Sunday, September 11, 2016

Remembering is so important.

So many more than listed here lost their lives.

This is the prayer President Hinckley offered in General Conferences just a few weeks after this occurred:

 "O God, our Eternal Father,    whose children we are, we look to Thee in faith in this dark and solemn time  please, dear Father, bless us with faith.  Bless us with love.  Bless us with charity in our hearts.  Bless us with a spirit of perseverance to root out the terrible evils that are in this world.  Give protection and guidance to those who are engaged actively in carrying forth the things of battle.  Bless them, preserve their lives, save them from harm and evil.  Hear the prayers of their loved ones for their safety. . . .

"O Father, look with mercy upon this, our own nation, and its friends in this time of need.  Spare us and help us to walk with faith ever in Thee and ever in Thy Beloved Son, on whose mercy we count and to whom we look as our Savior and our Lord.  Bless the cause of peace and bring it quickly to us again, we humbly plead with Thee, asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee.  We humbly pray in the name of Him who loves us all, even the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior, amen."  (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 90).

Helaman 2:1-14

How do you avoid being deceived by the flattery of men?

Through the inspiration of the Spirit.  We must stay spiritually centered and remember what really matters.  (See "Why Way Do You Face?", October 2014 General Conference.)

GC: 'Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me' Elder Andersen

"We recognize the many good parents across the world, of all faiths, who lovingly care for their children.  And we gratefully acknowledge the families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are wrapped in the care of a father and mother converted to the Savior, who are sealed by the authority of the priesthood, and who are learning in their family to love and trust their Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

Today was high council Sunday in sacrament meeting.  Brother Justin Tregaskes and his daughter Kylie were our speakers.  Kylie is a temple worker and has been called to serve a mission in Peru.  She spoke on D&C 46:3-33.  We are never to cast anyone out of our public meetings or sacrament services.  We must recognize the needs of others.  "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are in the service of your God." Spiritual gifts are given so we can serve others.  Verses 11-29 of section 46 is a list of spiritual gifts.  Sometimes it takes others to help us recognize our gifts.  Give thanks for gifts and blessings.  I really liked Kylie.  She mention Veggie Tales, The Lego Movie, and Cinderella in her talk.  She talked about being kind and having courage, which is what Cinderella's mother tells her as she, the mother, is dying.

Justin Tregaskes of the Country Club Manor ward.  He reminded us about what our stake president ask us to do in the last stake conference.  We are to use Find, Take, Teach in our temple work.  Find names, take them to the temple, and teach others to do the same.  I helped Vickie and James has recently helped Brian.  We will continue to work on this as we do more research and try to get others involved.  He also reminded us that President Williams ask us to study "The Living Christ" and The Family Proclamation.  I am doing this in my personal gospel study everyday.  I am on sentence 16 on both of these documents.  I think that is about half way, or maybe a little less.  Brother Tregaskes spoke about keeping the Sabbath day holy and gave some personal examples from his own life.  He then ask us to ask ourselves: Why am I here today?

To deepen my relationship with the Savior.  Are our Sunday activities uplifting and strengthening our testimonies?  Reach out to the lonely.  Be examples of the believers.  Honor the Sabbath all day long.  Is what I am doing outwardly expressing what I believe inwardly?  It was a great talk!!

Today I had Tana Westbrook and Madison Deatherage in my class.  Denice Hall, their teacher, was sick today.  I also had Kacey, Curtis and Zemira.  I am not sure why Braylin wasn't here.  When I texted his mom she said everyone was fine.

The lesson today was about Jesus teaching the Nephites the Beatitudes.  I made this chart:

The kids in my class got a chart similar to this one to take home and work on.  If they bring it back completed, they get to

chose something from the treasure basket.

Curtis was awesome today.  He even helped with his favorite song, "Book of Mormon Stories", during singing time.  

After church James drove Curtis and I to the Penrod's to see Braxton.  We gave him some cookies I had made and a Book of Mormon with a couple of Pass-along cards.  Curtis says he has known Braxton most of his life.  I am not sure why his family doesn't come to church.

I love this quote by President Uchtdorf

As I am working on my family history I am trying to come up with a clever way to display family pictures.  I found this:

I want James to draw one for me on the wall in the hallway,

but first I have to convince him it will look good.

