Friday, November 24th, 2017

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 6:51

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 5:13-6:5

What does it mean to you to be "in the hands of God?" (v.23)

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy explained some blessings suggested by being in God hands: "To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children... Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone. How do we learn to extend our hand and connect to the comfort provided by the Lord? Here are four keys: Learn, Listen, Seek the Spirit, Pray always. The Lord will supply sustenance and support if we are willing to open the door and receive His hand of divine assistance. Imagine the wounds in His hands. His weathered hands, His hands of torn flesh and physical sacrifice, giving our own hands greater power and direction. It is the wounded Christ who leads us through our moments of difficulty. it is He who bears us up when we need direction, or even more courage to continue. If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him, we will go forward with faith, and never feel alone."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:20-21

20 Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.

21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. 

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I have a deep conviction that if we lose our ties to those who have gone before us, including our pioneer forefathers and mothers, we will lose a very precious treasure. Rising generations must have the same kind of faith that the early Saints had in the Lord Jesus Christ and His gospel."

The turkey was in the roaster oven by 8 a.m. I made another apple pie to take to the temple tomorrow.  Kim and Brian should get here around 1p.m.

I also made mashed potatoes, green beans, Stove Top stuffing, and gravy. Kim and Brian arrived around 12:30 and began making the pumpkin delight dessert. James was happy to see that they brought some Cranberry Celebration from Fry's. 

Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious. I should have taken a picture. James made the comment that this food was so much better than yesterday's. I said yes, but it wasn't made by the Indians. 

James worked on the patio. I went in to the bedroom to watch a Christmas movie and Kim and Brian settled in to watch TV in the family room. I watched "A Boyfriend for Christmas," and "Christmas at Cartwright's." Later in the evening we watched "A Bramble House Christmas" with Kim and Brian. 

Kim tried to help James with the lights on the tree, but several are still not working.

Evan broke his toe playing outside in the backyard. The sad thing is that Joshua and Rowan were going to spend the night, but they had to go home while he went to the doctors.

 The second toe

I was on a roll tonight!

Rondalee gets married

Brother Grapp and Emsley 

Brother Grapp is carrying a box of food to give away

My friend Hailey

Salt Lake is ready for Christmas

I love this picture

Boots, a scooter, a balloon, singing a song.

Perfect.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Bogota, Colombia, 
57th operating temple.

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people He knew would reject the message?

Alma 5:1-40

To gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments, be born again, cleanse their garments through the blood of Christ, be humble and strip themselves from pride and envy, and do the works of righteousness, whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.

DC 31:1-13

How can verse 2 bring us comfort if we have family members who have strayed?

Talk: "Followers of Christ"

By: Dallin H. Oaks

April 2013

GC:     "If Ye Had Known Me" by Elder David A. Bednar

'Pressing forward on the strait and narrow path is what He would have us do.  Tasting the fruit of the tree and becoming deeply "converted unto the Lord are the blessings He yearns for us to receive."  Hence, He beckons us 'Come follow me.'

Both exercising faith in and following Jesus Christ are necessary preparations for serving Him.'

"Preach My Gospel" - Using the Book of Mormon in missionary work.

James requested I read a couple of chapters from "Lady of the Lakes."  I also read from "Contrite Spirit," chapter 12 regarding 

Expectations.

My Primary lesson this month is on the witnesses of the gold plates.  To me it is interesting that the Lord provided 12 witnesses of the gold plates just as he provided 12 witnesses of the Savior.

Sedona

I worked on learning how to use Hope Chest on Family Search today but as of yet I have not actually used it.  After blogging, taking a shower, and a nap I cleaned in the family/living room.  I dusted, vacuumed, including the couch, and polished part of the floor where James walks from outside to the fireplace. 

After my inside cleaning I went outside and picked up pinecones just outside the living room.  We have a pine tree that loves to drop pine cones.  

I also paid some bills while James was upstairs working on taxes.  We did two things together today.  We read 3 chapters from "Lady of the Lakes," and watched the newest episode of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."  This episode was about the aftermath of displaced people as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  This was the best episode yet!  Norman and Rita are engaged and Shane and Oliver kissed.

Photos and Information

 Happy Birthday Karen!

She turns 70 today.

Six of my beautiful grandchildren.

James loves to study in front of the fire.

Here he is pondering a gospel topic.

Lola helped Trina decorate Addy's room.

I am a little concerned about this.

Are some of our rights being taken away?

