Thursday, March 7th, 2019

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

2 Corinthians 1:19

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:31-27:11

What do you think it means, the books shall be read upon the house tops?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 8:28-34; 9:32-38; Mark 3:21-30; 5:1-21

"Balm of Gilead" Boyd K. Packer, 10/1977

General Conference

"Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Always remember the promise of good things to come, both now and hereafter, for those who are firm and steadfast in the faith of Christ. Remember, eternal life, and the joy of the saints. 'O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.' In the name of Jesus Christ, amen"

We sold "To Kill a Mockingbird," and "Joseph Smith, A Rough Stone Rolling." 

Darrel works from 9-9 today and Trina from 10-10. We stayed home with Lola and took her to preschool at noon. We picked up Ruby at 12:30 at the bus stop because today is a half day. We were going to go to IHOP but we realized we did not have enough time because we had to pick up Rowan at the bus stop at 1:30. We went to Peter Piper and ordered some pizza to take home instead. We picked up Rowan at 1:30 then took Ruby and Rowan home. 

We picked up Lola from preschool at 2:30. She has some pizza and joins Ruby and Rowan in watching Studio C. James left to have a meeting with Armando but was back before I had to pick up Addy.

James went upstairs and took a nap and I picked up Addy around 4:30. What a schedule and to think that Trina does this everyday, unless she's at work. On our way home Addy and I see grandpa holding hands with Ruby and Lola walking home from the park.

Lola 

After we got the kids settled at home James and I left to visit Donna in Scottsdale at the hospital. 

Donna is on the same floor of the hospital where James was, the fifth floor. He was in room 6 and she is in room 18. She was in the room alone, sitting up in bed, just finishing her dinner. She looks well and she says she feels well which is such good news. She has suffered so much for so long. 

We had a nice visit with Donna but did not want to stay too long. We said goodbye and headed for Menchie's, the place I went yesterday to get the lemon and mango frozen yogurt.

We went to the Menchie's off the Power and the 202. I got pineapple, pistachio, and the original flavor. James got the mango and lemon. He liked it but not as well as I did.

Back at home we went walking. Lola went with us and laughed at her shadow most of the time.

Started out as the Primary Presidency now
Sister Bingham is the General RS President,
and Sister Cordon is the YW's President.

 Wedding day

 Summer is graduating

Friday, September 28th, 2018

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know asuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 11;21-38

It can be very easy to forget Heavenly Father and fall into wicked ways. What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing?

-Seek to surround yourself with righteous people. Those who will uplift you and make you better. Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin. Avoid contention. Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times. Always have a prayer in your heart Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation. All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, ad endure in faith. true doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. Understand the power of covenants. Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple. Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other Church leaders. Be humble and teachable, not prideful. Love God more than man. Put Him first in your life. Keep the commandments Prayer and scripture study everyday so we don't forget Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They are the givers of all our blessings. Daily repentance. Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. Love one another.

Old Testament

Isaiah 37-39

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Ours is not just a Sunday church. Our worship continues each day of the week, wherever we are and in whatever we do. Our homes in particular are "the primary sanctuaries of our faith." It is most often in our homes that we pray, we bless, we study, we teach the word of God, and we serve with pure love. I can testify from personal experience that our homes are sacred places where the Spirit can abound - as much as, and sometimes even more than, in our formal places of worship."

James and I received a phone call from a representative of the online business we are looking in to. James said before the call: "We are not going to spend more than $400 to get into this business." Not so. It cost much more. We stopped during the call and went in to the bedroom to offer a prayer. After the prayer we waited a few minutes to see how we felt. James said he felt good. I said I felt neither bad nor good but that I would go with his feelings. We signed up. 

James had to leave to work at the Howard's but I watched the first training session which was two hours long. This is going to be a little more involved and complicated than we had originally thought. James is still confident that we will be able to do it and make money at it so I am going to support him in that.

James wasn't gone long when he asked me to call Dr. Moffat and make him an appointment. When I asked him what the appointment was for, this is what he said: "The swelling in my leg from where I fell through the boards on the upstairs deck has not gone down for 9 days and my elbow is still swollen from where I fell into the dumpster 5 weeks ago." I made the call do Dr. Moffat's around noon only to learn that the office closes at noon on Friday.

I was supposed to go to Jean's this afternoon to help her with her family history. I forgot and put rolls out to rise. I called and told her I would work here at home on her family names and we would meet next week. 

I started reading "The Lilac Girls: A Novel" again. It's about two women in three different places during WWII. One is an American living in New York working at the French consulate. Her name is Caroline. Another is a Polish girl in Poland during the bombings and German takeovers. Her name is Kasha. The last is Hatta who is a German living in Dusseldorf. So far I'm not very fond of the book. 

Stacy is going to receive training at the National Laser Institute. Her loan was approved. She is very excited to say the least.

