Monday, June 24th, 2019

Colonia Juarez, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

2 Nephi 31:16

And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

Book of Mormon

Alma 21:1-23

What does it mean to be "zealous for keeping the commandments of God?"

New Testament "He Is Risen"

Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10

General Conference

Come Follow Me

President Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus Christ teaches the way back to our eternal home. He understands our Heavenly Father's plan of eternal progression better than any of us. After all, He is the keystone of it all. He is our Redeemer, our Healer, and our Savior."

We sold three books today: "Dimensions of Human Behavior," "Leadership and Nursing Care Management," and "Arrhythmia Recognition." 

As I was thinking about my day yesterday I realized that in Relief Society I learned about the importance of repentance and then Sunday evening I watched two TV shows, one which was not Sabbath appropriate. I could say I was home alone and the TV keeps me company but that is a cop out. I need to do better. I should have read from my book about President Nelson.

On my way out of town this morning I stopped at the Vernon post office to speak with Debbie, the postmistress. (Is that right?)

I told her I would be gone out of town until Saturday and I was expecting quite a few books and asked her to please hold them for me. I had to sign a paper giving them permission to hold my mail. 

Debbie asked me where I was going and when I told her to our timeshare in the valley she said, "I'm going to be gone too, but I'm going somewhere better, Durango." Little does she know I don't ever leave my condo unless absolutely necessary and I crank the air conditioner down to wherever it feels good.

My trip was pretty uneventful until I got to Star Valley where I had to wait over 30 minutes for road construction. James is waiting to take me to lunch before he goes to work at Hatch's Dental so I had to tell him I would be 30 minutes later than expected.

After unpacking the car James and I headed for Pei Wei for lunch. He said he wasn't hungry so I suggested we order the lettuce wraps to share, which we did. I also ordered a salad with orange chicken.

My spicy chicken salad is no longer on the menu.

We finished the lettuce wraps in no time.

I saved half my salad to take home with me.

Not as good as the spicy chicken.

James takes a short nap and is off to work at Hatch's around 3 pm. I am "home alone." I work on my book business, I'm still trying to buy 10 books a day, watch the Foodnetwork, and walk from the table through the door to the bedroom and bath, back around to the table, it's a nice circle. 

Not much else happened in Palm Court Rm 1069 here at the Sheraton Desert Oasis.

 Scarlett's a little blurry because this 

is a video.

I need to remember to pray for the firefighters.

 The hospital where Jared had his appendix out.

 Worth the wrestle

Saturday, April 13th, 2019

Payson, Utah

146th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 3:35

The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 7:8-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 17:24-27; Luke 9:57-62

General Conference

Your Priesthood Playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"Create your own playbook of how you will prove yourself as a disciple of Christ."

FYI: Max and Evan went with their ward to do baptisms for the dead this morning. Max baptized 10 people and then was baptized for 3. I'm not sure about Evan, he was asleep when we visited today.

We left a little later than we had planned, around 6 a.m. but still in plenty of time to make the funeral. I read scriptures and a conference talk but we didn't get to finish the conference talks I wanted to read because we were out of range. We finished our proper romance novel except for the epilogue. 

We arrived at Darrel's just before 9:30. He rode with us to the funeral. We met Sheri there and we all sat together. It was great to see so many good friends from Chandler. Betty Bogle was taking a leave from her mission to visit her brother who had a stroke and was able to be here for the funeral. Here are some others we saw: The Pace's, Davis's, Trudy Lamb, Dave, Laura, Sandy and Pat, the Tolman's, Paul without Stacy, the Bueler girls, all the Arnett kids, and of course Cathy. I wrote Thursday that the Arnett's had 10 kids but I had forgotten about Casey so I had to go back and correct it to 11, 5 girls and 6 boys. 

It was great hearing stories about Cliff's life. Wayne Lamb, Cliff and Cathy's son-in-law, and their bishop, conducted the funeral. Cliff's brother H.B. Arnett was the first speaker. Here are some notes from his talk: 

His children are God's eternal masterpieces, including Cliff.

The Be Attitudes describe Cliff and Cathy's lives. 

Cliff was everybody's friend. He served a mission to Argentina. He was a football star in high school. 

In regards to his marriage to Cathy:

"Not many men get to marry an angel."

The eternal fire of love burns brighter still.

Memories of Cliff by his children and grandchildren:

Other than diet Dr. Pepper and a candy bar, things were not important to him, people were. He had nicknames for almost everyone. (He called Sheri's boyfriend, Mark Brusstar, 'Old Broccoli Top.')

He loved to eat ice cream because it made life better,

friends were family, (Cliff coached Darrel every year he played baseball.)

He would rather by 5 cars for $500 a piece than one car for $2,500 because they would last longer and you didn't have to get them fixed. If they broke down you just left them by the side of the road.

He respected everyone, no matter their position. 

H.B. said that when Cliff gets to heaven he is sure he is going to ask his dad, "Where's the auction"? 

