Tuesday, August 29th, 2017

Guatemala City, Guatemala
32nd operating temple
Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 38:4

I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Alma 58:1-12

When was a time you poured out your soul in prayer to God? How did it strengthen you?

"I am a walking prayer. I know that without Him, enduring life's everyday challenges would be impossible. I am strengthened through the peace that speaks to my soul giving me courage to press on. The gift of the Holy Ghost brings a great inward strength and peace that calms my heart in this troubled world of shifting values."

DC 124:91-110

What can we do to better understand our individual missions?

We can pray and ask. We can read and ponder the scriptures and our patriarchal blessing. We can look for the Lord's hand in our daily life and see how He is directing us and leading us to do His will.

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"It is vital to our physical and spiritual safety that we keep the gift of the Holy Ghost. We begin to do so by striving to keep the commandments, having individual land family prayer, reading the scriptures, and seeking loving and forgiving relationships with family and loved ones. We should keep our thoughts, actions, and language virtuous. We should worship our Heavenly Father in our homes, at Church, and in the holy temple. Stay close to the Spirit, and the Spirit will stay close to you."

And This is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"You and I do the will of the Father by honoring our covenants, keeping the commandments, and serving God and our fellowmen. As we seek to do God's will by faithfully serving Him and our fellowmen, we feel His approval and truly come to know Him."

I read this report today on the Houston temple. "The Cypress Creek became a river and the current is so strong that it has been dangerous to even try and approach the temple, said temple president Marshall Hayes. Cypress Creek rose by 20 feet. It appears water to the depth of four or five inches has gone inside the temple. That includes a baptistry, a marriage waiting room, dressing rooms, kitchen, and laundry."

I am reading Sister Sheri Dew's book, "Worth the Wrestle." In her book she says we need to ask the Lord to teach us the language of revelation.

James and I made a trip to town to get tacos and to get some things at the auto parts store. James had a shrimp taco at Aliberto's and he said it was delicious. I had my two shredded beef tacos and beans and rice.

The blinker on my car isn't working because some critter chewed the wires in two. James fixed the problem but now he can't roll the windows down in my car from the driver's side.

James and I read from our boo, "Lady in Disguise," and watched a new Hallmark movie, "Sand, Sun, Romance" starring Paul Campbell.

Photos:

Houston Heroes

Comic Relief

My puppy!

One of my favorite pictures of Ruby

This girl is a worker!

Kayla and Addy before they grew up

My friend Natalie

Clouds

More Clouds

Cabin

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Jacob 5:1-14

The first visit of the Master (Savior), to His vineyard (the world). The Master sees the old tame olive tree (covenant Israel) is dying or going into apostasy. (vs. 3). Israel is to be scattered. (vs. 14.)

What is the wild olive tree which is grafted in? (The Gentiles - see Acts 10.)

Alma 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed - Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes - Moroni's armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74-73 B.C.

DC 45:1-11

1-5, Christ is our advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord; 

Why can darkness not comprehend light?

* Because darkness is the absence of light.  As soon as light appears, darkness is gone.

General Conference

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder David A. Bednar taught:

''The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.  The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins.  But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.  And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins."

James tried flying his drone today and ended up crashing it into the house.  He was quite frustrated and said he could only fly it about 100 feet when it is supposed to go a mile.  He spoke to David and David told him he had it in beginners mode.

The guy in control.  Or is he?

Here it comes!

James is leaving for the valley today.  When he got ready to leave I followed him in to town and we had lunch at Licano's.  James ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich that was heavy on the turkey with very little avocado.  He didn't eat much so I gave him my taco.  I had a chicken enchilada and some refried beans and rice.  I couldn't even eat all of it.  I was going to take the taco home but I donated it to a worthy cause.  

A group of old guys came in the restaurant while we were eating and I made the comment: "It looks like the motorcycle gang is here."  When we went outside we saw this:

I was right!

After lunch and saying goodbye to James I went to Walmart to pick up my folic acid and then went home.  

The first thing I did when I got home was watch the premier of Dancing with the Stars.  I am happy for Emma and Sasha.  Emma's partner is Rashad Jennings, an NFL player who is really good.  Sasha has Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast ever.  Sasha and Simone got the most points, 32, and Emma and Rashad got 31.  I am not sure why I am watching Charo, Mr. T, and Chris Kattan try to dance.

