Thursday, July 9th, 2020

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

1 Nephi 14:1

And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks -

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 30:42-60

April General Conference

"Come Unto Christ-Living as Latter-Day Saints"

Elder John A. McCune

This invitation to "Come unto Christ" has specific implications for Latter-day Saints. As members of the Savior's Church, we have made covenants with Him and have become His spiritually begotten sons and daughters. We have also been given the opportunity to labor with the Lord in inviting others to come unto Him.As we labor with Christ, our most deeply focused efforts should be within our own homes. there will be times when family members and close friends will face challenges. The voices of the world, and maybe their own desires, might cause them to question truth. We should do everything we can to help them feel both the Savior's love and our love. I am reminded of the scripture verse that has become our beloved hymn, "Love One Another," which teaches us, "By this shall ... men know ... ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

 Lambson Study Group

"Be 100% Responsible"

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

BYU Speeches 

August 22. 2017

James got up early to go work on the fence. I got up somewhere between 5:30-6 and walked into the kitchen to get something to eat, in this instance a piece of toast and a caramel protein shake. I have a pain in the back of my left leg that I am trying to get rid of. I walked around the bedroom and was able to sit after awhile. Thank goodness for Tramadol and walking!

While the Awesome Foursome (Dave, Laura, Cathi, and Terry) were outside target practicing I decided I was going to try to make some baked ziti. I used hamburger instead of sausage, rotini instead of ziti and cheddar cheese instead of mozarella cheese. It actually turned out quite tasty. James loved it! Laura and Cathi both tried it and liked it too. 

I inventoried my next shipment of books. I began removing stickers but got redirected to other activities before I finished. My last shipment that I sent in is no longer stranded but the books are not reserved or active. One more day and I will contact Amazon.

Laura told the story about the people who bought Jason's home, the old Robbins' place right next door to her and Dave. It seems the owner is not living in the home but is using it for a business, a daycare. Laura and the Wilson's next door on the other side, have counted over 20 children. They have complained to the city and now they are limited to four children until further notice. The neighbors are concerned about all of the traffic coming and going. 

Laura also is following the Vallow-Daybell case and told me to watch the Melanie Gibb interview on Dateline,  which I did this morning (Friday) via YouTube.  Melanie was Laurie Vallow's best friend while she lived in Arizona. Melanie tells the story of how Laurie and Chad met and what happened afterwards. It is almost a two hour interview. 

I made some banana nut muffins this afternoon adding extra banana and walnuts. James loved them!

Sheri called me this evening and asked me if I had seen a black panther when we had the cabin in Pinedale. I said I thought I had seen one driving up from Payson to Heber along the rim. I asked her why she had asked. I guess the boys were talking about it and Max told the story. She said, "I have learned to always believe Max." Max was right, I did tell them that I had seen one. We then started talking about if Sheri would be safe running when she came up. I told she would. I also told her there was another strange animal around here called a jaguarundi. We looked it up and it is a strange looking animal. 

We played a game of Five Crowns and this time James played with us. This was the highest scoring game I have ever played. Cathi won with 119 points, Terry 161, James 180, Laura 203, Dave 231, and Karen 233. 

For dinner James grilled us all hamburgers that Dave brought. We also had Busch beans and potato chips. I went to bed feeling a little discouraged. I didn't write in my blog, and I only got 5,000 steps. Must do better!

Monday, July 6th, 2020

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
99th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000
The : Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

2 Nephi 31:4

Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 30:1-18; "Don't Miss This"

April General Conference

"Deep In Our Heart"

Douglas D. Holmes

"The unity we seek is to be one in Christ, to connect ourselves with Him. To connect our hearts with heaven, we need individual spiritual experiences, as Elder Andersen just eloquently spoke to us about. Those experiences come as the Holy Ghost carries the word and love of God to our mind and heart."

My 15 stranded books weighed heavily on my mind last night so it was the first thing I attended to when I got up this morning. I got out the email I got from Amazon seller support and did exactly what it said. The only problem was that I could not use the same SKU's so I created new listings with new SKU's. I felt good about what I had done and left it to rest for awhile while I got ready to go grocery shopping. I left around 9:30 or so for Taylor. 

My shopping trip was quite eventful. I come to Taylor because it is less crowded and I have a better shopping experience. My experience was highlighted by the friends that I saw. First it was the Peeler's and then my dear friend from Chandler who now lives in Snowflake, Ruth Gale. James served with Ruth's husband when Bishop Gale was our bishop. Ruth has applied to go on a mission. She was supposed to be assigned in April but with all that is going on in the world that assignment was delayed. She has now been asked to serve at home in Snowflake until otherwise assigned. I told her that all of our kids were in the valley except for Jared who lives in east Texas. Ruth said she loves Texas and if she lived anywhere else it might be Texas. It was so nice to see such a long-lasting dear friend. She is such a wonderful person and I have always looked up to and admired her for her many talents and her dedication to the gospel. Bishop Gale passed away a few years ago as did one of her boys, Thomas. Both were in motorcycle accidents.

