Thursday, February 7th, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Luke 8:28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:11-21

What are some insights about the Plan of Salvation in this chapter?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JST Matt 4:1 - instead of to be tempted of the devil; to be with God. (Much better!)

General Conference

Truth and the Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks

"We are a missionary people. We are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We receive the same question about why we give many millions of dollars of humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church and why we do not like this aid to our missionary efforts. We do this because we esteem all mortals as children of God - our brothers and sisters - and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone."

It is 10 degrees outside. It will be sunny today and the high will be 30 degrees.

We sold book #6 today, "Homemade Flour." Another book, "Earth Science" is pending. Things are finally starting to happen.

I read an article on Meridian Magazine today about mountains, adversity, and becoming like God entitled, "When Life's Adversities Mount." The article was written by Sister Joni Hilton. I am going to use some of the information from this article in my email to Ben this week. Here is the part I want to send him:

"God allows bad things to happen to good people because earth life is where He makes us into more than we knew we could be. This wasn't supposed to be an amusement park with free-flowing ice cream; it's a learning laboratory, a place of transformation. As we draw closer to our Father in Heaven, as we involve Him in our lives and turn to Him with faith we break through the childish desire for instant gratification and self-indulgence. We find greater fulfillment in building the kingdom. We learn Godly traits as we endure setbacks and sorrows. We find deeper joy in serving and sometimes rescuing others. We overcome what looked like crushing obstacles, pressures beyond our imagination. But if we overcome, we BECOME and what we become are mountains."

James and I listened to Book Profits webinar today featuring John, Kris, Paul, and Nate of Mastermind. It was ok.

James and I made green chili venison stew today. It was delicious, especially with Sister Schuster's rolls. 

Today while working the book business I removed four books from our stranded inventory;  two Japan books, and two Abnormal Psychology books. I inventoried four more books to be merchant fulfilled. While working the business I had an old Hallmark movie on, "Cooking with Love." A good movie starring Ali Liebert and Brett Dalton. Ali plays Kelly and Brett play Chef Stephen. Kelly says to Chef Stephen: "Sometimes it's better to be kind than right."

 Do I really want to exercise?

 Ok, Here I go.

I feel so good about myself.

 Weird!

 Sweetie Pie!

 James enjoying the nice weather. 

Notice the snow in the background.

Friday, August 31st, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Zechariah 13:6

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in tine hands: then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Book of Mormon

Alma 58:30-59:13

* How can we overcome doubt?

- President Uchtdorf counseled us to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith," and cautioned us to "never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

Old Testament

Psalms 106-125

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

"Eventual exaltation requires our complete fidelity now to covenants we make and ordinances we receive in the house of the Lord. As this time, we have 159 functioning temples, and more are under construction. We want to bring temples closer to the expanding membership of the Church. So we are now pleased to announce plans to construct seven more temples. Those temples will be located in the following locations: Salta, Argentina; Bengaluru, India; Managua, Nicaragua; Cagayan de Oro, Philippines; Layton, Utah; Richmond, Virginia; and a major city yet to be determined in Russia."

My friend Jean called me yesterday and asked if I could bring her and Tom home from the hospital today. I said of course I could. 

She called this morning around 9 and said he wouldn't get to come home today, maybe tomorrow. She was going to call me back and let me know when I could pick her up but she never did. I guess she decided to stay with Tom all day. 

James went to town this morning for parts to put the light fixtures up in the bunkhouse over at the Howard's. I think he dreads putting the fixtures up. They are Mason jars and doesn't he doesn't like them. I really like them. 

I enjoyed staying home and getting ready for Adam and his friends who are coming this afternoon/evening. I did my steps, read, worked on my blog, made sure the rooms upstairs had fresh towels, and decided I needed popcorn and chocolate together. I am struggling to control my eating. The weather was so nice that I did much of my walking outside.

Adam, Kaitlin, Kyle, and Jacob took forever to get here because of the Labor Day weekend traffic. They went straight to Walmart to do their shopping so it was after six when they got here. Everyone is sleeping upstairs so the downstairs is empty.

