Friday, November 23rd, 2018

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 14:9

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no evil, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 5:1-12

*What lessons can we learn and apply to our lives from the writings of Mormon? Why do you think he documented all of the wars and sorrows of the Nephites for us to read?

- We can learn from Mormon's writings that wickedness never was happiness! Mormon's account of events during his days have been full of sorrow and despair and unfortunately, because of their wickedness, life did not improve for the Nephites. Mormon takes time in this chapter to explain what he thinks we should learn from this tragic account. The Book of Mormon came forth in our day to persuade us that Jesus is the Christ. Mormon sorrowed that his people did not repent so they could be clasped in the arms of Jesus. Mormon increasingly looked beyond the tragedy before him to a people he hoped would profit from their mistakes.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 43

Old Testament

Hosea 7-9

General Conference

The Correct Name of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"In AD 34, our resurrected Lord gave instruction to members of His Church when He visited them in the Americas. At that time He said:

'Ye shall call the church in my name... And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church."

James called to wish Sister Dye a happy Thanksgiving yesterday and found out she was in the hospital. We went to town this morning to go see her. 

Sister Dye was in room 118 at the Show Low hospital. She had a stroke and it was difficult for her to talk. James gave her a blessing. Before we went to the hospital we stopped by the assisted living community across and down from the hospital, Sol Terra. Sister Dye has expressed a desire to live there so we went to get an information packet. I was concerned that she does not know what her monthly income is. I wonder if someone else is in charge of her money. 

We found out late that Sister Dye will not be moving to Sol Terra because she can't bring her six cats. 

She did ask for helping in finding someone to clean out her chimney. Her house is very cold and we are concerned about her going back there to live. Her granddaughter lives with her but isn't a great deal of help.

While James went shopping at Home Depot for a new faucet I went shopping at Walmart. The new faucet cost over $150 but was still cheaper than ordering parts for the old one, plus I didn't want to wait for the parts to get here.

When we got home Kim and Brian were getting ready to go on a Razr ride. James told them we were making venison gravy and biscuits so they waited. Venison gravy and biscuits is one of their, and ours, favorite meal.

Brian made avocado salsa and we love it with scoop chips!

After lunch James went to work on the faucet and Kim and Brian went for their ride. James had to make another trip to town for a part. So frustrating! It took most of the day, but by the end of the day we had a new faucet.

We put the dishes from lunch in the dishwasher and it works!

I blogged for last Saturday and it takes forever! I am so far behind. Hopefully I will catch up before Christmas.

Kim told us today about our friends the Pargetter's. Brother Pargetter is now in hospice and the family wanted us to know. We will add him to our prayer list as well as his family. 

Brian put up our Christmas tree this even. While James was in town he bought some more lights because many of the lights on the tree are burned out. Kim put all the new lights on. She thinks it needs more lights, but I think it looks great!

Today's Christmas movies:

"Christmas on the Bayou"

Hilare Burton and Ed Asner

"Will You Merry Me?"

Wendy Malik, Hilarious!

"Return to Christmas Creek"

Kim is the best light tech that I know.

Interesting quilt

'Tis the season for quilts

We are in good hands.

Sweet baby Charlie

Before baby Charlie there was 

baby Lola

 Kim and Brian enjoying some time by

the fire.

Saturday, June 16th, 2018

Laie, Hawaii
5th operating temple
Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919
By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

1 Nephi 11:16

And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God?

Book of Mormon

Alma 17:18-39

*Has service ever enabled me to do missionary work?

Old Testament

2 Kings 19-20

19 Hezekiah seeks counsel from Isaiah to save Jerusalem - Isaiah prophesies the defeat of the Assyrians and the death of Sennacherib - Hezekiah prays for deliverance - Sennacherib sends a blasphemous letter - Isaiah prophesies that the Assyrians will be destroyed and that a remnant of Judah will flourish - An angel slays 185,000 Assyrians - Sennacherib is slain by his sons.

General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Sometimes we can't hear heaven's signal because we are not worthy. Repentance and obedience are the way to achieve clear communication again. The Old Testament word for repent means 'to turn' or 'turn around.' When you feel far from God, you need only make the decision to turn from sin and face the Savior, where you will find Him waiting for you, His arms outstretched. He is eager to guide you, and you are just one prayer away from receiving that guidance again."

