Wednesday, April 24th, 2019

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 18:15-20; Luke 10:17-24

General Conference

"Come Follow Me"

Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus Christ invites us to take the covenant path back home to our Heavenly Parents and be with those we love."

I'm starting out with a book business statement: "How fast should my inventory sell"? Here is the answer from Peter Valley of Zen Arbitrage who claims he has done this business for 25 years. (Not a member of Book Profits, our business associates.)

"You will at least double your investment in 30 days and sell at least half your shipment in 60 days."

While James went to the dump, picked up books at the post office, and went to town to get some diesel and a prescription I prepared books to ship, 18 of them. It ended up being two shipments, one going to Troutdale, Oregon and the other to Rialto, California.

The profit on these books ranges from $30 to $6. We have set a goal of making at least $10 on a book and I believe as an average, we have done this on these two shipments. I just figured it and the average is $17.77 per book.

I wish I could have been outside more today. James was outside working with his Cat and said it was about 69 degrees and there was no wind. A perfect day. Instead I was inside preparing books and stripping my floor. I finished the floor stripping project in the family room, living room area. Tomorrow I will start putting a light wax on and buffing. I also am all caught up on my blog!

James mailed the Statistics looseleaf book back to the seller today. He got $9.99 back on the Social Problems book. He spent $16.98 on this book. We still have not heard from Hippo Books regarding the Marriage and Families book we sent back. Returns are a headache, especially when they are the sellers fault and they won't acknowledge it.

James fixed dinner this evening. Chicken strips and corn. Thanks honey.

This evening we watched the newest episode of "Morning Show Mysteries" starring Holly Robinson Peete and Rick Fox. It was a good one. 

 Castle in Germany

 Rosemary from "When Calls the Heart"

Ollie is a handsome dog. 

 Charlie is a cute baby from any angle.

Thursday, November 15th, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: Aug 13, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

DC 113:1-2

Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?

Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 29-30

Make a list of some of the Savior's characteristics you consider to be most important. Take a personal inventory of your own life with regard to these characteristics and formulate a plan to better fulfill His mandate to be "even as I am." (3 Nephi 27:27). 

Some Christlike attributes I would like to develop: Charity, courage, patience and discernment.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 22-24

Old Testament

Daniel 1-2

General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"You might ask, 'How does that make faithful sisters a primary force to help the Lord pour out knowledge on His Saints?' The Lord gives the answer in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' You remember the words, but you may see new meaning and recognize that the Lord foresaw these exciting changes, which are now occurring. In the proclamation, He gave sisters charge to be the principal gospel educators in the family in these words: 'Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.' This includes the nurture of gospel truth and knowledge."

James moved to the recliner during the night because he was in so much pain. I wake up at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep so I got up and said my prayers and began my gospel study. 

Nice to be up early. There were ten elk in the yard this morning. 

I had cookies and hot and sour soup for breakfast. We bought a quart of soup yesterday when we went to the China Buffet for lunch.

Here are some things I read this morning while I was studying:

"In spite of adversity Jeremiah was like an iron pillar."  "We should have the standard works on our hearts and in our souls." - BRM

I cut James's toenails and wrapped his ribs this morning in an ace bandage. 

I watched part of the "Nutcracker Christmas" this morning before deciding I needed a nap before going to work at the temple. 

We had lunch around 11. James cooked us some venison. Mine was very tender! James had his with eggs.

We picked up our neighbor, Kathy at 12:30. She works this shift at the temple every week. Our prayer meeting at 2 p.m. was presided over by President and Tricia Reidhead. I love how he calls his wife "his sweetheart."  Our instruction today was about the prayer circle. 

My first assignment was in the kitchen with Kathy. This shift makes food assignments and they have a menu. Today the menu was a baked potato bar. We brought bacon bits, two small bags cost $12. 

