Tuesday, November 28th, 2017

Sacramento, California
123rd operating temple
Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

3 Nephi 27:15

And for this cause have I been lifted up; therefore, according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto e, that they may be judged according to their works.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 8:26-41

Generations are affected by the choices you make. Your decisions today determine your destiny. In a day when some people might be inclined to abandon faith in the face of great difficulties, Moroni's words teach us to see miracles and revelations as evidence that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Although the spiritual and social conditions in the world may be in a state of constant change and decline, God's covenant people can have full confidence that He is eternally the same. 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 15:6

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Arden

"Zeezrom's actions and words were a snare of the adversary, which he...laid to catch the people, that he might bring them into subjection unto him, that he might encircle them about with his chains" (Alma 12:6). Those same snares exist today, and unless we are spiritually vigilant and build a sure foundation on our Redeemer, we may find ourselves bound with Satan's chains and being led carefully down the forbidden paths spoken of in the Book of Mormon."

We read this from "Life Everlasting" today: "We will, when we are in the Spirit World be able to move quickly to anywhere we want to go in time or space. We will be able to see with our entire bodies, we will be able to learn many things at once and we will have an increased ability to remember what we learn." Wow!

James made a trip to town today to get another hose for the tractor. 

He bought me tacos but he forgot to pick them up. He also took my debit card so he could get cash back to go to the dump tomorrow but he forgot to use it and used the credit card instead. I got an unexpected phone call while James was gone. When President Shumway's name showed up on my phone I thought he was going to ask me to speak in the upcoming conference. I was relieved that he only wanted to talk with me and then wanted me to speak with Elder Heyman.  Elder Heyman said he hoped he would be able to see us at the conference. I asked him if Dianne was coming and he said she would not be. It was such a great surprise!

When James returned home I made him some lunch with the Thanksgiving leftovers. I worked on my steps, blogged, talked to Stacy on the phone and watched Christmas movies this afternoon while James worked outside. He also washed the windows by the Christmas tree both inside and out for me. He also made the bed this morning.

What a guy!

The Heyman's

Saturday, November 18th, 2017

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement

Matthew 8:17

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 1:1-19

*What does it mean to willfully rebel against God and what are the consequences? (v. 16)

While serving as a member of the Seventy, Elder Dean L. Larsen explained that rebellion against God has individual roots which, if not corrected, spread with devastating consequences: "Historically, the drifting away from the course of life marked out by the Lord has occurred as individuals begin to make compromises with the Lord's standard. This is particularly true when the transgression is willful and no repentance occurs. Remember Mormon's description of those who turned away from the true path in his day. They did not sin in ignorance. They willfully rebelled against God. It did not occur as a universal movement. It began as individual members of the Church knowingly began to make compromises with the Lord's standards. They sought justification for their diversions in the knowledge that others were compromising as well. Those who willfully sin soon seek to establish a standard of their own with which they can feel more comfortable and which justifies their misconduct. They also seek the association of those who are willing to drift with them along the path of self-delusion. As the number of drifting individuals increases, their influence becomes more powerful. It might be described as 'the great and spacious building syndrome.' The drifting is the more dangerous when its adherents continue to overtly identify with and participate with the group that conforms to the Lord's way. Values and standards that were once clear become clouded and uncertain. Conduct that would once have caused alarm now becomes somewhat commonplace."

I remember years ago when Monte was going to school in Tucson and had become active in the Church. We went down the Sunday when he was ordained an elder. Afterwards I wanted to take everyone to lunch, justifying in my mind, that just this once it would be okay to go to a restaurant on the Sabbath. James refused and I will be forever grateful for his example of faith and obedience. 

"Out of small things proceedeth that which is great."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 9:7-9

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that you bosom shall burn without you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" Members have to know the call to serve as a bishop came from the Lord, by revelation. Without their faith, the bishop, who was called of God, will find it harder to get the revelation he needs to help them. He will not succeed without the faith of the members to sustain him."

Our six bunnies love to graze on the lawn before sunrise. 

