Friday, May 24th, 2019

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 13:40

And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:26-42

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 22:15-46; Luke 20:19-44

General Conference

"Come Follow Me"

President Russell M. Nelson

"We miss our daughter greatly. However, because of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we do not worry about her. As we continue to honor our covenants with God, we live in anticipation of our being with her again. Meanwhile, we're serving the Lord here and she is serving Him there - in paradise."

I spent the entire morning getting a book shipment ready, 13 books in all. Twelve went to California and the last one went to Staten Island, New York.

We left for town a little after noon. Our first stop was at Auto Zone where James had the battery for the Cat checked. The guy said it was good so back to the drawing board. When James got home he tightened all the connections and blew out the fuel lines and it now works fine.

After Auto Zone we stopped at Taco Bell for lunch. There was a solid line of traffic for about two miles this side of Taco Bell and then on to Walmart and UPS. It looks like half the valley is up here. While James mailed our books I walked over to Walmart. 

I got stuff to make Chinese chicken salad for the temple tomorrow. I also picked up a package of frozen rolls in case my salad doesn't turn out. I made my way around the store and James came in to help me finish up. After checking out we drove to McDonald's to get an ice cream cone for me. The Walmart McDonald's was out of ice cream. 

After putting the groceries away at home I was walking and watching a Hallmark Christmas movie when Kim and Brian arrived. Kim seemed really happy to be here. 

As Kim and Brian put their stuff away I made the Chinese chicken salad and rolls for tomorrow. It's great to have them here. We really do enjoy their company.

This girl!

Clouds in the Netherlands

 Cheryl Burke, another "Dancing 

 White Mountains

Wednesday, December 12th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

Hebrew 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 9:1-22

Cycles of Great Prosperity and Tragic Wickedness

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 10-12

Old Testament

Zechariah 1-2

General Conference

Believe, Love, Do

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Believing, love, and do. 

Believing God leads to faith in Him and developing trust in His word. Faith causes our hearts to grow in our love for God and others. As that love grows, we are inspired to emulate the Savior as we continue our own great journey on the path of discipleship."

Up at five this morning for gospel study and prayer. 

When James got up I fixed his breakfast, built a fire, and wrote a little on my blog. 

At 11 I left for Show Low. My friend Pam invited me to the employee and friends appreciation lunch put on by the Show Low hospital. Pam and her friend and work mate Jennifer were waiting for me in the entry to the hospital. They both were wearing reindeer antlers and listening to a 100 year old man who was singing Christmas carols. 

We walked back to the cafeteria area and the line was way out in the hall. We waited our turn and weren't sure we would find a place to sit but we did. Doctor DeWitt got water and silverware for me. He is a stake president in Snowflake and Pam says he is wonderful. He was very personable.

The lunch was delicious. I had crackers with avocado hummus, mixed veggies, loaded mashed potatoes, strawberry spinach salad, a roll, prime rib and petit fours. Everything was delicious and the company was wonderful, both Pam and Jennifer are amazing people.

Pam told a funny story about her dad's brothers from Chicago coming up to help him on his house and hitting an elk on the way home. They were in her sisters car and she got a notice that all four of her airbags had deployed. She told her brother who is the assistant chief of police in Phoenix. He immediately checked his GPS and saw where the accident was and took off to get his dad and his uncles. 

The people behind the Chicago brothers asked them if they were going to eat the elk. When they said no, they asked if they could have it. When the brothers said yes, they immediately go out their tools and began cutting it up.  James says this is illegal because it encourages people to hit elk. Really? Hitting an elk destroys your car. Pam's sisters car was totaled. Luckily no one was hurt.

Jennifer's 15 year old daughter had a brain tumor. Jennifer says she is in a lot of pain but they are treating it with botox instead of narcotics because they don't want her to become addicted.

Jennifer's husband had back surgery earlier this year and had a bridge put in his neck. James had a bridge put in his lower back.

After lunch we went back to their workroom and exchanged gifts. I had to take a picture of their room and of them.

 Pam on the left, Jenny on the right.

They decorated their room for Christmas.

Pam drew the picture of Betty Lou Who.

 Jenny was so excited to get these balloon dog

ornaments at the office ornament exchange.

My gift from Pam, a couple of petit fours, I ate the rest, and

a calendar from the hospital.

I gave Pam and Jenny what I give most people, a blanket. This is the most fun I have had for awhile!

After lunch I went to Walmart and Safeway. Safeway for DP10 which I did not find. I did speak with a friend from working at the temple, Sister Gentry. She was getting ready to go to Provo to babysit for some of her grandkids for a few days.

Today's Christmas movies were all new ones: "Christmas Everlasting," "Memories of Christmas," and, "A Majectic Christmas."

It was windy today. When I got home and put my groceries I built a fire for James. He fell asleep on the couch. When he woke up he was grouchy and I didn't handle it very well.

Oh, I forgot to mention that this morning we had 12 elk in our yard.

