Wednesday, January 23rd, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

JS-H 1:17

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:17-39

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 1:11-18; JST John 1:11-19

General Conference

The Correct Name of The Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Taking the Savior's name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others - through our actions and our words - that Jesus is the Christ. Have we been so afraid to offend someone who called us "Mormons" that we have failed to defend the Savior Himself, to stand up for Him even in the name by which His Church is called"?

I keep telling myself this.

Happy Birthday, sweet James!

Nothing like a baby to help you feel young!

Slept in and didn't get up until 8 am. After some gospel study and prayers I attacked the wood floor with the last bit of my Trewax finishing polish. I must admit it does look better. I was going to strip the old polish off first but that is a bit of a process and I would be doing it forever, so I just did a quickie job with the polish.

Kacey, Jared, and Charlie left Mesa this morning and they are on their way up to see us. We texted and made plans to meet at LaCasita for lunch. We were a little late and when we got there they already had a table. 

One of the first things that happened was James dropped the bottle of hot sauce on the table and it squirted Charlie right in the eye. Of course she cried. While Jared and Kacey were trying to clean her eye out the owner peeked his head around the corner and told Kacey to use her hair to wipe the baby's eye out. He said you would be surprised how often this happens. Kacey did it and it worked. Soon Charlie was restored to her usual "happy baby" status.

We all ate every bite of the food we ordered including their delicious refried beans. Jared and Kacey bought our lunch for James's birthday. How nice of them.

After lunch we all went to Walmart to do a little shopping. 

Back at home I turned on the latest Winterfest Hallmark movie, "Winter Love Story" starring Jen Lilley. I know the acting isn't that great and the stories are corny but I love the Hallmark movies because I know the message is going to be positive and there will be nothing inappropriate. They have an innocence about them and for me this is what life should be like. 

Hallmark movies and mysteries are a little different. They involve a murder, but it isn't graphic. Still corny, still not the best acting, but I guess that's what I like, life with a happy ending.

We watched the newest Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, Ruby Herring, starring Taylor Cole with long red hair. It looked so fake.

This evening we watched the two first episodes of this years' "Victoria." I think Jared liked it. 

I made James an Eagle Brand pie. It was really too warm to eat but we all tried it. I think he was the only one who really loved it.

 He had 70 candles last year. This year he has

1 for 71.

Getting the wax from the candle off the pie.

A sad thing happened today on the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade when abortion became legal. In the state of New York abortion up until the time of birth was declared legal. It is so sad. What is happening to the people in this country?

 I love this picture!

 This is in Kacey and Jared's backyard. Scarlett and Autumn are

staying with Summer while they are gone.

This little girl is so cute!

 James was in the middle of Dave and Terry,

so kind of a middle child, at least for awhile.

 I have been passed this castle so many times in my life

and always wondered what it was called. Someone once

told me it was Governor Hunt's mansion.

 This girl knows how to focus. Here she is

looking at the fire.

Thursday, August 16th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Moses 1:33
And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:13-21
*How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?
-We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger. "Beware of Pride" Ezra Taft Benson.

Psalms 26-32
26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience - He loves the Lord's house.
27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation - He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever - He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions - David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
29 David counsels, Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness - David sets forth the wonder and power of the voice of the Lord.
30 David sings praises and gives thanks to the Lord - David pleads for mercy.
31 David trusts in the Lord and rejoices in His mercy - Speaking as the Messiah he says, Into Thine hand I commit my spirit - He counsels, O love the Lord, all ye His Saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful.
32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity - David acknowledges his sin - He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks
"To fulfill this divine charge, we must be faithful in 'magnifying' our priesthood callings and responsibilities, President Harold B. Lee explained what it means to magnify the priesthood: 'When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand. That is what it means to magnify the priesthood.'"

I read the "Living Christ" this morning and want to share the last sentence of testimony:

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

I made banana nut muffins this morning. James took three of them to work with him but no one else ate any so I put them in the freezer. 

Alex and his friends went into town to play frisbee golf on the Show Low Creek course where we walk. They also went shopping at Walmart. Before they left Sky asked me if we needed anything at the store. I said no but I was impressed with her thoughtfulness.

I made a green chili stew today but didn't use any of the "hot" green chilies. James said he missed them.