James and I made a trip to town this morning. I bought two turkeys at Walmart, one small one for Thanksgiving and a large one for Christmas dinner. James went to Home Depot and Lowes looking for Christmas replacement lights. He found some at Lowe's where we bought our tree. Hopefully they will work. 

We went to Aliberto's where I got two tacos and James got an Arizona burrito. The burrito was delicious but way too greasy!

While we were in town the bishop called and said the High Priests were supposed to deliver food baskets this morning. There were 75 people who put together 70 baskets in 15 minutes at the mission in Vernon. We were going to go but we totally forgot. By the time we got back to Vernon there was only one basket left to deliver. The Giles' were there to help and delivered several baskets for us.

The basket James is going to deliver goes to one of the sisters that he was just assigned to home teach. 

I forgot to mention that just outside of Show Low we saw a herd of antelope grazing by the side of the road. 

Today's Christmas movies: "Lucky Christmas," and a new one with Danica McKellar, "Coming Home for Christmas."

I also got all my steps in today and while doing it I made a delicious lasagna soup for dinner. James said he wasn't going to eat, but he did and he loved it. It also made the house smell really good.

I started studying my Primary lesson but will have to finish in the morning because I am just too tired tonight.

It takes alot of steps to burn a few calories.

Trina and her friend

This is my kind of garden box. James says

it needs to be bigger.

I was Melonie's Mia Maid advisors.

Uncle Kay in Fairview, Utah

Go Wolves!

Shayna and Alex

Baniff, Canada

Heather, Pat, and kids on a hike

These boots are made for catchin'

Tanner

Monday, October 30th, 2017

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

94th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 July 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 21:4

But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 16:1-20

What is the purpose of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon?

* It is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has begun to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (3 Nephi 29:1; Ether 4:17). 

Who is the House of Israel?

*The House of Israel generally refers to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was change to Israel in the Old Testament (Gen 32:27-28). In the Book of Mormon the Savior expanded this definition to include not only the literal descendants of Israel (3 Nephi 20:25-27) but also all Gentiles, or other people, who repent, are baptized, and come unto Christ. (3 Nephi 21:6). The gathering of Israel is taking place in preparation of the Savior's Second Coming. In recent years it has been accelerated as missionaries are being called at a younger age Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants us to be gathered and united when the Savior comes to redeem the world. What an exciting time to be alive!

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:4

And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chose in these last days.

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

"Each of us needs to be better at articulating the reasons for our faith. How do you feel about Jesus Christ? Why do you believe the Book of Mormon is scriptures Where do you get your peace? How do you know you have a real prophets? Use your voice and your power to articulate what you know and feel - on social media, in quiet conversations with friends, when your chatting with your grandchildren. Tell them why you believe, what it feels like, if you ever doubted, how you got through it, and what Jesus Christ means to you."

Venison for breakfast. Thanks Paul from Oregon!

Thanks James from Vernon for the

steak and gravy!

I read this quote by the prophet Joseph Smith in my studies today:

"To magnify a calling means to build it up in dignity and importance, to make it honorable and commendable in the eyes of all men, to enlarge and strengthen it, to let the light of heaven shine through it to the view of other men."

And by Thomas S. Monson:

"And ow does one magnify a calling? Simply by performing the service that pertains to it."

James and I both took our vehicles to town today to have them serviced. I left a little early to meet Sister Chaffin at Dollar General to pick up my cake carrier. She and her kids were on their way to New Mexico so we said goodbye. I will miss Hailey and her kids.

I waited at Discount Tire for 30 minutes for James. When he finally got there he ordered 3 new tires for my car and then we headed to Walmart where he took his truck in to get the oil changed. While we were waiting we decided to walk to La Casita for lunch. We got all the way there and when I saw the empty parking lot I remembered that it is closed on Monday so we walked back to Panda Express. At least we are getting on steps in today. We had lunch at Panda and visited with my cousin Randy and his wife Debbie. An old friend from high school, Allen F. also came by to say hello. 

