Sunday, December 30th, 2018

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 9:22
Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have take it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.
Book of Mormon
#1 - Finished!
#2 - Finished!
General Conference

Shepherding Souls

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"The Savior showed by example what it means to minister as He served out of love. ...He...taught, prayed for, comforted, and blessed those around Him, inviting all to follow Him.... As Church members minister in a higher and holier way, they prayerfully seek to serve as He would - to 'watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them,' 'visit the house of each member,' and help each become a true disciple of Jesus Christ.'"

Stacy was going to take her car to church but decided to ride with us instead. Sheri complained that dad followed her too closely and it made her nervous. I think she was nervous because she is not used to driving in the snow.

The last week to sing Christmas carols for awhile. Today we sang: "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "Away in a Manger."

Ty A. was the youth speaker today. He spoke on the 4th verse of "I Am a Child of God." He focused on the phrase that says, "His promises are sure." In Mosiah 29:20 it says the people were delivered out of bondage because they cried mightily to God. He talked about Christ's enduring to the end and if He had not we would not have the Atonement. He ended by bearing his testimony.

Anne Miller spoke about how the Book of Mormon has blessed her life and some of the promises President Nelson made to the women of the Church if they would read it again. He said the heavens would be opened and we would have increased inspiration and revelation. "Be still and know that I am God." Take time to feel the joy. Follow the prophet, come unto Christ, experience redemption through repentance and the Holy Messiah.

Bishop Miller also spoke. He talked about the 2,000 stripling warriors and how they were taught by their mothers and the increased emphasis today of the importance of mothers and fathers teaching in the home. Sometimes in the midst of our trials we don't see that we "are doing it." Example of Anne giving birth to Uriah and saying, "I can't do this."

During the second hour Brother Scott gave the Sunday School lesson. Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Michael, and Joshua all went home after sacrament meeting. Stacy stayed and went to Sunday School with me and then Michael came and got her. On the way back to the cabin they slid off in the snow because of cross country skiers. It's okay because the skiers helped them get back on the road.

During the third hour Bishop Miller conducted and we had a discussion about the upcoming year and the new church schedule.
He talked about who is responsible for temple and family history work in the ward now and missionary work. Sean Hunsaker and Kerri Halcomb are over missionary work and Blain Curtis and myself are responsible for temple and family history work. Bishop said, "Family history has helped me as a bishop help people with addictions. Family stories change our lives. Temple and family hisotyr work is vital in helping people feel the Spirit and change their lives." It was a good meeting. Brother Skousen said that he is excited for the changes because change means growth.

I blogged and watched Christmas movies this afternoon. Michael and Max watched the Seahawks and Cardinals game. The Seahawks, Michael's team, won. Max was not too upset because now the Cardinal's get a first round draft pick.

Sheri fixed roast, potatoes, and carrots and rolls for dinner. Another delicious roast. 

Stacy came home from church and took a nap and then she left for home. It's supposed to snow some more tonight and she does not want to take the chance that she won't be able to get out. Shipley and Vader went home with her but Michael and Joshua stayed here and will came home with the Trezise's on Thursday.

Kim and Brian are coming up tomorrow. They had a temple wedding to go to today. 

This evening we had a gospel discussion based on part of the first lesson in the family and individual "Come Follow Me" manual. We read Matthew 13:1-23, the parable of the sower and discussed it. I felt like we had a good discussion and Ian participated a lot. I like it when we have family here and we study the gospel together.

I emailed Ben and told him about it. I guess he studied the same thing today.

Scarlett, already to go 

These are some of the clothes we gave 

Charlie when we went to Texas. She 

looks so cute!

 Playing Apples to Apples and watching TV

Not sure what is happening in this picture.

Back in Chandler it looks like Alex is 

thinking about something and G-pa is

demonstrating something with his fingers.

G-pa says they were talking about truth and

philosophy.

 Now that's a good piece of advice from a

wise philospher.

Stacy posted this on Facebook

Thursday, October 4th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

* How does the principle of agency play into this chapter?

- We can choose our actions but not the consequences. What is God's divine love? The Lord loves all people but cannot tolerate sin. Athought Helaman 15:4 states that the Lord hated the Lamanites  because their deeds have been evil continually," Samuel is an example of the many Lamanites who were taught the gospel message and gained God's favor once they were converted.

President Russell M. Nelson addressed the subject of God's love for those who sin: "Does this mean the Lord doesn't love the sinner? Of course not. He hates the sin but loves the sinner. Divine love is infinite and universal. The Savior loves both saints and sinners. The Apostle John affirmed, 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' (1 John 4:19). And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: '...Yea, they spit upon Him, and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men (1 Nephi 19:9). We know the expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again." ("Divine Love," Ensign, Feb. 2003, 24).

Old Testament

Isaiah 54-56

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Lessons taught through the traditions we establish in our homes, though small and simple, are increasingly important in today's world."

We left for the valley at 6:30, about 30 minutes later than planned but I was still able to make it on time to my appointment at Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. Dr. Douglas is my dentist. 

