Friday, June 1st, 2018

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:19-34

*Why does the Lord always use two or more witnesses to testify of the truth of His gospel?

Talk: The Many Witnesses of Jesus Christ and His Work

By: James M. Paramore

Oct. 1990

Old Testament

1 Kings 11-12

11 Solomon marries non-Israelite woe, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods - The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat - Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the King of the ten tribes - Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

12 Rehoboam seeks to impose greater burdens upon the people - The ten tribes revolt and turn to Jeroboam - Jeroboam turns to idolatry and worships false gods.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

M. Russell Ballard

"After Jesus's Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, 'Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.' Notice a twofold action - God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants - mortal men and women - to accomplish Their work."

Russell M. Nelson 4/11 #57. Face the Future with Faith.

Happy Anniversary!

50 Years 

We look so young!

Jared, Kacey, and Stacy all posted about us on Facebook. We feel loved. James and I celebrated this morning by me cutting his hair. He looks so handsome!

Jared reminded us that this is our Family Birthday! We used to celebrate by buying the kids gifts.

Stacy's post.

I bet he couldn't do this now.

I look like I am blind.

So sweet. Thank you Jared.

The day started out with gospel study and blogging and family prayer with the boys,  then at 10 o'clock I left for my infusion at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology in Mesa. 

The nurse who sets up my infusion asked me if I had lost weight. Yes I said, and to myself, thank you for noticing. 

When I returned to the resort in Scottsdale James had taken the boys swimming and fed them lunch from the Splash Grill. 

James and I were both hungry so we headed to a nearby Outback to use up our last restaurant gift card. I had a 6 ounce Victoria steak with a salad and baked potato soup. I shared my soup with James. He got salmon and broccoli and he said it was delicious. I had no desire for a bite of his food. 

James had a doctor's appointment this afternoon with an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) specialist in Scottsdale. The doctor told him he needs two surgeries. One for his adnoids which have grown back, and another for the hernia in his stomach. The doctor is convinced that these two things are what is causing James's laryngitis.

I think he needs to have these surgeries as soon as possible. This is coming from me who hates the thought of surgery.

Rowan and Joshua came into our room this afternoon and watched "Peter Rabbit", and ate cantaloupe and ice cream. Joshua loves mint chocolate chip ice cream as does Max, Rowan loves Rocky Road, and Evan likes vanilla.

Soon Evan joined them and he ate some vanilla ice cream while they watched the movie, "Coco." Joshua says that he and his dad love this movie! Max is still sleeping in the other room. I think that's because they have been going to be so late.

This evening the boys wanted to order NYPD pizza. Evan says that it is a condo tradition. I ordered them a large pepperoni pizza and 12 garlic knots. They ate every bite and then waited a little while before going night swimming. James and I had our green smoothies.

We had family prayer again and then everyone went down to the pool, except James, around 8 pm. James came down and joined us a little later. 

I read from "Riders of the Orphan Train" to James while the boys swam with their one "donut" tube. I kept taking breaks to walk around the pool.

After the boys went in James and I took a 30 minute walk around the resort. 

The real celebration for our anniversary is tomorrow night.

Watching a movie. Notice how Rowan is

laying in the tube.

Eating pizza and garlic knots.

Flowers from James

More flowers from James.

Summer fun for Ruby, roller blading

in her swimsuit. I hope she doesn't

fall and skin her knees.

Ollie saving a spot for Sheri.

Today was also National Donut Day.

This is Kyra Lambson's 
ex-husband. The family he is
threatening is Kyra's family.
Kyra's father, Curtis has her children and 
recently they had to move from their home in
Flagstaff to an undisclosed location.
Delbert's funeral is tomorrow in St. Johns.
Delbert is Kyra's grandfather.
This man has a history of violence.

Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14-15:9

* Why do we do things our "own way"?

- Sometimes we think our way is easier...or the right way. But we don't see the whole picture as God does. It's hard to let go of the wheel...it can be scary too!

