Friday, October 13th, 2017

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 1:2

And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence.
Book of Mormon
 3 Nephi 4:15-33
*What do these verses teach about the importance of being prepared at all times, spiritually, physically, and provisionally?
-The Nephites knew that Zemnarihah and his men couldn't make it for long because they weren't prepared. Sometimes the battle is just being able to outlast the enemy.
Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery
DC 64:23
Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Because of His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind. To make His atoning power accessible, He has delegated a portion of His power and authority to men on earth. This delegated power and authority is called priesthood. It permits priesthood holders to help Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work - to bring about the salvation and exaltation of God's children. It does so because it provides His children the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Savior's atoning power."

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Such a nice kid.

Now he's 46.

Goodbye Roach Motel. We checked out this morning and James drove me to my infusion. I arrived at 10:20, early for my 10:45 appointment. They took me in early and I was out by 11:30. While I was waiting for James to pick me up I walked around outside under the fica trees. 

James had been at the MVD getting a one day permit to pull his water trailer home. He had to make a stop at Bingham Equipment and I walked around their parking lot while I was waiting for James. On the way home we stopped for lunch at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. It was great!

Kim and Brian are coming up but they are going the Payson way and left after we did. They asked us to stop at Burger House and get them some burros, which we did. 

Before going home to Vernon we stopped at the Safeway in Show Low. We unloaded our stuff at home and finished our book, "Petticoat Spy." I did one blog post and made sure I walked my 10,000 steps before going to bed. Kim and Brian got here and after eating their burros they sat down and watched "Far and away."

Kathy Crane asked us to work next Saturday for the Diewald's at the temple. They were supposed to do it but because of Chuck's new calling in the bishopric, he was released as a temple worker. 

I can't find my step ladder.

October 13, 2017

It's turkey season and these turkeys are heading for cover.

My friend Pam warned them to hide.

I wonder what year this was.

Pigs and a pug.

Up here it's 75.

October 2015 file:

The view from Green's Peak

Monday, July 10th, 2017

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ

Acts 10:38; 13:23; 18:5; 19:15; 22:8; 26:15

Alma 30:46-60

*In Alma 30:46-50 Korihor, still not accepting the signs he had been given, demanded that Alma show him a sign of God's existence. In response, Korihor was struck dumb by the power of God. Convinced of God's power, Korihor wrote about why he had been preaching against God the Father and Jesus Christ. Read Alma 30:51-53.

*What do you think Korihor meant when he said that he taught things that were "pleasing unto the carnal mind?"

*In Alma 30:54-59 Korihor asked Alma to pray so the curse could be removed from him. Alma refused, saying that if Korihor received the ability to speak, he would again teach false doctrine to the people. Korihor was cast out and went from house to house, begging for food. Eventually he went to the Zoramites, who had separated from the Nephites, and was trampled to death.

*Read Alma 30:60 and look for the principle Mormon teaches. What principle does Mormon teach in this verse?

"The devil will not support his children (followers) at the last day."

*How is this different from the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ care for us? (Read Alma 36:3.)

DC 101:1-12

1-8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9-15, The Lord's indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted;

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

" We read in the Bible Dictionary that "only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." We now have 155 operating temples and more coming soon. More and more families are sealed for time and all eternity. Members are submitting more and more names of ancestors to the temple to perform their saving ordinances. We truly are experiencing great joy and celebration on both sides of the veil! In a darkening world, the light of the gospel will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

" The importance of the Savior's mission was emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that 'the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

Sheri made bacon and eggs for breakfast and I made pancakes. After breakfast Sheri and the younger boys went for a walk. Stacy and Paul got ready to leave to go to Dorina's hearing in Show Low. Joshua is staying here with us and when the hearing is finished, I told Stacy I would take Joshua into town so they wouldn't have to come back out here to get him.

I guess Joshua is meditating

Nice photo!

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua took a drive to the top of Green's Peak. It is one of Sheri's favorite places in Arizona, and mine too, and it's only 15 miles away.

Ian with his cowboy hat.

Sheri takes this picture of the boys every year.

I should make a collage.

I love how Evan has his arm around Rowan.

I am so glad that Ian went with Sheri. They had a flat tire on the way back down.  Ian had a really hard time getting the lug nuts off because they were stripped.  When they finally return James, Sheri, Joshua and I go in to town. Stacy, Paul, and Paul's sisters and their families are having lunch at Pizza Factory. Paul put this picture of Tara on Facebook.

I like how it says awesome on the wall behind her.

When I dropped Joshua off Stacy introduced me to Tara's husband Jeff.  He shook my hand, spoke to me in a British accent, and kissed my cheek. I was charmed and impressed. Stacy says he is a great guy. He works on the TV show, "Dr. Who".  Sorry I didn't get a picture.  I ask how he liked the U.S. and he said he loved it.

We drop Sheri's tire off at Discount and pick up our Razr tire.  James goes to Home Depot and Sheri and I go to Walmart to kill some time. They said it would be over an hour before the tire was fixed.  James also stopped at American Fence. I ordered a thin crust veggie pizza from Dominoes for Sheri and I. James said he didn't want any. He opted for KFC. We stopped there too to take home some chicken for Sheri's family.  After picking up Sheri's tire we head for home making one more stop at Conoco for ice. 

It rained while we were at Walmart, but no rain in Vernon.  

Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben and I lose again. Ben wins.  We just can't beat him. Last time he got six points. After family scriptures and prayer, Sheri, Ian, and Ben watch the movie "Love and Mercy" which is the life story of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.  The boys play upstairs. I go in my bedroom to study and take a nap. James and I read a chapter from "The Reluctant Duchess."

