Thursday, June 13th, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Examplar

Luke 9:23

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 26:31-46 Mark 14:27-42 Luke 22:39-46

General Conference

Your Priesthood Playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you. Have you created a personal game plan and playbook so that you will know how to respond when faced with opposition?"

This was the question I asked the kids during our "Come Follow Me" scripture study this morning: "What do you do to help you think about Jesus during the sacrament?" 

We discussed how we could read the words to a sacrament hymn. The sacrament hymns start on page 169. I also told them they could look up the word sacrament in the topical guide in their hymn book if they forgot the page number. We also talked about the scriptures and the topical guide and Rowan said he has used the topical scripture guide.

I then had Rowan and Ruby read the sacrament prayers and we talked about them. We also read Luke 22:50-51 and talked about the kind of person Jesus was to heal the ear of one of his enemies.

While they were eating breakfast I read to them from the Book of Mormon and then we had family prayer. 

James left for the valley this morning so we all said goodbye to him. He is putting in a door at Stacy's house and then one at Hatch Dental in Tempe.

I went upstairs after dinner with the kids and helped them clean. We thought that Jason and his family were coming today and we wanted everything to look nice for them. Lola is very excited to meet Lila.

I needed to go to Dollar General to get some cash to mail Dallin's birthday card. The kids went with me. I told Rowan and Lola they could each pick out something for themselves and something for Ruby for her birthday. We are going to have a party for her tomorrow. Lola found a jewelry set right away that she liked and then she found a pink purse. She wanted both but I told her she had to decide. Right after she chose the purse she found a fuzzy pink diary with a key and a feather pen. This is what she ended up with. She picked a blue stuffed elephant for Ruby saying it was the "cutest thing she had ever seen." She was a little jealous it wasn't her birthday. She said she was going to invite Charlie to her birthday in July.

Rowan picked out a Just Friends Lego set for Ruby and said because it was so expensive he wasn't going to get anything for himself. He is such a thoughtful kid. I also got Ruby a Just Friends set with a girl with brown hair and glasses that I thought looked like her.

On the way home we mailed Dallin's card and picked up some books. While I was fixing lunch Rowan grabbed the paper towels and windex and went outside to clean off my windshield. I love this kid!

Lola watched "Beauty and the Beast". The other two joined in because they didn't want to scare the antelope away outside. We have LaVerne and Shirley and Elvis who has a nice set of antlers.

Finally I told the kids it was too nice a day to stay inside so they went out. They said the antelope ran away and they think they saw a baby with them but it could have been a big jack rabbit. I had to hold back a laugh.

Rowan asked James if he could borrow his rabbit squealer and he and Ruby went outside to try to call up some coyotes. Lola decided to stay with me. She played with my Hello Kitty bank and James's Snoopy bank while I worked on the computer. 

When it was dark and the kids weren't back I walked outside and shouted their names. They came in a few minutes later.

We had bean burritos for dinner and cantaloupe and corn. I was surprised that Lola doesn't like corn or cantaloupe and Ruby doesn't like corn but loves cantaloupe. I cut up a tomato for Lola to eat.

We watched the movie "Private Eyes", Ruby's choice and then I read a story to Lola while she was in bed with Ruby looking on.

Lola was a little sad that Lila and her family didn't come.

 Arizona Highways

 Danica is now a Hallmark star.

 One of James's former Teachers

 TBT: Boy these guys have changed!

 Sisterly love

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012 by

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 Mosiah 21:23-22:16

31-32 The people make covenants with God.

35 The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized but no one had the authority.

Mosiah 22:1 - The people desire to be out of bondage.

3 Gideon has an idea!

9 The king likes Gideon's plan.

10 The people escape and return to Zarahemla.

T/S The temporal deliverance of the Lord's people is but a type, an illustration of the Holy One's role in delivering His chosen from the fiery darts of the evil one.

* What have you learned from Mosiah 21-22 that would give encouragement to anyone who needed to experience the Lord's power to deliver us from sin?

