Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Judge

2 Nephi 29:11

For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

2 Nephi 20-22

20- The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming - Few people will be left after the Lord comes again - The remnant of Jacob will return in that day.

21- The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness-The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium-The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel. - Compare Isaiah 11.

22- In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord - He will dwell among them - Compare Isaiah 12.

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Cristina B. Franco

"My dear friends, the Lord needs us to gather Israel. In the Doctrine and Covenants, He has said, 'Neither take ye though beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.'"

It's another beautiful day in Arizona, let's all enjoy it! Sunny and 55 degrees. It feels like spring is here, without the wind!

I heard James driving around this morning outside on a piece of machinery. I was excited and thought he had fixed his Cat. When he came in and I asked him about it, he said, yeah, but it's the small one. I need the big one for my job.

There are problems at the city of Mesa with the permits for Mario's houses. Part of it is because Mario would not let James turn in the permits, insisting that the engineer do it. Now the engineer is in Hawaii and the permits are stuck at the city with revisions needing to be done. The city sent them back to the engineer but no one can get in to his account because he is out of town. So frustrating.

I finished my shipment today and James and I went into town to take it to UPS. I did a little shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get filters for our heater/air conditioning unit.

We got gas and mailed three birthday cards, Paula Johnson's, Joseph's and Adam's. We also stopped at the post office and picked up a load of books. When you consistently order three books a day, you consistently receive them in the mail.

Back at home as I was putting the groceries away I notice that the grits I bought for James were missing. We looked in the car. I checked my receipt to make sure I paid for them. We are so good at losing items we buy. What's going on?

This afternoon I made a card for Tanna, a girl we minister to together. I frosted some cookies and put them on a plate. James was going to deliver but he never got an answer from Tanna. He said if we have to we will go to Persnikkity's tomorrow, where she works, to see her. I'm all for that!

I forgot to mention that when I got up this morning the washer was not working. The light was on in the drum and the control panel would not light up. I told James and he looked at it and said he had no idea how to fix it. I suggested that he unplug it and plug it back in. It worked! James says I'm a genius. Simple solutions from simple minds is what I say.

I got a call from Sheri this evening. Ben had called her for her birthday. He is upset because a former AP and his friend, Elder Legas who is now a Zone leader is questioning something Ben and another AP asked the zone leaders to do. Elder Legas said he would be bringing this up at the conference next week. Ben is heartbroken. He cannot stand betrayal by a friend and that is what this feels like. He saw Max come into the room with his guitar and Ben burst into tears. He said he misses his family. He told Sheri he doesn't want to come home but when you are hurting you want comfort from the people who love you the most. I think this is one of the beggest trials Ben has had so far. He will get through it because he is strong and he is obedient.

Sheri also told me about the neighbor across the street from Cathi and Terry, the one with the Lamborghini, got arrested for tax evasion and laundering money. Sheri said when she went outside to make a Circle K run, there were 10 undercover police cars, 5 regular police cars, and a couple of swat team cars parked in the neighborhood. This guy just bought the two acres of land behind Dave and Laura and said he was going to build a 10,000 sq ft house. That was before all of this. Now he is saying he hopes he gets to stay in the neighborhood.

I got all caught up on my "Come Follow Me" studies but I haven't even looked at Inklings. I did listen to several chapters from volume 2 of "The Saints."

Happy Birthday Sheri

 This was 5 years ago on her 40th birthday

Gifts from the girls at work

 So funny!

Tanna's cookies

Wednesday, April 25th, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay
112th operating temple
Dedicated: 19 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 27:4

Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 16:1-15
*How are people living in darkness today? How can we help them?
- sue_heugly: " I believe more than ever people feel loneliness. David O. McKay said; The greatest battle of life is fought in the silent chambers of the soul.. Feeling alone or lonely leaves people grasping for light, for they only see darkness. We all need our alone time, our moments of meditation and prayer.. in fact we need our sacred grove moment. But we can do much to help others fight their loneliness. While it is part of life...We need never feel alone for service in the Church has everything to do with preventing loneliness. The world is filled with need people, and the gospel gives us opportunities to contribute, and turn those resources to help others cope with their loneliness, and in return it helps us with ours. Life is hard.. There will be times of loneliness, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is full of light. It helps us to engage in activities which help us not feel alone. When we think of others we feel less alone, and our light shines giving others a glimmer of hope wading thru dark times.
Old Testament
Ruth 3
By Naomi's instruction, Ruth lies at the feet of Boaz - He promives as a relative to take her as his wife.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

" Our prayer today is that every man and woman will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another."

