Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Colossians 1:13

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:15-26:13

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 14

General Conference

Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit

Mathias Held

"But how could we know if what the missionaries were telling us about the Book of Mormon, about Joseph Smith, and about the plan of salvation was actually all true? Well, we had understood from the words of the Lord that we could 'know them by their fruits.' So, in a very systematic manner, we started examining the Church by looking for those fruits with the eyes of our very rational minds. What did we see? Well, we saw: A church where Jesus Christ and families are at the center of everything, where members fast once a month and donate to help the poor and needy, where healthy habits are promoted, teaching us to abstain from harmful substances."

Elk and rain this morning, and also, the hummingbirds are back and James has been feeding them.

I loved Elder Holland's talk, "The Other Prodigal." Here are some notes I jotted down: "If envy were a fever we would all have one." "In the story of the prodigal son, the father doesn't tantalize his children. He does not mercilessly measure them against their neighbors. He doesn't even compare them with each other. His gestures of compassion toward one do not require a withdrawal or denial of love for the other. He is divinely generous to both sons."

"We will be provided with a perfectly tailored robe of righteousness for each of us,cleansed in the blood of the Lamb."

It was rainy and cool most of the day. James built a beautiful fire but he says that we are now out of dry firewood. We just thought summer was here, but today it felt more like winter.

Using the workflow chart that Kathy H. made I worked on the book business this morning. James is too busy to help right now because he is getting bids for the Memon and Kisana jobs. Here are the things that Kathy says she feels are important to do on a regular basis:

- Checking books sold overnight and ordering 10-30 more books. This business is all about building inventory. 

- Setting Keepa alerts on good books to buy when the price is lower.

- Prepping merchant fulfilled books for shipment.

- Strive to get positive feedback on sales made. This helps the Amazon algorithm trust you as a seller, and encourages more buyers, too.

- Have a plan. What are your goals, financial or otherwise with this business. 

- If not using a prep center, prepare shipments on a daily basis.

- Add books that you have purchased to the inventory list

-Repricing keeps you competitive, so reprice often.

- Buy as many books as your budget allows, find new sources or ways to buy, reprice, and local source once a week.

- Check feedback and then do any cleanup (stranded inventory, client messages, etc.)

Well, Kathy is my hero in this business. She just did $20,000 worth of sales last month. Two of the things that I like about Kathy are her willingness to share her trade secrets because she genuinely wants to help people and her personal touch. She responds to everyone who asks a question or makes a comment on Facebook and she does that in every aspect of her business. She is a nice person who wants to help others. I wish I could afford to have her be my mentor.

I did desk work today and paid some bills, including Lambson Construction bills. 

James got a call from the Willis's daughter Sandy today. She works during the day but lives with her parents and helps take care of them. Today the company James had do the drywall patching the Willis's needed sent a guy over by himself and I guess he was a bit of an annoyance. He knocked on their door and asked to come in and use the bathroom. When Sister Willis told him no he asked if he could go in her yard. She again said no. He also knocked on the door for a drink of water. Sandy was concerned for her parents safety and that's why she called James. He immediately called the owner of the company and complained. The guy said he would take care of it. The job isn't done yet so hopefully this won't happen again.

 I know it doesn't look very fancy but

those little venison steaks are very tasty.

 My hubby the fire starter

Nothing like a nice fire on a cold day to create

a homey atmosphere.

 Meghan and Prince Harry with their baby boy

 Before the press knew his name they were calling

him baby Sussex. I guess that's because Meghan and Harry

are the Duchess and Duke of Sussex.

 Scarlett sweeping while holding her drink.

 Trying to get out of her seat.

 In to the magazines. At least she

chose a good one.

 The mountain disappeared

Monday, November 26th, 2018

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ, Death of

Hosea 13:14

I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 7:1-8:11

Why am I grateful for the Book of Mormon?

- I feel the Spirit when I read the Book of Mormon, and my life is so happy and blessed when I apply its' teachings. The truths contained in it will answer my questions about the time I live in.The Book of Mormon is essential to the gospel of Jesus Christ. It testifies of the Bible and they come together to testify that Jesus is the Christ. 

It is my peace, and my comfort. It is a sign that the Lord has begun to gather Israel. It brings me closer to Jesus Christ. "Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived."

