Thursday, November 9th, 2017

Winter Quarters, Nebraska
104th operating temple
Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

3 Nephi 11:12

And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6

*What blessings are promised to those who pay their tithing?

Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God. Obedience to this law brings the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10-12. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithiing: "I suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings. First, do so for the sake of your children. Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. Fourth, pay your tithing and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are Gods rightful due. this leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithing and offerings. We should pay them as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually" (Ensign, Nov 2001, 33-35)

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 4:4-5

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

General Conference

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"In the same manner that the very small moon can block the magnificent sun, extinguishing it's light and warmth, a spiritual eclipse can occur when we allow minor and troublesome obstructions - those we face in our daily lives - to get so close that they block out the magnitude, brightness and warmth of the light of Jesus Christ and His gospel. Elder Neal A. Maxwell took this analogy even further when he stated: 'Even something as small as a man's thumb, when held very near the eye, can blind him to the very large sum. Yet the sun is still there. Blindness is brought upon the man by himself. When we draw other things too close, placing them first, we obscure our vision of heaven.'"

We left for the valley a little after 8 a.m. James was driving the truck and pulling a 22 foot long trailer. We stopped to get gas and then our next stop was Burger House in Miami. We each had a burro, and we bought two extras to take to Sheri. My appointment with Chandler Eyecare was at noon and I arrived right on time. James dropped me off and then went to Bill's to park the trailer. 
My left eye needs a little more correction so I got a new prescription. It is always fun to see Sheri and friends Nancy, Rachel and Chris at work. Sheri gets off at one for lunch so we met James at Cafe Rio. Sheri took this photo of us and I was going to take one of her and James outside but I forgot.

 Boy I look old!

After lunch Sheri had to go back to work and James had to go see Dr. Hatch about doing a remodeling job at his dental office. While James was meeting with Dr. Hatch I took the truck and drove down to the Albertson's and did some walking. When James called I went back and picked him up. We drove to the Costco in Gilbert and bought some Alpine Valley bread, James's favorite, and 11 blankets for grandkids for Christmas. If they don't get anything else from us they will get a new blanket. 

Next stop, Deseret Book, which is right next door. I bought 3 conference Ensigns for the sisters I visit teach. I actually only visit 2 sisters right now, Jean, and Pam but I bought an extra for Pam's husband Ricky. I bought a Book of Mormon and had my name engraved on it for next year's Book of Mormon study. I also bought two journals, one for Sunday and one for Shelly for her mission.

By this time it was 4:30 and time to go pick up Rowan who is going with Evan on his birthday date. Joshua and Max are going too but they are already at Evan's. 

When we walked in to Trina and Darrel's Lola was sitting on the couch eating popcorn and watching Moana. When she saw us she said, "Oh they are probably picking me up." We visited a few minutes with Ruby and Lola, Addy was at a friends, and then the three of us left.

The boys had fun playing in the backyard with Ollie and we had to keep reminding them we were here to take them on a birthday date.

Rowan was a little afraid of Ollie because last time

he "chewed" on him. He would run and of course

Ollie would run after him.

Evan didn't want to go shopping like we normally do. He asked if we could go to the Xtreme Air on Rural and Ray. He had to give the location because there is one here on McQueen and Pecos just a couple of miles away but the boys like the Rural and Ray one better.

I dropped James and the boys off while I went across the street to Fry's Marketplace to get a few groceries. I bought some shakes, chicken, cranberry celebration, a fresh salad, and three ASU blankets. The three blankets are for Evan, Joshua, and Rowan. I am holding out for a Cardinal's blanket for Max. 

After their hour at Xtreme Air the boys were hungry. Oh yes, so was James. He had been walking the whole time the boys were doing their activities.

Evan decided he wanted to go to the mall food court for dinner. He and Max went to Subway and Joshua and Rowan to the pizza place just like always. James brought in his chicken and cranberry celebration from Fry's. I am holding out for the fresh salad I got.

I did decide to go to Panera and get some cookies. I got six chocolate chip cookies which qualified me for six more free cookies. I got two snickerdoodles, two ginger molasses, and two frosted pumpkin sugar cookies. 

We took Evan and Max home and then Joshua. Our ride to Rowan's gave us time to talk to him about school and what he is doing. He plays the cello and also plays soccer. We got to see Addy and Ruby and Trina when we got to the house. Lola was asleep. We visited a few minutes. I wanted to give the kids the cookies but Trina said no.

We stayed at Sheri's and slept downstairs in Alex's room. Roxy's cage is down there so of course I said hi. Sheri was already in bed when we got back.

Joe, Kim and Brian have been in Disneyland

this week. They came home today.

Old Family Photos

Camping at the north rim of

the Grand Canyon.

So cute.

Jonathan, Charlotte, Jared

Jared's birthday

Christmas eve at Grandmother Clark's.

Interesting

Lola reading scriptures

Dallin H. Oaks with hair

Saw this at Sheri's

Look at those claws!

