Tuesday, February 4th, 2020

 The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

1 Samuel 2:10

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 2:1-16

"Spiritual Capacity"

Michelle Craig

Oct 2019

"The prayer Heavenly Father seems eager to answer is our plea to be led to someone who needs our help. President Henry B. Eyring has taught us to seek revelation by asking God who we can help for Him. 'If you ask questions like that, the Holy Ghost will come and you'll feel nudges about things you can do for other people. When you go and do those things, you're on the Lord's errand, and when you're on the Lord's errand, you qualify for the gift of the Holy Ghost.'"

I got a good night sleep. I don't remember getting up during the night even once, which is unheard of.

We got ready to go this morning and said our goodbyes to Kim, Brian, Bob and Tiger. We left around 9 am. First stop was just around the corner at Filiberto's for a breakfast burrito. James had to make a stop at the Willis's to check on a paint color. I stayed in the car with my burrito. 

After Willis's we went to the Chandler post office to mail Stacy's birthday card. We would have taken it by her house but no one would have been home. Next we got on the 202 and headed for Darrel and Trina's. 

No one was home so we left Trina's Sunday bag with her birthday card in it on the front porch. 

We are going home the Payson way up Ellsworth Rd. and through Saguaro Lake. We stopped in Payson at Culver's for lunch. James ordered fish and for his sides, two bowls of chili, one for me and one for him. I also ordered the ice cream of the day, chocolate ice cream with toffee and almonds.

Today is my brother Harold's birthday. I texted him and wished him a happy birthday. He was going to lunch and asked if we wanted to go with him. I told him we were coming back from the valley and wouldn't be able to but would like to go another time.

We stopped at the post office and picked up three books.

It was 27 degrees when we got home. Cold! 

After putting all of our stuff away James laid down to take a nap. I sat on the recliner and read from "Aunt Dimity" and "Live Up To Our Privileges."

The rest of the day I blogged, walked, and listened to conference talks. We also FaceTimed with Jared, Kacey and Charlie. 

James built us a roaring fire which made it so cozy. He also checked on Laura and Savannah. Laura is at home recovering and Savannah is much better.

I watched "Teaching with Power" while walking.

It felt good to sleep in our own bed tonight.

Friday, September 6th, 2019

Draper, Utah

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 March 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

2 Peter 1:17

For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:19-33

New Testament "God is Not the Author of Confusion, But of Peace" 1 Corinthians 14-16

Today: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58

General Conference

A Home Where the Spirit of the Lord Dwells

President Henry B. Eyring

"I know that the priesthood keys restored to Joseph Smith were passed on in an unbroken line to President Russell M. Nelson. Those keys make possible the sealing of families today. I know that Heavenly Father loves us His spirit children, with a perfect love. I know that because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can repent, be cleansed, and become worthy to live in loving families forever with our Heavenly Father and with His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

I had cake for breakfast. What a way to start the day. 

We went to see James's mom this morning before my infusion. She seems to be feeling much better than the last time we saw her. She and Rebecca have been making Christmas ornaments. Here is a photo of Lois with Jack, Teresa's son. 

The round bulbs are the Christmas

ornaments.

This package was from Dawn. It contained 

a set of wind chimes.

 The table runner Lois made for me

A beautiful box with a purple necklace and

earrings, a leather journal, a card and a

$50 Amazon gift card.

The outside of the beautiful box.

Lois always showers her family with gifts and I am most grateful.

We had a nice visit and then we left around 10:15. James took me to my infusion and then he drove to Phoenix to have a meeting with Salvador and someone who wants him to build a house.

I was finished with my infusion by noon and James was waiting for me. We drove to the Olive Garden on Chandler Blvd. and the 101 for lunch. Darrel and Trina, and Kim and Brian both gave me Olive Garden gift cards for my birthday plus I ordered one with my credit card points.

I wanted tortellini but there was none on the menu so I ordered chicken and shrimp scampi. James got the stuffed chicken marsalla. I couldn't eat all of mine so I took it and gave it to Sheri. 

We dropped Stacy's cake plate off at her house. She was not there. Afterwards we drove over to Target. I wanted to look for a bag of Harkin's popcorn but they didn't have any. Brian probably got his at the Target Greatland over on Gilbert Rd. 

After Target we went to Sheri's to visit with her. Ollie barked a little at us but not like he used to. We said hi to Max and Alex and sat down to talk with Sheri. Max and Alex went to the gym and when they left James gave Sheri a blessing. It was a really good blessing and I hope it helps her. After the blessing we said goodbye and headed for home. The heat has been stifling and I can hardly wait to get back up north. We went the Payson way at my request.

When we got home the entire Vernon valley was filled with smoke. I guess there was a fire started by lightning while we were gone. It is called the Telephone Fire and started near Lake Mountain. So far about 230 acres have burned.

Our house smelled like garbage that we had forgotten to carry out. On the plus side we did catch Jif in the pantry and another mouse in the garage. We unpacked and put things away. I finished walking my 10,000 steps and then James and I watched a Hallmark movie.

It's good to be home!

 Tonight was his celebration, Monday

is his birthday.

 Arizona Highways 1948

Thursday, March 14th, 2019

Redlands, California
116th operating temple
Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Helaman 3:28

Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 32:1-9

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 12:1-37; Luke 11:14-28

"Take the Holy Spirit As Your Guide" Larry Y. Wilson, April 2018

General Conference

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"I testify that that love is made sacred through sacrifice - the sacrifice of a teacher and even more through the ultimate and eternal sacrifice of the Son of God. I bear witness that He lives! I love Him and desire to put away selfish desires in order to love and minister as He does."

