Friday, March 1st, 2019

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Mar 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 68:6

Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 23:1-22

*While we might be living in "Zion" do you still stream content from "Babylon," shop from their clothing line, or weave their teachings into "Zion's" gospel? How else might we have a foot in "Babylon"?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 7:7-20; I should judge righteously

"The Righteous Judge" Elder Lynn G. Robbins, 10/16

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"This morning we will announce a new balance and connection between gospel instruction in the home and in the Church. We are each responsible for our individual spiritual growth. And scriptures make it clear that parents have the primary responsibility to teach the doctrine to their children. It is the responsibility of the Church to assist each member in the divinely defined goal of increasing his or her gospel knowledge."

I did an early morning walk in Darrel's backyard. While I was walking I listened to conference talks. I especially loved the one by Elder Lynn G. Robbins, "The Righteous Judge." Here are a couple of quotes from that talk under the subheading 'The Parent as a Righteous Judge.' 

"To effectively teach a child is the very essence of good parenting, and to lovingly discipline is the very essence of being a righteous judge." 

"President Joseph F. Smith taught, 'If children are defiant and difficult to control, be patient with them until you can conquer by love, ... and you can then mold their characters as you please."

"It is insightful that in teaching how to discipline, the prophets seem to always refer to Christlike attributes."

George Albert Smith taught that "unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord. The Spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness; it is a spirit of patience; it is a spirit of charity and love and forbearance and long suffering. ...

"... But if we have the spirit of fault finding ... in a destructive manner, that never comes as a result of the companionship of the Spirit of our Heavenly Father and is always harmful.

" ... Kindness is the power that God has given us to unlock hard hearts and subdue stubborn souls."

Ruby was telling me about a book that she read called, "Hollis Woods." The only thing Hollis ever really wanted was a family of her own. She went from foster family to foster family and was finally adopted. I asked Ruby if she liked the book and she said yes.

James helped Rowan roll up his sleeping bag and other supplies for his camp out tonight. It was fun watching them.

Rowan still has bed head.

We said goodbye to Trina, Lola, Rowan and Ruby when they left this morning for school and the gym. Darrel was already gone to work and Addy to school. 

Leaving for school and the gym

My infusion was scheduled for 10:30 so we got ready to go and left a little before 10 just as Trina came in holding Lola. I guess Lola got sick in the car. Trina laid Lola down on the couch. When grandpa said, "I'm sorry that you are sick." Lola said, "I will feel better if you give me a kiss grandpa." Such a sweetie.

A fancy sick girl

My infusion was pretty routine. I did have an appointment with Edith who is one of Dr. Caldron's P.A. She insisted that I had to have a chest x-ray if I wanted Medicare to continue to pay for my infusions so I scheduled one for next month right before my infusion on April 5th.

When James came to pick me up he was worried about his tractor not being where he parked it. Thank goodness he called Armando and he had it. 

We headed east on the 202 for the Firebird's near San Tan mall in Gilbert where I am meeting my friend Karen S. for lunch. 

Karen and I have lunch twice a year to celebrate our birthdays. Her birthday is in February and mine is in August so it works out well. I bought her lunch, the Colorado salad and gave her a book, "My Grandfather's Blessing." I had my usual, the coconut shrimp with habanero slaw. The shrimp was cooked perfectly. 

Karen and I visited about family, family history, health, and various other things. Karen is my family research mentor. She is the best family history consultant I know. Karen has had chemo-therapy for kidney cancer and never lost her hair. Now she is on immuno-therapy. Karen says she has her hair done once a week because her right shoulder is frozen. Her hip also bothers her and she was at physical therapy before she came to lunch.

I asked James to take me to Swig's to get a sugar cookie, which he did. He got one too but was wishing it didn't have frosting.

Lola was asleep on the couch with her head laying on Trina's lap. She was dressed in her best dress with several necklaces on because she wanted to look "fancy" even if she was sick. She had asked Trina the other day if "fancy" people fart. Trina said they did but they call it toot or fluff. The conversations you can have with a four year old.

While James was taking a short nap I had a conversation with Trina I wish I could take back. I told her I was ready to die except that I couldn't leave James. I told her so much of life is spent on doing trivial things that don't really matter and the struggle was endless. 
When I got home I got a text from Trina saying if life was too hard in Vernon we could come and live with them. So sweet and thoughtful. 

