Sunday, July 28th, 2019

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

Revelations 3:14

And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Book of Mormon

Alma 41:1-15

New Testament: Review: "The Lord Has Called for Us to Preach the Gospel"

General Conference

Prepared To Obtain Every Needful Thing

Elder David A. Bednar

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people - even those whom we love and trust."

Sister Shealyn Smith reported on her mission to the Indianapolis, Indiana mission. She said there were 8 things she learned while serving her mission:

1. Sacrifice - Love God and be willing to sacrifice with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

2. Count blessings - Be grateful for the blessings you enjoy in your life and thank Heavenly Father for those blessings. Look at your blessings instead of your burdens. Your burdens may become your blessings.

3. Always rely on faith - Alma 32, faith is like a growing seed planted in gospel soil. Matthew 17 - We must have faith as a grain of mustard seed.

4. Knowledge - Seek and continue to learn. Ether 12:27 - weak things may become strengths. Rely on the Spirit to learn.

5. Patience and God's timing - Trust in the Lord and have an eternal perspective. Sister Smith learned to get along with difficult companions through patience and God's timing

6. Loving and serving God's children - Being exactly obedient requires us to listen to the Spirit. The Lord puts missionaries exactly where they need to be.

7. Listening to the Spirit - Sister Smith learned to recognize when God was talking to her. See Galations 5 for a list of spiritual gifts.

8. Rely on the Savior - "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13). This is the scripture I relied on when I came down with rheumatoid arthritis. I call it "My scripture." 

God loves us and wants to bless us.

Brother/Dr. Reagan of the high council was the next speaker. He said he brings a message of love from the stake presidency and then recognized that they are all with us today sitting on the stand.

He spoke on making our homes a place of spirituality and how we should not be lulled into carnal security. 

He talked about no contention in our homes and he quoted the Savior from 3 Nephi 17:3 when he told the people to go home and ponder the things that they had learned.

The Star Spangled Banner was the closing hymn and then Rosa Westbrook gave the closing prayer. She is a sister from Mexico and she speaks with a spanish accent. I thought it was appropriate for her to give the closing prayer after singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Sister Becky Skousen gave the lesson in Relief Society from Elder Bednar's latest conference address, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing." Elder Bednar emphasizes a home-centered, Church supported curriculum and the importance of making our homes missionary training centers, family history centers, and training centers for preparing our children for the temple. It was a great lesson and we had lots of participation and lots of visitors.

Thanks to Anthony for setting up the microphone.

I had a nice phone conversation with Sheri today. I love talking to my children and I am so grateful when they call. We are worried about Max who is refusing to go to Church. I gave her some counsel on what she might do to avoid a confrontation with him. 

Kacey posted this about Charlie:

We have thought a couple of times that Charlie was saying amen after prayer. Tonight Jared got halfway through his prayer and she started saying over and over again, very clearly, "Mamen." I think she was telling him to wrap it up. It was the cutest!!"

Charlie is growing up so fast and we would be missing these moments if Kacey wasn't sharing with us. I am grateful for all that she shares so that we feel like we are a part of Charlie's life.

 Love Scarlett's Sunday photos!

Finally fits in to the 6 month dress

I gave her.

Paul's post

 A Brazilian cloudburst

Tonight's sunset in Vernon

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated:16 October 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 11:21-38

*It can be very easy to forget Heavenly father and fall into wicked ways. What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing?

- Seek to surround yourself with righteous people. Those who will uplift you and make you better. Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin. Avoid contention. Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times. Always have a prayer in your heart. Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation. All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure in faith. True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. Understand the power of covenants. Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple. Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders. Be humble and teachable, not prideful. Love God more than man. Put Him first in your life. Keep the commandments. Prayer and scripture study everyday so we don't forget Heavenly Father and Jesus. They are the givers of all our blessings. Daily repentance. Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. Love one another.

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"The Savior tells us that the very best way to know God is to become like Him. Starting on the road to becoming like Him, we repent and receive His forgiveness, and He cleanses our souls. Every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am (DC 93:1). I witnessed Elder Neil L. Maxwell's increased spiritual refinement through his ongoing suffering and his continued service as he strove to become like the Savior."

