Friday, November 30th, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Death of

Matthew 26:66

What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death.

Book of Mormon #1

Mormon 9:22-37

*Mormon knew that Moroni faced overwhelming challenges due to the wickedness of the Nephites. Nevertheless, Mormon also knew that Moroni could endure with the assistance of divine grace. The book 'True to the Faith' explains that grace provides strength to persevere in the daily struggles of life: 'The word grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your Heavenly Father in diligence, humility, and meekness, He will uplift and strengthen you through His grace.'
Book of Mormon #2
Alma 58-60
Old Testament
Amos 7-9
General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"This has been an inspirational and historic conference. We look to the future with enthusiasm. We have been motivated to do better and to be better. The marvelous messages delivered from this pulpit...and the music have been sublime! I urge you to study these messages, commencing this week. They express the mind and the will of the Lord for His people, today."

I had an interesting gospel study session this morning studying the visions of Amos as found in Amos 7-9. I wrote them down along with their meanings as described in the Old Testament Student Manual, in my gospel study journal under Amos, and prophets.
He saw the second coming of the Savior.

At 9:00 this morning I went to the church and helped decorate for Christmas. Kathy Crane is always in charge of this activity. Kerri, Amy, and Barbara Goodman and Kathy and Chuck Crane were also there. We were finished in a couple of hours because there was only one tree to put up instead of two. The other one is being used at the Christmas party next Friday and the Primary will put it up. Amy and Kerri and I decorated the Relief Society room. We need six candles and a nativity set and I said I would bring both on Sunday.

We had snow today and it was "snowy" when I drove into town after decorating. I bought several more blankets at Walmart and some more needed items. I stopped at the Dollar Store and picked up some candles and some frames for the RS Christmas gift to the sisters. We want to give them a framed copy of the RS Declaration and the Purpose. I also stopped at the China Wok Buffet and got two quarts of Hot and Sour soup. So yummy on a cold and snowy day. 

James and Anthony picked up log railings in Springerville for the Howard's, in the snow storm. They also delivered them to the Howard's house, which means they had to load and unload them.  
James was exhausted by the end of the day and his back hurt more than usual. Hopefully his back surgery will keep him from abusing his back at least for awhile.

We had a fire this evening, and watched Christmas movies while I wrapped Christmas presents.

Love these babies...Charlie is actually

Scarlett's aunt!

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018

Guadalajara, Mexico

105th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Apr 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, Prayer, paragraph 5

The attitude of prayer ordinarily was standing (1 Sam. 1:26; Neh. 9:2, 4; Matt. 6:5; Luke 18:11, 13); also kneeling (1 Kgs. 8:54; Ezra 9:5; Dan. 6:10); or prostrate (Josh 7:6; Neh. 8:6). The hands were spread forth to heaven ( 1 Kgs. 8:22; Ezra 9:5; Ps. 141:2; Isa. 1:15). Smiting on the breast and rending of the garments signified special sorrow (Ezra 9:5; Luke 18:13). The Lord's attitude in prayer is recorded only once. In the Garden of Gethsemane He knelt (Luke 22:41), fell on His face (Matt. 26:39), and fell on the ground (Mark 14:35). It is noteworthy that Stephen (Acts 7:60), Peter (9:40), Paul (20:36; 21:5), and the Christians generally (21:5) knelt to pray.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 20:18

Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:1-15

*How are King Benjamin and King Noah different? How can we develop character traits of King Benjamin?

- Verse 2 sums up King Noah's life pretty well. He didn't keep the commandments, he made his own rules, violated God's laws, sponsored all kinds of evil, which led the people away from Christ. Everything King Benjamin did was to bring people towards Christ. He didn't want to be a burden to his people, and worked hard to provide of his needs. King Noah on the other hand, expected others to support his laziness, idolatry and whoredoms. These two leaders illustrated differences of righteous and unrighteous use of power and authority, how to handle conflicts, attitudes toward temples, physical labor and service. One had a lust for worldliness, and one had courage, faith and worshipped God. Which leader would you rather have? In the end King Benjamin retired from the kingship, lived in peace, and passed the kingdom to his son, and his obedience secured him a place in God's kingdom. King Noah spent his life on the desires of the flesh, his cruel treatment of Abinadi became his own death sentence. 

