Monday, May 4th, 2020

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, King

Psalms 89:18

For the Lord is our defense; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

"A Light That Can Never Be Darkened"; Mosiah 11; Sunday journal; Study Guide

April General Conference

"An Especially Noble Calling"

Sister Joy D. Jones

"I'm grateful to focus my remarks today on women's continuing roles in the Restoration. It is clear that throughout history women have held a distinctive place in our Heavenly Father's plan. President Russell M. Nelson taught, 'It would be impossible to measure the influence that . . . women have, not only on families but also on the Lord's Church, as wives, mothers, and grandmothers; as sisters and aunts; as teachers and leaders; and especially as exemplars and devout defenders of the faith.'"

"The Great Plan"

President Dallin H. Oaks

April 2020

"The Divine Gift of Gratitude"

President Thomas S. Monson

October 2010

We left for the valley around 7 o'clock this morning. James borrowed Tom Howard's truck so he could bring back the Cat that is on the job in Mesa. It is a Chevy and it rides just as rough as James's Dodge.

 My appointment is at 11:00 at the AARA. We got into town around 10 and James went by to check on his job on Bellview St. in Mesa. Afterwards we went to Mesa Blueprint to pick up some blueprints. We then drove over to Country Club and Baseline where my appointment is. James dropped me off and went on his way. I guess the wrong blueprints were sent to Mesa Blueprint and he had to go pick up the right ones after calling Rick Crandall to tell him the wrong ones were sent.

The AARA is so quiet with only patients who are receiving infusions waiting in the office. The doctors are still not seeing any patients. Tiffany insert the needle in my arm instead of Ang who had such difficulty last month. Tiffany's needle went right in. 

My infusions lasts an hour and when I was finished I texted James. He was waiting to meet with Mario's nephew but said he would come and pick me up if I wanted. I told him no, I would walk across the street to Costco and he could pick me up there when he was ready. 

It's a good thing I brought my mask to wear otherwise I would not have gotten in to Costco. These are some of the things I bought: 

steak for mother's day, rotissere checken already shredded and vacuum packed into a plastic bag. I bought the chicken so I could make tacos and enchiladas. A bag of granola, a new pair of pajamas for myself, and two big water guns for Zemira Wilhelm's birthday.

On the way out I bought a hot dog and a drink for lunch. I waited outside and was going to eat my hotdog but I felt uncomfortable, so I didn't. I shared it with James instead. 

The next matter of business was to go to Bill Valentic's construction yard and get the trailer. After hitching up the trailer we went back to the jobsite and James loaded up the Cat. We then were ready to go home. 

We stopped at the Circle K in Superior for a potty break and to put air in a tire. I bought a ham and cheese sandwich for us to share but it was disgusting so we didn't eat it. 

James stopped at his favorite gas station in Globe to get some diesel for the truck and the Cat. He had me go in to Subway and get him a sandwich. I got a 12" instead of a 6" that he asked for and I ate the other half. They were out of roast beef so I got steak on toasted wheat with tomato, banana peppers and mustard for him and mayo for me. He asked where the onions were and I said he didn't ask which I thought was strange.

We stopped at the post office in Vernon and picked up the mail. We were home before 6:30. I tried to walk but my left leg hurt too much so I couldn't do much. We watched Season 1 Episode 5 of "Lark Rise to Candleford." The arrival of a new post office inspector causes problems for Dorcas. Robert has been carving a decorative angel on the schoolhouse for which he is not getting paid. Laura loses an important parcel.

Dorcas says this to the rude post office inspector, Mr. Rushton:

"Any man who puffs himself up by the ruination of others is not welcome in my parlor. Now, if you will excuse us."

Ben's Letter:

Cathy Arnett and some of her daughters

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 10:1-19

*How did Nephi qualify for the great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?

-My answer: The answer to the first question in found in verses 4 and 5. The last sentence in verse four says: 'Thou has not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did, yes, if it is the Lord's will. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel lie a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions. 

James: "When I serve and feel I have blessed someone elses life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what he would have done and I feel His love. I feel 'wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love.' I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I testify to you that if you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray, and repent, the heavens will open and you will know, as I know, that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and He is yours."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations. Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard - give up a poor habit or an addiction, put aside worldly pursuits, sacrifice a favorite activity because it is the Sabbath, forgive someone who has wronged you - think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him. And thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more."

We were supposed to leave for the valley by 7:30 but it was 8:00 before we pulled out of the driveway. I am supposed to pick my friend Jean up for lunch in Chandler at 11:30 but I think it will be closer to noon.

We stopped in Show Low for gas and to wash the car. Our next stop was in Miami at Burger House where we ordered several burros for Cathi and Terry and a couple for ourselves. 

Cathi and Terry surprised us by being home when we arrived. I guess the church is being cleaned and so they are working at home. 

