Saturday, June 9th, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Aug 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

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

Alma 13:10-20

* What do we learn about Melchizedek in this chapter? Why is he important?

- amberadamson: "I wish we knew more about Melchizedek, but from what we do know he was faithful and righteous. He must have been a loving and effective leader and teacher to help bring his unrighteous people to repentance and establish peace. To have the greater Priesthood named after you is a great honor. He teaches us that we have the potential to have great influence over anyone through our faith and righteousness.

Old Testament

2 Kings 5-6

5 Naaman, the Syrian, comes to Elisha to be healed of leprosy - He rejects the prophet's instruction at first but relents and dips himself in the Jordan seven times; he is healed - Elisha refuses to accept a reward - Gehazi accepts a gift from Naaman and is cursed with leprosy.

6 Elisha causes an ax to float - He reveals to the king how to conduct a war with Syria - Horses and chariots of fire protect Elisha - The Syrians are smitten with blindness - Benhadad besieges Samaria, and foodstuff sells for a great price.

General Conference

Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

"Family home evening, which was a high priority in the faith-filled home where I was raised. I don't remember specific lessons taught at family home evening, but I do remember that we never missed a week. I knew what was important to my parents."

I stilll can't bend my knee when I walk but I am going to the temple to work my shift anyway. 

I got up early to warm up the green chili stew and take a shower and eat. We arrived at the temple at 6:30, plenty time to get dressed and be in preparation meeting at 7. 

President and Sister Brimhall presided over preparation meeting. They are my favorite. We had three short videos regarding the sealing ordinance. 

After preparation meeting Sister Wenhardt asked me to go to initiatory. She left the schedules at home and her husband had to go back to St. Johns to get them for her. He said he was back in 72 minutes, which means he far exceeded the speed limit. 

My schedule is the same as I've had for the past 3 weeks. That's fine with me. I like this schedule. I get to do initiatory 2x and be the 1st follower in the same session as James. I also have the same break as he does, and when he is checking recommends at the front desk, I am right behind him serving as the baptismal greeter.

During our break James and I both had our bowl of green chili stew. By the end of the day it was all gone. 

James officiated at his first session today at 9:30. He did fine until he was demonstrating at the veil and got a little confused. He recovered but was standing so others couldn't see what he was doing and Brother Coltrin corrected him. 

When we returned home James made some phone calls regarding tonight's temple cleaning. I relaxed on the recliner. I am not going tonight because of my knee. Before he left for cleaning at 5, I made James and myself green smoothies. While James was gone I watched a couple of Hallmark movies, blogged and did the dishes.

He was home around 9:30. I asked how it went and he said he was a little embarrassed because we only had 12 people show up to clean. We are supposed to have at least 15. 8 people who said they would be there did not come. The real kicker is that the other ward who is assigned to clean with us, the Show Low Creek ward, only had 5 people show.

These are the people from our ward who came and helped:

James, Bishop Miller, Brother Curtis, Brother Cooper, Brother Scott, Brother and Sister Smith, Brother and Sister Reidhead, Brother Grapp, Brother Butler, and Brother Crane. Thanks to all of you for honoring your commitment and serving the Lord.

Addy got home from camp today. It sounds like she had a great time. They went to two ward members cabins 30 minutes north of Payson. Addy said her favorite thing was riding in the paddle boats on the lake.

Addy and friends

Ruby's birthday date, 2016

I wonder if the kids will visit any of 

these castles when they are in Scotland.

Baby Ollie

Older and Wiser Ollie

I love these posts, especially the comments by Sheri.

Wednesday, August 16th, 2017

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

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 spoken it.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 6:62

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

Alma 51:13-21

How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?

*We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and our decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger in Spirit and less prideful. (See President Benson's talk, "Beware of Pride")

DC 116-117:16

What is the purpose of the council at which Adam presides?

*At that time there will be a transfer of authority from Lucifer to Jesus Christ. All who have held keys will make report s and deliver stewardships. Our Lord will then assume the reigns of government. This is in preparation for the Second Coming and the Millennium.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood only by persuasion,...by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile."

