Tuesday, June 12th, 2018

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877

By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Romans 8:3

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:23-15:4

*How does your faith in Christ give you strength?

- It gives me strength because I know he is always there for me and will take care of me if I do my part. It is a very comforting thing.

Old Testament

2 Kings 11-12

11 Ahthaliah destroys the royal family in Judah and reigns herself in Judah - Joash is preserved and crowned king when seven years old - Jehoiada the priest destroys the house of Baal.

12 Jehoash (Joash) reigns in righteousness - The breaches in the temple are repaired - The safety of Jerusalem is purchased with the hallowed things in the temple - Joash is slain and Amaziah reigns.

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Years ago, President Boyd K. Packer observed that 'the priesthood is greater thann any of its offices. ...The priesthood is not divisible, An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See DC 20:38.)

When a man has the priesthood conferred upon him, he receives all of it. However, there are offices within the priesthood - divisions of authority and responsibility. ... Sometimes one office is spoken of as being 'higher than' or 'lower than' another office. Rather than higher or lower, offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood represent different areas of service."  Brethren, I devoutly hope that we will no longer speak in terms of being 'advanced' to another office in the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Russell M. Nelson 4/15 #65. The Sabbath is a Delight.

"How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing.?"

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood. Chapter 24

Conclusion

James started out this morning to help Brother Howard's neighbor. Brother Howard caught him and asked if he could fix his waterline as they have no water so he did that first and then went to the neighbors with Big Cat and did some grading for $50.

Your ward's youth trek starts today. Sister Allen said they would be coming by our house. I will look for them.

I actually caught up on my blog today after several weeks of being behind. It is a good feeling!

I texted Amaron's mother Laurann today. Here is the text I sent.

Hi Laurann. I wanted to talk to you about Amaron. Initially the reason I wanted to help him with his reading was because he struggled reading in our Primary class and lacked confidence in his ability. I know you have not asked for my help and if you would rather I didn't, just tell me. I will not be offended. I have realized I can't do much good just seeing him once a week. If I am going to continue, I will need to give him things to do and read at home to you on a daily basis. He needs to practice everyday. I can reserve a room at the library on Thursday evenings where I can meet and work with him. He is such a sweet boy and I want him to feel the excitement and success of being a good reader. I am afraid if we don't help him he is going to get further and further behind. Please let me know how you feel about this. We could start next week as I am going to the temple at 4:30 this Thursday with Deborah Brewer. Think about it and let me know. Your friend, Karen.

I never heard back from Laurann today and I thought maybe I had offended her. I thought about it until I finally went to sleep tonight.

I decided that tomorrow I would text her again.

This afternoon I finally got the Whitecap account username and password straightened out so that I could pay that bill. James made several calls about returning our phones and when I went to town to get groceries he stopped by the Verizon store and they contacted Verizon and they are sending us labels to return our old phones.

On the way to town I drank my green smoothie because I knew I couldn't go shopping on an empty stomach. I picked up the Treewax floor polish remover I ordered. I thought I had ordered six bottles but it ended up being 12 because two bottles are wrapped together. They cost $76.

I'm going to be busy the next few weeks.

After putting my groceries away this evening I walked over 10,000 steps. It feels good to be able to walk my steps again!

I also spent 25 minutes reading from Children Learning Reading, then practiced with my caligraphy pen by writing my ancestors names on a family tree I found while cleaning.

I had to make it extra large so you could see the names.

We went to bed with open windows and turned the AC off. We are supposed to have rain on Friday and Saturday which is highly unusual for this time of year. We can hardly wait!

Happy 46th Birthday Ian!

If you think Ian looks young in this photo it's

because this photo was taken last year.

I sent his card yesterday. He didn't get it today.

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 10:4

Yes, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews - even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

*How did the church of God respond to the beliefs of others? How did they respond to persecutions from those of other beliefs?

-"...If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy. Who knows but that again in our day some of the saints, or even apostles, as in former days, may be required to give their lives in defense of the truth?? If that time should come, God grant that they would not fail!" - President Harold B. Lee

Alma 1:26-31. The affairs of the Church established. President James E. Faust: "In the first chapter of Alma we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord's Church is established...1. The doctrines are taught (vs. 26). 2. Members esteem each other as themselves (vs. 26). 3. They all labor; they work and earn that which they receive. (vs. 26). 4. They impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (vs. 27). 5. They discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (vs. 27). "This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord's way that their circumstances began to improve. This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere."

Old Testament

2 Samuel 7-8

7 David offers to build a house for the Lord - The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so - The Lord will establish David's house and kingdom forever - David offers a prayer of thanksgiving

8 David defeats and subjects many nations - The Lord is with him - He executes judgment and justice unto all his people.

General Conference

Ministering wit the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as thought they would rather satisfy thier own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children."

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.

Worth the Wrestle

Nephi attempted to teach his older brothers the pattern for receiving information through the Spirit: "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?" he asked. "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Nephi 15:11).
Russell M. Nelson 4/07, #49 Repentance and Conversion

"A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul."

