Tuesday, April 23rd, 2019

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 11:4

When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14:1-15:9

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 10:1-16

General Conference

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

"The Savior's Atonement is not only infinite in scope but also individual in reach."

One of the things I love most about spring is the birds singing in the morning. I heard them today.

I read a great article today by President M. Russell Ballard from 1996 called, "When Shall These Things Be"? You can find it in the Dec 1996 Ensign on p. 60.

James came in this morning and announced that he could not find his wallet. He spent over an hour looking for it. He said the last time he saw or used it was on Saturday when he bought gas. 

On our way to town I called Darrel and asked him to look in the bedroom where we stayed. At first he couldn't find it but then he said he found it on the floor at the edge of the bed. Thank goodness! How many more things can this guy lose?

Our first stop in town was at the bank where I deposited $1,200 that James got from Mario. This money belongs to Burnham for cleaning up the lots after the work was done.

We were hungry so we stopped at LaCasita for lunch. When the waitress asked for our order I said, "I'll have the usual." She looked at me kind of funny and I said, "Oh, I thought you probably had our orders memorized by now." She said she didn't but would try to remember next time. I told her I was only joking. 

After lunch we went to Walmart to do some shopping. I ran in to a friend who spends her winters in the valley and summers in Vernon, Teresa. She was frustrated because she couldn't find a couple of items she wanted. I told her I knew how she felt. She said tomorrow is her husband Wes's birthday and she is going to go to Safeway because she thought their ribeye steaks were better than Walmart's. I agreed. 

We went to Safeway to get Dr. Pepper10. We saw Teresa again. We also stopped by CVS and spent $146 for James's prescriptions. On the way out of town we stopped for gas. It rained on us most of the way home, quite hard. We always need the rain and I love rainy days.

We listened to our Anita Stanfield book, "Ivy and Stone" on the way home from town. I also listened to the book "Squint." 

After returning from town I got a Facetime call from Jared and Charlie. How fun! The highlight of my day.

I watched one of my favorite Hallmark movies, "A Country Wedding" while working on the floor and walking. 

James and I watched McBride: Dogged. I had already seen it but I wanted James to see it too. He guess right away who the killer was. I guess he has more of a criminal mind than I do.

Two more books that I ordered came today. I will need to create a shipment tomorrow.

 Uh oh

 That's better

 James and I both love this sweet girl. 

Her birthday was yesterday.

My sweet friend Jean with her husband, Marcy her

daughter, Joe her son-in-law and two of her

grandchildren. Jean and Ralph spoke in Church and

shared their testimonies of the Gospel.

Wednesday, November 14th, 2018

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Revelations 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 28:25-40

* What do these verses teach us about the three Nephites and the work that they are doing on the earth before Christ's Second Coming? We are told, "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom He hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom He hath sent receive not Him; and therefore He will not receive the at the last day; For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?"(34-35). Are we among those who trample? Do we listen and obey the words of our Savior and His servants? Do we share them? Many are sent forth to spread the words of Christ. The Lord has an army of Saints, missionaries, leaders, families and individuals who are called to deliver the good news of our Savior. We are to go forth and proclaim the message of the gospel. We are to bear testimony. The Lord tells us that many are called but few are chosen (DC 121:33-40). Why are we not chosen? When we let the world get in the way; when we do not maintain our righteousness; or when we become prideful, then we lose our ability to influence. We are called to the work. Therefore, we have to follow the Spirit, heed promptings, and be humble servants to do it. 

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 20-21

Old Testament

Ezekiel 47-48

General Conference

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"We live in a selfish world where people constantly ask 'What's in it for me?' instead of asking, 'Whom can I help today?' or 'How can I better serve the Lord in my calling?' or 'Am I giving my all to the Lord?'"

Today I read in the Book of Mormon Student Manual that Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 re two of the most important chapters in all of scripture because the whole history of Israel is foreshadowed in them. Some of the major calamities of the human race are explained in the theology revealed in these two chapters. President Kimball referred often to Leviticus 26.

I got to read Elder Wilhelm's email today. It sounds like he is having a great time at the MTC in South Africa. 

James had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Moffat this morning at 11:15. We left for town at 10:30. I dropped James off and then went on down the road to Walmart. While I was shopping James called and asked me to come and pick him up and take him to Sonoran Quest to get bloodwork done. I parked my cart with my stuff still in it and headed out the door. He was in a hurry because the place closes for lunch at noon. I got him there about five minutes before 12 and then went back to my shopping at Walmart where I saw several people from our ward, the Crane's, Sister Vaught, Sister Wood, and the Wallace's. 

