Saturday, September 21st, 2019

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:46

 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:1-12

New Testament 2 Corinthians 8-13 "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

2 Corinthians 13

General Conference

Great Love for Our Father's Children

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"I promise that as we focus on our love for the Savior and His Atonement, make Him the centerpiece of our efforts to gather Israel on both sides of the veil, minister to others, and individually prepare to meet God, the influence of the adversary will be diminished and the joy, delight, and peace of the gospel will magnify our homes with Christlike love. I testify of these doctrinal promises and bear a sure witness of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice in our behalf, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Before Darrel and Rowan left this morning Darrel told us about Rowan's football team. They won the season play and are now playing on Monday in the tournament for the championship. They play Willis Jr. High, Firebirds and Eastmark is also the Firebirds so it's the Firebirds against Firebirds. Stacy and Kim both went to Willis so I told Rowan I wasn't sure which Firebirds I would be cheering for. I , of course, was just kidding! Rowan has been moved up to first string tackle on defense. You can tell how proud Darrel is.

Another story Darrel told this morning about a guy named Mr. Smith who paid off all of the student loans at Morehouse College, not only for the students but for the parents too. This amounted to 34 million dollars but that's ok because he's worth 6 billion.

James heard an elk answering him this morning so he disappeared for awhile. 

James forgot to set the mousetraps outside last night but he still caught two mice in his bucket trap.

Two more bulls are calling and James says to me: "I've had three bulls answer me this morning honey."

Darrel and Rowan left this morning and they took big Bertha. I hope they have a great day. James didn't go. He stayed home and worked outside on railings. Here are photos of some of the fish Rowan caught.

Trina had a leo photoshoot this morning with Lola and Ruby. Lola was a kitty and Ruby was a witch.

 Esmerelda and her kitty, Moonlight

 Moonlight is both fierce,

 and gentle.

 She's quite a charmer too.

 Good witch Esmeralda

Trina said that today was one of the most relaxing days that she has had in a long time. 

Addy made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. I made rolls and minestrone soup for lunch and chicken enchiladas and refried beans for dinner.

All the kids had a Dilly bar. Some had chocolate and some had cherry. We did puzzles, colored, and watched highlights from "Dancing with the Stars." 

We went for a walk and we were going to go to the 911 Commemorative BBQ at the park but some people didn't want to go. We soon came to realize none of us really wanted to go because we did not want to have to change our clothes and get ready to go.

We read Church magazines and wondered why there are chickens on the front of this month's Ensign and New Era. We started talking about chickens and Addy looked them up on the internet and found out that there is someone who makes diapers for chickens so people can have them as pets and bring them into their houses. Now Addy says she wants a pet chicken. I think she's just kidding, at least I hope she is.

Darrel came home in time to watch part of the ASU game and to play games with the kids and Trina. 

We also watched the first two episodes of the new Hallmark series, "When Hope Calls."

I got 10,007 steps today.

James showing Rowan some fish photos.

 Addy worked on the St. Basil's church puzzle.

St Basil's is a church in Russia.

Two gorgeous girls!

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Guess where we went this morning?

We met a friend at the front desk who is from our ward and was officiating the session would be in.  His name is Blain.  He ask us to be a witness couple.  We could not refuse.  

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 times 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 brings me closer to Jesus Christ.  "Whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived." So many wonderful testimonies and witnesses of Jesus Christ in this book.

GC:     Gratitude on the Sabbath Day by President Henry B. Eyring

"I give unto them a commandment saying thus: 

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart with all thy might, mind and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him...Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God

in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and

a contrite spirit." (D&C 59:5,7-8).

It was an overcast, cold day today.  Brian and Kim loved it.  They even went for a Razr ride.  I love having a fire and a Christmas tree on days like these.  

Today I watched Christmas movies, did some laundry, read to James, and worked on my Primary lesson and my blog.  All of this after my gospel study and going to the temple.  It did seem like a short day.  James and I are still eating Thanksgiving leftovers so I did not make any dinner.  Kim worked on her Christmas puzzle and James sealed our front porch and sidewalk so they would not crack.

He also covered up our wood pile because it is suppose to snow tonight.  

My Primary lesson tomorrow is on Moroni.  He was alone for 36 years keeping the Nephite record and adding to it.  Some of my favorite scriptures in the Book of Mormon are those written by Moroni.  He is definitely one of my heroes.

James sealing the sidewalk so it wouldn't crack.

It has to be over 50 degrees to do this.  I think it was 53 as the

high today.

It was a little warmer in the valley than it was here.  

Shana, Alex, Sheri went on a hike.

Max, Evan, and Rowan played barefoot

football in the backyard.  When Evan got hit in the face

with the football he said:

"Don't worry, it's only a sprain."

Ian said: "A brain sprain?"

Oh dear.  

Chandler friends who have now moved

to Gilbert.

This place looks magical.

How fun would it be to live on this street!

The highlight of the weekend for some people was Chandler High

School winning the State Football Championship!

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Our selfie at the temple.

I think this one is better than last week's.

Maybe next time we remember to take our sunglasses off.

Alma 30:29-45

29 - Because of the hardness of Korihor's heart he is sent to Zarahemla to appear before Alma and the chief judge.

30 - Korihor continues to blaspheme.

32 - Alma: I have labored with mine own hands for my support.

33 - I have never received so much as a senine for my labor and neither has any of my brethren except in the judgment seat.

34 - Our labors in the Church to declare the truth are so that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren.

35 - Why sayest thou that we preach unto this people to get gain?  And now, believest thou that we deceive this people, that causes such joy in their hearts?

36 - And Korihor answered him, yea.

37 - Alma said, Believest thou that there is a God?

38 - And he answered, nay.

39 - Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ?  I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.

40 - What evidence do you have there is no God or that Christ cometh not?  Ye have none save it be your word.

41 - I have all things as a testimony that these things are true.

42 - I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you.  The devil has power over you.

43 - Korihor says to Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign I may be convinced there is a God.

44 - Alma says, Thou hast had sign enough; will ye tempt your God?  Will ye say, show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren and also all the holy prophets?  The scriptures are laid before thee, and all things denote there is a God . . . 

45 - And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God?  And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses?  And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.

We listened to two General Conference talks on the way to the temple: 1) Be Thou Humble by Elder Steven E. Snow, and, 2) "That I Might Draw All Men Unto Me" by Elder Dale G. Renlund.

Sheri sent me this picture of Ben.  His face looks so much better!

 I am sure he feels better too!

After going without drinking a soda for two days I decided today was going to be my one day a week for a soda.  Honestly, it didn't even taste that good.

On the way home from the temple we went to the Show Low Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and a few groceries.  Afterwards we stopped at Panda to pick up two veggie rice bowls.  James got fried rice and I got steamed.  Mine was very tasty, only I wish there would have been more veggies.  I also stopped at the Book Barn to get a gift for Aurora, Erik's daughter for her baptism which is next week.

I spent most of the rest of the day preparing for my Primary lesson on Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty.  I even made my own Title of Liberty!

Made out of an old dress.

I love this picture of Captain Moroni!

While I was working on my lesson James went out to work on his landscaping project.  He is about to get everything framed up to pour concrete.

Such a hard worker!

We had beans and chips and salsa for dinner.  I took a break from my Primary lesson and downloaded some Avett Brothers songs that Sheri recommended.

To be by nine so I can get up at four to finish preparing my lesson.