Sunday, October 27th, 2019

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd

3 Nephi 16:3
But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefor I go to show myself unto them.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 13:16-34
How can we make sure we are laying up treasures in heaven and not on earth?
New Testament: 1-2Thessalonians  Review: "Be Not Soon Shaken in Mind, or Be Troubled"

General Conference

Knowing, Loving, and Growing

Elder Hans T. Boom

"May we all come to understand our part in this great ministering work so that we will become more like Him."

I found this quote my President Ballard in a talk he gave this week:

"Our nation was founded on prayer, it was preserved by prayer, and needs prayer again. I plead with you this evening to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God. remember, this country was established and preserved by our founding fathers and mothers who repeatedly acknowledged the hand of God through prayer."

We walked into the McQueen on McQueen and Willis in Chandler at 9:45, thinking Stacy's ward met at 10:00. James went down the hall to use the restroom and the first person he saw was Kim. She told him that Stacy's ward starts at 10:30. The first thing he said to me was, "I could have slept an extra 30 minutes!"

We sat in the back of the chapel on the left side facing the pulpit. When Stacy, Paul, Joshua, and Michael came in they sat towards the front of the chapel on the other side. Once they sat down we walked over and sat behind them. It took a few minutes for them to see that it was us behind them. It was great to see Joshua passing the sacrament.

All of the talks today were are temple and family history work. The youth speaker told the story of her maternal grandmother who had polio. She said that we need to document important events to strengthen the faith of others.

The next sister said her dad passed his love of family history work down to her. She said God wants us close to Him, that's why we have temples. Clean hands and a pure heart keep us worthy of the temple. We must put off the natural man through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There is no compulsion in the work of the Lord, only opportunity. Always stay worthy of the temple.

Stacy and a girl named Brooklyn Hawkins sang: "I Wonder When He Come Again." The girl sang soprano and Stacy sang the second part. I loved when they sang together but my favorite part was when Stacy sang by herself. I love her singing voice and so does James. So many people came up to her after sacrament meeting and complimented her on the song.

The last speaker based her talk on a talk Elder Renlund gave about temple and family history work where he listed the blessing associated with doing the work. It increases our faith, brings the Spirit of the Holy Ghost, the blessings of the Atonement, and the gift of repentance. It also increases family love and protection. She closed by saying that the temple brings peace.

The lesson in Relief Society was based on Elder Rasband's talk from the April conference, "Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection." It's the same lesson they are having in the Vernon ward! It was one of my favorite talks from the April conference.

A sister named Caroline Kempton was the teacher. We spoke to her husband after the meeting and asked if he knew Martin Kempton. He said no, he didn't but they were probably related because they are both from the Gila Valley.

I finally got my hug from Joshua when we said our goodbyes. We headed for Kim and Brian's because we heard they were going to see James's mom. Kim fed us while we were at her house. I had pizza and James had a shake and some toast. Brian also shared his Halloween candy with me. Kim was in charge of their ward's Halloween party and she had lots of left over candy. 

Sheri came to pick Kim up and brought me a bag of chocolate chip cookies. We took our own car over to Tempe. We got there before Sheri and Kim. Lois was using a walker which concerned me a little but she seemed to be in a good mood. Once Sheri and Kim got there Sheri asked her how she ever raised 8 children. She said they raised themselves. Then she told about milking the cow, feeding the chickens and chopping wood for the stove. I certainly don't remember my mom doing those things. I guess that was why she didn't like living in Ramah very well.

We left for home and I asked if we could go the Payson way. James complained about it, but ended up going that way. I got a call from Liz Kelly. I told her we were meeting at Laura and Dave's on the 7th at 2 pm and gave her the address. She asked how I was doing and the phone cut out. 

I slept until we stopped for gas in Payson. I read for awhile from "Aunt Dimity" on the way home. We were gone for 12 hours from home and it felt great to be back.

We got to FaceTime with Jared, Kacey and Charlie. While we were talking Charlie went and got her "scriptures" and wanted to read about Jesus so we ended our call early. We are so looking forward to them being here in November! She has changed so much since we saw her in January!

James went to bed early. I stayed up and worked on my blog and then watched two "Come Follow Me" YouTube presentations, "Teaching with Power" and "Cwic Media with Greg Matsen.

This little girl brings so much happiness

and joy!

 Phoenix Temple Open House

 Such a pretty little girl

Sunday, May 27th, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov, 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of
DC 93:4
The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle and dwelt among the sons of men.
Book of Mormon
Alma 7:1-13
* What does Alma prophesy about the Savior?
-He shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers...he shall go forth suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Old Testament
1 Kings 3-4
3 Solomon loves the Lord and keeps His commandments - The Lord appears to Solomon and promises him a wise and an understanding heart - He judges between two harlots and determines who is the mother of a child.
4 The officers in Solomon's court are listed - Solomon reigns in peace and prosperity over a large kingdom - His wisdom and understanding exceed that of all men.
General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them" 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

" Brothers and sisters, as the work of quorums and auxiliaries matures institutionally, it follows that we should mature personally as well - individually rising above any mechanical, function-without-feeling routine to the heartfelt discipleship articulated by the Savior at the conclusion of His earthly ministry."

I was up before five this morning. The first thing I did was weigh myself. I lost 1.2 lbs. this week so I had chocolate cream pie for breakfast.

I spent the morning getting ready for my Relief Society lesson on ministering until it was time to get ready to go.

James loads, the small table I have my family display set up on and a box of photos, my old sewing machine, and two baskets into the car.

We have family prayer in the car. 
The church is packed because it is Memorial Day weekend. The Howard's saved us a place next to them. So nice. On the way in we say hi to the Montgomery's. Dave used to work for James and Tammy grew up in Chandler. We have known her family, the Cluff's, for years. 