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 49-50

Old Testament

Joel 1-3

General Conference

Taking Upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ

Elder Robert C. Gay

"First, to take upon ourselves the name of Christ means we faithfully strive to see as God sees. How does God see? Joseph Smith said, 'While one portion of the human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard,'' for 'His love is unfathomable.'"

Mango is so delicious! I think it is my new favorite fruit. I don't like peeling them and cutting them up but I don't have to when James is here. Thanks honey for putting them in my shopping cart, providing the money to pay for them, cutting them up and serving them to me.

While I worked on my blog I watched a new Hallmark movie called, "The Shoe Addicts Christmas," starring Candace Cameron-Bure and Jean Smart. I love Jean Smart from my days of watching "Designing Women."  Jean plays an angel named Charlie who comes to help Candace. Luke McFarlane is Candace's love interest.

I really liked this movie although I am not a huge fan of Candace.

I also watched "Christmas Harmony," "A Christmas Reunion," and "Christmas in Mississippi." Wes Brown is in the last one and I love him. Okay, enough of the Christmas movies!

I had a major breakthrough today with out new book business...I figured out how to create a shipment and I actually got a box of books boxed and ready to ship. It only took me five hours.

Today is our day to email Ben and to receive emails from him. I like this scripture that he sent to Sheri:

DC 58:2-4

2 - For verily I say unto you, blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven.

3 - Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation.

4 - For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand.

We are all so worried about Max and his diabetes and how he is coping and this scripture gave some comfort.

James put the big wreath up on the log near the ceiling in front of the fireplace. We still need a star for the tree though. Target has some great ones. I should have gotten one when I was there at the beginning of the month.

I love this view of the Idaho Falls temple.

Who is that taking my picture?

Oh! It's you! Hi Mom!

Stacy sent me a picture of these mini dolls she
fell in love with at the Disney store.

Our first Christmas card was from our
friends the Wanlass's.

This girl definitely needs a crown.

 Ben loves the cold

Can't believe how much these boys have changed.

Tuesday, June 19th, 2018

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

 Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Alma 7:13

Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:1-11

*How do common beliefs help us share the gospel?

Old Testament

2 Kings 25

Nebuchadnezzar again besieges Jerusalem - Zedekiah is captured, Jerusalem and the temple are destroyed, and most of the people of Judah are carried into Babylon - Gedaliah, left to govern the remnant, is slain - The remnant flee to Egypt - Jehoiachin is shown favor in Babylon.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

"I have heard many justifications from those who have stopped participating actively in the Church and have lost the correct vision of the purpose of our journey on this earth. I exhort them to reflect and to return, because I believe that no one will be able to make excuses before our Lord, Jesus Christ."

Rowan caught another bunny and a rat last night.

So cute

Even this guy looks kinda cute.

He let the bunny out here in the yard and later James took the rat 

off somewhere and let him go.

Ben had his mission interview with the stake president in Chandler last night. We are so excited!

James had a doctors appointment this morning. We gathered everyone together and had family prayer before he left.

James got up at 2 am to use the bathroom and heard the water running upstairs. We have a toilet that has a handle that needs to be pushed up after use and sometimes the kids forget. The kids were all still up playing games. When he asked them about it this morning they said they didn't got to bed until around 4 am. 

Ruby and were playing the match game when Lola, Addy, and Kayla came over. I heard the toilet running again and went upstairs to fix it. Ruby came running upstairs crying and when I tried to comfort her she told me Addy had done something but I couldn't really understand what. She went in and laid down on the bed. I told Addy she should go apologize, which she did. I think Ruby is just emotional from being so tired.

Darrel and Trina clean the cabin and start washing sheets and towels while the kids play games. Darrel took Kreed and Rowan on a Razr ride because the girls got to go to the pit with grandpa yesterday and now it's the boys turn.

Kayla, Addy and I were playing Five Crowns when I got a phone call from Debbie at the post office. She said she had some people there who wanted to come out and visit with us. When I asked who it was she said, the Bear's. They are old friends from Chandler who have a place on Rainbow Lake and some land in Vernon. It is actually the land where Bishop Miller keeps his horse. I gave them directions on how to get here.

