Wednesday, February 1, 2017

1 Nephi 21:1-21

1.  When have I been a missionary in my everyday life?

2.  When have you had the chance to be an everyday missionary?

Jacob 5

DC: 18:21-30

How do we take upon us the name of Christ?

Talk:  "Taking Upon Us The Name of Jesus Christ?

By: Dallin H. Oaks

April 1985

GC:   'I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home' by Jean

B. Bingham

"When we see our own imperfections more clearly, we are less inclined to view others 'through a glass, darkly.'

We want to use the light of the gospel to see others as the Savior does - with compassion, hope, and charity.  The day will come

when we will have a complete understanding of others' hearts and will be grateful to have mercy extended to us - just as we

extend charitable thoughts and words to others during this life."

After my morning gospel study I paid my credit card bill that is due today and then headed for Deseret Book to pick out a gift for Karen Schneider.  I am having lunch with her today and it is her birthday month.  This is what I got:

I also got this book for James and I to read.

I already have a gratitude journal like this one.

I got to Firebirds, our favorite restaurant, before Karen did because she was helping a friend with family history work.  While I was waiting I got a Firebirds gift card for Sheri's birthday to go with her puzzle.  (Earlier I bought gift cards for Trina, Stacy, Adam, and Joe for their birthdays.  We have lots of February birthdays!)

It was great to see Karen.  I had our regular meal of coconut shrimp with habernero mango salsa coleslaw, and sourdough bread.  For dessert I ordered creme brulee cheesecake.  Karen has cancer and was very careful about what she ate.  She will probably have to have treatments for the rest of her life to keep her cancer in check.

She brought me a gift too:

She got me started on the Aunt Dimity series years ago and I have every book, except this new one.  I am excited to read it!

We had a nice visit and then said our goodbyes and decided we would do it again soon.  I went home to take a nap but not before reading from my new Aunt Dimity book.  Nancy Atherton is a good writer.

James spent the morning re-making the cabinet he ordered from his friend Dan.  He came home feeling quite sick.  It's probably from the episode last week when he got sprayed with water.  He went right to bed.  I got him a blanket, aspirin, soup, stew, and water.  I eat Goldfish and creme brulee cheesecake for dinner.  Oh yes, I also read from "Boys in the Boat" for James.  Once he was asleep I read from Aunt Dimity.

Terry and Cathi are so kind.  They provided the soup and stew for James.  

Fun Photos

Four of my favorites.  Two of them have birthdays' today.

Happy Birthday Drea and Adrienne!

A year or two ago.

Adam and Alex helping in Lois' yard.

Is she cool or what?  I love the cowboy boots and the

look on her face.

Evan's Robo Company bake sale a couple of years ago.

He made a lot of money and shared it with his workers,

Max, Joshua, and Rowan.

I love this face!

The Ray boys the way I remember them before they

all grew up.

Andy, Brennan, Peter

Tim, and Matt.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

The Lord is My Shepherd

1 Nephi 20:1-22

How have I been refined by the Lord and what have I gained from the experience?

Mormon Message: "The Refiner's Fire:

Jacob 3-4

DC 18:11-20

Why is it important that we have faith, hope, and charity?

DC 18:20 - "Prayer is the key which unlocks the door and lets Christ into our lives."

GC:     'Repentance' by Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Blaming others, even if justified, allows us to excuse our behavior.

By so doing, we shift responsibility for our actions to others.

When the responsibility is shifted, we diminish both the need and our ability to act.  We turn ourselves into hapless victims

rather than agents capable of independent action.

Another choice that impedes repentance is minimizing our

mistakes which removes the motivation to change.

This thinking prevents us from seeing that our mistakes and sins

have eternal consequences."

I left for the temple at 7am.  James left for work at about the same time.  I made it to the 7:45 session in the Gilbert temple.  It was a big session.  I was grateful to be there because this is the first time, besides Jared and Kacey's sealing that I have been able to attend the temple this month because of sickness.  I spoke with Brother Price after the session in the elevator.  It was almost 10 o'clock when I got out.  I had to call Kim and tell her I wouldn't be picking her up until 10:30.  We are going shopping at Target and Hobby Lobby for valentines and puzzles.

No selfie

I really enjoyed my shopping trip with Kim.  We went to Target and found a few things but I really struck it rich at Hobby Lobby.  I found the cutest valentines and some great puzzles.  Here are a few of the puzzles we looked at.

I didn't buy this one, but I thought it was fun.

I almost bought this one for Sheri 

I got this one for Sheri instead.

I bought one of these for Kim and one for Stacy

only to find out that Stacy already has this one.

Later I got this one for Stacy and had it shipped to her house.

