Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 33:17

And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not understand his words they stoned him to death.

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 25:31-46; Mark 12:28-40

General Conference

The Immediate Goodness of God

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"The immediate goodness of God comes to all who call upon Him with real intent and full purpose of heart. This includes those who cry out in earnest desperation, when deliverance seems so distant and suffering seems prolonged, even intensified."

Sold another book, this one a novel priced at $9.97 which means we probably made a dollar. We also had two books returned, one because of a faulty address and the other because of rough treatment at Amazon. A little frustrating.

I read to James this morning after scriptures from our book, "To Win a Lady's Heart." It's a good one.

I bought all of the books on my "Done For You" list except one, which was gated. I love these lists and think they are going to be worth the money.

James worked outside this afternoon. He mowed and edged our grass. It looks really nice. 

I worked on finances and paid our tithing, which always feels good.

It was a good day. I love doing this book business! Just wished we could invest in more books. My mentor, Kathy hit a milestone in her business and shared it on our Facebook group.

Will I ever get there?

 Clouds, mountains, sunset, three of my favorites!

 We were Halle's Primary teachers

and look at her now, on her way to Italy to

preach the gospel.

Charlie loves to read and make messes!

  

Evan and Joshua both graduated from Hancock Elementary and 

will be moving on to junior high next year. I think it will be the first time that they have not gone to the same schools.

Our friends the Hatch's

I think Scarlett likes to wear hats!

Look, no car seat!

Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.

Tuesday, July 10th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 44:24

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:46-60

*What's the difference between believing and knowing?

-It is belief that pushes us forward to come to know. Knowing is when you receive a spiritual confirmation from the Holy Ghost that confirms your belief is true.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 11-12

11 Rehoboam strengthens the kingdom of Judah but is forbidden to subdue Israel - Jeroboam leads the kingdom of Israel into idolatry - Rehoboam takes many wives and concubines.

12 Rehoboam forsakes the law of the Lord - The Egyptians plunder Jerusalem and take the treasures of the house of the Lord - The people repent and receive partial deliverance - Rehoboam dies.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

"Family prayer is another prime opportunity to teach.

I've always been impressed with how Heavenly Father introduces Jesus Christ as His Beloved Son. I enjoy praying for my children by name as they listen to me express to Heavenly Father how beloved they are to me. It seems there is no better time to communicate love to our children than when praying with them or blessing them When families gather in humble prayer, powerful and lasting lessons are taught."

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

"An earlier prophet foresaw blessings for both the living and the dead. a heavenly messenger showed Ezekiel a vision of a temple with water gushing out of it. Ezekiel was told:

'These waters issue out ... and go down into the desert, and go into the dead sea ... , and the waters shall be healed.

'And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live, ... for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh.'

Two characteristics of the water are noteworthy. First, though the small stream had no tribuatries, it grew into a mighty river, becoming wider and deeper the farther it flowed. Something similar happens with the blessings that flow from the temple as individuals are sealed as families Meaningful growth occurs going backward and forward through the generations as sealing ordinances weld families together.

Second, the river renewed everything that it touched. The blessings of the temple likewise have a stunning capacity to heal. Temple blessings can heal heart and lives and families."

As I was looking on my gospel library app I found an article in the February 2018 Ensign by the General Sunday School president, Tad R. Callister: "What Can I Do to Teach More Like the Savior?"

Here are the things that Brother Callister says that we can do to teach more like the Savior:

1. Be humble,  2. Have a desire to teach like the Savior,  3. Teach by the Spirit,  4. Focus on the doctrine, 5. Become an avid learner, 6. Seek revelation, 7. Demonstrate love.

It rained off and on for most of the day today. James did me a favor and went to get the mail. I got the garlic press I ordered and the Little Pony, "Songbird Serenade" that I ordered for Lola. The Little Pony was tiny, much tinier than her other ponies. I decided I would make a trip into town to get the Princess Celestia I had seen at Walmart yesterday. 

James was busy reading something when I left so I went into town by myself. I left around 4:20 and was back by 6, Princess Celestia in hand. It rained on me most of the way.

I got a text from Sheri today. She said Laura had messaged her and said that Ben had received his assignment and would be getting his call probably sometime next week. Perfect timing as the Trezise's will be back this weekend from Europe.

I am enjoying watching old Christmas movies on Hallmark this week. They are running them through July 1-15th. Today I watched "Romance at Reindeer Lodge." 

This evening James and I watched a Hailey Dean mystery on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. Even though he doesn't much like Kelly Martin he does like these Hailey Dean mysteries. 

Finished my steps before going to bed.

Sheri's posts from Paris, France:

ing their soccer team on to victory.

The cheer that went up after they won was

infectious!

Stacy used to have this photo in her living room.

  

Thursday, February 1st, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 3:14

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:1-21

*When have I tried to be a missionary in my everyday life?

