Tuesday, March 17th, 2020

 Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Judge

Moroni 10:34

And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 5:15-28

The scattering and gathering of Israel are prefigured 

October 2019 Gen Con

"Covenant Women in Partnership with God"

President Henry B. Eyring

"I testify that God the Father lives and He loves you. He will answer your prayers. His Beloved Son leads, in every detail, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Russell M. Nelson is His living prophet. And Joseph Smith saw and spoke with God the Father and Jesus Christ in a grove of trees in Palmyra, New York. I know that is true. I also testify that Jesus Christ is your Savior; He loves you. And through His Atonement, you can be purified and lifted to the high and holy callings which will come to you. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Ensign
"Seven Sure Fire Blessings from the Children
and Youth Program"

This morning I got up and studied from Jacob 5. Yesterday with discussed the first visit of the Lord with the grandkids and tonight we will discuss the second visit which was during the meridian of time when the Savior was on the earth. I also read to them my book regarding the House of Israel so they would have a better understanding of the Abrahamic Covenant and the House of Israel.

Lola was making sure everyone had green on today. Someone, I can't remember who, said their eyes were green. She asked me if that counted and I said no. She asked grandpa and he said yes. I don't think anyone got pinched, at least if they did, I didn't hear about it. 

Joshua got up this morning and went outside for a walk. When Addy gets up she goes outside for a run. 

I made waffles and bacon for breakfast. I think everyone ate except Addy. Lola wants a tea party. I put her off until tomorrow telling her we need to go to the store first. 

James is frustrated about typing a contract. He is almost always frustrated with the computer about something and so am I. The most frustrating thing for me is my photo app and trying to download and crop photos to go on my blog. The app always, and I do mean everyday, freezes up while I am trying to add photos. That is one of the reasons I am so far behind with my posting.

James grilled steaks for dinner. I made rice, corn, and beans, and cut up strawberries and sat out blueberries. I think there was something for everyone except Evan. He didn't come down to eat.  Oh yes, we also had the rolls that Sheri sent. Steak is Max's favorite food but he needs one of his mom's rolls to go with it.

We were talking about what food Evan likes and Max said, he really likes breakfast. I said that tomorrow night I would fix breakfast for dinner so that Evan would join us.

After dinner and "Come Follow Me" grandpa built a bonfire and we all sat around it while Max sang and played the guitar. He played "The Boxer" and some other golden oldies. After I went in he played the "Sound of Silence." I am sorry I missed it.

The girls loved these pictures of Charlie!

Lola said, "It's a unicorn headband!"

I think this is a picture of the kids playing the game Jack Box. Either that or they are watching "Sponge Bob."

Dinner with everyone but Evan

Listening to Max

Ben's Letter:

Sunday, June 2nd, 2019

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 34:2

My brethren, I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully before your dissension from among us.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JS-Matthew; Matthew 25; Mark 12-13; Luke 21

General Conference

Careful vs Casual

Becky Craven

"Being careful in living the gospel does not necessarily mean being formal or stuffy. What it does mean is being appropriate in our thoughts and behavior as disciples of Jesus Christ. As we ponder the difference between careful and casual in our gospel living, here are some thought to consider:

Are we careful in our Sabbath-day worship and in our preparation to partake of the sacrament each week?

Could we be more careful in our prayers and scripture study or be more actively engaged in "Come, Follow Me"?

Are we careful in our temple worship, and do we carefully and deliberately live the covenants we made both at baptism and in the temple?

Are we careful in how we minister to others and in how we fulfill our callings in the Church, or are we indifferent or casual in our call to serve?"

I read an amazing talk this morning that really helped me with my fast today. "Fasting with Power" by Elder Shayne M. Bowen, April 2009 Ensign. The first thing that caught my eye in this talk was the statement: "A person can overcome any addiction or bad habit through living the law of the fast."
The entire article is wonderful to read if you are someone who struggles with fasting like I do.

This morning I also found an idea on Pinterest for us to use as our Father's Day gifts this year in the ward.

Simple and fun

Bishop Miller and his family are vacationing in California this week. Brother Thompson conducted our fast and testimony meeting. James bore his testimony and in addition to what he said on Facebook he gave me another tribute. It was a little embarrassing, but very sweet.

Brother Wright bore his testimony and it was one of my favorites. Also a fairly new member Brother Morrison bore his testimony. It was sweet and simple. His twins came up to see him while he was waiting on the stand and when he got up to go to the pulpit Lannie and John got up and each took a twin and delivered them back to their mom and brother.

