Sunday, November 12th, 2017

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

Mosiah 18:2

Yea, concerning that which was to come, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and the redemption of the people, which was to be brought to pass through the power, and sufferings, and death of Christ, and his resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon

*How can we strive to be more like Christ in our lives?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: "The entire ministry of the Master was characterized by His voluntary subordination to His Heavenly Fathers will", and in the Savior's own words, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me... for I do always the things that please Him" (John 8:28-29).  Christ was not only perfectly obedient, but maybe even more importantly, perfectly trusting. So if we choose, like Jesus Christ, to trust more completely, to follow more obediently, and to make doing the will of our Father the core motivation behind decision-making, focus, thoughts, actions, and if we make understanding His will our very purpose, what could the ripple effect of that be? Would we be cultivating and deepening Christlike virtues such as truth, wisdom, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, godliness, faith and self-control? Would we be more completely and exactly following the Savior's example? Would we experience deeper peace, happiness, and joy? Elder Neal A. Maxwell said: "Only by aligning our wills with God's is full happiness to be found...progression toward submission confers...an enhanced capacity for joy."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:5-7

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion.

7 Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Our lives are like a chessboard, and the Lord moves us from one place to another - if we are responsive to spiritual promptings.

Looking back, we can see His hand in our lives."

Neither one of us had to prepare a lesson today. We left for church around 8:45. I did not feel well but I made myself go. It was fast and testimony meeting and Shelly bore her testimony for the last time in sacrament meeting before leaving for her mission. Her family is taking her to Utah to the MTC on Tuesday. 

The bishop was out of town today and Anne was home with two sick babies. The bishop's parents brought the older children so they would be here for the Primary program practice. 

I loved Brother Secard's testimony. He got up as he normally does and as he was talking he tried to explain that he had an illness but he couldn't remember the name of it. He said: "You know, it's the one where you can't remember anything." 

My friend Rosa who is also a Primary teacher told me we were supposed to teach today but she didn't come prepared because she thought we were practicing for the program both hours. I told her I wasn't prepared either and I went to talk to Sister Skousen, the Primary president. She said originally we were not going to teach but they decided two hours was too long to practice so she had Sister Thompson the secretary, call every one. I told her I did not get a call and neither did Rosa. She said it was okay that the presidency would cover the teaching hour, which they did along with the music director. Sister Thompson came to me and apologized and told me she sent out an email on Thursday. I told her I didn't get it but then I realized that every day I delete over 200 emails and maybe I accidentally deleted it. Sure enough, I found it in my deleted files. I was a little embarrassed. Oh well, I guess I need to be more careful in the future.

One exciting thing happened today. Braxton, one of the boys in my class who very rarely comes, came to Primary today and participated in the program!

I was so tired and sleepy I just kept watching the clock and almost decided to leave early during the practice since I was just sitting there anyway. I knew if I went home though I would just have to come back and pick up James so I stayed.

As soon as we got home we broke our fast and I sat down to watch a Christmas movie while eating a peanut butter sandwich and drinking a glass of milk. 

James grilled some steaks and cooked some corn for our real lunch. It was delicious. I was still tired and had a headache and just camped in front of the TV watching Hallmark Christmas movies. 

I watched: "The Sweetest Christmas" starring Lacey Chabert, and Lea Coco. "A Cookie Cutter Christmas" starring Erin Krakow, and David Haydn-Jones, and Alan Thicke. "A Song for Christmas" starring Rebecca Tobin, Kevin McGarry, and Kendra Leigh Thomas. And last but not least, "Enchanted Christmas" starring Carlos and Alexa PenaVega.  Afterwards I vowed there would be no more TV watching on Sunday. It just wasn't right because it kept James from indexing and me from working on family history.

I gave Pam and Ricky conference Ensigns yesterday on the way home from the temple. Pam texted me and said she had finished reading the entire Ensign! Wow! Pretty amazing!

More photos from last night's

Patriotic Program in Chandler

Sister Bear, Sister Barney (from Snowflake), 

Sister Lamb, and Sister Davis.

Brian L., friends with James

The Montgomery's, who happen to have a

summer place in Vernon.

Pres. A. Farnsworth with his daughter and son-in-law.

Sister Kempton and Sister Layton

my counselor and secretary when I was the Primary

President in Chandler 2nd ward.

Fall photo of the day

Kilee, one of my young women

This is about what I look like first thing in the morning.

The Whalen family

The Whalen family Christmas tree

Northern Lights and a glowing igloo

Sooo cute!

My kids cousins and their kids

The Living Christ

Sunday, October 15th, 2017

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Genesis 18:22

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

*How do these verses exemplify the pride cycle? How can we avoid falling into the pride cycle?

-We can avoid falling into the pride cycle by being truly converted to the faith, and by being "firm, steadfast and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord." (verse 14). Are our minds and hearts anxiously engaged in good things? Do we just go through the motions or are we truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the seed of faith planted in our souls?

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 82:3

For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"Earning the Lord's trust is a blessing that comes through great effort on our part. Trust is a blessing based on obedience to God's laws. Earning the Lord's trust comes as a result of being true to the covenants we have made in the waters of baptism and in the holy temple. When we keep our promises to the Lord, His trust in us grows."

Brother Curtis and Brother Crane were asked to bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting today. Brother Curtis was the ward clerk that was just released. Here are some of the things Brother Curtis said: He said he was blessed to serve four years as the ward clerk. He said right now he is closer to the Savior than he has ever been in his life. The Savior will always come to my rescue. The priesthood is such a blessing as the Lord's tender mercies are administered.

Brother Crane: Grateful to serve in the bishopric. Chuck bore a powerful 4 point testimony. He forgot to mention Joseph Smith.

