Tuesday, January 1st, 2019

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mormon 9:13

And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

New Testament

We Are Responsible for Our Own Learning

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

My breakfast consisted of lemon cake, banana nut bread, which Sheri and I made yesterday, and biscuits and gravy. In my defense I didn't know the biscuits and gravy were coming but I couldn't pass them up when they did. Brian brought an elk roast and he cut it up and James made the gravy and Brian made the best biscuits, Pillsbury frozen.

Looks a mess but tastes great!

Kim is working on her puzzle, Sheri is watching a Hallmark Christmas movie, and Ian is upstairs reading a book. It looks and feels like we are snowed in. We got more snow during the night but we really don't care. I was trying to blog for December 24th but something was wrong with blogger or my internet connection so I finally gave up and sat down and watched Sheri's movie. 

Michael built a fire this morning and kept it going throughout the day. I think he might have been a little cold. The boys played video games, football, and went sledding. Kim, Brian, and Sheri shoveled snow on the decks and there was a ton! Thanks guys! Kim had a backache the rest of the day and that made me sad.

Kerri H. brought the birthday cards for the sisters having birthdays in January for me to sign. She got stuck two times. I hated to ask him but I did ask James if he would help her. 

Our neighbor Pierre had his tractor out clearing the road and he helped get her "unstuck" the first time. She came up to turn around in our driveway and got stuck again.  This time James got her out. I think she thought her four-wheel drive truck was invincible but she found out that it wasn't.

The boys went sledding but I think the snow got the best of them too.

 Instead of putting their wet clothes in front

of the fire I had them go directly to the 

laundry room and then I dried the clothes

for them.

The first thing they wanted when they came in was some hot chocolate. Here is Joshua putting an icicle in his hot chocolate to cool it down.

Michael and Max playing a game of chess.

Max won.

I made sub sandwiches for lunch. One for James, Ian, Kim, Brian, and myself.

James, Michael, and Max went to Dave Elkins to check on his water to see if it was frozen. The snow was so deep they couldn't find the shut-off valve.

 Who is that masked man?

Max

Michael

Sorry Mr. Elkin, but everything is covered with snow. It's a marshmallow world in the winter time.

I found one of my old dream journals from 2010 in the cupboard today. I had written down for several days some of the dreams that I had. I shared them with Kim and we had a good laugh. I am writing from Darrel and Trina's right now so I don't have the journal with me. One of the funniest was Trisha Yearwood leaving Garth Brooks for Ryan Seacrest. I will share more when I get home.

Sheri made shrimp and tilapia for dinner. I had been snacking all day so I did not eat much dinner. James, and Michael made another cobbler. This time Max assisted. We took a vote and decided on blueberry and peach. 

The kitchen is a gathering place and everyone

adds their opinion. Sheri loved this one better

than the blueberry-apple. I preferred the

blueberry-apple, but this one was good too.

Kim loved the fact that it had peaches in it.

Sheri and I were watching a movie in the bedroom and realized we

should invite Kim even though she was working on her puzzle.

She declined but said she was glad that we thought of her.

A daily dose of Charlie makes everything better.

As I set goals for the new year here are some
things to consider:

I love Mother Teresa!

Wednesday, July 25th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Book of Mormon

Alma 39:1-19

*What does it mean to "cross' yourself in something? 

- Webster says to erase, to cancel, to counter-act, to stop.

I like Kim's answer better: "When I hear the word 'cross' it makes me think of the Savior - specifically when he had to carry His own cross to the place where He would be crucified. I'm sure it was heavy. He was tired, He was thirsty. I'm sure it was an unpleasant task. But He did it. He did it because it was the right thing to do. He did it because His Father in Heaven asked Him to. He submitted Himself to the hard task because He saw the bigger plan and He knew it was necessary. 

I think to 'cross' yourself in something is to put in the work. Do what you know you need to do, even if it is hard or unpleasant. Yes, that includes resisting temptation and keeping the commandments. But I think it also includes bearing our burdens and weaknesses without giving up - enduring to the end. We are often given trials in life that weigh us down. We are given commandments that may be hard to keep or follow through on. But if we 'cross' ourselves, we do what is hard and we don't give up because we see the bigger picture and we understand that hard trials and commandments are good for us and help us grow. As we carry our crosses we become stronger and more importantly we become more like our Savior. Do the work! It is worth it."

Old Testament

Nehemiah 10-12

10 The people covenant not to marry outside of Israel - They also covenant to honor the Sabbath, to pay tithes, and to keep the commandments.

