Monday, December 17th, 2018

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 12:1-21

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 26-28

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"Now I address the younger group of this audience. My dear young sisters, because of your knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, you are unique. Your knowledge will enable you to endure and overcome the difficulties of growing up. From a young age, you have participated in projects and programs that have developed your talents, such as writing, speaking, and planning. You have learned responsible behavior and how to resist temptations to lie, cheat, steal, or use alcohol or drugs."

We left the house at 6:50 this morning. We went by the Show Low post office and mailed Michael's birthday card before going to Discount Tire to get our tires balanced and rotated. While we were waiting we walked down to McDonald's.

James's phone has not been ringing so he went down to Verizon to have them look at it while I went to Jiffy Lube to get the oil changed in the car I met him at McDonald's again. He said the reason his phone didn't work was because he had the ringer off. Duh! He felt pretty foolish!

While we were in McDonald's the senior patrol came in. I thought they were regular police officers. They were enjoying coffee and goodies and one of them said, "When and where are we going to lunch"? Some guy who was talking to them asked what they did and they said in unison, "nothing."

I was hoping they weren't the official police here in Show Low. If they were, the city would be in trouble.

After our oil change we went to Walmart and did some shopping and then got some lunch at Taco Bell. 

I took lots of notes today from the talks that I listened to on Christlike attributes. Here are some of them: "10 virtues by James E. Faust - 1. Faith - The foundation of all righteousness 2. Honesty - You cannot be honest with others unless you are honest with yourself. 3. Chastity - Always remember that you can go much further on respect than on popularity 4. Humility - Learn to say, I don't know. If used when appropriate, it will be often. 5. Self-Discipline - Character formed from self-discipline will rise with you in the resurrection. 6. Fairness - If you will be fair to other people, they will most likely be fair to you. We are here to help others. 7. Moderation - Safety comes from staying close to the center. 8. Cleanliness - Be clean in appearance and environment. Cleanliness is next to godliness. 9. Courage - Courage to stand up to peer pressure, resist temptation, withstand ridicule, and stand for the truth. 10. Grow in grace. Charm is attractiveness which comes from a feeling of personal dignity, an inner beauty that comes from a feeling of self-worth. Your expression is the most important thing you can wear. 
"It may be that your most significant, everlasting achievements will be your righteous influence on others."

I watched movies this afternoon, blogged, brought in wood and wrapped presents. 

James says he felt better today than he has felt since his surgery. I hope he didn't overdue it.

Cathryn and Andyn, the bishops daughters brought us by a treat this evening. Peppermint Oreos. I ate all four.

Ruby's bake sale and sign.

Scarlett trying to get to Charlie

This smile brightens my day!

As I wrap the presents I'm putting them

under our tree.

Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14-15:9

* Why do we do things our "own way"?

- Sometimes we think our way is easier...or the right way. But we don't see the whole picture as God does. It's hard to let go of the wheel...it can be scary too!

Old Testament

Ruth 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine - His sons marry - The father and sons die - Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi - They come to Bethlehem.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"This is Easter Sunday. I reverently witness and solemnly testify of the living Christ - He who 'died, was buried, and rose again the third day.'"

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ."

"Rescuing Wayward Children," 202: "The blessings given to Abraham flow to us by and through the Melchizedek Priesthood. What the ancients called entering into the order of the Son of God is today called entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This can only happen in the temple. Both worthy men and women enter into this highest order of the priesthood in the temple....We obtain the power to bring our children into the presence of God by going to the house of the Lord and entering into 'the order of the Son of God' by means of the ordinances, including eternal marriage when the opportunity arises."

Russell M. Nelson 4/96 #25: "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me" "Which way do you face? Our respect for the first commandment fashions our feelings for all the others."

Two people cancelled appointments with me today. I had an appointment to see Sister MacArthur at 9 this morning and just as I was about to open the muffin mix she called and said she was in town and could I come tomorrow. No problem.

I was going to take Sister Halcomb to have a minor surgery done on her arm and she texted me and said her daughter was home and she would take her. No problem.

James and I are really getting in to the "Kill the Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge. We both walked 45 minutes straight to get the 7 exercise points. 

I wrote a check for the last half of our property taxes. The check was around $1,400. 

James went to the post office today and there was a check there from Dianne Rico for $1,150. There was also a check from a life insurance company with the policy on me, for $118. The Lord really does answer prayers.

I started cleaning upstairs for our company on Thursday, Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady. It gets so dusty! James joined me. He moved the kingsized bed from my office to Sheri and Ian's room, their bed into his office, and the bed in his office into my office. 

He also started making shutters for the front windows today. It was a good day for him! He also did yard work and planted the iris's and hydrangea bush he bought the other day. 

We had boiled cabbage for dinner and then for FHE we listened to Brother Soares conference talk, "Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit."

This baby bunny couldn't reach inside the 

bowl for his feed so he solved the problem

by jumping in.

Hello world!

Garden State Tortoise

Dresden, Germany

I remember President Uchtdorf giving a

talk where he mentioned how Dresden was

destroyed during World War II and then

was rebuilt to be just as beautiful as it was before.

Buffalo St., Chandler, Arizona

This is the first building where we attended

church in Chandler. It was light green in

color when we were there and before it was

torn down.