I left Darrel and Trina's this morning before 9 a.m. James stayed for the walk-thru at the new house with Trina and Darrel. I stopped on the way out of town at Walmart to get a soccer ball for Johnny Wilhelm. Today is his 7th birthday. 

When I was finished shopping I hit the 202 loop north to the 87 and headed for Payson. 

I zipped right through Payson and headed for Heber where I stopped at the Circle K for a drink and to check my tires. Everything seemed to be okay so I headed for Show Low. 

I stopped at Safeway for DP10 and some fresh strawberries. My next stop was the Vernon post office. It was 34 degrees in Vernon but there was no wind and plenty of sunshine so it felt quite good. 

My next stop was the Wilhelm home to deliver Johnny's soccer ball. One of the dogs jumped on me and got mud on my pants, the ball, and the envelope to the birthday card. Curtis took the ball because Johnny wasn't home.

If felt good to be back home even though I was only gone 24 hours. As soon as I walked in the house my phone rang. It was Johnny in his cute little "grownup" voice thanking me for the soccer ball. 

The only not great thing about being home is all of the mud that I had to go through to get her. Poor Lexy is a mess.

James called me an hour or so after I got home and said he was on his way home. 

We spent a relaxing evening at home together watching the new Hallmark movies, "Love Under the Rainbow."

We both liked this cheesy Hallmark movie.

Just before going to be James checked his phone and he had a text from Dawn about his mother. Lois went in this morning for a procedure on her heart. It was supposed to be an outpatient procedure but her blood pressure went very low and so did her heart rate. We were both quite stressed as we went to bed and offered a prayer for Lois. We both felt guilty. I had been telling James he needed to call his mom for the past week. When he didn't do it, I felt prompted to call, but I never did. Thank goodness she is going to be all right and we have another chance.

These pictures bring me so much joy!

Tuesday, December 25th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 11:42

Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 6:1-7:19

#2 - Ether 10-12

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"During mortality, Heavenly Father provides us with the conditions we need to progress within His plan. The Father begot Jesus Christ in the flesh and provided Him with divine help to fulfill His mortal mission. Heavenly Father will likewise help each of us if we will strive to keep His commandments. The Father gives us agency. Our lives are in His hands, and our 'days are known' and 'shall not be numbered less.' And He ensures that eventually all things work for the good of those who love Him."

Merry Christmas!

We got up around 6:30. Alex took a shower and then the boys "opened the Christmas room."

After all the gifts are unwrapped, James, Sheri, and I start breakfast. James and I are making biscuits and gravy with venison and Sheri is making bacon. Stacy brought bacon too, Trina brought eggs and German pancakes, and Kim and Brian brought juice. There was plenty of food. Those attending this Christmas extravaganza: Sheri, Ian, Alex, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Joe, Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Michael, Dallin, Sarah, and Adam, Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, and Lola. Those were the people. The dogs included: Ollie, Shipley, Vader, and Dallin and Sarah's dog, Charlie.

 Christmas Day in the morning: Chandler

Whitehouse, Texas

After breakfast in Chandler:

Some people went outside to play in the backyard

and others lounged around on the couch.

Sarah, Dallin, Charlie, and Joe. Stacy by the door.

After everyone had left we cleaned up and waited for Ben's phone call. The minute I saw he face on Sheri's phone screen I began to tear up. We talked to him for a few minutes but the Trezise's talked for an hour. 

Ben and Elder Nelson in the same sweater.

Before leaving Sheri's Gail came down and visited with James. I think he was in town for Christmas and to see Kit's baby. He wanted to make sure James was ok after his back surgery.

I packed up our car and we said our goodbye's and headed for Darrel and Trina's. We wanted to see their Christmas presents and visit for a few minutes. 

Here we are in Mesa at Darrel and Trina's new house. They are in the drywall phase. Hopefully they will be able to move in sometime in March or early April.

At their rental where they now live:

Ruby got a robe, slippers, and a bunny mug.

Lola on the move. Notice that she is barefooted.

Lots of things to ride this year.

 I don't think she ever got it out of the driveway.

So fun!

I drove to the McDonald's in Globe, which was open by the way, and James drove the rest of the way home. He had said we would be home by 4:30 but it was actually 4:36. 

I begin unpacking and putting everything away. Although we had a great time celebrating with family, it is nice to be home. Here is a list of the Christmas gifts I received:

From Lois and Dawn - An Amazon gift card for $30,  a runner for the table and three aprons that Lois made. President Nelson's book, The Teachings of Russell M. Nelson and a DVD about his life from Kim and Brian. A loopy case for my phone, a family photo, and an Olive Garden gift card from Sheri and Ian. Scotch mellows and a $50 Cheesecake Factory card from Darrel and Trina. Family photos and serving at the Salvation Army from Jared and Kacey. A beautiful garnet/diamond necklace from James. It was a wonderful Christmas and has been a great year.

Such a sweet family!

I love this picture!

Christmas wouldn't be complete without sweet Charlie!

Merry Christmas from some of our friends:

 The Harding's

The Morrison's and Johnson's

 Pam's dad and the Grinch

 The Wilhelm's and Ellsworth's

Bishop Miller and family