The rumor was that the bishopric had asked certain people to bear their testimonies and then if there was any time left they would call people up out of the audience. We were a little nervous but I was confident I wouldn't be called up because I spoke in sacrament meeting last week.

It was nice to have three priests at the sacrament table, Jace, Talon, and Jackson. Talon and Jackson both have suits on and look like missionaries. Jackson has received his mission call to the Philippines and will be leaving in September.

The oldest brother Wilhelm was asked to bear his testimony on the Teaching in the Savior's Way program. He was supposed to take 5 minutes but it ended up taking 10 or more. This is good, less time to call people up out of the audience.

Talon was asked to bear his testimony and did a nice job. 

There was a men's chorus. They sang "Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy."

Bishop Miller's wife bore her testimony about the Pathway program and then Brother Peeler, who loves to speak, bore his testimony on temple and family history work. He took at least 15 minutes. 

When Brother Peeler finished there was some time left so Brother Greer, our high councilman was asked to bear his testimony. I love Brother Greer. He is a former mission president and is just a friendly, happy, cheerful person. His testimony was great. At the end he said that Heavenly Father wants  us to return to Him, that we are His chubby little babies. That made me smile.

Last, but certainly not least, Bishop Miller bore his testimony. In regards to the Savior he said; "I have never seen Him, but I know Him." I felt the Spirit when he said that.

The closing hymn was "Count Your Many Blessings." Afterwards I turned to Jean and told her she was one of my blessings. She gave me a hug.

During Sunday School I was setting up for my lesson. James brought all of my things in for me and then he went to the gospel doctrine class taught by Brother Smith. I really wanted to hear the gospel doctrine lesson and thought maybe I would go in late, but my setup took the entire time. 

First I set up my family history table. Then I was going to put up pictures from the gospel art packet of the Savior ministering but I couldn't get the pictures to stay on the wall. Tamara told me we were allowed to use blue painters tape on the walls, which I had but it does not work. Heather Bowen came in and was trying to help me.

I finally settled on six photos to put up near the chalkboard. By this time Sunday School was out and sisters were coming in to the room.

We had six visitors in Relief Society and one of them played the piano for us. They were great participants in the lesson. It was an easy lesson to teach because everyone has examples of ministering in their lives. Sister Scott even shared something that I never knew. She said they had a son that died and she had a poem about tears that she memorized that helps her. One of the visiting sisters also had a son who had passed away.

After church we went home, ate and took a nap and then began getting ready for our trip to the valley. We left for our timeshare, Sheraton Desert Oasis around 4 and arrived somewhere between 7:30 and 8 o'clock. James checked in with Chrissy and got our owners packet. We are in rooms 2047 and 2048 in Spring Court, building 6 around in the back. Next time I am asking for a downstairs room.

After lugging all of our stuff upstairs, James doing most of the lugging, including an ice chest, we were able to sit down and relax for awhile. 

Very proud of Summer for earning her Young Women's medallion.

Congratulations!

Christina's baby

I just thought this was funny.

Dallin right after graduation.

Kim at Chandler High

This dog is obsessed with Sheri!

Friday, October 27th, 2017

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 20:19

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 13:16-34

*How can we make sure we are laying up treasures in heaven?

"By living true to the gospel and following the commandments we can be assured that the kingdom of God will be opened to us." -Alex

"By putting the things of eternal importance first in our lives. Make service and scriptures and prayer and family the most important" -Kim

"I think it has to do with the desires of our hearts. Are we striving every day to be better and to do His will? We have to start with the desire." -Sheri

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 137:7-10

7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Ardern

"As we study from the best books, we protect ourselves against the menacing jaws of those that seek to gnaw at our spiritual roots."

James made me some oryx for breakfast. It was delicious. Paul shot an oryx in New Mexico and gave us some of the meat.

This is an oryx. Weird.

I left the house at 8:30 this morning to pick up Shelly A. We are going to the temple together. I was Shelly's Mia Maid advisor a few years ago and now she is getting ready to go on a mission. She has been called to the Baltimore, Maryland mission and is leaving on November 15th. Her farewell is on Sunday. She went through the temple for her own endowments last Friday. Today she is going with me to do initiatories and then do a session. 

The two of us did two initiatories and then we each did an endowment all for my ancestors. I had the temple do four other initiatories making 8 in all. Incidentally, I got these names on the name "Take a Name" which Shelly's dad told us about. Shelly is an amazing girl! She has also been called to work in the temple for the two weeks before she leaves on her mission.

An old woman and a young chick.

Shelly introduced me to El Cupido's a few years ago so it was only fitting that we go there for lunch after our time at the temple. We both had the Big Jake burro. I had a soda and Shelly had an horchata to drink. I tried it, not bad.

Shelly told me her dogs left home and they haven't seen them for almost 24 hours.

It was almost 3 pm when I returned home. I had to do 7,000 more steps before bedtime but I made it.

The Hallmark Christmas movies start today! I started watching this evening while I blogged. James sat right across from me at the table reading a Brad Wilcox book. Now that's romance!

We finished our book, "Miss Leslie's Secret." We also watched Heartland, "Man's Best Friend." It was a good episode. Jack's best friend was his old truck. It kept breaking down on him but he had a hard time letting go. That's how I am going to be with Lexy.

Stacy had surgery on her foot today and Paul is

taking care of her. She calls him her nurse.

Summer with her dance team 

Kacey posted this on Facebook.

Kendall got married in April and now she 

shooting a deer with Rusty and his brother.

The herd is back.

If the cows were this cute 

we would let them stay.

Memories:

Ruby and Lady

Rowan and Indy. He says he wants a dog

just like Indy.

A full load.

2014

Visit to the Phoenix temple open house.

Phoenix temple

Frost's afterwards

Rowan is not a fan.

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