Friday, November 8th, 2019

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 41:3

And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 23:1-14

What value is there in searching the scriptures and the prophets?

Answer: Today I quote from 3 prophets because I couldn't choose one. The Prophet Joseph Smith: "Search the scriptures, search the revelations and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. When men/women receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them."

President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I am grateful for the emphasis on reading the scriptures. I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that rather it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."

President Henry B. Eyring: "The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day. The words of the scriptures invite the Holy Spirit. With daily study of the scriptures we can count on this blessing. We treasure the word of God not only by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture. 

One of my grandchildren said to me: "Grandma, I love reading the scriptures." I think it may have been Addy, but why didn't I write down who it was? 

New Testament

Hebrews 5; I/F: FSS and FHE - Hebrews 1:8-9; 2:1-4

SS: Hebrews 5:1-5 Those who serve in God's Kingdom must be called of God.

10/19 General Conference

"Found Through the Power of the Book of Mormon"

Elder Reuben V. Alliaud

"Jesus Christ Himself is the Lord of lost things. He cares for lost things That is surely why He taught the three parable that we find in the 15th chapter of Luke: the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin,and, finally, the prodigal son. All these stories have a common denominator: It doesn't matter why they were lost. It doesn't matter even if they were aware they were lost. There reigns supreme a feeling of joy that exclaims, 'Rejoice with me; for I have found that which was lost.' In the end, nothing is truly lost to Him."

I was at Dr. Shah's at 7:00 this morning per their request. There was a lot of sitting around and waiting. Cute Noah who is 22 took x-rays, did my consultation, and assisted Dr. Shah with the tooth extraction. I think maybe some of the girls in the office are a little jealous of him. Others might have a crush on him. I think I would if I was 22.

Tooth #14 is to be extracted. Can you find it?

Can you find the implant?

Noah showed me the full head X-ray shot. It is kind of creepy to see yourself as a skeleton.

While I was waiting for the surgery I got cold so Noah brought me a blanket. Such service! 

We started out with a price of $1,600. Dr. Shah deducted $300 when I said budget was a concern. I elected to have a local shot instead of oral sedation and the price was brought down to $600.

Dr. Shah gave me two shots. One was in the roof of my mouth. Noah said that would be the worst part, but it wasn't. The grinding, and the pressure from the pulling was the worst part. I'm not sure I want to be awake for that ever again. 

Because this is a major chewing tooth, Dr. Shah did some bone graft for a future implant. 

The nice thing about the local anesthetic is that I was able to walk out the front door of the office instead of having James come around to the back to get me. I saw some poor woman with two pieces of bloody gauze in her mouth waiting in the back for someone to pick her up. 

I was supposed to wait an hour before eating, which would have been around 11,  but we headed straight for Culver's where both James and I got a vanilla malt. It was delicious. I was ready to head for home but James had to stop at the Montessori school in Mesa. This job isn't even going to start until school is out in the spring. They are having difficulty finding the sewer line so James and the architect keep having these little mini-meetings. 

I went to McDonald's and got some chicken nuggets with hot mustard sauce. James was so excited about the hot mustard sauce. He said the last time he asked for it they told him they didn't have it anymore. 

We finally headed for home the Payson way a little after noon. Stacy, Paul, Joshua, Shipley, and Vader are coming up to Vernon this afternoon. They left a two going the Globe way. They stopped at El Rey in Globe for dinner. 

We got home around 4 o'clock. I hurried and put my stuff away so I could watch a Hallmark movie before Stacy and Paul got here. Neither one of them are in to Hallmark movies and neither is Joshua. I watched "A Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas." I love the house/lodge in this movie. I've seen it in another Hallmark movie. It was fun to see all that they did to decorate the lodge and the barn for Christmas.

Stacy, Paul, Joshua and the two dogs got here a little after six just after my movie ended. Paul and Joshua are here to help James split and stack wood tomorrow. We work in the temple tomorrow so it will be in the afternoon.

I made rolls and baked them before going to bed.

Photos:

 Lola and friends

 Charlie's all in. Not so sure about Scarlett.

 One year anniversary of the Paradise, California fire.

Lucretia Barton's home where she lived over 50 years

was destroyed. She left everything behind and came to

live with her granddaughter, Candi Campbell, who 

had just moved to Vernon with her family.

Last visit to the cabin a few weeks ago.

 Former "So You Think You Can Dance" contestants.

Allison was also a pro on "Dancing with the Stars."

