Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Bountiful, Utah temple

3 Nephi 29:1-30:2

Make a list of some of the Savior's characteristics you consider to be most important.  Take a personal inventory of your own life with regard to these characteristics and formulate a plan to better fulfill His mandate to be "even as I am." (3 Nephi 27:27)

GC:      "Emmissaries to the Church" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Brethren, in the best of all worlds and in those circumstances where it can be done, a monthly visit in each home is still the ideal that Church would strive for.  

"Leaders should do their best to use the resources they have available to watch over and strengthen each member."

After my morning gospel study and prayers I go into the bedroom and blog and watch a Christmas movie.  Today the movie was, "Single Santa Seeking Mrs. Claus."  

After I finished blogging I showered and got ready to go to town with James.  Our plan was to go to Sal and Teresa's for lunch and to see our friend Charlotte who works there.  Sal and Teresa's is by Cal Ranch.  James wanted to make a quick trip in there to look for an ash bucket for the fireplace.  He has burned holes in three and says if he gets the right kind that won't happen again.  I went to look in the dollar store and said I would meet him at Cal Ranch.  When I got to Cal Ranch I saw James talking to Matt and Mary, friends from high school and who also live in Vernon.  At first I was going to avoid them and then I thought better of it.  The reason I wanted to see Charlotte today was to do a little missionary work.  I thought about it and realized that maybe the Lord wanted me to talk to Matt and Mary. James ran into their fence a couple of years ago and Matt was so nice about it.  They are not members of the Church and we definitely need to be more friendly.  They are such nice people.  We talked for at least 30 minutes.  They are spending the winter in Tucson.  Mary is having some tests to determine whether she has cancer or not. I hope not.  We wished them well and said our goodbyes.  

Matt and Mary

When we finally got to Sal and Teresa's they were very busy because it is taco Tuesday.  We saw Charlotte but we did not get to talk to her.  On my missionary list I have several names that I pray over.  Mary is on that list and so is Charlotte.
As we were leaving Sal and Teresa's we met a friend from high school, LaDon.  She helped a great deal with our high school reunion this summer and I was grateful for the opportunity to tell her thank you!

Sedona

After lunch we went to Walmart and Home Depot.  On the ride back home I read from "Justice of Affliction."  Back at home I watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."  Next week is the finale and this is who is left: Calvin Johnson, better known as Megatron, and Lindsey, Gleb and Jana,the country singer,  Laurie, the Olympic gold winning gymnast, and Val, and Sharna and the race car driver, James.  I like all of the finalists but don't want Gleb and Jana to win.  It should be either Laurie and Val, or Sharna and James.

Jared, thanks for the pictures from San Antonio!

James laughing and Anna frowning

James frowning and Anna looking clever.

Emmy, Molly, Jared, Tanner

Tanner trying to throw a little mud.

James and I watched a new movie starring Erin Krakow, "Finding Father Christmas," and then went and sat by the fire to read.

One more look at the super moon.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Temple:

3 Nephi 28:25-40

What do these verses teach us about the three Nephites and the work that they are doing on the earth before Christ's second coming?

* We are told, "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom He hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom He hath sent receive not Him; and therefore He will not receive them at the last day; For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?" (34-35).  Are we among those who trample?  Do we listen and obey the words of our Savior and His servants?  Do we share them?  Many are sent forth to spread the words of Christ.  The Lord has an army of Saints, missionaries, leaders, families and individuals who are called to deliver the good news of our Savior.  We are to go forth and proclaim the message of the gospel.  We are to bear testimony.  The Lord tells us that many are called but few are chosen (D&C 121:33-40).  Why are we not chosen?  When we let the world get in the way; when we do not maintain our righteousness; or when we become prideful, then we lost our ability to influence.  We are called to the work.  Therefore, we have to follow the Spirit, heed promptings, and be humble servants to do it.

GC:     "Be Ambitious for Christ" by Elder Kazuhik Yamashita

'What does it mean to "be ambitious for Christ?"  Being ambitious for Christ means being motivated, focused, and dedicated 

to His work.  Being ambitious for Christ will seldom mean that

we are singled out for public honor.  Being ambitious for Christ means that we serve faithfully and diligently in our wards

and branches without complaint and with joyful hearts.'

Ford truck moved their manufacturing plant from Mexico to Ohio.

Something that should have happened a long time ago.

James left for Show Low early this morning to continue cleaning out the construction yard he rents from Bill Valentic.  His goal is to have everything moved out by the end of the month.  He had Adam and Alex helping him today.  

While James was gone I worked on my blog and watched Christmas movies.  "Charming Christmas," "All I Want for Christmas," and "Hats off to Christmas."  

On his way home he called me from Show Low and told me to go outside and look at the moon.  I went outside and looked in the direction he indicated and there was no moon.  He indicated it was probably hiding behind Mt. Montoso, and it was.

Obviously I didn't take this picture, but

I love it.

Another Dumbledorism

James brought me a green chili mixed burro and a bean burro.  I had the green chili burro for dinner.

