Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Name that temple

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6

What blessings are promised to those who pay their tithing?

* Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God.  Obedience to this law brings the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10-12. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithing: "I suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings.  First, do so for the sake of your children.  Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church.

Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so.  Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence.  Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God's rightful due.  This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithing and offerings.  We should pay them as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven.  Through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor.  At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either 

temporally or spiritually." (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33-35).

GC:     'A Witness of God' by Elder Neil L. Andersen

" The God of heaven," Daniel said "shall set up a kingdom, a stone cut out without hands, that will become a great

mountain and fill the whole earth, never to be

destroyed but to stand for ever."

The guy who shot officer Reed yesterday is now dead.  He took his 15 year old hostage and hid in a cabin at the Lake of the Woods for 6 1/2 hours before he was shot and killed by the police.  His hostage was unharmed. 

  

There was a processional for officer Reed today as his body was
brought back from the medical examiners in Tucson.

I quote James: "The cows made huge holes in our grass.  They are the blackberry leaves, the leaves off the grape vines, and the apple tree leaves and trampled the raspberry vines into the ground."

The cow posse strikes again.

James and I had lunch at the China Buffet today.  We also bought a quart of hot and sour soup to bring home.  It is the bomb!

Stacy raking and Jared, well, I am not

sure what he is doing.

Not sure where the cake is.

I watched a few Christmas movies today.  "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" starring Brooke Burns and Henry Winkler.  This is one of my favorite light-hearted Christmas movies.  

"The Nine Lives of Christmas" about cats, and a lonely fireman who finds his true love.

This evening James and I watched "A Christmas Detour" starring Candace Cameron Bure.

This would make a cute guesthouse.

There has been lots of backlash because Trump won the election.  People are rioting and protesting in the big cities.  This is one of the reasons I don't watch the news!

Cinderella's advice, and mine too!

An interesting article I found on Facebook.  

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

3 Nephi 23:1-14.

 What value is there in searching the scriptures and the prophets? 

* Today I quote from three prophets because I couldn't choose just one.  The Prophet Joseph Smith: "Search the scriptures - search the revelations and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit.  You will then know for yourselves.  You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.  When men/women receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save them.

President Gordon B. Hinckley: "I am grateful for the emphasis on reading the scriptures.  I hope that for you this will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God.  I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted.  At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine."

President Henry B. Eyring: "The Holy Ghost will guide what we say if we study and ponder the scriptures every day.  The words of the scriptures invite the Holy Spirit.  With daily study of the scriptures we can count on this blessing.  We treasure the word of God not only by studying them.  We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture."

Grandma: "I love reading the scriptures."!

GC:       'Am I Good Enough?  Will I Make it'? by Elder J. Devn Cornish

" Please, my beloved brothers and sisters, we must stop comparing ourselves to others.  We torture ourselves needlessly by competing and comparing.  We falsely judge our self-worth by the things we do or don't have and by the opinions of others.  If we must compare, let us compare how we were in the past to how we 

are today - and even to how we want to be in the future

The only opinion of us that matters is what our

Heavenly Father thinks of us.  Please sincerely ask Him what

He thinks of you.  He will love and correct but never discourage us;

that is Satan's trick."

Don't you just love this prophet of God?

Today was hashbrown day.  Once a week a make hasbrowns for breakfast and today was the day.  The beauty of these hasbrowns is that they are crispy but not oily.  The only oil I use is a little bit of butter.  We both love them! I make them in my new Saladmaster electric skillet.

I missed going to town with James today because of my right knee. It is not bending.  It is interesting how this happened right after having my infusion last week.  James went to town to get his recommend signed by President Beeler, a member of our new stake presidency.  He also brought me back one of my favorite comfort foods when I am feeling down, hot and sour soup from the China Buffet.  It is really good!

James also brought back the Shadowhawk flashlights I ordered for Christmas presents.  These are suppose to be the flashlights the military use and the beam is supposed to be very bright.  I order five, but I am not sure how impressed I am with them.  

Here are some of the movies I watched today since I couldn't do much of anything:  "12 Gifts of Christmas".  James watched this one with me and really liked it.  "Call Me Mrs. Miracle".  These are some of my favorites.  Watching Christmas movies puts me in to the Christmas spirit.  "Dashing Through the Snow", and a new one, "The Perfect Christmas" which James watched with me.  

There were three big stories today:

The election

The shooting of a police officer in Show Low

Aunt Gene finally coming home from the hospital

Some people are so upset by the Trump win that 

they are protesting.

Officer Darrin Reed received a call regarding someone disturbing the  peace at the Days Inn, formerly the Maxwell House.  Officer Reed was shot by the suspect and was taken to the hospital where he died.

Officer Reed was looking forward to, and counting the days until his retirement in February.  He served faithfully and was well liked by all that knew him.  He loved his wife Anne and their two children.  He gave his life in the service of those who live in this community and will be missed.  Such a tragedy.  

The suspect who killed him fled the scene with a 15 year old girl has hostage.  More to come on this story tomorrow. 

James built a fire this evening and we read "Hanging by a Thread."