I had x-rays and my teeth cleaned. Bad news. I need two new crowns. Cavities developing under the old ones. This is going to be very costly, $820 a piece. I guess I need dental insurance. 

While I was at the dentist James took the boys to breakfast at IHOP. They all ordered pancakes. Rowan of course ordered the chocolate pancakes. 

After taking the Chandler boys home, Max, Evan, and Joshua, James and Rowan came back and picked me up. We went across the street to Chandler Eyecare and traded cars, getting our Lexy back. 

We then took Rowan home. We beat Darrel home and had to wait for him to get back from the gym to open the door for us. 

We unpacked the car, and left to go to Sears to get the oil in Lexy changed. We went to the Sears by the Chandler mall and James dropped me off at the Carter store which sells baby clothes. Everything in the store was 50% off! 

After dropping the car off James joined me and we walked to Olive Garden across Chandler Blvd. Luckily it was not sweltering hot, it was only in the upper 80's but we were still warm when we reached the restaurant. 

The reason for Olive Garden other than it's one of my favorites, was that we have a gift card. I soon discovered that I had left the gift card in my other purse so we had to put the charge on our credit card.

Because I forgot to put my earrings in this morning I walked over to Claire's at the mall and bought a pair of earrings so my ears don't close up. James went to Sears, picked up the car, and then picked me up at the mall. I had him drop me off at the Carter store again so I could get some things for Scarlett.

Our next stop was Costco so James could get batteries for his hearing aid. He also got a watermelon to make up for the fact that they didn't have Alpine Valley bread. 

Met Stacy at the scrubs store. She starts at the National Laser Institute on the 15th.

Back at home Darrel was taking the kids to the park. Lola wanted me to go but I told her I had to go take a nap. It was just Darrel, Rowan, and Lola who went. Ruby was at a friends and Addy is at school. She is the only one who isn't out for fall break.

After our naps it was time to go visit Dawn and Lois for their birthdays. We stopped at Fry's on the way to get gas. I also got a plant to give to them. We had to wait until this evening to visit so we could see Dawn too. 

We took them the small desk, the cupboard with drawers, a basket with candles, body wash, and other good smelling things. I told them they could decide who gets what. We also gave them their two handmade cards. We had a nice visit. I showed them the patchwork table runner I bought so Lois showed me a quilt she was making and the bedspread she made for Dawn:

Designs are made on Lois's machine.

Each one is different.

We didn't take any photos but thank 
goodness Teresa did.

 Our friends Janet and Clint

 Looks like quite a fortress

Is there anything more precious?

I sure do love these boys!

He is always there for us.

Paul has lost 90 lbs!

Where's your credit card Mom?

Serving from the Vernon ward

Love Trenda and Emery!

 O be wise, what can I say more?

 Card craze

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeds follishness;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

How can I be more like Samuel the Lamanite?

-I can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. I also should not be afraid of others and their opinions.

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

We had much needed rain most of the day today. I know it also rained and cooled down in the valley too. 

On our trip to Heber on Sunday we noticed all the dead pine trees along the way because of the dryness which causes bark beetles to attack the trees and kill them.

I learned some interesting things about the Creation during my personal gospel study this morning. Here is a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"...the word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos - chaotic matter, which is element, and in which dwells all the glory. Element had an existence from the time He had. The pure principles of elemennt are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and re-organized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end "(TPJS, p. 350-52; see also 28 Truths Taught by the Book of Mormon, p. 42).

I made pancakes for the boys this morning. They each ate one big one and they were done. I had planned on going shopping this morning but ended up paying bills instead. 

James came home because he couldn't work in the rain. The two of us went to town to get pizza and chicken for the boys. I let each boy choose a meal or two. Evan and Max wanted Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, and Evan asked for fried chicken. Max doesn't like Walmart or KFC chicken so we went to Safeway for the chicken before picking up the pizzas. 

James said I shouldn't have gotten two large pizzas, that mediums would have been enough. Those pizzas were gone in five minutes time. 

After lunch and a nap I went back in to town to do some real grocery shopping. Joshua wants spaghetti and burgers, Max wants hot dogs and steak, and Rowan asked for honey lime chicken enchiladas like his mom makes. I bought a lot of groceries and spent double what I normally spend. I did by lots of snacks and plenty of steak and hamburger. 

Since we had pizza for lunch, we had the chicken for dinner. I also made macaroni and cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread and fresh pineapple.

For F.H.E. we watched the video about Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff called, "A Search for Truth." 

After FHE the boys went outside to play with the laser guns.

We heard the news that President Ballard's wife Barbara passed away today. How sad to happen right before he speaks in General Conference.

James and I worked on our book business this evening. By working I mean we did some more training sessions. James said that the more he learns the more he is getting excited about doing this business. I got my Amazon Store Card approval for an extra 5% off of all purchases we make.

Huddled around Max's phone because we couldn't get the

FHE video to work on the computers.

"A Search for Truth."

 Ben and his companion Elder Nelson from

Minnesota who is the zone leader.

Ben does all the driving. Grandpa will give some

pointers about driving in the snow.

