Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Fukuoka, Japan

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Matthew 16:16

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 6:8-7:11

*How do the people of the Lord wait for Him?

- We wait for the Lord patiently. We quietly and obediently do what is asked of us by becoming strong in our testimonies of Jesus Christ. We listen to His teachings and develop an individual plan that will carry us through life. The plan will see us through trials, tribulations and also the best of times.

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

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

"Spiritual Eclipse" by Elder Gary E. Stevens, October 2017

General Conference

"For Him"

Sister Joy D. Jones

" The first of the Ten Commandments reiterates this divine wisdom: 'I am the Lord thy God. ...Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' The placement of this commandment helps us understand that if we place Him as our main priority, everything else will ultimately fall into place - even our service to others. When He takes the preeminent position in our lives by our deliberate choice, the He is able to bless our actions to our good and to the good of others."

Things Newlyweds Can Teach Oldie Weds

" Surprises show you are thinking of each other even when you aren't together and keep the sparks flying even when you're on a tight budget or have a busy schedule."

"Spontaneity and surprises seek to communicate about and fill each others needs, express gratitude and love daily, establish habits that connect. Gospel habits are vital but so are other traditions that create a couple culture. We go on a date once a week, time together away from other responsibilities. Each night we list 3-5 things together we are grateful for from the day. We also have a 3 year journal with a question for everyday and a spot for each of us to answer. After we turn the lights out, we talk about our highs and lows from the day. Accept imperfection."

- by Michaela Proctor Hutchins

Happy Valentine's Day, Honey

 Behind this card there is a bag of almond M&M's,

a jar of Trail mix with cranberries, almonds, and pecan,

and Hershey dark chocolate with almonds.

James ordered me a necklace and wrote me a letter.

The necklace had to be engraved and did not

come yet. Here is a photo.

James made me breakfast and do sweet things for me throughout the day. He also drove with me when I delivered my Valentine's to the Halcomb's and the Grapp's. We also brought birthday gifts to Benson, today is his birthday, and Tildy, who had a birthday in January. I got James a Rubik's cube and gave Tildy one of my collectible dolls, "Little Miss Muffet", along with her tuffet and a bowl of curds and whey.

Here are the Valentine's I made for the kids along with sugar cookies and suckers.

Pretty basic but fun for me to make

Boxes of cookies and birthday presents

This evening we delivered these cookies

to the Wilhelm's. They were at the temple

with their kids so we took them to 

Mel and Ruth's.

This evening after delivering the cookies to the Wilhelm's we watched the newest Hallmark Movies & Mysteries movie, "Emma Fielding: More Bitter Than Death." I guess who the killer and bad guy was about half way through the movie. I still liked this movie though and so did James. We prefer the romantic movies but this one was pretty good.

 Happy 107th birthday Arizona

 Palmer & Autumn

Sweet Scarlett

 The best Valentine ever!

 Kacey's cute dates

Friday, December 21st, 2018

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Mosiah 16:8

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 14:8-31

Book of Mormon #2

Mormon 8-9

Old Testament

Malachi 2

General Conference

The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion

Elder Shayne M. Bowen

"I have read the accounts of the First Vision; I have read the Book of Mormon. I have prayed s directed by Moroni and asked 'God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ' if the Book of Mormon is true. I bear witness today that I know the Book of Mormon, as the Prophet Joseph Smith said, is 'the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man will get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.' The Prophet Joseph also declared: 'Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none.'"

Here are the talks I listened to today:

"To Walk Humbly with Thy God," by Marlin K. Jensen

"Be Thou Humble" by Steven E. Snow

"The Eternal Everyday" by Quentin L. Cook

"A Humble and a Contrite Heart" by Gordon B. Hinckley

"Continue in Patience" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Turn to the Lord" by Bishop Christopher Waddell

My favorite was the one on patience by Elder Uchtdorf. The attributes for this week and humility and patience. I need to work on both, especially patience. Here are a few notes I took on Elder Uchtdorf's talk: "Acquiring patience requires steady and consistent work. Impatience is a symptom of selfishness. We must refine our natures through patience. Knowledge and understanding come at the price of patience. Patience is a process of perfection."

