Monday, March 4th, 2019

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 20:31

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Mattew 8:1-17; 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12 "Thy Faith Hath Made Thee Whole"

"Healing the Sick" Dallin H. Oaks

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"I believe that it is less a question of whether our children are 'getting it' in the midst of our teaching, such as while striving to read the scriptures or to have family home evening or to attend Mutual and other Church meetings. It is less a question of whether in those moments they are understanding the importance of those activities and more a question of whether we, as parents, are exercising faith enough to follow the Lord's counsel to diligently live, teach, exhort, and set forth expectations that are inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is an effort driven by our faith - our belief that one day the seeds sown in their youth will take root and begin to sprout and grow."

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Be not troubled." No matter how much wickedness and chaos fill the earth, we are promised by our daily faithfulness in Jesus Christ the 'peace of God, which passeth all understanding.' And when Christ comes in all power and glory, evil, rebellion, and injustice will end." 

Ensign "Your Adventure Through Mortality," Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Come Follow Me."

Brother Howard had lunch with President Shumway today and found out that he is going to be a mission president in Chicago. He leaves with his family in June. He will be a wonderful mission president but we will miss him here in Arizona.

Tom told President Shumway about taking family names and going to the temple. President Shumway told him he needed to continue doing that. Tom asked James to help him find his family names. 

James called the realtor in Deming, the name Hailey gave us. She doesn't want to sell our lots because she says there isn't much commission involved. They don't have water so they are only worth about $10,000 a piece. We have two of them. I guess we are going to have to go down and put for sale signs on them and try to sell them ourselves.

I had to pay some Lambson Construction bills out of our personal account today: Verizon, the line of credit, and Desert Ready Mix. 

We did sell a book today, "Freedom at Midnight," one of the library books we bought for ten cents

I lost half the blog post I did so I got discouraged and quit. I will have to come back to it another time. 

This afternoon James and I did errands in town. I shopped at Walmart while he went to Home Depot to find lightbulbs for the front porch. I got the stuff I need to take dinner to the Campbell's tomorrow night. I also got Tanner's birthday card and mailed it along with my bill from Sallie Mae and the one for Desert Ready Mix. 

We listened. to "Healing Hearts" on the way home. Scarlet fever has broken out in Savage Wells. 23 of the children have it and the doctor is out of town so of course Miriam takes charge.

Today is Ben's email day. I always look forward to hearing from him. 

I finished walking when I got back from town and while I was walking I watched "The Shoe Addict's Christmas."

The Bowen's gave James's name to the Judd's as someone who could build their house.

Sheri's post 

 Last one in the trilogy and the best.

Maybe it's because I guessed 

whodunit.

 Scarlett's sad because it's Monday

and Charlie is sad because she

got her shots today.

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:18-41

*It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe. What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

- Are we seeing the damage being done to our nation because we don't want to offend anyone? Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, past General Young Women's President said: "Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles. Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and our understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward, but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan's lies.

Old Testament

Isaiah 28-30

General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Our prayer today is that every man and woman - and our older young men and young women - will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so. In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies-and we all have challenges-nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. If we will do that, we will be more like the true disciples of Christ we are meant to be."

This from my novel, "The Lake House":

"Boredom is the province of the witless."

James went out this morning and took pictures of the six bull elk that live near us. Hopefully he will get them downloaded so I can share some of them on here.

We had a nice rainstorm today. I love how fresh and clean everything seems after it rains, except for the mud of course.

I am tired today as I usually am the day after a trip, but I just kept moving, albeit slowly. 

James went to Springerville this afternoon to pickup the slabs of wood he had cut from our juniper tree. He also picked up some poles to replace those worn out on our railing. He had wanted me to go with him but I needed to do my ministering interviews for my district. 

I am not so sure the sisters are catching the vision of what it means to minister. Most of the interviews I had today went somethig like this, 'Yes, I spoke to all three of my sisters but I didn't contact my partner.' Maybe we need to do some training.

This evening as I was reading from the Old Testament Student Manual I became extremely tired and had to go lay down on the coach. Of course, I had to turn on the TV, DWTS. I just watched a dance or two and fell asleep. James said it was time to go to bed, and he was right.

 Sleepin' like a baby

Cutie Pie!

Ben and friends 

Ben's last day in the MTC. When his friend,

Elder Goodman, Peter and Sarah's son, left

for Washington today, Ben said he cried like a baby!

 I like this card, except for the color.

Maybe the photo is in black and white.

 I hope these are the fabrics I get this month!

My journal is not this artistic.

