Saturday, May 25th, 2019

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

1 Nephi 11:24

And after he had said these words, he said unto me: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 23:1-12; John 12:20-50

General Conference

Cleansed by Repentance

President Dallin H. Oaks

"One purpose of God's plan for this mortal experience is to 'prove' us 'to see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord our God shall command us' (Abraham 3:25). As part of this plan, we are accountable to God and to His chosen servants, and that accountability involves both mortal and divine judgments."

Today we left for the temple around 5:40 a.m. We listened to scriptures and conference talks all the way. It was a beautiful morning!

This was the first day for our new coordinator's, the Elmer's from Eager. My main assignment is working with Sister Reidhead at the veil for all three sessions during our shift. I love Sister Reidhead and enjoy working with her. 

The Palmer's did our training during preparation meeting. We talked about the new veil. Our temple is one of the first temples to have the new veil. Personally, I did not notice the difference. 

Since this is a holiday weekend I wasn't surprised that several of our workers had gotten subs. One of the subs was a girl I went to high school with. Her nephew married one of the girls from our ward in Chandler, and we made that connection. Her name was Luanna Geiger in high school. Now her last name is Solomon.

Brother Toronto, our stake patriarch, worked today along with his wife. Elwanda, (Sister Reidhead) and I wanted to ask one of them if they knew Jimmy Toronto, someone we went to high school with, but we did not do it.

Every single session was packed and had someone getting their own endowment. An older couple from our ward who have been engaged for awhile, were sealed today, Brother Gordon and Sister White. Brother Gordon came up to me and said, "Your husband didn't call me to help clean the temple tonight like he normally does." I said, "Sam, we decided to give you a break since you are getting married today." He just smiled.

Amy, Sam's new wife is very shy and doesn't smile very often. I went up to her after the ceremony and congratulated her. She gave me a hug and a big smile.

We had some leftover Chinese chicken salad to take home. James actually liked it and said he was going to go home and add a few more seasonings and finish it off. There were no rolls left, but I only brought half and the other half are still at home. James had bought some croissants at Costco when he was in the valley and we had several of them left. 

When we returned home after our shift, I did a little walking and then both James and I laid down for a nap. Kim and Brian said they had had a great day so far, including a Razr ride. Kim was working on a puzzle and Brian was watching a cooking show on TV.

We left to clean the temple this evening around 5:40, just 12 hours from when we left this morning. 

We clean with the Show Low Creek ward. I gave the opening prayer in prayer meeting and James gave the spiritual thought. I was asked by Brother Patterson to give the spiritual thought but I told him I required a little more preparation time. James did really well. He talked about the King who had the dinner from the scriptures and invited guests and many of them made excuses why they couldn't come. 

James and I were assigned to clean the women's dressing room. At first James was a little hesitant, but soon he realized it was an okay job.

These are the people who attended from our ward:

Teresa Smith, Holly and Charlie Gordon, Brother Peeler, Brothers Scott, Cooper, Romyak, and Curtis. Kerri, Anne, and Cammy. Tamara and Jimmy Applegate, the Lauritzen's, Dave and Rosa, the Allens, Stefani and Sean, the Klug's, and us. 25 in all. The Show Low Creek ward had 10 people which included President Beeler and his wife. Kerri was happy because she cleaned the oxen with the Beeler's and had a good time.

When we got home Kim, Brian and I watched the new Hallmark movie, From Friend to Fiance. James went in the bedroom and worked on his Primary lesson for tomorrow. 

Kim felt a little dizzy before going to bed.

 Clouds in Wisconsin

 Jill Wagner, of Hallmark fame, and her husband

on their farm in Tennessee. Kim says they

raise Highland cattle.

 The ever adorable Charlie!

Kim finished her donut puzzle

Sunday, December 23rd, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-13 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Death of

Alma 21:9

Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood.

Book of Mormon #1

Ether 15:18-34

Book of Mormon #2

Ether 3-6

Old Testament 

Finished!

General Conference

The Correct Nme of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Consider this from His perspective. Premortally, He was Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Under the direction of His Father, He was the Creator of this and other worlds. He chose to submit to the will of His Father and do something for all of God's children that no one else could do! Condescending to come to earth as the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh, He was brutally reviled, mocked, spit upon, and scourged. In the Garden of Gethsemane, our Savior took upon Himself every pain, every sin, and all of the anguish and suffering ever experienced by you and me and by everyone who has ever lived or will ever live. Under the weight of that excruciating burden, He bled from every pore. All of this suffering was intensified as He was cruelly crucified on Calvary's cross.

Through these excruciating experiences and His subsequent Resurrection - His infinite Atonement - He granted immortality to all and ransomed each one of us from the effects of sin on condition of our repentance."

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning at 9 a.m. and the Highland Ridge sacrament meeting at 11 a.m. Addy was speaking at the 11 o'clock meeting and we did not want to miss it.