Brother Judd taught Sunday School and started to introduce next week's lesson amidst protests so he went back to this week's lesson, "The Son of Man Shall Come." The class go into quite a discussion about being prepared, the monetary system, food storage, etc. My friend Tamara and I were a little disappointed that no other topics were discussed. One of the things I appreciated from this lesson was the reference from Gospel Topics on the Second Coming. Here is a list that I found regarding the prophesied events and signs:

1. Apostasy from gospel truth.

2. The Restoration of the gospel, including the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

3. The restoration of priesthood keys.

4. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

5. The preaching of the gospel throughout the world.

6. A time of wickedness, war, and turmoil.

7. Signs in heaven and on the earth.

The righteous need not fear the Second Coming or the signs that precede it. The Savior's words to His Apostles apply to all who prepare for His coming and who look forward to it with joy: "Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled." (DC 45:35).

We had a family history consultant meeting immediately after the block. James, Brother Curtis, Sister Thompson, Sister Klug, and I attended.

Brother Curtis says the bishop is concerned about the consultants getting into the homes of the members. It is a challenge getting people interested in doing the work. On another note Brother Curtis and indexed and reviewed over 185,000 names. He says it is his hobby and he loves doing it.

James and I went home and took naps. After napping we broke our fast and had some dinner. James had bought steaks when he went shopping Friday and he grilled them outside. I made the potatoes and the veggies.

 I was able to fast for 24 hours, something that is difficult for me to do but I was determined after reading Elder Bowen's talk. Here is an excerpt from his talk:

After dinner we went a little overboard with dessert. We had ice cream with roasted pecans and caramel sauce. Quite delicious. 

James took a long nap while I worked on my blog and then we both wrote letters to Ben and watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart."

 Nothing like a sleeping baby

What Charlie does while Kacey and Jared

are teaching Sunday School

 Macy and Scarlett

Which do you prefer, desert,

or

mountains? 

 Hunsaker's had a baby blessing in the valley

James said his missed Colter in his class.

I think Kip is giving Alicia bunny ears or horns.

 Celebrating on their mission in 

Martin's Cove, Wyoming

Hunks of "When Calls the Heart"

Saturday, March 9th, 2019

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple 
Dedicated: 17 My 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Today's gospel study included: John 4:14; 2 Nephi 28:1-16; Mark 4:1-34; "The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom" by Jeffrey R. Holland, 10/1996, and "One in Christ: by Ulisses Soares, 10/2018.

One in Christ

Ulisses Soares

"My beloved companions in the work of the Lord, I believe we can do much better and should do better in welcoming new friends into the Church. I invite you to consider what we can do to be more embracing, accepting, and helpful to them, starting this very next Sunday. Be careful not to let your Church assignments get in the way of welcoming new friends at Church meetings and activities. After all, these souls are precious before the eyes of God and are much more important than programs and activities. If we minister to our new friends with our hearts full of pure love as the Savior did, I promise you, in His name, that He will assist us in our efforts."

We left for the temple around 5:45. James was pretty "stressed out" because he wanted to leave by 5:30. We started off with a beeping noise in Sheri's van. We stopped twice to try and close the doors. The back door on the driver's side does not completely close. I wonder if it was like that when we got the van. Finally the beeping stopped and we were able to listen to two conference talks on the way over. We made it in plenty of time for our preparation meeting at 7 which was presided over by President and Sister Palmer.

One of the first people to welcome me back was Debbie Vance, my friend from Chandler. Sister Cochran and Sister Humphries also said they were glad to see me. I missed seeing Sister Bowers and Sister McCleary. Sister Bowers is taking a leave of absence. I'm not sure where Sister McCleary is.

My schedule went something like this: ASD - Assistant sealing director. I sat under the stairs in the corner at a desk and assist people when they come in to do sealings. I was only there from 7:30 - 8 and assisted three different people. I had to go up and down the stairs to the sealing room three times. Too bad I don't have my phone with me. I was also a greeter a couple of time, and worked in initiatory two times. The third time was at the end of our shift and the afternoon workers had someone to take through so I was excused early. 

I dressed and went outside to wait for James. He was at the recommend desk so I was able to tell him where I was. As I was walking around the parking lot I noticed a fellow worker, Sister Blank, who is a young adult returned missionary, sitting in her car calling someone on the phone. I didn't think too much of it until a few minutes later when a police officer showed up. I guess she had something stolen from her car. The last time I heard of this happening it was at night. This time it was done in broad daylight. We must remember to lock our cars!