We got lots of lightning, thunder and rain today. That didn't stop the kids from driving the Razr up to Green's Peak. They weren't even muddy when they returned.  

I had to pay the business credit card today and James says we need over $2,000 to pay for the repairs on the tractor. Yikes! We are having a cash crisis. Hopefully he will get paid for work done at the Phoenician very soon!

Jean Howard wants James to make a tree slab countertop, like the one she has in her bathroom at home, for the bunkhouse.

I like the sink and the faucet too. James found a 4 foot wide alligator juniper tree on our property if we could only find a saw big enough to cut the slab.

After leaving the Howard's James and I drove into town to get the oil changed in Lexy. Instead of going to Walmart where it takes anywhere from 1-3 hours we stopped at Jiffy Lube. We were in and out in 30 minutes. They really are jiffy! We enjoyed the overcast skies and walked to McDonald's where I got an ice cream cone. We walked down by President Beeler's gorgeous home and saw Show Low Creek and the green pastures with horses and cows. 

The attendant at Jiffy Lube told James the filter on the ac filter needs to be changed. He cleaned out a bunch of debri that looked like stuff a rat had drug in to make a nest. Yikes! A rat was inside my car? The filter and fan for the ac is behind the glove compartment. 

This evening I entered my ministering district in the computer. There are four sisters who visit each other that we will have to change.

The kids fixed frozen pizza for dinner and James told them about Pete the crow. 

Blast from the past.

Can you find Sheri?

Storm near Tucson

Joshua's baptism

Our bishop, his son, and his dad, all 

members of our ward.

Such a cute couple

Saturday, March 10th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-21 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28:17-32

* Why do you think it is dangerous for people to be "at ease in Zion" thinking that no improvement is needed?

*What can we do to make sure we are building upon the Rock and are receiving with gladness?

Talk: "Upon This Rock"

By: Bruce R. McConkie, April 1981

Old Testament

Numbers 22-23

22 Balak offers money, cattle, and great honors to Balaam to curse Israel - The Lord forbids Balaam to do so - An angel opposes Balaam on the way.

23 The Lord commands Balaam to bless Israel - He does so, saying, Who can count the dust of Jacob? and, What hath God wrought!

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

General Conference

Spiritual Eclipse

Gary E. Stevenson

" Eyewear designed to protect the sight of those in the zone of a total solar eclipse can prevent permanent damage and even blindness. Gospel glasses comprised of a knowledge and testimony of gospel principles and ordinances provide a gospel perspective that can similarly provide greater spiritual protection and clarity for someone exposed to the hazards of a spiritual eclipse. If you discover anything that seems to be blocking the light and joy of the gospel in your life, I invite you to place it in a gospel perspective. Look through a gospel lens and be vigilant not to allow insignificant and inconsequential matters in life to obscure your eternal view of the great plan of happiness. In short, don't let life's distractions eclipse heaven's light."

Happy Birthday Tanner!

"As we demonstrate our faith in Christ's delivering power, even to the point of getting our feet wet, the Lord will part the waters and bring about our redemption."

"The lid of the ark of the covenant was also called the mercy seat or seat of atonement. There was no more poignant symbol of Christ and His delivering power than the ark of the covenant."

(March 2018 Ensign, p. 50-51).

James and I arrived at the temple before 6:30 much to James's delight. We brought three dozen rolls along with butter and strawberry jam. 

President and Sister Palmer were our trainers today. We watched a video about patron names or temple family shared names. If a person comes in with only one name to do for initiatory they will no longer be able to also do the names the temple has. I am not sure why but that is the new rule. Temple names are now called family shared names.

My first assignment was in initiatory, clothing. Sister Shelton was our first patron. Soon a few more came. The assignment only last for 30 minutes and then I moved on to the locker room, which was very uneventful. Next I had a break along with Sister Elmer, Sister Humphrey, and Sister Gentry. 

Sister Gentry and I were the followers for the 9:30 session. I got to know her and I really like her. She lives in Show Low but used to be in the Pinetop-Lakeside stake. She was the stake Relief Society President and Sister Skousen from our ward was her counselor. They are very good friends.  There were 26 sisters in our session and 16 brothers. We found a name that had fallen on the floor from another session which made everyone happy. We had one sister with her apron on wrong side out, and one sister with her veil on wrong side out. We have been told not to embarrass people but let things go if they are not caught in a timely fashion.

