Friday, October 5th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 15:7-16:18

*How can faith and repentance bring about a change of heart?

- When we experience a change of heart we are filled with the Savior's love. The Savior's power comes from His love. Would we suffer less if we loved the Savior more? We cannot pray away another's agency. One more thought today. It doesn't matter who is right, contention is of the devil. President Benson says we can stand "firm and steadfast" in the faith as we learn the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon.

Old Testament

Isaiah 57-59

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear."

We left Darrel and Trina's around 9:15 this morning as Ruby and Lola stood in the doorway waving goodbye to us. Those little girls are so sweet!

I signed in at AARA and sat down by John Trezise in the waiting room. I was surprised to see him. I didn't know he came here. We had a nice little chat before he was called back. 

My infusion, 600 mg of Actemra, went off without a hitch and I was done in an hour. James picked me up and we headed for Texas Roadhouse to use the gift card Cathi and Terry gave us for our anniversary.

Their rolls are delicious served with honey butter. James thought they were too sweet so I had to eat most of them. Oh dear, not a good way to start. I had a delicious filet steak medium with baked potato with butter and sour cream and green beans. It was a super delicious meal. James had chicken but I can guarantee it was not as good as my steak. Thank you Cathi and Terry.

We are now on our way home through Globe and Salt River canyon. I always want to go through Payson but James talks me into going this way by saying it's shorter so I cave.  Actually it doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used to. This time I slept through the canyon.

We got our check from National Turf. James went back into town to deposit it and picked up some lumber for the Howard's job. 
I stayed home, put things away, washed sheets, and cleaned. 

When James got home he helped me put sheets on the two beds upstairs. He also replaced light bulbs, and fixed the curtains in my office. 

We went to bed at 10 or so and Adam and friends were not here. They came in after 11. We heard them even though they were very quiet.

It doesn't get any cuter than this.

Just as cute.

 Journal ideas

Feb 1966, My brother Dennis

is in the front, two stripes on his shirt.

My beautiful roses.

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

- They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter is a parallel of today! 

Millions are being killed or cast out or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees, or others, who need us to welcome all and to love and to minister to them.

Old Testament

Ezra 1-3

1 King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple - Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

2 The descendants of the Jews taken captive who return to Jerusalem and to Judah are listed - The children of priests whose genealogy is lost are denied the priesthood - Faithful people contribute to the building of the temple.

3 The altar is rebuilt - Regular sacrifices are reinstituted - The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

General Conference

Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Massimo De Feo

"True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us. They know that the price He paid is an 'all-inclusive price.' Spiritual taxes, fees, commissions, and charges related to sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings are all covered. True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness."

I have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies all week. They make me feel good and I am definitely in the Christmas mood. 

I watched Sister Aburto's story on lds.org today. She is from Nicaragua and experienced an earthquake, the death of her brother, political unrest, and a divorce because of a husband addicted to drugs and alcohol. Her story bears out the truth that Heavenly Father knows and loves all of his children. 

Lately I have been having a difficult time in the mornings, not feeling well until a couple of hours after I take my Tramadol. 

I makes for a slow start. 

After scriptures and prayer James leaves for the Howard's. He hadn't left earlier because he knew that the Howard's came in late last night from their trip and he didn't want to wake them up but he got a text from Brother Howard asking if he was coming.

I stay home ll day, working on my blog and watching the clouds to see if it's going to rain. James comes home for lunch and has a couple of bowls of beans for lunch. He really could leave on beans.

While he is home the tractor repair guy shows up and so he has to deal with him. We both take a short nap and he was on his way back to the Howard's and I went back to my blog and Christmas movies. I also made a charm bracelet with charms, etc. I bought a Walmart.

The tractor repair guy was here until 5 p.m. That's going to cost a pretty penny. 

When James gets home he doesn't come in the house but goes immediately out back to work on his rabbit hutch. 

Our evening activities include walking, reading from our book "Abby's Crossing", and finishing up the Christmas movies for the day.

This is the rosebush James got me for our

anniversary. He put something on it so the bunnies

wouldn't eat the blooms.

Amaron and his twin brothers
that I babysat yesterday.

Thiessen and Anakin

Molly and her horsey "Butterscotch"

Sweet little Scarlett.

I can hardly wait to meet her!

Google Earth view of our house.

National Geographic photo of the year

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:15-26:13

How do you gain understanding in times of doubt or struggles?

- sue_heugly: "Believing and having faith certainly isn't the popular thing in society, but is there anything noble about being cynical and skeptical? Anyone can do that. How many expect God to prove the truth to them? President Uchtdorf said that belief is available to everyone. There is no magic to belief. All we need to do is desire it. Belief is a choice. And once we choose it, the Lord does the rest. He can open our hearts, minds and eyes to thing that only bring joy and understanding." 

