Tuesday, November 27th, 2018

Bern, Switzerland

9th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-15 Sept 1955

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Death of

Matthew 12:40

For an Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 8:12-25

*How can Moroni's words in verse 22 strengthen us as we labor in the Lord's cause?

- We know that no matter what happens the Lord is in charge and His eternal purposes will be accomplished.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 51-52

Old Testament

Amos 1-2

General Conference

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter

"Through His ministry, Christ taught that He had power over the physical body. We cannot control the timing of when Christ's healing of our physical ailments will occur. Healing occurs according to His will and wisdom. In the scriptures, some suffered for decades; others, their entire mortal lives. Mortal infirmities can refine us and deepen our reliance upon God. But when we allow Christ to be involved. He will always strengthen us spiritually so we can have greater capacity to endure our burdens."

Choose You This Day

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Christ's advocacy is, at least in part, to remind us that He has paid for our sins and that no one is excluded from the reach of God's mercy. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized, and endure to the end - a process that leads to reconciliation - the Savior forgives, heals, and advocates. He is our helper, consoler, and intercessor - attesting to and vouching for our reconciliation with God."

Because I am reading the book of Amos I have been reading about Amos in the Old Testament student manual. 
"Amos was a shepherd from a city called Tekoa now a hilltop of ancient ruins 6 miles south of Bethlehem." 

We had a book trades live help session this morning. James listened to it while I prepared two more books to ship. 

Heidi Grows Up and a book about Herbs did not want to go. I guess they will be in the next shipment. 

James and I made a trip to town. James dropped me off at Walmart while he mailed the packages, which did not cost anything because of the Amazon packing label, and then he went to Home Depot to look for metal shelves. We are putting the shelves in the garage  to organize our books on. No metal shelves at Home Depot, he had to go to Lowe's. 

I bought a star for the tree at Walmart.  Although it does not light up, it actually looks kind of old fashioned....I really like it. I also bought a live poinsettia for the front porch and some other miscellaneous items. 

I had James park the car outside the garage so I could clean the garage and make a place for the shelves. It took me less than an hour to make a place and James less than 30 minutes to put the shelves together.

Here are the Christmas movies I watched, or at least listened to today: "Christmas on Chestnut Street" - sappy; "A Gift Wrapped Christmas" - personal shopper falls for single dad and son. I liked this one. "Hope at Christmas," a good one starring Ryan Pavey.

Can you stand the cuteness?

Love those chocolate eyes!

 Cousin Randy had a birthday.

Love this story!

This is a great story too!

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974 by:

Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement:

1 John 4:10

Jesus Christ, Advocate:

2 Nephi 2:9

Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.

Alma 40:1-14

*What happens to our spirits after we die?

"When the physica body dies, the spirit continues to live. In the Spirit world, the spirits of the righteous 'are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow' (Alma 40:12). A place called Spirit prison is reserved for 'those who have died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets' (DC 138:32). The spirits in prison are 'taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel that are necessary for them to know' (DC 138:33-34). If they accept the principles of the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept ordinances performed in their behalf in temples, they will be welcomed into paradise" (True to the Faith:A Gospel Reference [2004], 46-47).

DC 104:66-86

67-77, The general treasury of the united order is to operate on the basis of common consent; 78-86, Those in the united order are to pay all their debts, and the Lord will deliver them from financial bondage.

80 And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance.

82 And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory.

83 I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once out of your bondage.

What has the Lord promised us in these verses?

*Pay debts and He will deliver us from financial bondage.

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" We are not ignorant of the challenges of the world, nor are we unaware of the difficulties of our times. But this does not mean that we should burden ourselves or others with constant fear Rather then dwelling on the immensity of our challenges, would it not be better to focus on the infinite greatness, goodness and absolute power of our God, trusting Him and preparing with a joyful heart for the return of Jesus the Christ?"

The first thing I saw this morning when I got up was elk in our back property. There were at least 20-30 but they didn't stay long. Somewhere between our place and the Crane's there was a baby elk crying and they all ran that way to help. I hope he didn't get attacked by a coyote.

Running to the rescue.

Every morning when I get up there are dead moths on the floor. Sometimes they aren't all the way dead because their wings flutter when I pick them up with a tissue and flush them down the toilet. Today there was also a beetle with a golden belly and legs, and a cricket.

