Sunday, September 25, 2016

Happy Sabbath

Can anyone identify this temple?

Although this church in Switzerland is beautiful, it 

doesn't even compare to the temple.

When I got up this morning around 4 o'clock, I could hear water running.  I ask James, who was still sleeping, if he had the water on somewhere.  It took him awhile to wake up and then he said: Oh, darn!  I turned it on last night when you locked me out and it was only supposed to be on 5 minutes.  It's the only station without a timer.  I reminded him that we had timers on our phones.  Thank goodness our well didn't run dry.  

Before finishing my lesson preparation, I spent an hour meditating and praying and thinking about my testimony.  I wrote my testimony in my testimony journal and felt prepared if I felt prompted to bear it today in fast and testimony meeting.

Here are some of my visual aids and handouts to go with my lesson on Jesus giving the sacrament to the Nephites.

This was Curtis's favorite picture.

I never made this connection until a couple of months ago when

Sheri said a speaker in their ward spoke about it.  I love all the symbolism involved in the Sacrament.

If you notice, the sacrament cups have scriptures on them.

I gave each child a cup and they looked up a scripture.

I then read a question and they answered the question by reading

their scriptures.

These were my handouts.  I went through the Sacrament

meditation book with the children.  Kacey loved it and chose this for her activity.  Curtis and Zemira both did the other exercise.

We read the scriptures and then figured out which picture went with what scripture, beginning with the Last Supper.

All three of the children in class today earned a reward and get to choose something from my reward basket after church.

Curtis's little brother Johnny, who is 4 came out and I had to give him something too.  He is just too cute.

I love this quote by Elder Holland.

Four of the testimonies in our sacrament meeting today touched me.  The first was from my dear friend Diana whom I worked with in Young Women's.  Her son, Dustin, who is in his late 20's has cancer.  She thanked everyone for the kind thoughts, prayers and concerns and she told us Dustin said he could feel our prayers.  

Right after Diana was Rusty our newly returned missionary who was called into the elder's quorum presidency to work with his dad.  He said that he was going to share with us the favorite part of his testimony, which is that he is a son of God and that he knows that God loves him.  He then bore testimony of the Savior.  It was sweet.

A new brother in our ward with a young family told about his wife wanting to go to the temple and because of a recent move they were unable to find her temple bag.  They had prayed but it wasn't until their 8 year old daughter Leona prayed that they found the bag.  Actually Leona found it.  He said he was thankful that Heavenly Father had not answered their previous prayers because that was a faith promoting experience for his daughter, Leona.

Our former bishop bore testimony of the knowledge that the prayers of the righteous are a protection to those who need them.  He mentioned people in his family who are struggling with their testimonies right now, including his son.  One of his sons is on a mission and the other is a return missionary.  

It was a good meeting and there was never a lull in people getting up to bear testimony.  The two elder's assigned to our ward, Elder Rich and Elder Watson both bore their testimonies.  We haven't fed the missionaries for awhile, but I thought this was funny.

The third hour today James and I attended our ward's teacher council class.  We talked about asking inspired questions which was really a review but there were lots of comments.  The last few minutes of the class our discussion was about Invite Learner's to Act.  The Sunday School president said something funny to James and I as we were coming to class.  He said: You know what you guys remind me of?  A couple of quail.  What do you say to that?  He goes on to say, hey, that's a compliment, I think quail are cute.

I hope he was referring to these quail.

So Brother W, you think we look like quail?

Our church is out at 12 and we had an appointment with the bishop 

at one.  We didn't want to go home and turn right back around and come back so I packed us a lunch.  We said a prayer and broke our fast and ate sandwiches, chips and grapes in the car before our appointment.  I imagined that I was going to be called as the Relief Society president, or the Young Women's president, or the Primary president.  James thought maybe he was going to be called as the ward mission leader.  What the bishop ask us to do was host a marriage class that will be taught by his wife Anne at our home.  We are way to prideful!  Honestly I can say it was a big relief and of course we said yes.  The class will start October 16th.

I thought I had lost my friend Kaeli's gift for her birthday and for her new baby but I found it in my classroom.  Although she was at church I didn't see her so we went by afterwards to take her the gifts.  I was already in my pj's so James took the bag in and Kaeli sent me some pictures of herself and baby Guy. (Named after his great grandfather.)

I think we disturbed his nap.

He's wide awake here.  He has a dad who is a fireman and a cowboy.  What a lucky boy!