I made banana nut bread this morning, one for the Chaffin's and one for us. I visited Hailey, Braylin, Huntleigh and their ten puppies today.

 I loved the runt the best, I think that's

him in the middle.

I brought a pepperoni pizza from the Stanford store and we enjoyed lunch together. They are moving and this is probably the last time I will see them. I wish Taylor would have been there too. Hailey has all of their stuff in storage and they will be moving in a week or two. I was sad because I thought I would be able to visit one more time. They will be staying in Grant's, New Mexico with grandma and grandpa. Eventually they want to end up in Deming. Their ranch here is "off the grid" and I'm sure that is a selling factor. I am going to miss this family so much. 

Hailey gave me a new recipe to try, baked burrito casserole. 

After saying my goodbye's I drove in to Show Low to do my shopping. My first stop was CVS for James's prednisone prescription, then on to Walmart. I spent $70 for ink for my computer. Yikes!

After bringing in and putting the groceries away James and I took a break and read from "Mind Games." I blogged while James went on a Razr ride. He saw a huge elk on Nigra Knoll. This evening we watched an old Hallmark movie, "Royal Winter."

Marissa was one of the young women in our ward when

James was the bishop. Her family are some of our dear friends

and she is an amazing woman. She will be a wonderful mother.

Paul getting kisses from his dogs. Shipley is getting angry with

Vader for interferring.

Miss Lola making Playdoh tacos. Someday she might

have a taco truck.

Stephanie, who wrote this post is our friend and also the author of "Mind Games."  She really should be a comedian.

Ferrengenous Hawk

Ruby is the cutest

Holly

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 10:1-19

*How did Nephi qualify for the great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?

-My answer: The answer to the first question in found in verses 4 and 5. The last sentence in verse four says: 'Thou has not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did, yes, if it is the Lord's will. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel lie a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions. 

James: "When I serve and feel I have blessed someone elses life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what he would have done and I feel His love. I feel 'wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love.' I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I testify to you that if you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray, and repent, the heavens will open and you will know, as I know, that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and He is yours."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations. Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard - give up a poor habit or an addiction, put aside worldly pursuits, sacrifice a favorite activity because it is the Sabbath, forgive someone who has wronged you - think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him. And thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more."

We were supposed to leave for the valley by 7:30 but it was 8:00 before we pulled out of the driveway. I am supposed to pick my friend Jean up for lunch in Chandler at 11:30 but I think it will be closer to noon.

We stopped in Show Low for gas and to wash the car. Our next stop was in Miami at Burger House where we ordered several burros for Cathi and Terry and a couple for ourselves. 

Cathi and Terry surprised us by being home when we arrived. I guess the church is being cleaned and so they are working at home. 

James stayed there and will borrow Terry's truck to go to his doctors appointment and I left to pick up Jean. I had told her earlier that I was going to be a little late. Jean's house here in Chandler is up for sale. I had forgotten which one it was but when I saw the for sale sign and the vehicle from Tate's in Show Low I knew.

Jean had on a sweater and complained about being cold when we were in "Fresh Start." I wish we would have asked to sit on the patio. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and Jean had a salad. We talked a little about her grandson Dustin who is now living with them since they bailed him out of jail. Jean seemed tired so we didn't stay long. After we said our goodbye's and I gave her the visiting teaching handout I drove her home. When I left I was thinking about how I could help her and I decided I need to ask her to be a part of our Book of Mormon reading group. I guess that is what I will do next month. She can't come back to Vernon because she has to stay with Dustin and the courts won't let him come to Show Low.

I went to Hobby Lobby and spent my 40% off coupon and then some. I bought some wooden pumpkins, a wreath, and some supplies to make Alice W. a sweet sixteen candy bouquet. 

I got back to Cathi and Terry's before James was finished with his doctor's appointment. Cathi and I had a visit. I guess her brother-in-law Paul is not doing very well. He has cancer. I have been praying for him. 

James's appointment was with a rheumatologist. He ordered bloodwork which James had done at the Sonoran lab where we used to go. The bloodwork will determine what he has that is causing his laryngitis. The doctor also wrote him a prescription for prednisone.

