Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 55:2

And then thou shalt be ordained by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., to be an elder unto this church, to preach repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

*What are things I prioritize that won't satisfy? How does 9:51 affect where I spend my time, money, and work?

- We all spend money on things that don't have lasting value. We work hard and long so that we can enjoy the best life has to offer. I have always felt that if I'm paying my tithes and offerings and trying to live the gospel, that of course we can do things..go places and have possessions that don't have an eternal value, but add beauty and wholesome enjoyment to my life and for my family. If we can't afford to pay our tithing or engage in activities that take us away from Sabbath day worship, or course we need to rethink our priorities. Money pays the bills sends missionaries, builds temple, buys meals for the sick and the poor, clothes the naked, pays for doctors and pays for vacations. Our life can enjoy all that God has created, and we can delight in the fatness of the gospel blessings. It's about priorities, balance, and obedience first, then letting your heart rejoice. (Sue_heugly)

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 5:1-12; Luke 6:20-26 Lasting happiness comes from living the way Jesus Christ taught.

"The Power of Self-Mastery" James E. Faust, April 2000

Ensign

"The Most Influential People" and "Time to Serve"

General Conference

"The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

President M. Russell Ballard

"The revelation he received on October 3 comforted his heart and provided answers to many of his questions. We too can be comforted and learn more about our own future when we and our loved ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this revelation and pondering its significance in the way we live our lives each day."

Sister Barton called me this morning around 7:30. She cancelled her appointment with the attorney in Snowflake because of the weather. She said that she spoke with someone in the office who said there was 10 inches of snow in Snowflake. I was shocked. I have never heard of Snowflake getting that much snow, especially when there isn't nearly that much in Show Low or here. I wish she would have called me before she cancelled because I am sure the roads would be clear. Later this evening I spoke with Maxine who goes to the temple every Tuesday. She said there was barely a skiff of snow in Snowflake. Just as I suspected.

As I was studying the "Come Follow Me" lesson this morning I discovered that in addition to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5, there is the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6. It says the Savior came down from the mount to give this sermon. No one knows if this was a plateau or an actual plain. It also could have been a continuation of the sermon he was giving on the mount. We do know this: "Jesus Christ came to correct unjust conditions of a fallen world."

We had leftover spaghetti that I made for Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan when they were here and froze, for lunch. It was quite tasty and went great with the salad I made.

We had sunshine and snow again today. James worked on his online traffic class and finished by the end of the day. 

I had a meeting this evening with the rest of the Relief Society presidency, the Elder's quorum presidency, and the bishopric.

As I was driving to the church this evening I noticed how beautiful the full moon was shining on the snow. 

The focus of this meeting under the direction of the bishop was missionary, family history, and temple work. The bishop pointed out that this is how we gather Israel, and seal families in preparation for the Second Coming. The Elder's Quorum and the Relief Society are now directly responsible for missionary, and family history work. Kerri and Sean H. are assigned missionary work and Brother Curtis and I family history and temple work. 

I was impressed with the bishops desire and sincerity in doing the Lord's work. He has a powerful personal testimony of both aspects of this work. He said: "We can't stand idle any longer. We have to know our people and serve them better." 

The importance of effective ministering was brought up several times during the meeting. Bishop gave the example of visiting the Gordon's and asking them how their "Come Follow Me" study was going. They looked confused and said they hadn't started. (This is a mom and son who were recently baptized). The bishopric sat down with them and had a discussion using one of the lessons in the manual and they could see a lightbulb go on in the Gordon's. 

Bishop says we need to be asking these questions to the families we minister to and during our ministering interviews in addition to working with them on family history.

After the meeting Kerri, Tamara, Maxine and I had a quick discussion about Marie Robertson and whether Kerri and I should go to visit her tomorrow in Flagstaff. I texted Marilyn, Marie's ministering sister and she said Marilyn may be coming home tomorrow. I told Kerri I would call Marie's husband in the morning and find out what was going on before we leave.

I got permission from Ben to post a letter he sent to Sheri about how he gained his testimony.

 I look forward to Scarlett and Charlie photos

everyday!

 Going out to shovel snow out of 

the driveway.

Everyone in our stake was sent this letter.

 I may have had all of some of

these movies on today.

 James found these books in my library and

wants to sell them. The 3rd one has a good

sales rank. He is using that scanner to scan

all of our books.

Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 9:12

And he answered and told the, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 3:1-18

*How did the Nephites persevere despite their difficulties?

- Verse 3 - There were many contentions and dissensions so they departed and went to another land. (1) Walk away from contention.

Verse 7 - They went to work. They became expert in making cement and provided homes for their families (2) Go to work. Verse 9 - They were concerned about the future of others, so they were united about not cutting down trees until they grew tall. (3) Concern for others and the future Verse 13-16 - Record keeping was important. (4) Keep individual and family records.

Old Testament

Ecclesiastes 1-6

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presidency of the Seventy have considered these adjustments over an extended period of time. With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundations of priesthood quorums, and confirmation that this is the Lord's will, we are moving forward with unanimity in what is in reality one more step in the unfolding of the Restoration. The Lord's direction is manifest, and I rejoice in it, as I bear witness of Him, His priesthood, and your ordinations in that priesthood, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Some of my favorite verses from what I read in Ecclesiastes today:

"Let not thy mouth cause thy flesh to sin."

"All is vanity."

First thing when he got up around 6:30, James stood out on the porch and the balcony upstairs and bugled for elk. I asked if he saw or heard any. He said yes, on the hill across the road he saw a bull herding a herd of cows. Oh the joys of living in the country. I asked him why the elk no longer travel through our property. He said because they used to go down to the water and now that the spring is dried up they no longer go that way.

A little breeze blowing through the open window as I do some ironing feels so good!

James filed a lien against National Turd (oops I mean Turf) today.

This is an email Ben sent to Sheri and she sent to me:

I sent this to Sheri because I know she is struggling. 

"Sometimes we wonder if we can go on, but we can't stop. We move forward by relying on our Savior more than we did before, and eventually we realize the miracles that have surrounded us all along."

Listened to Chapter 11 from "The Healing Christ." It is called, The Judging Christ.

" We do not earn heaven, we co-create Heaven here on earth."

"The Lord's judgment is centered in love" 

I love this chapter! Judgement day is a day of mercy when all will be made right!

Finished my Debbie Gibson movie and read from the new LDS Living magazine. I read, "When Desire Drowns Out Revelation," and "Faith to Find Annie." Annie is Piano Guy John Schmidt's daughter who died in a hiking accident in Oregon.

From the Old Testament student manual regarding the book of Hosea: "The modern world entices people as it did in the day of Hosea to worship at the shrine of pleasure." So true. We are basically a hedonistic society. This is no way to prepare for the Second Coming. This is why missionary work is so important, so that people's hearts are turned from pleasure seeking to commandment keeping.

I made cupcakes for Tamara's birthday which is tomorrow. I also gave her one of my daisy cards and had Kerri and Maxine sign it. I tried to make a caligraphy copy of Phillipians 4:13 but it didn't turn out so I gave her a quote about ministering that I had framed. It was actually given to me by my friend Hailey. I have enjoyed it for several years and now I am passing it on. 

After our RS presidency meeting tonight we gave Tamara her gifts. 

Paula J. is our assistant secretary and she attended our meeting this evening. Paula does so much community service. She is president of the Vernon Park, runs the Vernon Food Bank, and is historian for the Vernon Fire Department. She shared an experience she had with a destitute man here in Vernon. He has no electricity, no water, and he can't hear. She took him a case of water and some food. She said he can talk perfectly but she had to write things down for him to read because he cannot hear. Trash was piled inside and outside his home because he has no transportation. She felt so compelled to help him more but wasn't sure how. She asked us if she should tell the bishop and we said yes, she should. He may have resources that we don't know about. 

When I got home James was reading from the Lambson Family History book. He wants to share some things with the kids this weekend about his family. I think I am going to share what I learned about William Bailey Maxwell. I also found my grandpa's sister, Ella Lee's life story and I can share some things from that. I actually knew Ella. We read a chapter from "The Secret Keeper" before going to bed.

Practicing her leg lifts

 Card for the day

Such a sweet photo!

Friday, April 6th, 2018

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Baptism of

1 Nephi 11:27

And I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken; and I also beheld the prophet who should prepare the way before him. And the Lamb of God went forth and was baptized of him; and after he was baptized, I beheld the heavens open, and the Holy Ghost come down out of heaven and abide upon him in the form of a dove.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 2:28-41

* What similarities do you see in King Benjamin's teachings that are also being taught by modern day prophets and leaders?

