Friday, July 20th, 2018

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 93:9

The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:1-24

*In what ways do you relate to Alma's conversion story?

- Brian Horak: "I'm only going to say this; conversion is real, repentance is real, FORGIVENESS IS REAL!! None of us are past forgivenss and the joy of our Redeemer's embrace. All you have to do is want it. I testify that this is true."

Old Testament

Ezra 4-6

4 The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work - The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases.

5 Haggai and Zechariah prophesy - Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple - The Samaritans challenge the Jews' right to continue their building work.

6 Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple - It is finished and dedicated, and sacrifices and feasts commence again.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End

"Attendance at sacrament meetings is one of the key ways we can evaluate our determination to serve Him, our spiritual fortitude, and the growth of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Partaking of the sacrament is the most important things we do on the Sabbath day. The Lord explained this ordinance to His Apostles just before He died. He did the same on the American continent. He tells us that if we participate in this ordinance, it will be a testimony to the Father that we always remember Him,and He promises that, accordingly, we will have His Spirit to be with us."

James worked at the Howard's again today. Brother Howard told him he planned on paying him for his work and to keep track of his hours. James thought he wouldn't be paid but his work would go toward's paying Brother Howard back for destroying his Cat. Now that our Cat is fixed James is going to give it to Brother Howard, along with the tractor which is worth about $16,000 the cost of the tractor that was destroyed.

This is a big week for the Wilhelm family and James is one of their ministering brothers. This evening we went to the temple when their oldest son took out his temple endowments. He doesn't leave for his mission until November 1st but nowadays they have young people work in the temple until it's time for them to leave on their missions.

On the way to the temple we stopped at the Book Barn and picked up the pink journal James picked out for Talon's younger sister Ruthie who is being baptized tomorrow on her birthday. 

We got to the temple a little early and so I read another chapter from "Abby's Crossing." This book is getting good. It takes place in the Utah territory around 1860.

These are the people who were at the temple for Talon:

His parents, his grandparents, his sister Trenda and her husband Emery, Bishop Miller, the Thompson's and the Crane's, Sister Tedder, a cousin and an aunt, and James and I. There may have been more, but those are the friends from our ward.

James spoke to Talon about working in the temple. He said he is going back to his uncle's in Washington to work and he asked if he could work in the temple up there. He was told only if he transferred his membership. He doesn't want to do that. He wants to leave from Vernon. 

It was a great session and a wonderful reunion in the Celestial room. I can hardly wait for Ben to go through the temple. Just two more days and Ben will open his call.

The July 24th celebration has begun in Snowflake and Taylor. There was something going on at the rodeo grounds in Taylor and they were letting off fireworks.

We stopped for pizza at Pizza Hut so it was quite late when we got home. We finished walking and went to bed at 10:30.

 The view from our backyard.

 He has grown a ton in 3 years!

 Freaky!

 I wonder how many castles 

Scotland has?

 Huntleigh is 3 and she already takes pig

showing very seriously!

 Such an awesome 3rd wheel!

 Oh my word!

Just like in my dreams!

Forget the body,

look at that face!

Saturday, June 23rd, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

DC 122:8

The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:19-30

"A More Hardened and a More Stiff-Necked People"

The record states that Aaron and his companions served among those who were "a more hardened and a more stiff-necked people" (Alma 20:30). Their experience parallels the experience of many who try to teach those who either have no interest in, or who are antagonistic toward the gospel. President Henry B. Eyring explained why we must still try to reach every soul: "Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing? Well the danger may be hard to see but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you will ever meet will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, was to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. And they will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you" (Ensign, Nov. 1998, 33).

Old Testament

1 Chronicles 7-8

7 The sons and families are named for Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, and Asher.

8 The sons and chief men of Benjamin are named.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Together, our covenants and our Savior's Atonement enable and ennoble. Together, they help us hold on and let go. Together, they sweeten, preserve, sanctify, redeem."

New Era: "Stopping Anger In It's Tracks," "My Blessing of Love and Comfort."

Ian, Sheri, Alex Shayna, Ben, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, and Joseph left for Europe today. What an adventure they are going to have for the next three weeks!

They already look tired.

Poor Ollie got left at home.

He went to visit Indy and Lady.

Michael is the dog sitter.

We left for our shift at the temple this morning at 5:40. 

Again I have the same schedule I have had the past three shifts.

 The Palmer's was a video on how to help the disabled in a session. 

