Friday, December 21st, 2018

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 16:8

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 14:8-31

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 8-9

Old Testament

Malachi 2

General Conference

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion

Elder Shayne M. Bowen

"I have read the accounts of the First Vision; I have read the Book of Mormon. I have prayed s directed by Moroni and asked 'God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ' if the Book of Mormon is true. I bear witness today that I know the Book of Mormon, as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, is 'the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.' The Prophet Joseph also declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.'"

Here are the talks I listened to today:

"To Walk Humbly with Thy God," by Marlin K. Jensen

"Be Thou Humble" by Steven E. Snow

"The Eternal Everyday" by Quentin L. Cook

"A Humble and a Contrite Heart" by Gordon B. Hinckley

"Continue in Patience" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Turn to the Lord" by Bishop Christopher Waddell

My favorite was the one on patience by Elder Uchtdorf. The attributes for this week and humility and patience. I need to work on both, especially patience. Here are a few notes I took on Elder Uchtdorf's talk: "Acquiring patience requires steady and consistent work. Impatience is a symptom of selfishness. We must refine our natures through patience. Knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience. Patience is a process of perfection."

I had wrapped gifts for a needy family in our ward this morning. I asked Tamara if she would deliver them because I did not want them to know they were from me. James and I took the gifts over to Tamara's on the way to deliver our banana nut bread.

James delivered to the Peeler's and the Wilhelm's last night. The Peeler's reported back to him that it was the best banana bread they had ever had. Wow! They are certainly nice. I was a little worried about it because I had to brown some of the bananas in the oven. 

After dropping the Campbell gifts off at Tamara's we headed for the Howard's. Today is their granddaughter Hunter's birthday and they are taking her to lunch so they wanted us to come early. The horses we waiting for us.

Jean loved the electric blanket I bought for her. I told Tom that the banana bread was for him but he had to share with Jean and maybe she would share her blanket with him. Tom made sure we saw the big stuffed animals along the ledge by their ceiling. My favorites were Mr. and Mrs. Lion.

Our next stop was the Halcomb's. Catherine was ready for us. Kerri was gone to work. The first thing Catherine did was go up to James and rub his face and ask him where his beard was. She said he needed a beard for Christmas. She had to show us her eskimo, husky village. She said it's worth thousands of dollars and that Kerri will inherit it. We also saw her and Kerri's nativity collection and Catherine's Santa collection. We gave them banana nut bread, each a blanket, Catherine some cozy Christmas socks, and I gave Kerri a conductor's hat because she is always conducting Relief Society. Later in the day Kerri came by and dropped this off at our house. 

We stopped by the Grapp's to deliver their bread and gifts but they were not home. From the Grapp's we drove in to Show Low. Our first stop was Taco Bell for lunch. We actually went inside to eat. I do not like eating in the car especially with messy Taco Bell food. 

Next we went to Walmart. We went in with the idea of buying each other a small Christmas gift. We agreed that the limit would be $20 each but although I came closer than James, neither of us stayed within that limit. I bought James a pair of shoes and a blue and green plaid flannel shirt which suits him perfectly. He bought me a silver/gold garnet and diamond tear drop necklace that cost well over $50. 

James actually saw his shoes as we were walking out to the car. He said they were too small, so I had to turn around and go back inside and get 8 1/2's. I hope they aren't too big.

I told James I wanted an ugly sweater like this one to wear to our family Christmas party tomorrow night.

He said I should have told him before we went in. He's right, I can't really blame him for not getting me this lovely sweater.

I accomplished one more thing today besides delivering banana nut bread. I got a ministering sister companion for Diana Curtis. She is new in the ward and her name is Candace Campbell.

Today's Christmas movies:

"The Christmas Clause," "Holiday Wishes," and a new one, "Christmas for the Books."

The view from upstairs

 Opening her gift from us

 I love how Charlie points with 

her finger

Monday, June 18th, 2018

Mesa, Arizona
7th operating temple
Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927
By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

2 Nephi 4:26

O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?

Book of Mormon

Alma 18:12-43

*What did Ammon desire of King Lamoni?

- Ammon wanted King Lamoni to listen to the gospel message he came to share and to take advantage of Christ's Atonement. It is important that our daily activities don't distract us from listening to the Spirit. Brad Wilcox: "Following the Spirit allows me to be at peace."

