Friday, September 20th, 2019

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Glory of

DC 45:16

And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto the, saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers,

Book of Mormon

Helaman 6:32-41

New Testament 2 Corinthians "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver"

2 Corinthians 12

General Conference

Christ: The Light that Shines in Darkness

Sharon Eubank

"I testify you are beloved. The Lord knows how hard you are trying. You are making progress. Keep going. He sees all your hidden sacrifices and counts the to your good and the good of those you love. Your work is not in vain. You are not alone. His very name, Emmanuel, means 'God with us.' He is surely with you."

Dave Elkin is our new, rich neighbor. He has a 10,000 dollar horse that he bought in Canada and he is supposed to bring it up this weekend. He is a roper and he must be a fisherman too because he wanted to know where Alex caught all of his fish.

James went outside this morning and said: "I caught 3 mice outside, 1 in the bucket."

We went to the temple today. Our goal was to make it to the 10:30 endowment session. We didn't leave until 9:30 because of me. James had to speed most of the way, but we made it to the session. I arrived in the endowment room before James did which is highly unusual. I learned afterwards that he forgot to put his white pants in his suitcase. He normally hangs them up with his suitcoat after working in the temple. He opened the door to his stall and said to one of the brothers who was working there: "I'm afraid I can't go to the session. I have no pants." The brother hurried and found him some pants and he was able to make the session. We were both in the back row of a completely full session.

I had stomach cramps throughout the session which took away from my enjoyment. When we got to the celestial room we both said a prayer and then we left. 

I think my stomach cramps are a result of a capsule I am taking called, Miracle Tea. The capsules contain the following: Persimmon leaves, marshmallow leaves, (didn't know they had leaves), malva leaves, lactobacillus acidophillus, and aloe vera gel extract. They are a cleansing compound.

After having some lunch and a Dilly bar I sat down in the recliner for a rest. Before I knew it James had brought me another Dilly bar. I guess he didn't see that I had already had one. This one had the stick taken out and was covered in caramel sauce and roasted pecans. We called it a "Dilly Deluxe."

I took a nap, walked, and read from "Aunt Dimity's Christmas."

I swept and mopped the kitchen and swept the wood floor and dusted. Darrel, Trina and the kids are coming tonight so I also went upstairs and made sure everything was clean, including the toilets,  and that there were no dead bugs in the bathtub. I rotated reading 20 minutes, walking 20 minutes, and cleaning 20 minutes every hour. It keeps things more interesting that way.

James was rather disappointed because he did not see any bull elk this evening. Instead of looking for elk James cleaned up outside and began sealing the railings. He also got his fishing stuff out as Darrel and Rowan are coming to go to the Black River.

Darrel and family got here after 10. We were already in bed and I believe they went straight to bed. 

Happy Birthday Kacey!

 Deb is my cousin Randy's wife.

Randy has stage 4 brain cancer.

Thursday, September 20th, 2018

Recife Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and O f Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 6:32-41

*What did the Lamanites gain by following the commandments of God?

- The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them. Lamanites to robbers: "We are going to hunt you dow and preach to you.!!" Gadianton robbers: "Nooo!! Anythig but that ! We are outta here!" Hopefully some of the Gadianton robbers were converted.

Old Testament

Isaiah 13-15

General Conference

His Spirit to be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"Pray to know the needs and hearts of others and how to help them for the Lord. It has been my opportunity to observe the prophets of God as they pray, ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it. I have seen how often their prayers are about the people they love and serve. Their concern for others seems to open their hearts to receive inspiration. That can be true for you."

I actually fixed breakfast this morning and I believe James was pleasantly surprised. Scrambled eggs with tomatoes, hashbrowns, and ham. We ate breakfast together before we had scriptures and prayers. 

After prayer, James left with his cat casket on the Razr for Anthony's. He's taking the Razr because they are climbing up a mountain to bury Pinky. You can actually see the mountain from our back porch. I am now calling it "Pinky Point."

Pinky's casket.

James looks sad.

Be careful out on the highway.

