Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 33:17

And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not understand his words they stoned him to death.

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 25:31-46; Mark 12:28-40

General Conference

The Immediate Goodness of God

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"The immediate goodness of God comes to all who call upon Him with real intent and full purpose of heart. This includes those who cry out in earnest desperation, when deliverance seems so distant and suffering seems prolonged, even intensified."

Sold another book, this one a novel priced at $9.97 which means we probably made a dollar. We also had two books returned, one because of a faulty address and the other because of rough treatment at Amazon. A little frustrating.

I read to James this morning after scriptures from our book, "To Win a Lady's Heart." It's a good one.

I bought all of the books on my "Done For You" list except one, which was gated. I love these lists and think they are going to be worth the money.

James worked outside this afternoon. He mowed and edged our grass. It looks really nice. 

I worked on finances and paid our tithing, which always feels good.

It was a good day. I love doing this book business! Just wished we could invest in more books. My mentor, Kathy hit a milestone in her business and shared it on our Facebook group.

Will I ever get there?

 Clouds, mountains, sunset, three of my favorites!

 We were Halle's Primary teachers

and look at her now, on her way to Italy to

preach the gospel.

Charlie loves to read and make messes!

  

Evan and Joshua both graduated from Hancock Elementary and 

will be moving on to junior high next year. I think it will be the first time that they have not gone to the same schools.

Our friends the Hatch's

I think Scarlett likes to wear hats!

Look, no car seat!

Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.

Monday, October 22nd, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

DC 138:35

And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 11:1-17

*How can we keep our ears and hearts open to the whisperings of the Spirit?

-We need to provide the opportunity for the Spirit to speak to us. 

We need to slow down and not be in such a hurry to move on to the next thing, especially while praying, that we don't stop to listen. We also need to have open hearts where we can be ready to hear the Spirit's promptings and focus on what is really important. 

When we turn ourselves completely to Christ it seems we understand and witness of Him on a higher level. The people turned their eyes, ears, faces and hearts to heaven. They stretched forth their hands to Christ. They bowed in worship at His feet. They were still. The key to keeping our ears and hearts open to the whisperings of the Spirit is to "be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10).

Book of Mormon #2

Jacob 5

Old Testament

Jeremiah 43-45

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, and the Savior's healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope."

I was up at 3 am. I could't sleep and I hated wasting time. I think it's because I took Tramadol a little later than normal yesterday. The doctor always asks me if it makes me drowsy, but it has the opposite effect on me.

The first thing I try to do when I get up is think about yesterday and repent of those things I did wrong. That's what I did today. I plan my day and try to remember to record when I felt the Spirit.

Next I get my bowl of cereal and read from the Book of Mormon while I eat. I love the challenge President Nelson gave us to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. Every time I read I get something new out of the experience.

Hurricane Michael wrecked so much havoc in Florida and now there is supposedly another one coming. It was supposed to rain here today but it didn't. Maybe tomorrow.

I read a great article in the New Era today called, "The Why and How of Living the Gospel" Here are some notes:
Why 
W - Worship, Worthiness, Word of God
H - Health, Hope, Happiness.
Y - Yearning, Yoked with Christ, Youth, You.
How
H - Hearken, Holy Ghost, Humility.
O - Obey, Ordinances, Offer.
W - Works, Witness, Walk with God.

I made a trip to town this morning. My first stop was Chase bank to deposit the check from National Turf. I went inside, something I don't ordinarily do. 

Next stop was Walmart. As I was waiting in line to check out I called Mountain Thai and discovered they were closed on Monday's. I told Jean and she said to get her a sandwich at Firehouse because that is where I was going anyway to get sandwiches for Anthony, James and Tom.

I delivered the sandwiches to James and went home to unload my groceries. As I was unloading I was feeling bad about not getting Jean her soup so I invited her over to watch a Hallmark movie with me. She is supposed to stay down and keep her leg elevated and I knew she could do that here in one of our recliners. 

No problems on the way over to Jean's but the last leg of the trip coming back seemed awfully rough. About a mile from home I stopped and checked my tires. Sure enough, the front one on the driver's side was flat. I made an unwise decision and drove the rest of the way home on it. I called James and told him about it and he was a little upset with me. He said if I ruined the rim it was cost $700. Yikes! I said a little prayer that I had not ruined the rim.

The rim isn't ruined but the tire sure is..