Old Testament

2 Kings 23-24

23 Josiah reads the book of the covenant to the people - They covenant to keep the commandments - Josiah overturns the worship of false gods, removes the sodomites, and puts down idolatry - Idolatrous priests are slain - Judah holds a solemn Passover - Egypt subjects the land of Judah.

24 Jerusalem is besieged and taken by Nebuchadnezzar - Many of the people of Judah are carried captive into Babylon - Zedekiah becomes king in Jerusalem - He rebels against Babylon.

General Conference

Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Massimo De Feo

"True disciples love to serve. They know that serving is an expression of true love and a covenant they made at baptism. Regardless of their callings in the Church or their role in the community, they feel an increasing desire to love and serve the Lord and one another."

Happy Birthday Ruby

Wearing her bunny earrings

and butterfly necklace.

Gift Table

She took the time to read her cards.

Lots of neat gifts, from a Mermaid tail
and costume that she can swim in, to
a crouqet set.

 Ruby is 9!

After Ruby's birthday celebration, Darrel, Trina and the kids climbed in the car and headed for the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert. 

Lola refused to get out of the car.

I'm not sure where Ruby is.

Hiking around looking for the forest. 

Trina says it should be called the

Petrified Desert.

There's Ruby, and Kreed too.

I told Darrel that Lola reminded me of him. I remember a few

time when we went on vacation that he refused to get out of the

car and once he stayed in the hotel while we took a trip down the

Rogue River in Oregon.

I like this photo of Darrel

James and Darrel went to the Howard's to pick up the couch that

they are giving us. Trina and I and the kids were not far behind. The kids wanted to see the horses again and they were hoping maybe they could ride them but no such luck. Tom was just leaving as we were driving up. 

Mirage is in labor but still wanted people to pet her. These kids love these horses and dogs. Next time they come up we will go riding for sure.

Ian and Brian both have June birthdays
Out celebrating!

 Jared & Kacey officially moved to
Tyler, Texas on Saturday.

Woohoo!

Woohoo again!

This photo was taken in March when
there was still snow on the ground.

 "Nothing I enjoy more than a
juicy stick!"

Kreed, Lola, and Rowan

Rowan caught a bunny but I think

he wants out!

The fire restrictions didn't stop Darrel

from grilling some delicious 

carne asada on our gas grill.

Sunday, June 17th, 2018

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Alma 18:1-11

*How was Ammon's reaction to adversity an act of faith?

- He went fearlessly to teach the gospel to the Lamanites. When he is faced with adversity he fearlessly fights them off. Ammon had confidence in the Lord and His work. Faith and fear cannot exist at the same time. When we have faith and confidence in the Lord we can be great missionaries like Ammon.

Old Testament

2 Kings 21-22

21 Manasseh turns Judah to idolatry, even sacrificing a son to a heathen god - Prophets foretell the destruction of Judah and Jerusalem - Wickedness continues under Amon

22 Josiah reigns in righteousness in Judah - Hilkiah repairs the temple and finds the book of the law - Josiah sorrows because of the wickedness of his fathers - Huldah prophesies wrath upon the people but blessings upon Josiah.

General Conference

With One Accord

Sister Reyna I. Aburto

"Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of unity with His Father. They are one in purpose in love, and in works, with 'the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.'"

The last weigh-in for the Chunky Monkey Weight Loss Challenge.

I lost 1.8 lbs and James lost 3. He is at 137 and a woman never reveals her weight unless she is forced to. Darrel concedes that dad beat him but we still have to wait for Tristyn to report and she is five hours behind us so it will be this afternoon.

James and I made green chili stew using the beef stew meat I had in the refrigerator. We will have the stew after church. I also made some banana nut muffins for breakfast. 

I got James a new drinking container for Father's Day.

Prettier than the red one.

In sacrament meeting this morning several people gave reports on the Stake Youth Trek which was held this week in the hills near Vernon. 
Jace loved his family and had a great experience. They even had a family cheer as they gathered in a circle and put their families in the middle and shouted, "Go family!"

Ty was pioneer Peter McBride and told about his experiences. His said his family was chaotic. Peter McBride was a 6 year old when he crossed the plains and his father died. 

Macy was impressed with one of the girls on the trek who got run over by a cart and kept going and never complained. 

Brother Nichols was a pa. He said he was proud of the youth in this stake. Holly, from our ward, got blisters on her feet the first day and never complained. He said that the wagon master, Brother John W., was brutal. He called one of the more difficult hills, John's Revenge.