Pinky Point

After digging through cinders a 3 foot hole, and putting Pinky's casket inside, James and Anthony shared feelings about Pinky and then Anthony said a prayer and the service was over.

Before leaving for the Howard's James went out to check on his bunny. Ruby thought Betty bunny needed a friend so James put another doe in with her. Betty beat her up and James had to rescue her. I think he should let Betty go free, but for some reason he wants to keep her. He raised bunnies as a child to see to the local market. He's not doing that this time.

I love listening to the scriptures, the Church magazines, and books on my phone. I am so grateful for my phone and wonder what I ever did without it.

This afternoon was spent getting in my steps, making cupcakes, and wrapping gifts for Liana and Emsley. They are coming over tonight with their brother and sister Tildy and Benson. 

The Grapp's arrived around 6:15. First they wanted to watch the Winnie the Pooh Halloween show Frankenpooh. Next we made Halloween cards, which kept everyone busy for quite some time.

Today is Liana's 10th birthday and Emsley

turned 5 on Sept 6th. 

Benson made his card for Abby, a girl in our ward, and put Love, Guess Who. Tildy made hers for her cousin Redick. I should have taken pictures of the cards.

We were watching Beauty and the Beast when mom, dad and baby Leland returned. I hope they had a good time together. We had a good time here with the kids.

I made a birthday calendar for my dot journal today including family members, and ward members we minister to. I love it!

Happy Birthday Kacey!

 Charlie's first trip to the temple

Jared's tribute

We love Kacey and we are so grateful she is a part of our family!

Autumn and Scarlett

Thanks to the Grapp kids I

got some extra steps.

Homemade card of the day

Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Exodus 33:20

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Helaman 6:32-41

*What did the Lamanites gain by following the commandments of God?

-lisabear17:"The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them (36). Lamanites to Gadianton robbers: 'We are going to hunt you down and preach to you!'  Gadianton robbers who weren't converted: 'No! Anything but that! We're going to live with the wicked Nephites!'"

*What do these verses teach about what we can do to have the Spirit with us?

-As we believe in and obey the Lord's words, He will pour out His Spirit upon us.

DC 136:16-42

*What did I learn from these verses today?

vs. 18-27 Zion will be redeemed.

vs. 22 "The pioneer exodus has no parallel in the history of the world." President Anthony W. Ivins (DCSM 351-52

vs. 33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

vs. 39 Many have marveled because of his death; but it was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood(Joseph and Hyrum Smith), that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned.

vs. 34-36 Has the U.S. Been vexed because of its' persecution of the Latter-day Saints?

*War with Mexico - Regiment from western Illinois was wiped out of existence.

*War of 1861-65, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Depressions, natural disasters, and other calamities have plagued the nations. The prophetic promise is that if the people of this nation do not serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, they will be swept off. (See Ether 2:10)

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimony of others will carry you only so far. Once obtained a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study. Prayerfully ponder and study the Book of Mormon each day. As you do so you will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heavens help in your life."

A Sin-Resistant Generation

Sister Joy D. Jones

"Helping children understand, make, and keep sacred covenants is another key in creating a sin-resistant generation."

  

Happy Birthday Kacey!

We are so happy to have you as

part of our family!

We finished our book "Borrowed Light." It had a great ending!

We started our new book by our friend Sister Black. It is called "Mind Games" and is a murder mystery.

Afterwards James went outside to finish cleaning up the pieces of the greenhouse. 

James called the Peeler's and the Scott's today to check on both Sister Peeler and Sister Scott. 

After lunch he leaves to go to Concho to pick up the horse corral panels we bought. He is sad I am not going with him but I promised I would make him chicken enchiladas while he was gone, which I did. I tried a new recipe I got off Facebook. Instead of using Cream of Chicken soup it uses heavy cream. I bought a roasted chicken yesterday and shredded it for the meat. I can honestly say these were the best chicken enchiladas I have ever tasted!  James agreed.

I was happy to learn that Sheri and Kim went to the temple today. I wish I would have asked them to send me a picture.

James talked to Armando today. He is getting ready to go to Florida to do cleanup after the hurricane. He is going to be making $50-60,000 a month. Wow!