* Repentance is essential to your happiness in this life and throughout eternity.  Repentance is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings.  It is a change of mind and heart... It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness.  It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "The Lord will give relief with divine power when you seek deliverance in humility and faith in Jesus Christ.  Don't say, 'No one understands me; I can't sort it out or get the help I need.' Those comments are self-defeating.  No one can help you without faith and effort on your part.  Your personal growth requires that. Don't look for a life virtually free from discomfort, pain, pressure, challenge, or grief, for those are the tools a loving Father uses to stimulate our personal growth and understanding.  As the scriptures repeatedly affirm, you will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ....Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings.  That leads to hope, and hope bring charity, the pure love of Christ - that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power."' ("To Be Healed," Ensign, May 1994, 8).

3 Nephi 21

1-7 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon is a Sign of the Father's Work.

8-11 Joseph Smith and the Great and Marvelous Work.

12-21 The unrepentant Gentiles to be destroyed.

22-29 The Establishment of the New Jerusalem.

3 Nephi 22

1-17 The Savior Quotes Isaiah on the Gathering of Israel.

DC 65-66

65 Revelation on prayer given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 30, 1831.

The keys of the kingdom of God are committed to man on earth, and the gospel cause will triumph; The millennial kingdom of heaven will come and join the kingdom of God on earth.

66 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith.  At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

The everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel; Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.

What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven?

The kingdom of God is Christ's Church on the earth.  We are preparing for the kingdom of Heaven when Christ will come down from Heaven and lead His Church upon earth.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our Father ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives.  The cultural element of this plan was the promise that Jesus Christ would offer Himself as a sacrifice, to rescue us from sin and death.  Our task in that plan is to accept the Savior's sacrifice by obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

Here are some gospel study notes I took: We are commanded to repent of all our sins.  The Lord will show us the things we need to repent of.  If we are faithful in doing the Lord's will, He will be with us and will bless us so we can accomplish what He requires of us.  The Lord wants us to forsake all things that cumber our spiritual progress.  The Lord knows our specific challenges and temptations.  If we continue faithfully to the end we will receive eternal life.  

After prayer and a few pages from "To Kill a Mockingbird," James left for the valley.  I won't be leaving until later this afternoon. He points out that the elk are here again this morning before he gives me a goodbye kiss.

Today after my gospel studies I paid bill, worked on my blog, Primary lesson, and family history.  I left for the valley around 3:30 and went through Salt River Canyon because of the sun and rush hour traffic.  After a couple of stops for gas and an ice cream, and a carwash at Sam's Club in Chandler to get the bugs off my grill and windshield, I arrived at Cathi's and Terry's around sundown.

They are having new tar paper put on their roof because of leaks, so all the tile pieces are taken off.  Cathi says they have been sick because they got the flu from James.  I feel so bad.  

James is hungry so we go to IHOP to get something to eat.  I got the Swedish crepes.  The were very good but I couldn't eat them all so now I have something to look forward to in the morning.

Yummy!

It is pretty late when we get back to Cathi and Terry's and since James will start early in the morning, we go straight to bed.

Fun Photos and Quotes:

A fun time while Addy and Trina were at

Science camp.

Hannigan Meadows

Molly in El Paso, playing in the snow.

Indy's lookalike getting her teeth brushed.

A 1,500 year old tree in South Carolina

A stalking leopard.

We have some real cowboys around here.

Havasupai

Havasupai

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

"It is the Lord's plan and His will that we have the principal decision-making role in our own life's drama."

-Elder D. Todd Christofferson

 The low was around 10 degrees this morning.  

Mitt Romney spoke at BYU today and President Henry B. Eyring spoke at the Vatican at a marriage conference put on by Pope Francis and the catholic church.

I took James into town and he rented a car at Hatch Toyota.  He is paying twice as much for a car rented here as he does when he rents one in the valley.  We say goodbye and I go shopping at Walmart.  It is cold!  On the way home I got a breakfast burrito with potatoes at Aliberto's.

James and I hate being separated from each other.  Starting in January we will be together again, working to get our house ready to sell.  We will be staying in Chandler until we sell our house.  We will have our memberships moved to the Galveston 3rd ward.  We are sad to leave our Vernon family but will look forward to spending time with family and friends in the valley.

Crista Moreno posted this picture on Facebook today.  The two sisters on the left are Sheri Day and Susan Barker.  The sister on the left is a dear friend, Edonna Wells.  James was Edonna's home teacher and did lots of work on her house.  I "liked" the picture and Crista messaged me and told me that Edonna was going to the temple for the first time in many years and she expressed a desire that James and I be there.  The date was set, Friday, November 21 at 4pm and we committed to be there.