 The fight against human trafficking

as fought by Tim Ballard and other amazing people.

 I love this!

 What a great example to all people!

So true!

 Lauren and Scarlett!

Love this baby's facial expressions 

and what she does with her hands.

 Those eyes are like Kacey's,

so beautiful!

Thursday, July 5th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Psalms 33:6

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of the by the breath of his mouth.

Book of Mormon

Alma 27:16-28:8

*What has the Lord done to help you keep your covenants?

-He has given me the gift of the Holy Ghost. He has given me scriptures. He has organized, and provided The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with weekly meetings to educate, teach, inspire and encourage me. He has given us lds.org. I'm so very grateful that the Lord is willing and able to give all these amazing gifts and very real help to everyone seeing truth and light. We are truly blessed!

Old Testament 

2 Chronicles 1-2

1 The Lord honors Solomon before all Israel - The Lord appears to him - Solomon chooses and is given wisdom - His kingdom is blessed with splendor and riches.

2 Solomon engages Huram of Tyre to supply timber for the temple - Laborers are organized to do the work.

General Conference

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Those who know him well would speak of President Nelson facing the difficulties of life with faith and courage. When cancer took the life of his 37 year old daughter, Emily, leaving a loving husband and five small children, I heard him say, 'I was her father, a medical doctor, and an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, but I had to bow my head and acknowledge, 'Not my will but thine be done.'"

Trina went to work this morning. Darrel has a remodeling project he is doing today. James and I are taking Lola to Build-a-Bear later this morning but first we had to drop off my old phone at the UPS store and go shopping at Fry's for dinner. 

Nice work, Darrel!

James helped me with the shopping. We got skim milk for Addy because Darrel forgot, and stuff to make flank steak tacos. We went back home and Addy had gotten all the spices out for me. She was now gone to the gym with Darrel so I couldn't thank her until later.

I made the marinade, rubbed it all over the steak on both sides, and then put the steak in the crockpot. Lola waited patiently.

All the way over to San Tan Mall she talked about going to her mall. When we got to the store and she saw that it was outside she said: "This isn't my mall." I told her that I didn't think her mall had a Build-a-Bear store and that's why we couldn't got there. That seemed to satisfy her. 

Once we were inside we found three my little ponies. I thought for sure she would be excited about them. She looked at them and said: "But I want a plastic one."  We looked around for awhile and then I ordered her a plastic pony, "Serenade," off Amazon before we left the store.

I have never taken a kid shopping who couldn't find anything they wanted in a kid store. 

I told Lola we were going to lunch at Olive Garden and she said, "but I want to go to Chili's." I told her Olive Garden was just as good as Chili's. She started to get a little emotional. I think she is a little hungry. 

When we got to Olive Garden she remembered that was where I took her before and she was fine with it. She ordered mac and cheese with grapes, french fries, and a Sprite. 

She started out sitting next to James but when he wouldn't play the video game with her she moved over to my side. We played a trivia game that was alot of fun and I think James was a little jealous. 

Lola ate all of her mac and cheese and a breadstick and seemed to be much happier. 

We went home empty handed and had to explain to everyone why we didn't get a stuffed pony.

James and I were a little tired so we took a nap. 

When James got up he gave Darrel some advice about his remodeling and I started making dinner. I caught James after he was done helping Jared and asked him to shred the meat while I chopped the veggies, and got out the rest of the taco toppings.

I heated up the tortillas, both corn and flour and it was time to eat. The meat was good and everyone seemed to like it, including Ruby and Rowan. Lola didn't feel like eating. She just had a peanut butter sandwich right before dinner. 

After the sun went down we all went to the grassy area to play croquet. This is the first time Ruby has used her croquet set. It started getting dark before we could finish the game but it was fun.

When we returned home Trina was there. She went to pick up Addy soon after we got back. Trina tried the taco meat and asked me for the recipe. Addy said she was sorry she missed the tacos but would try them tomorrow.

Time for bed. 

I love this!

I know it's a day late but I couldn't pass up
posting this.

I want this is my yard!

I got this from Darrel and Trina's

finance book.

Saturday, January 27th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

*When has the Lord asked me to do something and then given me the instructions rather than do the work for me?

*How can you build your life just like Nephi built the ship, not after the manner of men but "after the manner which the Lord has shown unto" you?

Old Testament

Exodus 11-12

11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors - The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home - He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

12 The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread - Lambs without blemish are slain - Israel is saved by their blood - The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain - Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years - No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Daniel 2:44-45

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

" Hard is part of the gospel plan. One of the purposes of this life is for us to be proven (see Abraham 3:25). Few have suffered more undeservedly than the people of Alma. They fled from wicked King Noah, only to become slaves to the Lamanites! Through those trials the Lord taught them that He chastens His people and tries 'their patience and their faith' (Mosiah 23:21)."

We left this morning at 5:45 and James was stressed that we were going to be late but of course we weren't. Preparation meeting started at 7 a.m. with President and Sister Palmer presiding and Brother Coltrin conducting. We watched a video and the meeting was over by 7:30.