James did some indexing today and I texted several people and worked on my blog.  I also messaged the Help center at Family Search and ask how I could be sealed to my deceased parents.  They told me how and what to do and that will be on my list of these to do at the temple before the year is over.  My sister-in-law Cathi said she would like to come with me when I have it done.  She is the sweetest.

Helaman 9:18-41.

It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe.  What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

Are we seeing the damage being done to our nation because we don't want to offend anyone  Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, YWGP said: "Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles.  Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and our understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward , but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan''s lies."

Saturday, September 24, 2016

I sent this out to Stacy, Kim, Sheri,

Trina, Addy, and Anna today as a reminder of

tonight's General Women's Session of

the 186th Semiannual General Conference

of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Helaman 9:1-17

 Some prophecies, like Nephi's in this chapter, are difficult to believe.  How have I gained my testimony in President Monson and his teachings.  

I loved President Monson's biography.  He went to Germany for 30 years and gained the confidence of the government.  After 30 years he was able to receive permission to build a temple behind the Iron Curtain.  I love the stories of his travels and how he would give his suit coat and shoes to those he saw who needed them.  I love stories of him personally visiting the 80 widows in his ward as a 22 year old bishop.  I love the stories of him receiving promptings to visit someone and going immediately.  I have also gained a greater love for President Monson as I have tried to apply his teachings to my life.  No only is President Monson a true disciple of Jesus Christ, he is the Prophet of God.  I know because the Spirit has born witness of this to me.

GC: 'The Holy Ghost' by Elder Robert D. Hales

"To my own posterity and all within the sound of my voice, I offer my testimony of the personal revelation and constant flow of

daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through

the Holy Ghost.  Through the Holy Ghost, we experience 'the multitude of Christ's tender mercies' and miracles that do not cease."

I am intrigued by this birds coloring and his bill.

It felt cold enough this morning to turn on the space heater in the dining room when I got up at 4 am to do my gospel study.  

We had bunnies eating our grass today, three little ones.  James had to go out and chase them away.  They hide under his storage building along with the squirrels.  I love watching them run around in the morning getting their exercise.

James worked all day to finish these doors for the pump house.

I think he did a great job!

After our lunch, at 12:30 we said a prayer and started our fast.  Tomorrow is our ward's fast Sunday.  It is easier for us to fast 24 hours when we start on Saturday after lunch.  

I was excited to watch the General Women's Session of conference this evening.  It started at five and I love that I can stop what I am doing, go sit down in front of the T.V. and watch conference and but motivated and inspired.

I loved Sister Oscarson's talk!

I worked on my Primary lesson much of the day.  It is about the Savior giving the sacrament to the Nephites.  I had some handouts and visual aids I didn't finish so I will be getting up early to finish in the morning before church.

There are some beautiful places in Arizona

Guess where this is?

I got a call from Ruby today.  She asked me if I wanted to go with her to get our ears pierced.  I said yes.  I told her last year that when she went I wanted to go too.  I am excited.  Something to look forward to when I go to the valley on October 5th.  Ruby wasn't going to do it again until she turned eight.  I wonder what changed her mind.  She turned 7 in June.

I was sitting at the dining room table this evening working on my lesson.  James had gone in to take a shower.  I heard the front door open which freaked me out.  I yelled "Hello" and no one answered.  I took a peak around the wall and the door was open a crack.  I thought the wind had blown it open as it sometimes does, so I went over and closed it and then locked it.  A few minutes later I hear the doorbell frantically ringing.  You guessed it, I locked James out!  I did not hear him come from the bedroom.  Sometimes living in a big house in the country is a little scary.

The Tovrea Castle in Phoenix near Van Buren St.

I remember seeing this building as a little girl when I lived in Phoenix and always wishing I could go in it.  

I love Arizona sunsets!

Friday, September 23, 2016

It was a very windy day.

Our temple is closing for two weeks so we went today to do

all of our family sealings.  We sealed 5 couples, 5 daughters to parents, and 9 sons to parents.  Included in these sealings were Vickie's parents and her brother William to his parents.

We still have Donnie to be sealed to his parents.  Jeffrey needs to finish his ordinance work first.  Each person should have six ordinances done in their behalf.  The brethren are ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood during the washing and anointings of the initiatory ordinance.  An exciting day for us!

 On our way to Snowflake.  We thought for sure we would see some rain.

Oh my, dark clouds over the temple.

Back to Show Low, but still no rain.

After our temple experience we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch.  I had a beef tamale with red sauce.  It was delicious.  James had a chicken quesadilla and a fish taco.  I also ordered a chicken taco but I saved it for later and then ended up giving it to James.  We also stopped at the Dollar Store in Taylor.  I found three glass plates at the Dollar Store in Show Low but I wanted at least one more to make a set of four.  They didn't have any.

