Tuesday, May 14th, 2019

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 Jan 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 John 3:8

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. Fr this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:16-32

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 19:16-30; Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30

General Conference

The Quorum: A Place of Belonging

Carl B. Cook

"Every priesthood holder, regardless of his situation, benefits from a strong quorum. My young brothers who hold the Aaronic Priesthood, the Lord would have you establish a strong quorum, a place of belonging for each and every young man, a place where the Lord's Spirit is present, a place where all quorum members are welcome and valued. As the Lord gathers His children, they need a place to belong and grow."

I love this quote by President M. Russell Ballard:

"There is no spiritual power in living by convenience. The power comes as we keep our covenants."

We sold three books today and made a profit of over $30. I wish we could do this everyday.

My eyes were bad today as I was working on the computer. I really do need to have cataract surgery soon. Possibly June. 

I also got a call from my dentists office about scheduling an appointment to start my crown. It feels like when you get to a certain age most of your appointments are with the doctor or dentist. I feel like I'm wearing out and falling apart. Does this happen to everyone?

I stepped up my steps today to over 15,000.

I like the happy face better

Happy 49th Birthday Monte

A friend sent me this photo

Monday, June 11th, 2018

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

John 6:38

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

Book of Mormon

Alma 14:6-22

* Through the power of the priesthood he held and his faith, Alma had the ability to deliver the faithful women and children of Ammonihah from their terrible deaths The rd did not permit him to do os, however (see Alma 14:11). Alma explained to Amulek that the Lord would receive the righteous martyrs unto Himself as a testimony against the evil acts of their persecutors (see Alma 14:11; 60:13). 

*When the righteous and innocent suffer, some become critical or lose faith. President Spencer W. Kimball offered the following counsel for when we witness suffering:

"If we look at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and a short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal ast and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective. Is there not wisdom in His giving us trials that we might rise above them, responsibilities that we might achieve, work to harden our muscles, sorrows to try our souls? Are we not exposed to temptations to test our strength , sickness that we might learn patience, death that we might be immortalized and glorified? If all the sick for whom we prayed were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, agency, would be ended. No man would have to live by faith. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil - all would do good but not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no agency, only satanic controls. Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death, and if these were not, there would also be no joy, success, resurrection, nor eternal life and godhood (Faith Precedes the Miracle, 97).

Old Testament

2 Kings 9-10

9 A prophet anoints Jehu king over Israel and prophesies the destruction of the house of Ahab and the death of Jezebel - Jehu kills Joram in the field of Naboth - Jezebel is killed by Jehu and is eaten by dogs.

10 Ahab's seventy sons are slain - Jehu destroys the house of Ahab and all the worshippers of Baal, but he continues to worship the golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Know

Douglas D. Holmes

"So, what is the role of the Aaronic Priesthood? How does it help us gain access to Christ's atoning power? I believe the answer lies in the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood - the keys of the ministering of angels and of the preparatory gospel."

Introductory Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"Some of you serve where the Church has been established for generations. Others serve where the Church is relatively new. For some, your wards are large. For others, your branches are small and distances are great. Regardless of your individual circumstances, each of you is a member of a priesthood quorum with a divine mandate to learn and to teach, to love and to serve others."

Russel M Nelson 10/14 #64. Sustaining the Prophets.

"Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities."

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 23, Prinicple 15: A Priesthood Holder Judges Righteously

A Reason for Faith: Read about how similar the genomes and DNA of humans and chimpanzees are. 

Ensign: "Being Honest with Myself."

600 homes have been destroyed on the big island of Hawaii because of volcano eruptions and no end is in sight. Please continue praying for these people!

Today was our Relief Society sisters luncheon at Licano's. My friend Pam had asked me if I would pick up Nita, our summer visitor from Yuma. I know Nita and love her and was happy to pick her up. We had a nice visit into town. 

We were among the first to arrive at Licano's. We have to leave at one because Nita has an appointment with the eye doctor about scheduling cataract surgery, so we ordered first. My food came before Nita's and I looked around the tables of sisters and I was the only one with food. I did not want my green chili chicken enchilada to get cold, so I ate it. It was delicious. 

These are the sisters who attended: Nita, Kerri, Catherine, Linda D., Teresa S., Pam, Jenny, Ellen K. and her husband, Bonnie H., Holly, Linda P., Judy, Millie, Nadine, Mary, Alicia, Stefani, Ruth, Debbie, Lorraine, Tina, myself,  and 4 women I did not know.

