Monday, June 10th, 2019

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

Matthew 4:19

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 13:21-14:5

New Testament "Not as I will, as Thou Wilt"

Matthew 26:1-19 Mark 14:1-16 Luke 22:1-13

General Conference

Feasting Upon the Words of Christ

Takashi Wada

"The words of Christ can help us 'increase our spiritual capacity to receive revelation' and safely guide us through our life. Mormon teaches that the words of Christ have 'a great tendency to lead the people to do that which is just' and that they are more powerful than anything 'the sword' can accomplish. As I have searched for God's wisdom in dealing with my own challenges, always as I have tried the 'virtue of the word of God', I have felt inspired and enabled to make wise decisions, overcome temptations, and bless my life with increased faith in Christ and love for those around me. Our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has taught us that 'in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost'. Needed revelation will come as we try the 'virtue of the word,' and that word will be more powerful than anything else we could try or imagine."

I worked on catching up on "Come Follow Me" this morning. 

James left around 8 o'clock to look at a remodel job at Dawn's school.

Ruby went to swimming lessons and Lola went to tumbling. 

Trina was supposed to work but they put her "on call." 

When Lola returned we packed up Lexy and after Rowan offered a prayer of safety and peace we left for Vernon. Rowan sat in the front seat and Lola and Ruby were in the back. James is staying here for a 1:30 appointment with his ear, nose, and throat doctor, Dr. Weiner.

I headed out on the 202 towards Gilbert Rd. Instead of going all the way to the 101 I decided I was going to get off on Gilbert Rd. That's the way James came in on Saturday. Something happened when I got off and instead of heading north on Gilbert Rd., I headed south. I was so frustrated that when I came to the Peter Piper Pizza on Baseline Rd. I decided to stop for lunch. The first thing Lola said was: "Gramma, I don't won't to play, I want to go to the cabin." 

I bought four buffet lunches and we probably ate enough for one. The things that was really costly was the drinks. Oh well. Darrel did give me cash for the week to feed the kids. I promise I didn't use all of it today, only about a third.

I forgot to tell a cute story about Lola that happened yesterday at our family dinner. She said to Joshua: "Everybody in your family is brown except for your mom....and your dog Shipley."

As I left Peter Piper I headed north on Gilbert road and took the 60 to Country Club which turns into the 87, the road to Payson.

When we got to Payson we stopped at McDonald's to use the bathrooms and to eat ice cream. Lola was asleep when we got there but when we said the word ice cream she woke right up.

In Show Low we stopped at Safeway so Lola could use the bathroom and so we could do some shopping. The kids decided they wanted spaghetti for dinner. Ruby likes broccoli so I got some broccoli and french bread to go with our spaghetti. All the kids got to pick out a fruit. Rowan picked nectarines, Ruby plums, and Lola strawberries. We also got some cherries for grandpa. 

Our next stop was the Conoco station on the hill as we were leaving Show Low. Last stop was the post office. No books, but a pink slip saying I had items too big for my box. 

As we were driving towards Vernon I noticed ominous black clouds coming from Springerville, and New Mexico. 

Rowan carried everything in from the car and I put it away. The kids took their stuff up stairs. They are all going to sleep in their family room. 

I went up and helped them clean the dead bugs out of the bathtub and the toilet and then I vacuumed and dusted. 

James got here around 6. He told the kids that there were two antelope outside. It's LaVerne and Shirley! The kids and James stood in our bedroom looking through binoculars to see if the antelope were pregnant. They determined that they were.

As we sat down to dinner it began to rain. It rained hard and then the rain turned to hail and it looked like there was snow on the ground. The temperature dropped from 80 to 60. The drop in temperature is one of the things I love about rain!

After dinner I walked and played with Lola. We played bowling and chess. Ruby and Rowan were upstairs playing Minecraft. Lola found the tea party box with hats, and boas. I told her if she put it back we would get it out tomorrow and have a tea party.

We all had family prayer together before going to bed.

 Eating spaghetti while it rains and hails

Lola said: "I like this bread"!

 Sweet Scarlett

 These two are friends forever!

