Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012 by

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 Mosiah 21:23-22:16

31-32 The people make covenants with God.

35 The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized but no one had the authority.

Mosiah 22:1 - The people desire to be out of bondage.

3 Gideon has an idea!

9 The king likes Gideon's plan.

10 The people escape and return to Zarahemla.

T/S The temporal deliverance of the Lord's people is but a type, an illustration of the Holy One's role in delivering His chosen from the fiery darts of the evil one.

* What have you learned from Mosiah 21-22 that would give encouragement to anyone who needed to experience the Lord's power to deliver us from sin?

* Repentance is essential to your happiness in this life and throughout eternity.  Repentance is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings.  It is a change of mind and heart... It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness.  It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "The Lord will give relief with divine power when you seek deliverance in humility and faith in Jesus Christ.  Don't say, 'No one understands me; I can't sort it out or get the help I need.' Those comments are self-defeating.  No one can help you without faith and effort on your part.  Your personal growth requires that. Don't look for a life virtually free from discomfort, pain, pressure, challenge, or grief, for those are the tools a loving Father uses to stimulate our personal growth and understanding.  As the scriptures repeatedly affirm, you will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ....Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings.  That leads to hope, and hope bring charity, the pure love of Christ - that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power."' ("To Be Healed," Ensign, May 1994, 8).

3 Nephi 21

1-7 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon is a Sign of the Father's Work.

8-11 Joseph Smith and the Great and Marvelous Work.

12-21 The unrepentant Gentiles to be destroyed.

22-29 The Establishment of the New Jerusalem.

3 Nephi 22

1-17 The Savior Quotes Isaiah on the Gathering of Israel.

DC 65-66

65 Revelation on prayer given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 30, 1831.

The keys of the kingdom of God are committed to man on earth, and the gospel cause will triumph; The millennial kingdom of heaven will come and join the kingdom of God on earth.

66 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith.  At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

The everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel; Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.

What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven?

The kingdom of God is Christ's Church on the earth.  We are preparing for the kingdom of Heaven when Christ will come down from Heaven and lead His Church upon earth.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our Father ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives.  The cultural element of this plan was the promise that Jesus Christ would offer Himself as a sacrifice, to rescue us from sin and death.  Our task in that plan is to accept the Savior's sacrifice by obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

Here are some gospel study notes I took: We are commanded to repent of all our sins.  The Lord will show us the things we need to repent of.  If we are faithful in doing the Lord's will, He will be with us and will bless us so we can accomplish what He requires of us.  The Lord wants us to forsake all things that cumber our spiritual progress.  The Lord knows our specific challenges and temptations.  If we continue faithfully to the end we will receive eternal life.  

After prayer and a few pages from "To Kill a Mockingbird," James left for the valley.  I won't be leaving until later this afternoon. He points out that the elk are here again this morning before he gives me a goodbye kiss.

Today after my gospel studies I paid bill, worked on my blog, Primary lesson, and family history.  I left for the valley around 3:30 and went through Salt River Canyon because of the sun and rush hour traffic.  After a couple of stops for gas and an ice cream, and a carwash at Sam's Club in Chandler to get the bugs off my grill and windshield, I arrived at Cathi's and Terry's around sundown.

They are having new tar paper put on their roof because of leaks, so all the tile pieces are taken off.  Cathi says they have been sick because they got the flu from James.  I feel so bad.  

James is hungry so we go to IHOP to get something to eat.  I got the Swedish crepes.  The were very good but I couldn't eat them all so now I have something to look forward to in the morning.

Yummy!

It is pretty late when we get back to Cathi and Terry's and since James will start early in the morning, we go straight to bed.

Fun Photos and Quotes:

A fun time while Addy and Trina were at

Science camp.

Hannigan Meadows

Molly in El Paso, playing in the snow.

Indy's lookalike getting her teeth brushed.

A 1,500 year old tree in South Carolina

A stalking leopard.

We have some real cowboys around here.

Havasupai

Havasupai

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

2 Nephi 33:1-15

Nephi's words are true - They testify of Christ - Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi's words - They shall stand as a witness before the judgment bar.

When has the Lord asked you to do something and you follow through simply for the sake of obedience?

Alma 34

Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation - Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish - The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God - The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance - Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings - This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God - Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

DC 42:66-78

61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed; 70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support Church officers;

How can daily repentance bring us closer to Christ?

