Friday, December 27th, 2019

Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Jehovah

Isaiah 41:4

Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:35-48

New Testament

Revelation 19-20; Redheaded Hostess and New Testament Student Manual

Oct General Conference

"Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies"

President M. Russell Ballard

"The word that keeps coming to my mind now when I consider the plan is 'reunion.' It is a plan, designed by our loving Father in Heaven, that has at its center the grand and glorious possibilities of family reunion - of eternally reuniting husbands and wives, parents and children, generation upon generation in the household of God."

Ministering is exercising divine love

Repentance is daily refining

I talked to the boys about what they wanted to eat before I made a trip to town. It's the same things they always want. Pizza, steak, hotdogs, and hamburgers. Alex asked if I would buy him Simply Orange orange juice with no pulp, and some eggs. 

James went to town with me. While I was shopping Stacy kept texting me that Alex left his egg pan and other dirty dishes in the sink and didn't clean the kitchen. I am not sure what she wanted me to do. I told her to please ask him to clean up after himself. 

As we were going through Vernon we passed Sarah, Dallin, and Charlie leaving. We stopped and talked a few minutes and told them to be careful going home and that we enjoyed their visit. 

We stopped at Little Caesar's Pizza and picked up two large pepperoni pizzas, and two orders of breadsticks for $20.44. That is an amazing price!

We got more snow today. The kids tied the sled to the back of Alexis's car and are pulling each other down the road. It looks a little dangerous but they are having fun.

My foot is hurting. I blogged Dec 13th, the day of the gingerbread houses, Addy's concert and Jared and Kacey going to Marshall, Texas. There were a lot of pictures. 

I checked on Jared today. He still has numbness on the left side of his face. 

Max and Evan say they are not hungry tonight. I hope I didn't buy all of this food that Sheri is paying me for and no one is going to eat it. 

Joshua broke his new fancy light saber today and Paul is very upset because Michael told him to duct tape the batteries in. The tape is stuck inside the handle. Joshua is so upset he goes outside and no one can find him. When Evan comes in Stacy asks him if he will go outside and look for Joshua. Evan leaves out the back door and in a few minutes Joshua comes in the front door. Now Stacy is worried that Evan is going to get lost. I told her he would be fine.

James and I watched a Christmas movie, "Christmas On My Mind," starring Andrew Walker.

 Bryce Case's family

Bryce is Trina's brother

 The gang

Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017

Accra Ghana

117th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Jan 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Luke 22:19

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 4:1-23

*Why is it important not to boast in your own strength? 

When we boast in our own strength and go forth in our own might, repenting not of the evil we have done, but persist in our wickedness, our hearts become hardened. This leads to a lack of the Spirit, which invites anger towards others. When we notice we have anger in our hearts, it should be an alarm to us that something is wrong. Our pride can convince us that we are okay, but anger is destructive. Repentance heals ill feelings, mends broken spirits, softens hardened hearts, and repairs damaged souls. Instead of looking for reasons to find fault in others, we need to recognize the fault within our own soul first. Also, everything good in our lives comes from God. We are selfish when we fail to acknowledge Him and express gratitude to Him for all of our blessings. 

DC 59:21: "And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not His commandments."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 11:12-13

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good - yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

General Conference

Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

"The wise counsel which I thought was so important for him to hear was not at all relevant to his needs. What he needed most was for me to look beyond my hasty assessment and allow the Spirit to help me understand what was really on this elders mind. He needed me to see him correctly and offer a reason to hope. 'For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.'"

I made a four egg omelet this morning for James and I to share. It had bell pepper, tomato, onion, parmesan and cheddar cheese. It was quite delicious!

James left around 10 a.m. to go visit Anthony. After the visit Anthony asked him to deliver part of a ham to a single lady that Anthony has done service for.

When James got home he took a nap and then went to work outside. I watched Christmas movies while blogging and then made some cornbread. These are the movies I watched: "Hats Off to Christmas," "Christmas Homecoming," "Season's Greetings," "A Gift to Remember," and with James, "With Love, Christmas."

