Sunday, September 30th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil
111th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:14-26

*What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

- Repentance leads us to Christ's grace. The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power. Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts. (p. 279-80 BMSM)
Old Testament
Isaiah 43-45
General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but you time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in you homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

Fast and Testimony meeting - James passed the sacrament. Talon is back and he blessed along with Charlie G. Seems funny not to have Jackson here. He is at the MTC in the Philippines.

Chuck conducted and offered a five point testimony: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, and today's Prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

Elder Bernecker testified that we need to be brilliant in the basics. Brother Joe W. said that the Savior's sacrifice means everything to him. James/Dad bore a five point, powerful testimony. 

Brother Burkee says that the Spirit causes people to glow. Millie S. said that when she and Brother Scott went to sacrament meeting for the first time he turned to her and said: "Millie, the people are glowing."

Brother Wallace told of having a friend here and giving him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it. He made the comment: "Don't ever run out of your Books of Mormon.

Macy W., a young woman talked about trials, trusting Heavenly Father and her parents. She said they have very little, but really, they have everything. It was great! To me, one of the most memorable testimonies born.

We sat by the Howard's. After sacrament meeting Jean asked if she could stay with me. I was supposed to go to teacher council meeting but I went to Brother Smith's Sunday School class with her instead. We talked about Isaiah.

There is a scripture that says that the Lord never wearies of us. Brother Smith asked how we felt about that and then asked if we could do the same for those in our lives.

He then related the phrase of Joseph Smith in the 131st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "O God where are thou?" Have we ever asked this question? How did we handle the situation? 

We discussed relying on the Spirit and turning things over to the Lord. "All things work together for good to those that love God."

In Relief Society Sister S. Wilhelm led the discussion on allowing others to minister to us. She had this quote on the board:

"The many missions we have in life cannot be embarked upon successfully without the help of others." 

This afternoon we broke our fast and had lunch. I finished off the Big Jake burro I got yesterday at El Cupido's. James had some leftover stew and a roll. Afterwards we laid down for a nap. We got up a little before and hopped in the car to meet Sheri and Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan in Heber. The boys are coming up here for a few days since they are on fall break.

We drove Sheri's van back to our house and she took our car home. We are going down on Thursday for appointments and will get our car back.

Since Ben is in the mission field now his P-day has changed from Tuesday to Monday so James and I emailed him before going to bed. 

We had family prayer with the boys and James told them to be in bed by 11.

 Card

Dot Journal

 A storm is definitely coming!

 They better let him have some!

I never thought Hungary was 

beautiful until now.

 Michael and Alexis went to the
Cardinals vs. Seahawks game.

So much cuteness!

So sad

While the rest of the boys were downstairs

eating grilled cheese sandwiches, Evan

was upstairs and did this.

He said he bumped his head but wouldn't

explain how.

Tuesday, July 24th, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Helaman 14:12

And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.
Book of Mormon
Alma 38:1-15
* How does one use boldness, but not overbearance?
- Using boldness is teaching the word of God without fear. Being overbearing is the manner in which we teach. Are we pushy, loud, insensitve? Or are we tolerant, friendly and neighborly while sharing our beliefs? While it seems that Shiblon is one of the good sons, commended for his good work and ability too withstand persecution well it seems Alma is trying to curb Shiblon's tendency to be prideful and to be overbearing. If we discuss the gospel with someone making them feel that we think we are better than them or they are ignorant to the truth, making others feel like they have to defend, argue their position then perhaps we are overbearing. Shiblon had personality flaws like all of us. Alma was reminding Shiblon that he needed to trust the Lord instead of his own strength, and that it's Christ who does the saving, and builds testimony.
Old Testimony
Nehemiah 7-9
7 Provision is made to protect Jerusalem - The genealogy is given of the Jews who returned from Babylon - Priests without genealogical records are denied the priesthood.
8 Ezra reads and interprets the law of Moses to the people - They keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
9 The Jews fast and confess their sins - The Levites bless and praise the Lord and recite His goodness toward Israel. 
General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Ulisses Soares

"Isn't it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. I have learned that through my personal experiences."

From my morning browsing of Meridian Magazine:

The Problem with Bribing Kids: "Rewards can sometimes buy compliance, but they don't build character. Research underscores the long term negative consequences of using rewards to motivate children. An astute child will become a mercenary. 'I shouldn't do anything without a reward.' Children don't learn the oy of goodness but the value of resistance."

