Friday, August 12, 2016

Another beautiful sunrise

Alma 49:9-30

11 - Moroni had fortified the city Ammonihah.

12 - The Lamanites march towards Noah.

13 - Moroni had built forts of security around all the cities.

16 - Lehi was the captain over the city of Noah.

17 - The chief captains of the Lamanites had sworn with an oath to attack the city of Noah, so they did.

21 - The Lamanites were slain with an immense slaughter.

23 -  The Nephites had all power over their enemies.  All the Lamanite chief captains were slain and more than a thousand men of their armies.  Not a single Nephite was slain.

25 - The Lamanites return to the land of Nephi to tell Amalickiah.

26 - Amalickiah was exceedingly angry.  

27 - He cursed God and swore with an oath that he would drink the blood of Moroni.

28 - The Nephites thank the Lord for delivering them from their enemies.

29 - Thus ended the 19th year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

30 - There was continual peace among them and great prosperity.

GC: "Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me" by Elder Neil L. Andersen.

I love the Savior, and Elder Holland

We have new neighbors.  I saw a truck driving around at the tree line behind our house.  At first I thought it was James but then I realized his truck was parked out in front.  James went down and spoke to the guy driving the truck.  He was a surveyor.  He said someone had bought the 290 acres behind us.  He put up a pink flag visible from my dining room window and left.  I don't like looking at that pink flag.  It is a reminder that all that I see is no longer open land.

Later James was running the chainsaw out back and I heard our doorbell ring.  At the door stood our new neighbors, Dave and Wendi Elkins.  They said they heard someone running a chain saw and so they came over to meet us.  I directed them back to where James was working and they drove their 4-wheeler around to meet him.  They are excited about the property but have not yet retired so for now they will be coming up on the weekends.  They seem like very nice people.  For some reason I am a little sad.

Sister Holland is awesome too!

For lunch today I fixed corn on the cob, asparagus, avocado, and a Rice-a-Roni rice and red beans combination.  Everything was delicious, including the rice and beans.

This afternoon I set up Skype on my computer in preparation for my Prolympian training.  James bought a log splitter from a company in Pennsylvania.  It cost $1,599.00 and he also bought an accessories for $80.

Montezuma's Castle

I read this quote today from an article in the Ensign by Elder Bednar: "Not shrinking is more important than surviving."  The quote is by Elder Maxwell after he found out he had leukemia.

This evening I read from "Discovering the Word of Wisdom", "The Seven Miracles that Saved America", and my current Fablehaven book, "Rise of the Evening Star."

We heard some sad news today.  A friend of James's, Kemp Farnsworth, passed away of a heart attack.  Kemp worked for James framing houses many years ago.  He was about 10 years younger than we are.

Here are a couple of pictures from Facebook that

brightened my day:

Sheri posted this picture.

This is Jasmine's baby, Adalyn

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Superstition Mountain,
another reason to visit Arizona.

Alma 48:19-49:8

19 - Helaman and his brethren did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.

20 - The people humbled themselves because of their words.  For four years there were no war nor contentions.

21 - They were compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites.

25 - They could not bear that their brethren should rejoice over the blood of the Nephites, sl long as there were any who should keep the commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they should keep His commandments they should prosper in the land.

Alma 49

1 - In the 11th month, of the 19th year, on the 10th day of the month, the Lamanites were seen approaching towards the land of Ammonihah.

2 - The city had been rebuilt and Moroni stationed an army by the borders.

3 - The Lamanites thought it would be an easy target.

4 - The Nephites dug up a ridge of earth round about the city which was so high the Lamanites could not cast their stones and arrows that they might take effect, . . .

6 - The Lamanites had prepared themselves with shields and breastplates and thick garments of skin.

8 - But behold the Nephites were prepared for them in a manner which never had been known among the children of Lehi.

GC: "Standing with the Leaders of the Church" by Elder Ronald A. Rasband.

There was rain this morning for about an hour, and a beautiful rainbow.  It was a great way to start the day!

Made by Harold and Vickie

This handsome boy got braces today.

