Monday, December 31st, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

3 Nephi 11:2

And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.

Book of Mormon

#1 - Finished!

#2 - Finished!

Old Testament

Finished!

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"The new home-centered, Church-supported integrated curriculum has the potential to unleash the power of families, as each family follows through conscientiously and carefully to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith. I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning, over time your Sabbath days will truly be a delight. Your children will be excited to learn and to live the Savior's teachings, and the influence of the adversary in your life and in your home will decrease. Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining."

Happy 45th Birthday Kim!

Kim and her Guys

Sheri and I got ready and left for town this morning around 8 a.m. before Kim and Brian got here. Sheri was going to go running at 7 but it was just too cold and windy. It looks like we are going to get some more snow. We are worried about Kim and Brian making it up over the rim in Chloe (their car). We did not know that they saw Chris Cameron, Merrilee Bogle's husband, at the temple yesterday and he loaned them his truck. Brian said it was a tender mercy that he was not going to accept until he felt prompted that he should.

Sheri and I need to get some groceries, propane so we can use our smoker, and gas for the Razr. Our first stop was at the Maverick station in Show Low to get drinks. Sheri wanted to know why we were going to the Show Low Walmart and I told her because I needed to pick up my thyroid prescription, Levothyroxin. I ended up forgetting to do this so I will have to come back later in the week.

I wanted to get either a brisket or some ribs to cook in the smoker tomorrow. The briskets were huge and cost almost $50 so I got ribs instead. Probably not enough for everyone for a meal but this is an experiment. I got two racks of baby backs because that's all they had and one rack of beef. Sheri got more sub rolls for sandwiches.

Our next stop after Walmart was Stanford. Sheri stayed at the gas pump and was trying to get gas for the Razr but the credit/debit wasn't working so I took her card inside. It is freezing and windy by the way. I had to wait in line but had the clerk run the card. I went back to Sheri and it still wasn't working. This time she went in and I got in the line outside for propane. Propane is a hot commodity in this community where many rely on it for their heat. When it was finally my turn the guy filled my tanks and I lifted them and put them in the back of my car. No easy feat for me, especially in the cold but he did not offer to help.

Next I went inside and ordered some lunchmeat and cheese from the deli. When I finally checked out, which took about ten minutes because the guy was so slow, it cost me over $65 for propane and lunchmeat and cheese. Oh dear. I did get quite a bit of meat and cheese so I guess we will be having sub sandwiches for awhile.

When we got home Michael carried in most of the groceries. Finding a place to put all of our stuff is tricky, especially in the refrigerator. 

We know that Kim and Brian are on their way. It is snowing again so we are praying for their safe arrival. 

While Sheri and I were gone to town the boys and Ian helped James get some wood in. Ian and Michael helped James with the woodsplitter and the boys carried it over to the porch in the Razr and stacked. We now have wood to last for awhile. Thanks guys!

Ok, so it's not stacked neatly, at least it's dry.

I forgot to mention that Sheri bought a big bucket of chicken for everyone at KFC on the way home. It lasted about 10 minutes before it was all gone. I guess chopping and hauling wood makes you hungry.  Ian and James each got a container of coleslaw, there were also biscuits and potato wedges.

We were so happy when Kim and Brian got here. It was a great blessing that Chris allowed them to bring his truck. I'm not sure they would have made it up our hill without it. Later in the day they closed all the roads north of Payson because of snow. Many people were stranded in Payson.

We had steak for dinner again. James cooked ours and Michael did everyone else's. He used the cast iron skillet and cooked them with butter and garlic like before. Sheri had enough steaks to feed Kim and Brian. They were going to stop at Safeway for food for tonight but they came straight here instead. 

Michael cooking steak

We sang Happy Birthday to Kim. Brian brought up a cake and I got some ice cream at the store today. 

After the celebration Kim worked on the new Dowdle puzzle we got her.

We had more sledding, fires, and movies today. They boys stayed up to celebrate the new year but I'm not sure that anyone else did.

 This sweet baby is reason to celebrate!

Instant replay of the latest sledding adventure.

 45 candles is a lot!

 There she blows!