The Savior said, "Be not afraid, only believe." That says it all.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 21-22

21 David gets help from Ahimelech the priest - He eats the shewbread - He goes to Gath, where he pretends madness.

22 David gains followers - He goes from one place to another, fleeing from Saul - Saul slays the priests who showed kindness to David.

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"As I talk about the young women of the Church, who are equally needed and essential in accomplishing the work of the Lord in their families ad in His Church."

 Rescuing Wayward Children:

"The restored gospel provides us power that we can draw upon to fulfill our divine parent charge."

President James E. Faust acknowledge that,

"Satan's pervasive snares are increasing, and raising children is becoming harder," but the Brethren have also made it clear that the Lord has restored priesthood keys that are available to each worthy parent - keys to gather together the family for the purpose of administering the gospel blessings, and keys to have those blessings sealed upon their heads for time and eternity. (See Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 539).

Russell M. Nelson, 4/03 #41. Sweet Power of Prayer

"We should pray in accord with the will of our Heavenly Father. He wants to test us, to strengthen us, and to help us achieve our full potential."

Mosiah 26:1-4 The Rising Generation

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency emphasized the need to teach the youth of the Church to believe in God:

" No charge in the kingdom is more important than to build faith in youth. Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice. Those who believed King Benjamin learned that. Many of their children chose later not to believe. The scriptures give as a reason, 'for they would not call upon the Lord their God' (Mosiah 26:4)."

James asked me to pray for him today. I said that I would do better than that, I would pray for him every 30 minutes. When Terry had his heart attack and we didn't know if he was going to make it, I talked to my friend Carol Ray and told her about the situation. She said her Aunt Brooke Peterson, (Elder H. Burke Peterson's wife), told her when there is a critical need that praying every thirty minutes is a good idea. That way the thoughts and intents of your heart are in tune with the Lord to a greater degree.

After praying for a couple of hours, he called me and said: "You aren't going to believe what happened. Joseph Vallecillo, one of my best workers, showed up, and I got two concrete finishers from Labor Force." Prayer really does work.

Dale G. Renlund:The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 7

"The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood"

I went outside and fed the bunnies today. I didn't really need to water them because their water containers were full, except for the one by the woodpile. 

I listened to a talk today by President Nelson that was given in 1993 at the Parliament of the World's Religions. It was soooo good and I filed it under "missionary work" in my gospel file. He explains the basic tenets of the gospel so well. The name of the talk is:

Combating Spiritual Drift - Our Global Pandemic

"It is ironic that as affluence and physical comforts increase, spiritual strength declines. Human nature cannot be change by reforming public policy."

This afternoon I did my weekly shopping. My first stop was at the J.C. Penney's store to get some thigh high hose. (TMI) This is my first time in the store and I was pretty impressed. They were having a big sale and I bought a blouse that does not quite fit me yet, but it will in a month or so. I ran into our RS Pres, Tamara. We chatted for awhile and when I told her this was my first time in the store, she made the comment that she comes in all the time.

Leaving Penney's I went to Walgreen's to get Amazon gift cards for Lois and Autumn. Lois for mother's day and Autumn for her birthday. As soon as I got to Walmart I walked over to the mailbox and mailed both cards. It makes me a little nervous to send giftcards in the mail. Hopefully they will arrive at their desired destinations intact.

When I got into Walmart I realized I had left my revised list in the car. I still had the list on my phone and I did manage to get most of the things on my list. I also caluculated my expenses, only spending $101. That is a new record low for me. James would be so proud!

Well, it's for real. Mountie Jack on "When Calls the Heart" is officially dead. Daniel Lissing, the guy who plays Jack, had his contract come up for review and he did not want to renew because of personal reasons. Maybe his wife didn't like him being married to Elizabeth on the show. Anyway now Elizabeth is a widow like many/most of the women in Hope Valley. They offer her some very good advice and the last thing we learn is that she is expecting a baby. Now we have something to look forward to in the next season.

James finally called me around 10 p.m. when he got home from work. Kim and Brian were having game night. Kaitlin gave him a big hug and he got to see Joe, Ben, and Adam.

Brian gave me these roses for 
Mother's Day three years ago
in Chandler.

I made chicken tacos for 

Taco Tuesday

I bet this guys 100. I wonder if he

lives in Japan.

Kason, Kaitlin, Joe, Adam, Ben
during game night at Kim's.

Fish taco Tuesday

Gorgeous!

At the aquarium last Friday

I think Lola's in heaven!

January 1968, Credence Clearwater Revival
eating lunch at a Taco Bell in Burbank.