Russell M. Nelson 4/17 #69 "Draw the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives"

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is filled with His power which is available to every earnestly seeking daughter or son of God."

In my prayers this morning I prayed that Darrel and Trina and their kids would arrive safely today. It rained most of the night and is still raining off and on this morning. The rain looks like it is throughout the state of Arizona. Our prayers for rain have been heard. Thank you Heavenly Father.

I read this today in the Old Testament Student Manual for 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37:

One of the most remarkable stories in scriptural history. The Lord answered the prayers of  Hezekiah through Isaiah. The Lord defended the city of Jerusalem. A plague struck the Assyrians surrounding Jerusalem and 185,000 Assyrians lay dead. The Northern Kingdom had already fallen, all of Judah except Jerusalem itself was in Assyrian hands. Hezekiah had been a righteous king and now he trusted in God again. In deep and pleading prayer he asked for the Lord to extend his life. In 2 Kings 20 The Lord changes time to preserve Hezekiahs life for 15 years.

This morning I wrapped Ruby's birthday gifts and cleaned upstairs. Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, Kayla and Kreed got here around 2:15. They said it was raining in Show Low and they had experienced rain and fog most of the way. It was not raining here in Vernon when they arrived. It was cool, and Trina had on Darrel's big ASU sweatshirt. 

Trina and I went to Walmart soon after they arrived. Walmart was a circus but we managed to get our shopping done. As we were coming home up our hill we saw all the kids walking down the road. They stopped and stuck out their thumbs as if they were hitchhiking. 

Lola is one of the big kids now.

They told us they were going to walk to the Village. Trina wanted Lola to come with us but she insisted she was going even though it was going to be a long walk.

As soon as the guys got the groceries carried in and Darrel sat down to watch some TV, Trina asked him if he would go check on the kids. They were happy that he came when he did. Lola had fallen down and had a cut on her forehead and they had been trying to call their mom. Rowan had just said a prayer when Darrel showed up. After Darrel showed up, Rowan said a thank you prayer. This was reported to us by Ruby. Later I saw Rowan with a piece of cake and he had stopped to say a blessing over the cake. I love that kid!

Lola was pretty upset about her owie but seemed better when I gave her a Minion bandaid.

Doesn't she look worried?

 She wanted to make sure I got

a good picture.

Tamara, the Relief Society President, came over and the two of us bagged up all of the cookies for tomorrow. The cookies are our treats for the men in our ward for Father's Day.

Tamara made the largest cookies.

I should have gotten a photo.

This is the last night of the Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge.

I wonder if James will win. I told Darrel he should let dad win for father's day. He said, "I don't have to, he's winning on his own. Tristan is his next competitor after Darrel.

Rowan understands this principle.

Monday, January 8th, 2017

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 19:16

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

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi. Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 15-17; Abraham 4

Genesis 15

Abram desires offspring-The Lord promises him seed in number as the stars-Abram believes the promise-His seed will be strangers in Egypt-Then, after four generations, they will inherit Canaan.

Genesis 16

Sarai gives Hagar to Abram as his wife-Hagar flees from Sarai-An angel commands Hagar to return and submit herself to Sarai-Hagar bears Ishmael.

Genesis 17

Abram is commanded to be perfect-He will be a father of many nations-His name is changed to Abraham-The Lord covenants to be a God unto Abraham and his seed forever-Also the Lord gives Abraham the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession-Circumcision becomes a token of the everlasting covenant between God and Abraham-Sarai's name is changed to Sarah-She will bear Isaac, with whom the Lord will establish His covenant-Abraham and the men of his house are circumcised.

Abraham 4

The Gods plan the creation of the earth and all life thereon-Their plans for the six days of creation are set forth.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:7

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"It is important to recognize that this good man's vivid revelation of his sins and shortcomings did not discourage him or lead him to despair. Yes, he felt shock and remorse. He felt keenly his need to repent. He had been humbled, yet he felt gratitude, peace, and hope-real hope-because of Jesus Christ, 'the living bread which came down from heaven.' My friend spoke of the gap he perceived in his dream between his llife and the holiness of God. Holiness is the right word. To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ means to pursue holiness. God commands, 'Be ye holy; for I am holy.'"

