Friday, July 17th, 2020

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Apr 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Lamb of God

DC 109:79

And also this church, to put upon it thy name. And help us by the power of thy Spirit, that we may mingle our voices with those bright, shining seraphs around thy throne, with acclamations of praise, singing Hosanna to God and the Lamb!

Book of Mormon/"Come Follow Me"

Alma 34:28-41

April General Conference

"He Goes Before Us"

President Henry B. Eyring

It seems that the Kirtland Temple was important to the Lord's step-by-step plan for at least two reasons: First, Moses waited until the temple was completed to restore the keys of the gathering of Israel. And second, President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that "the Lord commanded the Saints to build a temple, the Kirtland temple, in which he could reveal the keys of authority and where the apostles could be endowed and prepared to prune his vineyard for the last time." Although the temple endowment as we know it today wasn't administered in the Kirtland Temple, in fulfillment of prophecy, preparatory temple ordinances began to be introduced there, along with an outpouring of spiritual manifestations which armed those called on missions with the promised endowment of "power from on high" that led to a great gathering through missionary service.

  James left early this morning for the valley. He is concerned about Sal's crew starting the covering for the patio in Peoria. He also needs to get a check from Mario and pay Alberto. 

Sheri went out on her run this morning and of course left the dogs at home. Ziggie went up to be with Ian and Ollie laid on the couch in "his spot." He is finally to the point where he doesn't bark at me when I come out of my bedroom. He stills barks at the fans in the bedroom so I keep my door closed. I helped Sheri fix breakfast, I put my frozen hashbrown patties in the oven, turning them halfway at ten minutes. By the time they were done breakfast was just about over. I tried to get Evan to try some but he said he wasn't hungry. Sheri had one and she really liked them commenting on how crispy they were. I think Ian had one and so did I. I put the rest in the refrigerator. 

After breakfast everyone packed up to leave. I will miss them and will be home alone for the rest of the day. Of course we had to take pictures on the front porch.

For lunch Joe had left a pasta salad in the frig. I sat down to eat it in front of the TV but I couldn't get the satellite to come on. The lights on the front of it were on but there was no signal. I called Sheri and one of the boys said the input needed to be on HDMI 1. Still nothing. Finally I asked if I needed to plug something in and one of them said they had plugged the HDMI cord into the satellite. I went over to check and nada. I found the right HDMI cord, there were two, and it was the second one, and I plugged it in. Like magic, the satellite came on. I had asked the boys to please put everything back in order after playing their video games, but boys will be boys and they are forgetful.

It rained hard here for about 15 or 20 minutes this afternoon. I loved it! Luna loved it to, I guess, because she took a roll in the mud. She was pawing the ground when I went out to feed her at noon.

We have a funeral luncheon in our ward tomorrow and I signed up to make enchiladas. I was checking to make sure I had all of the ingredients when I realized the small tortillas I bought were flour instead of corn. I called James and asked if he would pick up some yellow corn tortillas before coming home tonight. He said he would. I'm so grateful because I certainly did not want to go into town just for tortillas. 

Dr. Memon did the heart procedure on Chuck today. He said it was pretty complicated but Chuck came through the procedure with flying colors. Kathy said the doctor recommended to her that he get a pacemaker. James had a meeting with Dr. Memon about the medical mall he wants James to build. James also went over to the job in Peoria where they are building a covering for the patio. He is afraid the guys don't quite understand how to frame the covering.

I checked on my 25 stranded books and opened my case to ask if there was anything I could do. The person who responded said my books were rated used-good in manage inventory but only "used" on the stranded inventory page. He said 

this may be due to the listing condition still not synchronized on our warehouse. With this, kindly wait for the units to be received and complete the shipment process for the conditions to be synchronized." I hate waiting!

This evening I actually studied the "Come Follow Me" lesson for the week. It has been awhile. James got home around 9:15. He said he got behind a line of cars that were going very slow.

 The plums are for the Goodman's. I didn't want

James to forget them again.

