Monday, February 11th, 2019

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:28-5:9

* Why do you think some blessings we receive are conditional on praying and fasting and others are not?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

John 2:1-11 The power of Jesus Christ can change me.

"Ye Must Be Born Again" Elder David A. Bednar, 4/07

General Conference

Our Campfire of Faith

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"Our campfire of faith encourages us to establish regular patterns of righteous living that deepen faith and spirituality.These holy habits, righteous routines, or prayerful patterns may include prayer; scripture study; fasting; remembering our Savior and covenants through the ordinance of the sacrament; sharing gospel blessings through missionary, temple and family history, and other service; keeping a thoughtful personal journal; and so on."

I have asked several of my family and friends how they liked the fireside last night. Everyone I spoke to said that Sister Nelson's talk was their favorite. I believe she knows how to connect with people. She was a marriage counselor for years before she was married. She also spoke on a topic that was interesting to everyone. She has a very pleasant voice to listen to. I truly do love her. I remember how she made me felt when I met her. She asked me, "How are you, what is your name, where are you from? Tell me about yourself." It made me feel like she really cared and I actually think she does.

I was laying in bed at Darrel and Trina's this morning when I got a text from Karen S. She has to cancel our lunch date today because she has a man coming to repair her hot water heater. We rescheduled for March 1st, the next time I am down here for an infusion. 

I got up and went downstairs to get cookies and cards ready for Darrel and Trina's family. I decided not to give the sugar cookies to anyone else. Lola helped me put the cookies in heart bags, and choose Mickey and Minnie Valentines and suckers for everyone in her family. She stayed at the house with me while Trina took Rowan and Ruby to school. James went out for a walk.

I made this fox and was going to use it for a Valentine but I ended up not using it. I asked Lola if she had heard the song, "What Does the Fox Say?" She had not so James played it for her on his phone. She loved it!

We wanted to go over and see the progress on the new house but Trina had an appointment with a dermatologist and couldn't go with us and we didn't want to go buy ourselves. 

We left the house around 9:30 and headed for the nearest Verizon store. There was one on Baseline and Signal Butte in the Walmart shopping center. Before the fireside last night James looked down at his phone and it said he had "no contacts." I thought he would be in the store for awhile so I decided to walk across the parking lot to the Hallmark Store. I just arrived and took some pictures when James texted and said he was done. A woman working there checked his setting and his icloud storage was turned off. She turned it back on and all of his contacts re-appeared.

Here are the pictures I took in the store:

 Lola loves pink and she loves unicorns

 Ruby loves unicorns and koala bears.

She also likes pink.

 Addy hates flamingoes but I

had to take a picture.

Love these Valentines for girls

I texted these photos to Trina. When she received them she asked me where I was. When I told her I asked if she was going to show them to her girls. She said no. I just laughed.

After leaving the Hallmark and Verizon stores we headed for the Chacon tire business in Mesa. James stopped by and told Mario Chacon who does not speak english that the permits for the job should be available on Wednesday. 

Our next stop was the Chili's on Baseline and Stapley for lunch. We have three gifts cards, one with $15, $30, and $50. Darrel and Trina gave us the $50 one for James's birthday. We spent around $38 so we still have the $50.

I love the Caribbean salad with shrimp and James loves their salmon. We also ordered unlimited chips and salsa, another favorite.

 Carribean shrimp salad

Salmon with broccoli and rice

We got gas and went through a carwash before heading home. 

We stopped in Globe to put air in our tire and for me to get a drink.

I waited until we got home this evening to email Ben because I had left the information I wanted to send him at home. I think I was too late because I never heard back from him.

Sheri sent me the email he sent her today about how he got his testimony of the Book of Mormon. It is personal and I can't share it on here until I check with Ben which won't be until next Monday.

I finished my steps and James and I watched the latest Hallmark movie, "The Story of Us" starring Maggie Lawson and Sam Page.

 Stacy needs this

 Dalllin's dog. She heard Sarah say

it's time for a bath.

 Is there anything more precious

than a sleeping baby?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2018

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicted: 21 May 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 26:2

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Alma 61:6-21

*How do you retain your freedom and resist temptation?

- I think I lose my freedom when my eye is off the Lord. Sometimes I rush through my day and don't take the time to be still and seek the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Freedom and peace return when I remember that I truly need Him every hour and lay my weaknesses before His feet.

