Saturday, December 29th, 2018

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28-30 1987 Aug

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 6:20

And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.

Book of Mormon 
#1 - Moroni 9:1-19
#2 - Moroni 8-10
General Conference

Now Is The Time

Elder Jack N. Gerard

"Unless we take the time to reflect, we may not realize the impact of this fast-paced environment on our daily lives and the choices we make. We may find our lives consumed with bursts of information packaged in memes, videos, and glaring headlines. Although interesting and entertaining, most of these have little to do with our eternal progress, and yet they shape the way we view our mortal experience."

The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and the frosting (snow) is falling off the trees. Michael ran four miles this morning. I'm so proud of Joshua for shoveling the snow off the front porch in preparation for the Trezise's coming today. 

James made biscuits and gravy for lunch. It was a little early because Stacy, who fasts most of the morning, was starving and she says this is her favorite meal. 

This afternoon Michael and I met Sheri at Maverick. Ian drove Max and Evan to the cabin in the van and Sheri, Michael and I went shopping at the Walmart in Taylor. I saw Brother Hatch, one of the temple recorders doing his shopping. 

Brrrr...It is sun shiny but windy and cold today. I got gas at the Circle K next to Walmart and was going to wash my windshield but the water was frozen. 

Things are getting a little crowded in our kitchen with Stacy and Sheri setting their food out on the counter and everyone sharing the frig and freezer. Luckily Sheri brought an ice chest and we put that in the garage. 

I cooked the other roast I bought in the crockpot and we had it for dinner with leftover mashed potatoes. It was delicious.

Stacy watched Galaxy Quest this evening and then Michael found the Maverick DVD and everyone watched that while Sheri and I were in the bedroom watching Christmas movies. Michael wanted to watch Ratouille. I realized I didn't have it so I ordered one...oops I accidentally ordered two. I guess I can give it to Michael for his birthday.

Michael and James made a blueberry, apple cobbler this evening. It was delicious!  We didn't have any 7-Up so they used red cream soda and it turned out pink.

 Michael staring at the pink with white

polka dots cobbler.

It's the taste that matters and it 

was delicious!

2018 pictures of Palmer, Autumn

and Scarlett

 I think Charlie might be looking

for her teeth.

She looks so cute in the dress Lois made her.

Of course, she looks cute in anything.

 Ready to play in the snow. Michael pulled

them around on our sled behind the Razr.

They had a blast, except the snow does fly

back in the face of whomever is riding.

Ian showing me his wireless ear phones.

He loves reading and listening to Brandon

Sanderson books on his Audible account.

 The Umphresses got hover boards for

Christmas

This happened a few days later.

Tuesday, February 13th 2018

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28-30 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 7:16

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

* "Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

*What are ways that you live after the manner of happiness?

-Keeping the commandments, attending my Sunday meetings and attending the temple and giving other service.

Old Testament

Leviticus 4-5

4 Sinners are forgiven through sin offerings of animals without blemish - Priests thereby make an atonement for the sins of the people.

5 The people are to confess and make amends for their sins - Forgiveness comes through a trespass offering - Priests thereby make an atonement for sin.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 6:6-7

6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

General Conference

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?

President Russell M. Nelson

" When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls."

Autumn sent Jared a copy of the paper she wrote for her class on our marriage survey and Jared sent it to me. Here it is:

Marriage Interview

With Anonymous Interviewees, Mr. and Mrs. L

About Mr. and Mrs. L

The couple I conducted my interview with have been married for almost 50 years.  They are of the LDS faith, live in Arizona, and have five children together. I chose to interview Mr. and Mrs. L because they are very loving and kind towards one another and anyone they come in contact with. They have a good marriage and their children look up to them. My interviewees are my step-father's parents. Though I have only known them for a short time, Mr. and Mrs. L have made a great impact on me and the way I view marriage. When interviewing this couple, I could sense their love and loyalty for the other. They were happy to share their experiences with me, and answer my questions.

The couple met while in high school biology class. Though they were attracted to one another, they didn't talk until they attended a student council conference together the following summer. It was love at first sight for Mr L. "I was crazy about her the first time I saw her. It was on the first day of school when I was a sophomore in high school." One thing I noticed when talking to Mr. and Mrs. L about their experience in meeting was that they shared common interests. They were both interested in running for Student Council positions. "We were both running for student body offices and we both won our positions. I was elected president and she was elected treasurer," said Mr. L. It was through common interests that the couple were able to work together in their student offices and form a close relationship. They did many activities together. 

Mr. and Mrs. L continued dating through college. Mrs. L recalls, "We dated three years before we got married. In college we spent a lot of time at the zoo taking pictures of ducks and other animals. James was a wildlife biology major." They also went to the movies, dances, and college football games together. They had different activities going on a lot of the time but they kept in touch and spent time together when they could. I think spending both time together and time apart was good for the success of Mr. and Mrs. L's marriage. They dated seriously enough to get to know one another, but weren't spending every single minute together, and kept their own commitments. 

