Saturday, February 16th, 2019

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 11:27
She saith unto him, Yea Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.
Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:1-14
*What's my favorite title for Jesus Christ and why?
- My favorite title for Jesus is Savior because He has provided a way for all of us to be saved from our sins.
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
John 3:16-17 Heavenly Father shows His love for me through Jesus Christ. "The Sabbath and the Sacrament" L. Tom Perry, 4/2011
Ensign
"The Miracle of Covenant Belonging" Gerrit W. Gong, "Joseph Smith's Quest to Secure Religious Freedom for All", S.W. McBride
General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"There will be times when you feel that your progress in learning how better to nurture is slow. It will take faith to endure. The Savior sent you this encouragement: 

'Wherefore be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 'Behold the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.'"

I asked myself the question this morning, who should I reach out to today... and the thought occurred to me that I should call Charlotte, which I did. She said she is not doing well and seemed a little down. She seemed a little abrupt closing the call. I think maybe I should visit her the next time I am in the valley.

I watched a couple of movies today while I was blogging, walking, and doing my other work. They are both Hallmark movies that I have seen before.

They danced to the song "Spooky"

Also watched "The Nine Lives of Christmas"

We had fish for lunch. It was Van Camp breaded fillets that someone left in our frig. There were 10. I had 2 and James had the other 8. I guess you could say that he likes fish.

Something I love is Sister Schubert's rolls. I think I called her Schuster last time but it's Schubert.

We had snow, wind, and sun today. That's what I love about the weather here, you never know what to expect. 

We sold book #9 today, "The Secret Keeper" by Kate Morton. One of my favorite books!

James and I watched the newest Hallmark movie this evening,

"Love, Romance, and Chocolate," starring Lacy Chabert and Will Kemp. I loved this movie set in Belgium. I wish Will Kemp was in more movies because I love his accent!

The theme song for this movie was an old

Frank Sinatra song, "The Way You

Look Tonight."

 Love this memory

 My friend Janet does the neatest

posts on Instagram. This is one of them.

Love quilts with geometric designs

 Charlie meets Keela

What a cutie

Sunday, September 9th, 2018

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 19:16
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 1:1-17
*What causes anger and contention and how can you avoid it?
- Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing your dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ is what we all should be striving for.
Old Testament
Proverbs 21-23
General Conference

Teaching in the Home, a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

Elder D. Todd Christofferson counsels: 

"We have may avenues for teaching the...rising generation, and we should devote our best thinking and effort to taking full advantage of them. Above all, we must continue to encourage and help parents be better and more consistent teachers...especially by example."

That's how the Savior teaches.

James and I left early for church today so we could go to the Bannion Springs rest home to pick up Brother Secard. 

Since I was at sacrament meeting early I was able to hand out most of the rest of my ministering assignments. I introduced myself to a sister I did not know who was sitting by herself and she ended up being Marie R., my ministering companion. I was glad that I spoke with her.

The Reynolds' spoke in sacrament meeting today. She spoke on service and he spoke on being careful with our words. The bishop said a few words and asked brother Umphress to come up and bear his testimony. It was a good meeting.

Brother Smith taught gospel doctrine. The lesson was on Joel and how important prophets are. I thought this was appropriate for President Nelson's birthday, as was the discussion in Relief Society led by Sister Smith. We studied Elder Stevenson's and Elder Andersen's conference talks on the prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

I sat by Sister Lundgren. I called her Debbie instead of Donna and later apologized.

After the block we took Brother Secard home. I mentioned to him that he looked like a detective in his trench coat. He said, "Did you say I looked defective?" He is quite the jokster for an older guy.

We had ribs and salad for lunch and then it was nap time. I wanted to get up at 3 but didn't make it until 4. James slept until after 5 so he didn't have much free time this evening. He left for the stake general priesthood meeting at 6:15. He came back saying that it was wonderful. All of the priesthood holders were asked to memorize these verses from DC 121 before stake conference in six weeks:

While James was gone I worked on my blog and watched the newest Hallmark movie starring Autumn Reeser. 

Jared texted everyone and invited them to Charlie's blessing on October 14th. He got quite the response. He heard from most everyone and I said we were coming and Darrel and Trina are coming and maybe Stacy and Paul. How exciting!

Charlie's first real bath

She likes having her head rubbed

Nice and clean! For a minute I thought that

was an earring glistening from her ear.

 Baby Sweetpea

Snuggles with Daddy

Thursday, October 26th, 2017

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 20:14

And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:1-25

*Why is it so important to forgive our fellow man?

"Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking - even a change of heart. But there is good news. This 'mighty change' of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God. When are hearts are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens to us. The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions - the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts - the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade. As always, Christ is our exemplar. In His teachings as in His life, He showed us the way. He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought to hurt and do harm to Him. Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me. 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you.' When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become 'kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, even as God for Christ's sake forgave us. The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other."

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 131:1-4
1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage;
3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
General Conference

Essential Truths - Our Need to Act

Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella

"The elders started to teach our family. I vividly remember our feelings of happiness and excitement every time they came to our home. They told us that a young man had gone to a grove to ask God which church was true and that he saw God and Jesus Christ. The elders showed us an illustration of that vision, and when I saw it, I knew that Joseph Smith had indeed seen God the Father and Jesus Christ. The missionaries said that because of this vision, the true Church of Jesus Christ was again upon the earth."

For the first time since last January the Cat tractor parked on the hill is gone, moved out of view. I am so happy!