Dale G. Renlund  Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter 14 Principle #6

Priesthood Power and Influence are Maintained Using Christlike Attributes

Truman G. Madsen  Lectures on the Prophet Joseph Smith  Lecture #5  Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Temple

I called the D.I. in Glendale, Arizona and asked what we needed to do to get a requisition order for two girls from our ward. I spoke with Dan Holme, the manager who was very kind. He said that the bishop needed to fill our a commodity form for clothing. If he doesn't have the form he can call and speak with Brother Holme. No one else can call for him, it must be the bishop. Tamara, our RS President was very appreciative that I found out what we needed to know to get clothes for the Burton girls.

I worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. It is such a slow, messy job. I wonder if I will ever finish. Yes I will!

I also made some muffins to take to Laurann's. I picked up Amaron from school and then drove him home. I took in muffins, candy, and my new Star Wars book and my Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Amaron carried in the four boxes I brought for Lauren to use for packing. They bought a house from the Grapp's and will be moving across the highway. I could tell that Lauren did not feel well so I didn't stay long. I read with Amaron and then had him read a little before I left. I am worried about Laurann's health.

Amaron walks me to the car. He likes to turn the car on, and look at the trunk, and then open and close the sky roof. He is fascinated with my car and would like to have it when I die.

We used to have elk in our backyard. Now we have bunnies, 8 of them this evening eating our grass.

James will be home tomorrow!

Five bunnies enjoying a feast

Throwback Thursday to the day

Scarlett was blessed.

The temple is closing on Friday for

2 1/2 years.

Christina's kids

Taylor was five years old when we

were her Primary teachers.

Braylin playing the drums

Hailey, his mom is grateful he and his sister have

been accepted at their new school in Deming.

Wisteria Tree

I wouldn't mind having one of these in

my backyard.

Ruby tells me sea turtles are becoming

extinct.

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31
*How has the gospel of Jesus Christ brought you joy?
Talk: The Great Plan of Happiness By: Marcus B. Nash 10/06
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me joy, it has given me a sense of hope, and a desire to minister. Every hour of every day I am blessed by His gospel. Every time I look at one of my children ( I include their spouses as my children), or one of my grandchildren, every time I go to the temple with James, and he holds my hand I feel the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the treasures I have in this life that let me know of my eternity. My eternal family brings me joy. I love His perfect gospel!
Old Testament
Ruth 2
Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi - He treats Ruth kindly.
General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."

At 7:30, after my gospel study time, I made muffins to take to Sister MacArthur's house to share with her family and with Laurann, my companion.

After the muffins were done I made out a grocery list and menu plan, and then got ready to start out on my adventures for the day.

I met Laurann down by the Hunsaker's and drove her to Sister MacArthur's. Of course Laurann has her twin one year old boys and Chelsea has her 2 year old daughter Peyton and her nephew Cooper who belongs to the Umphresses. After handing out the muffins to Peyton and Cooper I asked Chelsea if I could take a picture of the mule deer mounted on her wall. I tried to tell James about it last time but I needed a picture.

Shot on Chelsea's parents ranch in Idaho.

I guess I should have taken a photo of the people, but I didn't.

We had a nice visit. Chelsea said she wanted to come and see our house and I told her just give me a warning text so I could make sure I was dressed and she could come any time. Laurann said she would like to come out and go for a walk sometime. Maybe we could walk down to "Chocolate Lake."

Just as I am getting ready to go Laurann asks me if I know Jeanne Wallen. At first she caught me off guard and then I explained how I knew her. She said her mom is best friends with Jeanne and Jeanne told her that I lived in Vernon and that I was very sweet. I told Laurann I could say the same thing about Jeanne.

I left a little after ten for my lunch appointment with my friend Pam at the Show Low hospital. Pam invited her friend and co-worker, Jennifer to join us for lunch. When I got to the checkout in the lunch line Pam swiped her badge before I had a chance to get my card out. That makes the fifth lunch in the past two weeks that I have not paid for. 

Jennifer's husband Ed had a bad accident not too long ago and has been without work. Pam got Jennifer hired at the hospital and now Ed has to have surgery and Jennifer will have insurance to cover it. Jennifer also has a 15 year old daughter that has a brain tumor. She needs good insurance! Pam is a saint. She also brought Jennifer to church on Sunday and Jennifer is very interested in the gospel.

I so much enjoyed my lunch with these two sweethearts, plus I got all three of my veggie servings!

Next stop, grocery shopping at Walmart, with my calculator because I am trying to stay within my budget of $200. I had to eliminate some of the things from my list, but my total was under $200 at $197.

When I got home James was putting shutters on the house. He had made them and painted them while I was gone. I'm glad I wasn't here to see him put them on the upstairs bathroom window. A picture is forthcoming when he finishes the ones for our bedroom.

I put the groceries away, rest a few minutes, and then blog and listen to President Nelson's talk from the October 1996 conference, "The Atonement." 

For dinner I bought a ready made kit made by Walmart. It had pulled pork, country style beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was delicious. I especially loved the beans. 

I finished the April Ensign today, read to James from "Stars Above Northumberland", and listened to Robert Millett's book, "The Atoning One," chapters 6 "On Calvary's Cross," and 7 "Infinite, Yet Intimate." I also walked a few steps.

Part of my gospel study today.

Eden and Winter

Here is the story as posted by their mom, Christina:

Evan and his "little brother," Oliver.

It's so nice that Oliver likes this.

What's he thinking here?

My friend Taylor looks beautiful

in her new glasses.

Those were the days!

Duddings were members of our ward.

It's changing hearts that makes a difference.