James stayed there and will borrow Terry's truck to go to his doctors appointment and I left to pick up Jean. I had told her earlier that I was going to be a little late. Jean's house here in Chandler is up for sale. I had forgotten which one it was but when I saw the for sale sign and the vehicle from Tate's in Show Low I knew.

Jean had on a sweater and complained about being cold when we were in "Fresh Start." I wish we would have asked to sit on the patio. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and Jean had a salad. We talked a little about her grandson Dustin who is now living with them since they bailed him out of jail. Jean seemed tired so we didn't stay long. After we said our goodbye's and I gave her the visiting teaching handout I drove her home. When I left I was thinking about how I could help her and I decided I need to ask her to be a part of our Book of Mormon reading group. I guess that is what I will do next month. She can't come back to Vernon because she has to stay with Dustin and the courts won't let him come to Show Low.

I went to Hobby Lobby and spent my 40% off coupon and then some. I bought some wooden pumpkins, a wreath, and some supplies to make Alice W. a sweet sixteen candy bouquet. 

I got back to Cathi and Terry's before James was finished with his doctor's appointment. Cathi and I had a visit. I guess her brother-in-law Paul is not doing very well. He has cancer. I have been praying for him. 

James's appointment was with a rheumatologist. He ordered bloodwork which James had done at the Sonoran lab where we used to go. The bloodwork will determine what he has that is causing his laryngitis. The doctor also wrote him a prescription for prednisone.

As soon as James walked in the door he was ready to head home. I wanted Chik-fil-a on the way home and told James there was one on Power Rd. I was reading and he missed the turnoff. We ended up going to the one at Superstition Springs mall. When James makes a mistake he does everything he can to make it right. I do appreciate that about him. 

We stopped at Fry's in Globe for bananas. I am making banana nut bread for Hailey, one of the other sisters I visit teach. James also got some cranberry celebration. We also stopped at the Safeway in Show Low because I didn't think he got enough bananas.

We got home around 7:30. We stopped at the post office and my box of Doctrine and Covenant Stories that I ordered for my Primary class arrived. We changed clothes and got into our relax mode.

We watched the last episode of Heartland, called "Showdown." It was a stressful one because Tim got shot in the chest. It was the last show of the season. Our new dvd won't be here until next Monday so we have to wait that long for the next episode.

We also watched one of the new Hallmark movies, "Falling for Vermont."

The girl winds up in a town in Vermont with

amnesia and falls for the local doctor.

Typical Hallmark plot.

I am attracted to cute puppies.

Here's another one.

I love fall.

I love my hardworking hubby!

Oh, it's Holly

9/26/15

The soccer stars!

9/26/15

Darrel's car after his crash

9/26/14

Monday, December 12, 2016

Ether 9:1-22

Cycles of Great Prosperity and Tragic Wickedness.

 Notice in Ether 9:5-12 that the rise of secret combinations again led to the destruction of many people.  Verses 15-35 show a pattern that is repeated many times throughout the Book of Mormon.

1.  The people prospered exceedingly during the righteous reigns of Emer and Coriantum (see vv. 15-25).

2.  The people began to join together in secret combinations and turn to wickedness under the reign of Heth (see vv. 26-27).

3.  The Lord sent prophets to warn the people of their great wickedness (see v. 28).

4.  The people of Heth rejected the prophets (see v. 29).

5.  The judgments of God fell upon the people (see vv. 30-33).

6.  The people humbled themselves and repented and the Lord again blessed them (see vv. 34-35).

In the midst of these cycles of prosperity and wickedness, the Jaredites demonstrated that a people can be wealthy and remain righteous.  It seems that the Jaredites were able to remain in a condition of righteousness and prosperity for over 100 years ( see vv 15-25).  King Emer was even rightoues enough to see the Lord (see v. 22).  

GC:  For Our Spiritual Development and Learning by Elder W. Mark Bassett

"In order to understand the mysteries of God, or those things that can be understood only through revelation, we must follow the example of Nephi, who said, "Being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold He did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father." The Lord Himself further explained that Nephi had exercised faith, sought diligently with lowliness of heart, and kept His commandments." 

Cutest angel I have ever seen.

This morning I picked up Charlotte and we went shopping at Deseret Book.  Afterwards we went to lunch at Olive Garden.  I told her this was my Christmas present to her.  We both got the chicken and scampi and shared the little mini desserts.  I put in an order of stuffed mushrooms for James.  He told me he did not want me to buy him lunch so I figured an appetizer would do.

My dream "pretzel" house.

When I got back to Cathi and Terry's it was time to pack up and get ready to come home.  Cathi gave us an article to read called: "Heavenly Manifestations" about a stake president in Idaho who had a vision of the afterlife.  We read it for F.H.E.  

Joshua is singing a solo in his ward on Christmas day and Cathi and Terry said they would go to hear him since we couldn't be there.

