Thursday, August 16th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Moses 1:33
And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:13-21
*How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?
-We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger. "Beware of Pride" Ezra Taft Benson.

Psalms 26-32
26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience - He loves the Lord's house.
27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation - He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever - He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions - David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
29 David counsels, Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness - David sets forth the wonder and power of the voice of the Lord.
30 David sings praises and gives thanks to the Lord - David pleads for mercy.
31 David trusts in the Lord and rejoices in His mercy - Speaking as the Messiah he says, Into Thine hand I commit my spirit - He counsels, O love the Lord, all ye His Saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful.
32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity - David acknowledges his sin - He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks
"To fulfill this divine charge, we must be faithful in 'magnifying' our priesthood callings and responsibilities, President Harold B. Lee explained what it means to magnify the priesthood: 'When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand. That is what it means to magnify the priesthood.'"

I read the "Living Christ" this morning and want to share the last sentence of testimony:

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

I made banana nut muffins this morning. James took three of them to work with him but no one else ate any so I put them in the freezer. 

Alex and his friends went into town to play frisbee golf on the Show Low Creek course where we walk. They also went shopping at Walmart. Before they left Sky asked me if we needed anything at the store. I said no but I was impressed with her thoughtfulness.

I made a green chili stew today but didn't use any of the "hot" green chilies. James said he missed them.

We got lots of lightning, thunder and rain today. That didn't stop the kids from driving the Razr up to Green's Peak. They weren't even muddy when they returned.  

I had to pay the business credit card today and James says we need over $2,000 to pay for the repairs on the tractor. Yikes! We are having a cash crisis. Hopefully he will get paid for work done at the Phoenician very soon!

Jean Howard wants James to make a tree slab countertop, like the one she has in her bathroom at home, for the bunkhouse.

I like the sink and the faucet too. James found a 4 foot wide alligator juniper tree on our property if we could only find a saw big enough to cut the slab.

After leaving the Howard's James and I drove into town to get the oil changed in Lexy. Instead of going to Walmart where it takes anywhere from 1-3 hours we stopped at Jiffy Lube. We were in and out in 30 minutes. They really are jiffy! We enjoyed the overcast skies and walked to McDonald's where I got an ice cream cone. We walked down by President Beeler's gorgeous home and saw Show Low Creek and the green pastures with horses and cows. 

The attendant at Jiffy Lube told James the filter on the ac filter needs to be changed. He cleaned out a bunch of debri that looked like stuff a rat had drug in to make a nest. Yikes! A rat was inside my car? The filter and fan for the ac is behind the glove compartment. 

This evening I entered my ministering district in the computer. There are four sisters who visit each other that we will have to change.

The kids fixed frozen pizza for dinner and James told them about Pete the crow. 

Blast from the past.

Can you find Sheri?

Storm near Tucson

Joshua's baptism

Our bishop, his son, and his dad, all 

members of our ward.

Such a cute couple

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.

Sunday, July 2nd, 2017

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 26:1-16

*How is it a blessing to be an instrument in the hands of God?

DC 96:1-9

1, The Kirtland Stake of Zion is to be made strong; 2-5, The bishop is to divide the inheritances for the Saints; 6-9, John Johnson is to be a member of the united order.

How can we make our home (stake) strong?

*As I read these scriptures I saw such words as Order, Prayer, wisdom, and keep my commandments...

We have an obligation to "bring forth my word" (vs-4,5) for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men for your good." Good homes produce good people, who in turn produce good works and bless the Church and its members. 

Doing things that invite the Spirit will help us do the most important work of all. We also must assist the Lord in bringing forth His word. (8)

General Conference

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven knows us. He loves us, and He has provided for us all that is required so that we can become holy as He is holy. Our hope for holiness is centered in Christ, in His mercy and His grace. With faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we may become clean, without spot, when we deny ourselves of ungodliness and sincerely repent. We are baptized by water for the remission of sins. Our souls are sanctified when we receive the Holy Ghost with open hearts. Weekly, we partake of the ordinance of the sacrament. In a spirit of repentance, wit sincere desires for righteousness, we covenant that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ, remember Him, and keep His commandments so that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.

Over time, as we continually strive to become one with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we become partakers of Their divine nature. Most often it is the sacrifices we make to keep our covenants that sanctify us and make us holy."

We thought maybe we had a bat because we had seen evidence upstairs. James found him laying on the family room floor this morning and took him outside. Emmy and Molly thought he was so cool and Emmy took this picture.

It creeps me out to think that this critter was flying around my house. Later today Kacey mentioned that she thought a bird

was flying around in their room last night. I told her I didn't think it was a bird but I didn't think it would bother her tonight.