After working in the kitchen I was a greeter and then worked in initiatory. After initiatory I didn't even look at my schedule because I thought I had break. I was sitting at a table with Brother Van Deren eating when Sister Martineau came down and said I was supposed to be in charge of assigning lockers in the locker room. How embarrassing! I put my food in the frig and hurried upstairs. I guess it was meant to be because Ruth Gale, a dear friend from Chandler, came in. We hugged and exchanged phone numbers, something I have wanted to do with Ruth for a long time. 

After locker room I went back to the kitchen and finished my lunch. I visited and got to know Sister Martineau who is originally a single mom from Idaho. She has a son serving in the Idaho, Pocatello mission.

My other assignments were in the celestial room and then doing sealings. Brother Flake and Brother Owens were the sealers. Brother Owens is from Show Low and has known the Maxwell's for years. He said he used to go out to my dad's ranch with his boys to shoot coyotes. 

I met a sister who graduated with Dennis. I graduated with her brother George and she told me he died of colon cancer in 1994. How sad. George was an amazing guy, very smart and very spiritual. 

We got off an hour early thanks to Kathy and James. Kathy insisted James needed to leave early because of his injury. She arranged it and we left around 7 instead of 8. I think Kathy leaves early every week.

When we got home we walked and finished watching "Nutcracker Christmas." We slept on the recliners for James.

 Scarlett showing off her Christmas tree!

Joshua is in the front on the right.

 Did someone say carseat?

 Daddy seat instead!

Monday, January 1st, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: Aug 13, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 34:8

And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoke it.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

*In what language characters did Nephi write?

Reformed Egyptian

Old Testament, PGP Scripture Mastery

Moses 1:39

For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Old Testament, PGP Reading

Genesis 1-2; Moses 1-2

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

"The restored gospel is recognizably well defined. But we have to be distinct about how we follow it. Just as Jessica practiced swimming, we need to practice living the gospel before the emergency so that, unafraid, we will be strong enough to help when others are being swept away by the current."

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Neill F. Marriott

"Sacrifice of our personal agendas is required to make room for the eternal plans of God. The Savior, who speaks for the Father, pleads with us, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.' Drawing near unto the Father can mean learning of His truth through the scriptures, following prophetic counsel, and striving to do His will more completely. Do we understand that Christ has the power to bring us into loving fellowship with the Father and with one another He, by the power of the Holy Ghost, can give us needed insight into relationships."

James made potato egg patties and biscuits for breakfast. He said everyone ate except Alexis. 

Michael and his friends were the first to leave. It was a little after noon.

These kids are great and we would love to have

them back anytime.

Charlie saying goodbye to Michael

Dallin, Sarah and Charlie left a few minutes

after Michael and friends.

By 1:30 this afternoon we were home along again. James fixed us some lunch and we finished watching "My One Christmas Wish" starring Amber Riley. I did a little cleaning and tried to keep the laundry going. I think every towel in the house was in the laundry room and a couple of sets of sheets.

I blogged for December 21st and 22nd and got my steps. I also started reading the Old Testament and the book of Moses.

There was a beautiful full moon tonight. There will be another one at the end of the month. 

This evening we watched a couple of old Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan movies, "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail."

Sunday, August 13th, 2017

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation March 2018

Alma 50:1-20

What can you do to cut off your spiritual enemies from their strong-holds?

*Instagram-bofm365-marianawolfe: "It's important that even when we are under 'prosperous circumstances' (v.17) that we do not stop making preparations...to defend our people. There is a tendency for us to become at ease when things are going well. However, we can't let our guard down for one moment. We have to continually be building strong and high defenses against the adversary, preparing strongholds, ad securing...our people from the hands of the devil and evil forces. We can't ever stop preparing."

DC 112:17-34

Why should verses 23-24 cause us to seriously reflect upon our daily actions?

