Monday, April 22nd, 2019

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Ether 12:18

And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 18:1-14

General Conference

Preparing for the Lord's Return

D. Todd Christofferson

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is uniquely empowered and commissioned to accomplish the necessary preparations for the Lord's Second Coming."

We had some clouds, some rain, and some sunshine today. James went to the post office and said there was smoke everywhere as they are doing a burn. We have nine more books that arrived today. James realized he made a mistake when he ordered the book, "Statistics for Economics and Business." I told him when he was talking about ordering it, "Don't make the mistake I made by ordering a looseleaf." He assured me he wouldn't, but that is exactly what he did. In his behalf the description he ordered it from said it was hardcover. At the very bottom it said looseleaf. The really funny thing is he ordered it from the same guy I ordered mine from. I ended up sending mine back to him, as will James. The ranking and worth of this book is far lower than a regular hardcover of the same title.

James worked on bidding a couple of jobs today while I worked on the wood floor, blogged, and walked. I also listed some books on our inventory page on Amazon seller central. 

The really fun part of the day was our photos of Charlie, a letter from Ben, and a sweet text from Addy telling me I am an awesome grandma. I told her not nearly as awesome as she is. 

I spoke to one of our Relief Society sisters today regarding her upcoming lesson. Her dad is in a coma and his kidneys are shutting down. As she told me this story she began to cry. Her father lives in St. David and hospice has come to stay with him. I was able to arrange for her to teach the end of May instead of the second week. She was grateful, but it was the least I could do for the dear friend that I served in Young Women's with.

When we got in bed tonight James came over to snuggle and I said: "You smell like glue." He had spent an hour or so cleaning up books and removing stickers. He removes stickers by heating them up with the iron and hence the reason for the smell of glue.

Evil exists in the world today.

President Hatch asked James why he didn't come by to look at his
office. James said: "Because I knew you were in Europe."

Monday, November 13th, 2017

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Ascension of

Alma 40:20

Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 28:1-24

*Does anyone have any questions about these verses?

James and I had a discussion about the difference between transfigured and translated beings and there was some confusion so I looked up the definitions in the Guide to the Scriptures on my Gospel Library app. 

"Translated": Persons who are changed so they don't experience pain or death until their resurrection to immortality. This was the state the 3 Nephites were and are in now.

"Transfigured": Temporarily changed in appearance and nature. Lifted to a higher spiritual level so that they can endure the presence and glory of heavenly beings. This is the state of Joseph Smith when he saw the First Vision. For more examples of both of these states, see the Topical Guide in your scriptures or Guide to the Scriptures on the Gospel Library app.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 6:20

Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

"They chose to be baptized. This was not a choice without personal cost. Their decision and baptism carried with them a high price. They lost employment, they sacrificed social standing, important friendships dissolved, and the support, love, and respect of family were withdrawn. They now walked to church each Sunday, exchanging awkward glances with friends and neighbors who were walking in the opposite direction. This good brother was asked how he felt about their decision to join the Church. His simple reply was, 'It is true, isn't it? Our choice was clear.'"

James asked me to read from "Once an Heiress" before I went to town this morning to have blood drawn for my thyroid check. 

I went to Sonoran Lab where Armando was smooth with a large needle. I didn't feel a thing. Next stop was Aliberto's for my two tacos. I ate them there and watched TV. After lunch I went to Walmart to pick up two prescriptions and to pick up a few groceries. My few groceries ended up costing over $180.  It's ridiculous that a bell pepper costs $1.28. Everything is so high!

It was smoky again on the way home. Will we ever have a day without smoke?
When I returned home and got everything put away I started working on my blog and getting my steps in. James worked outside on the patio.

Cutting bricks for the edge around the patio

 Of course while blogging and stepping I watched Christmas movies: "Baby's First Christmas," "'Tis the Season for Love," and this evening with James the new movie, "Engaging Father Christmas," starring Erin Krakow.

We also watched the season 2 finale of Heartland where Caleb is hurt riding a bronco in a rodeo and the family at Heartland watches is happen on television.

Chuck came over today and left a copy of the letter he wrote to the school board regarding the outrageous rising school taxes. He and James will both be going to the schoolboard meeting tomorrow night.

For FHE we listened to President Nelson's "The Book of Mormon: What Would our Life Be Like Without It?"

James got a call from Brother Curtis, the high priest group leader, regarding the Carroll family in the ward. It seems Brother Carroll was arrested this evening and the family is being evicted from their home. Brother Curtis is rounding up the priesthood to help move the family tomorrow morning. James is taking his truck and trailer.
This is so sad. The Carroll's still have four small children at home.

DWTS Semifinalists

Lindsey and Mark

Jordan and Lindsay

Frankie and Witney

Emma and Drew

Val and Victoria

I was disappointed that Victoria went home, it should have been Drew. I love what Tom Bergeron said to her. "You have been such an inspiration to so many people which is so much more important than any mirror ball trophy." She has been an inspiration when you think that a year ago her legs were paralyzed. The doctor's said she would never walk again.

Darn, I missed it!

Fall in Arizona

Kim and Brian's tree

I took this photo and sent it to a friend who

wanted to know about the plates.

