Wednesday, May 17th, 2017

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication: 22 Nov 2015 by

Henry B. Eyring

Alma 1:15-33

* According to Alma 1:16, what are the goals of people who practice priestcraft?

* What opportunities do you have to teach the gospel?

* Elder David A. Bednar: "Anything you or I do as instructors that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self - in the messages we present, in the methods we use, or in our personal demeanor - is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost."

* How can the example of the Nephite priests help us avoid priestcraft?

* When have you seen people tease, mock, or persecute those who keep the commandments of God?

* According to Alma 1:21-24, how did some members respond to persecution? What were the consequences for their actions

* According to Alma 1:25-31, how did other members of the Church live despite the persecution?  What blessing did they receive?

Gospel Principles: 

* Even when people around us are being disobedient, we can be steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments.

* When we live the gospel, we can have peace in our lives, even it we are persecuted.

Ether 4

Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared; They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared; Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples; Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.

DC 76:13-24

As we prayerfully study and ponder the scriptures, we prepare ourselves to receive understanding from the Lord through the Holy Ghost.

All will come forth in the resurrection of the just or the unjust; The inhabitants of many worlds are begotten sons and daughters unto God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

What testimony would you leave your family regarding Jesus Christ?

* I know that my Savior lives and loves me.  Everything I am that is good is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ and my Savior Jesus Christ.  He enables me, strengthens me, comforts me, and brings me peace.  He helps me to heal and forgive others.  He is teaching me to love as He loves, without conditions.  Sometimes that love envelops me with a warmth I can feel.  Without Him I am empty and my life lacks meaning and purpose.  Because of Him I can be with my family forever.  Because of Him I can be forgiven of my sins.  Because of Him I will live forever.  I offer my whole souls as an offering unto Him.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

General Conference

"Walk with Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"The power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church - To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant."

James left this morning after our family prayer for the valley.  He may or may not spend the night.  His lesson on Sunday is about temple building.  I told him that the Paris temple will be dedicated the Sunday.  

I studied my patriarchal blessing, DC 84, the Atonement, Book of Mormon favorite scriptures, and 100 Verses to Bring You Closer to Christ.  Today I read this poem: "Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier:

"I asked God for strength that I might achieve,

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey...

I asked for health, that I might do great things,

I was given infirmity that I might do better things...

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,

I was given life that I might enjoy all things...

I got nothing that I asked for - but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoiled prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed."

I studied Teach the Doctrine in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual.  In am writing the old missionary discussions in my gospel study journal.  I love studying the gospel!

My "gospel study" desk.

Today was another catnap day because we went to bed too late last night.  I kept waking up, thinking there were people in our bedroom.

James decided not to spend the night in the valley.  He came home this evening and picked up my prescriptions and some ice.  He would have gotten Dr. Pepper 10 but they still don't have it at Walmart.  I must talk to the manager!

James is very tired when he gets home.  He takes a short nap and then wants to watch a movie.  We watch "I Married Who?"  starring Kellie Martin.  

I finished "Women and the Priesthood" today.  

They sent Terry home from the hospital and said they would do surgery later.  They did not get clearance from his cardiologist.  Terry was so happy to get home and have a nice dinner.

Fun Photos:

Vernon boys

Paul's post

Baby Ian, great grandma Helen holding him, 

his dad, and his dad's grandma Beebe.

Monument Valley

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Draper, Utah
129th operating temple

Jacob 5:29-51

The Dark Ages. 29-32; Zenos prophesies of the latter-day Restoration. 33-37; The blood of Israel is preserved through the Apostasy. 38-46; Universal Apostasy: All branches of Israel are affected. 47-51; Cause of Apostasy: Branches overcome the Roots.  The Lord loves His children but allows us our agency.  Who is it that corrupts the Lord's Vineyard and why does the Lord allow this corruption?  

In verse 48 what do you think loftiness means?

Alma 47

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites - The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.

DC 45:24-35

24-38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land;

Even with all the promises coming to pass, why do people still harden their hearts?

*Verse 29 They turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.  People are so wrapped up in the ways of man that they don't have time for God.  Selfishness is the cause.  "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."  Many perceive not the light.

This section is similar to the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24-25.  Here are some notes I took after reading the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual:

There are four signs when the time of the Gentiles is over:

1. The Jews will be gathered back to the land of Jerusalem. (DC 45:25)

2. It will be in a time of great social turmoil. ( DC 45:26-27)

3. The Gentiles will for the most part reject the gospel. (DC 45:28-30)

4. Jerusalem will no longer be "trodden down of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24.)

May 15, 1948 Israel became an independent nation and declared Jerusalem to be her capital.

Six-day War in 1967 Jerusalem came completely under control of a Jewish government first time since 70 A.D.

General Conference

The Blessings of Worship

Bishop Dean M. Davies

"True worship transforms us into sincere and earnest disciples of our beloved Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We change and become more like Him.  We become more understanding and caring. More forgiving. More loving. We understand that it is impossible to say that we love God while at the same time hating, dismissing, or disregarding others around us. True worship leads to an unwavering determination to walk the path of discipleship.  And that leads inevitably to charity.  These too are necessary elements of worship."