I told Sheri I didn't have any pictures of Joe

so she sent me these

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 133:16

Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen, ye elders of my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord; for he calleth upon all men, and he commandeth all men everywhere to repent.

Book of Mormon

Mormon 2:17-29

New Testament

James 2:14-26; I/F:1:3-8, 21-25; 2:14-26; 4:17 Faith requires action. SS: Faith without works is dead.

10/19 General Conference

"Covenant Belonging"

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"When we come to God's great commandments to love Him and those around us by covenant, we do so not as stranger or guest but as His child at home. The age-old paradox is still true. In losing our worldly self through covenant belonging, we find and become our best eternal self - free, alive, real - and define our most important relationships. Covenant belonging is to make and keep solemn promises to God and each other through sacred ordinances that invite the power of godliness to be manifest in our lives. When we covenant all we are, we can become more than we are. Covenant belonging gives us place, narrative, capacity to become. It produces faith unto life and salvation."

"Finding Joy in Sharing the Gospel"

Sister Cristina B. Franco

"Jesus Christ is central to God's plan. Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled His Father's purpose and made it possible for each of us to enjoy immortality and exaltation. Satan, or the devil, is an enemy to God's plan and has been from the beginning.

Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God's greatest gifts to His children. ... We must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ or follow Satan."

RWC: "Israel is an eternal people She was a distinct and peculiar people in the premortal life. We, like Abraham, wanted to come to earth to teach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation and become a 'father or mother of many nations.'" - Bruce R. McConkie

I finished reading the book, "The Priesthood Power of Women" by Barbara Morgan Gardner. 

We had rain today. We need it so badly but it certainly muddies the roads and makes a mess. 

James was going to go to Deming today and put up a for sale sign on the property Alicia Delacruz was buying but he couldn't find the plot plan. He spent most of the day looking for it and finally this evening he did find it. He plans on going tomorrow but I am a little worried because it is supposed to snow tomorrow.

I spent two hours today looking for books to buy. Sometimes they are hard to find. I blogged and got 10,000 steps before my Relief Society presidency meeting this evening. 

Jared and Kacey made it to the Dallas airport but then their car wouldn't start. I told Kacey I would pray for them. She texted back later and said the car did start and thanked me for the prayer.

Tonight at our presidency meeting we talked about ministering changes. Kerri brought her computer with a large monitor so we could all see the ministering assignments and what changes we needed to make. 

We also talked about the ward Christmas party on December 13th. Michelle Tesarek, our activities chairman is doing the invitations. We think she would work well with Kathy Crane in doing the decorations also. Tamara is going to call Shamrock and order the chicken for our soft tacos. Yes, the Relief Society is in charge of the food and the decorations.

James put the wreath up on the beam in front of the fireplace. It looks great.

 Recovering from her trip to Arizona

 This is so sad.

Today's rainbow

Wednesday, August 15th, 2018

Regina, Saskatchewan
65th operating temple
Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999
By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 117:6

For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:1-12

*What happens when people are divided? 

- Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement He pled for unity: 'That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations. Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention" (April 1978 GC). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention: '1) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit. 2) Learn to control your tongue. Think twice before you speak and three times before you act. 3) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason together. 4) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation. 5) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice."

Old Testament

Psalms 20-25

20 David prays that the Lord will hear in time of trouble - The Lord saves His anointed.

21 A messianic psalm of David - He tells of the glory of the great King - The King will triumph over all His enemies - Their evil designs will fail.

22 A messianic psalm of David - He foretells events in the Messiah's life - The Messiah will say, My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? - They will pierce His hands and feet - He will yet govern among all nations.

23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.

24 David testifies, The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, he who has clean hands and a pure heart will ascend unto the hill of the Lord, and the Lord of Hosts is the King of Glory.

25 David pleads for truth and asks for pardon - Mercy and truth are for those who keep the commandments.

General Conference

Inspired Ministering

President Henry B. Eyring

"We know that charity is essential for us to be saved in the kingdom of God. Moroni wrote, 'Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God' (Moroni 10:21; Ether 12:34).