11 The people and their overseers are elected by lot to dwell in Jerusalem and the other cities.

12 The priests and Levites who came up from Babylon are named - The walls of Jerusalem are dedicated - The offices of priests and Levites are appointed in the temple.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"Effective ministering efforts are enabled by the innate gifts of the sisters and by the incomparable power of the priesthood. We all need such protection from the cunning wiles of the adversary."

James worked on sales taxes this morning before leaving for the Howard's. I said a prayer for him that he would be able to withstand the pain in his back. 

My project for this week has been gathering framed family photos to may a "wall of fame" in the hallway. I finally have them all laid out upstairs on the ping pong table. I actually found the photo of Nannie when she was five years old that I looked for last month to display at our family history night at the Church. Here it is:

Myrtle Mae Rutledge

1910 - 5 years old

There is a story behind this photo. "Nannie" said she was riding in a wagon to the photographers and her hat kept flying off and they would have to stop and pick it up. After the photograph was taken and they were on their way home, she took the hat and threw it into the air and never saw it again.

I was very close to my Nannie. We had so much fun going to her house when she lived in Lakeside on the Rim Road. I have so many fond memories of her. I was her escort when she went through the temple. 

James's grandmother:

Annie Laurie Mangum Lambson

Her sister, Lydia Ellen Mangum Maxwell

was my great-grandmother.

I wrote a note to Brother and Sister Bowers this morning thanking them for serving in the temple last Saturday for us so we could attend Ruthie's baptism.  One of the perks of working in the temple is getting to know great people.

Started reading a book by John Bytheway: "Finding Your Path in Lehi's Dream." Also read about plural marriage and the influence of the masons during the early days of the church in "A Reason for Faith."

Fixed the rest of the chicken tacos for James for lunch. He loves them!

I have started drinking the herbal tea I ordered that is supposed to help with digestion. I only have a two week supply and I am giving half to Sister Peeler, so I ordered another month's supply. 

Went with James this evening to Taylor to pick up a faulty part for the tractor which he needs to replace before the guy can fix the tractor. He is giving the tractor to Brother Howard to pay him for the Cat he ruined.

He wants to make sure Sheri doesn't leave

again for three weeks.

Kacey and Jared take their evening

walk down this path. Gorgeous!

Friday, February 16th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 17:18

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 9:1-14
*What's your favorite title for Jesus Christ and why?
-Savior. He loves me and saves me from all doubt, pain, or anything else that can get in my way. He gives me strength when I need it. He is my salvation.
Old Testament
Leviticus 10-11
10 Nadab and Abihu perform unauthorized sacrifices and are slain by a fire from the Lord - Aaron and his other sons are forbidden to mourn for them - Aaron and his other sons are forbidden to mourn for them - Aaron and his sons are to abstain from wine and strong drink - They are to teach all that the Lord revealed to Moses.
11 The Lord reveals which living things may and may not be eaten, and which things are clean and unclean - He commands Israel: Be holy, for I am holy.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

" In order to represent a woman's perspective on this subject, I asked my two married daughters to help me. I asked if they would provide a sentence or two on how they viewed the importance of trust as it affects their marriage and family life. Here are the thoughts of Lara Harris and Christina Hansen.

First, Lara 'One of the most important things to me is knowing that as my husband goes about his day, he is making choices that show respect and love toward me. When we can trust each other in this way, it brings peace to our home, where we can enjoy raising our family together.' 

Now Christina's thoughts: 'Having trust in someone is similar to having faith in someone. Without that trust and faith, there's fear and doubt. For me, one of the greatest blessings that come from being able to fully trust my husband is peace - peace of mind knowing that he actually does what he says he will do. Trust brings peace, love, and an environment where that love can grow.'

As illustrated by my daughters' examples, the principle of trust plays an extremely important role in the development of a Christ-centered home."

I said goodbye to Ruby, Lola, and Trina before we left this morning.

I did see Rowan on the stairs reading from the Old Testament Scripture Stories I gave to him but I failed to say goodbye. Darrel and Addy were gone before I got up. 

We stopped at IHOP around 9:30 but there were too many snowbirds, we knew they were snowbirds because we looked at all the out of state license plates when we went in, waiting to be seated. We stopped at Burger King and got bacon croissants for breakfast. 

James made a deal with me. If I would let him stop at Bass Pro Shop and get some shoes with his gift cards, he would go home the Payson way. Deal! 

While James went shopping I stayed outside and circled the building 5x. I picked up trash along the way. When we left I had 7,500 steps. 