(He went to car auctions and calf auctions too)

The grandkids sang, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me". I think there were 33 grandchildren. Wendy's son Reed was the lead singer. He has a beautiful voice and was just in his high school's production of "Newsies." 

Pierce Goodman, Cathy and Cliff's cousin, (Yes, they were related) spoke next. He lives here in Vernon and is our friend. 

I have been asked to cheer up and to comfort. Mourning is a deep experience of true love. What is the purpose of life?

"This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." - Moses 1:39

Know this, that all are free to choose.

Peace and fullness of joy.

Our purpose is to receive exaltation and to return and live in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Not all problems are overcome in this life. The work goes on after this life. 

Pierce quoted from a talk given by Dallin H. Oaks called, 
"Memories of My Father." 
'I remembered that my father loved me.'
Jackie, Cliff's daughter said: 
"Our dad raised kids and cattle. Boggs was the calf whisperer."
Heavenly Father loves all of His children.
Jesus Christ is our perfect example.
An eternal perspective brings peace. 
We were born to die and we die to live. 
We barely bloom on earth, we fully flower in Heaven.

Wayne Lamb was the last speaker. He told about asking Cliff for Chea's hand in marriage and then he told about going with Cliff to feed cattle and he always had to stop at the QT to get a diet Dr. Pepper and Hydrox cookies. If everyone else liked Oreo's, Cliff liked Hydrox because he wanted to be different and not follow the crowd. He would say to Wayne when he sent him in the store, "I'll split it with you." Wayne thought he meant the cost and once he reminded Cliff, I thought you said you were going to split these with me. Cliff said, "I am", and shoved the box of cookies across the seat to Wayne.

Outside after the funeral I gave Wendy a hug and then I talked to Cathy and Trudy Lamb and gave Cathy a hug. She made a comment to me of something that I wasn't aware of. She said, "Cliff was never the same after he lost his eyesight." 

Later I spoke to the Goodman's and Barbara, Pierce's wife told me one night about four years ago he saw lines before his eyes. He went to bed and when he woke up he could not see. It was because of bleeding on the brain. Cliff died of a brain anuresym.

Wayne spoke to Cathy and told her she was not alone. He said: "We love you and are grateful to you for serving your companion for over 50 years. Heavenly Father will not forget what you have done for one of His sons. You may be exhausted but you never gave up. Families are Forever. The best part of death is returning home. Cathy, you will not be left alone as you go about your Father's work."

We stopped at the Pei Wei in Queen Creek for lunch and then we took Darrel home and changed our clothes. James had to go to the Willis's and to some work. Armando was supposed to do some cleanup but his daughter is in the hospital and he has not left her side. Her name is Allison and she is nine years old. She has fluid on her lungs.

I went to Sheri's and visited with her and Max while James was working. Max was practicing his guitar. Evan was asleep on the couch. Sheri showed me the baby kitties and the mama ran away and of course Ollie chased her. We made a trip to Sonic to get drinks and then went outside in the backyard with Ollie. Ian was going to Home Depot to get some paint for their family room. I told Sheri I wanted to paint my bedroom a darker color and she said she would come up this summer and help me paint. I told her I had lots of Hallmark movies in my DVR and we could watch them while we paint. 

I made James go home the Payson way because I am sick of the Globe way. We stopped at the Culver's in Payson and got some dinner. When we got home we walked for awhile and then watched the new Hallmark move, "Bottled with Love."

I love this picture because this is how I 
remember Cathy and Cliff.

I told Addy I was getting her one.
She just laughed.

I love this picture.

Two beautiful girls!

Two Andrew Walker movies tonight.

This scene reminded James of fishing in British Columbia
with Ian.

Val and Jenna from "DWTS" got married.
Jenna is a Mormon girl from Utah and Val is a Jewish boy
from Brooklyn.

Kacey's sister Loren and her family.

 You go girl!

Oh Joshua, you are growing up.

Friday, July 14th, 2017

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Alma 32:21-43

*How do we plant spiritual "seeds?"

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

DC 101:51-62

63-75, The Saints are to continue gathering together;

How can we stay stronger amid the chaos that is around us?

*"Peace, it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." We can gain that peace by doing those things that make our soul happy...reading scriptures, praying, service, going to church, etc...When we are at peace, it doesn't matter what chaos is billowing all around us. We are grounded and strong because of our choices.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel

Valeri V. Cordon

" Verily, verily I say nto you, The Son can do nothig of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." -John 5:19

I had my infusion this morning at 9:30. 

Afterwards James and I went to lunch at Pei Wei. I have been craving their lettuce wraps and spicy chicken salad. Both were delicious!

When we got home we took a nap and then I had a date with Ruby. 

When I get to Darrel and Trina's I am bombarded with hugs and kisses from four sweet kids. Trina was at work and Darrel was with the kids. I should have taken some pictures.

Ruby and I headed to Deseret Book to get her some scriptures. Ruby is getting baptized tomorrow. We saw Cathi while we were shopping and Ruby invited her to her baptism. 