- "No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily chose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior's Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, whenever you go. Living in this manner, you can truly 'always retain a remission of your sins' and thus be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time." - Elder Jorg Klebingat, October 2014.

DCSM, page 386 - overcoming Sin and Obtaining Forgiveness

"When we think of the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the suffering He endured for us, we would be ingrates if we did not appreciate it so far as our power made it possible.  He suffered and died for us, yet if we do not repent, all His anguish and pain on our account are futile." (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," p. 145.)

General Conference

Emissaries for the Church

Jeffrey R. Holland

"We are asking you as home teachers to be God's emissaries to His children to love and care and pray for the people you are assigned, as we love and care and pray for you."

This morning I worked on perfecting my hashbrowns in my cast iron skillet.  I still have a ways to go.

I found out today that Cathi has been very ill and even in the hospital.  They finally diagnosed her with cellulitis and got her on a powerful antibiotic.  James says she is pretty lethargic and has not energy.  She called and I told her about my experience with cellullitis in my face.  Hers is in her neck and shoulder.  

My friend Claire has been in Washington state visiting her daughter Marlie who is living with her dad.  She was going to bring her back here but her ex-husband made sure Marlie was not available.  Finally on Monday Claire went to Marlie's school and got to see her.  After counseling with her mom Claire decided to let Marlie stay until school is out and then will bring her back here to live with her.  Claire will be back in Phoenix tomorrow and needs a ride to Vernon.  I told her mom, Amy, I was going down tomorrow and she could bring my car back because I could come back with James in his truck.  Amy said Claire doesn't feel comfortable driving someone else's car but could she, Amy, go down with me tomorrow and bring Claire back.  I told her that was a great idea and I would pick her up around noon tomorrow.

Havasupai

I am reading a book called "The Contrite Spirit."  In this book the story of Lydia Knight, wife of Newell Knight, is told.  Newell died as they were getting ready to leave Nauvoo leaving her with 7 children.  I read a section called The Ravens Will Feed You.  Lydia experienced deprivation I can't even imagine but through it all she remained faithful and was willling to give all she had for the cause of Zion.  She is one of my new heroines. 

Spring Break Roadtrip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Lola went around sampling the herbs and then told Trina:

"I had a salad for lunch."

 Lola is doing her own thing.

James lost his phone today at the Sam's Club gas pumps.  Someone from the Mattress Pro store which is next door, found it.  James was so grateful he said he would by a mattress, or rather a box springs from him. 

The dog groomer came to Cathi's today to groom Indy and Lady.  James opened the door and was a little shocked.  Heather, the name of the groomer, had a low-cut tank top on with two skeletons with large teeth tatooed on her chest.  James was a little embarrassed and went in the bedroom.  They funny thing is that she is LDS and was just called as a young women's leader in her ward.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Vernon.  Thank goodness the smoke is all gone and there is no wind.  James gave me a list of things to bring with me tomorrow that he forgot: His breathing machine, his phone charger, a key to the doctor's office he is working on, and his watch.

After paying bills, blogging and studying I watched a Hallmark movied called: "Perfect on Paper."

I read about baptism and confirmation in the Preach My Gospel manual.  

Jared texted me to tell me that I am going to be a great-grandmother.  Autumn is expecting a baby.  Congratulations are in order.  Jared, this also means you are going to be a grandpa.

He and Kacey are leaving for San Antonio today.  They are taking his kids to Six Flags on Friday.

Fun Photos:

Ronald and Veleda on their wedding day almost 68 years ago.

Veleda was my mom's best friend and Ronald played football with my dad.

The Trezise men and boys

This was when J.D. was still alive.

James's birdhouse

Jared playing a game with Molly while

Emmy and James look on.

Stop in Greer for ice cream.

Thursday, August 18, 2016

I love Elder Scott

Alma 52:1-18

1 - The Lamanites discover Amalickiah is dead. Teancum killed him.

2 - They retreated to Mulek and sought protection in their fortifications.

3 - Amalickiah's brother Ammoron is appointed to be king.

4 - Ammoron comandeed that they maintain those cities which they had taken through the shedding of blood.

6 - Teancum prepares for another battle.

7 - He continues to prepare until Moroni sends a large number of men to strengthen his army.