I love that these are only a dollar!

On to the Show Low Walmart for me and Home Depot for James.  He is having paint mixed for his doors on the pump house.  He was so patient and kind to let me stop at the Dollar Store in Show Low to see if they got another shipment of paints.  Instead I got mini flashlights for my Primary class and chocolate covered cherries for a snack on the way home.

These little boxes are so cute.  They have three cherries in each one.  Two would have been enough but the third is the cherry on top!

We read from Millennial Glory on the way home.  On the way to the temple we listened to Elder Gerrit W. Gong's conference address, "Always Remember Him" and our scriptures, Helaman 8:11-28.  Here is the question today for:

Why is it so imperative to have a contrite spirit when we look unto the Savior?  My answer which I sent to my scripture buddies, Alex, Adam, Michael, and Seth.  So that we might live, even unto that life which is eternal.  When my spirit is contrite I am teachable.  I am able to change and grow.  I am filled with gratitude as I realize all the Savior has done for me and how dependent I am upon Him.  I am sad when I add to His suffering.  He is my Rock and my Redeemer.  Nephi's use of the story of the Brazen Serpent from the Old Testament emphasizes that we "should look upon the Son of God with faith and live."  Through the atoning sacrifice of Christ, the poisonous venom of Satan was overcome for all who would repent.  

GC: "Always Remember Him" Elder Gong

" We can always remember Him on the Sabbath through the Sacrament.

Our Savior invites us to always remember Him as He always remembers us."

I love this quote!

We came home and took a nap and then James went outside to work.  He tried out our new edger before painting his doors on the pump house.

I am so excited to use this edger myself!

Other family news:  James got braces today, two fillings in his teeth and his driver's permit.

Cute with or without braces.

Max has is write in a brace for a month.  He either has a hairline fracture or a cyst.  He is struggling to write and he says it hurts.  I wish I was there to help.

Tonight was our weekly movie night.  We watched the first episode of the Hallmark Sunday night special, "Chesapeake Bay."  I like Jesse Metcalf, especially when he plays the guitar and sings.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Happy Fall Y'all

My decorations are up!

This is a good as it gets around here.

The wind howled all night long.  I thought for sure it would blow up some rain clouds.  It looked like it was going to rain, but it never did.  I know it rained in the valley and around Flagstaff.

The sky in Vernon

The sky in the Valley

Helaman 7:13-8:10
When have you raised your voice in support of the living prophet?  How did this effect you and others around you?
By listening to their counsel in General Conference and following it.  Bearing testimony to others of them, and remembering them in my prayers.  By raising my hand to sustain them and speaking out against those who are critical against them.  Defend the anointed.

GC: 'See Yourself in the Temple' by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"The temple is a place of refuge, thansgiving, instruction, and understanding, 'that we may be perfected  . . in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth.'  Throughout my life it has been a place of tranquility and peace in a world that is literally in commotion."

The first temple in Wyoming

I read a talk by Elder Brent H. Nielson entitled "Can We Live 'after the manner of Happiness'"? in this month's Ensign.  It really had a lot of meaning for me.  Here are just a few notes I took.

*Let the Savior's Redeeming Power Cleanse You

- Let the Savior, through His redeeming power, take your sins.

- We profess a belief in the Savior and in His Atonement, but we may have doubts that the Atonement will actually work for us.  So we carry our own sins.  We worry, we doubt, and sometimes we despair.  That is not God's plan for us.

-Only Satan wants you to think you can't be forgiven and that you have to pay for your own sins.  Let the go, and do it today.

*Embrace Your Trials

-Facing trials is not only a part of our earthly existence but also essential to our progression.  It is how we grow and become.  Years ago a General Authority told me if I didn't have trials in my life, the plan wasn't working for me.

- Embrace your trials and move forward with faith.

*Access the Savior's Enabling Power

-As we make our way through life, the enabling power of the Savior's Atonement can make our burdens light and allow us to live "after the manner of happiness."

- When you face burdens in life, the key to access the Savior's enabling power is to submit cheerfully and with patience to the will of the Lord. 

This should be our family motto.

James's new home improvement project is making doors for the pump house.  He is always busy doing something but I am afraid he pays for it with aches and pains.  I don't know how to stop him.  

