Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 10:4

Yes, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews - even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

*How did the church of God respond to the beliefs of others? How did they respond to persecutions from those of other beliefs?

-"...If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy. Who knows but that again in our day some of the saints, or even apostles, as in former days, may be required to give their lives in defense of the truth?? If that time should come, God grant that they would not fail!" - President Harold B. Lee

Alma 1:26-31. The affairs of the Church established. President James E. Faust: "In the first chapter of Alma we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord's Church is established...1. The doctrines are taught (vs. 26). 2. Members esteem each other as themselves (vs. 26). 3. They all labor; they work and earn that which they receive. (vs. 26). 4. They impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (vs. 27). 5. They discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (vs. 27). "This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord's way that their circumstances began to improve. This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere."

Old Testament

2 Samuel 7-8

7 David offers to build a house for the Lord - The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so - The Lord will establish David's house and kingdom forever - David offers a prayer of thanksgiving

8 David defeats and subjects many nations - The Lord is with him - He executes judgment and justice unto all his people.

General Conference

Ministering wit the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as thought they would rather satisfy thier own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children."

Rescuing Wayward Children

As our children mature, we hope that their motivation for obeying the laws of family and of God will migrate from duty to understanding and finally to love.

Worth the Wrestle

Nephi attempted to teach his older brothers the pattern for receiving information through the Spirit: "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?" he asked. "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Nephi 15:11).
Russell M. Nelson 4/07, #49 Repentance and Conversion

"A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul."

Dale G. Renlund  Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter 14 Principle #6

Priesthood Power and Influence are Maintained Using Christlike Attributes

Truman G. Madsen  Lectures on the Prophet Joseph Smith  Lecture #5  Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Temple

I called the D.I. in Glendale, Arizona and asked what we needed to do to get a requisition order for two girls from our ward. I spoke with Dan Holme, the manager who was very kind. He said that the bishop needed to fill our a commodity form for clothing. If he doesn't have the form he can call and speak with Brother Holme. No one else can call for him, it must be the bishop. Tamara, our RS President was very appreciative that I found out what we needed to know to get clothes for the Burton girls.

I worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. It is such a slow, messy job. I wonder if I will ever finish. Yes I will!

I also made some muffins to take to Laurann's. I picked up Amaron from school and then drove him home. I took in muffins, candy, and my new Star Wars book and my Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Amaron carried in the four boxes I brought for Lauren to use for packing. They bought a house from the Grapp's and will be moving across the highway. I could tell that Lauren did not feel well so I didn't stay long. I read with Amaron and then had him read a little before I left. I am worried about Laurann's health.

Amaron walks me to the car. He likes to turn the car on, and look at the trunk, and then open and close the sky roof. He is fascinated with my car and would like to have it when I die.

We used to have elk in our backyard. Now we have bunnies, 8 of them this evening eating our grass.

James will be home tomorrow!

Five bunnies enjoying a feast

Throwback Thursday to the day

Scarlett was blessed.

The temple is closing on Friday for

2 1/2 years.

Christina's kids

Taylor was five years old when we

were her Primary teachers.

Braylin playing the drums

Hailey, his mom is grateful he and his sister have

been accepted at their new school in Deming.

Wisteria Tree

I wouldn't mind having one of these in

my backyard.

Ruby tells me sea turtles are becoming

extinct.

Friday, February 9th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:22

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 3:6-25

*Compare with Genesis 49:10,22,26.

This chapter, coupled with Joseph of Egypt's Patriarchal Blessing, are great confirmations to the truth behind the Book of Mormon and the gospel we believe. What are my favorite witnesses I found? 

Old Testament

Exodus 37-38

37 Bezaleel makes the ark, the mercy seat, and the cherubims - He makes the table, the vessels, the candlestick, the incense altar, the holy anointing oil and the sweet incense.

38 Bezaleel and others make the altar of burnt offerings and all things pertaining to the tabernacle - Offerings are made by 603,550 men.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 28:12-14

12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;

14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

General Conference

Spiritual Eclipse

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" In my experience in the Church as well as throughout my professional career, some of the greatest, most effective people I have known have been among the most meek and humble.