 Lynda is a member of our ward.

My friend Elida Pope took this picture in 

Pinetop-Lakeside.

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan

11 June 2000

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

*Just like the Nephites we are continually marching to battle. How do you remain humble and refrain from pride?

- By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 15-17

General Conference

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"It is my prayer that we follow Him, that we believe Him, that we love Him, and that we feel the love demonstrated by His sacrifice every time we have the opportunity to live one more day."

What a day! As James and I were leaving Darrel and Trina's we did something to trigger the alarm and it started blaring both outside and inside. Everyone else was already gone. I called Trina to ask her what the code was but she didn't know. She had to call her cousin the landlord. She left the gym early to come home. Her cousin had already turned it off and gave her the code in case it happens again. I'm glad she ran six miles this morning because she didn't get to workout at the gym. 

James and I just left the alarm blaring because we were running a little late for grandparents day at Joshua's school. We made it just in time.

Joshua is in the sixth grad and I wasn't sure he would

want his grandparents to come, but he was

happy to see us!

Joshua and some of his friends asked us questions. I am glad we went. It was fun. Joshua went home and told his mom that my nickname was the blonde bomber and that grandpa talked about Pete the crow.

James took me to Hobby Lobby again and then drove me to the AARA infusion center before he headed to Ruby's school for grandparents day.

James went to lunch with Ruby although he didn't eat,

and played tetherball with her on the playground.

They went to the book fair and James bought her

a Lemony Snickets book and a squishy unicorn.

I finished my infusion and appointment with Dr. Caldron before James returned so I walked across the street to Freddie's. I got a chocolate/vanilla custard cone and a drink. I loved the custard!

After James picked me up we went to Red Lobster to use our gift card. We had a nice lunch and then left for home. 

It always takes time to unpack and put things away. We went to bed fairly early because we have to leave for the temple by 5:45 a.m.

Charlie Mae is out and about

Ty A. participated in a Crossfit competition.

Here he is pulling 90 lbs.

Raised in Chandler

Old Photos:

Chandler Hospital where Jared had his

appendix out.

Rocket slide at Arrowhead Park.

The old Valley National Bank where we used 

to bank.

The Bayless store at Ray and Arizona

Avenue in North Park Plaza.

Those were the days!

Friday, July 13th, 2018

Guatemala City, Guatemala
32nd operating temple
Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 65:17

For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Book of Mormon

Alma 32:1-20

*How does one worship God?

- Obedience is the highest form of worship. A correct understanding of the nature of God and the Godhead is required for proper worship to occur.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 19-21

19 Jehoshaphat is rebuked for helping ungodly Ahab - He helps the people return to the Lord, sets up judges, and administers justice.

20 The Ammonites and others attack Judah - Jehoshaphat and all the people fast and pray - Jahaziel prophesies the deliverance of Judah - Judah's attackers war among and destroy themselves.

21 Jehoram slays his brothers, marries Ahab's daughter, and reigns in wickedness - Elijah prophesies a plague upon the people and the death of Jehoram - The Philistines and others war against Judah - Jehoram dies of sore diseases.

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

By Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"What are the purposes of the adjustments to Melchizedek Priesthood quorums? Having one Melchizedek Priesthood quorum in a ward unifies priesthood holders to accomplish all aspects of the work of salvation, including the temple and family history work previously coordinated by the high priests groups. It allows quorum members of all ages and backgrounds to benefit from the perspective and experience of one another and of those in different stages of life. It also provides additional opportunities for experienced priesthood holders to mentor others, including prospective elders, new members, young adults, and those returning to Church activity. I cannot adequately express how excited I am to contemplate the increasingly vital role that elders quorums will play in the future. The wisdom, experience, capacity, and strength that will be found in these quorums portend a new day and a new standard of priesthood service across the Church."

I read an article entitled "Answers to 35 Questions about Religious Freedom" in Meridian magazine. I am going to make a copy and keep it in my files. There are groups actively working to banish religion in any form from the public square and we need to be aware of what our rights are.

James bought a Colorado Golden melon last night at Walmart and he cut it up this morning and gave me some of it. I thought it was a little bland. I like cantaloupe much better. James really liked it.

Sheri is frustrated in New York. Actually they are staying at an airbnb in Union City, New Jersey. She wants to go exploring in the city but Ian and Ben are too tired. She finally gets Max and Evan to come with her to Central Park. Ian doesn't want them to spend any money so they can't go to the Museum of Natural History.

