Saturday, January 13th, 2018

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O'McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 76:69

These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.

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?

Old Testament

Genesis 29-31

29 Jacob meets Rachel at the well - He serves Laban seven years for her - Laban gives to Jacob first Leah then Rachel in marriage - Jacob serves another seven years - Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

30 Jacob marries Bilhah, and she bears Dan and Naphtali - He marries Zilpah, and she bears Gad and Asher - Leah bears Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter, Dinah - Then Rachel conceives and bears Joseph - Jacob works for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep.

31 The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly - Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace - Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 33:11

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

" Knowing each family and their circumstances, I felt a deep and abiding sense of awe, respect, and humility. These were, in every way, modern-day widow's mites given freely from their "want," with a joy in the promised blessing of the construction of a holy temple of the Lord in Samoa. These families had consecrated all that they could to the Lord, with the faith that they would not be left wanting."

Our first time back working at the temple since November. Brother Coltrin is back too. He has been out for awhile with a broken hip. He says his time wasn't wasted because he gave away 8 Books of Mormon to various caregivers. 

President Reidhead and his wife trained from the handbook during preparation meeting. I am glad to see Shaylyn Smith is working on our shift. She leaves for her mission to Indiana on February 7th. 

My first assignment of the day is to be 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. session. I stand at the door and count the sisters as they come in and check the cards to make sure all previous ordinances have been done and that they have a check mark by the endowment slot.

My friend Debbie from Chandler was supposed to be the 1st follower but she isn't here today so Leslie Johnson, whose husband is a sealer and a former counselor in the temple presidency, was my partner. 

I did fine at the veil, Leslie Wenhardt told me so. 

During break I get to visit with Sister Brimhall who is one of my favorite people that we work with. Her husband used to work for James and his dad did alot of construction work for my grandpa Arlee. The Brimhall's are leaving to serve a spanish speaking mission in Kansas. This is there last time serving in the temple. I am really going to miss Sister Brimhall.

Also during break Sister Larsen told about growing up in Europe after the war. She said it cost $5 to buy one egg. 

My next assignment was to be first greeter in the entry foyer. There are many people here for the Penengill and Singleton wedding. The Singleton is Sister Singleton's daughter. Sister Singleton says her daughter is over six feet tall. I did not get to see her.

Next I went to the celestial room. No one was there except one other worker and I fell asleep. 

I spent the rest of the time in initiatory with Sister Bower, Sister McCleary, and Sister Shelton. Sister Shelton was doing names. Clea Adams was also doing names. Clea is the mom of my friend from high school, Beverly.  I don't think she recognized me.

I had another break upstairs and visited with Sister Wenhardt and she told me about her trip recently to New York City.

On the way home James stopped at Sonic and I ordered a green chili cheeseburger and a drink. I ate the cheeseburger without the bun and it was delicious.  

At home I took a nap and then worked on my Primary lesson about the Savior and agency.  

James fixed us pork chops and cauliflower for dinner. He also scans some more pictures so he can send them to Stacy.

Christmas 1976

Pinewood Derby

Celestial Family

Family Pumpkin Carving

1990-91

Not sure what award Jared got.

I had to put this in.

Ian, Sheri, James, Darrel

Adam, Dallin, Joe, Grandma, Michael, Ben,

Alex, Jared Ammon, Grandpa

Grandpa and Joe

James at Harold and Vickie's

Oran, James, James Hayden and Jared.

Four generations

Grandpa James and Baby James

Grandpa and James in Pinedale

Friday, December 1st, 2017

Curitiba, Brazil

126th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

John 17:19

And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Book of Mormon

Ether 1:1-43

The Lord explained to the brother of Jared that blessings had come to his people as a result of prayers offered over a long time. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that we must put great effort into our prayers and that we must pray frequently: "Do you get answers to your prayers? If not, perhaps you did not pay the price. Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? Do you offer pennies to pay heavy debts when you should give dollars to erase that obligation? When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen? Your Savior said, 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.' (Rev. 3:20). Should we ever fail to get an answer to our prayers, we must look into our own lives for a reason."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 18:18-19

18 Ask the Father in my name in faith, believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.

19 And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

"Innovation and creation are spiritual gifts. When we keep our covenants, it may make us different from others in our culture and society, but it gives us access to inspiration so we can think of different solutions, different approaches, different applications. We aren't always going to fit in with the world, but being different in positive ways can be a lifeline to others who are struggling."

