Sunday, April 19th, 2020

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Judge

Alma 11:44

Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

 Review Mosiah 1-3; Finish BM Study Guide and Sunday journal

April General Conference

"Opening the Heavens for Help"

President Russell M. Nelson

"Let us put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 

into action"!

"Ensuring a Righteous Judgment"

James R. Rasband

April 2020

Happy Anniversary to Sheri and Ian. I hope it was a good one!

I slept in until after six this morning. I spent time finishing up the "Come Follow Me" lesson in my Book of Mormon study guide and my Sunday journal.

Many people think this pandemic is a ploy by the government to take away our liberties. I am not sure what I think but I think something needs to happen in order for our economy to be restored.

James put Luna in the yard this morning instead of her little cooped up pen. I think she loved it. She was eating grass over by our bedroom until she found the patch of grass outside the dining room window. That's where she ended up staying most of the time.

At one o'clock we met with the Goodman's and the Peeler's at the Goodman's house for the sacrament and a gospel discussion.

We sang "Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning" and then Brother Peeler gave the opening prayer. We then had the sacrament, James blessing the bread and Brother Peeler passing it and then Brother Peeler blessing the water and James passing it. 

When the Sacrament was finished we talked about what to do for our lesson. President Peeler, our stake president, had sent out an email this morning. Today was supposed to be our stake conference. As part of President Peeler's message each member of the stake presidency, President Beeler, President Smithson, and President Alder had made a YouTube video with a gospel message. We used Brother Goodman's phone attached to a bluetooth speaker to listen to the messages.  

We then had lunch. Brother Peeler and Sister Goodman had both made chili and they had combined it. There was frogs eyes salad, the bagged maple bacon bourbon salad I brought, and check cordon blue made at Safeway. There was also cheese for the chili and mini saltine crackers. It was a delicious meal. Afterwards we had orange, cranberry, applesauce bread that Barbara had made. 

As we drove in to the Goodman's we noticed a huge backhoe and big piles of dirt where trenches had been dug. When we asked about it Pierce explained that he was building a greenhouse that would be climate-controlled by underground pipes. He said he watched a YouTube video called "Greenhouse in the Snow." Of course we had to go out and see where this green house was going to be.

17 X 100 greenhouse. It seems as if

Pierce is planning on feeding all of Vernon.

This evening we had our family discussion on forgiveness, led by Jared. Those participating: Jared, Kacey, Stacy, Sheri, Kim, Brian, James and I. I was hoping Darrel and Trina would join us but they didn't.

It was a great discussion. I especially enjoyed Kacey telling about her dad leaving when she was a young girl and how she had done temple work for her dad's family. Everyone participated. It was a good discussion. When we were finished Stacy asked us to pray for her tomorrow since she has a test for he class that is comparable to state boards. 

It was fun seeing Charlie and Scarlett on the Skype call. Charlie had to tell us about watching "Cars." I think she was happy to see James and I on the call.

After our discussion James wrote a letter to Ben and I worked on my blog before going to bed. It was a wonderful Sabbath day.

 Jared rides his horse as James

rides Luna

Sheri and Ollie

Monday, August 7th, 2017

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 March 1956

By: David O. McKay

Alma 46:29-41

How did hoisting the Title of Liberty upon every tower in the land help the people maintain perspective?

What helps me keep perspective in today's world?

*My title is found in m patriarchal blessing. The natural woman in me wants to act different than that title, and so it is a constant reminder of my true self and who Heavenly Father created me to be.

DC 109:21-40

How does one show reverence in the temple and in meeting houses?

*By being quiet, and turning our thoughts to God.

General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton

"In that moment of death, the room was filled with peace. Even in our moments of deepest grief, in the moments when time stands still and life seems so unfair, we can find comfort in our Savior because He suffered as well."

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"The Saviors compassion, love, and mercy draw us toward Him. Through His Atonement, we are no longer satisfied with our sinful state. God is clear about what is right and acceptable to Him and what is wrong and sinful. This is not because He desires to have mindless, obedient followers. No, our Heavenly Father desires that His children knowingly and willingly choose to become like Him and qualify for the kind of life He enjoys. In doing so, His children fulfill their divine destiny and become heirs to all that He has.

James went with some other members of the High Priest Group to help a sister move from Show Low to Vernon. While he was gone I watched "Recipe for Love." 

When James returned he said the house she is moving in to has no drywall, it is just an outside shell. There was not enough room in the house for all her stuff so they left it outside in the yard. Others who went to help: Chuck, Mel, Chris, Owen, and Wes.

It continued to be a lazy day for me. James continues to work on the greenhouse. 

I got a text from Adam today wanting to borrow money. He says he is going to school to learn Japanese. In two years he plans on moving to Japan where he will teach English. He says Kristofor and his wife Kris are going too. I am just grateful that he has a plan.

The Hatch's are having a reunion in Germany. They have a boat parked in the Adriatic Sea which is their swimming hole. 

We watched the new Garage Sale Mystery/Beach.

The full moon was gorgeous tonight!

Random Photos:

My attempt at healthy snacks:

In my case it's 69.

Rusty catches a big one in Houston.

Saturday, August 5th, 2017

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Rededicated: 4 June 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Alma 45:15-46:10

How do these verses compare to our day?

*Pride and economic position are factors that lead men away in modern times as well as in Nephi's time. The cycle of pride. It is sad to see how quickly the Nephites descended spiritually after their victory over the Lamanites. The natural man is prone to take credit for the talents, protection and strength God gives us. 

DC 108:1-8

How can dwelling on past sins prevent us from hearing the Spirit in the present?

