Tuesday, January 17, 2017

1 Nephi 13:28-39

Why do the Gentiles in Nephi's dream stumble?  When were the plain and precious things recovered?

2 Nephi 5-6

DC 10:11-21

In a world that glorifies busy, how can we sow down and focus on the important things?

Talk:"O Be Wise"

By: M. Russell Ballard

October 2006

GC:  "Principles and Promises" by President Thomas S. Monson

'With his strength depleted, as he grimly contemplated his fate, John silently cried unto God, telling Him that he had always kept the Word of Wisdom and had lived a clean life -

and now he desperately needed the promised blessing.'

Happy 15th Birthday Anna!

Anna is sweet and kind and beautiful both inside and out!

I love her!

Summer and Anna

Anna is a very talented artist.

My new wifi cycle started on the 14th which means I have 30GB for 30 days.  

I got a call from James this morning as he was picking up Adam to go to work.  I texted him both Book of Mormon reading assignments for the day.  

I felt confused this morning and was having a difficult time focusing.  I said a prayer and felt much better.  One should always begin their day by putting the Lord first.

Or, that I am looking in the mirror.

Another day of Hallmark movies.  We had fog, rain, snow, and sunshine all within a few minutes of each other today.  It was one of those days.  No wonder I was confused.

Photo memories:

From my Young Women days.  

Maddie, Kilee, LeeAnn.

We had a party on this night.

Joe and a very large dog.

Monday, January 16, 2017

Washington D.C. Temple

1 Nephi 13:10-37

Has there been a time in my life when I "prepared" in one way or another because I had the Spirit with me?

2 Nephi 4

DC 9:1-14

How can we be more patient and trust in the Lord to know what is best for us?

Talk: "Waiting Upon the Lord: Thy Will Be Done"

By:  Robert D. Hales

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

When Alma saw that his people were forgetting God and lifting themselves up in pride and contention,

he chose to resign from public office and dedicate himself

'wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God,'

preaching repentance among the Nephites.

James left for the valley this morning to work on the job in Tempe.  He is laying a new floor himself to save money.  It was foggy and rainy on his trip.  I stayed home, laying low another day in hopes of getting well. It was another day of watching Hallmark movies.  I am probably their biggest fan.

We had more rain here today.  We are so grateful and feel like our fasting and prayers are being answered.  

Buckeliew Springs

It sure is lonely here by myself.  This evening I fixed myself some macaroni and cheese and listened to President Eyring's conference address "That He May Become Strong."  This talk and the one this morning by President Uchtdorg are both from the priesthood session of conference.  I always listen to the priesthood session.  They are some of the best talks of conference.

Somewhere in Arizona

Fun Photos:

blackjaguarwhitetiger on Instagram posted this picture.

Cute picture of James, Jared, and Anna.

Darrel's family before Lola came along.

Sunday, January 15, 2017

1 Nephi 12:11-13:9

Why is it important to know that Satan organized his forces to lead us away from God and His laws?

2 Nephi 7-8

DC 8:1-12

Why is having faith so important?

GC:  "There is Power in the Book" by Elder LeGrand Curtis, Jr.

"Parley P. Pratt's experience in reading the Book of Mormon:

' I opened the book with eagerness... I read all day; eating was a burden, I had no desire for food; sleep was a burden when night came for I preferred reading to sleep.  As I read, the Spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I knew and comprehended that the book was true, as plainly and manifestly as a man comprehends and knows that he exists.  My joy was now full, as it were, and I rejoiced sufficiently to more than pay me for all the sorrows, sacrifices and toils of my life."

The boy has talent!

Today we had snow and fog.

It feels like the twilight zone.

Today we had our ward conference.  Here are a few of the notes I took in sacrament meeting:

Bishop Miller - "The power of gratitude allows us to do God's will."  He discussed 4 Nephi 12-15 and how when the Nephites had no contention among them they saw mighty miracles.  They had the love of God in their hearts and they were true disciples of Jesus Christ  If we try to be better, God will magnify our efforts. The rest hymn was "More Holiness Give Me."

President Shumway - "Follow the counsel of your bishop.  I bring you the love of your Father.  Without Him there is no success.  Satan rebelled against the Father and Satan's intent is to take away our agency.  A testimony of Jesus Christ and the Atonement are the two things Satan is afraid of.  How are we doing with our testimonies?  Religious freedom is essential to our eternal salvation.  We need to: 1) Share our convictions, 2) Go to the source of truth God, scriptures, etc., not Google, 3) Take the Holy Spirit for our guide, this is the essence of a testimony."  He bore his witness of the Savior.  For the closing song we sang: "Let the Holy Spirit Guide."

President Shumway came in to Primary sharing time and shared a message with the children.  He also did a couple of really good magic tricks that the kids loved.  I am still trying to figure out how he did them.

This is a picture of the flower gardens that used to be on Baseline Road in Phoenix.  My mom took us here and would take videos of us walking through the flowers.  All you could see of my brother Dennis, who was about four, was his cowboy hat.

James home taught Virgil C. at the church after the block.  We get out at noon and I waited for him in the car until 12:45.  I should have known better than to believe it would take ten minutes.

