Friday, May 4th, 2018

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, betrayal of

DC 45:53

And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

*How is this story of Limhi's people similar to our own escape from this world into the arms of the Savior?

aliciamil4: "I can see the Savior's hand in everything, the good and the hard as He gives me the choice to choose Him or the ways of the world. He blesses me, he prepares me and he teaches me to move forward. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 11-12

11 The Ammonites encamp against the Israelites of Jabesh-gilead - Saul rescues them and defeats the Ammonites - His kingship is renewed in Gilgal.

12 Samuel testifies of his own just dealings in Israel - He reproves the people for their ingratitude - He exhorts them to keep the commandments lest the Lord consume them and their king.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" As I sought guidance to know the topic the Lord would have me address today, my mind was directed to a recent conversation with the newly called First Presidency. In this discussion, one of the counselors shared words to this effect: 'I deeply hope that the membership of the Church can comprehend the magnitude of what has taken place with the calling of our new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and the significance and sacredness of the solemn assembly that will take place at general conference.' He further observed, 'It has been 10 years, and many, especially the youth of the Church, do not remember or have not experienced this before.'"

Russell M. Nelson-10/01: "Set in Order Thy House"

'Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so it will be throughout eternity.'

Rescuing Wayward Children:"Afflictions can push parents apart, when in actuality afflictions are designed to weld us together" (p. 227) "Oneness brings deliverance." Charity has 3 meanings: Love from Christ, Love for Christ, Love like Christ. (p.233)

James went on an early morning walk while I went downstairs to work on my blog. I was there when Addy got up and left, Ruby, Darrel, Rowan, and Lola. 

Trina and Darrel have a green shake for breakfast in the mornings. It's made from kale, spinach, frozen pineapple, a banana, and sometimes an orange if they have one. Trina let us taste her shake this morning and I must say, it was very tasty. She also introduced me to My Fitness Pal which she uses for her food diary. I love it!

Thanks Trina!

Trina told us a funny story about Lola this morning. She said they saw a woman with black hair and Lola said: "Is that Jo"? Trina asked her who Jo was and she said: "You know that girl who builds houses and her husbands name is Chip."

We said our goodbyes as everyone left for school or work. Ruby's class is going on a fieldtrip to the aquarium and Lola and Trina are going to meet them there. 

James and I loaded up and left for Fry's around 9:00 or so. We were looking for Grape Nut Flakes, for James. We didn't find any but we found the Larabar date balls that Trina introduced us to so we bought two flavors, brownie and salt caramel. A tasty little bite without having to count as a sweet.

James dropped me off at AARA for my infusion at 10:15. I had an appointment with Rana, Dr. Caldron's PA, and then I had my infusion. I lost about 10 lbs since last month which makes me happy and which also means I get less Actemra.

James took the car to get the new headlight put in, took our cast-offs to D.I., and got gas. For lunch we shared a salad I made up at Fry's salad bar. Since we have been on this diet we have actually craved more healthy food. 

Our next stop was in Scottsdale where James is seeing an allergy specialist. I dropped him off and then went to the Fry's Marketplace on Shea Blvd. just to look around. Just to look around cost me over $150. I ended up doing much of my grocery shopping. It was so fun. Much different from Walmart.

I bought James some fried chicken from Fry's because he loves it. He was pretty excited when I picked him up. He said this doctor helped him more than any other doctor. He told him to cut way down on meat, no spicy foods, milk products, or acidic foods. No water within an hour of going to bed. He also wrote him a prescription that he said would help with acid reflex more than the prescription that he is on. 

From Scottsdale we went home through Payson. 

I got my new crockpot!

Casserole Crockpot

There was a volcanic eruption and several earthquakes on the big island of Hawaii today. The one we visited in 1998.

I had to finish my walking when I got home. Afterwards James and I watched "The Beach House."

This reminds me of the Loggerhead turtles

in the movie "The Beach House."

An 18 year old picture of the Wilhelm family.

They just had their 10th baby.

The biggest Star Wars fan I know.

Teresa prepared for a Nerf gun war with

Jack.

Addy loves pineapples!

Good advice!

Gorgeous flowers at Fry's. I especially 

like the blue ones in the back.

The bear won. Can this be true?

What exactly does that mean?

Fun memories!

I wonder who will win this fight.

Thanks Paula.

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Hebrew 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Alma 34:1-16

*Why do you think Jesus Christ is the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?

*President Russell M. Nelson: "His Atonement is infinite - without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from neverending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering....It was infinite in scope - it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension, 'Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite Atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.'"

DC 102:1-16

1-8, A high council is appointed to settle important difficulties that arise in the Church; 9-18, Procedures are given for hearing cases;

What is the function of the High Council?

*To settle important difficulties which might arise in the Church.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

" Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

" Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the higher priesthood. A lifetime of selfless priesthood service lies before you. Prepare now by frequently rendering meaningful service. Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy."

A day to relax and enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies. I love Christmas in July! This morning I watched "December Bride," and "The Christmas Secret." It rained around one o'clock so James and I went out on the porch and finished "The Reluctant Duchess." Afterwards we went inside and had some of Trina's white chili. Yes, it's still good!

I tell James that we are many times 'on the edge.' I tried to take some picture to explain what this means:

On the edge of the clouds and the storm.

The left is cloudy and looks like rain any minute.

The right is clear and the sun is shining.

