Friday, May 3rd, 2019

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888

By: Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Romans 8:32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 21:28-22:9

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 10:1-21

General Conference

Answers to Prayer

Brook P. Hales

"One aspect of perfect love is our Heavenly Father's involvement in the details of our lives, even when we may not be aware of it or understand it. We seek the Father's divine guidance and help through heartfelt, earnest prayer. When we honor our covenants and strive to be more like our savior, we are entitled to a constant stream of divine guidance through the influence and inspiration of the Holy Ghost."

I spent the morning studying, walking, and getting ready to go to my infusion. We left around 10:25 and I got there a little before 11, the appointed time. James dropped me off and went to see the Willis's. 

The infusion room has been remodeled and I hardly recognized it. The familiar things were Frances, Angie, my chair, pillow, and the infusion tube and stand. I watched Jenna and Laura Bush on Hooda and Jenna on TV. Laura was on with Jenna for mother's day. 

James was still at the Willis's when my infusion was over so I walked about a mile or so down to Wendy's to wait for him. I ordered myself a diet drink and a vanilla frosty. When did vanilla frostys come about. I thought you could only get chocolate. 

We are celebrating Mother's Day for me today. James took me to lunch at Olive Garden and then over to Deseret Book to get President Nelson's life story as written by Sheri Dew. It's called "Insights":

From Deseret Book James took me to Kim's house to relax with her while he went to his appointment in Scottsdale with Dr. Weiner the ears, nose, and throat specialist. Kim and I watched a Lifetime Christmas movie while James was gone on his wild goose chase. He ended up going to the old address and missed his appointment. It wasn't really his fault because he Googled the address and the old address came up. He rescheduled for later in the month. 

When James returned he worked in the laundry room for awhile before we left. 

Brian was in and out while we were there. He had pulled pork in the smoker all night and is taking it to Skousen Park for their father and sons outing. It sure smelled good!

When we got back to Darrel and Trina's they had already left for L.A. Trina is going to the garment district to look for fabric. Rowan was gone to see the movie "Avengers" with friends. The girls were all home. When I asked what they wanted for dinner Lola said, "Peter Piper Pizza." It took a minute for us to talk grandpa into it but he would do almost anything for Lola, Ruby, and Addy, so off we went. (Thanks Trina for leaving us $40.)

Peter Piper was packed with people! We didn't care, we went anyway. We ordered a large cheese pizza for the kids, a medium California veggie for grampa and gramma and a large cinnamon pizza for dessert.

Lola says cinnamon pizza is her favorite

Three years ago at Peter Piper Pizza

When we got home we told the girls to brush their teeth and get their pajamas on. We had family prayer with grampa saying the prayer. Addy complimented him on what a nice prayer it was, and then the girls watched TV while James and I went for a walk. 

Rowan didn't get home until around 11. We were already in bed and James had locked the front door, forgetting about Rowan. Addy opened it for him. James stuck his head out and apologized.

I was up at 1 pm to use the restroom and the TV was still on. Ruby and Rowan were asleep on the couch when I went in to turn the TV off.

Cathryn and Chloe, best friends

and going to be baptized on the same day.

  

Saturday, May 6th, 2017

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Private Dedication: 17 May 1888

Wilford Woodruff

Dedication: 21-23 May 1888

Lorenzo Snow

Rededication: 14-16 June 1985

James E. Faust

Mosiah 23:30-24:25

*What did the people of Alma do to receive help with their burdens?

*How can prayer help us when we have difficult burdens?

*What did the Lord promise to do for the people of Alma? How did this promise relate to the covenant they made at baptism? (Mosiah 18:8-10).

*What can we learn from the way Alma and his people responded to their trials?

*When we submit patiently to the will of the Lord, He will strengthen us and deliver us from our trials in His time.

3 Nephi 28

Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ's kingdom when they die; The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again; They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34-35.

DC 68:13-24

The firstborn among the sons of Aaron may serve as the Presiding Bishop (that is, hold the keys of presidency as a bishop) under the direction of the First Presidency.