We had an enjoyable time but some sisters had to leave before their food came, such as, Pam and Bonnie. Next month we are meeting back at Debbie's house.

I ordered food for Becky S., my friend who just had knee surgery, and her mother-in-law who is staying with her. After I dropped Nita off at home I went to Becky's and delivered her and her mother-in-law, Marlene, each a meal consisting of two cheese enchiladas, refried beans, and rice. They seemed very appreciative. Becky is such a great example to me and a dear friend. Her knee looks very bruised and swollen. She says she is going back to work in two weeks, which seems a little early to me.

When I came home James had already taken the garbage to the dump which I very much appreciate!

I sat on the recliner to rest. When I got up I caught up on my blog, ran off President Nelson's and Sister Nelson's talks to the youth, paid some Lambson Construction bills and our Disnetwork bill, and made myself a green smoothie. James was outside working on the small Cat, which he was not able to fix. I fixed him a smoothie when he came in from working. 

For FHE this evening we worked on FamilySearch. I ran off some names to do ordinances for. I still have not been able to get Mary Strickland retrieved from Bettylealareerogers line. I will try again tomorrow. 

For the first time since last Wednesday I was able to do my 10,000 steps today.

I getcha Kerri!

Gotcha!

Looks beautiful!

I don't think he is 97 here, because

look at Queen Elizabeth.

I told Sheri they needed to visit

this castle because Betty, Ian's mom's

last name is Fraser and it's Max's 

middle name.

Tuesday, May 29th. 2018

Payson, Utah

146th operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 2015

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalm 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

*What does it mean to labor in the spirit?

Old Testament

1 Kings 7-8

7 Solomon builds himself a house - Hiram of Tyre makes the two pillars, the molten sea, the ten bases, the ten lavers, and all the vessels for the temple - The molten sea (baptismal font) rests on the backs of twelve oxen.

8 The ark, containing the two tablets of stone, is placed in the holy of holies - The glory of the Lord fills the temple - Solomon offers the dedicatory prayer - He asks for temporal and spiritual blessings upon repentant and prayerful Israel - The people sacrifice and worship for fourteen days.

General Conference

It Is All About People

Bishop Gerald Causse

" The definition of the Church might be derived from a passage in the Book of Mormon that states, 'And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the church of Christ.' In other words, the Church is all about people. It is all about you, the Lord's disciples - those who love and follow Him and who have taken His name upon them by covenant."

Russell M. Nelson 4/10, #55. Generations Linked in Love

Our first order of business this morning was to go to Costco and get my new phone. Why Costco you asked? Because James checked out the phones at the Verizon store and Costco is quite a bit cheaper. We were there for almost two hours. Why do you have to sign your life away to buy a phone. It's almost as tedious as buying a new car. I got the gold rose 8 plus phone and James decided to get one too. He got the black 8 plus. We also got protective screen guards and a cheapy case that comes with them. 

We get to do the transferring from the old phone to the new by downloading a Verizon app. We left Costco and went across Chandler Blvd to Olive Garden for lunch. I had chicken marsala and James had some other chicken dish.  I started transferring from my old phone to the new and wasn't finished when it was time to leave. I sent James ahead to go to the dry cleaners and bank while I finished. 

Before James got back I walked over to Hobby Lobby and bought myself a caligraphy set and then walked out to meet him as he drove up.  

We hurry out to Trina's to pick up the girls to go back to the condo with us. We are also supposed to be at Hancock school by 2 pm because Joshua is singing in their talent show. 

It takes a few minutes at Trina's because she wasn't going to let Lola go. Lola and I talked her into it. We got to Joshua's school a few acts before he and Michael went on. Michael plays the ukelele while Joshua sings. They were great, the best act of the entire show, according to some, I am sure it's true, I just didn't see all the acts. 

Paul was there and he posted a video of the song on Facebook. Kim, Stacy, and Adam were also there besides James and I and the girls.

