Monday, February 27, 2017

Bountiful, Utah 

47th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 20:12-34 (Compare Isaiah 10)

Social injustices exist in the northern kingdom of Israel.  The kingdom of Assyria is an instrument in God's hand to punish Israel. God destroys Assyria, which is a type of destruction at the Second Coming.  A remnant of Israel will return in the last days.  Understanding the gospel is one thing.  Living it is another.  We are commanded to care for the poor and needy.  The obsession of ancient Assyria was land, power, and wealth.  The Lord burned and consumed the Assyrians as a type of the burning that will take place at His Second Coming, in a world also obsessed with land, wealth, and power. During this testing time the righteous must continue to love God, trust in His promises, be patient and be assured.  2 Nephi 20 teaches us to wait upon the Lord with faith and never give up, but to "stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for His arm to be revealed" (DC 123:17)

Alma 9-10:4

9-Alma commands the people of Ammonihah to repent-The Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites in the last days-If the Nephites forsake the light, they will be destroyed by the Lamanites-The Son of God will come soon-He will redeem those who repent, are baptized, and have faith in His name. 

DC 34:1-12

What can you do in your life now to prepare for the Second Coming?

Talk: "Preparation for the Restoration and the Second Coming. My Hand Be Over Thee"

By: Robert D. Hales

October 2005

I listened to this talk by Elder Hales and absolutely loved it!

General Conference

'No Greater Joy Than To Know That They Know

By Elder K. Brett Nattress

"I am grateful for the gift of the Book of Mormon.  I know that it is true!  It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am unaware of anyone who is diligently reading the Book of Mormon each day with pure intent and with faith in Christ who has lost their testimony and fallen away.  Moroni's prophetic promise carries with it the key to know the truth of all things including having the ability to discern and avoid the deceptions of the adversary."

(See Moroni 10:4-5)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAD

WHO WAS BORN IN 1931 AND WOULD

BE 86 YEARS OLD TODAY

This is my favorite picture of my dad because he was

happiest on the back of a horse living out in the middle

of nowhere on the Milky Ranch.

The Milky Ranch is near the Petrified Forest

and the Painted Desert.

 My dad was a successful businessman in Show Low for many years when he ran Kings Market later renamed Double MM

Market before it was gutted by a fire.  It was after that my dad was able to live and breath ranching.

My dad's parents:

Verdie Rea Robinson

and

Arlee T. Maxwell

Although my mom and dad's marriage didn't last,

I believe her loved my mom and she loved him.

This is me as a baby.

Aunt Gene on the left was my dad's only sibling.

She is with my brother Dennis's wife Denise.  

Aunt Gene is my only living tie to my

dad's family.  I love her. She will be 90 years old in March.

I am grateful for this knowledge and I am sure

my dad is too.

My friend Hailey came over today and demonstrated LipSense lipstick.  I bought two colors.

It's suppose to last all day

I got a text from Addy today asking if I would be in the valley next Monday, March 6th.  Actually I am going down this Wednesday for a tooth extraction and my infusion but we are planning on coming back Saturday.  She wants me to come to her choir concert.  She has had two other concerts I have not been able to attend so I told her I would be there.  We will just come home Saturday, teach our classes on Sunday and go back to the valley on Monday.

We heard some sad news today.  Our primary care physician, Dr. Moffat was suppose to be in his new office today but a fire destroyed it Saturday night.  Dr. Moffat is an amazing man who makes house calls and really cares about people.  We love and appreciate him and hope he can get in to that new office very soon.

Sunday, February 26, 2017

Boston, Massachusetts

100th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 19:1-20:11

Four evils denounced and four warnings pronounced.

How do you combat the four evils Isaiah denounces - pride, errant leaders, wickedness, and neglecting the poor and needy?

Alma 7:11-Alma 8

7-Christ will be born of Mary-He will loose the bands of death and bear the sins of His people-Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments will have eternal life-Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God-Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required.

8-Alma preaches and baptizes in Melek-He is rejected in Ammonihah and leaves-An angel commands him to return and cry repentance unto the people-He is received by Amulek, and the two of them preach in Ammonihah. About 82 B.C.

DC 33:1-18

How can we always be sure to have enough oil in our lamps?