FYI Pioneer Woman's cornbread recipe is bogus. It calls for 1 tablespoon for baking powder which is way too much. Luckily I had a corn muffin mix to add to it before making my stuffing. I used sausage, sage and other spices, and canned whole cranberries and mixed it into the crumbled cornbread and added chicken stock before putting it into the oven. It was good, but James didn't like the sweetness of the cranberries. 

Oh yes, something else I did today, I put buttons on James's old jacket so he could wear it while he is working. There were six buttons to sew on which took me awhile. No wonder I had time to watch so many movies. Oh yes, I also watch while I am walking.

James's fingers are bloody on the tips and his eyes are bloodshot. He is pretty miserable but he is like the energizer bunny and just keeps going.

Heyman's kids marriage wall.

I love this idea!

Our friends the Thompson's just celebrated

their 53rd anniversary.

James coat that I sewed the buttons on.

Kacey and Scarlett

Last year's homemade rolls

Paris, France

Macaroon Tree

Desert sunset

Friday, November 3rd, 2017

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 14:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 19:1-29

*What can you do to feel closer to the Savior?

How hard do I labor to put myself in places where Jesus can show himself to me? How hard do I pray? What efforts do I put into attending the temple? What sacrifices do I make to have F.H.E., scripture study, family prayer? How often am I pondering and seeking the Spirit? How often and well do I serve? What am I doing with my time? What sacrifices am I making? Do I 'labor exceedingly that I might be in the place where Jesus can show himself to me? When we put forth effort, and we are doing the things that our Savior has asked, He will certainly 'bless us and His countenance will smile upon us, and shine upon us.' We will witness the Savior in our life. He will come to us as we come to Him!"

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:31

For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

General Conference

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"I believe that every man, woman, and child has felt the call of heaven at some point in his or her life. Deep within us is a longing to somehow reach past the veil and embrace Heavenly Parents we once knew and cherished. Some might suppress this yearning and deaden their souls to its call. But those who do not quench this light within themselves can embark on an incredible journey - a wondrous migration toward heavenly climes."

Paul said he was coming over early this morning so I made two loaves of banana nut bread to give him. He left happy and reminded James to be sure and come fishing in Oregon next summer.

Kip and Colter, Colter is Kip's 9 year old son, delivered James's sand this morning and thank goodness I had a plate of chocolate chip cookies to give them. Colter knocked on the door and when I handed him the plate he had a huge grin on his face. He is in my Primary class so we are good friends already.

James went to town to get prices for the pavers he needs for the patio. He also brought me back two tacos from Aliberto's. No wonder I love him so much! He also washed my car this afternoon.

I am barely getting in my 10,000 steps and James is getting 15,000 a day. He works outside and checks his traps up on the hill and is just naturally more active than I am. 

This evening we watched Heartland, "Growing Pains."

GRRR We have smoke outside again!

James changing a lightbulb.

Mr. Handyman

I'm slow.

Memories:

Little Lola

The Three Musketeers

Evan's birthday date.

Joshua with glasses?

Pet Store 

The night Joshua finds Shipley.

Food Court fun

So fun!

Where's Emmy?

Oh yes!

Complete Rainbow

Cubs are Number 1

Love these two!

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated:16 October 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 11:21-38

*It can be very easy to forget Heavenly father and fall into wicked ways. What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing?

- Seek to surround yourself with righteous people. Those who will uplift you and make you better. Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin. Avoid contention. Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times. Always have a prayer in your heart. Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation. All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure in faith. True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. Understand the power of covenants. Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple. Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders. Be humble and teachable, not prideful. Love God more than man. Put Him first in your life. Keep the commandments. Prayer and scripture study everyday so we don't forget Heavenly Father and Jesus. They are the givers of all our blessings. Daily repentance. Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. Love one another.

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"The Savior tells us that the very best way to know God is to become like Him. Starting on the road to becoming like Him, we repent and receive His forgiveness, and He cleanses our souls. Every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am (DC 93:1). I witnessed Elder Neil L. Maxwell's increased spiritual refinement through his ongoing suffering and his continued service as he strove to become like the Savior."

