Tuesday, May 28th, 2019

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 6:8

And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his father, and according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God who should come to redeem his people from their sins, and the holy order by which he was called. And thus it is written. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 7:14-27

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 25:14-30; Mark 12:13-17; 41-44; Luke 21:1-4

General Conference

Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing

David A. Bednar

"The programs and activities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are becoming ever more home centered and Church supported, as evidenced by the series of adjustments announced in recent general conferences. President Russell M. Nelson has counseled us: 'There is much more to come. ...Eat your vitamin pills. Get your rest. It's going to be exciting.'"

We sold the book, "Signing Naturally," today and made over $20.

I got my next "Done For You" list and bought several more books. I then repriced 25 books in our inventory. 

This afternoon James and I did some errands. First we took a "Come Follow Me" manual to my friend Marie. She seemed happy to get it. 

Next stop was the bank to see when our stocks would be put in our checking account. James went in and spoke to Jeremy. He said that they would be put up for sale this week and the money should be in our account by Friday. That's good news because we need it for propane and new tires and my crown and maybe even some could be used to buy more books.

James dropped me off at Dollar Tree so I could buy some cards. Their cards are fifty cents to a dollar. If I went to Walmart to buy cards I would pay a lot more than that. James went to Lowe's to look at barn doors for the Howard's. 

When I was done shopping at Dollar Tree I walked over to Taco Bell and James met me there for dinner. I had my usual, a taco and a tostada. James had a tostada and a chicken quesadilla.

When we got home there was still enough daylight for James to work outside. James got a bottle jack? out of his truck and jacked up the deck, put shims under the posts to hold it up. My guy can do just about anything when it comes to construction. Not so on the computer.

It was a beautiful day today except for the fact that there was a prescribed burn around Timber Knoll. They know how to ruin a beautiful day at the Lakeside Ranger station.

Joshua sang "We Will Rock You" at his school's talent show and the kids loved it!

 Looks like a perfect Hallmark moon

 James used to do handyman work for Susan

before she got remarried. I use to joke and called

her his "other wife."

Clouds

 Part of our book webinar today. Talking about Amazon fees for

fulfilled by Amazon.

 I love the quote on the wall!

 Kissy face

Sunday, December 16th, 2018

Sydney, Australia
28th operating temple
Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

1 Nephi 19:10

And the God of our fathers, who were led out of Egypt, out of bondage, and also were preserved in the wilderness by him, yea, the God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, yieldeth himself, according to the words of the angel, as a man, into the hands of wicked men, to be lifted up, according to the words of Zenock, and to be crucified, according to the words of Neum, and to be buried in a sepulchre, according to the words of Zenos, which he spake concerning the three days of darkness, which should be a sign given of his death unto those who should inhabit the isles of the sea, more especially given unto those who are of the house of Israel.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 11:1-23

Book of Mormon #2

3 Nephi 21-25

General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn, makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit. The Spirit can then guide what you think, what you say, and what you do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth, and courage upon them."

Sy Westbrook was the youth speaker today. He actually did a very good job. It was the first talk I ever heard him give.

I love singing Christmas carols. Today we sang: "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." The women's choir say, "Away In a Manger," and "Silent Night."

Ed Miller was our main speaker today. He began by quoting President Nelson regarding the spiritual gifts of the sisters. He ask us to leave the world and help to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. He also brought a message from the stake president: "Become and help others become true followers of Jesus Christ and enjoy the blessings of the temple." 

He also spoke about the name of the Church and how it was the Savior in the Doctrine and Covenants who gave the names of the Church. (DC 115:4). "In order to win the battle over Satan we must be united in Christ. Become a Christ-centered family in preparation for Christ's Second Coming. Live together in love."

After sacrament meeting I took James home. I hurried back to help Maxine and Tamara put bows on the sister's Christmas presents. 

I ask Sister White if she would be a ministering sister and she said no, she would rather not. I was a little taken aback and surprised. Now I need to find someone else to be Sister Curtis's partner.

Cammy's lesson on Elder Bangerter's talk, "Laying the Foundation of a Great Work" went very well. 

I have been listening to the talks Kim has been sending to our scripture group regarding the attributes of Christ. Today I listened to one by Sister Elaine Dalton, as well as President Hinckley, and President Faust. Sister Dalton says, "The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare."

After lunch and rest I sent a Happy Birthday email to Elder Trezise. Today is his 19th birthday. James also emailed him.

