Wednesday, September 26th, 2018

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 2:23

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Book of Mormon
Helaman 10:1-19
*How did Nephi qualify for this great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?
- The answer to the first question is found in verses 4 & 5. The last sentence in verse four says: "Thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did and if it is the Lord's will, I would say yes. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel like a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions.
Old Testament
Isaiah 31-33
General Conference

Ministering as the Savior Does

Jean B. Bingham

"I gladly bear my personal witness that these revelatory changes are inspired of God and that, as we embrace them with willing hearts, we will become better prepared to meet His Son, Jesus Christ, as His coming. We will be closer to becoming a Zion people and will feel surpassing joy with those whom we have helped along the path of discipleship."

"

"The gospel ordinances are part of the specific means outlined by the Lord whereby one can overcome his natural state, receive a spiritual rebirth, and become like God." - OTSM, Vol.2, p 162.

James left for Howard's this morning with the request that I wait until he gets back so he can go to town with me.

I worked on my blog, changed the sheets on our bed, worked a little in my office, and did some ministering interviews today. 

Our first stop in town was at Aliberto's for lunch. We ordered the two taco plate and shared it. It was yummy. Afterwards I went shopping at Walmart while James made some phone calls. 

On the way home I read to James from "Loving Lieutenant Lancaster." This afternoon was spent walking, talking to Sister Butler on the phone, and watching a little of "Dancing with the Stars." I am starting to become disenchanted with this show.

At 7 p.m. I had a Relief Society presidency meeting at the church with Tamara, Maxine, and Kerri.

Tamara had us listen to a song called "Blessings" by a Christian composer, Laura Story. Laura won a grammy for this song. My favorite line: "What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise."

Ben flew to Idaho today and met his mission

president and his wife.

She did not like the bow!

Lola

 You can track anything with a dot journal.

Ollie, you are such a poser!

Tuesday, September 25th, 2018

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 20:25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 9:18-41

*It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe. What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

- Are we seeing the damage being done to our nation because we don't want to offend anyone? Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, past General Young Women's President said: "Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles. Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and our understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward, but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan's lies.

Old Testament

Isaiah 28-30

General Conference

"Be With and Strengthen Them"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Our prayer today is that every man and woman - and our older young men and young women - will leave this general conference more deeply committed to heartfelt care for one another, motivated only by the pure love of Christ to do so. In spite of what we all feel are our limitations and inadequacies-and we all have challenges-nevertheless, may we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard, giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees. If we will do that, we will be more like the true disciples of Christ we are meant to be."

This from my novel, "The Lake House":

"Boredom is the province of the witless."

James went out this morning and took pictures of the six bull elk that live near us. Hopefully he will get them downloaded so I can share some of them on here.

We had a nice rainstorm today. I love how fresh and clean everything seems after it rains, except for the mud of course.

I am tired today as I usually am the day after a trip, but I just kept moving, albeit slowly. 

James went to Springerville this afternoon to pickup the slabs of wood he had cut from our juniper tree. He also picked up some poles to replace those worn out on our railing. He had wanted me to go with him but I needed to do my ministering interviews for my district. 

I am not so sure the sisters are catching the vision of what it means to minister. Most of the interviews I had today went somethig like this, 'Yes, I spoke to all three of my sisters but I didn't contact my partner.' Maybe we need to do some training.

This evening as I was reading from the Old Testament Student Manual I became extremely tired and had to go lay down on the coach. Of course, I had to turn on the TV, DWTS. I just watched a dance or two and fell asleep. James said it was time to go to bed, and he was right.

 Sleepin' like a baby

Cutie Pie!

Ben and friends 

Ben's last day in the MTC. When his friend,

Elder Goodman, Peter and Sarah's son, left

for Washington today, Ben said he cried like a baby!

 I like this card, except for the color.

Maybe the photo is in black and white.

 I hope these are the fabrics I get this month!

My journal is not this artistic.

  

Friday, September 21st, 2018

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Moses 7:55

And the Lord said unto Enoch: Look, and he looked and beheld the Son of Man lifted up on the cross, after the manner of men;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 7:1-12

*How can we follow Nephi's example in the verses?

