Saturday, June 2nd, 2018

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Condenscension of

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

* Have you encountered someone who has tried to contradict your testimony?
Talk: Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

By: L. Tom Perry

Oct. 2011

Old Testament

1 Kings 13-14

13 Jeroboam is smitten and then healed by a prophet from Judah - The prophet delivers his message, is led astray by a prophet from Bethel, and is slain by a lion for his disobedience - Jeroboam continues false worship in Israel.

14 Ahijah foretells the ruin of Jeroboam's house, the death of his child, and the scattering of the Israelites because of their idolatry - Jeroboam dies and Nadab reigns - Judah, under Rehoboam, turns to wickedness - Shishak of Egypt takes treasures from the temple - Rehoboam dies and Abijam reigns.

General Conference

Am I A Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"Christ felt my pains, my sorrows, my guilt." Jen concludes. "I felt God's pure love and had never experienced anything so powerful! Knowing I am a child of God is the most powerful knowledge I possess!"

Russell M. Nelson 10/11 #58. Covenants.

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 19, Principle 11: A Priesthood Holder Works Effectively in Councils

Today was Uncle Delbert's funeral. James was going to go and then turn around and come back in time for our anniversary party at 5 pm. this afternoon but he decided not to go. He said he wanted to spend the day with me instead. How sweet.

Uncle Delbert's four sons: Neal, Marshall, Delbert, and Curtis.

The first thing James did was go to the store and get the boys some donuts for breakfast. They also had ice cream and scrambled eggs. What a breakfast!

They just hung out in their room until Sheri came to pick them up around 11.  Sheri was going to give us money for her boys but we asked her to pick up James's dry cleaning instead, which cost $34.

We spent a relaxing day at the condo and James made us green smoothies before we start our fast. The entire state of Arizona has been asked to fast for moisture by the Area Seventies. 

At 4 o'clock this afternoon we left for Chandler. First we had to pick up James's prescription at CVS and then we went to get gas. When we got to the church on McQueen around 5 Kim and Stacy were there setting up and Sheri and her family had just arrived. 

Everyone brought their own food and ate before the actual party started. When the party starts, everyone is here except Joe and Jared Ammon, and of course, Jared's family. We had some extra people here too, Sarah with Dallin, Kaitlin with Adam, and Alexis with Michael.

Adam and Michael performed a Good Ole War song, "Not Quite Happiness."

The song should be called "Just Love."

After the song Stacy asked us to bring our chairs to the front, sit back to back, take our shoes off, and give the other person one of our shoes, so we have one of our shoes and one of their's.

She asked us questions and if the answer was Karen we held up my shoes, if it was James we held up his shoes. We couldn't see what the other person was answering.

Lola put the red nose on me.

Trina had a questionnaire for everyone to fill out regarding answers I had given and James had given. Everyone got to choose if they were on my team or James's team and the right answer would be whatever each of us had said. Team James took James's answers and Team Karen took my answers as the right one.

Kim decorated a bulletin board and we stood in front of it, twice.

We look alike!

Ruby dressed us. She said grandpa had to be

the girl and I had to be the boy.

We had lots of goodies. Sheri brought two cakes and Trina made

chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch rice krispy treats, and brownies.

This cake was like strawberry shortcake and

was delicious!

James seems to like it

Setting up for the party

Dinner time

Not much to eat on this table.

Ahh, Chik-fil-a

 Rowan can be very entertaining

Ruby trying to put a headband on Evan

Love these boys!

Kaitlin playing with Lola

Miss Lola

Such a cutie

Playtime

Michael got us these roses, one

for every ten years.

The rest of the evening we watched videos and looked at photos and read statements by loved ones. It was a great celebration. We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family both here and in Texas.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Provo City Center temple

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

DC 3:11-20

What testimony do I have that the Lord does keep His promises?

Speech: "The Other Side of Heaven"

By: John Groberg

Dec. 4, 2001

GC:    "Come, Follow Me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service by Elder Robert D. Hales

"Our Christian love and service naturally begin in the home.  Parents, you are called to be loving teachers and missionaries to your children and youth.  They are your investigators.  You bear the responsibility to help them become converted.  In truth, all of us are seeking to be converted - which means being filled with our Savior's love."