*Dwelling on our past sins can become a major stumbling block for any kind of progress. If we have repented, one of the most important parts of that process is forgiving ourselves. That means we do not dwell on our mistakes any more. The Lord forgives and forgets and so should we. Otherwise how can we ever feeWe worthy to receive any kind of personal revelation from our loving Heavenly Father? He takes that weight off our shoulders and we are able to move forward with our focus on God and our Savior, and their will for us. 

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"We do not know what marvels God will inspire people to create to help in His work of gathering His family But whatever marvelous inventions may come, their use will require the Spirit working in people like you and me. This should not surprise us. After all, these are beloved sons and daughters of God. He will send whatever inspiration is needed to give them the opportunity to return to Him."

We attended the 8 a.m. session at the Snowflake temple.  Kim and Brian were still sleeping when we left. I saw two people from our ward, Sister Diewald, and Brother Wilhelm. Of course we took a selfie after our session.

Next stop, El Cupidos for a bacon breakfast burrito for me and a chicken quesadilla for James. We stopped at Walmart and each of us took a different list so we could divide and conquer. I got a lamp for Brian and Kim's room because it seems a little dark down there. We got a little bit of rain on the way home. Kim said they also got a little in Vernon while we were gone. 

There is a lot going on today. Vernon Days at the park, and Brother Street's baptism and the Howard's open house at Wolf Mountain Ranch. James went to the baptism and the open house while I stayed home with Kim and Brian. Kim, Brian and I played Five Crowns and Brian won. It is so nice to play with a new deck of cards. 

When James got home he began working on the greenhouse. He needed Brian's help for something and I'm grateful he was here to help. 

It's starting to look like a house!

James and I took a nap and then started our fast. We are fasting that our grandchildren will be able to withstand the buffetings of Satan. 

Kim and Brian went on a Razr ride and then came back and made nachos for dinner. They smelled so good!  Brian watched the D-Backs game and Kim went out and mowed our lawn.

 Thanks Kim!

Kim, of course, did a puzzle while she was here.  This is a new one and was alot of fun.

Bizarre Bookstore with lots of little quirks.

I blogged this afternoon, worked on my Primary lesson and texted with Jenifer who said she saw Jared today at the distribution center near the San Antonio temple. 

I made a green chili stew for tomorrow at James's request. I think it is his favorite meal. 

Stacy called and was very upset. I tried to help.

Random Photos:

Huntleigh is two. She wants to be like her

brother and sister.

She loves these orange boots.

Summer and Kacey, a couple of cuties.

I love the look on Ian's face.

Three years ago they spent a week with me.

Such a cute baby!

Monday, July 31st, 2017

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888 

By: Lorenzo Snow

Rededicated: 14-16 June 1985 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

2 Nephi 10:25

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 32:3

And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail against them.

Alma 43:15-26

*Why did the Lamanites withdraw their attacks even though they outnumbered the Nephites? (See verses 20-22).

*What can we learn from this event about defending ourselves against Satan's designs?

*Why did Moroni send messengers to talk with Alma? (see verses 23-24).

*What can Moroni's example teach us about how we can be prepared spiritually against the adversary? (Principle: If we seek and follow prophetic counsel, we will be better able to defend ourselves against the adversary.)

DC 107:1-20

1-6, There are two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic; 7-12, Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to officiate in all offices in the Church; 13-17, The bishopric presides over the Aaronic Priesthood, which administers in outward ordinances; 18-20, The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of all spiritual blessings; the Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of the ministering of angels;

How is the priesthood greater than any of its offices?

* Bruce R. McConkie: "The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. No office adds any power, dignity, or authority to the priesthood. All offices derive their rights, prerogatives, graces, and powers from the priesthood. This principle may be diagrammed by dividing a circle into segments. The priesthood is the circle; the segments of the circle are the callings or offices in the priesthood. Anyone who serves in a segment of the circle must possess the power of the whole circle. No one can hold an office in the priesthood without first holding the priesthood."

General Conference

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

" In the 1830 printing of the Book of Mormon Joseph included a short preface and simply and clearly declared it was translated 'by the gift and power of God.'  What about the aids to translation - the Urim and Thummim, the seer stones? Were they essential, or were they like the training wheels on a bicycle until Joseph could exercise the faith necessary to receive more direct revelations?"

James is helping Brother Howard finish the roof on their bunkhouse this morning. They have a big open house this Saturday. Chuck and Brother Peeler were also helping with trimming trees, and setting up a horseshoe game.

I helped Kaeli, Alicia, and Stefani clean at the Freeman's today. They are moving to Taylor.  There are mouse droppings everywhere in this house. Stefani has a son on a mission in West Virginia, Tyler. He and his companion were heroes this week. There was flooding in the town where they are serving and they helped rescue people who were caught in their cars. Tyler was even interviewed on the local television station.

When I got home I made some mongolian beef and put it in the crockpot. I worked on my blog while James was outside working on putting up the greenhouse he bought a few months ago. 

I talked with my neighbor Kathy about her trip to the valley to help with the Curtis's sons funeral. She said she didn't know how we ever lived down in the valley in the heat. She did tell me that Brother Curtis was able to do his son's temple endowments before he was buried so he could be buried in his temple clothes. They had to get special permission from the temple presidency to do his endowments, but it gave them a great deal of comfort.

For FHE we listened to Brother Hale's conference talk, "Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ."

I finished my frog picture.

Used by Prisma colored pencils and permanent markers.

Other Photos:

James's work boots.

Snow or hiking boots.

Tennis shoes

Camo clogs.

Notice that none of these shoes were in a closet.

Rain storm as viewed in White Pocket at 

the Vermillion Cliffs.

Arizona elk

Castle World