When we got home James went back to his work at the Howard's and I told him to stay off of any ladders!  I worked around the house until it was time for my Relief Society presidency meeting at 7 p.m. We met first with the Elder's Quorum presidency and I gave Brother Hunsaker Tyler and Kilee's wedding cards. I am sad I am going to miss Kilee's sealing on Friday morning. We have to be in the valley. 

When I came home from my meeting James was watching an old western movie starring Marlon Brando. He said it was called, "Appaloosa." I went in to the bedroom and finished my Hallmark Christmas movie before going to bed.

From my book, "The Clockmaker's Daughter:" 

After Grindel, her dog, the light of Mrs Mack's affection fell on Martin, her son. Martin, who was 10 years to my 7 when I came to live with them at their place on Little White Lion St. Martin was large for his age not merely tall, but imposing, his presence being of the sort whereby he seemed to occupy more space than was his due. He was a boy of little intelligence and even less kindness."

I wish I could be this descriptive and clever in my writing. 

Love this face and smile!

Five years ago these boys were our waiters at The Young

Women's in Excellence Dinner. Two are married, one is a dad and those same two are returned missionaries.

I thought nitric oxide was laughing gas.

 Congratulations Kendal & Rusty!

Wednesday, July 11th, 2018

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 45:12

I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

Book of Mormon

Alma 31:1-23

* How is the word more powerful on the minds of the people than the sword?

- The sword changes minds by fear. The word changes hearts by love and the Spirit. Fear is sometimes quicker but love is more powerful and eternal.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 13-15

13 Abijah reigns in Judah - He defeats Jeroboam and the armies of Israel - The Lord strikes Jeroboam, and he dies.

14 Asa reigns in Judah, rebuilds the cities, and defeats and plunders the Ethiopians, who attack Judah.

15 Azariah prophesies that Judah will prosper if the people keep the commandments - Asa does away with false worship in Judah - Many from Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon migrate to Judah - The people covenant to serve the Lord and are blessed.

General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

"In much the same way that angels are authorized messengers sent by God to declare His word and thereby build faith, we who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have been ordained to 'teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.' To preach the gospel is a priesthood duty. And the power associated with this duty is not just for prophets or even just for missionaries It is for you!"

Ensign: 

"All Is Lost," "Failure Is Part of the Plan," "Ministering to Members Who Are Divorced," "Different Kinds of Families,"
"New Era Connection," "The Good People of St. George, "Actually, I Am One," "Running into the Church," "Counsel I Did Not Want to Hear," "The Book of Mormon Brings Abundance," "A Commitment to Unity and Love" "Source of Faith and Hope to Millions," 

Happy Birthday Palmer!

Can you guess how old he is?

Happy Birthday Ollie!

Ollie is one.

I have a funny story about Ollie. James accidentally let her out while he was at Sheri's today and he didn't realize it. He and Michael were going to Jersey Mike's for lunch. When Michael came back home he realized the Ollie was missing.  Guess where she went? To Cathi's to see his friends Indy and Lady!

After scriptures and prayer this morning James left for the valley in Lexy. He took Lola's birthday gifts, bookmarks for Cathi and Laura, and a jacket that doesn't seem to belong to anyone. He also has a personal history book to take to his mom to fill out.

Lola loved her Princess Celestia and 

Songbird Serenade.

 I was going to try to take my friend Catherine to lunch but she has a doctor's appointment today for her foot, at least I thought she did. I guess she cancelled because there is supposed to be heavy rains today. She called me to see if I would take her if she rescheduled. I said yes, but the Doctor Hall had already filled the appointment.

It was overcast and rainy all day. This is a direct answer to all of our fasting and prayers since January. We just had to be meek and humble and wait upon the Lord.

I started a new audio book today called "Habits of Holy Men." I love it so far. Here are the names of the chapters:

1." Practice Holiness," 2. "Put Off the Natural Man," 3. "Be Submissive," 4. "Be Meek," 5. "Be Humble," 6. "Be Patient," 7. " Be Full of Love," 8. "Be As A Child," 9. Conclusion

When James visited his mom she fed him some delicious chicken enchiladas. I asked him if he got the recipe and he said she told him what it was but he doesn't remember. He loves my chicken enchiladas but they are just way too fattening.

I swept, mopped and polished the dining room and kitchen floor today. It looks beautiful. I hurried around to get ready for my meeting with Tamara when she texted me and said she was going to call it off. That was fine with me. She was going to come out here but she said she needed to stay home and do some planning with Jimmy, her husband.

James was home by 6 pm. We spent a nice evening together. 

I watched "Maggie's Magical Christmas" one of my favorites.

Tower of London

I love Brian's face in this photo!

I rode in a boat on this river.

 Max looks so handsome!

Yikes!

I want these in my yard!

 I hope the temple is still white!