When James is gone I have a tendency to keep the TV on for company.  It isn't a complete waste of time because I work on my blog as I am watching television.  I watched the new Aurora Teagarten mystery and I also watched "Birthday Wishes" and "I Married Who"?  I have seen both of these last movies before.

I miss James.

Fun Photos:

   Monument Valley

 Addy's Harry Potter bobble head.

May 2016

Awesome pictures of Molly!

My Mother's Day dinner

May 2016

Dennis's birthday lunch minus Vickie who

was sick.  May 2016

Elder Rosenbaum (L) and

Elder Goodenough (R)

Kayla and Addy's Dance Recital 

May 2016

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Concepcion, Chili

temple to be completed in late 2018

Jacob 1:1-19

Jacob and Joseph seek to persuade men to believe in Christ and keep his commandments - Nephi dies - Wickedness prevails among the Nephites.

Why does it seem that societies often fall as a whole?  Why is it never just a few people?

Alma 35-36

35 - The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites - They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon - Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people.

36 - Alma testifies to Helaman of his conversion by an angel - He suffered the pains of a damned soul; he called upon the name of Jesus, and was then born of God - Sweet joy filled his soul - He saw concourses of angels praising God - His converts have tasted and seen as he did.
DC 42:79-93
74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.
Has there been a time when I have had to reconcile with someone?  What did I learn? - Yes.  Some people don't want to reconcile, but I felt more at peace.
General Conference

There Is Power in the Book

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis

"The Book of Mormon will prepare you for the great call of diligence to labor in the vineyards of the Lord.  You will be able to discern truth from error, and you will feel the assurance of the Holy Ghost reconfirming your testimony over and over again to read the  Book of Mormon throughout your life. 

President Romney's promise:

'The spirit of contention will depart.  Parents will counsel children in greater love and wisdom.  Children will be more submissive and responsive to the counsel of their parents.  Righteousness will increase.  Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing greater peace, joy, and happiness."

This was said about Lydia Knight in "The Contrite Spirit:"

"Enough grief had already touched her life that she knew how to fit joy into the corners."

I was ready to go to the valley around 11 a.m.  I stopped to get the mail.  My box was stuffed so full I could barely get it out.

All of this was shoved into my tiny little box.

After leaving the post office I picked up Amy at her house. When we left her four goats just stared at me as if to say: "Where are you taking our mommy?"  Amy says they follow her everywhere when she is outside.  From Amy's we went to the Splash and Dash in Show Low to get gas and to wash the car.  I had promised James, Cathi, and Terry burros so our next stop was in Miami at Burger House.  I had called in my order and went to the front of the line but the woman working behind the counter told me I had to go to the back of the line, which I did.  I felt bad because Claire has been waiting at the Phoenix airport since 9:30 this morning.

Devil's Bridge,  Sedona

I drove to the airport because Amy is not familiar with driving in the valley.  She is from northern California.  We picked up Claire on the northside of Terminal 4, because she flew on Southwest, somewhere between 4-4:30.  It is 97 degrees today.  Claire seemed to be in a good mood and told us about all the people she met while waiting in the airport.  Of course we got in rush hour traffic going in to Chandler.  It wasn't bad once we got on the 101 south of Baseline.  

When we got to Cathi's Claire and Amy helped me carry my suitcases in.  I introduced them to Cathi and Terry and offered each of them a glass of water.  We said our goodbyes and they left with Lexy.  Hopefully they won't have any problems.

Kacey posted this yesterday on Facebook.

I wanted to share it on here.

Cathi says she is feeling better except she does not have any energy.  She looks very pale to me.  James is very happy to see me.  I brought him the key to the medical building and now he has to go out and go to work.  He took me to get a drink at Sonic first.  He is pretty frustrated because no fully-formed company wants to do the countertop at the medical office.  

While James was gone I spent a couple of hours on my blog.  We were in bed by 10 p.m.  I got a text from Claire at 12:53 a.m. that they made it home safely.

Fun Photos:

Addy and Kayla in Rocky Point, Mexico

Stacy, pioneer woman.

Easier for men that women.

About three years ago

Carlsbad a few years ago

Dallin the year he graduated

from high school.

Adam just out of high school

Emmy and her soccer team, and

Molly

Sunday, March 5, 2017

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

2 Nephi 25:27-26:11

"Beware of Pride," Ezra Taft Benson, April 1989.

What are some prideful actions I might get caught up in and not realize it's prideful?

Alma 18

King Lamoni supposes that Ammon is the Great Spirit - Ammon teaches the king about the Creation, God's dealings with men, and the redemption that comes through Christ - Lamoni believes and falls to the earth as if dead.  About 90 B.C.

