OUR FAMILY

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Monday, February 13, 2017

Atlanta, Georgia temple

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

"Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." - Gordon B. Hinckley

What are ways that you live after the manner of happiness?

Mosiah 13-15:14

DC 22-23:7

What verses stood out to me today?

22:1 - Baptism by authority is a new and everlasting covenant.

23 - Preach, exhort, and strengthen the Church.

23:1 - Beware of pride.

23:6 - Pray vocally, secretly, with family, among friends, and in all places.

GC: 'Be Ambitious for Christ' by Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

"In our lives we experience trials, but if we are ambitious for Christ, we can focus on Him and feel joy even in the midst of them. Our Redeemer is the ultimate example. He understood His holy mission and was obedient to the will of God the Father.

What a choice blessing it is to bring His wonderful example to our remembrance each week as we partake of the sacrament."

I had a question today about dispensations. What they were and what were the seven that we usually hear about. I found an article by Brother Robert J. Matthews of BYU entitled "The Fulness of Times" in the December 1989 Ensign that answered most of my questions. The seven dispensations we hear about most are:

Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Joseph Smith. I highly recommend this article!

Yesterday when Sister Skousen and I visited the Kenyon's, Cameron's dad said, to Sister Skousen's comment that she was excited about Cameron's upcoming baptism, that the missionaries were overzealous and he felt like Cameron needed to learn more than just the basics. It was then that I invited him to Primary. I wished I would have said, quoting Dallin H. Oaks: "Some things can only be learned by exercising faith."

Saguaro cactus are so photogenic.

James dropped me off at Walmart today while he went to Discount Tire to see if they could balance our tires so we don't get the vibrating when we go over 65. They were too busy but James made an appointment for next week on the 21st to take it in. He ate at KFC while I did my shopping at Walmart.

When James came to pick me up at Walmart he said I could buy the Prisma colored pencils I have been eyeing. I also got some Abreva for my coldsore which is $17 for a tiny tube. I ended up spending another $200. Yikes! The main reason I came to town was to get ingredients for fixing chili, a cheesecake and a chocolate pie for tonight's dinner with my brothers and their wives.

Darrel posted this on Trina's birthday and I forgot it yesterday.

I couldn't go without posting it today.

I had a short nap when we returned from town and then went to work fixing the chili and setting the table. Nothing fancy:

My glass dishes I bought at the Dollar Tree.

Vickie was supposed to bring some cornbread but when Denise tasted it for her she said it was not good. Vickie agreed and so she threw it out in our front yard for the birds. We had chips instead.

Denise loved the chili and said it was great. We ate most all of it.

Afterwards we played a game of Five Crowns. If you can't tell by the look on her face, Vickie was the winner!

This tree was a conversation piece. Vickie thinks I need

to put some flowers, or decorations on it for whatever the holiday is. For February, hearts, and for March, shamrocks, April, Easter eggs. I kind of like the idea but I am afraid to try. What it really needs is some more family photos! Maybe for Mother's Day.

After everyone left James started doing the dishes. I helped. It was a fun evening and we should have company more often.

A happy night in the Gonzales family and their extended family too.

Fun Photos

Emmy and her soccer team. They got 2nd in last

weekends tournament.

Alex helps Rowan catch a fish at

Power Ranch. This was a

few years ago.

Sunday, February 12, 2016

Happy Birthday Trina!

I sure do love these two,

and these six!

Runners Lexy and Trina

I sent Trina's birthday card and Cheesecake gift card on the 6th and she still hasn't received it. James took her a new card and gift card on his last trip down.

Arequipa, Peru temple

2 Nephi 5:10-25

Why is it important to me to have the light of the gospel in my life?

Mosiah 11:19-12

DC 20:80-21:12

Which prophets have made an impression on you? Share one of your favorite talks with us.

*President Ezra Taft Benson: "Floor the Earth with the Book of Mormon"

*President Gordon B. Hinckley: "Six B's for Youth, 2001.

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

"Beyond rendering the penitent person guiltless and spotless with the promise of being 'lifted up at the last day,' there is a second vital aspect of abiding in the love of God. Abiding in His love will enable us to realize our full potential, to become even as He is.

As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf stated:

'The grace of God does not merely restore us to our previous innocent state...His aim is much higher. He wants His sons and daughters to become like Him. To abide in God's love in this sense means to submit full to His will."

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

President Uchtdorf:

"When missionaries have faith in Jesus Christ, they will trust the Lord to follow His commandments - even when they do not completely understand the reasons for them. Their faith will be manifest through diligence and through work."

James got up earlier than he had planned and helped me finish my Valentines for my class. Without him I would not have finished.

He left in the truck and I left in Lexy because after the block I am visiting the kids in my class who did not attend with the Primary president.