Wedding Bells

Mr. and Mrs L knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. "We shared many of the same goals and value,  said Mrs. L. Sharing goals is a huge part of determining marriage with someone. It is something that is essential to a successful marriage. Mr. L knew he wanted to marry Mrs. L. from the moment they met. "One time in high school she broke up with me because a girl I had worked with the summer before was writing to me from college. The next two weeks I went on as many dates as I could arrange, but I could only think about being with her." He was very happy when he went to talk to Mrs. L and she said she would date him again. Soon after, they began talking about marriage and looking at rings. Without his future wife's knowledge, Mr. L put a ring on layaway and paid it off before proposing.

The couple did not receive pre-marital counseling, but did meet with their church leaders in preparation for marriage. Mrs. L. would recommend counseling from a church leader. I think talking to their church leaders was a very smart way to prepare for their marriage and agree with Mrs L. that pre-marital counseling from a church leader would be beneficial.

Marital Relationship

Getting married brought Mr. and Mrs. L. even closer than they were before. "For the first time in my life I learned to love and care for someone else more than myself," Mr. L. said. Mrs. L. had the same experience. She began thinking more about how Mr. L. felt, and how her choices influenced their life together. Even though marriage was something neither of them were used to, the L's used the experience to build their relationship and prepare for their future family.

The way the couple focused on one another's needs and put aside their own selfishness is a huge part of a successful marriage. When you care about someone more than yourself, a good foundation for a relationship is built. Both Mr. and Mrs. L. agree that their marital satisfaction is achieved by spending a lot of quality time with one another. They enjoy reading together, studying together, and attending church and the temple together. I think the fact that Mr. and Mrs. L. have the same religious beliefs contributes to their marital satisfaction. It goes along with having the same goals and values.

Raising a Family

Mr. and Mrs. L. had both egalitarian and traditional things they did in their chores and family functions. "We have traditional views on what should be a mans role and a woman's role, but we also believe in flexibility and listening to each other to determine our individual likes and dislikes. He likes to make the bed and I carry out the trash," Mrs. L. said.

Mr. L. was responsible for the care and maintenance of the family, and Mrs. L. did the budgeting and nurturing of the family. They also had their children participate in family chores. "Our home was clean and well-ordered and the children participated in that process," said Mr. L. I think having the children participate in family functions and chores is very important in order to teach them.

The couple did disagree on methods of discipline when their children came along. Mr. L. was prone to using the same techniques his parents used to discipline him..."We did not always agree on discipline. In the beginning his philosophy was, "spare the rod and spoil the child." After being married a few years I believe I convinced him that "a soft voice turneth away wrath," was a better philosophy." Mr. L. tried to adapt his ways to follow a more tolerant style of discipline once he saw his wife's point of view. Adapting and changing ourselves can be one of the toughest parts of marriage. I think the fact that the L.'s were willing and able to do this was a big factor in having marital success.

Struggles and Advice

Mr. and Mrs. L.'s marriage is not without struggle. They had difficulties with disciplining children in their younger days, as well as money and finance disagreements. Mrs. L. admits she could be better at budgeting, but says, "The gospel has helped us see eye to eye on the aspects of our lives." It is how they handle these stressors on their marriage that determine its success. Mr. L. said they have been able to work through it by remembering that "people are more important than money." They care for one another too much to let disagreements keep them apart.

Communication skills have been very important in Mr. and Mrs. L.'s marriage. "I like the direct approach. Sometimes I feel like we both need to listen a litte better," said Mrs. L. They both agree that llistening to one another's point of view and considering the other persons feelings is very important. "I need to lose the frustration in my voice because to her it sounds like anger. We need to speak with a voice of concern, no accusations. Sometimes hurt feelings are mistaken for bad feelings," Mr. L. said. I think the way this couple sees communication has really helped their marriage succeed. In a marriage you have to be non-accusing, willing to listen, and willing to adapt.

When giving marital advice, Mr. and Mrs. L. both suggest to put the other person before yourself, listen and act with patience and kindness. I think their advice was spot on. You must be selfless in order to have a happy marriage, and this couple is definitely selfless toward one another. I am grateful they agreed to let me have insight into their marriage. I think by following the tips they gave, anyone could have a successful marriage.

Concluding Thoughts

After interviewing Mr. and Mrs L. I can see that they possess real love. Real love is giving of yourself in order to make someone else happy. It is about sacrifice and change. Real love is forgetting about yourself. Both Mr. and Mrs. L. have exhibited this. I have learned so much from the things they told me about their marriage. The way they listen to one another and try to understand the others feelings is inspiring. I have learned many things from this couple. I hope I am able to have more patience as they do with each other, but the main thing I learned from them that I want to change in my own marriage is being a better listener and being non-accusing. I think this can really eliminate many arguments had by my husband and I. Thanks to the example of Mr. and Mrs. L., I know what I can do to work on being a better spouse.

L., Mr. (2018, February 7) Online Interview

L., Mrs. (2018, February 7) Online Interview

Whew! That was long but I wanted to include this in my blog. I am grateful to Autumn for asking us to participate in her project. It helped me to re-evaluate some things I could do to make our marriage better.

Today I got 10,000 steps before 11 a.m. That is a record. 

