Friday, December 15th, 2017

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 Peter 2:24

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness:by whose stripes ye were healed.

Book of Mormon

Ether 10:17-34

*How can we keep our lives pure?

Repentance and keeping the commandments.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 29:7

And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The purpose of the priesthood is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel. We have the priesthood so that we can help Heavenly Father's children be relieved of the burden of sin and become like Him. Through the priesthood, the power of godliness is manifest in the lives of all who make and keep gospel covenants and receive the associated ordinances. This is the way each of us comes unto Christ, is purified, and is reconciled to God. Christ's atoning power is made accessible through the priesthood, which deliver the payload."

James is cleaning up outside and sealing the patio today. He reached his goal and finished before Darrel's family arrived. 

We made a trip to town today. We paid Arizona Stone $2,330.00 for the materials we got from them for the patio and fire pit. There goes our Christmas money. We also went to Walmart, Panda, Home Depot and Firehouse Subs. 

When we got home we finished getting ready for our company. I had to vacuum again to get up more of the glitter. Our house has been glitterized!  James cleaned the dead flies out of the bathtubs upstairs. 

Today's Christmas movies: "The Christmas Gift," "A Grandpa for Christmas," and "Looks Like Christmas."

Darrel's family arrived around 9 p.m. We had a fire going and the tree lights turned on when they arrived. We visited and played Apples to Apples before going to bed.

Light the World

Day 15

Jesus taught: "Blessed are the merciful." Matt. 5:7

Jesus's sacrifice on our behalf was the greatest example

of mercy. We can follow His example by extending mercy

and compassion to others whenever we can.

On their way to the cabin they stopped for some ice cream

and crepes. The people who own this place are in their ward.

Everyone agree that crepes and ice cream are delicious together!

Grandpa and Lola playing a game of chess.

Grandpa and his girls watching "Brave."

Our tree

A closeup

James's sister Connie with her family at

"The Last Jedi." Katie, her daughter who is

sitting next to her, posted this picture.

Jackson wrestled 10 matches. He got

10 pins and was named the outstanding wrestler

of the tournament. That's his proud papa

standing next to him.

Monday, May 29th, 2017

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

I forgot to shout hooray!

Yesterday James and I finished the assignment

given by our bishop in January to read the Book of Mormon 

by the end of May!

HOORAY!

Alma 8:1-17

*What do these verses tell us about Alma's character? (see Alma 8:8-10.)

*Although Alma's prayers for the people of Ammonihah were sincere his requests were not immediately granted. (Some people in Ammonihah did repent later. See Alma 14:1.)

*President Russell M. Nelson: "I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered.  We wonder, 'Why? I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments.  But I also know that our prayers are never ignored.  Our faith is never unappreciated.  I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father's perspective is much broader than is ours.  While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential."

*What can we learn about Alma from the fact that he returned speedily to Ammonihah?

*President Henry B. Eyring: "However much faith to obey God we now have, we will need to strengthen it continually and keep it refreshed constantly.  We can do that by deciding now to be more quick to obey and more determined to endure.  Learning to start early and to be steady are the keys to spiritual preparation....A loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son have given us all the help they can to pass the test of life before us.  But we must decide to obey and then do it.  We build the faith to pass the tests of obedience over time and through our daily choices.  We can decide now to do quickly whatever God asks of us.  And we can decide to be steady in the small tests of obedience which build the faith to carry us through the great tests, which will surely come."

DC 82:13-24

14-18, Zion must increase in beauty and holiness; 19-24, Every man should seek the interest of his neighbor.

Why should we make friends with the "mammon of unrighteousness?"

* There is a saying: "Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer."  If we are friends with our enemies we can help them understand us better.  We become more tolerant of our differences and we realize we have more in common than we thought.

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"Jesus Christ taught many truths that explain Heavenly Father's plan of happiness and your place in it.  I'll focus on two of these to help you understand your identity as a child of God and know your purpose in life.  First: 'For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' (John 3:16.)

Second: 'And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.'" (John 17:3.)

James fixed me my favorite breakfast this morning, maple and brown sugar oatmeal with walnuts and blueberries.  Delicious!

Why does it always taste better when someone else makes it for you?

We said goodbye to Kim and Brian this morning.  They are heading back to the valley this morning to beat the Memorial Day traffic.

We always love when they come to visit.

Also, the food they made for us was a real bonus!

I forgot to mention the delicious honey-lime chicken

they made for us last night.

