Tuesday, December 25th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 11:42

Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 6:1-7:19

#2 - Ether 10-12

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"During mortality, Heavenly Father provides us with the conditions we need to progress within His plan. The Father begot Jesus Christ in the flesh and provided Him with divine help to fulfill His mortal mission. Heavenly Father will likewise help each of us if we will strive to keep His commandments. The Father gives us agency. Our lives are in His hands, and our 'days are known' and 'shall not be numbered less.' And He ensures that eventually all things work for the good of those who love Him."

Merry Christmas!

We got up around 6:30. Alex took a shower and then the boys "opened the Christmas room."

After all the gifts are unwrapped, James, Sheri, and I start breakfast. James and I are making biscuits and gravy with venison and Sheri is making bacon. Stacy brought bacon too, Trina brought eggs and German pancakes, and Kim and Brian brought juice. There was plenty of food. Those attending this Christmas extravaganza: Sheri, Ian, Alex, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Joe, Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Michael, Dallin, Sarah, and Adam, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola. Those were the people. The dogs included: Ollie, Shipley, Vader, and Dallin and Sarah's dog, Charlie.

 Christmas Day in the morning: Chandler

Whitehouse, Texas

After breakfast in Chandler:

Some people went outside to play in the backyard

and others lounged around on the couch.

Sarah, Dallin, Charlie, and Joe. Stacy by the door.

After everyone had left we cleaned up and waited for Ben's phone call. The minute I saw he face on Sheri's phone screen I began to tear up. We talked to him for a few minutes but the Trezise's talked for an hour. 

Ben and Elder Nelson in the same sweater.

Before leaving Sheri's Gail came down and visited with James. I think he was in town for Christmas and to see Kit's baby. He wanted to make sure James was ok after his back surgery.

I packed up our car and we said our goodbye's and headed for Darrel and Trina's. We wanted to see their Christmas presents and visit for a few minutes. 

Here we are in Mesa at Darrel and Trina's new house. They are in the drywall phase. Hopefully they will be able to move in sometime in March or early April.

At their rental where they now live:

Ruby got a robe, slippers, and a bunny mug.

Lola on the move. Notice that she is barefooted.

Lots of things to ride this year.

 I don't think she ever got it out of the driveway.

So fun!

I drove to the McDonald's in Globe, which was open by the way, and James drove the rest of the way home. He had said we would be home by 4:30 but it was actually 4:36. 

I begin unpacking and putting everything away. Although we had a great time celebrating with family, it is nice to be home. Here is a list of the Christmas gifts I received:

From Lois and Dawn - An Amazon gift card for $30,  a runner for the table and three aprons that Lois made. President Nelson's book, The Teachings of Russell M. Nelson and a DVD about his life from Kim and Brian. A loopy case for my phone, a family photo, and an Olive Garden gift card from Sheri and Ian. Scotch mellows and a $50 Cheesecake Factory card from Darrel and Trina. Family photos and serving at the Salvation Army from Jared and Kacey. A beautiful garnet/diamond necklace from James. It was a wonderful Christmas and has been a great year.

Such a sweet family!

I love this picture!

Christmas wouldn't be complete without sweet Charlie!

Merry Christmas from some of our friends:

 The Harding's

The Morrison's and Johnson's

 Pam's dad and the Grinch

 The Wilhelm's and Ellsworth's

Bishop Miller and family

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation 29 Sept 2017

Atonement

Alma 7:11

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Alma 51:1-12

What happens when people are divided?

*Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement He pled for unity: "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations. Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention (April 1978). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention:

"1.) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit. 2.) Learn to control your tongue. Think twice before you speak and three times before you act. 3.) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason together. 4.) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation. 5.) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice."

DC 114:1-115:19

If we build our homes after the pattern that the Lord has set forth, how can this help us keep our families safe?

*The Lord's standards are: 1) To unify and protect members 2) Members are to be standards of righteousness 3) They are to keep their covenants and 4) Create a refuge from the storm. (DC 115:6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"To return to His presence and to receive the eternal blessings that come from making and keeping covenants are the most important goals we can set. We return and receive by having 'unshaken faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, relying wholly upon 'His merits, pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men and women... feasting upon the word of Christ and enduring to the end."

James went on a Razr ride today to place his wildlife camera for the Oregon hunters who are friends of Gail. I stayed home to study, and to make brownies and beans. 

Around 3:30 this afternoon we went to town. We stopped at LaCasita to get green chili burros, enchilada style. They are delicious!  I went to Walmart while James headed over the Cal-Ranch. We got gas and read three chapters from our book so it was a productive trip. 

James works on his new, bigger gate for the backyard so he can get his equipment inside the yard of he needs to. I polished the wood floor, put peppermints in my candy jars, and put the beans away. I also colored this evening and worked on my Primary lesson. 

We started watching "My Boyfriend's Dogs" but I had to stop. I had taken some Tramadol and evidently it didn't agree with me. I felt nauseous and had to go to bed earlier than I had planned. 

I sure hope North Korea doesn't strike the U.S. today.

Photos:

Sheri's post

I love Koalas'!

Creepy castle!

If I recently posted this, oh well,

here it is again. 2013 visit from

our Chandler friends.

Another gorgeous Vernon sunset!

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