I love to look out at the grass James planted and see the bunnies enjoying a feast. Today a squirrel joined in. He was holding a blade of grass in his little front legs and chewing on it. I guess he gave up on getting into our garbage since we are careful about leaving the garage door closed.

Today is what I call a "down" day or a recovery day.  I did clean the kitchen and dining room floor with my new Floormate. 

James didn't go to the dump. He has decided he is going to burn the trash and then dig out the cans, etc. That's fine with me as long as he gets rid of it. 

James: "I can't find my saw."

James is having F.H.E. with the Wilhelm family this evening. He gave the lesson on a plan for your goals. Last month they all wrote out their goals and gave them to him. Ruthie was taking care of a baby bluebird. 

Brother Westbrook said Sadie and her husband were in an accident and totaled his truck. They both got accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be leaving in a couple of weeks. Brother Westbrook is giving them their car to drive. What a great dad! 

I watched "Christmas in Homestead" while James was gone. When he returned we watched the finale of "The Good Witch." Sam and Cassie are engaged.

Random Photos:

Wish they would come back.

They were going to stay awhile but something

scared them away.

Annie is my favorite!

I love their bums. They look like targets.

The herd

The Vernon watchmen on the hill.

The road home.

I love the clouds!

Phoenix

Show Low Walmart parking lot.

Somewhere in Scotland or Ireland

Beautiful!

Monday, April 17, 2017

Jordan River temple,

20th operating temple

(Now being renovated)

Mosiah 9:14-10:22

The Lamanites attempt to bring Zeniff's people into bondage.

* What similarities and differences do you see between how Zeniff's people and the Lamanites approached their battles?

* What truths can we learn from this comparison?

* Why did the Lamanites hate the Nephites so intensely?

* Whom does it hurt when we are angry or refuse to forgive?

* How can a person's anger affect his or her family, now and in the future?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of the Seventy said: "If you feel you have been wronger - by anyone (a family member, a friend, another member of the Church, a Church leader, a business associate) or by anything (the death of a loved one, health problems, a financial reversal, abuse, addictions) - deal with the matter directly and with all the strength you have...And, without delay, turn to the Lord.  Exercise all of the faith you have in Him.  Let Him share your burden.  Allow His grace to lighten your load... Never let an earthly circumstance disable you spiritually" ("turn to the Lord," Ensign, May 2010, 80).

Helaman 15-16

15 The Lord chastened the Nephites because He loved them - Converted Lamanites are firm and steadfast in the faith - The Lord will be merciful unto the Lamanites in the latter days. About 6 B.C.

16 The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi - Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites - Some harden their hearts, and others see angels - The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and His coming in Jerusalem. About 6-1 B.C.

DC 58:34-43

To repent, men must confess and forsake their sins;

* What verse stood out to me today?  

- 42 Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

- 43 By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins - behold, he will confess them and forsake them.

General Conference

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"An assignment to labor in a specific place is essential and important but secondary to a call to the work."

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Even though they are vested with different missions and

authority, the Aaronic Priesthood and the 

Melchizedek Priesthood are inseparable partners

in the work of salvation."

James left to go on a Razr ride this morning at 7:15.  I encouraged him to go and to have a little fun thinking he would be back in an hour or so.  I soon realized that he broke two of our rules.  First, he did not take his phone, and second, he left in such a hurry that he failed to tell me where he was going.  When he wasn't back by 9 a.m. I said a prayer and decided I needed to go out looking for him.  I wasn't sure which way he would go so I headed up forest road 404 and made the loop turning down Christmas Tree Trail and then back down the 61.  The only animal I saw was a turkey.  This is a 30 mile loop and it took me an hour.  I got back home at 10 a.m., and there was still no James.  Now I was really worried.  I texted the kids and told them to say a prayer that I would be able to find dad.  On my way out I called my neighbor Kathy and as I was talking to her on the phone, James came zipping up the road from the direction of Chocolate Lake.  I was so relieved that I couldn't even get mad at him.  Of course I had to remind him of the two rules he had broken.  If something would have happened to him I would have never found him because he went up Mount Montoso looking for elk antlers.  Someone closed a gate on him and he had to take a round about way home, which is why it took him so long.

When I am stressed or nervous I eat.  I did plenty of eating today.

James was gone again this afternoon from 2:30-4:30 visiting Anthony with his home teaching companion Dave.  We were able to watch this weeks episode of "When Calls the Heart."  Afterwards James left to have FHE with the Wilhelm's.  The lesson was on missionary work and James's companion Dave told about his mission to Scotland.  

James is going to be gone for the next couple of days to the valley so I would have liked to spent more time with him today but I am grateful to have a husband who fulfills his priesthood assignments.

I was able to spend three hours working on my talk for Saturday on receiving personal revelation.  I also watched Dancing with the Stars Disney Night.

My favorites from tonight: Rashad and Emma, Normani and Val, and Simone and Sasha.

Fun Photos:

Congratulations to one of my young women,

Makenzi who went to the temple and got

engaged all in the same night.

The Reidhead's,

one of the cute families in our ward.

They met are their missions.

Another one of my young women, Shelly,

turned 19 today.  Here she is with her

cousin Ruthie.

It's always fun to go for ice cream,

except it does get a little cold.

Christmas with the Gonzo boys, minus

Joshua,  a few years ago.

Such a cute picture!

Anna and her new friend

First day of school.

The first time we met Kacey,

last July.

Snowflake temple

We look old.

Temple trip with the young women.