At 10am. we had a meeting at the Howard's about horseback riding for the grandkids in July.  It was just James and I and Brother and Sister Howard.  Brother Howard said because I had been such a good visiting teacher to his wife that he was not going to charge us for the horseback riding.  I was overwhelmed.  If we went anywhere else it would be at least $25 an hour per person.  He did ask us to go on social media and let people know if we have a good experience.  We met the newest addition to their family:

Maui and his mom Mirage.

He has grown so much since his birth on the 10th.

The Howard's are wonderful people.  They are about the same age as we are and have had some of the same experiences with their children and grandchildren as we have.  They showed us around their place.  James offered to help them finish a cover on the porch of one of their buildings.  Brother Scott was working on it until he left for Utah.  We had a great visit and feel like they are truly our friends.

From the Howard's we went in to town.  I wanted to get my car serviced, meaning an oil change, before going to the valley tomorrow.  James dropped me off at Panda Express while he took the car to Walmart.  He was back in just a few minutes and said they asked him why he wanted an oil change when it had been only 2,700 miles since the last one.  We also need a new windshield but James promised me he would take care of that in the valley.  

We stopped at Harbor Freight to buy a greenhouse that normally sells for 1,600 dollars that is on sale for $622.  James also had a coupon for 25% off.  He thought he had it with him but he didn't, so he will have to come back.  We probably couldn't have gotten the greenhouse in the car anyway.  We went home and had a nap and then James headed back into town in the truck with his coupon. He ended up paying $500 for it.

I stayed home and worked on my blog.

For Family Home Evening we listened to Elder Grow's conference talk.  I heard it this morning, but I wanted James to listen to it with me. Elder Grow was speaking specifically to the young adults and I thought there might be some things we would like to share with Michael and Alex. After the talk we watched the season one finale of "Victoria." Victoria has her baby and the story says she has eight more children.  We are looking forward to season two!

Fun Photos:

My husband is very talented.

Here he is making a pie.

Here he is splitting wood.

Studying for his gospel doctrine lesson.

Enjoying some time with his new friend,

Shipley.

Sweet little Addy on her baptism day.

The Three Amigos with their firstborn.

Darrel, Addy, Jon, Logan, Aaron, and Samantha.

A beautiful end to a wonderful day.

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 25:14-26:14

*The organization of the Church ensures that all members can receive the truth.

*Why is it important to continually teach repentance and faith in God?

*As we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and live righteously, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon us.

*What did the rising generation refuse to do because of their unbelief?

*To develop and maintain a testimony, we need to feast on the word of God, pray in faith, and obey the Lord's commandments.

*When Alma felt troubled about his duty to judge the transgressors, what did he do?

James: "Alma set the example for all of us.  When we don't have answers regarding our personal lives and or our stewardships, we need to do what the Lord admonishes us often to do in the scriptures;'ask and ye shall receive.' The asking must be in faith, expecting to receive.  Sometimes we don't receive a direct answer, but a feeling of peace and comfort with knowledge that the Lord loves us and that everything will work out for our good if we are patient."

Sheri: "I listened to a conference talk this morning where the speaker talked about praying for a year and not receiving anything.  Finally he went to the temple for the sole purpose of asking if Heavenly Father loved him.  While in the temple the temple president  (whom he knew) got up to greet everyone and looked him straight in the eye and greeted him.  He said at that moment he felt Heavenly Father's overwhelming love for him.  He said his answer to his prayer came later because answers come in Heavenly Father's time, not ours.  It was a powerful reminder to me that even if I don't get immediate answers to not give up and to continue keeping the faith and praying, even for a year, or more.

4 Nephi

The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord; They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land; After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise; After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked; Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35-321.

DC 69:1-8

John Whitmer is to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri; He is also to preach and to collect, record, and write historical data.

What benefit are church records to future generations?

*They give knowledge that can strengthen testimonies, detailing doctrine, and bearing record of miracles.  They testify of prophets and apostles.  They can teach about how to overcome adversity just to name a few.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

"Supported by a wealth of studies, Professor Kim Cameron focused on three critical components of a successful workplace culture: compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.  It makes perfect sense that as people turn towards the positive (light), the attributes perfectly exemplified by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, are present!"

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.  And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross." -3 Nephi 27:13-14

I was so tired today because again I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep until 4:30 and then got up at 5:30.  I took little breaks and naps throughout the day.  

I called Dr. Moffat and got an appointment for James for 3:30 this afternoon.  I had planned on going into town with James when he went but when it came time, I was too tired.  I stayed home and worked on my blog. As I was about halfway through posting for last Wednesday everything disappeared and I had to start over.  By the time I got through Wednesday, I was too tired to do anymore.  