 Kim trying on the hooded coat blanket

Ian got for Christmas from his mom.

 Joshua ready for some snow

 Putting their wet clothes by the fire.

 Wisemen

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

*Nehor used flattery and false doctrine to attract followers and attack the church of God. His teachings were popular because they excused sin in the name of religion. He encouraged wickedness, rationalizing that in the end all men should have eternal life regardless of their personal behavior. Elder L. Tom Perry:

"Nehor's words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right."

Verse 16 states that priestcraft was 'preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor.' Do we have people doing this today?

*The record states that Gideon "was an instrument in the hands of God" (Alma 1:8). When confronted by Nehor's false teachings, Gideon admonished Nehor "with the words of God (Alma 1:7). As a result, Gideon was slain for defending the faith. 

How do you defend your faith?

Old Testament

2 Samuel 5-6

5 All Israel anoints David king - He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord - He conquers the Philistines.

6 David takes the ark to the city of David - Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies - David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label. It is a divine power held in trust to use for the benefit of God's work for his children. We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not 'the priesthood.' It is not appropriate to refer to 'the priesthood and the women.' We should refer to 'the holders of the priesthood and the women.'"

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: 

We must teach our children that God's commandments 

are patterns for safe and happy living.

Worth the Wrestle, 14:

"The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; (Alma 12:11).

In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth - and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

-Sheri Dew

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood:

Chapter 13, Prinicple #5

A Priesthood Holder's Identity Becomes Christlike

Truman G. Madsen, The Prophet Joseph Smith

Lecture 5

Joseph and the Kirtland Temple

After my study time this morning I started dinner for the Scott's. 

I put out two dozen rolls to rise and made a stew and put it in the crockpot. Later on I made an Olive Garden salad.

My day is pretty predictable. I walked, rested, blogged, budgeted and took a whirpool bath. Before leaving for the Scott's a little after 5 I made a salad and a green smoothie for me to eat on the way to my delivery. 

Sister Hunter was at the Scott's visiting when I arrived. Brother Scott helped me carry the food in and he took the food out of my containers and put it in some of their's. He even completely washed the crockpot for me. They seemed very appreciative and Sister Scott said that I outdid myself. After saying goodbye I hurried down to the church for a meeting with Sister Applegate and Brother Reidhead to finalize our plans for the ward activity we are in charge of on June 23rd. Kerri is in the valley. She has a doctor's appointment and then she will be picking up the Burton's things in storage and bringing them back up here. Laurann is having some tests done because she has been having chest pains. We prayed for both of them.

My major assignment is to be in charge of the displays, Brother Reidhead is working with the missionaries and the family history consultants with the family history demonstration, Tamara is in charge of the food, and Kerri the children's activities.

It was a good meeting and Brother Reidhead went home to watch sick kids so his wife could come to Mutual.

Afterwards Tamara and I stayed for a presidency meeting. We planned the lessons for June and talked about ministering companionships for the young women. I need to ask Sister Thompson if she will teach Relief Society on June 10th. The lesson will be based on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Temple and Family History Work - Healing and Sealing."

I came home, took a shower so I could wash my hair, did some reading, talked to James on the phone, and went to bed.

James sent me this photo. Out with the old,

in with the new. Golf cart path that is.

Congratulations Cash for making it into

National Junior Honor Society!

These guys look like they could be

from Vernon.

"Dancing with the Stars"

I'm watching the Athletes season right now.

Salt and Pepper or

Blackie and Whitie,

my Grandpa Strickland, who we called Grandpa Al,  

would have called the white one

Pepper and the black one Salt.

That's what he did with his own cats.

Jeffrey at Disneyland when he was four.

Such a cutie!

The beautiful Gilbert temple

Sunday, April 15th, 2018

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, Prayer, paragraph 2

Prayer is nowhere specifically commanded as a duty in the law, and prayers were not prescribed at the sacrifices except on two occasions: a confession of sin on the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:21) and a thanksgiving when offering the firstfruits and tithes (Deut. 26:3, 13). It is, however, certain from the nature of things, and from the custom in later times, that prayer accompanied sacrifice.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Zechariah 13:6

And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 8:1-21

*What does it mean to you to sustain President Nelson as prophet, seer, and revelator?