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"After receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and a call to serve, a young man can be armed with power through the covenants and ordinances of the holy temple. Going to the temple and having the spirit of the temple go through you precedes effective service as a full-time missionary. Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the blessings of the temple. Your love for and understanding of temple ordinances will strengthen and bless you throughout your life."

James and I had a meeting this morning at 10 a.m. at the Snowflake temple with President Scott of the temple presidency. On the way over we listened to President Hinckley read President Benson's conference talk, "Beware of Pride." What an amazing talk!

We were greeted at the recommend desk by our old friend from Chandler, Brother Vance. President Scott caught us as we were getting in the elevator and told us he would be up in just a few minutes. We went to the upstairs foyer and waited until he ushered us in to the President's office. He said we had been recommended to serve in the temple and would we accept the calling. Yes, of course we will. James said that he was not fully retired and wasn't sure what his schedule would be in the upcoming months. President Scott suggested that we take a Saturday shift. The Saturday shifts work every other week instead of weekly. We told him we preferred mornings and he suggested we start August 26th. That will work. He said that prayer meeting starts at 7 a.m. and we should plan on being at the temple by 6:30. He told us that many miracles occur in the temple and what a privilege it is to be a temple worker. We thanked him and left. Of course, we had to do our selfie.

Do we look excited?

I think James (Dad) looks confused.

But at least he is confused on a higher level.

James took me to El Cupido's for lunch because I was starving!

I got a Big Jake burro and James got a ham and cheese omelet. We read from "Romancing Daphne" on the way home.  There were no clouds which always makes me sad.

I worked on my blog this afternoon and made a cherry cheesecake using Pillsbury crescent rolls as the crust. It was delicious!  

James puts in the larger equipment gate as part of our backyard fence. 

A sad news flash from Chandler: Evan ran a pencil into his foot. Ian almost passed out when he had to pull it out. They called the paramedics.  I am glad they have good insurance.  I hope he is okay. I told Sheri I would send him something. She suggested Lego Batman or another super hero Legos. I ordered a Spiderman set off Amazon. 

This is so sad.

The weather is amazing as we sit on our bedroom porch and read. It's one of our very favorite things to do. 

This evening we watched two episodes of Heartland season one. I think we are going to like the series. Thanks Cathi for recommending it. 

I ordered myself a purple tote from Amazon with the money Lois and Dawn gave me. 

More Photos:

Great Grandmother Lois with Kevin's girls.

Two of my favorite little people from a few

years ago. I can't believe they are now old

enough to be baptized!

Four Peaks

I love this Arizona landmark.

Our friends Naomi and Bill.

The first house James ever built was theirs.

Tucson temple

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada 

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 November 1999 by

Boyd K. Packer

Alma 17:1-27

*The sons of Mosiah search the scriptures, pray, and fast so they can know the word of God and teach with power.

*What blessings did they receive because of their study, fasting, and prayer?

*Elder David A. Bednar: "You can increase in your desire to serve God, and you can begin to think as missionaries think, to read what missionaries read, to pray as missionaries pray, and to feel what missionaries feel. You can avoid the worldly influences that cause the Holy Ghost to withdraw, and you can grown in confidence in recognizing and responding to spiritual promptings. Line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, you can gradually become the missionary you hope to be and the missionary the Savior expects....The preparation I am describing is not oriented only toward your missionary service as a 19 or 20 or 21 year old..., You are preparing for a lifetime of missionary work...We are missionaries always."
DC 88:51-65
51-61, The parable of the man sending his servants into the field and visiting them in turn;
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
Why is there a time and season for everything?
* Because there are many planets and kingdoms the Lord must visit and there must be a time and a season for each visit.
General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

It is good to have goals and plans for our careers, for our education, even for our golf game. It is also important to have goals for our marriages, our families, and our Church councils and callings; this is especially true for missionaries. But our greatest and most overriding goals should fit into Heavenly Father's eternal plan. Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." -3 Nephi 13:33.