This is Emmy and Molly playing in the snow in El Paso in January 2015.

Molly's snow family.

James fasted today for the two Jared's in our family.  I would normally fast, but I am just not feeling up to it yet.  This cold is hanging on forever.  James also went to the Hunsaker's home teaching and then to a convert baptism of Anthony R.  Anthony has been involved in religion all of his life and he is now in his 60's and wondering why no one shared the gospel with him before this.  He lives out in the middle of now where but somehow the missionaries found him. 

We read from "Adam-Ondi-Ahman" where the Savior comes to the saints in Missouri.  We also watched a new Hallmark movie, "A Royal Winter."

I thought this was a unique wolf picture but James says it is actually pretty common for them to have two different eye colors.

Freaky!

Saturday, January 14, 2017

My most favorite castle/temple.

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10
What are the mists of darkness that I encounter in my life?  How can I overcome them?
2 Nephi 5-6
DC 6:33-7:8
"What desirest thou?"  How would I answer this question?  what things would I do to build up His kingdom?
Article: "To Be Loved By Perfect Love: John's Special Message of the Savior"
By: Sheryl Condie Kempton
July 1976
GC: "Emissaries to the Church" by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"Now, as for what counts as home teaching, every good thing you do counts, so report it all!  The report that matters most is how you have blessed and cared for those within your stewardship."

James and I went to the church this morning and cleaned it by ourselves.  The Carroll''s were going to come later but we told them we finished.  Sister Carroll seemed very appreciative.  I like doing things for people when they appreciate it.  James spent a very long time vacuuming the chapel.  The seats we pretty dirty.  I think people who bring snacks need to be a little more careful.

While we were cleaning the church, Evan had his first flag football game.  Yes, he made the catch!

After cleaning the church we made a trip to town to get the oil changed in our car for our upcoming trips to the valley and then on to San Antonio for Jared and Kacey's wedding.  We went to Walmart and James ask them if they would rotate the tires but they said they couldn't because they didn't have enough help.  When he ask them why they didn't get more help they said: "We have tried but no one can pass the drug tests."  How sad.

From Walmart we went to Licano's for a late lunch.  I had a chicken taco and a beef taco.  They were both good.  James was eavesdropping on our neighbors and had to tell me all about what they said while we were there.  And he gets upset with me for using my phone while we are together!

Ruby a few years ago playing on her mom's phone.

Terry, Alex, and Adam picked up tile for James's job today.  They had to make more than one trip.  Terry was the driver and the other two were the tile lifters.  They made several phone calls to James because they couldn't find where the job was even with the address and the fact that Alex and Adam had both been there before.  Of course Adam and Alex were getting paid but Terry was volunteering his time.  Next time we come down we are Terry him and Cathi to dinner.

Today we read from "Adam-ondi-Ahman."  We are about to finish this book!  When we got home I took a nap and James went to work.

When I called Cammy G. to teach my Primary class next week, her response was: "I would love too!"  I so much appreciate the fact that she was so willing.  It is always hard for me to call people to teach my class.  Her daughter Liana is in the class and she is a delight!

It rained this evening and James wanted to sit by the fire.  We did for awhile and I read to him.  We also watched "Al Dente: The Gourmet Detective" starring Dylan Neal and Brooke Burns.  Dylan is Henry and Brooke plays Maggie.  Maggie and Henry finally kiss!

Friday, January 13, 2017

I am a little obsessed with castles.

1 Nephi 11::12-30

Why didn't the angel just tell Nephi the meaning of the vision?

2 Nephi 3-4

DC 6:22-32

GC: Be Ambitious for Christ by Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

GC: Sharing the Restored Gospel by Elder Dallin H. Oaks

James went to town to do a little shopping for me this morning.  As I was unloading the groceries I noticed a pound of hamburger that I did not have on my list.  When I ask him why he bought hamburger he said it was on my list.  I said: "No, Honey.  That was a hammer, not hamburger."  

No.  I did not seek elk today.  I just like this picture.

I didn't go to town because I am still sick.  I think it is taking me so long to get over this cold because my resistance is lowered as a result of my Actemra infusion.  

I love this picture of our dead tree.

I watched lots of movies today. Two gourmet detective movies starring Dylan Neal and Brooke Burns.  "Second Chances" starring Allison Sweeney and "Cloudy with a Chance of Love" starring Katie LeCleric.

Chocolate Lake in 2013.

James got his camoflauge outfit on and went coyote hunting this evening.  He needs to get out more, and this is his idea of getting out.

Addy in December 2013 on Chocolate Lake.

Rowan 2013.

Ruby at Golden Corral with Grandpa in 2014.

Kim's birthday 2013.  I love Joe's haircut!

Rowan and Evan at California Adventure

in November 2013.

Mt. Montoso 2013.

This picture was taken from our backporch.

Thursday, January 12, 2017

Gilbert Arizona

1 Nephi 10:11-11:11

How has the gift of the Holy Ghost blessed me in my life?

2 Nephi 1-2

DC 6:11-21

How does it make me feel that we have the knowledge to ask God, receive revelation and know that He loves us?