 Five years ago had the time share.

I love the look on Max's and Joshua's faces

as they consider the fact that Evan knew

more Articles of Faith than they did.

 Last year Trina wanted to go here. I think

she thought it would be a real forest.

 Jared's friends Brian and Amy.

Saturday, October 7th, 2017

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

71st operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Alma 19:13

For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.

3 Nephi 1:1-14

*What does it mean to you to "lift up your head and be of good cheer?"

-"To not despair in spite of your circumstances Literally lift up your head, look to Him and His Atonement. Be optimistic and exercise faith and remember what President Hinckley: 'Things will work out.'"

Scripture Mastery

DC 19:16-19

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"In a parable, Jesus described those who hear the word but become unfruitful when that word is choked by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. In His final teachings in mortality, He told His Apostles, 'If ye were of the world, the world would love His own: but because ye are not of the world, ... the world hateth you'(John 15:19). "

"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy to God" (James 4:4).

I read my talk to James this morning and basically what it was, was a quote from every conference talk. He told me it was good at first but then he got confused because I changed subjects so often and it was hard to follow. Back to the drawing board, but first I have to finish cleaning upstairs because Sheri, Ian, and the boys are coming and will be here around 1.

I cleaned upstairs until noon, even polishing the wood floor. I took a shower and started to re-write my talk. The Trezise's and Joshua got here around 1:30. I will have to finish my talk later. Ollie is adorable and much smaller than I thought he would be. Sheri is definitely his mom and main caregiver. 

After unloading and taking Ollie potty, Sheri and I get in my car and go to Walmart. I picked up my alternate thyroid prescription ( Levothyroxin) and some groceries: 3 Halo ice creams, potatoes, Dayquil for James, corn, grapes, strawberries, and hot dog buns.

She got spaghetti and meatballs to make for the boys. I told her I was going to make her and Ian chicken enchiladas, which I did. they both loved them. 

There is definitely an Ollie obsession going on in the Trezise clan. Sheri went to bed at 8, after scriptures and prayers because she plans on getting up with Ollie at 3 am. The boys and Ian watch Ollie until they go to bed, then they take him and put him in his kennel.

I re-wrote my talk, hopefully for the last time. I was in bed by 11. This time I spoke about my experiences with last April's conference and how they affected me. It was more from the heart.

What an amazing family!

Grandpa Jared and Scarlett

I love this time of year.

Twinkie 'stashed minions

2014

Fond memories

Temple memories

I can identify

The day Addy faced her fears and went on 

Tower of Terror

2015

2015 the Trezise boys and their mom

helped Grandmother with yard work.

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Third Article of Faith

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Appearances of

Exodus 33:11

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Helaman 6:15-31

*What did the Nephites do that enabled Satan to take hold of their hearts? (See Helaman 6:17)

-They began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up on above another;

*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 your 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.

DC 136:1-15

*What is meant by "the saints must walk by covenant?"

-President Russell M. Nelson: "When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God, and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened."

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Let us follow the example of our Savior, who was meek and lowly, who sought not the praise of men but to do the will of His Father."

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Walking with the Savior in priesthood service will change the way you look at others. He will teach you to see them through His eyes, which means seeing past an outward appearance and into the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). This is how the Savior was able to see Simon not as an impulsive fisherman but as Peter, the rock-solid future leader of His Church (Luke 5:1-11). This is how he was able to see Zacchaeus not as the corrupt tax collector others saw but as an honest, upright son of Abraham (Luke 19:1-9). If you walk with the Savior long enough, you will learn to see everyone as a child of God with limitless potential, regardless of what his or her past may have been. And if you continue walking with the Savior, you will develop another gift He has - the ability to help people see that potential in themselves and so repent."

It was windy today. I looked outside to check on the greenhouse and this is what I saw:

$500's blown away

If we rebuild it won't be with this junky material.  James starts to dismantle it after lunch while I go in to town to run errands and do my grocery shopping. Oh yes, we had chili dogs for lunch, using the chili from our years supply. I now won't by anything except Hebrew National hotdogs. I agree with Max, they are the best.