As soon as James walked in the door he was ready to head home. I wanted Chik-fil-a on the way home and told James there was one on Power Rd. I was reading and he missed the turnoff. We ended up going to the one at Superstition Springs mall. When James makes a mistake he does everything he can to make it right. I do appreciate that about him. 

We stopped at Fry's in Globe for bananas. I am making banana nut bread for Hailey, one of the other sisters I visit teach. James also got some cranberry celebration. We also stopped at the Safeway in Show Low because I didn't think he got enough bananas.

We got home around 7:30. We stopped at the post office and my box of Doctrine and Covenant Stories that I ordered for my Primary class arrived. We changed clothes and got into our relax mode.

We watched the last episode of Heartland, called "Showdown." It was a stressful one because Tim got shot in the chest. It was the last show of the season. Our new dvd won't be here until next Monday so we have to wait that long for the next episode.

We also watched one of the new Hallmark movies, "Falling for Vermont."

The girl winds up in a town in Vermont with

amnesia and falls for the local doctor.

Typical Hallmark plot.

I am attracted to cute puppies.

Here's another one.

I love fall.

I love my hardworking hubby!

Oh, it's Holly

9/26/15

The soccer stars!

9/26/15

Darrel's car after his crash

9/26/14

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 March, 1999 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

We had 7 elk in the yard this morning.

It's hard to get them all in a picture together.

Mosiah 21:1-22

After Limhi's people revolt against the Lamanites and are beaten three times, they humble themselves before the Lord and begin to prosper.  

* How did the people change after their third defeat?

* Even though the people were not immediately delivered from captivity, how did the Lord bless them as they began to repent?

* What are you doing to seek the Lords power of deliverance from your sins?

* In what ways have you been "prospered by degrees" when you have sought the Lord's help?

Gospel Principle:

When we humble ourselves, call upon the Lord, and repent of our sins, He will hear our prayers and ease the burden of our sins in His own time.

3 Nephi 20 - The beginning of the Covenant People Discourse

1-9 Jesus miraculously provides the sacramental elements

10-22 The Fulfillment of God's Covenant with Israel

23-24 Jesus Testifies of Himself

25-46 The Gathering of Israel fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant: Priesthood, Property, Posterity, and Prosperity

DC 64:26-43

The Saints are warned against debt; The rebellious will be cut off out of Zion; The Church will judge the nations; Zion will flourish.

What great things have I seen when I have been doing service for others?

Hearts softened, love increasing, I feel closer to the Savior.  "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." My trials seem less important.

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"We learn from these New Testament sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."

"My Peace I Leave With You"

President Henry B. Eyring

Ether 12:27...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

"These words can be a comfort to us.  Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress.  Your awareness of your weaknesses is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.  The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature.

Then weak things become strong."

I went on the website northstarlds.org today to learn a little more about gender dysphoria.  Here are some things I learned:

"As we interact with those who have gender dysphoria it is important that we have heartfelt compassion, unfeigned love, emotional sensitivity, open-mindedness with an uncompromising devotion to eternal principles and to our eternal identities and potential as His sons and daughters."  

"For those who experience gender dysphoria, we know that it is possible to live your life in harmony with the gospel as you manage your dysphoria.  It is not a sin to have this condition."

These things helped me feel better but I still have alot of questions and alot to learn.  Chloe's mother said that every LDS counselor she went to, and she went to more than one, said this is not something that will change or go away.  

There is lots of smoke today because of a prescribed burn.  It makes me angry that the Forest Service doesn't care how their smoke affects people with health issues like James and Sister Hunter in our ward.  It makes it difficult to even go outside.

The elk were back again this evening.

It's like we have our own private herd.

I made banana nut muffins for dinner.  I also read to him from "To Kill a Mockingbird."  We also watched a couple of Good Witch movies, "The Good Witch's Charm," and "The Good Witch's Destiny."  The messages: Things don't always appear as they are, and we create our own destiny.

Fun Photos:

Trina says:  Don't let the boots fool you.  I

carried her the entire way.  She was so relaxed

and comfortable she took a nap.

Antelope Canyon

I wonder how it got it's name.

I miss Holly.

She had a great life.

Heavenly Father is so creative.

The Tucson temple open house starts June 1st I believe.