I packaged 39 rolls to take to the temple tomorrow. They are delicious! I had stew and rolls for lunch. I must not have sweets in my house. I ate the little lemon cakes and snickerdoodle cookies also. Next time, no dessert for the missionaries unless it's fruit.

Tonight is Show Low's homecoming. Kerri asked if I wanted to go. I said I did but I have to get up at 4:30 in the morning to work at the temple. She is involved in the ward wood cutting breakfast in the morning and said she should get to bed early too, so needless to say, we stayed home. Kerri's dad was the head football coach at Westwood High for years. She and her mom both love football. 

Sheri called this evening and said Max wants to come up next week since it is the first week of fall break. I told her Adam and Kaitlin are coming up next weekend and Kaitlin's mom and her two grandsons may come too. She called back and said Max wants to come up Sunday and then go home with us when we come down on Thursday. Not only do Max and Evan want to come but they want to bring Rowan and Joshua. I told Sheri only if we could trade cars and use her van because our car isn't big enough for four boys and two adults.

The weather was perfect today with the high in the 70's.

Now that's a  "fancy" girl!

 Dot Journal

Card

Cross Country for Addy and Rowan

One of the seven wonders of the world

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 9

Book of Mormon references on prayer include 1 Ne. 18:3; Alma 34:17-28; Ether 2:14.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

How might this story of Abinadi give you courage when you face difficult tasks?

- It takes courage to respond to every situation the way the Savior would. Most of us will not have to die in order to bear testimony of Christ but we will be asked to show our loyalty and courage by living the gospel in an ever increasing world. How does the story of Abinadi give me courage when faced with difficulties? I like this quote by President Russell M. Nelson: "When we know who we are and what God expects of us - when his law is written in our hearts..we are spiritually protected." More than anything I desire to do what God expects of me. 

Old Testament

Judges 21

The people lament the desolation of Benjamin - The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead are destroyed for not engaging in the war with Benjamin - Wives are provided for the remnant of Benjamin.

General Conference

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

We begin our "Chunky Monkey" challenge today. I have already lost 10 lbs. so I am ready for this.

James helped me cut these out at the last minute today for my lesson. Each figure represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel

The lesson was about Joseph's brothers selling him into Egypt.

Lots of cutting and folding.

We made a set for each child in my class

and a couple of extras.

James left for church before I did. I have a meeting afterwards so we took separate cars. I got there just before 9. James had already set the chairs up in my room and carried my stuff in for me.

Pam and Rick are here. Pam grabbed me to remind me of our lunch date on Tuesday. I am so happy they are here. Pam brought a friend. Her name is Jennifer.

Ty A. was the youth speaker. He spoke on family history work and using FamilySearch. "Power comes from doing family history. There will be more closeness in your family. We can be strengthened when we do family history work."

Brother Grapp spoke next. His topic was strengthening our testimony of living prophets. He quoted Article of Faith #9. He also said that Christ spoke and gave specific instructions to individuals as well as His apostles. DC 1:38-39. The Prophet speaks to the world and to us as individuals. The Holy Spirit tailors his message to each one of us. The prophets are speaking to us. Are we listening? The Family Proclamation is a good example. Prophets show us the joy that comes from living the gospel. "Decisions Determine Destiny." This was something President Monson said. 

Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles.

Brother Patrick was the closing speaker. His time was cut short. He spoke about the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

Brother Grapp and Brother Patrick both started their talks with Aloha! Brother Grapp served a mission in Hawaii and Brother Patrick was stationed there in the military. He was baptized in Hawaii on December 25th, 1968.

The Vernon ward choir sang the closing number: "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"

Today is my last week to teach Primary.  These are the children that attended: Liana, Andyn, Amaron, and Colter. I don't know where Jace and Gracie were.

James came in for the attention activity and explained to the class how a pearl is made inside of an oyster. It starts with an irritant, sand, and grows into something beautiful. The analogy is that even though bad things happen to us we can turn them around for good if we have the right attitude. This is what Joseph did after he was sold into Egypt.

Once we got through the lesson we celebrated Andyn's birthday, which is today, by letting her open her birthday gifts from me. I got her some little toys from Dollar General, a jewelry box with a butterfly on top, and a beautiful heart-shaped crystal necklace. 

I also gave her a card and told her how much I loved her and how proud I was of her for her knowledge of the scriptures.

Andyn: Such a sweetheart

I walked Amaron down to sharing time and gave him a hug. He loves to sit by me and he will probably miss me the most. 

Now, on to Relief Society. I have decided I like the new arrangement of sitting in a circle because you can see everyone. Pam was sitting by Millie. I guess her friend went home. Sister Curtis gave the lesson. It was about keeping the Sabbath day holy through worship and service. She did an excellent job and had good participation. 

