Wednesday, January 9th, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Acts 13:33

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:16-8:15

After being beaten, mocked, and persecuted by his brothers, Nephi did "frankly forgive them." How can we find it in ourselves to forgive those who have hurt us?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:28-35

Why did the Savior need to be born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father?

President Russell M. Nelson explained that the Atonement of Jesus Christ "required a personal sacrifice by an immortal being not subject to death. Yet He must die and take up His own body again. The Savior was the only one who could accomplish this. From His mother He inherited power to die. From His Father He obtained power over death."

General Conference

One in Christ

Elder Ulisses Soares

"We have long been taught how we can help our new friends to feel welcome and loved in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. They need three things so they may remain strong and faithful throughout their lives: First, the need brothers and sisters in the Church who are sincerely interested in them, true and loyal friends to whom they can constantly turn, who will walk beside them, and who will answer their questions. As members, we should always be attentive and look for new faces when attending Church activities and meetings, regardless of the responsibilities, assignments, or concerns we may have. We can do simple things to help these new friends feel embraced and welcome in the Church, such as giving a warm greeting, smiling sincerely at them, sitting together to sing and worship, introducing them to other members, and so forth. As we open our hearts to our new friends in some of these ways, we are acting in the spirit of ministering. When we minister to them like the Savior did, they won't feel like 'strangers within our gates.' They will feel like they can fit in and make new friends, and most importantly, they will feel the Savior's love through our genuine care."

My life consists right now of remembering when to take what pill and finding soft foods to eat. I am taking amoxicillin as my antibiotic, and 600 mg of ibrupropen and 5 mg of hydrocodone for pain. I've stopped taking my tramadol for the time being.

These are some of the foods I ate today: yogurt, applesauce, pudding, refried beans with sour cream, a shake, tomato soup, and chocolate milk. I don't think I am going to starve.

James and I are reading "The Captain's Daughter" by Jennifer Delamere. The chapters are quite long so I am holding it down to two chapters a day although James asks for more.

James and I both made calls to Amazon sellers help line today. One of the books I ordered is not sellable on Amazon and I wanted to know why. I never got a straight answer. I also wanted to know why the last shipment of books I sent in was still labeled out-of-stock on our inventory page. The man I spoke to said they just received it and when they get them all processed that will change to active. I hope so. When James called about something they referred to the seller page where he could send an email. I don't think we are any longer going to be able to speak to an actual person to get sellers help. This is frustrating to me because half the time I can't figure out how to communicate in the help section.

Our next box of books is now ready to go.

Chuck came over and took our garbage to the dump for us today. We didn't have much but it sure is nice to have such a thoughtful neighbor looking out for us.

Did I mention that I am not supposed to sneeze or blow my nose because my implant is very close to my sinuses. That is a very hard thing to do and I have had a couple of "accidents." At least I don't have a sinus infection like James does.

I spoke to my friend Tamara who is the librarian at the Vernon library. I asked her if they ever have book sales. She says all the time. They have $1.00 books and a room full of books for ten cents. I told her we would be coming by to check it out and that our goal was to put 100 books a month online to sell.

This evening we watched one of the movies we have owned for awhile and never watched. It's called, "The Longest Ride." Scott Eastwood, Clint's son is one of the stars. He is a bull rider. Alan Alda is also in the moving and plays an older man who tells about his "long ride" with the love of his life, his wife Ruth. There was one risque part, that was totally unnecessary because otherwise it would have been a very enjoyable movie. I guess that's why I like Hallmark movies because you know they are not going to be risque. You are excited when the couple finally has their first kiss!

 She has the cutest laugh!

Peek-a-boo

 I love this quilt!

 Books, books, books everywhere!

 So many views of the Idaho Falls temple

Thursday, August 2nd, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Alma 1:4

And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:41-54

* What "better cause" inspires you to fight?

- My family, and my freedoms and liberties, especially my rights to defend myself and family, and my religious freedom and freedom of speech.

Old Testament

Job 11-13

11 Zophar asks, Canst thou by searching find out God? - Zophar says that the hope of the wicked will fade away as though it had died.