We said goodbye and left just as Trina's dad was getting there to watch Lola while she went to pick up the other kids. It was nice to see him again. 

We got home safe and sound. After putting things away and walking we finished off the evening by watching an episode of "Victoria." There is only one more episode left this season.

 Cutie Pie

 Jared and Emmy reading scriptures

 Ordered this book for 99 cents only to

find out it was digital. I cancelled.

Lots of good quotes in this movie.

Here are a couple:

"A man who loves his job never works 

a day in his life." -Confucius

"Nothing great is ever achieved without enthusiasm."

-R.W. Emerson

 Snow on Four Peaks

Sunday, January 13th, 2018

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated:  19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 11:12-30
*Who do I know that needs to read the Book of Mormon?
* Why didn't the angel just tell Nephi the meaning of the vision?
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Magnificat
46 - My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 - My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 - He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: ... henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 - He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 - His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 - He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 - He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 - He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 - He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 - As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
General Conference

For Him

Joy D. Jones

"Can you think back on a time when you lovingly reached out with sincere effort to help someone in need and felt that your efforts went unnoticed or perhaps were unappreciated or even unwanted? In that moment, did you question the value of your service? If so, may the words of King Benjamin replace your doubt and even your hurt: 'Ye are only in the service of your God.'

Rather than building resentment, we can build, through service, a more perfect relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our love for and devotion to Him preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow to and through us."

Ensign: "Mary, the Mother of Jesus" 

Gabriel appeared to Zacharias because he and Elisabeth had prayed for a miracle child, but he came to Mary ... not to fulfill a petition but to announce God's will for her. Calls of discipleship often require alterations to and personal life plans. 

It is another winter wonderland outside. It snowed during the night and we have another 6-8 inches. I love new snow, it makes the world look so beautiful and white. 

As I was studying Brother Bowen's talk, "The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion" for Relief Society I came across this statement:  "When I arrived in Chile, my mission president invited us to read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in the Joseph Smith-History every week. He taught us that a testimony of the First Vision would have a direct correlation to our own testimony of the gospel and our testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I believe this is true and I took the time today to read the First Vision. 

The bishop called James up out of the congregation during sacrament meeting to bear his testimony. I must say, he did a great job. I had several people tell me afterwards how much they enjoyed what he said. 

We didn't go to the Peeler's because Brother Peeler said his road was too bad but we found out later that Kathy and the Lauritzen's went so Donna did get the sacrament. 

Lorraine Vaught was not at church today so I called her to make sure she was okay. She said she had taken a fall yesterday and because of the snow she decided to stay home today. She thanked me for checking on her. Sister Halcomb, Kerri's mom, wasn't there either. Kerri said her hip was bothering her and she didn't want to take the chance of falling so she stayed home. 

I have today and tomorrow morning to finish my ministering interviews. I have 12 companionships and quarterly I am supposed to contact at least one person from each companionship. I was able to get 9 out of 12. I tried to contact the last three but they did not answer me.  Tamara got 10 out of 13 and Kerri 4 out of 13.

I quit taking my ibruprofen and hydrocodone because one of them was causing me to have shortness of breath. I went back to tramadol and it is causing me to itch like crazy!

President Nelson's 67 year old daughter passed away this week from cancer. She is the second daughter he has lost to cancer. He and Wendy were in Paradise, California today speaking to victims of the fire. 

A Prophet who has drawn from a hidden well of strength from the Lord.

James and I studied from the "Come Follow Me" lesson this evening. This week we are studying about worshipping the Savior in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

I am excited that the new season of Victoria is on Masterpiece Theater beginning tonight. We did not watch it but I have it taped.

These two are a couple in real life. Maybe that is why they

are so believable.

 Getting ready for the Rome, Italy temple 

open house. The dedication is in March.

Brother and Sister Renlund spoke to

the young adults this evening.

 Trying out some cereal

 Not sure she likes it.

 Teething is the pits!

 Our little southern belle.

James writing in his journal.

From last week's lesson.

I love Walter Rane's artwork.