I read this somewhere today: "The unthinkable can become the ordinary." The examples that were given were man flying and a computer in every home.

I cleaned upstairs today getting ready for Alex and friends. Stopped to fix lunch; honey teriyaki chicken, riced cauliflower, salad, and almond pecan sheetcake. 

It was good. I like eating cauliflower in this form instead of

big chunks.

I also paid personal bills, including tithing, and then went shopping. My first stop in town was at J.C. Penney's where I was looking for baseball caps for Andy, one of the boys James ministers to who is turning 15 today. There was nothing even like a baseball cap at Penney's so I didn't stay long. 

The first thing I did when I got to Walmart was stand in line to pick up my methotrexate and folic acid prescriptions. The tech said that my doctor had not yet approved either prescription. I immediately got on the phone and re-ordered. The person I spoke to said their fax machine had been broke down. I guess she could hear the frustration in my voice when I had told her these had been requested over a week ago. 

I bought two hats for Andy and a dump truck and glow football for his little brother George, whose birthday is Monday. James delivered the hats this evening. I asked if he thought Andy liked them and he said: "I don't know we were outside in the dark so I didn't get a reaction." 

Andy

What I know about Andy: He is a dedicated Aaronic Priesthood

holder. He is there every Sunday to prepare and pass the sacrament.

He loves to hunt. He wrestles.

I hurried home to get my groceries put away only to leave again for RS presidency meeting at the church. We talked about September council meeting and the suicide prevention letter we received from Church headquarters. Maxine is friends with Sister Tedder in our ward  whose grandson took his life four years ago at the age of 14.
Tamara said he and her son Jace were friends and Jace found out about it on his birthday, August 21st and now he won't celebrate his birthday on that day. I remember seeing Tyler, Sister Tedder's grandson, at church passing the sacrament. I also have a photo of him with two friends from the ward that I got from Facebook.

Kerri brought the ministering board she made and we finished making assignments. Each of us will go home and enter our districts on the computer and we will present to the bishop this week for approval. We will hand out assignments the last week of August.

I sure do love this girl and her board.

After my meeting I came home and read to James from, "The Secret Keeper," and read bout dot journals. 

We went to bed around 10 and Alex, Shayna, Carter, and Sky arrived around 11, or so they said.

Rain and rainbows.

My view on the way home from shopping. This rainbow went all the way across the sky. We did get some rain today.

I want to make a sunflower birthday card for card class. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

I wonder if my family will be disappointed in getting a homemade card and $20 next year for their birthdays.

Sunday, August 5th, 2018

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 5:15

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

*Why should we be wary of the "flatteries" of men?

- The Book of Mormon has taught and cautioned us many times about people who's only desire is to serve themselves, gain power and position over others, and whose motives, trends, and philosophies serve their own agendas. Christ used his words to build and uplift others, Satan and his followers use words and thoughts to destroy.

Old Testament

Job 20-22

20  Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked - He says: The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.

21 Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life - Then he testifies that their judgment shall be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction. 

22 Eliphaz accuses Job of divers sins and exhorts him to repent.

General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To keep our hope resilient as we face life's trials, the Savior's grace is ever ready and ever present. His grace is a 'divine means of help or strength, ... an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.' His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise 'succors his people,' even as they stumble along the strait and narrow path."

Left this morning around 5:30 a.m. for the valley. We arrived at the Galveston building in Chandler about ten minutes before sacrament meeting. We walked in and the first people we saw were Terry and Cathi. We sat by them. They have both lost weight. Cathi says they are on the beriatric diet with Laura. Laura is losing weight to qualify for a lung transplant. Dave and Laura are gone to Idaho this weekend. 

James, Evan, and Cathi bore their testimonies during fast and testimony meeting. 

James said Ben has been a light to our family and now he will be a light to the world. I loved that.

Cathi mentioned that she was grateful to be a part of the Lambson family.

Evan bore testimony about Joseph Smith and the Savior. He said Jesus will help us through our trials. (This is the first time I have heard Evan bear his testimony. It was definitely not your typical kid testimony).

