Wednesday, March 7th, 2018

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23-24 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 26:31-27:11
* What do you think it means, the books shall be read upon the house tops?
Old Testament
Numbers 16-17
16 Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and 250 leaders rebel and seek priestly offices - Earth swallows the three rebels and their families - Fire from the Lord consumes the 250 rebels - Israel murmurs against Moses and Aaron for slaying the people - The Lord sends a plague, from which 14,700 die.
17 As a test, a rod for each tribe is placed in the tabernacle of witness - Aaron's rod buds and blossoms and brings forth almonds - It is kept as a token against rebels.
General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

John C. Pingree

" Sin is perhaps our greatest stumbling block, dulling our sensitivity to the Holy Ghost and restricting our access to spiritual power. To perform the work Heavenly Father has for us, we must strive to be clean. Are we living in such a way that God can work through us?"

Historian Richard Anderson said this about Joseph Smith: 

"The early Joseph is above all the Joseph of faith, of great humility, and of constant prayer."

I read this information today in the Old Testament Student Manual regarding the blooming of Aaron's rod blooming: 

" A man's rod was the sign of his position as ruler in the house and congregation. This showed that Aaron was not only qualified for his calling, but administered his office in the full power of the Spirit and bore the fruit expected of Him."

James and I left for the Snowflake temple at 9:20 for the 10:30 session. The session was packed. There were 33 sisters and 22 brothers. I was in the back row on the brothers side. I did a name for a Brother Masterson whom I met when I worked at the temple last time. I brought an addressed and stamped envelope with me and on the way home we mailed the card back to the name on the front, which is his wife's name. 

While I did some quick shopping at Walmart James got gas in the car and then went to Taco Bell to pick us up some lunch. He left the taco salad box in my seat and when I saw it, I thought it was a cake box. 

I bought a small bonsai tree in Walmart. The tag on it says it brings peace and harmony and I could use more of both in my life. 

This afternoon was naps and steps. This evening James had a High Priest Group leadership meeting while I stayed home alone. 

I found something this evening while I was home alone that we have been looking for a long time. I was cleaning the master bedroom and bath and pulled out the box under the bench at the end of our bed. Inside was James's blood pressure cuff and the exterior hard drive that we have been looking for since we moved. We both thought they were in a box upstairs, and here they were literally right under our feet.

When James got home we watched an episode from Heartland season 7.

My bonsai tree which is bound to bring 

peace and harmony.

 My wooden eggs

The Bogle's farm fresh eggs.

Two golden oldies at the temple

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement

Isaiah 53:6

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 29:1-30:2

Make a list of some of the Saviors characteristics you consider to be most important. 

Take a personal inventory of your own life with regard to these characteristics and formulate a plan to better fulfill His mandate to be "even as I am." (3 Nephi 27:27). ( See "Preach My Gospel" chapter 6, 'How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes,' p. 117).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:34

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.

General Conference

The Truth of all Things

Elder David F. Evans

" My mo knew that I needed to study and pray and that I needed to develop greater patience as I sought answers from the Lord. Willingness to be patient is part of our search for truth and part of the Lords pattern of revealing truth. President Monson: 'If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far.'"

It is 9 a.m. and James is already working outside. I don't think he will ever retire and if he does, he will never stop working.

At 10:30 James leaves for a meeting at the Torreon Golf Course in Show Low. This is a monthly networking meeting of businessmen in the White Mountain area. Usually Brother Applegate and Brother Howard would be there but James went anyway not knowing anyone. The group was started by our friend Brother Howard who is in the valley today. Brother Applegate, another friend, is taking his daughter to the MTC.

James returned around 2 p.m. and he brought me my favorite lunch, two tacos from Aliberto's. What a guy! He knows the way to my heart. 

Today I blogged, watched Christmas movies and walked. When I got tired I took a nap. What a life I have and it was all made possible because of my dear sweet husband.