Tuesday, February 6th, 2018

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 July 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Warning: This actually happened on Thursday, Feb 8th,
I skipped Wed, Feb 7th so it will be posted on Thurs, Feb 8th.

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 1:1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:30-2:10

*How do I keep the balanced perspective of my dependence on God's grace with the desire to live righteously?

- I know that if I do the best I can that the Lord will do the rest.

Old Testament

Exodus 30-32

30 An altar of incense is to be placed before the veil - Atonement is to be made with the blood of the sin offering - Atonement money is to be paid to ransom each male - Priests are to use holy anointing oil and perfume.

31 Artisans are inspired in building and furnishing the tabernacle - Israel is commanded to keep the Lord's Sabbaths - The death penalty is decreed for Sabbath desecration - Moses receives the stone tablets. 

32 Aaron makes a golden calf, which Israel worships - Moses serves as a mediator between God and rebellious Israel - Moses breaks the tablets of stone - The Levites slay about 3,000 rebels - Moses pleads and intercedes for the people.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Genesis 17:3-4, 7

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree, Jr.

" Sometimes we feel that we don't have any particularly important gifts. One day, a discouraged sister pleaded, 'Lord, what is my personal ministry?' He answered, 'Notice others.' It was a spiritual gift! Since then, she has found joy in noticing those who are regularly forgotten, and God has worked through her to bless many. While some spiritual gifts may not be prominent by the world's standards, they are essential to God and His work."

 "Our only hope for true perfection is in receiving it as a gift from heaven." - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

We went to the 11 a.m. session at the Snowflake temple. James wants to watch the officiator so he will know what to do when he is asked to officiate. We were the witness couple which is always a special privilege. We noticed the the officiator said very little and at one point I even thought maybe he was mute, but not so. 

Before going home we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch. I had a Big Jake burro and a diet Dr. Pepper. They have the best ice!  

We also stopped at Walmart and I got some things to add to my Valentine centerpiece on the dining room table. We also had to get some gas. One the way home we noticed lots of dark clouds above us. We went home the White Mountain Lake way and I must say I was not impressed although the road was paved all the way. They really need some zoning laws up here. 

On the way home Jared texted and asked if we could do a marriage survey for one of Autumn's college classes. She needs to interview a couple who have been married at least 20 years. I told him we would work on it when we got home from the temple. 

We really thought the clouds were going to bring us some moisture, which they did, but it only lasted a few minutes. 

We got home to find out that our internet and phones were down. There was no way to contact Jared or Autumn to tell them of our situation. They were down all the rest of the day. I couldn't pay bills either. So I watched an episode of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." I hadn't seen it before and I really enjoyed it but can't remember the name of the episode so I called it, "Until the Cows Come Home."

We also watched two episodes of "Victoria," "The Warp and Weft," and "Sins of the Fathers."  

My knee started to hurt so I only got 4,650 steps today. James has over 20,000 steps. He has lots of people on Pacer who like his progress but someone named Denise likes his progress better than anyone.

We look so old!

Can you tell how much he loves

picking out new glasses?

Carmen's zebra cake

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Oakland, California
13th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-19 November 1964
by David O. McKay

Alma 5:1-25

*How might it have helped Alma's people to hear the account of the bondage, deliverance, and conversion of Alma's father and those who followed him?

*Look at Alma 5:7.  According to this verse, what kind of change had occurred in the lives of Alma's father and his people?

* What do you think it means to experience a "change of heart"? (see Alma 5:7-9, 14.)

*What connection do you see between believing in the word of God and experiencing a change of heart?

*Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "You may ask, why doesn't this mighty change happen more quickly with me? ... For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time.  Being born again. . Is more a process than an event.  And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality."

*What words and phrases did Alma use that describe the condition you would lie to be in when you stand before God to be judged? (see Alma 5:16, 19.)

Ether 13

Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem to be built in America by the seed of Joseph; He prophesies, is cast out, writes the Jaredite history, and foretells the destruction of the Jaredites; War rages over all the land.

DC 76:102-119

114-19 The faithful may see and understand the mysteries of Gods kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How has the Holy Ghost helped me understand spiritual things better?

*He has testified to my spirit as I have tried to serve Him and keep His commandments.  He has comforted me and prompted me to do righteous things and He has brought me peace.

