Wednesday, October 18th, 2017

Cochabamba, Bolivia

82nd operating temple

Dedicated: 30 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 7:47

And behold, Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man, even in the flesh; and his soul rejoiced, saying: The Righteous is lifted up, and the Lamb is slain from the foundation of the world; and through faith I am in the bosom of the Father, and behold, Zion is with me.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 7:15-8:4

*What part does the Holy Ghost play in conversion?

-As we exercise faith, repent of our sins, and obey the commandments, we receive a witness born of the Spirit that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. We are visited "by the power and Spirit of God," (v. 21). As we listen to testimonies of apostles and prophets, the Spirit testifies of truth and touches hearts that are humble and teachable.

*How can we become more deeply converted? What lack I yet? How can we be a better influence for good

- Without the Holy Spirit we will not know what is truth and it will not prick our heart to change. A mighty change of heart to completely follow the Savior and His gospel is an indication of true conversion and happens through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 88:123-24

123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.

General Conference

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

"Often we describe a miracle as being healed without a full explanation by medical science or as avoiding catastrophic danger by heeding a clear prompting. However, defining a miracle as a 'beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand gives an expanded perspective into matters more eternal in nature.' This definition also allows us to contemplate the vital role of faith in the receipt of a miracle."

Here are some of the things I am trying to memorize right now:

Ponderize: Exodus 40:12-13

12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him.

Family Proclamation: "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God ant that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

The Living Christ: "As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennial ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.

My Patriarchal Blessing: "By the authority I hold as a patriarch, I place my hands upon your head, and in response to your desires, give you a blessing.

My friend Pam texted me this morning. She read 117 pages from the Book of Mormon last night. That's what happens when you don't have television, you do important things instead.

Darrel and Trina are in Boston. It's a great time of year to be back East. I would love to go to Vermont!

He says they didn't know his name.

I'm glad.

I made chicken enchiladas with red sauce today for lunch. I also made a salad. Everything was quite delicious!

This salad dressing is delicious!

James is becoming politically active on a local level. He got involved with the prescribed burn and now he is taking on the Vernon School Board. Our property taxes for this year were $2,800, a significant hike from last year. When we looked at the statement we realized that $2,400 is for the Vernon school. We have one school in our district with 100 students. The president of the school board is in our ward and when Chuck  asked him why his school taxes went up 150% he said because there are alot of poor people in Vernon and they don't pay their property taxes. James is so upset and so is Chuck, and Colin DeWitt. They will be at the next school board meeting.

James called Verizon and got I bill lowered by $50. We are getting rid of my tablet, a jetpack and we will be doing autopay. I think he might cancel our appointment with Wi-Power. He also poured concrete and worked on his equipment. It was a busy day. 

I went in to town to buy gifts for Hailey and Taylor. I am Hailey's visiting teacher and Taylor's Primary teacher. I also got some rice milk for James at Safeway because Walmart no longer carries it. While in Safeway I saw Denise and her mom Peg. They had just returned from Zion's and Bryce National Park. 

This evening we read a chapter from "Miss Leslie's Secret," watched The Love Struck Cafe and Heartland, "Dark Horse."

Photos:

My steps and stats for today.

Corvin Castle

Verdie Rea Robinson Maxwell and

Arlee Thomas Maxwell.

Another beautiful Vernon sunset.

Annie Oakley doing some trick shooting.

Sunday, October 15th, 2017

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Genesis 18:22

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

*How do these verses exemplify the pride cycle? How can we avoid falling into the pride cycle?

-We can avoid falling into the pride cycle by being truly converted to the faith, and by being "firm, steadfast and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord." (verse 14). Are our minds and hearts anxiously engaged in good things? Do we just go through the motions or are we truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the seed of faith planted in our souls?

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 82:3

For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"Earning the Lord's trust is a blessing that comes through great effort on our part. Trust is a blessing based on obedience to God's laws. Earning the Lord's trust comes as a result of being true to the covenants we have made in the waters of baptism and in the holy temple. When we keep our promises to the Lord, His trust in us grows."

Brother Curtis and Brother Crane were asked to bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting today. Brother Curtis was the ward clerk that was just released. Here are some of the things Brother Curtis said: He said he was blessed to serve four years as the ward clerk. He said right now he is closer to the Savior than he has ever been in his life. The Savior will always come to my rescue. The priesthood is such a blessing as the Lord's tender mercies are administered.

Brother Crane: Grateful to serve in the bishopric. Chuck bore a powerful 4 point testimony. He forgot to mention Joseph Smith.