Wildflowers and San Francisco Peaks

near Flagstaff

When James returned from town he had two prescriptions, one for an antibiotic and one for prednisone.  I was surprised he didn't have any Symbicort.  He said he forgot to ask about it.  That seems to be his answer a lot lately.  Should I be worried?

James also brought me some dinner from Panda, orange chicken with half fried rice and half noodles.  After dinner we had F.H.E.  

We listened to President Nelson's conference address: "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."  As I heard it President Nelson made two requests of us in this talk.  1.) Study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.  Let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become our personal core curriculum.  2.) Study The Living Christ, which I am already doing.  

James said the only request he heard was to study The Living Christ. Technically he is right.  The first request was something he challenged the young adults to do in a speech to them.  Because he mentioned it and because he did it himself and said he was a changed man, and because of the title of his talk, I felt that it was something he wanted us to do to and I have accepted the challenge.  I am already keeping a notebook of all the scriptures having to do with the Atonement so this will just add to it.  I want to get a set of scriptures just for this assignment.

We watched the latest episode of "The Good Witch" before going to bed.  We were a little disappointed with the story line.  

Photos:

This reminds me of someone.

There are days I wish I could do this.

2012 Brotherly Love

Monday, August 22, 2016

Salt Lake temple

Alma 54:13-55:14

13 - Moroni to Ammoron: Ye have sought to murder us, and we have only sought to defend ourselves.

16 - Ammoron: I will avenge Amalickiah's blood upon you.

17 - Your fathers robbed the Lamanites of their right to govern.

18 - Become subject unto us and we will lay down our weapons of war.

19 - We fear not your threatenings, Moroni.

20 - We will exchange prisoners and wage a war to subject the Nephites to our authority or to their eternal extinction.

21 - Concerning God, we know not such a being.

22 - If there is a devil and a hell, he should send you there for murdering my brother.

23 - I am Ammoron, a descendant of Zoram.

24 - Now I am a bold Lamanite.  I am avenging their wrongs and their right to government.

Alma 55:1-14

1 - Moroni is angry with Ammoron.

2 - I will not exchange prisoners with Ammoron unless he withdraws his purpose.

3 - I know where the Lamanites do guard my people who have been taken prisoners.

4 - Moroni searches among his men for a descendant of Laman.

5 - He finds one, a former guard of the king whose name is Laman.

6 - Moroni sends Laman and a small number of his men to go forth unto the guards over the Nephites.

7 - They were in the city of Gid.

8 - Laman says to the guards, fear not, I am a Lamanite.  

9 - The Lamanites say to Laman: Give us of your wine to drik for we are weary.

10 - Laman says: You may do according to your desires.

13 - The Lamanites take of the wine freely and it was strong.

14 - They become drunken.

GC: "See Yourself in the Temple" by Elder Quentin L. Cook.

I got ready this morning and went in to town to visit Aunt Gene.  I left James behind doing surgery on the house.

We have been smelling dead mice.

He found five.  He sealed up the wall where they

were coming in from the garage.

Aunt Gene is in room 110 at the Summit Hospital in Show Low.  When I arrived around 10 am.  The room was full of family:

Rita, Bill, Randy, Debbie, Rita's kids: Chris, Rick and Gina.  And Gina's three year old boy Bentley who reminds me of Evan.  He told Aunt Gene he would give her a big prize if she would get well.  So cute.  

Aunt Gene looks very tired and frail.  She has had nothing to eat since last Thursday.  They want the blockage to go down on its own because they are cautious about doing surgery because of her age.  I don't know how long they will wait.  I stayed for about an hour and visited and then I felt like I should go.  I did a little shopping at Walmart and picked up some lunch for both James and I at Panda. I had to take this picture of Show Low Creek on the way home.

Our sunflower field in Vernon didn't bloom this year because the rains were so late.  This one is almost as beautiful.  It is

prettier than this picture shows.

I got a package from Jared today for my birthday.  It is a very large book entitled, "The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics."  I was hoping for The Great Divorce because Jared likes it so much but this has not only The Great Divorce but six other books.  Thank you Jared!

Speaking of Jared, his kids started school today in San Antonio.  Tricia posted this picture:

They grow up so fast!

I think Molly has changed the most in the past year.

This afternoon I did a little cleaning, reading, and blogging.  For FHE we filled out our voting ballots and prepared to send them in.

I cooked some navy beans in the Power Cooker in less than an hour.  They turned out quite delicious.  I used the same recipe I use for pinto beans with tomato sauce, El Pato, and butter.

Mary took Paul, Stacy and Joshua out to dinner for mexican food.