James and I made a trip to town around lunch time.  Whenever it's his turn to chose where we have lunch he chooses Darby's in Pinetop.  He had something off the lunch menu and I had lemon ricotta crepes off the breakfast menu.  They were delicious.

We also made a stop at Walmart/Home Depot and then a quick stop at Harbor Freight to look at log splitters.  We also went to Dennis's for more lawn blankets.  I visited with Harold and Vickie while James got the blankets.  They sold all of the items at The Hub last weekend and they were working on a table and benches.  

On the way back home I read to James from our new book:

I succumbed to my desire for a diet drink today.  I drove to Stanifird to get it and also bought a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper 10's.  I am so weak.

Tricia posted this picture of Emmy at their new house in San Antonio.  I guess the house has several big trees.

I hope she doesn't fall.

And now, the final part of my post:

Throwback Thursday:

I like the purple tie!

It looks so different!

Two years ago.

Two years ago.

Two years ago.

Ruthie Wilhelm

Two years ago

Andy Wilhelm

Zemira Wilhelm

This was two years ago when James was their home teacher.

We were doing birthday catch up.

Two years ago.

Richie's first time at the temple to do baptisms

after his own baptism.

Two years ago at the Snowflake temple.

I am going to close with this thought:

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Happy Birthday to this handsome boy.

Summer fun at Fossil Creek.

At the beach.

Alma 48:1-18

Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites - Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of Christians - He rejoices in liberty and freedom and is a mighty man of God. 72 BC.

GC: "Be Thou Humble" by Elder Steven E. Snow and "That I Might Draw All Men Unto Me" by Elder Dale G. Renlund.

James and I attended a session at the Gilbert temple this morning.  We saw Sister Skinner who is a summer visitor in Vernon, and The Price's from the Galveston 3rd ward in Chandler.  Sister Gerry Price assisted me at the veil.

Temple selfie.

After the temple James had an appointment to get his teeth cleaned.  Sheri works across the street and she wanted a priesthood blessing so after the dental appointment we went to Chandler Eyecare.  James gave Sheri her blessing and it was very special.  I am glad I was there to hear it.  

On the way home we stopped at Elmer's for lunch and Sheri was there picking up food for her co-workers.  Oh yes, we also went by the post office and mailed two pair of shoes to James Hayden that he left at the cabin. 

James is tired so I drive from Payson to Show Low.  We have to stop at Walmart to pick up a prescription and a few groceries.  I the way home we get rained on, just a bit.  It feels so good to be home and feel some cool air.  

Before going to bed I watch an episode of Chopped featuring school lunch ladies and then James and I watch a new Hallmark movie, "My Summer Prince."

Mary and Marvin having a serious talk with Michael.

Marvin shared some stories about his mission.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

A cool, refreshing Arizona stream.

Alma 47:20-36

By treachery, murder and intrigue, Amalickiah is made the leader and chief commander of the Lamanites.
20 - Amalickiah marches to the land of Nephi.
21 - The king came out to meet him with his guards.
22 - Amalickiah's servants bow before the king.
23 - The king put forth his hand to raise them.
24 - When he raised the first from the ground, behold he stabbed the king to the heart; and he fell to the earth.
25 - The servants of the king fled; and the servants of Amalickiah raised a cry saying:
26 - The servants of the king have stabbed him to the heart, and they have fled.
27 - Amalickiah pretended to be wroth, and said: Whosoever loved the king, let him go forth, and pursue his servants that they may be slain.
28 - All those who loved the king, came forth and pursued after the servants of the king.
29 - When the servants of the king saw an army pursuing after them, they were frightened and fled into the wilderness, and came over into the land of Zarahemla and joined the people of Ammon.
30 - Amalickiah, by his fraud, gained the hearts of the people.
31 - On the morrow he entered the city Nephi with his armies, and took possession of the city.
32 - 33 - The queen asks Amalickiah to bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king.
34 - Amaickiah took the same servant that slew the king, and went in unto the queen, and they all testified unto her that the king was slain by his own servants.
35 - Amalickiah took the queen unto him to wife, and thus became the king of the Lamanites.