Humility and meekness fit hand in glove. May we remember that 'none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.' I pray that  we will strive to avoid the spiritual eclipse of pride by embracing the virtue of humility."

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:" 'Enos increases his personal sanctification and his power to redeem increases. (p. 112-113.)

Catherine Thomas wrote, "Our ancestor and patriarch Joseph, who was sold into Egypt, was the model for us as he sanctified himself to have a sanctifying influence on his very troubled family and, like his Savior, exercised a saving power on his brethren." We, who are Joseph's children enjoy the blessings of Joseph's sanctification. Just so, parents who are willing to sanctify themselves obtain power to save their troubled children and bless their family for many generations. (p. 113-14 RWC.)

"The Savior's example of personal sanctification teaches us that we can sanctify ourselves and thus sanctify others by focusing on fundamental gospel principles and commandments, such as increasing our obedience, worthily partaking of the sacrament, fasting with purpose, attending the temple, and offering mighty prayer coupled with sacrifice." (RWC, 115.)

I tried working on my blog this morning at 5:30 a.m. but something is wrong and it won't load. I worked on my Primary lesson instead. 

I read an article in the Ensign about the 2011 earthquake in Japan. The Lord does perform miracles in our behalf. No missionaries were hurt in spite of the devastation around them.

While reading and studying 2 Nephi 2 I came across this quote in a study guide I am using by Brother Eldin Ricks:

"In Lehi's inspired and profound discourse that comprises chapter 2 we find the theological and philosophical core of the Book of Mormon. Within the limits of this single treatise the prophet explains (a) t he hopelessness of man's plight without a redeemer, v. 5 (b) man's dependence upon Christ for his salvation, vs. 6-9, (c) the legal demands of divine justice, v. 10 (d) the reason for God''s allowing evil in the world, vs. 10-13 (e) the story of the fall of Adam and its purpose in opening the doorway to man's mortality in the midst of good and evil, vs. 14-25 (f) man's freedome to attain Eternal Life through the redemption of Christ, vs. 26-29."

I sure do love studying the gospel. I could probably do it all day but eventually I have to get up and do something. Actions speak louder than words!

We had a busy day here at home. James washed the car so it would be clean for the temple tomorrow. He worked on fixing the brakes on his truck. We both walked, I mended my black sweater that I wear every temple day and Sunday. I also washed my temple dress and cleaned the kitchen blinds and made chicken enchiladas and chocolate chip cookies and worked on my blog and Primary lesson.

Glad I made time!

Kacey's post. Sweet little Scarlett.

Cactus garden at the Mesa, Arizona temple.

Paul's dad Mary and his stepdad

Marvin.

Joie and Curtis's clan.

Thursday, September 21st, 2017

Colonia Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated 6 March 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Numbers 12:8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Helaman 7:1-12

*How can we follow Nephi's example in these verses?

-Remember the righteousness of those who have gone before us.

-Joy in the righteousness of others.

-Sorrow because of wickedness.

-Be prayerful and seek guidance from Heavenly Father.

DC 137:1-10

*How can these verses bring us comfort when someone passes on?

-The Lord has provided the means for all who would have received the gospel with all their hearts if they had been permitted to tarry to enjoy a fulness of his blessings in the eternal world. (vs. 7) The true desire of an individuals heart is the key to his future. The means of salvation is provided for all of God's children. All children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. (vs. 10)

General Conference

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"It is never too late to look up to Jesus Christ. His arms are always open to you. There are generations before us and after us depending on us to follow Christ so that we can be an eternal family of God."

In the back of the Ensign this month there is an article about the Book of Mormon by President Benson. I believe it is because of him that our family began reading the Book of Mormon everyday. Thank you President!

We left to go to the temple today around 9. We are starting on the 17 couple sealing cards that Jared gave us to do. It is windy again today. We ended up sealing 8 couples. Brother Baldwin was our sealer. I also saw Rick Lauritzen. Hopefully there will be time on Saturday for us to do the rest of the sealings. Jared and Kacey finished the sealings they had to do. There were 60 cards left and they did them all. Including the 34 we did with them when we went on September 9th, that is a lot of sealing!  Thanks Jared and Kacey!