*stef_littlefield: "In verse 26 it reminds us that we need to really know the Lord, not just profess to know Him. It's truly in our daily choices that shows our true devotion to the Lord. We must be the 'light on the hill.' the beacon of hope in the dark and evil world through the way we live our lives, and love and serve others as Jesus Christ did.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel 

Elder Valeri V. Cordon

" As families we need to avoid any tradition that will prevent us from keeping the Sabbath day holy or having daily scripture study and prayer at home. To combat the worldly traditions of our day, we need to use the scriptures and the voice of our modern prophets to teach our children about their divine identity, their purpose in life and the divine mission of Jesus Christ."

James and I barely made it to the Tucson temple dedication broadcast held at the White Mountain stake center in Lakeside. As we walked up the sidewalk the usher who was holding the door told us we had 30 seconds before the doors would be closed. We sit in the very back row of the cultural hall. In front of us a few rows we see the Grapp's with Liana and Sister Vaught. About half way through the preliminaries, Brother Mayfield comes and sits by us.

Elder Stevenson conducted this morning session. Before the cornerstone celebration, he told of the significance of Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of the Church. 
President Uchtdorf presided over the cornerstone ceremony. He said: "As we seal this cornerstone let us seal our hearts to do the work of the Lord. The Church is a place to find harmony with heaven and earth. The temple is a place of unity and love."
The actual sealing of the cornerstone in these days is only symbolic. Church authorities and their wives took part in the sealing along with local leaders and the temple presidency. Children in the congregation were then invited to participate. President Uchtdorf invited two of his grandsons who are getting ready to serve missions up also. 
The choir sang, "We Thank Thee for Our Loving Savior."

Back inside the temple, Sister Moeller, the temple matron was the first speaker. She says that when the temple was announced cheers went up. While the temple was being prepared, we prepared for the temple. We must prepare o the outside and the inside, temporally and spiritually. The temple helps us have balance. We can live a godly life in a worldly world. We come to know our Savior as we serve in the temple. 
President Moeller - Spoke about the Mormon Battlion and how his great, great grandfather served in the battlion. He talked about the history of the Church in Tucson. He gave the Isaiah quote, the mountain of the Lord's house. The temple is the most sacred place on earth. Without the Savior, the temple would not exist. In the temple we will be able to bear every burden and withstand temptations.
W. Christopher Waddell of the presiding bishopric. Mentioned the restoration of keys in the Kirtland temple. Creation of eternal families. A place of revelation and learning. The temple takes us to the Promised Land, the Celestial Kingdom. The temple is an oasis in a spiritual desert. It provides strength and protection, a shield armed with power and prepared to overcome the challenges of life. President Howard W. Hunter quote about the temple.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins - Dying woman's wish to have her temple recommend renewed. What do we take with us to the next life? Our temple recommend is a celestial passport. "Pass your temple recommend under the door." Our temple recommend is a symbol of our worthiness to enter into the presence of God. The temple is the Lord's house. CTR - Current Temple Recommend. The Young Women's theme is like a pledge of allegiance to the temple. Please have a picture of the temple in your home. "You can't fatten the hog on the day of the fair."
Choir sang: "This is the Christ" (written by James E. Faust)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - "Recommit ourselves to the Lord. This is a new beginning. The temple connects our earthly existence to our Heavenly destiny. This is literally the House of the Lord. It is a constant reminder of the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Milo and Phoebe Webb of Snowflake traveled to St. George in 1893 to be sealed. Their 11 children, grand children, and great grandchildren are reaping the blessings of their sacrifice.

Dedicatory Prayer

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Hosanna Shout led by Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Hosanna Anthem" sung by the choir

"The Spirit of God"

Benediction - Sister Sharington

There are now six operating temples in Arizona. For years the only temple we had was in Mesa. It was dedicated on the 23-26 October 1927 by Heber J. Grant. The next temple was the Snowflake temple dedicated 3 March 2002 by Gordon B. Hinckley. The Gila Valley was dedicated 23 May 2010 by Thomas S. Monson. We had two temples dedicated in 2014. The Gilbert on 2 March and the Phoenix on 16 November. Both were dedicated by Thomas S. Monson although the dedication of the Gilbert temple was read by Henry B. Eyring. Now the Tucson temple on 13th August, 2017.

