Wednesday, January 24th, 2018

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Dan 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:1-16

*Why did Nephi feel so blessed in spite of their suffering?

-Because he knew the Lord was watching over them as long as they were obedient. 

*How has the Lord been your light in the wilderness?

-The Lord has guided and directed my life since I was ten years old and saw my first Book of Mormon in my grandma and grandpa Maxwell's house. I wondered why I had never seen one before but I made a pledge then and there that I would read it. Since that day I have read it many times and it has been a guiding light in my life, just like the Liahona was for Lehi's family.

Old Testament

Exodus 5-6

5 Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to free Israel - Pharaoh responds, Who is the Lord? - He places greater burdens upon the children of Israel.

6 The Lord identifies Himself as Jehovah - The genealogies of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are listed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

General Conference

The Trek Continues!

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"An official Church statement, issued one year ago, states:

"We urge Church members to be cautious about participating in any group that promises - in exchange for money - miraculous healings or that claims to have special methods for accessing healing power outside of properly ordained priesthood holders."

"Every bit of time we spend in the temple results in some personal increase." - Jean B. Bingham, General Relief Society President

"Parents should teach the importance of the temple from a child's earliest days." - President Russell M. Nelson

"There should be a picture of the temple in every child's bedroom."

- President Spencer W. Kimball

"The temple is the object of every activity, every lesson, every progressive step in the Church." - President Russell M. Nelson

"Sanctification comes by giving our hearts to God." - Elder Marion D. Hanks

James got a call from Anthony this morning. He said he was assaulted by a guy named D. Flake and T. Baker. They were angry at Anthony for getting water from a state-owned well. The Nicoll brothers have rights to the well and gave Anthony permission to get water. Tom Baker uses the well to water his cattle. An officer arrived on the scene and gave Tom a ticket. The saga of the Nicoll's brothers versus the Baker's continues. Range wars are still happening here in Vernon, Arizona.

James took some wood to Sister Dye and then he and I made a trip to town in the truck. James keeps telling me that the truck has no brakes, yet I went with him.  He needed to get lumber for the Howard job. While he was shopping at Home Depot I did my grocery shopping at Walmart. Afterwards we got some sandwiches at Firehouse Subs for dinner. I got the steak and cheese and it was great.

Tom Baker asked Anthony on Facebook if he was going to get his water from his home teachers now. Since James is his home teacher I responded: "Anthony is a great guy and anytime he needs water his home teachers will be glad to help."

As a result of this post, which caused some controversy, I became friends with Don Nicoll.  He thinks Anthony is a great guy too whereas the Baker's don't. Enough said, except for one more thing. Darrel knows the Baker's son and he doesn't speak to his parents.

James and I watched a new murder mystery series on Hallmark. A girl named Kiki was the murderer. I guessed it.

 Our friend Nally

One of my favorite photos of the cabin

The Jones's

Our first bishop in Chandler and my first

visiting teaching companion.

Jim and Clessene Heil

passed away on January 15th and 17th.

Old Chandler people in our ward.

The DeWitts in Taiwan.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard?"

*How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Exodus 1-2
1 The children of Israel multiply-They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians-Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.
2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh's daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and Marries Zipporah-Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: "healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

We left for the Howard's house a little before ten this morning. It was 14 degrees last night and our kitchen faucet was frozen up.

When we got to the Howard's they had the same problem only they didn't have any water in their house. 

Jean and I are planning on going to lunch, but first she and Tom wanted to show James some work they need done on their house. Jean's closet rod with all of her clothes on it fell off the wall and she needs it fixed. Also they have some big cracks in their walls and across their floor. Jean designed the house and her cousin built it. They have had a couple of add-ons and that might be what the problem is. There is settling which is causing the cracks.

Jean gave me a tour while Tom and James were talking about the problems. The house is bigger than it looks, probably bigger or as big as ours, but it needs some work.

James and Tom gave Jean a blessing before we left for town. She is having another back and neck surgery on Thursday. 

James, Jean, and I headed into town after Jean's blessing.  Tom had to stay at home because Wayne Todd is coming out to shoe the horses.

We tried to stop for lunch at Persnikkity's but it was too crowded. Brother Applegate stuck his head out the door and waved at us as we left.

We went up to Darby's. Here is what we ordered: Jean had the chicken salad sandwich on ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. James had the Reuben sandwich with a side of potato salad, and I had the roast beef sandwich with green chili and cheese with a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. Of course James finished his but both Jean and I took some of ours home.

We made a stop at Home Depot where James got a new hose for our hot water heater. Jean looked for a new latch for her front door but she wasn't sure what the brand was so she is going to have to come back. 

Tom met us at the bottom of their hill. We said our goodbyes and I promised Jean we would pray for her. 

When we got home I took a nap and then blogged and did some walking. We listened to a conference talk for FHE and then watched the new Hallmark movie, "One Winter Weekend" starring Taylor Cole, James's favorite because she is gorgeous and Jack Turner.

They look so sad.

They look so happy.

Tyler H., on the left, and friends.

I plead guilty

White Tank Mountains,

somewhere in Arizona.

This is the little dog we met and fell in love

with at the Howard's. It belongs to their daughter

Deana. She is half blue heeler and half corgi,

and she doesn't bark. Her name is Nally.

Our dear friends Martin and Sue Kempton.