Tuesday, January 8th, 2019

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Psalms 2:7

I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 7:1-15

* The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi. Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

New Testament

Matthew 1; Luke 1; Who were Matthew and Luke?

General Conference

Firm and Steadfast in the Faith of Christ

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"A husband and wife who have consistently and happily followed the counsel of the Brethren in their lives were grieved by the difficulty they experienced in having children. They expended substantial funds working with competent medical professionals, and, after a time, they were blessed with a son. Tragically, however, after only about a year, the baby was the victim of an accident that we no one's fault but that left him semicomatose, with significant brain damage. He has received the best of care, but doctors cannot predict how things will unfold going forward. The child this couple worked and prayed so hard to bring into the world has in a sense been taken away, and they don't know if he will be returned to them. They struggle now to care for the baby's critical needs while meeting their other responsibilities. In this supremely difficult moment, they have turned to the Lord. They rely on the daily bread they receive from Him. They are aided by compassionate friends and family and strengthened by priesthood blessings. They have drawn closer to one another, their union perhaps now deeper and more complete than might otherwise have been possible."

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Bishop Dean M. Davies

" As with the early Saints, so it is with us today: the Lord has revealed and continues to reveal to the President of the Church the patterns by which the kingdom of God is to be directed in our day. And, at a personal level, he provides guidance as to how each of us should direct our lives, such that our conduct may likewise be acceptable to the Lord."

Nothing to eat or drink since midnight, not even an Icebreaker. 

Trina was juicing celery this morning in the kitchen for Darrel to take to work with him. I told the story of how when I first got arthritis a friend convinced me that if I drank fresh carrot juice it would help my arthritis. I drank so much carrot juice I turned orange. I told Ruby if she turned green like the Grinch I would know it was because she drank too much celery juice. 

We arrived at Dr. Shah's office right on time at 8:50. The first thing the receptionist asked me was for payment. I told her I had registered for Care Credit and was accepted so she ask for my card. I went out to the car and got the information I had but there was no card. This is becoming an embarrassing situation. The girl behind Dr. Shah's desk got Care credit on the line. I guess they had tried to send my card but they sent it to our physical address instead of our mailing address. They took the block off my account and everything was okay. 

My surgery was over before I knew it. I remember them taking me back and hooking me up to everything and Dr. Shah and the girls talking about snow because I told them there was two foot of snow where I live. The next thing I heard was, "Karen, we're all done." One of the girls took me back for an x-ray and then I was leaving with James. On the way out the doctors says, we got close to your sinus so no sneezing or blowing your nose until you two week appointment. I laughed and he said, no, I am serious.

We got back to Trina's and I realized my glass case had fallen out of my purse. James turned around and went back to get them, about 30 miles round trip. He also bought me mashed potatoes from Boston Market. I am supposed to be eating soft foods. I also had some yogurt, ice cream, a shake, and some pudding. 

I accidentally sneezed and it started some bleeding at the sight. Trina gave me some gauze and told me to bite down on it for 30 minutes which I did, and the bleeding stopped. 

James took a nap and we were on our way home. We stopped at McDonald's in Globe for ice cream but their ice cream machine is still broken.

We stopped to pick up Lyrica at the CVS in Show Low for James. The clerk said $406.27 and James handed him the credit card. I said, you do know what he said don't you? He says yes, $4.27. No, the clerk said, "$406.27. James says, "Oh, never mind." 

I sure hope he is ok without it.

So much of the snow has melted. Now we have mud and big puddles. Two bull elk run in front of us just before we turn to go up our hill. 

Once we get everything unloaded and put away James works on the book business while I work on my blog. We picked up a book James had ordered from the post office. Our goal is to post 100 books a month.

 Showing a little shoulder while she sleeps.

 Ruby almost ready for school.

She needs her shoes and her unicorn backpack.

Lola is almost ready too. She loves to walk

around brushing her teeth.

 Jackson's friend got a coatimundi.

Very rare in Arizona.

 James accidentally bought an ebook.

Thank goodness they refunded our money.

Cathi loves the beasts and the children.

Wednesday, August 1st, 2018

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Jacob 2:21

Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto him who created all flesh? And the one being is as precious in his sight as the other. And all flesh is of the dust; and for the self-same end hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:27-40

* What strategies did Moroni use to succeed with his army?

- He sent spies and he also asked the Prophet Alma what he should do. He knew what the enemy was going to do so he divided his army and surrounded them.