Friday, January 20, 2017

The San Diego temple is Kacey's favorite.

This is a picture she has in her home.

1 Nephi 15:1-18

Why is it important to avoid the spirit of contention?

2 Nephi 9:45-11:7

DC 10:34-43

How can we prepare to receive wisdom or counsel from the Lord?

Talk: "Thou Shalt Receive Revelation"

By: Bruce R. McConkie

October 1978

GC: "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves

'Amulek testified, "I would that ye would come forth and harden

not your hearts any longer;...if ye will repent...

immediately shall the great plan of redemption be

brought about unto you."

Today was Donald Trump's Inauguration as President of the United States.  There were women protest marches all across America.  I am not sure what they are protesting.

In Arizona a huge storm has moved in with lots of rain in the valley and snow in the high country.  Wouldn't you know we would get snow when I am gone.

Sedona

I had an early morning blogging session this morning before James got up.  I don't blame him for sleeping in.  Jared's bed is really comfortable.  Thanks Jared for letting us stay in your cozy house!

We had breakfast, showers, and studied this morning before leaving.  I ironed and decided that not only do I like Jared's bed but I also love his iron!  We left at 9 a.m. for San Antonio.  We hit rush hour traffic going through El Paso and it was a very slow race getting out of town.  

When we went through Van Horn I had to text my friend Hailey because Van Horn is her hometown. 

 I read from "Not a Word" while James drove.  Our friend Stephanie is the author.  Stephanie comes from Mormon Royalty.  Bruce R. McConkie is her grandfather and Joseph Fielding Smith is her great grandfather.  Stephanie and her husband and children were in our ward in Chandler over 20 years ago.  She was the choir director and that is the only time I ever sang in the choir.  You would think Stephanie might write church books, but she writes murder mysteries, the non-gory type.  We are really liking this book.

The speed limit going to El Paso was 75 mph.  From El Paso to San Antonio is has been 80 mph through basically flat, dusty country.

We stopped in Ft. Stockton for lunch at Sonic and Taco Bell, and gas.  We looked for a Whataburger but could not find one.  Funny, because Texas is the home of Whataburgers.  

We stopped again on the outskirts of San Antonio for gas.  When James started up the car again it made a horrible clanging noise.  He called Erik and held the phone up to the engine for Erik to listen.  Erik thought for sure our engine was gone.  James put in a quart of oil and we started back down the freeway sounding like the Beverly Hillbillies.  Kacey was lining up a mechanic that her ward members had suggested.  I said a prayer and talked to Heavenly Father about the fact that we were far from home, attending the temple marriage of our son and we needed His help.  Soon the noise stopped and we have not heard it again.  A tender mercy or a miracle for sure.

James, Anna, James, Tanner, Michael, McCoy, Albert, Lauren,

Christina, Molly, April, Emmy, Summer and Macy.

The two families that will be joined together tomorrow.

As soon as we arrive at Jared's and Kacey's Jared has to go pick up James from work so we go with him but not before Molly tells me all about Rosa Parks.  

Molly and her friend Rosa.

James works at Bill Miller's BBQ where he is in charge of frying the chicken.  He has burns on his arms to prove it. 

We found a Whataburger and stopped there for some dinner.  Kim and Brian gave James a gift card for Christmas.  Back at the house Kacey's family arrives.  Albert invites James to Jared's bachelor party.  He says they are going to Wendy's to get vanilla frosty's and to talk about family history.  

I gave Anna her birthday card, Young Women's necklace, and a hug.  When it came time to go to bed we are sleeping in Kacey's room.  Molly slept in the room to and Emmy was supposed to but she ended up sleeping in Summer's room with Kacey.  Kacey said she talked all night long.  

Kacey's House

 Beautiful piece of furniture

New table minus the chairs.

I love the frig and the things on top of the cabinet.

I also love the guy sneaking food.

Brick'em Young 

San Diego temple.

The backyard had a hot tub which was a big

hit with the kids.

Kacey has four sisters and three brothers.

Friday, October 30, 2015

No pinion picking today,

we are headed to the valley!

Sheri's thoughtful text:

"Casual prayer won't be enough  Reading a few verses of scripture won't be enough.  Doing the minimum of what the Lord asks us won't be enough.  Hoping that we will have the Atonement work in our llives and that we will perhaps sometimes feel the influence of the Holy Ghost won't be enough.  Only a steady ever-increasing effort will allow the Lord to take us to higher ground."

