Monday, February 4th, 2019

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 5:7

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-2

How have the American continents been kept sacred?

"We know that as long we keep the commandments and there are more righteous people than evil ones...our country will be a land of liberty, and kept sacred by allowing religious freedom. The question today on how have the American continents been kept sacred...brought another thought...vs-6'None shall come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of God.' The Lord has held others back from settling until the time was right. Then in vs-8 'it is wisdom that this land be kept from the knowledge of other nations ... for behold many nations would overrun the land, and there would be no place for an inheritance.' Gods in charge of everything ... even lands being discovered .. to keep them sacred until their purpose." (sue_heugly)

New Testament

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

"To Draw Closer to God" Henry B. Eyring 4/91

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work"

Steven R. Bangerter

"Every parent faces moments of frustration and varying levels of determination and strength while raising children. However, when parents exercise faith by teaching children candidly, lovingly and doing all they can to help them along the way, they receive greater hope that the seeds being sown will take root within the hearts and minds of their children."

When I got up this morning, Addy, Rowan, and Ruby were all asleep on the couch and the TV screen was lit up. I guess they fell asleep watching a movie. The night before Addy came down because the wind was howling so loudly she got scared.

Rowan was dying to find some elk this morning. Since the Razr has a flat tire, he took out on foot with Ruby. After they were gone for awhile, Darrel and Addy took off in big Bertha towards Elk Hill to look for them. They were gone for awhile. When they returned Darrel said: "When we found them Ruby was wearing Rowan's coat because she got cold." That is how Rowan is, always thinking of others. 

Rowan said they saw lots of elk "sign" but no elk.

Meanwhile back at home after breakfast Lola wanted to watch "The Greatest Showman" and look at pictures of Charlie on my phone. 

For lunch I made the seven layer dip I had planned on making yesterday. It turned out quite well and even James said it was good.

My favorite was Trina's guacamole layer

We finished off the second cheesecake except for one piece. I really like it and it is so easy to make because it is no-bake. 

While Rowan watched "Hunt for the Wilder People" Trina, Darrel, Addy and I played "Five Crowns." Trina and Darrel kept trading in an out. I actually won this time.

It has been so nice to have Darrel and Trina here this weekend. I only wish the weather would have been nice and that the Razr didn't have a flat tire. Here are some of the other games that were popular with the kids. Since we were stuck mostly inside there was an opportunity for lots of games. Uno, match game, Life, Clue, Apples to Apples and Settlers.

I asked Trina if there was a holiday today that I didn't know about and she said no, they were all just taking the day off.

One of the things that I was sad about was that they did not get tickets for Addy and Rowan to see the prophet next week in Phoenix. Darrel said their stake got 800 tickets and there was a long waiting list. Trina said they just weren't part of the "in" group, whatever that is. I told Addy not to give up, she really wants to go, and to keep praying she would be able to go.

Before leaving around 4 pm, we took a picture in front of the fireside because it was too cold outside.

This is the only photo of all that we took

where everyone was smiling.

So the rest of the day we spent at home just puttering, walking, blogging, working, and watching TV. For FHE we listened to President Eyring's talk, "To Draw Closer to God" from the April 1991 general conference.

This is Ben's answer to the email I sent him today:

Part of Ben's email to Sheri:

There is a strong bond between these two.

 Grandpa is so proud, she pinned the dragon.

Lola's Valentine's for Charlie

Tuesday, August 28th, 2018

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mosiah 14:12

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death; and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Book of Mormon

Alma 57:17-36

*How do you remain "firm and undaunted" during times of trial?

- For me to remain firm and undaunted during trials, I have to stay positive, count my blessings, and have a heart full of gratitude for blessings already received, and have faith. I have to trust His plan and remember that He knows all things. He is in charge and I can trust that whatever I am going through is for my good and that as I put my faith in Him, all will be well.

Psalms 91-95

91 A messianic psalm - The Lord will deliver the Messiah from terror, pestilence, and war - The Lord will give His angels charge over the Messiah and deliver Him and honor Him.

92 A psalm or song for the Sabbath day - Give thanks unto the Lord - His enemies will perish - The righteous will flourish - There is no unrighteousness in the Lord.

93 The Lord reigns - He is from everlasting - Holiness adorns the house of the Lord forever.

94 The Lord will judge the earth and all men - Blessed is he whom the Lord teaches and chastens - The Lord will not forsake His people, but He will cut off the wicked.

95 Let us sing unto the Lord - Let us worship and bow down before Him - Israel provoked the Lord and failed to enter into His rest.

General Conference

Behold the Man!

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"There are many in the world today who are either not aware of or do not believe in the precious gift Jesus Christ has given us. They may have heard of Jesus Christ and know of Him as a historical figure, but they do not see Him for who He truly is."

Happy Birthday Addy!

I picked up my friend Linda and we drove up the cinder hill across from the Vernon Road to Elizabeth's house. Elizabeth is a master card maker with all the bells and whistles and machinery you need to make cards. She likes to invite people who are new to have a private lesson at her house and she provides all of the materials. 

She has the most gorgeous view from outside her house. I wished I would have taken a picture. She and her husband own 100 acres. They had an electrical fire a few years back and had to re-build their house. She had a beautiful quilt on one of her bed and asked her if she made it. She said now, Pam W. made it. Pam is one of my friends. 