One the way home I got myself a Whopper Jr. at Burger King. I was hoping that James in his travels this morning would have eaten some lunch. He and Chuck went to get another culvert for the road and some more poles and concrete for James's fence. When I got home I soon discovered James had not stopped for lunch as he was "grazing" in the kitchen. I then felt guilty for not bring him something to eat. 

While I was at Walmart I received an email from Amazon. It said that I had stranded inventory and if I didn't correct the issue in 72 hours my account would be in jeopardy. My worries regarding this issue are far from over. 

I have done all I know how to do to get my inventory active again. This is an entire shipment of books and I am just beside myself. I opened up my case log again to seek more help. Hopefully this issue can be resolved soon.

Dave, Laura, Cathi, and Terry will be here around one o'clock on Wednesday. I am stressed about getting the upstairs and downstairs ready for company. I also have a shipment of books waiting to be inventoried and shipped. Oh woe is me.

I walked, blogged, and studied this afternoon and evening. I enjoyed watching "Don't Miss This" with Dave and Emily. I especially enjoyed Dave's explanation, using an orange as an example, of the evidences of God in our lives. Korihor is a major anit-Christ in the Book of Mormon as are the Zoramites. 

James worked on the fence all afternoon and then had a short ride on Luna before coming in for dinner. I heated up the green chili pork I bought at Costco along with some mixed vegetables for him. We sat across from each other at the dining room table both working on our computers. We did not even take time to read from our book today. I missed spending time with my sweetheart.

Ben's letter was the best!

Jen is one of our Hallmark stars. She is a foster parent advocate
and I am impressed with her desire to help needy and 
abandon children. She has adopted one of the boys she fostered and
is trying to adopt his brother. She also just had a baby girl.
She knows the scriptures, the Bible, and is a devout Christian.

Getting the blood flowing to the brain

for a day filled with great ideas

This Costco find is quite yummy!

Dave and Emily' Summer of Heroes
The Dream Team Alma puts together to teach the
Zoramites.

Ben's Letter

What an amazing two year old!
A video of her singing "I Am a Child of God"
I need to learn how to post videos 
on this blog!

Saturday, June 27th, 2020

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

D&C 133:18

When the Lamb shall stand upon Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written on their foreheads.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 22 Aaron Teaching King Lamoni's Father; Study Guide: Sunday Journal

April General Conference

"The Finest Homes"

"The attributes of Christ are acquired in the "Process of time" by intentional progress along the covenant path. Christlike attributes adorn the lives of those who strive to live with goodness. They fill homes with gospel light, whether the floor is mud or marble. Even if you are the only one in your household who follows the injunction to "seek after these things," you can contribute to the spiritual furnishings of your family's home."

Every  morning, except Sunday when I watch "The Chosen", I watch an episode of "Lark Rise to Candleford" on my phone. Yes, I love the series that much. I also love "The Chosen."

James went down to work on the road after we had scriptures and family prayer. Perkins poured five loads of gravel on Friday and 8 loads today. James decided to do our driveway and road. We have about 16 more loads to go. I am excited!

James sold little Cat to Pierce Goodman for $10,000. He took it over to him last night. When Barbara went to pay him she said: "Do you want cash or check?" James looked at her for a minute and then said how about half and half. He came home with a $5,000 check and an envelope with 50 - 100 dollar bills. Now the Goodman's have a new toy to play with.

I finished my audio book, "Sanctuary" and started another one, "The House of Stone and Ivy" by Anita Stansfield. James came in when I was listening to it and said, "We read that book together and then he proceeded to tell me just about the entire story. 

I made two desserts this afternoon for tomorrow. It is our turn to host the "Come Follow Me" discussion. I made a strawberry pretzel dessert from a recipe I got off Pinterest and an Eagle Brand pie for James. Before going to bed I tried the strawberry pretzel dessert. It was good but I wish I had crushed the pretzels a little better because they were sort of chunky.  

Luna is doing so much better in her face mask. Her eye is almost all cleared up. James was too busy to take her for a ride this evening. She doesn't mind too much as long as he feeds her some oats.

Truths taught by Ammon and Aaron to the Lamanites

 I still remember how upset Addy was because

Grandpa and Rowan beat us

Gravel for our road

Christina's girls

  

Monday, June 22nd, 2020

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

Alma 13:11

Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 17 with James, Sunday Journal, study guide, and video of Ammon serving and teaching King Lamoni

April General Conference

"Let This House Be built unto My Name"

Elder David A. Bednar

Why was the return of Elijah important?