Here are some of the photos she took:

Raccoon checking out New York

I am definitely having problems walking today. I can't bend my right knee. I know it may be from the fall I took last night but I checked out my calendar and the week after my infusion last month I had the same problem. I hope this isn't a pattern.

James put some heat on it for me and rubbed my feet. Hopefully I will be ok for the temple tomorrow. Sitting on the couch with my knee up reminds me of how the Spirit and body work together. If the body doesn't work the way it's supposed to the Spirit is affected.

At 6:40 p.m. the rain is here and it's a downpour!

James and I finished "Riders on the Orphan Train" this evening and started a new book on Deseretbook Plus called "Abby's Crossing."

I also spoke to Jared on the phone. He says they would like to come out for Thanksgiving which makes me really happy!

Photos from Texas:

Tanner caught a fish

Molly

 Kacey looking beautiful!

Back in Vernon:

Building a rabbit hutch.

I love these summer storms!

Ian's photos of churches around the world:

Recognize any of these.

I saw Notre Dame and I am wondering if this

last one is St. Patrick's in New York.

Thursday, June 1st, 2017

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017 by

Henry B. Eyring

Alma 9:19-34

*According to Alma 9:19-23, what gifts and blessings had the Nephites, (including the people of Ammonihah), experienced because they were the Lord's covenant people?

*What are some ways we can stay true to the light and knowledge we have received?

DC 84:17-28

18-25, The greater priesthood holds the key of the knowledge of God; 26-32, The lesser priesthood holds the key of the ministering of angels and of the preparatory gospel;

What authority did John the Baptist receive from the angel?

*"To overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power." (verse 28).  John the Baptist was a preparer and he held the Aaronic priesthood or the preparatory priesthood.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"When we physically lean toward one side or another, we move off

center, we are out of balance, and we tip.

When we spiritually lean to our own understanding we lean away from our Savior.  If we lean, we are not centered; we are not balanced; we are not focused on Christ."

Happy Anniversary to us!
49 years and counting!

James placed a card on my study desk at Cathi and Terry's this morning.  It was the first thing I read.  I am so grateful to him.  He is my best friend, my priesthood leader, and the love of my life.  I wish everyone could be as happy as we are!

To celebrate we went to Biscuits for breakfast.  I got the same thing I got yesterday, Joe's Scramble, only this time I ate every bite.  James got the corned beef, potatoes, hashbrowns, and eggs. 

When we returned to Cathi's James put on his work clothes.  He is patching a section of drywall in Cathi and Terry's garage.  We he finishes he keeps in, takes a shower, and changes his clothes.  It is time for me to stop my gospel study and get ready to go home to Vernon.  I am sad we were not able to get our new windshield because we never heard back from our insurance company, National General.  On the way out of town we stopped at the Chandler Costco so James could get some batteries for his hearing aid.  We also got steaks, cough drops, and a few other items of groceries.  We ended up spending around $100.  Away we go!  We are still reading from "The Shack". Of course we went through Globe.

  

Our first stop on the way home was at the Burger King in Show Low for a Whopper Jr.  Next stop was the Vernon post office.  We got the book, "Joseph Smith, a Rough Stone Rolling," and two checks from Diana R.  I also got a thank you card from Rachel and a fidget spinner.  It is 65 degrees, overcast, and we get a little rain.  Perfect weather!  As I am unloading my suitcases and putting everything away a feeling of gratitude comes over me for my beautiful home and where we live.  We are truly blessed!

This evening we watch an old Taylor Cole movie on Hallmark.  James cooks steaks and I make some lemon pepper asparagus.  The perfect dinner.  These steaks are divine!

I finished reading "Dad's Who Stay and Fight" and did some other studying.  As we are sitting outside on our bedroom porch I head cows mooing.  We have not seen any cows since the 2014 fire.  James takes off on the Razr to check it out and says he saw 215 cows.  Oh dear, and this before we get our fence up.

I love James because:

He is an awesome grandpa!

He can cook!

He loves to study the gospel.

He is a hard worker.

This was a service project he did for 

Kim and Brian.

He likes to take me out to eat.

El Cupido's after the Snowflake temple

This is a chinese restaurant in Phoenix

that Kim recommended.  We took Alex, Michael,

and Kim here last year as part of our 

scripture study, lunch program.

He looks handsome in his suit 

and purple tie.

He is a wonderful father.

He helps me with projects for my 

Primary class.

Here he is making paper airplanes.

He takes me to the temple!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

I love you!