Monday, February 12th, 2018

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-28 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:43

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:10-25

* Why is it important to me to have the light of the gospel in my life?

Old Testament

Leviticus 2-3

2 How offerings of flour with oil and incense are made.

3 Peace offerings are made with animals without blemish, whose blood is sprinkled on the altar - Israel is forbidden to eat fat or blood.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 6:2-3

2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord:

3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" The Lord loves to be with us. It is no coincidence that when you are feeling His Spirit and acting on first promptings that you feel Him as He promised: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'"

It is windy today. There is supposed to be rain on Wednesday. I hope that rain turns into snow. 

James is having problems changing the brakes on his truck. I went out to push on the brake while he watched to see if it was working.

I did 20 minutes of exercise this morning while listening to the songs from "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack. I like all the songs, probably the first one is my least favorite but Rowan says it is his favorite.

I got a message from Vickie and Harold's grandson Jeffrey today about family history. It is nice to know that he is still working on it.

I went into town with James to have his brake roter turned only to find out he had to buy a new one for $100 which also included new brake pads. He says it would have cost him $350 if he wasn't doing it himself. 

Next stop was Walmart for Gracie's birthday present and some more stuff for Valentines. 

Today is Trina's 36th birthday. We wished her a happy birthday this morning but will also take her a card and gift on Thursday. I got her an $50 Amazon card. 

Looks like Trina is a little disgusted waiting 

for the subway in New York.

Addy posted the rest of the Trina pictures under

the caption: "To the Best Mom in the World."

One of my very favorite couples

I love this family and I love this photo!

The night they came to the cabin in 

December they stopped here first. I am dying to go!

Trina says she doesn't like to run but

she does love the Turkey Trot.

As we leave Walmart we have salsa verde Doritos and Utah truffles for the ride home. We finished reading, "The Marshall Takes a Bride."

I take a nap when we get home and James finishes the brakes and walks over 18,000 steps.  I'm trying for 12,000.

We had a roast for dinner. 

There is snow in Flagstaff where these two newlyweds live. I'm happy for them but I wish we had some here.

Met in February and married in July.

Stacy called and said her ward would like to come up in April with the young women so they can go to the Snowflake temple. There will be 20 young women and 4 leaders.

I actually finished January on my blog. Now I'm only 12 days behind.  

For FHE we listened to Elder Haleck's talk "The Heart of the Widow" and then watched an episode of Heartland.

Monday, January 29th, 2018

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 9:6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:21-19:6

*How does Nephi remind me of Christ?

(Compare with Mark 4:34-39)

Old Testament

Exodus 14-15

14 Israel goes out of Egypt - Israel passes through the Red Sea on dry ground - The Lord overthrows the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

15 The children of Israel sing the song of Moses - They extol the Lord as a man of war and rejoice in their deliverance from Egypt - The waters of Marah are healed - The Lord promises to free Israel from the diseases of Egypt.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God?Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Arden

"The greater the light in our lives, the fewer the shadows. However, even in an abundance of light, we are exposed to people and comments that misrepresent our beliefs and try our faith. The Apostle James wrote that 'the trying of our faith worketh patience' (James 1:3). With this insight, Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, 'A patient disciple....will not be surprised nor undone when the Church is misrepresented."

Notes on an article in the January Ensign about counseling.

"Counseling invites revelation, increases unity, and brings power. 1. Focus - start with a specific, meaningful issue or need. 2. Prespectives - frame the issue or need as a question. 3. Power-seek revelation." 'The most important work happens between meetings.'-Jean B. Bingham. 'As we bind ourselves to act, the Lord will sanctify our efforts.' - Sharon Eubank. "Sit in council and promote righteous action." 

James left in his truck this morning to get supplies for the Howard job. I said to him: "But you don't have brakes. He says: "That's ok, I don't use them very much anyway." Yikes!

Sister Howard is much better today but still doesn't recognize people. 

I have an appointment tomorrow with Catherine Halcomb, a new sister that I visit teach that I have not met yet. We also have lunch with Elder Heyman tomorrow. 

Today I cleaned floors, took over 10,000 steps, and paid tithing for December. 

We watched the last episode of Heartland season 5. Tim found Jack passed out in the snow during Georgie's birthday party and fireworks show. Georgie's brother buys Phoenix for her and lets her stay at Heartland.

I couldn't resist posting this again.

I would want this guy if he would stay this size.

I can dream can't I.

Good to remember.

Monday, January 8th, 2017

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 19:16

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi. Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 15-17; Abraham 4

Genesis 15

Abram desires offspring-The Lord promises him seed in number as the stars-Abram believes the promise-His seed will be strangers in Egypt-Then, after four generations, they will inherit Canaan.