Old Testament

Job 8-10

8 Bildad asks, Doth God pervert judgment? - Bildad says, Our days upon earth are a shadow, and God will not cast away a perfect man.

9  Job acknowledges the justice and greatness of God and concludes that man cannot contend against Him.

10 Job is weary of life - He reasons with God about his afflictions - He asks, Why hast Thou brought me forth out of the womb?

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

President M. Russell Ballard

" Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: 'He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last."

James left early this morning for the Howard's. He wants to finish their floor today because we are going to the valley tomorrow. We were going to go today but this takes precedence.

James came home for a quick lunch, grilled tuna sandwich with cheese, and tomato basil soup. He laid on the recliner for about 10 minutes and then headed back to work. 

I finished the book, "Finding You Path in Lehi's Dream," and my audio book, "Unforgettable" today. I also started listening to the August Ensign and I read to James from "Abby's Crossing."

I hung one more family photo in our Hall of Fame, did some cleaning, and tried to spray off the driveway but was not very successful. 

One of my favorites

It took some doing to get everyone in white.

All the water and mud goes to the low spot and

the drain is clogged with pine needles

Rain was all around us today and it rained here for about 3 minutes.

I got a call from my friend Jean while I was working outside. She does not think her house will be ready for the August 13th Relief Society women's luncheon. She said she told Sister Miller that I might be willing to have it at my house. She was giving me a warning that I might get a call. I told her that was fine. She says also that she just does not have the energy to do everything that needs to be done. James says the house is filled with furniture and needs alot of work.

When James got home around 7:40 I asked him how it went? He said they finished! That is great. He also said that Ty was a big help and a hard worker for a sixteen year old. Ty also thanked him afterward saying he appreciated the work and was glad that James thought of him. Good kid.

There is something wrong with the starter on James's truck. Half the time when he turns the key it won't start. Brother Howard said we could take his truck to the valley. In fact, he insisted saying he didn't want us stranded down there when he needed James's help on Saturday moving furniture.

After James's dinner and shower we sat down and finished watching, "Love on Safari." I also watched my Christmas movie today, "Love You Like Christmas."

Love this tree

Storm in Sedona

Another great-granddaughter for Lois

How good can they be?

First day of school in Vernon

Cher's elk

Friday, February 23rd, 2018

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Acts 10:42

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 15:1-30

*In a world virtually overflowing with knowledge, how is there a famine of spiritual knowledge?

Old Testament

Leviticus 23-24

23 Israel is to hold a holy convocation on each weekly Sabbath - Israel is to keep the Feasts of the Passover, of Unleavened Bread, of Pentecost or Firstfruits, of Trumpets, of the Day of Atonement, and of Tabernacles.

24 A perpetual fire is to burn outside the veil in the tabernacle - A blasphemer is put to death by stoning - Israels law is one of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:4-6

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

General Conference

Fear Not to Do Good

President Henry B. Eyring

" That desire to bless is the fruit of people gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ His gospel, His restored Church, and His prophet. That is why the Lord's people doubt not and fear not. That is why missionaries volunteer for service in every corner of the world. That is why parents pray with their children for others. That is why leaders challenge their youth to take President Monson's request to immerse themselves in the Book of Mormon to heart. The fruit comes not by being urged by leaders but by the youth and members acting on faith. That faith, put into action, which requires selfless sacrifice, brings the change of heart that allows them to feel the love of God"

The Trek Continues

Elder M. Russell Ballard

" Stay on the gospel path by having 'faith in every footstep' so you can return safely back to the presence of Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord is our precious Savior. He is the Redeemer of the world. We must honor His sacred name and not misuse it in any way, always striving to keep His commandments. If we do so, He will bless us and lead us safely home."

Denise called today to tell me about Aunt Gene's 90th birthday party. It is going to be held in Gilbert on March 31st. That is the day before Easter and we had planned to have our annual Easter Egg Hunt and potluck at Sheri's between conference sessions.

Oh yes, she also told me that Gary's son is graduating from Harvard with a law degree in May and Gary is taking Aunt Gene to Boston with him.

Our company went out on the Razr this morning and most of them came back covered in mud. The washer and dryer were busy most of the rest of the day. 

James wants me to go to Sister Dye's with him to take her a load of wood. I have rolls rising that need to be baked in less than an hour so I can't go with him. 

Adam asked to use the truck but James says the brakes are leaking. What??

Early this evening I began making Adam's birthday dinner. Kristina asked if she could help and I said yes. She peeled potatoes, cleaned off and set the table, and did several other things to help me. 

