Tuesday, January 29th, 2019

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Luke 4:9

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:21-19:6

*How does Nephi remind me of Christ? (Compare with Mark 4:34-39).

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt.3:1-6; Mark 1:1-18; Luke 3:1-6

General Conference

Now Is the Time

Elder Jack N. Gerard

"As we seek to know the Savior, we should not overlook the fundamental truth of who we are and why we are here. Amulek reminds us that 'this life is the time ... to prepare to meet God,' the time 'which is given us to prepare for eternity' (Alma 34:32-33). As the well-known axiom reminds us, 'We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.'"

I am have a sore throat and the start of a cough today. I had to cancel my lunch date with Pam and Jennifer. I don't want to spread any germs. 

I did not accomplish much today except I read from the Book of Mormon, listened to a conference talk, and wrote a little on my blog. I laid on the recliner and watched Hallmark movies most of the day. I did walk over 12,000 steps. I am grateful to have a home where I can walk inside so I don't have to go outside in the cold.  

I ate cereal, a cupcake, two snack sized Hershey bars, a biscuit, some cooked cabbage that James made, a banana, pineapple, spinach smoothie and drank diet Dr. Pepper because it soothes my throat. 

I looked forward to and enjoyed my Daily Dose of Charlie. It's the highlight of my day.

Ione, "Babe", Whipple passed away. I worked with her a few months ago in the temple. I told her who I was because I remembered her from my growing up days in Show Low. She went to high school with my parents and she shared memories of my mom and how she used to ride with her to the dances. 

Babe is a Pearce and they are a wonderful, pioneer family from Show Low. I also know her sisters, Leone, Clea, and Vivian and her brothers Joy and Roger who all lived in the Show Low area. Their parents were some of the first settlers in Linden. Growing up Roger Pearce was a rancher in Linden and a friend of my dads. Joy had the local cement plant in Linden. They were all faithful members of the church. Clea's daughter Beverly was one of my best friends in high school. Clea's granddaughter is married to our stake president, President Beeler. 

Jani Huso Johnson was a year or so older than me.

Her mom owned the local shoe store in Show Low 

and her dad owned the Hub (Shell gas station and dry goods store where Cattlemen's Restaurant is now located) before Aunt Gene and

Uncle Clair ran it.

Making a sound opening and closing her mouth.

 Collecting ideas for Valentine's to make when Darrel's girls come

up this coming weekend.

I love pictures of the Savior with children.

 I agree Mr. Graham

This girl could be a model!

 This is Chris and his mom. Chris is a newly baptized

member of our ward who traveled to Utah to baptize his mom.

He is married to my former young woman, Mary.

Congratulations Chris's mom, and Chris!

Wednesday, January 16th, 2019

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

 Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:10-27

* Has there been a time in my life when I "prospered" in one way or another because I had the Spirit with me?

* In Nephi's dream he sees that the Gentiles proper as they heed the Spirit of the Lord. How has this been true in my life?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 2:8-38; Matt 2:1-12; There are many witnesses of the birth of Christ.

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"My first counsel concerns cell phones. A recent nationwide survey found that over half of teens in the United States said they spend too much time on their cell phones. More than 40 percent said they felt anxious when they were separated from their cell phones. This was more common among girls than boys. My young sisters - and adult women too - it will bless your lives if you limit your use of and dependence on cell phones."

Ensign: "Service - the Best Medicine." One of the ways we can face difficult challenges is to give heartfelt service to others. "Forget yourself and go to work." -Bryant S. Hinckley

James and I watched a bunny "face-off" outside our dining room window this morning. You could also call it a stare down. It was a buck after a doe. She did not take her eyes off him. When he went down to lick his paws, she took off running!

I had told James yesterday that I smelled propane but he just brushed it off. Today he came in from outside and announced that we were "out of propane." You can always smell it when you are running low. I wish he would have checked yesterday. The last time we received an order was in July. When he called Sierra Propane, the company that gives us the best deal on prices, they said they would be in Vernon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday because they have a lot of orders. They will try to get us by Friday. We use propane for hot water, cooking, and heating. Hopefully we will survive.

We had lunch at Native New Yorker in Show Low today with our friends the Howard's. Jean loves to eat here. We all ordered salads and Jean and I each ordered five wings. Everything was delicious. I ate as much of my salad as I wanted and then shared some with James. There was still some to take home. I also shared a couple of wings with him.

The Howard's want us to go to the temple with them the week after next. Tom said he went and was the slowest one getting dressed. Jean needs someone to be there to help her and we agreed to go with them. It will be our pleasure!

We stopped at Safeway to get some Dr. Pepper 10 because Walmart doesn't carry it anymore. I also got some vanilla wafer pie crusts for James's birthday pie. We also went through High Country carwash. All it did was make designs in the mud.

 We stopped at the post office and picked up two textbooks. Textbook season lasts until February 1st. The woman in the post office told James he must be a fast reader because he orders so many books. 

We stopped at the library and picked up 30 more books and spent $10. 

I home I took a short nap and then did my walking. This evening I had a SRS meeting, Self-reliance Stewardship, with Sister S. Wilhelm, President Grapp, and the rest of the RS presidency. Sister Wilhelm, under the direction of the bishop, wants names for a class she will be starting soon. Our ward members are interested in classes in personal finance, starting a small business, and furthering educational employment. 

After the SRS meeting we had a RS presidency meeting. The bishop wants ideas for this year's ward activities, names for the SRS class, and we need ideas for our RS activity in March. We also planned our Sunday lessons through the end of April. We talked about our ministering interviews and re-doing some partnerships at our next meeting. I love working with these sisters!