Genesis 16

Sarai gives Hagar to Abram as his wife-Hagar flees from Sarai-An angel commands Hagar to return and submit herself to Sarai-Hagar bears Ishmael.

Genesis 17

Abram is commanded to be perfect-He will be a father of many nations-His name is changed to Abraham-The Lord covenants to be a God unto Abraham and his seed forever-Also the Lord gives Abraham the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession-Circumcision becomes a token of the everlasting covenant between God and Abraham-Sarai's name is changed to Sarah-She will bear Isaac, with whom the Lord will establish His covenant-Abraham and the men of his house are circumcised.

Abraham 4

The Gods plan the creation of the earth and all life thereon-Their plans for the six days of creation are set forth.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"It is important to recognize that this good man's vivid revelation of his sins and shortcomings did not discourage him or lead him to despair. Yes, he felt shock and remorse. He felt keenly his need to repent. He had been humbled, yet he felt gratitude, peace, and hope-real hope-because of Jesus Christ, 'the living bread which came down from heaven.' My friend spoke of the gap he perceived in his dream between his llife and the holiness of God. Holiness is the right word. To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ means to pursue holiness. God commands, 'Be ye holy; for I am holy.'"

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Attack me, if you wish, I do this myself, but don't attack...the path I follow....If I know the way home but am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way simply because I am staggering from side to side? ...Do not gleefully shout, 'Look at him!...There he is crawling into a bog!' No, do not gloat, but give...your help to anyone trying to walk the road back to God."

It is 8:45 and James still isn't up. He says his back and leg hurts. When he did get up he unloaded the dishwasher, fixed breakfast, made the bed, got the mail, and worked outside. He also got the top ornaments off the tree and helped me order a new wifi device from Verizon. 

It was overcast and the high was around 52 today. A storm is coming, according to my weather app. 

We watched the new Aurora Teagarden mystery and an episode of "Heartland," "Helping Hands." Mallory covers for Georgie and they actually bond.

 I love that big snowflake!

I love this photo of Alex and Shayna

Anna and James, all grown up.

Wednesday, December 27th, 2017

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152 operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sept 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 3:16

and even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:35-48

*Why do you think meekness and lowliness of heart are necessary in order to have faith and hope in the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 35:24

Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound; and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish;

General Conference

Apart, But Still One

Elder Joni L. Koch

"Brothers and sisters, we have no right to portray anybody, including from our Church circle, as a badly finished product! Rather, our words about our fellow beings should reflect our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and that, in Him and through Him, we can always change for the better!"

I am feeling a little better today. I still had some chills and achiness so I took a shower and some Tramadol and I feel better. 

Sheri and Ian's family isn't coming until tomorrow so I have one more day to re-cooperate. 

The Crane's Suburban broke down again on the way home from the valley. This time they may need a new engine. Chuck asked to borrow our trailer on Saturday to tow it down to the valley so their son-in-law can fix it again.

James is working on the Hatch bid today. We read from "A Touch of Scarlet". Elizabeth forgives her mom. I also caught up on my Doctrine and Covenants, General Conference talks, and other scripture goals. 

By 1:30 I only had 4,000 steps. I ended up with 14,005. 

It was 60 degrees today. If I didn't know better I would believe in global warming.

I am two weeks behind on my blog. That is not a good way to end the year. 

Today I watched: "Cancel Christmas," and "The Christmas Dance."  James and I also watched "Heartland."

The Luke's

The flu season is in full swing. The nurses

at Gilbert Mercy aren't taking any chances.

Joshua at the circus with his cousins.

Tuesday, October 17th, 2017

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 1:11

But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before Him.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:1-14

*How and why is Satan trying to divide people today?

-When there is division in the gospel, or any message really, we cannot move forward. It stops progress. It stops every good thing. It stops love and kindness. We have been counseled that when we are not one, then we are not His. Satan knows his time is running out and that in the last days even the elect will be deceived. There is no strength in division. We become weak and find our hearts seeking other treasures than God's kingdom. What must we do personally to be more humble and repentant in a divided world?

How will I seek peace and feel hope despite so much corruption in this world?

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 84:33-39

33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;

36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Fathers kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Jean B. Bingham

"How do we find joy despite the difficulties of mortal life? Lasting joy is found in focusing on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living the gospel as demonstrated and taught by Him. The more we learn about, have faith in, and emulate Jesus Christ, the more we come to understand that He is the source of all healing peace and eternal progress. He invites each of us to come unto Him, an invitation that President Henry B. Eyring has characterized as 'the most important invitation anyone could accept.'"

