December 26th, 2019

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

2 Nephi 22:2

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:20-34

New Testament

Revelation 16-18; Redheaded Hostess and New Testament Student Manual

Oct General Conference

"Knowing, Loving, and Growing"

Elder Hans T. Boom

"There is no need to constantly tell our spouse or children how they can improve; they know that already. It is in creating an environment of love that they will be empowered to make the necessary changes in their lives and become better people.

In this way repentance becomes a daily process of refining that might include apologizing for poor behavior. I remember and still experience situations where I have been too quick to judge or too slow to listen. And at the end of the day, during my personal prayer, I felt loving counsel from heaven to repent and become better. The loving environment first created by my parents, brother, and sisters and later by my wife, children, and friends has helped me to become a better person."

We left the house and our company around 10:10 this morning. I returned two books I had ordered to UPS. One book cost $16 to return. UPS is too expensive. 

We were supposed to meet a Medicare supplement insurance agent who is with Physicians Mutual at Panda Express at 11. He texted James and said it was too noisy and there were no tables available at Panda and could we meet at Firehouse Subs, so that's where we went. It's right next door to UPS. 

While James picked out a table to wait for Todd Walker, the agent with Physicians Mutual, I went up to order us something to eat. 

I ordered a large Philly cheesesteak and James and I split it. I also go some chips and a drink. I asked Todd if he wanted anything but he declined. 

We spent about an hour with Todd and it was a total waste of time. His company will not cover my infusions. We are currently with Trans America through the NRA. We qualify for the insurance because James is a lifetime member of the NRA. They cover my infusions so we are staying put.

 Todd had convinced James over the phone that he could get us insurance $77 a month cheaper which obviously was not the case.

We left Firehouse and headed for Linden to see Dennis, Denise, Harold and Vickie. Since Dennis was the only one who answered my text we went to his house first. He and Denise were both home and Rachel and her 2 1/2 year old daughter Evie were there too.

We brought banana nut bread and blankets for Dennis, Denise, Harold, and Vickie. I tried to call Vickie and Harold but my phone would not work in Dennis's house. It was okay because they came over after we had been there a little while. 

Evie loved James. She sang him songs and made him sit a certain way on the floor so she could roll a ball to him. When he got the ball he was supposed to make an animal noise.

Evie to the "people" on her tower: "Don't fall people."

Evie sang about alligators getting the monkeys several

times. She also sang "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and

"Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed."

When they were sitting on the floor playing with the ball James had

to put his legs out a certain way before she would roll him the ball.

I think Denise was a little jealous of Vickie's yellow blanket. She kept commenting about how pretty it was. We enjoyed our visit. We need to go over and visit more often.

Rachel, Evie, Dennis, Denise, and Evie again

Denise and Rachel told about a book program Dolly Parton has called Imagination Library. Evie receives a free book every month from them until she is five. They are sent to Denise because she lives in a rural area. Dolly is doing the program  in memory of her dad who never learned how to read. 

When we left the cabin Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Dallin, Sarah, and the three dogs Vader, Shipley and Charlie were there. When we returned Michael and Alexis had arrived and everyone was eating pizza from "Pizza Factory" the Gonzales's favorite pizza place on the mountain. 

I took a nap and was working on a blogpost when Kacey texted and said Jared has had some numbing on the left side of his face over the last few days. It has gotten worse and is almost completely numb and he's also had severe headaches. He went to urgent care and they told him to go directly to the ER for brain scans. He is headed there shortly. Please keep him in your prayers. I will keepy you updated. 

I immediately sent a family message out asking for everyone to offer a prayer for Jared. James, Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Dallin, and I knelt down and James offered a prayer. We are worried it may be a stroke. 

Alex, Shayna, Max, and Evan arrived. All of the boys have glowing light sabers that make sounds like the real thing. Dallin built a bonfire outside. It was cool looking out and seeing the light saber fights in the dark. 

The new TV has been on just about nonstop while Stacy is working on the Disney puzzle Adam gave her for Christmas. 

