Wednesday, September 19th, 2018

Boston, Masschusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Nephi 11:33

And I, Nephi saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 6:15-31

*What happens to our hearts if we set them upon the riches of the world?

- If our hearts are set upon the riches of the world then they probably aren't set upon the riches of heaven. Where you treasure is, there will your heart be also. Setting our hearts upon the riches of the world also opens the door to Satan's influence. If we treasure eternal things our hearts will be open to Christ.

Old Testament

Isaiah 10-12

General Conference

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

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

"Obedience will give us the strength to overcome sin. We must also understand that the trial of our faith requires us to obey, often without know the results."

It was a mistake to leave our windows open last night. They are doing a prescribed burn near us and we breathed smoke most of the night. Luckily it rained today and put out their darn fire and the air is fresh and clean again.

I went to the Reidhead's this morning to help with their move. Ashley has served faithfully in Relief Society and recently in the Young Women's presidency. Clayton has been our ward mission leader. They are both returned missionares and a very dedicated couple. They have three children: Ridger who just turned 4, Evelyn who is 2, and Branch who was born a couple of weeks ago. 

Clayton was born and raised in Heber and Ashley is from Alabama. They run an industrial cleaning service and are re-locating to Georgia which will be 3 hours away from Ashley's mom in Alabama instead of 17 hours away here in Arizona. They will be living in Snowflake with Clayton's brother for a couple of months before going to Georgia. Clayton is concerned about the hunting conditions in Georgia. Ashley said there are no elk, but you can kill up to four bucks a year. That satisfied him but he still wants a place to come back to here in Arizona.

There were five of us this morning along with Ashley: Maxine, Pat, Kathy, Linda who is new, and myself. We accomplished a great deal, emptying and packing up most of the kitchen. Linda and Pat even made dinner in the crockpot. Maxine held the baby and took the older two out on the swingset, and comforted Ridger when he got bit by Evelyn who needed some attention. After she bit Ridger and cried and then said she was sorry, she went over and picked up the baby out of his swing.  As we were leaving just before noon, it began to rain and it rained most of the day and into the night.

 Maxine comforting Ridger

Sweet little Branch in his swing.

Before Branch

I have never heard the name Branch before but in the past year two families I know have named their babies Branch and I wondered why. Trina said it was a cowboy name. I don't know, I've known a few cowboys but none named Branch. This evening I was reading from the Old Testament BYU Student Manual p. 148, (13-58) Who Is the "Branch"?

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote the following analysis of the meaning of the Branch:

"Since it takes a first and a second coming to fulfill many Messianic prophecies, we of necessity must consider them here, and in the case of the Davidic-Messianic utterances show also how they apply to our Lord's Second Coming. Christ is the Son of David, the Seed of David, the inheritor, through Mary his mother, of the blood of the great king. He is also called the Stem of Jesse and the Branch, meaning Branch of David. Messianic prophecies under these headings deal with the power and dominion he shall wield as he sits on David's throne, and have reference almost exclusively to his second sojourn on planet earth. 

"Jesse was the father of David. Isaiah speaks of the Stem of Jesse, whom he also designates as a branch growing out of the root of that ancient worthy. He recites how the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him:how he shall be mighty in judgment; how he shall smite the earth and slay the wicked; and how the lamb and the lion shall lie down together in that day - all of which has reference to the Second Coming and the millennial era thereby ushered in. (Isa11.) As to the identity of the Stem of Jesse, the revealed word says: 'Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.' (DC 113:1-2.) This also means that the Branch is Christ, as we shall now see from other related scriptures.

"By the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord foretells the ancient scattering and the latter-day gathering of his chosen Israel. After they have been gathered 'out of all countries whither I have driven them,' after the kingdom has been restored to Israel as desired by the ancient apostles in Acts 1:6, then this eventuality, yet future and millennial in nature, shall be fulfilled: 

'Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.' (Jer 23:3-6). That is to say, the King who shall reign personally upon the earth during the Millennium shall be the Branch who grew out of the house of David. He shall execute judgment and justice in all the earth because he is the Lord Jehovah , even hi whom we call Christ. 

"Through Zechariah the Lord spoke similarly: 'Thus saith the Lord of hosts: . . . I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH. . . . I will remove the iniquity of the land in one day (meaning that the wicked shall be destroyed and the millennial era of peace and righteousness commence). In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, shall ye call every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.' (Zech. 3:7-10.) Of that glorious millennial day the Lord says also: 'Behold the man whose name if The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shal bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne.' (Zech 6:12-13.)

That the Branch of David is Christ is perfectly clear.

I found this reading to be very interesting and I now can accept the name Branch as a real, meaningful name for a child.

