Thursday, August 1st, 2019

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

Moses 2:26

And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man inn our image after our likeness;; and it was so. And I, God said: Let the have dominion over the fishes of the sea and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:27-40

New Testament "A Minister and a Witness"

Acts 25:13-27; 26

General Conference

How Can I Understand

Ulisses Soares

"When we accept the Savior's invitation to 'come and see,' we need to abide in Him, immersing ourselves in the scriptures, rejoicing in them, learning His doctrine and striving to live the way He lived. Only then will we come to know Him, Jesus Christ and recognize His voice, knowing that as we come unto Him and believe in Him, we shall never hunger nor thirst. We will be able to discern the truth at all times, as occurred to those two disciples who abode with Jesus that day."

We left for the valley a little before 7 this morning. Michael was up sitting on the couch. He says he never sleeps more than 4 or 5 hours. Sean was also up. Sheri was up too. She was out running.

James dropped me off at Dr. Douglas's office around 10:30. My appointment is at 10:45 to get my teeth cleaned with Shelly, the new hygienist. Their computers were down so they were running late.  

I have two crowns in the very back on my left side that need to be replaced, one on the upper and the other on the lower part of my mouth. Dr. Douglas says the top one the tooth is crumbling and will need to be pulled. I said that was fine but I could not afford to get an implant. On the bottom they will take off the crown and replace it. All of this is going to cost around $1,200.

When James picked me up we went to Fry's to get me some dry mouth lozenges. They also told me I needed to drink more water so I got a bottle of water. I looked for the hot and sweet pickles that Sister Bradshaw brings to the temple but there weren't any so I bought bread and butter instead. 

We drove to the Firebirds in Gilbert where I had a lunch date with my friend Karen S. We go to lunch in February for her birthday and August for mine. I had what I always have at Firebirds, the coconut shrimp with mango habernero chutney and an ice cream sundae for dessert. Karen told me how much she loved the book I gave her for her birthday and then she gave me two books.

I have an entire collection of Aunt Dimity books.

Karen got me started on them several years ago.

Karen and I had a nice visit and then it was time to go. James spent some time at Stacy's while I was at lunch working on the door he installed. Stacy gave him a card and a dark chocolate hazelnut bar for Father's day.

We went to Darrel and Trina's next. James dropped me off while he went to mail the book we sold merchant fulfilled. I just walked in the house thinking no one was home but Addy was there. She just had her first day of school and she looked so cute. Here is what she wore her first day:

James and I were both tired so we took a nap. When Trina came home she and I decided we would go to the 7 pm showing of "Lion King". Rowan had football practice until 6. James did not feel well so he stayed home while we went to the movie. Trina put Lola in her pajamas. 

At the movie I bought a big bag of popcorn to share with the kids and drank my water instead of a soda. 

No hot and sweet pickles

 Our old bank in Chandler

I don't think so!

 Today's rain in Vernon

We ended up having to sit on rows 1 and 2 because we were late. I liked the movie. I forgot what a good message it has.

Meanwhile back in Vernon. Ian and his brother Sean worked on fixing the Razr for over six hours. Sheri went in and bought a new battery and they got it started but it doesn't sound good and it won't go very fast. They cleaned it all up and just left it parked in the garage. I know they were disappointed they couldn't get it running but I am so grateful to them for all they did and for trying.

They had a huge rainstorm, a gully washer and the lights went out for over two hours. Sheri said they remembered the stove was gas so they cooked dinner in the dark. 

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Firstborn

Revelations 1:11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Book of Mormon

Alma 37:26-47

New Testament"The Lord Had Called Us For to Preach the Gospel"

Acts 17

General Conference

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

"Truman G. Madsen made this comforting observation:

'If there are some of you who have been tricked into the conviction that you have gone too far, ... that you have had the poison of sin which makes it impossible ever again to be what you could have been - then hear me.

'I bear testimony that you cannot sink farther than the light and sweeping intelligence of Jesus Christ can reach. I bear testimony that as long as there is one spark of the will to repent and to reach, he is there He did not just descend to your condition; he descended below it that he might be in all and through all things the light of truth.'" (DC 88:6)

James's truck has got major electrical problems. He turned off the windshield wipers, came in the house and looked out the window and they were on. Erik told him he needed to get a new truck. This is true, but it just isn't in the cards right now. 

We have so many things that need to be fixed right now, it's hard to know where to start. Where the water downstairs is coming from continues to be a mystery as the valve that was leaking last time is as dry as a bone. 

Changing the fluids in the Razr is a nightmare. I believe they make it difficult so people will bring their machines in instead of trying to do it themselves. They don't know James. He is the king of "I can do it myself."

I listened to the book webinar training this morning by Kathy and Kris and then worked on books most of the day. 

It rained hard here for about two minutes today. What's that about?