My lesson today was on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and the translation of the gold plates and the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Those attending in my class today: Jace, Colter, and Curtis. During the lesson today Jace said he called Glenzo the "n" word because he was angry with him. Glenzo is an Apache indian from Whiteriver and the "n" word is: A Navajo.

Tana Westbrook, Analee Hunsaker, and Owen Peeler were the speakers in sacrament meeting.

Deborah Brewer, a fairly new convert was called as the ward sacrament meeting chorister today. Denice Hall is the new Primary chorister. She is also still teaching her class.

Jesus loves little children

Becky and I visited Braxton who is supposed to be in my class. We visited with Cameron's dad and Becky expressed her excitement that the missionaries had said Cameron was going to be baptized soon. Cameron's dad seemed to have some doubts which gave us reason for concern. I told him I would love to have him in my Primary class where he could learn more about the gospel. We went to Wyatt's house but were afraid to get out because of the barking dogs. I told her I would come back later with James. One of the kids in my class, Dallas, has moved so I crossed him off my list.

A typical "Haboob" in the valley during the monsoon season.

James had heated up some enchiladas for me for lunch. They tasted so good. I watched "A Dash for Love" during my rest time while James went home teaching to the Peeler's with his new partner, Brother Westbrook.

Fun Photos:

Love the 80's hairdos on the girls and the matching dresses

that Lois made them. Oh yes, and Jared's toothless grin.

Cute picture of Aaron and Kari's family.

Evan's baptism.

Emmy is a soccer player and a very clever girl.

Molly loves to help her dad bake cookies.

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Saturday, February 11, 2017

Anchorage, Alaska temple

2 Nephi 4:28-5:9

Nephi glories in the goodness of God. Why do you think some blessings we receive are conditional on praying and fasting and others are not?

Mosiah 9-11:17

DC 20:66-79

What are some ways that we can remember Christ everyday?

Talk: "Remembering in Whom We Have Trusted"

By: Allen D. Haynie

October 2015

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

"In order to help the Book of Mormon become the keystone of your testimony, I offer you a challenge. I recently learned that many young people spend an average of seven hours a day looking at TV, computer, and smart pphone screens. With this in mind, would you make a small change? Will you replace some of that daily screen time - particularly that devoted to social media, the internet, gaming, or television with reading the Book of Mormon even if for only 10 minutes a day. And you can study in a way that allows you to enjoy it and understand it."

We left the house this morning for the Snowflake temple at 6:45 after our family prayer. I love these early morning trips to the temple. Today there was a beautiful full moon in the western sky, and a gorgeous pink sunrise in the eastern sky with elk running alongside the road.

Our 8 am session was nearly full. Here is our after session selfie:

It was a little windy today.

We had an early lunch at El Cupidos. I got the green chili mixed burro. It didn't even compare with the one at Burger House. We then went to Walmart for bread, envelopes, and floss. Somehow we ended up spending over $40.

Our next stop was at the post office in Show Low where we mail the Texas grandkids valentines. Finally we made it home! That last two miles is the longest and most grueling.

Amazing picture of a sunset and a rainbow!

After our nap James went out and power sprayed the cars, garage, and driveway. I sew a button on one of James's white shirts, make enchiladas using my own recipe, and begin Jmaking Valentines for my Primary kids. James loved my enchiladas. We were in bed by nine.

Fun Photos

Joshua reading the Book of Mormon in 2015.

Rowan and Evan on New Year's Day in Vernon.

Gonzo game night.

I remember these with my dad who always beat us at

Monopoly. He would outsmart us and then laugh his head off.

Very humiliating and frustrating. Not my fondest memory of him.

Three of my favorites.

I love to hear Dallin sing.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Redlands, California temple

2 Nephi 4:1-27

Lehi counsels and blesses his family. If you had to say your final goodbyes to your family which things would be the most important to mention to your loved ones?

Mosiah 7:17-8

Abinadi prophesies of the coming of Christ. Salvation liberates us.

DC 20:49-65

Why is it important that we sustain our leaders?

Talk: "Sustaining the Prophets

By: Russell M. Nelson

October 2014

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

"Elder Neal A. Maxwell said in 1982:

'Much sifting will occur because of lapses in righteous behavior which go unrepented of. A few will give up instead of holding out to the end. A few will be deceived by defectors. Likewise, others will be offended, for sufficient unto each dispensation are the stumbling blocks thereof!'"

Two Neal A. Maxwell quotes in a row!

This first thing James does in the morning when he gets up is to make his morning drink: warm lemon water. I am usually up at least an hour or two before he is. By the time he gets up I am ready for my morning beverage: a Dr. Pepper 10 with ice.

While James was sitting at the table this morning with the blinds open he spotted an elk.

There were actually 3, two small bulls and a cow.