I did a lot of walking this afternoon as I didn't get much done this morning. At the end of the day I had over 12,000 steps. 

I found a print out on Pinterest to help with personal histories that was originally on Family Search. It is twelve sheets of paper and the title is: "52 Stories. There is one category for each month. These are the categories: 1- Goals & Achievements, 2-Love & Friendship, 3-Occupations & Hobbies, 4-Home & Hearth, 5-Mothers & Motherhood 6-Fathers & Fatherhood, 7-Events & Milestones, 8-Travels & Vacations, 9-Education & School, 10-Values & Beliefs, 11-Causes & Convictions, 12-Holidays & Traditions. I copied these and placed them in a notebook where I will begin again to record my personal history.

I listened to "The Lake House" this afternoon and made a trip to Dollar General for some refreshment. I have a hard time controlling my eating in the afternoon. The good thing is I usually stop eating by 5:30-6pm. I wanted James to go with me but he stayed behind to build a cat coffin. Anthony's cat "Pinky" passed away. Anthony told James he was afraid to bury her because he thought that coyotes would dig her up. James told him he would make her a box so that is what he did this afternoon out in the drizzle.

James made his smoothie for dinner. I had already used all my calories for the day so I passed. He puts the sweet carrots from the Crane's garden in his smoothie and the color is quite disgusting. 

We read from "Loving Lieutenant Lancaster" this evening, the Sarah Eden book we had started before reading "The Secret Keeper." We will return to "The Scarlet Pimpernel" after Lieutenant Lancaster.  

In the high 40's and a little too cold to sleep with the windows open. We did for awhile because we like hearing the rain.

I love geometric shapes!

I sure do love this Elder. He will be

a great missionary. As his mom says,

he knows no strangers and is friendly 

to everyone. That's Rusty his awesome

big brother. Loved these two in Mutual.

They always held the door open for me and

offered to carry my things on outings.

 I think I have a picture of Sheri at this age

doing the very same thing.

Scarlett loves Target!

My wildflowers from the weekend.

The purples were found at 

Sheep's Crossing.

 Kacey never forgets to send photos!

Thinking about her home in Heaven.

I think Evan is a creative genius!

Monday, September 10th, 2018

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 1:18-34

*When situations in your life get hard what do you do to keep your faith alive?

- "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 

I also calm my thoughts through prayer. Quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. Reunite my light with the Savior's light. Study my scriptures and listen to conference talks. Go to the temple and think of Him during the sacrament.

Old Testament

Proverbs 24-26

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

President Russel M. Nelson cautioned:

"We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves." 

He continued, "I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice - preferably a sacrifice of time - you can make to do more temple and family history work." As you accept President Nelson's invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing.

FHE:  What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

"Aaronic Priesthood holders, we have the privilege and duty to be fellow servants with John the Baptist. John was sent as an authorized messenger to bear witness of Christ and invite all to repent and be baptized - that is, he exercised the Aaronic Priesthood keys we have discussed. John then declared, 'I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I...:he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."

My first order of business for the day was to have James drive me into ADOT in Show Low so I could get my driver's license renewed. Of course the line was almost out the door but I persevered and eventually made it to the front. The worst part was getting my picture taken. I look like a scared rabbit.

After success at ADOT James and I celebrated by going to lunch at Aliberto's. LaCasita is closed on Mondays. We each had a toastado and a taco.

After lunch we went out separate ways, me to Walmart and James to Home Depot. As I was leaving the car James says, "Get me a watermelon, please." He knows I hate to pick them out, but of course I did. It turned out to be a good one!

During my rest time I watched last night's episode of "Chesapeake Shores." I then did some walking and started hanging some more family photos in the hallway. James could see I was having some trouble pounding the nails into the wall, so he came over with bigger nails and did it for me. We put up four more family photos.

The rest of the afternoon I spent finishing up my card kits for tomorrow's card making class while watching a Debbie Gibson movie on Hallmark. James went for a Razr ride.

Thank goodness for Cathi and her card!

For F.H.E. we listened to Brother Holmes's talk about the Aaronic Priesthood and then wrote emails to Ben.

Heading straight for the Carolina's where Steve and Elise 

moved too. They expect Category 3 or 4.

So excited for Jackson!

Love those leg lifts!

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:17-41

*What kind of things should we pray for?

-I think we should pray about everything. Big decisions, little decisions and everything in between. Heavenly Father loves us and wants to be a part of our lives.