It has been snowing for over an hour but nothing is sticking.  So disheartening. We did have some exciting family news today.  Paul got the job at Amazon! He starts on April 2017.  He and Stacy are so excited because he will be making a lot more money! 

Monument Valley

I changed our Verizon plan today.  We now have unlimited data and we are paying $18 a month less.  Hoorah!

More snow, but still not sticking.  I blogged and watched "My Gal Sunday" a pretty exciting Hallmark murder mystery.  Cameron Mathison and Jack Warner were both in it.

I got a call from John Wilhelm today.  He ask me to speak in sacrament meeting on April 9th.  He wants me to speak on the marriage class based on the new manual, "Strengthening Marriage."

I am happy to do it but it is a little stressful.  I have been ask to speak in April more times than I can count.  The last two were both in April stake conferences.

This boy can eat a dozen blueberry muffins without even

batting an eye.

I had a difficult time going to sleep tonight because I took some Tramadol a short while before going to bed.  Or maybe it was the anticipation of giving a talk.

Fun Photos:

A couple of years ago Max played the trombone.

Our four year old Primary class

Love this photo and this movie!

Dinner at Chili's after I spoke in the Saturday

night session of stake conference.

I loved how everyone supported me.

James had to give me a health blessing

because of an arthritis flare up.

Whispering secrets to baby Lola.

Sweet little Ruby

Jared Ammon, Dobus, toothless Joshua

My girl Trenda

She is amazing!

Indiana Jones

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Jacob 5:1-14

The first visit of the Master (Savior), to His vineyard (the world). The Master sees the old tame olive tree (covenant Israel) is dying or going into apostasy. (vs. 3). Israel is to be scattered. (vs. 14.)

What is the wild olive tree which is grafted in? (The Gentiles - see Acts 10.)

Alma 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed - Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes - Moroni's armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74-73 B.C.

DC 45:1-11

1-5, Christ is our advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord; 

Why can darkness not comprehend light?

* Because darkness is the absence of light.  As soon as light appears, darkness is gone.

General Conference

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder David A. Bednar taught:

''The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.  The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins.  But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.  And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins."

James tried flying his drone today and ended up crashing it into the house.  He was quite frustrated and said he could only fly it about 100 feet when it is supposed to go a mile.  He spoke to David and David told him he had it in beginners mode.

The guy in control.  Or is he?

Here it comes!

James is leaving for the valley today.  When he got ready to leave I followed him in to town and we had lunch at Licano's.  James ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich that was heavy on the turkey with very little avocado.  He didn't eat much so I gave him my taco.  I had a chicken enchilada and some refried beans and rice.  I couldn't even eat all of it.  I was going to take the taco home but I donated it to a worthy cause.  

A group of old guys came in the restaurant while we were eating and I made the comment: "It looks like the motorcycle gang is here."  When we went outside we saw this:

I was right!

After lunch and saying goodbye to James I went to Walmart to pick up my folic acid and then went home.  

The first thing I did when I got home was watch the premier of Dancing with the Stars.  I am happy for Emma and Sasha.  Emma's partner is Rashad Jennings, an NFL player who is really good.  Sasha has Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast ever.  Sasha and Simone got the most points, 32, and Emma and Rashad got 31.  I am not sure why I am watching Charo, Mr. T, and Chris Kattan try to dance.

When James is gone I have a tendency to keep the TV on for company.  It isn't a complete waste of time because I work on my blog as I am watching television.  I watched the new Aurora Teagarten mystery and I also watched "Birthday Wishes" and "I Married Who"?  I have seen both of these last movies before.

I miss James.

Fun Photos:

   Monument Valley

 Addy's Harry Potter bobble head.

May 2016

Awesome pictures of Molly!

My Mother's Day dinner

May 2016

Dennis's birthday lunch minus Vickie who

was sick.  May 2016

Elder Rosenbaum (L) and

Elder Goodenough (R)

Kayla and Addy's Dance Recital 

May 2016

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Lots of beautiful places in Arizona
Monument Valley

Alma 53:1-17

1 - Guards were set over the prisoners.  The prisoners were Lamanites and they were burying the dead.

2 - Moroni puts Lehi over the city of Mulek.

3 - Lamanite prisoners commanded to build a ditch around the city Bountiful.

4 - They built a breastwork of timbers upon the inner bank of the ditch.

5 - Bountiful becomes a stronghold ever after.

7 - No more battles this year.  Moroni employs his men in preparing for war, in making fortifications and in providing food for his armies.

8 - Some dissensions among the Nephites.  Lamanites obtained possession of a number of cities.

9 - Because of dissensions among themselves, the Nephites are placed in dangerous circumstances.

10 - The people of Ammon, in Zarahemla, continue to be protected by the Nephites.

