Monday, February 5th, 2018

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Luke 10:22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

*When have I been benefited by a priesthood blessing?

-When Stacy was 7 and had pneumonia and James gave her a blessing and she was healed. As her mother, that was a great benefit to me.

Old Testament

Exodus 28-29

28 Aaron and his sons are to be consecrated and anointed to minister in the priest's office - Aaron's garments are to include a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat, a miter, and a girdle - The breastplate of judgment is to contain twelve precious stones with the names of the tribes of Israel thereon - The rim and Thummim are to be carried in the breastplate.

29 Aaron and his sons are to be washed, anointed, and consecrated - Various sacrificial rites are to be performed - Atonement is to be made for the sins of the people - The Lord promises to dwell among them.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-2

1 Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:

General Conference

The Need Before Us

Bonnie L. Oscarson

" Elder D. Todd Christofferson has taught, 'A major reason the Lord has a church is to create a community of Saints that will sustain one another in the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.' He goes on to say, 'This religion is not concerned only with self; rather, we are all called to serve. We are the eyes, hands, head, feet, and other members of the body of Christ."

I came across these two quotes this morning while reading from "Rescuing Wayward Children:" "Holiness is the strength of the soul. It comes by faith and through obedience to God's laws and ordinances. God then purifies the heart by faith, and the heart becomes purged from that which is profane and unworthy." - President James E. Faust

"Sanctification is the process of becoming pure and spotless before God through the power of the sanctifier, who is the Holy Ghost, through true and constant repentance and a love of that which is good." - Blaine M. Yorgason

James and I went to lunch at Persnikkity's today. We were disappointed that they did not have our Philly cheesesteak sandwich. I ordered my second favorite thing, the chicken, green chili and bacon sandwich with sweet potato fries. James ordered the same thing except instead of sweet potato fries, he just had plain fries.  My friend Claire was there with a gentleman friend. She came over to me and gave me a big hug which made my day.

FH

After lunch we went to CVS to pickup James's prescriptions, and then on to Safeway for DP10, and then Walmart. We read from "The Marshall Takes a Wife." 

Lee texted James and said that his daughter, Debbie fell and broke her neck so they have been going back and forth from Ramah to the valley to help take care of her. We put her name on our prayer list.

For F.H.E. we listened to this conference talk: "The Plan and the Proclamation" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks. I also did 3 blog posts today. Hopefully I will catch up before the end of the year.

We watched "Secret Valentine," starring Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker and an episode of "Heartland" where Lou buys Maggie's Restaurant.

Chandler Stake Officers 

1984-85

Making orange juice

Carmen's dinosaur cake

The last time I went to Target I was disappointed.

They didn't have anything I was looking for and

Target didn't tell me what I needed.

Saturday, January 6th, 2018

Manti, Utah 

3rd operating temple
Dedicated: 17, 21-23 May 1888W
Written By: Wilford Woodruff and read by:
Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Moroni 10:33

And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:3-4

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Old Testament/Pearl of Great Price Reading

Genesis 11-2 and Abraham 2

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the Church's 1995 proclamation, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." Its declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.

Converted Latter-day Saints believe that the family proclamation, issued nearly a quarter century ago and now translated into scores of languages, is the Lord's reemphasis of the gospel truths we need to sustain us through current challenges to the family. Two examples are same-sex marriage and cohabitation without marriage."

I found this in the Old Testament Student Manual, page 59:

"But when I am ready to say, 'Father, all that I have, myself included, is Thine; my time, my substance, everything that I possess is on the altar, to be used freely, agreeable to Thy holy will, and not my will, but Thine, be done,' then perhaps I will be prepared to go and help to redeem Zion." (Joseph F. Smith, in Millennial Star, 18 June 1894, p. 385-86.)

I love this quote and want to be able to say this myself.

James and I went to the church in Vernon to clean. The Cranes, Ashley Umphress, Amy Reynolds, Shaylyn Smith, Alicia and Colter Hunsaker, and Tina Allen were also there to help. 

Some of the sisters were there just to take down Christmas decorations. The Cranes, Alicia and Colter, Shaylyn and Tina stayed to help clean the rest of the church. It is our week to clean and the Allen's  were asked to help us.

After we were finished James and I went to town. We had lunch at Persnikkity's. James recommended the twisted philly cheesesteak sandwich so that's what I ordered with a side of sweet potato fries. It was delicious! I would order it again in a heartbeat. 

Our next stop was the Book Barn. I got Colter and Curtis's names on two of the Bibles I ordered from the Distribution Center. I also got a Gospel Doctrine Old Testament manual and a new Sunday journal for me with my name on it. 

