Sunday, March 19, 2017

Curitiba, Brazil 

126th operating temple

Jacob 3:1-14

3 The pure in heart receive the pleasing word of God - Lamanite righteousness exceeds that of the Nephites - Jacob warns against fornicstion, lasciviousness, and every sin. About 544-421 B.C.

Why does Jacob choose to say 'awake' in this chapter instead of just repent or change?  What do you visualize in Jacob 3:11?

Alma 41-42

41 In the Resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery - Wickedness never was happiness - Carnal men are without God in the world - Every person receives again in the Restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality. About 74 B.C.

42 Mortality is a probationary time to enable man to repent and serve God - The Fall brought temporal and spiritual death upon all mankind - Redemption comes through repentance - God Himself atones for the sins of the world - Mercy is for those who repent - All others are subject to God's justice - Mercy comes because of the Atonement - Only the truly penitent are saved.

DC 43:24-35

23-28, The Lord calls upon men by His own voice and through the forces of nature; 29-35, The Millennium and the binding of Satan will come.

How can we let the solemnities of eternity rest upon our minds so that we may always have an eternal perspective?

General Conference

Principles and Promises

President Thomas S. Monson

" May we care for our bodies and our minds by observing the principles set forth in the Word of Wisdom, a divinely provided plan.  With all my heart and soul, I testify of the glorious blessings which await us as we do."

The Perfect Path to Happiness

President Thomas S. Monson

" We are blessed to have the truth.  We have a mandate to share the truth.  Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit.  He has told us, 'This is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.'"

Sister Curtis and Brother Kearl were the speakers in sacrament meeting today.  My Primary lesson: "Important Ordinances Are Restored."  Those attending my class:  Jace, Jerom, Curtis, Lianna.

Curtis took marbles from the prize box after Primary and it made me worried because he has a little brother who is only one.  I messaged his mom and she assured me she would monitor them, which made me feel better. 

Sister Gillespie lived most of her life right here in Vernon.  Her son and daughter-in-law are in our ward.  She was blind for 20 years and still led the music.  She memorized all the hymns.

James and I had fish for lunch and then we took a nap.  We had our home teachers come this afternoon, Bishop Miller and Jace A.  We had a nice visit.  Bishop knows one of our friends from Chandler, Brother Bear.  In fact, the Bear's own property in Vernon and the bishop pastures his horse on the Bear's land.

I tried a new banana nut bread recipe today.  This one calls for chocolate.  It was quite good but the chocolate overcame the taste of the bananas.  I promised James I would make some regular banana bread with walnuts later in the week.

Someone must have liked it.

I studied and James indexed this evening.  Before going to bed we started a new book.

Fun Photos:

Kacey posted this picture.

I absolutely love it.

Molly looks so cute.

Montezuma's Castle here in Arizona

Temple girls: 

Alice, Holly, Shelly

Alex and Michael's graduation party

Alex's graduation announcement photo

Michael's graduation announcement photo

Sunday, September 20, 2015

Weston and Trenda

Today was Weston Hall's missionary farewell.  He will be serving in the same mission his dad served in, the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission.  He brother Kendall is in Argentina right now serving in another mission.  

Weston said there were two things that helped him prepare for his mission.  One was scuba diving into the Book of Mormon instead of just swimming.  He said Jacob 1:18-19 was especially meaningful to him.  The other thing that helped him was attending missionary prep.  

Weston is a very friendly guy and I think he will be an outstanding missionary.

Weston said that one of the things in his life that he was the most grateful for was his mom.  He said that without her he probably wouldn't be going on a mission.  It was a nice tribute.

Shelly Applegate was the youth speaker and she spoke on self-esteem and did a great job.  Shelly is one of my favorite young women.
Elder White, one of our missionaries, spoke on service, and Bishop Miller finished up the meeting.  I am excited for Weston and his family.  He will be missed here in Vernon though.
Today in our Primary class we talked about the apostle Peter and his testimony.  I gave the kids this handout on the five points of a testimony:

I had to make it bigger because it was so blurry.

I encouraged the children to include these five elements when they bore their testimonies and I asked Braylin if he would come prepared to bear his testimony next week in class.

These were the children who attended class today: Zemira, Braylin, Jolee, Kasey, and Ashten.  