I wonder if a cat would do this?

Monday, May 7th, 2018

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25:14

*How can we lift our voices to praise God?

- amberadamson: "I think there are many ways to praise God...prayer, song, speaking kind words to others, etc. I think we can also do it by what we don't say... not complaining, not judging others, etc. The most important thing is to recognize and remember...recognize all that we have been blessed with and remember that everything we have is a gift from God, then we naturally praise Him in our thoughts, words, and actions."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 18-20

18 Jonathan loves David - Saul sets David over his armies - David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous - David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

19 Saul seeks to kill David - Michal saves David by artifice - David joins Samuel and the company of prophets.

20 David and Jonathan make a covenant of friendship and peace - They take leave of each other.

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

" Even though he had previously hardened his heart, Amulek obeyed the voice of an angel, received the prophet Alma in his home, and provided nourishment to him. He was spiritually awakened during Alma's visit and was called to preach the gospel. Amulek then forsook 'all his gold, and silver, and his precious things...for the word of God, and was rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred.'"

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"Personal sacrifice strengthens us and gives value to the things we sacrifice for."

James left for the valley after family prayer at 4:10 a.m. I love this guy so much. He sacrifices so much for me.

 Here he is making a stone-throwing sling for

my Primary class. This was last year.

"To obey is better than sacrifice" says Samuel to Saul. 1 Sam. 15:22

I like this statement from the Old Testament Student Manual:

Many young people of today are great joiners. They attach themselves to this or that organization or group because they wish to make the world a better place. They need a purpose for living, a reason to be - they need a cause.

That cause should be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love these words by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47:

45 Then said david to the Phillistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

I watched the Church young adult fireside given by Elder and Sister Kearon last night,  Elder Kearon:

"There is power in gathering. Am I focused on the wrong things?

Do I focus on my self or on serving others?

President Nelson is laying out a higher and holier way of serving."

Russell M. Nelson 10/02, #40 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers

"Peace is a prime priority that pleads for our pursuit."

I somehow missed this talk by President Nelson so went back and listened to it today. I am glad I did because in this talk he talks about and honors President Hinckley.

Russell M. Nelson 10/97, #30 - Spiritual Capacity

"We need an example - someone to show us how spiritual capacity can be developed. I have selected as a model ... President Gordon B. Hinckley."

Dale G. Renlund,Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 6, Oaths and Covenants.

My project for the day was to work on stripping the polish off the wood floor in the family room. I applied too much remover and it was difficult to work with. Next time I need to do a smaller application. I did not get as much done as I had wanted to. I am finding that is the case with much that I do at the tender age of 69 3/4's. 

I may have had the television on while I was working, and I may have said, "If Mountie Jack is really dead on 'When Calls the Heart,' I'm through watching." We shall see.

At 7p.m. this evening James was still at work on the golf course. He is staying at Kim and Brian's tonight.

Stacy gave me a call today about the anniversary party concerns she has. She thought swimming at the condo and then going to the church for the program might be too much. I told her to have the kids bring their pillows and blankets to the church and they could lie on the floor. She liked that idea.

My friend Pam had this to say about her husband Ricky's surgery today:

"Surgery went good. Home, resting.

So unprofessional. I filed a Quantros while

he was still in pre op. Not happy about the experience.

My mind is blown.

Official complaint.

He was taken back by a person who never greeted him or asked 

his name. She walked way ahead of him. gave him product to 

clean himself, rattling off orders. 

Coughs in her hand and then opens sterile materials. 

Then a doctor at the deak says; 'We need more guinea

pigs to practice on, so they won't need to go to Flagstaff.'

Which sent his blood pressure 160/100. He was so upset.

The OR director came to talk with me. Then when he got back to recovery the first thing he told me was, a nurse dropped her glove, picked it up and put it on. I wanted to puke!"

These are the very reasons people go to Flagstaff or the valley when they need surgery or medical attention.

Happy 21st Birthday Autumn!

I need to make sure I look at my birthday calendar

at the beginning of each month. I moved it

from my bedroom to the main calendar in

the kitchen. Autumn, I am sorry that your

card and gift will be a little late. I hope you

had a wonderful day!

I went out and fed and watered the bunnies today. I think

they prefer nibbling on the patch of green grass in the back.

I mean I like cabbage, but really?

I must keep a visual record that my roses

actually bloomed!

Dunalastair Castle

I wonder if the Maxwell clan had a castle.

Aunt Gene said when she was in Scotland a lady

in the court records office told her the 

Maxwell's all fought and killed each other.

That is sad and if that's true, how did we get here? 

Those are not happy faces!

I like to end on a positive note.