- What a blessing to have a prophet, seer, and revelator to learn from the past and to prepare for the future. I still am pondering President Nelson's warning at conference: "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

To me President Nelson is a pilot of a large passenger jet and he just announced to everyone to buckle up, stay in your seat because we are heading into turbulence.
Old Testament
Judges 3-5
3 The children of Israel intermarry with the Canaanites, worship false gods, and are cursed - Othniel judges the Israelites - They serve Moab and are delivered by Ehud, who slays Eglon.
4 Deborah, a prophetess, judges Israel - She and Barak deliver Israel from the Canaanites - Jael, a woman, slays Sisera, the Canaanite.
5 Deborah and Barak sing a song of praise because Israel is delivered from Canaanite bondage.
General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

" The magnifying of the holy priesthood you hold is vital to the work of the Lord in your families and in your Church callings."

Up early to finalize my Primary preparations. I had another knee episode last night around midnight but it is better this morning. 

My lesson today is about Jacob's family and the beginning of the 12 tribes of Israel. 

Our sacrament meeting was packed today. Also, Bishop Hall from the high council and all three members of the stake presidency were on the stand. President Shumway leaned around the pulpit to wave at us. We sat in the third row from the front on the right side of the chapel facing the podium.

I was sustained as the second counselor in the Relief Society but was not officially released from Primary. Brother Crane did ask me if I would fill in for a couple of weeks until they got a new Primary teacher. I sure am going to miss these kids.

Talon was the youth speaker. He spoke on staying on the covenant path. I can't remember a better talk given by a youth.

Thomas and Liana Grapp played a hymn on the piano. They are teaching themselves to play.

Bishop Miller spoke next. He talked about his folicle strength as opposed to President Shumway. (He is mostly bald.)

We are led by a prophet of God. Never miss a solemn assembly. Be united and learn how to minister with the pure love of Christ.

President Shumway asked to speak a few words. He spoke very highly of the Vernon ward comparing it to the celestial kingdom and Walmart to the great and spacious building. "By your fruits ye shall know them." God is a God of miracles. What we may think of as coincidences are actually miracles. A coincidence is a miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous. We must be worthy so that revelation will pour out upon us. Our purpose is to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior.

During second hour while I was teaching Primary James was in a special priesthood meeting where the Elder's Quorum was reorganized. Thomas Grapp is the President, and Blain Curtis and Sean Hunsaker are his counselors. They were set apart by the stake presidency. Thomas's parents and his brothers were there to support him. James said President Shumway gave him an amazing blessing.

All of my class except for Wyatt were in Primary today and everyone had done their papers except Liana. She always does her paper but she forgot. The kids are sad I am leaving and I am sad too. I am looking forward to serving in Relief Society but my heart will still be in Primary for awhile.

I felt my lesson went quite well and the children were interested in learning about the 12 tribes. I was called out of sharing time to be set apart in Relief Society. 

The sisters in Relief Society now sit in a circle and we were set apart in the middle of the circle, kind of like we were on display. 

Bishop Miller set apart Sister Applegate with her husband assisting. Today is their anniversary so afterwards he gave her a kiss on the cheek. Brother Thompson set apart Sister Halcomb  with the rest of the bishopric assisting. Brother Crane set me apart with James assisting. Afterwards I gave both of them a hug. Bishop Miller set apart Sister Morrison with her husband standing close by. He is a convert and is a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bishop told Sister Morrison how important secretaries are to a presidency.

I stayed for the lesson taught by Sister Grapp. The lesson was based on Sister Eubank's conference talk from October, "Turn On Your Light." 

After helping me clean up my room and carrying my five baskets of stuff to the car, James drove me home.

I had put a roast on this morning and it smelled so good. We had roast, corn, salad, and rolls for lunch. It was delicious. I love this new roast recipe which uses peppercini's, Ranch powdered dressing, and powdered Aujus flavoring and a cube of butter. I also added onions. It's called Crockpot Mississippi Pot Roast and you cook it on low for 8 hours. Ours was done after 7.

Delicious!