Ruby picked out the maroon leather quad. While we are waiting for her name to be imprinted We do a little more shopping and then as we leave I suggest that we go to Kneader's and get everyone some brownies. 

Ruby is so worried that I am going to spend too much money on her. I love that about her. We buy a dozen brownies and head back to take Ruby home. On the way Ruby says: "Oh grandma, these scriptures are so soft." Such a sweet girl. 

I called my friend Charlotte and talked with her while driving home. When I tell her I need to go she says a quick goodbye and hangs up. It makes me feel bad.

James painted his water trailer and is getting ready to sell it. I work on my blog for July 1st and 2nd. It is so hot, something is wrong with Cathi and Terry's air conditioner, they go to bed at 8.

James was hungry so I asked Cathi if he could have some ziti. Of course she said yes. 

Jared and Kacey got a house. They move in tomorrow.

Random Photos:

Lola enjoying her brownie.

She was asleep when we got home.

Darrel sent me this picture.

Tea Party 2015?

 I couldn't agree more.

2015

Jared and Emmy having scriptures together.

Emmy's date.

I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset.

Thursday, May 11th, 2017

Meridian, Idaho

Open House: October 2017

Mosiah 27:18-37

* In my scriptures I have a post-it with Alma, Before and After written on it.  On the before side I have written the description of Alma before he saw the angel as recorded in Mosiah 27:8-10.  On the after side I have written how he was after he saw the angel as recorded in Mosiah 27:23-24, 28-29.  This helps me to remember the importance of repentance and how powerful it is.

* How have you been changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ as you have repented and done your best to follow the Savior?

Gospel Principle: Each of us must be born again through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Mormon 4-5

4 War and carnage continue; The wicked punish the wicked; Greater wickedness prevails than ever before in all Israel; Women and children are sacrificed to idols; The Lamanites begin to sweep the Nephites before them. About A.D. 363-75.

5 Mormon again leads the Nephite armies in battles of blood and carnage; The Book of Mormon will come forth to convince all Israel that Jesus is the Christ; Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites will be scattered, and the Spirit will cease to strive with them; They will receive the gospel from the Gentiles in the latter days. About A.D. 375-84.

DC 72:1-26

Elders are to render an account of their stewardship unto the bishop; The bishop keeps the storehouse and cares for the poor and needy; bishops are to certify the worthiness of elders.

General Conference

Stand Up Inside and Be All In

Elder Gary B. Sabin

"Conference is a time of reflection, revelation and sometimes redirection. "If the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.  All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him.'-Ezekiel 18:21-22.

What a fabulous promise, but it requires two alls to receive the promise of the third.  Turn from all; keep all; then all is forgiven.  This requires being all in!"

James and I had prayer together before he left for work.  For breakfast I had a shake, a blueberry muffin, blueberries and chocolate.  I played several games of Solitaire before I actually accomplished anything this morning.  Games are such a time waster!

I finished my Sunday post before starting my gospel study.  Part of my gospel study was the Gordon B. Hinckley lesson called "The Precious Gift of Testimony."  This was a wonderful lesson.  My testimony of Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ and the Restoration of the Gospel, including the Book of Mormon are my most precious possession.  I loved the examples President Hinckley shared of the lives of individual members of the Church and how they gained their testimonies.

James came home for a lunch break a little after 11.  We went to Pei Wei for lunch and beat the crowd.  While we were eating the line went out the door.  We ordered lettuce wraps to share and James ordered Mongolian beef with rice and I had the spicy chicken salad.  It was a delicious lunch.

I did some blogging later this afternoon for Monday and Tuesday while eating my leftover alfredo noodles from Olive Garden. Why do all my posts contain something about food?
 James came home and said my worries were over.  I asked him what he meant and he said Susan J. is engaged.  I teased him about her being his girlfriend.  She is marrying someone who is a sealer in the Phoenix temple.  

We got ready and left for Lois's around 4:45 to give her the mothers day card that Anna made for her.  We got an added bonus because Dawn was home too.  Our visit was short because we wanted to stop to get Addy some flowers before attending her last choir concert of the year.  We stopped at the Fry's on McClintock and Baseline.  They had a big display of flowers and James picked out a nice bouquet.  I think Addy will like them.  In the meantime, the candy bar I got her melted in my purse.  If I would have noticed sooner I could have gotten her another one while in Fry's.  

Highland High School is on Power and Guadalupe.  We arrived a little early and saved a row for Trina, the kids, and Trina's parents.  
During the first number Ruby says to me: "They sang this song last time."  I said: "What?  Is this a rerun?"  Lola loves Trina's parents but she did sit on my lap for awhile.  The concert wasn't too long and after it was over James gave Addy her flowers.

Addy and her flowers with Trina in the background.

10 year old Max and Harry Potter.

My friend Jean at Lone Butte buffet.
A good place to eat.

The Vernon ward young women.

Summer and Tanner getting ready for
scripture study on the grounds of the 
San Antonio temple.

New hats for Paul and  Joshua.

I want my porch and yard to look like this.

Scout is all grown up.