Kathy Crane asked me earlier this week if I would go to the church this morning and help decorate for Christmas. Even though I have a cough and sore throat I am going. I cancelled on her the last time she asked me to do something. 

I was assigned along with Sister Patrick and Sister Miller to decorate the north foyer. Kathy, Sister Singleton, Sister Wallace and a sister I didn't know decorated the other foyer. We finished around 11:30. I told Kathy I would buy a tree skirt for the tree we decorated rather than using the batting that was used before.

I went home to find James and Anthony working on the patio. I heated them up some chili for lunch, got myself some lunch and went into the bedroom to watch a movie. 

This afternoon after James was finished working we made a trip to town to get some hot and sour soup from China Wok. We also went to Walmart to pick up prescriptions and some groceries. When I am sick hot and sour soup is the thing that I want most. It felt so good on my throat.

Today's Christmas movies: "Naughty and Nice," and a "Christmas Kiss." We also watched an episode of Heartland.

A Christmas Castle

Starts Today!

Rats chewed the wires in three vehicles

and it is very costly to fix them. That's

what happened to James CAT too.

I guess yesterday makes up for today.

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

Wednesday, October 18th, 2017

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 7:47

And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:15-8:4

*What part does the Holy Ghost play in conversion?

-As we exercise faith, repent of our sins, and obey the commandments, we receive a witness born of the Spirit that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We are visited "by the power and Spirit of God," (v. 21). As we listen to testimonies of apostles and prophets, the Spirit testifies of truth and touches hearts that are humble and teachable.

*How can we become more deeply converted? What lack I yet? How can we be a better influence for good

- Without the Holy Spirit we will not know what is truth and it will not prick our heart to change. A mighty change of heart to completely follow the Savior and His gospel is an indication of true conversion and happens through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 88:123-24

123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

General Conference

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

"Often we describe a miracle as being healed without a full explanation by medical science or as avoiding catastrophic danger by heeding a clear prompting. However, defining a miracle as a 'beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature.' This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle."

Here are some of the things I am trying to memorize right now:

Ponderize: Exodus 40:12-13

12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him.

Family Proclamation: "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God ant that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

The Living Christ: "As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennial ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.

My Patriarchal Blessing: "By the authority I hold as a patriarch, I place my hands upon your head, and in response to your desires, give you a blessing.

My friend Pam texted me this morning. She read 117 pages from the Book of Mormon last night. That's what happens when you don't have television, you do important things instead.

Darrel and Trina are in Boston. It's a great time of year to be back East. I would love to go to Vermont!

He says they didn't know his name.

I'm glad.

I made chicken enchiladas with red sauce today for lunch. I also made a salad. Everything was quite delicious!

This salad dressing is delicious!

James is becoming politically active on a local level. He got involved with the prescribed burn and now he is taking on the Vernon School Board. Our property taxes for this year were $2,800, a significant hike from last year. When we looked at the statement we realized that $2,400 is for the Vernon school. We have one school in our district with 100 students. The president of the school board is in our ward and when Chuck  asked him why his school taxes went up 150% he said because there are alot of poor people in Vernon and they don't pay their property taxes. James is so upset and so is Chuck, and Colin DeWitt. They will be at the next school board meeting.

James called Verizon and got I bill lowered by $50. We are getting rid of my tablet, a jetpack and we will be doing autopay. I think he might cancel our appointment with Wi-Power. He also poured concrete and worked on his equipment. It was a busy day. 

I went in to town to buy gifts for Hailey and Taylor. I am Hailey's visiting teacher and Taylor's Primary teacher. I also got some rice milk for James at Safeway because Walmart no longer carries it. While in Safeway I saw Denise and her mom Peg. They had just returned from Zion's and Bryce National Park. 

This evening we read a chapter from "Miss Leslie's Secret," watched The Love Struck Cafe and Heartland, "Dark Horse."

Photos:

My steps and stats for today.

Corvin Castle

Verdie Rea Robinson Maxwell and

Arlee Thomas Maxwell.

Another beautiful Vernon sunset.

Annie Oakley doing some trick shooting.