From the book "Covenant Hearts" by Bruce C. Hafen: 

"Our homes are laboratories where we test and develop our religion."

I remember that one of the things Elder Bernecker mentioned in his talk Sunday was his seminary teacher telling him to be mindful of the tender mercies of the Lord in his life. He said that doing that helped prepare him to serve a mission. I have decided I would like to do that too. Here goes...in my patriarchal blessing I am told that I will never want for the necessities of life and that the way will be open for me and my companion to help others who are not so fortunate as ourselves. This has been true in my life and I am so grateful to the Lord for this tender mercy.

I talked to Elder Bernecker about Kylie Long today. She is 14 and my friend Pam says she is interested in the church and was going to go last week with her friends the Westbrook girls, Joe and Corrina's daughters. I told Elder Bernecker about her and that she has a brain tumor and that he should speak with the Westbrook's and see if they could meet her at the Westbrook's home.

Happy Pioneer day. On Family Search Sunday one of my pioneer ancestors was featured. Her name is Martha Jane Mathias. She was married to William Bailey Maxwell, my great, great grandfather.
Martha traveled with the Uriah Curtis Company. They departed Kanesville, Iowa in June 1852 at which time Martha was 7. They traveled for 93 days before reaching their destination.

I also learned today that Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, is the great, great grandson of Heber C. Kimball.

James is doing backbreaking work at the Howard's and he is pretty miserable. The good news is they were able to find floor covering in the valley that they can bring home with them. Ordering from Home Depot was going to take two weeks. 

James tracked dust all through the house from the grinding he is doing at the Howard's. I cleaned floors this afternoon.

I am gathering all framed family photos and trying to find places to hang them on our walls. Some of the glass in the frames got broken and I either have to replace the glass or get new frames. Sad that the glass in this frame got broken. One of my favorite family photos.

James is holding the photo and it's

a little crooked. Probably taken in 1994.

June, July centerpiece

August/Sept will feature sunflowers

Friday, July 6th, 2018

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Isaiah 40:28

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Book of Mormon

Alma 28:9-29:7

*"I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire." What does this mean?

-Just like parents with their children, God sometimes allows us to pursue unjust desires, especially if there is a lesson to be learned. In any case He almost always does not interfere with our agency. The only exception is if we ask the Lord to help us resist bad choices, or some one else close to you is asking and fasting on your behalf. (Alma for Alma the younger).

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 3-4

3 Solomon begins to build the temple - He makes the veil and the pillars, and uses much gold and many precious stones.

4 Solomon makes a basin and places it on twelve oxen - The altar, basins, pots, and various items are made.

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

"Meekness is a defining attribute of the Redeemer and is distinguished by righteous responsiveness, willing submissiveness, and strong self-restraint."

James had an early meeting with Francisco this morning. He gave him a check for $4,500 for labor on the Phoenix Country Club job which lasted 2 1/2 days.

Darrel went to work this morning and Trina and Addy went to the gym. That left Rowan, Ruby, and Lola and I home together.

The kids watched Studio C while I worked on my blog. 

At 10:00 I gave them all a hug and said goodbye and left for my infusion appointment. 

My appointment was at 10:45 but they are running late and it's after 11 before I get called back. They are always late after a holiday in the middle of the week.

After my infusion I went across Baseline to Fry's to get some lunch and snacks to eat on the way home. I also got some gas and then headed for Payson.

James is ahead of me and so are Stacy, Paul, Joshua, and Rowan.

I zip right on through Payson. When I get almost to Show Low it starts raining really hard. Stacy said they came through the canyon and they got into a hard rain before getting into Show Low too.

When I get home I am crying. I finished listening to President Eyring's biography. His wife has alzheimer's and sometimes she doesn't remember who he is.

Paul and James help me unload the car. Once I get everything put away I sit down to relax. Joshua and Rowan are playing laser guns. Joshua is so excited to have someone to hang out with. He has really missed Evan since he has been gone to Europe.

Paul looks really good. He has lost 70 lbs. He says he has 30 more to go. So do I but I have not been doing very good the past few days.

Vader and Shipley are here too. They can't go outside unless they are on their leash. They like looking at the bunnies, especially Shipley, through the dining room window.