My Christmas movies for the day: "What I Did for Love," "A Dream of Christmas," "December Bride," and "A Christmas to Remember."

Paul sent out a message on Facebook about Adam.

"Please pray for Adam, he has another severe infection at his catheter site. He is in the ER, they are likely going to open up his leg to clear the infection." 

Later this message was sent: "They excised Adam's wound and he is doing better. His pain has subsided and the infection seems to be reducing. Josh may have strep but he has a mild fever so we'll see how he is this morning and go from there. Thanks for your prayers."

I am thankful for social media because it allows us to keep in contact with those we love.

James took a nap this afternoon, did some work outside, and then came in to get ready for his High Priest Group leadership meeting at 6:30. He is a busy man this week. I paid tithing and updated our checkbooks. I also looked at an email sent by Paula Johnson. Here it is: Vernon residents: Apparently complaining does work! Mike Maher forwarded this email to me.

Good afternoon: FYI...

I wanted to update you that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has placed a temporary air quality monitor in Vernon. This station monitors for PM2.5 (the smallest particles in the air). the date can be viewed online via this Web Link:
https://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx

(for data from the temporary Vernon monitor, click "Vernon" in the box on the bottom-left of the page.)

Thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,

Byron James

Community Liaison

Finally! Someone is noticing how bad the air quality has been with all of the prescribed burns they have been having.

Must move more!

My favorite photo with James

My sweet, hard-working husband

Gorgeous fall!

The Pope kids.

I love these boys and their parents!

We are having two Thanksgivings this year.

On Thanksgiving we are going to the buffet

at the Hondah casino. On Friday we will be

fixing Thanksgiving with Kim and Brian.

My second home and my favorite temple.

I love being here.

Saturday, July 29th, 2017

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 April 1877 

By: Daniel H. Wells 

(Under the direction of Brigham Young)

Rededicated: 11-12 Nov 1975

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

2 Nephi 9:7

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 29:5

Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you te kingdom.

Alma 42:1-25

*If the demands of justice cannot be erased, then how can those who have sinned (each of us) ever have peace of conscience and be restored to the presence of God?

*According to Alma 42:15, how is it possible that mercy can ever be extended to us?

*What does it mean to you to know that the Savior would willingly suffer in your place so that you can have mercy extended to you?

DC 105:27-41

27-30, Lands in Jackson and adjoining counties should be purchased; 31-34, The elders are to receive an endowment in the house of the Lord in Kirtland; 35-37, Saints who are both called and chosen will be sanctified; 38-41, The Saints are to lift an ensign of peace to the world.

In such a tumultuous world, how can we lift up an ensign of peace?

* We lift up our ensign of peace by sharing the gospel with others through our actions and our words, remembering that we are constantly an example and represent Christ at all times. Also, an Ensign for peace is sweeping the nations as we continually build temples that dot the earth. They are a beacon and lighthouse in the storms of the life. Also, the Book of Mormon is an Ensign of peace.

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" The Holy Ghost testifies and bears witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth. The Lord, speaking to His disciples, said, 'But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,...he shall testify of me..'"

James and I are getting back into our routine of going to the Snowflake temple on Saturday morning and attending the 8 a.m. session. An added bonus for me was when I was in the celestial room I saw Trenda and Emery waiting to be taken in to the sealing room. I got to give Trenda a hug!

Emery looks especially tall in this photo.

Young people at the temple.

Ole people at the temple.

Not our most flattering photo.

Of course we make a stop at El Cupido's for some refreshment. I am stuck on the bacon breakfast burrito's and James likes the chicken quesadilla's. We both love the ice so we have to get medium drinks we a free refill.