General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"In contrast to the belief that God is an incomprehensible and unknowable mystery is the truth that the nature of God and our relationship to Him is knowable and is the key to everything else in our doctrine."

I reviewed one of the earlier Primary lessons this year on Joseph Smith Preparing to Receive the Gold Plates.  Here is an excerpt from the lesson: Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote that after the first visits of Moroni, "Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he gave us a relation of the same. ...During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined.  He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship  This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp 82-83.)

Four years passed between the time Joseph first saw the gold pates and when he actually received them.  The angel Moroni was preparing Joseph for the work he had been called to do.  During these four years, Joseph also met with many other Nephite prophets, such as Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior in America (see Church History in the Fulness of Times, p. 41).

I find this information both interesting and fascinating.  I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  I am grateful for his humility and desire to learn his duty in serving the Lord.

Today in the Topical Guide of the scriptures under Jesus Christ I read about the Savior choosing his 12 Apostles.  There is some discrepancy between Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Matthew and Mark have the 11th apostle listed as Labbaeus Thaddeus and Luke has listed Judas, the brother of James. 

I left this morning for town to do the last of my visiting teaching.  Hailey, the sister I am visiting, said she was going to be at Whipple Ranch Elementary School helping her friend who is the reading resource person there move all of her stuff out.  She is going to a different school next year.  I offered to bring them a pizza and Hailey seemed to like that idea.  I picked up a pepperoni pizza at Dominoes and headed for the school, which is just down the street from where I lived in Show Low.  I got to see Hailey and Huntleigh.  Huntleigh will be two at the end of June and of course she is always with her mom.  She calls me "gma." I invited Hailey to be a part of my Book of Mormon text group and she said yes.  I also told her that President Monson has ask us to read the Book of Mormon.  Hailey and her family have not been to church for several months now.  Her daughter Taylor has not been baptized since she turned 8 last October.  She is supposed to be in my Primary class.  I am so excited that Hailey agreed to read the Book of Mormon with us.  I forgot to tell her we were already started and we are studying Alma 5 this week.  Oh well, I guess she will find out soon enough.  I took half,  (I ate the other half on the way home) to James for lunch.  

This afternoon I watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."  Each of the three finalists will dance a redemption dance and a freestyle.  The redemption dance is a dance they performed earlier in the year.  They dance it again to see how much they have improved.  The freestyle is just what it sounds like; no rules apply, anything goes!  I want Rashad Jennings to win.  He and Emma got a perfect score for the night.  Rashad is a free agent in the NFL.  One the night he told his story he told about getting a college scholarship to play football when he got a phone call from his mother saying his father was very ill.  Rashad gave up the scholarship to go home and be with his family at this most difficult time.  He also practiced one hundred hours more than any other finalist.  His work ethic is amazing.  Also, I love his partner, Emma Slater, and would love for her to win with Rashad.

I didn't actually watch tonight's finale but I woke up in the middle of the night to see this:

They won!

I am so happy for them because they are both amazing people!

Emma has never had a good partner.  Last year she was stuck with Rick Perry and he was one of the first to go home.  She is always upbeat and kind to her partners and never complains about them.

She deserves this too! Besides, I love her British accent.

James is so discouraged.  He took the pump apart today trying to fix it but was not successful.  When I got home from town, he had tried putting it back together and could not get it to work.  We knelt down and said a prayer and he went out and tried one more time.  This time it worked!  He still has to figure out why we have a leaks; one water leak and one air leak.  Tomorrow is another day.  He has had enough stress for today.  

We watched an episode of "Victoria" to relax. Victoria is a Masterpiece Classic on the Public Broadcasting station.  Victoria is the story of queen Victoria of England who came to reign at the young age of 18. She marries her cousin, Albert from Germany.  He is trying to find a place in the government and takes on the issue of abolishing slavery.  His first speech in front of parliament is very well received.  He wants to be known as a man of principle. They are very much in love and everyone is waiting for them to produce an heir.  Oh dear.

 We also started reading a book that Cathi loaned us called "The Shack."

Cathi didn't tell us much about it but I believe it is based on a

true story.

I am also reading a book by Greg Trimble, who is LDS, called: "Dad's Who Stay and Fight."

The chapter I read today was called: "Dads and Technology."

"Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master."