After my shopping trip I dropped Kim off at home and then went back to Cathi's for a long nap.  I needed it because of my sleepless night last night.

Day and night

James got home early from work and was upset with Dan.  The cabinet he built was backwards and when James called to tell him about it he blew up.  James said not to worry about it that he would take care of it.  Later James saw him at Home Depot and he tried to apologize, which was fine, but I don't think James will ever use him again.

I love it when there is snow on Four Peaks.

I went to Evan's flag football practice with Sheri.  She is worried about Evan's neck because it has been bothering him for awhile.  He was holding it funny while he practiced but in spite of it he made some good catches.  

I made a trip to Walmart this evening to get James some lemons, his sinus rinse, and dry mouth lozenges.  I also bought myself a new ironing board as my old one bit the dust.  When I get home James and I share a sub sandwich for dinner.  

Before going to bed we read from our book:

It was a good day for me but not so much for James.  He said during the night I sat up in bed and said: "There is a big ball coming towards us."  His response: "Then get out of the way."

Fun Photos

Ruby's Elk, October 2016

Joshua's amazing creation.

I think the trophy is for the Pinewood Derby.

When Lola was a baby she got alot of attention.

Elder Jensen

Monday, January 30, 2017

1 Nephi 19:7-24
Have there been times in my life when I chose not to retaliate after a wrong was done to me?  How did I feel?
Jacob 1-2
DC 18:1-10
How can we be more supportive of our leaders whom the Lord has called?
Talk: "Bishop, Help!"
By: Dallin H. Oaks
April 1997
GC:   'No Greater Joy Than to Know That They Know' by Elder K. Brett Nattress

"I am eternally grateful for my angel mother and for all angels who love children perfectly, notwithstanding their imperfections.  

I firmly believe that all sisters - I will call them 'angels' - are mothers in Zion, whether or not they are married or bear children during this earthly experience.  years ago the First Presidency

proclaimed: 'Motherhood is near to divinity.  It is the

highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.  It places her 

who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.'"

My angel mother.

I didn't get up until 6:30 this morning.  I guess it's because I didn't go to bed until 11.  I actually fixed James some breakfast this morning.  I read one of my favorite scriptures from the Doctrine and Covenants today: "The worth of souls is great in the sight of God." (DC 18:10)

I was ready to leave for the valley by noon but we didn't actually leave until 12:20.  James had to drain all the water lines in case it freezes while we are gone.  Oh yes, something else slowed us down.  We got stuck in the driveway again! James digs us out and away we go.  Our first stop was at the Vernon post office, then it was on to the Splash and Dash in Show Low for our carwash and gas.  We also went to the Show Low post office, Arby's, and Dennis's to take him Amanda's senior pictures that Jenifer sent back with us.  James wanted to go the Globe way to pick up burros for Cathi and Terry and so we headed back towards Show Low.  

When we drove up in Terry and Cathi's driveway James started to panic.  All the tools he had left in the back of his truck were gone.  He went inside and came back with a big smile on his face.  Terry was worried about them and unloaded them and loaded them into the back of his truck which is always parked in the garage.  That is a good brother!

When Cathi asked Terry what he wanted her to fix for dinner he said: "James and Karen are coming down and James will stop and get us burros.  I am so glad we went the Globe way!

Cathi helped me carry my things in.  As soon as we unloaded the car we went down to Sheri's for dinner.  She almost always invites us when we are here.  We had salmon, rice, and asparagus.  

Sheri told us about an experience our friends the Boles's had in the temple.  They had decided to sell their house and move to Gilbert.  They had a buyer offer them a great price for their house and they found their dream house in Gilbert.  They went to the temple to verify their decision but did not feel good about moving, so they are staying in Chandler.  I love this story!

James went to Dan Taylor's to pick up the cabinet Dan made for the Bowen job.  This is why we had to come down today.  James has to be finished with this job by tomorrow.  

I have a hard time sleeping tonight because I took 3 Tramadols.  I read a chapter to James from "Boys in the Boat."

Family Photos

Rowan's pinewood car.

Two years ago.

Taken a couple of years ago.

I sure do like these people!

The newlyweds again.

I just can't get enough of them.

'

Sunday, January 29, 2017

1 Nephi 18:21-19:6
How does Nephi remind me of Christ? (Compare Mark 4:34-39)
2 Nephi 31-33
DC 17:1-9
When have you relied on the word of the Lord and felt that you have been protected from the adversary?
Talk: "Trust in the Lord"
By: Marion G. Hanks
April 1975
GC:  'God Shall Wipe Away All Tears' by Elder Evan A. Schmutz

"Many of us have pleaded with God to remove the cause of ur suffering, and when the relief we seek has not come, we have been tempted to think He is not listening.  I testify that, even in those moments, He hears our prayers, has a reason for allowing our

afflictions to continue, and will help us bear them."