From "Rescuing Wayward Children:"

Of the priesthood's power to protect and to guide, President Harold B. Lee taught, "The temple ceremonies are designed by a wise Heavenly Father, who has revealed them to us in these last days as a guide and a protection throughout our lives. . . . We talk of security in this day, and yet we fail to understand that here on this Temple Block we have standing the holy temple wherein we may find the symbols by which power might be generated that will save this nation from destruction. Therein may be found the fulness of the blessings of the Priesthood. Certainly, if the guidance of the temple covenants and ordinances can save the nation from destruction, it can save our children."

In the New Era I read an article by Elder Robert D. Hales, "Prayer The Key to Testimony and the Restoration," and "The Savior of You" by Charlotte Larcabal. I love the New Era and this issue is all about the Savior.

I listened to a talk by President James E. Faust from the October 1997, "The Weightier Matters of the Law: Judgment, Mercy, Faith."

"The thought is Father to the deed. Focus on the good in others and what is right."

I liked this statement from Elder Holland's talk: " The Church provides a structured way for us to live the 2nd commandment."

James's mechanics finally got here. The rats chewed the wire in to on his tractor and they also chewed the instruction manual. We tried to download a schematic of the wire configuration but it wouldn't download. The guys finally left with their $440 and we were left with a tractor that still doesn't run. They told him to order a new switch, which he did. 

Russell M. Nelson talk #27: "Endure and Be Lifted Up." "Energy and the will to endure are essential, energy is always required to provide lift over opposing forces."

Robert Millett: Chapter 8, "A Grace Awakening." 

This was my lunch. Salad and squash with swedish meatballs and noodles. James had turkey and stuffing courteous of Marie Callender. 

Well, it's time to clean. I started downstairs in the basement and ended upstairs. I only worked until 2 p.m. when I had to stop and get ready to go to the temple. We left at 2:45 for the 4 o'clock session. I was assigned the handicapped locker. I like it because it's so roomy. The session was quite full and Sister Brewer from our shift was one of the followers. Sister Sawen helped at the veil and I also saw President Scott, and the DeWitt's, Loran and Marylou.

Marylou was one of my advisors when I was a young woman.  

On the way home we stopped at Home Depot to get some more lumber for the last set of shutters. We also got gas and stopped at the post office. I was hungry and it felt like it took forever to get home.

When I got home I had a slice of Sister Grapp's homemade bread with butter, some salad leftover from lunch, and an apple. 

I went up and finished cleaning Sheri and Ian's room and bathroom and then we went to bed.

Kissee face

This is for you Jared and Kacey

Tuesday, April 24th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31
*How has the gospel of Jesus Christ brought you joy?
Talk: The Great Plan of Happiness By: Marcus B. Nash 10/06
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me joy, it has given me a sense of hope, and a desire to minister. Every hour of every day I am blessed by His gospel. Every time I look at one of my children ( I include their spouses as my children), or one of my grandchildren, every time I go to the temple with James, and he holds my hand I feel the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the treasures I have in this life that let me know of my eternity. My eternal family brings me joy. I love His perfect gospel!
Old Testament
Ruth 2
Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi - He treats Ruth kindly.
General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."

At 7:30, after my gospel study time, I made muffins to take to Sister MacArthur's house to share with her family and with Laurann, my companion.

After the muffins were done I made out a grocery list and menu plan, and then got ready to start out on my adventures for the day.

I met Laurann down by the Hunsaker's and drove her to Sister MacArthur's. Of course Laurann has her twin one year old boys and Chelsea has her 2 year old daughter Peyton and her nephew Cooper who belongs to the Umphresses. After handing out the muffins to Peyton and Cooper I asked Chelsea if I could take a picture of the mule deer mounted on her wall. I tried to tell James about it last time but I needed a picture.

Shot on Chelsea's parents ranch in Idaho.

I guess I should have taken a photo of the people, but I didn't.

We had a nice visit. Chelsea said she wanted to come and see our house and I told her just give me a warning text so I could make sure I was dressed and she could come any time. Laurann said she would like to come out and go for a walk sometime. Maybe we could walk down to "Chocolate Lake."

Just as I am getting ready to go Laurann asks me if I know Jeanne Wallen. At first she caught me off guard and then I explained how I knew her. She said her mom is best friends with Jeanne and Jeanne told her that I lived in Vernon and that I was very sweet. I told Laurann I could say the same thing about Jeanne.