On the way home I saw a mouse running across my car hood. Suddenly he went down by the windshield and he's now going to be in my car!  I splattered mud all over my windshield and could barely see to drive home. A big animal ran in front of me but I'm not sure if it was an elk or a deer. I finally made it home safely!

 Kerri, the 1st counselor in Vernon RS.

I got this conductor's hat for her because

she was always conducting our meetings.

I think she has conducted more than her fair share.

 Congratulations to Monte's oldest son, Zachary!

 Looks like she woke up happy!

What an example of faithful ministers!

 I wish I could grab that sugar cookie

out of her hand. They are the best I've had!

 Anyone you know like this?

Kacey eyes and Jared face.

 Cuteness and personality!

 I want to pinch those cheeks!

I love this picture taken a few years ago of

Darrel reading to Ruby's class!

 A video of Charlie laughing and giggling

 So adorable!

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Mt. Timpanogos

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13-19 Oct 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 14:31

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 12:1-13:5
*What are t hings I tend to idolize in our exciting day?
*What kind of idols did Isaiah see in verses 7 and 8?
- Silver, god, horses, chariots, idols that they make with their own hands.
Old Testament
Leviticus 19-20
19 Israel is commanded: Be holy, live righteously, love your neighbor, and keep the commandments - The Lord reveals and reaffirms sundry laws and commandments - Enchantments, wizardry, prostitution, and all evil practices are forbidden.
20 The death penalty is prescribed for sacrificing children to Molech, cursing father and mother, adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, spiritualism, and other abominations - Various laws and ordinances are listed.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:for all the earth is mine.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

" Like the ancient Israelites, we are also invited and encouraged to look to the Savior and live - for His yoke is easy and His burden is light, even when ours may be heavy. Alma the Younger taught this sacred truth when he said, 'I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.'"

I got up at 4:30 this morning. Today is Bishop Waddell day. Not only did I read his conference talk but I started reading an article in the Ensign about the Book of Mormon by him. The article in the Ensign was so good that I took notes and it is going to do me a few days to finish reading it.  

Preparing hearts should be a part of my prayers each day.

James went to the temple this morning. He has several names to do and he also is still observing the officiator because he knows he is going to get that assignment soon.

As I was walking today and went passed the kitchen window I noticed something different outside. I looked out and our big dead tree, the one that was James's favorite was lying on the ground. It must have blown over in the heavy winds we've had lately. 

James brought us back green chili burros from LaCasita for lunch. He also brought chips, salsa, and refried beans. It was a delicious surprise!

I left to go grocery shopping at 3:45 p.m. today. I've decided this is too late. Store was busy, shelves were bare and large bundles of items were waiting to be stocked. I wasn't home until 7 and by the time I put groceries away and ate, it was time for Heartland and bed. 

There was a threat at Joshua and Evan's school today. Stacy is contemplating whether she should home school Joshua.

James was pretty miserable today. His upper and lower back hurt so much that it is difficult for him to walk. 

In Olympic news, the U.S. Women's hockey team beats Canada for the Gold for the first time in 20 years. Go USA!

Rebecca's Tea Party

Rebecca sent invitations to her 4 oldest

grandchildren to come to a tea party.

They were so excited to get an invitation

in the mail.

This is Eden, Christina's oldest.

A serious moment

This is Ander, Eden's brother

The other two children are Jason's, Christina's

brother but I don't know their names.

Our friends the Westbrook's in their

younger years. 

Tuesday, February 20th, 2018

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 May 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 12:49

 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 10:18-11:8

*These verses show, quite simply, that we only have two sides to choose between: the Lord's side, or the Devil's. Why then is it so difficult for us to make the right choices when we're presented with what the devil wants?

Old Testament

Leviticus 17-18

17 Sacrifices are to be offered only to the Lord at the tabernacle of the congregation - Israel is forbidden to sacrifice to devils - All eating of blood is forbidden - Shedding of blood is required for an atonement for sins.

18 Israel shall not live as the Egyptians and the Canaanites - Marriages to many close relatives and others are forbidden - Homosexual behavior and other sexual perversions are an abomination - The land expels those nations that practice sexual abominations.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 18:19-21

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

" Please not that the Sabbath day and the temple, respectively, are a sacred time and a sacred space specifically set apart for worshipping God and for receiving and remembering His exceeding great and precious promises to His children. As instituted by God, the principal purposes of these two divine sources of help are exactly the same: to powerfully and repeatedly focus our attention upon our Heavenly Father, His Only Begotten Son, the Holy Ghost and the promises associated with the ordinances and covenants of the Savior's restored gospel."

Happy Birthday Sheri!

Three years ago on Sheri's 40th birthday

when we tried to surprise her.

From 'Rescuing Wayward Children': "By living in a way that we always honor our baptismal covenants, we retain a remission of our sins, and the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost." (p. 25)

It's snowing and it's a winter wonderland outside, something I have been waiting for. We had four and a half inches of snow this morning but by afternoon much of it had melted. 

I wished Sheri a happy birthday and she thanked me for her birthday card and Amazon gift card.

I did pretty much all of the things on my schedule today. I blogged, cleaned the family and living room, washed our sheets, did some more laundry, walked over 12,000 steps, fixed lunch, and went with James to get gas in his truck at Stanford. I got sandwich stuff for dinner and come more candy to go with my visiting teaching handout. I also found a recipe for broccoli cheese soup.

Happy Anniversary to the Lamb's

59 years and counting!

Another Anniversary

Arizona Desert Beauty