Friday, September 15th, 2017

Mount Timpanogos, Utah

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 October 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Abraham 2:6-11

Helaman 4:18-5:4

How does being slow to hearken to the voice of the prophet's effect the Nephites' lives?

kdeford1:"The Church began to dwindle, they had become weak, they no longer had the Spirit with them, the judgment seat was turned over to evil, they became stiff-necked and couldn't be governed by law or justice. Nephi gave up the judgment seat to preach to them because he was 'wearied by their iniquity.'"

DC 133:34-51

What is the significance of Christ coming in red?

"Like him that treadeth in the wine-vat."(DC 133:48), and 'his voice shall be heard: I have trodden in the wine-press alone.' (DC 133:50). He comes to take vengeance on the ungodly. (Isaiah 64:1-6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I like to read and ponder the words found in the fifth chapter of Alma, wherein Alma asks: 'Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?' Alma's questions are a reminder of what our goals and plans ought to include in order to return and receive."

Happy Birthday James Hayden!

This looks like a nice suit but it is really 

silk pajamas. This photo was taken last year on his birthday.

James and I left for the valley around 8:45 this morning. We stopped in Show Low at the post office to buy some stamps and to mail Kacey's birthday card. I read from our book "Borrowed Light" as we were driving. 

We stopped in Miami at Burger House and got each of us  a green chili burro and a mixed burro for James. We didn't get any for Cathi or Terry because we thought they were gone to a family history conference in Salt Lake. We felt bad when we found out they got home last night. Cathi just said: "There is always next time."

I dropped James off at Cathi and Terry's where he borrowed Terry's truck to do the little bit of cleanup he has left at Bill's. I went on to Mesa to have my Actemra infusion. 

I like coming in the afternoon for an infusion, it is not nearly as busy as the mornings. Frances called me back and Barb set me up, two of my favorite people here. Barb says her "real job" is taking care of her one and only grandchild Tommy. 

Although by appointment was for 1:15 and it usually takes an hour, I was done by 2 p.m. because they started me early. I headed back for Chandler to say hi and goodbye to Cathi and Terry and the dogs and to pick up James. 

We stopped at the Target on Gilbert and Germann to get a Target card for Autumn for her baby. As we head out of town we forgot to get gas at Sam's Club so we stop at the Circle K on Val Vista and Pecos and then turn back around and get on the freeway. 

James loves me to read to him while he is driving, he says it makes time go by so much faster. I would tend to agree. We stopped in Globe for a potty break and to get some water and then before you know it we were in Show Low stopping at Arby's for dinner. James loves their turkey Reubens.  

When I got home I put my stuff away, blogged for awhile, and then James and I set down to watch an episode of Heartland: "Ghost Horse."

Favorite Photos:

President Eyring in Florida

One of the things we love about the San Antonio temple

are the stained glass windows. This is the Paris temple

which also has stained glass.

I just want to kiss those faces!

Arizona scenery

Vernon scenery

Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain

Somewhere in Africa there are at least two

white giraffes.

Where's the Fun Dip?

Lola 2015

Huntleigh with her pig.

Fires are still raging.

Thursday, June 1st, 2017

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017 by

Henry B. Eyring

Alma 9:19-34

*According to Alma 9:19-23, what gifts and blessings had the Nephites, (including the people of Ammonihah), experienced because they were the Lord's covenant people?

*What are some ways we can stay true to the light and knowledge we have received?

DC 84:17-28

18-25, The greater priesthood holds the key of the knowledge of God; 26-32, The lesser priesthood holds the key of the ministering of angels and of the preparatory gospel;

What authority did John the Baptist receive from the angel?

*"To overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power." (verse 28).  John the Baptist was a preparer and he held the Aaronic priesthood or the preparatory priesthood.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off

center, we are out of balance, and we tip.

When we spiritually lean to our own understanding we lean away from our Savior.  If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ."

Happy Anniversary to us!
49 years and counting!

James placed a card on my study desk at Cathi and Terry's this morning.  It was the first thing I read.  I am so grateful to him.  He is my best friend, my priesthood leader, and the love of my life.  I wish everyone could be as happy as we are!

To celebrate we went to Biscuits for breakfast.  I got the same thing I got yesterday, Joe's Scramble, only this time I ate every bite.  James got the corned beef, potatoes, hashbrowns, and eggs. 