*What counsel does Amulek give to the Zoramites regarding their salvation in verses 37-41. I found 12:

1. Work out your salvation with fear before God.

2. Deny no more the coming of Christ.

3. Contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but receive it.

4. Take upon you the name of Christ;

5. Humble yourselves to the dust and worship God wherever you may be in spirit and truth.

6. Live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

7. Be watchful unto prayer continually.

8. Don't be led into temptation by the devil.

9. Have patience.

10. Bear with all manner of afflictions.

11. Do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your poverty.

12. Bear with afflictions in a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from them.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 34-36

34 Josiah destroys idolatry in Judah - The people of Judah repair the house of the Lord - Hilkiah finds a book of the law - Huldah the prophetess reveals the desolations to come upon the people - Josiah and the people covenant to serve the Lord.

35 Josiah and all Judah keep a most solemn Passover - Josiah is mortally wounded by the Egyptians at Megiddo.

36 Various kings rule in Judah - Nebuchadnezzar overruns Judah and makes Zedekiah king - Zedekiah rebels, the people reject the prophets, and the Chaldeans burn the temple and destroy Jerusalem - Cyrus of Persia decrees the building of the temple.

General Conference

"With One Accord"

Reyna I. Aburto

"The Lord's followers were one in purpose, in love, and in works. They knew who they were, they knew what they had to do, and they did it with love for God and for each other. They were part of a magnificent kaleidoscope moving forward with one accord.

Some of the blessings they received were that they were filled with the Holy Ghost, miracles took place among them, the Church grew, there was no contention among the people, and the Lord blessed them in all things."

Stacy had gall bladder surgery this morning. She came through with no complications and hopefully she will have a speedy recovery.

Christina, Rebecca's daughter, had oral surgery today. Here is her Facebook post:

Oral surgery this morning! After multiple surgeries for tooth extractions, implant, and bone grafting last year, we ended with a "failure to integrate." The implant didn't work, and has resulted in bone and tissue loss since. The surgeon we used wanted to do a second attempt, which would have been free, but his process required some things that would be a health risk for me, so after a lot of weighing of our options, we decided to go with a different surgeon and pay for the whole thing over again. Doing a bone and soft tissue graft and implant placement this morning. Any prayers would be appreciated! We need this to work!

We prayed for Christina too. She has three little children she needs to be a mother to.

James has rescheduled his back surgery. He will be having it on December 5th this year. 

James and I left for town around 11:30 this morning. He went over and got started at the Howard's and then left to wait for dry wall to dry. 

I read to James from "Abby's Crossing" on the way to town. Our first stop was at the Show Low post office to mail Summer's and Molly's birthday cards.  Next stop was at LaCasita's for green chili chicken enchiladas and for James also some of their delicious refried beans.

While I went shopping at Walmart James went to Home Depot to get some paint mixed for the Howard's. They are due home tonight.

When James picks me up at Walmart it is raining outside but by the time we drive a couple of miles it stops. We stop at the Book Barn and James picks out a journal to give to Ruthie for her baptism on Saturday. We left it there to get Ruthie's name engraved on it.

 I got a call from my friend Laurann who has the twins. She and her husband are trying to move furniture from their old house to the new and she needs someone to watch the boys. I said I would so we stopped and picked them up on the way home. The boys also included Amaron.

The twins were asleep when James unloaded them at home but they didn't stay asleep long. Amaron lets the twins out of their carseats and they just walk around the house and play with Amaron. 

I only had them a couple of hours when their parents came to pick them up. They really are too cute.

As soon as everyone went home I sat down for a short break and then got to work on the dining room and kitchen floor. I swept, mopped, and polished. I didn't quite finish when it was time to get ready for my RS presidency meeting. James finished for me.

At 6:45 a huge storm blew in and the downpour, lightening and thunder started. Kerri was the first to arrive for the meeting and just as she came in there was a loud clash of thunder very close. Nice entrance Kerri. Maxine was next and then Tamara who was a little late. She brought the ministering board for us to work on.

Tamara offered the opening prayer and then I gave the spiritual thought based on DC 18:10-16, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. 

We spent most of our time working on our ministering board. Our meeting lasted until after 9:30 but we got most all of the partnership's put together and most of the sisters assigned.

Our board now looks like this:

Looks a little unorganized but having the 

assignments on a board really helps.

Ruby and Molly got their ponies today. Molly Facetimed me

to thank me. 

I couldn't resist sending Ruby a pony the

same color as the pony she loves, Pepper.

Best friends.

Jackson is going to the Philippines and

Talon to Uganda.

He looks scared.