Old Testament

Ruth 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine - His sons marry - The father and sons die - Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi - They come to Bethlehem.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"This is Easter Sunday. I reverently witness and solemnly testify of the living Christ - He who 'died, was buried, and rose again the third day.'"

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ."

"Rescuing Wayward Children," 202: "The blessings given to Abraham flow to us by and through the Melchizedek Priesthood. What the ancients called entering into the order of the Son of God is today called entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This can only happen in the temple. Both worthy men and women enter into this highest order of the priesthood in the temple....We obtain the power to bring our children into the presence of God by going to the house of the Lord and entering into 'the order of the Son of God' by means of the ordinances, including eternal marriage when the opportunity arises."

Russell M. Nelson 4/96 #25: "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me" "Which way do you face? Our respect for the first commandment fashions our feelings for all the others."

Two people cancelled appointments with me today. I had an appointment to see Sister MacArthur at 9 this morning and just as I was about to open the muffin mix she called and said she was in town and could I come tomorrow. No problem.

I was going to take Sister Halcomb to have a minor surgery done on her arm and she texted me and said her daughter was home and she would take her. No problem.

James and I are really getting in to the "Kill the Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge. We both walked 45 minutes straight to get the 7 exercise points. 

I wrote a check for the last half of our property taxes. The check was around $1,400. 

James went to the post office today and there was a check there from Dianne Rico for $1,150. There was also a check from a life insurance company with the policy on me, for $118. The Lord really does answer prayers.

I started cleaning upstairs for our company on Thursday, Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady. It gets so dusty! James joined me. He moved the kingsized bed from my office to Sheri and Ian's room, their bed into his office, and the bed in his office into my office. 

He also started making shutters for the front windows today. It was a good day for him! He also did yard work and planted the iris's and hydrangea bush he bought the other day. 

We had boiled cabbage for dinner and then for FHE we listened to Brother Soares conference talk, "Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit."

This baby bunny couldn't reach inside the 

bowl for his feed so he solved the problem

by jumping in.

Hello world!

Garden State Tortoise

Dresden, Germany

I remember President Uchtdorf giving a

talk where he mentioned how Dresden was

destroyed during World War II and then

was rebuilt to be just as beautiful as it was before.

Buffalo St., Chandler, Arizona

This is the first building where we attended

church in Chandler. It was light green in

color when we were there and before it was

torn down.

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 John 3:5

Jesus Christ, Advocate
Hebrews 7:25; 924; 1 John 2:1
Alma 39:1-19
*Why are some sins more serious than others?
*What was Alma's reason for teaching Corianton the seriousness of his sin?
*Elder D. Todd Christofferson:"The invitation to repent is an expression of love....If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring" ("The Divine Gift of Repentance," Ensign, Nov. 2011, 39).
*When our sins affect others, what must we do as a part of our repentance?
*Why was the coming of Jesus Christ good news for Corianton?
DC 104:51-65
47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately; 54-66, The sacred treasury of the Lord is set up for the printing of the scriptures;
Do we have revelations today that are printed for us to learn from?
*Yes we do. A couple of examples are, "The Living Christ," and "The Family Proclamation."
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

" What we know of the nature of God the Father is mostly what we can learn from the ministry and teachings of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. One of the paramount purposes of Jesus's ministry was to reveal to mortals 'what God our Eternal Father is like,...to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven.' The Bible contains an apostolic witness that Jesus was 'the express image' of His Fathers person (Hebrews 1:3), which merely elaborates Jesus's own teaching that 'he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.' (John 14:9)."

I got up at 4 a.m. with James this morning. We had prayer and kisses before he left for the valley to finish the remodeling at the medical building at McKellips. 

As I am studying at the dining room table I look outside and four bunnies are nibbling on our grass. I think this is the reason James planted it. He also loves feeding the hummingbirds.

There is no rain but there are cool breezes and huge dark clouds. There is so much to enjoy here but it's not nearly as enjoyable without someone to share it with.