I had wrapped gifts for a needy family in our ward this morning. I asked Tamara if she would deliver them because I did not want them to know they were from me. James and I took the gifts over to Tamara's on the way to deliver our banana nut bread.

James delivered to the Peeler's and the Wilhelm's last night. The Peeler's reported back to him that it was the best banana bread they had ever had. Wow! They are certainly nice. I was a little worried about it because I had to brown some of the bananas in the oven. 

After dropping the Campbell gifts off at Tamara's we headed for the Howard's. Today is their granddaughter Hunter's birthday and they are taking her to lunch so they wanted us to come early. The horses we waiting for us.

Jean loved the electric blanket I bought for her. I told Tom that the banana bread was for him but he had to share with Jean and maybe she would share her blanket with him. Tom made sure we saw the big stuffed animals along the ledge by their ceiling. My favorites were Mr. and Mrs. Lion.

Our next stop was the Halcomb's. Catherine was ready for us. Kerri was gone to work. The first thing Catherine did was go up to James and rub his face and ask him where his beard was. She said he needed a beard for Christmas. She had to show us her eskimo, husky village. She said it's worth thousands of dollars and that Kerri will inherit it. We also saw her and Kerri's nativity collection and Catherine's Santa collection. We gave them banana nut bread, each a blanket, Catherine some cozy Christmas socks, and I gave Kerri a conductor's hat because she is always conducting Relief Society. Later in the day Kerri came by and dropped this off at our house. 

We stopped by the Grapp's to deliver their bread and gifts but they were not home. From the Grapp's we drove in to Show Low. Our first stop was Taco Bell for lunch. We actually went inside to eat. I do not like eating in the car especially with messy Taco Bell food. 

Next we went to Walmart. We went in with the idea of buying each other a small Christmas gift. We agreed that the limit would be $20 each but although I came closer than James, neither of us stayed within that limit. I bought James a pair of shoes and a blue and green plaid flannel shirt which suits him perfectly. He bought me a silver/gold garnet and diamond tear drop necklace that cost well over $50. 

James actually saw his shoes as we were walking out to the car. He said they were too small, so I had to turn around and go back inside and get 8 1/2's. I hope they aren't too big.

I told James I wanted an ugly sweater like this one to wear to our family Christmas party tomorrow night.

He said I should have told him before we went in. He's right, I can't really blame him for not getting me this lovely sweater.

I accomplished one more thing today besides delivering banana nut bread. I got a ministering sister companion for Diana Curtis. She is new in the ward and her name is Candace Campbell.

Today's Christmas movies:

"The Christmas Clause," "Holiday Wishes," and a new one, "Christmas for the Books."

The view from upstairs

 Opening her gift from us

 I love how Charlie points with 

her finger

Tuesday, October 30th, 2018

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Psalms 132:17

There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

Book of Mormon #1

3Nephi 16:1-20

*What is the purpose of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon?

- It is a sign to the entire world that the Lord has begun to gather Israel and fulfill covenants He made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (3 Ne. 29:1; Ether 4:17). Who is the House of Israel? The House of Israel generally refers to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel in the Old Testament. (Gen 32:27-28). In the Book of Moron the Savior expanded this definition to include no only the literal descendants of Israel (3 Nephi 20:25-27) but also all Gentiles, or other people, who repent, are baptized, and come unto Christ. (3 Ne. 21:6). The Gathering of Israel is taking place in preparation of the Savior's Second Coming. In recent years it has been accelerated as missionaries are being called at a younger age. Heavenly Father loves all of His children and wants us to be gathered and united when the Savior comes to redeem the world. What an exciting time to be alive!

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 11-13

Old Testament

Ezekiel 5-6

General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do."

As I was reading in the book of Mosiah this morning I realized there was a temple both in Zarahemla and in the land of Nephi. I am sure I knew this, but for some reason it was impressed upon my mind as I read.

I bought my first book on Amazon today to trade back in to Amazon for a profit. If all goes as planned I will make $7.80 after all expenses. I am excited!

