Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Home Sweet Home

I went to temple 35 times in 2016 to do ordinances.

More if you count the times we cleaned.

1 Nephi 8:16-36

How can we choose to partake of the fruit Lehi saw in his dream in our lives today?

1 Nephi 19-20

DC 5:25-35

Has there been a time in your life when the Lord has protected you?

Talk: "Trust in the Lord"

April 1989

GC:     Look to the Book, Look to the Lord by Elder Gary E. Stevenson

President Benson taught:

"The Book of Mormon teaches us truth and bears testimony of Christ...

But there is something more.  There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book.  You will find greater power to resist temptation...

You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path."

James left this morning for the valley.  He picked up his trailer at the repair shop which cost over $1,000 and then on to the tow yard for the Scion which cost $394.  No wonder we never have any money.  

There were about 20 elk in our yard this morning.

Of course I had to tell James.

James went to the Gilbert temple this morning and picked up the cards for the baptisms that Jared did.  He also did the initiatories for the men.

So true.

James went to Tom's BBQ for dinner and had a bbq chicken sandwich with swiss cheese and mushrooms.  Here at home I had hot and sour soup and a couple of rolls.  

Don't you just love Arizona!

Things I am worried about right now: Jared Ammon, Jared selling his practice, my lack of wifi and inability to post on my blog because of it, getting the Scion fixed, and our lack of funds.  Thank goodness James has this job doing a tenant improvement for Jerrod Bowen.  

When I am lonely I stay up late and watch movies.  Tonight I watched "The Love Letter".  I had seen this movie before but loved it again the second time.  A new episode of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."  I loved this episode.  Gregory Harrison plays Oliver's dad and I really like him.  "Hello, It's Me" starring Kellie Martin.  Another oldie but goodie.

Photo Memories:

Soccer with these three two years ago.

I love these boys!

Carmen's amazing Yoda cake

Monday, January 9, 2017

I am not sure where this is, but I love the flowers.

1 Nephi 7:16-8:15

After being beaten, mocked, and persecuted by his brothers, Nephi did "frankly forgive them."  How can we find it in ourselves to forgive those who have hurt us?

1 Nephi 17-18

DC 5:14-24

How can we be more diligent in keeping our covenants?

Talk: "Steadfast In Our Covenants"

By: Susan W. Tanner

April 2003

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said, "When we truly become converted to Jesus Christ, committed to Him, an interesting things happens: our attention turns to the welfare of our fellowman, and the way we treat others becomes increasingly filled with patience, kindness, and a gentle acceptance."

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

President Thomas S. Monson has said:

"Now is the time for members and missionaries to come together, to work together...to bring souls unto Him...He will assist

us in our labors if we will act in faith to fulfill His work.'

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

"If we elevate anything above our devotion to the Savior, if our conduct recognizes Him as just another teacher and not the divine Son of God, then we are looking beyond the mark.  

Jesus Christ is the mark!"

We started taking the Christmas stuff down today.  Kim and Brian are doing the same thing today.  They always leave their Christmas things up until after January 8, Elvis's birthday because that is what Elvis did, according to the Elvis expert, Brian.

James had an appointment with Dr. Moffat today in town.  He brought me back some hot and sour soup, the one thing that I crave when I am sick.  He also went by Walmart and got stevia, Malt-o-Meal, and a new item, Grits.  Grits might be delicious but I just don't like the name.  

I watched a couple a movie while James was gone.

"The Seven Year Hitch".

Our fasting and prayers were answered today.  We had unscheduled rain!

Darrel texted me today and ask if I could watch their kids on the 25th.  Even though I was not planning on being in the valley that day I will never pass up a chance to watch his kids if I can help it so I said yes.  We will just be getting back from San Antonio and I will just stay in the valley a couple of extra days.

Grand Canyon

I paid our timeshare fee today which was over $1,000 for the year and I also paid tithing.  

For FHE we read Elder Andersen's conference talk and then read from Adam-ondi-Ahman.  We also watched "Garage Sale Mystery: The Novel" starring Lori Loughlin.

Photo Memories:

Darrel reading to Ruby's class.

I love this!

Stacy and her new Seaworld friend.

Paul and his new buddy.

Addy on a boat in the ocean for her sixth grade trip.

It looks like a baby stingray.

From my Vernon Mutual days, and nights.

