Friday, February 9th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 3:6-25

*Compare with Genesis 49:10,22,26.

This chapter, coupled with Joseph of Egypt's Patriarchal Blessing, are great confirmations to the truth behind the Book of Mormon and the gospel we believe. What are my favorite witnesses I found? 

Old Testament

Exodus 37-38

37 Bezaleel makes the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubims - He makes the table, the vessels, the candlestick, the incense altar, the holy anointing oil and the sweet incense.

38 Bezaleel and others make the altar of burnt offerings and all things pertaining to the tabernacle - Offerings are made by 603,550 men.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 28:12-14

12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

General Conference

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" In my experience in the Church as well as throughout my professional career, some of the greatest, most effective people I have known have been among the most meek and humble.

Humility and meekness fit hand in glove. May we remember that 'none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.' I pray that  we will strive to avoid the spiritual eclipse of pride by embracing the virtue of humility."

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:" 'Enos increases his personal sanctification and his power to redeem increases. (p. 112-113.)

Catherine Thomas wrote, "Our ancestor and patriarch Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, was the model for us as he sanctified himself to have a sanctifying influence on his very troubled family and, like his Savior, exercised a saving power on his brethren." We, who are Joseph's children enjoy the blessings of Joseph's sanctification. Just so, parents who are willing to sanctify themselves obtain power to save their troubled children and bless their family for many generations. (p. 113-14 RWC.)

"The Savior's example of personal sanctification teaches us that we can sanctify ourselves and thus sanctify others by focusing on fundamental gospel principles and commandments, such as increasing our obedience, worthily partaking of the sacrament, fasting with purpose, attending the temple, and offering mighty prayer coupled with sacrifice." (RWC, 115.)

I tried working on my blog this morning at 5:30 a.m. but something is wrong and it won't load. I worked on my Primary lesson instead. 

I read an article in the Ensign about the 2011 earthquake in Japan. The Lord does perform miracles in our behalf. No missionaries were hurt in spite of the devastation around them.

While reading and studying 2 Nephi 2 I came across this quote in a study guide I am using by Brother Eldin Ricks:

"In Lehi's inspired and profound discourse that comprises chapter 2 we find the theological and philosophical core of the Book of Mormon. Within the limits of this single treatise the prophet explains (a) t he hopelessness of man's plight without a redeemer, v. 5 (b) man's dependence upon Christ for his salvation, vs. 6-9, (c) the legal demands of divine justice, v. 10 (d) the reason for God''s allowing evil in the world, vs. 10-13 (e) the story of the fall of Adam and its purpose in opening the doorway to man's mortality in the midst of good and evil, vs. 14-25 (f) man's freedome to attain Eternal Life through the redemption of Christ, vs. 26-29."

I sure do love studying the gospel. I could probably do it all day but eventually I have to get up and do something. Actions speak louder than words!

We had a busy day here at home. James washed the car so it would be clean for the temple tomorrow. He worked on fixing the brakes on his truck. We both walked, I mended my black sweater that I wear every temple day and Sunday. I also washed my temple dress and cleaned the kitchen blinds and made chicken enchiladas and chocolate chip cookies and worked on my blog and Primary lesson.

Glad I made time!

Kacey's post. Sweet little Scarlett.

Cactus garden at the Mesa, Arizona temple.

Paul's dad Mary and his stepdad

Marvin.

Joie and Curtis's clan.

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 John 3:5

Jesus Christ, Advocate
Hebrews 7:25; 924; 1 John 2:1
Alma 39:1-19
*Why are some sins more serious than others?
*What was Alma's reason for teaching Corianton the seriousness of his sin?
*Elder D. Todd Christofferson:"The invitation to repent is an expression of love....If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring" ("The Divine Gift of Repentance," Ensign, Nov. 2011, 39).
*When our sins affect others, what must we do as a part of our repentance?
*Why was the coming of Jesus Christ good news for Corianton?
DC 104:51-65
47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately; 54-66, The sacred treasury of the Lord is set up for the printing of the scriptures;
Do we have revelations today that are printed for us to learn from?
*Yes we do. A couple of examples are, "The Living Christ," and "The Family Proclamation."
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

" What we know of the nature of God the Father is mostly what we can learn from the ministry and teachings of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. One of the paramount purposes of Jesus's ministry was to reveal to mortals 'what God our Eternal Father is like,...to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven.' The Bible contains an apostolic witness that Jesus was 'the express image' of His Fathers person (Hebrews 1:3), which merely elaborates Jesus's own teaching that 'he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.' (John 14:9)."

