to Sheri's and had steak, potatoes, asparagus, and rolls.  Yummy.  When we got back we tasted the potato salad and sirloin steak Cathi & Terry got at Sam's Club yesterday.  Very tasty.  

Jared, James, and Molly came by on their way to Darrel and Trina's.  Molly got along great with Cathi, and Indy.

Showing Cathi something on her arm.

Such cute little faces!

Who do you think is taller?

I think Ian by a very slim margin.