Friday, September 30th, 2016

Happy Birthday to the young lady down on the end
in the white jacket.
We love you Dawn!

Helaman 12:14-26

What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

Repentance leads us to Christ's grace.  The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power.  Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.  "Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means.  This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts." (BMSM, 279-80; or Ensign, Nov. 2004, 76-77).

Elder Gene R. Cook of the Seventy: "The grace of the Lord through the Atonement can both cleanse us of sin and assist us in perfecting ourselves through our trials, sicknesses, and even character defects . .  Christ can repair our flaws and failing that otherwise are not repairable (see Genesis 18:14; Mark 9:23-24) (Ensign, May 1993, 80-81).

GC: 'Tomorrow the Lord will do Wonders Among You' Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Please remember tomorrow, and all the days after that, that the Lord blesses those who want to improve, who accept the need for commandments and try to keep them, who cherish Christlike virtues and strive to the best of their ability to acquire them.

If you stumble in that pursuit, so does everyone; the Savior is 

there to help you keep going.  If you fall, summon His strength.

Call out like Alma, "O Jesus, . . . have mercy on me."

(Alma 36:18)

He will help you get back up.  He will help you repent, repair, fix whatever you have to fix, and keep going.  Soon enough you

will have the success you seek."

  

It might be time for a haircut.

Dale the Quail

We had another miracle today.  James had just about given up on fixing the Razr.  He came in and said he was going to have Adam bring the trailer up so he could take it in to town to be fixed before next weekend when Darrel and Sheri's families come up.  I said to him:  "Please try one more time.  I really do think Heavenly Father is going to help you."  He gave it one more try using something called Locktight and, it worked!  We both said a prayer of gratitude because I know it was Heavenly Father that helped him.  He knew we couldn't afford to take it in to Show Low Motorsports.

I am intrigued by Dr. Campbell's book, The China Study, which is a study in nutrition.  He is telling about his decision to study the protein cancer connection as a result of studies done in the Philippines linking children with cancer to the amount of protein they eat.  Dr. Campbell advocates a Whole Food Plant Based diet.

I've just about had to learn a whole new vocabulary for my fantasy book Fablehaven.  I am reading about dwarfs, satyrs, dryads, fairies, hamadryads, Fairy Queens, naiads, goblins, revenants, talismans, and zombies.  Here is an excerpt from what I read today:

This is the Fairy Queen speaking to Kendra, who is a 14 year old girl trying to help fight the shadow plague that is taking over the mystical creature preserve, Fablehaven, where her grandpa is the caretaker: "While in your possession, the talisman will cast an umbrella of energy that will help protect those around you.  If you bring the talisman into contact with the dark object, both will be destroyed.  Be forewarned.  Whoever connects the objects will perish.  Much that has darkened will be restored.  Live a fruitful life.  Resist evil.  Give more than you take.  Help others to do likewise."  Such a wise little fairy queen.

Before going to town this afternoon James and I cleaned out the frig and ate most of the leftovers for lunch.  Homemade veggie soup, tortellini, and beans.  I always like to clean the frig the day I go grocery shopping.

The first thing we did when we got into town was go to visit aunt Gene at Haven in Lakeside.  We didn't stay long because she had a room full of people, including my cousin Arlee.  Aunt Gene was in good spirits and obviously felt much better.  Here is the last good picture I have of her.  

She has lost most of her hair and teeth, but she is still
beautiful to me.

We got gas at the Maverick right next to Haven and then headed back to Walmart.  James dropped me off and then he went to Harbor Freight to get some kind of a saw blade sharpener.

We got in to a little rain coming back home.  James carried in the groceries for me and then he headed out on the Razr to call elk.  My back was hurting so badly I grabbed some more Tramadol to take for the pain.  Here are a couple of goodies I got at the store:

I saved most of this for tomorrow so 

I would have something to look forward to.

This is what I had for dinner.

I love this time of year when everything with pumpkin flavoring comes out, so do the orange and yellow leaves, turkeys, and corn maizes.

I could probably handle this one.

Rowan got an attendance award today, just like Ruby

I don't think he likes to show his teeth when he smiles.

We missed Dawn's birthday dinner this evening at Garcia's in Mesa.  It was a little far for us to travel.  We stayed home and watched episode 2 of Chesapeake Shores.  Wow!  My back is making me feel like I am crippled.  I hope it is better tomorrow.

Thursday, September 29th, 2016

Happy Anniversary to these two amazing people.  Not only are they totally devoted to each other but they look for opportunities to serve their family and friends.  They are an example of what a great marriage should be.  21 years and counting!

Conference weekend.  I wonder if anyone will stop at

Bryce Canyon on their way to Salt Lake City.

