Thursday, April 25th, 2019

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 17:1

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come;glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 18:21-35; Gospel Topic - "Forgiveness"

General Conference

Cleansed By Repentance

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Because of God's plan and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed by the process of repentance."

The Applegate's left today for the valley to pick up their missionary daughter Shelly who has been serving in the Pennsylvania area. I'm not sure which mission but at one point she was in the city of York where James's sister Carmen lives. Funny. Shelly's mom Tamara is my good friend and the Vernon ward Relief Society president. She has a sister that lives in Idaho in the area where Ben is serving.

Shelly is my good friend. She's one of my young women. Here is a picture of us before Shelly left on her mission. We went to the temple together.

October 2017

Shelly is amazing and loves the gospel!

I read this as I was studying JS-Matthew and Matthew 24. This quote was in the New Testament Student Manual:

"It is not sufficient merely to know what the scripture says. One must treasure it up, meaning take it into his possession so affirmatively that it becomes a part of his very being; as a consequence,...one actually receives the companionship of the Spirit."

The manual also says: "From the Savior's words, it is evident that placing a high priority on the word of God will be critical in overcoming the deceptions of the last days." Read the Book of Mormon, "Come Follow Me", and General Conference talks!

Stacy called and is in a panic. They are supposed to be out of their house by the end of the month and they still have not found a place to live. I am praying for her but time is running out! She's calling to our friend Bill to see if he has anything available.

Well, James did it again. He went to the post office to mail a book someone bought from him on Ebay (one of the ones that's gated on Amazon), and he realized he did not have a credit card. He used my card yesterday, because his is in his wallet at Darrel's, and never gave it back. It's gone. When he returned yesterday he was outside on the Cat so he had to include that in his search. I think he's embarrassed to call Chase and report another missing card. He keeps thinking this one will turn up. In the mean time I am checking the account periodically to make sure there are no bogus charges. I reluctantly gave him another card and sent him back to the post office. He also had to go into town to mail our two Amazon shipments.

I finished putting wax on the wood floor. I will not be buffing it until tomorrow, giving it a chance to dry per the instructions on the container. Kim and Brian are coming tomorrow evening so I want to be finished before they get here. 

I worked on book alerts and writing down profits for books we have sent in. I am dying to buy some more books but we can't until we sell some of the ones we just sent in. I'm patiently (?) waiting.

Dr. Memon called James today. He wants him to meet with the architect next week to see about getting started on the medical complex he is building in Chandler. Not only does he want James to manage the building project but he also wants him to do all of the tenant improvements. This will be at least a 3 million dollar project. 

Oh yes, Greg Hatch also wants James to do some work for him and James is bidding Chacon's other houses, and a doctor's remodel. Things are picking up.

Other things I did today. Listened to the Book Profits webinar featuring Jim and Herman. Jim says "Eat the frog first", meaning do the hard thing you have to do first and go from there.

 Walked over 16,000 steps and watched "My Summer Prince." This evening James and I watched "Return to Christmas Creek." James served me hot chocolate with whipped cream during the movie. What a guy!

Scarlett's favorite food is strawberries.

She reminds me of Strawberry Shortcake.

Go Scarlett go!

Throwing fits is hard work!

My advice to all parents!

Elizabeth and Rosemary missing their

friend Abigail. 

 James likes Taylor Cole

What a happy face!
 

Friday, November 16th, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

1 Samuel 16:1

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Book of Mormon#1

4 Nephi 1:1-22

*What is the key to avoiding contention?

-President Russell M. Nelson described the source of the great peace that was described in 4 Nephi: "Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: 'There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people'(4 Nephi 1:15). Love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne.. 129). Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phillipians 47), be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come."

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 25-26

Old Testament

Daniel 3-4

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

" Latter-day Saint women understand that being a mother is their highest priority, their ultimate joy. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: 'Women for the most part see their greatest fulfillment, their greatest happiness in home and family. God planted within women something divine that expresses itself in quiet strength, in refinement, in peace, in goodness, in virtue, in truth, in love. And all of these remarkable qualities find their truest and most satisfying expression in motherhood.'"

We left for the valley this morning around 5 a.m. after sleeping on the recliners all night. James dropped me off at Darrel and Trina's a little after 8, and I mean dropped my suitcase on the sidewalk and drove off to his appointment in Tempe at 8:30. 

Luckily Trina, Rowan, and Lola were still home. Ruby is on a fieldtrip to the Grand Canyon. Rowan greeted me at the door and helped me carry in my stuff. He told me I left a suitcase here last week. I told him that was my makeup bag and I thought he might want to use it. He came back with, "It's all gone."