I had four big strawberries with my chocolate this morning. I don't feel so guilty when I have a little fiber with my chocolate.

This morning I studied the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School lesson entitled: "The First Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel."

I love depositing checks by phone. One of the things I love most about the Chase Bank app.

James and I went to town today. We had lunch at Darbi's. I was hungry for bbq so I had the pulled pork sandwich with sweet potato fries. James had a tuna salad sandwich with potato salad for his side.

Snow on the Superstition

James went to Home Depot and got my wood floor polish. He then came into Walmart and got my prescriptions while I was shopping. I got some more Valentine stuff, and a new hot glue gun. Between the two of us we spent over $200. We did self-checkout and when James scanned the rubber cement the machine ask for his age I.D. card.

We finished "The Boys in the Boat." We loved it! Thanks Jared.

I came home and made valentines to send to James, Anna, Emmy, Molly, Summer, and Tanner.

We had BLT's for dinner. James has a bad sinus infection. We did not watch any TV this evening but we did enjoy looking at the full moon.

Fun Photos

Stacy and Joshua made this candy flag for a school project.

Joshua got to see the Lego Batman movie tonight.

He held Robin and Batman up so they could watch it with him.

Our friend Judy from Vernon got to meet Sister

Linda Reeves, a counselor in the RS General Presidency,

at the Roots Tech conference.

State Champions!

Two coaches from Vernon and two boys on the team

from Vernon.

Two years ago at the Phoenix temple open house.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Adelaide, Australia temple

2 Nephi 3:6-25

Compare with Genesis 49:10,22,26.

This chapter, coupled with Joseph of Egypt's Patriarchal blessing, are great confirmations to the truth behind the Book of Mormon and the gospel we believe. What are my favorite witnesses I have found?

Mosiah 5-7:15

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

"To be a witness of God at all times and in all places reflects both how we live and how we speak. Be open about your faith in Christ. When the occasion presents itself, speak of His life, His teachings, and His incomparable gift to all mankind. Share His powerful truths from the Book of Mormon. He has given us this promise:

'Whosoever...shall confess me before men, him will I confess...before my Father...in heaven. I promise you that as you pray often and sincerely for opportunities to stand as a witness of God, those opportunities will come, and those who seek more light and knowledge will be put before you. As you respond to spiritual promptings, the Holy Ghost will carry your words to the heart of another, and one day the Savior will confess you before His Father."

DC 20:37-48

How has the priesthood bless your life?

Talk: The Ten Blessings of the Priesthood

By: Bruce R. McConkie

October 1977

1. We are members of the only true and living Church upon the face of the whole earth, and we have received the fulness of the gospel.

2. We have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, and we are entitled to receive the gifts of the Spirit - then wondrous spiritual endowments which set us apart from the world and raise us above carnal things.

3. We can be sanctified by the Spirit, have dross and evil burned out of us as though by fire, become clean and spotless, and be fit to dwell with gods and angels.

4. We can stand in the place and stead of the Lord Jesus Christ in administering salvation to the children of men.

5. We have power to become the sons of God, to be adopted into the family of the Lord Jesus Christ, to have Him as our Father to be one with Him as He is one with the Father.

6. We can enter into the patriarchal order, the order of eternal marriage, the order which enables the family unit to continue everlastingly in celestial glory.

7. We have power to govern all things, both temporal and spiritual kingdoms of the world, and the elements and storms and powers of the earth.

8. We have power, through the priesthood, to gain eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God.

9. We have power to make our calling and election sure, so that while we yet dwell in mortality, having overcome the world and been true and faithful in all things, we shall be sealed up unto eternal life and have the unconditional promise of eternal life in the presence of Him whose we are.

10. We have the power - and it is our privilege - so to live that becoming pure in heart, we shall see the face of God while we yet dwell as mortals in a world of sin and sorrow.

For lunch today we had pork chops, expertly cooked by James, hashbrowns, applesauce, cranberry celebration, and salad. Everything was delicious.

I finished today's blogging, which was James's birthday entry. While I was blogging my friend LeeAnn delivered some Protandim. She was one of my young women and she reminded me of the time we made cake balls at my house and how much fun it was. She said we should do it again and I agreed. When she left I gave her a heart shaped box of chocolates.

Sedona

This isn't me. It's a friend of mine who lives in Vernon.

Brian's wife Cher did several posts on Facebook about all of the water running in the area. Fool's Hollow is running over the spillway, Woodland Lake and Show Low Lake are both running very high. James took a ride down to Chocolate Lake and he said it is filling up with water. He was going to go to Buckelieu Springs but it was getting dark. James wore his jammies most of the day except when he went for this ride.

James and I watched one of my favorite Hallmark Valentine movies. It is called Smooch and is the modern day story of the frog prince. I love the part where Flynn comforts Zoe regarding her torn and discarded Valentine.