Old Testament

Judges 12-14
12 The Gileadites slay 42,000 Ephraimites - Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon and Abdon each in turn judge Israel.
13 Israel is in Philistine bondage for forty years - An angel comes to Manoah's wife and promises a son who will begin to deliver Israel - The angel comes again; he ascends in a flame from the altar - Samson is born, and the Spirit of the Lord moves upon him. 
14 Samson slays a young lion with his bare hands - He marries a Philistine wife, propounds a riddle, is deceived by his wife, and slays thirty Philistines.
General Conference

With One Accord

Reyna I. Aburto

" In order to reach our sublime destiny, we need each other, and we need to be unified."

President Russell M. Nelson #20, "Constancy Amid Change" October 1993. 

" Three things that will never change:

Personages, Plans, Principles."

James and I left for Show Low at 7:20 this morning. We stopped at Dr. Moffat's office so James could get a steroid shot before going to the hospital for an MRI on his shoulder and upper back. I shopped a little at Walmart buying veggies and water for our trip and then walked around the parking lot at the hospital. James finally came out around 10 a.m. Just in time. I guess it was quite an ordeal because the MRI machine was so tiny.

We arrived at Sheri's work right at 1 p.m. when she gets off for lunch. Kim was already waiting in the parking lot. James dropped me off and went to get Lexy and take back the rental car. Kim drove us to Cafe Rio across from the Chandler mall. I had a green chili pork taco with some pinto beans. It was nice to visit with my girls even if it was for a short time. James texted and said he was on his way so Kim and Sheri said their goodbyes and left me in front of Cafe Rio. James drove right up as they left. 

Guess where we went? Olive Garden so James could have some lunch. I had a $50 giftcard I got with the rewards program on my credit card.  I just had soup and salad and of course two breadsticks! 

Next stop was Stacy's house to take her the Savior book mark. Well actually I forgot to give Kim and Sheri theirs so we stopped by Sheri's and after Stacy's we went to Kim's.

Joshua was home from school with a tummy ache and of course we were greeted by Vader and Shipley. Vader ran away and Joshua had to go chase him down.

Stacy was in bed upstairs. She says she is doing much better. When I asked if there was anything we could do she said no, Paul was taking good care of her. I guess he has order her "Freshly" the food service that is delivered to your home.

After Kim's we drove out to see Darrel's family. Everyone was home, including Darrel. We gave them their bookmark and James took a nap on the couch. We stayed about an hour and then we were on our way home. When I walked in the door Lola came running to me and jumped into my arms. That made my day. She had a friend, Scarlett over to play. She needed help building something and James helped her. Trina's Chunky Monkey challenge starts on Sunday. I am excited! 

We stopped at Taco Bell in Globe for dinner. We arrived home at 7:45, the exact time James said we would. I think Lexy was happy to be home, I know I was.

I walked until I got 15,000 steps and finished watching "The Greatest Showman."

 Helping me make enchilada sauc

for grandpa's birthday party.

 Lunch today with Sheri and Kim

 Robert and Kambri's baby June

 Happy Bday to the Hunsaker twins!

Can you tell? It's the mammas!

 Resort memories!

 Wilhelm baby girl

She's #10

 Her big sister said the world needed

one more sassy Wilhelm girl!

Lanell Sheree

Sister Arburto spoke about

monarch butterflies in her

conference address.

I have two friends in this old Young Adult

photo. Pam front and center and Tamara

in the back, far right.

Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-17 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:31-27:11

*How do you recognize the subtle flaxen cords around your neck before they become too strong?

Old Testament

Numbers 14-15

14 Israel murmurs and speaks of returning to Egypt - Joshua and Caleb give a good report of Canaan - Moses mediates between Israel and the Lord - The adults of Israel will not enter the promised land - The Lord slays the false spies by a plague - Some rebels try to go alone and are slain by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

15 Various sacrificial ordinances bring forgiveness to repentant Israel - Those who sin willfully are cut off from among the people - A man is stoned for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day - The Israelites are to look on the fringes of their garments and remember the commandments.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

" I testify that the proclamation on the family is a statement of eternal truth, the will of the Lord for His children who seek eternal life. It has been the basis of Church teaching and practice for the last 22 years and will continue so for the future. Consider it as such, teach it, live by it, and you will be blessed as you press forward toward eternal life."

Elder Renlund dedicates Barbados and visits Caribbean nations. 

James is outside feeding his rabbits. He is upset at the front rabbits for dragging the bowls in the culvert. 

It is 11 a.m. and I am so tired!

I made chicken enchiladas for lunch. They are not very healthy and they are high in calories, but oh, they are so delicious! James says: "We ate half of them." I said, "I had one helping."