While I shopped at Walmart James of course went to Home Depot. I bought a cashbox to stick cash in. 

When we got home I napped until 4pm and then started working on Plan of Salvation handouts for all of the kids in my Primary class. We are studying the Old Testament this year and this is the first lesson. 

This evening we watched one of the new winterfest Hallmark movies, "Love on the Slopes." I got this quote from the movie:

"Be a warrior not a worrier."

We did not have any dinner. We are fasting along with the rest of our stake and many in the White Mountains for moisture. 

Hopefully on Wednesday!

One of my favorites.

Yes, the fidget spinner is spinning!

From today's Relief Society lesson.

The Goodman's are new in our ward. Cathy Arnett

messaged me and said her uncle Pierce was moving

to Vernon. She said he was like on of the three Nephites.

I think that means she really likes him.

Monday, June 5th, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014 by

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 11:26-46

*Why is it impossible to be saved in our sins?

*What is the difference between being saved in our sins and being saved from our sins?

*Alma 11:40 contains a principle that we must follow in order to be saved from our sins.  When we believe in Jesus Christ, we can be redeemed from our sins.

*Why do we need to believe in Jesus Christ to be saved from our sins?  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent.  Our faith has to include a 'correct idea of God's character, perfections, and attributes.' If we believe that God knows all things, is loving and is merciful, we will be able to put our trust in Him for our salvation without wavering.  Faith in Christ will change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with God's will."

*How might someone live their life differently if they believed there was no life after death?

*Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and judged according to their works.  

*"The purpose of the gospel is to cleanse people of their sins so they can receive the Savior's mercy at the day of judgment." (Preach My Gospel, p. 6.)

DC 84:74-88

62-76, They are to preach the gospel and signs will follow; 77-91, Elders are to go forth without purse or scrip, and the Lord will care for their needs;

How does it make me feel that the Lord does call me friend?

*It makes me want to be worthy of that friendship.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"We are not sent here completely in the dark.  Each of us was given a portion of God's light, called the 'Light of Christ,' to help us distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.  This is why even those who live with little or no knowledge of the Father's plan can still sense, in their hearts, that certain actions are just and moral while others are not."

His daily Guiding Hand

M. Joseph Brough

"Through His prophets, Heavenly Father constantly reminds us that righteousness is happiness.  King Benjamin, for example, taught that Heavenly Father 'doth require that ye should do as He hath commanded you; for which if ye do, He doth immediately bless you.'" (Mosiah 2:24)

I had to put James's shoes and socks on for him this morning because he couldn't bend over.  There are 15 cows in the yard and he needs to go chase them away.  

The Gospel Doctrine lesson this week is on the Word of Wisdom, a principle with a promise.  My Primary lesson is on Joseph Smith being tarred and feathered.  The gospel principle is the principle of forgiveness.  

I made a chocolate cake yesterday afternoon.  I like to do that and call it Sunday dinner.  It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting so I thought James would like it.  He told me that cake was his least favorite kind of chocolate.  I ended up flushing the cake down the garbage disposal or I would have ended up eating all of it.

James ask me to go to town with him this morning.  I really didn't want to go but I could tell he really wanted me to so I went.  Of course, our first stop was at Persnikkity's for lunch.  I waited in the car while he did the rest of his errands.  He really want to get the electric fence up before we leave town.  While I was waiting, I ordered 9 fidget spinners for my Primary class.  

When we got home from town I took a nap before working on my blog, paying bills, and making a meatloaf for dinner.  

For F.H.E. we read President Hinckley's lesson #12 entitled: "Obedience: Simply Live the Gospel.  Afterwards I began working on a budget.

It was a disappointing day for James.  The part he needed had to be ordered and he had to chase cows three times.  His back is hurting very badly and it makes him angry.  I told him that anger only makes things worse.

More Photos:

  

I wonder if Jesus likes cows as much as

He likes sheep. 

They aren't as cute as sheep.

This is Winter, Christina's baby

Christina and kids

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly:

Pure Class and Elegance

One Cool Dude!

June 4, 2016

Goodbye to Holly

Commercial Break

I love to see the temple,

I'm going there someday....

on June 22, 2017

Thursday, May 25th, 2017

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 January 1972 by

Joseph Fielding Smith

Rededicated: 21 September 2014 by

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 5:43-52

*Is there a way to know or learn something without using your five senses?

*According to Alma 5:48, what did Alma know?