Today was our fast and testimony meeting. James and I are fasting for rain. I bore my testimony and bore my testimony of modern-day apostles and prophets. I also mentioned adding studying about the Savior's life to my scripture study because of President Nelson's talk. I enjoyed Bishop Millers, Brother Price's, and Brother Westbrook's testimonies. We had so many guests today that sacrament meeting was filled to the back of the second overflow.  

I had fifteen kids in my tiny Primary classroom. Sister Kuffer asked me to teach her class and there were lots of visitors.

Ashten and Kacey ducking their heads.

Couldn't get them all in one picture.

Molly made a friend in Primary today. He was a visitor and is four years old.

I can't remember his name, but 

I bet Molly does.

Back at home we fixed breakfast for lunch. James helped me by cooking the eggs.  It was quite delicious. I even had some cinnamon rolls for everyone.

Family time around the dining room table.

After lunch I took a nap. After my nap I got a call from Nadine Singleton. Two of her grandchildren who were visitors in my class today finished their homework papers and earned fidget spinners. Caden took the fast camoflage one and his sister Raylynn took my personal favorite, the purple. 

For dinner this evening we had burgers, steaks, beans, and corn-on-the cob.  Afterwards Jared and Kacey took their kids to Greenspeak. Some rode in the van and others rode on the Razr.

 Guess where these five rode.

Such a cute face!

We had FHE and scriptures together this evening. James told the story of how he was saved from the fire as a baby. 

I made popcorn and M&M's.

Emmy, Kacey, and Jared played Life. Molly watched The Incredibles. Earlier in the day Anna and Summer watched "The Help."  It was a good day.

Photos:

Christina and her baby Winter.

Winter was blessed today.

Cute little family.

I remember those days.

Congratulations!

Sunday, January 1, 2017

We took this picture coming home from church.

1 Nephi 1:1-15

What do you love most about the Book of Mormon?

* I love the fact that if we "keep the commandments, we will prosper in the land."  I also love the examples of God's power delivering or strengthening the obedient.  There are so many things I love about the Book of Mormon.  These are just a couple of examples.

DC 1:1-10

How have the words of the prophets been a blessing in my life?

GC: I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home by Jean B. Bingham

"One of the most significant ways we can develop and demonstrate love for our neighbor is through being generous in our thoughts and words.  Some years ago a cherished friend noted, 'The greatest form of charity may be to withhold judgment.' That is still true today."

Andy Wilhelm was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  He told about Curtis getting a priesthood blessing when he was diagnosed with leukemia.  He also told about Curtis and Johnny both being flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital and how it is a miracle neither of them had spinal meningitis.

Kip Hunsaker was a replacement speaker for Jimmy McNeil who had to go into work today because of the snow.  He spoke about baptismal covenants and the importance of teaching our children the importance of the covenants they make when they enter the Kingdom of God.  We are changed forever through baptism.  It is important to renew our covenants at the sacrament table because we need the Holy Ghost in our lives everyday.  His son Colter we just baptized on Friday.

Steve Allen is our elder's quorum president.  He spoke about commitment and testimony.  He based many of his comments on a talk by Elder Robert D. Hales, "Receiving a Testimony of Jesus Christ and His Restored Gospel."  Brother Allen stressed the importance of sharing our testimonies often throughout our lives.

Sheri, Kim, Brian, Ben, Max, Evan, and Rowan attended sacrament meeting with us.  Michael had promised me he would come, but I guess he stayed up too late last night.  Alex didn't come either which was a disappointment.  I was hoping they would want to be missionary examples to their friends.

Sheri, Ian, Ben, Evan, and Rowan went home this afternoon.  Evan and Rowan wanted to stay but Evan is sick and Sheri wanted him to come home.  Rowan was going to stay with Max until he saw how sad Evan was that he was coming home with him, so he changed his mind and went home.  Max stayed.  Alex, Shana, Michael, Alexis, Daniel, Connor, and Kim and Brian are all still here.

Sheri did not want her picture taken, but it's our

tradition.

Drive safely in the snow. 

Evan and Rowan didn't want to get out of the car for

pictures.

After lunch we had a game of Five Crowns.  Michael, Alex and their friends went to Green's Peak. 

Michael and Alexis

Michael, Daniel, Alex

I feel like I am getting sick.  I spent much of my time taking it easy today.

Maybe this is why I am feeling sick. jk

Here are some memories I wanted to share:

Max and his snowman.

The Snow family.

Such an adorable picture of Molly and Ruby

from a few years back.