Tuesday, December 11th, 2018

Nuku alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, death of

2 Timothy 1:10

But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 8:18-26

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 7-9

Old Testament

Haggai 1-2

General Conference

All Must Take Upon Them the Name Given of the Father

Elder Paul B. Pieper

"One meaning of the word take is to partake of or receive into one's body, such as when we take a drink. By taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, we commit to take His teachings, His characteristics, and ultimately His love deep into our beings so that they become part of who we are. Thus the importance of President Russell M. Nelson's invitation to the young adults to 'prayerfully and vigorously seek to understand what each of the Savior's various titles and names means personally for them' and to feast on the words of Christ in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon."

After gospel study I made breakfast for James and then we listened to the Book Profits help session. Lots of exciting things coming in the new year. If we sign up for the new year we get a $400 discount plus access to all the new materials for six months and during the beta testing. We prayed and thought about it and decided we have to give this business a chance for a least one more year and since we will be saving money and getting access to more software, we both thought we should sign up...the offer only stands today. I did it.

I took a trip in to town this afternoon. I took a blanket and my first stop was the hospital to visit Monte. He has diverticulitis. They were going to do surgery on him but they were able to drain the abscess instead. He still looked pretty miserable. Harold, Vickie, Tasha, and Kaitlynn were all in the room too. 

After leaving the hospital I went across the street to Walmart to buy the ingredients for homemade vegetable soup. I am using the recipe they used to use at the Mesa temple. James and I both loved their soup. 

I mailed Ben's birthday card today and stopped by the post office and picked up the mail. The "grabber" I got for James came, put the device to help him put on his socks.

When I got home our neighbors, the Crane's came over. They brought homemade chicken noodle soup and biscuits, and left over fajita meat and fixin's from the ward party. What nice neighbors we have!

This evening we worked on our book business. I inventoried 10 books. One of the books was one I had underlined with a pencil in. James erased all of the underling so we could send it in to sell.

One of my mains jobs while James is down is keeping the fire going. I guess I fell a little behind because James actually carried in some wood. I gave him a stern scolding!

Scarlett an

Light the World and serve in your community.

I love this picture.

I love this sweet girl!

 This one too!

 The Trezise tree

 Best wishes Betty!

Sunday, September 16th, 2018

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Luke 23:33

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

Book of Mormon

*Helaman instructed his sons to la up a treasure in heaven instead of on this earth What does this mean to you?

- "To seek after those things on this earth that will benefit me i heaven. If I spend my time on this earth laying up things that will benefit me here then I get exactly that - those things here. But if I spend my time laying up things that are a treasure in heaven, then I get those blessings here and in heaven."

Old Testament

Isaiah 1-3

General Conference

Ministering with the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"My beloved brethren, thank you for your devotion to the Lord and His holy work. It is truly a joy to be with you. As a new First Presidency, we thank you for your prayers and for your sustaining efforts. We are grateful for your lives and for your service to the Lord Your devotion to duty and your selfless service are just as important in your callings as ours are in our callings. Through a lifetime of service in this Church, I have learned that it really doesn't matter where one serves. What the Lord cares about is how one serves."

Jackson's farewell. The overflow is full. He is going to the Philippines where a typhoon is headed. His mom is a wreck but he says he wants to be there because those are "his people" and he wants to help them. He will be an awesome missionary because he loves the Lord and he is humble. He says he offers a crumb compared to a loaf given by Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The family supporting Jackson

Parents Steve and Tina, five sisters, a brother and

lots of nieces and nephews!

Brother Charlie G. gave his first talk in sacrament meeting today since joining the Church. He spoke about his favorite event in the Book of Mormon, the Savior's visit to the Nephites. It was a great talk!

Bishop Miller spoke after Jackson and bore his testimony.

After setting up the circle in the Relief Society room, I attended Brother Scott's Sunday School class on the first six chapters of the Book of Isaiah. It was a good class. Brother and Sister DeWitt made these comments about the gathering of Israel:

Brother DeWitt: "The Church is growing at the rate of 800 members a day. We must slow it down a little"

Sister DeWitt: "We have four grandchildren on a mission. The people joining the Church in the areas where they are serving are mostly refugees from other countries."

Cammy did a great job teaching from President Ballard's talk, "Precious Gifts from God." He talks about the Sabbath, the Sacrament and service as being special gifts but he says that our most precious gift from God is the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ruby didn't bring any Sunday clothes, although she did bring a dozen stuffed animals. Funny how kids are. Trina stayed home with her and they went for a walk.

I got up early and made rolls and hamburger soup so lunch was ready when we got home. Before eating we said goodbye to Kim and Brian who like to get home early on Sunday evening.

 Photo bomber Darrel

 Ruby and Lola photo bomb

 One more photo bomber.

Can you find him?

One more bomber, between Kim and

Brian's shoulders.

James took a nap this afternoon while the rest of us just relaxed. Kathy Crane brought over some ice cream at my request and the kids and I had some ice cream.

Trina and Lola playing Hedbanz

Trina checking her fan mail, and the My

Little Ponies on parade.

Lola showing off her Sunday best, 

except for the shoes of course.

At one point Darrel had the Cardinal's game on. When he fell asleep in the recliner I turned it to Beauty and the Beast, the cartoon version. 

Soon it was time to say goodbye. Lola did not want to go home. She said, "hide, Dad's packing the car."

 Grandpa trying to comfort Lola

 I sure do love this family.

 Nice hairdo Darrel. Must have been from 

sleeping on the couch.

Finally she feels a little better.

Even though we didn't get to go horseback riding because Brother Howard fell off his four wheeler chasing cows, we had a good time.

James went out to visit Anthony this afternoon and I went with him. He delivered a loaf of homemade bread from President Grapp, and some bottled vegetables and fruit from the Grapp's and the Hunsaker's years supply. 

Anthony lives alone except for his cat Pinky. Pinky has been sick and Anthony has been spending his money buying medicine for her, hence the food from ward members. While James went in and visited, I stayed in the truck and worked on my weekly planner and then I went for a walk.

Anthony's place

My walk:

 A windmill in the distance

A lone tree

 Charlie with her mom and dad

Her first time at church

Scarlett and Autumn

I wonder if they are morning people?