Christmas movie: "Naughty or Nice".

I fixed dinner for Darrel but he was a no-show.  I never know what his schedule is anymore.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

"Disciplining the natural man in each of us makes possible a

richer, a deeper, and a more enduring love of God and

of His children.  Love increases through righteous

restraint and decreases through 

impulsive indulgence."

-Elder David A. Bednar

 Happy Birthday Dawn!

Dawn is the one on the far left and the rest of the

people in this picture are her brothers and sisters.

Let me tell you a little bit about James's younger sister Dawn.  She is one of the most patient, kind and considerate people you will ever meet.  She always thinks of others before herself.  She is dedicated, hard-working, and determined.  She has a doctorate in education and teaches at ASU.  She lives with her mother and because of Dawn, the rest of the family knows their mother is well taken care of.  Dawn's "school room" in their house is a favorite with the kids.  She has so many interesting learning materials that are very engaging, to kids, both young and old.  I have known Dawn for over 40 years and I can honestly say she is one of my favorite people in the world!! 

James is leaving this morning so I get up to have prayer with him.  I am in alot of pain this morning.  Both hips hurt and my left shoulder is very sore.  I must have slept on it wrong.

Since I have no car I won't be going shopping today.  Instead I stay home and pay bills.  I have a nice talk on the phone with my good friend Diana Curtis.  Sometimes I get lonely when I am here alone so I appreciate friends and family texting or calling.

I can't seem to get all the things done that I want to do.  I need to be working on family history and going through all the boxes of stuff in my office.  By the time I finish paying bills the day is almost over.  Maybe I need to cut down on my TV shows.  Tonight I watched the premiere of Castle and Once Upon a Time.

 A painting of Hayden Lambson

done by his son Dallen.

Hayden is James's cousin.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Ammon to the Lamanite King:

"I will be thy servant."

James left around 6:30 am for the valley.  He has a huge pour (20 loads of concrete) around midnight tonight at the Chandler Airport for Hatch Hanger.  He left with no simvistatin and he also forgot his computer.

My blood pressure was a little high today.  I took a walk and check it again and it was much better.  

Congratulations to Wendy and Shaun Kellar.

This is baby Kaytee.  Wendy is Dave's daughter.

Audrey Guerrero made me a cheesecake today.  I picked her up and we went to town around 4pm this afternoon.  She said she needed to pick up some medicine and I was making a trip to Walmart to buying the groceries for the dinner I am fixing for the missionaries on Sunday.  I knew I would be pretty busy the rest of the week.  After our shopping we stopped at Panda Express and got some dinner to take home.  When I dropped Audrey off I picked up my cheesecake and cinnamon rolls she had made for girls camp.  The cheesecake was delicious with Heath candy bar crust.

Sheri, Ian and their boys made if safely to California today.  Tricia is there with Emmy and Molly so they all had dinner together at Seal Beach.

Sheri and Molly

When Sheri told Molly that I said hi to her Molly said: "I don't say hi to her, I say I love her."  What a sweet thing to say.

Group picture on the pier.

Molly and Evan.

Kim, Brian, Joe, and Michael seem to be having fun in San Diego.

Not sure what that is on Michael's head.

This evening I wrote a letter to Michael, Joseph, and Alex.  I have not yet mailed it.  Most of it is based on Brother Ridd's talk from General Conference.

 Happy Anniversary to

Terry and Evans Farnsworth.

Terry was my secretary when I

was the Stake Relief Society President.

 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

"As we make and keep commitments, even small commitments, we begin to establish an inner integrity that gives us the awareness of self-control and the courage and strength to accept more of the responsibility for our own lives.  By making and keeping promises to ourselves and others, little by little, our honor becomes greater than our moods."

-Stephen R. Covey

Seven Habits, p. 92.

James left for the valley around 5 or 5:30.  We had prayer together before he left.  I went for a walk around 6 when it was nice and cool.  Jared Ammon fixed breakfast for himself and Catherine after their run.  They had eggs and toast.  I guess Catherine really likes eggs.  

They left to go fishing at Big Lake and Greer.

