Thursday, April 11th, 2019

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Moses 5:9

And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 5:1-15

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 16;21-23; 17:22-23; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 9:43-45, 51-56

General Conference

Hearing His Voice

David P. Homer
"In a world with so many competing voices, our Heavenly Father has made it possible for us to hear and follow His."

Happy Anniversary

Dennis and Denise!

It took me awhile to find these photos.

They both are from May 2017.

The top is with Monte's daughter Maddie at her high school graduation. The second is with Denise's daughter Rachel at her

marriage to Thor in Dennis and Denise's backyard. They said their vows under Dennis's beautiful weeping willow tree. Dennis is quite the gardner of flowers and a beautiful yard.

Today is also Jeffrey Maxwell's Birthday.

Happy Birthday Jeffrey.

James left at 6 a.m. for the valley. He is doing a little remodeling job for our friends Reed and Janis. The roof to their patio has some damage and James is repairing it. While he was there he got to visit with Reed's sister Carol and her husband Howard who were also old friend from Chandler.

We sold the book, "Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism" and made $7.98. 

Sheri sent out a text this morning that Cliff Arnett had passed away. Soon after her group text I got a text from Darrel with the same news. I guess he had an anuresym and was put on life support for a short time before the family took him off.

We were neighbors of the Arnett's for years when we lived on 108th Way in Chandler. James built their home. We went to church with them and our kids were good friends with their kids. They are our age and this beings leaving this earth life a little closer to home.

There is not a sweeter, kinder person in the world than Cliff's wife Cathy.

Chea:

Cathy and Cliff. Cathy is sweet and kind.

Cliff is funny, entertaining, and opinionated.

I loved them both.

They were devoted to each other. 

 Cathy and Cliff had 11 children, 5 girls and 6 boys.

Their posterity.

50 years 

The five Arnett girls:

Wendy, Channy, Heidi, Chea and Jackie

Sorry, I don't have a picture of the boys:

Cliff Jr., A.J., Danny, Anthony, Casey and Pierce.

A tragedy at the Crane's. Their rooster, Baby Chicken Friend (named by their grandchildren who raised him), was killed by their dog Anya. Kathy was heartbroken. She said that it's sad living on a farm.

Stacy called today. She is still looking for an investor for her Vivace endeavor. It's a $70,000 machine she needs to do mirco-derm abrasion. I told her it would be perfect for my friend Kay but I can't find Kay's number. Jared, if you are reading this and you have Kay's phone number would you please send it to me. Thanks.

I made cookies today but accidentally used the sugar cookie recipe and added chocolate chips and pecans. When James got home I told him and he said he liked them better. Sometimes accidental happenings are the best.

James bought a book "Marriage and Families." He was supposed to be sent the 8th edition but he was sent the 6th instead. It is not worth the money the 8th is so I requested a refund. I guess every business has setbacks and glitches.

Before going to bed James and I sat down and made some goals for our book business. It was good that we did this so we can both be on the same page.

What do you think of this kitchen?

This baby rules!

Friday, November 2nd, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Davidic descent of

2 Nephi 21:1

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

Book of Mormon#1

3 Nephi 18:15-39

*What do these verses teach us about the power of prayer? 

-Watch and pray always to overcome temptation, pray in your families, pray for others. Our relationship with Heavenly Father is imperative to our success. The Savior prayed all the time, every day.. He sought God consistently, intently, and with sincere desire. Through prayer Christ learned, evolved, and was led to serve the greatest mission on earth. Prayer centered our Savior in every step of His life, even helping Him to overcome all temptation. Prayer was an integral part of the Atonement. He prayed for us and others and ask us to do the same. Our Savior knows what prayer can do. If Christ needed to pray always, and understood the power in it, how much more do we need to pray and follow His example. How can we make our prayers more meaningful? Pray to do His will. How can we be more sincere with our relationship with God? How can we utilize prayer more effectively like the Savior did? "We should seek to emulate the Savior as much as we can." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 21-23

Old Testament

Ezekiel 11-12

General Conference

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

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Our purpose is to balance the Church and the home experience in a way that will greatly increase faith and spirituality and deepen conversion."