After the block Tamara, Laurann, Kerri and I sat around the table in the front of the Relief Society room and had our first presidency meeting. I gave the spiritual thought by quoting from Moroni 10:32. Laurann's boys played on the floor and we ate lunch and snacks while we discussed the business of Relief Society.

We  need a new teacher so Tamara is going to talk to the bishop and request Sister Skousen. We chose conference talks for the lessons this coming month. I will not have to teach until July. 

After our meeting I went home and took a short nap. Brother Westbrook is gone visiting his new granddaughter in Safford so James needs someone to go with him to visit the Woods.'

I was a little negative about going but quickly repented. The Wood's are about our age and they moved to Vernon for peace and quiet, like we did. They love to travel and went to Alaska last year. They will be going to BYU's graduation next week and taking one of their homemade quilts to a loved one, I think it's Sister Woods' daughter. She has 3 children by a previous marriage. Her first husband died. Brother Wood had two sons by a previous marriage.

We both enjoyed the visit and found we have a lot in common with them and things to admire that aren't common with us.

This evening we studied the gospel and read. I listened to President Nelson's conference address from October 1995, "Perfection Pending." 'Our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus.'

Sister Heyman has a duck that nested in one

of her flower pots. Today some of the eggs

hatched. The ones that didn't hatch, sadly the

mamma duck left behind.

So cute! They should name one Petunia since

they were born in a petunia bed.

There she is, Petunia!

Everybody wants to see.

The following post was written by

Rebecca's daughter Christina:

I thought this was so beautiful that

I wanted to share it.

Lola looks a little stressed. Last year at the

resort she was afraid of the water. I wonder

how she will be this year.

Tuesday, November 14th, 2017

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement

Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 28:25-40
*What do these verses teach us about the Three Nephites and the work that they are doing on the earth before Christ's Second Coming?
We are told, "And wo unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom He hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receives not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom He hath sent receive not Him; and therefore He will not receive the at the last day; For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been tramped under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?" (v. 34-35)
*Are we among those who trample? Do we listen and obey the words of our Savior and His servants? Do we share the them? Many are sent forth to share the words of Christ.
Sister Shelly Applegate, from our ward, left today for her mission. Her desire is to let people know how much the Lord loves the because she has felt the Lord's love for her and it has made all the difference in her life. The Lord has an army of Saints, missionaries, leaders, families, and individuals who are called to deliver the good news of our Savior. We are to go forth and proclaim the message of the gospel. We are to bear testimony. The Lord tells us that many are called but few are chosen (DC 121:33-40). Why are we not chosen? When we let the world get in the way; when we do not maintain our righteousness; or when we become prideful, then we lost our ability to influence. We are called to the work. Therefore, we have to follow the Spirit, heed promptings, and be humble servants.
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 6:23
Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" The atoning power of Jesus Christ is essential because none of us can return to our heavenly home without help. In mortality we invariably make mistakes and violate God's laws. We become stained by sin and cannot be allowed back to live in God's presence. We need the Savior's atoning power so that we can be reconciled to Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ broke the bands of physical death , allowing resurrection for all. He offers forgiveness of sins, conditioned on obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel. Through Him, exaltation is offered. The opportunity to benefit from the Savior's atoning power is creations most important payload."

This is James's morning schedule. He gets up and studies his lesson, reads from his book, and then we have scriptures, prayer and breakfast. He asks me to read him a chapter from our book, and then he checks his traps and goes out to work on the patio.

This morning until of going out to work on the patio he left in his truck with Chuck to go help the Carroll's move their stuff out of the house that they have been living in. They didn't get home until 4 p.m. and then they both were at the school board meeting at 5.

It seems apparent that going to the school board is not the answer to getting anything done about our taxes. It all goes back to the county. Dr. Barrados the superintendent was the only one who did anything to help. She is going to call Doyle Shamley the supervisor of district 3 and arrange a meeting. She also called the county to speak to them but they have not returned her call yet.

While James was gone I made a batch of cookies, not a good idea when you are trying to lose weight. 

Today's Christmas movies: "The Christmas Card," "The Nine Lives of Christmas," "On The Twelfth Day of Christmas," "Best Christmas Party Ever."

No Heartland. We finished season 2 and season 3 hasn't arrived yet.

2014 Young Women's in Exellence steak dinner.

The young men were the servers. They did a great job!

Hayden's artwork

Montezuma's castle

I am grateful for pickles.

Love this little ducky. I am all about

cute animals!

Looks like Dan and Karin are enjoying

their honeymoon.

Whew, barely made my goal!

Elder Ballard and his wife Barbara, then and now.

He spoke at BYU today:

Christmas with the Horak's a couple of years ago.

Memories

That guitar is big Addy

Rowan doing some studying

Cute at any age

Baby Lola

She looks a little different today

Cabin days

It's goodbye to Kim and Brian

It seems like there is always dishes to do or

a meal to prepare.