12 Job says, The souls of all things are in the hands of the Lord, with the ancient is wisdom, and the Lord governs in all things.

13 Job testifies of his confidence in the Lord and says, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,and He also will be my salvation.

General Conference

Am I a Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"I invite each of us to seek God and His Beloved Son. 'Nowhere,' President Nelson directed, 'are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon.' Open its pages and learn to God does 'all things for our welfare and happiness', that He is 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness'; and that 'all are alike unto Him.' When you feel hurt, lost, scared, upset, sad, hungry, or hopelessly abandoned in life's extremities - open the Book of Mormon, and you will come to know that 'God will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character to do so."

I started a new audio book while making Rice Krispy Treats to take to the valley with me. The name is: "An Early Resurrection, Life in Christ Before You Die," by Adam S. Miller.

Along with Nephi, "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ," (2 Nephi 25:26) but in all our talking and learning, have we learned how to live in Christ? What does a life in Christ look like - or feel like?

In this thought-provoking exploration of the writings of the Apostle Paul and Book of Mormon prophets, Adam Miller examines what life in Christ looks like. How can we let ourselves and our own desires die so we can be born again to a new life, a full life in Christ, here and now in the mortal life?

James went over this morning and left his truck at the Howard's and came back with their Chevy diesel truck and attached his trailer for Darrel and Trina and their new moving adventure.

We left for the valley somewhere between 11:30 and noon. We got a little ways down the road and I realized I forgot my water bottle so we went back. This truck rides pretty rough just like James's but it is in much better shape. 

We stopped at the Taco Bell in Globe for lunch. I was disappointed in my taco salad. James had a chicken quesadilla, and a Mexican pizza.

When we arrived at Darrel and Trina's Ruby and Addy came out to greet us. Ruby said: "Whose truck do you have?" Addy said: "Grandpa's." The truck is a similar color to James's. I was impressed that Ruby knew it wasn't grandpa's.  

Trina began almost immediately filling the trailer with their things. When it was filled James went with her to the rental to unload while I stayed at the house. Ruby left to go to a friends. Lola was at Bryce and Lexy's and Rowan was at football practice. Addy was home. Today was her first day of high school at Desert Ridge High School. She said it was pretty boring. The course of study this year for seminary is Church History. She said there are very few freshmen in her class.

When Lola and Ruby got home I gave them the coloring books and My Little Pony carrying bag I bought for them along with some markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Ruby's friend Chloe was with them and the three of them sat down to color. 

When Rowan got home from football practice I gave him the Rubiks cube and we asked him if he wanted to go on his birthday date. Of course he said yes but his mom had not told him we were taking him. I guess she has had other things on her mind, like moving.

Rowan, James and I left in the truck some between 6:30 and 7. As we were driving towards Chandler to pick up the other boys, we could see a huge wall of dust coming towards us. It hit us about the time we got off the freeway.

We almost had to pull over going out to Joshua's because the dust was so bad. After picking up Josh we went to pick up Max and Evan and to borrow Sheri's van.

Rowan and Josh made the decision, since this is their birthday date, to go to the Chandler mall. We entered on the foodcourt side and stayed there since everyone was hungry. Max and Evan went to Subway and I went to Villa Pizza with Rowan and Joshua. It had been raining when we came in so James dropped us off close and parked the car. When he came in he got the extra $20 I gave Max and Evan and went to Rubio's.

I didn't order anything but I did eat one of Joshua's garlic knots since he ordered 4 and a piece of pepperoni pizza. I also ate some of Rowan's macaroni and cheese. He also had cheese pizza. 

After dinner the boys wanted to go to the Lego Store just to

look around. I bought a couple of small Harry Potter action figures for Addy but no one else bought anything.

Because Harry Potter's birthday is July 31st, both the Lego Store and Barnes and Noble had out their Harry Potter stuff.

These come in little packages and you don't know

what you are getting I think Addy got Doby and

someone from Fantastic Beasts.

My favorite

Next it was on to Barnes and Noble

Rowan and I had a lot of fun here.

Taking pictures of all things Harry Potter for Addy.

Joshua joined in the fun

This is what I bought: Two HP things for Addy, a
book and a notebook for me and a Sea of Thieves
Journal for Joshua.