Before going to be we watched Heartland, "Corporate Cowgirls."

This in from LDS Newsroom: Church assesses damage in Mexico earthquakes. For the second time in two weeks, a serious earthquake has struck Mexico. Rescuers combed through rubble Tuesday after a powerful earthquake killed scores and collapsed building in Mexico City. 200 are dead.

Missionaries in Mexico City kneel in prayer

when they hear about the earthquake.

I couldn't resist. This is better than the Vernon field.

I guess I am advertising for Dallen Lambson

by posting his artwork on my blog.

Patrick and Heather finalized their adoption

of baby Bailey today.

Afterwards they went out to celebrate

with family.

Favorite couple on DWTS,

Lindsay and Mark.

Oh yes.

Mummy Cave Ruin which has nearly 70

rooms, is the largest Ancestral Puebloan structure at 

Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Closeup of a friendly looking dolphin.

This castle looks like it could be a motel.

I just had to post more pictures of Braylin and Arnold.

This boy is a sweetheart. I'm not sure about the pig.

James fixing one of his wildlife cameras.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

I love this sunrise

I went to the Snowflake temple this morning by myself.

It was very crowded but I saw a friend from high

school and a couple of friends from the Vernon ward.

Happy Birthday Kacey!

I am so grateful for you and your wonderful influence on Jared.

In the picture: Summer, Autumn, Kacey, and Tanner.

Autumn and Kacey at Autumn's wedding.

Kacey at the San Antonio temple.

Helaman 6:32-41

What did the Lamanites gain by following the commandments of God?

The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them (verse 36).

They rid themselves of the Gadianton robbers (verse 37).

Lamanites to Gadianton robbers: "We are going to hunt you down and preach to you.  

Gadianton robbers: "Nooooo!!!! Anything but that! We are out of here!  

In all fairness, some of the robbers were converted and remained in the land.

GC: 'Do I Believe'? by Bonnie L. Oscarson

I am often asked, "what is the greatest challenge our youth face today."?  I anser that I believe it is the everpresent influence of 

the "great and spacious building" in their lives.

If the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day, then surely we cannot miss the relevance for all of us of the messages in Lehi's vision of the tree of life and the effect of those pointing their fingers and taunting from the great and spacious building. 

We need only to keep feasting and not heed those who would make fun of our beliefs or those who delight to create doubts or those who find fault with Church leaders and doctrine.

It is a choice we make daily - to choose faith over doubt.

Elder M. Russell Ballard has urged us to

"stay in the boat, use your life jackets, and

hold on with both hands."

GC: 'A Pattern for Peace' by Bishop Waddell

"Walk in the Meekness of My Spirit"

However far we may wander from the path, 

the Savior invites us to return and walk with Him.

This invitation to walk with Jesus Christ is an invitation to

accompany Him to Gethsemane and from Gethsemane to

Calvary and from Calvary to the Garden Tomb.

It is an invitation to observe and apply His great atoning sacrifice, whose reach is as individual as it is infinite.

It is an invitation to repent, to draw upon His

cleansing power, and to grasp His loving, outstretched arms.

It is an invitation to be at peace."

Bodensee

After my trip to the temple I stopped at El Cupido's and got a bacon breakfast burrito to eat on the way.  My next stop was at the Show Low hospital to say hi to Aunt Gene.  She was sleeping and when I woke her we spoke a few minutes but she had lost her hearing aid and couldn't hear me very well.  I didn't stay too long.  Bill, Rita's husband,  was there and I gave him a loaf of whole wheat zucchini bread.

I would love to have a flower garden like this!

After visiting Aunt Gene I did some shopping at Walmart, stopped by Firehouse Subs and got a couple of subs for dinner, went to Dollar Tree for some more goodies for Primary, got gas and washed my car.  It was almost 4pm when I got home.  I traveled 98 miles.

Adam, thanks to Alex, was able to go to the towing company and set James's truck free.  We won't be down to get it until October 5th.  I am going a day early for my appointments so I can spend some time with my friend Charlotte to celebrate our birthdays.  

I love this nighttime picture of Mooney Falls.