I left a little after ten for my lunch appointment with my friend Pam at the Show Low hospital. Pam invited her friend and co-worker, Jennifer to join us for lunch. When I got to the checkout in the lunch line Pam swiped her badge before I had a chance to get my card out. That makes the fifth lunch in the past two weeks that I have not paid for. 

Jennifer's husband Ed had a bad accident not too long ago and has been without work. Pam got Jennifer hired at the hospital and now Ed has to have surgery and Jennifer will have insurance to cover it. Jennifer also has a 15 year old daughter that has a brain tumor. She needs good insurance! Pam is a saint. She also brought Jennifer to church on Sunday and Jennifer is very interested in the gospel.

I so much enjoyed my lunch with these two sweethearts, plus I got all three of my veggie servings!

Next stop, grocery shopping at Walmart, with my calculator because I am trying to stay within my budget of $200. I had to eliminate some of the things from my list, but my total was under $200 at $197.

When I got home James was putting shutters on the house. He had made them and painted them while I was gone. I'm glad I wasn't here to see him put them on the upstairs bathroom window. A picture is forthcoming when he finishes the ones for our bedroom.

I put the groceries away, rest a few minutes, and then blog and listen to President Nelson's talk from the October 1996 conference, "The Atonement." 

For dinner I bought a ready made kit made by Walmart. It had pulled pork, country style beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was delicious. I especially loved the beans. 

I finished the April Ensign today, read to James from "Stars Above Northumberland", and listened to Robert Millett's book, "The Atoning One," chapters 6 "On Calvary's Cross," and 7 "Infinite, Yet Intimate." I also walked a few steps.

Part of my gospel study today.

Eden and Winter

Here is the story as posted by their mom, Christina:

Evan and his "little brother," Oliver.

It's so nice that Oliver likes this.

What's he thinking here?

My friend Taylor looks beautiful

in her new glasses.

Those were the days!

Duddings were members of our ward.

It's changing hearts that makes a difference.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Jacob 7:1-20

Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God - All of the prophets have spoken of Christ and His Atonement - The Nephites lived out their days as wanderers, born in tribulation, and hated by the Lamanites. About 544-421 B.C.

Some thoughts on this chapter:

*"One of mortality's great tests comes when our beliefs are questioned or criticized" - Elder Robert D. Hales

* Consider how Jacob responded when Sherem challenged his beliefs. (see verses 5, 8, 10-11, 12, 13-14.

* As we rely on the Lord, we can overcome challenges to our faith.

* As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.

* What is one thing you will begin doing or continue doing to help you prepare for a time when someone challenges your faith?

Alma 52

Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites - Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites - The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Zoramite is slain. About 66-64 B.C.

DC 46:1-26

1-2, Elders are to conduct meetings as guided by the Holy Spirit; 3-6, Truth seekers should not be excluded from sacramental services; 7-12, Ask of God and seek the gifts of the Spirit; 13-26, An enumeration of some of these gifts is given; 

How have you recognized these gifts in your life?

General Conference

The Doctrine of Christ

Brian K. Ashton

"As our constant companion, the Holy Ghost gives us additional power or strength to keep our covenants.  He also sanctifies us, which means to make us 'free fro sin, pure, clean, and holy through the atonement of Christ.  The process of sanctification not only cleanses us, but it also endows us with needed spiritual gifts or divine attributes of the Savior and changes our very nature, such 'that we have no more disposition to do evil.'

Each time we receive the Holy Ghost into our lives through faith, repentance, ordinances, Christ-like service, and other righteous endeavors, we are changed until step by step little by little we become like Christ.'"

James visited Anthony Romyak this afternoon.  Anthony lives way out in the middle of nowhere and James got lost.  He was gone 2 1/2 hours, but had a nice visit.  Anthony is a recent convert and says he knows that he joined the Church for a very important reason.  James suggested it could be family history and also mentioned getting his patriarchal blessing.  Anthony knew nothing about patriarchal blessings and seemed very excited.  What a blessing to have Anthony in our ward.

Horseshoe Bend

We finished "Witness in the Dark" and started "A Fine Gentleman," by Sarah Eden, one of our favorite LDS authors.

This is what my dining room table looks like

when I am doing my morning gospel study.

For dinner tonight James made a salad and I made a grilled tuna and cheese sandwich for him.  After dinner we had FHE.  We listened to Elder Carl B. Cook's conference address, "Serve."

Afterwards we watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart."  

James loaded up his truck for his trip to the valley tomorrow.

Fun Photos:

Grandmother Lois and Erik's son Oliver.

Another family of women at Women's Conference.

Lola, May 2016

Just up from her nap.

High School graduation

Alex and Michael

Michael