In Payson we stopped at DQ to get me a blizzard. James went in and saw his temple shift co-ordinator, Brother Coltrin. He got me the chocolate dipped strawberry blizzard and he got a plain vanilla cone. 

When we get home and put things away I did some steps. I ended up with over 18,000. We are babysitting the Grapp children tonight so their parents can go to the stake dinner and dance. 

It was cold, windy, and rainy when I went to pick up a pizza at Stanford. After getting the pizza I met the Grapps' at the Crossroads and the three younger kids, Benson, Tildy, and Emsley got in the car with me. Sister Umphress was also there and she picked up Liana so she could go to Gracie's birthday party.

Benson said he could hardly wait to get to our house so they could watch a movie. I suggested we eat pizza first, which we did. I should have gotten plain cheese because the pepperoni was a little spicy. Emsley had two tiny bites taken out of her pizza slice and that was it.

These are the movies we ended up watching: "Alvin and the Chipmunks in "Chipwrecked," and "Thumbelina Barbie." We made valentines and ate popcorn and M&M's. The girls went upstairs to play Barbie's and I opened up the new Barbie's that Lois gave me so they could play with them too. Benson played with a light sabre. 

We were watching cartoons on TV when the rest of the family came to pick up the kids. Tildy did not want to leave her Barbie. Emsley was asleep and Benson told his mom he wanted a light sabre. He said that I said every boy should have one. She said she was afraid he would hit the girls with it but he promised he wouldn't.

Liana said they went to a gymnastics center for Gracie's party and it was one of the most fun parties she had ever been to. 

Cammy said they served ribs at the stake party and it was the first time she had ever had them. 

They are naming their baby Leland, after Leland Nikolaus. I told Cammy I loved him when I was growing up in Show Low too, just like she did.

After everyone goes home I read a chapter from "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor." It is almost midnight when we finally get to bed.

Stacy says this must be Shipley's long lost brother.

Much cheaper than the dentist, these

teeth can be purchased at Walmart for $23.79.

Nice photo of Alex in glasses.

I love this photo of the Savior.

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Hebrew 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Alma 34:1-16

*Why do you think Jesus Christ is the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?

*President Russell M. Nelson: "His Atonement is infinite - without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from neverending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering....It was infinite in scope - it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension, 'Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite Atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.'"

DC 102:1-16

1-8, A high council is appointed to settle important difficulties that arise in the Church; 9-18, Procedures are given for hearing cases;

What is the function of the High Council?

*To settle important difficulties which might arise in the Church.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

" Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

" Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the higher priesthood. A lifetime of selfless priesthood service lies before you. Prepare now by frequently rendering meaningful service. Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy."

A day to relax and enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies. I love Christmas in July! This morning I watched "December Bride," and "The Christmas Secret." It rained around one o'clock so James and I went out on the porch and finished "The Reluctant Duchess." Afterwards we went inside and had some of Trina's white chili. Yes, it's still good!

I tell James that we are many times 'on the edge.' I tried to take some picture to explain what this means:

On the edge of the clouds and the storm.

The left is cloudy and looks like rain any minute.

The right is clear and the sun is shining.

I love to look out at the grass James planted and see the bunnies enjoying a feast. Today a squirrel joined in. He was holding a blade of grass in his little front legs and chewing on it. I guess he gave up on getting into our garbage since we are careful about leaving the garage door closed.

Today is what I call a "down" day or a recovery day.  I did clean the kitchen and dining room floor with my new Floormate. 

James didn't go to the dump. He has decided he is going to burn the trash and then dig out the cans, etc. That's fine with me as long as he gets rid of it. 

James: "I can't find my saw."

James is having F.H.E. with the Wilhelm family this evening. He gave the lesson on a plan for your goals. Last month they all wrote out their goals and gave them to him. Ruthie was taking care of a baby bluebird. 

Brother Westbrook said Sadie and her husband were in an accident and totaled his truck. They both got accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be leaving in a couple of weeks. Brother Westbrook is giving them their car to drive. What a great dad! 

I watched "Christmas in Homestead" while James was gone. When he returned we watched the finale of "The Good Witch." Sam and Cassie are engaged.

Random Photos:

Wish they would come back.

They were going to stay awhile but something

scared them away.

Annie is my favorite!

I love their bums. They look like targets.

The herd

The Vernon watchmen on the hill.

The road home.

I love the clouds!

Phoenix

Show Low Walmart parking lot.

Somewhere in Scotland or Ireland

Beautiful!