Wednesday, December 26th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10-12 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 16:19

Holding forth things which must shortly come; yea, holding forth the coming of the Son of God, his sufferings and death, and also the resurrection of the dead.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Moroni 7:20-34

#2 - Ether 13-14

General Conference

Taking Upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ

Robert C. Gay

"Can any one of you imagine our Savior letting you and your burdens go unnoticed by Him? The Savior looked upon the Samaritan, the adulterer, the tax collector, the leper, the mentally ill, and the sinner with the same eyes. All were children of His Father. All were redeemable."

Today was a snow day. Stacy and Paul were going to come up but Paul had something he had to do so they aren't going to make it until tomorrow. We stayed home and watched it snow.

I worked on my blog. James made some phone calls for his Mesa job which still has not been approved by the City of Mesa.

We got lots of Christmas sweets. I think I ate an entire box of scotch mellows today. In order to burn all these calories I need to walk about 50,000 steps a day. 

We watched Christmas movies and a young adult fireside by the Uchtdorf's. I have never heard Sister Uchtdorf speak today. She has quite a heavy accent. 

We had canned soup and frozen dinners for lunch and dinner. It was a "down" day. We needed one of these.

One of my favorite scriptures

So adorable

 Such a sweetheart!

Erik and Amelia's family

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

- They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter is a parallel of today! 

Millions are being killed or cast out or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees, or others, who need us to welcome all and to love and to minister to them.

Old Testament

Ezra 1-3

1 King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple - Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

2 The descendants of the Jews taken captive who return to Jerusalem and to Judah are listed - The children of priests whose genealogy is lost are denied the priesthood - Faithful people contribute to the building of the temple.

3 The altar is rebuilt - Regular sacrifices are reinstituted - The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

General Conference

Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Massimo De Feo

"True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us. They know that the price He paid is an 'all-inclusive price.' Spiritual taxes, fees, commissions, and charges related to sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings are all covered. True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness."

I have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies all week. They make me feel good and I am definitely in the Christmas mood. 

I watched Sister Aburto's story on lds.org today. She is from Nicaragua and experienced an earthquake, the death of her brother, political unrest, and a divorce because of a husband addicted to drugs and alcohol. Her story bears out the truth that Heavenly Father knows and loves all of his children. 

Lately I have been having a difficult time in the mornings, not feeling well until a couple of hours after I take my Tramadol. 

I makes for a slow start. 

After scriptures and prayer James leaves for the Howard's. He hadn't left earlier because he knew that the Howard's came in late last night from their trip and he didn't want to wake them up but he got a text from Brother Howard asking if he was coming.

I stay home ll day, working on my blog and watching the clouds to see if it's going to rain. James comes home for lunch and has a couple of bowls of beans for lunch. He really could leave on beans.

While he is home the tractor repair guy shows up and so he has to deal with him. We both take a short nap and he was on his way back to the Howard's and I went back to my blog and Christmas movies. I also made a charm bracelet with charms, etc. I bought a Walmart.

The tractor repair guy was here until 5 p.m. That's going to cost a pretty penny. 

When James gets home he doesn't come in the house but goes immediately out back to work on his rabbit hutch. 

Our evening activities include walking, reading from our book "Abby's Crossing", and finishing up the Christmas movies for the day.

This is the rosebush James got me for our

anniversary. He put something on it so the bunnies

wouldn't eat the blooms.

Amaron and his twin brothers
that I babysat yesterday.

Thiessen and Anakin

Molly and her horsey "Butterscotch"

Sweet little Scarlett.

I can hardly wait to meet her!

Google Earth view of our house.

National Geographic photo of the year

Saturday, February 10th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10-12 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:1-27

* Lehi counsels and blesses his family. If you had to say your final goodbyes to your family which things would be the most important to mention to your loved ones?

Old Testament
Exodus 39-40
39 Holy garments are made for Aaron and the priests - The breastplate is made - The tabernacles of the congregation is finished - Moses blesses the people.
40 The tabernacle is reared - Aaron and his sons are washed and anointed and given an everlasting priesthood - The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle - A cloud covers the tabernacle by day, and fire rests on it by night.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
General Conference

Repentance is Always Positive

Stephen W. Owen

"We often associate repentance with grievous sins that require a mighty change. But repentance is for everyone. Repentance both puts us on the right path and keeps us on the right path. It is for those who are just beginning to believe, those who have believed all along, and those who need to begin again to believe. As Elder David A. Bednar taught: 'Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints - for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and...striving to become better.'"