Monday, November 7, 2016

3 Nephi 22:1-17

When have you felt Heavenly Father reach out and touch your heart to draw you to Him?

* "... with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee ..." (v.8).

"The world is not a safe place.  It is not a place where children will feel peace, hope, and direction unless they are taught to love and follow the Savior.  Please help them know that these great blessings can be theirs, and show the what they eed to do to receive these blessings" (Patricia P. Pineager, Ensign, Nov. 1999, 68).  "Prayer is essential to developing faith." (Carol F. McConkie, Ensign, Nov. 2016, 25).

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

The Lord personally declared to Joseph Smith:

'The ends of the earth shall inquire after thy name,

and fools shall have thee in derision, and hell shall rage

against thee; While the pure in heart, and the wise, 

and the noble, and the virtuous, shall seek counsel, and

authority, and blessings constantly from

under thy hand."

I remember when Elaine Cannon said this

regarding President Kimball's statements

about the E.R.A.

GC:      The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches us to Pray by Elder Juan A. Uceda

" On one occasion the Lord Jesus Christ "was praying in a certain place," and "when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord teach us to pray.  And today He teaches you and me to pray as we see Him in our minds praying in Gethsemane and saying, 

'Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."?

James and I started our 5th book in the Millennial Glory series, "Hanging by a Thread."

I ordered some chocolates that have no sugar in them and they arrived today.

James loves these.  Although they do no have sugar, they do have fat!

While I was blogging this morning I watched the movie: "One Christas Eve" starring Anne Heche.  This movie could have been named: "A Series of Unfortunate Events." 

Today was a gorgeous day here in Vernon.  The high was 59 degrees and there was no wind.  This is the kind of day that James enjoys working outside!  I couldn't help but think of Kim and Brian spending it at Disneyland and hoping they are having a great time!

My little Zemira was successful in his deer hunt this week.

He is in my Primary class and I love him!

This afternoon I wanted to do some cleaning but my right knee was hurting too badly.  Instead and watched "The North Pole".  I had some peanut butter toast and a glass of milk so I could take some Tramadol for the pain.  Soon I became dizzy and nauseous.  I was down for the evening.  

For FHE we listened to Elder Christensen's talk on the prophet Joseph Smith, and then we watched "Dancing with the Stars".  It was Show Stoppers night and I loved it! Marilu and Derek went home.  Next week is the semi-finals.

This is how I imagine the sky will look when

the Savior comes again.

I think it was Jared who put these pictures on Facebook.  I love them!

Three little cuties!

The boys performing the song "Lollipop"

at the Fry Elementary School talent show.

Thank you Sandy for coaching them.

November 6, 2016

Happy 10th Birthday Evan!

Blow Evan!

I hope he made a wish!

Evan wanted this chocolate cake because he didn't

get any of Jared's last week.

My guess is the Washington D.C. temple

Am I right Jared?

3 Nephi 21:1-29

* What signs of the gathering of Israel do we see today?  Jesus told the Nephites He would give the "a sign" (3 Nephi 21:1) so they would know when the gathering of Israel had begun.  He then foretold the Restoration of the gospel, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the establishment of a free nation in America, and the taking of the gospel to their seed (v. 1-7).  He called the Restoration of the latter days "a great and a marvelous work (v.8).  In the early days of the Restoration, the Savior said "a marvelous work is about to come forth" (D&C 4:1).  President Gordon B. Hinckley spoke of the Restoration and of our responsibilit to help move the work forward: "This glorious gospel was ushered in with the appearance of the Father and the Son to the boy Joseph.  The dawn of the dispensation of the fulness of times rose upon the world.  All of the good, the beautiful , the divine of all previous dispensationswas restored in this most remarkable season.  Do we really comprehend, do we understand the tremendous significance of that which we have?  We of this generation are the end harvest of all that has gone before.  It is not enough to simply be known as a member of this Church.  A solemn obligation rests upon us.  We must live as true followers of Christ, with charity toward all, returning good for evil, teaching by example the ways of the Lord, and accomplishing the vast service He has outlined for us." (Ensign, May 2004, 83-4).

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

" When the Savior called His disciples to follow Him, they were living the law of Moses, including seeking 'an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth but the Savior came to fulfill that law with

His Atonement.  He taught a new doctrine:

'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for the which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matt 5:44; 3 Nephi 12:44).

We had a wonderful fast and testimony meeting today.  Everyone is anticipating becoming part of the Pinetop-Lakeside stake.  President Van Winkle was the last one to bear his testimony.  We will miss our wonderful stake presidency!

I had to children in my Primary class today, Kacey Westbrook, and Christian Skousen, a visitor from Lakeside.  The Wilhelm boys are gone hunting with their dad.  I miss them.  

To continue with Evan's birthday, here are some pictures of years in the past.

Evan and Rowan three years ago at California Adventure.

Evan the artist.

I love this boy!

After church we broke our fast, had some lunch, and took a nap.  

While James was still napping I got up and noticed some elk in our yard.  When I told James he jumped right up.  

Elk

James checking out the elk.
James's pictures of the elk with my camera:

Every elk wears a target on the back.

