Monday, March 11th, 2019

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship - 2 Nephi 25:19 - "For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God, his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God."

2 Nephi 29:1-14; Matthew 10:1-20; BD, Apostle, "These 12 Jesus Sent Forth"; "The Power to Make a Difference," Richard G. Scott, 10/83

All Must Take Upon Them the Name of the Father

Elder Paul B. Pieper

"It is important to remember that taking the Savior's name upon us is a covenant commitment-beginning with the covenant we make at baptism. President Nelson has taught, 'Our commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available.' One of the supernal privileges of taking the Savior's name upon us by baptism is the access it provides to the next ordinance on the covenant path, our confirmation. When I asked one of my eight-year-old friends what taking the name of Christ meant to her, she replied simply, 'It means I can have the Holy Ghost.' She was right."

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Come, help us build and strengthen a culture of healing, kindness, and mercy toward all of God's children. For we are all striving to become new creatures where 'old things are passed away' and 'all things...become new.' The Savior shows us the direction to move-forward and upward. He says, 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' Let us all work together to become the people God intended for us to become."

I made muffins for breakfast, blueberry and banana nut. Rowan and James prefer the banana nut but I must say the blueberry ones disappeared first.

Here is Ben's email for this week:

We left around 12:30 for Lakeside to see Woodland Lake. I have been wanting to go for awhile now and to my surprise the boys wanted to go too.  Recently before the moisture we have received, the lake was dried up. Now it is as full as it has ever been. I was sad to see that the little covered bridge where my mom, Harold, Dennis and I had our picture taken is in disrepair. There is another bridge across the lake on the other side and it looks as if this bridge is no longer used. 

Rowan was upset when we got there and he kept running away from the other boys. At one point he climbed up a tree to get away from them. 

After leaving the lake we stopped at Safeway in Pinetop so that I could look for flowers and a small cake for my friend Catherine as today is her birthday. Rowan stayed in the van. I spoke with him about how he stood up for himself when playing the game with Max. If Max thought you gave a wrong answer he would say, "you're out," This is what upset Rowan because he thought he had given the right answer and Max called him out.

The other boys put snacks in my cart while I was shopping.  I told them Rowan was sad and it would be nice if they would get a snack for him. They picked out a bag of sour patch kids and when Max gave it to him his face lit up and he told Max, "Thank you, that was nice of you to think of me." He really is such a sweet kid.

I did not find a cake and flowers at Safeway for Catherine so we stopped at Walmart where I got a small chocolate cake and a flowering plant. I took James and the boys home and I went back to Catherine's to deliver her gifts: A card with quotes inside, a candle, the flowering plant and cake. Kerri was home too so I got to visit with them both. Catherine is 85 years old today.

James fixed pizza rolls and chicken for lunch. I brought back some apples from the Halcomb's. Today was Food Bank delivery day and someone who got food from the Bank gave them an entire box of apples. James has been wanting some baked apples so I took about a dozen.

James has really cut down on his walking. He says his foot hurts but he also says he was wasting too much time. Today he got just over 10,000 steps. 

I inventoried 10 books for our Amazon business but the box is still not full so it's not ready to be shipped yet. 

Joshua gave the family prayer this evening. It was very sweet. Rowan and I had a nice conversation about Jacob's vineyard from Jacob 5. I showed him a visual and pointed out that we are in the gathering phase of Israel's history right now in preparation for the Savior's Second Coming.

 Kathy is my mentor in our book business

 Two cuties have lunch together.

 Exhausted after her trip to Arkansas

for Tanner's birthday.

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Corinithians 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:21-39

*How can we be more like Samuel, the Lamanite?

- Remember the Primary song, "Follow the Prophet," he knows the way. President M. Russell Ballard said that if we bring the teachings of the prophets and apostles into our homes our relationships with family members will increase 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.

Old Testament

Isaiah 48-50

General Conference

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Our purpose is to balance the Church and the home experiences in a way that will greatly increase faith and spirituality and deepen conversion."

The boys were up early this morning roaming around before breakfast. Breakfast, although there were many choices, was donuts.

James got up earlier and went for a walk. He called some elk and although he didn't see any, he had some answer him.

It was a relaxing morning for me. James went to work and the boys entertained themselves playing games and going outside. I was able to do two blog posts. Afterwards I made spaghetti and garlic bread for lunch. With the salad left over from last night we had a complete Italian meal. Joshua says spaghetti is one of his favorites.

At one point I looked up and he was walking around outside barefoot eating spaghetti.

It was overcast here but there was a cloud over Show Low most of the afternoon and that cloud was full of rain. We took the boys in to do the Show Low Bluff Trail hike. At first it was raining. James let me off at Sweet Potato to do some shopping and he took the boys to McDonald's to get ice cream. By the time they got back to pick me up the rain had let up so we all did the hike. Before we got back to the car it had started to rain again and we all got wet. 