While we were in town today we bought a wall mounting kit for the old TV to be mounted in our bedroom. James installed it and when he asked for help Michael and Alex came in. It took awhile to get it mounted and other people wandered in including Dallin and Shayna who were talking about someone who is running for president that they like whose name is Andrew Wong. 

Back in the family room Stacy wants to watch "The Greatest Showman" with Sarah who has never seen it but it is too noisy. 

Kacey texted back regarding Jared: 

CT scan shows a lipoma in the brain which is a benign fatty type tumor. Typically not serious but depending on location and size could be but  not usually. Doesn't seem to be too big from what he can tell. Also CT shows sinus disease especially on the left side. Either of these could be causing the symptoms. He's not a neurologist though but just an ER doctor. He has a call in to the neurologist to figure out what is next. So more waiting. Blood work was normal.

Thank goodness it is not as serious as it could have been but we are still worried and will continue our prayers.

This is Kacey's last text:

Jared ended up getting home around 1:00 last night. They gave him steroids for the inflammation in his face and started an antibiotic for the sinusitis. The neurologist has scheduled him for an MRI today to figure out more.

Dallin looks like he has a headache

Cousin Christina and her family

Saturday, November 9th, 2019

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 42:59

Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6
What blessings are promised to those who pay their tithing?
Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God. Obedience to this law bring the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10-12. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithing: "I suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings. First, do so for the sake of your children. Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God's rightful due. This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithing and offerings. We should pay the as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. Through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually." (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33-35.)
New Testament
Hebrews 6; I/F: Hebrews 2:9-10; 5:1-5; SS: Jesus Christ knows what it's like to experience suffering; Scriptural examples of people comforted by Jesus.

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes"

Russell M. Nelson

" Dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to be with you again in general conference. Earlier this week, announcements were made to members of the Church about changes in policy regarding who may serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. I would like to highlight these three points. 

1 A proxy baptism for a deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend, including a limited-use recommend.

2. Any endowed member with a current temple recommend may serve as a witness to sealing ordinances, living and proxy.

3. Any baptized member of the Church may serve as a witness of the baptism of a living person. This change pertains to all baptisms outside the temple."

"Adjustments to Strengthen Youth"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Our youth live in an exciting but also challenging time. The choices available have never been more dramatic. One example: the modern smartphone provides access to incredibly important and uplifting information, including family history and the holy scriptures. On the other hand, it contains foolishness, immorality, and evil not readily available in the past. To help our youth navigate this maze of choices, the Church has prepared three profound and comprehensive initiatives. First, curriculum has been strengthened and expanded to the home. Second, a children and youth program that includes exciting activities and personal development was presented just last Sunday by President Russell M. Nelson, President M. Russell Ballard, and the General Officers A third initiative is organizational changes to make youth a more significant focus of our bishops and other leaders. This focus must be spiritually powerful and help our youth become the youth battalion President Nelson has asked them to become."

We worked at the temple today. The buzz in the break room was the 32 Spanish speaking members coming for the 11 o'clock session from the valley. We have enough brother and sister workers to cover the session in Spanish. There is also an own endowee who is Spanish speaking. Sister Cureton served a Spanish speaking mission in Argentina from 1968-70. She was confident she could communicate with this sister who speaks very little English. She said that whatever she didn't remember, the Lord would help her with.

I was in initiatory three times today. I think Sister Elmer, the coordinator, is determined that I am going to learn the initiatory ordinances by heart.  I had my break with Sister Bradshaw who has been gone the past couple of weeks. She brought sausage gravy and biscuits. I got my plate and followed her over to the food was. I told her I was going to eat whatever she ate because I wanted to look exactly like her. She has had 11 kids and she looks great.

The bus with the Spanish speaking members from the valley was late. The 11:00 session didn't start until 11:23. 

I got to visit a little with my friend Debbie Vance who is Rex Bergstrom's mother-in-law. Rex and Jamie are coming to Arizona for Thanksgiving but they won't be coming up here. Most of the family is in the valley so Debbie and Jim will go down there to see them.

I was at the sealing desk today for 30 minutes and helped one couple. The rest of the time I read the chapter headings for Genesis and Exodus.