School started in the valley for Max, Evan, Joshua, Lola, and Ruby, and I think Rowan. I didn't see a post for Rowan as I did for Lola and Ruby so maybe not. Trina will have all four of her kids going to different schools this year. At least they are all close by.

James walked around the property this evening as I continue to circle the entry table. We had burgers and broccoli for dinner. 

Watching Christmas movies is becoming quite a habit over here. I like them because they always have an uplifting message and a good ending. I can't stand sad or depressing endings.

Happy 18th Birthday to Summer!

We love you!

This is how I remember the Andersen family

One of my all-time favorite Christmas movies
and the "Fonz" is in it.

Talk about flexible!

 Lightning at sunset!

 A good one

I wonder how many books you have to have in
your inventory to sell this many books in a month.

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication #1

14 Nov 1997 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication #2

1 May 2011 By: Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of:

John 16:28

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Alma 52:1-18

How did Moroni and Teancum work together to bring success to their army?

marianawolfe on Instagram:

"I am reminded in these verses that it is important to not 'run faster than we have strength' (Mosiah 4:29). In our stewardships, whether in families or in callings, we have a two-fold responsibility: 1) We need to 'be faithful in maintaining' the saints or family members that are under our care and fortify and strengthen...those which have not fallen into the hands of the devil.' We protect those in the fold. 2) We need to find the Lost Sheep and seek every opportunity..., as much as in our power, that perhaps we might take again by stratagem these people which have been taken out of our hands."

DC 119:1-7

What blessings have I seen in my life because I was faithful in paying tithing?

*The blessings of the temple and an eternal family. It has helped me to do all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There is nothing wrong with wanting to serve the Lord, but when we seek to gain influence in the Church for our own sake - in order to receive the praise and admiration of men - we have our reward. When we 'inhale' the praise of others, that praise will be our compensation. What is the most important calling in the Church? It is the one you currently have. No matter how humble or prominent it may seem to be, the calling you have right now is the one that will allow you not only to lift others but also to become the person of God you were created to be."

On the way to town to have lunch with my dear friend Pam I stopped at Safeway to get her some fruit for her fruit basket. It goes with the visiting teaching quote I have.

Pam and I met at Licano's. She had flowers, See's Candy, and a card for me. She also bought my lunch. I ordered the shredded beef taco plate. They were good, but not as good as Aliberto's. Pam and I always enjoy each others company and today was no exception. I am so grateful to have her for a friend. I am old enough to be her mother but we just love each other's company so much.

James got an antibiotic but Dr. Moffat would not give him any more steroids. He also wants him to go see a specialist. After his appointment James went to Walmart and got stuff for my birthday dinner. Steak, corn on the cob, and raspberries. 

I had hoped to go to Show Low High School's first football game tonight at Round Valley. But when it came time to go, I was just too tired.  They ended up losing the game 41-12. I feel bad for Monte. 

James and I spent a quiet evening at home. 

I woke up during the night with chills. I think this also has something to do with my messed up thyroid.

Photos:

Goodies from Pan

Castle

No castle can compare!

Posted by Brent on the way home from a

family camping trip.

Red Mountain

Summer fun with Jared's and Darrel's families.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

"The essential doctrine of uniting families came forth line upon line and precept upon precept.  Vicarious ordinances are at the heart of welding together eternal families, connecting roots to branches."

-Elder Quentin L. Cook

 Scenic Drive

This first thing James wanted to do this morning was read from our book Blackmoore outside on the porch.

 One of our favorite things to do.

 Another favorite thing to do is watch the clouds roll in.

After reading I made a trip into town to get some ribs to fix for dinner.  Sheri and Ian are coming up and Ian loves ribs.  So does Alex.  I got both beef and pork and I am trying a recipe I got from LDS Living magazine.  I put the rub on the three racks of ribs and put them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.  I then made some BBQ sauce and let it simmer on the stove for a couple of hours.  Onions is one of the ingredients for the sauce.  James was nice enough to chop them for me.  I brought Little Caesar's home for the boys for lunch.

James, Max, Joshua, and Evan took a Razr ride up on the mountain to Gillespie Flat. 

Love my Razr

 I was sad when I saw the burned trees.  We got stopped by a women forest ranger informing us that the kids needed helmets on.  Well that's a new rule or at least we've never been told that before. 

Ben, Max, Evan and Joshua played Hedbanz.  It's a fun game.

The ribs went in the oven for 3 hours at 300 degrees.  When Ian and Sheri and Alex got here we had them for dinner.  They were delicious but could have been a little more tender.  Next time I am going to cook them longer at a lower temperature.  We broiled them with the sauce on instead of using the grill because it was raining outside.  

James was so nice to clean the kitchen.  I helped a little.

 Not sure if this is the moon or the sun,
but I'm thinking now that it's the sun.