James and I headed out to visit Hailey Chaffin this morning with a candle and a quote from this month's visiting teaching message.  We found her across the road from the Stanford Store waiting for a truck who was delivering a tank to their ranch.  I went over and stood in the wind and talked to her about the lesson, about the books I gave Braylin to read, and her mother's family reunion in Van Horn, Texas the weekend of General Conference.  I would say we had a good visit considering the circumstances.  When I was finished James and I headed to town to pick up the Garden Fresh Veggie thin crust pizza we ordered from Pappa John's.  We devoured it!

After eating pizza James went to Home Depot while I waited in the car.  He got some lumber for his doors, an edger and a lawnmower. We are low on funds but we really need these last two items.  

Points to Ponder:

*The bishop wants to meet with us on Sunday at l p.m.  I wonder why.  

* Where did the gift bag go that I had to give to Kaeli Nicoll.  There was a $25 gift card in there!  James tried to go down to the church to see if I left it in my Primary room, but it was locked up.  He thought he could see something pink through the window of my room.  I sure hope so.

 Three of my favorite Vernon girls.

This picture was taken about five years ago.

Trenda, Alice, and Ruthie.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Happy Birthday to this beautiful lady,

Denise Curry-Maxwell, my sister-in-law.

She can be the life of the party and does

a mean dance to Rocky Top Tennessee.

Denise and her daughter Rachel.

As a side note, Rachel and I share birthdays.

A Maxwell gathering for Denise's birthday last year.

Since Tasha and Monte are in this picture I want to share something Tasha posted yesterday on Facebook:

BTW, Tasha's birthday was on September 15th.

"Without work ethic I would be a lost sheep.

I struggled in school and had many nights I had to work extra hard to study for the test, but it was up to me to stay up late and do my best.  It wasn't my parents' job or my teacher's.

Then in the spectrum of sports I had to work extra hard compared to the tall person next to me that could 'stand' at the net and block.

But with showing up to practice early, listening to the coach, not

making excuses, and working hard I was able to attend two free

years of college with a scholarship.  My own children know that 

one of our biggest expectations is work ethic in the classroom and on the field.  Our saying to them is that one of the biggest factors

you can control is your effort.  So many ties I see excuses being

made and it breaks my heart because with some effort and work people can conquer the world."

Here is a picture Denise posted on Facebook.  This was

taken in about 1971 when Muhammed Ali was training in

Show Low and staying at my grandparents hotel,

The Maxwell House.  In the front that is my brother Dennis

with the shades on, he is now married to Denise, next to Dennis is

Muhammed Ali hold Kami Hawkins, Aunt Gene's granddaughter.

Next to Muhammed is my grandpa Arlee.

I am not sure who the man standing in the back is.

I am so grateful Denise marred Dennis and became a part of our family.

About this time of year the first thing James does in the morning and the last thing he does at night is bugle for elk.  

The bugling has begun.

Helaman 7:1-12

How can we follow Nephi's example in these verses?

*Remember the righteousness of those who have gone before me.

*Joy in the righteousness of others.

* Sorrow because of wickedness.

*Be prayerful and seek guidance from Heavenly Father.

*Bear testimony to others in spite of opposition.

GC:          'Fathers' by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another. . . .

But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of 

truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love

one another, and to serve one another."

Today just happens to be International Peace Day.

We had an overcast day but had very little rain.  When I say little I mean maybe 10 minutes.  It was wonderful to sit on the porch and read from Millennial Glory with James.  Later this evening I read from The China Study and The China Study Cookbook.  I know I need to eat more healthy and reading these books motivates me.

I love living in Vernon

"On the evening of the twenty-first

of September 1823 . . ."

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

I love this sunrise

I went to the Snowflake temple this morning by myself.

It was very crowded but I saw a friend from high

school and a couple of friends from the Vernon ward.

Happy Birthday Kacey!

I am so grateful for you and your wonderful influence on Jared.

In the picture: Summer, Autumn, Kacey, and Tanner.

Autumn and Kacey at Autumn's wedding.

Kacey at the San Antonio temple.

Helaman 6:32-41

What did the Lamanites gain by following the commandments of God?

The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them (verse 36).

They rid themselves of the Gadianton robbers (verse 37).

Lamanites to Gadianton robbers: "We are going to hunt you down and preach to you.  

Gadianton robbers: "Nooooo!!!! Anything but that! We are out of here!  

In all fairness, some of the robbers were converted and remained in the land.

GC: 'Do I Believe'? by Bonnie L. Oscarson

I am often asked, "what is the greatest challenge our youth face today."?  I anser that I believe it is the everpresent influence of 

the "great and spacious building" in their lives.