Today was a wonderful Sabbath day except that an old permanent crown fell out of my mouth.  It is probably because I have had a temporary crown on the other side of my mouth for so long that I have been doing all my chewing on the side of the mouth where I lost the crown.  James helped me put it back in.  Sorry, no pictures.

Buckelew Falls

This picture was taken in September of 2013.

We have not had enough rain this year for the falls to run.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Remembering is so important.

So many more than listed here lost their lives.

This is the prayer President Hinckley offered in General Conferences just a few weeks after this occurred:

 "O God, our Eternal Father,    whose children we are, we look to Thee in faith in this dark and solemn time  please, dear Father, bless us with faith.  Bless us with love.  Bless us with charity in our hearts.  Bless us with a spirit of perseverance to root out the terrible evils that are in this world.  Give protection and guidance to those who are engaged actively in carrying forth the things of battle.  Bless them, preserve their lives, save them from harm and evil.  Hear the prayers of their loved ones for their safety. . . .

"O Father, look with mercy upon this, our own nation, and its friends in this time of need.  Spare us and help us to walk with faith ever in Thee and ever in Thy Beloved Son, on whose mercy we count and to whom we look as our Savior and our Lord.  Bless the cause of peace and bring it quickly to us again, we humbly plead with Thee, asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee.  We humbly pray in the name of Him who loves us all, even the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior, amen."  (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 90).

Helaman 2:1-14

How do you avoid being deceived by the flattery of men?

Through the inspiration of the Spirit.  We must stay spiritually centered and remember what really matters.  (See "Why Way Do You Face?", October 2014 General Conference.)

GC: 'Whoso Receiveth Them, Receiveth Me' Elder Andersen

"We recognize the many good parents across the world, of all faiths, who lovingly care for their children.  And we gratefully acknowledge the families in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are wrapped in the care of a father and mother converted to the Savior, who are sealed by the authority of the priesthood, and who are learning in their family to love and trust their Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

Today was high council Sunday in sacrament meeting.  Brother Justin Tregaskes and his daughter Kylie were our speakers.  Kylie is a temple worker and has been called to serve a mission in Peru.  She spoke on D&C 46:3-33.  We are never to cast anyone out of our public meetings or sacrament services.  We must recognize the needs of others.  "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are in the service of your God." Spiritual gifts are given so we can serve others.  Verses 11-29 of section 46 is a list of spiritual gifts.  Sometimes it takes others to help us recognize our gifts.  Give thanks for gifts and blessings.  I really liked Kylie.  She mention Veggie Tales, The Lego Movie, and Cinderella in her talk.  She talked about being kind and having courage, which is what Cinderella's mother tells her as she, the mother, is dying.

Justin Tregaskes of the Country Club Manor ward.  He reminded us about what our stake president ask us to do in the last stake conference.  We are to use Find, Take, Teach in our temple work.  Find names, take them to the temple, and teach others to do the same.  I helped Vickie and James has recently helped Brian.  We will continue to work on this as we do more research and try to get others involved.  He also reminded us that President Williams ask us to study "The Living Christ" and The Family Proclamation.  I am doing this in my personal gospel study everyday.  I am on sentence 16 on both of these documents.  I think that is about half way, or maybe a little less.  Brother Tregaskes spoke about keeping the Sabbath day holy and gave some personal examples from his own life.  He then ask us to ask ourselves: Why am I here today?

To deepen my relationship with the Savior.  Are our Sunday activities uplifting and strengthening our testimonies?  Reach out to the lonely.  Be examples of the believers.  Honor the Sabbath all day long.  Is what I am doing outwardly expressing what I believe inwardly?  It was a great talk!!

Today I had Tana Westbrook and Madison Deatherage in my class.  Denice Hall, their teacher, was sick today.  I also had Kacey, Curtis and Zemira.  I am not sure why Braylin wasn't here.  When I texted his mom she said everyone was fine.

The lesson today was about Jesus teaching the Nephites the Beatitudes.  I made this chart:

The kids in my class got a chart similar to this one to take home and work on.  If they bring it back completed, they get to

chose something from the treasure basket.

Curtis was awesome today.  He even helped with his favorite song, "Book of Mormon Stories", during singing time.  

After church James drove Curtis and I to the Penrod's to see Braxton.  We gave him some cookies I had made and a Book of Mormon with a couple of Pass-along cards.  Curtis says he has known Braxton most of his life.  I am not sure why his family doesn't come to church.