James went out on the Razr for an hour or so today to look for deer but had no luck. I think he missed his chance yesterday.

The weather has turned cold and rainy after being in the 70's this weekend. That's okay, it's a good time to stay home and watch Christmas movies. I only had a chance to watch two today.

I started work on my council session I am to lead in Relief Society on Sunday. It is based on President Nelson's message in the women's session of conference, "Sisters' Participation in the Gather of Israel," and his four challenges in that message. 

1. Ten-day fast from social media and other negative media.

2. Read the Book of Mormon again and finish by the end of the year.

3. Attend the temple on a regular basis.

4. Participate fully in Relief Society. Study the purpose of Relief Society and the Relief Society Declaration which was presented almost 20 years ago. (I was in the training meeting when it was presented).

There are some wonderful blessings attached to these challenges. President Nelson says: As you prayerfully study and read the Book of Mormon, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation. As you read, I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen. 

Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance. This may require a little more sacrifice in your life. More regular time in the temple will allow the Lord to teach you how to draw upon His priesthood power with which you have been endowed in His temple.

I bless you with the ability to leave the world behind as you assist in this crucial and urgent work."

I testify that President Nelson is a prophet of God and he has been called of God to help gather Israel before the Second Coming of the Savior.

Sheri sent me a copy of part of the email Elder Trezise (Ben) sent her this week. It is about his prayer journal. I would like to share it on here so I will always have a record of it.

"I started doing something called a prayer journal. It has really helped me. Basically you find a time and place to be completely alone. You get down on your knees and pray, whether out loud or in your mind. You pray for everything you are thankful for. EVERYTHING. it should be a long list if you really think about it. Then you ask God if there is anything He wants you to know at this point in time. You open up the journal you have with you and just start writing. Don't think. Just write. When I was told about this, I thought that would be the most difficult part, not thinking and just writing. It seems like it wouldn't work, but it does. It is like a section of the Doctrine and Covenants designed specifically for me. It's amazing! Some of it is personal, but I figured I would share a little of my last experience with you."

"Looking back, I can see how little my faith was, even just a month ago. I need to have the faith as the prophets of old. I need to have the testimonies of the prophets. Do not look at them as if they are better than you, because they are not. All souls are equal in the sight of God. I have the same divine potential as the Apostles and Prophets. I have the agency to choose to have the faith they have. I need to be able to stand before my loving Father and say, 'I believe in You, and in your Only Begotten. I had the faith in mortality to move mountains, to part seas, and to commune with angels. I had the faith not only to die for You, but to live for You. I did not simply devote 2 years to You and then say to myself, 'It is finished. I did my part.' No! I served You my entire life. I dedicated everything I have to building Your kingdom. And yes, I faltered. I stumbled and fell. But I got back up and continued to press forward with faith. My work is never finished. I did all I could to bring souls unto Christ, and I did all I could to come live with You again, and I relied on the Atonement of my Savior to do the rest because I cannot return to You without the saving act of the Atonement."

"I would like to invite you to try the prayer journal. Don't try to do it too often, and spiritually prepare yourself before doing it. It is a draining experience."  - Love, Elder Trezise

This missionary of ours is so very spiritually mature. He will be a leader in our family, a shining light and others will look to him for guidance in their own lives. I know I do. I have three bright spots right now. One is Elder Trezise and the other are Charlie and Scarlett. (Actually I have several "bright spots" but these 3 come to mind.)

James made a trip to town this evening to pick up some material and wanted me to go with him. I started home to work on the book business but I regretted my decision afterwards.

 I can't stand the cuteness!

 Definitely a "bright spot"

McKell's baby's name is Maxwell Alexander.

I couldn't have chosen it better myself.

 Interesting schedule

Elder Wilhelm's biggest fan club

 Stacy's graduation day

 There to support there Mom.

Thursday, July 26th, 2018

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25 April 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Hebrews 1:2

Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Book of Mormon

Alma 40:1-14

*What happens to our spirits after we die? 

- If we have been baptized and have repented of our sins, and considered righteous, we are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise (40:12). A place called spirit prison is reserved for 'those who have died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets (DC 138:32).