  I am home alone again.  I take a nap and then try to download pictures for my blog but the download icon never comes up.  I am so frustrated and sad.  I thought maybe I needed to upgrade my phone but after an hour it says that the upgrade failed and my phone loses the connection to itunes and I can't restore it.  Now not only can't I download pictures, but I have no phone.  This has not been my best day ever.

To calm myself down I watch a BYU devotional talk by Elder Donald Hallstrom on leading a reverent life.  It is so good that I forget about my problems for awhile.

I am worried about having no phone tomorrow as I go to Silver City to pick up James Hayden.  Jared Ammon suggested that I take my tablet and communicate via email with Tricia.  Great idea!

There was a heat advisory in the valley today.  The high was 110.  Ben had football practice and forgot to bring water.  He was desperate and kept texting Sheri to bring him water but she was at work.  Ian Wanlass shared with him but I bet he doesn't forget his water again.  

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

I loved the view this morning!

"True faith is not just knowing God can, but knowing why sometimes He doesn't.  True faith is not just believing that things can work out perfectly, but trusting when sometimes they don't.  True faith is not just receiving your answer, but accepting His."

- The Continuous Conversion, p.39.

James left a little after 4 this morning for the valley.  He has to get materials to the Hatch job and he has a doctor's appointment with Dr. Ortega in Scottsdale later in the morning. 

I went visiting teaching this afternoon with my partner, Rosie Lauritzen.  Rose was going to be a little late and we were to meet at Rosa Westbrooks.  I got there around 5:45 and gave Rose the message from Richard G. Scott's conference talk and we visited for awhile.  Rosie was supposed to be there around six or a little after but she didn't get there until 6:30,which made us late for our next appointment with Linda Diewald.  Linda called to see where we were because we were almost 30 minutes late.  On the way to Linda's we saw to cow elk.  We gave Linda the message from Elder Teh's conference address, a loaf of bread and then we left, staying for only about 10 minutes.  She and her husband are going to the valley tomorrow for their granddaughter's high school graduation.

We went on to Barbie Schumaker's.  Barbie was ready for us.  She had her house freshly vacuumed, the dogs outside, candles lit, and iced citrus water for us to drink.  Rosie was worried about giving the message.  I told her to wait and see how she felt, but she didn't end up giving it.  Barbie loves to talk.  She is fun and interesting to listen to.  One of the most interesting things she said was: "Please don't ever come unannounced because I am a nudist."  

Tonight was the Dancing with the Stars finale results show.

Meryl & Max are the winners!!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

1 Samuel 15:22

"To obey is better than sacrifice"

1 Samuel 16:7

"...for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; 

for man looketh on the outward appearance,

but the Lord looketh on the heart."

James left for the valley and the Hatch job this morning.  I struggle here at home to stay awake because I got up at 3am.  I relaxed and watched a couple of BYU Devotionals.

I am a little lonely here thinking about my family and how I can help them.  I did two blog posts and wrote a letter to Adam.  

 I love these two!

While I was paying bills this afternoon I watched, or rather listened to "The Voice" and a Hallmark movie.  I never went outside today but I did enjoy the views out my window.  I am praying for rain.  It is so dry here and real fire danger is here because so many people will be coming up for Memorial Day and other camping excursions.

I got these pictures off Facebook.  I love beautiful pictures.

 That is one scary looking storm cloud!

 Somewhere in Switzerland

 What a gorgeous setting.

 Spring forest, Tennessee

James took him Mom her Mother's day card and dinner from Elmer's this evening.  He said they had a nice visit. I wish I could have been there.

 This boy got 100% on his cumulative

spelling text.  Way to go Evan!

 

Thursday, May 8, 2014

"Every day and every hour you can choose to make or keep

a covenant with God."

-Pres. Henry B. Eyring

I wish I looked this good

in my costume.

James and I had scriptures and prayer together before he left for the valley. I will be leaving to join him later this afternoon.

The weather has been so fickle today.  When I said my prayers this morning, I prayed for rain.  It rained, for about 5 minutes and then it snowed.  None of this was predicted but it was appreciated!

I am struggling to write a letter to one of my grandchildren about my testimony, my love for him, and what I have learned from reading the Book of Mormon.  Sometimes it is difficult to share the things most near and dear to our hearts.