When we returned to Cathi's James put on his work clothes.  He is patching a section of drywall in Cathi and Terry's garage.  We he finishes he keeps in, takes a shower, and changes his clothes.  It is time for me to stop my gospel study and get ready to go home to Vernon.  I am sad we were not able to get our new windshield because we never heard back from our insurance company, National General.  On the way out of town we stopped at the Chandler Costco so James could get some batteries for his hearing aid.  We also got steaks, cough drops, and a few other items of groceries.  We ended up spending around $100.  Away we go!  We are still reading from "The Shack". Of course we went through Globe.

  

Our first stop on the way home was at the Burger King in Show Low for a Whopper Jr.  Next stop was the Vernon post office.  We got the book, "Joseph Smith, a Rough Stone Rolling," and two checks from Diana R.  I also got a thank you card from Rachel and a fidget spinner.  It is 65 degrees, overcast, and we get a little rain.  Perfect weather!  As I am unloading my suitcases and putting everything away a feeling of gratitude comes over me for my beautiful home and where we live.  We are truly blessed!

This evening we watch an old Taylor Cole movie on Hallmark.  James cooks steaks and I make some lemon pepper asparagus.  The perfect dinner.  These steaks are divine!

I finished reading "Dad's Who Stay and Fight" and did some other studying.  As we are sitting outside on our bedroom porch I head cows mooing.  We have not seen any cows since the 2014 fire.  James takes off on the Razr to check it out and says he saw 215 cows.  Oh dear, and this before we get our fence up.

I love James because:

He is an awesome grandpa!

He can cook!

He loves to study the gospel.

He is a hard worker.

This was a service project he did for 

Kim and Brian.

He likes to take me out to eat.

El Cupido's after the Snowflake temple

This is a chinese restaurant in Phoenix

that Kim recommended.  We took Alex, Michael,

and Kim here last year as part of our 

scripture study, lunch program.

He looks handsome in his suit 

and purple tie.

He is a wonderful father.

He helps me with projects for my 

Primary class.

Here he is making paper airplanes.

He takes me to the temple!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

I love you!

Monday, May 22nd, 2017

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 4 November 2007 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 4:5-20

* What does the phrase "bearing down in pure testimony" (Alma 4:19) suggest about how Alma would teach?

* When have you heard people bear "pure testimony?"  How have these experiences influenced you?

* What truths can we learn from Alma's example in Alma 4:19-20?

Principles:

* Fulfilling our spiritual duties may require sacrifice.

* Bearing pure testimony helps others draw closer to God.

Ether 11-12

11 Wars, dissensions, and wickedness dominate Jaredite life; Prophets predict the utter destruction of the Jaredites unless they repent; The people reject the words of the prophets.

12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God; Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith; Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ; The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble;The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith; Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation; Moroni saw Jesus face to face.

DC 76:81-101

81-113, The status of those in the telestial, terrestrial, and celestial glories is explained;

 How can the gospel be a gospel of tremendous love?

* As we show kindness and charity to others and develop Christlike attributes the gospel can be a gospel of love.

How can the Church be a stumblingblock to the wicked?

* The wicked feel inhibited by the commandments because they keep them from doing many of the things they want to do.  

General Conference

"Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It"

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" When we decide to do 'whatsoever God saith us' us, we earnestly commit to align our everyday behavior with God's will.  Such simple acts of faith as studying the scriptures daily, fasting regularly, and praying with real intent deepen our well of spiritual capacity to meet the demands of mortality.  Over time, simple habits of belief lead to miraculous results.  They transform our faith from a seedling into a dynamic power for good in our lives. Then, when challenges come our way, our rootedness in Christ provides steadfastness for our souls.  God shores up our weaknesses, increases our joys, and causes 'all things to work together for our good.'"

We had five elk outside this morning when I got up.  I have decided that the elk and the internet are a big distraction during the beginning of my gospel study time.  

Here are some other things I studied today: The Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson, "Kingdoms of Glory," the topical guide, Jesus Christ, and of course my study journals, The Living Christ, The Family Proclamation, the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures, my patriarchal blessing, scriptures on the Atonement to take with me to sacrament meeting, and 100 Favorite Verses about Christ.

More pictures of the Paris temple

James left this morning around 10 am. to pick up his friend Anthony.  Anthony is without a truck right now because of a frivolous lawsuit so the priesthood of our ward are providing transportation for him.  He told James he wanted to go to town to pick up some groceries at the Dollar Tree.  James ended up taking him five different places and buying lunch for him.  James was gone five hours but he did not complain.  He said Anthony was very appreciative.  One of the kids in my Primary class told me that the Cal-Ranch store had fidget spinners.  I sent James there to pick up a few.  When he asked the clerk if they had any he said they can't keep them.  As soon as they get here they are sold out.  I guess I will just have to wait for the ones I ordered from Amazon to get here.