Paul fixes the boys burgers for dinner. After dinner the boys go into our room to watch "Private Eyes" and Stacy, Paul, and I watch "The Greatest Showman" in the family room. James keeps going back and forth but I know he favors "Private Eyes."

We went to bed around 11.

 Haboob in Chandler

Hail in Pinetop-Lakeside

Wednesday, June 13th, 2018

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 15:5-19

* What did Amulek give up by choosing to live the gospel and seve as a missionary? (see Alma 15:16)

-His wealth, family, and friends.

* What did he gain? (Alma 34:8; Ether 12:12-13)

- A testimony of the Savior, and eternal life.

Old Testament

2 Kings 13-14

13 Jehoahaz and his successors reign in wickedness in Israel - Elisha prophesies that Joash will defeat Syria - Elisha dies - A dead Israelite is restored to life after touching Elisha's bones.

14 Amaziah reigns well in Judah - Israel defeats Judah in battle - Jeroboam reigns in wickedness in Israel.

General Conference

Behold! A Royal Army

Ronald A. Rasband

"Changes in organizations and functions of the Church are not uncommon. In 1883 the Lord said to President John Taylor: 

'Concerning the management and organization of my Church and Priesthood ... I will reveal unto you, from time to time, through the channels that I have appointed, everything that shall be necessary for the future development and perfection of my Church, for the adjustment and rolling forth of my kingdom.'"

Russell M. Nelson 10/15, #66. A Plea to My Sisters

"We need your strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom, and your voices."

Ensign: - 1. Four Ways to Serve Families with Disabilities

2. Extending the Blessings of the Priesthood

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood: Summaries of Chapters.

James returned two dead trees to Home Depot this morning and got store credit for them. 

I sent another text to Laurann today to tell her I hope I had not offended her. I did not, she is just weighed down with concerns. Here is her text back to me:

Thiessen is now sick. Charlie is working 80 plus hours a week, and Amaron's birth father decided to make contact using Amaron's cousins that he has never met before. Now Amaron is very confused and he is having behavioral issues because of it. 

My dad's sister is in the hospital and she needs to be able to die so she can be out of misery. Also so her dying husband can pass as well. He's waiting on her. My dad's upset waiting on his sister to be able to pass on and not be in pain.

Our new house is taking forever to get finished and we are stuck in packing mode. We are always running out of water because Charles is always working. 

I'm sorry, it's just really busy here and very chaotic. I will get your text read and make a decision soon. I'm not mad, I promise.

I texted the company I ordered James's Smart Watch from and told them I wanted to return it. So far I have not heard back from them.

I ordered Addy's birthday presents and it cost me nothing because of points I had on my credit card. Now I need to get something for Ruby.

The audio clips that came with Children Learning Reading didn't work. I emailed, Jim, the writer of the program, and within a few minutes he had sent me all the audio clips via email and reloaded them onto my computer. I wish all companies had this kind of customer service. 

Ben has his mission papers completed. He has an interview with the bishop this week and then will need to see the stake president. Hopefully he can get his papers sent off before he leaves for Europe.! So proud! The first missionary from our family since Darrel returned about 18 years ago!

Ian got his birthday card today and Sheri said he was super excited!

I stripped polish off the wood floor for about three hours today. It is hard work, but an added bonus is I had over 10,000 steps when I was finished for the day.

The clouds looked like rain today, but nothing came out.

So promising

Such a shame they didn't deliver

I had a presidency meeting at the church this evening and James had an appointment with Brother Thompson of the bishopric.

My meeting went well. We planned lessons for July and I need to ask a sister to teach the 2nd week and the 3rd week. Also, I am leading the council meeting on the 1st week. 

We talked about partners for young women in ministering and Tamara gave us a copy of all the partnerships. She is going to go home to her "board" and revise the partnerships as needed.

I am in charge of displays at our upcoming ward activity. Tables will be setup Friday night and we are going down on Saturday at 4 to set up. I would go earlier but I am working in the temple that day.

James has a new calling. Brother Thompson asked if he would be a Primary teacher. He does not know what class he will be teaching or who he will be working with. 

I got two thank you notes today. One from the bishopric for my talk on May 20th,  and one from Diana Curtis for teaching her lesson last month.

Go-cart fun in Lakeside a few years ago.

Pondering the word of God.