"We learn from latter-day revelation that Elijah held the sealing power of the Melchizedek Priesthood: and "was the last prophet to do so before the time of Jesus Christ."

The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: "The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have power to hold the key of the . . . fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood . . ., and to . . . obtain . . . all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of God, even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the children unto the father, even those who are in heaven."

"Hear Him!"

President Russell M. Nelson

"What does it mean for you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth?

It means that you and your family can be sealed together forever! It means that because you have been baptized by one who has authority from Jesus Christ and have been confirmed a member of His Church, you can enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. He will guide and protect you. It means you will never be left comfortless or without access to the power of God to help you. It means that priesthood power can bless you as you receive essential ordinances and make covenants with God and keep them. What an anchor to our souls are these truths, especially during these times when the tempest is raging."

"Witnesses of Christ"

Dallin H. Oaks

October 1990

O what a beautiful morning, O what a beautiful day. I've got a beautiful feeling, nothing is going my way. 

My day started out with a phone call from my friend Karen who lives in south Gilbert. She and her husband Lance rented an air b-n-b in Heber for this weekend. Right now because of the Bush Fire highway 87 through Payson is closed. If they come up they would have to come through Globe. She checked the air quality for Heber and it is in the red zone. Her question to me was, what is the air quality like in Vernon. Yesterday it was not good but when I looked outside this morning it wasn't bad. Of course we are about 60 miles east of Heber. As I looked towards Heber I could see smoke on the horizon. Karen, I think, wants to cancel but because it is an air b-n-b they won't get their money back. I told her to just keep checking the fire and the air quality before she makes her final decision. It's funny because she called me before 7 a.m. I guess she knows that I am an early riser.

James asked me this morning if we could pay the plumber via Zelle. I told him I was hesitant because the last time we tried he had given me the wrong phone number and nothing went through. I wasn't sure if we could edit the phone number. I got on to our Chase account and was able to edit the phone number but when I tried to send money it declined the transaction. I tried a second time and it still didn't go through. Instead it locked our Lambson Construction checking account. We were given a number to call. James talked to someone named Christian. When he told him what the problem was Christian said "One moment please, let me transfer you to the fraud department." That one moment turned into 45 minutes. Finally a lady from India came on and asked the same questions Christian had asked and several more, such as, what cars have you owned over the past several years. She asked him how long he had worked for Land Bob Construction. He said he had never worked for them which was the correct answer to this trick question. She left for about 15 minutes and came back. She said she would take the lock off the account. After James hung up I tried to get into the account but it was still locked. Long story short, I was on hold for one hour and James was on hold for another 30 minutes before we finally got the issue resolved. The last person he spoke to said, "Please don't ever try to send money via Zelle to this particular person again." We ended up having to send him a check in the mail. All of this lasted into the afternoon and put both James and I in a foul mood. Nap time and story time brought us back to our normal cheery selves.

I watched an episode of "The Chosen" on my phone app. Each episode is only 30 minutes long. I watched episode number 3, "Jesus Loves the Little Children". I loved it. It is my favorite so far!

James texted Tanna, someone we both minister to, about helping her fix up her house before her baby is born. She said the first thing she needed to do was build a pen for her dogs. When she leaves them outside they bother the neighbors and when she brings them inside they make a mess in the house. After the dog pens are up James will go over and see what she wants him to do. He spoke with the bishop about her and the bishop said that fixing up this house has been a 27 year project. If the ward was going to help the bishop needs some commitments from Tanna. I would say the first commitment should be that she and her boyfriend get married. First things first.

I got my mother's day gift from Jared today. It's a book that I am excited to read after I finish the one about the temple that I am reading right now.

James and Sheri both got letters from Ben. He is struggle a little right now because of some controversy regarding his companion. Ben is very protective of him. Ben also feels like the emphasis is on numbers instead of people in the mission. His testimony is intact and is loves teaching the gospel. He will be okay. 

Sheri also had an encouraging conversation with Alex about the 2nd Coming. There was a time when we felt like he didn't even believe in God but obviously that is not true. 

The cows James chased of  yesterday came back today and brought a friend. Somehow they were able to reach through the fence and were nibbling on the hay. They had already drank all of Luna's water. James jumped on Luna and drove them off. Luna kept trying to go in the opposite direction. She is clearly afraid of them. We should have named her "Whimpy."

As part of my gospel study this evening I watched the video in the lesson about Ammon teaching and serving King Lamoni. These videos certainly bring the Book of Mormon to life! When Nathan was here he told about how some students were allowed to wear their hair long because they were in the videos. 

I received the lamp I ordered from Overstock.com. James put it together. I love !

James was impressed with how 

well this lamp is made.

It was 11:00 before we went to bed. I waited for James and watched him put the lamp together.

 Don't understand this. Am I making money

on shipment fees?

 Lola looks like a little Addy in this

picture!

 I could make this!