Soon everyone was gone and I was home alone. I did some walking and put my books and computer in the shoe room. 

When James got home we went to Chili's for lunch. There is one close by on Baseline and Signal Butte. I got the Carribean salad with shrimp, one of my favorites. James got the salmon. 

I guess his surgery is still on. I thought maybe the doctor would postpone because of his ribs injury. 

After lunch James had a meeting with Mr. Quintana, the owner of the lots in Mesa on Bellview Street where James is putting in the waterlines. He promised me this meeting would be only 15 minutes and he was pretty much true to his word.

We arrived at Kim's and James stayed there while Kim and I went shopping in our car to Deseret Book and Costco. Kim lets Joe take her car to work on Friday evenings.

I used to buy many of my Christmas blankets at Sam's Club but I don't have a Sam's card anymore so Costco and Walmart will have to do. I found two really cool plaid blankets and one blanket for Scarlett and one for Charlie. Kim bought food for her Joe and his cousins dinner on Monday evening. I also bought Jean an electric blanket. She has so much metal in her body she is always cold, hence the electric blanket.

Costco has the most beautiful wrapping paper and ribbon. I had to buy 3 rolls of wrapping paper and three colors of ribbon. 

I also bought two towels to take with us when we stay at Darrel and Trina's. 

At Deseret Book we were looking for stuff to send Ben for Christmas. I also bought myself a new temple suitcase, the cheapest one I could find. I bought a tiny tree with scripture ornaments for Ben. We are coming back tomorrow when Sheri can come with us. 

James was walking down the sidewalk when we got back to Kim's. He hates to just sit around. When we got to Darrel and Trina's Trina was gone and Darrel was on the phone talking to someone about their new house. There were Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies laying out on the counter. Trina had made them for her RS secret sister. Not only does she have sisters she ministers to, she also has a secret sister. Reminds me of girls camp.

James and I walked in the backyard. The weather is perfect, sunny and about 75 degrees. 

Trina brought home dinner. Someone in their wrd is doing a fundraiser for their daughter. They are caterer's and Trina brought us pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, and macaroni and cheese. It was all delicious!

Tomorrow morning Rowan and Addy are supposed to get up early and walk 12 miles to the temple. Rowan does not want to go for two reasons. #1 He has cross country practice everyday after school and by Saturday he is pretty tired. #2 He says he doesn't have any friends in the ward. Trina tried talking to him about going to things so he would have friends. He wanted to hang out with Max, Evan, and Joshua tomorrow afternoon and Darrel told him if he wanted to do that he would need to go on the walk to the temple, so Rowan said he would go. 

James and I made a trip to Fry's. My crown keeps falling out so I had to get some Fixodent, the stuff people use when they have dentures. 

Ruby got home somewhere between 9:30 and 10. She went straight to bed because she has a volleyball at 8:45 in the morning.

Chandler and Highland played in the semi-final state football game tonight. Stacy and Paul went and Stacy said that this should have been the championship game. She admitted that Highland was just as good as Chandler. Chandler won in overtime 36-35 so they play Perry next week for the state championship.

Chandler is Darrel's alma mater and Highland is Trina's.

 Trina's got into the Christmas mood and 

made this display.

 My Chili's salad, one of my favorites

Lola's car that she loves to wash, that's where

the puddle in the corner came from.

Darrel and Trina's great backyard.

 Ruby's adorable smile.

 This baby girl loves to sleep.

Paradise lost

Love that smile.

 Scarlett at IHOP looking at the Grinch pancakes.

Of course she had to order a green pancake!

Sunday, June 10th, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated 19 Nov 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Book of Mormon

Alma 13:21-14:5

*Why does the word of God tend to divide people?

Talk: Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions

By: Richard G. Scott

Oct. 2007

Old Testament

2 Kings 7-8

7 Elisha prophesies incredible plenty in Samaria - The Syrian hosts flee at a noise of battle and leave their possessions - Israel takes spoil from the Syrians.

8 Elisha prophesies a seven-year famine - The Shunammite woman is preserved through the famine - Jehoram and then Ahaziah reign in wickedness in Judah.

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Healing and Sealing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path." - President Russell M. Nelson

I lost 1.2 lbs. this week but I am out of the points race. James is still in the points race and he lost 2 lbs. I think he is probably still ahead. One more week. He just might win.

We studied our scriptures and had family prayer before church this morning. I also studied Elder Renlund's talk which is the talk we are studying today in Relief Society and I ironed James a shirt. I should have ironed the shirt last night. Sacrament meeting had barely started when we walked in. 

Charlie G. blessed the sacrament for the first time today. We also have a new elder but I didn't catch his name as he was passing the sacrament. 