After the show we drove to north Scottsdale to get the girls settled in at the resort. I helped James start the transfer on his phone and then I took the girls down to go swimming. Of course Lola has floaties on. Last year she wouldn't go near the water. Addy watches her in the pool. We stayed 2-3 hours. They went back and forth from the pool with cool water to the hot tub with warm water. I ordered dinner from the Splash Grill and while we were waiting for our food they all played foozball. Addy had a strawberry smoothie and some fries. Ruby had fries, lemonade and a grilled cheese sandwich. Lola had a hot dog, which she did not touch, fries, and apple juice. 

Lola loves the splash pad and played in it by herself for a long time. She can play by herself for hours. She even talks to herself. This is how Kim was when she was little.

Back at the room Addy takes a shower and the two younger girls take a bath in our big whirpool bathtub. Lola bumps her head and cries for Addy but it didn't take her long to stop crying.

We made the couch into a bed and the girls watched two movies: "Lion King" and "Peter Rabbit." Addy loves the movie Lion King. That's why I brought it.

They had popcorn and Lola wanted M&M's. I promised I would get some tomorrow. Lola fell asleep and Addy carried in to go to bed in their bed. 

I called the post office today and asked them to hold our mail until next Monday.

Stars of the show!

"Count on Me"

In the hot tub

foozball

Addy gets in on the action

Lola circles the pool

Shoes

Movie watching

Saturday, May 12th, 2018

Draper, Utah,

129th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Mar 2009

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

Book of Mormon
Mosiah 28:1-20
*Why did the sons of Mosiah want to preach to the Lamanites? 
- Because the thought that any soul should endure endless torment caused them to quake and tremble..they were desirous to declare salvation to every creature.
We as members of His Church are not salesmen but servants of the most high who work for peace. By inviting all to repent and come unto Christ, we are encouraging peace, hope and comfort by helping others change their hearts. We need to learn the language of the Spirit, so we can find they way to the hearts of those we are called to teach. We are His messengers. 
Old Testament
1 Samuel 29-30
29 Israel and the Philistines gather for war - The Philistine princes send David away.
30 The Amalekites spoil Ziklag and the borders of Judah - David smites Amalek and regains and divides the spoil.
General Conference

What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

President Thomas S. Monson counseled us that young men need to understand "what it means to be bearers of the priesthood of God They need to be guided to a spiritual awareness of the sacredness of their ordained calling."

Today I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide us to a greater understanding of the power and sacredness of the Aaronic Priesthood and inspire us to focus more diligently on our priesthood duties. My message is for all Aaronic Priesthood holders, including those who also hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Russell M. Nelson: 4/05: #45. Now Is The Time to Prepare

"Now is the time to prepare to meet God. Tomorrow may be too late."

On the way to the temple this morning James and I listened to 1 Samuel 29-30. David becomes friends with the Philistines and lives with them for about 16 months. I read from the Book of Mormon and the conference talk for the day because we forgot to bring our speaker and we couldn't hear the phone very well in the car.

This is my morning schedule on the days we work in the temple. I get up at 4 and today I went to the kitchen to get some breakfast and put the stew on to warm up. I also have my prayers. James gets up around 4:45 and showers. I come back in a little after five and take over the bathroom to get ready to go. 

Before we left I put the stew back in the crockpot with the crockpot turned on. We took it to the temple in the crockpot. 

The men and women had separate training today. Sister Reidhead and Sister Cochran were the women's trainers. We talked about initiatory and the baptistry. Sister Reidhead said there was a temple trainer here from Salt Lake last week. He was amazed at how many family names we have to do in the credenza. He said that he has never seen so many names at any other temple. I guess we have lots of people in our temple district doing family history.

Sister Wenhardt was not here today. She is a florist and Mother's Day is her biggest day of the year. 

The Wilhelm's from our ward were taking the Gentry's place today. Also, Ione Whipple worked our shift. I knew her as a youth in Show Low. I don't think she recognized me. When I knew her everyone called her "Babe." I guess maybe she didn't want to put Babe on her temple badge.

One of my former young women who is now married came to the temple today. She wasn't just any young woman, but my favorite. Trenda and her husband Emery were the witness couple in the session where I was the 1st follower. I got to help her at the veil and her grandpa, Brother Wilhelm was the receiver for her. He was so excited about this opportunity!

During break Sister Sauwen told me about a restaurant at the golf course called The Skillet. She said the food was really good and it was reasonably priced. Maybe another day. Today I am on a weight loss challenge. I want to kill my chunky monkey!