We didn't want to stop anywhere for lunch because we knew we had chicken enchiladas waiting for us at home. Yummy!  

This afternoon after my nap and blogging for the day I went upstairs to start unloading boxes. I did one today. I know it isn't much but if I do one a week at least I will be making progress.

I am anxious to do some scrapbooks for my personal history. I really need to get organized. I also need to find the exterior hard drive that has my mom's and dad's early history on it.

James brought a tall ladder up and put new lightbulbs in my office fan, which is very high.  

This evening I worked on the Primary booklets I am giving my kids at the end of the year and then we watched an episode of Heartland, "Holding Fast."

Talon went bow hunting and got his elk.

I know this is creeping Kim out, as it did me,

but I love his color.

All of Puerto Rico is without power.

People are leaving in droves. 

Where will they go?

It's going to be closed for two years for renovations.

The Estes women:

Sydney, Carmen, Sarah

This one was done by Hayden Lambson

Happy Birthday Denise!

Hope it's a good one spent with Evie.

One of my favorite pictures of Evan

2012

Six years old.

Love this!

Arizona

Instead of a castle

Lambsonart

by Dallen

It was windy at the Snowflake temple today

Vernon pre-sunrise

Desert sunset

Tuesday, August 22nd, 2017

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 12 Nov 2006 By: L. Tom Perry

Atonement

3 Nephi 11:14

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of:

3 Nephi 26:5

If they be good, to the resurrection of everlasting life; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of damnation; being on a parallel, the one on the one hand and the other on the other hand, according to the mercy, and the justice, and the holiness which is in Christ, who was before the world began.

Alma 54:12-55:14

How are Moroni and Ammoron different in their motivations for war?

*Trujillofamilyjournal, bofm365, Instagram:

"In Alma 54:13 Moroni says, 'ye have sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves.' In Alma 54:16-17 it says Ammoron is fighting for revenge and power. Moroni is motivated by love, which is unselfish, just like our Savior Jesus Christ. Ammoron, on the other hand, is motivated by power, hate, and selfishness, like Satan. We can learn from this account to let love be our motivation for all we do."

DC 122:1-9

How do trials and tribulations help us?
scripturestudy: "Trials and tribulations help us humbly look to God and they help us love like only God does. Love this section Verse 7, 'that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.' We can turn to God and find the good in our situations and circumstances or we can turn away from Him and become bitter and angry. Verse 9, 'Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass.' We need to hold on and look to God, for He is the way to peace and complete happiness."
General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"We must act on the first prompting. First promptings are pure inspiration from heaven. The still small voice points us to opportunities to teach the gospel, to bear testimony of Jesus Christ and the Restoration, to offer support and concern, and to rescue one of God's precious children."

Around 10 a.m. James and I left for Snowflake. We are going to the distribution center to get the clothes we will need to officiate in the temple. Our first stop was El Cupido's so I could get a breakfast burrito. I was starving! 

Our temple clothes are 1/2 off the first time we purchase them. We spent over $140 and it came to $77 after taxes. 

We read from our new book, "Lily of the Manor." I love it. It is the best one we have read in a long time. I read several chapters in our car ride.

James has caught two squirrels now. They have become a nuisance and he takes them down by Chocolate Lake and drops them off. Our neighbors are not so kind to their vermin.

I made a batch of Doubletree Inn cookies. We both love them because they have oatmeal in them. 

Trump is in Phoenix tonight and there is a big rally. He pardoned Joe Arpaio. We are glad. Sheriff Joe is just trying to do his job.

Evan got his Amazon toy from me today. He ordered Link. 

"Feel good" for poking his foot.

Photos:

One of the squirrels James caught.

This guy was hanging out near the Hampton Inn

in Show Low.

I want this book!

After a walk, it's time for some R and R.

I call them James's pets.

Can you see the cougar?

(It's a shadow)

I love this photo of the Mesa temple.