How has the Priesthood blessed me in my life and callings?

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"We get a glimpse into our Heavenly Father's character as we recognize the immense compassion He has for sinners and appreciate the distinction He makes between sin and those who sin.  this glimpse helps us have a more 'correct understanding of His character, perfections, and attributes' and is foundational to exercising faith in Him and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Savior's compassion in the face of our imperfections draws us toward Him and motivates us in our repeated struggles to repent and emulate Him.  As we become more like Him, we learn to treat others as He does, regardless of any outward characteristic or behavior."

I was awake from 2:30-4:30 this morning and finally got up around 5:30.  I said a prayer with James before he left for work.  I was going to go to the temple this morning but I was just too tired.  James said he would take me next week.  I got up and washed the sheets on our bed while I did my gospel study.

For breakfast I had James's leftover cranberry celebration, a strawberry Slimfast shake, and a muffin.  The pounding on the roof didn't begin until after 6:30 this morning.

This was taken a few years ago.  Notice

President Uchtdorf's hair.

James came with Kim, Sheri and I for my mother's day lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  He paid for himself.  Kim and Sheri paid for me.  I had crabcake bites, a greek salad and a piece of key lime cheesecake.  Everything was delicious!  I hate the fact that I forgot to take a picture.  Darn!  Sheri and Kim both gave me cards.  Kim also gave me a $50 giftcard to Olive Garden.  Sheri says the next time I come down we are going to get pedicures.  I really do appreciate them.

I went back to Cathi and Terry's for a short nap and then I was homeward bound. Cathi helped me load up my car.  James had carried my heavy "book bag" to the car earlier. 

 James went to check on his job in Mesa and we ended up leaving town at the same time. We met up in Globe to get gas and have some lunch.  I wanted some french fries and so we went to McDonald's even though James doesn't like it very well.  I really do think the Globe way is faster and shorter and Salt River Canyon doesn't bother me anymore.  Also, there seems to be less traffic.

 I love Arizona!

We started our fast this evening.  We are fasting for better health so we will be more prepared to do the Lord's work.

Unpacking and putting things away takes about an hour when we get home.  I need to relax, so we watch the last Good Witch, "The Good Witch's Wonder."  Now we can start watching the new season.  

James slept in the recliner tonight because he can't breath well.  We went to bed around 9:30.  Brother Miller has agreed to be prepared to teach for James tomorrow.  I wonder if he will be out of town and Sister Hunter will have to teach again. 

Fun Photos

My mom bought her gas at Blakely's.

In the 50's and 60's $10 worth of gas got you a

piece of decorative glassware.  Today those old juice glasses are

considered treasures at antique shops, thrift stores,

and garage sales.  I remember those glasses, my mom

had an entire set!

 Happy Mother's Day!

I love Joe's smile!

Jasmine and Addy

Trina and her nurse friend are

starting a business selling these

first aid kits.  

Sunday, January 22, 2017

The Manti temple

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard?'

*When Heavenly Father has asked you to go into your own personal "wilderness" what gifts has He given you to help you succeed?

2 Nephi 15:13-18

DC 10:54-70

So many great verses in today's reading.  Which ones spoke to me?

GC: "The Blessings of Worship" by Bishop Dean M. Davies

'When we worship God, we approach Him with reverent love, humility, and adoration.  We acknowledge and accept Him as our

sovereign King, the Creator of the universe, our beloved and infinitely loving Father.  We respect and revere Him.

We submit ourselves to Him.  We lift our hearts in mighty 

prayer, cherish His word, rejoice in His grace, and commit to follow Him with dedicated loyalty.  Worshipping God

is such an essential element in the life of a disciple of 

Jesus Christ that if we fail to receive Him in our hearts,

we will seek for Him in vain in our councils, churches,

and temples.'

I got up at seven to do a little studying.  Molly was up too.  Jared texted and said the other kids need to be up by nine.  Church is at eleven.  