Max and Evan both passed the sacrament in the 9 o'clock meeting. We sat by Cathi, Terry, Dave, and Laura. It felt like home. 

"Once in David's Royal City"

Mike Ellsworth was the first speaker. He told a childhood memory from the life of President Monson regarding a neighbor that his family helped, old Bob. President Monson's uncle gave him a house and President Monson's mother had him take old Bob dinner every Sunday. All of the Ellsworth family was here, Dane, Audrey and her husband and baby, and Marissa and her husband and baby, and Adrianne. The only one missing was Grady who is serving a mission in Ecuador.

The choir sang: "Silent Night"

Clint Allen, the other counselor in the bishopric was the next speaker. He started out by quoting Moroni 10:26 - "And wo unto them who shall do these things away and die, for they die in their sins, and they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God; and I speak it according to the words of Christ; and I lie not."
He then proceeded to talk on how to be an effective giver and the joy of giving. He asked us to think about gifts that we can give to the Savior.

"Angels We Have Heard on High"

After the meeting was over we went back to Sheri's for a few minutes and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's ward. Darrel had to work and Trina walked in with Ruby and Addy. Addy went to sit on the stand and Trina and Ruby sat by us. Trina said Lola got sick and threw up all over her Christmas dress just before they left. Rowan stayed home with her.

One of the things I love about coming to church during Christmas is the singing of Christmas carols. In this second meeting we sang, 
"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear," and "Away in a Manger." The Primary children sang "If I Were a Shepherd." Ruby of course sang with them. 

Here are some of the notes I took of the meeting:
Addy's talk: -Christmas is a celebration of Christ's life, example and Atonement. Moroni 7:41 - And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.(She bore her testimony, which was amazing!)
Everyday I strive to become more like Him. As I grow so does my testimony in Him. (She quoted from 'I Stand All Amazed). DC 19:16-19: For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, tht 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 - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
I was so proud of Addy and her talk. It is so wonderful to know that she has a testimony of the gospel and can express it so well.
Maya Turner, another youth: We should try to be kind to everyone.
Zach Olsen - Be a generous giver and a gracious receiver.
Kari Sandstrom (the ward organist) - My favorite part of Christmas is the nativity. I love looking and thinking about that first Christmas. 
Bishop Florence was the last speaker. 
We have 106 YM/YW in our ward. Peace in Christ is this years theme for YM/YW. DC 19:23 - "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."
How does Christ speak to us?
Through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, and the living prophets.
Be better than we were yesterday. I love you brothers and sisters. Be good to each other. 

This was a really great meeting but the highlight for me was Addy's talk.

We went by Darrel and Trina's to see Lola and Rowan. Lola looked a little pale. She said to me: "I think I'm going to be sick for Christmas."

Back at Sheri's we had ham, potatoes, broccoli and rolls for lunch. Thanks Sheri. Afterwards James took a long nap while I put bows on packages.  This evening we visited Lois and Dawn. 

Sheri, Ian, Max, Evan, Kim, and Brian tried to go to Zoo Lights but it was more crowded than Disneyland. Those were Kim's words. They went around town and looked at Christmas lights instead.

The same thing happened to Darrel's family. I guess Lola was well enough to go but it just didn't happen.

I like this picture of Lois and Jack

A Christmas tree quilt

I think these two really like each other

The Wanlass's in Idaho.

Guess who they saw?

Such sweet faces!

 I love this family photo!

Holding fingers

 Oh Lola!

 Sweet couple!

The First Christmas present

Reunited and it feels so good!

Sunday, December 24th, 2017

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec, 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

2 Nephi 10:25
Wherefore, may God raise you from death by the power of the resurrection, and also from everlasting death by the power of the atonement, that ye may be received into the eternal kingdom of God, that ye may praise him through grace divine. Amen.
Book of Mormon

Moroni 1-5
*When have you bee blessed because a priesthoods holder fulfilled his responsibilities?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 33:16-18
16 And the Book of Mormon and the holy scriptures are given of me for your instruction; and the power of my Spirit quickeneth all things.
17 Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom - 
18 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly. Even so. Amen.
General Conference

Fear Not To Do Good

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord told His leaders of the Restoration, and He tells us, that when we stand with faith upon His rock, doubt and fear are diminished; the desire to do good increases. As we accept President Monson's invitation to plant in our hearts a testimony of Jesus Christ, we gain the power, the desire, and the courage to go to the rescue of others without concern for our own needs."

We attended Darrel and Trina's ward this morning, everyone except Addy, who still has a bad cough. Trina said the opening prayer. 
They are members of the Everton ward, Eastmark stake. That may change next week as their ward is being divided. It was like a stake conference clear back to the end of the overflow. It took 12 deacons over 20 minutes to pass the sacrament to everyone.