James was a follower in the 11:00 session and offered the prayer. In his prayer he prayed for rain.

While I was a greeter downstairs there was a very noisy wedding party waiting for the bride and groom to come out. They were in the foyer and Sister Elmer went out to remind them that they were still in the temple. Soon they went outside and when the bride and groom came out the crowd let out a loud cheer. Sister Palmer, the temple matron said she could here it in her office upstairs.

I saw three people from high school, Kathy H., Kerry B., and Barry F. Barry is the one who pulled my car out of the mud at a party at Daggs Reservoir now known as White Mountain Lake.

It was raining when we walked to our car. James's prayer was answered.

We stopped at Walmart and Sonic. The green chili cheeseburger I got at Sonic was too hot and I didn't really enjoy it. 

I got up at 3:30 this morning so I had a long nap, but I got in my 10,000 steps. I worked on my Primary lesson this evening, "Abraham and Lot."

Looks delicious!

I ask James what this animal was,

thinking he wouldn't know, but 

of course he did. It's a Dik Dik.

 Ollie got a haircut.

He looks like he's ready to jump.

Impressive!

Tasha labeled this picture, The Crew.

The Jones's baby boy Leo who was born Friday must have

open heart surgery this coming Tuesday.

One of his valves is too small to pump 

blood to his body.  Annie, his mom,

was my visiting teacher when she lived

in Arizona.  She and her family just

moved to Indiana where her husband

will go to graduate school.

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Amos 9:1

I saw the Lord standing upon the altar: and he said Smite the lintel of the door, that the posts may shake: and cut them in the head, all of them; and I will slay the last of them with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered.

Helaman 13:21-39

*Why do you feel it is important to listen to the prophets of God?

-Elder M. Russell Ballard has said: "If we bring the teachings of the prophets and apostles into our homes our relationships with family members will improve and so will our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we draw close to the Lord we will be able to feel the Spirit and He will teach us and prompt us to know what to do to follow the counsel given that our testimonies might be strengthened and that we might have peace and joy" (Ensign, May 2001, 67).

DC 8:2-3

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Sister Neill F. Marriott

We need to continually deepen our knowledge of and obedience to Heavenly Father. Our relationship with Him is eternal. We are His beloved children, and that will not change. How are we going to whole heartedly accept His invitation to draw near to Him and thus enjoy the blessings He longs to give us in this life and in the world to come. Do we trust Him enough to abide in Him and walk with Him?

I read an article in the New Era this morning by Elder David A Bednar called, "A Christlike Character." Here are some notes from that article:

"There could have been no Atonement without the character of Christ." - Neal A. Maxwell

"Character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward."

"Jesus, who suffered the most, has the most compassion for all of us who suffer so much less. Indeed, the depth of suffering and compassion is intimately linked to the depth of love felt by the ministering one."

The hurrier I go, the behinder I get. James and I did finish "Mind Games" today. Our friend Stephanie is a pretty good writer. 

I made one of my new recipes for dinner: foil steak and potatoes, and asparagus. I will not make this meal again. Too much work, and not the right way to cook a delicious ribeye steak.

I also made rolls and banana nut bread. 

It was windy today, which is never pleasant when James goes outside to work.

I am patiently waiting for the conference talks to be downloaded onto lds.org.

I worked on Alice's candy bouquet while James went to the dump, Empire Cat, Home Depot, Aliberto's and Verizon. He brought me back a tace! Bless him!

I worked on my blog for the 27th and 28th of September.

Carmen is here for her mom's 90th birthday. Her daughters Sarah and Sydney came with her. She was very sad that Lois's party was cancelled and that we were not coming down. So is Gail. 

For F.H.E. we read from Preach My Gospel. Afterwards we watched "Chesapeake Shores." 

Happy Birthday Mom, Grandmother, ....

You are the best!

(Cake by Amelia)

Teresa, the oldest granchild, wrote this.

Going to the gym has paid off for Trina

Sedona

Fun with Friends

Trina always wanted a pink Jeep!

I am obsessed with goats right now.

My friend Hailey posted this.

I can't wait until we get our horses!