My first assignment was in initiatory. I love the initiatory ordinances but I still don't have all the wording memorized. Everything is becoming more familiar though. I was able to be a patron for one of my own names. James took 5 sisters names and 5 brothers names to the baptistry from my family. I got them from Take A Name.  Now we will have initiatory to do next week.

My next assignment was in the Celestial Room. I love the Celestial Room this time of day. Not only is it beautiful but it is so quiet and peaceful. I read several chapters from the Book of Mormon. 

Next I had my break with James and Debbie L., two of my favorite people. 

James and I did the 9:30 session together. He was the officiator and I was the only sisters follower. There were only six sisters in the session so Sister McCleary went as a partron. 

James did not make any mistakes this time. Brother Bradshaw was the brothers follower and offered the prayer.

After the session I went back to initiatory, then downstairs to be the baptistry greeter while James checked recommends at the door. My last assignment was locker room. As I was sitting there reading from the Book of Mormon Sister Cochran volunteered to fill in for me so I could go home. How sweet,  and she didn't have to ask twice.

Oh, I forgot to mention that Sister Crane from Flagstaff filled in for Sister Cureton. She is not related to our Cranes.

We went straight home, not even stopping at Walmart. I took a nap and then started getting ready for the ward activity. Oh yes, I also put the enchiladas in to cook. 

We were supposed to meet at the church as a Relief Society presidency at 4, but we were a little late. 

The tables were all set up, but no chairs, so James set up the chairs. We found some plastic tablecloths for the tables and started setting up the memorabilia and the food. Brother Miller, the bishop's dad, had a dish labeled possum and sweet potatoes. No way. He also had some jambalaya that he said was way better than Sister Reidhead's because his was from Mississippi and hers was from Alabama and it was probably just a copy of his. I actually loved her jambalaya and was a little afraid to try his.

We had a great turnout! Lots of good food and people to visit with.

The following people set up memorabilia and told a little about their families: Tamara, the Crane's, Sister Singleton, Sister Smith, Bishop Miller, Sister Vaught, James, myself, Brother Diewald, and Brother Peeler. Brother Peeler had the coolest coat of arms, made in Peru. I wish I would have remembered to take some photos.

The missionaries did a presentation about families. It wasn't quite what we had envisioned, but it was great. 

Elder Bernecker, our new missionary and I really hit it off. Last week when Trina was here and I told her we had a new elder named Bernecker she said that her dad's best friend when he was young was Brian Bernecker. I asked Elder Bernecker what his dad's first name was and he said Brian. I told him the story and the connection was made. He gave me his dad's number and I texted him. Later he called me and we talked about the Case's and what a great friend Bob was, his very best friend. He and his wife and his mother were all at Darrel and Trina's wedding. It's a small world, especially in the Church.

James was pretty stressed because he thought he would have time to work on his talk and lesson tonight and he really didn't because he was helping me. I carried most of the things in and put them away while he studied at the table. 

A great day but I am glad tomorrow is our day of rest.

Elder Bernecker and Elder Smith

The DeWitt's are coming home!

I love President and

Sister Nelson so much!

Cool, but scary!

Huntleigh is a cowgirl through and through!

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Dedicated 11 Dec. 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Antemortal, Appearances

John 12:41

These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.

Helaman 14:1-19

*How can we always be preparing for the Second Coming of Christ?

-Repentance is of the utmost importance in preparing to meet the Savior. After we recognize our sins we must feel sorrow for them and abandon them. We need to confess our sins to the Lord, and also in some cases, to the proper Priesthood authority. We need to ask forgiveness if we have offended someone and to the best of our ability make restitution for the sin. we need to strive daily to keep the commandments and recognize our need for a Savior. We need to know the signs of His coming so that we are prepared both temporally and spiritually. We need to do all we can on a daily basis to strengthen our testimonies of Him and serve others in an effort to become more like Him.

DC Scripture Mastery

DC 10:5

Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Sister Joy D. Jones

A sister from India said: 

"Before I had the gospel in my life I was always trying to prove to others that I was someone special But when I learned that truth, that I am a daughter of God, I didn't have to prove anything to anyone. I knew that I was special ... Don't ever think that you are nothing."  President Monson said it perfectly when he quoted these words: "The worth of a soul is it's capacity to become as God."

James went out looking for elk this morning. He said he saw four cows and a bull.  The bull was actually by himself. While he was gone I made some lasagna soup with Italian sausage. I turned out delicious. This recipe is definitely a keeper. 

I washed the outside of some of the windows today. I have been going to do this for a long time, but just hadn't gotten around to it. 

I went to town today by myself so James could stay home and work on the patio. I bought the rest of the stuff I needed for Alice's candy bouquet. Today is her 16th birthday. 