There was a musical program presented by the choir and then the Bishop Glauser spoke on giving the perfect gift. He told about his handicapped brother who has brittle bone disease and how his parents gave his brother a desk one year for Christmas which turned out to be the perfect gift for him. Trina told me that recently the bishops brother took a bad fall and broke practically every bone in his body. Two days later he passed away.

A young boy in Ruby's Primary class sang "Silent Night." He has a beautiful voice for an eight year old.

Two sisters played the violins while another sister told a story. 

Two brothers sang "O Holy Night" in French and then a sister sang "Joy to the World" in French.

The closing hymn was "Away in a Manger."

After the service was over we went home, had some lunch and then took naps. After naptime we all went to see Lois and Dawn, everyone, including Addy. 

Later this evening James, Addy, Ruby, Lola and I went to the Wallen's to take Jared's kids their gifts. Jeanne and Mike were very friendly and so were the kids. We gave them their gifts and Molly opened hers. James and Anna were excited to tell James that they are planning on working in Washington next summer with their new found grandpa.

Darrel made a ham for dinner. It was good. I played Headbanz with Lola and Ruby.

Lola kept telling everyone what they were.

This evening the kids opened their jammies and their blankets.

 They already have on their new jammies.

Harry Potter for Addy

Ruby

Lola

For some reason I did not get a photo of Rowan in his new pj's.

All the kids with their blankets

Darrel and Trina with their new blankets

Ruby with her new pillow. 

She is not feeling very well.

That's Lola and baby Jesus there with her.

Visiting Santa

Star Wars Trivia at the Gonzales's

What a great photo of a great family!

The Barney's got matching jammies

Pam's dad had to have emergency surgery on

his neck today. This is what she said in a text 

to me yesterday: "My dad actually broke his neck, he has been getting worse since the fall in October. They said it was a pinched nerve and would heal but it hasn't. My sister brought him to the ER to work up for a possible stroke. The MRI revealed two fractures and a hematoma. A neurologist from Barrows will take him to surgery first thing in the morning.

I got this text this morning:

"The surgery has gone over by two hours so far, they're going slow and it's worse than what the surgeon expected, they are transfusing blood. They look concerned...I'm totally not freaking out, I'm totally not freaking out,...

And the final text:

"Omg. Six hours. They dug 7" to get to the spine. Four units of blood, two rods and screws. His spine was severely compressed. It is going to be a long recovery, very painful recovery. 

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

2 Nephi 28:1-16

Many false churches built up in last days-They will teach false, vain and foolish doctrine-Apostasy shall abound because of false teachers-The devil shall rage in the hearts of men-He shall teach all manner of false doctrines.

Alma 24-25

24-The Lamanites come against the people of God-The Anti-Nephi-Lehies rejoice in Christ and are visited by angels-They choose to suffer death rather than to defend themselves-More Lamanites are converted.

25-Lamanite aggressions spread-The seed of the priests of Noah perish as Abinadi prophesied-Many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, they believe in Christ and keep the law of Moses.

DC 40-41:12
40-Fear of persecution and cares of the world cause rejection of the gospel.
41-The elders shall govern the Church by the spirit of revelation-True disciples will receive and keep the Lord's law-Edward Partridge is named as a bishop unto the Church.
How can we remain true disciples of Christ and not be moved by the cares of the world?

General Conference

A Witness of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Please don''t see your efforts to share the love of the Savior with another as a pass//fail test with your grade determined by how positively your friends respond to your feelings of invitation to meet the missionaries.  With our mortal eyes we cannot judge the effect of our efforts, nor can we establish the timetable.  When you share the love of the Savior with another, your grade is always an A+.  Pray, like Alma, for opportunities 'to stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things and all places.' "Mosiah 18:9.

James and I made a trip to Springerville today.  One of the sisters he is assigned to home teach runs a quilt shop in Springerville and James thought we would go over and meet her since going to her house isn't advisable because of a mean dog and a husband who doesn't like the Church.  We looked in the entire strip mall where the shop was supposed to be and it was not there.  James went in a store and ask someone about it and the woman he talked to said it closed down a few weeks ago.  So the trip wasn't a total loss we had lunch at Booga Red's.  I had a beef taco and a chicken taco.  The beef taco was good but the chicken taco, not so much.  James had a beef, green chili, swiss sandwich with aujus which was very good.  

I went home and took a nap and then made a trip into Walmart by myself.  I didn't get home until almost six and it took forever to unload and put away.  We had Lean Cuisine for dinner.  

After dinner I blogged while James worked on his lesson.  We were in bed by ten.  We are going to the temple in the morning because the Trezise's will be here on Saturday.

Fun Photos

Part of the Maxwell clan

So many things I love about this photo.

The yellow flowers, the best side of the cabin,

and the person I love the most in the world.

Michael showing off his braces.

Route 66.

Rowan's baptism.