-Pres. Henry B. Eyring

We wanted to leave for the valley by 7am.  It was a little after 7 when we left the first time.  We went back for the book "Rough Stone Rolling", and to turn the water off.  We are off again.  Two miles down the road we have to go back for checks.  Finally we are on our way with no turnarounds!

On the way to Show Low we listen to our scriptures from the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.  We stop in Show Low at Burger King for a potty break and some breakfast.  Back on the road we listen to Cleon Skousen's talk from 1980 on The Atonement.  It is so good!  Sheri recommended it.

 Sheri posted this on Facebook

 As we arrive in the valley we get off on Power Rd. to pick up thyroid pills at Dr. Allen's.  On to Chandler where I drop James off at the job and then I go to the mall for a snack.  I got James a brownie at Barnes and Noble and then I get a cinnamon sugar pretzel at Wetzel Pretzel.  James calls for me to pick him up.

We drive from the jobsite to Security Title to pick up our check from the sale of the house.  Immediately we drive to the bank and deposit it. 

James drops me off at Sheri's where I wait for her and Kim.  We are going for a late lunch.  Sheri decides she can't go to lunch so she leaves to do errands.  It's about 2:30 when Kim picks me up.  We go to Zupa's for lunch.  We both feel so much better after we eat!

Kim drops me off at the Springhill Marriott which is just across the street from Zupa's and the mall.  James has already checked in to room 113.  

James and I both take a nap until a little before five when we start getting ready to pick up Evan and Joshua for the Trunk or Treat in Rowan's ward.

Trina's brother Westley and his wife Lacy and their three little girls went to the Trunk of Treat too.  

Evan's costume was the most fun to put on.  

Baemax strikes again!

I loved Addy's costume.  She wanted to be the Queen of Hearts so Trina told her to look on Pinterest for costume ideas.  Trina came up with this:

The cutest Queen of Hearts

I've ever seen!

 Ruby as Cinderella in the Halloween

Parade at her school.

Rowan as a storm trooper and

Joshua as Master Chief.

 Tinkerbell was afraid her mom

was going to leave her I think.

This was by far the best Trunk or Treat any of us had ever been to.

I think Trina and Darrel belong to the Emerald Bay ward in Gilbert.

They had a bounce house, an inflatable slide, popcorn, and cotton candy, as well as hot chocolate, chili, cornbread and hotdogs.

They had carnival games with cookies and cupcakes for prizes.  After the carnival aspect of the night, the kids got to go around Trunk or Treating.  Here are some pictures:

Lola, Gpa, and Joshua

The cutest couple at the 

Trunk or Treat!

Lola's dinner was a bun,

eaten on the run.

 Lola loves grandpa and he loves her!

Lola making a getaway.

The dance floor was a big hit.

They even had a limbo contest.

Saturday, August 30, 2014

"Your feelings of kindness and forgiveness toward others come as your divine inheritance from Him as His child."

-President Henry B. Eyring

A work of art.

James and Addy watched Rowan and Ruby while Darrel, Trina, Lola, myself, Adam, Alex and Seth went to Walmart.  On the way home I stopped and got a couple of pizzas at Peter Piper.  

Bryce, Trina's brother, came up today with his kids.  I guess he's giving Lexy a chance to adjust to the new baby.  

James helped the kids put a tarp over the clubhouse.

President Addy and some of her club members.

Both Rowan and Ruby got club points today because they caught

horned toads.  Ruby also saw a small snake. 

The kids all had fun with their dad's taking rides to the swing, the pit, and chocolate lake.

 Kayla and Addy after their Razr ride.

  Rowan put together a Lego fire truck kit while Kreed and Ruby looked on.

 Ruby tried to help.

Rowan lending a hand.

I cut up a watermelon and James and I took it to the church where I gave it to Diana Curtis to take to the Mayfield's for the Young Women's activity.  The young women are doing chores, riding horses and having a BBQ.  I am staying home to help fix dinner and celebrate Addy's birthday.  

For dinner we had pork chops, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and salad.  Ruby helped me peel potatoes.

 Ruby did not stop until she peeled the whole potato.

She started another when I told her we had enough.

She said: "Oh good, because my arm was getting tired."

After dinner we celebrated Addy's birthday with chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, cookie and cream and strawberry ice cream.

 

James took the older boys, Alex, Adam and Seth out hunting.  They came back empty handed.