James has been trapping rats and mice like crazy lately. He has a new name, Trapper Jim:

Some are cuter than others.

James's band was featured on Good Morning Arizona this morning.

I listened to the song they sang, it was good.

James made a trip to town again today to pick up prescriptions and to get grape juice and Sprite to make a drink for our dinner guests, Paul and Janelle. 

We spent the afternoon getting ready for dinner. James was a huge help! 

James is putting ice in everyone's glasses.

He looks like a pro doesn't he.

Paul and Janelle arrived around 5 p.m. Janelle had made a delicious homemade coconut cream pie while staying in a travel trailer. It is my favorite pie!

For dinner we had roast beef, gravy, mashed potatoes, corn, rolls, and a salad. Everything tasted good and Paul and Janelle were good company. I enjoyed getting to know them better.

They told a funny story about hunting in Montana during a blizzard where they separated and Janelle shot a deer and waited for Paul to come and help but he didn't know where she was. He lit a huge bonfire for her to see. Eventually they found each other and were dragging Janelle's kill with the antlers still on through the snow.

Eventually they found a cabin and the owner took them back to their truck. I told them if they have any more stories like this one they should write a book.

Janelle's going on a mule deer hunt tomorrow and her guide called with the time and location. He is meeting her at 3:15 a.m. Because they had to get up so early they left early. 

James and I cleaned the kitchen with him doing all the dishes. Afterwards we watched an episode of Heartland called "Little Secrets."

Sadie 

"You want me to do what?"

Fall in Arizona

In spite of my busy day, or maybe because of...

Zemira the amazing wrestler.

3 wins 0 losses,  with one of them a pin.

The 2016 version of Zemira

Evan

Stacy's 2nd birthday

I hope I never see this much smoke so close to

our house again!

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 25:14-26:14

*The organization of the Church ensures that all members can receive the truth.

*Why is it important to continually teach repentance and faith in God?

*As we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and live righteously, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon us.

*What did the rising generation refuse to do because of their unbelief?

*To develop and maintain a testimony, we need to feast on the word of God, pray in faith, and obey the Lord's commandments.

*When Alma felt troubled about his duty to judge the transgressors, what did he do?

James: "Alma set the example for all of us.  When we don't have answers regarding our personal lives and or our stewardships, we need to do what the Lord admonishes us often to do in the scriptures;'ask and ye shall receive.' The asking must be in faith, expecting to receive.  Sometimes we don't receive a direct answer, but a feeling of peace and comfort with knowledge that the Lord loves us and that everything will work out for our good if we are patient."

Sheri: "I listened to a conference talk this morning where the speaker talked about praying for a year and not receiving anything.  Finally he went to the temple for the sole purpose of asking if Heavenly Father loved him.  While in the temple the temple president  (whom he knew) got up to greet everyone and looked him straight in the eye and greeted him.  He said at that moment he felt Heavenly Father's overwhelming love for him.  He said his answer to his prayer came later because answers come in Heavenly Father's time, not ours.  It was a powerful reminder to me that even if I don't get immediate answers to not give up and to continue keeping the faith and praying, even for a year, or more.

4 Nephi

The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord; They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land; After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise; After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked; Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35-321.

DC 69:1-8

John Whitmer is to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri; He is also to preach and to collect, record, and write historical data.

What benefit are church records to future generations?

*They give knowledge that can strengthen testimonies, detailing doctrine, and bearing record of miracles.  They testify of prophets and apostles.  They can teach about how to overcome adversity just to name a few.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

"Supported by a wealth of studies, Professor Kim Cameron focused on three critical components of a successful workplace culture: compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.  It makes perfect sense that as people turn towards the positive (light), the attributes perfectly exemplified by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, are present!"

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.  And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross." -3 Nephi 27:13-14

I was so tired today because again I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep until 4:30 and then got up at 5:30.  I took little breaks and naps throughout the day.  

I called Dr. Moffat and got an appointment for James for 3:30 this afternoon.  I had planned on going into town with James when he went but when it came time, I was too tired.  I stayed home and worked on my blog. As I was about halfway through posting for last Wednesday everything disappeared and I had to start over.  By the time I got through Wednesday, I was too tired to do anymore.  

Wildflowers and San Francisco Peaks

near Flagstaff

When James returned from town he had two prescriptions, one for an antibiotic and one for prednisone.  I was surprised he didn't have any Symbicort.  He said he forgot to ask about it.  That seems to be his answer a lot lately.  Should I be worried?

James also brought me some dinner from Panda, orange chicken with half fried rice and half noodles.  After dinner we had F.H.E.  

We listened to President Nelson's conference address: "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."  As I heard it President Nelson made two requests of us in this talk.  1.) Study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.  Let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become our personal core curriculum.  2.) Study The Living Christ, which I am already doing.  

James said the only request he heard was to study The Living Christ. Technically he is right.  The first request was something he challenged the young adults to do in a speech to them.  Because he mentioned it and because he did it himself and said he was a changed man, and because of the title of his talk, I felt that it was something he wanted us to do to and I have accepted the challenge.  I am already keeping a notebook of all the scriptures having to do with the Atonement so this will just add to it.  I want to get a set of scriptures just for this assignment.

We watched the latest episode of "The Good Witch" before going to bed.  We were a little disappointed with the story line.  

Photos:

This reminds me of someone.

There are days I wish I could do this.

2012 Brotherly Love