I made a daily schedule but wasn't able to stay on it. I'm tired, unmotivated and distracted. What am I to do? I know, watch Christmas movies!

Here are a few in my que: 
"I'm Not Ready for Christmas," "Christmas Melody," "Merry Matrimony," "My Christmas Dream," "Christmas List," "A Bride for Christmas," and "A Cookie Cutter Christmas."

Random Photos and Posts:

Back to school for these two cuties.

Rowan is in 5th grade and Ruby in 3rd.

Addy doesn't start until next week.

Lyman, Harold, Gary, Jack, and Ray.

I add some blueberries and Coolwhip...Delicious!

This is Christina and Winter.

Christina is Rebecca's only daughter.

The following is a story she told on Facebook.

Near Flagstaff. This reminds me of the flower

fields in Vernon.

I love cute animal photos!

Breakfast at Curtis's and Joie's

Adoption day for these three.

Curtis is probably taking the picture.

Sunday, July 23rd, 2017

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 37:26-47

*What things does Alma ask Helaman to teach the people?

*Why are these things important?

DC 104:16-30

17-18, Gospel law governs the care of the poor; 

How can we be sure that we are being wise stewards?

*If we are caring for the things the Lord has given us and if we are helping the poor and needy. If we are magnifying our callings and being kind to others.

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" If we are casual or complacent in our worship, drawn off and desensitized by worldly pursuits, we find ourselves diminished in our ability to feel. Nephi said to Laman and Lemuel, 'Ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel the words.' We must recognize the Spirit when it comes."

Dustin Curtis passed away this morning in the Curtis home. The stake presidency had visited him earlier in the week and he was ordained an elder. In sacrament meeting today we gave him our sustaining vote.

Our new convert, Anthony, bore his testimony in sacrament meeting today. He is nervous in front of crowds but he did an awesome job. He has a wonderful testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I had the 10-11 year old class along with my Primary class today and a few visitors. Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Gracie were here from my class, Kacey and Zemira from the older class, and three visitors Xander Webb (Analee's grandson), and David and Kaylin brothers.

Our lesson was on the Saints being Expelled from the state of Missouri.

James had a visitor from Scotland today in his Sunday School class.  She is friends with Chris N. sister who served her mission in Scotland. She came up to him after the lesson and in her best Scottish brogue told him how much she enjoyed the lesson.

During sharing time today we had teacher's council meeting led by Mel W. We discussed how we, as gospel teacher's, can support learning in the home. Those attending: Bishop and Anne, Judy H., Teresa and Wes S., Jimmy A., Darla F., Virgil C., Rosa W., Sean H., and James and I. It started raining during our meeting and Judy, who lives across the street went home to close the windows in her house. 

Jean H., a sister I visit teach, split open her leg this afternoon at home after church. She had to have lots of stitches. 

James drove Colter and I to Wyatt M.'s house to bring him a birthday gift and an invitation to attend Primary. He wasn't home but Colter hung the gift on their door. Colter is friends with Wyatt.

We also stopped by the Wilhelm's to drop off birthday gifts for Ruthie, Zemira, and Johnny.

I put this testimony inside the scriptures I 

gave Wyatt.

James made meatloaf, potato patties for lunch. Quite tasty. Afterwards we took a nap. 

At 3:30 we had an appointment with the bishop. He asked us if we would be temple workers. Of course we said yes.

When we got home I blogged for July 10th and 11th. Yes, I am still behind.

Random Photos:

Mary, one of my former young women,

got married last night. I totally missed it because

I thought it was next week. Thank goodness her

mom posted photos on Facebook.

Mary and Christopher

Siblings: Glenzo, Mary, Talena

Cutting the cake

Sheri posted this series of photos today.

After church fight for the front seat.

When you are the youngest, you don't have

much of a chance.

You have to admire Evan's grit.

Ah, the taste of victory.

Love this picture.

Sweet family 3 years ago

I love the Vernon skies this

time of year.