Sunday, January 8, 2017

Mesa, Arizona temple in 1940

1 Nephi 7:1-15

The Lord softened Ishmael's heart so much that he and his family left their home to join Lehi.  Has the Lord ever changed your heart to make something difficult more achievable?

1 Nephi 15-16

DC 5:1-13

Why does the Lord use multiple witnesses to testify of the truthfulness of the gospel?

Article: Becoming A Witness of Christ

By: D. Todd Christofferson

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

Jesus prayed intensely and spoke with His Father: 

"It came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened" (Luke 3:21).

When you pray, do you feel like heaven is opened? 

When was the last time you felt that connection with heaven?

Jesus prepared Himself to make important decisions by praying to 

His Father.

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

Elder David A. Bednar said:

"Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners.  Im not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints..."

..."The Atonement provides help for us to overcome and avoid bad and to do and become good...

..."It is through the grace of the Lord that individuals receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise

would not be able to do.  This grace is an enabling power."

Today was our fast and testimony meeting and our stake president, President Shumway ask that we pray for moisture.  

A brother in our ward gave James a book to read. It is called, "The Lost Language of Symbolism" by Alonzo L. Gaskill.  He spoke so highly of the book that I went online and ordered one for James for his birthday.  Here are some quotes from the book:

"Lie all on the altar."

"Live the law of sacrifice."

"Our garments are to be a protection from the effects of the Fall."

"Strive to have a righteous posterity."

I also read the first lesson in the Gordon B. Hinckley manual, "The Apostasy and the Restoration."

My Primary lesson was: The Apostasy and the Need for the Restoration of Jesus Christ's Church.  It's nice how the Church correlates their lessons.

This picture should have been posted in December.

This was at our December Relief Society activity and

these are the women in Christ's life:

Teresa, Patsy, Kaeli, Amy, and Tamara.

Kaeli was Mary, the mother of Jesus.
One was the innkeeper's wife, and the shepherd's wife.
I don't remember the other two.

My Sweetie just served me lunch while I am doing the rest of my gospel study.  I went to my meetings today even though I did not feel well.  

Part of my lunch were these crackers,

our new favorites.

This evening James and I watched a couple of Hallmark movies.

Family Memories:

I posted this in January 2015.

Joshua working on his pinewood derby car.

I think he has won every race he has ever been in.

Michael and two of his heroes.

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Bountiful temple

1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

The Nephites understood the importance of their genealogy.  How has doing your family history made a difference in your life?

1 Nephi 13-14

Our bishop has ask us to read the Book of Mormon in five months. This is a record of that assignment.

DC 4:1-7

How can we become more committed to serve the Lord?

Talk: Conversion and Commitment

By: W. Mack Lawrence

April 1996

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

President Eyring shared:

"I have had prayers answered.  Those answers were most clear when what I wanted was silenced by an overpowering need to

know what God wanted.  It is then that the answer from a loving Heavenly Father can be spoken to the mind by the still, small voice and be written on the heart."

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

"Because Joseph was a prophet, revelations and prophets are no longer a thing of the past.  The 'day of miracles' of visions, healings, and ministering of angels has not ceased.  Because Joseph was a prophet, each of us has access to the power and blessings of the holy priesthood, including baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the sacrament."

I wonder about the direction and the speed

of these two.

A beautiful day for a balloon ride!

James and I missed going to the temple today because we are both sick.  We also missed cleaning the Church.  The Reidheads did it for us.  We traded with them because we thought we would be gone today.  So much to do seems so difficult when you don't feel well.

My upper right arm hurt last night until I finally got up and took some Tramadol.  Sometimes this happens the night after my infusion.

Should we fast when we are sick?

Cathedral Rock and Heart Rock

I started cleaning out leftovers in our refrigerator.  It is a daunting job.  I usually love January because it represents a new beginning. Right now my new beginning is off to a slow start.  Our Christmas decorations are still up.

Family Memories:

These photos are from three years ago.  Addy and Ruby performed at an MCC basketball game.  We arrived late and missed their performance but thank goodness we were able to get these photos afterwards:

This was supposed to be a picture of Addy by herself.

Notice the extra legs.

So cute!

So funny!

Love Rowan's eyes in this picture.

Friday, January 6, 2017

Provo City Center temple

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

DC 3:11-20

What testimony do I have that the Lord does keep His promises?

