Sunday, January 13th, 2018

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated:  19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Isaiah 9:6
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 11:12-30
*Who do I know that needs to read the Book of Mormon?
* Why didn't the angel just tell Nephi the meaning of the vision?
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Magnificat
46 - My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 - My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 - He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: ... henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 - He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 - His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 - He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 - He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 - He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 - He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 - As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
General Conference

For Him

Joy D. Jones

"Can you think back on a time when you lovingly reached out with sincere effort to help someone in need and felt that your efforts went unnoticed or perhaps were unappreciated or even unwanted? In that moment, did you question the value of your service? If so, may the words of King Benjamin replace your doubt and even your hurt: 'Ye are only in the service of your God.'

Rather than building resentment, we can build, through service, a more perfect relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our love for and devotion to Him preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow to and through us."

Ensign: "Mary, the Mother of Jesus" 

Gabriel appeared to Zacharias because he and Elisabeth had prayed for a miracle child, but he came to Mary ... not to fulfill a petition but to announce God's will for her. Calls of discipleship often require alterations to and personal life plans. 

It is another winter wonderland outside. It snowed during the night and we have another 6-8 inches. I love new snow, it makes the world look so beautiful and white. 

As I was studying Brother Bowen's talk, "The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion" for Relief Society I came across this statement:  "When I arrived in Chile, my mission president invited us to read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in the Joseph Smith-History every week. He taught us that a testimony of the First Vision would have a direct correlation to our own testimony of the gospel and our testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I believe this is true and I took the time today to read the First Vision. 

The bishop called James up out of the congregation during sacrament meeting to bear his testimony. I must say, he did a great job. I had several people tell me afterwards how much they enjoyed what he said. 

We didn't go to the Peeler's because Brother Peeler said his road was too bad but we found out later that Kathy and the Lauritzen's went so Donna did get the sacrament. 

Lorraine Vaught was not at church today so I called her to make sure she was okay. She said she had taken a fall yesterday and because of the snow she decided to stay home today. She thanked me for checking on her. Sister Halcomb, Kerri's mom, wasn't there either. Kerri said her hip was bothering her and she didn't want to take the chance of falling so she stayed home. 

I have today and tomorrow morning to finish my ministering interviews. I have 12 companionships and quarterly I am supposed to contact at least one person from each companionship. I was able to get 9 out of 12. I tried to contact the last three but they did not answer me.  Tamara got 10 out of 13 and Kerri 4 out of 13.

I quit taking my ibruprofen and hydrocodone because one of them was causing me to have shortness of breath. I went back to tramadol and it is causing me to itch like crazy!

President Nelson's 67 year old daughter passed away this week from cancer. She is the second daughter he has lost to cancer. He and Wendy were in Paradise, California today speaking to victims of the fire. 

A Prophet who has drawn from a hidden well of strength from the Lord.

James and I studied from the "Come Follow Me" lesson this evening. This week we are studying about worshipping the Savior in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

I am excited that the new season of Victoria is on Masterpiece Theater beginning tonight. We did not watch it but I have it taped.

These two are a couple in real life. Maybe that is why they

are so believable.

 Getting ready for the Rome, Italy temple 

open house. The dedication is in March.

Brother and Sister Renlund spoke to

the young adults this evening.

 Trying out some cereal

 Not sure she likes it.

 Teething is the pits!

 Our little southern belle.

James writing in his journal.

From last week's lesson.

I love Walter Rane's artwork.

Sunday, December 2nd, 2018

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple 

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Death of

Luke 9:31
Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
Book of Mormon #1
Ether 2:1-12
*Ether 2:8-11 states what Moroni called "the everlasting decree of God." (v.10) concerning this land of promise. Stated three or four times, this decree is that "whatsoever nation shall possess this land shall serve God, or they shall be swept off" (v.9). President Gordon B. Hinckley taught that obedience is essential if the promised land is to keep its promised blessings: "Great are the promises concerning this land of America. We are told unequivocally that it is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ" (Ether 2:12). This is the crux of the entire matter - obedience to the commandments of God." (Oct 2001, GC). Compare Ether 2:7-12 with Nephi 1:6-10. List the promises and the warnings given to the inhabitants of America.
Book of Mormon #2
Alma 63 - Helaman 2
Old Testament
Jonah 1-2
General Conference

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook
"This Sunday schedule allows more time for a home evening and to study the gospel at home on Sunday or at other times as individuals and families may choose. A family activity night could be held on Monday or at other times. To this end, leaders should continue to keep Monday evenings free from Church meetings and activities. However, time spent in home evening, gospel study, and activities for individuals and families may be scheduled according to their individual circumstances."