Elder and Sister Renlund, then and now.

I noticed at 10:20 this morning that four of the elk were still here, and at 4:30 two of them walked through the yard probably looking for water.  James told me an interesting fact about elk.  He said there is an actual calendar you can get that will tell you when the elk are expected to come out on a particular day.  He told me about going hunting in New Mexico with his cousin Tommy and he had one of these calendars.  He said the elk are supposed to come out at 3:47 in the afternoon.  They had not seen any elk all day and then all of a sudden, just before 4 pm., several herds walked out in the open area where they were to feed.  He said deer are not like that.  They come out depending on the moon cycle.

Electra Lake in Colorado.  Tyler, my nephew,

posted this and said it is within walking distance

of where he lives.  Beautiful!

I ordered some birthday cards for our June family birthdays from Anna.  I can hardly wait for them to get here.

Rowan and his piano teacher after his

recital.  I am sad I missed it.

For F.H.E. we read lesson 11 in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "Home - the Basis of a Righteous Life."  Afterwards we watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch."  This series is not making me happy like the movies did.

These are pictures of my friend Brayling who is 

handicapped enjoying activity day at his school.

James and I read a story today about a white couple who

adopted two dark children and then chose to give birth

to black triplet daughters whom they adopted as embryos.

It was a great story!

Our friends the Miner's.

 I love the sunsets here because we have trees

and no electrical lines.

Friday, May 19th, 2017

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by

James E. Faust

Alma 2:19-38

* According to Alma 2:28, why did the Lord strengthen the Nephites?

* How can you follow Alma's example when you stand against wickedness?

* What is one way you can stand against wickedness now?

Ether 7-8

7 Orihah reigns in righteousness; Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up; Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.

8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom; Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king; Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations; Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.

DC 76:38-49

Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation; all others gain some degree of salvation;

How can the sons of perdition "reign" in eternity?

* They will reign under laws of the kingdom of the Devil, and of which we have had numerous illustrations in human history during the dark ages of ignorance, superstition, tyranny, and iniquity.  Evil passions of human beings and evil spirits rage, unrestrained by the gospel in the Devil's kingdom.  

General Conference

Raising a Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones

"We honor children who strive to live pure and obedient lives.  I have witnessed the strength of many children throughout the world.  They stand resilient, "steadfast and immovable" in a variety of challenging circumstances and environments.  These children understand their divine identity, feel Heavenly Father's love for them, and seek to obey His will."

Today I read from "Dads Who Stay and Fight," the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which I am trying to memorize, my Primary lesson, and Jesus Christ in the topical guide. 

The trees were frosted when I got up this morning. 

James and I went to town today.  We left around 11.  I had a lunch date at 11:30 with my friend Pam at Persnikkity's.  She offered to buy my lunch but I told her no because I was ordering something for James.  Little did I know that tomorrow is her birthday and I should have bought her lunch.  I did give her a conference quote attached to a bottle of diet Seven-Up.  

We both ordered salads.  I had the chicken oriental salad and it was delicious.  Pam ordered the nuts and berries salad and said it was delicious too.  This really is my favorite place to eat in Show Low, unless I want mexican food of course, and then it's Licano's.

Mr. Bluebird outside of his home.

I did some grocery shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get some screws, etc., for the trailer he is remodeling.  When we got home we watched an episode of Victoria.  She begins to like Albert and finally asks him to marry her.  

I ordered a 125GB iPad on Amazon today.  Because of my Amazon Prime membership there was no shipping charges, I get 5% off, on an already discounted price.  I also had $52 to use from credit card points.  They won't deliver it to a PO number so I had it sent to Cathi's.  Brian and Kim can bring it up when they come next week.

I am so excited!  I also got a lavender case for it. 

James changed our ac filters today.  I think it's

been awhile.

I also ordered a years subscription to the Ensign for my friend Charlotte.  I had to call her and get her address.  I was happy to hear that her kids all sent her flowers for mother's day.

We got our income tax papers from the accountant today.  We don't owe any income tax but we owe the accountant over $700.

Joshua's report on Wyatt Earp.

Now all he has to do is grow a mustache!

Paris, France temple

Baptismal font

Chapel

Spiral staircase

Celestial room

I am sure the Savior is pleased

with this new temple.