Trina texted me a picture of how she spent her birthday money we gave her. Pinkalicious Nike tennis shoes.

James has been working upstairs in his office lately. Sometimes I get lonely and forget that he is here.

This afternoon I went into town to Walmart to do my grocery shopping. Even though I am out of DP10 I did not go to Safeway to get any. No more sodas!

I had no candy today but I had 3 cookies and an ice cream sandwich. I still have a long ways to go to really eat more healthy.

I walked today and blogged. My last blog was for February 27th. For the first time in a long time I am only a week behind. 

We saw 20 elk coming across our property. I think it is the same herd we have seen before. Mainly cows and a couple of spikes. They are probably looking for water. There isn't too much around.

James got 19,089 steps today, 1,000 of those were while he was talking on the phone to his mom. I got over 13,000.

We watched an episode of "Heartland". Amy is having flashbacks of her accident and is, for the first time in her life, afraid of horses.

Primary Treasure Chest

 My new best friend!

It's so nice to have a cordless charger

that actually works.

Jasmine's baby

Ginger Zee's baby.

For those of you who don't know who Ginger Zee is,

she does the weather on Good Morning

America. I got to know her when she 

danced with Val on "Dancing with the Stars."

I love babies!

Friday, March 2nd, 2018

Guayaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1-2 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Hebrews 8:1

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 24:1-32

*Why do you think it is dangerous for people to be 'at ease in Zion' thinking that no improvement is needed at this time?

Old Testament

Numbers 7-8
7 The princes of Israel make offerings for the tabernacle at its dedication - The Lord speaks to Moses from the mercy seat, between the cherubim, upon the ark.
8 The Levites are washed, consecrated and set apart by the laying on of hands - They are the Lord's in place of the firstborn of every family - They are a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the service of the tabernacle.
General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Neill F. Marriott

"You probably want me to love her." Love her I prayed on, saying something like "How can I love her I don"t think I even like her. My heart is hard; my feelings are hurt. I can't do it."

Then, surely with help from the Spirit, I had a new thought as I said, "But you love her, Heavenly Father. Would You give me a portion of Your love for her - so I can love her too?" My hard feelings softened, my heart started to change, and I began to see this person differently. I began to sense her real value that Heavenly Father saw.

Addy stays home from school today. Ruby has choir photos today and forgot her shirt so Trina had to take it to her. Rowan took his planet and it's moons to school. Lola and Trina go to the gym. Darrel left for work earlier. 

Trina has another business with Lexy trying to sell t-shirts. She and Lexy are designing a shirt for mothers day. 

I had my infusion at 11 a.m. at the new building. I put the address in map quest and it took us right to the complex but not the exact building. I had to get out of the car and look at the map to find suite 129. While I was getting my infusion James went to Erik's and delivered Mabel's baptism gift, a crystal necklace.

After my infusion James and I went to lunch at Chili's using the gift card I got for Christmas from Darrel and Trina. I forgot how good their Caribbean salad is. I usually get it with chicken but this time i got shrimp. I had shrimp at Olive Garden yesterday and at Red Lobster last night although I left most of them for Darrel to eat. 

After lunch we headed for Phoenix to meet some concrete guys at the job James and Salvador are doing. When I say Phoenix I really mean east L.A. This place was on 197th Avenue and Thomas. There really isn't much out there.

It looks like a nice house but not a very 

nice neighborhood.

Since I found out about Victoria season one on Amazon Prime I have watched four episodes. I never thought I would watch a TV program or movie on my phone.

When we got back to Darrel & Trina's Trina and Addy were making Easter baskets with Trina's baby rattles in them to use for advertising. Ruby and Rowan were playing with friends, and Lola was asleep on the couch. 

We decided to go home. We packed up and left around five or so. Our first stop was at Panera to get two dozen cookies for Sister Wilhelm because today is her birthday and James is her home teacher. We stopped in Superior for gas and then at the McDonald's in Globe. We got burgers but they were disgusting. The meat was very dry and it tasted like they had been under a heat lamp all day.

We stopped at the bank in Show Low to get money for Tanner's birthday card and then we stopped at the Wilhelm's to deliver cookies. Thank goodness we are home again!

Only 7,029 steps for me. I spent too much time in the car and sitting in the doctor's office. 

Lola wearing one of the necklaces 

Trina made.

Brookelyn's baby boy

Jasmine's baby boy

Electrifying!