Sunday School was taught by Brother Foster. It was the same lesson we had last week about Elijah passing the mantle of the prophet to Elisha. James and I sat by Cathi and Terry.   Brother Foster had prepared a power point presentation that was quite nice.

Relief Society here we come. Cathi refused to sit in the circle so we sat against the back wall with Dahlia D., Kate G. and her adorable baby Lorelei, Hillary J. and her mother-in-law Kathy, and Bunny M.

The topic for today was emotional and mental health. The sister leading the discussion had her smart phone hooked up to a TV monitor and she showed us how to find this topic on lds.org.

I want one of these!

We listened to individuals tell about dealing with depression and Elder Holland spoke from his conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel." The RS presidency in the ward did a survey and this was the number one topic the sisters wanted to discuss. Two sisters shared about their struggles with depression which cast a negative feeling. The discussion leader said she wanted us to remember the word hope and those people on the video talked about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ had helped them. Paula C. told how listening to music about the Savior helps her to feel peace. 

There really was no action plan. The discussion leader said we would all need to make our own. I though things would have ended more on a positive note if she would have shared some of the things on lds.org.  

"The world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save." -President Thomas S. Monson

We invite Church and community members alike to increase their compassion and support of those who are struggling and take an active role in caring for their own mental health. 

*Watch your words. Your language can change perceptions. Avoid potentially harmful or negative phrases, and choose words that are more descriptive of what you observe. Visit Time to Change or the American Psychiatric Association to learn more.

*Be a friend. Listen patiently and without judgment when others share their concerns. Help them locate professional resources if they need additional support. Visit HelpGuide.org or Active Minds to learn more. 

*Practice self-care. The limitations of mortality may require us to slow down and restore our strength at certain times (see Mosiah 4:27). It is not selfish to take time for yourself. Visit Mind.org or watch a TED Talk on the importance of self-care to learn more.

Cathi told me later she would not be attending Relief Society on a regular basis. She came away feeling sad and like she had been in a therapy session.  She said thank goodness for Ben's ordination to restore the Spirit!

We had to wait for Isaac D.'s ordination. He has been called to serve a mission in Argentina. 

When the Dowdle's came out, the Lambson's went in to the high council room. We all sat around the high council table while Brother Price told Ben that he was an answer to his parents and grandparents prayers. 

James did the ordination with the following family members in the circle: Paul, Brian, Terry, and Adam. Bishop Wanlass and Brother Price were also there. James gave Ben a wonderful blessing. It was a very happy occasion for all who were there. The following family members attended: James, myself, Sheri, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua.

Ben definitely has a glow about him.

After everyone gave Ben a hug Bishop Wanlass took him to his office for a temple recommend interview. Sheri asked if we could give him a ride home so she could go home and finish preparing dinner. We waited in the foyer and watched the young adults come in for the YSA ward.

I forgot to take a photo of James and Ben so this one Sheri took a while back will have to suffice.

Dinner at the Trezise's was delicious! We had roast, potatoes and carrots, rolls, broccoli, and ribs that Ian had made. For dessert there was brownies and vanilla ice cream. Our fast is broken.

After resting awhile and making friends with Ollie, we headed for home.

 We arrived around 6:30. It looked like it had rained at our place. I took this photo of a rainbow over Green's Peak. Our gas gauge says we could have gone another 12 miles. We did not want to stop and buy gas on Sunday! It was a great Sabbath!

Saturday, February 11, 2017

se

Anchorage, Alaska temple

2 Nephi 4:28-5:9

Nephi glories in the goodness of God.  Why do you think some blessings we receive are conditional on praying and fasting and others are not?

Mosiah 9-11:17

DC 20:66-79

What are some ways that we can remember Christ everyday?

