Friday, December 6th, 2019

Anchorage, Alaska

54th temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

4 Nephi 1, 29

And it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth, and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and they did also receive the Holy Ghost.

And again, there was another church which denied the Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ, because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them.

Book of Mormon

Ether 4:1-19

New Testament

2-3 John; Redheaded Hostess study sheets

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ"

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The Book of Mormon people known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies 'laid down the weapons of their rebelliion,' burying them 'deep in the earth' as 'a testimony to God ... that they never would use their weapons again.' In doing so, they promised to follow God's teachings and never go back on their commitment. This action was the beginning of being 'converted unto the Lord' and never falling away."

In Sister Craig's conference talk she said we need to make a regular appointment with the Lord. My appointment is every morning from 5-7:20. I love having this quiet time with the Lord. James joins me the last 20 minutes as we read our scriptures together. I also read two conference talks during the day and listen to at least one spiritual podcast. I love the gospel of Jesus Christ!

I got to say hello to Trina before work and thank her for allowing us to stay with them. She thanked me for helping her and doing the dishes on Wednesday.

I told Ruby to give me a hug before she left for school. She didn't remind Darrel until they were already on their way to the bus stop so I did not get to see her before school. Darrel went to the gym and he returned just as we were leaving around 9:36 so we waved goodbye to him. 

James dropped me off at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology office around 10:15. They have a new kiosk in the corner where you check in. Since I am seeing Dr. Kumar today I had to fill out lots of paperwork asking me questions about my arthritis and the pain associated with it. Dr. Kumar is a woman and a very young one at that. I liked her though. Frances got me started with my infusion as soon as Dr. Kumar  brought me in to the infusion center. As hour later I was finished. 

James was waiting for me outside, he was walking, when I was finished. We drove north on Arizona Avenue which changes to Country Club at Baseline and we had lunch at Culver's on Country Club and Baseline. I ordered a cheeseburger with sweet potato fries and a strawberry sundae. James had a fish sandwich and we both had water to drink. He made this comment to me when I couldn't finish my cheeseburger: "I used to be the cleanup guy, but not anymore."

We went the Payson way because I wanted James to show me where Punkin Center is. It's near where the Rawling's were washed away in Tonto Creek. It is way down in a valley. I've seen it before but didn't know what it was called. 

We stopped at Basha's in Payson. By the way, I love seeing Trey doing their commercials on TV. I bought chocolate chips and two moi ice cream bites. Ice cream wrapped in some kind of dough.

We arrived at Discount Tire in Show Low at 3:30. James's truck has been there all week and they still did not have the tire put on. James was a little peeved. One of the attendants came out to the car and apologized and offered him something for free and told him it would be ready first thing in the morning. James told him we had a funeral and wouldn't be there until early afternoon.

We stopped to get ice at the Speedway station on the hill. I was tempted but, "no more diet soda for me."

We stopped at the Vernon post office before it closed. I had received six books and one return from Amazon. 

We were surprised to see that all of the snow had melted in the few days that we were gone. There is still mud though.

I finished my steps, printed labels for my book order, fixed a small pizza for dinner and watched two Christmas movies. 

LifeTime: "You Light Up My Christmas" starring Kim Fields from "Facts of Life."

Hallmark: "Christmas Town" starring Candace Cameron Bure

I sent this picture to Trina. I thought it might save

her a trip to Los Angeles.

 It looks like Scarlett too.

That word that got cutoff his internal.

Sunday, July 8th, 2018

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 42:5

Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:

Book of Mormon

Alma 30:12-28

*What did Korihor teach?