We left for the valley at 5:46 am. in a snow storm with James driving.  Because we were running late James suggested that we go the Globe way because he thinks we will get there quicker.  I didn't argue because, I mean, after all, he is the one driving.  The only thing I was worried about was falling rocks in Salt River Canyon.  We hydro-planed on a wet road and then went over a hill and hit some ice just before Timber Camp, and then slid all over the road.  Thank goodness no one was coming from the other direction.  Prayers really are answered!

We arrived at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Center in Mesa at 9:05, plenty of time for my 9:15 appointment.  I was taken right back.  My blood pressure was 148/84.  I guess I was a little anxious about getting there on time.

Trina's family

We went to Sonic for lunch and then went to see Adam.  He insists that the accident was not his fault.  At this point it doesn't matter.  He has no insurance to fix the car and it is in a towing yard.  James will come back down on Tuesday with his trailer and get the car. 

We stopped at Costco on the way out to see Trina and the kids so I could pick up some Alpine Valley bread.  At Trina's all the kids are there except Addy who is already back in school.  We gave Rowan is charger for his drone.  Lola said to me: "I like your red shirt." and to James: "I like your black shirt."  "Do you like my pink one?"

 Monument Valley

We went home again through Globe.  We made these stops in Show Low: Walmart, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, and China Buffet for hot and sour soup, and Taco Bell for tacos.  

It was wonderful to finally be home!  We did go from 63 degrees in the valley to 33 here in Vernon.

We watched a cute movie we had seen before but really loved, "Summer Villa" with Hilare Burton and Victor Webster.  I have a little bit of a crush on Victor.

Family Photos:

Soccer game two years ago.

Is that Sheri looking at her phone?

Coach Trina

Addy when she was 10.

5 year old Ruby.

Lola using a tablet.

This was when Joshua, Rowan and Evan all played on the same team.

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Provo City Center temple

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Are we ready to be judged of our works? (v.4-5).

In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

* Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable.  I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us a few weeks ago.  As I watched her saying her prayers one evening, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence.  I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I new.  Tears come to my eyes when I think of it.  We can truly be taught by little children.  How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? (v. 19-21).  They did what Jesus taught them to do.  They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration.  "They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another."  they were baptized in the name of Jesus and were called the Church of Christ.

GC:     'Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus' by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"A stumbling block is 'an impediment to belief or understanding' or' an obstacle to progress.'  To stumble spiritually is 'to fall into sin or waywardness.'  A stumbling block can be anything that distracts us from achieving righteous goals."

I had a small miracle occur today.  James was going to go to the valley this morning.  I did not want him to go because he has four tires that need to be replaced.  When he went out to get in the truck, it would not start, so he decided not to go.  Instead he stayed here and went in to town to get new tires.  I am so grateful!

He also brought back two quarts of hot and sour soup.  One for him, and one for me.  

This is my new drinking container.  Jared is always talking about

how wonderful his Yeti is because it keeps ice in his drink for several hours.  We bought this at the Walmart in Chandler at a fraction of the cost of a Yeti and it works very well.  It keeps my drinks cold for as long as they last.  It has an icon on it that looks like a buffalo, so I call this my Bufi.

When I was at Cathi's a couple of weeks ago she received this book for a gift.

 I just had to have this book.  Temple worship is so important and I want to leave as part of my legacy to my family, my love for the temple.  

Paul posted this picture of Shipley today.  He said this is her staring at him while he eats pizza for dinner.  James told Joshua that Shipley is his second most favorite dog ever.  His first was a dog named Prince who drowned in Ramah Lake when James was a boy.

This dog is so lovable!

Today I watched a Mrs. Miracle Christmas movie and this evening James and I watched "A Royal Christmas" starring Lacy Chabert and Jane Seymore.  James also put up my "family tree."

That's him over sticking pieces on the wall.

It is like putting together a puzzle and he needed

to look at the picture.

The tree is up.  Now I just need to put family

pictures on it.