Tuesday, April 30th, 2019

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

163rd operating temple

Dedicated: 14 April 2019

By: Dale G. Renlund

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship
Acts 13:33
God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 19:25-20:11
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
John 8:1-30

General Conference

Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection

Ronald A. Rasband

"When we live the gospel of Jesus Christ, when we draw upon the Saviors's Atonement and press forward with faith, we are fortified against the adversary."

Closing Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"May we dedicate and rededicate our lives to serving God and His children - on both sides of the veil."

I woke up feeling tired and had a hard time getting things done this morning. I did start a loaf of bread and made some cookies to take to the Grapp kids. 

I did manage to make James one of his favorite meals for lunch. I made a meatloaf with baked potatoes and green beans. He loved it! I must admit that meatloaf was pretty tasty. 

I did some visiting this afternoon. I was going to visit with Cammy but she wasn't feeling well. I dropped some chocolate chip cookies by to the kids and told Cammy I would bring her dinner tomorrow. I need to go to the store again if I am going to make chicken noodle soup, which is what I have planned. 

After dropping the cookies off at the Grapp's I stopped in at the Halcomb's to visit with Catherine. Kerri was there too. They are concerned about our friend Millie and her attitude and well-being. I told them I would make an appointment and visit her. I also told the that Millie was lucky to have both of them in her life.

We sold the book, "Fundamentals of Differential Equations" today. Didn't make a lot.

I read this quote today during my gospel study: "I always thought my objective was to be righteous. Sadly, I have never been able to do it. Now I see my objective is to follow the Only One who is righteous...my job is to become humble. His commitment is to perfect the humble."

This evening was spent at home. James is trying to get bids on a couple of jobs and it is taking people forever to get back to him.

 Rome, Italy temple

 James enjoying his lunch

 Interesting quilt design

 Cute Charlie in a swing

 My favorite quote from this movie:

"Are you gratefully humble or

grumbly hateful"?

 Scarlett enjoying the view 

Sunday, March 17th, 2019

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 35:2

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God,even one n me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review Matt 10-12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11

"He Heals the Heavy Laden" Dallin H. Oaks, 10/2006

General Conference

Sisters Participation in the Gathering of Israel

President Russell M. Nelson

"My fourth invitation, for you who are of age, is to participate fully in Relief Society. I urge you to study the current Relief Society purpose statement. It is inspiring. It may guide you in developing your own purpose statement for you own life. I also entreat you to savor the truths in the Relief Society declaration published almost 20 years ago. A framed copy of this declaration hangs on the wall in the office of the First Presidency. I am thrilled every time I read it. It describes who you are and who the Lord needs you to be at this precise time as you do your part to help gather scattered Israel."

The Minnard's and Brother Wright from the stake were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. It was Brother Minnard's first time speaking in sacrament meeting and he did a good job speaking about family history and temple work.

Brother Wright told about his families conversion in 1965 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He said his father was inactive for years. The bishop asked him to come back to the ward because he was needed and six months later he was called as the new bishop. 
"The Atonement leads us back to Heavenly Father. All covenants we make are refreshed through the sacrament. We must remember and then go and do, led by our faith and the promptings we receive. Through repentance we can be made whole." Brother Wright's favorite scripture is Helaman 5:12, the same as Ben's.

The second hour I attended the teacher's council meeting led by Brother Allen. We talked about how to lead inspired discussions. One of the sisters asked a question about how you know that the Spirit is prompting you and that led the group into an inspired discussion. It fit right in to the topic for the day.

After the block James and I attended a family history coordinating meeting. We still do not have the list of members that the bishop wants us to work with so our meeting was cut short. We will meet again on March 31st.

I really wanted to do 10,000 steps today even though it is Sunday. Around 8,000 I felt extremely guilty and stopped. I am doing a challenge on Pacer. The challenge is to get as many 10,000 step days in the month of March as possible. This challenge almost caused me to lose sight of what is really important to me...keeping the commandments and keeping the Sabbath day holy.

No "When Calls the Heart." I am so sad. They are taking a creative hiatus after only the third episode of the season. It's because of the Lori Loughlin situation. They have to "get rid" of her character. How sad.

James and his partner Dave went out to visit Anthony today. Dave has a ranch in Luna, New Mexico. He said this year he lost 19 cows in a fire, and 40 calves who were eaten by wolves. He has decided he cannot make a living with this ranch. He is the same age we are and still, like us, needs to produce an income. He is going to Algeria to teach them how to ranch and hopefully they will be more successful than he has been. There is a need in that country for good sources of protein. If the government will give him $3 million for his program, OPEC will donate another $13 million. OPEC is the organization of companies that sell oil to the world. I guess he has connections to do this. He was in the military and served quite awhile in the Middle East so he has experience dealing with the people. I hope he is successful. 

 So cute!

 The most adorable picture!

 Jared and all of his kids

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019

Regina, Saskatchewan

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

3 Nephi 11:7

Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard"?

New Testament,"Come Follow Me"

John 1:1-10; JST John 1-10 "We Have Found the Messiah"

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"God did not create our spirits to be independent of Him. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the incalculable gift of His Atonement, not only saves us from death and offers us, through repentance, forgiveness for our fins, but He also stands ready to save us from the sorrows and pains of our wounded souls."

I got up and walked this morning early. I got in 3,000 steps before James told me it was too cold to walk and that I needed to come in because he didn't want me to catch cold. I try to honor my husband when he makes a request so in I came. He seemed to disappear. I guess he went upstairs to lay down. 