- Remember the righteousness of those who have gone before, joy in the righteousness of others, sorrow because of wickedness, be prayerful and seek guidance from Heavenly Father.

Old Testament

Isaiah 16-18

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

"It is in failing to do the small and simple things that faith wavers, miracles cease, and progress towards the Lord and His kingdom is first put on hold and then begins to unravel as seeking after the kingdom of God is replaced with more temporal pursuits and worldly ambitions."

I had a smoothie and a roll for breakfast, not totally unhealthy.

James was up at 6:10. He went straight upstairs to look and call for elk. 

I like this quote from "Teaching in the Savior's Way:"

"When you record spiritual impressions, you show the Lord that you value His direction, and He will bless you  

with more frequent revelation."

and this one from Elder Richard G. Scott:

"Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in time of need...Recording spiritual direction enhances the likelihood of receiving further light."

James is still going back and forth with Valerie at National Turf. She has been stalling for weeks now regarding payment for the job he did in July. He had to deal with her again this morning before going to work at the Howard's.

I finished reading the New Era today and started the Friend. 

Stacy and Paul went to a seminar last night on how to flip houses without having to put down any money of your own. Stacy called me today and was very excited. The program sounds awesome but we are not in a position to help right now.

I quote from Lola: "I want to be a fancy girl. I can teach you how to be fancy too grandma."

I made chili this afternoon using a recipe I found which is similar to the chili you get at Wendy's. When we were at the Reidhead's the other day Ashley said her mom, who is from Alabama, starts every recipe with chopped onions, celery, and bell pepper. That's how this recipe started. I wonder if Wendy is from the South.

Someone we know saw these bighorn sheep

going towards Springerville north of the 60.

This is not mine but is an example of how

and what to record in a dot/bullet journal.

Card idea

My friend Janet A. recommended

this book.

Finally I found something I can draw!

I'm going to copy some of these ideas

into my daily or dot journal.

Such a sweet little face!

The many adorable faces of Charlie

The late and great Pinky who was

Anthony's companion for 20 years.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 16:6

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 2:1-14

*How do you avoid being deceived by the flattery of men?

-Through the inspiration of the Spirit. We must stay spiritually centered and remember what really matters. See Elder Lynn G. Robbins, "Which Way Do You Face," October 2014 General Conference.

Old Testament

Proverbs 27-31

General Conference

Introductory Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"These adjustments are inspired of the Lord. As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have ever been previously. We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. Jesus is the Christ! We are His humble servants! God bless you, brethren, as we learn of and do our duty."

Our friend Bill from Chandler sold Rockin' R Ranch for 2.6 million

recently. I guess he can afford to loan us $16,000 to pay off our creditors from the Phoenician Golf Course job. We still have not been paid and I think they are stalling. James is about ready to file a lien.

We have two heroes gone from the American public eye. One was a real prisoner of war hero, John McCain, and one was a hero of the big screen decades ago, Burt Reynolds, most famous for the movies, "Smoky and the Bandit." 

As I was listening to Proverbs today I wrote down some of my favorites: 

"When the wicked rule, the people perish."

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."

"A virtuous woman is more precious than rubies."

I also read chapter ten from "The Christ that Heals," before going to my card class. 

These were the people in the class today besides myself:

Linda, Elizabeth, Judy (a new one), Marsha, Lorraine, Pam, Rosie, Diana, Pebble, and Deana. Diana started out by showing us some ideas on how to decorate our envelopes.

We did seven cards today, three Halloween by Lorraine, Diana, and Pam. A birthday by Pebble, a Ladybug card by Deana, a beautiful fall card by Elizabeth, and my Burlap Daisy. Here is a photo:

Elizabeth developed her own technique for the fall leaves.

I read a chapter from "Time and Again," watched part of the Debbie Gibson movie and walked and walked and walked. I sat all morning so I had to walk this afternoon and evening. 

I also read to James a chapter from "The Secret Keeper," and worked on my 2019 dot journal. I am putting in a calendar for each month and week of the year. It will take some time before I get to the fun part of the journal.

An idea I might use

James worked outside until after dark on the tree he is going to use for the Howard's counter top.

Scarlett looks like she is at the spa!

The last one of Charlie is her Daddy's favorite.