After the block John Wilhelm invited James and I into the bishops office.  His father, Mel Wilhelm, who is the ward Sunday School president, was in the bishop's office waiting for us.  John issued the call for James to be a Sunday School teacher and at this time be assigned to the Gospel Doctrine class.  James said he would be glad to accept the call as long as he had a voice.  He did say he was a little intimidated because he had never taught adults before.  I am just sad that I won't be able to attend his lessons because I will be in Primary.

James came home and made us this for lunch:

 A chili dog with onions and a salad.

Jared had a date with Camie Burgi last night in Gilbert.  They went to watch her son perform at a coffee house.  He is the lead singer in a rock band. Today he is flying home to El Paso.  Camie invited him to her house for lunch.  Camie sent me this picture and message:

"Jared came over for dinner.  We wish you and James were here."

I sent this message back:

"You two look like you belong together.  We wish we were there too!"

This afternoon we had a visit from our new home teachers, Dave Westbrook, and Austin Carroll.  It was a nice visit.  Dave is our age, and Austin is Maddie's older brother.  He is probably in his early 20's.  

When our home teacher's left we read our scriptures and from our book, "The Baron's Honourable Daughter."  Afterwards we went on a Razr ride.  Of course James blew his elk call but we didn't see any bulls, only a cow and a calf. Sorry, I didn't get any pictures.

We came home from our ride and watched a Hallmark movie.

The Galveston 3rd ward in Chandler has a new bishopric.  The bishop is Eric Wanlass and his counselors are Brother Allen who was in the old bishopric, and Mike Ellsworth.  There was also a boundary change and the ward lost several families to the Pleasant 1st ward, including: The McCook's, Max was sad because his best friend is one of the McCook boys, Brennan and Laurie Ray, Bishop Lewis, and Sister McAfee.

Church friends, Lynda Tanner, Sean Hunsaker, and Lorraine Vaught.

Sister McAfee and her fans

Sister McAfee was the Primary chorister in the Galveston 3rd ward.

She is now in the Pleasant 1st ward and the Galveston 3rd ward has no chorister for their upcoming Primary Program.

These girls made it back to the south rim today.  It wasn't easy, but they did it!  Trystin hurt her knee and had to take the shuttle.

It looks like Sheri is smiling, 

but she's really just gritting her teeth.

 

Sunday, December 21, 2014

It's Christmas at our house!

 Thanks to James we have a decorated tree and the house looked like Christmas when Darrel & Trina and the kids arrived tonight after 10.  

I gave my lesson to the Mia Maids and Beehives today.  There were two girls: Heaven and Hope.  Rosie and Analee were also there.  We discussed things we need to do to have a Christ-centered home.  I love lessons that focus on the Savior.  

Stefani taught the Laurels, Jordyn and Shelly.

After the block I attended BYC with Shelly.  The focus in BYC is to come up with ways to fellowship those who are less-active.  It was a good meeting.  

I had a visit with Collin DeWitt while I was waiting for James to come and pick me up after BYC.  He said he attended Phoenix Union High School, (where I would have gone if I would have stayed in Phoenix instead of moving to Show Low), and because he was white he got beatup almost everyday after school.  I felt such compassion for him and can only imagine how terrifying that was for him.  He said the next year his family moved and he finished his high school career at Camelback High School.

I got home and ate lunch and Collin and Chuck, our home teachers came over for a visit.  Of course we talked about how we are leaving for a few months and Collin told about he and Wendy putting in their mission papers.  That is what we wish we were doing.

This afternoon I watched movies and wrapped presents.  James went home teaching to the Peeler's and then came home and decorated the tree and house.

He insisted on putting our nativity set on the

entryway table.  I said since he was doing the decorating he could put it anywhere he wanted to.

Max got to be part of a Christmas nativity.

The baby belongs to the Luke's.

 

Rowan was a wiseman at his grandma Case's this week.

 We love the Case family!

Westley and Lacey were sealed in the temple on

Saturday, December 20th.  

There are some Lambson's in there too!

 

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Christlike Attributes:

"Hope"

I firmly believe that I

will dwell with God 

and become like Him

Ether 12:4

One of my greatest desires

is to inherit eternal life

Moroni 7:41

This morning before church I studied the Sunday School lesson from the book of Isaiah entitled: "Thou Hast Done Wonderful Things."  I also made chocolate lasagna for tonight's dessert.  We are having Harold, Vickie, Dennis, and Denise over for dinner.  

