Friday, January 20, 2017

The San Diego temple is Kacey's favorite.

This is a picture she has in her home.

1 Nephi 15:1-18

Why is it important to avoid the spirit of contention?

2 Nephi 9:45-11:7

DC 10:34-43

How can we prepare to receive wisdom or counsel from the Lord?

Talk: "Thou Shalt Receive Revelation"

By: Bruce R. McConkie

October 1978

GC: "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves

'Amulek testified, "I would that ye would come forth and harden

not your hearts any longer;...if ye will repent...

immediately shall the great plan of redemption be

brought about unto you."

Today was Donald Trump's Inauguration as President of the United States.  There were women protest marches all across America.  I am not sure what they are protesting.

In Arizona a huge storm has moved in with lots of rain in the valley and snow in the high country.  Wouldn't you know we would get snow when I am gone.

Sedona

I had an early morning blogging session this morning before James got up.  I don't blame him for sleeping in.  Jared's bed is really comfortable.  Thanks Jared for letting us stay in your cozy house!

We had breakfast, showers, and studied this morning before leaving.  I ironed and decided that not only do I like Jared's bed but I also love his iron!  We left at 9 a.m. for San Antonio.  We hit rush hour traffic going through El Paso and it was a very slow race getting out of town.  

When we went through Van Horn I had to text my friend Hailey because Van Horn is her hometown. 

 I read from "Not a Word" while James drove.  Our friend Stephanie is the author.  Stephanie comes from Mormon Royalty.  Bruce R. McConkie is her grandfather and Joseph Fielding Smith is her great grandfather.  Stephanie and her husband and children were in our ward in Chandler over 20 years ago.  She was the choir director and that is the only time I ever sang in the choir.  You would think Stephanie might write church books, but she writes murder mysteries, the non-gory type.  We are really liking this book.

The speed limit going to El Paso was 75 mph.  From El Paso to San Antonio is has been 80 mph through basically flat, dusty country.

We stopped in Ft. Stockton for lunch at Sonic and Taco Bell, and gas.  We looked for a Whataburger but could not find one.  Funny, because Texas is the home of Whataburgers.  

We stopped again on the outskirts of San Antonio for gas.  When James started up the car again it made a horrible clanging noise.  He called Erik and held the phone up to the engine for Erik to listen.  Erik thought for sure our engine was gone.  James put in a quart of oil and we started back down the freeway sounding like the Beverly Hillbillies.  Kacey was lining up a mechanic that her ward members had suggested.  I said a prayer and talked to Heavenly Father about the fact that we were far from home, attending the temple marriage of our son and we needed His help.  Soon the noise stopped and we have not heard it again.  A tender mercy or a miracle for sure.

James, Anna, James, Tanner, Michael, McCoy, Albert, Lauren,

Christina, Molly, April, Emmy, Summer and Macy.

The two families that will be joined together tomorrow.

As soon as we arrive at Jared's and Kacey's Jared has to go pick up James from work so we go with him but not before Molly tells me all about Rosa Parks.  

Molly and her friend Rosa.

James works at Bill Miller's BBQ where he is in charge of frying the chicken.  He has burns on his arms to prove it. 

We found a Whataburger and stopped there for some dinner.  Kim and Brian gave James a gift card for Christmas.  Back at the house Kacey's family arrives.  Albert invites James to Jared's bachelor party.  He says they are going to Wendy's to get vanilla frosty's and to talk about family history.  

I gave Anna her birthday card, Young Women's necklace, and a hug.  When it came time to go to bed we are sleeping in Kacey's room.  Molly slept in the room to and Emmy was supposed to but she ended up sleeping in Summer's room with Kacey.  Kacey said she talked all night long.  

Kacey's House

 Beautiful piece of furniture

New table minus the chairs.

I love the frig and the things on top of the cabinet.

I also love the guy sneaking food.

Brick'em Young 

San Diego temple.

The backyard had a hot tub which was a big

hit with the kids.

Kacey has four sisters and three brothers.

Thursday, January 19, 2017

The Petrified Forest

1 Nephi 14:9-30

What are the characteristics of the Church of the Lamb of God versus the church of the devil?