  

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary "Prayer" paragraph 6

Prayers were said at the Sanctuary (1 Sam. 1:9-12; 1 Kgs. 8; Ps. 42:2, 4) or looking toward the Sanctuary (1 Kgs. 8:44, 48; Ps. 5:7; Dan 6:10); on the housetop or in an upper chamber (Dan. 6:10; Acts 10:9). The Pharisees prayed publicly in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets (Matt. 6:5). The Lord prayed upon the tops of mountains (Matt. 14:23; Luke 9:28) or in solitary places (Mark 1:35).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:2

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:16-29

*Why do you think false prophets and false teachers flourish among wicked people?

Talk: Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers

By: M. Russell Ballard

- False prophets and teachers flourish among the wicked because they appeal to the natural man. The church of the devil is easy..no rules. Are you materialistic? No problem, having wealth is encouraged, especially if you have to walk on a few people to get it. Maybe your challenge is with sexual immorality. Hey, the church of the devil with all his false teachings encourages free love, and experimentation, and broken covenants. You were made that way right? Let's not forget pride, the me, me attitude is accepted. False teachings are taught by false teachers who want followers. They want to be popular and well liked. They don't teach whole truths, but bits and pieces of truth mingled with natural man desires, and for some that is enough to want to convert to the church of the devil. Satan is the master of deception, the father of lies. False teachings draw us away from truth. Truth taught by those anointed can warn us of false teachers and prophets.

Old Testament

Judges 15-17

15 Samson burns the grain of the Philistines - They burn his wife and father-in-law - Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

16 Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaze - He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines - He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

17 Micah has a house of gods (images) and consecrates his own priests.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure to the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

" Let us be faithful to what we have believed and know."

We have a friend in the ward named Anthony. James is/was his home teacher. He lives way out in the wide open spaces where there is no water or electricity. The other day he saw a wolf stalking a small herd of antelope. He called James. James told him, "don't worry the antelope will get in a circle facing out and the wolf will leave." Sure enough that is what happened. Anthony had to call James back and tell him how smart he was. 

I listened to President Nelson's talk "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," from the April 1994 general conference.

For lunch today I cooked some cabbage and boiled some sausage tortellini. It went together well and was very tasty, James even said so. 

This afternoon Laurann and I went visiting. Our first stop was to see Catherine Halcomb. Laurann had all three of her kids. Amaron is out of school because he had pinkeye earlier in the week. Laurann grabs the twins carseats and loops one through each arm. I don't know how she can carry both of them.

We had a nice visit with Catherine and Amaron gave her one of the blueberry muffins I made. When we were getting ready to leave she said she was having a biopsy on her arm this coming Monday. I will have to check back and see how she is doing.

Our next stop was at the Grapp's. The entire family was home. Of course everyone wanted a muffin. I didn't stay too long but took Amaron home with me.

I supposed to be helping Amaron with his reading but I wasn't really prepared today. I had him do a couple of worksheets and then I read to him one of my favorite books, "Miss Suzy." We played with the dominoes and dice and of course he had to have a treat. He ate two cups of my mandarin oranges and took some Teddy Grahams home to his brothers. 

I got Amaron home just when the missionaries came to their house for dinner. I left and when I got out on the highway I realized that I had a flat tire. I stopped by the new tower on highway 60 and tried to call James. Of course I could not get through so I just kept sending texts. Finally he called me back. When he got here he took the tire off and we took it home where he tried to patch it. The first two attempts failed but on the third try he used Rubber Cement and it worked. Back to put it on Lexy. I drove her home and it was a very shaky ride but the air held in the tire. I was so happy to finally be home!

I only got 11,000 steps today. Instead of walking I watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart" with James.

Happy Anniversary to Sheri and Ian:

22 blissful years, 4 boys and 1 dog.

Jackson announced on fast Sunday

that he's going on a mission.

I know this is long and a little messed up

but I loved the part about how he was going

to announce six temples and the Lord told

him to announce the one in India.

Scarlett, Kacey posted this.

Hilarious!

Saturday, November 11th, 2017

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

DC 20:24

And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

Book of Mormon

*What do you do to take Christ's name upon you each day?

This answer comes from bofm365 on Instagram, I like what she says: "I repent, and try to use the Atonement as much as I can. The sweetness of the Spirit is what motivates me to keep going.  I can tell when It's not with me and I miss it's guidance. I become more impatient and harsh. repentance brings a feeling of peace. The more I repent the more this wonderful feeling is present. As I repent I am able to see others the way the Lord sees them. There is more love and compassion in my heart for my fellowman." marthadpguitterez

Doctrine Covenant Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:1
A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.
General Conference

The Eternal Everyday

Elder Quentin L. Cook

The Savior's example of humility and sacrifice for all mankind is the most profound event in history. The Savior, even as a member of the Godhead, was willing to come to earth as a lowly infant and began an existence that included teaching and healing His brothers and sisters and ultimately suffering indescribable pain in Gethsemane and on the cross in order to perfect His Atonement. This act of love and humility on the part of Christ is known as His condescension. He did this for every man and woman God has created or will create.