Talk: "Approaching the Throne of God with Confidence"

By: Jorg Klebingat

October 2014

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

"Nephi's example of seeking knowledge included (1) a sincere desire, (2) humility, (3) prayer, (4) trust in the prophet, and an exercise of (5) faith, (6) diligence, and (7) obedience.  This method of seeking is in great contrast to my 'prying at the plates,' or trying to force an understanding of things meant to be revealed according to the Lord's timetable and through the power of the Holy Ghost."

Some notes from my scripture study of 2 Nephi 1-2:

2 Nephi 1:20 - "Keep my commandments and prosper in the land.

2 Nephi 1:23 - "Awake, my grandsons; put on the armor of righteousess.  Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust."

2 Nephi 2:2 - "Karen, God shall consecrate thing afflictions for thy gain,"

2 Nephi 2:11 - "There must be opposition in all things."

Mooney Falls

James had an appointment in the valley with his heart doctor, Dr. Memon.  It went well and Dr. Memon wants James to bid on the new medical center he is building.  He says the architect still has the plans so it will be a little while.  What a great opportunity!

Whimsical Gazebo

James's texts to me before he leaves the valley:

J - When I leave, do you want me to pick up some burrows?

K - Sure.  When are you leaving.

J - Within the hour.  I also have to stop by CVS in Show Low.

K - Ok.  I am going visiting teaching at 3:30. Text me when you leave.

J - What can I pick up for you so you won't have to go to town?

K - I have quite a list but you could get a card for Anna, some shakes and cough drops for starters and maybe some hot and sour soup.

J - Hot and sour?  I am at the Walmart in Chandler.

K - Ok, never mind.

J - Never mind about the soup?l  Cause I already got the other stuff.  I'll be happy to get your soup.  Just trying to get a reaction.  Sorry.

K - Honey, it is ok.  It is the only thing that sounds good to me to eat.

J - So forget about the burrows?

K - No.  It is burros btw.

J - Yes, my fingers and brain clash.

K - Burrown means to dig deep in the ground.

J - I know ad right now that's what I feel like doing.

K - Why?

(Next he sends me several pictures from inside Walmart.)

K - Why did you send the Walmart pictures?

J - This is so you won't feel left out.  I wanted you to share in the Walmart experience.  

K - Oh, now I get it. I am having withdrawals for the Walmart experience.  Have you seen any "people of Walmart?"

J - It was almost empty, but I did see a lady with a beard.

K - Oh dear.  Too bad you didn't get a picture.

J - No, I really felt sorry for her.  I didn't want to make fun of her situation.

K - You are developing charity!

J - I hope so.

K - I am so proud!

J - I am on my way.

K - Please be safe and say a prayer.  I will pray too.

J - Thank you sweetheart.

When James arrived home he brought me this, along with the other things I asked for.

It's a Simply Fit Board just like Sheri's.

I visited Clair this afternoon with Kaeli as her visiting teacher.  It was an interesting visit.  She saw an herbalist in Snowflake who is helping her with her rash.  In January she is going to see her daughter Marlie who lives in Washington and in February she is going to pick her up and bring her back down here to live.

This evening James and I watched "The Lost Valentine."  We both cried.

Family Memories

Evan's pinewood derby car from last year.

Sheri and Lola two years ago.

Addy and Rowan three years ago.

Ruby three years ago.

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

1Nephi 9:1-10:10

Have you ever felt like you were doing something the Lord asked you to do "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose you knew not?"

1 Nephi 21-22

DC 6:1-10

Why is the principle of repentance so important to teach people?

Talk: "The Key to Eternal Progression"

By: W. Gibb Dyer, Jr.

May 15, 2001

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

"From the Book of Mormon we learn that the intent of Christ's suffering the ultimate manifestation of His love - was 'to bring 

about the bowels of mercy, which over powereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance." (See Alma 34:15-16)

I love that we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants

this year in Sunday School.

I cleaned and polished the family room and living room wood floor today.  It looks beautiful!  I also swept and mopped the kitchen and dining room floors.  

Tom Thumb Peak

I wonder if that's Tom's dog.

I still am afraid to use the wifi.  The 14th starts a new cycle so only two more days.  I have not blogged, got on Facebook, or played Solitaire.  You would think I would have withdrawals but I am doing ok.

I love Evan's artwork!

I have these notes in the margin of 1Nephi 22 in my scriptures:

"The fruit of keeping covenants is the companship of the Holy Ghost and an increase in the power to love.  That happens because of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change our very natures."

Also, I love this line from Elder Christofferson's talk:

"Each of us can experience the ecstasy of divine potential unfolding within us."

This is a picture of Hilary Anderson.

Her mom has Harry Potter parties.

She came as Professor Trelawny.

I think she looks just like her.

This evening I watched the Hallmark movie, "The Lost Valentine" starring Betty White.  I had seen it before and still cried like a baby.

James sent me a text to go outside and look at the moon.  It was huge and situated right over Mount Montoso.  Gorgeous!

Family Photos:

Oh Ruby, I love you!

Max doing his homework.

Two years ago in El Paso helping Jared's ward do a service 

project at the cemetery for Billion Graves.

James Hayden was at a basketball game.

James