Talk:  "Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted"

By:  Allen D. Haynie

October 2015

GC:  'Look to the Book, Look to the Lord' by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"In order to help the Book of Mormon become the keystone of your testimony, I offer you a challenge.  I recently learned that many young people spend an average of seven hours a day looking at TV, computer, and smart pphone screens.  With this in mind, would you make a small change?  Will you replace some of that daily screen time - particularly that devoted to social media, the internet, gaming, or television with reading the Book of Mormon even if for only 10 minutes a day.  And you can study in a way that allows you to enjoy it and understand it."

We left the house this morning for the Snowflake temple at 6:45 after our family prayer.  I love these early morning trips to the temple.  Today there was a beautiful full moon in the western sky, and a gorgeous pink sunrise in the eastern sky with elk running alongside the road.

Our 8 am session was nearly full.  Here is our after session selfie:

It was a little windy today.

We had an early lunch at El Cupidos.  I got the green chili mixed burro.  It didn't even compare with the one at Burger House.  We then went to Walmart for bread, envelopes, and floss.  Somehow we ended up spending over $40.

Our next stop was at the post office in Show Low where we mail the Texas grandkids valentines.  Finally we made it home!  That last two miles is the longest and most grueling.

Amazing picture of a sunset and a rainbow!

After our nap James went out and power sprayed the cars, garage, and driveway.  I sew a button on one of James's white shirts, make enchiladas using my own recipe, and begin Jmaking Valentines for my Primary kids.  James loved my enchiladas.  We were in bed by nine.

Fun Photos

Joshua reading the Book of Mormon in 2015.

Rowan and Evan on New Year's Day in Vernon.

Gonzo game night.  

I remember these with my dad who always beat us at

Monopoly.  He would outsmart us and then laugh his head off.

Very humiliating and frustrating.  Not my fondest memory of him.

Three of my favorites.

I love to hear Dallin sing.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

"The whole duty of man is to fear God 

and keep His commandments."

-Ecclesiastes 12:13

Lola, one of my greatest blessings!

I am grateful that I am getting to spend some time with Lola's daddy, Darrel.  We get to have breakfast together every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday before he goes to work at the CVS in Show Low.

I listened to one of the best BYU devotionals I have ever heard this morning.  It is my habit to listen to the days readings in the Old Testament and two conference talks on my phone while I am working on my blog.  Next I try to listen to two BYU devotionals.

 This particular address was given by Richard Draper a professor at BYU.  The title: "Light, Truth, and Grace: Three Interrelated Necessities for Exaltation."  Let me share some quotes, although some are fragmented.  I am going to have to go to byu.org and download the talk:

"It is God's glory that allows Him to be all seeing."  

"Light is power."

"Light expands to receive truth."

"Obedience-Light-Truth."

"Truth is the basis for glorification."

-D&C 93:30

I picked up Kilee before our board meeting and class presidency meeting this afternoon at 5:30.  I noticed during the meeting she was looking at her phone and wasn't really paying attention.  Later during Mutual while we were working on Personal Progress she left the room several times and was again looking at her phone.  She forgot to bring her Personal Progress book.  I was so frustrated, especially after my talk with her last night.  She was given several assignments and hopefully she will follow up on them.

We talked about Integrity value experiences 1 & 2.  We talked about Job, and moral values such as language, media, etc. I talked about Moroni 10:32.  I have to ask myself this question:

"Do my actions represent the integrity of my intent?"

We got into some good discussions with the girls.  There seems to be a real problem at the high school with bad language and couples making out in the hallways.  This kids have so much to deal with!

I had to call Dr. Moffat on his cell phone today to tell him I was still waiting for his approval on some prescription refills I placed at Walmart on Monday.  His response: "Oh, yeah I have about a hundred of those and I'm way behind.  I will call that in tomorrow morning."  Someone died in the CVS drive-thru last Monday.  I hope he wasn't one of Dr. Moffat's patients waiting for a refill that was very late.  Can I use the term: 'Country Doctor.'

This little girl turned one today.

Happy Birthday

Natalie Nicoll.

Natalie's mom is my good friend Kaeli Nicoll.  We worked in Young Women's together and now she is the Relief Society president.  Kaeli  just turned 26 and she's only been a member three years but she has an awesome testimony!