I did a blog post for February 1st and while working on February 2nd the entire page went blank and I can't get it back. That's an hours worth of work gone. I just can't deal with this right now. I guess instead I will work on James's invoice for the Howard's job, and then get started on my Valentine's for my Primary class. 

I moved my Valentine project upstairs to my office because I can't stand the mess being downstairs in the dining room. I took a break at one point and watched, "Very, Very Valentine" starring Danika McKellar and Cameron Mathison. 

We had frozen pizza for dinner. After cleaning the kitchen I took a bath and got ready to go to the stake center for my temple recommend interview. 

President Shumway let us in the building and I thought we were the first ones until I got inside and saw the line outside the stake office door.

James was so sweet to drive me here and he sat and held my hand while I waited for my turn to be interviewed.

 My interview ended up being with President Beeler. We had a nice chat about his wife's family the Adams's. I told him I was a good friend of his wife's aunt, Beverly and how one of the most fun times I had as a youth was going to a slumber party and sleeping in their barn. 

On the way home we stopped at CVS where James spent $136 picking up a 3-month prescription of Nefedeprine. Dairy Queen is practically next door and since tomorrow is Valentine's day I talked him into going through the drive-thru and getting me a blizzard. I was going to go for Oreo but they had a special called the Dipped Strawberry Blizzard and that's what I got. We shared it on the way home. James loved the chunks of Giradelli dark chocolate. It was delicious!

We started a new book, "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor" by Anita Stansfield.

When we got home we watched the episode of "Victoria" about the Irish potato famine. I love that Victoria is portrayed as compassionate and caring.  

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

played by Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes

Curtis and Joie and their adopted children.

They just got married in July. 

Elmer's in Chandler

James watching a little TV from 
the dining area.

Kim and Jim

Go Jackson!

  

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Enos 1:11-27

*What do we learn about Enos from his prayer for the Lamanites?

*As we experience the blessings of Christ's Atonement, we will seek to help others to receive salvation.  "A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others." - President Howard W. Hunter.

*What can we learn about prayer from Enos's example? (The Lord answers our prayers according to our faith and diligence.)

Alma 55

Moroni refuses to exchange prisoners - The Lamanite guards are enticed to become drunk, and the Nephite prisoners are freed - The city of Gid is taken without bloodshed. About 63-62 B.C.

DC 49:1-14

1-7, The day and hour of Christ's coming will remain unknown until He comes; 8-14, Men must repent, believe the gospel, and obey the commandments to gain salvation; 

*What did I learn from these verses?

- Prophets receive revelation for others, Christ is coming again, we must all repent and be baptized.

General Conference

God Shall Wipe Away All Tears 

Elder Evan A. Schmutz

"I have observed in the lives and examples of others that exercising strong and abiding faith in Jesus Christ and His promises provides the sure hope of better things to come.  This sure hope steadies us, bringing the strength and power we need in order to endure.  When we can link our suffering to an assurance of purpose in our mortality and more specifically to the reward awaiting us in heavenly places, our faith in Christ increases and we receive comfort to our souls."

James has to weld his backhoe bucket attachment.  It broke while digging the trench for Salvador's sewer line.  James's friend Bill actually helped James and welded it for him.  Here at home I polished the wood floor in the family/living room.  It looks beautiful until somebody walks on it.  

I had to take a picture of this because it is

proof that it snowed yesterday.

More proof of snow on the hill in the background.

I visit taught Claire today.  Mary said she would go with me but when I texted her she was in town at a teacher conference.  This is the second time she has done this.  I know she is very busy but I wish she wouldn't say she was going if she really can't.

Apache Junction, Arizona

After visiting with Claire, who by the way is moving next month, I drove in to town to get some groceries.  I stopped on the way to Walmart at Taco Bell and got a burrito supreme.  As I was eating it in the Walmart parking lot in my car, I heard a tap on my window.  I turned around and there were my Vernon friends LeeAnn and Alicia.  LeeAnn was one of my young women.  She was so excited because she got her driver's license today.  She turns 17 on April 6th so it was a little long in coming but I was excited for her.

Monument Valley

This evening while blogging I watched an older Garage Sale Mystery I hadn't seen.  My friend Pam messaged me on Facebook and told me she had had a mild heart attack and ask me to remember me in her prayers.  I didn't tell her but I pray for her everyday anyway.  I will be sure and put her name on the temple prayer roll too. 

 A bouquet of flowers Ruby brought me from the valley.

I got several texts from the stake Relief Society president regarding ideas for my talk. She told me of some talks that might help and I told her about Elder Bednar's "Patterns of Light" videos.

Fun Photos

2012 Beach trip.  Ruby is the baby.

When Ruby was here last week I was admiring her

freckles.  She told me about this plaque.

The rest of the pictures were taken at 

Sheraton Desert Oasis in Scottsdale.

These boys love to go there.

Max, Michael, Joshua, Evan

 They love the food at the grill by the pool.

Joshua prefers hamburgers

Michael enjoying nachos.

Daniel, Michael, Connor

Playing Tenzi's

Evan's drink was a little sour.

These guys all like to sleep in the same bed,

here they are watching TV.

The whirlpool in our bedroom.

2014

Ben hooked up the video system.

Handsome kid