I woke up early with my throat on fire. I grabbed a Slimfast, two aspirin and relocated to the recliner. I thought if I felt better by 7 I would go ahead and get ready for Phoenix and "Time Out for Women." 7 came and I wasn't much better. I ate a little something, too some Tramadol and settled in to the recliner to watch a Christmas movie. I texted the Halcomb's and told them I wouldn't be able to join them today. They were very kind and Kerri even checked on me later in the day. 

I think I needed a "down" day, a "time out." 

It truly was a relaxing day. James went hunting this morning for a few hours after scriptures and prayers. These were some of my favorite verses today from 3 Nephi 18: 15-16, 19-20. 

I did a no-no today. I was chomping on a Milk Dud and my crown fell out. I could not get it back in so James had to do it when he got home. I will never eat another Milk Dud, or attempt to anyway.

I started a new book today on Audible and I didn't have to pay for it because I had a credit. It is another Kate Morton book. This one is called "The Clockmaker's Daughter." Here is a quote that I thought was funny. It reminded me of the Lambson's and how they like to tell a good story.

"It's a dull man that allows truth to get in the way of a good story."

James even took time out of his day to watch a Christmas movie with me, "A Rocky Mountain Christmas." 

I worked on my blog, finally posting all of the Halloween pictures and then blogging and adding photos for November 1st. I got over 12,000 steps and worked on my lesson, or council discussion for Relief Society. I made a chart of the promised blessings that go with each challenge. It will be up to the sisters to help me create an action plan as what we are going to do to accomplish these goals.

I also sent questions to the secretary so she could send them out to the sisters so they can be thinking about our discussion and come prepared.

James went out again hunting this evening. When he came home he cleaned up and went straight to the computer to buy books to sell. He says it's addictive.

I wish I could do simple drawings

 All worn out

Amazing!

 Look at those eyes!

 Love that smile.

Talking to Molly

 Love these two

 Love these two too!

 The Morrison's

Kim and Brian

 The truck is from 

"Christmas in Evergreen"

 Ollie got a haircut!

Tuesday, December 19th, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

1 John 3:5

And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.

Book of Mormon

Ether 13:1-18

*How can we better cultivate the characteristics that will help us to be worthy to dwell in the New Jerusalem?

President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) wrote the following about the New Jerusalem:

"The prevailing notion in the world is that this [the New Jerusalem] is the city of Jerusalem, the ancient city of the Jews which in the day of regeneration will be renewed, but this is not the case. We read in the book of Ether that the Lord revealed to him many of the same things which were seen by John. Ether was the last of the prophets among the Jaredites, and the Lord had revealed to him much concerning the history of the Jews and their city of Jerusalem which stood in the days of the ministry of our Savior. Ether saw the old city of Jerusalem and also the new city which has not yet been built, and he wrote of them as follows: Ether 13:2-11...

"In the day of regeneration, when all things are made new, there will be three great cities that will be holy. One will be the Jerusalem of old which shall be rebuilt according to the prophecy of Ezekiel. One will be the city of Zion, or of Enoch, which was taken from the earth when Enoch was translated and which will be restored; and the city Zion, or New Jerusalem, which is to be built by the seed of Joseph on this the American continent" (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., 5 vols., 2:103-4).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 31:9

Be patient in afflictions, revile not against those that revile. Govern your house in meekness, and be steadfast.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Sister Jean B. Bingham

"As I have studied the life and teachings of Jesus Christ with more focus, and committed 'The Living Christ,' to memory, my gratitude and love for our Savior have increased. Each sentence of that inspired document contains a sermon and has enhanced my understanding of His divine roles and earthly mission. What I have learned and felt through this period of study and reflection confirms that Jesus truly 'is the light, the life, and hope of the world.' Ancient scripture and latter-day prophets' words written or spoken in praise of Him bear witness that 'His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come."

Light the World

Jesus taught: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." 

