Thursday, March 19th, 2020

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: Nov 19, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Judge

Romans 14:10

But why dost thou judge they brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Jacob 5: 50-77

The Restoration and the Millennium

October General Conference

"Spiritual Treasures"

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, in closing, I would like to leave a blessing upon you, that you may understand the priesthood power with which you have been endowed and that you will augment that power by exercising your faith in the Lord and in His power.

Dear sisters, with deep respect and gratitude, I express my love for you. Humbly, I declare that God lives! Jesus is the Christ. This is His Church. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen."

March Ensign
Sherem's Skepticism: Tactics of a Faith Shaker

 We woke up to about 5 inches of snow this morning. At least those of us who woke up early did. By the time most of the kids were up a lot of the snow had melted. I didn't take a picture but my friend Lynda did:

Addy took this picture sometime in the

afternoon:

James shoveled the snow from the driveway before it melted.

The pandemic continues and most of the world is quarantined. 

School has been postponed, many businesses are closed or like Chandler Eyecare limiting the amount of patients they see.

Meanwhile, life goes on. We got some sad news today although it did not happen today. Tianna Hood, the mother to Jace and Jayden Hood, two boys in our ward, passed away in her home in Whiteriver this week. Jace is 11 and Jayden is 8. They live with Sister Singleton in our ward and have not seen their mother for awhile. We are all wondering what cause Tianna's passing and will be anxious to here the results of the autopsy.

Ruby and Addy went for a walk today. Lola came in and told me they were going up the hill. She didn't want to go so she came in and worked on a fairy 100 piece puzzle.

When Ruby and Addy got back from their walk they were very excited. They had seen a herd of elk and Addy took a video on her phone to show me. 

This is kind of funny but Stacy keeps calling to make sure Joshua is brushing his teeth. She said he forgot his toothbrush from home. I told her I had one I would give him. When she called today she asked if I had given him a toothbrush. I told her I offered but he said he already had one so I didn't bug him about it. Stacy was concerned that it was an old one. I told Joshua he needed to call his mom because I didn't want to be the toothbrush police. He said he called her but she didn't answer. I just let it go.

The Howard's told James he could have one of their mares but right now she had gotten away and was wandering around the forest. When she returns Tom will let James know. She is a paint horse and is very good with kids.

For dinner this evening we had pork chops, Sheri sent some and I bought more, macaroni and cheese, rolls, salad, and hashbrowns.

We had some help cleaning up after dinner:

Ruby helped too, you just can't see her in

the picture.

This evening during "Come Follow Me" we finished Jacob 5 and had a review. 

As we went to bed James asked the kids to start winding it down around 10:30. I had asked them earlier to be in bed by 11.

 This is Winter Hoose, Christina's little girl.
She swallowed a quarter and had to go to 
the hospital.

Look how careful she is being.

 Oops, I spoke too soon!

 This looks so good to me right now!

Saturday, December 30th, 2017

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 14:10

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

*Moroni concludes his writings by discussing three important principles with his readers. The first focuses on the need to learn and have a witness of the truths found in this sacred record. The second is a charge to understand and acquire the spiritual gifts available to us. Finally, he pleads with each of us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

President Boyd K. Packer: "Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory 'and they knew it not'(3 Nephi 9:20)." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:39

And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

General Conference

Love One Another As He Has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

"Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of Gods love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love for God and fellowman is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ."

James made steak, gravy and biscuits for breakfast this morning at Alex's request because it is his favorite. I helped by doing the dishes. 

Joshua got four lazer guns for Christmas and brought them up with him. The older boys had a lazer fight that started in the house until grandpa told them to take it outside.  They did, and then they went on a Razr ride. As they were coming back up towards the house it looked like a dog was sitting in the drivers seat. Michael was driving and the Crane's dog Anya was sitting in his lap. The Crane's left this morning for the valley to take their broken down car to be fixed. I guess she tried to follow them. James told her to go get in the kennel, which she did, for awhile. 

Joshua has a bit of a fever and is not feeling well so I gave him some children's Tylenol that Sheri brought. I also fixed him some lunch. He and Evan played some quiet games for awhile.

They love Uno

Dallin, Sarah and their dog Charlie arrived this afternoon. It's going to be a little tight tonight but Sheri's family will be going home tomorrow so there will be plenty of room after that.

Sheri loves the movie Moana. She made Shayna watch it with her today. 

Ian sanded and varnished the upstairs railings on the outside of his and Sheri's bedroom. He ran out of varnish or he would have finished. Thanks Ian for your help!

Alex went with James to take a load of wood to Sister Dye. The widow's woodpile is located over by the Hunsaker turnoff. Sister Dye has been in the hospital in the valley with pneumonia and the spanish flu.

Evan and I made a trip to Wallmart this afternoon. I needed to pick up some prescriptions and get something for Colter for his birthday. I kind of told Evan what I wanted for him and he picked it out. A Monster Jam car and a light sabre. Evan also pushed the cart around the store. Of course I had to reward him with a Sprite and Sour Patch Kids. I enjoyed his company. He told me about the colored pencils he got for Christmas called Prismacolor. They are just like mine only he has twice as many colors. He loves to draw and asked me to use a ruler to make the Star Wars logo.

Sheri and I made dinner for everyone tonight. We had ham, mashed potatoes, chili, broccoli, and rolls. Everyone complimented us on the food. Joshua seems to be feeling better.

Gathering for dinner.