Today was one of those wonderful, magical days.  We are in a drought so I have been praying for moisture and today we received it.  This was one of the best rains we have had for a long time.  Thank you Heavenly Father!

We had our first fire of the season.

Not only did we have rain, but we had a beautiful sunrise!

So many things to be thankful for.

Helaman 12: 1-13

How will you be blessed if you put your trust in the Lord?

Karen:I can live with peace knowing He has a plan for me.  I can Remember past blessings.  He will prosper me, but when He does, I must not forget Him.  As I follow the commandments I am blessed.  Obedience is the key!  I pray for the strength to press forward.

James: It we put our trust in the Lord, then we are blessed with a greater desire to keep the commandments and repent of sins and mistakes.  Then the blessings begin to flow.  Our faith increases.  As our faith increases our ability to feel the Savior's words when we read or hear them increases.  We begin to recognize His tender mercies in our lives.  We more readily feel of His Spirit and begin to develop an eternal perspective which gives us hope and comfort during trials and tribulation, (pain, discouragement and heartache) that comes to each of us.  We develop the ability to feel happiness and joy even while we are suffering which dispells discouragement.  Things of little or of no eternal value begin to fall out of our lives.  We learn and live what is really important.

GC: 'And There Shall Be No More Death' by Elder Paul V. Johnson

"Even faithful, righteous people view the separation of their bodies from their spirits as captivity.  We are released from this captivity through the Resurrection, which is redemption from the bands or chains of death.  There is no salvation without both our spirit and body."

 Mt. Montoso disappeared in the clouds.

James went in to town again today to resolve the Razr problem.  He wanted me to go but I told him I needed to stay here and clean the family room and living room in preparation for our company.   I also needed to clean and polish the wood floors.  I love my husband.  He brought me lunch from Firehouse Subs.  They are good, not quite as good as Jersey Mike's but since there isn't a JM's up here I will accept Firehouse.

Sometimes James has a little curl on top of his head.

It almost looks like a quail topknot.

As we were laying down to take our nap James told me he didn't think he could fix the Razr and would ask Adam to bring the trailer up so we could take it in to town to be fixed.  It was hard for me to accept this.  I told him to sleep on it and try again tomorrow morning.

Ruby got an award for perfect attendance today.

Trina says she thinks she should have gotten the award.

This afternoon after it quit raining James and I went to deliver my visiting teaching handout and bread to Claire's family and to Jean's family. (Both of these sisters are out of town).   When we got to where Claire is staying the gate was locked.  I called Claires mom, Amy, and told her I was leaving the bread and VT handout on the concrete footing under their gate.  She said that was fine because they would be home soon.

Next we went off into the woods to Jean's house.  I always have to have James go because I am never sure if I can find it.  When we got there a big Weimaraner dog came up to the car.  I told James I didn't want to get out because of the dog.  About that time the dog ran over towards the horse corral and I was able to get out.  As soon as I got to the door he returned and started jumping all over me.  As I knocked Jean's granddaughter answered the door.  I handed her the bread and the handout and told her it was for her grandmother.  She said she would be home tomorrow.  I managed to get back into the car without being mauled too much, but I had mud all over my blouse.  Why do people have big dogs that jump on other people?

 Down boy down!

My car is a muddy mess so when we get home James uses the power sprayer to clean it off.  He also cleaned the garage and the driveway.  Thank you Honey!

For dinner we had sweet potatoes.  I put brown sugar and butter on my and it was delicious.  After dinner it was time to do some reading.  I read from Fablehaven, "Christ in Every Hour", and The China Study.  The China Study is an amazing study done on nutrition.  I read about protein and helping malnourished children in the Philippines and Haiti.  At one time in Haiti 54% of the children born, died before the age of 5 because of malnutrition.  So sad.  

Today is Throwback Thursday and here are some of my throwbacks:

I sure do love this boy!

My cousin Randy, the mayor,

front and center.

Funny!

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

Name this temple

Helaman 11:21-38

It can be very easy to forget Heavenly Father and fall into wicked ways  What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing as the Nephites?

Karen:  1.) Seek to surround yourself with righteous people.  Those who will uplift you and make you better.  Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin.  2.) Avoid contention.  Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times.  Always have a prayer in your heart.

3.) Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation.  All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure in faith until the end.  True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior.  4.) Understand the power of covenants.  Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple.  5.) Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders.  6.) Be humble and teachable, not prideful.  7.) Love God more than man.  Put Him first in your life.  8.) Keep the commandments.  9.) Daily repentance.  10.) Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. 11.) Love one another.