Brother Wilhelm said that this is indeed a choice generation.

Sister Nichols said they walked 30 miles and she loved when they sang, "Nearer My God to Thee."

Layne H. said he learned that working together makes work easier.

Finally it was time for the high councilman, Brother Wright to speak. He reminded us that the gospel does matter in our lives. He told the story of his parents who came from broken families and did not grow up with the gospel. When the missionaries taught them they embraced it. We need to strengthen and unify our families and all members. He said an indication of unity was seen on the trek this week among the 170 youth who participated. 

Brother Smith taught Sunday School. The lesson was Old Testament #23, "The Lord Be Between Thee and Me For Ever."
It was the story of Jonathan, David and Saul. Brother Smith focused on how the gospel helps us in our relationships. It was a great lesson.

Sister Grapp taught Relief Society. The lesson was based on Elder Cook's conference address, "Prepared to Meet God." I felt like the lesson went very well and we had a good discussion. Elder Cook says that the Church's three-fold mission is based on Moses, Elias, and Elijah visiting the Kirtland Temple.

First Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, which is missionary work.

Second, Elias appeared and committed the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham, which includes the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant. President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the purpose of the covenants keys is to prepare members for the kingdom of God. He said: "We know who we are and we know what God expects of us."

Third, Elijah appeared and committed the keys of the sealing power in this dispensation, which is family history and temple ordinances enabling salvation for the living and the dead.

There are, under the direction of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, three executive councils at Church headquarters that oversee these divinely appointed responsibilities based on the keys that were restored in the Kirtland Temple. They are the Missionary Executive Council, the Priesthood and Family Executive Council, and the Temple and Family History Executive Council.

After sacrament meeting we had the youth help us distribute the cookies to all of the men in the congregation. We had plenty so we let the young men have some too.

On the way home from church I went with James to take bless the sacrament for Sister Peeler. Brother and Sister Peeler and Brother and Sister Smith were waiting for us when we got there. Brother Smith blessed the bread and James blessed the water. It was a very sacred and spiritual experience. We all gave Sister Peeler a hug and she had tears in her eyes. She is in an extreme amount of pain from bulging disks in her back and a compression fracture in her back.
I miss seeing her at church so much.

Darrel, Trina and the kids only stayed for sacrament meeting. 

I love this family with all my heart!

After lunch and a couple of Razr rides, we went over to the Howard's to see their horses. Ruby wanted to say hello to Pepper, the pony she rode last year. Pepper was in a pen with his wife and one other Shetland pony. His wife is expecting.

There were two baby filly's, one two weeks old and one six days old. They were so cute. Another mare, Mirage, Moai's mom, is due any day.

Bull was walking around with us, Chocolate, and the twins, Solo and Eyore were in a pen next to Pepper and the girls. Moai was down at the other barn and a new mare was in a pen by herself. 

I think Rowan enjoyed the dogs, Molly and Mya, as much as he did the horses. Ruby spent most of her time with Pepper.

Ruby renewing her friendship with Pepper

while the girls look on.

Brother Howard and the gang visiting

Chocolate, Eyore, and Solo.

Rowan and Kreed felt bad that the dogs were

in cage. They liked Molly, the shaggy one

the best. Mya, the Alaskan Husky, was a

little more spirited and I think a little jealous

that the boys were giving Molly so much attention.

Bull and Lola saying hello to one of the babies.

I guess Molly renamed Bull, Oreo when she was

here last year. Brother Howard says the horses don't

get named right away. They have to earn their names.

The kids all wanted to know what the babies' names

were.

Grandpa and Lola visiting Mirage who is about

to deliver any day now.

Mirage loved all of the attention. When the girls

would stop petting her, she would stick her head

through the bars and look at them. She especially

liked Kayla.

So cute. I want one!

Is this an acceptible Sunday activity?

We had strawberry cake and brownies for dinner. Lola and I played bowling and some people watched TV or played games. Uno seems to be a favorite on this trip. 

James helped Rowan to set a trap to catch one of the bunnies.

We all had family prayer together.

Those are Darrel's feet you see on the back of

the couch. 

Lola wanted to make sure that grandpa knew that

grandma is the boss of the cabin.

I made cookies for Talon who

is going to Washington to work

for the summer.

The Allen family children at the 

Cardston, Alberta temple.

Jackson, who is in our ward and

getting ready to serve a mission in

the Philippines, got his endowments

on Saturday. His sister lives in Alberta.