We watched "Christmas Cookies" a new movie this year and finished our book, by the fire, "Hanging by a Thread."

Family fotos:

Emmy, Lola and Molly.

I love this picture!

Look how cute they all are!

Sunday, November 13, 2016

"I am the Light of the World."

3 Nephi 28:1-24

Does anyone have any questions about these verses? (I ask this question of my scripture study group).  Does everyone understand the difference between translated, transfigured, and resurrected beings? (see Book of Mormon Student Manual, Religion 121-22, p. 339).

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

' For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, 

and my heart pondereth them,

and I writeth them for the learning and the profit

of my children.  Behold, my soul delighteth in the

things of the Lord and my heart pondereth continually

upon the things which I have seen and heard.'

2 Nephi 4:15-16

I was excited to see one of my Primary children I have never seen before at church come to sacrament meeting.  Curtis invited him to come to our class but he went home with his family instead.  I did have his cousin who was visiting from Springerville in my class.  Her name is Brodie.  I also had Zemira and Curtis.  Curtis never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of the stories from the Book of Mormon.  Today he knew about the three Nephites and why they wanted to stay on earth.  He was not here last week for that lesson so it must have been during family scripture study that he learned this story.

James went home teaching this afternoon so I was home alone for a couple of hours.  I read a conference talk and studied my scriptures.  I also watched a Christmas movie, "Christmas Incorporated," which had a very good message to it about the spirit of Christmas and giving to others.

We had some more visitors today:

 This picture was taken on my phone.

These were taken with my camera

James calls this guy, "the Big Buck."

I do like antelope!

Oh the wisdom!

This evening we had the marriage class at our home.  It was taught by our friend Anne.  Before class James and I did our homework which was to go to the fivelovelanguages website and take the test.  My love language is definitely my spouse giving service and positive affimations.  We didn't do James's score but I think his is  physical touch and positive affirmations.

Tonight the lesson was on Fostering Equality and Unity.  In a marriage there is no inferior or superior person.  Here are some questions I ask myself: 

Do I take correction well?  (No!)

Do I follow my husbands council and advice? (Sometimes)

Be careful about correction.  It can be hurtful and destroy a relationship.  Correction is sometimes needed in spiritual matters. 

Don't sweat the small stuff.  The Spirit of God never creates contention.  

Where am I controlling?  Try to be better and learn to serve my spouse.

John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:33, D&C 38:27, D&C 121:39.

Cammy made some delicious banana nut bread and we enjoyed visiting after the class. I talked to Sandra about Zemira's upcoming wrestling match on Thursday.  James and I are going.

No blog post would be complete without posting some family pictures:

Jared and Kacey when they went with us to the Snowflake temple.

Addy at California Adventure a couple of years ago.

Addy and Max.

They were so great together!

Saturday, November 12, 2016

Temple Name:

3 Nephi 27:13-33

How can you strive to be more like Christ in your life?

* President Ezra Taft Benson said that, "The entire ministry of the Master was characterized by His voluntary subordination to His Heavenly Father's will and in the Savior's own words, 'I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me...for I do always the things that please Him' (John 8:28-29).  Christ was not only perfectly obedient, but maybe even more importantly, perfectly trusting.  So if we choose, like Jesus Christ, to trust more completely, to follow more obediently, and to make doing the will of our Father the core motivation behind decision-making, focus, thoughts, actions, and if we make understanding His will our very purpose, what could the ripple effect of that be?  Would we become more like the Savior?  Would we be cultivation and deepening Christlike virtues such as truth, wisdom, patience, kindness, gentleness, love, godliness, faith and self-control?  Would we be more completely and exactly following the Savior's example?  Would we experience deeper peace, happiness, and joy?  Elder Maxwell said: "Only by aligning our wills with God's is full happiness to be found...progression toward submission confers...an enhanced capacity for joy."

GC:     "Abide in My Love" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson

' If ye keep my commandents, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in 

His love.  To continue in or abide in the Savior's love means to receive His grace and be perfected by it.'

Jared and Kacey are in San Antonio today with their kids.  From what I can tell it looks like they had a good time.  Hopefully Jared will send me some pictures soon.

While working on my blog I watched  a couple of Christmas movies: "The Best Christmas Party Ever," "Annie Claus Is Coming to Town," and "Farewell Mr. Kringle."

I spent most of the day preparing for my Primary lesson: "Mormon Witnesses the Destruction of the Nephites."  It is a rather discouraging lesson compared to the ones about the Savior's visit to the Nephites.  

This is James's favorite place to study for his lesson:

Someone posted a picture of Michael on Facebook:

Michael is on the left.

Such a handsome guy if he would only cut his hair.

I discovered something online today,

Dumbledorisms:

One of my favorite Harry Potter characters!

A picture from 1977

Kim, Jared, Stacy, Sheri.

Darrel is still in Heaven.

There was a Lantern Festival in Casa Grande tonight.

My friend Trenda posted some pictures.