I also texted Barbara Raynsford. She has been attending the Concho branch but she actually lives in our ward. I told her I heard the rumor that she was going to attend in Vernon beginning in the new year. She texted me back and said that was what she had planned but today she had a feeling she should stay in Concho. She said when she told her branch president he was excited and called her in to his office and asked her to be the Young Women's president. She said the branch is really struggling for leadership. I guess maybe the Lord needs her in Concho more then we need her in Vernon. I was hoping she could be Sister Curtis's ministering partner. She said it was not a preference but she felt the Lord had directed her to stay in Concho.

Christmas movies: "Christmas in Tennessee," starring Rachel Boston and Andrew Walker.

Yes, that's a hedgehog on his back.
It's the Carvahall family pet.

Happy Birthday Ben!

What do you get a missionary for his

birthday? A tie!

Love these two girls!

My friends Jenny and Pam were recognized and

awarded for making a difference at work!

Way to go girls!

Monday, July 9th, 2018

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 45:18

For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else.

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:29-45

*How does having a sign affect someone's faith? 

- Faith is a hope in things which are not seen but which are true. Once you have a sign, you have a perfect knowledge of something and therefore it is not really faith anymore. I believe Heavenly Father would like us to exercise faith unto repentance and faith unto miracles.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 9-10

9 The queen of Sheba visits Solomon - He excels in wisdom, wealth, and magnificence - After reigning forty years, Solomon dies, and Rehoboam becomes king.

10 The people request relief, but Rehoboam promises to increase the burdens upon the people - Israel rebels and the kingdom is divided.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"Many years ago, President Boyd K. Packer warned, 'Good conduct without the ordinances of the gospel will neither redeem nor exalt mankind.' In fact, we not only need the ordinances and covenants to return to our Father, but we also need His Son, Jesus Christ, and His Atonement."

Ensign: "5 Pioneer Virtues That Can Save Our Homes Today," "The Book of Mormon Changes Lives."

The Vernon ward girls camp starts today at the Wallace Ranch. What a great place to have girl's camp, especially with the rain! We are so fortunate to have the Wallace's in our ward.

The Relief Society sisters had their monthly luncheon at Sister Miller's today. I did not go. James wanted me to go to town with him to change the oil in his truck so that's what I did.

While the oil was being changed I shopped at Walmart and James went over to Home Depot to look at plants and trees. Neither of us remembered to get a new blender, so there will be no smoothies today. James broke out blender on Saturday. This is the second one. Maybe we should quit buying the glass ones.

Poor topless blender.

Before going home James had to buy some wire at Cal-Ranch for the rabbit hutch he is making. I guess he and Rowan want to try breeding the wild rabbits with domestic ones. 

There are some concerns at the Phoenix Country Club job by a member of the country club who is a civil engineer. He says the curb looks a little too wavy to him. It is 12 inches high and James says it is very difficult to get it perfect. Anyway, because of the delay in getting paid, James filed a preliminary lien notice today.

I like this quote from Elder Wakolo's talk:

"Casualness leads to casualties."

So true!

I did not eat healthy today. I had ice cream, and fried tortillas with cheese. Yikes! I don't want to go back to my old way of eating. Too much casualness and I don't want to become a casualty.

We went back to town this evening to get a blender. We listened to Elder Renlund's talk, "Family History and Temple Work: Healing and Sealing" in the car for F.H.E. 

When we drive up to Walmart I think we are going in together to get a new blender. James says: "Do you mind if I go to Home Depot?" Me: "Why?" Because I need to get a piece of tin for the roof of my rabbit hutch. Ok. Since James isn't with me I take the opportunity to buy him a new thermos that is much better than the last one I bought him. I also bought myself 15 pair of new socks!

I wish James would make a rabbit hutch that looks like this one:

Living in luxury.

We got more rain tonight and more posts from Europe!

Gorgeous!

 Up close and personal

"I spy with my little eye"

Meanwhile, back home in Chandler:

It's Haboob Season

Kacey sent me this photo:

Cake and ice cream for Anna and Emmy's

birthdays. They weren't coming at all when 

Anna had her birthday and we haven't seen Emmy since she had her's. So, we celebrated both tonight.

Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 1:27

And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 20:1-22

*How have I been refined by the Lord and what have I gained from the experience?

-What the Mormon Message, "The Refiner's Fire."

Old Testament

Exodus 18-19

18 Jethro comes to Moses bringing Moses' wife and sons and offers sacrifices to the Lord - Moses sits in the judgment seat and hears all cases - Jethro counsels Moses to teach the law, to appoint lesser judges, and to delegate power to them.

19 The Lord covenants to make Israel a peculiar treasure, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation - The people sanctify themselves - The Lord appears on Sinai amid fire, smoke, and earthquakes.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 1:26

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

" There is an energy that comes from happiness and optimism that doesn't just bless us - it builds everyone around us. Any small thing you do to light real happiness in others shows that you are already carrying the torch that President Kimball lit."