I had a lazy, or should I say relaxing, day at home. Trenda's reception started at 6 p.m. at the Show Low stake center. I forgot the pants I wanted to wear needed to be washed, so I did it at the last minute. We didn't get to the reception until almost 8 p.m. What a mistake. It was packed! There was no line. Trenda was dancing with her dad and then with Emery and there was no opportunity to talk with her. I'm never going late again. I did get to talk to two others of my young women, Shelley who is getting ready to go on a mission and Mary, who just got married last week. I didn't even have any refreshments. James had a piece of Texas sheet cake.

I need to be more focused and have greater self-discipline.

Oh, by the way, it rained during the reception and most of the way home.

According to Trenda's mom these two are 

equally yoked. That means Emery must be

a really great guy!

Random Photos:

While we were in Snowflake we drove past one

of the homes James lived in. This home had white plaster

on the outside similar to the color of the chimney.

It looks like someone is trying to restore it to it's

original state.

What a cool mom! These kids love 

JesterZ's!

American Southwest history

I am obsessed with sunflowers right now.

Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 27:16-28:8

What helps you to keep your covenants?

*Partaking of the sacrament.

DC 98:1-10

1-3, The afflictions of the Saints will be for their good; 4-8, The Saints are to befriend the constitutional law of the land; 9-10, Honest, wise, and good men should be supported for secular government;

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

" I bear testimony that Elijah did come. The hearts of the children-you and me-have turned to our fathers, our ancestors. The affection you feel for your ancestors is part of the fulfillment of that prophecy. It is deeply seated in your sense of who you are."

Brian and Kim left for home this morning. We were sad to see them go.

We love you B and K!

Around 8:30 Trina, Anna, Summer and I left for Walmart. Trina and I both need to buy something for Lola's birthday and I needed to buy chicken for tomorrow night's dinner. I think Summer and Anna came for makeup. They finished way before we did and waited in the car.  I think I bought all the chicken thighs that Walmart had. I also bought Lola a Baby Alive with ponytails and blonde hair just like hers. A pink piggy stuffed animal. a purse and some jewelry and sunglasses. She loves jewelry.

I also bought a card and got some cash for Summer's birthday which is the 23rd. 

When we returned home Jared was a little stressed about Anna and Summer getting back so late because he wanted to go to Sunrise. It was awhile before we actually left.

Grandpa James said he was too busy to go so I took Joshua, Rowan, and Evan. Max and Ben and James and Adam did not want to go. I think James and Ben stayed home and worked for grandpa. 

Evan got car sick on the way so we stopped at Sonic in Springerville and got some lunch. He felt much better and was happy the rest of the way.  He, Joshua, and Rowan had a blast with all the activities at Sunrise. There was the lift ride to the top which they loved the most, the air bag jump, the rock wall, the tubing slide, and bungie jump.  It was a gorgeous day and we all enjoyed being together. Everyone was here except for grandpa and the boys who stayed home.  I wish I had taken more pictures.

This year it cost an extra $8 to jump off the top

so no one did.

Ruby looks annoyed.

Joshua on the rock wall.

Evan and Rowan.

Tanner riding the lift to the top

of the tube slide.

Darrel took Lola on the slide.

He guess he was just resting his eyes

in this picture.

Rowan on the bungie jump.

Joshua

Evan had a blast!

Love this family!

I love this family too!

Jared loves Kacey

Enjoying the Indian fry bread.

Such a beautiful day to be outside.

On the way home Evan fell asleep and Joshua and Rowan sang my favorite Primary songs to me: "Nephi's Courage", and "I'm Trying to Be Like Jesus."

I took a nap when I got home. I was exhausted.  Darrel and Trina fixed white chili for dinner. It was delicious!  After dinner we celebrated Lola's birthday. Trina made a chocolate cake and we had several flavors of ice cream.

Gathering for the party

I love the look on Lola's face.

Molly is so attentive

Razr goggles.

We had family scriptures and the kids went out to play Gray Wolf. It looks like Tanner is going to play tonight.

Good news for Kyra's kids. Their Grandpa Curtis and his fiance Joie have custody of them for now along with four other kids.

This sign was outside of the court house in St. Johns.