The finished product.

Her mom told me that she liked Reese's and Almond Joys.

Later Alice told me she is allergic to coconut so she gave the Almond Joy's to her mom. Maybe that we Sandra's plan all along.

Happy Sweet Sixteen Alice!

(Alice is on the left)

We called to see if anyone was going to be home. Sandra said she was there but when we went to deliver no one answered the door so we left it in the car.

Today was my first day of doing the 10,000 steps program with my app, Pacer. I did really well with no pains in my knees.

Tonight was Guilty Pleasures night on "DWTS." Lindsey Stirling said her guilty pleasure, is she had one, would be staying in her pajamas all day.

Their dance was the best!!

We also watched an episode of Heartland, "True Enough."

Other Random Photos:

Our friends Dianne and C.T. took this picture as they are

visiting San Antonio where C.T. used to live.

This baby red fox reminds me of the Trezise's new dog

Oliver.

lambsondallen posted this on Instagram

I am doing this challenge, one scripture reference

at a time so it will take awhile to complete.

Spider Rock at Canyon de Chelly

October 3, 2016

Addy's Fall Concert

Squirrel's at play in our grass.

Hailey and Huntleigh

Elk in our yard.

We haven't seen any since James put our fence up this year.

October 3, 2015

A game of chess

James getting ready to watch conference.

Soccer buddies.

Stroller buddies.

October 3, 2014

Fishing for the big ones

Nice one Grandpa!

Friday, September 15th, 2017

Mount Timpanogos, Utah

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 October 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Abraham 2:6-11

Helaman 4:18-5:4

How does being slow to hearken to the voice of the prophet's effect the Nephites' lives?

kdeford1:"The Church began to dwindle, they had become weak, they no longer had the Spirit with them, the judgment seat was turned over to evil, they became stiff-necked and couldn't be governed by law or justice. Nephi gave up the judgment seat to preach to them because he was 'wearied by their iniquity.'"

DC 133:34-51

What is the significance of Christ coming in red?

"Like him that treadeth in the wine-vat."(DC 133:48), and 'his voice shall be heard: I have trodden in the wine-press alone.' (DC 133:50). He comes to take vengeance on the ungodly. (Isaiah 64:1-6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I like to read and ponder the words found in the fifth chapter of Alma, wherein Alma asks: 'Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?' Alma's questions are a reminder of what our goals and plans ought to include in order to return and receive."

Happy Birthday James Hayden!

This looks like a nice suit but it is really 

silk pajamas. This photo was taken last year on his birthday.

James and I left for the valley around 8:45 this morning. We stopped in Show Low at the post office to buy some stamps and to mail Kacey's birthday card. I read from our book "Borrowed Light" as we were driving. 

We stopped in Miami at Burger House and got each of us  a green chili burro and a mixed burro for James. We didn't get any for Cathi or Terry because we thought they were gone to a family history conference in Salt Lake. We felt bad when we found out they got home last night. Cathi just said: "There is always next time."

I dropped James off at Cathi and Terry's where he borrowed Terry's truck to do the little bit of cleanup he has left at Bill's. I went on to Mesa to have my Actemra infusion. 

I like coming in the afternoon for an infusion, it is not nearly as busy as the mornings. Frances called me back and Barb set me up, two of my favorite people here. Barb says her "real job" is taking care of her one and only grandchild Tommy. 

Although by appointment was for 1:15 and it usually takes an hour, I was done by 2 p.m. because they started me early. I headed back for Chandler to say hi and goodbye to Cathi and Terry and the dogs and to pick up James. 

We stopped at the Target on Gilbert and Germann to get a Target card for Autumn for her baby. As we head out of town we forgot to get gas at Sam's Club so we stop at the Circle K on Val Vista and Pecos and then turn back around and get on the freeway. 

James loves me to read to him while he is driving, he says it makes time go by so much faster. I would tend to agree. We stopped in Globe for a potty break and to get some water and then before you know it we were in Show Low stopping at Arby's for dinner. James loves their turkey Reubens.  

When I got home I put my stuff away, blogged for awhile, and then James and I set down to watch an episode of Heartland: "Ghost Horse."

Favorite Photos:

President Eyring in Florida

One of the things we love about the San Antonio temple

are the stained glass windows. This is the Paris temple

which also has stained glass.

I just want to kiss those faces!

Arizona scenery

Vernon scenery

Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain

Somewhere in Africa there are at least two

white giraffes.

Where's the Fun Dip?

Lola 2015

Huntleigh with her pig.

Fires are still raging.