Bishop Miller conducted our fast and testimony meeting today and told of an experience of going to the temple in Mexico and how different it was because they really aren't worried about starting on time. He also bore testimony that the Church is true and is led by Jesus Christ and His prophet.

Others who bore their testimonies: 

Sister Vaught, Brother Greer who will be serving a mission soon. He is going to be a secretary to someone in an area authority presidency. Brother Greer said that President Nelson has been "renewed," and is preparing us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Sister Hahn, and Sister Van Haren who are both new bore their testimonies about gratitude and the importance of the scriptures. Dave Westbrook who was the keynote speaker at an agricultural convention in Nigeria, bore his testimony about how grateful he is for the gospel. Brother Price said he made a commitment in 1989 to bear his testimony at least once a quarter and he has been able to do that on a consistent basis. 

We had a sister visit from Mesa and she bore a pure and simple five point testimony including Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith as a prophet and President Nelson as the prophet today. Jackson, who is waiting to go back on his mission after being treated for six months for ADHD bore his testimony about Heavenly Father and how he knows us and loves us and knows our needs. Dear sweet Ellen bore her testimony about her baptism and her husbands this coming Saturday. She said when she was a little Jewish girl she felt like something was missing when she went to temple. She said she has figured out that what was missing was Jesus. She and Dave will both be baptized. They having been investigating the Church for over 12 years so this is pretty exciting!

James bore his testimony about how he is "changed" because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Kathy Crane admonished us to pray for those that we don't see here. Ty Applegate, a priest, said that the reason we are here is so that we can learn to become like Christ. 

It was snowy and cold today. I think we probably got at least 4 inches of snow. A good day to stay inside and study the gospel.

I learned some things about the prophet Jonah:

Both Jonah and Jess were from the Galilee area. That Jonah's story is a true one is evidenced by 2 Kings 14:25 and 3 New Testament references. The story of Jonah was referred to by our Lord on two occasions when he was asked for a sign from heaven. In each case he gave 'the sign of the prophet Jonah,' the event in that prophet's life being a foreshadowing of Jesus' own death and resurrection (Matt 12:39-41; Luke 11:29-30).

James and I came home after the block, ate some lunch and took a nap on the couch. I cut my nap short and went in to prepare for tithing settlement. James said we were signed up for 2:15 today. I got everything ready, woke James up and shot out the door after 2. We got to the Church at 2:17 to find the door locked. There were a couple of cars in the parking lot so James found another door and got in. None of the bishopric were there. We looked at the signup sheet and discovered that we were signed up for next Sunday at 2:15. Oh well, at least now we are ready.

Christmas quote from the movie, "A Twist on Christmas":

"Amidst all the hubbub, don't forget to look up and

see the lights." 

This evening James and I watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Afterwards I sent out group texts to the family about James's surgery on Tuesday. 

I realized tonight that I forgot to send some of Lois's Christmas stockings to the family in Texas and Arkansas. I will have to do that tomorrow when I mail Ben's Christmas package.

These are a few of my favorite people:

 Chandler State Champs in football again!

 Time flies!

So precious!

So many gorgeous pictures of the

Idaho Falls temple.

On our way home from Church.

Standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona

is Winslow the pig.

Friday, April 20th, 2018

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 7

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

*Why do you think King Noah and his priests chose not to listen to Abinadi's warnings?

- Don't we hear what we want to hear? Who wants to be told they are wrong and need to repent? When we start to veer off the path our sight becomes clouded. We don't see things in their true light. It's so easy to get confused. What is the cause? Pride, wickedness, and rationalization, just to name a few. When we don't have the Holy Ghost with us, and we do all the thinking we can go off the strait and narrow path quickly. When we think evil is good, and good is evil, and have no need to listen to the Lord's anointed, we can be sure we are in trouble spiritually. No one wants to believe Satan has a hold on their heart. But when we aren't following Christ and his appointed leaders, then aren't we followers of evil?

