Saturday, February 2nd, 2019

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Hebrew 5:5

So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:22-22:10

What does it mean that the Gentiles will nurse Israel back to health? What are some examples you have noticed?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and FHE

Matthew 3; Matthew 3:11-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

General Conference

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The new home-centered and Church-supported curriculum needs to influence more powerfully family religious observance and behavior and personal religious observance and behavior. We know the spiritual impact and the deep and lasting conversion that can be achieved in the home setting. Years ago, a study established that for young men and women the influence of the Holy Ghost most often accompanies individual scripture study and prayer in the home. Our purpose is to balance the Church and the home experiences in a way that will greatly increase faith and spirituality and deepen conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

This is how my morning went: scriptures and prayers with James. Unloaded the dishwasher, took a shower, and at 9:50 left to visit Vanessa H. with Kerri. We had to wait a few minutes for Vanessa because she had gone to the church to help the Scott's and the Wood's clean the church.

We had a nice visit with Vanessa who is trying to recover from a bad marriage and a soon to be divorce. Her husband was addicted to drugs and never much of a husband or father to their 5 year old daughter Raelynn.

Raelynn lost her first tooth. She is so sweet, she offered to and gave the prayer in RS a few weeks ago. When I left today she gave me a hug.

After our visit I called James and asked if he wanted to join me on my trip to town. He said no, he was doing a deep clean of the stove and had removed several cups of grease from underneath the surface.

I shopped at Walmart for food for our company, Darrel's family, who are on their way up today. I bought food for 7-layer dip, roast, chicken tacos, and cheesecake. While checking out at Walmart I got a call from my brother Dennis inviting me to lunch at El Rancho for Harold's birthday at 2:30. I had to decline because that is about the time Darrel and Trina are arriving. 

I stopped at Dollar Tree before going home. They have lots of stickers, etc. for Valentine's day and they are all $1.

I forgot marshmallows for s'mores. I texted this message to Trina:

I got stuff for chicken tacos, a roast, stuff for 7 layer dip, strawberries, blueberries, brownie mixes, green beans, broccoli, Hershey bars and graham crackers, forgot marshmallows, Hershey kisses, conversation hearts, bisquick to make waffles, might need more milk.

All I wanted them to get was marshmallows and more milk. My text was confusing and Darrel thought I needed Hershey kisses, conversation hearts, and Bisquick. He called about the Bisquick and I told him I got that so he got Hershey kisses, conversation hearts, and milk. He forgot the marshmallows...

Ruby got carsick and came right in holding a Polar Pop cup for barf, and laid on the couch. The first thing we did was put in "Mary Poppins" for Lola. While watching someone asked where grandpa was and I said outside splitting wood. Immediately Trina, Darrel, Addy, and Rowan went out to help him. 

James split the wood, everyone else stacked it in the Razr and then came down and stacked it on our porch. 

 Trina posted this.

Thank you guys so much!!

Lola, Ruby, and I stayed inside and watched "Mary Poppins."

Trina, Darrel, and Addy came in and played a game of "Settlers."

Rowan got out the collectors "Settlers" game and played with it. After winning her game with mom and dad, she went over and played with Rowan.

Not sure what Darrel is doing here...but Addy won!

Rowan loves to make faces at the camera.

I shredded a roasted chicken and made chicken tacos. We had flour tortillas and corn tortilla shells. I steamed some broccoli and we also had fresh strawberries. Addy loves strawberries!

I started watching episode one of season 3 "Victoria" with Darrel and Trina but James wanted me to go to bed, so I left.

I was sad to see that my Hallmark new Saturday night movie, "Valentine in the Vineyard" did not record. I looked at the program guide and it is playing again on Thursday so I set it to record. All is well. 

I finished my steps in the bedroom before going to bed.

So many cute ideas for Valentines!

Cute little heart animals

 Super cute!

 Niagara Falls is frozen

Sunday, August 26th, 2018

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.

Book of Mormon

Alma 56:41-57

*Will ye go to battle for what ye believe in?

- Am I prepared to die? What in my life is worth dying for? My family, my friends, and my faith in God. As I trust in the Lord and strive to do His will, the Lord has promised me in the scriptures that He will deliver me. So, knowing I will be delivered by and to Him, I am not afraid to die.

Old Testament

Psalms 81-85

81 Israel is commanded to sing praises to God - If the Israelites had walked in the Lord's ways, they would have triumphed over their enemies.

82 Thus says the Lord, Ye are gods and children of the Most High.

83 God is asked to confound the enemies of His people - Jehovah is the Most High over all the earth.

84 The righteous cry unto the living God - It is better to be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness - No good thing is withheld from those who walk uprightly.