I ended up giving Joshua some money and Rowan all of his money because he didn't buy anything.

Saturday, February 24th, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7-10 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

*Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people he knew would reject the message?

Old Testament

Leviticus 25-26

25 Each seventh year is to be kept as a sabbath year - Each fiftieth year is to be one of jubilee, in which liberty is proclaimed throughout the land - Laws are revealed for the sale and redemption of lands, houses, and servants - The land is the Lord's, as are the servants - Usury is forbidden.

26 Temporal and spiritual blessings will abound in Israel if the people keep the commandments - Cursing, scourging, and desolation will be theirs if they disobey the Lord - When His people repent, the Lord will show mercy unto them.

According to the Old Testament Student Manual, Leviticus 26 is one of the most powerful chapters in the Old Testament.

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Tad R. Callister

" The Book of Mormon is one of God's priceless gifts to us. It is both sword and shield - it sends the word of God into battle to fight for the hearts of the just and serves as an arch defender of the truth. As Saints we have not only the privilege to defend the Book of Mormon but also the opportunity to take the offense - to preach with power its divine doctrine and bear testimony of its crowning witness of Jesus Christ."

When we left this morning for the temple, there was 2" of snow on the ground. In the town of Vernon there was just a skiff. There was some ice on the highway until we got to the Maverick in Show Low. There was no snow after turning onto the 77.

President and Sister Reidhead were in charge of preparation meeting today. We had two films about the initiatory ordinances. Sister Palmer and Sister Brimhall are both sick so I wonder if the Reidhead's have been doing double duty. 

My first assignment was in initiatory. Sister Bowers is still the co-ordinator. I started in clothing then rotated into anointing. Clothin is the easiest. Next I was assigned the locker room after the 8 a.m. session had already started. We were short handed today and I knew the sister assigned next was not here today so I stayed when I noticed three sisters coming in. I'm glad I did because they were here to do initiatories before the 9:30 session and they had never been here before. I assigned them lockers and then showed them was to go for initiatory. 

During my break I visited with Sister Elmer and ate some of her delicious beans and ham. I also visited with Sister Shelton from Eagar who told me that he daughter is married to Neal Lambson's son. 

I was the second follower in the 9:30 session. We had 26 sisters and 16 brothers, with one sister here for her own endowment. Sister Sauwen was the first follower. They Reynolds' from our ward were in this session. 

After the session I was assigned to the celestial room where I could just sit and relax for 30 minutes. After my 30 minutes was up I went back to initiatory. One of the patrons, Sister Broadbent, thanked me for being here so she could come and do work for her ancestors. I think that just made my day. 

My last assignment was downstairs behind the recommend desk as greeter one. Sister Elmer was greeter two. Since it was a quiet time and we go home in 30 minutes she told me she would watch my post if I wanted to go get dressed. She didn't have to ask me twice. I thanked her and told her I would cover for her next time. She just smiled because she knew I might not never have the chance.

We went to El Cupido's for lunch. We got a booth before it started getting really busy. Just as we were about to leave the Elmer's walked in. I told them they could have our booth so Brother Elmer came over and sat down while Sister Elmer went and placed their order. James asked Brother Elmer earlier today if he had any relatives who lived in Chandler and he said he did not. He could be related because he is tall and blonde.

On the drive home the mountains looked beautiful coated in snow. When we got home we took naps and then I worked on my Primary lesson. 

Adam and his friends went into town to get some dinner. They came back with frozen pizza and cookie dough. After we go to bed they play a game upstairs with their phones. Kyle doesn't have a smart phone so he borrows my ipad. I am glad the internet works so they can play their online game.

I got 5,000 steps today and James got 20,000. He takes his phone with him around the temple while I leave mine in my locker. 

Sheri did her half marathon today. I am very proud that she set this goal and then followed through with it.

Sheri's stats

The finish line, always a welcome sight.

My lesson tomorrow is on Noah's Ark

Curtis's family. Can you tell where they have been?

Joshua is amazed at all the flavors.

First In n Out Burger and then Cold Stone.

Spoon lickin' good.