Desert sunset

Ocean sunset

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Bishop Causse is the Presiding Bishop of the Church.

We saw two bucks on our way to church Sunday down by the wash.  James was so excited he wanted to call Terry and Dave right away.  This morning we had two elk in our yard.  James said they are getting ready to calf so they won't stay together long.

Gospel Study:
Alma 20:1-18
Faith is much more than passive belief.  We express our faith by the way we live.  "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me."

General Conference:
"See Yourself in the Temple" by Presdient Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I am so grateful for the Lord's cleansing power and His forgiveness for our sins as we repent and come unto Him.  (See Isaiah 1:18 & Isaiah 43:25).

The fire is now at 36,000 acres.

  

We went to town this morning for a couple of reasons.  One is I needed to pick up my prescriptions at Walmart and do a little shopping.  The second reason is I was meeting Hailey Chaffin in town for lunch and to visit teach her.  Our meeting place was McDonald's but James and I also picked up food at Panda to break our fast with.  After shopping James dropped me off at McDonald's and I had lunch with Hailey, Huntleigh, Taylor, and Braylin.  I had ask before coming what was Taylor's and Braylin's favorite fruit.  Taylor said apples and Braylin said watermelon.  I bought Taylor three apples and Braylin his own small watermelon.  I got Hailey some blueberries and put them in a cute bucket I had with this tag:

Hailey is taking her one year old daughter Huntleigh to the valley next week to have her droopy eyelids lifted.  It is an outpatient proceedure.  Hailey's oldest son, Braylin is handicapped and he has gone through many, many surgeries so this one seems like a small thing.  Hopefully everything goes well.

Gail was in the valley today and dropped in at Chandler Eyecare and gave Sheri these photos.

Now the grandkids have to believe us when we say our goats could climb.

Isn't Sheri cute?

This was taken in the fall of 1977 or 78.  James was either 29 or 30.

He got this bear with a bow.  One of his prouder moments.

He looks so young and handsome.

When we got home James said it was too smoky to work outside so we watched a movie called, "Date with Love."

It was such a cute movie that I didn't erase it.

I love Andrew Walker!

After the movie I worked on my blog until it was time to get ready for my next visiting teaching appointment with Claire Mercado.  

I had asked earlier what kind of fruit she wanted and she said, "organic blueberries."  I brought her three containers.  She was very excited.  Claire is vegan and is very careful what she puts into her body.  Sometimes I wish I was more like her.  We had a good visit.  Her daughter Marley is in California visiting her dad.

When I got home I sent out four texts.  One to Vickie about visiting Aunt Gene next week.  One to Cathi, Stacy, and Kaeli.  Kaeli's was about visiting teaching, Stacy's was about getting a temple dress, and Cathi's was thanking her for letting Jared and his kids stay at her house.

No dinner for me tonight.  James had my leftover Panda.  I read from Juliana to James, did some planning and we started for bed around 8:30.  

One of my favorite families here in Vernon is the Wilhelm family.  I don't know all of the ones in this picture, but the ones I do know are awesome!

Hey! That's my mountain in the background!

Saturday, June 18 2016

Happy Birthday Ruby!

One of the sweetest 7 year olds you will ever meet!

This year Ruby had her birthday party at Skateland.

Of course Kreed would be there and one of

Ruby's best friends.

Lola is going for the cake.  Don't you just

love Ruby's smile?

Gospel study: Alma 18:8-23.  Ammon proves his faithfulness to King Lamoni.

16 - Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, perceived the thoughts of the king.

18 - The king marvels because Ammon can discern his thoughts.  He thinks Ammon is the Great Spirit.  

23 - And the king answered Ammon, and said: Yea, I will believe all thy words.

The service that Ammon gave to the king softened his heart and he wanted to be taught the gospel.

On the way to the temple this morning James and I listened to both talks that President Monson gave in conference.  The first was given in the priesthood session and was entitled, "A Sacred Trust."  The second was simply called "Choices."

There was smoke in Snowflake because of the fire.  

After our session we went to El Cupido's and saw Tina and Steve Allen.  They had done initiatories this morning.  Their son Rusty is coming home from his mission in 23 days.  They are so excited!

James eating his chicken quesadilla and

reading about the fire.

We did some shopping at the Walmart in Taylor before going home.  We also stopped at the post office.  My purple dice are here!

It was 91 degrees in Vernon.  It's going to be a warm day.

Max spent the week in San Diego at scout camp.  He got home today and Sheri posted pictures on Facebook.  I guess he had a blast.

They must have combined with Del Rio 2nd because I see

Jeff Chubbs and his son Nathan in the group.

Rise and shine boys!  It looks like Max

slept in his clothes.

Max showing off his skills.

Not your typical place for a Scout camp.

I love seeing the boys in their white shirts and ties!

This one if my favorite.

I love the San Diego temple.

James and I both worked on our lessons for tomorrow.  We had a light dinner.  James cut up the sugar baby watermelon he got today and that was it.  It was delicious and all we needed.  Again, we were in bed before ten.  

James stopped his preparations for awhile to make some paper airplanes for my class.

This is one of the reasons I love him so much!

He always has time to help me.