-There should be no Christ (v.12). Hope in Christ is foolish and vain (v.13). No man can know of anything to come (v.13). The prophecies of Christ are foolish traditions of your fathers (v. 14). You cannot know of things you do not see (v.15). There could be no atonement made for the sins of man (v.17). Every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature (v.17). Every man prospered according to his genius and conquered according to his strength (v.17). When a man was dead that was the end thereof (v.18).
Old Testament
2 Chronicles 7-8
7 Fire comes down from heaven and consumes the sacrifices and burnt offerings - The Lord appears to Solomon and promises to bless the people - The Israelites will prosper if they keep the commandments.
8 Solomon builds cities-He offers sacrifices according to the law of Moses - Priests and Levites are appointed to serve the Lord.
General Conference

Young Women in the Work

"In Handbook 2, we learn that the work of salvation within our wards includes 'member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel.' This work is directed by our faithful bishops, who hold priesthood keys for their ward. For many years now, our presidency has been asking the question 'Which of these areas mentioned should our young women not be involved in?' The answer is that they have something to contribute in all areas of this work.' "

Happy Birthday Jared Ammon

Two Cubs fans.

The Gardners and Brother Smith from the high council were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. It was a good meeting. I loved the story Brother Smith told about his mother listening to the Spirit and going after his brother when he was camping at the lake because she had a feeling she should. She ended up swimming right up to where he and his friends were camped because she got her car stuck in the mud. 

Sister Morrison was released as the Relief Society secretary and Sister Thompson was called to fill the vacancy. 

Stacy, Paul, Joshua, and Rowan all stayed for sacrament meeting and the second hour so the boys could go to James's Primary class. His lesson was about Samson and how we need to develop spiritual strength. James said both Joshua and Rowan participated. Rowan told about Lola bumping her head while they were on a hike and how he prayed that someone would come to help and how his dad drove up right after his prayer. He said he felt liked Heavenly Father loved him and he immediately offered a prayer of thanks.

Joshua told his mom that the lesson was so good he almost cried.

Paul, Stacy, and I attended Brother Smith's Sunday School class. The lesson was on Solomon, wise man and foolish man. Brother Smith showed President Hinckley giving President Benson's conference address from April 1989, "Beware of Pride." After the talk we discussed pride. Pride is such a widespread malady I am sure most of us felt we needed to repent.

We had several new sisters in Relief Society today. Robin Doyle, Kate Hahn, and a Sister McLaws, and a visitor from Concho here with Barbara who has been attending the Concho branch but is actually a member of our ward.

 Teresa Smith taught the lesson using President Eyring's conference talk: "His Spirit to Be with You."

After the block James and I went to the Peeler's so he could help administer the sacrament for Sister Peeler. Brother J. Allen and Brother Secard were also there. I love the Peeler's so much and we pray everyday that Sister Peeler will heal so she can attend her meetings again.

Back at home Paul was cooking grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch and Stacy and the boys were packing and getting ready to go home. Rowan is supposed to be home by 4 because his family is going to The Arizona Grand Hotel for Trina's mom's birthday. I hear they have an awesome water park.

I took this picture before leaving. Why didn't I notice that Shipley was in front of Joshua's face?

This evening Tamara, the Relief Society President, and I went to visit a couple of sisters in our ward. Yesterday she and Kerri visited Sister Campbell and Kerri and I visited Sister Gardner. 

Our first visit was to the Crues family. Brother Crues visited with us as did his wife. When they said they were from Linden I asked if they knew the Maxwell's. Yes they did. Waylon had been a friend of Eric's in high school.

We had a nice visit and got to know them a little and their five year old son Jack who has three ride on tractor toys. He had to show us his driving skills before we left.

Our next stop was at Sister Skousen's. Since she was released as Primary President a few months back she had surgery on her right knee and we have not seen her in Relief Society. She said she attended once but that must have been before I was called to the presidency.  

Sister Skousen is not healing as quickly as she would like and the other day while trying to lift her leg onto the table during physical therapy she heard a snapping sound in her thigh area which has caused a great deal more pain. She had an MRI but they said it was non-conclusive so she goes in tomorrow for another one. She is worried that if she isn't able to go back to work soon she may lose her job. We told her we would pray for her. What didn't we offer a prayer before we left?

The European travelers are in Paris, France today.

Kim on the left.

