Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A quote from The Covenant Keepers:

"We are connected to all covenant keepers through the ages."

Our scripture reading was from Mosiah 17:1-20.  Abinadi only had one convert.  How many converts came after Abinadi's one convert?  By small and simple things are great things brought to pass. (Alma 37:)  Read Elder Russell M. Ballard's April 1990 General Conference address, "Small and Simple Things."

A few more notes on Abinadi because he is amazing:

Abinadi's sacrifice: Alma 17:9-10, 13-19 - "O God receive my soul. Verse 20 - Put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death as did Joseph Smith, Stephen, and the Savior.

Facebook does this thing where they show you posts from years back.  In 2013 on this date it was 65 degrees and perfect weather with no wind.  In 2014 it was snowing.  As I looked up today, it was snowing!  It lasted maybe five minutes.  

This is a sunset from a couple of years ago.

James and I had frittata's for breakfast.  They are frozen Jimmy Dean brand, but they are very yummy and only 240 calories.  I guess they weren't enough for James because he went in the kitchen and concocted an egg, ham, cheese and onion mixture.

I got a text from Trina this morning that they won't be coming this weekend.  So sad.  Thank goodness we will be down next week and will be spending the day with their kids on Wednesday!

I listened to Elder Gerrit W. Gong's and Elder Patrick Kearon's conference talks today.  Elder Gong told of ways to always remember the Savior and Elder Kearon spoke about the 60 million refugees in the world today and what we can do to help them.

As a diversion, I have to post this picture that my friend posted on Facebook.  

Duct tape?  Really?

As I was cleaning this morning I did some rearranging and filled up the bookshelf I brought in from the garage today.  I think it looks pretty good.

New edition to the

entryway.

Tacos for lunch.  After all, it is Tuesday.  James was outside working and when I texted him that lunch was ready he texted back: "You are a sweet dream."  No wonder I love him.  

I worked this afternoon on my visiting teaching handouts.  I did a "care" basket for Claire and her daughter Marlie and a small basket for Jean.  I am still waiting for Jean to get back in town.  I texted Claire and ask if I could come over but she never answered me.  I am getting a little paranoid.  I will try again tomorrow.

Claire and Marlie's basket.  It didn't really cost

much because I mostly used things I had

around the house.  No food, except for some

Hershey's kisses. 

 Jean's basket and plant.

James and I are trying to eat our big meal at noon and then just eat something light for dinner.  Tonight I cut up some apples and put them in a skillet with butter and then sprinkled cinnamon and sugar over them.  They were delicious!

I watched the Chopped Championship and then James and I watched an old "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" episode where Carol Burnett played Norman's grandmother.  It was good, but we are anxious for some new movies.

Don't you just love this picture of Lola from last year.

Monday, April 25, 2016

I love this picture of

President Monson!

It is extremely windy today.  For this reason and because he had a bid to do, James worked inside.  

I am reading Wendy Watson Nelson's book "Covenant Keepers" and want to share a quote from this book:

Elder John A. Widtsoe said:

"In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council,

we made a certain agreement with the Almighty.

The Lord proposed a plan.  We accepted it.  Since the

plan is intended for all men, we became parties to the 

salvation of every person under that plan.  We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family.  We went into a

partnership with the Lord.  The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work.  The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation." 

My new ponderize scripture for the week is Mosiah 3:19, one of my favorite scriptures.  

Our scriptures for the day: Mosiah 16:1-15

How are people in darkness today and how can we help them?

By reaching out to them and serving them and teaching them the gospel.  Sometimes the simplest things like speaking nicely, being kind and considerate are a great help.  Be an example to all, be a help to those in need and treat others how you wish to be treated.  Try to be more like the Savior.

I have two favorite versus today:

vs. 4 - Thus all mankind were lost; and behold, they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed His people from their lost and fallen state.

vs. 13 - And now, ought ye not to tremble and repent of your sins, and remember that only in and through Christ ye can be saved?