I tried to take a bath this afternoon but the pilot light was out on the hot water heater and we had no hot water on this side of the house. When James got home he fixed it. He was covered with soot from burning brush at the Howard's. 

Charlie met Tanner today. Kacey has stayed true to her promise to send me a photo a day. I love it! Sometimes there is more than one, like today.

 Congrats Tanner on your new sister!

 She could be a baby model!

So bright eyed and alert!

Charlie's niece Scarlett as a newborn.

Congratulations Clayton and Ashley!

 Sometimes I like old-fashioned

Rowan, Lola, and Grampa last year.

Sunday, March 25th, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 132:59

Verily, if a man be called of my Father, as was Aaron, by mine own voice, and by the voice of him that sent me, and I have endowed him with the keys of the power of this priesthood, if he do anything in my name, and according to my law and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will justify him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:70-77

*Preparation for the second Coming of Jesus Christ.

*Elder Dean L. Larsen, while serving as a member of the Seventy, declared that each of us is part of this final effort to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ: "Now is the period during which the Lord and his servants will make the final great effort to take the message of truth to all the peoples of the earth and to reclaim the descendants of ancient Israel who have lost their true identity. You have come to the earth when the foundation has been laid for this great work. The gospel has been restored for the last time. The stage is set for the final dramatic scenes to be enacted. You will be the principal players. You are among the last laborers in the vineyard. This is the service for which you are chosen."

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 15-16

15 Every seven years, all debts are to be released - The people are admonished to care for the poor - Hebrew servants are to be released and given gifts during the seventh year - The firstling males of herds and flocks are the Lord's.

16 Israel is to keep the Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Tabernacles - All males are to appear annually before the Lord at these three feasts - Judges are not to make dishonest judgments nor take gifts.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am the Lord.

General Conference

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard
" I testify that 'the trek continues,' and I invite you to stay on the gospel path as you continue pressing forward by reaching out to all of God's children in love and compassion, that we may unitedly make our hearts pure and our hands clean to receive the 'multiplicity of blessings' awaiting all who truly love our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, for which I humbly pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

James helped me set up my room. We put photos of 11 temples around the room for the children to identify. He listed the scriptures on the chalkboard and I posted the photo of Rebekah at the well fetching water for Abraham's servant. 

The table in the back was left for the handouts, the cards for each lesson, a 3-D temple, and the monthly handout. 

The younger sister  Halcomb and Brother Halls from the high council were the speakers today in sacrament meeting. 

Sister Halcomb spoke on a 2002 April General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "Rise to Your Calling." Pray to know the Lord's will when you are called. There is no small calling. You are called by revelation and the Holy Ghost will testify of this to you.

The Hunsaker twin sisters sang, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." They harmonize very well.

Brother Halls - The prophets connect heaven to earth. The Holy Ghost confirms truth. Great things happen by small means. The weak shall teach the strong. The weak shall do great things and perform miracles. President Shumway loves the Lord and he has loved the people he has served. He will be released at stake conference in April. President Shumway seeks the will of the Lord.

The ward choir sang "Jesus the Very Thought of Thee."

Jace, Colter, Amaron, Andyn, Liana, and Gracie were all in class today. Most of my temple pictures had fallen to the ground. The children helped me put them back up. 

The purpose of the lesson today was to teach the children that the same eternal blessings promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob can be theirs if they make and honor temple marriage covenants. 

Jace and Colter were quite disruptive and I am afraid I did not handle it very well. I must be better prepared with a more positive solution. 

The temple game went well. They each had to identify one to two temples. Most everyone liked the San Diego temple the best.

We also played the match game with the children writing on two cards what they will do to serve others. It was fun.

During singing/sharing time I went to the teachers council meeting.

Sister Skousen was released as the Primary president today and Sister Gillespie was sustained. Sister Hunsaker is a counselor and Sister Umphress the other. Sister Deatherage will be the secretary. We still don't have a new Relief Society president.

Here are some notes I took in the teacher council meeting, third hour: "Every thing bears record of the Savior." - Sister Hunter.