Haboob season

Friday, June 8th, 2018

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

DC 93:4

The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 12:28-13:9

*Who will enter into the rest of God?

-Verse 34: Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.

Old Testament

2 Kings 3-4

3 Jehoram of Israel and Jehoshaphat of Judah join forces against Moab - Elisha promises them water for their animals and victory in the war - The Moabites are defeated.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"The prophet Amulek declared, 'This...is the time...to prepare to meed God' (Alma 34:32). How do we prepare? By worthily receiving ordinances. We must also, in President Russell M. Nelson's words, 'keep on the covenant path.' President Nelson continued, 'Your 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 to men, women, and children everywhere.'"

Russell M. Nelson, 4/14, #63. Let Your Faith Show.

" Day after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny, increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show!

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 22, Principle 14: A Melchizedek Priesthood Holder Gives and Receives Correction.

Ensign: "Deciding for Myself" and "The Balancing Act of Endurance."

Book: A Reason for Faith Chapter 17. Science and Religion: Friends or Foe?

"You cannot think your way to conversion, because you cannot convince your mind of something your heart does not feel." -Sheri Dew

I slept on the recliner last night because I could not get comfortable in bed with my right knee. I slept fine on the recliner, except I hallucinated. I saw a guy in a yellow jumpsuit standing by the table to the right of me. He was holding a bag of some sort in his hand. All of a sudden he floated up in the air and landed next to the caribou on the wall as if he was stuck there. Next I saw a big shadow below him that looked like a bear pawing the wall trying to get to this guy. So weird. I am pretty sure I was awake when I experienced this. Is there a hidden meaning or message behind what I saw? I think not. 

James worked at the Howard's clearing trees a couple of hours this morning. He got home around 9:30, about the same time Anne  dropped off her five children. Anne is the Bishops' wife and she is going with Debra Brewer to do temple baptisms and to help her purchase garments. Debra is going through the temple next Thursday for the first time. Sister Reynolds will be her escort.

Andyn is the oldest of Bishop's kids and she is nine. Cathryn is 7, Hyrum is 4 almost 5, Uriah is almost 3, and Sophie will be a year old tomorrow. The children are very well behaved and the baby is as sweet as she can be. 

I am still limping around with a stiff knee but I can hold and walk with the baby because she is so light. They snacked on goldfish and watched movies and played upstairs with the toys. 

Hyrum and Uriah had the light sabers but Hyrum wanted his to work so James to it apart and put some batteries in it. It made the noise and light up sporadically. James spent a long time trying to fix it so it would light up correctly but it was too cheaply made. I think it cost $3. By the time he quit trying Hyrum had lost interest anyway.

Uriah does not talk much and I think this has been a concern to his parents. He reminds me of an old cartoon character, Gerald McBoing Boing. Gerald made noises but did not talk. Hyrum tried to say water and when he was waiting for his lunch of macaroni and cheese he said, with a frown on his face, yum, yum!

James took all the kids except Sophie on a Razr ride. They loved it until Cathryn got dirt in her face.

Uriah loves music. Andyn chose to watch the movie "Sleeping Beauty." When it was over Hyrum and Uriah chose "The Greatest Showman." Hyrum would watch awhile and then go do something else but Uriah sat and watched it the entire time.

Andyn relaxing on the couch. Hyrum and

Uriah watching the movie and Sophie deciding

which book she wants to pull off the shelf.

Cathryn was upstairs playing.

After watching "The Greatest Showman" the kids wanted to watch "Lion King." Anne got back after 3 and they were still watching the movie. After it was over they started acting like lions and chasing each other around. I guess while I was in the bedroom with Sophie Uriah started growling at James and he growled back at him. Uriah and Hyrum would try to sneak up on James and he would growl really loud at them and they would scream and run. This girls got in on the action too. They were so quiet and well-behaved until their mom got here.

At 4:00 I rested. I then made green smoothies for dinner, read to James, helped Laurann with the RS email, blogged, and help James make a green chili stew to take to the temple in the morning.

Andyn and Cathryn playing Barbies.

Sophie wants to play too.

Andyn notices Sophie.

Sophie gets her own Barbie and tosses

aside the baby doll.

Watching "The Greatest Showman" with Uriah

and supposedly feeding Sophie her bottle.

Does he know she's asleep. 

I don't think so.

She didn't stay asleep until I took

her in the bedroom where she got about

a 45 minutes nap sitting on my lap in

the rocking chair.

After they left to go home Anne sent me this text:

Andyn as we were getting in the car at your house says:

"Wow! I had no idea it would be such an explosion at their house, I mean I knew it would be fun but not such an explosion of fun! How am I going to explain this to my cousins?!"

Thanks again!