Love this!

Saturday, November 4th, 2017

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of
John 14:28
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 19:30-20:19
*What does the Savior promise those who partake of the sacrament? Why is this promise so significant?
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "Attendance at church each week provides the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, as the Lord has commanded us (see DC 59:9). If we act with the right preparation and attitude, partaking of the sacrament renews the cleansing effect of our baptism and qualifies us for the promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. A mission of that Spirt, the Holy Ghost, is to testify of the Father and the Son and to lead us into truth, (see John 14:26; 2 Nephi 31:18). Testimony and truth, which are essential to our personal conversion, are the choice harvest of this weekly renewing of our covenants.In the day to day decisions of my life and in my personal spiritual growth, I have enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise" (Ensign, May 2002, 34).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture
DC 1:32-33
32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.
General Conference

The Needs Before Us

Bonnie L. Oscarson

The Savior taught, "For whosoever will save his life shall lost it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

President Thomas S. Monson said of this scripture: "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish-and in effect save their lives."

Happy Birthday Jared!

Kacey's post:

Had to see this one more closeup.

This one too.

James and I finally left for the temple at 5:45 this morning. On the way we read 3 Nephi 19:30-20:19 and Sister Oscarson's talk, "The Needs Before Us." James grabbed the wrong book, instead of our Regency romance novel he brought "Rescuing Wayward Children."

I started reading from it and we both enjoyed it so much the idea came up that maybe we should ask our kids to read with us. I think most all of them have a copy of the book. 

The new temple presidency is in effect. To our surprise our friends from high school, Stephen and Trisha Reidhead are in the presidency. They conducted the preparation meeting today. They have lived in the same house in Snowflake for 40 years. Stephen was the stake president when President Hinckley came to chose the Snowflake temple site. They have 3 daughters and 5 sons and all their sons live in Snowflake and help their dad run his logging business.  They have 25 grandchildren and 22 of them live in Snowflake. It is going to be great being able to work with them.

James was the assistant director in the baptistry all of our shift. He was extremely busy. There were several large groups coming in and he had to run the temple cards up to the recorders office several times. He got lots of steps today. He said this was his favorite day so far working in the temple.

I had a good day too. This is not our regular shift, we traded with the Nelson's but we have friends from Vernon who work on this shift, the Wilhelm's and the Diewald's. 

I got to do sealings today which is always a blessing. I did not do a session but I got to help in the baptistry with James. A sister from Lakeside asked if I spoke at the White Mountain Stake Women's Conference last spring. When I told her yes she told me how wonderful my talk was. Positive feedback always makes you feel good.

I had about 30 minutes of study time today. I think I know the first section of the initiatory ordinance. I still have a long ways to go though.

I had a nice chat with Sister Jones who is also a former high school acquaintance. She now lives in Joseph City. I heard one of the sisters from Joe City tell a joke. She said when the pioneers came down they stopped in Joe City and were going to camp there until the wind stopped blowing but wound up staying and building the city because the wind never stopped. 

There was a wedding today, the Solomon, Caldwell wedding, both local people so there was a huge crowd. Sixty people must have come out of that little sealing room. Sister Jones said there was standing room only. They were a loud bunch but thankfully they took their party outside.

We get off at one and since James didn't have a break he was pretty hungry. We stopped at El Cupido's for lunch because I couldn't stop thinking about the Big Jake burro I had last week and I wanted another one. I also got a drink.

On the way home we mailed a bill at the Show Low post office and stopped to get gas. Most of the smoke from yesterday's fire was gone from our area but we saw it in Shumway and Taylor.

This afternoon and evening we read, I blogged, James worked a little outside, we got our steps, watched some Christmas movies and then watched Heartland, "Starting Gate."

Evan's birthday lunch at his favorite

pizza place.

Arizona's Territorial Capital in Prescott

Evan in 2016 with his favorite Costco cake.

Eden and grandma Rebecca

Home from his mission in Argentina

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 10:1-19

*How did Nephi qualify for the great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?

-My answer: The answer to the first question in found in verses 4 and 5. The last sentence in verse four says: 'Thou has not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did, yes, if it is the Lord's will. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel lie a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions. 

James: "When I serve and feel I have blessed someone elses life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what he would have done and I feel His love. I feel 'wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love.' I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I testify to you that if you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray, and repent, the heavens will open and you will know, as I know, that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and He is yours."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations. Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard - give up a poor habit or an addiction, put aside worldly pursuits, sacrifice a favorite activity because it is the Sabbath, forgive someone who has wronged you - think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him. And thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more."

We were supposed to leave for the valley by 7:30 but it was 8:00 before we pulled out of the driveway. I am supposed to pick my friend Jean up for lunch in Chandler at 11:30 but I think it will be closer to noon.

We stopped in Show Low for gas and to wash the car. Our next stop was in Miami at Burger House where we ordered several burros for Cathi and Terry and a couple for ourselves. 