I watched Granite Flats and Once Upon a Time before leaving for the valley.  As I was getting ready to go I got a call from Stacy.  I guess James forgot to tell her that he was showing the house to a realtor this afternoon.  Today happened to be the day Dallin was moving in and he had a huge mess in the family room.  Also, there was a leak under the kitchen sink and the cold water had to be turned off.  

I left at 4 instead of 3 this afternoon because I needed a nap.  I stopped at National Bank to make a deposit, McDonald's, which was a mistake, and CVS to pick up James's prescription from the allergist.  Well I didn't get the prescription because it was $300.  

Of course I went the Payson way.  It was 8pm when I arrived at our house in Chandler.  I watched part of American Idol, and then got ready and went to bed.  

 

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

I sent this handout along with a box

of gummy Lifesavers to the grandkids

in the valley.  James took them when

he left this morning.

"We increase in spiritual power with each covenant we make with God." - April 2014 Ensign, p. 33

"Making and keeping our covenants is an expression of our commitment to become like the Savior."

Tax day.  We are late again.  James left this morning for the valley after our family prayer.  

I love bofm365 on Instagram.  As I was listening to a BYU Devotional today I was prompted to add study the hymns to my morning devotional time.  

I carried five boxes from the basement to upstairs today.  All boxes need to come upstairs in order to make more room downstairs for years supply items.  It was a nice little workout for me.  

I polished the wood floor in the family/living room using the Shark Duo Sonic.  It looks so nice.  It's supposed to last two months.  Let's hope so.  I listened to the General Women's Meeting while I was working.  I read from my two books for the month, Suit Up and Blackmoore.  One is spiritual and one if just for fun.  

This afternoon I visited Linda Diewald in the capacity of her visiting teacher and as her friend.  I gave her this handout.

It says: 

Somebunny loves you!

Happy Easter

Your visiting teachers

"Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love"

-D&C 6:20

 

Linda and her husband Jim are getting ready to go to the valley to participate in the endowment of their grandson who is soon to leave on a mission.  I told them how blessed they were to have a grandson going on a mission.  

 

James had a bit of a frustrating day at the Yoshimine's but I am confident in his ability to get the job done.

I paid bills today and then watched a little TV.  I watched The Voice, Granite Flats, and DWTS.  

 

I talked on the phone today to my friend Charlotte Mattice. The other day she fell and couldn't get up.  She called her daughter but she didn't call back for six hours.  Charlotte lie on the floor by herself for six hours!  

 

Trina texted me that she loved the Easter beans and thanked me for feeding and taking care of her family on Saturday.  It made me feel good.

Love this!

 

Monday, April 7, 2014

Sheri with baby Benjamin

Gospel Study

Matthew 11:28-30

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto our souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

James left this morning which is always a sad thing.  I love him so much and I am so grateful for all he does for me.  

I watched a 12 year old girl on YouTube talk about why abortion takes away the rights of the unborn child.  She did such a wonderful job.  I hope what she says will make a difference in someone's life.

I took a hydrocodone 5mg for my knees and a few minutes later I felt pretty darn good.  I called the AARC and asked for some help.  I spoke to Theresa.  She took notes and she said someone named Rosie would be calling me back.  I never got a call today but if I don't get one by tomorrow I will be calling back.

 Love this picture!

Diana said she would teach for me on May 4th so I can attend Alex's ordination.  I am so grateful.  I love working with her.

I did some vacuuming today, got out my Easter basket and plastic eggs, and worked on finances.  At 5:15 I decided to make a quick trip to town to deposit a check and get a burrito supreme from Taco Bell for dinner.  On the way home I stopped at the post office and Kaeli Nicoll and Joelle Miller pulled in behind me.  Kaeli asked me if I was going to the Relief Society dinner tomorrow night.  I said I would for her.  

My mailbox was packed full and my lightbulbs from Hobby Lobby came so I had alot to carry home. 

Back at home I watched Dancing with the Stars.  Katherine McCormick from SYTYCD did a Macy's Stars of Dance special with Derrick and some other male dancers.  It was amazing.  Also, Meryl Davis danced with Val instead of Maks because it was "change up" week and was phenomenal.  She got 3 10's.  

James said our air mattress has a hole in it which means I am going to have to buy another one.