The first thing the boys wanted to do when we got home was take showers. I told them not to all shower at once or there would't be enough water pressure, so they took turns. 

For dinner we had New York strip steak, baked potatoes, corn, beans, and salad. Max said the steak was delicious. It was his choice so I am glad that he liked it. He likes lots of salt just like James on most of his food. 

Evan wanted to do a load of laundry, his second since being here, so I showed him how to use the washer and dryer. He says he does the laundry and fold the clothes for his mom at home. 

Max has an online social studies class that he worked on while the other boys went outside to play. As soon as he was finished he joined them. 

James and I worked on a book trader business until we reached a glitch. I had to email and ask for help. Hopefully we will get our answer by tomorrow.

 My friend saw this ghostbusters car in

Phoenix yesterday, October 1st.

 Looking forward to Scarlett's 1st birthday party!

Dot Journal tracking

 Love the arms up in the air!

Good walking companion

Thursday, April 26th, 2018

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:18

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 17:1-20

*What take away is there knowing that Abinadi sacrificed his life and only had one convert? 

- sue_heugly: "Abinadi stood against the trends and standards of his society. His osition was not popular or well received and led to his death. Abinadi's words fell on mostly deaf ears yet that 'one conversion of Alma had a lasting impact on Nephite society for over 500 years and is still impacting millions today. Alma's outspoken defense of Abinadi forced him to flee for his life. His secret proselyting ventures back into the city of Nephi ultimately led to the conversion of 450 souls who were willing to leave their homes and society and depart into the wilderness. Without Abinadi's story, the Book of Mormon would lack continuity, and a major part of the books' message would be missing.

Abinadi: Prophet and Martyr...lds.org.

Old Testament

Ruth 4

The nearest relative declines, and Boaz takes Ruth to wife - Ruth bears Obed, through whom came David the king.

General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"May we show our gratitude and love for God by ministering with love to our eternal sisters and brothers."

I love Emily Watts. Heard her speak

at BYU Women's Conference a few

years back. She is both spiritual and

hilarious.

"It is in commitment to true principles, combined with self-discipline, that true greatness lies." - President N. Eldon Tanner

New Era: "Getting to Know the Savior" 'As you learn about Jesus Christ, you invite His peace and presence into your life.'

I thought this was interesting regarding the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. This comes from the Old Testament Student Manual, Volume I, 264:

"The book of Ruth contains one of the most beautiful stories ever written. Despite being set in a day when political chaos and moral degeneracy existed in parts of the land, this story contains not a single demeaning feature and is uplifting and heartwarming. The following are examples of quiet devotion and obedience from this story:

1. Ruth's marriage to Mahlon led to her conversion from the Moabite to the Israelite way of life.

2. Ruth's choice to remain with her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, is an example of selfless concern for others.

3. The acts of kindness exhibited by Ruth and Boaz had a positive effect on those around them.

4. Ruth's virtue and integrity impressed the noble Boaz, and he was honorable in his relation to her, showing willingness to assume family responsibility.

5. The union of Boaz and Ruth produced a royal posterity from whom came King David and eventually Jesus Christ.

"No virtues in the perfection we strive for are more important than integrity and honesty. Let us then be complete, unbroken, pure, and sincere, to develop in ourselves that quality of soul we prize so highly in others." 

The Book of Ruth, even though it is only 4 chapters, was so refreshing after reading about Samson.

FYI: I have lost 11 lbs. since the first of April. Now I am in this Chunky Monkey competition and the weight is coming off a little slower. 

We have been praying in conjunction with going to the temple, to receive further light and knowledge as to how we can help our families realize the blessings of the gospel and the temple. We also want to find ways to create greater family unity. As I was praying and pondering this morning an idea came to me. We should have a couples retreat with all of our children and their spouses. The purpose would be to create greater family unity and a better support system. We would focus on Faith, Family, and Fun. When I told James about it he thought it was a great idea. Now I just have to get the kids on board and start planning, and decide on a date.

James went to town and came home and made a set of shutters and put them up all before noon. The shutters just give a finishing touch to the front of the house (cabin).

James went to town for a tractor part. He came back, put it on, and the tractor still doesn't work. 

Cathi texted and wanted to know where Burger House was. We told her it but she thought it was in Globe. Luckily they saw it when they went through Miami. They are bringing up burros for dinner.

I worked about five hours cleaning house before our company got here. I finished upstairs and even polished the floor. Then I came down and polished the floor and vacuumed and dusted in the family/living room. When everything was done and after lunch I went in and took a whirpool bath. I felt soo good. I got over 8,000 steps just cleaning.