-Matthew 5:12

God loves us and wants us to be happy. We have many reasons to be happy, even if we don't realize all of them. One way we find joy is by helping others feel joy.

James left this morning a little before 8 a.m. to help with a service project at Sister Kuffer's. Sean Hunsaker is her home teacher and is in charge of the project. They are turning two storage units into living spaces for her daughter, son-in-law, and five children. 

James got home around 2 p.m. and we went into town to get a pizza. We have both been craving a veggie thin crust pizza so that's what we got at Dominoes. Traffic was backed up on the hill by Maverick because of the construction so we went around to Lakeside and home on the Porter Mountain Rd. 

It was 52 degrees today with no clouds. I am praying for snow. 

I wrapped all of Jared's family's presents today and got half way through Stacy's family. I watched these movies: "On Strike for Christmas," "Kristin's Christmas Past," and "A Christmas Proposal." James and I also watched two episodes of Heartland.

We slept on the recliners again tonight.

As much as I love Christmas I am always overwhelmed by it, even when I think I am simplifying. One thing I have enjoyed doing this year is wrapping my packages in shiny paper and making real bows for them. 

Things I have to do this week: Mail packages to Texas, make pumpkin bread, get Primary gifts ready and delivered, and prepare for the trip to the valley and the family party.

Michael's 20th birthday

This tells alot about Michael. He is a runner

and he runs for Grand Canyon University.

Michael always celebrates his birthday at

Organ Stop Pizza. It is a family tradition. I am sorry

we could not be there with him to celebrate.

Jared's family's packages. These are going to

be fun to mail.

Christmas tree in the dark.

Provo City Center temple,

one of my favorites.

Sunday, August 13th, 2017

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation March 2018

Alma 50:1-20

What can you do to cut off your spiritual enemies from their strong-holds?

*Instagram-bofm365-marianawolfe: "It's important that even when we are under 'prosperous circumstances' (v.17) that we do not stop making preparations...to defend our people. There is a tendency for us to become at ease when things are going well. However, we can't let our guard down for one moment. We have to continually be building strong and high defenses against the adversary, preparing strongholds, ad securing...our people from the hands of the devil and evil forces. We can't ever stop preparing."

DC 112:17-34

Why should verses 23-24 cause us to seriously reflect upon our daily actions?

*stef_littlefield: "In verse 26 it reminds us that we need to really know the Lord, not just profess to know Him. It's truly in our daily choices that shows our true devotion to the Lord. We must be the 'light on the hill.' the beacon of hope in the dark and evil world through the way we live our lives, and love and serve others as Jesus Christ did.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel 

Elder Valeri V. Cordon

" As families we need to avoid any tradition that will prevent us from keeping the Sabbath day holy or having daily scripture study and prayer at home. To combat the worldly traditions of our day, we need to use the scriptures and the voice of our modern prophets to teach our children about their divine identity, their purpose in life and the divine mission of Jesus Christ."

James and I barely made it to the Tucson temple dedication broadcast held at the White Mountain stake center in Lakeside. As we walked up the sidewalk the usher who was holding the door told us we had 30 seconds before the doors would be closed. We sit in the very back row of the cultural hall. In front of us a few rows we see the Grapp's with Liana and Sister Vaught. About half way through the preliminaries, Brother Mayfield comes and sits by us.

Elder Stevenson conducted this morning session. Before the cornerstone celebration, he told of the significance of Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of the Church. 
President Uchtdorf presided over the cornerstone ceremony. He said: "As we seal this cornerstone let us seal our hearts to do the work of the Lord. The Church is a place to find harmony with heaven and earth. The temple is a place of unity and love."
The actual sealing of the cornerstone in these days is only symbolic. Church authorities and their wives took part in the sealing along with local leaders and the temple presidency. Children in the congregation were then invited to participate. President Uchtdorf invited two of his grandsons who are getting ready to serve missions up also. 
The choir sang, "We Thank Thee for Our Loving Savior."