Is anyone going to judge me if I tell you that I had a hotdog for breakfast? Oh yes, and I watched two Christmas movies, "12 Gifts of Christmas," and "Dashing Through the Snow."

I did also clean out my frig and in the process found some bread and butter pickles. They are my favorite!

James came home this afternoon and brought me food. A bean burro and green chili burro from Burger House and a shredded beef taco from Aliberto's!  Food delivery and I don't even have to tip!

We read from our book and waited for rain, but it didn't come so we watched "The Nutcracker Christmas."

Random Photos:

I sure would like to visit someday.

This brings back some fond memories!

2014

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

This is totally me!

I ordered four purple goblets from a company called

Jet.com. When I emailed them and told them one

of my glasses was clear. They apologized and said

they would send another set free of charge.

Now that's a company I want to do business with!

Addy and friends from Mutual. Everyone is

smiling except the kid on the left.

I love this blast from the past.

Look how Lola is staring at Joshua!

Evie Lynn Pfeil

Thursday, April 20 2017

Kona, Hawaii

70th operating temple

There were five elk in the yard this morning but James was too sick to get up and see them.  I am not sure I have ever seen him ignore seeing elk, even if they are only cows and yearlings.

Mosiah 12:1-17

Abinadi gives Noah and his people a second warning.

* Abinad's second warning (12:1-8), was much more severe than the first (11:20-25).  Why do you think this was?

* What can this teach us about heeding a prophet's warning and repentance?

3 Nephi 3:13-4:18

Some of these Book of Mormon names are confusing such as Zerahemnah and Zemnarihah.  Zerahemnah is the bad guy in Alma 44, and Zemnarihah is the bad guy in 3 Nephi 4.

There is also Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, and Gidgiddoni the Nephite leader.  

3 Nephi 3

Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, demands that Lachoneus and the Nephites surrender themselves and their lands - Lachoneus appoints Gidgiddoni as chief captain of the armies - The Nephites assemble in Zarahemla and Bountiful to defend themselves. About A.D. 16-18.

DC 59:1-24

The faithful Saints in Zion will be blessed; They are to love and serve the Lord and keep His commandments; By keeping the Lord''s day holy, the Saints are blessed temporally and spiritually; the righteous are promised peace in this world and eternal life in the world to come.

What does it mean to "pay thy devotions unto the most high?"

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day."

Since President Monson's other talk was about kindness

I decided to post this:

I called Dr. Moffat's office this morning to see if I could make an appointment for James.  The woman who answered the phone said he was only going to be in his office until 10 and then paused.  I said: "What do you suggest I do?"  She said well if you can come right now we will try to get you in.  This was at 8:25.  We hurried to get ready and we were there a little after nine.  While James was there I went to Walmart.  I did some shopping and tried to hurry back but I am afraid I kept him waiting for awhile.  He said the doctor told him that this is a very serious flu and if he isn't better in a few days he needs to go to the emergency room.  He said that they had lost a few older people.  That's nice to hear.

The doctor wrote James a prescription for tamiflu which we went to pick up after getting gas and going through the carwash and to the bank.  Finally we were able to go home.  James took a pill on the way and when he got home went straight to the recliner to take a nap.  I put the groceries away and went back to working on my notes for Saturday's presentation on personal revelation.  I think I am actually ready to begin preparing my actual outline.  I have 39 pages of notes.  I think I am doing this backwards.  I should have done the outline first.  

I got a text from my friend Pam.  She works in the medical field.  When I told her about James she told me to keep my hands washed and to make sure he doesn't get dehydrated.  I should have known these things but it's nice to be reminded.  She also gave me some advice from my talk: Words spoken clearly, correct pronunciations, appropriate pausing, principal ideas emphasized, volume, warmth and feeling, gestures and visual contact.  She sounds like a real pro doesn't she?

Yes it is.

This evening I took a break from my talk and watched the movie "Cats and Dogs" with James.  

Fun Photos:

Jillie and her family in Houston with

Elder Heyman who was a visiting authority to

their stake conference.

I wouldn't mind living here

Three years makes a lot of difference!

That's Molly in there.

Monday, September 19, 2016

The sky was beautiful this morning just before the sun came up.

Helaman 6:15-31

What happens if we set our hearts upon the riches of the world?

