Wednesday, July 19th, 2017

Tucson, Arizona temple

Dedication: 13 August 2017

Atonement

Hebrews 9:28

Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 9:15; 11:10; 27:2-33

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter parallels what is happening today. Millions are being killed, cast out, or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees who need us, to welcome and to love them, even though they don't have the same religious beliefs as we do.

DC 103:1-13

1-4, Why the Lord permitted the Saints in Jackson County to be persecuted; 5-10, The Saints will prevail if they keep the commandments;

How have my prayers been answered because I heeded the word of the Lord?

*The persecution to the Saints had become merciless and they were pleading to know when relief would come. Many had been driven from their homes "and they earnestly desired to know how and by what means Zion was to be redeemed." (Hyrum Smith) This revelation came and was received four months and 12 days directing the Prophet to begin to gather up the strength of the Church for a relief expedition; which subsequently came to be know as Zion's Camp. The Lord gives the conditions of the blessings that can be given in verse 5 and 6: "and inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour to the counsel which I, the Lord their God shall give unto them...they shall never cease to prevail." Sadly, many did not and the persecution worsened. So the question then begs to be asked of us: how many blessings and opportunities have we forfeited for failure to render prompt and unconditional obedience?

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: Our Savior."

James: "I can't find my notebook that has critical information about this job." Thank goodness he did eventually find it.

James made tasty potato and egg patties for breakfast. As we are enjoying our breakfast I look outside and see three bunnies munching on the grass outside enjoying their breakfast too.

We have such a predictable life but it's a satisfying one. We went outside on the deck to read from "A Lady Unrivaled" and to watch the clouds in. After we are finished James goes out to start putting the new brakes on his truck. Oh dear. I don't think he's ever done this before. 

After lunch I go with James to the Dollar General at the Y to get some brake fluid. I went in the store and wandered around wondering what I should buy. I came out with a bottle of water. How unoriginal. James bought brake fluid and Dove dark chocolates. He tried to tempt me with them but I turned them down. I had to help James when he put the brake fluid in his truck by holding down the brakes and then letting them up. It's nice to be useful once in a while.

Proof that it rained.

It rained this afternoon and of course we had to go back on the deck and read another chapter. I also blogged and paid bills today.

After dinner we snacked on watermelon while watching Christmas movies. We watched "The Christmas Cure," and "Love You Like Christmas."

Random Photos

James and all of his siblings at his dad's funeral.

Ben and Sheri being goofy

One of my favorite Ruby photos.

Wish I could make this for Addy's birthday.

My workbooks.

Monday, July 17th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Hebrew 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Alma 34:1-16

*Why do you think Jesus Christ is the only one who could atone for the sins of the world?

*President Russell M. Nelson: "His Atonement is infinite - without an end. It was also infinite in that all humankind would be saved from neverending death. It was infinite in terms of His immense suffering....It was infinite in scope - it was to be done once for all. And the mercy of the Atonement extends not only to an infinite number of people, but also to an infinite number of worlds created by Him. It was infinite beyond any human scale of measurement or mortal comprehension, 'Jesus was the only one who could offer such an infinite Atonement, since He was born of a mortal mother and an immortal Father. Because of that unique birthright, Jesus was an infinite Being.'"

DC 102:1-16

1-8, A high council is appointed to settle important difficulties that arise in the Church; 9-18, Procedures are given for hearing cases;

What is the function of the High Council?

*To settle important difficulties which might arise in the Church.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

" Kindness is the essence of a celestial life. Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes." - Joseph B. Wirthlin

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

" Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the higher priesthood. A lifetime of selfless priesthood service lies before you. Prepare now by frequently rendering meaningful service. Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy."

A day to relax and enjoy some Hallmark Christmas movies. I love Christmas in July! This morning I watched "December Bride," and "The Christmas Secret." It rained around one o'clock so James and I went out on the porch and finished "The Reluctant Duchess." Afterwards we went inside and had some of Trina's white chili. Yes, it's still good!

I tell James that we are many times 'on the edge.' I tried to take some picture to explain what this means:

On the edge of the clouds and the storm.

The left is cloudy and looks like rain any minute.

The right is clear and the sun is shining.

I love to look out at the grass James planted and see the bunnies enjoying a feast. Today a squirrel joined in. He was holding a blade of grass in his little front legs and chewing on it. I guess he gave up on getting into our garbage since we are careful about leaving the garage door closed.

Today is what I call a "down" day or a recovery day.  I did clean the kitchen and dining room floor with my new Floormate. 

James didn't go to the dump. He has decided he is going to burn the trash and then dig out the cans, etc. That's fine with me as long as he gets rid of it. 

James: "I can't find my saw."

James is having F.H.E. with the Wilhelm family this evening. He gave the lesson on a plan for your goals. Last month they all wrote out their goals and gave them to him. Ruthie was taking care of a baby bluebird. 