James worked at the Howard's this morning and then came home for lunch.  He is miserable and asks me to call Dr. Moffat for a refill on his prednisone and antibiotic.  The antibiotic can't be fulfilled without seeing the doctor but the girl in the office said she would call the prenisone in.

Darrel and Trina need a babysitter next Thursday, the day we were going to go to the Tucson temple.  We now have change of plans. We are going to watch their kids at the time share where they can swim.  

I finally got the chance to try out my new Hoover Floormate on the tile and travertine.  It gets it really clean but leaves streaks so I am going to use the same polish on it that I do on the wood floors.  

James finally got a battery to work in the Cat and he got alot done outside on the fence.  I blog and starting finding pictures to give to Terry for Lois's birthday book.  

For dinner we had corn on the cob, chicken, and salad. After dinner we watch the movie "The Perfect Bride" starring Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton from "When Calls the Heart."

When we go to bed this evening we hear a funny noise like shaking pipes.  I heard it earlier in the day and James said it was an airplane.  He now realizes it is something else and will check it out in the morning.

Mother - Daughter

Jean and Deana.

I am Jean's visiting teacher and Deana is mine.

I love them both!

Candy poker in San Diego

Alex and Shayna

Alex and Shayna

My morning study desk.

I call these the small plates of Karen.

One is my daily schedule and goals.

The other is notes for my journal and

scripture study.

A typical breakfast. I usually have blueberries with my oatmeal

but today it was fresh peaches.

My plethora of daily pills.

Vernon youth at the wind tunnel in Eloy.

Dave and Laura at the Tucson temple open house.

Bishop Miller doing what he loves to do.

Monday, June 5th, 2017

Phoenix, Arizona

144th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Nov 2014 by

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 11:26-46

*Why is it impossible to be saved in our sins?

*What is the difference between being saved in our sins and being saved from our sins?

*Alma 11:40 contains a principle that we must follow in order to be saved from our sins.  When we believe in Jesus Christ, we can be redeemed from our sins.

*Why do we need to believe in Jesus Christ to be saved from our sins?  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "We need a strong faith in Christ to be able to repent.  Our faith has to include a 'correct idea of God's character, perfections, and attributes.' If we believe that God knows all things, is loving and is merciful, we will be able to put our trust in Him for our salvation without wavering.  Faith in Christ will change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with God's will."

*How might someone live their life differently if they believed there was no life after death?

*Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all will be resurrected and judged according to their works.  

*"The purpose of the gospel is to cleanse people of their sins so they can receive the Savior's mercy at the day of judgment." (Preach My Gospel, p. 6.)

DC 84:74-88

62-76, They are to preach the gospel and signs will follow; 77-91, Elders are to go forth without purse or scrip, and the Lord will care for their needs;

How does it make me feel that the Lord does call me friend?

*It makes me want to be worthy of that friendship.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"We are not sent here completely in the dark.  Each of us was given a portion of God's light, called the 'Light of Christ,' to help us distinguish between good and evil, right and wrong.  This is why even those who live with little or no knowledge of the Father's plan can still sense, in their hearts, that certain actions are just and moral while others are not."

His daily Guiding Hand

M. Joseph Brough

"Through His prophets, Heavenly Father constantly reminds us that righteousness is happiness.  King Benjamin, for example, taught that Heavenly Father 'doth require that ye should do as He hath commanded you; for which if ye do, He doth immediately bless you.'" (Mosiah 2:24)

I had to put James's shoes and socks on for him this morning because he couldn't bend over.  There are 15 cows in the yard and he needs to go chase them away.  

The Gospel Doctrine lesson this week is on the Word of Wisdom, a principle with a promise.  My Primary lesson is on Joseph Smith being tarred and feathered.  The gospel principle is the principle of forgiveness.  

I made a chocolate cake yesterday afternoon.  I like to do that and call it Sunday dinner.  It was a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting so I thought James would like it.  He told me that cake was his least favorite kind of chocolate.  I ended up flushing the cake down the garbage disposal or I would have ended up eating all of it.