While I am ironing I listen to Church magazines or conference talks.  For FHE this evening we listened to Elder Robert D. Hales talk on The Holy Ghost.  He shared some personal experiences which I really enjoyed.

This afternoon we made a trip to the dump and then afterwards I talked James into going to town for a Sonic burger.  Yummy!

This evening James and I watched "The Good Witch", and then he left while I watched part of "DWTS."  He really doesn't like it.

Pictures from Thanksgiving 2014.  

Jared and Anna were supposed to be here but

they had to leave to help Tricia who fell asleep driving

to Chandler and totaled her car.

Thank goodness no one was hurt.

 

 

 

 

Sunday, April 24, 2016

I love this picture of the angel visiting Alma

the younger, and the sons of Mosiah.

Andy Wilhelm gave his first talk in sacrament meeting today.  He told the story of Nephi obtaining the Brass Plates. 

Kaeli Nicoll, our Relief Society president spoke on rescuing others and giving service.  Before sacrament meeting started she told me she got a call from Deana McNeil thanking her for her mom's visiting teacher, (that's me).  Her mom is Jean Howard.  I took her to lunch in Chandler last month and we had a great time.

John Wilhelm was the last speaker.  He spoke about saving our marriage.  He mentioned President Uchtdorf's talk in conference.

Curtis and Zemira and I had a nice lesson about Alma and Amulek preaching in Ammonihah.  Just before class was over Lannie brought Izabell Miller in.  She said she is moving in a little while.  Right now her mom is in Flagstaff and so she and her brother and sister are staying at the Wilhelms from Sunday to Wednesday.  

Becky Skousen did it all in sharing time.  Alicia wasn't here today so she did music time and sharing time.  Today is the last day that the Crane's grandchildren will be with us.  We will miss them.

James went home teaching after church.  I came home and warmed up some chicken tacos and then took a nap on the couch.  James came home, ate, took a short nap and then went out again to visit the Hunsaker's.  I gave him my phone sim card to give to LeeAnn.  

Our home teacher's, Dave Westbrook and his grandson Colton Carroll came by for a visit.  Brother Westbrook has a ranch in New Mexico.  He told about the wolves killing people's calves and also his neighbors stealing his cattle.  After seventeen years he is ready to sell and retire.

I spent most of the afternoon working on my Primary lesson for next week.  

We lost another friend today.  Steven Westerman, who was married to our friend Karin Gonda, passed away.  He had a brain tumor and has been suffering for quite some time.  He was valiant in his fight and was an inspiration to so many.  Last year he and Karin spoke in the Galveston Third ward when we were there, before they moved to Gilbert.  People were paying tribute to him on Facebook.  Someone quoted him as saying this: " Whatever it is that you may feel like you are lacking, rather it be love, friendship, happiness, go out and offer that exact need and watch it return to you."

Steve & Karin on their wedding day.

A short time later as he battled cancer.

Steve and Karin's dog, Sophie.

This evening we watched a movie on the Up channel called, "Love Finds You in Sugarcreek."  It's about a drifter and his five year old son who end up in Sugarcreek, Ohio working for three Amish women.  Their niece, the town sheriff is a little leary of him, and wonders what he is running from.  It was a good one.  I love the Amish people!

 This is Kelly McGillis who starred in 

Top Gun with Tom Cruise.

She made a good Amish aunt.

 

Saturday, April 23, 2016

This is the bouquet I would like to get

for Mother's Day

The are called Holland Rainbow roses.

Gorgeous!

In case you didn't believe they were real.

We went to the Snowflake temple again this morning.  It was so very windy it reminded us of when we were in high school and had to fight the wind to get to class.

The officiator in our session was Brother Elmer and the two sister ordinance workers were Sister Heaton and Sister DeWitt, all familiar names to us.  The video was the one with my favorite Adam & Eve!

Afterwards I drug James to El Cupido again.  I told him that next time he could choose where we ate after our temple session.

When we got home we were ready for a nap and some relaxation time.  Not for long though.  James got up to do some work and I went in to the kitchen to get the chicken taco meat into the crockpot.  I am anxious to see how this recipe turns out.