LeeAnn H. spoke about why she should listen to her parents. She used a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood." 

Brother Allen was the final speaker. He used Elder David E Sorenson's talk on temples from the October 2003 general conference. In 1998 there were 94 temple. Today there are 157. Temples stand as a symbol of the grace and goodness of God. The temple is a place of revelation, inspiration, meditation, and peace - a place to restore ourselves, to clear our minds, to find answers to our prayers, and to enjoy the satisfaction of worship and service. 

"When you are about the Lord's work, He will be about your work."

Brother DeWitt and James helped passed the sacrament today. I think Andy asks them because they are both short and the boys don't feel intimidated. 

During Primary we all stayed in the chapel for our program practice. I told my class if they were good that I would make them cookies. Colter and Jace were both very good, and of course Gracie and Liana are always good. Curtis was gone today. I can't remember him ever missing Primary before. Someone said he went to help his dad. Zemira, Ruthie and Johnny were gone for awhile but they all eventually showed up, but no Curtis. I missed him. 

When we got home Kim and Brian were packed up and ready to go home. We said our goodbye's and took a picture on the front porch.

After lunch and nap I studied and called my friend Charlotte and texted Pam. I also worked on my blog. James and I watched the finale of "Chesapeake Shores."

James saw some elk this evening, two herds. 

October 15, 2017

We need a watering trough.

Sunday morning puppy snuggles.

Goodbye to Kim and Brian.

Scarlett

Why do I mail my property taxes to

Houston, Texas?

This was posted on a friend's Facebook feed.

October 15, 2016

Anna and friend with Mike from

Monsters, Inc.

Ruby ready to rock and roll!

Last years new toy,

a log splitter

October 15, 2015

What a difference a couple of years makes.

Sunday, October 9, 2016

I love this quote!

3 Nephi 2:1-19

Why do you think forgetting spiritual experiences can make us vulnerable to Satan?  What can we do to insure that we do not forget the spiritual experiences we have had?

Answer: I record spiritual experiences I have had so I will remember and never forget how I felt when I had those experiences.  Keeping a journal has blessed me many times.  I sometimes go back and look at it and reflect on the good times and spiritual experiences I have had, and all that God has blessed me with.  Keeping a journal/blog helps me see God's hand in my life and fills me with gratitude.

Losing a testimony usually happens a little bit at a time.  When we don't record and remember our spiritual experiences they begin to erode and be forgotten.  To guard against erosion, write down spiritual experiences, ponder them, thank the Lord for them, and share them when appropriate.

When we take the sacrament each week we eat and drink in Remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, and promise that we will always Remember Him.  Remembering is so important.  When we feel close to Him, we act differently.  When we forget we gradually withdraw ourselves from Him and His Spirit.

GC: 'A Witness of God' Elder Neil L. Andersen

"As you pray often and sincerely for opportunities to 'stand as a witness of God', these opportunities will come."

 Fall in Colorado, posted by Tyler Maxwell.

James and I left for church early so he could set up his classroom before sacrament meeting.  I don't teach today because we are practicing for the Primary program in the chapel.  Darrel, Trina and Lola left this morning in our car for home.  Lola laid down on the floor and cried when Sheri and all of the other kids left for church without her.  She was also upset that we had taken her car.  The kids are staying here with us this week and we need to use Trina's Suburban to get them all back home.  We are meeting her in Payson on Saturday. 

During sacrament meeting I was sitting by Evan and Rowan and Ruby.  I gave Evan and Rowan a notebook and Evan drew this picture:

 I ask him if it was ok if I ate a donut while I

read from my Book of Mormon.  He said that would be ok.

Alice and John Wilhelm spoke in sacrament and so did Brother Thompson.  John forgot to get speakers and there was no written program.  The Giles' were there and sat right behind us.  

Our Primary practice went quite well but many of the children were missing, including two from my class, Braylin and Kacey.  Hopefully they will be here next week.

Sheri had a roast in the crockpot for dinner.  While it was cooking she and I went to Pinetop to winterize John and Betty's mobile home.  We had a hard time getting in but Sheri perservered and finally got the key to work.  As I was there I was reminded of Ian's grandparents who spent their summer's in this home and the time we were there and Ian's grandmother jumped the fence around her garden.  My mom was with me and we were both impressed.

I love this time of year.

These pictures were taken up by Green's Peak.

Sheri's roast and veggies were delicious.  We also had some rolls.  Afterwards we decided to have FHE since Sheri and Ben are leaving for home tomorrow.  First we listened to Elder Nattress's conference talk "No Greater Joy Than to Know That They Know."  He tells of how his mother use to read to him and his siblings from the Book of Mormon every morning at the dinner table and how he ask her why she did it because he wasn't even listening.  Her loving response was a defining moment in his life.  She said, "Son, I was at a meeting where President Marion G. Romney taught about the blessings of scripture reading.  During this meeting, I received a promise that if I would read the Book of Mormon to my children every day, I would not lose them."  She then looked her son straight in the eyes and, with absolute determination, said, "And I will not lose you!"  Elder Nattress asks the question:  " If all that your children knew of the gospel came from you - as their only source - how much would they know?"

After the conference talk we watched the new movie, "Saturday's Warrior."  About half way through, Ruby got up and went upstairs and went to bed because she was crying and she didn't want anyone else to see.  Addy went up and sang her a song.  

Right before the end of the movie Rowan got up and ran upstairs.  When we went up to check on him he was behind the recliner, crying and saying he wanted his mom and dad.  He was upset because Pam had died in the movie and he realized how much he loved his family.  I love that these kids are so sensitive and have such love for family.  We Face Timed Darrel and Trina and after talking to them for awhile he was ok and came down and joined us for family prayer.

  I love the skies and trees in Vernon.