Thursday, October 6, 2016

Happy Birthday Vickie!

You have a heart of gold.

Helaman 16:9-25

Why is it dangerous to depend on your own strength and on your own wisdom?

Michael - Man is foolish and when we choose to depend on our own thoughts before the scriptures we often find "reasons" to exempt ourselves from commandments.  It's like a slow but dangerous road to becoming an apostate.

Sheri- It is justification for unrighteous behavior.  

GC: "A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up" Elder Craig C. Christensen

' Because Joseph was a prophet, we have more than a window into heaven, the very doorway to the eternities is open to us.'

I love this.

After prayers, scriptures, and a General Conference talk I read to James from 'Wars of Light' the second in the Millennial Glory series.  At about 10:40 I left for my dental appointment at Aquila Dental.  I am scheduled to have a new crown put on over the root canal Dr. Higgs did last month. 

I ask the doctor to please look at my other missing crown and do an estimate of how much it would cost to replace it.  He took pictures and showed them to me.  It wasn't pretty.  I have a broken tooth.  Not only would I need a crown but I would have to have repair work done on the tooth.  

James and I met for lunch at Jersey Mike's and then I went back to brush my teeth and go on to my appointment to have my teeth cleaned at Dr. Douglas's.  Dr. Douglas was leaving to do something with her son, Evan when I got there.  I saw Jackie who cleaned my teeth, and then Melissa, Dr. Douglas's assistant.  They both agreed that I needed to have the tooth extracted and gave me a referral to an oral surgeon.  The story with my teeth is a continuing saga. 

Back to Cathi's for a nap and then on to my next big adventure.  I drove to Power and Baseline to pickup a month's supply of thyroid pills from Dr. Allen's.  There was a wreck on the way over which really slowed me down.  
When I returned to Chandler I went to Pei Wei to get their famous spicy chicken salad.  James declined to be my dinner companion.
He is working at the yard where he stores his construction equipment.  He wants to be moved out by December.

Pei Wei Spicy Chicken Salad

Back at Cathi's I waited for a call from Trina.  I am meeting her at the Chandler mall so Ruby and I can get our ears pierced, again.  It is my third time and Ruby's fourth.  We went to Addy's favorite store, Claire's.  There was only one girl working there and she looked like she was about 12 years old but she assured me she was old enough to do our piercings.  Ruby was going to go first, but she was too nervous so I took her place.  She held my hands.

Ruby is such a sweetie!

I am one hip Grannie!

 Ruby's turn while I held her hands.

We survived!

Ruby got the ruby earrings and I got the diamonds.

While we were getting our ears pierced, Lola was picking

out the monkey that she wants for Christmas.

(She actually cried when she had to leave him behind.)

We said our goodbye's and as I was leaving Lola kept yelling, "bye Gramma".  I kept turning around and waving to her until she couldn't see me anymore.  What a fun evening.  Rowan was such a good sport.  He was dying to go to the Lego store but Trina said next time because she had to hurry home for a tennis lesson.

I love spending time with my grandchildren!

Back at Cathi's she told me all about their trip to Salt Lake City and all the fun things they saw and learned.  She especially loved doing a live session in the Salt Lake temple.

I read to James before we went to bed.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Double rainbow in the desert.

Helaman 15:7-16:18

How can faith and repentance bring about a change of heart?

When we experience a change of heart we are filled with the Savior's love.  The Savior's power comes from His love.  Would we suffer less if we loved the Savior more?  We cannot pray away another's agency. (These thoughts came from Elder Hales recent conference talk).  President Benson says we can stand "firm and steadfast" in the faith as we learn the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon.

GC: 'The Soul's Sincere Desire' by Carol F. McConkie

"Every moment of precious prayer can be holy time spent with our Father, in the name of the Son, by the power of the Holy Ghost."

James and I left for the valley today around 9 am.  Of course I read to him after we had our scriptures and listened to a conference talk.  The second book in the Millennial Glory series is called "Wars of Light."

We stopped at the Arby's at Fountain Hills and had some lunch.  We both got the beef and cheddar sandwich.  Neither one of us liked it very well.  

I dropped James off at the "yard" to get his truck.  First we had to go bad and get the keys from Adam so I got to see Joshua for a minute.  When I got to Cathi and Terry's I unloaded the car and got ready to go see Charlotte.  

Charlotte and I went to Deseret Book in Gilbert where I bought her an Ensign and myself another journal. 