GC: "The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness" by Elder Duncan 

James and I visited Charlotte today and helped her pay her bills.  Afterwards we picked up Alex and took him to lunch at Olive Garden.  Michael was helping Alexis move in to ASU and Seth was busy and couldn't come either.  We promised to take these boys to lunch once a month if they would read scriptures with us.  While we were in Olive Garden everyone's phones went off warning us of a dust storm outside.  We ordered lunch for Michael and delivered it to him at ASU.  Tempe definitely got more rain than Chandler.  

After lunch James and I went home to take naps and then he went to Susan Jacobson's to help her with some home repairs. 

We picked up Rowan later this afternoon for his birthday date.  He wanted Evan, Max, and Joshua to come too.  Joshua had scouts so it was just Joshua and Evan.

 Good friends and cousins.

We did the same thing we did with Joshua.  First we went to the Lego Store and then we went to the food court for dinner.  Rowan always likes to go to Paradise Bakery and get mac and cheese.  Evan and Max both went to Subway again.  We sure do enjoy our time with these boys.

Rowan and his new lego sets.

Darrel and Trina were both home this evening and since tomorrow is Rowan's birthday and Darrel has to work, they sang Happy Birthday tonight.  Addy made the cake.

Lola loved her new "monkey" shirt I

brought for her. 

I think the shirt goes nicely with the shoes. 

Ruby's pandas, Cookie and Cream

came to the party.

Ten years old.

Rowan loved the sunset on the way home and wanted us to stop and take a picture, so we did.

We almost missed it.

Monday, August 8, 2016

Happy 8th Birthday, Molly.

Molly gets to spend 8 hours in the car 

driving to San Antonio.

Happy 13th Anniversary

Darrel & Trina

Alma 47:1-19

We listened in the car and I did not have time to take notes.  After prayer, we left the house around 5am.  I was a little early for my appointment so James dropped Adam off at home first.  He just lives across the street from my appointment.

I was finished seeing the doctor and with my infusion by 10:15.  James was a little late picking me up so it was right around 11 when we arrived at Jersey Mike's in Chandler for lunch.  After lunch we went back to Terry & Cathi's for a nap.  

After our nap James went to Lindsay Smith's for the last time, at least for awhile.  She paid him for the work he did.  I like jobs where you get paid as soon as you are finished.  We are still waiting for a check for the work James did at Desert Mountain Golf Course last month.

According to the latest from Hilary Clinton she says Christians must deny their faith in order to keep the law.  I don't see that happening any time soon Hilary.

Mother Teresa spoke out against abortion at a meeting where Hilary and Bill were in attendance.  I wonder how they felt.

I love Mother Teresa!

We were going to see Charlotte today but when I called she said she wasn't feeling well so we rescheduled for tomorrow.

I have been talking to Wendy, Cathi's daughter, about the online business she is doing called Prolympian.  There is a training going on this week to coach people with PTSD.  It sounds like something I would love to do, much more than the other online business I signed up for.

We were sad to hear of the passing of Brian Van Allen.  He is Jared's age and within two weeks of finding out he had cancer, he was gone.  This after losing his son just a couple of years ago.  Our hearts go out to his wife and our friends and his parents, Nick and Nancy.

It other news Sheri told us of her friend Lisa Mattison's daughter Hannah who was killed while on a church outing in a car accident.

Hannah is the girl with the orange fannypack.

She was 15 years old.

Lisa was one of Sheri's bridesmaids at her wedding and

she was also Evan and Joshua's preschool teacher.

Gofundme has already raised over $10,000 for Hannah's

funeral.

On a happier note, James and I took Joshua on his birthday date this afternoon.  He invited Max and Evan to come along.  Rowan couldn't come because he was on a date with his other grandparents.  Of course we went to the Lego Store and then the food court at the mall for some dinner.

Joshua and his Star Wars command center

Lego set.

This boy loves pizza and garlic knots.

I sent this to Anna today.  She loves puns!  While we were at Sunrise on Saturday getting ready to ride the life she went up to James and said: "Can I give you a lift?"  He sat there a moment and you could tell his wheels were turning.  He finally said: "It's my last resort."  Nice one James.  