- What similarities in King Benjamin's teachings do we see with modern day prophets and apostles? vs. 32 - Beware, lest there be contentions - several talks in recent conferences were given on forgiveness and overlooking each others faults and differences.

In today's world there seems to be a greater need for allowing other to think, act, and be different than we are. Having a difference of opinion doesn't have to end a relationship. vs. 36 - reminded us that if we live contrary to God's teachings, the Holy Ghost won't guide us in wisdom's path... There were several talks given in conference on the importance of the Holy Ghost in our life. Conference is a time for reflection, revelation and redirection...all possible through the Holy Ghost. vs. 40-41 stress the word REMEMBER...Remembering may be one of the most precious gifts the Spirit can give us. vs. 41 Happy state for those who keep the commandments..."Men are that they might have joy." Even when we are in dark times, there is a light and goodness all around when we do what we should. We can and will be happy when we obey God. 

The other similarity of both times: The voice of warning shall be unto all people by the mouths of his disciples whom I have chosen in these days.

Old Testament

Joshua 9-10

9 The Gibeonites by craft obtain a league with Israel - Joshua makes them servants to the congregation of Israel.

10 Israel defeats the Amorites and their allies, and the Lord casts stones from heaven upon them - The sun and moon stand still - Many kings and cities are destroyed - The Lord fought for Israel.

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

" Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint."

Happy Birthday:

To the Savior and His Latter-day Church.

On the way to the valley, after reading from the Book of Mormon, listening to the two chapters from the Old Testament, and Elder Bednar's conference talk, we listened to three talks given in the past by President Nelson:

April 1986 -#5  "In the Lord's Own Way"

October 1986 -#6  "Life after Life"

April 1987 -#7  "Life after Life"

Here are some notes I took, which is not easy while driving in the car, especially the Salt River Canyon way.

#5 "Our responsibility to care for the poor when we are baptized. Riches will canker our souls. The earth is full and has enough to spare. Rely on self, family, and Church, in that order."

#6 We have reason to find joy because of our relationships with others, our relationship with ourselves, and our relationship with God.

#7 Mary Magdalene was the first person to see a resurrected being. 2,500 saw Him in America. Dust to Dust: Boy looks under bed and tells his mom: "There are alot of people under my bed." The resurrection is performed through the Priesthood. Jesus Christ holds the keys to the Resurrection.

Because of His resurrection we will be resurrected too and can look forward to a joyous resurrection and eternity!

We left the house at 7:09. Our first stop was at Burger House in Miami. Our burros were so messy that it was difficult to eat them in the car. From now on we will take the time to stop and eat in house.

It may have to be on the way home instead of the way there.

I also read to James from "Life Everlasting," and "Ashes on the Moor." 

I arrived a little early at AARA so they took me back to the infusion center early. Rosie, the nurse who sends in Dr. Caldron's prescriptions, came in and said she would renew my Tramadol since I was not able to do it online. Someone told me about the AARA website and registering in the patient portal. I told them I didn't know how to do that so Frances, my favorite nurse, went to the front desk and got the information for me to register! Thank you Frances. The only thing negative about this visit was the fact that I thought I had lost 5 lbs and their scale only said I had lost 2 lbs. No more burros before weighing in!

James was waiting to pick me up when I finished my infusion, which took only an hour. He had gone to Chandler Auto Body to get our garage door opener. He said the car looks good and it should be finished by next Friday. Rick is doing some extra work and is giving us a very fair price. 

We stopped in at the Costco just across the street from the AARA to get some Alpine Valley bread for James. I had a $4.59 coupon. We divided up and James covered one side of the store while I covered the other. We did not find Alpine Valley bread but James found some made by the bakery, which was delicious. I got some strawberries and a new Anita Stansfield book.

My next stop was Hobby Lobby to get something to use for the centerpiece on the dining room table. James went to El Pollo Loco while I shopped. This is what I came up with:

I bought the two plants. The bird

is Ruby's. We found it on the floor of

the backseat of our car. I love it.

I may have to get her a new one.

I also got this to put in my Primary

Treasure Box:

That light is not supposed to be there.

I am trying to entice the boys to do their

monthly newsletters so they can get a prize.

Next we were going to go visit Stacy and find out where she wanted us to go to bring her and Joshua some dinner. She said she wasn't up for a visit because she can't come downstairs and it was too early for dinner. I told her we would bring something the next time we were here. I called Kim and asked her to check on Kim when she took Joshua home.