In the meantime, Darrel and family are ready to go so I went out and took some pictures on the front porch.

A nice looking group

Thanks for wanting to have your birthday at the

cabin Ruby!

Dog pile on Kayla!

James is still at the doctor's and also had to wait on my car. He took it to Walmart to have the oil changed. 

After waiting quite awhile I call Brother Bear to see where they are. I can tell they are lost and don't know which way to go, so I hop on the Razr and go to the rescue. They are past the Hunsaker turnoff and the wash but did not know where to go next because Brother Bear forgot to write down N3466. 

I gave them the grand tour except for the basement. They were amazed at the logs and the high ceilings. They just kept going on and on. I went outside to show them the fire pit and we were on the porch talking when James came out. They visited awhile longer and Sandy told me they have 33 grandchildren and 66 great grandchildren. She said that in their family they have an 18 piece string orchestra and when they play on their ramada at their place in Lakeside, people in boats on the lake come over to listen. They also allow their families wards to have their girls camps at their place, but first they have to go up early and get rid of the 200 geese that live in their yard when they aren't there. 
 I am so glad they came to see us today. They are wonderful people that we have known since 1971 when we moved to Chandler.

James brought lunch from LaCasita for he and I. We both had a green chili enchilada with chicken. Thanks honey!

I took it easy today and watched the latest Hallmark wedding movie. I also worked on my blog.

For FHE we listened to Elder Zivic's talk on enduring to the end and worked on "Putting Our Things in Order" for Kim and Brian who will be our will executors.

James took this photo a few years back. 

I love it!

The choices the sisters in the Galveston 3rd ward,

Chandler West Stake were given for their first

Sunday Council meetings.

Laura sent this to me. No wonder she feels

like she is in therapy.

Such a cool photo. It reminds me of Lion King.

Couch we got from the Howard's. 

It is so comfy!

Thursday, January 11th, 2018

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 45:4

Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 9:1-10:10

*Have you ever felt like you were doing something the Lord asked you to do"for a wise purpose in Him, which purpose you knew not?"

Old Testament

Genesis 24-25

24 Abraham commands that Isaac shall not marry a Canaanite - The Lord guides Abraham's servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac - Rebekah is blessed to be the mother of thousands of millions - She marries Isaac.

25 Abraham marries, has descendants, dies, and is buried in the cave of Machpelah - His descendants through Ishmael are listed - Rebekah conceives, and Jacob and Esau struggle in her womb - The Lord reveals their destiny to Rebekah - Esau sells his birthright for a mess of pottage.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:13-16

13 Thou shalt not kill.

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

15 Thou shalt not steal.

16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

General Conference

The Eternal Everyday

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Sometimes humility is accepting callings when we do not feel adequate. Sometimes humility is serving faithfully when we feel capable of a more high-profile assignment. Humble leaders have verbally and by example established that it is not where we serve but how we faithfully serve. Sometimes humility is overcoming hurt feelings when we feel that leaders or others have mistreated us."

Some notes on my studies today: What are the significant events to show the God of Abraham becoming the God of Isaac and Jacob?

*Isaac and Jacob were foreordained Personal worthiness justifies their callings in the covenant life. A covenant involves faithfulness, as well as bloodline. (2 Nephi 30:2).

James read this to me today and it made me so sad. "Capetown, Africa is having their worst drought in 100 years. Nearly 4 million people are about to run out of water." We should have included them in our fast.

There is also another tragedy in California. There were fires, then rain, and now mudslides. Will it never end?

We had a wonderful breakfast this morning of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, spinach and cheese, and avocado on the side.

Yummy!

I vacuumed and dusted today and then began looking for photos to send Stacy for James's party on Saturday.

I made an unexpected trip to town today with James. He went to pickup his MRI results. I went to Walmart to get shakes, ink for the printer, a white board, onions, and lettuce. I ended up spending another $85 on top of what I spent yesterday. This is why I shouldn't make extra trips to town.

James went to Home Depot to get a new light fixture for a fan, and ended up buying a new fan.

We read from "Journey's End." 

This evening we watched Heartland - "Great Expectations." James built a fire. 

Taking a break while working on the broken light

fixtures on the fan.

 Study time

Our friend Talon

You've got a friend in me.