Old Testament

Exodus 20-21

20 The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments - Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven - The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold - They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.

21 The Lord reveals His laws pertaining to servants, marriage, the death penalty for various offenses, the giving of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, and the damage done by oxen.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 6:22

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

"We are divinely designed to give love and be loved, and the deepest love comes when we are one with God. The Book of Mormon invites us to be 'reconciled unto God through the atonement of Christ.'"

The news this morning is that the city of Gilbert is building a 275 acre mega part at Queen Creek and Higley. It will have all kinds of venues and will take 5-10 years to build.

I got word via Facebook that James's uncle Kay passed away this morning. 

We left for the valley at 7:30 this morning. I have a dentist appointment in Chandler at Dr. Douglas's at 11 a.m. to get my teeth cleaned.

While I am at the dentist James visits with Erik about the shocks on our car. Erik says there is nothing wrong with the shocks, it's the bracket that holds the shocks up. He says he can't do anything about it until we get rid of the mud on the undercarriage.

I drove James to Sonoran Spine in Gilbert for his appiontment with Dr Crowder. I then drove back to Chandler to go to lunch with Sheri. 

Rachel, the girl that works with Sheri, is from Heber. She says she grew up with Clayton Reidhead and her brother was his best friend. Clayton and his family live in Vernon and he is our ward mission leader. It's a small world, especially in the church.

I said hello to Dianne and C.T. Davis before leaving Chandler Eyecare. Sheri and I drove to Cafe Rio for lunch. We had a nice visit and did some catching up.Sheri is training for a half marathon she will be running on February 24th. She averages a mile in 9.5 minutes. After we said our goodbyes I drove over to Deseret Book in Gilbert.  

I got a top to go with one of my temple skirts, a novel by Anita Stansfield, a birthday card for Stacy, and a New Testament Student Manual for Michael to use in his scripture group.

James still hadn't texted me to pick him up so I went across the street to Office Max to look for some 5x7 notebooks. Just as I am finishing up James texts me to pick him up. 

James had not eaten so on the way to Darrel and Trina's we stopped at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. and the 202. 

When we get to Darrel and Trina's, Darrel is home with the kids and Trina is at work. 

Darrel made spaghetti, corn, and breadsticks for dinner. I love seeing my boys cooking for their kids!  

Lola, Ruby, James and I went for a couple of walks around the block. I thought Lola would get tired and asked to be held but she was a real trooper. 

This evening I played Code Name with Darrel, Addy, and Ruby. Poor Ruby had me for a partner and we lost. 

When Trina got home she came bearing gifts. A dress for Addy, an action figure for Rowan, and windup Unicorns for Ruby and Lola, and candy for the adults. (I didn't get any candy because the kids ended up eating it all.)

Ruby invited us to her school play on the 15th of February. She is going to be the smallest planet, Pluto. She said she was chosen because she is the smallest one in her class.

Underground hot springs

Teresa asked Jack to clean off the table

after dinner. This is how he did it.

Snow on the Superstitions

Saturday, August 26th, 2017

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Sept 1984 by: Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 56:41-57

Would you go to battle, or make a sacrifice or do something hard, for what you believe in?

*Today dad and I reported for work at the Snowflake temple. We got up at 4:30 to leave by 5:40 to get to the temple at 6:30 in time to get dressed and ready for our shift which starts at 7.

We finished at 1, and we were both exhausted.

Sometimes doing the Lord's work is hard. We have to remember what He did for us and that makes it all worthwhile. 

You meet some amazing people in the temple. My co-ordinator is 57 years old. She told me her story. Her husband died 12 years ago and she was called a s a temple worker one year after his death. She can't imagine her life without the temple. She has received blessings she never even imagined were possible. 

There were three other new temple workers today who were set apart with us. To me,they are the real heroes. They remind me of the 2,000 stripling warriors. 

Brother Somers is a return missionary of two months who drove from Flagstaff this morning. I was afraid to ask him what time he had to get up. He is looking for a job, going to school and still has time to serve in the temple.

Brother McClaws lives in Holbrook and just graduated from high school. He has been called to the Georgia, North Atlantic mission and leaves in October. He works 50 hours a week at his job. He got off at 2 am and was at the temple at 6:30 am to report for duty this morning. 

Last but not least, Brother Eagar who just graduated from Blue Ridge high school and has been called to the Indiana, Indianapolis mission and leaves October 3rd. He's a football player and a cowboy, and is very sweet, and good looking too. he just got his endowments yesterday and today he's a temple worker, working two shifts a week. A real hero dedicated to the Lord.

This is going to be an amazing calling! I am so grateful to be doing the Lord's work and I am so grateful to associate with such amazing people!

Who do you know that does amazing, hard things that has inspired you?

DC 124:31-49

Why are we commanded to build temples?