I love this quote by President Uchtdorf

As I am working on my family history I am trying to come up with a clever way to display family pictures.  I found this:

I want James to draw one for me on the wall in the hallway,

but first I have to convince him it will look good.

Today was a wonderful Sabbath day except that an old permanent crown fell out of my mouth.  It is probably because I have had a temporary crown on the other side of my mouth for so long that I have been doing all my chewing on the side of the mouth where I lost the crown.  James helped me put it back in.  Sorry, no pictures.

Buckelew Falls

This picture was taken in September of 2013.

We have not had enough rain this year for the falls to run.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Does anyone know which temple this is?
Dallas, Texas temple.
Thank you Jared.

Helaman 1:18-34

When situations in your life get hard what do you do to keep your faith alive?

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

I calm my thoughts through prayer.  Quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God.  Reunite my light with the Savior's light.  Study my scriptures and listen to conference talks.

GC: That I Might Draw All Men Unto Me by Elder Renlund

"The Savior identified the sacrament as indispensable to a spiritual foundation . . . No one is immune from life's challenges;

we all need the safety that comes from partaking of the

sacrament.  The sacrament truly helps us know our Savior."

GC: Standing with the Leaders of the Church by Elder Rasband

"The growing question of today is clear:

are you standing with the leaders of the Church in a

darkening world so that you might spread the Light of Christ?

When we reach out to lift one another, we prove those

powerful words: 

'No one goes his way alone.'

Most of all, we need our Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ."

James and I both spent much of the day studying and preparing for our lessons tomorrow.  

I love looking over and seeing him next to me in the morning

studying the gospel.

At one point we were going to go into town but decided our time would be better spent staying home and preparing for the Sabbath.

James did unload the logsplitter and took it around by the woodpile.

Going around where he tried to plant some grass

and the trees he planted.

He has an interesting way of doing things.

Today was such a quiet and peaceful day.  We needed this since our

trip to the valley was so busy and fun-filled.  When I say fun-filled I am not referring to my root canal.

Falls near Portland Oregon

This picture was posted on Facebook by a friend who took a day trip to Portland with his wife.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Good morning Arizona!

Happy Birthday Jonathan

Even though you are the youngest of the three cousins all born 

in the same week, you were the first to get gray hair!

Helaman 1:1-17

What causes anger and contention and how can we avoid it?

Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention.  We can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing our dependence on the Lord, and that no one is perfect.  Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ is what we all should be striving for.

GC: Be Thou Humble by Elder Steven E. Snow

Spencer W. Kimball, the 12th President of the Church, said: 

"How does one get humble?  To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence on the Lord.  How to remind

one's self?  By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

It should come as no surprise that President Kimball's 

favorite hymn was:

'I Need Thee Every Hour.'

That just happens to be my favorite hymn too!

James and I were very sad to hear the news that Bob Ward had passed away.  We were in his ward years ago and at one time Sheri and Ian were his son Rob's Primary teachers.  Rob said his dad loved the Beatles' songs and he taught most of them to Rob who was always singing them in Primary.

Such a cheerful guy.  He always had a funny story or joke to tell.

He will be missed.

This picture of Addy, taken four years ago for her baptism, came up on my Facebook feed today.

I love this picture!  It's hard to believe that she just turned 12 and

went in to Young Women's this past week.

James took Terry's truck to Hancock School, which is about two miles away from Cathi and Terry's while I took our truck to my infusion appointment in Mesa.  On the way home as I was getting off the 101 and getting ready to get on the 202 the truck started shaking like crazy.  I thought I must have a flat tire so I pulled over and stopped on the off ramp.  I was shaking I was so scared.  I called James and checked the tires.  No flat.  He says sometimes his truck does that because it needs new struts.  I got back in and drove slowly the rest of the way home.  Pretty scary stuff.

We used my gift card and went to Olive Garden for lunch.  I can't believe that James ordered mussels.  

It looks like a full plate but it is mostly shells.  I had my usual chicken scampi and then I ordered some zeppoli's to eat on the

way home with chocolate sauce.

We went back to Cathi and Terry's, packed up and left for home.  Since my car isn't ready I am riding with James in the truck.  He is pulling the trailer with the logsplitter and a box of stone block for the front porch.  He said we could go the Payson way which made me happy.  It was great to be home.  We unpacked got into our comfy clothes and finished reading our book.  We also watched a Hallmark movie starring Debbie Gibson called "Summer of Dreams."