Marci W. gave a talk today on the personal finance class she took as part of the Church's self-reliance program. I looked up the manual on my gospel library app and told James we should study it for FHE. He wants me to help him on familysearch instead. 

Three Westbrook's got new callings today. Marci is going to be the Primary chorister, Corina will be the nursery leader, and Joe will be YM secretary. 

Brother Reidhead spoke today on ministering and talked a lot about President Nelson's talk last Sunday evening to the youth. The take is entitled "Hope of Israel" and President Nelson asks the youth to be part of his "Youth Batallion" to help Gather Israel. He gave five challenges to the youth.

1. Hold a seven-day fast from social media.

2. Make a weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord for three weeks.

3. Keep on the covenant path. If you are off, repent and get back on the path.

4. Pray daily that all of God's children might receive the blessings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

5. Stand out. Be different. Be a light. Give to a friend one copy of the booklet For the Strength of Youth.

These were President Nelson's closing remarks:

"My beloved younger brothers and sisters, you are among the best the Lord has ever sent to this world. You have the capacity to be smarter and wiser and have more impact on the world than any previous generation!

"As I conclude, I invite you to stand with the youth from all around the world and experience the thrill of being a member of the Lord's youth battalion in 'Zion's army' by singing our closing hymn, 'Hope of Israel,' because this hymn is all about you!

From the depths of my soul, I testify that this is the work of Almighty God. He lives. Jesus is the Christ. This is His Church, restored to accomplish its divine destiny, including the promised gather of Israel. You are the hope of Israel, 'children of the promised day'! I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A powerful message from a prophet of God!

Brother Scott taught the lesson in Sunday School. They must have skipped a lesson because he was on lesson 22 instead of 21. We spoke about David being anointed king by Samuel and then slaying Goliath. Saul was disobedient and therefore lost his standing with the Lord.

My friend Rosie L. taught Relief Society today. We discussed Elder Renlund's talk on family history and temple work and focused mainly on the promised blessing outlined in his talk. I especially love this blessing promised by our prophet:

"Your worship in the temple and your service there for your ancestors will bless you with increased personal revelation and peace and will fortify your commitment to stay on the covenant path." - President Russell M. Nelson

I especially loved Sister Hunter's comments about working in the temple and covenants.

Also, I loved a clip of a talk given by Elder Bednar regarding the spiritual gift of discernment. It think we all need to have this gift in our lives.

Well, today is sugar day. I had cookies for breakfast and apple crescent rolls for dessert after lunch. I love Sundays!

Talked to Jared and Kacey. Kacey is moving to Tyler next week. Jared is already working there. A new beginning for them.

 Plus the 11 I lost before I started this challenge.

So true.

A stroll down memory lane with Dennis,

baby Eric, and Muhammed Ali.

Jeff was one of James's counselors when

he served as Bishop.

Braylin, reading a Percy Jackson book.

I introduced him to Rick Riordan and

Percy.

Cousin Brett and his family.

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: Nov 19, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:16-2:15

*What do you admire most about Lehi and his family?

Their sacrifice of their worldly possessions to obey the Lord.

Old Testament/P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Moses 7:18

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

Old Testament/P.G.P Reading

Genesis 3-4; Moses 3-4.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. We can stop comparing our worst to someone else's best."

James got a call from Cody Birch this morning. Cody wants James to build him a house. The problem is he doesn't even have a lot yet. 

Cody is an anethesiologist and he says he makes alot more money now that he works for himself.

I started reading about The Sheperd's Diet today. It focuses on healthy fats and proteins, and low carbs.

We made a trip to town this morning. James got an xray done at the hospital and then went to Sonoran lab to get bloodwork done. Before he did those two things we took Lexy to Walmart to get the oil changed. They said it would take about an hour and a half but it was actually over two hours. I shopped and then when I was finished I went to McDonald's and got a diet coke and an ice cream cone. I also opened the Dorito Salsa Verde chips I bought. Michael had some when he was up here and I became addicted.

James joined me and ordered a couple of burgers because they were on sale 2/$5. I ate part of one and then gave the rest to him.

We were excited when we stopped at the post office to see that our order of Heartland season 5 had arrived. We watched two episodes this evening. 

On the way home from town the check engine light and several other lights came on. James thinks it's nothing to worry about that they just messed something up when they were changing the oil.

James and I both still have a lingering cough, and no energy.

Cute picture of Shayna

I think she left her boots her. She's the only

one that could fit in these tiny boots.

Love those eyes!

Our place a couple of years ago.

Mrs. Snow and her two little ones

I miss the snow!