Jean and I watched "Country Wedding," one of my favorite Hallmark movies. She says she likes country movies so I gave her Season 1 and Season 2 of "Heartland" to watch. 

Tom came to pick up Jean and James and I jumped in the backseat of their truck and drove to the Elkins' to look at the gate and fence. Tom was impressed. He wants to build one like it at his place.

Tom dropped us off at the bottom of our hill and we walked up the road. He was going to take us all the way home and we said no, we wanted the steps. 

For FHE we watched President Faust's YouTube presentation, "Voice of the Spirit." Afterwards we did another training session for our book arbitrage business.

I watched part of DWTS. Tonight is Disney night, my favorite night. Disney advertised three new movies coming out this winter:
"The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," "Mary Poppins" and a new Wreck it Ralph movie. I would like to see the first two but have no interest in Wreck it Ralph.

She is one happy baby!

Prayer book, Book of Mormon, 

and journal. My three books.

I just can't get enough!

Teacup kitty

Bubbles!

Charlie got a bouncer!

 There is something I love about geometric shapes

Thursday, February 1st, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 3:14

And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 21:1-21

*When have I tried to be a missionary in my everyday life?

Old Testament

Exodus 20-21

20 The Lord reveals the Ten Commandments - Israel is to bear witness that the Lord has spoken from heaven - The children of Israel are forbidden to make gods of silver or gold - They are to make altars of unhewn stones and sacrifice to the Lord thereon.

21 The Lord reveals His laws pertaining to servants, marriage, the death penalty for various offenses, the giving of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, and the damage done by oxen.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 6:22

Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

"We are divinely designed to give love and be loved, and the deepest love comes when we are one with God. The Book of Mormon invites us to be 'reconciled unto God through the atonement of Christ.'"

The news this morning is that the city of Gilbert is building a 275 acre mega part at Queen Creek and Higley. It will have all kinds of venues and will take 5-10 years to build.

I got word via Facebook that James's uncle Kay passed away this morning. 

We left for the valley at 7:30 this morning. I have a dentist appointment in Chandler at Dr. Douglas's at 11 a.m. to get my teeth cleaned.

While I am at the dentist James visits with Erik about the shocks on our car. Erik says there is nothing wrong with the shocks, it's the bracket that holds the shocks up. He says he can't do anything about it until we get rid of the mud on the undercarriage.

I drove James to Sonoran Spine in Gilbert for his appiontment with Dr Crowder. I then drove back to Chandler to go to lunch with Sheri. 

Rachel, the girl that works with Sheri, is from Heber. She says she grew up with Clayton Reidhead and her brother was his best friend. Clayton and his family live in Vernon and he is our ward mission leader. It's a small world, especially in the church.

I said hello to Dianne and C.T. Davis before leaving Chandler Eyecare. Sheri and I drove to Cafe Rio for lunch. We had a nice visit and did some catching up.Sheri is training for a half marathon she will be running on February 24th. She averages a mile in 9.5 minutes. After we said our goodbyes I drove over to Deseret Book in Gilbert.  

I got a top to go with one of my temple skirts, a novel by Anita Stansfield, a birthday card for Stacy, and a New Testament Student Manual for Michael to use in his scripture group.

James still hadn't texted me to pick him up so I went across the street to Office Max to look for some 5x7 notebooks. Just as I am finishing up James texts me to pick him up. 

James had not eaten so on the way to Darrel and Trina's we stopped at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. and the 202. 

When we get to Darrel and Trina's, Darrel is home with the kids and Trina is at work. 

Darrel made spaghetti, corn, and breadsticks for dinner. I love seeing my boys cooking for their kids!  

Lola, Ruby, James and I went for a couple of walks around the block. I thought Lola would get tired and asked to be held but she was a real trooper. 

This evening I played Code Name with Darrel, Addy, and Ruby. Poor Ruby had me for a partner and we lost. 

When Trina got home she came bearing gifts. A dress for Addy, an action figure for Rowan, and windup Unicorns for Ruby and Lola, and candy for the adults. (I didn't get any candy because the kids ended up eating it all.)

Ruby invited us to her school play on the 15th of February. She is going to be the smallest planet, Pluto. She said she was chosen because she is the smallest one in her class.

Underground hot springs

Teresa asked Jack to clean off the table

after dinner. This is how he did it.

Snow on the Superstitions