Old Testament

Nehemiah 13-Esther 2

13 The Ammonites and Moabites are denied a place in the congregation of God - Tobiah is ejected from his dwelling place in the temple - Nehemiah corrects abuses and reinstitutes Sabbath observance - Some Jews are rebuked for marrying non-Israelite women and defiling the priesthood.

Esther 1 Ahasuerus of Persia and Media makes roayl feasts - Vashti disobeys the king and is deposed as queen.

2 Ahasuerus seeks a new queen - Mordecai presents Esther - Esther pleases the king and is chosen as queen - Mordecai exposes a plot against the king.

General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

"Because this report is different from anything you have submitted in the past, let me stress that we at Church headquarters don't need to know how or where or when you make contact with your people; we just need to know and care that you do make it and that you bless them in every way you can."

I read from my Patriarchal Blessing this morning and this is what stuck out to me: "Your home will be a sacred place and love and understanding will abound there and the Spirit of the Lord will be with you in your household and your children will grow up in the fear and admonition of God." I have seen this come to pass and I am so grateful for righteous children.

More about my new Old Testament hero, Nehemiah:

"Here was a man who left a position of great wealth and influence and out of love for God and his people dedicated his life to righteous purposes. Surely Nehemiah will be counted as one of God's chosen servants." (OTSM)

James pointed out to me 15 elk crossing our property this morning.

They were mostly yearlings and two year olds with a few cows, and a couple of spikes. The interesting thing is that there were no babies. 

Where are the babies?

I read from "A Reason for Faith" the chapter on Finding Lehi in American Through DNA Analysis. Basically it says that it is impossible. I also read the chapter 'Latter-day Saint Women in the Twenty-First Century.'

I also read from Brother Bytheway's book, "Finding Your Path in Lehi's Dream." I read about the Rod of Iron and how important it is in order to stay on the path leading to the Tree of Life.

Most of the day was spent preparing for tonight's dinner with the Peeler's. I started a roast about 6:30 this morning, and then the rolls around 8 a.m. After baking the rolls I baked a Dutch apple pie and while the pie was baking I began peeling potatoes. After the potatoes were boiled, riced, and cream and butter added, I put them in the crockpot on warm. 

James came in and said, "what's for lunch?" I said that I didn't know but I knew what was for dinner. He had some roast, declaring it delicious and some mashed potatoes with the same comment.

Also included in our dinner: mixed veggies, Olive Garden salad (soggy because I put in too much dressing), and gravy.

It looked like it was going to rain when the Peeler's arrived right on time at 5:30, but it didn't. It was great to see Donna up and walking. As she sat at the table we  gave her two cushions, one for her back and one for her seat. 

Donna commented how tender the roast was. I noticed that she eats very little. Because she has been having problems with her stomach I gave her some of my Miracle Tea to try. She seemed appreciative.

Dessert was a little disappointing. The pie was good but my delicious Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream was melted and refroze and full of ice chips. It got left in the sink and was slushy ice. So disappointing.

After dinner we sat and talked until after 7:30. Brother Peeler use to work for the Church and he told us some stories about managing all the canneries and storehouses in the southwest. He had to fire someone for rustling cattle on one of the Church ranches. The guy's uncle, who was a Regional Representative, was upset and made the comment: "I'm going to call Tom." (President Monson). This was President Monson's response: "The decision has been made and you must live with it."

It was an enjoyable evening. Donna loves to watch Hallmark movies as much as I do and right now is watching the Christmas movies. She use to sew and quilt and has quite a stash of fabric. She has a great sense of humor and is someone I value as a friend.

After the Peeler's left I told James he could go out and walk while I cleaned the kitchen because I already had all my steps. He put all the food in plastic containers and put it away before going outside.

After I finished in the kitchen I sat down to finish my Christmas movie. James sat down with me and afterwards we went to bed.

Way to go Scarlett!

I love these photos of the Wilhelm kids

at the lake. 

Michael would come to our house in this

getup early in the mornings. If you could see

his feet, they are bare.

Me too!

No wonder the Chinese don't like the Japanese.

So sad.