We head to Darrel and Trina's to pick up our dirty clothes that we left last week. Ruby answered the door even though it wasn't time for her to be out of school. I guess she has been sick all week. She caught something from Kreed last week when they spent the night at their grandma's house. Ruby gave us a hug and ask if we were staying? She seemed excited to see us, where as Lola just took it in stride. She was eating a ball of cookie dough and drinking a Power-Ade at the table. James went up and got our bag of clothes and we said our goodbye's. Trina told us to text so she would know we made it safely home. Sweet.

We stopped at Jersey Mike's on Baseline and Signal Butte for dinner. I absolutely love Mike's subs!

James stops just outside of Globe so I can drive and he can take a nap. He said he would drive through Salt River but he was still asleep so I did it. He drove again right after the canyon. 

When we got home and unloaded and put away I planned my day for tomorrow, worked and my blog, and walked for over 40 minutes listening to the soundtrack from "The Greatest Showman."
I ended up with over 13,000, not bad for someone who spent most of the day sitting in car or a doctor's office. James didn't give up until he got his 20,000.

Discovering Sedona

 Wish they would come and see us again.

Do they think the cat is their

mom?

Sunday, October 29th, 2017

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

John 20:29

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 15:1-24

*Why is it so important to keep the commandments? 

*How does keeping the commandments allow us to be a light to others?

"Keeping the commandments can help us avoid a lot of sadness, misery and really hard things. 'If ye love me, keep my commandments.' (John 14:15)

Every commandment has a promised blessing. Obedience brings growth, protection, spiritual and temporal blessing, and ultimately eternal life. The most important reason to keep the commandments is to show our love, gratitude and devotion to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:2

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Recently, while visiting the Provo City Center Temple, I admired a painting entitled First Vision from Afar. The painting depicts the light and power from heaven as the Father and Son visited the young Joseph Smith. While not making a comparison with the very sacred event that ushered in the Restoration, I can imagine a similar visual that would reflect the light and spiritual power of God descending upon this general conference and, in turn, that power and light moving across the world."

It was Shelly's farewell today. She wants others to feel loved of the Lord like she does. She also played a number on the piano because she is learning to do hard things.  Jackson Allen and the bishop also spoke.

We have a new young men's presidency: Brother Wilhelm, Brother Skousen, and Brother Applegate, a powerhouse presidency.

Jace, Colter, Grace, Liana, and Liana's cousing Brecklyn were in my Primary class today. I guess Curtis is staying home taking care of Ruthie and Johnny who are sick. I gave two lessons today to make up for next week's regional conference. I gave the lesson on the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum and then a brief lesson on Brigham Young becoming the prophet and how a prophet is chosen today.

The third hour the women were taught by Brother Allen and Bishop Miller. Brother Allen did a great job. We discussed Sister Eubank's conference talk.

After the block the new high priest group leadership was set apart in the bishop's office. James was set apart by Brother Greer of the high council and Brother Hunsaker and Brother Curtis were set apart by President Jensen. 

In Brother Greer's setting apart of James he mentioned his voice and his family, two things that were very important to James. It was a wonderful setting apart.

When we returned home Paul was here to do some reloading. James made him some lunch and went outside to eat with him. 

I watched a Christmas movie and did some studying and blogging. 

This evening we had some unexpected visitors. The Grapp family from our ward came by for a visit. They brought apple cake and homemade bread. We had such a nice visit. The kids played upstairs and Brother Grapp and Benson put together my spiderman Legos kit. Sister Grapp told about Tildy who is five getting on one of their horses and riding without a saddle or a bridle. She took a video. It was pretty amazing!

Jared texted to tell us the doctor who is buying his practice is going in to the hospital for bypass surgery and the bank has still not approved his load. We are praying that everything will work out as it should.

A Vernon sunrise

I loved these birthday dates 

at the Lego Store!

Kim, Brian, Alex, Seth

Last year's pumpkin carving, engagement,

birthday party at Sheri and Ian's.

The engagement is for Kacey and Jared,

and the birthday is Jared's.

Michael, Lexus, Alex

Shana and Joe watching Alex at work.

Love these two cuties!

Shayna, Alex, Michael, Sheri

More carving!

Go Addy!

Kim is helping Evan

Every party needs a Lola

Love these cuties!

I love these cuties too but I'm wondering

where Emmy is.