*What did Alma say was the source of his testimony? (See verse 46)

*Elder M. Russell Ballard: "Individual, personal testimony of gospel truth, particularly the divine life and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, is essential to our eternal life....In other words, life eternal is predicated upon our own individual, personal knowledge of our Father in Heaven and His Holy Son.  Simply knowing about them is not enough.  We must have personal, spiritual experiences to anchor us.  These come through seeking them in the same intense, singleminded way that a hungry person seeks food" (Feasting at the Lord's Table," Ensign, May 1996, 80).

Ether 15-Moroni 5

Ether 15  Millions of the Jaredites are slain in battle; Shiz and Coriantumr assemble all the people to mortal combat; The Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them; The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed; Only Coriantumr remains.

Moroni 1 Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites; The Nephites who will not deny Christ are put to death. A.D. 401-21,

Moroni 2 Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Moroni 3 Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands.

Moroni 4 How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained.

Moroni 5 The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth.

DC 78:1-22

1-4, The Saints should organize and establish a storehouse; 5-12, Wise use of their properties will lead to salvation; 13-14, The Church should be independent of earthly powers; 15-16, Michael (Adam) serves under the direction of the Holy One (Christ); 17-22, Blessed are the faithful, for they will inherit all things.

How will the Lord bless His faithful servants?

*With Eternal Life.

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Far from being anxious to condemn, our Heavenly Father and our Savior seek our happiness and plead with us to repent, knowing full well that 'wickedness never was and never will be happiness.'

So Ezekiel and every prophet before and since, speaking the word of God out of a full heart, have warned all who will to turn away from Satan, the enemy of their souls, and 'choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men."

From "Dads Who Stay and Fight" at the beginning of the chapter 'Dads Who Build Forts': "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

And from page 145 of the same book: "I believe that there is a direct correlation between a man who was firm in the faith of Christ as Moroni was, and a man who builds physical and spiritual forts for his family."

I downloaded the book "Christ and the New Covenant" on my phone and have started to listen to it.  I read it when it first came out but that was awhile ago.  

James and I had lunch at Persnikkity's today.  He had his favorite sandwich, the twisted Philly cheesesteak, and I had my favorite salad, the Chinese chicken.  They were both yummy.  You ask me how I know?  Because I tasted them both!

While I was at Walmart James went shopping for fence posts for our new fence.  When we came home and he unloaded them he scared the elk away.

Before being scared away.

Just minding their own business before their rude interruption.

Sheri and Shayna loving the same glasses at work.

At first I thought this was real, and then I realized

after seeing the signature at the bottom, that it was a painting.

I left to go see Vickie before Rachel opened her gifts.

Elder Robert D. Hales and his wife Mary.
I loved his last conference talk on being a 
Disciple of Christ.

Me when I'm late for Church.

I love these three!

Monday, March 20, 2017

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Jacob 4:1-18

All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ - Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544-421 B.C.

When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take He counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

Alma 43

Alma and his sons preach the word - The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites - The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war - Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor - The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites - The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion - The aries of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

DC 44:1-6

Elders are to assemble in conference; The are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.

How can we better listen to the Spirit so that we can help people in various circumstances?

General Conference

Joy and Spiritual Survival

President Russell M. Nelson

"He taught us how to have joy  When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior's Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy."

I like a quote I read in The Contrite Spirit:

"If we keep our covenants with Him, He will keep us spiritually safe."

At 10:15 James and I left for Hailey's to deliver her desk, some cookies, and the visiting teaching message.  Hailey has a new car.  She traded in her Jeep for a Toyota 4-Runner.  

After we left Hailey's we went to Persnikkity's for lunch.  I had the green chili chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries.  James had the Phillly cheesesteak sandwich and broccoli, cheese soup.  Next stop was the Book Barn to get Jeron and Jace's names put on their scriptures.  I texted Hailey and told her they had the "Dragonwatch" book at Book Barn.  Braylin, her son, is a big Fablehaven fan.

This is the book I got for Addy.

When I was in Walmart doing a little shopping I saw my cousin Rita and her husband Bill.

Rita said her mom was doing quite well except for her back.

She is going to have a proceedure done at the Arizona Pain Center in Show Low.

This afternoon I worked on my blog and did some filing.  James and I watched the movie "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" and then had FHE.  We listened to the conference talk, "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves.  We went to bed around 8:30.

Fun Photos

The home builder built a home for

his feathered friends.

Don't you just love this face!

I wish I could remember who Emmy was doing her report on.

My favorite salad, Pei Wei's

spicy chicken.

Dallin, Joe, and Michael the photo bomber.

Harry Potter look alikes.

When it rains, the frogs come out.

2012

Our dream patio

Wupatki National Monument