Notre Dame

French Revolution

The Mona Lisa

The christening of Prince Louis

Friday, May 4th, 2018

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, betrayal of

DC 45:53

And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

*How is this story of Limhi's people similar to our own escape from this world into the arms of the Savior?

aliciamil4: "I can see the Savior's hand in everything, the good and the hard as He gives me the choice to choose Him or the ways of the world. He blesses me, he prepares me and he teaches me to move forward. 

Old Testament

1 Samuel 11-12

11 The Ammonites encamp against the Israelites of Jabesh-gilead - Saul rescues them and defeats the Ammonites - His kingship is renewed in Gilgal.

12 Samuel testifies of his own just dealings in Israel - He reproves the people for their ingratitude - He exhorts them to keep the commandments lest the Lord consume them and their king.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" As I sought guidance to know the topic the Lord would have me address today, my mind was directed to a recent conversation with the newly called First Presidency. In this discussion, one of the counselors shared words to this effect: 'I deeply hope that the membership of the Church can comprehend the magnitude of what has taken place with the calling of our new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and the significance and sacredness of the solemn assembly that will take place at general conference.' He further observed, 'It has been 10 years, and many, especially the youth of the Church, do not remember or have not experienced this before.'"

Russell M. Nelson-10/01: "Set in Order Thy House"

'Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so it will be throughout eternity.'

Rescuing Wayward Children:"Afflictions can push parents apart, when in actuality afflictions are designed to weld us together" (p. 227) "Oneness brings deliverance." Charity has 3 meanings: Love from Christ, Love for Christ, Love like Christ. (p.233)

James went on an early morning walk while I went downstairs to work on my blog. I was there when Addy got up and left, Ruby, Darrel, Rowan, and Lola. 

Trina and Darrel have a green shake for breakfast in the mornings. It's made from kale, spinach, frozen pineapple, a banana, and sometimes an orange if they have one. Trina let us taste her shake this morning and I must say, it was very tasty. She also introduced me to My Fitness Pal which she uses for her food diary. I love it!

Thanks Trina!

Trina told us a funny story about Lola this morning. She said they saw a woman with black hair and Lola said: "Is that Jo"? Trina asked her who Jo was and she said: "You know that girl who builds houses and her husbands name is Chip."

We said our goodbyes as everyone left for school or work. Ruby's class is going on a fieldtrip to the aquarium and Lola and Trina are going to meet them there. 

James and I loaded up and left for Fry's around 9:00 or so. We were looking for Grape Nut Flakes, for James. We didn't find any but we found the Larabar date balls that Trina introduced us to so we bought two flavors, brownie and salt caramel. A tasty little bite without having to count as a sweet.

James dropped me off at AARA for my infusion at 10:15. I had an appointment with Rana, Dr. Caldron's PA, and then I had my infusion. I lost about 10 lbs since last month which makes me happy and which also means I get less Actemra.

James took the car to get the new headlight put in, took our cast-offs to D.I., and got gas. For lunch we shared a salad I made up at Fry's salad bar. Since we have been on this diet we have actually craved more healthy food. 

Our next stop was in Scottsdale where James is seeing an allergy specialist. I dropped him off and then went to the Fry's Marketplace on Shea Blvd. just to look around. Just to look around cost me over $150. I ended up doing much of my grocery shopping. It was so fun. Much different from Walmart.

I bought James some fried chicken from Fry's because he loves it. He was pretty excited when I picked him up. He said this doctor helped him more than any other doctor. He told him to cut way down on meat, no spicy foods, milk products, or acidic foods. No water within an hour of going to bed. He also wrote him a prescription that he said would help with acid reflex more than the prescription that he is on. 

From Scottsdale we went home through Payson. 

I got my new crockpot!

Casserole Crockpot

There was a volcanic eruption and several earthquakes on the big island of Hawaii today. The one we visited in 1998.

I had to finish my walking when I got home. Afterwards James and I watched "The Beach House."

This reminds me of the Loggerhead turtles

in the movie "The Beach House."

