Thursday, July 13th, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 March 2013 by

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Alma 32:1-20

*What do you think it means to be "poor in heart?"

*What do these verses teach about receiving and strengthening a testimony?

*Why is humility essential in the process of receiving and strengthening a testimony?

*What do you think it means to humble yourself "because of the word?"

*What false idea did many people have about obtaining a testimony?

DC 101:39-50

43-62, The parable of the nobleman and the olive trees signifies the troubles and eventual redemption of Zion;

Why do we always need to be watchful and have faith?

*We never know when the enemy, (Satan), will strike.

General Conference

Stand Up Inside and Be All In

Gary B. Sabin

" Standing up inside in spite of difficulties is possible because of a clear conscience, the strengthening and comforting assurance from the Holy Ghost, and an eternal perspective which surpasses mortal understanding."

James had a meeting this morning with Zaki. Zaki and his wife want to build a new home, a smaller one, in either Cave Creek or Queen Creek. Zaki's wife thinks their house is too big. He then goes to a meeting with Crissy and then one at Desert Highland Golf Course. 

Cathi and Terry leave for the center and I am left home alone with the pets. I had wanted to go to the temple, but it didn't happen.

James is gone all morning and doesn't bring back any food. He stopped at Elmer's but they were closed for remodeling. I am pretty grouchy and hungry until I remember I have a Jersey Mike's sandwich in the frig. James is working on a concrete bid for Paul's sister Michelle. They are building a big house in Queen Creek.

Terry and Cathi's grandson Colin is here to spend the night. Cathi made baked ziti for all of us for dinner. It was delicious! Colin didn't like it because it didn't have chicken in it. I have never heard of ziti with chicken.

Random photos:

A friend posted this on Facebook.

The fugitive was later shot down and killed.

He started several fires in the Forest Lakes area and then

shot at rangers and officers.

Trina's nephew Kreed jumping off Fossil Springs falls.

He is pretty brave for an 8 year old.

Alex's post.

I love the expression on this koala's face and the

fact that he has his paw on this person's arm.

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Alma 33:12-23

12 - Alma: Do ye believe those scriptures which have been written by them of old?

13 - Zenos said: Thou hast turned away thy judgments because of thy Son.

14 - If ye have read the scriptures how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?

15 - Both Zenos and Zenock spoke of these things.

17 - A second prophet of old testified of the Son of God and because the people didn't understand his words they stoned him to death.

19 - The Son of God was spoken of by Moses and he raised a type in the wilderness that whosoever would look upon it and live.  Many did look and live.  
20 - But few understood the meaning of those things, because of the hardness of their hearts.  Many would not look and perished.  They didn't look because they didn't think it would heal them.
22 - . . . cast about your eyes and begin to believe in the Son of God, that He will come to redeem His people, and that He shall suffer and die to atone for their sins, and that He shall rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before Him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works.
23 - Plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith.  And it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life.  And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of His Son.  And even all this ye can do if ye will.  Amen.

GC: "The Price of Priesthood Power" President Russell M. Nelson
"The Greatest Leaders are the Greatest Followers" Brother Stephen W. Owen.

Evan had a nightmare last night.  He knocked on our door for quite awhile before James heard him.  I didn't hear him because I had ear plugs in.  He slept on one of our recliner chairs in our room and was fine the rest of the night.  We were going to go to the temple this morning but decided to stay home to make sure Evan was okay when he got up.  Also, I fixed the boys homemade pancakes for breakfast.  

Last night we were talking about our favorite places and Joshua said that our old house on 108th Way was one of his favorite places and when he gets older if it ever goes up for sale he is going to buy it.  I guess he is the one person in his family that really misses it.

James made this statement today: "I've had my voice for 8 weeks now.  The longest I've had it for four years.  Hooray!

The boys went out and helped grandpa a little this morning.

The concrete pour is on Monday.

James went in to town to get some supplies and came back with a bucket of chicken for lunch from KFC.  Ian, Sheri, and Ben got here about the same time.  Ben helped James outside raking abc.

I worked on my Primary lesson most of the afternoon while Sheri watched Family Feud.  She is a little obsessed with the show.  

Meanwhile at the beach in California:

The Case grandchildren.

Some of them are ours.  

Rowan, Addy, Ruby, and Lola.

Don't you just love these swimsuits!

At five o'clock today Tasha and Kaitlynn came to our house with two guys who work for Saladmaster.  They did a demo and then prepared dinner for us.  Saladmaster is very elite cookware made with titanium metal.  Sheri and I were so impressed with Shawn who did the demonstration.  Tucker was his assistant and I think his partner.  I ended up buying the smallest set but because I committed tonight I got a free electric skillet.  Ian and Sheri didn't buy anything but Sheri said she would have people over for demonstrations.  If she does two, she will get two of the Saladmaster Machines.  I told her I would trade my electric skillet for one of them.  It was a fun evening but James was a little stressed because I bought something. (He's also stressed about getting ready for concrete on Monday.)  I think because of the lifetime guarantee and the fact that we will be eating healthier and spending less at the grocery store, my purchase will pay for itself in no time. Shawn is Alberta Nickolaus's great grandson.

The boys played Apples to Apples with Ben tonight.