Parent Trap

Abbey Road 

Sunday, May 6th, 2018

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

2 Nephi 17:14

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign - Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15
*How has prayer helped ease your daily burdens?
- Prayer will strengthen us to carry our burdens. In vs. 15 "The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease." When we pray for help we will receive strength, we then find hope in Christ. By submitting cheerfully the Lord will deliver us from our burdens.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 16-17
16 The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king - He is anointed by Samuel - Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
17 Israel and the Philistines engage in war - Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat - David goes against him in the name of the Lord - David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone - Israel defeats the Philistines.
General Conference

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as the Lord's prophet and as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we were part of a divinely decreed solemn assembly - solemn because the events of this past hour have been anticipated in the heavens since before the world was. The Lord Jesus Christ, who directs His work, has today through President Eyring presented His prophet, His anointed leader, to us, His covenant people, allowing us publicly to manifest our willingness to sustain him and follow his counsel."

I got up at 4:30 this morning. Today is the day we weigh and report to Trina on how we did. I lost 2.2 lbs. James lost over 4. I am still happy though. Men always lose faster than women, especially in the beginning.

I prepared a few notes on ministering from the ministering.lds.org website to take with me to young women's when I talk to them today. I also really got in to the RS lesson on revelation. There are so many good things in President Nelson's conference talk. 

We had a really good fast and testimony meeting today. One of my favorite testimonies was Brother Allen's. He said that Sister Brewer came to him last week and asked him what his favorite hymn was. She said because he has been through so much these past few weeks she wanted to do something for him. He said it was "I Stand All Amazed." This was our sacrament hymn today. Brother Allen told why it is favorite hymn. He said when he was 7 or 8 years old he was acting up. His grandfather, who was the stake president, took him by the hand and sat him down next to him on the piano bench. His grandfather began playing and singing "I Stand All Amazed." Brother Allen says he still remembers this incident every time he hears this hymn. He thanks his grandfather for taking the time to teach him and give him an opportunity to feel the Spirit.

Linda Price, a summer, part time member of our ward told about her grandson's sealing in the Salt Lake temple. President Dallin H. Oaks was the sealer and she got to give him a hug.

James got up and after bearing his testimony he began talking about me and how our 50th wedding anniversary is coming up. It was very sweet of him.

Because of James's testimony Linda Price, before Relief Society started showed me some photos of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration two years ago. 

Our  friends the Prices'

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

7 Kids, 40 Grandkids, and 12 Great-Grandkids

Grandchildren, oldest to youngest

7 grandchildren missed the party because of

Missions, college and pregnancy.

Several of the people James and I have stewardship over are having problems today. Pam's husband Ricky is having hernia surgery in the morning. Sister Peeler is in the ER having tests done to see what is causing her pain. It turned out to be not too serious, but still a concern. Anthony, James's friend, has a severe toothache. James checked and he does have antibiotics. Some of the Grapp kids have pink eye and Jean Howard has flu symptons. Our ministering skills will be put to work this week.

I attended the gospel doctrine class for the first time since I was called to teach Primary 3 years ago. Brother Scott was the teacher. He is very knowledgeable but I was disappointed we didn't read any of the scriptures in the lesson except one verse.

I went in to speak to the young women about their upcoming ministering responsibilities. The only ones I knew were LeeAnn and Alice. Of course I know Hailey and Holly and Talena and Bailey but not like I know the older girls. I think it went quite well. Sister Allen only wanted me to take 5-10 minutes so I didn't say nearly as much as I had prepared.

Tamara gave the discussion on personal revelation in Relief Society and from what I heard it was very good. President Nelson's talk from conference on revelation was one of my favorites.

I forgot to mention our future missionary, Jackson Allen, was ordained an elder today after the block. I heard his mom talking about it and half the Allen family attended our ward today. He already has his mission papers in.

This is Jackson. He is quite the mountain man too.

Here he says that you need to appreciate where you are from.

He loves the White Mountains. He is passing up wrestling

scholarships to serve a mission. He is quite the young man.

When James and I got home from church we broke our fast and had lunch. After lunch we shared a quart of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. It was delicious!

I took an hour and a half nap and James was down for about 3-4 hours. He needs the rest because he is going to have a brutal week out in the sun beginning tomorrow. 

It was a wonderful Sabbath day. We were in bed by 9:30 because of James's early schedule tomorrow.

Evan treats me like a baby 'cuz I'm the 

younger brother.

Paul wrote this yesterday 

on Facebook.

Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

Over 200 years old on the Tweed River.

If I ever go back to Europe it will be to

visit Scotland.

Baby Leo, who had open heart surgery when

he was just a few days old was blessed today

by his dad.

The Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge Stats:

If James loses any more weight he is

going to blow away. Boy he makes

me look like a chunky monkey.

I guess I shouldn't blame him, should I.

 Woohoo!