85 The Lord speaks peace to His people - Truth will spring out of the earth (the Book of Mormon), and righteousness will look down from heaven.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Jean B. Bingham, General President of the Relief Society, will explain how assigned brethren of the priesthood and assigned sisters of the Relief Society and Young Women will now function in serving and watching over members of the Church throughout the world."

James and I got to sacrament meeting a little early and saved an entire row behind the Wilhelm's for Sheri, Ian and the boys. I was so glad that Ian came even though they all left after sacrament meeting and were gone home before we got home from the block.

Andy W. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting. He spoke about his experiences on trek. It was short. Next was Sister Hunter. She spoke about the temple and her experiences as the temple prep teacher for the members of our ward getting ready to go to the temple. She told about going through with Anthony last week. She said that he said to her in the Celestial Room, "Wow!"

Brother Howard's name was on the program but obviously he could not speak because he is in the hospital. Brother K. Hunsaker spoke on intentional and righteous parenting. That topic sounds familiar. That's what I spoke on when I spoke in sacrament meeting on May 19th, 2018.  He did a good job.

Before Sunday School began I asked Sister Johnson if she would be in charge of getting photos, birthdays, and favorites of the young women to put on the wall in the back of the Relief Society room. She said she would be glad to. She also gave me a birthday card. She wrote a note on the inside that said: "Dear Karen, You are such a great example to me of faithfulness, humility and obedience. You are always striving to do what the Lord wants you to do. I want to be just like you when I grow up!" This really touched me because I look up to Paula so much. She is the president of the Vernon Park, distributes food from the Vernon Food Bank, and is a member of the Vernon Women's Club. She is constantly giving service. I told her that I felt the same way about her!

For Sunday School I attended the teacher council meeting taught by our Sunday School President, Brother Allen. We talked about closed and open ended questions. I couldn't find that particular topic in our manual so I turned to the lesson on Asking Inspired Questions. There are three headings in this lesson about the kinds of questions a teacher should ask. 1.) Ask Questions That Help Learners Gain Basic Knowledge of Eternal Truths - "What did the Savior do for us in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46).

2.) Ask Questions That Touch The Heart and Mind - Becuase responses to these questions often rely on the feelings and experiences of the leaarners, the questions usually do not have just one correct answer. "How do you think the Apostles might have felt as they walked to the Garden of Gethsemane with the Savior?"

3.) Ask Questions That Invite Learners To Act - "What will you do differently because of what you learned today?"

Before Relief Society began I asked Sister Moore if she would be a ministering sister. She said she would love to, but she did not want to drive because of her eyes. 

Sister Curtis gave the lesson in Relief Society entitled: "True Ministers Focus on the Needs of Others." As always, she did a great job and used several of the examples of ministering that Sister Bingham gave in her conference address. We have a new sister in our ward, another one from the Concho branch. Barbara was not there today. I am afraid that although she lives in our ward she wants to continue to attend the Concho branch. She told someone at the temple that she likes Concho better than Vernon.

We had orange meatballs and salad for lunch. James took a nap while I did my weekly planning and we both ran off ancestors names we got from the app "Take a Name." I think I have enough ordinances to last me at least a month or two.

James talked to Sister Peeler. She had low sodium they are trying to treat. She is no longer in the rehab center but back in the hospital. She is getting quite discouraged because it just seems she has one setback after another.

I love this field of sunflowers somewhere in France!

I am obsessed with homemade cards!

 Wouldn't this make a nice summer home!

My sweet friend Amaron turned 9!

Tuesday, March 20th, 2018

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 20:24

And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

Book of Mormon

Jacob 4:1-18

*When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take His counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

*... for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not... How can this statement be of comfort to you?

Talk: "The Holy Ghost" By: Marion G. Romney, April 1974

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 5-6

5 Moses tells of covenant God made with Israel in Horeb - Ten Commandments reviewed - Sabbath observance commemorates also the deliverance from Egypt - God talks with man - Blessings flow from obedience.

General Conference

Has The Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

" 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."

Today is the first day of spring and it is a beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona.

I woke up to a text from my friend Pam. It was wonderful and I texted her back and told her how much I appreciated her telling me her feelings.

I had a lunch appointment with my friend Jean but I got a call around 10 a.m. from her. She said her husband, Tom, is in the hospital. Jean went to the hospital with her son-in-law Jimmy. James and I got ready and went too. 

Tom started having chest pains last night so he came to the hospital. They said his heart was not damaged but he might have to have a stint. James and I took Jean to lunch in the hospital cafeteria and on the way we saw Denise. She told me again about Aunt Gene's party on the 31st. It's the same time as our potluck and egg hunt at Sheri's. We still haven't decided what to do.

After lunch James and Jimmy gave Tom a blessing and then we left. I made an appointment with Jean tomorrow at 2 to take her birthday presents to her.