My Christmas tree a couple of years ago.

On our way home we stopped in Payson for drinks and James ordered a New York dog.  I read to him from "He Is Coming."

Bill V. called and said a bunch more stuff was stolen from the construction yard last night.  He said because James has most of his stuffed moved that he didn't need to pay rent this month.  That is great news!

Joshua and Evan in 2011 when they were 5.

I love how Joshua is looking at Evan!

This evening we watched "Love You Like Christmas" and then read "Heavenly Manifestations" for FHE.  

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Home again!

Alma 14:6-22 Study Notes:

6- Zeezrom harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt.

7 - Zeezrom cries unto the people that he is guilty and that Ala and Amulek are spotless before God. Zeezrom and male believers cast out.

8 - Wives and children of believers cast into a fire along with their scriptures.

9 - Alma and Amulek are forced to watch.

10 - Amulek wants to save them with the power of God.

11 - Almaexplains why they can't.

12 - 22 - Alma and Amulek cast in to prison.

General Conference talk: "To the Rescue: We Can Do It" - Elder Arnold.

Did I mention how much I like these cookies that I bought at Costco:

No additives or preservatives.

James left around 7:30 this morning to go home to Vernon.  I left around 11 am.  I stopped at the Dairy Queen in Payson for a potty break and a burger.  I then stopped at the Giant station for gas.  In Show Low I stopped at Safeway and then at CVS to pick up James's prescription.  I finally get home around 4.  

James unloaded the car for me and I put everything away.  This took awhile.  Afterwards I began studying for my Primary lesson tomorrow which is Alma teaching about faith in Alma 32.

I am quite tired and make sure I go to bed by 10.  I will need to get up early, around 5, in the morning to finish studying and preparing my lesson.  I bought a cantaloupe at Safeway so I could give each of the children in my class a seed to take care of.

Max left for scout camp today.  Scout camp is in San Diego so he should have a great time and enjoy some nice weather.

 Wearing his pool battle scars

Stacy and Joshua are getting ready to watch "Zootopia" on the big screen at the pool at Sheraton Desert Oasis.

 What a life.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Apostle Richard G. Scott passed away today.

He was 86 years old.

"Recognize the good in others,
not their stains."
-Richard G. Scott

James calls elk out on the porch every morning and every evening.

I think this group is onto him because they aren't responding.

James went with me today to visit two of the sisters on my visiting teaching beat.  These were the handouts I gave for the lesson on the divine attributes of Jesus Christ, power and glory.

The quote says:

"The Savior uses His Power to Redeem

and Empower us.  Our Faith in Him will increase as

we Remember that He is full of Power an Grace."

This quote is attached to a small Book of Mormon.  I told the sisters that I feel like I get power from reading about the Savior in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon.

We left the house around 9am.  Our first visit was with Elida Pope.  The Pope's live further away from the ward building than any other family in the ward.  We met Elida at the second well on Stanford Rd.  It is 14 miles from the Stanford store to Elida's house, mostly all on dirt roads.  Her house is actually closer to Taylor than it is to Vernon, but there are no roads going into Taylor from where she lives.

 On the road to the Pope's

The Pope's home.  They have solar energy

and a generator and their own well.

I told Elida she was truly a pioneer.  She also home

schools her little boy Ethan.  She has three boys but

Eli and Edmund aren't in school yet.

I had a nice visit with Elida.  I was impressed with how soft-spoken she was with her kids.  She is a convert and she says her husband Eric introduced her to the gospel.  They served in the military together.  She just returned from a trip to her home state, Florida, for her great grandmother's funeral.  She said she was glad to get home and loves the peace and quiet which surrounds her at home.

After our visit with Elida we headed back to the well where we met her and turned to go to visit Hailey Chafin at the Chafin ranch.  

The Chafin's have no electricity.  They have solar power

and a generator and their own well.

Hailey had her baby Huntley Nicole with her.  Her baby has more hair than any baby I've ever seen and it is black and sticks straight up in the air.  Sorry I didn't get a picture.  

We figured we traveled about 60 miles round trip to visit with these two sisters.  I just hope I can make it when it snows.

After our visit with Hailey we headed into Show Low.  We wanted to have lunch at LaCasita but there was no place to park, so we went on down the road to Grumpy Jake's BBQ.  I had the pulled pork sandwich with a side of cowboy beans.  It was all very tasty!  Kyle Thomas, a member of our ward when James was the bishop in Chandler, was in the booth right behind us.  He is a dentist and lives up here now.  

We drove on to the Lakeside Cemetery to check on the mums on my Mom's grave.

They are blooming because of all the rain.

James checking to see if the soil is wet.

On the way home we stopped at Walmart for a little shopping.  When we got home we took a nap and watched a Hallmark movie.

I also worked on my blog and did some cleaning.  James worked on income taxes.  When we went to bed, it started to rain.