James and I both got out early today which was great since Paul is at home waiting to help James split wood. We stopped at McDonald's and Walmart before going home. 

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua went for a ride over to Greer this morning. They were disappointed that the ice cream shop is no longer there. They did see a big herd of elk, spotted by Stacy. She said she learned how to look for elk from dad.

James hurried and got ready to split wood. He and Paul went out and Joshua was upstairs playing online video games. Stacy asked him if he would please go outside and help, which he did. I took him out a pair of gloves. At one point he wanted to go in and Paul said. "See that man over there? He is older than the both of us put together. We don't quit until he does."

Stacy did a puzzle and she and I watched some highlights of "Dancing with the Stars." She doesn't watch the show and there were a couple of things I wanted her to see. 

James made venison gravy and I made biscuits for dinner. Stacy and Paul were so happy. Joshua, not so much.

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua watched "The Wilder People." 

On the road to Greer

Joshua and grandpa. Paul must be taking the picture.

The elk that was in our yard on Monday.

 How fun!

 A friend from high school passed away yesterday.

Carl Cosper. He worked in my dad's store and we went

out for awhile. He came to ASU when I was going with James

and told me he wanted to go with me again. It was too late because I was already engaged. He was a nice guy.

Friday, February 8th, 2019

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 1:34

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:22-3:5

What do I learn about joy in these verses?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Temptation; "Rise to the Stature of the Divine within You" Gordon B. Hinckley, October 1989.

General Conference

"Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ"

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The temptations and tribulations we experience, plus any testing that the Lord sees fit to impose, can lead to our full conversion and healing. But this happens if, and only if, we do not harden our hearts or stiffen our necks against Him. If we remain firm and steadfast, come what may, we achieve the conversion the Savior intended when He said to Peter, 'When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren,' a conversion so complete that it cannot be undone. The promised healing is the cleansing and sanctification of our sin-wounded souls, making us holy."

Happy Birthday Stacy!

47 years ago Stacy made me a mom.

2018

A few years ago

James: "It's 18 this morning, up from 10 yesterday. We're gettin' up there." My own personal weatherman.

I had a lunch date with my friend Pam today. She suggested that instead of eating at the hospital where all the sick people are that we go to Panda or Wendy's. I chose Panda because I have been craving orange chicken for awhile. James doesn't like Panda so I haven't had any for awhile. 

Pam's lunch looked much healthier than my orange chicken over friend rice. 

While Pam and I were lunching James was taking the car to Jiffy Lube to be serviced. They told him he was back too soon. The synthetic oil should last 7,500 miles. He got the car washed, got gas, rabbit feed, and Dr. Pepper 10. 

Pam and I really click. I was sad to miss Jenny who went home sick but Pam and I talked about President Nelson's fireside, missionaries, and other topics we probably wouldn't discuss if Jenny was with us. Pam said she wishes she had tickets to see the Nelson's. I told her I wished I had known, I probably could have gotten some for her. 

James and I listened to a talk today by President Hinckley from the 1989 women's conference. It was called, "Rise to the Stature of the Divine within You." It was so great to hear President Hinckley's voice. He counseled women in three areas: 1. Educate your hands and your minds 2. Keep marriage and motherhood in proper perspective. 3. Walk with prayer and faith, with charity and love.

By the time we got back home our car was muddy again. I guess we are just destined to have a muddy car until the weather dries out. 

I needed a rest and some Tramadol when we got home. I finally got around to blogging. I blogged for last Sunday and it took awhile. 

James is in the market to buy a scanner for our book business. He ordered one tonight. We are going to take it to the library with us and scan books which will give us their sales rank and how much they should sell for.

 Old time Chandlerites,

Cleora Ellsworth and Florence Cluff.

 Love this picture of both of them.

 So cute!

 Sandy and Teresa

Teresa and Stacy, and yes 

she has wet pants. 

 I keep finding these peg people from the Life game.

 So cute!