Our garage door was frozen shut this morning when we went to open it.  "Superman" has to open it with his suit on.  Now the rubber guard is torn.  

The Applegates spoke in sacrament meeting today.  First they spoke together and then each of them spoke separately.  The topics: Home and visiting teaching.  

My lesson on Joseph Smith receiving the gold plates went quite well.  Jace, Lianna, Colter, and Curtis attended.  During the third hour the Primary president told the teachers they were excused to go to the bishopric adult meeting in the chapel.  Woohoo!

Bishop spoke for a few minutes and then Brother Wilhelm led the remainder of the meeting.  Here are a few notes I took:

Bishop - Take the Book of Mormon challenge seriously.  Blessings will come, your life will be changed.  Your ability to serve will be elevated.  Stretch yourself and put God first.  How sincere are your prayers?

Brother Wilhelm - The importance of Teacher Council Meetings.  How can we be better teachers?  The Savior's way of teaching came from who He was and the "power of the Spirit that He carried with Him" (Luke 4:14).  The key to teaching as the Savior taught is to live as the Savior lived.  How did He live?  The Savior was full of love.  Everything the Savior did was an expression of love.  The Savior sought and obeyed His Fathers will and taught His Father's doctrine.  The Savior was completely committed to His sacred mission - to bring God's children back to Him.  The Savior loved the scriptures and used them to teach and testify of His mission.  The Savior lived what He taught.  In every setting He was the perfect example.  He taught His followers to pray by praying with them.  He taught them how to live His gospel by the way He lived.  He was always teaching.  

Friends

Brother Bogle who passed away two years ago.

He is remembered for singing the song

"Stampede" around scout campfires.

The Kempton's, our dear friends from Chandler.

President Kempton was a mission president in the same

mission where Jared served while he was there.

For lunch today we had leftover meatloaf and potatoes.  Afterwards James went home teaching to the Wallace's.  I took a nap on the couch.  When James gets home I get up and he takes a nap in the bedroom.  

It is a little unusual to see deer in our yard.

I worked on my blog, and did my gospel study.  When James woke up we watched "Love Locks", a Hallmark movie and read from "Boys in the Boat" by the fire.  We went to bed around 11.

Jared and Kacey

Jared shared this on Facebook recently:

"Three years ago I was at the lowest point that I've ever been in my life.  I was desperate and it felt like there was no escape in sight.  One week ago I married the most amazing person I've ever met.  She has taught me about life and love and what's most important.  There were many days and weeks and years of pain and heartache.  With those days came much prayer and fasting.  I've learned that the Lord lifts us up and comforts us through our trials.  He teaches us.  He leads us, and when we turn our will over to Him then He blesses us.  No prayer goes unheard.  No heartache is given without an opportunity to learn and grow and for Him to lift and carry and comfort.  He has blessed me with the most amazing woman and a wonderful blended family that I love and adore.  I'm grateful for her and I'm grateful for Him.  I'm just grateful."

Kacey shared on Facebook:

"Exactly a week ago, I stood in a Holy temple and committed myself in marriage for eternity.  Literally the best day of my life.  

Today, a week later, I sat in a church for my grandmother's funeral.

Two very different weekends.  However, as I stood at my grandmothers casket and looked at her, so beautiful and peaceful, I was overwhelmed with a very strong sense of the eternal nature of families, very similar to what I had felt just a week prior as Jared and I were married and two families merged.  As I stood and looked at my paternal grandmother, I felt her presence, as well as the presence of my maternal grandmother.  In this moment I became so much more aware of the beauty of God's plan for families.  I felt no divisions of mom's side or dad's side or Mormon or Baptist...I felt unity.  Unity in my grandmothers. l Unity in family.  Whether in the happiest time of marriage or the saddest time of death, it all ties back to the same place.  Family.  Forever.

I love and appreciate these two so much and we are so grateful to have Kacey and her children as part of our family.

Saturday, January 28, 2017

1 Nephi 18:5-20

1.  When has Christ been a "ship" in my life,and kept me safe from lif's storms?

2.  Why did the Liahona stop working for Lehi's family?  How can we avoid this happening in our lives?

2 Nephi 29-30

DC 15-16

What does the Lord mean when He says, "...mine arm is over all the earth?"