Xavier's Casa Reynoso in Mesa

House is this for a guest house:

It has a Victorian look.

For my closing picture:

Mt. Ranier

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

This morning's sunrise.

Alma 40:15-26

What happens between death and the resurrection.  It says in verse 21: . . . there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

GC: "Refuge from the Storm" by Elder Patrick Kearon

Rowan and Ruby started school today.  They are in a new school so it will be a challenge to make new friends.

Ruby is in 2nd grade and Rowan is in the 4th.

I love these two sweeties!

James had to make an emergency trip to town for more plumbing supplies for the sprinklers he's putting in.  I went with him and we had lunch at Panda again and I went to Walmart to pick up a prescription while he went to Home Depot.  I think we may be in a rut.  On the way home we finished reading "The Washington Hypothesis."  I loved this book and have gained a new appreciation for John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Knox, and especially George Washington.  Where are men like this when we need them right now.  I don't think the people of America are honoring God and our National Covenant, 'If ye keep the commandments, ye shall prosper in the land.'  I fear for America.  

When we returned from town Alicia Hunsaker brought us some Protandim which is a new supplement designed to help rid your body of free radicals.

James and I both want to feel better and so in addition

to changing our diet we are trying this supplement.

I am always tired when I return from town so I put on my comfy clothes and laid down in the recliner and watched an episode of "Chopped."  Afterwards I got ready for my visiting teaching visit with Claire Mercado.  I prepared this handout:

The lesson was on the blessing of children and

our potential for parenthood.

I really do like Claire and she has been an example to me on how to eat right.  She is a vegan and seems to be quite healthy.

We had a really nice visit.  I feel like she has become my friend.

For dinner we had beans, salsa, chips, radishes, and cucumbers.  It was quite tasty and we ate the last of the beans I cooked last week.

Tonight I studied "The Seven Miracles that Saved America."  One of these miracles was Christopher Columbus and that's who I am reading about now.  I also read "The Seven Tipping Points that Saved the World."  One of these was Christianity and it's effect on the thinking of the people of Europe.  Fascinating reading and I am learning so much.

When Dallin came to visit he took this picture.

I hope he remembers the Savior everyday of his life.

Today is Claire's birthday.  She is Dallin's friend and came with him to the cabin.  I hope she had a wonderful day.

Happy Birthday Claire!

Monday, July 25, 2016

A beautiful sunrise this morning

Alma 39:1-19

Alma's letter to his son Corianton who had gone astray and visited the harlot Izabel on his mission to the Zoramites.

Sexual sin is an abomination - Corianton's sins kept the Zoramites from receiving the word - Christ's redemption is retroactive in saving the faithful who preceded it. About 74 B.C.

10 - Be nourished by your brothers.  ( Older brothers should be an example to younger siblings).

12 - Refrain from your iniquities and apologize to the Zoramites.

GC: "Always Remember Him" by Elder Gerrit W. Gong.

Quotes as I read from the New Era:

"Do not take counsel from your fears." - Elder David A. Bednar

"Fasting chnges our nature so we have no more disposition to do evil." - President Henry B. Eyring

My cleaning goal today was to put away something from the garage and clean and polish the wood floor in the living and family room.

I soon realized that I did not have enough polish so I talked James into going to town.  He always needs something at Home Depot. I read a chapter from "The Washington Hypothesis" to James on the way to town.

Our first stop was at Panda Express for lunch.  I had brown rice, steamed veggies and shrimp with veggies.  It was delicious!  Now I have the energy to shop!

I shopped at Walmart while James went to Home Depot.  I forgot ice so on the way home we stopped at McDonald's for ice.  It rained really hard at our place while we were gone as evidenced by the mud puddles and filled trenches where James is putting in a sprinkler system.  

As I think more about the upcoming election I realize that America is in trouble.  Hillary is evil and Trump is only slightly better.  

I finished polishing the wood floor and it looks beautiful!   

James is excited because he put in a new faucet outside.  The old one has been broken for awhile.  It's the one on the pump house.

Today for dinner we had leftovers and then for FHE we listened to Elder Kearon's conference talk entitled "A Place of Refuge."
Also read from "Christ in Every Hour" and putting the section on The Cleansing Power of Christ in my study journal.

In some parts of the world people are still on vacation:

I never thought in a "minion" years I would see Anna with this guy.

John and Ruthie

This reminds me of this:

My favorite!

In other parts of the world, like Chandler, Arizona, kids are going back to school.

Joshua is in the 4th grade

Evan is in the 4th grade too.

Max is starting junior high at Bogle

and will be a 7th grader.