My first stop in town was Safeway to get my Dr. Pepper 10. I got 3 12 packs for $12, which is a good deal. I also got an Amazon card  either to keep or to use as a birthday gift. Walmart doesn't carry them. Next stop is Chase bank to get some cash out of the ATM to pay for our horse corral panels. Then it is on to the Book Barn where I got Liana, a little girl in my Primary class, a Jesus journal with her name imprinted on it. I also bought "Mind Games" by Sister Black, our friend who used to live in Chandler. At the Dollar Tree I picked up some white hand towels to use for my Primary lesson. I also got some fun things to put in Liana's birthday bag. I finally made it to Walmart where I spent too much money but got everything I need for the week. Well, I least I think I did. I saw Sister Hunter who is in our ward. She works at the temple on Wednesdays. She was buying cookies to take for potluck.  My last stop was to get gas and then it was back home to haul groceries in and put them away. 

By this time I am exhausted and don't feel like finishing my blog or doing anything else for that matter. I sat down and watched last nights Season 25 Premier of Dancing with the Stars. James and I both like Mark and Lindsay Stirling. We also watched an episode of Heartland, "Dancing in the Dark." This show is a hoot. James loves it. I like it too, especially the scenery and the horses.

Photos:

Trina's emoticon for figuring out Common Core.

Miss Phoebe

Vernon skies

The Wilhelm's lost four puppies that look

like these.

Havasupai

IHOP

September 19, 2015

Adam working for G-pa moving stuff

out of the basement.

James looking puzzled as he meets with our

realtor Jen in 2015.

The E and J Zoo

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Mosiah 18:17-30

Alma establishes the Church of Jesus Christ among the people.

President Henry B. Eyring said: "From the day of baptism through the spiritual milestones of our lives, we make promises with God and He makes promises with us.  He always keeps His promises offered through His authorized servants, but it is the crucial test of our lives to see if we will make and keep our covenants with Him."

* How does your baptismal covenant influence the way you live each day?

Talk: "The Covenant of Baptism"

By: Elder Robert D. Hales

Oct. 2000 General Conference

3 Nephi 13

Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord's Prayer - They are to lay up treasures in heaven - The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things - Compare Matthew 6. About A.D. 34.

DC 63:24-36

Inheritances in Zion are to be purchased; The Lord decrees wars, and the wicked slay the wicked;

How is baptism a point of spiritual departure in our journey?

General Conference

Then Jesus Beholding Him, Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard, think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and

inviting you to follow Him."

I loved listening to Elder Palmer's conference  talk this morning, and not just because he has such a great accent.  It was all about loving as the Savior loves.  Here are some of the things that I wrote in my study journal: 

"How can I be filled with Christlike love so others around me can feel it?"

"Because I love you I care what you become."

"See others as the Lord sees the and love them as He loves them."

"Hearts will not change when love is not present."

"Never withdraw love."

"Be humble, repent, sacrifice, and love to receive forgiveness and peace."

"Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth."

Big Lake

I also listened to a talk given by Elder Robert D. Hales in the October 2000 general conference on "The Covenant of Baptism."

Here are some notes from that talk:

"Pain is a purifier."

"Peace be unto thy soul."

"Teach and live, Thy will be done."

Elder Hales had a visitation of Heavenly Hosts during a recent illness.

"The importance of the Lord's timetable and enduring to the end."

"We need to be in the world but not of the world."

"Heed the Savior's admonition, follow thou me."

"We humble ourselves with a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

"We commit to always Remember Him."

"When we are baptized we are changed forever."

National Geographic post

Kacey had her custody court date regarding Tanner today.  I got a text from Jared on my way to town and this is what he said:

"Short story of what happened.  We came to a short term

temporary agreement out of court.  Tanner will stay with us until the end of the school year.  During the first two months of summer

we get the kids for 4 weeks and their dad gets them for 4 weeks.

Starting in August Tanner will go with his dad and summer with us with each kid going to the other parent one weekend a month.