Old Testament

Proverbs 6-7

General Conference

"Until Seventy Times Seven"

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"Repentance is God's ever-accessible gift that allows and enables us to go from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm. Repentance isn't His backup plan in the event we might fail. Repentance is His plan, knowing that we will. This is the gospel of repentance, and as President Russell M. Nelson has observed, it will be 'a lifetime curriculum.'

I had a goal to leave by 8 a.m. and we left a little before 9. We went back once for something I thought I forgot but I really didn't, and then I ended up forgetting my temple clothes. Luckily the Gilbert temple now rents some clothes. 

We attended the 2:30 p.m. temple session with Sheri and Ben. James said that Ben was very proficient in putting on his ordinances clothes this time. I provided all the temple names from my family tree.

Ben's friends Ian and Burke were outside the

temple when we were leaving. Ian took these

photos for us.

We parted ways and James dropped me off at Michael's to look around while he searched for a fast food place to grab a bite. I was not impressed with Michael's compared to Hobby Lobby.  I didn't buy anything with is quite amazing.

James found a Carl's Jr. and bought each of us a Santa Fe chicken sandwich. How thoughtful!  We had stopped for In n Out burgers when we first got in to town. Yikes! What were we thinking? Fast food is not good when you are trying to lose weight.

We went back to Darrel and Trina's so we could say hi to the kids. Trina was at work. The girls were home alone because Darrel had taken Rowan to his football game.

I can't text Addy anymore because she has a different phone so we were glad when someone opened the door for us. 

Ben's setting apart was in the high council room of the Chandler West stake center, the room where I used to attend stake council meeting when I was the stake Relief Society president. 

President Kent Johansen, the stake president, set Ben apart. He explained that he got his authority directly from President Russell M. Nelson. President Johansen asked if anyone knew the 5th Article of Faith. Rowan raised his hand and recited it. President was impressed. He gave a beautiful blessing. Sheri, Kim, and I all were trying to write things down. I was sitting by Lola and she kept asking me questions. He told Ben that his name tag was a reminder that he was taking upon himself the name of Christ and was his representative. Here is my sketchy version of the blessing:

Serve with all your heart, might, mind and strength. You will feel great joy and receive direct revelation as you act in courage. At times of trial and discouragement seek the Lord in humble prayer. Chase darkness away and be filled with light. Be diligent in your studies. You teachings and your pure and humble testimony will go deep into the hearts of others. Develop a great love for the people you teach and see them and love them through Heavenly Father's eyes. Bear testimony often. I bless you with health, strength, a sound mind and a sound body. I bless you that through your obedience you will find great joy in serving the Lord. Make friends and be a leader. Be an inspiration and lift those who are struggling in the responsibilities of serving a mission. Be diligent. Overlook the faults of others. Take counsel from DC 84:88 where the Lord says: And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

See the Lord's purpose. You may think of your mission as a great sacrifice but it is actually a great blessing and will be for you and your family now and in generations to come. 

President Johansen is a very powerful, spiritual man and the Spirit was definitely in the room.

Those who attended: Sheri, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Darrel, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola, James and myself.  Now Ben is a missionary and can go forward to serve. President cautioned him to obey mission rules and have someone as a companion until he leaves for Utah and the MTC tomorrow morning.

James and I met Sheri, Ian, Alex, Ben, Max, Evan, Kim, and Brian at the Mellow Mushroom in Mesa for pizza. Our pizza was delicious: mozarella and parmesan cheese, fresh basil, olives, onions, and tomatoes. Yummy! I had two pieces and James had four. The last time we will see Ben for two years.

Goodbye Ben!

 Scarlett, Autumn, Palmer

Sweet family!

 James brought me a bouquet

Sweet Charlie

Adorable!

Thursday, March 29th, 2018

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 9:15

Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.

Book of Mormon

Enos 1:11-27

Have you ever prayed for an enemy?

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 24-26

24 Laws given concerning divorce, newly married persons, making merchandise of men, taking of pledges, leprosy, oppression of servants, and leaving gleanings of crops.

25 Judges prescribe punishment for wicked - Marriage law provides for brother's widow - Just weights and measures required - Israel commanded to blot out Amalekites from under heaven.

26 Israel shall offer to the Lord a basket of firstfruits of Canaan - They are commanded to keep law of tithing - Israel covenants to keep commandments, and the Lord promises to make them a holy people and a great nation.

General Conference

"Seek Ye Out of the Best Books"

Elder Ian S. Arden

" It is the very essence of religion not to have a sure answer to every question, for this is one of the purposes of faith. In that regard, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught us that 'when those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.'"