I had pizza for breakfast and some Dr. Pepper 10.  I am such a health nut.  James also made Molly and I some Starbucks hot chocolate.

The umbrella was from last nights Bahama Bucks.

Not sure why the sour face.

James got the older kids up while Molly and Emmy both got themselves ready to go.  Molly was an angel this morning!  It was a pleasure to be with her.  Even when Emmy got upset with her for taking the case off their phone, she didn't get upset.  She just tried to explain to Emmy that it was hard for her to push the buttons when the case was on.  Very impressed!

Someone posted this on Facebook regarding the women's protest marches this past week.

Yes!

I took a short little rest.  Kacey's bedroom is grand central when it is time to get ready to go somewhere.  

We had to make two trips to the church to get everyone there in our car.  Thank goodness the church is so close.  We could probably have walked but it was way too windy!

We met Kacey and Jared at church and as soon as Molly saw them, I was no longer her sidekick.  It's okay.  I understand.  I sat by Anna who sat next to Summer during sacrament meeting.  

James and I stayed until after Sunday School and then we said goodbye to Kacey and Jared.  The kids were in classes.  Jared gave James two books for his birthday.  

The "Boys in the Boat" will be the next book

James and I read together.

We packed, changed our clothes and had a little something to eat.  James also made us some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the road so we would not have to stop for food on the way home.  Of course we will have to stop for gas.

Grandpa and Anna's birthday cake.

Jared had planned a little party for Anna and Grandpa this afternoon but we needed to get an early start.  We were sorry to have missed it.  I did steal a piece of cake before leaving.  (I asked Jared first!)

We are so grateful that our car is running so well after the scare we had Friday night.  We said a prayer and were on our way.  We made good time going 80 mph.  We gained an hour going back to El Paso and were there by 9 pm.  It feels like home again.  We had some stew and finished reading "Without a Word."  

I left James's birthday present in San Antonio.  Kacey said they would mail it for me tomorrow.  It's a photo stick to back up all of his photos that are on his computer.  I was surprised to see his is 128 GB while mine is only 64 GB.

Fun Photos

The Matterhorn.  Disney did a pretty good job of duplicating this!

Bighorn sheep

January 2016 Photos

Lola

Dawn, Carmen, and Rebecca

Evan hanging out on the couch.

All of his brothers are on a campout.

Such an awesome kid!

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Manti temple

Mormon 9:22-37

Mormon knew that Moroni faced overwhelming challenges due to the wickedness of the Nephites.  Nevertheless, Mormon also knew that Moroni could endure with the assistance of divine grace.  The book 'True to the Faith' explains that grace provides strength to persevere in the daily struggles of life: "The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.  In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life.  As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility and meekness He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace."

GC:     Repentance: A Joyful Choice by Elder Dale G. Renlund

" Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.  By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins, - behold, he will confess them and forsake them." - D&C 58:42-43

One of the first things I did this morning was read an article called: "Why Being Bored is Good for Children."  "We don't have to have a particular creative talent or intellectual bent to benefit from boredom.  Just letting the mind wander from time to time is important, it seems, for everybody's mental wellbeing and functioning.  Children need to sit in their own boredom for the world to be quiet enough that they can hear themselves.  Inner quiet equals self-awareness.  Their interests are stimulated as they come to find solutions to boredom."

Do either one of these girls look bored?

James got a call from Brother Skousen who is our ward High Priest Group Leader in the Vernon ward.  He asked if he and President Jensen from the new stake presidency could come by for a visit this evening.  James got out the nativity set and I got out some more Christmas decorations and tried to clean the wood floor where James had tracked mud in before their visit.

President Jensen is the retired member of the stake presidency.  He lives in the Pinetop Lakes Country Club and must be quite wealthy.  He knew our former bishop, Bob Horne and so did Brother Skousen.  We had a nice visit.

No, they did not give us a balloon.

We watched two Christmas movies today:

"Finding Christmas," and "Married by Christmas."  The first one is one of my favorites but the second was meh.

Last years week after Christmas.

I love pictures of Arizona