Friday, May 11th, 2018

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 27:18-37

*How does it feel to have your soul "redeemed from the gall of bitternness and the bonds of iniquity?"

- Who among us has not felt the dark abyss, the remorse of conscience from our sins and mistakes, those awful feelings of guilt? Those feelings of pain to our spirit can be harder to bear than physical pain. I liked how Alma explained what the atonement of Christ did for him, and can do for us. Boyd K. Packer states: "The Atonement of Christ is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, he can heal us. If Christ hadn't made his Atonement, the penalties for mistakes would be added one on top of the other. Life would be hopeless. But he willingly sacrificed in order that we may be redeemed."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 27-28

27 David flees to Achish at Gath - He dwells among the Philistines for sixteen months.

28 Saul inquires of the witch of Endor for revelation - She foretells his death, the death of his sons, and the defeat of Israel by the Philistines.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work - Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"As Church members, we do have a divinely appointed responsibility to seek out our ancestors and compile family histories. This is far more than an encouraged hobby, because the ordinances of salvation are necessary for all of God's children. We are to identify our own ancestors who died without receiving the ordinances of salvation. We can perform the ordinances vicariously in temples, and our ancestors may choose to accept the ordinances. We are also encouraged to help ward and stake members with the family names. It is breathtakingly amazing that, through family history and temple work, we can help to redeem the dead."

"Fruit detached from the branches cannot long survive."
-Russell M. Nelson

Rescuing Wayward Children:

"Be not afraid, only believe."

-Mark 5:36

Worth the Wrestle:

"Asking inspired questions leads to knowledge, revelation, greater faith, and peace."

Russell M. Nelson, 10/04, #44. Senior Missionaries and the Gospel

"I express gratitude for our senior missionaries. they are young in spirit, wise, and willing to work."

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood: Chapter 10

#2 - The Proper Expression of the Priesthood is Learned

Truman G. Madsen: The Prophet Joseph Smith: Chapter 2

Spiritual Gifts of Joseph Smith

"Don't let a doctrinal doubt drive a wedge between you and the Church."

James had three things to fix before he goes back on the job: His tractor, which is at the Wallace's and is being worked on by one of the Westbrook boys, his power steering line on the truck, and the brakes on the trailer.

This morning he thinks he found the problem with the power steering line. The hose isn't securely clamped. Brother Wallace gave him a clamp and we got some power steering fluid and now it's fixed. 

This morning we went into town so James could get some supplies and I could do a little shopping at Walmart. I saw Laurann and her boys while I was shopping. I also saw my cousin Rita and spoke with her a few minutes.

When I got home from town I made a stew to take to the temple tomorrow. I also worked on my blog and did my 45 minute walking. My life is so predictable. 

James made himself a green smoothie using Trina's recipe this evening. It was delicious! 

We missed the YW Navajo Taco, Pie Auction dinner this evening. James just wanted to stay home and relax. We ended up keeping the lemon pie and we are each going to have a piece after we weigh in on Sunday morning. 

We watched the episode of "When Calls the Heart" where Elizabeth is told that Jack is dead. Tomorrow night we will watch the finale.

Twinners

Earphones

My rose

Eden and her horse lover friends

We want some horses!

I remember how ridiculous I thought it was.

Wayne Todd and his granddaughter.

Baby Kyler looks like he's praying.

I like this idea to keep the plants away from the bunnies.

Wednesday, May 9th, 2018

Curitiba, Brazil

126th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judan, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-39

*Who are the Lord's sheep?

- sue_heugly: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is about people. It doesn't matter if you're a child, youth or an adult. We all need to feel loved, and we all need a leader to follow. Jesus liked to call us his sheep, and he was the shepherd. Everyone is part of his flock, wit him knowing each one of us personally. As a shepherd he goes after us one by one if we get lost."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 23-24

23 David smites the Philistines and saves Keilah - He continues to flee from Saul - Jonathan comforts him in Ziph.

24 David finds Saul in a cave and spares his life - Saul confesses that David is more righteous than he - David swears that he will not cut off the seed of Saul.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"The Lord told Abraham that through his seed and through the priesthood, all the families of the earth would be blessed 'with the blessings of the Gospel,...even of life eternal' (Abraham 2:ll; see also verses 2-10).

These promised blessings of the gospel and the priesthood were restored to the earth, and then, in 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith administered the endowment to a limited number of men and women. Mercy Fielding Thompson was one of them. The Prophet said to her, 'This endowment will bring you out of darkness into marvelous light."

Rescuing Wayward Children

As our children mature, we hope that their motivation for obeying the laws of family and of God will migrate from duty to understanding and finally to love.

Russell M. Nelson:10/03 #42: Personal Priesthood Responsibility

"When ordained to an office in the priesthood, you are granted authority. But power comes from exercising that authority in righteousness."