I loves the temple. I always feel so good when I am here, even though at the end of my shift I am ready to go home and take a nap.

I guess my stew was a hit because there was very little left to take home. It's a good thing I saved some for James in our frig.

After nap time I made a green smoothie for both James and I. He gulped his down and took off for the Wallace's to see about his tractor and then he went to get some gas in the car because we forgot on the way home.

I stayed home and did my 45 minute walk. Afterwards I had a Slimfast and a bell pepper for dinner.

James and I watched the finale of "When Calls the Heart." James agreed with me that it was really well done in spite of Jack dying.

Summer and Tanner were asked to clean the kitchen.

Tanner is working and Summer is dancing

around the kitchen. When she sees her mom

is making a video, she falls to the ground.

It is pretty funny!

 The Navajo taco dinner fundraiser.

We didn't got but we did buy tickets and

let someone else eat our tacos.

They made $1,700.00!

This castle needs a remodel. I don't know if

anyone lives there but it looks like they are

running a herd of cattle. Or, maybe the cattle live in the castle.

 Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid 1400's by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st Lord of Glenorchy.

I'm starting to collect photos of 

dresses I like.

Fiji looks divine!

I really like the skirt, not sure about the top.

Dreaming about catching the birds and cats

he chases all the time. Yes that curly thing

is his tail.

Monday, July 24th, 2017

Vernal, Utah 

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Nov 1997 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

1 John 2:2

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 59:5

Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.

Alma 38:1-15

*What can we learn fro Alma 38:2-3 about the effect that righteous children can have on their parents, and I might add, their grandparents?

*How has obedience to the commandments of God helped you?

*Alma and Shiblon both experienced the Savior's deliverance.

*What was Shiblon delivered from? (Alma 38:4-5)

*What was Alma delivered from? (Alma 38:6-8)

*What can we learn from their experiences?

*Why is it important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the only "way or means whereby we can be saved?"

*Examine Alma's counsel in Alma 38:10-12. Chose one that you would lie to improve in.

DC 104:31-50

19-46, The stewardships and blessings of various brethren are designated; 47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately;

Why were the United Orders of Kirtland and Zion dissolved?

*The people, many of the, couldn't abide the law.

General Conference

Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" Some rewards of obedience do come quickly; others come only after we are tested. God will always bless us for our steadfast obedience to His gospel and loyalty to His Church, but He rarely shows us His timetable for doing so in advance. He doesn't show us the whole picture from the outset. That is where faith, hope, and trusting in the Lord come in. God asks us to bear with Him - to trust Him and to follow Him. He pleads with us to 'dispute not because ye see not.' He cautions us that we shouldn't expect easy answers or quick fixes from heaven."

James had a chiropractic appointment before 9 this morning. Before he left we read scriptures, said family prayer, and went outside and read from our book on the deck. 

I have an visiting teaching appointment with Hailey and her kids at noon at Pizza Factory. She calls and asks me if we can postpone until Thursday. Her kids are doing a tie-dying class and will be finished by noon. That's fine with me.

When James gets home he wants me to read another chapter from "A Lady Unrivaled" outside on the deck. It rained hard off and on throughout the afternoon and evening.  We went in to Pizza Hut to get pizza and desserts to take to the Howard's. It was raining like crazy when James went in to Pizza Hut. 

When we got to the Howard's James went out with Brother Howard to talk about putting the roof on their bunkhouse. They are having an open house on August 5th. I visit with Sister Howard inside and give her the visiting teaching message. We love the Howards!

Home and because James has been helping me the last couple of hours I read to him again. He can't decide if he's going to leave for the valley tonight or in the morning. He decides on the morning. He has some more remodeling to do at the medical office on McKellips. 

For F.H.E. we listen to Elder L. Whitney Clayton's talk, "Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It." Afterwards we watch "Christmas Incorporated."

Random Photos:

Happy Pioneer Day

True Grit.

What an amazing example they were.

I know I posted this picture earlier but

since today is pioneer day I wanted to post it again.

She was an avid genealogist before the internet!

1st day of 5th grade for this boy.

Joshua starts 5th grade today too.

8th grade for Max.

Ben is a mighty Senior!

I'm just so amazed by this family.

Curtis and Joie are my new heroes.

A blast from the past and one

of my favorite photos of Michael.

He would come down to our house at 6 a.m.

in this outfit.