*Verses 4&5, "verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people; For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times."

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Do we live in a time of peril and turmoil? Of course we do. God Himself has said, 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.' (John 16:33). Can we exercise the faith to believe and to act accordingly. Can we live up to our commitments and sacred covenants? Can we keep the commandments of God even in challenging circumstances? Of course we can! We can because God has promised, 'All things shall work together for your good, if you walk uprightly.' Therefore, let us set aside our fears and live instead with joy, humility, hope and a bold confidence that the Lord is with us."

Our shift at the Snowflake temple started at 7 am. Prayer meeting in the endowment room. After prayer meeting we were set apart in the president's office by President Miller and Brother Coltrin. James actually joined them during my setting apart. Sister Winhardt and I made a connection as we walked down to a sealing room to view a video for all new temple workers. Eb Lewis, who was my bishop and stake president when I was growing up in Show Low is her uncle. Her dad is Don Lewis. She also knows Marva Maxwell McClintock who is one of my grandpa's sisters. 
After the video the men went with Brother Coltrin and Sister Winhardt gave me a temple tour. Our first stop was the celestial room. There was one sister in the celestial room. Sister Winhardt told me there always has to be at least one person in the celestial room and if I am assigned to be there it is important that I come on time. The schedules are set up with changing assignments every 30 minutes. The only exception is if you are assigned to do a session, which I am today. 
Next stop was the initiatory where I was shown how to check out the study cards. Everyone is expected to memorize the ordinances. The initiatory ordinances have the most to memorize. I was shown where I could go to study. These study cards cannot be taken from the temple. You study alone and you are not allowed to take notes. 
We went downstairs to the baptistry. There is a picture of the Savior with two small children. Sister Winhardt said how much she loved this picture and the little girl on the right reminded her of her granddaughter. I ask her if she knew the Lambson's in St. Johns, she lives in St. Johns, and she said yes that she was Kyra Lambson's visiting teacher before she passed away. I told her the same little girl in the picture reminded me of Kyra's daughters. She agreed.

All of the new temple workers were assigned to go to the 9:30 session. This was about the only time I got to see James. President Miller said when he and his wife were called as temple workers they were excited to be spending time together. Even though they were called together they didn't get to work together very much and he says that is true of all husband and wife temple workers. 
We did go in the office together and give our names to Brother Hatch who engraved our name tags for us. 

Names on the prayer roll: James, Karen (Sister Winhardt told us too), Joe, Alex, James Hayden, Anna, Emmy, Jared, Dallin, Michael. 

After the session I went down to the kitchen to grab a bite. Everyone brings potluck. I have 1/4 of an egg salad sandwich and headed back up to study the initiatory ordinances. As I was checking out a paper, the sister in charge at initiatory told me they needed me to work. I reminded her that this was my first day. She said it didn't matter, I could read from the paper. I was assigned the anointing and I guess I did okay. One of the sisters said I did fine and another said I needed to slow down a little. There is a way of doing everything, even opening the curtains which is done by touching them with the back of your hand, not the front.
By this time I am pretty exhausted. I have one last assignment, assigning lockers to people as they come in. I also have to go through and check all of the lockers to make sure no one has left anything. As I was assigning lockers my dear friend from Chandler who now lives in Snowflake came in from doing a session. We hugged and talked for a few minutes. Oh the people you meet.

Others I made a connection with while serving: Gracie Jones who was Gracie Peterson in high school. She came up to me and asked if I knew Terral Lambson. She remembered him. She also remembered James and Gerald Hatch being good friends and being on the wrestling team together. Claudia Crandall who now has a different last name. She was from Heber. Ron Solomon, Bill Solomon's brother. Darolyn DeWitt was another worker who was especially nice. Sister Farr from Holbrook is fairly new. I identified with her because of that and also because she showed me where the fans were. I needed one!

Our shift ended at one o'clock. We were both pretty wiped out. We stopped at Sonic for some refreshments on the way home and get behind Brother Eagar in the line. He waves at us.

Can you tell how tired we are.

I read from "A Lady in Disguise" until we got to Show Low. James needed something at Home Depot so I went in to Walmart. When I was finished I texted him to pick me up. I called but his phone went straight to voicemail. I was a bit angry and frustrated when I finally contacted him. I could tell that I hurt his feelings and it made me feel horrible. How could I act this way after spending most of the day in the temple? I have a lot to learn. I spent the rest of the day apologizing and trying to be extra kind.

This evening I worked on my Primary lesson. James is not teaching tomorrow so he did some reading. The clouds and rain we got were unexpected but very much appreciated!

Photos

Today's sisters' temple schedule

My assignments are hi-lighted in yellow.

One of my favorite pictures of the Savior.

I wonder if Sedona is in the Snowflake

temple district?

The beginning of an eternal family

Our second home