The Smith's, Wes and Teresa, reported on their mission to Colby, Kansas.  Teresa told of a woman who was born and raised in Kansas and had lived there all her life.  This woman spoke with a British accent.  When Teresa asked how this could be the woman told her she had fallen down the stairs and hit her head and had spoke with the accent ever since.  She said: "They have tried to get me to speak like a Kansas hick, but nothing works."

It was raining when we got out of church today.

After church and lunch our home teachers, Collin DeWitt and Chuck Crane came for a visit.  Afterwards James went to take a nap.  I started working in the kitchen.  The roast was already in and the desserts were made.  I made mashed potatoes, rolls, and James helped with the salad. We also had corn and asparagus.

Although we enjoyed visiting with my brothers and their wives, I have decided these dinners need to be on Saturday instead of Sunday.  I am upset that I didn't take any pictures! Vickie did give me this picture:

Monte's girls: Madison & Kaytlynn

Harold and Vickie have retired from their Dishnetwork business.

Brian and Cher left for their new home in Vancouver, Washington this week.

Dennis and Denise our going to Del Rio, Texas this week for Lizzie's baptism.  Lizzie is Jenifer's third daughter.  

I am grateful to James.  While I was visiting he cleaned the kitchen and did all of the dishes. 

After everyone was gone I made a visit to Julie Wilhelm to take her the visiting teaching message.  She will be gone this week and I will be gone the next week.  She said I was the first visiting teacher she has ever had that actually made a visit.  How sad.

 

 

Sunday, June 29, 2014

"How tragic that God so loved the world that He gave His Only Begotten Son, and the world is so blind and apathetic that it does not care.  It turns away from the gift as if it were of no consequence whatever."

-Elder Gerald N. Lund

A smokey sunrise.

Although James said he knew that our home would be okay and we would survive the fire just as a precautionary measure he went around yesterday and took pictures of almost everything in our house of any value at all.  

President Williams, our stake president, spoke to us in our sacrament meeting this morning.  He was there to bring comfort and lend his support.  He said that within just a few hours after the fire began on Thursday he received a call from Church headquarters in

Salt Lake asking him what could be done for the people of Vernon.  I have to say that really got to me.  I know that we are loved by a kind and gracious Heavenly Father and we are in His hands.  I know that He wants us to take care of each other.  What a comfort it is to know the Church has a system in place that makes this possible.  

Jordyn, Shelly, and Hope sang "Come Unto Christ" in sacrament meeting today.  They were accompanied by Elder Stott.  It was beautiful!  

Our home teachers, Chuck Crane and Collin DeWitt came by for a visit this afternoon.  The first presidency message was on family history work and Chuck shared some stories from his family regarding family history.  It was a nice visit.  

At 4pm James and I both attended the Book of Mormon class taught by Sean Hunsaker.  We read and discussed 2 Nephi 9:25-2 Nephi 11.  We met Juanita.  We had a discussion about suicide because of a question Ellen Kostusiak had.  Ellen comes faithfully but she is not a member because she has a word of wisdom problem.  

James went home teaching to the Hunsaker's and the Wilehelm's and then we went to watch the fire.  The back burn was like an early fireworks show.  James and I rode the Razr down and watched it for awhile.  It almost looks like they may have done too much. 

Sunday, March 23, 2014

If any man will do His will, he shall

know of the doctrine, whether it

be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

-John 7:17

"Baptism is an act of faith, not a step taken 

based on sure knowledge."

I got up this morning and threw all the cookies away in the house.  There are two things I really need to improve in, in my life: My eating and spending habits.  I woke up at 2:08 and could not go back to sleep so I finally got up and lay down on the recliner for about an hour.  

We got a new Relief Society Presidency today.  Just as Diana and I predicted, Kaeli Nicoll was called as the president.  Her counselors are Ann Miller and Tamara Applegate.  Kaeli was a counselor in Young Women's and has only been a member of the Church for two or three years and she is only 26 or 27 years old.  Her husband was just hired by the Tempe Fire Department and is in training which means they are gone during the week.

Shanna Penrod and Tom Howard were the speakers in sacrament meeting.  Trenda was asked to bear her testimony and did such a wonderful job.  

In Sunday School we talked about the eternal marriages of Isaac and Rebekah and Jacob and Rachel and Leah.  

 Denice Hall gave the lesson in Young Women's on how the Atonement can help us with our trials.  Denice's niece from Round Valley, Shelby, visited. Shelly, Jordyn, Alice, Trenda, and Coty were the only other girls attending.  Everyone else was gone for spring break.