I listened to President Nelson's talk "A New Harvest Time."
From 'Rescuing Wayward Children':

The Language of Priesthood Power

"To accomplish most things in life, mankind must exert physical effort, whereas God works by faith and the power of words." -Bruce R. McConkie

Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady got here around 3 pm. Dave's main concern was getting Laura settled with her oxygen. Her level went down to 83 when it should be 99.  Cathi, Laura and I talked around the entry table for awhile and then moved to the more comfortable furniture in the family room. I have missed visiting with my dear sisters!

James took Dave and Terry for a Razr ride to look for wildlife and antlers. They only saw two deer. 

We really enjoyed our burros from Burger House for dinner.

I took a long walk outside before bedtime. Laura and Dave slept on the recliners in the family room because Laura needs to sit up while she sleeps and Terry and Cathi slept upstairs in Sheri and Ian's room. Poor Lady is almost totally blind. She slept on Cathi and Terry's bed.

Cathi brought these and I think I 

ate almost the entire bag.

Monte's kids Kaytlynn and Zach. Kaytlynn

came to support Zach at his track meet.

He is quite the shotput thrower just

like his dad was.

Carter and Shayna took Alex on a

roadtrip to Yosemite for his birthday.

This is one of the pictures he posted.

Scarlett watching TV at Lolly and Pop's

(Kacey and Jared's)

Kate with Prince Louis Arthur Charles

Elder R and Ricky. Those were the days.

Teacher walkout today in Arizona

Our friends the Ellsworth's from Chandler are

both teachers at Chandler High School.

Brother Pace and his daughter Chelsea were

at the strike at the Arizona Capitol.

Marcy

  

Saturday, November 18th, 2017

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement

Matthew 8:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 1:1-19

*What does it mean to willfully rebel against God and what are the consequences? (v. 16)

While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Dean L. Larsen explained that rebellion against God has individual roots which, if not corrected, spread with devastating consequences: "Historically, the drifting away from the course of life marked out by the Lord has occurred as individuals begin to make compromises with the Lord's standard. This is particularly true when the transgression is willful and no repentance occurs. Remember Mormon's description of those who turned away from the true path in his day. They did not sin in ignorance. They willfully rebelled against God. It did not occur as a universal movement. It began as individual members of the Church knowingly began to make compromises with the Lord's standards. They sought justification for their diversions in the knowledge that others were compromising as well. Those who willfully sin soon seek to establish a standard of their own with which they can feel more comfortable and which justifies their misconduct. They also seek the association of those who are willing to drift with them along the path of self-delusion. As the number of drifting individuals increases, their influence becomes more powerful. It might be described as 'the great and spacious building syndrome.' The drifting is the more dangerous when its adherents continue to overtly identify with and participate with the group that conforms to the Lord's way. Values and standards that were once clear become clouded and uncertain. Conduct that would once have caused alarm now becomes somewhat commonplace."

I remember years ago when Monte was going to school in Tucson and had become active in the Church. We went down the Sunday when he was ordained an elder. Afterwards I wanted to take everyone to lunch, justifying in my mind, that just this once it would be okay to go to a restaurant on the Sabbath. James refused and I will be forever grateful for his example of faith and obedience. 

"Out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 9:7-9

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that you bosom shall burn without you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" Members have to know the call to serve as a bishop came from the Lord, by revelation. Without their faith, the bishop, who was called of God, will find it harder to get the revelation he needs to help them. He will not succeed without the faith of the members to sustain him."

Our six bunnies love to graze on the lawn before sunrise. 

James and I made a trip to town this morning. I bought two turkeys at Walmart, one small one for Thanksgiving and a large one for Christmas dinner. James went to Home Depot and Lowes looking for Christmas replacement lights. He found some at Lowe's where we bought our tree. Hopefully they will work. 

We went to Aliberto's where I got two tacos and James got an Arizona burrito. The burrito was delicious but way too greasy!

While we were in town the bishop called and said the High Priests were supposed to deliver food baskets this morning. There were 75 people who put together 70 baskets in 15 minutes at the mission in Vernon. We were going to go but we totally forgot. By the time we got back to Vernon there was only one basket left to deliver. The Giles' were there to help and delivered several baskets for us.

The basket James is going to deliver goes to one of the sisters that he was just assigned to home teach. 

I forgot to mention that just outside of Show Low we saw a herd of antelope grazing by the side of the road. 

Today's Christmas movies: "Lucky Christmas," and a new one with Danica McKellar, "Coming Home for Christmas."

I also got all my steps in today and while doing it I made a delicious lasagna soup for dinner. James said he wasn't going to eat, but he did and he loved it. It also made the house smell really good.

I started studying my Primary lesson but will have to finish in the morning because I am just too tired tonight.

It takes alot of steps to burn a few calories.

Trina and her friend

This is my kind of garden box. James says

it needs to be bigger.

I was Melonie's Mia Maid advisors.

Uncle Kay in Fairview, Utah

Go Wolves!

Shayna and Alex

Baniff, Canada

Heather, Pat, and kids on a hike

These boots are made for catchin'

Tanner