This evening we attended a stake re-organization meeting in Lakeside.  Our new stake president is Steven Shumway.  Here are some notes I took at the meeting: "Zion must increase her borders."

The name of our stake has been changed from Pinetop-Lakeside to the White Mountain stake.  At the end of the meeting Presdent Shumway left us a blessing.  He said our children and granchildren would be a light to the world.

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Accra Ghana temple

3 Nephi 20:20-46

 What does it mean: "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord"?
* Elder M. Russell Ballard counseled us: "To avoid evil talk, to choose your friends wisely, to stay away from pornography and illicit drugs, to not attend evil concerts and dangerous parties, to respect your bodies and keep yourselves morally clean in every way" (Ensign, May 2001 66).

GC:     O How Great the Plan of Our God! by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" In the Church of Jesus Christ, we have been given so much.  We are surrounded by such an astonishing wealth of light and truth that I wonder if we truly appreciate what we have."

James worked at the construction yard this morning while I stayed at Cathi's and worked on sending out the scripture message to Adam, Alex, Michael, Seth, Gail, Kim, Stacy, Sheri and James.

I also had a nice talk with Cathi.  She is such a dear friend and always has the best ideas and knows how to deal with problems and people.  I always feel better after I talk with her.  

I also washed sheets and towels.  James came home and packed up my car for me and then left for home, pulling a trailer.  I left around 10 am.  I stopped at the Taco Bell and The Dollar Tree in Payson on the way home.  

It was overcast when I got to Vernon and 54 degrees.  I always love returning home after being gone.

I love the clouds!

James helped me unload the car and carried all of the blankets I bought upstairs for me.  He was watching the Jeffrey R. Holland Teacher Counsel Meeting on the computer.  He stopped to help me and then went back to the broadcast.  

After the broadcast, James sat by the fireplace to study his Sunday School lesson for tomorrow.

I love that he built a fire for me!

Search, ponder, and pray.

Before working on my Primary lesson I watched a Christmas movie, "Matchmaker Santa."

At 2:20 pm James and I started our fast for Jared.  

After studying for a few hours James and I watched a movie together this evening, "The Mistletoe Promise."

I would love for James to build us a Hobbit Hole.

Clinton Joe Andersen, Jr. is a good friend of ours.

Friday, November 4, 2016

The Big 4-0.
I know I posted this picture recently,
but here it is again!

"A house of truth filled with spiritual power.F
In the temple, we learn how to learn about
the things of God." - Sheri L. Dew

3 Nephi 19:30-20:19

What does the Savior promise those who partake of the sacrament?  Why is this promise so significant?

* Elder Dallin H. Oaks said:  "Attendance at church each week provides the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, as the Lord has commanded us ( Doctrine and Covenants 59:9).  If we act with the right preparation and attitude, partaking of the sacrament renews the cleansing effect of our baptism and qualifies us for the promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us.  A mission of that Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is to testify of the Father and the Son and to lead us into truth, (see John 14:26; 2 Nephi 31:18).  Testimony and truth, which are essential to our personal conversion, are the choice harvest of this weekly renewing of our covenants."  In the day-to-day decisions of my life and in my personal spiritual growth, I have enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise." (Ensign, May 2002, 34).

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

" Faith is a strong conviction about something we believe.  A conviction so strong that it moves us to d things that we otherwise might not do.  Faith is being sure of what we hope for

and certain of what we do not see."

Such an amazing man and a prophet of God.

James went over to the construction yard this morning and discovered that someone had broken in an stolen his power trowel which was worth about $8,000.  He had just asked Adam yesterday to try and sell it on Craig's List.  The sad thing is that this trowel is not covered under our equipment insurance.  

Before going to my infusion appointment this morning we took my car to Discount Tires to get the tires balanced.  I got to my 10:30 appointent at 10:25.  I signed in and sat down to wait for them to call me back.  I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes and was surprised when 30 minutes went by and other people who came in after me were called back.  The front desk had not even told the infusion center I was here.  I finally went back after waiting almost an hour.  I told Frances and Kwanda and Kwanda was so upset she told her boss.  I don't want to get anyone in trouble but it was a little frustrating and Kwanda said this was not the first time it had happened.

James's sister Rebecca and her granddaughter Eden

having a tea party.  

Rebecca looks like she is glowing!

James and I drove Grand Canyon University on 35th Avenue and Camelback to pick up Michael for our scripture reading lunch.  No one else was able to make it.  We went to the Olive Garden near Metro Center.  It was fun to have some one-on-one time with just Michael.  We had a good discussion about the Gathering of Israel, psychologists versus psychiatrist, and the fact that it was 15 years ago today that the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees to win the World Series.  

This evening we went down to Sheri's to sing Happy Birthday to Evan.  I took some pictures but I am not going to post them until Evan's birthday on Sunday.  

James went back to Terry and Cathi's to work on his lesson and I went to Kim and Brian's to see their tree and watch a new Christmas movie, "Christmas Wish."  Although Kim didn't have her tree finished I am going to post this picture anyway.

The tree with over 5,000 lights!

Jared got some really bad news on his birthday.  The sale of his practice fell through.