We left for the temple at 5:30 this morning. James was so happy that we are leaving on time. We brought our chocolate chip cookies to share. 

I have the same schedule as last time as does just about everyone else. I found out that we are supposed to hand in our schedules at the end of the day or if we take them home we are supposed to shred them. I didn't know this. 

President and Sister Brimhall presided over preparation meeting. We have more changes from Salt Lake. 

My first assignment is the 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. endowment session. Sister Vance, my friend from Chandler, is the first follower. She didn't think there was going to be very many sisters in this session so Sister Wenhardt asked if I wanted to be a patron. I did because I have several names to do so I ran downstairs to get my packet and name. I felt a little guilty because it looked like there were at least 12 sisters in this session, one was getting her own endowment and another had her arm in a sling and needed help. Debbie had to help everyone on her own. 

During my break I spoke with Sister Bradshaw and asked why her husband wasn't here. She said he was doing a service project using a log splitter and cut the tips of two of his fingers off. Ouch! James told her about how Brother Curtis almost cut his finger off but it was saved by his titanium wedding band that his wife had just bought him. 

I also sat by Sister Henderson from Taylor and visited with her until I had to leave for my next post, first greeter behind the recommend desk. I have to count everyone coming in for the 11 endowment session. Most people were coming in to do baptisms or initiatories. James was supposed to be the follower in this session but because it was so small, he was a patron and got to do one of his names just like I did.

Sister Lundgren, whose husband is from Vernon, is a good friend and she has worked in the temple for awhile so she helps me when I have a question. I have one free hour in the upstairs gathering room and Debbie and I discuss this mornings session and how she needed my help. 

For the rest of the day I worked in initiatory and was also an initiatory patron. One of the patrons was Sandy's sister Connie who is a Shumway. Her husband is probably from Snowflake. Sister Bower is in charge of initiatory and she dismissed me about 20 minutes early. 

James and I get out at the same time, a little before one. After getting lunch at El Cupido's we head to Walmart for a gift for Gracie for her birthday. I wanted a red heart necklace but couldn't find one. I decided to wait and go to the Show Low Walmart on Monday or Tuesday. Her birthday isn't until Wednesday, on Valentine's day. 

I spent most of the evening getting ready for Primary tomorrow.

Today was Uncle Kay's funeral in Utah.

Laurie in the back row in black posted this.

A tribute from Uncle Kay's daughter Lori.

Darrel and Trina went to see Jerry

Seinfeld this evening as part of Trina's

birthday celebration. Her birthday

is the 12th.

Jackson is the state wrestling champ in

the 170 lb weight. He beat a guy in

overtime from Marcos de Niza who

was undefeated. He's holding up four fingers

because this is his fourth year in a row of

being state champion.

One of the nicest boys you will ever meet.

Jack hugging his dad.

Allen family fan club

Talon got second in state.

Congratulations to our Vernon boys!

 

Monday, September 4th, 2017

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 61:6-21

How do you retain your freedom and resist temptation?

*Instagram-bofm365-auberina: "I think I lose my freedom when my eye is off God. Sometimes I rush through my day and don't take the time to be still and seek the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Freedom and peace return when I remember that I truly need Him every hour and lay my weaknesses before His feet."

DC 128:14-18

Why are baptisms for the dead such an important gospel principle?

*It tells us in verse 17 that baptism for the dead is the "most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel! This doctrine shows the love and mercy of an all wise, kind, and loving Heavenly Father.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

"I testify that God the Father wants His children home again, in families and in glory. The Savior lives. He directs and blesses this work, and He watches over and guides us. He thanks you for your faithful service in gathering His Fathers family, and I promise you the inspired help that you seek and need."

James and I started reading Havencross today by Julie Daines.

James caught squirrel #6 today.

All of these squirrels made me think about my favorite

children's book:

There was wind, lightning, and thunder today, so hopefully we will get some rain. 

James and I made the decision that in spite of all of the obstacles we are going to Molly's baptism. We have never missed a grandchild's baptism and we are not about to start now. We need to support Molly and Jared. We will have to rent a car because I really don't want to take mine.

Photos:

We said goodbye to Kim and Brian

this morning

Ruby 2011 enjoying a cookie

Jon and Jamie's daughter Lexy

at the Boise balloon festival.

Look at those long legs!

Addy left a little something behind

Hiking in the high country

I don't see many photos of Dallin so I

take advantage when I do

Today is John and Jackie's wedding anniversary.

The year was 1953.

Jackie was 24 and Senator John F. Kennedy was 36.