We had about 20 elk walk across our yard this morning between 8-8:30. They were walking back up the hill to bed down for the day.

After my gospel study this morning I began getting ready to go to the valley. I got out my red pot, two crockpots, the ham roaster, utensils, the ricer and the food I need to take with us. I also boiled some eggs for coloring. I watered my plants, packed a box with snacks, and finished up Stacy's basket. It looked like this:

Pink little Lambie!

We left at 11:47 and James already has 10,000 steps. He worked outside and sprayed off the car and the garage. 

It is a beautiful day, no wind, sunny, and 50 degrees. We stopped at Burger House and got a couple of burros. James needs some Biotene so we stopped at the Walgreen's in Apache Junction.

I got two Tofifay's, one for Stacy and one for us, and some Biotene although they didn't have the little spray bottle. 

From Walgreen's we went on to Darrel's to unload. It is 85 degrees. Yikes!  As soon as we got unloaded we drove over to Chandler to the Enterprise on north Arizona Avenue. We had pre-registered and we were signed up at the one in south Chandler so we drove to the one on Germann and Alma School inside Cobblestone Carwash.

We were there for over an hour. The service was so slow. Finally we came away with a Toyota Camry. James drove Lexy to Erik's and I drove the rental to pick him up. 

Our next stop was at Stacy's. We gave her the basket and she loved it. James had to make an egg with Joshua's egg spinner. 

Such concentration.

Can you find his egg?

Since Stacy is going in the morning to have surgery Paul and James gave her a priesthood blessing. Paul anointed and James gave the blessing. It was sweet.

We got back on the 202 and headed east to Darrel and Trina's. We stopped at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. and had some dinner.

I had asked the kids to help me fill my Easter eggs. I had seven different colored plastic eggs and I originally was going to assign a color to each kid. Ruby picked the sparkly ones and that made Lola cry. We gave a couple to Lola and then Ruby got upset about something and laid over on the couch the rest of the evening. I felt bad but didn't know what to do. I did everything I could think of to make her happy. I think she was tired. Rowan and Addy and I had fun filling the eggs. Rowan is hilarious. He put a small amount of candy in one egg with a note that said: "I bet you wish there was more."

Lois had cataracts removed from her right

eye today. 

This was three years ago in March.

More from last year at Buckulieu Springs.

Silly kids!

I showed this to Ruby and she loved it.

Kyler, Jasmine's baby.

Somewhere in the White Mountains.

Our new book.

She is one of our favorite authors.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Postmortal

Mark 16:9

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 10:1-19

*How have you seen Christ work in your life like a "hen gathering her chickens under her wings" for protection?

- A hen cares for her chicks and would sacrifice her life to protect them. When danger threatens, she gathers the chicks under her wings for protection. In a similar way, the Lord loves his people, the house of Israel. He gave His life for His people and has sought to gather the together so he could protect and nourish them. President Henry B. Eyring said: "More than once He has said that He would gather us to Him as a hen would gather her chickens under her wings. He says that we must choose to come to Him in meekness and with enough faith in Him to repent with full purpose of heart. (3 Nephi 10:6). One way to do that is to gather with the Saints in His Church. Go to your meetings, even when it seems hard. If you are determined, He will help you find the strength to do it" (CR, Apr. 2004, 16-17; or Ensign, May 2004, 18).

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 130:18-19

18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

Relief Society

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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

How can I better honor Jesus Christ in His many titles and responsibilities?

General Conference

Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

"I began teaching this missionary who wanted to go home, about the sacred nature of his call. I encouraged him to 'forget himself and go to work.' But no matter what formula I offered, his mind did not change. It finally occurred to me that I might not have the whole picture. It was then that I felt a prompting to ask him the question: 'Elder, what is hard for you?' What he said pierced my heart. 'President, I can't read.' 

James and I worked at the Snowflake temple this morning for the Diewalds. They are gone and had asked the Crane's to work for them but since Chuck was released as a temple worker, Kathy asked us if we would work. We were glad to do it. I noticed there were several people from our shift who were there. I asked Sister Bradshaw if she works every Saturday with her husband and she said yes. I guess that is true for many. We are scheduled to work on the 2nd and the 4th Saturdays. 

I met a Sister Nelson and she asked if we could work for them on November 4th and they would work for us on October 28th. We said we would. She lived in Gilbert so I asked if she the DeWitt's. She said yes, her husband was a fireman with Colin in Phoenix and Gilbert. She told me to ask Colin if he knew Willie Nelson.