If our hearts are set upon the riches of the world then they probably aren't set upon the riches of heaven.  Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Setting our hearts upon the riches of the world also opens the door to Satan's influence.  If we treasure eternal things our hearts will be open to Christ.

President Henry B. Eyring says: "Worldliness is an obstacle to inspiration and spirituality.  God is forgotten.  Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear.  Soon we no longer listen."

GC: 'Choices' by President Thomas S. Monson

" Although it is imperative that we choose wisely, there are times when we will make foolish choices.  The gift of repentance, 

provided by our Savior, enables us to correct or course setting,

that we might return to the path which will lead us to that

celestial glory we seek.  May we maintain the courage to

defy the consensus.  

May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.

As we contemplate the decisions we make in our lives each day -

whether to make this choice or that choice -

if we choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice."

James and I get excited over the simplest things, such as, a sunrise, bunnies, squirrels and elk in the yard, or hummingbirds buzzing around our feeder.  For some reason the hummingbirds have disappeared and we are a little sad.  It is a little early for them to be heading south.

James has been on the phone with Adam most of the morning figuring out how to get his truck back from the towing company.  He finally had to give Adam his power of attorney for this particular situation.  Adam had to then go and have it notarized.  He didn't get the truck out today but probably will tomorrow.  Adam will have to make payments to the towing company.  His mistake is going to cost him about $270.

This sounds about right except for the

vegetables.  I actually like vegetables.

Michael had an interesting experience yesterday with a non-member friend.  He texted me and ask if going to his friends church was considered keeping the Sabbath day holy.  It turned out to be a mega church.  He was quickly disillusioned by the irreverence, when several in the congregation were confirmed.  Next was a perversion of doctrine: We are men so we all hate God, that's why we need Jesus. (What?).  Then they started Mormon bashing.  His comment to his dad: "Please give me the car so I can go to the true church nest week."  I think Michael appreciates the Church a little more after this experience.

This is an update on McKell and Christopher's baby:

I am praying for Will and his parents.

Today I read from Fablehaven and Millennial Glory.  I worked on my blog and this afternoon I made some whole wheat zucchini bread.  James loved it and so did I.

For F.H.E. we listened to Bishop Waddell's talk, "A Pattern for Peace."

Lundgern, Switzerland,

(I wish Vernon had a lake.)

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Sheri's quote of the day:
"It is our duty to improve each day.  And look upon our course last week and do things better this week; do things better today than
yesterday." 
-Lorenzo Snow

 Switzerland

James has to be finished with the doctor's office he's working on, on Monday.  He has very little help, right now just Lauro and Bob.  

He is a little concerned because we won't be here on Monday so he can finish up.  

I went to Ruby's last soccer game this morning and then afterwards went to Joshua's, Rowan's, and Evan's game.  Both of our teams lost.

 Ruby on the field

 Ruby with her trophy

Unwrapping the trophy

Lola goes exploring

Ruby went with me after the game to take my car back to Cathi's and leave it so James can take it in to get the tire fixed.  We rode back with Sheri and the boys, Rowan, Evan, and Joshua, for their game.  Rowan and Joshua spent the night at Evan's and I don't think they got much sleep.  They all looked a little tired.

Darrel, Addy, and Lola joined us at the game.  Trina has been called at a counselor in the Relief Society and she had to go to a funeral.

After the game Sheri dropped me off at Terry & Cathi's.  

 1533 S. 108th Way, our new home

away from home.

James and I went to pick up my car at Discount Tire.  They couldn't fix the tire so they gave us a new one.  We drove the car straight to Sears to get the oil changed.  It took over three hours.  

I took a nap and James went back to work because he is under a deadline.  Lauro and Bob were both tired and left.  James took Alex and Ben to help hi for awhile.  

At 5:30 we went to pick up my car.  The guys at Sears say I am missing a motor mount but we don't want the to fix it, we will take it to Erik later this month.  

We stop at the Jersey Mike's on Chandler Blvd. for dinner.  We both go to Sam's Club to get gas and then while James goes back to work I go shopping at Walmart for our trip.  

James comes home and says he didn't finish and will have to go back in the morning.  I cannot remember a time he has had to work on Sunday.  He also had to email a bid to Darrel before he could go to bed.  

A picture of Alexis and Michael at a Cross Country meet.  Alexis got first place and Michael got fourth.