13 - The Ammonites see the dangers and affllictions of the Nephites and were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in defense of their country.

14 - Before they break their oath Helaman and his brethren stop them.

16 - The people of Ammon have many sons that had not taken the oath.  They take up arms with the Nephites.

17 - They cvenanted that they never would give up their liberty but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage.  How can we fortify ourselves against Satan?

GC: Do I Believe? By Bonnie L Oscarson

We took a trip to town today to get some chili shrimp at Panda and to get my birthday present.  We were disappointed to find out that the chili shrimp was just a promotional item and they no longer have it.  

We also went to Walmart to get my birthday present, a Power Cooker.

It's an electric pressure cooker, a rice cooker, a canner

and a slow cooker.  You can also brown and stew in it.

I love it!

My Aunt Gene is in the Show Low hospital.  I got a text from Rita yesterday wishing me a happy birthday and telling me about her.  I was going to go see her but I have a bit of a queasy stomach and I thought maybe I should wait until Monday.  

Aunt Gene, Debbie and Randy and their daughter,

a great granddaughter and a great, great 

grandson.

The summer Olympics are over and Mike Phelps is the big time winner.  "Michael Fred Phelps II is known principally as the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold, spanning over four Olympic Games.  He has actually competed at five Olympics; however, he did not medal at his first Games in Sydney, Australia."  He has just been hired to be the swimming coach at ASU.

This evening as I was reading to James at the dining room table he spotted elk in the backyard.

The elk go marching two by two,

hurrah, hurrah.

The grass James planted looks better every day.  

There is something about grass that is so soothing.

This is the clubhouse I want him to build for

the kids.

Alex just bought his first car.  It is the red Cadillac that Joe used to drive.

2004 Cadillac

Addy posted this on Instagram.

I love it.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

TBT to the Mesa, Arizona temple

where James and I were married,

and all of our children.

Alma 41:1-15

In the Resurrection men come forth to a state of endless happiness or endless misery.  Wickedness never was happiness - Carnal men are without God in the world. - Every person receives again in the Restoration the characteristics and attributes acquired in mortality.

GC: "The Power of Godliness" Elder Kent F. Richards.

Primary: "Nephi Prophesies" this lesson emphasizes the importance of prophets in our lives.  It is based on Helaman 7-9. 

 My August family newsletter is ready to mail.  Scipture study is the gospel principle for this month.  I actually caught up on my blog this morning!

I left around 10 o'clock to go visiting teaching to Hailey Chaffin.  I arrived almost an hour later.  She lives 20 miles away but the last part of her road is treacherously filled with huge rocks that I have to dodge.  Hailey was there with all her children.  The lesson is on the importance of parenthood and how children are our real treasures in life.  I told Braylin and Taylor that they were treasures.  They seemed to like that idea. I didn't stay long because I got a text from James while I was there.  He was miserable when I left because of pain in his left side.  He called Dr. Moffat for pain meds and the doctor told him he needed to go to the emergency room right away to be checked for a blood clot or a collapsed lung.  I left immediately and was home in about 45 minutes.  We drove to the hospital and checked James in to the emergency room #9.  While he was waiting for them to take an x-ray I went to do some of my errands.  First my veggie rice bowl at Panda and then on to the Dollar Store to pick out some treasures for my Primary class to reward them for scripture reading and learning the Articles of Faith.  I had a blast and found lots of good things.  Afterwards I called James and he told me to go to the gas station and get gas.  I forgot to deposit a check at the bank but I can do that tomorrow or Saturday.  I took a picture of the sky while waiting in line at Panda.

I hope Vernon is getting rain!

The hospital gave James a shot for pain and did some x-rays.  While waiting for the results I read to him from our new book:

James was so tired because of the pain shot that I only read one short chapter and then I read from my book:

I told Braylin Chaffin he could borrow my book when I finished.  I should be finished by Sunday.  He is reading the series but hasn't read all of #1.

James was released with the diagnosis that he has a torn muscle, hence the intense pain but we are grateful it's not a collapsed lung or a blood clot which are life threatening.  We dropped a couple of prescriptions by CVS and then headed home.  James immediately laid down to take a nap while I ate some dinner and began my nightly study.  I read from "The Lincoln Hypothesis" and a new book that Kacey recommended, "Falling to Heaven."

Wish we had a Lincoln today to get us out of this mess.

I love James Ferrel

I went out to check on my Gerber daisies and found this:

A dead daisy.  This is senseless killing

and is so sad.

I will keep watering and spray with repellant to

see if I can grow some more.

Kim and Brian are on their way to Red Rock, Colorado to an Avett Brothers concert.  Kim got a room with a view in Monument Valley.  This has been a dream of hers for a long time to visit Monument Valley.

Since this is TBT (Throwback Thursday), I am posting some more pictures from the past:

Our two homes

Joshua and Lola two years ago.

Ruby and Lola

Trenda, one of my favorite young women.

Batman who used to visit me every morning

about 6 am.  A juice box for breakfast.