James and I had scriptures and prayers together and then he went to the Miller's to work. I made chocolate chip cookies and polished the floor, getting ready for my visiting teacher, Kaeli to come. Kaeli came by herself and we had a nice visit. I gave her some cookies to take home and asked her to take some over to the Miller's where the guys were working. I guess she misunderstood me. She gave the cookies to Anne and the kids instead of the workers. There were enough for both. When I asked James how he liked the cookies he said: "I didn't get any cookies. I saw kids with chocolate on their faces but no one offered me any cookies."  I gave him a couple of the ones I had saved for the Cranes.

We made a trip to Dollar General and Stanford General Store today. I needed a stew seasoning mix for the stew I'm making for the Cranes and I sent James into Stanford to get the menu for their deli. We came home and James helped me brown and season the stew meat before putting it in the stew pot. After we got the stew on we made a trip to the Howard's. James went inside, Jimmy McNeil was there, to check on his work in Jean's closet. 

When we returned home James took stew, french bread, and chocolate chip cookies to the Crane's. We had the same thing for dinner. It was quite good.

I did some blogging today and we watched an episode of "Heartland." Jack gets his truck, "Goldie" back after Tim has the junkyard come and pick it and two other old trucks up.

This morning there was a "Super Blue Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse."

Here are some pictures I took with my phone from our front porch around 7 a.m.

All look same

Our friend Brother Kaufman took this next photo:

What a difference a camera with a good lense makes.

Taken near Tucson.

Showing the different phases.

Colorado

New York

(Is this real?)

Wednesday, October 25th, 2017

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

Luke 24:39

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 12:25-48

*How hard is it to love our enemies?

I think it requires lots of prayer, forgiveness, and humility, and the Holy Ghost filling us with pure love.

*What does it mean to you to be perfect?

President Russell M. Nelson: "We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so difficult and endless. Perfection is pending. It can come in full only after the Resurrection and only through the Lord. It awaits all who love Him and keep His commandments" ("Perfection Pending," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 88).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 130:22-23

22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.

23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.
General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

"The Lord does trust us in so many ways. He has given us the gospel of Jesus Christ. He entrusts us with His priesthood authority, complete with the keys for its proper use. With that power we can bless, serve, receive ordinances, and make covenants. He trusts us with His restored Church, including the holy temple. He trusts His servants with the sealing power - to bind on earth and have it bound in heaven. He even trusts us to be the earthly parents, teachers, and caregivers of His children."

Paul and Janell are here shooting. I took a walk up to the broken down CAT with James to do some "observing," while he tries to start it. It started but now he's having problems draining the old oil so he can put in some new. 

James had a shirt on today that I have not seen him wear for a long, long time. When I told him I liked it he told me the following story. "You bought me this shirt when we took Darrel to the MTC for his mission. (That was in 1998). We took Amy Bush to dinner at Tony Roma's in Provo and she told me my shirt was a "chick magnet."

This chick is attracted.

We have smoke again today! Yikes! I guess we didn't do enough complaining!

Let the complainings begin!

James went to town today because he had an appointment with Dr. Reagan who was supposed to help him with the pain in his shoulder. He was going to do some other errands including picking up rice and beans at La Casita for our dinner we are taking to the Curtis's. Luckily I texted him his driver's license and credit card and they accepted it. He did not see the doctor because he was an hour and a half behind on his appointments. He is on call at the hospital for up to 14 days. The other doctor fills in for him but that means he is double booked. 

While James was gone I made a batch of chicken enchiladas. He took awhile because I cut the meat off a roasted chicken and shredded it and then put everything else together. When James returned I asked him to deliver the dinner and while he was gone I would make him so enchiladas. I really wanted to see my friend Dianne but I was not in any condition to see anyone. The dinner consisted of chicken enchiladas, a salad, and the delicious rice and beans from LaCasita. They have the best refried beans, rivaling Paul's mom's.

While he was making the delivery I made another batch of chicken enchiladas. I could not make them for someone else and not make some for James. He loves them!

When James returned we ate our enchiladas and watched an old movie we had taped "The Apple Mortgage Cake" which is based on a true story. It is a great movie and we enjoyed watching it again.

We also watched an episode from season two of Heartland: "Miracle Girl."

I also made time to do this today:

Shayna and the guys carving pumpkins

at Kim and Brian's.

Thanks for carrying on the tradition!

Evan did his free hand!

Addy wanted to know why poodle dogs so I sent her this:

So big he can't even stand up.

Some photos Carmen took of Sarah and Sydney on

their tour of Arizona.

Fall

Golden Oldie