Naptime and then James leaves to go, pardon me for using the old term, "home teaching."

When James came home I was working on my blog. He said that President Shumway was going to call and wanted to talk to both of us. When he called James put him on speaker phone. This is what he said:

"I wanted to talk to you at church but I didn't get a chance.

I want you two to know that the Lord has made it known to me that he approves of you at this very moment in your lives. If you were to meet Him today, He would be well-pleased with you, and take you lovingly into His arms."

He said that this doesn't happen very often and when it does he feels a need to share it with those concerned. I believe this is the most profound thing that anyone has said to either one of us. President Shumway is being released at stake conference on April 29th and I am so sad about that. 

Listened to President Nelson's conference talk from April, 1992, "The Doors of Death." 'Death is essential to our happiness.'

Global Ministry Tour

Jerusalem, Israel - Hours after the United States Armed Forces ordered a strike on Syria, President Russell M. Nelson cut short his stay in Jerusalem, leaving the central location of his global ministry tour following conference sessions at the BYU Jerusalem Center.

At a time of rising tensions, the message of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is more important than ever, he said Saturday morning from the Holy City.

The message of the Lord Jesus Christ is a message of hope, it is a message of love, it is a message of joy," said President Nelson. "It is underlined in this time of a little heightened tension."

Had a nice discussion with some of the kids about conference talks. I quoted some things from Brother Durrant's talk which I had asked them to read earlier in the week.   I heard from Kim, Sheri, and Jared.

Today was a glorious Sabbath Day!

This is the bookmark I got from the stake Primary

when they visited our ward for our ward conference.

I made one for each of my kids and their families.

I study the back of it during the sacrament.

Original size so you can see what I am studying.

Wish it was bigger and more clear.

One of my favorite treats.

They are sweeter than strawberries.

Last night was the Show Low High School prom.

Here are some of the kids from our ward and their dates.

Jackson and his date.

Alice and her jeep.

Alice's brother Talon and his date.

We have some great youth in our ward even though we are a small ward.

Pretty ingenious Khalie.

106 years ago the Titanic sunk 400 miles south

of Newfoundland. 

I wonder if the Lambson's are related to him.

Refueling my love for castles.

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ Authority of

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 16:17-39
*What are some examples that prove "that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."
*How can we liken the scriptures unto the Liahona given to Lehi's family?
Old Testament
Genesis 50
Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of

divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes. Thus, on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indication of our love for Him."

Happy 70th Birthday James!

An amazing wrestler

A great fisherman

A great kisser

He is so strong

A great sense of humor

A great partner

He has great taste in cars

A great eternal companion

An awesome dad and family man!

I made my man a nice breakfast this morning. It is usually him that cooks in the mornings.

David told James that when he turned 70 he no longer has to pay for a hunting and fishing license. You are considered a "Pioneer" and it covers everything!  I guess sometimes it pays to get old! Of course we had to take a drive up to Pinetop to the Game and Fish department to pick one up. This brought back fond memories for James because this is where he worked a couple of summers when we were first married. He actually helped stock fish in the various streams and lakes in the White Mountain area. At the end of the day he reported back to this office.

We got to Darbi's after 2 o'clock and it was closed so we ate at LaCasita. Here's what James's late lunch looked like:

A green chili burro, enchilada style

We got gas and went through the carwash next to McDonald's as we were leaving we noticed that instead of cows in the Adams's field there was a huge flock of Canadian geese.  I am not sure where the cows were.

When we got home James had an Eagle Brand pie waiting for him. I doubled the filling so we were both anxious to try it. It was pretty delicious. This is the only thing he asked for, for his birthday. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it.

James's mom called and asked when his party was...uh oh. I texted Sheri and she said she told her the date and time so now I don't feel so bad. She wasn't upset but said she had made a cheesecake for him and that she would put it in the freezer until we came by to pick it up. We will be down on the 1st and 2nd of February.

Sheri posted this on Facebook today.

Stacy's post:

I cut James's hair today and I must say that I did a good job.

This evening we watched an episode of "Heartland." The question is, will Georgie lose her horse, Phoenix?

It was a great day spent with the one I love the most.