This morning was our temple day that Jared and Kacey requested. Trina watched Charlie and Sheri, James, and I were going to go to the temple with Jared and Kacey. First of all, James left his temple bag and recommend at home. I told him he could go and rent clothes and they would look up his name on the recommend list and he could get in but he decided he would take the car to Discount Tire to get the tires balanced and rotated. The ride down here the car began vibrating around 65-70 mph. 

We had planned on going to the 10:45 session. I met Sheri at the temple at 10:00, well actually James missed the turnoff so it was more like 10:10. We were going to do initiatories before the session. I couldn't find my recommend. I guess the last time I went I did not put it back in my wallet and I left it in my other temple purse. A brother Andersen took down my name and birthdate and was gone a few minutes. When he came back he welcomed me into the temple. 

Sheri and I got ready and were waiting for Kacey. When we all three went to get the new name we were told the 10:45 session was closed. 

We finally decided that Kacey would go up to the chapel waiting room and meet Jared there for the 11:30 session while Sheri and I went to do initiatories. 

I had three family names for initiatories and one name for an endowment. I gave the name for the endowment to Kacey and Sheri and I took the three names to initiatory. I got a temple name and we each did two names. Three is the limit. 

So grateful Jared, Kacey, Sheri and I were able 

to do ordinances here today.

They have three initiatory booths but we still had to wait about an hour to do our names. When we were finished we picked up James at the Discount Tire on Market St. and got me a sugar cookie and drink at Swig and Sweets,  and then headed back to Trina's to pick up Charlie. 

A cold sugar cookie that is divine!

Charlie fell asleep while Trina was taking Lola to school and she was still sleeping when we got there. I changed my clothes and our plan was to meet Kacey and Jared for lunch. After their session they were able to do a sealing for Kacey's grandmother and then we met them at the Cafe Rio near the temple.

We had a nice lunch and President Johansen, Sheri's stake president and an old friend from Chandler came over to visit for a few minutes about Ben. It was nice seeing him. 

Charlie finally woke up from her nap. That bottle on the table isn't good for much. Trina tried to give it to Charlie but she wasn't having it.

 Sweet picture, even though you can't see

Charlie's face.

The most photographed baby ever!

After lunch Sheri took us back to Discount Tire to get our car. No more vibrating!  

When we got back to Trina and Darrel's I laid down for a short while and James went to have a meeting with Armando about the Mesa, Bellview job. He wasn't gone long and when he got back he wanted to go home. 

While I was packing up James was working on removing the piece of hard plastic that has been hanging down from underneath our car. He finally got it removed and then had to sweep up the clumps of mud left on Darrel's driveway.

We left a little before six and we were almost to Vernon before nine. I didn't even notice but James missed the Vernon turn and just kept on sailing down the highway at over 70 mph. The speed limit changes to 55 just before Vernon and continues on past Vernon. A cop was waiting for him and he got a ticket on his birthday eve. It will cost him $200 for doing 74 in a 55 zone  unless he does traffic school online. He plans to do the traffic school. I could not get upset with him because he already felt so bad.

So our trip had a less than happy ending. It was good to be home though and we unloaded the car and unpacked everything before going to bed. Kacey, Jared, and Charlie are coming up tomorrow.

 Lola loves Charlie!

 Here Scarlett is ready for prayer. She loves Charlie too.

When they Facetime with Kacey she always

asks for "baby."

Wish we could go to Rome to see the temple.

Somehow I managed to get all my steps

today. I guess it was that early start I got

this morning.

Monday, January 14th, 2019

Bogota, Columbia
57th operating temple
Dedicated: 24 April 1999
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10

*Which part of Nephi's vision would I like to see for myself?

* What are the mists of darkness that I encounter in my life? How can I overcome them?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 2; Luke2; We Have Come to Worship Him

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

" The world often uses a feeling of discontent as an excuse for self-absorption, for turning our thoughts inward and backward and dwelling individually on who I am, who I am not, and what I want. Divine discontent motivates us to follow the example of the Savior, 'who went about doing good.' As we walk the path of discipleship, we will receive spiritual nudges to reach out to others."

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"Sisters, are we giving our all to the Lord without reservation? Are we sacrificing of our time and talents so the rising generation can learn to love the Lord and keep His commandments? Are we ministering both to those around us and to those we are assigned with care and with diligence - sacrificing time and energy that could be used in other ways? Are we living the two great commandments - to love God and to love His children? Often that love is manifest as service."

Ensign: "John the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" by Eric D. Huntsman.

$114.18 went in to my bank account from my credit card rewards program. I like that kind of service.

James went to the Vernon School this morning to look at a remodeling job that Sister Gardner told him about. She is the school administrator. It involves electrical and plumbing and he is required to have a licensed electrician and plumber so he may not do the job. Hunsaker Brothers are also bidding on it. 

We made a trip to town today to mail a box of books. While there we bought a few groceries at Walmart and then made a stop at Taco Bell for my two tacos. 

At the Vernon post office we picked up two copies of a book James ordered, "Noddy Bedtime Stories." When he ordered it Sheri was here and she thought he said, "Naughty Bedtime Stories."

It is sunny today and our roads are full of water and mud, so much for our clean car. 

As a family we are going to the temple next Tuesday with Jared and Kacey for their anniversary. Trina is going to watch Charlie and will even take her for a car ride when she takes Lola to school.

While I am working on my blog James is on Amazon buying textbooks. I think this is something he enjoys doing even though he says he hates working on the computer. 

The last hour of my day was spent walking in order to get my steps and burn over 300 calories. It really is not a good idea to exercise before going to bed.

 Our friends built a snowman

 I love quilts with geometric shapes

 Ben has been very sick the past couple weeks with a cold 

and the flue. Sheri told him he better start

wearing his coat. He sent her this picture to prove that

he was.

 I love the tongue sticking out and the 

intense look on her face.

Rome, Italy