There is a clause in the agreement that says dad's girlfriend

can't stay overnight when the kids are there.  If he violates

this that makes it much more likely that long term we can

keep Tanner.  This agreement was recommended by

our attorney and after looking at all the facts we feel good about it.

So Tanner is coming home with us for now."

James had a three hour doctor's appointment today.  They did all kinds of tests and gave him a breathing treatment.  I worry that he has been coughing up blood and having a hard time breathing.

I watched another John Larroquette movie today, this one was called, "Wedding Daze."  It is about a dad who has a triple wedding for his three daughters.  It was older, 2004, but I liked it.

I miss James, especially when it is time to go to bed.

Fun Photos:

Kelly, a young woman in our ward,

breaking her high jump record.

9.9 inches.  Go Kelly!

Sweet Addy

Mayfield's and Covert's at the

Snowflake temple.  The Covert's 

moved to Alpine.

Storm coming

2011

Look how cute they are!

Kid House

Michael and Alexis

Michael says: "My computer is bigger

than yours."

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

We saw this temple on our honeymoon!

Mosiah 13:27-14:12

Abinadi teaches about salvation through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

* Abinadi testified that no one can be saved except through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 13:28, 32).  Why is it important for us to understand this truth?

3 Nephi 6

The Nephites prosper - Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise - The Church is rent with dissensions - Satan leads the people in open rebellion - Many prophets cry repentance and are slain - Their murderers conspire to take over the government. A.D. 26-30.

DC 61:1-17

The Lord has decreed many destructions upon the waters; The waters were cursed by John, and the destroyer rides upon their face; 

How are the waters "cursed?"

General Conference

Don't Look Around, Look Up

Yoon Hwan Choi

"Inviting others to come unto Christ is our purpose, and

we can fulfill this purpose by looking up to Jesus Christ!"

I was up at 4:30 to finish preparing and going over my talk.  I left at 8:08 for the White Mountain Stake center in Lakeside.  

The first people I see when I arrive at the stake center are Paul, Trenda, and Cammy, all from Vernon.  I really thought no one from Vernon would attend because they announced the time as 6 a.m.

I sat with Trenda and Cammy in the opening.  Trenda had to show me pictures of her boyfriend, Emery.  He is cute.  

The first class I went to was taught by Dr. Hall.  Trenda works for him so she wanted to hear him speak. When he said his dad died when he was two years old, and knew he was Mike Hall's son.  I talked to him after the class and confirmed.  I went to school with Mike Hall.  I called Vickie and she knew the family well because they lived in Linden.  Mike was working on his parents truck putting in a transmission.  The truck fell on him and crushed him to death.  Dr. Hall was one of the three little boys he had with him.  A sad story.  Dr. Hall's mom married Jeff Frost when he was seven but they are now divorced.  Jeff worked in my mom and dad's store when I was growing up.  It's a small world, especially when you return to the place where you grew up.  It is one of the reasons I love living up here.

My class went well and I had everyone who was here from Vernon in the class to support me, except for Paula.  There was Trenda, Cammy, Judy, Amy, Tamara, Maxine, Patsy, Teresa, Nadine, and Talena.

After the classes were over they had a luncheon in the cultural hall.

It was decorated beautifully.

I guess one of the counselors in the Relief 

Society stake presidency is a wedding planner.

Stacked pallets for the food line, with greenery.

The dessert corner.  Everything looked
great to me except the greenery across the 
back of the backdrop.  I am thinking maybe
a guy did it.

It was a great conference.
I am glad I was ask to participate and now
I am glad it is over.

I stopped at Walmart on the way home and got some meds for James and some more candles.  I am giving each of the sisters I visit teach a candle with a picture of the Savior.  The message is on the priesthood. 

I was so tired when I got home.  I rested for awhile and then began preparing my Primary lesson for tomorrow on following the Prophet.

Random Fun Photos:

Brooklyn and Brooks got married at the

Wallace ranch this evening.

Congratulations!

McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Brian and Kim being goofy

James putting in our lawn last summer.

Temple date last August with

Kim and Sheri.

The three musketeers doing what they do best.

Not sure when this was but

look how small Rowan looks!

Mmmmm Pizza!