Speech: "The Other Side of Heaven"

By: John Groberg

Dec. 4, 2001

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

"Our Christian love and service naturally begin in the home.  Parents, you are called to be loving teachers and missionaries to your children and youth.  They are your investigators.  You bear the responsibility to help them become converted.  In truth, all of us are seeking to be converted - which means being filled with our Savior's love."

We left for the valley at 5:46 am. in a snow storm with James driving.  Because we were running late James suggested that we go the Globe way because he thinks we will get there quicker.  I didn't argue because, I mean, after all, he is the one driving.  The only thing I was worried about was falling rocks in Salt River Canyon.  We hydro-planed on a wet road and then went over a hill and hit some ice just before Timber Camp, and then slid all over the road.  Thank goodness no one was coming from the other direction.  Prayers really are answered!

We arrived at the Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology Center in Mesa at 9:05, plenty of time for my 9:15 appointment.  I was taken right back.  My blood pressure was 148/84.  I guess I was a little anxious about getting there on time.

Trina's family

We went to Sonic for lunch and then went to see Adam.  He insists that the accident was not his fault.  At this point it doesn't matter.  He has no insurance to fix the car and it is in a towing yard.  James will come back down on Tuesday with his trailer and get the car. 

We stopped at Costco on the way out to see Trina and the kids so I could pick up some Alpine Valley bread.  At Trina's all the kids are there except Addy who is already back in school.  We gave Rowan is charger for his drone.  Lola said to me: "I like your red shirt." and to James: "I like your black shirt."  "Do you like my pink one?"

 Monument Valley

We went home again through Globe.  We made these stops in Show Low: Walmart, Home Depot, Dollar Tree, and China Buffet for hot and sour soup, and Taco Bell for tacos.  

It was wonderful to finally be home!  We did go from 63 degrees in the valley to 33 here in Vernon.

We watched a cute movie we had seen before but really loved, "Summer Villa" with Hilare Burton and Victor Webster.  I have a little bit of a crush on Victor.

Family Photos:

Soccer game two years ago.

Is that Sheri looking at her phone?

Coach Trina

Addy when she was 10.

5 year old Ruby.

Lola using a tablet.

This was when Joshua, Rowan and Evan all played on the same team.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

I truly believe this.

1 Nephi 4:1-19

Have you ever been "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which you should do?"  

DC 3:1-10

How can these verses be a comfort to us that when we fall we know that God will help us up?

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

"Our mortal life is only temporary and will end with the death of our physical body.  But the essence of who you and I are will not be destroyed.  Our spirits will continue living and await the Resurrection - a free gift to all by our loving Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  At the Resurrection our spirits and bodies will be reunited free from pain and physical imperfections."

James is feeling sick too now.  I probably shared with him.  I should probably make us some of my favorite chicken soup, but I am too sick.

Delicious!

I am keeping my infusion appointment tomorrow because they couldn't get me rescheduled until after the 15th and I don't want to wait they long.  My appointment is at 9:15 so we will be leaving by 5:30 in the morning and coming home in the afternoon.  Thank goodness James is here to drive with me.  

I love snow but I am not a fan of driving in it.

I called Lois today and thanked her for all the beautiful Christmas presents.  She embroidered a beautiful Christmas table cloth for me and also got me a new nightgown.  

Jenifer called today and said she would like to come to Jared's wedding as she only lives three hours away from San Antonio and she has a friend who will drive her.  She lives in Del Rio, Texas but is in the San Antonio temple district.  

I also talked to Jared today about travel arrangements.  James and I are driving and will be spending one night in El Paso at Jared's house both coming and going home.  Since it's a 14 hour drive, this is great.  El Paso is about six hours from Chandler which is where we will be leaving from.  

I read to James from our book "Adam ondi-Ahman today, even though I am sick.  While James was working I watched a movie I have seen before, "Honeymoon for One."  Is there such a thing as a Natterjack toad?  James says he thinks there is.  It was mentioned in this movie as living in Ireland.

It was very windy today.  I think a storm is blowing in.  I am sad I have to go to the valley tomorrow just because I feel so lousy.

Family Photos:

Go Michael!

(On a mission that is)

Addy on a snowboarding trip last January with her

dad and Rowan.

Go Rowan!