Talk: "To Look, Reach and Come unto Christ"

By: Anne C. Pingree

Oct 2006

GC:   'Lest Thou Forget' by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Generations are affected by the choices we make.  Share your testimony with your family; encourage them to remember how they felt when they recognized the Spirit in their lives and to record those feelings in journals and personal histories so that their own words may, when needed, bring to their rembrance how good the Lord has been to them."

This statement was made in response to President Trump's

immigration policy.

Icicles on our shed

I was up at 5am and actually stayed on my schedule!  I almost forgot what a schedule was.  

I was frustrated this morning while trying to download pictures from my phone to my computer.  The import prompt was not coming up.  I say several prayers, and finally it appears!

My Primary lesson is about Joseph Smith receiving the

Gold Plates and the Urim and Thummim.

Here is a picture of what we believe the Urim and Thummim

to look like.

James had requested a meatloaf for his birthday dinner.  Since we were at Sheri's for his birthday I told him I would make him a meatloaf when we got home.  Today for lunch we had meatloaf, baked potatoes, and green beans.  It was a delicious meal and we both enjoyed it.

This is a picture of the water tank and windmill across

highway 60 as you come into Vernon.

Ian took this picture.

Today was a gorgeous, sunny day with the high of 35 degrees.  I love to see the snow glisten when the sun shines on it.  

An announcement was made regarding the Tucson temple today.  The open house will be in June, and the temple will be dedicated in August.

Tucson temple,

the sixth temple in Arizona

James and I read from "The Boys in the Boat" and I read from "The Contrite Spirit" today.  James loves the book I got him about Joseph Smith.  It goes right along with the Sunday School lessons he is teaching from the Doctrine and Covenants, Church History.  He also likes his photo stick.

Fun Photos

They look so small!

James giving Michael some advice.

It looks like Michael is trying not to laugh.

Lola and James on his birthday last year.

Amanda and Anna at the Snowflake temple,

December 2015.

December 2015

Friday, January 27, 2017

Looks a little like Hogwarts

1 Nephi 17:48-18:4

1.  When has the Lord asked me to do something and the give me the instructions rather than do the work for me?

2.  How can you build your life just life Nephi built the ship, not after the manner of men but "after the manner which the Lord had shown unto" you?

2 Nephi 27-28

DC 14:1-11

Has there been a time when you stood as a witness for God?

Talk: "Standing with God"

By: Sharon G. Larsen

April 2000

GC:       'Serve' by Elder Carl B. Cook

" I felt a distinct spiritual confirmation that my new assignment was inspired.  All Church callings come from God - through His appointed servants.  It is important that we make that connection - that our callings literally come to us from God through our priesthood leaders."

I got up at five but I am off to a slow start.  I make the mistake of laying back down.  James and I have scriptures and prayer together, and then I get read to go to lunch with Kaeli and Hailey.  Kaeli is my visiting teaching companion and we visit Hailey.  She stays in town on Fridays until her kids get out of school, so we decided to take her to lunch.  She wanted to go to Persnikkity's.  

Of course Hailey brought her 18 month old Huntleigh with her.  Haiey and I both had the green chili chicken sandwich.  It was delicious!  

We got into a discussion about green tea.  To drink or not to drink.  When I got home James said no, we don't.  It is tea, it has tannic acid and caffeine.  

The message this month was on the purpose of Relief Society which is to "Come Unto Christ" and become perfected in Him.  I told Hailey that the work she was doing as a mother was much like the work of the Savior.  She feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and cares for the sick and needy.  

James serving me by helping me clean the refrigerator.

After lunch I went to Walmart to get some groceries.  I also made a stop at the post office.  Now I know why they call it the White Mountains.  The mountains surrounding Vernon were all covered in snow.  I should have stopped and taken a picture.

Although this is snow, this is not one of the mountains 

surrounding Vernon.

By the time I got home, Lexy was covered in mud.  Our road is a mud bog for the last two miles.  I got stuck in the driveway because the snow was piled so high.  The snow shovel and James dig me out.  Lexy hides her shame in the garage.

This picture doesn't show really how dirty she is.

James carries in all the groceries and I put them away and then go to my recliner for some rest and relaxation.  I watch the 2016 "Signed, Sealed, Delivered Valentine Special."  James says we have seen it, but I don't remember it.  It was really good!  I can hardly wait for this years.  Afterwards he helps me clean out the refrigerator.  (See picture above.) He breaks a glass shelf and glass shatters everywhere.

Fun Photos

Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter

One of the members of my Primary class enjoying

the snow on his family's snowmobile.

Lois with Darrel's kids.

Taken a couple of years ago.

Fieldtrip to Boyce Thompson Artoretum.

Sheri's favorite fieldtrip.

Dallin and Adam enjoying some pizza after

helping their dad.