Elizabeth has been a teacher, she's a chef, she has a Phd in cellular biology, and she is a pilot. In spite of all her grandeur she is very down to earth and she said that after 9ll she decided that she was going to put more love into the world and do nice things for people everyday. Both Linda and I made 4 cards while we were at Elizabeth's. Judy H. another friend from church, came by and visited with us and showed us her dot journal. 

These are the cards I made. The top on the left is a birthday card,

a get well card, and the donkey card is for Darrel's birthday, and the fish one for James Hayden's. I had so much fun and was grateful to Elizabeth for inviting us over.

I listened to a weightloss program this morning called The Fat Belly Detox diet. I like that name. It sounds promising. I learned that visceral fat is the fat that attaches itself to your organs and is the most dangerous kind of fat. Also, eating 3 meals a days is better than 6 small meals because every time you eat your body releases insulin and insulin is a fat storing hormone. Instead of ordering this diet I just made my Miracle Herbal Tea and will be drinking it this evening and afternoon.

Trina sent a video of Addy after she opened her Harry Potter Clue game where she was saying how much she wanted this game every time she saw it at Barnes and Noble. Trina said she loved all of the gifts but the purse was her favorite.

Baby Charlie came home from the hospital today. Here are some photos before she left and then in her going home outfit.

Sleep while you can

Dad's get tired too.

Dad, Charlie, and Mom

Going home!

James and I watched the last Garage Sale Mystery this evening. I actually guess who the murderer was!

This was the day, August 28th, that MLK
gave his famous speech.

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 93:17

And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:19-34

*Share a time you chose to nourish a bad tree hoping that it would improve but it profited you nothing in the end.

Second Visit: 15-28

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 9-10

9 Other nations driven out of Canaan because of their wickedness - Moses rehearses rebellions of Israel, and tells how he mediated between them and the Lord - On two occasions he has gone without food and water for forty days.

10 Tables of stones containing Ten Commandments placed in ark - All that God requires is that Israel loves and serve him - How great and mighty is the Lord!

General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

" Elder Richard G. Scott taught this eternal truth: 'True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ...There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled."

I have a book called, "The Treasure of a Friend," by John C. Maxwell, (I wonder if we are related), and today I read the story of Abrecht Durer and his brother Hans. The story is called "Praying 

Hands":

As children, brothers Hans and Albrecht, the German-born sons of a Hungarian goldsmith, dreamt about becoming great artists. And they both began studying art at an early age. But times were difficult for their family in the late 1400s, and it soon became clear that their studies were a luxury the family could not afford. It looked like the brothers would have to return to their father's  shop

and become goldsmiths.

But that disturbed Hans. He saw that his brother had a great gift for artistry, and he didn't want that wonderful talent to be wasted. Thus, Hans gave himself to the family trade so that Albrecht could continue studying.

And study he dd. Apprenticing under painter and printer Michael Wolgemut, he blossomed into a profoundly talented artist. Many consider Albrecht Durer the greatest German artist of the Renaissance era. He went on to create world-famous prints, such as The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Passion of Christ, and The Last Supper.

Though not Durer's most dramatic or spectacular work, Study of Praying Hands is one of his most poignant pieces. It display the sinewy, callused hands of a laborer coming together in the contrite act of prayer. It embodies the humble dependence on God believers are to possess. Who was the model for Albrecht Durer's famous work? None other than his brother Hans, the man who made it possible for him to pursue his calling as an artist. For all time, this expression of Durer's faith also symbolizes the deep love, appreciation, and friendship of one brother for another."

I woke up at 4 and was going to go back to sleep until 5 but when I woke up it was 6 so I started an hour late.

As I was changing the vacuum cleaner bag today the handle of the vacuum fell to the floor and knocked the starter switch so James and I had to operate on it. The sad thing is we got it all fixed and the handle drop again and we had to start all over. We finally did get it fixed and I was able to finish my vacuuming. 

We had chicken, baked potato, and salad for lunch again today. Afterwards I had a short nap. After my nap I got ready to go to the temple. I have seven initiatory names that need to be done and I may not be able to get them done when I work on Saturday, so I am taking them today. It was almost 4 o'clock before I got in the initiatory line. There were several sisters a head of me, including Jane Finch, my new friend from Eager. She had been waiting almost 45 minutes when I got there. When had a nice visit. It is amazing how the gospel makes it so easy to make new friends. 

I also saw my friend and neighbor Kathy C. who works in the temple on Thursday afternoons. She was getting ready to go in to do sealings. 

These are the names I did today: Sarah M. McCroy, Mary Hannah, Sallie M. Lee, Anna Smith, and Sarah. Sarah was born in 1704.

I saw President and Sister Reidhead while I was there. 

On the way home I wanted to stop at McDonald's to get an ice cream cone but the drive-thru was closed and I didn't feel like going in. I stopped at Walmart and got the ingredient for green pork chili. I also got some mini powdered donuts to eat on the way home. I wish I didn't have such a sweet tooth.

James had a cheeseburger ready for me when I arrived home. After dinner to show my thanks I read to him from "Charity House Courtship," and then blogged. I walk until I get 400 calories burned which is over 13,000 steps. James walked over 30,000 steps today. That is a new record!

We went to bed at 10:30, almost an hour late. That's what happens when you start late.

My steps

James's steps

Kim and Brian were in Albuquerque

tonight seeing the Avett Brothers.

Baby news:

Baby Leo after open heart surgery.

 Winter is not having a 

good day.

Kyler is learning to smile.

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.