Cathi and Terry surprised us by being home when we arrived. I guess the church is being cleaned and so they are working at home. 

James stayed there and will borrow Terry's truck to go to his doctors appointment and I left to pick up Jean. I had told her earlier that I was going to be a little late. Jean's house here in Chandler is up for sale. I had forgotten which one it was but when I saw the for sale sign and the vehicle from Tate's in Show Low I knew.

Jean had on a sweater and complained about being cold when we were in "Fresh Start." I wish we would have asked to sit on the patio. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and Jean had a salad. We talked a little about her grandson Dustin who is now living with them since they bailed him out of jail. Jean seemed tired so we didn't stay long. After we said our goodbye's and I gave her the visiting teaching handout I drove her home. When I left I was thinking about how I could help her and I decided I need to ask her to be a part of our Book of Mormon reading group. I guess that is what I will do next month. She can't come back to Vernon because she has to stay with Dustin and the courts won't let him come to Show Low.

I went to Hobby Lobby and spent my 40% off coupon and then some. I bought some wooden pumpkins, a wreath, and some supplies to make Alice W. a sweet sixteen candy bouquet. 

I got back to Cathi and Terry's before James was finished with his doctor's appointment. Cathi and I had a visit. I guess her brother-in-law Paul is not doing very well. He has cancer. I have been praying for him. 

James's appointment was with a rheumatologist. He ordered bloodwork which James had done at the Sonoran lab where we used to go. The bloodwork will determine what he has that is causing his laryngitis. The doctor also wrote him a prescription for prednisone.

As soon as James walked in the door he was ready to head home. I wanted Chik-fil-a on the way home and told James there was one on Power Rd. I was reading and he missed the turnoff. We ended up going to the one at Superstition Springs mall. When James makes a mistake he does everything he can to make it right. I do appreciate that about him. 

We stopped at Fry's in Globe for bananas. I am making banana nut bread for Hailey, one of the other sisters I visit teach. James also got some cranberry celebration. We also stopped at the Safeway in Show Low because I didn't think he got enough bananas.

We got home around 7:30. We stopped at the post office and my box of Doctrine and Covenant Stories that I ordered for my Primary class arrived. We changed clothes and got into our relax mode.

We watched the last episode of Heartland, called "Showdown." It was a stressful one because Tim got shot in the chest. It was the last show of the season. Our new dvd won't be here until next Monday so we have to wait that long for the next episode.

We also watched one of the new Hallmark movies, "Falling for Vermont."

The girl winds up in a town in Vermont with

amnesia and falls for the local doctor.

Typical Hallmark plot.

I am attracted to cute puppies.

Here's another one.

I love fall.

I love my hardworking hubby!

Oh, it's Holly

9/26/15

The soccer stars!

9/26/15

Darrel's car after his crash

9/26/14

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

I am so excited that we get to study the life andB
teachings of President Hinckley this year in
Relief Society and Priesthood!

1 Nephi 3:9-31

Why do you think Sam willingly followed Nephi while Laman and Lemuel persecuted him?

DC 1:31-2:3

What great promises in these verses spoke to me today?

*Verses 31 and 32 - Repent and be forgiven.

GC:   Fourth Floor, Last Door by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The problem was not a lack of prayers or a shortage of faith.  She needed only to understand that, as painful as it might be for our Father in Heaven, He will not force anyone to choose the path of righteousness.  God did not force His own children to follow Him in the premortal world.  How much less will He force us now as we journey through this mortal life?  God will invite, persuade.  God will reach out tirelessly with love, inspiration and encouragement.  But God will never compel - that would undermine His great plan for our eternal growth."

  

Today is the day I actually sent out the family email regarding the reading of the Book of Mormon.  Each day I will send the reading assignment and a question to Stacy, Paul, Kim, Brian, Sheri, Ian, Jared, Kacey, Darrel, Trina, and Ben.  I got positive responses from both Sheri and Kacey.  I am excited that our entire family will be reading the Book of Mormon together if everyone will accept the challenge.

Today we had 27 elk in our yard.

Here are just a few.

James is in the valley working for Jerrod Bowen.  Today he took Max and Evan to Lois's to do yardwork.  Ben would have gone too but he is quite sick.  The boys don't go back to school until next week.  

Because I am sick I tried to cancel my infusion but no one called me back.  Meanwhile, while Adam is driving for Uber he has an accident on the freeway.  No one was hurt but the Scion was towed by a company located in Apache Junction.  The sad thing is that Adam does not have collision insurance.  

Waterfall between Miami and Superior

James came home this afternoon bearing gifts: burros from Burger House, homemade soap from Rebecca, and a Family Proclamation plaque that Darrel and Trina made.

Of course Lola is always right there to assist Trina.

 This evening was another evening of movie watching.  I am trying to finish up all the Christmas movies.

Family Pictures:

Michael on the run.

Addy, Lola, Ruby, and Rowan.

Some of the cutest kids in the world!!