On the way home I texted Max to make sure everything was okay. He said it was and that they were fine so James and I went to Walmart to pick up my thyroid prescription. While James was at the pharmacy, I walked in the McDonald's entrance and ordered him a quarter pounder and got myself an ice cream cone. He seemed very appreciative because he was quite hungry.

When we got home the boys were playing hide and go seek outside. It was great to see them doing something besides playing video games. 

I cooked steak for dinner in my cast iron skillet. James cooked some on the grill and I thought they were better. The boys were already done eating by the time the ones on the grill were done.

This evening I worked on my blog and watched the Hallmark movie, "Harvest Moon." 

The boys watched Harry Potter in the family room.

In other news, President Nelson and President Ballard were able to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican today. It is the first time a President of the Church has met with the Pope.

This little girl brings so much joy!

Monday, December 31st, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 11:2

And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Finished!

#2 - Finished!

Old Testament

Finished!

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."

Happy 45th Birthday Kim!

Kim and her Guys

Sheri and I got ready and left for town this morning around 8 a.m. before Kim and Brian got here. Sheri was going to go running at 7 but it was just too cold and windy. It looks like we are going to get some more snow. We are worried about Kim and Brian making it up over the rim in Chloe (their car). We did not know that they saw Chris Cameron, Merrilee Bogle's husband, at the temple yesterday and he loaned them his truck. Brian said it was a tender mercy that he was not going to accept until he felt prompted that he should.

Sheri and I need to get some groceries, propane so we can use our smoker, and gas for the Razr. Our first stop was at the Maverick station in Show Low to get drinks. Sheri wanted to know why we were going to the Show Low Walmart and I told her because I needed to pick up my thyroid prescription, Levothyroxin. I ended up forgetting to do this so I will have to come back later in the week.

I wanted to get either a brisket or some ribs to cook in the smoker tomorrow. The briskets were huge and cost almost $50 so I got ribs instead. Probably not enough for everyone for a meal but this is an experiment. I got two racks of baby backs because that's all they had and one rack of beef. Sheri got more sub rolls for sandwiches.

Our next stop after Walmart was Stanford. Sheri stayed at the gas pump and was trying to get gas for the Razr but the credit/debit wasn't working so I took her card inside. It is freezing and windy by the way. I had to wait in line but had the clerk run the card. I went back to Sheri and it still wasn't working. This time she went in and I got in the line outside for propane. Propane is a hot commodity in this community where many rely on it for their heat. When it was finally my turn the guy filled my tanks and I lifted them and put them in the back of my car. No easy feat for me, especially in the cold but he did not offer to help.

Next I went inside and ordered some lunchmeat and cheese from the deli. When I finally checked out, which took about ten minutes because the guy was so slow, it cost me over $65 for propane and lunchmeat and cheese. Oh dear. I did get quite a bit of meat and cheese so I guess we will be having sub sandwiches for awhile.

When we got home Michael carried in most of the groceries. Finding a place to put all of our stuff is tricky, especially in the refrigerator. 

We know that Kim and Brian are on their way. It is snowing again so we are praying for their safe arrival. 

While Sheri and I were gone to town the boys and Ian helped James get some wood in. Ian and Michael helped James with the woodsplitter and the boys carried it over to the porch in the Razr and stacked. We now have wood to last for awhile. Thanks guys!

Ok, so it's not stacked neatly, at least it's dry.

I forgot to mention that Sheri bought a big bucket of chicken for everyone at KFC on the way home. It lasted about 10 minutes before it was all gone. I guess chopping and hauling wood makes you hungry.  Ian and James each got a container of coleslaw, there were also biscuits and potato wedges.

We were so happy when Kim and Brian got here. It was a great blessing that Chris allowed them to bring his truck. I'm not sure they would have made it up our hill without it. Later in the day they closed all the roads north of Payson because of snow. Many people were stranded in Payson.

We had steak for dinner again. James cooked ours and Michael did everyone else's. He used the cast iron skillet and cooked them with butter and garlic like before. Sheri had enough steaks to feed Kim and Brian. They were going to stop at Safeway for food for tonight but they came straight here instead. 

Michael cooking steak

We sang Happy Birthday to Kim. Brian brought up a cake and I got some ice cream at the store today. 

After the celebration Kim worked on the new Dowdle puzzle we got her.

We had more sledding, fires, and movies today. They boys stayed up to celebrate the new year but I'm not sure that anyone else did.

 This sweet baby is reason to celebrate!

Instant replay of the latest sledding adventure.

 45 candles is a lot!

 There she blows!

 Kim trying on the hooded coat blanket

Ian got for Christmas from his mom.

 Joshua ready for some snow

 Putting their wet clothes by the fire.

 Wisemen