I have about 20 of these 5 x 6 1/2 sized journals in all colors

and designs.   

We also got a mint truffle and a Stewart's diet orange soda.  Next it was on to Costco where I had over $36 in rewards to spend.  I ask Charlotte if there was anything she wanted and this is what she picked: 

She said we could both use this and divided up the four months supply between the two of us.

I also bought the DVD "Saturdays Warriors."  Before leaving we had to stop at the snack bar and get a hotdog and drink for $1.50 each.  

Our last stop was Target.  I had a $40 gift card and bought toilet paper and laundry detergent, lemons, and protein shakes.  It was almost 4 p.m. when I dropped Charlotte off at home.  I called James and he was taking Seth and Adam to work and said he would meet me at Sears where I was taking my car to be serviced.  They are changing the oil and rotating the tires.  When I ask for a lube too, the little Oriental lady said, no lube on this kind of car.  Ok.. Off to the mall food court I went to wait for James.

Desert pictures usually indicate that I am
in the Valley of the Sun.

  After about two and a half hours my car was finished and we headed for Tempe to see Lois and Dawn, James's mother and sister.  We had a nice visit and Lois gave us some pictures of our family for us to keep.  She is trying to organize and clean out all of her things.  She tried to give me some of her dolls, but I told her I would be back another time.  

Facebook finds:

Rowan playing with blocks,
three years ago.  It is amazing how much 
these kids change in three years.

Three years ago at October conference time
we had some visitors from Chandler.

Jared and Molly, just recently.

Tuesday, October 4th, 2016

A place I would like to visit.

Helaman 14:20-15:6

How does the principle of agency play into this chapter?  

We can choose our actions but not the consequences.  

What is God's divine love?  The Lord loves all people but cannot tolerate sin.  Although Helaman 15:4 states that the Lord hated the Lamanites "because their deeds have been evil continually," Samuel is an example of the many Lamanites who were taught the gospel message and gained God's favor once they were converted. 

Elder Russell M. Nelson addressed the subject of God's love for those who sin: "Does this mean the Lord does not love the sinner?  Of course not.  He hates the sin but loves the sinner.  Divine love is infinite and universal.  The Savior loves both saints and sinners.  The Apostle John affirmed, 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' (1John 4:19).  And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: '...Yea, they spit upon Him, and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men (1 Nephi 19:9).  We know the expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again." ("Divine Love", Ensign, Feb. 20103, 24).

GC: "Come Follow Me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service by Elder Robert D. Hales.

Right after scriptures James heads for the hills looking for

elk.  I had to post both of these because I loved the facial expressions.

He was pretty happy when he left but when he returned he could hardly walk because of back spasms.  I had to get the cane for him. Usually these spasms don't last too long but they are becoming more frequent.  

When I walked out on the front porch this morning, I found

one of the rocking chairs like this.  I am not sure what happened.

 I love this quote!

We left the house at 10 o'clock this morning headed for George and Ruth Wallace's house.  Ruth gave us apples off their trees that they had to pick early because of the hail last week and then she gave us a family history lesson.  We stayed about an hour and then had to leave to take the new Razr tire to be mounted at Discount Tire.  We also had a lunch date with Harold, Vickie, Dennis and Denise in Pinetop.  We were going to eat at the Red Devil Italian restaurant but it was closed so we went to El Rancho.  I am sad I didn't take any pictures.  This was our birthday lunch for Denise, Vickie, and I. We all pay for ourselves and just enjoy each other's company.  It was nice to just have time to visit.  I really do love my brothers and their wives.

After we picked up the tire in Show Low we headed for home.  It was after three o'clock when we arrived.  I was tired but didn't really want to take a nap so I watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."  The theme was Cirque de soleil.  These were my favorites: Laurie Hernandez and Val who danced to a Michael Jackson song and got a perfect score, Lindsay and Calvin Johnson, Sharna and James Hinchcliffe, and Terra and Sasha.  

A highlight from tonight's show was Sasha and Emma's engagement.  Two couples went home: Vanilla Ice and Witney, and  Allison and "Babyface."  I enjoyed watching tonight because James actually sat down and watched with me.

This was Lola two years ago.

I love this picture

And this one too!

Monday, October 3rd, 2016

I love the colors in fall.

They are back!  I wasn't sure we would see anymore elk in our yard because of the drought, but here they are: A bull, 7 cows and 5 calves.  (James does the counting).