Back inside the temple, Sister Moeller, the temple matron was the first speaker. She says that when the temple was announced cheers went up. While the temple was being prepared, we prepared for the temple. We must prepare o the outside and the inside, temporally and spiritually. The temple helps us have balance. We can live a godly life in a worldly world. We come to know our Savior as we serve in the temple. 
President Moeller - Spoke about the Mormon Battlion and how his great, great grandfather served in the battlion. He talked about the history of the Church in Tucson. He gave the Isaiah quote, the mountain of the Lord's house. The temple is the most sacred place on earth. Without the Savior, the temple would not exist. In the temple we will be able to bear every burden and withstand temptations.
W. Christopher Waddell of the presiding bishopric. Mentioned the restoration of keys in the Kirtland temple. Creation of eternal families. A place of revelation and learning. The temple takes us to the Promised Land, the Celestial Kingdom. The temple is an oasis in a spiritual desert. It provides strength and protection, a shield armed with power and prepared to overcome the challenges of life. President Howard W. Hunter quote about the temple.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins - Dying woman's wish to have her temple recommend renewed. What do we take with us to the next life? Our temple recommend is a celestial passport. "Pass your temple recommend under the door." Our temple recommend is a symbol of our worthiness to enter into the presence of God. The temple is the Lord's house. CTR - Current Temple Recommend. The Young Women's theme is like a pledge of allegiance to the temple. Please have a picture of the temple in your home. "You can't fatten the hog on the day of the fair."
Choir sang: "This is the Christ" (written by James E. Faust)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - "Recommit ourselves to the Lord. This is a new beginning. The temple connects our earthly existence to our Heavenly destiny. This is literally the House of the Lord. It is a constant reminder of the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Milo and Phoebe Webb of Snowflake traveled to St. George in 1893 to be sealed. Their 11 children, grand children, and great grandchildren are reaping the blessings of their sacrifice.

Dedicatory Prayer

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Hosanna Shout led by Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Hosanna Anthem" sung by the choir

"The Spirit of God"

Benediction - Sister Sharington

There are now six operating temples in Arizona. For years the only temple we had was in Mesa. It was dedicated on the 23-26 October 1927 by Heber J. Grant. The next temple was the Snowflake temple dedicated 3 March 2002 by Gordon B. Hinckley. The Gila Valley was dedicated 23 May 2010 by Thomas S. Monson. We had two temples dedicated in 2014. The Gilbert on 2 March and the Phoenix on 16 November. Both were dedicated by Thomas S. Monson although the dedication of the Gilbert temple was read by Henry B. Eyring. Now the Tucson temple on 13th August, 2017.

There are around 433,000 LDS in Arizona.

Tucson

157 operating temple

Phoenix

144th operating temple

Gilbert

142nd operating temple

Gila Valley

132nd operating temple

Snowflake

108th operating temple

Mesa

7th operating temple

(Will be closing in 2018 for renovation)

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Max, and Joshua attended the 12 o'clock dedication session at the Show Low stake center because it is closer than the one in Lakeside where we attended. James and I watched Lola who was too young, Kreed who didn't have a recommend, and Evan who wasn't feeling well. I fed the kids some lunch and then did some cleaning during the second session.

When everyone returned we had a relaxing afternoon watching TV, playing games, and reading. James cooked everyone some burgers before they left. We should have had prayer and scripture study with them! Rowan was quite sad, and shed a few tears before leaving. Darrel promised they would come up Labor Day weekend to celebrate Darrel's birthday. They left around 5:30 with Kreed and Ruby riding with Darrel in his car and everyone else in with Trina.

Lola loves her grandpa

Lola and grandpa out for a Sunday drive

Trina won our Five Crowns game so she got the prize.

Those big orange marshmallow peanuts.

She is the only one who would even eat them.

I love this dress, and the girl in it!

After everyone was gone James and I went out on the porch to enjoy the weather, and to study and read. 

When we went to bed around 9 there was a thunder and rainstorm and the electricity went off for about 40 minutes. 

I couldn't go to sleep until I knew that everyone made it home safely.