Trenda and her cousin Cheyenne

It reminds me of the movie "Tangled."

I have always wanted to go to a Lantern Festival

since seeing "Tangled."

Friday, November 11, 2016

3 Nephi 27:1-12

What do you do to take Christ's name upon you each day?

* This answer comes from bofm365 on Instagram.  I like what she says: "I repent, and try to use the Atonement as much as I can.  The sweetness of the Spirit is what motivates me to keep going.  I can tell when it's not with me and I miss its guidance.  I become more impatient and harsh.  Repentance brings a felling of peace.  The more I repent the more this wonderful feeling is present.  As I repent I am able to see others the way the Lord sees them.  There is more love and compassion in my heart for my fellowman." -marthadpguitterez

GC:     "Look to the Book, Look to the Lord" by Elder Stevenson

'Through Mary's example, along with other experiences in my life, I have learned that one is never too young to seek and receive a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon.'

James and I left for the temple at 4 pm today.  It is our annual ward temple night.  We went a little early to look for Paul's parents old house.  Stacy and Elska want to buy it from Dorina and then resell it.  We would not find an empty house on the street Stacy gave us.  

We had a session in the chapel before our endowment session.  

Bishop Miller conducted and told us about Connie Bell being sealed to her husband Mel who passed away in October.  Bishop said he visited with them a Sunday before Mel passed away and felt prompted that he should give them each a temple recommend.  He called President Williams and told him he needed to see Brother Bell right away.  President Williams went to see him the next day and issued a recommend to both Brother and Sister Bell.  The following day Brother Bell was no longer lucid.  He passed away the next week.  Because he had a recommend when he passed away, his wife did not have to wait a year to have his work done.  Tamara Applegate who got up and bore her testimony was there for Sister Bell yesterday. Sister Bell said to her after the sealing: "Now I feel complete."  President Hancock was in our meeting and he was also the sealer for the Bell's.  

We had 64 people in our session.  The room is designed for 40 so there were alot of extra chairs set up.  There was a group there to go through with a couple who were there for the first time, and then there was our ward.  We had 32 members of our ward in the session, including the Cranes and the Wilhelms who were the temple workers in our session.  Here is a list of others from our ward who were there:  the Prices, Peelers, Freemans, Diewalds, Applegates, Thompsons, Analee Hunsaker, Lauritzens, Skousens, Klugs, Wallaces, Calls, Bishop Miller and us.  I love our ward!

I found this quote about the temple today: "The temple is a house of truth filled with spiritual power.  In the temple, we learn how to learn about the things of God." - Sheri L. Dew

We stopped at Taco Bell on the way home for dinner.  I got a burrito supreme and a taco.  When we returned home we watched,

"Help for the Holidays."

Fun at the beach

Fun at the cabin back in the 

80's: 

Kyle, Jon, Darrel and Jared.

And to end my journal/blog for the day:

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Provo City Center temple

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Are we ready to be judged of our works? (v.4-5).

In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

* Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable.  I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us a few weeks ago.  As I watched her saying her prayers one evening, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence.  I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I new.  Tears come to my eyes when I think of it.  We can truly be taught by little children.  How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? (v. 19-21).  They did what Jesus taught them to do.  They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration.  "They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another."  they were baptized in the name of Jesus and were called the Church of Christ.

GC:     'Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus' by Elder Quentin L. Cook

"A stumbling block is 'an impediment to belief or understanding' or' an obstacle to progress.'  To stumble spiritually is 'to fall into sin or waywardness.'  A stumbling block can be anything that distracts us from achieving righteous goals."

I had a small miracle occur today.  James was going to go to the valley this morning.  I did not want him to go because he has four tires that need to be replaced.  When he went out to get in the truck, it would not start, so he decided not to go.  Instead he stayed here and went in to town to get new tires.  I am so grateful!

He also brought back two quarts of hot and sour soup.  One for him, and one for me.  

This is my new drinking container.  Jared is always talking about

how wonderful his Yeti is because it keeps ice in his drink for several hours.  We bought this at the Walmart in Chandler at a fraction of the cost of a Yeti and it works very well.  It keeps my drinks cold for as long as they last.  It has an icon on it that looks like a buffalo, so I call this my Bufi.

When I was at Cathi's a couple of weeks ago she received this book for a gift.

 I just had to have this book.  Temple worship is so important and I want to leave as part of my legacy to my family, my love for the temple.  

Paul posted this picture of Shipley today.  He said this is her staring at him while he eats pizza for dinner.  James told Joshua that Shipley is his second most favorite dog ever.  His first was a dog named Prince who drowned in Ramah Lake when James was a boy.

This dog is so lovable!

Today I watched a Mrs. Miracle Christmas movie and this evening James and I watched "A Royal Christmas" starring Lacy Chabert and Jane Seymore.  James also put up my "family tree."

That's him over sticking pieces on the wall.

It is like putting together a puzzle and he needed

to look at the picture.

The tree is up.  Now I just need to put family

pictures on it.