Before leaving for the temple this morning I listened to a talk by Matthew Holland, Jeffrey R. Holland's son, and president of Utah Valley University. The talk was about Abraham Lincoln and what President Holland calls his greatest speech, which was given at his second inauguration as president of the United States.

President Matthew Holland

Lincoln said during the speech:

"With malice toward none and charity for all..."

I love this quote. It tells us something of Abraham Lincoln's great character. He was belittled, made fun of, disrespected and hated, yet he says this about those he knew. What a wonderful man.

We left for the temple at 5:45 a.m. Our preparation meeting was a little early to see the new films made for temple workers. There were seven mini-films. The Reidhead's conducted again. 

My first assignment was to assign lockers in the women's dressing room. I was also a greeter downstairs where all the action is on Saturday. There were two weddings and an own endowment for a young sister who is going on a mission. 

I was also a initiatory patron and then an initiatory worker today. I did the washing ordinances and it helped me to study them.

I was the second follower on the 11 o'clock session which means I checked names and counted sisters as they came in. I sat in the front with another sister and we gave the tokens to the sister patrons in the session, which included Sister Shumway who was going through for her own endowment. I did fine in the session until it got time to go to the veil. I realized I knew the patron part very well but totally forgot what the worker says to the Lord through the veil. I finally asked a fellow worker for help but I just felt horrible afterwards. I heard the brother who was the receiver at my veil talk to one of my co-ordinators afterwards and it even made me feel worse. I feel like I let so many people down, including the Lord. When I got home I called the co-ordinator and apologized. She was very nice about it and I felt better afterwards. 

Now I need to write to the brother and sister who were involved and apologize to them. The funny thing is that I know what I should have said, now, I think I just panicked.

I didn't even feel like getting my Big Jake burro for lunch. Instead we stopped at McDonald's where I got an ice cream cone and a diet Coke. I read to James from our new book, "Once an Heiress." When we got home we had chili for lunch and then started our fast. We are fasting that the sale of Jared's practice in El Paso will go through. That Dave will get well, and sign the papers.

We watched Christmas movies and Heartland this evening. Neither one of us has to prepare a lesson for tomorrow.

Here are the movies we watched: "Every Christmas Has a Story" starring Lori Laughlin and Colin Ferguson. "The Christmas Blessing" starring Neil Patrick Harris, and Rebecca Gayheart. 

Our friend Karin from Chandler/Gilbert got married today to a Brimhall boy from Taylor.

Congratulations!

Karin's first husband died of a brain tumor.

These two will be honeymooning in New Zealand.

Jared and Kacey at the temple

Everything will work out.

A group of old Chandler LDS members, our friends,

got together in the Del Rio building this evening

to honor Lieutenant Lawrence Everett who

was missing in action for many years. His

body was finally discovered when Bill Clinton was

president and he has been honored for his service. His

chidlren Elizabeth and Dan presented a program to

the people in Chandler who knew him this evening.

Here are some photos that were taken at the gathering.

We love these friends of ours and wish we could have been there.

I was Sister Everett's visiting teacher for

a time while her husband was missing in action.

Brothers Basha, Jones, and Gale.

Sister Gale and Sister Kaufman.

Bishop Lamb

The Barnetts

Brother Barney

Bishop Johnson and Brother Knorr in the background.

Sister Jones, the Chandler 2nd ward choir director.

I was also her visiting teacher at one time.

President Dana, Bishop Basha, President Kempton

The Carpenter's and Sister Kempton

Marva Lynn and the Gale's

Marsann, LeeAnn, Colleen

Sister Bland and Sister Lamb

I was a visiting teacher to both of these sisters.

Our dear friends the Kempton's.

The best parents of 12 children I have ever known.

Bishop Davis, the Bland's, and not sure

Claire and Sandy

Bishop Bear, Brother Knorr

The Bear's

The Gale's

The Jones's

Sister Dudding

Her son worked for James and is good friends

with Harold, Dennis, and Vickie who went to his wedding

in San Diego.

One of the Bear girls and Bishop Lamb

Not sure who the others are.

President, Bishop, Patriarch Jones

Brother H. Gale.

John and Mary