I read to James on the way home and then took a nap. I finished my nap at home with James. 

While James went outside to work and walk I stayed inside to blog and walk. While I was working on my blog I called my friend Charlotte. She always seems so happy when I call and she says I am her bestest friend. I usually just let her talk. I think that is what she needs most, someone to listen to her.  I also watched an episode of "Little Men." I am loving this series!

James had a high priest group meeting this evening. I tried to stay busy while he was gone.

Listened to the song "Gethsemane" on children.lds.org

First Day of Spring:

Carmen in Pennsylvania

Phoenix, Saguaro Lake

Tucson

The look on my face when James rubs my back.

My favorite picture of the Savior

Thursday, October 12th, 2017

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 March 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

DC 107:49

And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated. (Enoch)

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 4:1-14

*How can you prepare to meet your challenges and adversities with "the strength of the Lord?"

-Faith, repentance, prayer and gospel study and hard work. Being gathered together in righteousness with others. Being prepared to fight against Satan.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 64:9-11

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remained in him the greater sin. 

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

11 And ye ought to say in your hearts - let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

"Even though the widow's two mites were a meager contribution, to the Savior her gift was of supreme value, because she gave everything. In that moment, the Savior fully knew the widow, for her gift showed Him her heart. The quality and depth of her love and faith were such that she gave knowing that her 'want' would be supplied."

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life

Be Like Witout It?

President Russell M. Nelson

"... I opened the Book of Mormon to 3rd Nephi 11, and together the king and I read the Savior's sermon to the Nephites. I then presented the copy of the Book of Mormon to him. His response lodged in my mind and heart forever. 'You could have given me diamonds or rubies, but nothing is more precious to me than this additional knowledge about the Lord Jesus Christ."

At the end of President Nelson's talk, which I printed of lds.org, he includes his Book of Mormon lists. Wow! I'm so excited to study them!

James went on some errands this morning and Darrel and his kids headed for Tonto Creek. Trina was at work,  which means I was home alone this morning. Darrel and Trina's house has lots of room to walk in quite a few steps. I did the dishes and cleaned up before sitting down to study and work on my blog. I found this bowl.

Every cereal bowl should have a built-in straw!

I took a few photos of the kids before they left:

Addy is always reading a book!

Rowan won a ball last night at PPP and 

gave it to a little girl he didn't even know

because she wanted it. He is so kind-hearted!

Lola and her case. Darrel says she takes it everywhere.

Ruby with her vampire smile.

This makes a mother proud!

 Good job Darrel!

We left Darrel and Trina's around 12:30. Our first stop was Deseret Book where I bought a Book of Mormon for Jean Howard. We tried to take it by to her but she wasn't home. We gave it to her husband. I was texting her the reading assignments for the day until I found out her grandson Dustin has her phone.

We went by Cathi's and picked up a big box full of stuff that belongs to us. We also went by Sheri's and got my Legos. 

I bought this for Evan but he already has it.

On to see Lois. Of course she offered us something to eat. I couldn't resist the carrot cake. She also showed us her new chair. It is very nice. Dawn came before we left so we got to visit with her too.

We left Lois's around 4pm and went directly to check in to our hotel. We stayed at the Extended Stay America on Chandler Blvd. right next to the I-10 in Ahwatukee. It was a dive but I got it through Expedia and had already paid so we stayed. I found a cockroach in our room. I kicked it outside onto the walkway. Here is a picture.

When I told it to the girl who brought up a remote for the TV she said: "Oh, that's Arizona for you." Yikes! 

We were on the second floor in room 258 and there was not even an elevator. Also the rooms open up outside. We feel like we are in the ghetto. Although there is no smoking we saw lots of cigarette buts and smokers outside.

For dinner we went to Olive Garden. A young guy named Ben was our waiter. This is my new favorite meal:

Beef and tortellini

Everything about this dish is great!

James decided to eat healthy.

When we returned to the "Roach" motel I didn't have all my steps in so we walked across the street to the Circle K. I got me a drink for tomorrow and James got us a gallon of water. 

The bed was comfortable and there is a full frig and a microwave,

a sink, and a tiny dishwasher. The microwave was tiny too.

October 12, 2017

Our friend Corley passed away in Chandler. He was 94 years old.

He was one of the nicest and fun people we met when

we first moved to Chandler.

Rachel, Peg, Evie, Denise

Four Generations

I love this picture of Dennis and Evie!

"The Summons"

October 12, 2016 Photo File:

Ruby's elk

Walk tall and carry a big stick.

This one was made by Uncle Kay.

Grandpa's squirrel

"The Lounge"

There are certain rules.

Addy picked up a hitchhiker.

He looks a little suspicious.

October 12, 2015 file:

On our way back from El Paso.

Trick photography.