"Teach until the light comes on." - Brother Scott

Spiritual preparation is vital. Pray by name for each person in your class. Rely on the Spirit. "Answer questions when they are asked." - Sister Tice. "If we have the Spirit we won't offend people." - Brother M. Wilhelm. "Cater to the Spirit in the room rather than trying to finish the lesson. If you touch my heart, you touch my spirit." - Brother Miller.

The Goodman's were called as temple workers today. They will be working the 1st and 3rd Saturday afternoons.

Kim and Brian were just about ready to leave for home when we returned. I thought they were going to eat with us, but they already ate. I guess they want to get an early start getting home. We ate their leftover lunch. Brats and green beans.

Brian cut up some veggies 

for the trip home.

Our chicken is still marinating and we will be eating it by ourselves at another time. 

As I took a nap James went home teaching with Brother Westbrook. They visited Anthony and the Peeler's. 

We had scriptures when James returned. 

I sent a note to the family reminding them of the picnic next Saturday.

My friend Pam sent this to me.

I love it!

My evening snack.

Sheri's Saturday Facebook post.

Joshua's Easter eggs.

Chandler High egg

Tuesday, October 17th, 2017

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 1:11

But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before Him.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:1-14

*How and why is Satan trying to divide people today?

-When there is division in the gospel, or any message really, we cannot move forward. It stops progress. It stops every good thing. It stops love and kindness. We have been counseled that when we are not one, then we are not His. Satan knows his time is running out and that in the last days even the elect will be deceived. There is no strength in division. We become weak and find our hearts seeking other treasures than God's kingdom. What must we do personally to be more humble and repentant in a divided world?

How will I seek peace and feel hope despite so much corruption in this world?

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 84:33-39

33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;

36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Fathers kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Jean B. Bingham

"How do we find joy despite the difficulties of mortal life? Lasting joy is found in focusing on our Savior, Jesus Christ, and living the gospel as demonstrated and taught by Him. The more we learn about, have faith in, and emulate Jesus Christ, the more we come to understand that He is the source of all healing peace and eternal progress. He invites each of us to come unto Him, an invitation that President Henry B. Eyring has characterized as 'the most important invitation anyone could accept.'"

Here are some other things I studied today: Mosiah 4:2, The Priesthood and Church Government in the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual, my patriarchal blessing, the Ensign, the Proclamation to the World on the Family, The Living Christ, "Prophetic Events in the Latter Days," Alma 5:30, and the New Era.

The first thing I saw when I looked outside this morning was smoke. James was so upset he took action. His friend Anthony gave him a number to call and then Anthony took his cat and headed for a motel room in Holbrook. James made phone calls, told others to make calls, and visited the website of the agency who allows the Forest Service to burn. He also did a post on Facebook. (I think Lou on Heartland inspire him when she took on the oil drillers in her neighborhood).

 Our friend Judy ended up in the hospital last year with pneumonia. Others become very sick. We have had enough!! 

I cleaned in the family room and living room today. I dusted, swept, cleaned and polished the wood floor. It looks beautiful! I left for town around 3:30 to do my grocery shopping. James did his errands earlier. Too bad we aren't on the same schedule. 

I went to Safeway for DP10, fruits, veggies and meat. My next stop was Aliberto's for two tacos. It is Tuesday after all. Most of my time was spent and Walmart and then on the way home I had to fill the car with gas. It was after 7 when I got home. James had made his own dinner. After putting all the groceries away I finished blogging while watching Heartland: "Do or Die." We also read a chapter from "Miss Leslie's Secret."

Photos:

The Twelve Apostles

Since Elder Hales passing there are now 11.

My Legos

To complain about the burn:

Colter a few years ago helping the ward gather wood.

Putting in a waterline.

Varnishing the rails upstairs.

Such a handsome guy.

So sweet!

Molly has a new friend.

The corn maze in Snowflake is a blast!

Elk

Friday, June 16th, 2017

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000
Thomas S. Monson

3 Nephi 11:1-17

Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites.

The father testifies of His Beloved Son; Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement; The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side; They cry Hosanna; He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism; The spirit of contention is of the devil; Christ's doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

Alma 17:18-39

Ammon becomes a servant to King Lamoni and preserves the king's flocks.