Back in the 1960's and 70's there was a cartoon character called Pogo.  He was a wise little possum.  This is what he said:

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

This saying of Pogo's could certainly apply to the Nephites.

According to Elder Neal A. Maxwell "Significant moral decay can happen within a single generation - whether in a family or a nation."

GC: 'The Power of Godliness' Elder Kent F. Richards

"Temple work is . . . of as much benefit to the young and the active,

as it is to the aged, who have laid behind them many of the 

burdens of life.  The young man needs his place in the temple even

more than his father and his grandfather, who are steadied by a 

life of experience; and the young girl just entering life,

needs the spirit, influence and direction that come from 

participation in the temple ordinances."

Great advice from Elder Holland.

Braun Rogers, a returned missionary in our book Millennial Glory gave an amazing lesson in Brother Anderson's Gospel Doctrine class on the 6th and 7th Seals as discussed in Revelations by John.  James and I both learned some things we didn't know. I think I like futuristic fiction.

James discovered a problem with the Razr as he was changing fluids yesterday.  When he tried to put one of the screws back in the end of the liquid holder it would not tighten, indicating that the threads had been stripped.

Screw and new threads

What looks like a simple problem to solve has turned in to a nightmare.  You can't get to it without disassembling the machine because the tools won't reach the position to re-tap it.  You can't get to it without taking the whole frame off.  You can loosen or tighten the screw, but you can't fix it.  Somehow, someway, I know there is a solution to this problem and that James will find it.  He was gone three hours to town today looking for parts and tools and came back and worked another three hours to no avail.  It is frustrating because he feels like he wasted his entire day.  I told him it wasn't wasted that he had just eliminated the things that wouldn't work.  Now he just has to find out what will work.

Ferrunginous Hawk

Our friend who lives in Vernon by the church posted this

picture on Facebook.  When her daughter Trenda, who lives in the valley now, saw it she said:  "This is one of the things I miss about living in Vernon."

Trenda

I found an interesting quote as I was listening to an article in the New Era called 'Digital Dark Ages.'  

"Distraction is one of Satan's biggest and most effective tools."

This is definitely true in the world today.

This afternoon I made two loaves of zucchini bread to deliver to two of the sisters I visit teach whom I was not able to make an appointment with.  One is out of town so I will deliver it to her family, and the other does not answer her phone.

We may have to wait until tomorrow to make my 

deliveries.  I want James to go with me but he is too

busy with the Razr today.

Wednesday, September 28th, 2016

Name this temple

Helaman 11:21-38

It can be very easy to forget Heavenly Father and fall into wicked ways  What are some safe guards to help us from doing the same thing as the Nephites?

Karen:  1.) Seek to surround yourself with righteous people.  Those who will uplift you and make you better.  Avoid those who will lead you into temptation and sin.  2.) Avoid contention.  Seek to have the Spirit with you at all times.  Always have a prayer in your heart.

3.) Focus on true doctrine and the Plan of Salvation.  All men must come unto the Savior, gain faith, repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure in faith until the end.  True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior.  4.) Understand the power of covenants.  Look forward to taking the sacrament and worshiping in the temple.  5.) Prepare to receive personal revelation through prayer, scripture study, and listening to the prophets, apostles, and other church leaders.  6.) Be humble and teachable, not prideful.  7.) Love God more than man.  Put Him first in your life.  8.) Keep the commandments.  9.) Daily repentance.  10.) Be truly converted through gospel living because conversion leads to commitment. 11.) Love one another.

Back in the 1960's and 70's there was a cartoon character called Pogo.  He was a wise little possum.  This is what he said:

"We have met the enemy, and he is us."

This saying of Pogo's could certainly apply to the Nephites.

According to Elder Neal A. Maxwell "Significant moral decay can happen within a single generation - whether in a family or a nation."

GC: 'The Power of Godliness' Elder Kent F. Richards

"Temple work is . . . of as much benefit to the young and the active,

as it is to the aged, who have laid behind them many of the 

burdens of life.  The young man needs his place in the temple even

more than his father and his grandfather, who are steadied by a 

life of experience; and the young girl just entering life,

needs the spirit, influence and direction that come from 

participation in the temple ordinances."

Great advice from Elder Holland.

Braun Rogers, a returned missionary in our book Millennial Glory gave an amazing lesson in Brother Anderson's Gospel Doctrine class on the 6th and 7th Seals as discussed in Revelations by John.  James and I both learned some things we didn't know. I think I like futuristic fiction.

James discovered a problem with the Razr as he was changing fluids yesterday.  When he tried to put one of the screws back in the end of the liquid holder it would not tighten, indicating that the threads had been stripped.