President and Sister Scott presided at the temple today. They are my favorites. Their daughter is expecting triplets at the end of the month, just at the time of their releases.

We were very busy at the temple today. There were two people getting their own endowments, two sealings, including at least one beautiful bride. 

My first assignment was some alone time in the Celestial Room. As I sat there in that beautiful room pondering on some of the challenges of life, I realized how holy our lives really are. I felt very close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Sister R. Wilhelm from our ward helped me with my assignment as the credenza greeter. The credenza is where patrons can pick up the temple ordinance cards they have completed or where they can pick up a name to do. I now understand the system.

I had an hour to study the initiatory ordinances today. I did a session and did a name for one of the sisters in our ward.

James took our 13 baptism cards and all of them were done today. Now we will go next week and get the initiatories done.

On the way home James dropped me off at Walmart while he got us some lunch at Arby's. I had to get ingredients to make another cake for Hailey. I ended up spending over $100. It is hard to believe how expensive groceries are these days.

We came home, watched at episode of Heartland, "Step by Step" and then I worked on my blog and did some steps. Around 6 p.m. we left for stake conference. We saw a three car accident on the way. We went on the 60. I think every emergency vehicle in Show Low responded. 

We made it to the stake center in Lakeside in plenty of time and sat right up front and center. This was one of the best Saturday night stake conferences I can remember attending, even though we had no visiting authorities.

Here are some of my notes:

President Bealer made a plea for more couple missionaries, quoting prophets and apostles. 

President Jensen was the first speaker. He announced that the theme of our conference is: "To become and help others become true followers of the Savior and to come to the temple."

Raising a sin-resistant generation. "Teaching in the Savior's Way" is like Parenting 101. Are we using doctrine, the word of God, in teaching our children? 3 Nephi 18: "... continue to minister and come unto me with full purpose of heart." Be an example! Our children and grandchildren need our time. Grandsons week and grandaughters week at grandparents house. 

Sister Tanner - Keep loving, trying, and trusting. Rock bottom can be a good foundation. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. "You are the only one that can make you happy." Attitude makes the difference in any circumstance. Prayer is the answer. Enjoy the now. Learn to be happy with what we have now. 

Bishop and Sister Berges (Sister Berges is President Shumway's sister) "We must protect our nestlings." Boyd K. Packer.

Satan has found a way into our homes. The 3 T's of fighting pornography. 1.) Technology. Cell phones are the number one place that pornography is viewed. General restrictions on cell phones. Bishop Berges showed how to set restrictions on a smart phone. They also have their children turn in their cell phones at 9 p.m. every night.

2.) Talking. Sister Berges says she is the queen of awkward conversation. We cannot be afraid to tackle hard topics with our children!

3.) Teaching. The greatest thing we can teach our children is how to recognize the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the greatest filter there is. 

Prayerfully studying the Book of Mormon will strengthen us against pornography. Satan does not fight fair. The Lord loves us and will protect us as we come unto Him. Parents are the instruments the Lord is using to protect His children.

President Shumway - We must be more vigilant in protecting against pornography. There is always hope. President Shumway spoke about "Prophetic Priorities." 

1.) Prophets and the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 18:19 - teach nothing save that spoken by the prophets.

DC 43:8-10 - Pattern our teaching after the Savior's way of teaching. 

DC 1:14 - Hear His voice or be cut off.

2 Nephi 31:3 - For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understandin; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.

President Shumway told about the Book of Mormon experiement. Pages from the Book of Mormon were given to random people and they were to mark references to God. They then interviewed several people and the responses to the Book of Mormon were very positive.

Every 1.7 verses in the Book of Mormon has a reference to God.

2.) Going to the Rescue. We watched the Bible video of Jesus healing a lame man on the Sabbath. John 5:2-12. Luke 15:4-5. We must be more willing to rescue others!

3.) Temple and Family History Work - As we save our ancestors and do their temple ordinances they will help fight our battles for us. Our hearts change when we do service for our ancestors. 

4.)The Sabbath day - Who can we help today? The Sabbath Day is God's time. We don't do our pleasures on the Sabbath but what we do can be pleasureable. Which side of the line am I on? President Monson's testimony of the Savior. 

"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"

Benediction: Joshua Hall

Photos:

This from a man who says, "No dogs in the house!"

This was brought out in our conference this evening.

Fall

West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon

Fall really does come to Arizona!

Just a couple of oldies at the temple

Look how big the fish is and how little Alex is!