I worked on my blog and then went outside to clean off porches.  My first job was the front porch which has bird poop all over it.  Next I went to the back door by the pine tree.  I cleaned off the pine needles and collected pinecones to use later. 

I failed to mention that on the way to the temple we listened to our scriptures, Mosiah 14:1-15:9.  My question for the day: "Why do we do things our own way?"  Because we forget whey we are here.  Obedience is the whole duty of mankind.

We also listened to two conference talks.  The first was Elder Cook's, "See Yourself in the Temple."  How appropriate!  The second was President Uchtdorf's: "He Will Place You on His Shoulder and Carry You Home."  A beautiful talk!

On the way home we read a couple of chapters from our second Chronicles of Narnia book, "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."

James ate a burrito for breakfast and a stuffed pork chop for lunch so he wanted to eat a light dinner.  I put the chicken meat in the frig for tomorrow and fixed him a nice salad.

No movie tonight, we are both busy getting ready for our lessons tomorrow.

Cathi texted me after their evening session of stake conference.  Randall Jones announced that his mother-in-law, June Bueler, had passed away.  June was the Relief Society president in the Chandler 2nd ward when we moved to Chandler.  When Cathi told me, I had to do a little reminiscing.  Her brother, Wilson Shill was my gynecologist and delivered all my babies.  James was her son Gordon's scout leader and he also built her son Franklin's home.  We have a long history with the Bueler's.  They are a wonderful family.

I love this pictures of Molly taken last soccer season.

I love the pink shoe laces.

 

Setting it up for the kick.

And there goes the kick!

Friday, April 22, 2016

This picture was taken Saturday,

April 16, 2016.

Scripture study: Mosiah 13:5-35

This is Abinadi teaching the wicked priests of king Noah.  Listen to him bear testimony in Mosiah 13:27-28:

27 - And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses.  I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses.

28 - And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

It always amazes me that these prophets bore testimony of Christ hundreds of years before he was born.  Someday I would like to speak to Abinadi and find out how he gained his testimony.

Abinadi seems to have a glow about him in this picture.

How might this story of Abinadi give you courage when you face difficult tasks?  Abinadi knew who he was and what God expected of him.  He was not afraid to die for his testimony.  Courage is a decision where fear is a reaction.  Courage is llike a muscle, the more we use it, the more it is strengthened.  Abinadi chose to stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all place.  Can we do the same?

Today I discovered while working on family history that my mother and her siblings were sealed to Nannie and Grandpa, but Nannie and Grandpa have not been sealed to each other.  I printed out sealing cards for them and for Nannie's grandparents.  I love that we can print out temple cards at home now!  James and I are going to the temple tomorrow to do another endowment session.  Next week we are going to do sealings.  I want this work done!

I listened to three conferences talks today.  One was by President Monson where he quoted the Cheshire cat speaking to Alice when she asked which path to take and said she didn't know where she was going.  "If you don't know where you want to go, it doesn't matter which path you take."

Russell M. Nelson told the youth in the New Era that personal revelation can lead to spiritual discernment.  

 James needed to buy more lumber so he and I made a trip to town.  While he was at Home Depot I went to Walmart.  Trina has ask us to help make hygeine kits for refugees and I bought some of the stuff today.  I also bought some things for Primary and my visiting teaching care basket for Claire Mercado.  We use our travel time to either read or listen to conference talks.  Today we read from "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."  James isn't liking it as well as he does our romance novels, but I think we needed to branch out a little.  There are seven books in this series and we are only on book two.

For dinner tonight I made pork chops with stuffing and James absolutely loved them.  I got the recipe from The Food Nanny who has a show on the BYU channel.  Definitely putting this one in the favorite file.

Our Hallmark movie tonight was quite lame.  It was The Family Plan starring Tori Spelling and Jordan Bridges. The movie was made in 2005.  She starts out by telling her boss she is married  when she is not and the lie just snowballs.  Pretty silly and not much redeeming value.  We both were disappointed.  