I know this is blurry but I was trying to get a close

up of the bull.

Some of his harem.

Helaman 14:1-19

How can we always be preparing for the Second Coming of Christ?

Repent and be perfected in Christ.  After we recognize our sin we need to: 1) Feel sorrow, 2) Abandon the sin, 3) Confess, 4) and make restitution.  We also need to be obedient to all of the commandments and recognize the Savior and what He has done for us.  We can prepare temporally by storing food, and water, and other necessary commodities.

Samuel's teachings to the Nephites: a) Know the judgments of God, b) Know the conditions of repentance, c) Know of the coming of Jesus Christ, d) Know of the signs of His coming.

GC: 'Rise Up in Strength, Sisters in Zion' Bonnie L. Oscarson

"To be converted covenant keepers, we need to study the essential doctrines of the gospel and have an unshakable testimony of their truthfulness."

GC: 'Fourth Floor, Last Door' President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"God" rewards those who earnestly seek Him, "so we need to keep knocking.  Sisters, don't give up.  Seek God with all your heart."

We had squirrels trying to eat our grass.  I am surprised that James allowed them to stay long enough to take these pictures.

I am trying to figure out what that black thing is by the

squirrel's head. (James says it's another squirrel.  He says there are three babies and a mom). The second one is saying:

"Do I jump or not"?

He's still sitting on the ledge.

It looks like he found something to eat.

That one in the grass is huge!

I love this idea and I am going to try it.

This is a picture of my friend Hailey and her little girl Huntleigh.  They are at a birthday party for Hailey's mom and her twin sister in Hailey's hometown of Van Horn, Texas.  I am Hailey's visiting teacher.

Hailey and Huntleigh

James made this comment this morning regarding our upcoming trip to the valley on Wednesday: "I can't believe you are making me leave Paradise."

Does this look like Paradise to you?

Actually it was pretty windy in Paradise today.  I made James a pot of beans in my Power Cooker to warm him up.  

For FHE we listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk in the Saturday morning session, "O How Great the Plan of Our God."

' Do I take all I have for granted?  I am a child of God.

The Savior suffered that I might be clean again.  

I am in awe of the sublime gifts He has given us.  The purpse of the gospel is to cleanse us of our sins so we can receive the Savior's mercy at the judgment seat. Let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds.  What shall we give for receiving so much?'

Addy had a choir concert this evening that I would have loved to go to.

She looks so grown up!

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Happy Birthday to the most talented person I know!

89 years old and counting!

Still making beautiful Barbie dresses.

I love this woman so very much!

Helaman 13:21-39

Why do you feel like it is important to listen to the prophets of God?

Remember the Primary song, "Follow the Prophet", he knows the way.  Elder M. Russell Ballard said that, "If we bring the teachings of the prophets and apostles into our homes our relationships with family members will increase and so will our relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  As we draw close to the Lord we will be able to feel the Spirit and He will teach us and prompt us to know what to do to follow the counsel given, that our testimonies might be strengthened and that we might have peace and joy." (BMSM 282; Ensign, May 2001, 67).

GC: 'The Master Healer' by Carole M. Stephens

"You don't have to experience the sorrow caused by sin, the pain caused by others actions, or the painful realities of mortality - alone."

Salt Lake Temple

I love these men!

186th Semi-annual General Conference

Sunday Morning Session

23. The Perfect Path to Happiness by President Thomas S. Monson

24. Joy and Spiritual Survival by President Russell M. Nelson

25. The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy by Elder Peter F. Meurs

26. The Great Plan of Redemption by Linda S. Reeves

27. To Whom Shall We Go? by Elder M. Russell Ballard

28. The Blessings of Worship by Bishop Dean M. Davies

29. The Righteous Judge by Elder Lynn G. Robbins

30. Gratitude on the Sabbath Day by President Henry B. Eyring

Today for lunch we had Popeye chicken, biscuits, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and rice and beans.  I liked the chicken because it was spicy.  Pam and Rick were so thoughtful to bring us lunch.  We love and appreciate them so much.  Rick spent all day Friday going on splits with the missionaries.  