Sunday, December 2nd, 2018

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple 

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Death of

Luke 9:31
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Book of Mormon #1
Ether 2:1-12
*Ether 2:8-11 states what Moroni called "the everlasting decree of God." (v.10) concerning this land of promise. Stated three or four times, this decree is that "whatsoever nation shall possess this land shall serve God, or they shall be swept off" (v.9). President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that obedience is essential if the promised land is to keep its promised blessings: "Great are the promises concerning this land of America. We are told unequivocally that it is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12). This is the crux of the entire matter - obedience to the commandments of God." (Oct 2001, GC). Compare Ether 2:7-12 with Nephi 1:6-10. List the promises and the warnings given to the inhabitants of America.
Book of Mormon #2
Alma 63 - Helaman 2
Old Testament
Jonah 1-2
General Conference

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook
"This Sunday schedule allows more time for a home evening and to study the gospel at home on Sunday or at other times as individuals and families may choose. A family activity night could be held on Monday or at other times. To this end, leaders should continue to keep Monday evenings free from Church meetings and activities. However, time spent in home evening, gospel study, and activities for individuals and families may be scheduled according to their individual circumstances."

Bishop Miller conducted our fast and testimony meeting today and told of an experience of going to the temple in Mexico and how different it was because they really aren't worried about starting on time. He also bore testimony that the Church is true and is led by Jesus Christ and His prophet.

Others who bore their testimonies: 

Sister Vaught, Brother Greer who will be serving a mission soon. He is going to be a secretary to someone in an area authority presidency. Brother Greer said that President Nelson has been "renewed," and is preparing us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Sister Hahn, and Sister Van Haren who are both new bore their testimonies about gratitude and the importance of the scriptures. Dave Westbrook who was the keynote speaker at an agricultural convention in Nigeria, bore his testimony about how grateful he is for the gospel. Brother Price said he made a commitment in 1989 to bear his testimony at least once a quarter and he has been able to do that on a consistent basis. 

We had a sister visit from Mesa and she bore a pure and simple five point testimony including Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith as a prophet and President Nelson as the prophet today. Jackson, who is waiting to go back on his mission after being treated for six months for ADHD bore his testimony about Heavenly Father and how he knows us and loves us and knows our needs. Dear sweet Ellen bore her testimony about her baptism and her husbands this coming Saturday. She said when she was a little Jewish girl she felt like something was missing when she went to temple. She said she has figured out that what was missing was Jesus. She and Dave will both be baptized. They having been investigating the Church for over 12 years so this is pretty exciting!

James bore his testimony about how he is "changed" because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Kathy Crane admonished us to pray for those that we don't see here. Ty Applegate, a priest, said that the reason we are here is so that we can learn to become like Christ. 

It was snowy and cold today. I think we probably got at least 4 inches of snow. A good day to stay inside and study the gospel.

I learned some things about the prophet Jonah:

Both Jonah and Jess were from the Galilee area. That Jonah's story is a true one is evidenced by 2 Kings 14:25 and 3 New Testament references. The story of Jonah was referred to by our Lord on two occasions when he was asked for a sign from heaven. In each case he gave 'the sign of the prophet Jonah,' the event in that prophet's life being a foreshadowing of Jesus' own death and resurrection (Matt 12:39-41; Luke 11:29-30).

James and I came home after the block, ate some lunch and took a nap on the couch. I cut my nap short and went in to prepare for tithing settlement. James said we were signed up for 2:15 today. I got everything ready, woke James up and shot out the door after 2. We got to the Church at 2:17 to find the door locked. There were a couple of cars in the parking lot so James found another door and got in. None of the bishopric were there. We looked at the signup sheet and discovered that we were signed up for next Sunday at 2:15. Oh well, at least now we are ready.

Christmas quote from the movie, "A Twist on Christmas":

"Amidst all the hubbub, don't forget to look up and

see the lights." 

This evening James and I watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Afterwards I sent out group texts to the family about James's surgery on Tuesday. 

I realized tonight that I forgot to send some of Lois's Christmas stockings to the family in Texas and Arkansas. I will have to do that tomorrow when I mail Ben's Christmas package.

These are a few of my favorite people:

 Chandler State Champs in football again!

 Time flies!

So precious!

So many gorgeous pictures of the

Idaho Falls temple.

On our way home from Church.

Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona

is Winslow the pig.