Screw and new threads

What looks like a simple problem to solve has turned in to a nightmare.  You can't get to it without disassembling the machine because the tools won't reach the position to re-tap it.  You can't get to it without taking the whole frame off.  You can loosen or tighten the screw, but you can't fix it.  Somehow, someway, I know there is a solution to this problem and that James will find it.  He was gone three hours to town today looking for parts and tools and came back and worked another three hours to no avail.  It is frustrating because he feels like he wasted his entire day.  I told him it wasn't wasted that he had just eliminated the things that wouldn't work.  Now he just has to find out what will work.

Mississippi Kite

Our friend who lives in Vernon by the church posted this

picture on Facebook.  When her daughter Trenda, who lives in the valley now, saw it she said:  "This is one of the things I miss about living in Vernon."

Trenda

I found an interesting quote as I was listening to an article in the New Era called 'Digital Dark Ages.'  

"Distraction is one of Satan's biggest and most effective tools."

This is definitely true in the world today.

This afternoon I made two loaves of zucchini bread to deliver to two of the sisters I visit teach whom I was not able to make an appointment with.  One is out of town so I will deliver it to her family, and the other does not answer her phone.

We may have to wait until tomorrow to make my 

deliveries.  I want James to go with me but he is too

busy with the Razr today.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Be a lighthouse for the Lord

Helaman 11:1-20

In these verses the Nephites did begin to remember the Lord their God.  What blessings have you seen come into your life when you choose to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?  How do you feel when you ponder about what the Savior has done for you?

Karen: I feel like going to church is like going to the hospital.  We are all hurting or sick in some way.  I feel "healed" as I partake of the sacrament.  I know that as I repent and re-commit to keep the commandments the Savior forgives me and accepts of my offering, and I feel His love for me.  I have the strength to face the challenges ahead of me for another week.  During the week when I feel myself, "losing it", I offer a prayer to calm me down.  I ask for peace, comfort, strength, and love and to have the Spirit to be with me.  I need Him every hour!  I also try to repent immediately or at night during my prayers, I ask, Heavenly Father if there is something I need to repent of please let me know so I can do so now.  

James: When I choose to "remember" by praying and attending my meetings in an attitude of gratitude and worship, I am reminded of the power of the Atonement which has helped me overcome so much of the natural man; which has changed my heart and helped me to overcome bad habits and re-directed my focus from the world to things of eternity.  Over time I have learned that it is not about me.  I have a long way to go, but I have learned that the Atonement is about changing our life and our focus.  It is no longer about me.

GC: "Opposition in All Things" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"God rarely infringes on the agency of any of His children by intervening against some for the relief of others.  But he does

ease the burdens of our afflictions and strengthens us to bear

them, as He did for Alma's people in the land of Helam

(Mosiah 24:13-15).  Through all mortal opposition, we have God's

assurance that He will "consecrate our afflictions for our gain"

(2 Nephi 2:2).  We have also been taught to understand our

mortal experiences and His commandments in the context

of His great plan of salvation, which tells us the purpose of

life and gives us the assurance of a Savior, in whose name

I testify of these things."

Thank you President Uchtdorf for the reminder.

This morning I listened to a video by a doctor entitled: "Abortion Argument Destroyed in Six Minutes."  It reminded me of how critical it is for Roe vs. Wade to be overturned.  It just breaks my heart that abortion is so common place and people are so callous about it.  

I had no plans to go to town today, but when James said he needed to go and invited me to go and to lunch, I couldn't turn him down.  

He dropped me off at the Dollar Tree Store, and then he went down to Harbor Freight.  I am still looking for another glass plate.  This Dollar Tree Store is the most disorganized, messy store I have ever been in.  There are always boxes sitting everywhere and it is difficult to get around in.  I wouldn't come in here if it weren't for those glass plates and stuff for my Primary class.  They still did not have my plate,  so I walked down to Harbor Freight and waited in the car for James. When he finished with what he was buying, a lift to put under the Razr while he changes the fluids, he came out and loaded it in to the back of my car.  I suggested we go to The China Buffet for lunch because it was close, which we did.

We had a filling lunch and then James went to Home Depot and then to Show Low Motorsports on the way out of town.

We read from Millennial Glory.  Corrynne finished off Dr. Page in an accidental death before he could infect her with the virulent form of  Streptcoccous A which causes a person to feel like they are on fire and rots the skin away before the person dies. Evil doctor!  We are almost finished with this book.  I hope the next one comes soon.

Speaking of evil, James sneaked up on me today and tapped me on the shoulder looking like this:

Naughty husband.

Needless to say I jumped and screamed.