I made banana nut bread this morning, one for the Chaffin's and one for us. I visited Hailey, Braylin, Huntleigh and their ten puppies today.

 I loved the runt the best, I think that's

him in the middle.

I brought a pepperoni pizza from the Stanford store and we enjoyed lunch together. They are moving and this is probably the last time I will see them. I wish Taylor would have been there too. Hailey has all of their stuff in storage and they will be moving in a week or two. I was sad because I thought I would be able to visit one more time. They will be staying in Grant's, New Mexico with grandma and grandpa. Eventually they want to end up in Deming. Their ranch here is "off the grid" and I'm sure that is a selling factor. I am going to miss this family so much. 

Hailey gave me a new recipe to try, baked burrito casserole. 

After saying my goodbye's I drove in to Show Low to do my shopping. My first stop was CVS for James's prednisone prescription, then on to Walmart. I spent $70 for ink for my computer. Yikes!

After bringing in and putting the groceries away James and I took a break and read from "Mind Games." I blogged while James went on a Razr ride. He saw a huge elk on Nigra Knoll. This evening we watched an old Hallmark movie, "Royal Winter."

Marissa was one of the young women in our ward when

James was the bishop. Her family are some of our dear friends

and she is an amazing woman. She will be a wonderful mother.

Paul getting kisses from his dogs. Shipley is getting angry with

Vader for interferring.

Miss Lola making Playdoh tacos. Someday she might

have a taco truck.

Stephanie, who wrote this post is our friend and also the author of "Mind Games."  She really should be a comedian.

Ferrengenous Hawk

Ruby is the cutest

Holly

Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

Tucson, Arizona temple

Dedication: 13 August 2017

Atonement

Hebrews 9:28

Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 9:15; 11:10; 27:2-33

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter parallels what is happening today. Millions are being killed, cast out, or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees who need us, to welcome and to love them, even though they don't have the same religious beliefs as we do.

DC 103:1-13

1-4, Why the Lord permitted the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; 5-10, The Saints will prevail if they keep the commandments;

How have my prayers been answered because I heeded the word of the Lord?

*The persecution to the Saints had become merciless and they were pleading to know when relief would come. Many had been driven from their homes "and they earnestly desired to know how and by what means Zion was to be redeemed." (Hyrum Smith) This revelation came and was received four months and 12 days directing the Prophet to begin to gather up the strength of the Church for a relief expedition; which subsequently came to be know as Zion's Camp. The Lord gives the conditions of the blessings that can be given in verse 5 and 6: "and inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour to the counsel which I, the Lord their God shall give unto them...they shall never cease to prevail." Sadly, many did not and the persecution worsened. So the question then begs to be asked of us: how many blessings and opportunities have we forfeited for failure to render prompt and unconditional obedience?

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: Our Savior."

James: "I can't find my notebook that has critical information about this job." Thank goodness he did eventually find it.

James made tasty potato and egg patties for breakfast. As we are enjoying our breakfast I look outside and see three bunnies munching on the grass outside enjoying their breakfast too.

We have such a predictable life but it's a satisfying one. We went outside on the deck to read from "A Lady Unrivaled" and to watch the clouds in. After we are finished James goes out to start putting the new brakes on his truck. Oh dear. I don't think he's ever done this before. 

After lunch I go with James to the Dollar General at the Y to get some brake fluid. I went in the store and wandered around wondering what I should buy. I came out with a bottle of water. How unoriginal. James bought brake fluid and Dove dark chocolates. He tried to tempt me with them but I turned them down. I had to help James when he put the brake fluid in his truck by holding down the brakes and then letting them up. It's nice to be useful once in a while.

Proof that it rained.

It rained this afternoon and of course we had to go back on the deck and read another chapter. I also blogged and paid bills today.

After dinner we snacked on watermelon while watching Christmas movies. We watched "The Christmas Cure," and "Love You Like Christmas."

Random Photos

James and all of his siblings at his dad's funeral.

Ben and Sheri being goofy

One of my favorite Ruby photos.

Wish I could make this for Addy's birthday.

My workbooks.