Taylor Wanlass took this photo yesterday after

sacrament meeting. Ben is in his sister-in-laws ward.

Taylor's dad is the bishop of the Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Playing Apples to Apples. These boys get

along so well together!

The faces of Charlie. I have got to make 

a photo album!

Skittles misses Joshua. She broke out of her cage

to tell Stacy about it.

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:17-41

*What kind of things should we pray for?

-I think we should pray about everything. Big decisions, little decisions and everything in between. Heavenly Father loves us and wants to be a part of our lives.

*What counsel does Amulek give to the Zoramites regarding their salvation in verses 37-41. I found 12:

1. Work out your salvation with fear before God.

2. Deny no more the coming of Christ.

3. Contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but receive it.

4. Take upon you the name of Christ;

5. Humble yourselves to the dust and worship God wherever you may be in spirit and truth.

6. Live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

7. Be watchful unto prayer continually.

8. Don't be led into temptation by the devil.

9. Have patience.

10. Bear with all manner of afflictions.

11. Do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your poverty.

12. Bear with afflictions in a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from them.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 34-36

34 Josiah destroys idolatry in Judah - The people of Judah repair the house of the Lord - Hilkiah finds a book of the law - Huldah the prophetess reveals the desolations to come upon the people - Josiah and the people covenant to serve the Lord.

35 Josiah and all Judah keep a most solemn Passover - Josiah is mortally wounded by the Egyptians at Megiddo.

36 Various kings rule in Judah - Nebuchadnezzar overruns Judah and makes Zedekiah king - Zedekiah rebels, the people reject the prophets, and the Chaldeans burn the temple and destroy Jerusalem - Cyrus of Persia decrees the building of the temple.

General Conference

"With One Accord"

Reyna I. Aburto

"The Lord's followers were one in purpose, in love, and in works. They knew who they were, they knew what they had to do, and they did it with love for God and for each other. They were part of a magnificent kaleidoscope moving forward with one accord.

Some of the blessings they received were that they were filled with the Holy Ghost, miracles took place among them, the Church grew, there was no contention among the people, and the Lord blessed them in all things."

Stacy had gall bladder surgery this morning. She came through with no complications and hopefully she will have a speedy recovery.

Christina, Rebecca's daughter, had oral surgery today. Here is her Facebook post:

Oral surgery this morning! After multiple surgeries for tooth extractions, implant, and bone grafting last year, we ended with a "failure to integrate." The implant didn't work, and has resulted in bone and tissue loss since. The surgeon we used wanted to do a second attempt, which would have been free, but his process required some things that would be a health risk for me, so after a lot of weighing of our options, we decided to go with a different surgeon and pay for the whole thing over again. Doing a bone and soft tissue graft and implant placement this morning. Any prayers would be appreciated! We need this to work!

We prayed for Christina too. She has three little children she needs to be a mother to.

James has rescheduled his back surgery. He will be having it on December 5th this year. 

James and I left for town around 11:30 this morning. He went over and got started at the Howard's and then left to wait for dry wall to dry. 

I read to James from "Abby's Crossing" on the way to town. Our first stop was at the Show Low post office to mail Summer's and Molly's birthday cards.  Next stop was at LaCasita's for green chili chicken enchiladas and for James also some of their delicious refried beans.

While I went shopping at Walmart James went to Home Depot to get some paint mixed for the Howard's. They are due home tonight.

When James picks me up at Walmart it is raining outside but by the time we drive a couple of miles it stops. We stop at the Book Barn and James picks out a journal to give to Ruthie for her baptism on Saturday. We left it there to get Ruthie's name engraved on it.

 I got a call from my friend Laurann who has the twins. She and her husband are trying to move furniture from their old house to the new and she needs someone to watch the boys. I said I would so we stopped and picked them up on the way home. The boys also included Amaron.

The twins were asleep when James unloaded them at home but they didn't stay asleep long. Amaron lets the twins out of their carseats and they just walk around the house and play with Amaron. 

I only had them a couple of hours when their parents came to pick them up. They really are too cute.

As soon as everyone went home I sat down for a short break and then got to work on the dining room and kitchen floor. I swept, mopped, and polished. I didn't quite finish when it was time to get ready for my RS presidency meeting. James finished for me.

At 6:45 a huge storm blew in and the downpour, lightening and thunder started. Kerri was the first to arrive for the meeting and just as she came in there was a loud clash of thunder very close. Nice entrance Kerri. Maxine was next and then Tamara who was a little late. She brought the ministering board for us to work on.

Tamara offered the opening prayer and then I gave the spiritual thought based on DC 18:10-16, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. 

We spent most of our time working on our ministering board. Our meeting lasted until after 9:30 but we got most all of the partnership's put together and most of the sisters assigned.

Our board now looks like this:

Looks a little unorganized but having the 

assignments on a board really helps.

Ruby and Molly got their ponies today. Molly Facetimed me

to thank me. 

I couldn't resist sending Ruby a pony the

same color as the pony she loves, Pepper.

Best friends.

Jackson is going to the Philippines and

Talon to Uganda.

He looks scared.

Parent Trap

Abbey Road