I got up at 4 a.m. with James this morning. We had prayer and kisses before he left for the valley to finish the remodeling at the medical building at McKellips. 

As I am studying at the dining room table I look outside and four bunnies are nibbling on our grass. I think this is the reason James planted it. He also loves feeding the hummingbirds.

There is no rain but there are cool breezes and huge dark clouds. There is so much to enjoy here but it's not nearly as enjoyable without someone to share it with.

I made a daily schedule but wasn't able to stay on it. I'm tired, unmotivated and distracted. What am I to do? I know, watch Christmas movies!

Here are a few in my que: 
"I'm Not Ready for Christmas," "Christmas Melody," "Merry Matrimony," "My Christmas Dream," "Christmas List," "A Bride for Christmas," and "A Cookie Cutter Christmas."

Random Photos and Posts:

Back to school for these two cuties.

Rowan is in 5th grade and Ruby in 3rd.

Addy doesn't start until next week.

Lyman, Harold, Gary, Jack, and Ray.

I add some blueberries and Coolwhip...Delicious!

This is Christina and Winter.

Christina is Rebecca's only daughter.

The following is a story she told on Facebook.

Near Flagstaff. This reminds me of the flower

fields in Vernon.

I love cute animal photos!

Breakfast at Curtis's and Joie's

Adoption day for these three.

Curtis is probably taking the picture.

Saturday, July 1st, 2017

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct - 2 Nov 1978 by

Spencer W. Kimball

Rededicated: 22 Feb 2004 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 25:1-17

*How were Abinadi's prophecies fulfilled?

The Lord sends His prophets to serve as His messengers and make His will known. Slometimes they predict future events. Alma 25 is the fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy from Mosiah 17:14-19.

*What has our prophet counseled us to do today?

DC 95:1-17

1-6, The Saints are chastened for their failure to build the house of the Lord; 7-10, The Lord desires to use His house to endow His people with power from on high; 11-17, The house is to be dedicated as a place of worship and for the school of the Apostles.

Which verse stood out to me?

*1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you-

8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;

11 Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it.

13 Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord - let the house be built, not after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world;

14 Therefore, let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three of you, whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

" We must each ask: How do I keep centered and lean not unto mine own understanding? How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?

How do I cultivate trust in the Savior: May I suggest three ways to increase our knowledge of and trust in the Savior?

First, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Scriptures enlighten our minds, nourish our spirits, answer our questions, increase our trust in the Lord, and help us center our lives on Him.

Second, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him through prayer. As we make a habit of approaching Heavenly Father in prayer, we will come to know the Savior. We will come to trust Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that Heavenly Father is ready to give if we will but ask in faith.

Third, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we sacrifice to serve others."

James and I made an early morning trip to town. Kim and Brian were still in bed so I left them a note. It was James's errand but I took advantage of it. I bought a mattress topper for the bed in James's office. I bought ping pong balls and paddles, and various and other sundry items. We stopped at Jack-in-the Box for breakfast and I had one of their yummy supreme croissants.  

Happy 14th Birthday Max!

This is one amazing kid. He seems tough on the outside but

on the inside he is a marshmallow.

Max absolutely loves Michael!

They are buddies, even if Michael did

knock his tooth out on the trampoline.

Such a handsome boy, and so talented!

His brothers and his cousins are his

best friends.

Such a smart boy, even at this age!

I love you Max!

We had smoke from the San Carlos Hilltop fire today. It got so bad that it was difficult to go outside. It kept Kim and Brian from going for a walk and a Razr ride. They even talked about going home. That's how bad it was. 

James went to Kyra's funeral in St. Johns. This is a picture of Kyra's dad Curtis, and his finance Joie. They are pretty amazing people. More to come about them at a later date.

Curtis is Uncle Delbert's youngest son.

Uncle Delbert was a prisoner of war in

World War II. He wrote a book about it.

He is 94 years old and he and Uncle Kay are the

only two of James's dad's siblings that are

still alive. He lives in St. Johns.

Kyra's kids and one of two of the

children that Joie and Curtis adopted.

I stayed home from the funeral to finish cleaning upstairs. Jared and Kacey and their kids will be arriving tonight. There were so many dead bugs in the bathtubs!  It was a chore, but I finished. The upstairs is ready for company.

Brian cooked me a cheeseburger for lunch. Thanks Brian.  I am so tired. When James got home he, Kim and I played a game of Five Crowns.

Jared, Kacey and the kids arrived around 9:30 after spending 15.5 hours in the car.  They were exhausted and went straight to bed.

Random Photos:

Molly met Kacey's friend Gloria and they were

instantly best friends!

Upper Black River

I love the diversity of scenery in Arizona!