-Christian Lauge

"I fear that we have yet to fully realize the severe emotional, spiritual, and physical consequences our youth will experience in coming years due to our overly digital age. 

- Brandon Stewart

Founding musical director for the Millennial Choirs

and Orchestras.

"Technology is active vegetation of your kids' minds."

-Greg Trimble

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Mt. Timpanogos, Utah
49th operating temple
Dedicated: 13-19 October 1996 by
Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 2:1-18

* Why do you think it is important to receive strength from God to stand against wickedness rather than having wicked influences removed completely from our lives?

James: "Trials help us grow and develop.  They not only can help us become stronger and more resistant, but they teach us valuable lessons and help us to recognize our reliance on God.  When we realize our reliance on God and exercise faith in Him, our love for Him and our savior increases and He is able to, through our faith perform miracles in our lives.  When we recognize the Lord's tender mercies we also receive a spiritual confirmation in our hearts that He knows us personally and loves us.  I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!

Ether 5-6

5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

6 The Jaredite barges are driven by the winds to the promised land; 

The people praise the Lord for His goodness; Orihah is appointed king over them; Jared and his brother die.

DC 76:25-37

An angel of God fell and became the devil; Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation;

What is the "second death" and who are affected by this?

* Bruce R. McConkie: "Spiritual death is the second death.  It is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit.  All are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have sinned unto death, (DC 64:7), or sons of perdition.

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.  The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon 

cannot be overstated."

There were patches of snow on the ground this morning when I got up.  Not enough to completely cover the ground, but still, it's May and there is snow.

I studied the old missionary discussions, Preach My Gospel, "Dad's Who Stay and Fight," Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide of the scriptures, and my Primary lesson.  I downloaded the book "Are Mormon's Christians" on my phone for James,  and tried to set up Deseret Bookshelf Plus on my tablet, but I got the message that they are not compatible.  It is an older and cheaper tablet and there probably are not enough gigabytes.  I see an iPad on the horizon.

We made a trip into town today to get the tire fixed on my car and to have the tires rotated.  Next week it will be an oil change and a new windshield.  James met me at Discount Tire and took care of all the business for me then we hopped in his truck and drove to Darbi's in Pinetop for lunch.  I had a patty melt and a coleslaw.  James had a tuna melt and potato salad.  After lunch I was going to go shopping but I just didn't feel like it.  I will be back in town tomorrow to go to lunch with my friend Pam and I will hit Walmart then.

I stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone and a diet coke. Their fountain drinks are the best!  James went to Safeway and then Kmart looking for Dr. Pepper 10 since Walmart is out.  He found some at Kmart.  I appreciate him being so thoughtful.

James worked on his trailer this afternoon and I paid bills, worked on my blog, and found a name to do ordinances for on Family Search.  The name is Clydia Strickland.  I recognize this name because this is my grandpa's sister.  I thought her work had been done, but I was wrong.  I even have her husband's name so she can be sealed to her spouse. James is a little jealous and wants me to work on his line.

I read a neat story about the Paris temple today.  Elder Andersen came to do an inspection and was concerned because there weren't enough flowers for the VIP tour which was to begin the next morning.  The gardener went to the nearest nursery and bought all of their flowers.  In the meantime he called a bishop and asked for volunteers to come and plant the flowers that evening.  40 people showed up, including children.  The flowers were all planted before the next morning and when Elder Andersen returned he said the grounds looked 100 percent better.  That is the magic of Mormonism!

We watched another two hours of Victoria today.  Tomorrow she will meet Prince Albert whom she is destined to marry.  On the way to bed I looked out the window and saw three elk.  James had a hard time seeing them, but finally his elk eyes came into focus.

Photos:

 I loved Elder Pace!

I wonder if any of this is edible.

I am a sucker for clouds, sunsets, and trees.

Windmills, not so much, but this one is great.

A burrowing owl looking into the camera lens.

Joshua telling Michael about Silver Surfer and

a scorpion.  So cute!

This temple has more stained glass art than any 

other temple.

A Christus outside on the grounds.

Not quite the same as the picture above you Dallin.

Scary!

Perfect attendance for Ruby the first quarter

of last year.

Love these two!!

This boy has the best 

sense humor!

An award for Rowan!