An 18 year old picture of the Wilhelm family.

They just had their 10th baby.

The biggest Star Wars fan I know.

Teresa prepared for a Nerf gun war with

Jack.

Addy loves pineapples!

Good advice!

Gorgeous flowers at Fry's. I especially 

like the blue ones in the back.

The bear won. Can this be true?

What exactly does that mean?

Fun memories!

I wonder who will win this fight.

Thanks Paula.

Friday, July 7th, 2017

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct 2016 by

David A. Bednar

3 Nephi 25

At the Second Coming, the proud and wicked will be burned as stubble; Elijah will return before that great and dreadful day; Compare Malachi 4.

Alma 29:8-30:11

*Search Alma 29:10,14, and 16 looking for the blessing Alma received as he helped others come unto Christ.
*Have you ever felt the joy that comes from helping others come unto Christ?
*Read Alma 30:6 looking for a word that describes Korihor. (Anti-Christ). One definition of anti-Christ is: "Anyone or anything that counterfeits the true gospel plan of salvation and that openly or secretly opposes Christ."
DC 98:23-38
23-32, The Lord reveals His laws governing the persecutions and afflictions imposed on His people; 33-38, War is justified only when the Lord commands it;
General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton

" I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit."

Adam left for home this morning. Ben said he had to clean up after him in the bedroom where he slept.

Molly wants to celebrate her birthday with us while she is here. I took her and Ruby to Walmart this morning. I got about to the Vernon dump when James texted me and said he wanted to go, so I turned around and went back and picked him up. 

While James took the girls shopping I went and picked up the few items of groceries we needed. James checked out and I finished up with the girls. Molly got a pair of tennis shoes, a pair of shorts, and a jewelry making kit and some other small items with her $50.  Ruby spent some of her money too. She says she is saving the fifty dollars I gave her for her birthday for when she goes to Universal Studios, Harry Potter.

When we got back home to the cabin it was about time for lunch. I realized we were out of catsup so I made a trip to Dollar General while James fixed the boys popcorn chicken and french fries. When I returned everyone had eaten and no one had even missed the catsup. 

Darrel and Trina went on a walk this morning and then came back and cleaned upstairs before leaving for home.  They said they want to buy a horse and keep it up here if we would help them take care of it. Of course we would.  

Before Darrel, Trina, Addy, Ruby, and Lola left for home we had a party for Molly. Jared made her a cake and we had more ice cream.

Molly will be 8 on August 8th.

Ruby cried when she realized she had to go home and wouldn't be seeing Molly anymore. Jared and his family went into Fool's Hollow Lake and Licano's for burros this afternoon. James, Ben, Max, Evan, Joshua, Rowan and I all piled into our car and drove to Greer. As soon as the boys got out at the creek it began to rain. We didn't stay long. I guess Jared and his group got rained on too and the water was too cold to swim.  He said it wasn't a total bust because they got burritos.

We stopped at Sonic on the way home and got the boys food so they seemed happy.  

It rained a little this afternoon in Vernon, but not much. There were cows outside our fence so James turned the fence on. When the boys found out, they began touching the fence to see how much of a shock they could get. Rowan took his shoes off and got it the worst. It was like a game to them.

Jared made ribs for dinner. His kids didn't eat much because they will still full from their burros. 

This evening Jared wanted to go to bed early and then get up and drive home at midnight. Everyone was just going to stay up and sleep in the car. I thought maybe they would want to watch "Private Eyes," Jared's favorite movie when he was a kid, but the boys were watching "Nacho Libre" again.

James and I said good bye to Kacey, Tanner, Emmy, Molly, and Jared before we went to bed. Anna, Summer and James were somewhere upstairs. I am sad to see everyone go because I know how far they are going and that it will be a long time before we see them again.

More Photos:

Taylor a girl in my Primary class

Evan Face timing with his mom.

Alex got to see the London Bridge today.

Our kids loved this movie when

they were growing up.