We had lots of clouds today, but again, at our place, very little rain.  Over on the Show Low side of Vernon our friend took this picture:

Looks like snow, but it was hail.  

While James was out in the back this afternoon he saw this guy sitting on our porch:

He was chasing squirrels.  I am not sure if he actually got one.

Perigrine Falcon

I love my husband because he is a problem solver.  He lost the owner's manual to the Razr so he found a video online that tells him how to change the five different fluids that need to be changed in this machine.  Here he is at work:

Holding his phone and thinking about what the

video just told him to do.

This evening after dinner I sat down to read "The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World" by Chris and Ted Stewart.  I finished the other book I was reading of theirs, "The Seven Miracles that Saved America", and loved it!  This one is almost as good.  I am on Chapter 4: The Battle That Preserved a Christian Europe.   

Noted German Historian Leopold Von Ranke says: "Poitiers was the turning point of one of the most important epochs in the history of the world." Poitiers is a place between France and Spain.  Good stuff.  I am reading about the Muslim invasion of Europe and actually had to get out my world map to look at so I could figure out where all the places were that they were talking about.

We had a gorgeous sunset tonight.  This was taken from our front porch:

I love where I live.

Monday, September 26, 2016

Name that temple

Los Angeles?

The first thing that happened when I got up this morning.

My temporary crown broke in half.

I called the dentist and then said hold on, keep my mouth clean,

and they have a new one for me on October 6th.  

It was a spontaneous kind of day.  We normally have a shake or James has Malt-o-Meal or oatmeal for breakfast.  Today he got up and fixed hasbrowns and eggs.  I love hashbrown.  They are one of my favorite breakfast foods.

Helaman 10:1-19

How did Nephi qualify for this great power?  Can we have this same power?  How are you an everyday missionary?

My answer: The answer to the first question is found in verses 4 & 5.  The last sentence in verse four says: "Thou hast not feared the, and hast not sought thine own life, but has sought my will, and to keep my commandments.  The blessings are listed in verse 5.  Can we have the same power?  Like Nephi, if we learn to ask "in the Spirit" (Helaman 10:17) and according to God's will, then "it is done even as "we ask (D&C 46:30; 50:29-30).  How am I an everyday missionary?  By trying to live the gospel and serving.  When I serve I don't want it to feel like a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will.  When I serve, I feel the Spirit.  When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others.  As we live the gospel, people will notice.  They will judge our religion based on our actions.

James's answer (which I sent to the Adam, Alex, Michael, and Seth as part of our scripture study).  When I serve and feel I have blessed someone else's life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what He would have done and I feel His love.  I feel "wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love."  I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

GC: 'Always Remember Him' Elder Gerrit W. 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."

GC: 'Refuge from the Storm' by Elder Kearon

" For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me . . . Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

Matthew 25:35-36

After our scripture study James went out and to take care of his baby.  I heard him talking and was wondering if he was on the phone.  No, he was talking to a bunny, telling her to quit eating his grass.

Edging

  

He is so proud of his "baby" and can't wait until next year when he can plant some more grass.

We were going to go to lunch today with Dennis, Denise, Harold, and Vickie but Dennis and Denise had to take their dog Buster to the vet and he ended up having surgery.  I hope he is ok.  I said a prayer for him.

I don't know what the princesses did to these grapes, but they are magical!!  One of our favorite snacks right now.

As I was reading from our book with James this morning, "Millennial Glory", I was touched by the way the author has the hero fight the bad guy.  Bo (weird names in this book),  uses his priesthood to defy the anti-Christ Imman Mahdi and saves the life of his son Dane.  Pretty powerful for a fictional novel.  This isn't historical fiction, I guess you would call it futuristic fiction.

Aaron's daughter Katie had a birthday this past week.  She turned 11.  She loves Minecraft so Erik's wife Amelia made her a cake.

Even Carmen was amazed.

Back to James and his many talents.  This is the guest house we have decided to build.  It is not as fancy as some of the others but it will be more affordable so we can start it sooner.

It has a bathroom and a kitchen!

Maybe by next summer.

Before dinner tonight James went out on the Razr to look for elk.  We have not seen any in our yard this year.  He found out why.  All of the water sources near us have gone dry because of the drought.  When he went up by water and bugled, he got some answers.  We are going to pray harder for rain.

I made beans in my Power Cooker using Gene Reed's recipe.  They turned out amazing and only took about an hour and a half.  James had several bowls.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Oaks's conference address, "Opposition in All Things."  We also tried to watch the debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.  What a joke.  Hillary told at least 12 lies.  And Trump kept putting his foot in his mouth.  Can we roll the dice and start over?

Yellowstone Park

Rowan's favorite animal.