2 Nephi 9

DC 10:22-33

How can we prevent Satan from overpowering our testimony?

Talk: " Always Have His Spirit To Be With Us"

By: David A. Bednar

April 20006

GC: 'The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy' by Peter F. Meurs

" The sacrament prayers introduce the covenants with the phrase 'that they are willing' (Moroni 4:3).  This phrase has so much

potential power for us.  Are we willing to serve and participate?

Are we willing to change?  Are we willing to address

our weaknesses?  Are we willing to reach out and

bless others?  Are we willing to trust the Savior?"

James gets up early to go to work.  He is back by 8:30 so we can take the car to Discount to get the tires rotated and balanced.  Before we went to Discount we stopped by Sheri's to take back Ian's slippers that he left at the cabin.  I give Max a hug and James gives Sheri a hug. 

After dropping the car off we went to IHOP for breakfast.  I had an omlet, which I ended up giving to James, soggy hashbrowns, and pancakes.  

We just learned on Facebook today that our friend Brooklyn has juvenille diabetes.

 At least she still has a smile.

Practicing her shot giving skills on her bear.

Ready to go home.

We pick up my car from Discount and take James's truck to Erik's, and then get gas at Sam's Club.  We leave for El Paso around 11:30.

We stayed the night in Jared's house in El Paso and will

continue on to San Antonio tomorrow.  Jared flew out tonight so we didn't even get to see him.  He left us a roast dinner in the crockpot.

It was delicious and we felt like we were at home.

We finished our book, "Adam-Ondi-Ahman" and started a book by a friend of ours called, "Not A Word."

It was a relaxing evening.

Fun Photos

Joshua reading Calvin and Hobbs.

A family tradition.

One of our favorite Vernon families!

Curtis and Zemira are in my Primary class.

This picture of Anna was taken a year ago.

Joe doing what he loves best.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

1 Nephi 13:40-14:8
Why is it so important to hold fast to the plain and precious truths of the gospel?
2 Nephi 7-8
DC 10:11-21
These verses are a powerful reminder that God is in control.  How can this bring you comfort in these perilous times?
Talk: "Abide in My Love"
By: D. Todd Christofferson
October 2016
GC: 'Joy and Spiritual Survival' by President Russell M. Nelson

"When the focus of our lives is on Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening or not happening in our lives."

I spent the morning getting ready to go to Chandler.  I left at noon.  Rolling fog and snow was descending off the Vernon hills.  There was some moisture along the way, but no snow.  The story would have been different if I had come tomorrow.  There is a huge storm coming in.  

Superstition Mountains

In Show Low I stopped at Walmart to pick up prescriptions.  I had to show I.D. for my Tramadol as it is now a controlled substance.  

I drove over to Firehouse Subs to get some lunch and saw Donna Peeler getting in to her Mustang convertible.  She is the coolest grandma on the mountain!  Next I went to the Splash and Dash for gas and a car wash.  James sprayed my car off on Sunday but by the time I reached the Hunsaker's today it was covered in mud again.  I also stopped at the CVS to pick up a prescription for James, and then it was on to Heber.

That's right Dolly!

There were just patches of snow on the Rim.  I stopped at the McDonald's in Payson for an ice cream cone.  There were three highway patrol on the highway just outside of Payson keeping the speed of traffic in check. I was in a race with a car from Minnesota but lost him when I got into the rush hour traffic in the valley.  

I sure do love this girl!

I got to Cathi and Terry's around 5.  James came home and took a shower.  He had been laying tile at his job all day.

That is alot of tile!

Alex and Adam were his worthy assistants.

Nice job!

We took Cathi and Terry to Black Angus for dinner this evening.  James wanted to say thank you to Terry for picking up the tile for his job and we were also celebrating Cathi's birthday.  The food was delicious and the company was great!

Back at home I have to rub Indy's tummy and James has to give Lady a treat before we could read from "Adam-Ondi-Ahman."

Charlotte called so I spent some time on the phone with her.

Fun Photos

I love Joe's hair!

The many faces of Sheri.

Here's another one.

Evan looks a little like Nancy.

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!