186th Semi-annual General Conference

Sunday Afternoon Session

31. "If Ye Had Known Me" by Elder David A. Bednar

32. The Doctrine of Christ by Brother Brian Ashton

33. "Serve" by Elder Carl Cook

34. "Lest Thou Forget" by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

35. "God Shall Wipe Away All Tears" by Elder Evan A. Schmutz

36. No Greater Joy Than to Know that They Know by Elder K. Brett Nattress

37. Repentance: A Joyful Choice by Elder Dale G. Renlund

What a wonderful General Conference.  Rick said: "That was the best conference ever!  Of course I say that after every conference. This is what we needed to hear to sustain us for the next six months."

Pam and I really connect.  We have a love for each other and we can share just about anything.  Up until now we have mostly communicated via texts.  It was nice to actually talk to her face to face and feel of her spirit.  It made conference that much better!

James and I were exhausted and took a nap after our company left.  This evening while I worked on my blog he indexed 60 names and then wrote in his journal.  It was a wonderful Sabbath day!

Ian posted these pictures on Instagram today:

I wish Sheri was in the picture.

The Grandest Canyon of them all.

Saturday, October 1st, 2016

186th Semi-annual General Conference

The first thing James did this morning is put on his camo outfit and head for the hills.  There are more elk to call.

I stayed home and studied and then made zucchini bread all before conference started at 9 a.m.  

Helaman 13:1-20

How can we be more like Samuel, the Lamanite?

We can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by courageously following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. 

GC: 'I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home' by Jean B. Bingham

"We can bring the light of the gospel into our homes, schools, and workplaces if we look for and share positive things about others."

I read this in my book 'Christ in Every Hour':

"Christ's mortal condescension enables our eternal ascension."

I love this!

Kim and Brian took this picture in Utah

First Presidency

Our friends Pam and Rick came over to watch conference with us.

They brought a pecan pie and a jar of delicious nuts.  

Rick's teepee

Family Proclamation and a nice jar of nuts.

186th Semiannual General Conference

Saturday Morning Session

(The first four talks of conference were given in the women's session last week.  That is why I am starting with #5 today.

5.  "O How Great the Plan of Our God" by President Dieter F. 

Uchtdorf.

6.  "Come Follow Me" by Practicing Christian Love and Service by

Elder Robert D. Hales

7.  "The Soul's Sincere Desire" by Carol F. McConkie

8.  "A Choice Seer Will I Raise Up" by Craig C. Christensen

9. "The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Pray" by Juan A. Uceda

10. "Am I Good Enough?  Will I Make It"? by J. Devin Cornish

11.  "A Witness of God" by Elder Neil A. Andersen

During our lunch break I made a pot of chicken and rice soup for lunch.  We had it along with a veggie tray, flatbread, zucchini bread, and the pecan pie.  James loved the zucchini bread I made with walnuts in it.  He practically ate an entire loaf by himself.

Saturday Afternoon Session

12.  "Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus" by Elder Quentin L Cook

13. "Look to the Book, Look to the Lord" by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

14. "Abide in My Love" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

15. "For Our Spiritual Development and Learning" by Elder W. Mark Bassett

16. "Be Ambitious for Christ" by Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

17. "Sharing the Restored Gospel" by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Just before the end of Elder Oaks's talk we got a surprise visit from our friends from Chandler, Lance and Karen.  They are staying in Pinetop and saw a sign on the backroads that said: Vernon - 20 miles, so they decided to come.  Karen has been here before but Lance has not.  We introduced Rick and Pam before they left after the session.  Karen looks really good for being on chemo treatments.  We had a nice visit and scheduled our next lunch date on November 3rd.  What a pleasant surprise!

Lance and Karen

I guess Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, and Evan went on a roadtrip today.  Sheri posted these pictures on Facebook and Instagram.

At the Lowell Observatory

Montezuma's Castle

James and I watched the priesthood session of conference at home by ourselves.

General Priesthood Session

18.  "Emissaries to the Church" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

19. "There Is Power in the Book" by Elder LeGrand R. Curtis, Jr.

20. "Learn from Alma and Amulek" by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

21. "That He May Become Strong Also" by President Henry B. Eyring

22. "Principles and Promises" by President Thomas S. Monson

As we were getting ready to go to bed around 8:30 I got a text from Pam with this picture:

Lunch tomorrow

Pam and Rick drove all the way to Holbrook to buy Popeye's chicken for our lunch tomorrow.  They love it and they wanted us to try it.  They are so thoughtful.  They each do so much service.  Pam loves visiting people in nursing homes and in the hospital, especially old people.  If she sees something someone needs, she gets it for them.  Rick volunteers at the assisted living homes here in Chandler.  I love them!  They are such examples of Christ-like service and love.