Old Testament

Judges 18-19

18 The Danites send men to seek an inheritance - They take Michah's images and priest, burn the city of Laish, and set up idolatry. 

19 A Levite's concubine returns to her father - Her husband takes her back, and they lodge overnight in Gibeah - The men of Gibeah abuse the concubine and she dies - The Levite husband cuts her into twelve pieces and sends them to the tribes of Israel.

General Conference

His Spirit To Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously."

I got up late this morning and then James told me we had to go to town to get our tire checked out at Discount Tire. 

We arrived at Discount Tire at 8:30. Our tire is ruined, probably because I drove on it for quite awhile before I noticed it was flat, but they will still honor our warranty. They don't have any new tires to fit our car but they gave us a used one and they will trade it for a brand new one when it comes in. They said it would take about an hour. I had some shopping to do at Walmart so that was perfect.

The Grapp kids and Amaron are coming over tonight so I got some stuff to fix hamburgers. I also got some frozen lemonade, limeade, grape juice, and fruit punch. 

While I was in Walmart James went to Home Depot for potting soil and a couple of irises and a hydrangea bush. 

When we got back to Discount, an hour since we left our car, it was just sitting in the work bay. I knew an hour sounded too good to be true. I talked James into going back to the hiking trail on Show Low Creek just this side of the Hampton Inn. We realized we could not only hike here but could take the kids fishing too. Sheri and I did this hike once sometime back but I did not remember about the fishing. 

We hiked for probably 45 minutes and turned back. We could have gone further but decided it was time to go back to check on Lexy.

My picture of James

His picture of me

Selfie because Jared and Kacey 

requested it. 

Beware of the livestock

This is place is right by the highway so it's

very convenient.

When we got back to Discount James went in to get the car and I was supposed to drive the truck home. Instead I sent a couple of texts so he ended up leaving before I did. I also stopped at Dollar General on the way home to get marshmallows and chocolate for Smores tonight for the Grapp kids. I got a little carried away. I found baby gifts for the Wilhelm baby, some fun stuff for Andyn's birthday, and a pair of pants for James. 

When I got home I fixed lunch and then took a short nap. 

I worked on my blog while James went outside to work. 

Stacy texted me about the date for our anniversary party. We finally settled on June 2nd, which is the Saturday we will be at the timeshare in Scottsdale. I have the assignment to see if there is a room available for us to use. 

Stacy mentioned the Arizona Teacher's Walkout schedule for this next Thursday. I guess if demands are not met for better wages the teachers will not be showing up for school.

I tried to get all of my steps in before 5 p.m., the time that the

Grapp's are supposed to show up. I made it!

The Grapp's arrived at 5 but Amaron's mom, Laurann got lost and I had to go pick him up down by the Hunsaker's. She has a Prius

and she bottomed out in a couple of places so she was going to go home. I told her I would come and get Amaron who was crying.

A storm is definitely on it's way. It looks like it is raining pretty hard towards Snowflake and Taylor.  It finally arrived here while the kids were eating only it wasn't rain, but snow. We had a white cover on the ground when it got dark. 

Benson and Tildy watched The Little Mermaid II in our room and Liana watched Beauty and the Beast in the family room after dinner. Emsley played upstairs and Amaron hung out in the kitchen asking for food. He had a smore and then some more chocolate and I sent him upstairs to play. Emsley never came down for a smore, she did come down once for a drink of water. 

We only had one altercation, Emsley hit Tildy with something and made her cry. Tildy went to Liana for comfort but didn't seem like she was hurt too badly. I went up to talk to Emsley and she was curled up in a ball on the couch with her hands in her face. I just told her that Tildy loved her and was sad that she hit her. I could tell she already felt bad so I didn't say too much. 

The Grapp's took Amaron home so Laurann didn't have to venture over here again.

I did listen to one of President Nelson's talks today. This one was from October 1994, "The Spirit of Elijah."  After our company left, they left after nine, James and I read from our books and then went to bed.

President and Sister Nelson in India

The fires have already begun.

Sunday, November 5th, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

100th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 20:17

 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto the, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 20:20-46

What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord?"

Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "To avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture

DC 1:37-38

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Dallin H. Oaks

" What is the meaning of the scriptural cautions and commandments not to be 'of the world' or the modern commandment to 'forsake the world"? (DC 53:2)

President Thomas S. Monson summarized these teachings:

'We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual. It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most: eternal life in the kingdom of God.'"

We gave Kathy a ride to the church this morning for the North American Southwest Regional Conference broadcast. Before the broadcast started President Beeler spoke to us. The title of his talk was "Safe Enough." 

Where is safe enough? There is opposition in all things. The neutrality of the Garden of Eden couldn't accomplish God's purposes. Spiritual progress means we must be fully engaged. Sacred ground is found as a result of increased righteousness. We have no more desire to do evil but to do good continually. Here are some safe zones: Home, the temple, the Church, and the stake.

The temple is a blueprint for homes and families. Missionaries carry the Light of Christ to the world. Who are God's messengers:

Prophets, apostles, missionaries, and members. Satan's desire is to stop the messengers. Satan tries to convince us that apathy and indifference are okay. Minister to the one. Who do I need to serve today? There is no neutral ground, we choose our direction, God expects us to move forward in the right direction. We need to allow Christ to point us in the direction of the one.

Soutwest Regional Broadcast

Elder Cornish conducted this meeting to 263 stakes, 3 districts and 21 missions with 50 temples.

Elder T.B. Wakalolo - We need to become better at giving service.What will I do differently as a result of this conference? How can the Atonement help me? 

DC 101:78 - Act in Doctrine and Principle.

JOY - J=Jesus O=Others Y=You

God is our loving Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39, John 3:16. Substitute family for world. It's all about love, love, love.

Understanding true doctrine is critical.

Sister Neill F. Marriott - "Members of the Household of Faith."

Rescue and sacrifice. She told the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:30-35. We all carry sorrows that the eye can't see. The Lord will help us as we try to submit ourselves to His ways. Do we ignore the needs of others? The is power in keeping our covenants. Remember Him. Pray to know who needs my help. What a difference remembering Jesus Christ can make.

Stranger at her door. She fed him her husbands dinner and her husband ate a peanut butter sandwich for dinner. 

Do you feel a critical need to study the Book of Mormon?

President Romney's promise:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in the wake peace, joy, and happiness."

It took Brother and Sister Marriott seven years to read the Book of Mormon with their children. As a result, the established righteous patterns.

Elder Cornish - Hurricane Harvey. 52" of rain in a day. Rescuing those in need. Thousands of volunteers in yellow vests called "Yellow Angels." Love one to another, stranger to stranger. 

Christian caring begins in the hearts of each of us. Each of us can do a little better. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Doing His will is the way to true happiness.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - Spoke about President Monson's service. President Monson still gives 100%. Parable of the Talents.

Diligent where we are and with what we have.

Honor President Monson for what he has already said. 

Work in love to serve those in need. Give others something to do. 

Some teachings of President Monson: 1) Missionary service - bears testimony, loves people. 2) Marriage and Family - preserving fidelity. Strict obedience to temple covenants. 3) Youth - stand firm, remain faithful. 4) Religious activity in the home is critial. Hear my voice and know my words. 5) Kindness and charity. 6) The Book of Mormon. President Monson's promise in the April 2017 General Conference:

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven's help in our lives. I so testify with all my heart in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

It was a wonderful conference emphasizing living the commandments, serving, and reading the Book of Mormon.

We had chili dogs for lunch and then we both took a nap. 

At 3 p.m. James has a High Priest Group meeting. I stayed home and watched Christmas movies while working on my blog, ones I've already seen before: "Christmas Cookies," "Christmas Land," and "The Christmas Pageant."

Sheri and Kim are going to read "Rescuing Wayward Children" with us and then we will discuss it on Sunday. We are starting this week with the introduction.

James and I watched a new Christmas movie, "The Perfect Christmas Present" starring Sam Page, and Tara Holt. A good message!

Suzy and Trina, two of my favorites!

2016

Elk in our yard

Spike and friends

Studying his lesson by the fire.

Love these clouds!

2015

Shopping for Evan's birthday.

Making a Lego person

The three Musketeers

Love these three!
Where's Max?

Food is always necessary

Hard at work

Snow on November 5th!

I stopped at a gas station in Heber on my
way to the valley and took this picture.
November 5th