A three-in-one.

If I had the money I would buy all of the temple sets this coming makes:

The San Diego temple.  Their newest is the

Provo City Center temple.

The name of the company is

Brickem' Young.

Dave and Laura were at Cathi and Terry's this evening when we got home.  It was so nice to be able to visit with them.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Alma 46:29-41

29 - Amalickiah leaves with his people for the land of Nephi.

30 - Moroni knew Amalickiah would join with the Lamanites.

31 - Moroni takes his armies into the wilderness to cutoff Amalickiah and his army.

33 - Amalickiah fled with a small part of his men while the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and take back into the land of Zarahemla.

35 - Whomsoever of the Amalilckiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, Moroni caused to be put to death and there were but few who denied the covenant of freedom.

36 - Moroni hoisted the Title of Liberty on every tower throughout the land.

37 - The Nephites begin to have peace in the land until the end of the 19th year.

38 - Helaman also had much peace within the Church.

41 - Those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in Him.

GC: "I Am a Child of God" by Elder Hallstrom.

Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood by Elder Gary E. Stevenson.

John Wilhelm conducted our fast and testimony meeting this morning.  He said he had fasted and prayed to know what he should bear his testimony of and it came to him, "testify of the power of prayer."  This set the tone for our meeting and we had many wonderful testimonies regarding the power of prayer.  James bore his testimony and said that Brother John Wilhelm was an answer to one of his prayers.  It was a great meeting.  Jared and his kids, and all the rest of our visitors left after sacrament meeting.  I gave hugs to Anna, Joe, James, Emmy and Jared.  I didn't see Molly.  She was probably with Kim.  

Kim said that before Jared left he gave all of his kids a father's blessing.  I am so grateful that my boys honor their priesthood.

In Primary the children are supposed to memorize 1Corinthians 3:16-17:

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of

God dwelleth in you?

. . . for the temple of God is holy,

which temple ye are."

Little Leona Grap gave a talk in sharing time about temples.  It was very sweet.  I just love the Grap family and their children.

John Wilhelm came in and helped with sharing time.  His theme was: "My Body is a Temple."  He said that no unclean thing should enter our bodies.  His son Johnny said: "Well, Ruthie eats dirt."  

We are learning a new song for the Primary program in October.  It is called: "The Lord Gave Me a Temple."  

I had Braylin, Zemira, Curtis and Kacey in my class today.  Our lesson was about Nephi and the great power he was given because of his righteousness.  I am always surprised by how well Curtis listens in spite of his wiggles.

During Lannie's sharing time Curtis asked the question: "Is there a dead Santa in heaven who brings the people presents."

As I was telling Kim about our Primary she shared something that happened in their Primary last week.  She is one of the counselors in the Presidency.  She said they had two little black boys and one black girl who are nonmembers visiting from Texas.  The little girl really liked singing time but she was a little frustrated because she didn't know any of the songs.  She ask if she could sing a song from her church but the chorister said she didn't think they would have time.  She saw her chance as they were transitioning between singing time and sharing time.  She stood up and began singing:

"Stompin' on the Devils head,

stomping on the Devils head,

stomp, stomp, stompin

on the Devils head.

(These were the only lyrics she repeated

over and over.)

When she sat down she said: "And that's what we sing in our church."  I think this is probably the funniest Primary story I have ever heard.

Kim, Brian, Seth, and Alex left for home this afternoon.  Adam stayed and is going home with us in the morning.  

Sorry I didn't get a picture of Adam.

Many of the pictures I get from my blog are off of Facebook and

Instagram.  Here are a couple from Instagram on a site called visit_Arizona:

Fossil Springs

Lightning strikes in a storm near Tucson.

From Facebook:

Trevor Jensen from the

Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Congratulations!

What a great reminder.

He's too cute to eat.

James and I spent the evening getting ready to leave for the valley.  My infusion and doctor's appointment is at 8:45 in Mesa which means we need to leave around 5 am.  Adam says he thinks he will stay up all night.  I told him I hoped he wouldn't.