I made Stacy's recipe for chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans and rolls. Actually Kristina and Kristofor made the stuffing and green beans while everyone else was playing a game. James helped "rice" the mashed potatoes and get them ready for eating.  I also made two dozen rolls for the temple tomorrow.  James and I did the dishes and were in bed by 9:30.

The dinner was well liked although you

couldn't tell by the look on Chris's and Kyle's faces.

Kristofor knew I was taking he picture 

hence the smile.

Kaitlin is smiling for the camera too.

Adam is contemplating whether he needs to

eat more mashed potatoes.

I actually got a photo of Adam helping

in the kitchen this morning after breakfast.

Sunday, September 17th, 2017

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 5:28-52

When the Lamanites were overshadowed by darkness, what did the voice urge them to do? (See Helaman 5:29,32.)

How does Helaman 5:30 describe the voice?

When have you felt or heard the whisperings of the "still voice of perfect mildness"?

What did Aminadab teach his brethren to do in order to disperse the darkness? (See Helaman 5:41.)

What happened when the Lamanites obeyed Aminadab's counsel and exercised faith in Christ? (See Helaman 5:43-44.)

From these verses what do you learn about repentance? 

*When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts with peace and joy.)

The Lamanites and Nephite dissenters who experienced this miracle went forth and ministered to the people, and "the more part of the Lamanites" converted to the gospel.

DC 134:1-12

Why is upholding our laws so important?

Law should uphold the agency of man. If a law is broken, a consequence should be expected. 

"Without beneficient laws, righteously administered, the foundations of civilization crumble, anarchy reigns, decay and dissolution follow." Anthony W. Ivins October 1928 GC.

We should obey, honor and sustain the law. (See AF 12). Abraham Lincoln once observed: 'Bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible; still, while they continue in force, they should be religiously observed.' This is the attitude of the Church in regard to law observance...

General Conference

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"As priesthood, temple and mission blessings are gathered, "together in one...in Christ" and synergistically interact in the heart, mind, and soul of a young missionary, he can qualify for the work. His capacity is increased to fulfill the responsibility to represent authoritatively the Lord Jesus Christ. The spiritually potent combination of honoring priesthood and temple covenants, receiving 'the power of godliness' through priesthood ordinances, serving selflessly and proclaiming the everlasting gospel to God's children enables a young man to become 'firm and steadfast in the faith' and 'rooted and built up in Christ.'"

I got up at 4:45 this morning. I said my prayers, took a shower, ate some breakfast and read from the Ensign before I started preparing for Primary. My lesson for today is: "Joseph Smith Teaches About Baptism for the Dead." I put my testimony in Cameron's scriptures. 

Jace, Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Jace's nonmember friend Frankie were in my class today. Gracie was at the Navajo county fair showing her pig with her sister Bailey. 

After the block James, Jace, Frankie, Colter and I visited Cameron's. He wasn't home but we delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner, some cookies, and a pedigree chart for him. We gave them to his mom. I told her how much I loved Cameron. She seemed pleased. After taking the boys home we stopped back at the church to meet with Brother Wilhelm and Brother Thompson. They asked us to speak in church on October 8th. I am to talk about conference and what I feel like was the theme. James is to use conference talks to talk about parenting. When we got ready to leave we noticed that Brother Seacard needed a ride home so we took him to the Banning Springs Rest Home where he lives. 

We finally got home, had some lunch and James went in to take a nap. Around 4 p.m. he left to go visit Anthony with Brother Westbrook. Anthony told them he has a girlfriend in the Concho ward so he will only be attending church half the time in Vernon.

This evening around 6:15 we rode to Chocolate Lake to release the rat James caught. As we drove up, a beautiful bull elk stood right in front of us for about five seconds before he ran off. That was well worth the ride! 

Sheri sent me the sweetest text today. I think I want to share it here.

"I thought about you so many times on the 13th and I'm sorry I didn't call or text. I love you so much and I loved grandma so much. Her greatest legacy is you! You are my idol and I hope someday people will say I am just like you.

I love you!"

I am grateful to have such a sweet and thoughtful daughter.

I also talked to Jared this evening about his kids. Things went much better this weekend, especially with James.

We read from Borrowed Light and watched an episode of Heartland: "Letting Go."

As we were heading to bed James grabbed his elk call and went on the deck and said: "Time to bugle." 

Photos:

San Diego beach bums

San Francisco Peaks

Flagstaff, Arizona

Love the eyes

Vernon sunset

Arizona wilderness

Yikes!

A couple of cuties

A couple of oldies

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.