8 - Moroni tells Teancum to retain all the prisoners he has taken as a ransom for those the Lamanites have taken.

9 - He also tells him to fortify the land Bountiful, and secure the narrow pass which led into the land northward

10 - Moroni asks Teancum to be faithful in maintaining that quarter of the land.

12 - Ammoron arches forth against the Nephites on the borders by the west sea.

13 - He commands another army to harass the Nephites by the east sea.

14 - The Nephites are in dangerous circumstances at the end of the 26th year.

16 - Teancum received orders to make an attack upon the city of Mulek, and retake it if it were possible.

17 - Teancum waits for Moroni so he might receive strength to his army.

18 - Moroni arrives with his army at the latter end of the 27th years of the reign of the judges.

We had a busy day today.  We went to help Charlotte and I did an upgrade on her Ipad and now we can't open it because she doesn't remember the Apple ID or password.  I took it home with me and worked on it and tried to contact Apple but I had no luck.  I am taking it back to Charlotte's tomorrow and we are going to call Apple Support.

We took my car to Sears to get it lubed.  Tomorrow James has an appointment in Mesa for his truck.

For dinner tonight Sheri suggested I make breakfast, blueberry muffins, eggs, and bacon.  Instead I made the muffins for an after school snack and then we took the boys to IHOP.

Delicious food and great company!

The moon as we came out of IHOP.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Max played grandpa again in chess and came very close to beating him, again.  Keep trying Max!  You can do it!

Just a random picture I took.

Evan happened to see me and waved.

Here are some pictures from Havasupai:

Alex took this picture.

I am not sure who the people are.

Another one of Alex's pictures.

He takes some good ones!

Alex, Ben, and Ian.

Sheri and Rachel.

Sorry I didn't get a picture of Rachel's 

husband Dillon.

Darrel and Trina.  We were all a little worried

about Darrel because of his arthritis.

I will post more pictures tomorrow.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

51

Havasupai, the adventure begins.

I can hardly wait for more pictures!

Alma 51:22-37

How do I access the power of the Atonement to help me with my heavy concerns today, or any day, with any concern, regardless?

I can call upon and rely on the Atonement of my Savior to help me fight my battles I am facing today.

How did the personal preparedness of each of Teancum's soldiers turn the tides of Amalickiah's success?

Every soldier matters.  Every soldier contributes to the overall success of the unit.

I love Max.  Today I ask for a fan and he brought me the one that he and Evan use upstairs when they are making their videos.  

After taking the boys to school I realize I have six hours to do what I need to do.  It sounds like alot of time but it goes by fast.  

I watched a television interview with Evan McMullin.  

He is LDS and I liked most of what he said, including the

fact that he would try to overturn Roe vs. Wade.  I just think he

entered the race a little too late.

I pick up Evan at 3:10 and then Max at 4.  James takes them to Xtreme Air.  There is one here in Chandler but Max says the one in Tempe is better, so away they went.  I guess they had a good time.

Part of it is an obstacle course

James took some videos but I don't know

how to post videos on my blog.

Go Evan!

Did Max have more fun than Evan?

No smiles here.

I went out to East Mesa and picked up Addy for her birthday date.  She wanted to go to Barnes and Noble so we drove back to the Chandler mall because I thought we might meet the boys there.

A "Pop" of Hagrid from Harry Potter.

Three books from the latest 

Rick Riordan series.

Silly Addy!

The boys did meet us at the food court.  Evan looked very pale and went to the bath room where he got sick.  Afterwards he came back and said he was hungry and he ordered his usual meal from Subway.  Max said he wanted a pizza from Pizza Hut so I ordered it and they picked it up on the way home.  Addy and I both ate at Paradise Bakery.  Of course Max had to get a sugar cookie.

Trina's mom is babysitting for Darrel and Trina while they are gone to Havasupai.  She was running Rowan to Scouts when I left and when Addy and I returned they were at the park where Rowan had basketball practice.  I had to take a picture of the sunset:

I love taking my grandkids on birthday date.  I had so much fun with Addy!

Back at home Evan read to me from the book he is reading:

Notice who the author is.

Max and grandpa played a game of chess.  Max almost won!

Grandpa, the thinker.

We had no problem getting the boys to bed tonight.  They were exhausted!