Michael came home to Chandler for the weekend and Shipley was so excited she could hardly stand it.

Michael getting the royal treatment from Shipley.

James went shopping last night and bought a birthday card for James Hayden who turns 16 on the 15th.  We mailed it today.

He picked out a good card.  One of the other ones he picked out

had Spiderman on it but I thought James was a little old.

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Kim came too but she went back to do a

couple of initiatories.

Oh, I must mention that Susan J. was in our session.  James 

does handyman work for her and they are good friends.  Such good friends that she came up and stood on the other side of him when we were in the prayer circle.  

Alma 63:1-17

Why is it important in our day to keep records?  What can we learn from them in the future?

They help us remember!  We can see patterns in our lives as we go back and review our records, such as the recurring mercy of the Lord.  I am hoping that my posterity will better understand me and my motives and my heart by the records I keep.  Hopefully my testimony is being kept there.  My story is unique.  There have been times that I have been strengthened or taught by my own words as I remember all the Lord has done for me.

GC: The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness by Elder Kevin R. Duncan

"One key to forgiving others is to try to see the as God

sees them.  At times, God may part the curtain and 

bless us with the gift to see into the heart, soul, and spirit of

another person who has offended us.  This insight may

even lead to an overwhelming love for that person."

After the temple James, Alex and I jumped in Kim's car and headed to Grand Canyon University in Phoenix to pick up Michael and go to lunch.  I am grateful to Kim for volunteering to be our driver since my car is in the shop.  Kim also knew of a place to go in Phoenix.  She had been there before and said the food was awesome, China Chili.

The food was delicious and the service

was amazing.  We were served within 5 minutes.

James kept saying they nuked the food, but I said no,

it was too fresh and delicious.  I had the lemon chicken and just thinking about it is making my mouth water.

James liked the hot and sour soup and so did I.

Everyone at everything on their plates except for Michael.

He didn't like the cooked onions.  He says he only likes

them raw.  That's a switch.

We had a good time and we got Michael back to school in time to make it to his next class.

Alex slept most of the way home.  James and I took a nap as soon as we hit the house.  After our naps we went to visit Joshua and listen to the talk he is giving in church on Sunday for the Primary childrens sacrament meeting program.  

His favorite scripture story is about Nephi and Lehi

being encircled about by fire as recorded in Helaman 5

Good job Joshua!

James has a new best friend.  Not only does Susan

like him, but so does Shipley!

I guess Shipley likes everybody.

Joshua also played the piano for us.

Such good posture!

After leaving Joshua and Shipley, we went to see Charlotte M.  She has an appointment to see about re-financing her house next week.  James helped her with a couple of things and we were on our way.  She still can't find the receipt for her Ipad.

I receive emails for a site called Meridian Magazine, which is an LDS publication.  It is through Meridian that I became familiar with one of my favorite LDS authors, Larry Barkdull.  I have several books by him, including "Rescuing Wayward Children."  (I gave copies to Stacy and Kim).  There was an article by Brother Barkdull on Meridian's site today called: "How Crucial is Priesthood Power to Your Family's Future?"  This is definitely one that I want to read.  Right under the article there was an announcement:

I guess Brother Barkdull went in for a routine surgery and developed a blood clot which took his life.  He was only 66 years old.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Camp Verde, Arizona

Alma 62: 34-52

As a review, here is the heading for Alma 62.  

"Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon - The king-men who refuse to defend their country are put to death - Pahoran and Moroni retake Nephihah - Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon - Teancum slays Ammoron and is in turn slain - The Lamanites are driven from the land, and peace is established - Helaman returns to the ministry and builds up the Church."  About 62-57 B.C.

GC: " I Am a Child of God" by Elder Hallstrom, and "Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood" by Elder Stevenson.

James left around 5:45 this morning for the valley after our family prayer and scripture study.  I left at 8:30 this morning.  I stopped at Sonic in Show Low for a diet coke and a bacon breakfast toaster.  I arrived at Cathi and Terry's at noon.  James offered to bring me a Jersey Mike's sub and I couldn't turn him down.  I ate half and then we left to take my car to Chandler Auto Body to repair the "owie" on the front bumper.  Afterwards James dropped me off at Dr. Higg's office in Ocotillo for my root canal.  Originally Dr. Higgs had told me he could do the root canal and crown all within two hours right there in his office.  Now he is saying that because the cavity is below the gum line he is going to have to send in the crown to be done in the lab.  Jill and Kim assist Dr. Higgs.  Jill just moved here.  She moved here because her son lives in Arizona.  He works as a police officer in Show Low.  His last name is Munder.  If he ever stops me I'm going to tell him I know his mom.