I was assigned to be the 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. session. I am the one at the door with the counter making sure everyone has their cards checked and all the previous ordinances have been done. 

Sister Crosby, who knows the Wilhelm's, was the 1st follower. Brother Neff was the officiator and Brother McHood led the prayer circle.

The temple film gives the creation a little different than it is found in Moses. I noticed because I just gave the lesson on the creation in my Primary class.

I was also the first greeter downstairs, keeping track of who comes in for the 11 session. I had my break with Sister Humphrey, Sister Thomas and Sister Larsen. Sister Humphrey asked Sister Larsen about the windmills in Holland and so we learned about all of the different kinds of windmills. She said one of her great-grandmothers was born in a windmill.

I had a break for about an hour where I was "on call" in the upstairs sitting room. I got to visit with Sister Lundgren and Sister Cochran. Sister Cochran told me all about her family and her son-in-law joining the Church. Chester Crandall, was her brother.

I worked in initiatory for an hour with Sister McHood, Sister Shelton, Sister McCleary, and Sister Cochran. We finished with patrons around 12:45 and Sister Wenhardt who is our co-ordinator, wanted to do some more names. Sister Bradshaw looked at her and said: "But I'm cleaning up." I told Sister Wenhardt that I had to come back and clean tonight so she excused me. I am not sure what happened after I left.

On the way home we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch. I had a Big Jake burro. When we get home we take a nap and I spent a little time working on preparing for my Sunday assignments, Primary, and speaking to the Young Women. We left again for Snowflae around 5:15.

We clean with the Show Low Creek ward and between our two wards we had 50 people come to clean! Those from our ward: Us, Reynolds', Grapps', Westbrooks, Applegates, Skousens, Diewalds, 5 Hunsakers, Brothers Cooper, Curtis, Scott, Peeler, and bishop and Brother Butler. James and I were done quite early. We vacuumed the two endowment rooms. We were home around 9 p.m. It was one of the easier nights since we have been cleaning and I rather enjoyed it.

This deer was bedded down in a yard a couple

of years ago. The third deer we had seen

in two days which is pretty unusual.

This woman had suffered for 12 years with

an issue of blood.

Evan writing in his journal before going 

to bed. I am so proud!

Rowan pulled up the couch and got cozy

to practice the piano.

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug-8 Sept.1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 12 March 2006 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 20

Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people; The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas; Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the propehts; Others of the Lord's people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.

Alma 24:7-18

*What are you willing to "bury" to repent and follow the savior and keep your testimony "bright"?

DC 93:44-53

41-53, The leading brethren are commanded to set their families in order.

How has prayer helped me in my life? (See Elder Grow's quote below.)

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

" When you pray with faith, you will feel God's love as His Spirit speaks to your soul. No matter how alone or uncertain you may feel at times, you are not alone in this world. God knows you, personally. As you pray, you will come to know Him."

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos

" The continual holding of general conference is one of the greatest testimonies to the fact that we as Latter-day Saints 'believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.' (AofF9).

I testify that by learning 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' and by hearkening to our leaders' counsel, we will have oil for our lamps that will enable us to give light unto others as the Lord commanded us."

I had an appointment with Hailey C. today for visiting teaching. She cancelled because Huntleigh was sick and she was taking her to the doctor. I prayed and asked Heavenly Father what I could do for her and the thought came, "make her cookies."  I ask if I could meet her at the Dollar General and bring her a treat. She said yes. I made two dozen chocolate chip cookies for her and met her in the parking lot with the cookies and a quote from the lesson about the priesthood.  I hoped I could say hi to Taylor and Braylin but they are in California on a vacation with grandma Virginia. They went to Harry Potter World, the aquarium, and the beach. Sounds like fun.

We picked up a bed frame for our kingsized be at Denver Mattress today. It even fit in my car! Now we just need to go home and put the bed, bed frame, box springs, and headboard all together.

La Casita re-opened!  We had dinner there. James got a green chili burro enchilada style. I got a chicken enchilada with red sauce and a beef taco. I hate to say it La Casita but I like Aliberto's tacos better.

When I get back home I know I should be cleaning somewhere but I am just too tired. I work on my blog instead.

Random Photos:

Goodbye El Paso. 

Today was Jared's last day at this practice.

Alex and his friend Carter are off to Europe.

Trina and her mom were taking the kids to

Fossil Springs when Trina blew a tire. These

guys came to the rescue. Addy said they got to

spend $10 at Walmart instead of Fossil Springs

thanks to Grandma Suzie.

Patrick and Heather have an open adoption with all of their kids.

This is Bailey and her birth mother.

Lola helping Max count his soldiers at

Peter Piper Pizza last week.

A few years back we took these kids to the

Go-Karts in Lakeside. Addy was upset because

Grandpa and Rowan's car was the fastest.

She got stuck with slow grandma.