After picking up James's truck we went back to Discount and brought my car to have the oil changed at Walmart. At this point James got to go home while I did some shopping for over an hour while they serviced my car. I got home around 5:30 after being gone for six hours.

After unloading the groceries I make some chocolate chip cookies for James to take to the Wilhelm's. He wanted to do a home teaching visit but John is gone hunting with some of the kids so cookies will have to do.

For F.H.E. we listened to Sister Marriott's conference address. I was exhausted so I sat down to watch "Dancing with the Stars", Halloween edition while James printed his temple names from "Take a Name."

DWTS

My favorite couples dance

Jordan and Lindsey

Emma and Drew

Mark and Lindsey

Phantom of the Ballroom was the

best dance of the night!

Memories

Addy as the Queen of Hearts

One of my favorite pictures of Darrel

Ruby, Lois, Lola, Addy, Rowan

about three years ago.

Sunday, October 29th, 2017

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 15:1-24

*Why is it so important to keep the commandments? 

*How does keeping the commandments allow us to be a light to others?

"Keeping the commandments can help us avoid a lot of sadness, misery and really hard things. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' (John 14:15)

Every commandment has a promised blessing. Obedience brings growth, protection, spiritual and temporal blessing, and ultimately eternal life. The most important reason to keep the commandments is to show our love, gratitude and devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:2

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Recently, while visiting the Provo City Center Temple, I admired a painting entitled First Vision from Afar. The painting depicts the light and power from heaven as the Father and Son visited the young Joseph Smith. While not making a comparison with the very sacred event that ushered in the Restoration, I can imagine a similar visual that would reflect the light and spiritual power of God descending upon this general conference and, in turn, that power and light moving across the world."

It was Shelly's farewell today. She wants others to feel loved of the Lord like she does. She also played a number on the piano because she is learning to do hard things.  Jackson Allen and the bishop also spoke.

We have a new young men's presidency: Brother Wilhelm, Brother Skousen, and Brother Applegate, a powerhouse presidency.

Jace, Colter, Grace, Liana, and Liana's cousing Brecklyn were in my Primary class today. I guess Curtis is staying home taking care of Ruthie and Johnny who are sick. I gave two lessons today to make up for next week's regional conference. I gave the lesson on the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum and then a brief lesson on Brigham Young becoming the prophet and how a prophet is chosen today.

The third hour the women were taught by Brother Allen and Bishop Miller. Brother Allen did a great job. We discussed Sister Eubank's conference talk.

After the block the new high priest group leadership was set apart in the bishop's office. James was set apart by Brother Greer of the high council and Brother Hunsaker and Brother Curtis were set apart by President Jensen. 

In Brother Greer's setting apart of James he mentioned his voice and his family, two things that were very important to James. It was a wonderful setting apart.

When we returned home Paul was here to do some reloading. James made him some lunch and went outside to eat with him. 

I watched a Christmas movie and did some studying and blogging. 

This evening we had some unexpected visitors. The Grapp family from our ward came by for a visit. They brought apple cake and homemade bread. We had such a nice visit. The kids played upstairs and Brother Grapp and Benson put together my spiderman Legos kit. Sister Grapp told about Tildy who is five getting on one of their horses and riding without a saddle or a bridle. She took a video. It was pretty amazing!

Jared texted to tell us the doctor who is buying his practice is going in to the hospital for bypass surgery and the bank has still not approved his load. We are praying that everything will work out as it should.

A Vernon sunrise

I loved these birthday dates 

at the Lego Store!

Kim, Brian, Alex, Seth

Last year's pumpkin carving, engagement,

birthday party at Sheri and Ian's.

The engagement is for Kacey and Jared,

and the birthday is Jared's.

Michael, Lexus, Alex

Shana and Joe watching Alex at work.

Love these two cuties!

Shayna, Alex, Michael, Sheri

More carving!

Go Addy!

Kim is helping Evan

Every party needs a Lola

Love these cuties!

I love these cuties too but I'm wondering

where Emmy is.