Ben helps James fix the tractor. Stacy, Paul, and Joshua arrive home safely. Joshua said thank you and said he had a blast.

I found this list to be both

extensive and amusing.

Monday, July 18, 2016

I love this! Tony Robbins is a great motivator.

"If you saw the size of the blessings coming, you would understand the magnitude of the battle you are fighting." - Unknown

Alma 34:17-41

17- Begin to exercise faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon His holy name, that He would have mercy upon you.

18 - Cry unto Him for mercy for He is mighty to save.

19 - Humble yourselves and continue in prayer unto Him.

20 - Cry unto Him when ye are in your fields and over your flocks.

21 - Cry unto Him in your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.

22 - Cry unto Him against the power of your enemies.

23 - Cry against the devil who is an enemy to righteousness.

24 - Cry over your crops.

25 - Cry over the increase of your flocks.

26 - Pour out your souls in your closets and your secret places.

27 - And when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those around you.

28 - You must also care for the poor and needy or your prayer is in vain.

29 - Ye must be charitable.

30 - ... Come forth and bring fruit unto repentance.

31 - Harden not your hearts any longer.  Now is the day of your salvation.  If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.

32 - This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.  

33- ... do not procrastinate the day of your repentance . . . if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.

34 - Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God.  Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.

35 - For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked.

36 - And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temple, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out but their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb.

37 - And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ.

38 - That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

39 - Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.

40 - And now my beloved brethren, I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them;

41 - But that ye have patience, and bear with those afflictions, with a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from all your afflictions.

That was long but I just love these verses by Amulek!

GC: "Eternal Families" President Henry B. Eyring.

James and Ben were outside this morning around 5:30 getting ready for the concrete pour.  Talon, Curtis, and Zemira were here at 7, and Sheri and Ian too.  

I made blueberry muffins for breakfast and to share outside.  Sheri and I also filled up the five gallon water container.  Here are some pictures of the action of the day.

Talon, Ben, Curtis, and Zemira

The truck is here but the concrete was so hard

they had difficulty getting it out of the truck.

James thinks that instead of adding a retardant

the concrete company, Perkins, added an

accelerator instead.

Things go so bad that when Talon's dad, John Wilhelm,

called to see how it was going Talon told him that

they needed help.

John showed up and right along with him was someone who had called about getting an inspection done.  John is the building inspector for the city of Show Low. John told him we needed help and he wanted to help too. The person's name is Brandon Garvin. (It turns out he is Brian Maxwell's boss).  Brandon is a general contractor, a concrete contractor, and part owner in Perkins Concrete.  James said he offered a prayer for help and not three minutes later Brandon, someone we don't even know, turns up with concrete tools in hand and takes over the operation.  James was exhausted from trying to get the concrete out of the truck.  Brandon and John literally saved the concrete.  Ben, Sheri, and Ian were all helping too but they really had no experience so it was great that someone came who knew what he was doing.  John Wilhelm walked up to James and said: "You just received Divine Intervention."  James said, "I know.  It was a tender mercy."  I have heard of these things happening to other people but I have never seen it so profoundly exhibited.  We are so grateful.

John and Brandon working the concrete.
Johnny on the left and Zemira on the right.

This afternoon Sheri and I took Joshua, Max, and Evan to Greer.  We went on the Green's Peak road and enjoyed the scenery and cows.  That's about all the wildlife we saw.  Our ice cream shop in Greer was closed down but we found another one.

Cute little shop with an ice cream counter.

Sheri took the boys down by the creek but there were alot of people so we didn't stay long.  I didn't get out of the car at the creek because my knee was bothering me.

On the way home we drove to the top

of Green's Peak.

The views are gorgeous.

The sky was awesome!

Green, dark green, blue, and dark blue.

Some places got more rain than we did.

When we got home Sheri grilled chicken and made mashed potatoes for dinner.  I cooked some corn in the microwave.  Ben, Sheri, and I also played Five Crown's.  I still haven't won a game.

Ben is the big winner.  The TV is on the Game Show network most of the time.  This family is a big fan of Family Feud and "Let's Make a Deal."

For FHE I had everyone fill out a four-generation pedigree chart.

It's kind of sad that Ian has never met his maternal

grandparents.

In other parts of the world:

A dust storm in the valley.

Mary Johnson posted on Facebook that it 

was raining dirt.

The Case cousins are getting ready to leave the beach.

We missed Aurora's baptism this evening but we sent her a card and a CTR necklace.

Erik and Aurora

Newly baptized!

Baptism is a family affair.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

On top of Green's Peak

James and I attended stake conference in Show Low this morning.  We invited Kim and Brian to come with us but they declined.

Wendell Allen, a friend of ours from high school was the translator for Elder Pino.  He did an outstanding job.  Elder Pino is the first general authority from Venezuela.  He is a member of the first quorum of the Seventy.  He spoke about relationships and traditions and how our traditions, such as temple attendance, scripture study, and prayer can protect us and our families.  It was a good meeting.

Before Kim and Brian left for home I played a game of Five Crowns with them.  James was taking a nap.  I talked Kim into leaving a couple of her gluten free chocolate chip pumpkin muffins.  They are very tasty.  

Two of my very favorite people in the world!

Brian really wants to build a home on part of our property and he and James talked about putting in water lines and electrical lines.  Now that they are "empty nesters" they are planning their future.

Our Hallmark movie this evening: "Your Love Never Fails."