Right after the block Rosie and I visited with Lannie Gillespie and gave her the visiting teaching message.  

Our home teacher's, Chuck Crane, and Collin Dewitt visited this afternoon.  James told them about his finance problem and how he's starting a new job this week.  After they left we had lunch and then James went home teaching to the Peeler's and I got ready and left for Show Low.  I had a temple recommend interview with President Van Winkle.  President Van Winkle was going to leave for Snowflake after my interview.  His brother who has been inactive for years is being ordained an elder.  While serving time in prison he read the Book of Mormon and gained a testimony.  Such a neat story.

I was so tired when I got home and joined James for a nap which ended up being two hours.  I guess I needed it after getting up so early this morning.  

This evening I read from the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price.  I also read from The Book Thief to James in front of the fire.  It was a nice way to end the day.

My friend, Tammy Cluff Montgomery posted this picture on Facebook:

 

Sunday, February 23, 2014

James had high council meeting in Show Low at 6:00.  He left after we had family prayer around 5:20.  He made it back in time for us to attend our Sunday meetings together. 

 I have a thing for light and clouds.

Aaron Windsor was the youth speaker.  He spoke on the importance of using good language and "taming your tongue."  The Diewalds', Jim and Linda spoke on their service at the cannery.  They were just released from a two year service mission.  

In Sunday School we discussed the Abrahamic Covenant, one of my favorite gospel topics.  

Denice Hall, the bishop's wife, gave the lesson in Young Women's.  We watched a video about making choices where a girl explains to her friend why she doesn't believe in a woman's right to have an abortion.  It was one of the best answers I have ever heard.  She said that Heavenly Father gave us the powers to create life and it would be going against His purpose to then destroy that life.  She spoke about how life doesn't begin or end in this life and of the sanctity of marriage.  It was great.  

After the block we had a song practice with the young women in the Relief Society room.  Dianna brought some snacks and Tamara Applegate helped the girls practice their song "Come Unto Christ" which they are singing at New Beginnings on Wednesday.  

There is one table easel in the library and we need 8 more by Wednesday.  I am so grateful I have a husband with some carpentry skills and that he is going to be home to help me make these easels.  
When I returned from our song practice our home teachers were visiting, Collin Dewitt and Chuck Crane.  After they left we had lunch and then a nap. 

At 4pm we went to the Book of Mormon class.  We finished through 1 Nephi 15.  Afterwards I went with James to visit the Peeler's, a family he home teaches.  The Peeler's are a retired older couple.  They are both temple workers and Brother Peeler is the Stake Sunday School President.  Sister Peeler's back was bothering her.  She said she would be going to the chiropractor's tomorrow.

My sunset picture

James's sunset picture.

This evening James and I watched a movie we have already seen but really enjoyed called "Love's Enduring Promise."

Facebook finds:

I have a thing for castles and snow.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

This first thing I did this morning when I got up was finish making out and addressing Christmas cards.  I hadn't been in the mood to send them until now.  Around 9 am our home teachers, Brothers Church Crane and Collin Dewitt came for a visit.  Collin brought cookies and we gave cookies and a calender to each of them.  We had a nice visit about the importance of missionary work.  When they left I finished packing and getting ready to go to Chandler.  James sat and read his Uncle Delbert's book, "When Comes the Spring."

It takes me awhile to pack up because I am all the Christmas presents I have yet to wrap.  Well James waits until I am ready to go to decide that he needs to winterize everything, so instead of him waiting for me, I am waiting for him. 

We made cookie deliveries to the following people: Alex Jones, Kaeli Nicoll, and the Covert's.  We took Lynda Tanner a wax warmer, night light and Uncle Delbert's book.  She posted on Facebook a little later in the day how much she loved the book.  She knows Uncle Delbert and really likes him.

We meet Bishop Hall in the parking lot of Panda Express to deliver his family's cookies.  I told him to make sure Westin got his fair share because of the help that he gave me the other night when we went caroling.  On the way out of Show Low we went through the post office and mailed our Christmas cards.  We went the Payson way so we could drop off gifts to Dennis and Denise, and Harold and Vickie.  It was snowing when we left.  Here are some pictures I took at home and along the way.

We stopped for water at the Circle K in Star Valley.  James is tired of driving so I drive the rest of the way to Chandler so he can get some rest.  We arrive at the house, unload the car, and take Michael to Olive Garden for his birthday dinner. 