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood

Chapter 8 Commandments of the Melchizedek Priesthood Covenant

James is pouring concrete this morning at 6 a.m. and I am praying for him. 

I left at 9 a.m. to pick up my friend Catherine. She's 84 years old and she asked me if I could take her to the temple. Of course I said yes. We are going to the 10:30 session. Catherine has never been to the Snowflake temple before. She worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years though. 

Catherine is quite the seamstress. Not only did she make her temple dress but she also made her apron which was hand-stitched around every leaf. She said that her husband who passed away 8 years ago, had one just like it. I was impressed. 

Catherine did one of my family names so I felt like she was serving me as much as I was serving her.

Catherine is a delight, except that

she is hard of hearing. He deceased

husband was the football coach both

at Westwood High and Mountain View, at

different times, of course.

Oh yes, she, her husband and their

four children used to raise Siberian Huskies

for dogsled racing. It started when they lived in Denver.

She and her husband had four children, two boys and two girls: Kelly, Kerri, Kathy, and Kenny.

I was trying to take a selfie and one of the missionary elders who was in our session came over and offered to take a picture for us.

We had at least 20 missionaries who serve in Snowflake in our session.

I put some of our family names on the temple prayer roll, including Laura.

I got home, changed my clothes and began my 45 minute walk to the soundtrack from "The Greatest Showman." I walk around the dining room table and the kitchen island with the blinds open. Five bunnies were munching on the grass.

This is what I had for dinner: Asparagus, frozen blueberries, popcorn and sugar free chocolate pudding with whipped cream. 

It was 85 degrees today. I had to turn on the air conditioner.

I talked to Laurann today about Amaron coming over tomorrow after school. She says he has a counseling session at the park until 4:30 and that I could pick him up afterwards.

I got a little inspiration while I was in the temple. I came up for a name for our ward activity, "A Celebration of Family." I later shortened it to "Celebrating Family" which everyone liked.

Jasmine's baby Kyler is so cute.

He reminds me of Seth, Jasmine's brother.

A castle in Scotland, I didn't catch

the name. That critter needs a haircut or

a stylist.

One of my favorite photos of Lola and Gpa.

We are using a tree on the poster

we are making for our

"Celebrating Family"

ward activity.

I still don't have family photos for 

Stacy's family, Kim's, or Jared's.

This dog is a little spoiled.

I want a flower garden of purple flowers!

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 15:16

This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:

Book of Mormon

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

* How do we suffer the cross of Christ?

Article: "Carry Your Cross"

By: Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, April, 1988

Old Testament

Numbers 33-34

33 Review of Israel's journeys from Egypt to Canaan - They are commanded to drive out inhabitants of and - Any remaining inhabitants shall vex Israel.

34 Moses specifies borders of Israel's inheritance in Canaan, and names princes of tribes who shall divide the land.

General Conference

"The Truth of All Things"

Elder David F. Evans

" Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle." 

I got up at 5 a.m. I was back in bed at 6 a.m. It is one of those days when I need more rest. I got up the last time at 8 a.m. for a shower, prayer and a quick clean of the family room, dining room, and kitchen.  I made biscuits and ham for breakfast. 

After breakfast we had scriptures with the boys and family prayer. We read Jacob 1. I cleaned the kitchen, and finished my gospel study and worked on my blog. 

For lunch James and I made the boys sandwiches. Joshua wanted grilled cheese. Max wanted grilled cheese with ham and turkey, and Evan wanted plain turkey and ham, not grilled.

I finished my Pride and Prejudice movie and I am searching for something else to watch on my phone while I work on my blog.

I took a nap this afternoon and then cleaned getting ready for the Grapp children. When the kids got here they wanted to meet the boys so I took them upstairs and introduced them. Max was playing Zelda on the TV and Benson was asking him all kinds of questions. While Benson was watching Max the girls and I played Barbies.

After awhile the girls and I went downstairs. They hid the Easter eggs, and played Barbies. At Tildy's request I brought in the little trampoline, and put on the Tom and Jerry DVD for them to watch. 

James cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs outside on the grill while I prepared the sides in the kitchen. We had beans, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and water or milk. 

Tildy in James's chair, to the left Liana, Max

Evan, Joshua, Benson, and Emsley.

The burgers were good.

James built a fire in the firepit so the kids could roast marmallows for s'mores. The Grapp kids wanted their marshmallows to be golden brown. I guess they learned that from their dad. 

After the S'mores the boys went upstairs and the Grapp kids watched "Brave" downstairs.

Tildy was in charge of the remote.

Brother and Sister Grapp got back after 9. They went to a company dinner at Molly Butler's in Greer. James visited with Brother Grapp and Sister Grapp watched the end of the movie with the kids and me. It was a wonderful evening and we are grateful that the Grapp's allow us to babysit their children.

Kyler, Gail's newest grandchild.

Rome, Italy with Elder Heyman

Hiking Arizona