James ask me to go to town with him this morning.  I really didn't want to go but I could tell he really wanted me to so I went.  Of course, our first stop was at Persnikkity's for lunch.  I waited in the car while he did the rest of his errands.  He really want to get the electric fence up before we leave town.  While I was waiting, I ordered 9 fidget spinners for my Primary class.  

When we got home from town I took a nap before working on my blog, paying bills, and making a meatloaf for dinner.  

For F.H.E. we read President Hinckley's lesson #12 entitled: "Obedience: Simply Live the Gospel.  Afterwards I began working on a budget.

It was a disappointing day for James.  The part he needed had to be ordered and he had to chase cows three times.  His back is hurting very badly and it makes him angry.  I told him that anger only makes things worse.

More Photos:

  

I wonder if Jesus likes cows as much as

He likes sheep. 

They aren't as cute as sheep.

This is Winter, Christina's baby

Christina and kids

Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly:

Pure Class and Elegance

One Cool Dude!

June 4, 2016

Goodbye to Holly

Commercial Break

I love to see the temple,

I'm going there someday....

on June 22, 2017

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 March, 1999 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

We had 7 elk in the yard this morning.

It's hard to get them all in a picture together.

Mosiah 21:1-22

After Limhi's people revolt against the Lamanites and are beaten three times, they humble themselves before the Lord and begin to prosper.  

* How did the people change after their third defeat?

* Even though the people were not immediately delivered from captivity, how did the Lord bless them as they began to repent?

* What are you doing to seek the Lords power of deliverance from your sins?

* In what ways have you been "prospered by degrees" when you have sought the Lord's help?

Gospel Principle:

When we humble ourselves, call upon the Lord, and repent of our sins, He will hear our prayers and ease the burden of our sins in His own time.

3 Nephi 20 - The beginning of the Covenant People Discourse

1-9 Jesus miraculously provides the sacramental elements

10-22 The Fulfillment of God's Covenant with Israel

23-24 Jesus Testifies of Himself

25-46 The Gathering of Israel fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant: Priesthood, Property, Posterity, and Prosperity

DC 64:26-43

The Saints are warned against debt; The rebellious will be cut off out of Zion; The Church will judge the nations; Zion will flourish.

What great things have I seen when I have been doing service for others?

Hearts softened, love increasing, I feel closer to the Savior.  "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." My trials seem less important.

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"We learn from these New Testament sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."

"My Peace I Leave With You"

President Henry B. Eyring

Ether 12:27...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

"These words can be a comfort to us.  Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress.  Your awareness of your weaknesses is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.  The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature.

Then weak things become strong."

I went on the website northstarlds.org today to learn a little more about gender dysphoria.  Here are some things I learned:

"As we interact with those who have gender dysphoria it is important that we have heartfelt compassion, unfeigned love, emotional sensitivity, open-mindedness with an uncompromising devotion to eternal principles and to our eternal identities and potential as His sons and daughters."  

"For those who experience gender dysphoria, we know that it is possible to live your life in harmony with the gospel as you manage your dysphoria.  It is not a sin to have this condition."

These things helped me feel better but I still have alot of questions and alot to learn.  Chloe's mother said that every LDS counselor she went to, and she went to more than one, said this is not something that will change or go away.  

There is lots of smoke today because of a prescribed burn.  It makes me angry that the Forest Service doesn't care how their smoke affects people with health issues like James and Sister Hunter in our ward.  It makes it difficult to even go outside.

The elk were back again this evening.

It's like we have our own private herd.

I made banana nut muffins for dinner.  I also read to him from "To Kill a Mockingbird."  We also watched a couple of Good Witch movies, "The Good Witch's Charm," and "The Good Witch's Destiny."  The messages: Things don't always appear as they are, and we create our own destiny.

Fun Photos:

Trina says:  Don't let the boots fool you.  I

carried her the entire way.  She was so relaxed

and comfortable she took a nap.

Antelope Canyon

I wonder how it got it's name.

I miss Holly.

She had a great life.

Heavenly Father is so creative.

The Tucson temple open house starts June 1st I believe.