LeeAnn H. spoke about why she should listen to her parents. She used a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood." 

Brother Allen was the final speaker. He used Elder David E Sorenson's talk on temples from the October 2003 general conference. In 1998 there were 94 temple. Today there are 157. Temples stand as a symbol of the grace and goodness of God. The temple is a place of revelation, inspiration, meditation, and peace - a place to restore ourselves, to clear our minds, to find answers to our prayers, and to enjoy the satisfaction of worship and service. 

"When you are about the Lord's work, He will be about your work."

Brother DeWitt and James helped passed the sacrament today. I think Andy asks them because they are both short and the boys don't feel intimidated. 

During Primary we all stayed in the chapel for our program practice. I told my class if they were good that I would make them cookies. Colter and Jace were both very good, and of course Gracie and Liana are always good. Curtis was gone today. I can't remember him ever missing Primary before. Someone said he went to help his dad. Zemira, Ruthie and Johnny were gone for awhile but they all eventually showed up, but no Curtis. I missed him. 

When we got home Kim and Brian were packed up and ready to go home. We said our goodbye's and took a picture on the front porch.

After lunch and nap I studied and called my friend Charlotte and texted Pam. I also worked on my blog. James and I watched the finale of "Chesapeake Shores."

James saw some elk this evening, two herds. 

October 15, 2017

We need a watering trough.

Sunday morning puppy snuggles.

Goodbye to Kim and Brian.

Scarlett

Why do I mail my property taxes to

Houston, Texas?

This was posted on a friend's Facebook feed.

October 15, 2016

Anna and friend with Mike from

Monsters, Inc.

Ruby ready to rock and roll!

Last years new toy,

a log splitter

October 15, 2015

What a difference a couple of years makes.

Monday, September 25th, 2017

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Deuteronomy 34:10

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

Helaman 9:18-41

As we prepare for General Conference let's remember that the words of prophets will be fulfilled. (See DC 1:37-38)

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

-Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Young Women's President:

"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 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."

DC 138:45-60

*How has your appreciation for temples grown since reading these verses?

- scripturestudy: "I love everything about the temple. The peace and joy I feel from being in the house of my Lord and that I can serve those who have passed on and they can receive of eternal blessings. I also believe that as I help those on the other side of the veil that they will help me and my family here. We are becoming one with our Savior and each other as we serve each other and do temple work and are sealed to each other eternally. I love everything about the temple. vs. 56 - 'Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.' I love this, that we knew each other in the premortal life and we were tutored and taught and were determined to do our part in mortality."

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Christ's perfect love overcomes temptations to harm, coerce, bully, or oppress. Christ's perfect love allows us to walk with humility, dignity, and a bold confidence as followers of our beloved Savior. Christ's perfect love gives us the confidence to press through our fears and place our complete trust in the power and goodness of our Heavenly Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ."

Instead of turning on the fan this morning when I got up, I turned up the space heater in the dining room.

After scriptures and prayer with James I read a chapter from "Mind Games" to him. I then prepared the steak for tonight's meal and put it in the crockpot. 

Kaeli, my visiting teacher came for a visit around 10 a.m. She brought her kids, Natalie and Guy with her. Guy is walking now and he did a little exploring. Natalie knows where the Barbie's are and went straight upstairs. At one point she wanted me to come up and help her put dresses on all of the Barbie's. We ran out of Barbie's before we ran out of dresses and this was a little upsetting to Natalie. Kaeli and I had a good visit. I enjoyed having them come and see me. 

After they left James and I had lunch and a rest time. I also worked on my blog before starting the mashed potatoes for tonight's meal. 

Around 5 p.m. James and I packed half the steak and gravy, mashed potaotes and corn up and took it to the Scott's. We visited with them a few minutes before leaving. Millie is able to use one of her arms and was in good spirits tonight. I always enjoy visiting with her. 

We came home and enjoyed our dinner. James took a Razr ride out to pick up his camera at Chocolate Lake and saw some elk.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Christofferson's conference talk about warning our neighbor. We then watched Heartland, "Summer's End."

Not sure what they are doing or where they are,

but I love these two!

lambsondallen

Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell in

their square dancing days.

Lindsey and Mark as butterflies

The entire country is upset with the NFL

players for disrespecting the American flag.

Max and Ollie

Oliver Trezise

Our little Minion 2015

What a face

Peppermint Patty residue

Joshua 2011

James, Aunt Gene, Denise

2015