Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation 29 Sept 2017

Atonement

Alma 7:11

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Alma 51:1-12

What happens when people are divided?

*Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement He pled for unity: "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations. Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention (April 1978). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention:

"1.) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit. 2.) Learn to control your tongue. Think twice before you speak and three times before you act. 3.) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason together. 4.) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation. 5.) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice."

DC 114:1-115:19

If we build our homes after the pattern that the Lord has set forth, how can this help us keep our families safe?

*The Lord's standards are: 1) To unify and protect members 2) Members are to be standards of righteousness 3) They are to keep their covenants and 4) Create a refuge from the storm. (DC 115:6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"To return to His presence and to receive the eternal blessings that come from making and keeping covenants are the most important goals we can set. We return and receive by having 'unshaken faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, relying wholly upon 'His merits, pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men and women... feasting upon the word of Christ and enduring to the end."

James went on a Razr ride today to place his wildlife camera for the Oregon hunters who are friends of Gail. I stayed home to study, and to make brownies and beans. 

Around 3:30 this afternoon we went to town. We stopped at LaCasita to get green chili burros, enchilada style. They are delicious!  I went to Walmart while James headed over the Cal-Ranch. We got gas and read three chapters from our book so it was a productive trip. 

James works on his new, bigger gate for the backyard so he can get his equipment inside the yard of he needs to. I polished the wood floor, put peppermints in my candy jars, and put the beans away. I also colored this evening and worked on my Primary lesson. 

We started watching "My Boyfriend's Dogs" but I had to stop. I had taken some Tramadol and evidently it didn't agree with me. I felt nauseous and had to go to bed earlier than I had planned. 

I sure hope North Korea doesn't strike the U.S. today.

Photos:

Sheri's post

I love Koalas'!

Creepy castle!

If I recently posted this, oh well,

here it is again. 2013 visit from

our Chandler friends.

Another gorgeous Vernon sunset!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

2 Nephi 23:1-22

While we might be living in "Zion" do you still stream content from "Babylon," shop from their clothing line, or weave their teachings into "Zion's" gospel?  How else might we have a foot in "Babylon"?

Alma 12

Alma speaks to Zeezrom - The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful - Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works - The wicked will suffer a spiritual death - This mortal life is a probationary state - The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins - The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son.

DC 35:13-27

13-16, The Lord's servants will thresh the nations by the power of the Spirit; 17-19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the mysteries; 20-21, The elect will abide the day of the Lord's coming; 22-27, Israel will be saved.

General Conference

I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home

Jean B. Bingham

"Our obligation and privilege is to embrace improvement in everyone as we strive to become more like our Savior,

Jesus Christ."

Contrite Spirit

Chapter 14 - "The Temple and the Natural Order of Marriage"

Preach My Gospel - My Purpose As a Missionary - Helping Others Make Commitments: The Door to Faith and Repentance

James and I left for the valley around 9:30 this morning.  Here are the stops we made: Vernon post office, Dr. Moffat's in Lakeside, gas, carwash, and Arby's in Show Low.  Of course we went the Globe way so we could stop at Burger House.  We ordered 17 burros before leaving Show Low and told them when we would be there.  I am so glad we ordered ahead because the line was out the door.  The reason we ordered so many burros was because we ordered four for Kim and Brian and two for Sheri and Ian.  The other 11 were for Terry, Cathi, James, and I.  Can you tell we really like them?

The Wave, Arizona

We made it to Dr. Allen's in Mesa on Power and Baseline right at my appointment time, 1:45.  My appointment was with Ruth Hoskins the PA.  Before she came in the girl who took my blood pressure and weighed me ask me some really weird questions: "Count from 20 backwards.  Count from December backwards and who is the President of the United States and what day is it.  It sounded like a psychological evaluation to me.  All this for thyroid and hormone pills?  Maybe they were checking for Alzheimer's since I'm an Oldtimer.

When I got to Cathi and Terry's I took a two hour nap.  They weren't home when we first got there because they had taken the dogs to see the vet.  Indy just had seven teeth pulled and it was time for a post op checkup.  

When Cathi got home she convinced me that I should ask for nitrous oxide gas tomorrow while they pull my tooth.  I told her I would.  I am a little worried about whether or not they will do my infusion on Friday since I will be on an antibiotic after the tooth extraction.  I would call the arthritis office but I would not be able to speak to a real person anyway so I will take my chances. 

This evening James and I went to visit with his mom and sister Dawn.  This was Lois's project for February:

Making Christmas stockings for Gail's grandkids.

These are just a few.  She made over 20.

One of my favorites because it is purple.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Speaking of Gail's family:

Gail on the right and Aaron's son Beckham on the left.

Dawn gave me a real microscope she bought for $10 at a store for teacher's.  She also gave me some slides and then showed me some slides I could order.  Thank you Dawn!

We had a nice visit and even called Gail to see if he would be coming down anytime soon.  It sounds like he is too busy.  Lois wants to plan a time for all of her children and their spouses to go out to dinner.  For refreshments we had some delicious brownies.  

When we got back to Terry and Cathi's I had a burro and then before going to bed I read to James from The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World.

Fun Photos

My Hero!

Sheri's Hero!

My favorite is the self-portrait Evan drew on

the lower right.

I LOVE this baby picture of Molly!!

I almost missed seeing the green chick by her legs.