Tomorrow is temple day.

I have to include in each days post some of the pictures of the past that I have come across.  Today's are pictures of Rowan, Joshua, and Evan has babies.

 November 2006 right after Evan was born.  

Early 2007.  Evan is catching up.

 A few months later.  Evan is Super Baby!

 This is when they are about two or three years old.

Best Buddies forever!

I can't wait for these three to go on missions all

at the same time.

 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

A stroll down memory lane.

This is the drugstore where I stopped everyday after school for a snack.  The school bus stopped across the street and we walked across highway 60 into the doors of Show Low Drug.  I would usually have a baked ham sandwich with barbequed potato chips, and a fresh limeade with plain water.  The cost: .75 cents.  Those were the days.  We sat in a booth next to the soda fountain.  The waitress never had to move out of her work station to wait on us.  Today the Dominoes pizza occupies this spot.

When I got home I would put on a record and relax.  Here was on of my favorite artists.

 Ooooh Ricky!

Today's scripture study: Mosiah 12:17-13:4

How do you apply your heart to understanding?

Through humility.  The condition of being meek and teachable.  Humility includes recognizing our dependence upon God and desiring to submit to His will.

James took me visiting teaching to Hailey Chaffin's.  Next time I am confident I can find it by myself.  I made her a basket.

The lesson was:

"Daughter of Our Eternal Father"

After Hailey's James and I went in to Show Low.  It is an absolutely gorgeous day here.  The high is around 73.  The first place we hit in Show Low is Sonic for my diet coke with regular cherry flavoring.  James picks up our Pappa John's thin crust veggie pizza while I do a little shopping at Walmart.  Walmart has a laminating machine for $20.  I am putting that on my wish list.  I had to pick up my folic acid at the pharmacy and then I was on my way.  On the way to Hailey's and Show Low we finished listening to the priesthood session of general conference.  On the way home we finished "The Magician's Nephew."  

At home we both took a nap and then James went out to go to work.  I went in to the computer to work on my Primary lesson and my blog.  I felt a little achy so I decided to take a whirlpool bath.

Just what the doctor ordered.  That is Nemo in

the corner with a striped hat.  Alexis made it.

I got it last year in our white elephant gift exchange.

 

For dinner I had a cheddar and jalapeno bagel with some of the salad I made on Tuesday.  

James is working until it's too dark to work so he doesn't get in much before seven.  He has to hurry to get ready for our movie which I like to start by 7:30.  Tonight's was a mystery, "Sandra Brown's White Hot."  It was okay but I like the romantic comedies or "feel good" movies better.

James's Pero was especially tasty tonight.  That's because he put more chocolate and sweetener than usual!

 

The moon was gorgeous tonight.  We tried to capture it, but never can do it justice.

 

Facebook find:

A purple house!  Have I died and

gone to Heaven?

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

So true.

From Howard W. Hunter lesson #8, "Taking the Gospel to all the World":  'A great indicator of one's personal conversion is the desire to share the gospel with others.'

As I was working on familysearch today I realized that my Nannie and Grandpa have never been sealed together  and my mom and her brother and sister have not been sealed to them, their parents.  I want to make this one of my top priorities. 

I listened to six conference talks today in an effort to listen to them all again before the end of the month.  

I made oven stew today.  James had it for lunch and dinner and he loved it.  We have plenty left for tomorrow too.

James seems discouraged because he is always in pain.  He worked outside on the building most of the day.

It's beginning to look like a building.

I love this old picture of Ben and Jared Ammon.  

 They look so sweet and innocent.

I was able to talk to Jean Howard and Claire Mercado today, two of the sisters I visit teach.  I have an appointment with Jean next week.  Claire is still not feeling well.  After I finished talking to her I decided I wanted to do a care basket for her and her daughter Marlie.  I offered to bring her dinner, but she has so many allergies she declined.

James and I look forward to our "date on the couch" every night.  Tonight we watched a movie called "Always and Forever."  The only thing I didn't like about it was Dean McDermott.