There are around 433,000 LDS in Arizona.

Tucson

157 operating temple

Phoenix

144th operating temple

Gilbert

142nd operating temple

Gila Valley

132nd operating temple

Snowflake

108th operating temple

Mesa

7th operating temple

(Will be closing in 2018 for renovation)

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Max, and Joshua attended the 12 o'clock dedication session at the Show Low stake center because it is closer than the one in Lakeside where we attended. James and I watched Lola who was too young, Kreed who didn't have a recommend, and Evan who wasn't feeling well. I fed the kids some lunch and then did some cleaning during the second session.

When everyone returned we had a relaxing afternoon watching TV, playing games, and reading. James cooked everyone some burgers before they left. We should have had prayer and scripture study with them! Rowan was quite sad, and shed a few tears before leaving. Darrel promised they would come up Labor Day weekend to celebrate Darrel's birthday. They left around 5:30 with Kreed and Ruby riding with Darrel in his car and everyone else in with Trina.

Lola loves her grandpa

Lola and grandpa out for a Sunday drive

Trina won our Five Crowns game so she got the prize.

Those big orange marshmallow peanuts.

She is the only one who would even eat them.

I love this dress, and the girl in it!

After everyone was gone James and I went out on the porch to enjoy the weather, and to study and read. 

When we went to bed around 9 there was a thunder and rainstorm and the electricity went off for about 40 minutes. 

I couldn't go to sleep until I knew that everyone made it home safely.

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

Tucson, Arizona temple

Dedication: 13 August 2017

Atonement

Hebrews 9:28

Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 9:15; 11:10; 27:2-33

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter parallels what is happening today. Millions are being killed, cast out, or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees who need us, to welcome and to love them, even though they don't have the same religious beliefs as we do.

DC 103:1-13

1-4, Why the Lord permitted the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; 5-10, The Saints will prevail if they keep the commandments;

How have my prayers been answered because I heeded the word of the Lord?

*The persecution to the Saints had become merciless and they were pleading to know when relief would come. Many had been driven from their homes "and they earnestly desired to know how and by what means Zion was to be redeemed." (Hyrum Smith) This revelation came and was received four months and 12 days directing the Prophet to begin to gather up the strength of the Church for a relief expedition; which subsequently came to be know as Zion's Camp. The Lord gives the conditions of the blessings that can be given in verse 5 and 6: "and inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour to the counsel which I, the Lord their God shall give unto them...they shall never cease to prevail." Sadly, many did not and the persecution worsened. So the question then begs to be asked of us: how many blessings and opportunities have we forfeited for failure to render prompt and unconditional obedience?

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: Our Savior."

James: "I can't find my notebook that has critical information about this job." Thank goodness he did eventually find it.

James made tasty potato and egg patties for breakfast. As we are enjoying our breakfast I look outside and see three bunnies munching on the grass outside enjoying their breakfast too.

We have such a predictable life but it's a satisfying one. We went outside on the deck to read from "A Lady Unrivaled" and to watch the clouds in. After we are finished James goes out to start putting the new brakes on his truck. Oh dear. I don't think he's ever done this before. 

After lunch I go with James to the Dollar General at the Y to get some brake fluid. I went in the store and wandered around wondering what I should buy. I came out with a bottle of water. How unoriginal. James bought brake fluid and Dove dark chocolates. He tried to tempt me with them but I turned them down. I had to help James when he put the brake fluid in his truck by holding down the brakes and then letting them up. It's nice to be useful once in a while.

Proof that it rained.

It rained this afternoon and of course we had to go back on the deck and read another chapter. I also blogged and paid bills today.

After dinner we snacked on watermelon while watching Christmas movies. We watched "The Christmas Cure," and "Love You Like Christmas."

Random Photos

James and all of his siblings at his dad's funeral.

Ben and Sheri being goofy

One of my favorite Ruby photos.

Wish I could make this for Addy's birthday.

My workbooks.