Sound familiar?

I have to wait for James to pick me up.  I sit outside because the weather is so nice.  It is overcast and rainy.  James went to Phoenix to pick up his log splitter.   Our credit card charges today will include $2,156.00 to Dr. Higgs, and $1,615.22 for the log splitter. Both are necessary, I suppose.  Oh yes, and my car will be around $900.  

Bridget in the basket.

The doctor said my gum would be sore for awhile and gave me some rinse to use 3x a day.  When I get back to Cathi's I am ready for a two hour nap.  I wake up just about the time Cathi and Terry get home.  Cathi had an appointment with Dr. Higgs today too.  He told her that I was much braver than she was.  This after he gives me five shots in the mouth.  I guess Cathi gets put to sleep.

I eat the other half of my sandwich for dinner and James and I have a nice visit with Cathi and Terry before going to bed.  They are going to Salt Lake for some training on Saturday and Cathi is very excited.  She says Terry is excited too, but I can't tell.

This is the patio James says he is going to make for us in the back.

Right now all I see is a pile of ABC.

Facebook memory:

This was taken a few years ago.  Don't miss

Michael's pose in the front.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

A beautiful sunrise this morning.

Alma 62:19-33

19 - The Lamanites would not come out from Nephihah to battle the first day.

20 - At night Moroni came upon the top of the wall to find out where the Lamanites were camped.

21 - They were on the east by the entrance and were all asleep.  Moroni has his army prepare strong cords and ladders to be let down from the top of the wall into the inner part of the wall.

22 - Moroni's men enter the city over the wall on the west where the Lamanites were not camped.

24 - When the Lamanites awake and see that the Nephites are in the city, they flee out by the pass.

25 - Moroni's men march forth and slay many and surround others and took them prisoners and the remainder fled into the land of Moroni by the seashore.

26 - Moroni and Pahoran obtained possession of the city of Nephihah without the loss of one soul, and there were many Lamanites slain.

27 - Many of the Lamanite prisoners were desirous to join the people of Ammon and become a free people.  

28 - It was granted according to their desires.

29 - The Nephites were relieved from all the prisoners of the Lamanites.

30 - Moroni was strengthened by recovering Nephi prisoners and went from Nephihah to Lehi.

31 - The Lamanites flee from the army of Moroni.

32 - Moroni pursues them from city to city until they were met by Lehi and Teancum, until they came to the land of Moroni.

33 - The entire army of the Lamanites, including Ammoron, were in the land of Moroni.

GC: "A Child's Guiding Gift" by Mary R. Durham.

Our dear friends President Martin and

Suzanne Kempton with one of their missionaries.

Martin was the mission president in the Arcadia,

California mission, the same mission where Jared served

for awhile, but not at the same time.

One of the reasons James and I like to go outside on the porch to read is because we like to watch the hummingbirds buzz around the feeder.  They are pretty amazing.

They love the sugar water James makes for them.

Michael had his first track meet this past week.  The Lopes went to Flagstaff to compete.  I am not sure how they did.

Guess which one is Michael.

He's the one with the bow in his hair.

I had to share this picture.  Cameron, Patrick and Heather's little boy had a birthday and Carmen sent him some "pug" cupcakes.

That pug looks just like Indee, tongue and all!

This is a picture of Mooney Falls which is in the Grand Canyon:

It's amazing how blue the water is.

James and I went to town today to Walmart, Home Depot, and to Show Low Motorsports to get oil for the Razr.  It's always a fun time when we go to town.  

Since I don't have any pictures of our trip to town I am going to post this picture of the Salt Lake temple.  General Conference is coming up soon and this picture is a reminder.

This is probably in the spring because of the flowers.

Another reminder of GC is this quote by

President Uchtdorf.

I visited Randa Covert this afternoon. I am her visiting teacher and have not seen her for over a month so I am glad she said I could come.   Kaeli, my partner,

 was home with her newborn baby.  Randa and I had a nice visit.  I gave he a fall candle along with this quote:

Thank goodness for Marci Coombs who provides these

clever handouts.

Another beautiful sunset:

Even prettier than the sunrise!