DC 38:21-31 - If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

In what ways can we magnify our callings so that we may be able to teach and watch over each other?

Article: Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life

By: Joseph B. Wirthlin

December 2000 Ensign

General Conference

O How Great the Plan of Our God!

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Think of how you felt when for the first time you believed and understood that you are truly a child of God; that Jesus Christ willingly suffered for your sins so that you may be clean again;

that priesthood power is real and can bind you to your loved ones for time and for all eternity; that there is a living prophet on the earth today.  Isn't that wonderful and amazing!"

General Conference

"Come, Follow Me" by Pracicing Christian Love and Service

By Elder Robert D. Hales

"Brothers and sisters, if we have not fully done so yet, let us turn more toward forgiveness, kindness, and love.  Let us renounce the war that so often rages in the heart of the natural man and proclaim Christ's caring love, and peace."

Today Paula J. bore her testimony in our fast and testimony meeting.  She said she just celebrated her 62nd birthday by going to the temple for the very first time to do baptisms for the dead.  You could have knocked me over with a feather.  I had no idea she had never been to the temple.  You could tell it was a wonderful experience for her and I am so grateful she shared it with her ward family.

James also bore his testimony for the first time in a long time.  He bore testimony of the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy and of home and visiting teaching.  I am grateful for a righteous priesthood holder in my home.

The Vernon ward building

Today my Primary class consisted of: Jace, Lianna, Colter, and Curtis.  Our lesson was on the printing of the Book of Mormon.  

It was a very cold and extremely windy day today.  As I was walking out to the car from the church after our meetings I felt like I was going to blow away!

When we got home we broke our fast with the green chili burros we got at Burger House yesterday.  After lunch it was nap time, gospel study time, and then reading to James by the fire and working on my blog. While I worked on my blog James did a little indexing.

Sometimes those words are hard to see.

I like my new fruit stand

I had a hard time going to sleep tonight.  I finally got up and ate a little something and took some Tramadol around 11 p.m.

Fun Photos:

Oran and some of his siblings

Kayla, Lola, Ivy, Addy

What a great guy!

One of my favorite pictures of Darrel

A Vernon Sunset

Monday, November 25, 2013

'Small and Simple Things'

-Elder Arnulfo Valenquela

"As members of the Church, we are able, through our own small and simple things, to convince many of the error of their ways and help bring them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls." 

(see Alma 37:8)

'Wilt Thou Be Made Whole?'

- Elder Timothy J. Dyches

"As we repent and become converted to the Lord, we become whole, and our guilt is swept away."

I got a funny text from my friend in Chandler, Karen Schneider, this morning.  It went like this: 

"I had a dream about us.  We stole 2 paintings from an old farmer's truck and were on our way in your car to Las Vegas to try to sell them.  I had a giant chocolate bar but only shared a little.  Interpretation?  I am a crook and stingy?  You are just a crook. :) "

Here was my response: "Partners in crime.  I want more of that chocolate bar so I am covetous too.  I love your dreams!"

Karen S.: "Maybe a positive spin is we are partners in creative endeavors and you go forward and I have more to give!!"

James gets back from working on the Horne Auto job around 11 and he helps me load my car for my trip to the valley.  I am taking half the kitchen, plus a turkey to prepare Thanksgiving dinner.  We wanted to watch The Mentalist, this is the one where Red John is revealed, but there just wasn't time.  I have to make it to Chandler in time to go to the So You Think You Can Dance live concert with Brian and Kim and they are leaving a little after six this evening.  I left for the valley right at 1 pm.  I arrived in Chandler at 5 pm.  James went back in to the job in Show Low.  He is coming down to Chandler later tonight.  After I unload the car and go get ready for the concert.  Chelsea Elmer Pace is my date.  We ride together in the back seat of Brian and Kim's car.  Sheri and Ian are coming in their car.

We had a blast at the concert.  We were right down in front.  We saw Addy, Trina, Trina's Mom, Lexy, Kilee, and Kayla.  Here is a picture I took when we went to visit them during intermission.

Kilee, Addy, Kayla

Addy and Trina at SYTYCD concert

Got this picture off Facebook.  It was taken

at Sheri's wards Trunk or Treat.  The businessman

and the angel look like the bride and groom.

Sad football news in the state's high school semi-finals.  Hamilton beats Chandler 21-17 and Blue Ridge beat Show Low 14-7.