*What do you think is significant about Ammon telling the king "I will be thy servant?"

*When have you seen service lead to opportunities to share the gospel?

*President Thomas S. Monson:

"To young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught - that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty - an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health an strength. Study the scriptures and pray. Where such is available, participate in seminary and institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook, "Preach My Gospel.""

DC 88:66-77

62-73, Draw near unto the Lord, and ye will see His face; 74-80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom;

67 If my eye is single to God's glory, then I will be filled with light.

68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see Him; for He will unveil His face unto you, and it shall be in His own time, and in His own way, and according to His own will.

74 Purify your hearts, cleanse your hands and feet.

76 ...continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth...

Why is it important that we sanctify ourselves?

*So that we are able to see the Savior and enjoy His presence. What does sanctification mean? *Our minds become single to God. Doing God's will is our only desire.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked....Wherefore my beloved brethren, f ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." (Moroni 7:44-47.)

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"The spiritual gifts of prophecy and revelation attend all mission calls and assignments."

I had lunch with Jean and her granddaughter Hunter today. We went to the White Mountain Donut Shop Cafe and then afterwards went to the donut shop.  I had the oriental salad which was good but not nearly as good as the one at Persnikkity's. 

The lesson was on priesthood power.

I tried to download a handout on Sugardoodle.net but

I am having problems with my password and it was taking them forever, three days to be exact, to send me a new one.

My friend Marci C. did this handout.

While I was at lunch, James was at Dr. Moffat's.  The doctor filled his prednisone prescription and another antibiotic but he wants to do some tests.  He thinks James might have Sjorgens disease.  James talked with Jared about it and he says one of the symptoms is dry eyes, which James has had.  It will be interesting to see if James actually has it.

When we got home we were talking and James told me about two accidents he had this week.  A piece of metal hit him close to his eye and then a saw cut through his shirt but not his garments or skin.  Sometimes I wish he wouldn't tell me about these "accidents" because it just makes me worry more.

I worked on my blog for awhile this afternoon and then took a nap before going to the Snowflake temple by myself.  James can't speak.  On the way out of Vernon I dropped two loaves of garlic bread off at the church where there is a ward party and dinner.  The theme of the party is the Book of Mormon. My friend Kaeli was in charge and I heard it was pretty amazing.  She had an iron rod leading to a light up tree of life that everyone was talking about afterwards.  I didn't want to go to the party by myself, I would rather go to the temple.  

When I stepped outside of the temple after my session I could see the smoke from the fire by Payson.  June is the worst month for fires up here.  That is why we pray for rain.

No selfie by myself.

I stopped at CVS on the way home and picked up James's prescriptions and then went through Sonic to get a corndog.  I also stopped at the Vernon post office. It's a little scary there in the dark.

It was late when I got home so we went to bed.

I wanted to mention that I read an article in the New Era today, "Why Religious Freedom Matters, What's At Risk."

There is a lot at stake, and this is just a sampling:

*You could lose your job or leadership positions for expressing religious beliefs - even outside of work.

*You might be required to hide your religion or perform tasks at work that go against your beliefs.

*You may be required to work on the Sabbath or religious holidays.

* Youth in public schools may be required to learn about sexual and gender theories that contradict basic Church teachings.

*You might not be able to create faith-based clubs on college campuses without being required to let people become club members or even officers, who oppose the club's religious beliefs.

*Churches may be forced to employ people who disagree with or refuse to live core values of their faith.

*Churches could lost their tax exempt status.

 *Housing units, such as dorms, at religious colleges could be forced to abandon moral standards that protect privacy, modesty, and morality.

 *Religious schools that maintain honor codes may lose their accreditation and be denied research funds and even federal student loans and grants.

Photos:

2015

Before Mission

After Mission

A Chilean cowboy
2017

A foot poppin' kiss

Makenzi, Tyler and
Khalie waiting for them in her purple dress.

I love this family!
Colter is in my Primary class!

Jenifer's daughter Amanda graduated
from high school this year.

I can hardly wait until it starts raining so the 
sunflowers come in to bloom.

A birdbath in Show Low isn't just
for the birds.

Lower Salt River