Here are some other things I studied today: Mosiah 4:2, The Priesthood and Church Government in the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual, my patriarchal blessing, the Ensign, the Proclamation to the World on the Family, The Living Christ, "Prophetic Events in the Latter Days," Alma 5:30, and the New Era.

The first thing I saw when I looked outside this morning was smoke. James was so upset he took action. His friend Anthony gave him a number to call and then Anthony took his cat and headed for a motel room in Holbrook. James made phone calls, told others to make calls, and visited the website of the agency who allows the Forest Service to burn. He also did a post on Facebook. (I think Lou on Heartland inspire him when she took on the oil drillers in her neighborhood).

 Our friend Judy ended up in the hospital last year with pneumonia. Others become very sick. We have had enough!! 

I cleaned in the family room and living room today. I dusted, swept, cleaned and polished the wood floor. It looks beautiful! I left for town around 3:30 to do my grocery shopping. James did his errands earlier. Too bad we aren't on the same schedule. 

I went to Safeway for DP10, fruits, veggies and meat. My next stop was Aliberto's for two tacos. It is Tuesday after all. Most of my time was spent and Walmart and then on the way home I had to fill the car with gas. It was after 7 when I got home. James had made his own dinner. After putting all the groceries away I finished blogging while watching Heartland: "Do or Die." We also read a chapter from "Miss Leslie's Secret."

Photos:

The Twelve Apostles

Since Elder Hales passing there are now 11.

My Legos

To complain about the burn:

Colter a few years ago helping the ward gather wood.

Putting in a waterline.

Varnishing the rails upstairs.

Such a handsome guy.

So sweet!

Molly has a new friend.

The corn maze in Snowflake is a blast!

Elk

Monday, September 25th, 2017

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Deuteronomy 34:10

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

Helaman 9:18-41

As we prepare for General Conference let's remember that the words of prophets will be fulfilled. (See DC 1:37-38)

*It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe. What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

-Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Young Women's President:

"Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense, that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles. Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward, but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan's lies."

DC 138:45-60

*How has your appreciation for temples grown since reading these verses?

- scripturestudy: "I love everything about the temple. The peace and joy I feel from being in the house of my Lord and that I can serve those who have passed on and they can receive of eternal blessings. I also believe that as I help those on the other side of the veil that they will help me and my family here. We are becoming one with our Savior and each other as we serve each other and do temple work and are sealed to each other eternally. I love everything about the temple. vs. 56 - 'Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.' I love this, that we knew each other in the premortal life and we were tutored and taught and were determined to do our part in mortality."

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Christ's perfect love overcomes temptations to harm, coerce, bully, or oppress. Christ's perfect love allows us to walk with humility, dignity, and a bold confidence as followers of our beloved Savior. Christ's perfect love gives us the confidence to press through our fears and place our complete trust in the power and goodness of our Heavenly Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ."

Instead of turning on the fan this morning when I got up, I turned up the space heater in the dining room.

After scriptures and prayer with James I read a chapter from "Mind Games" to him. I then prepared the steak for tonight's meal and put it in the crockpot. 

Kaeli, my visiting teacher came for a visit around 10 a.m. She brought her kids, Natalie and Guy with her. Guy is walking now and he did a little exploring. Natalie knows where the Barbie's are and went straight upstairs. At one point she wanted me to come up and help her put dresses on all of the Barbie's. We ran out of Barbie's before we ran out of dresses and this was a little upsetting to Natalie. Kaeli and I had a good visit. I enjoyed having them come and see me. 

After they left James and I had lunch and a rest time. I also worked on my blog before starting the mashed potatoes for tonight's meal. 

Around 5 p.m. James and I packed half the steak and gravy, mashed potaotes and corn up and took it to the Scott's. We visited with them a few minutes before leaving. Millie is able to use one of her arms and was in good spirits tonight. I always enjoy visiting with her. 

We came home and enjoyed our dinner. James took a Razr ride out to pick up his camera at Chocolate Lake and saw some elk.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Christofferson's conference talk about warning our neighbor. We then watched Heartland, "Summer's End."

Not sure what they are doing or where they are,

but I love these two!

lambsondallen

Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell in

their square dancing days.

Lindsey and Mark as butterflies

The entire country is upset with the NFL

players for disrespecting the American flag.

Max and Ollie

Oliver Trezise

Our little Minion 2015

What a face

Peppermint Patty residue

Joshua 2011

James, Aunt Gene, Denise

2015