This was my dinner, chicken, pasta, and peppers in

a delicious sauce, topped with cheese.

After Olive Garden I went shopping at Walmart to get some food for tomorrow.  I see Charlotte Mattice in the parking lot and visit with her for a minute. 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

I got up this morning and colored my hair because yesterday James told me he saw lots of gray.  I should have taken my shower before James took his bath because he used most of the hot water.

We got a text from Presidential Realty today.  The buyer wants to reduce the price by $100,000.  No thank you Layne Peterson from Silver Creek Investment, we will pass.  It is very discouraging!

Today is Lannie Gillespie's birthday and I had a gift for her but I forgot to bring it.  James was coming later so I called and asked him to bring it.  He did, but he dropped the card.  He goes home to get it before going to Show Low to visit the Country Club Manor Elder's Quorum.  I do appreciate him.  Lannie is such a dear friend and I am so grateful to be her visiting teacher

The Pete and Donna Stock family speak in our sacrament meeting.  It is really to say hello and then goodbye.  Donna and the kids have been in our ward for about a month but now they are moving back to Show Low to be with their dad and husband. 

In Sunday School we talked about the importance and blessing of having a prophet of God lead the Church. 

In Young Women's Diana Curtis gave a lesson on the attributes of Christ.  I think this lesson saved me.  I really needed it today.  Some of the attributes of Christ are: Faith, hope, charity and love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, and obedience.  Here is what it says about patience in the Preach My Gospel manual on p. 120:  "Patience is the capacity to endure delay, trouble, opposition, or suffering without becoming angry, frustrated, or anxious.  It is the ability to do God's will and accept His timing.  When you are patient, you hold up under pressure and are able to face adversity calmly and hopefully.  Patience is related to hope and faith - you must wait for the Lord's promised blessings to be fulfilled.  You need patience in your everyday experiences and relationships, especially with your companion.  You must be patient with all people, yourself included, as you work to overcome faults and weaknesses."

I had my Burger House green chili burro for lunch.  When James got home I made him a grilled tuna and cheese sandwich with tomato soup.  He ate both of his burros yesterday.

James rests while I clean before our home teachers come.  When Collin and Chuck, our home teachers get here after the message, we visit about choosing a new fire chief for Vernon, James's leg, and my arthritis. 

Today on Facebook:

Paul is in the center of the picture.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Today is Kim and Brian's 18th Anniversary.  Brian gave Kim these flowers.  He is so thoughtful.

Kim's anniversary bouquet

I planted some dahlia bulbs quite awhile ago.  Finally one of them bloomed

Not nearly as full and beautiful as Carmen's.

I saw this quote on Facebook and just had to post it.

A quote by Ronald Reagan.

I got up early to study the Book of Mormon and today's Sunday School lesson.  I am also catching up on my Sunday journal.  James got up late, at 8:15.  We barely make it to Church on time.  We sit in the second row because of James's leg and walker.

Today our ward is fasting for missionary work and reactivation.  I was so proud of Shelly Applegate and Coty Iannoli.  They both bore their testimonies in sacrament meeting.  Donna Stock gives a powerful closing prayer.

In Sunday School the lesson was on the building of the Salt Lake Temple.  Brother Wilhelm loves having me read.  I don't know why.

During the third hour we have a combined meeting on the ward mission plan.  There is a stake youth fireside tonight that I completely forgot about.  I can't go because I am having Harold, Vickie, Dennis and Denise over for Denise's and Vickie's birthdays.  We are having a steak dinner.  

Our home teachers came this afternoon, Collin DeWitt and Chuck Crane.  Wendy DeWitt just returned from a speaking engagement with Glenn Beck.  

James cooked melt in your mouth steaks for our dinner guests this evening.  We also had corn, salad, beans, croissants, and Red Lobster cheddar biscuits, plus German chocolate cake and ice cream for dessert. 

It's always interesting when my brothers and their wives come for dinner.  We got caught up on all the Tenney news.  Chris Butler, the guy who married Janny St. Onge, was married to Randy Tenney's daughter Cori.  Gary Tenney helped Randy and Rita sell some land and then kept most of the profits.  Randy and Debbie lost their house and they are now living in the hotel.  Rita is helping run the hotel.  Vickie and Denise do not like Chris Butler.  Oh dear.