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect-Eventually

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Attack me, if you wish, I do this myself, but don't attack...the path I follow....If I know the way home but am walking along it drunkenly, is it any less the right way simply because I am staggering from side to side? ...Do not gleefully shout, 'Look at him!...There he is crawling into a bog!' No, do not gloat, but give...your help to anyone trying to walk the road back to God."

It is 8:45 and James still isn't up. He says his back and leg hurts. When he did get up he unloaded the dishwasher, fixed breakfast, made the bed, got the mail, and worked outside. He also got the top ornaments off the tree and helped me order a new wifi device from Verizon. 

It was overcast and the high was around 52 today. A storm is coming, according to my weather app. 

We watched the new Aurora Teagarden mystery and an episode of "Heartland," "Helping Hands." Mallory covers for Georgie and they actually bond.

 I love that big snowflake!

I love this photo of Alex and Shayna

Anna and James, all grown up.

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Rededicated: 13-15 June 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

Jacob 4:ll

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 62:l

Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how t succor them who are tempted.

Alma 43:41-54

*What "better causes" do you find worth fighting for?

The gospel, my family and freedoms.

DC 107:41-57

39-52, The patriarchal order is established from Adam to Noah; 53-57, Ancient Saints assembled at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the Lord appeared to them;

What do these verses teach us?

* A history of Adam's posterity and their ordination to the priesthood. Adam and the Lord meet with Adam's righteous posterity in Adam-ondi-Ahman and Adam gave them his last blessing. All of this is recorded in the book of Enoch. The patriarchal priesthood is passed by ordination from father to son. The Lord comforted Adam (verse 55.)

General Conference

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

" if we will keep the associated covenants, the sacred priesthood ordinances will change us, sanctify us, and prepare us to enter the presence of the Lord. So we bear one another's burdens; we strengthen one another. We retain a remission of sins when we give temporal and spiritual relief to the poor, the hungry, the naked, and the sick. We keep ourselves unspotted from the world when we keep the Sabbath day and worthily receive the sacrament on the Lord's holy day. We bless our families and make our homes holy places. We bridle our passions so that we may be filled with pure and lasting love. We reach out to others in kindness, with compassion, and stand as witnesses of God. We become a Zion people. of one heart and one mind, a pure people who dwell together in unity and righteousness. For Zion must increase in beauty and in holiness. Sisters, come to the temple. If we are to be a holy people prepared to receive the Savior at His coming, we must arise and put on our beautiful garments. In strength and honor, we forsake the ways of the world and keep our covenants, that we may be "clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness."

I finished Elder Holland's book, "Christ and the New Covenant." It was just as good the second time as it was the first.

I love the quiet of the early morning.

When James gets up I ask how he is doing. This was his comment:

"I am sick and in a lot of pain. I have no voice and bronchitis."

The gospel is so amazing! I read about the Patriarchal Priesthood, the Law of Consecration, and Captain Moroni and the title of Liberty, just to name a few. The icing on the cake was Sister McConkie's "The Beauty of Holiness."  What a way to start the day!

I left before 8 a.m. to do errands with James. It is not what I had planned for today, but it became the priority. James's first stop was Home Depot. Afterwards he went to Aliberto's across the street and bought me a breakfast burrito, my reward for coming with him. 

Yummy!

Next stop was Kay's Building Supplies and then on to Taylor. In Taylor James bought the lost metal pole he needed for his fence. 

When we get home I need a nap. Getting up at 3:30 this morning takes its toll. James works outside leveling the ground to get ready to put up the greenhouse. When I finally get up from my nap I work on my blog and then I clean our bedroom and bathroom. 

For dinner James had chicken, broccoli and brownies. After dinner we watched the move "Dater's Handbook." I also worked on my Primary journal before going to bed. 

James and I both take Zzzquil before going to bed.

Photos:

Beautiful on the inside and outside.

Addy starts 8th grade today at a new school.

 Our friend Brooklyn

Yikes! There's a pony in the house at

Wolf Mountain Ranch.

I wonder if they ever get their antlers tangled.

I love it when they make improvements at the park!

Vernon sunsets are the bomb.

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!