If the Book of Mormon was written specifically for our day, then surely we cannot miss the relevance for all of us of the messages in Lehi's vision of the tree of life and the effect of those pointing their fingers and taunting from the great and spacious building. 

We need only to keep feasting and not heed those who would make fun of our beliefs or those who delight to create doubts or those who find fault with Church leaders and doctrine.

It is a choice we make daily - to choose faith over doubt.

Elder M. Russell Ballard has urged us to

"stay in the boat, use your life jackets, and

hold on with both hands."

GC: 'A Pattern for Peace' by Bishop Waddell

"Walk in the Meekness of My Spirit"

However far we may wander from the path, 

the Savior invites us to return and walk with Him.

This invitation to walk with Jesus Christ is an invitation to

accompany Him to Gethsemane and from Gethsemane to

Calvary and from Calvary to the Garden Tomb.

It is an invitation to observe and apply His great atoning sacrifice, whose reach is as individual as it is infinite.

It is an invitation to repent, to draw upon His

cleansing power, and to grasp His loving, outstretched arms.

It is an invitation to be at peace."

Bodensee

After my trip to the temple I stopped at El Cupido's and got a bacon breakfast burrito to eat on the way.  My next stop was at the Show Low hospital to say hi to Aunt Gene.  She was sleeping and when I woke her we spoke a few minutes but she had lost her hearing aid and couldn't hear me very well.  I didn't stay too long.  Bill, Rita's husband,  was there and I gave him a loaf of whole wheat zucchini bread.

I would love to have a flower garden like this!

After visiting Aunt Gene I did some shopping at Walmart, stopped by Firehouse Subs and got a couple of subs for dinner, went to Dollar Tree for some more goodies for Primary, got gas and washed my car.  It was almost 4pm when I got home.  I traveled 98 miles.

Adam, thanks to Alex, was able to go to the towing company and set James's truck free.  We won't be down to get it until October 5th.  I am going a day early for my appointments so I can spend some time with my friend Charlotte to celebrate our birthdays.  

I love this nighttime picture of Mooney Falls.

Monday, September 19, 2016

The sky was beautiful this morning just before the sun came up.

Helaman 6:15-31

What happens if we set our hearts upon the riches of the world?

If our hearts are set upon the riches of the world then they probably aren't set upon the riches of heaven.  Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Setting our hearts upon the riches of the world also opens the door to Satan's influence.  If we treasure eternal things our hearts will be open to Christ.

President Henry B. Eyring says: "Worldliness is an obstacle to inspiration and spirituality.  God is forgotten.  Pride creates a noise within us which makes the quiet voice of the Spirit hard to hear.  Soon we no longer listen."

GC: 'Choices' by President Thomas S. Monson

" Although it is imperative that we choose wisely, there are times when we will make foolish choices.  The gift of repentance, 

provided by our Savior, enables us to correct or course setting,

that we might return to the path which will lead us to that

celestial glory we seek.  May we maintain the courage to

defy the consensus.  

May we ever choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.

As we contemplate the decisions we make in our lives each day -

whether to make this choice or that choice -

if we choose Christ, we will have made the correct choice."

James and I get excited over the simplest things, such as, a sunrise, bunnies, squirrels and elk in the yard, or hummingbirds buzzing around our feeder.  For some reason the hummingbirds have disappeared and we are a little sad.  It is a little early for them to be heading south.

James has been on the phone with Adam most of the morning figuring out how to get his truck back from the towing company.  He finally had to give Adam his power of attorney for this particular situation.  Adam had to then go and have it notarized.  He didn't get the truck out today but probably will tomorrow.  Adam will have to make payments to the towing company.  His mistake is going to cost him about $270.

This sounds about right except for the

vegetables.  I actually like vegetables.

Michael had an interesting experience yesterday with a non-member friend.  He texted me and ask if going to his friends church was considered keeping the Sabbath day holy.  It turned out to be a mega church.  He was quickly disillusioned by the irreverence, when several in the congregation were confirmed.  Next was a perversion of doctrine: We are men so we all hate God, that's why we need Jesus. (What?).  Then they started Mormon bashing.  His comment to his dad: "Please give me the car so I can go to the true church nest week."  I think Michael appreciates the Church a little more after this experience.

This is an update on McKell and Christopher's baby:

I am praying for Will and his parents.

Today I read from Fablehaven and Millennial Glory.  I worked on my blog and this afternoon I made some whole wheat zucchini bread.  James loved it and so did I.

For F.H.E. we listened to Bishop Waddell's talk, "A Pattern for Peace."

Lundgern, Switzerland,

(I wish Vernon had a lake.)