Brother Westbrook said Sadie and her husband were in an accident and totaled his truck. They both got accepted into BYU-Idaho and will be leaving in a couple of weeks. Brother Westbrook is giving them their car to drive. What a great dad! 

I watched "Christmas in Homestead" while James was gone. When he returned we watched the finale of "The Good Witch." Sam and Cassie are engaged.

Random Photos:

Wish they would come back.

They were going to stay awhile but something

scared them away.

Annie is my favorite!

I love their bums. They look like targets.

The herd

The Vernon watchmen on the hill.

The road home.

I love the clouds!

Phoenix

Show Low Walmart parking lot.

Somewhere in Scotland or Ireland

Beautiful!

Monday, July 10th, 2017

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sept 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ

Acts 10:38; 13:23; 18:5; 19:15; 22:8; 26:15

Alma 30:46-60

*In Alma 30:46-50 Korihor, still not accepting the signs he had been given, demanded that Alma show him a sign of God's existence. In response, Korihor was struck dumb by the power of God. Convinced of God's power, Korihor wrote about why he had been preaching against God the Father and Jesus Christ. Read Alma 30:51-53.

*What do you think Korihor meant when he said that he taught things that were "pleasing unto the carnal mind?"

*In Alma 30:54-59 Korihor asked Alma to pray so the curse could be removed from him. Alma refused, saying that if Korihor received the ability to speak, he would again teach false doctrine to the people. Korihor was cast out and went from house to house, begging for food. Eventually he went to the Zoramites, who had separated from the Nephites, and was trampled to death.

*Read Alma 30:60 and look for the principle Mormon teaches. What principle does Mormon teach in this verse?

"The devil will not support his children (followers) at the last day."

*How is this different from the way Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ care for us? (Read Alma 36:3.)

DC 101:1-12

1-8, The Saints are chastened and afflicted because of their transgressions; 9-15, The Lord's indignation will fall upon the nations, but His people will be gathered and comforted;

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

" We read in the Bible Dictionary that "only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness." We now have 155 operating temples and more coming soon. More and more families are sealed for time and all eternity. Members are submitting more and more names of ancestors to the temple to perform their saving ordinances. We truly are experiencing great joy and celebration on both sides of the veil! In a darkening world, the light of the gospel will shine brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

" The importance of the Savior's mission was emphasized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who declared emphatically that 'the fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it."

Sheri made bacon and eggs for breakfast and I made pancakes. After breakfast Sheri and the younger boys went for a walk. Stacy and Paul got ready to leave to go to Dorina's hearing in Show Low. Joshua is staying here with us and when the hearing is finished, I told Stacy I would take Joshua into town so they wouldn't have to come back out here to get him.

I guess Joshua is meditating

Nice photo!

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Rowan, and Joshua took a drive to the top of Green's Peak. It is one of Sheri's favorite places in Arizona, and mine too, and it's only 15 miles away.

Ian with his cowboy hat.

Sheri takes this picture of the boys every year.

I should make a collage.

I love how Evan has his arm around Rowan.

I am so glad that Ian went with Sheri. They had a flat tire on the way back down.  Ian had a really hard time getting the lug nuts off because they were stripped.  When they finally return James, Sheri, Joshua and I go in to town. Stacy, Paul, and Paul's sisters and their families are having lunch at Pizza Factory. Paul put this picture of Tara on Facebook.

I like how it says awesome on the wall behind her.

When I dropped Joshua off Stacy introduced me to Tara's husband Jeff.  He shook my hand, spoke to me in a British accent, and kissed my cheek. I was charmed and impressed. Stacy says he is a great guy. He works on the TV show, "Dr. Who".  Sorry I didn't get a picture.  I ask how he liked the U.S. and he said he loved it.

We drop Sheri's tire off at Discount and pick up our Razr tire.  James goes to Home Depot and Sheri and I go to Walmart to kill some time. They said it would be over an hour before the tire was fixed.  James also stopped at American Fence. I ordered a thin crust veggie pizza from Dominoes for Sheri and I. James said he didn't want any. He opted for KFC. We stopped there too to take home some chicken for Sheri's family.  After picking up Sheri's tire we head for home making one more stop at Conoco for ice. 

It rained while we were at Walmart, but no rain in Vernon.  

Five Crowns with Sheri and Ben and I lose again. Ben wins.  We just can't beat him. Last time he got six points. After family scriptures and prayer, Sheri, Ian, and Ben watch the movie "Love and Mercy" which is the life story of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.  The boys play upstairs. I go in my bedroom to study and take a nap. James and I read a chapter from "The Reluctant Duchess."

Ben helps James fix the tractor. Stacy, Paul, and Joshua arrive home safely. Joshua said thank you and said he had a blast.

I found this list to be both

extensive and amusing.