While Evan and Josh were kicking back at the

cabin Rowan was climbing Camelback Mountain 

with his mom.  He would have come up to the cabin

but he's taking down Christmas lights at the Mesa

temple.

This picture was painted by James's sister Rebecca.

It hangs in the Mesa visitor's center.

Such a cutie!

Sunday, October 8th, 2017

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

3 Nephi 1:12

And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

3 Nephi 1:15-30

* What do you think some of the symbolism is in these verses?

What happened to many of the rising generation? Is this happening today?

-When the Savior was born into the world there was no darkness for the people on the American continent. When I have had Christ in my life there definitely has been 'no darkness.'  

-Many of the rising generation failed to believe. It is happening today.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 25:12

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree Jr.

President Spencer W. Kimball taught:

"Before we came t o earth, we were given certain assignments. ...While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to." What an ennobling truth!

The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."

I was up at 5:15 this morning to finish my talk. When James got up I read it to him and he liked it! It is only 11 minutes long. Whew!

Now I can finish preparing for my Primary lesson on the Articles of Faith. I also get the stuff together for Jace's birthday. 

James leaves early in his truck because he has a lot to write on the chalkboard for his lesson. I didn't leave until 8:30. When I get to the church, James is in my room and he helps me set up. When we finish and walk into the chapel, the entire stake presidency is there. 

Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, Joshua, and Evan come in and sit in the front. It is fairly crowded today and the overflow is open. 

The stake presidency sits by us on the stand. John Wilhelm is released and so is Brother Curtis. Chuck is the new member of the bishopric and Brother Diewald is the new ward clerk.

I spoke on general conference and James spoke on parenting. After church people came up and said they enjoyed our talks. I am just grateful they are over. 

Gracie, Liana, Colter, Curtis, and Jace were in Primary today. Lej, Wyatt, Cameron, Taylor and Braxton were not. We talked about how we got the Articles of Faith, we played an game, and then we did our newsletters. It was one of my better classes. The kids were fairly good during sharing/singing time too. 

When we returned home James and I had chicken enchiladas for lunch. For dinner Sheri cooked a roast and I made mashed potatoes, rolls, and corn. Everything was delicious. Joshua said this about the mashed potatoes: "I would rather die than not eat mashed potatoes."

We had scriptures and prayers together. Sheri played Uno with Evan and Joshua. That game last forever! 

Joshua won!

Football and games

The Ollie Obsession continues.

Photos:

Fall

Chocolate mice

Creepy castle, it looks like a prison.

One of my favorite talks from April conference

Harold making a piece of furniture

One of Harold's creations. My piano bench
I love it!

Memories:

Molly and her dad

Lola

Lola posing

Chess experts

Gathering in the hall

Love these two and looking at Evan's 

feet.

Friday, September 8th, 2017

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 63:1-17

The Book of Mormon prophets were commanded to keep sacred records. Why is it still important for each of us to keep our own records today?

*They help us remember! We can see patterns in our lives as we go back and review our records kept in our journals, such as the receiving mercy of the Lord. I am hoping that my posterity will better understand me and my motives and my heart by the records I keep. Hopefully my testimony is being kept there. My story is unique. There have been times that I have been strengthened or taught by my own words as I remember all the Lord has done for me.

DC 131 1-8

What is meant by eternal increase?

*"Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. (History of the Church)

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life. We will be enabled to subdue negative impulses, and we will develop the capacity to overcome even what appear to be overwhelming obstacles. This was what enabled King Limhi's people to make a spectacular escape from their Lamanite captivity."

We are on our way to San Antonio! We left Vernon at 5:30 a.m. Arizona time, praying in the car before we left. Because San Antonio is two hours ahead of us, we will lose two hours time on our trip. It will take us about 13 hours but it will be 15 hours on the clock. We are driving a silver 2017 Toyota Corolla. Sorry I didn't get a picture. 

Although there are no fires in Arizona at this time, the sky is hazy from the fires all over the west coast and in Idaho and Montana.

Fire Map

Instead of going through Silver City and Deming, I talked James into going through Pie Town and Socorro to get to the I-10 Freeway in El Paso. I wanted to take a picture of Pie Town but I must have blinked and missed it. I only saw one little building which was probably where they sell their pies.

We read several chapters from our book, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor."  We stopped and got gas at the Rudy's in El Paso. I never knew they were a gas station. After getting gas we found a Whataburger where we had lunch, and then it was on to Van Horn, Fort Stockton, and Ozona where we stopped again for gas. 

We got in to San Antonio around 9 p.m. Texas time. Jared and Kacey waited up until we got there to eat their dinner. We had some yummy beef stroganoff.  Summer was gone to the Ronald Reagan Rattlers football game. That is the name of her school and the Rattlers are their mascot. 

We appreciate having a place to stay with family. We stayed in Tanner's room which is right next to Summer's. The bed was very comfy and we have our own bathroom.

Along with the fires and hurricanes, Mexico had an 8.1 earthquake hit yesterday. 2.5 million people are in need of aid and 96 people have been killed. Officials rush to get food and water to stricken communities in the poor south.

Photos:

 Kristen turned 18! I remember when she

was in our Primary class!

The Chandler flood of 2014

This is unheard of!

This is what it looks like when it floods 

in Vernon.

Paul's blended family, a few years ago.

Sweet and talented Carmen.

Elder Andersen and Dr. Crowe, President

of ASU. Look at Elder Andersen's tie.