Talk: "The C's of Spirituality"

By: Robert E. Wells

General Conference:

'Lest Thou Forget' by Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"As you faithfully live the gospel of Jesus Christ 

and abide by it's teachings, your testimony will be protected and it will grow.  Keep the covenants you have made, regardless of the actions of those around you.  Be diligent parents, brothers and

sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends who

strengthen loved ones with personal testimony and who share

spiritual experiences.  Remain faithful and steadfast, even if

storms of doubt invade your lives through the actions of others.

Seek that which will edify and fortify you spiritually.

Avoid counterfeit offerings of so-called truths which are so pervasive, and remember to record your feelings of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

THESE TWO GRANDSONS!

Adam who is turning 27

Joe who is turning 20

This is the advice I have for them:

Jace A. was our youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  He forgot he was giving a talk so he got up and told a story about fasting and praying for a chance to participate in long jump on the track team and how his prayers were answered.  It couldn't have been better if he was prepared.

Sister Wallace spoke on the importance of family history and how she started out little by little doing what she called genealogy after she joined the church.  James ask her after sacrament meeting how many names she has submitted for temple work.  Her answer: Around 25,000.  She said she would love to help anyone who needs help with doing research.  

Sister Johnson started her talk by telling a story about a time when she brought her five year old grandson to church.  He kept talking and she kept shushing him.  When they got home he said to her: "Grandma, now I know why you wanted me to be quiet in church." Her response: "Why?"   "Because everyone was sleeping."

Sister Johnson spoke on service and what an amazing example she is.  She gives so much community service and is involved in just about everything there is to do in Vernon.  I loved this quote from her talk:

"Feed yourself spiritually so you have something to

give to others."

I had my Primary class today and Sister Hall's. The lesson was on the witnesses of the gold plates.  I loved the story of how Mary Whitmer got to see the plates and how the Angel Moroni appeared to her as an old man when she went out to the barn to milk the cow.  She had been working extra hours since the Smith's had come to live with her and Brother Whitmer.  She was not ask to bear testimony of the plates.  The visit was strictly to buoy her up at a time when she was tired and a little stressed. 

  These are the children who attended my class: Zemira, Colter, Lianna, and Curtis.  We have two visitors from the valley, the Allen's granddaughters Bently who lives in Gilbert and Briden who lives in Queen Creek.

I finally had the opportunity to give Lianna her Valentine:

For lunch today we had soup and tuna sandwiches.  During my gospel study I ask Pam G. if I could come by for a visit and bring her a Valentine.  I am her new visiting teacher but we are also pretty good friends.  She said she didn't want to be my assignment and so I bore my testimony of visiting teaching to her. She is a convert and may not be aware of how visiting teaching works.  She gives so much service in the community visiting people in the hospital and rest homes.  She is a wonderful example of what a visiting teacher should be only she does it without being assigned.

My Arizona picture for today taken in my own

backyard.

We have decided not to have the TV on on Sunday anymore.  There are so many more important things to do on the Sabbath.  Needless to say we missed the Oscars.

Fun Photos:

I think this was taken of Molly

about three years ago at a soccer game.

I absolutely love this picture!

Family Portrait 1978

Saturday, February 25, 2017

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

2 Nephi 18:1-22

Christ shall be as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense - Seek the Lord, not peeping wizards - Turn to the law and to the testimony for guidance - Compare Isaiah 8.

Alma 5:41-7:10

The Good Shepherd calleth his people - Those who do evil works are children of the devil - Alma testifies of the truth of his doctrine and commands men to repent - Names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life. 6 - The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order - Alma goes to Gideon to preach. 7 - Christ shall be born of Mary - He shall loose the bands of death and bear the sins of his people - Those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments shall have eternal life - Filthiness cannot inherit the kingdom of God - Humility, faith, hope, and charity are required.

DC 32:1-5

How can this section give us confidence that the Lord is always with us?

Song: "Be Still My Soul"

GC:            'The Doctrine of Christ' by Brian K. Ashton

Douglas D. Holmes, First Counselor in the YMGP, has written: 

 "The ordinances of baptism and the sacrament symbolize both the end result and process of being born again.  In baptism, we bury the old man of flesh and come forth to a newness of life.  

In the sacrament, we learn that this change is a step-by-step process, where little by little, week by week, we are transformed as we repent, covenant and through increased endowments of the Spirit, become like the Savior."

GC:                       'Serve' by Elder Carl B. Cook

"Brothers and sisters, accepting and fulfilling a calling is an act of faith.  President Monson says:

'Whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies,' and

'When we are on the Lord's errand, we are entitled to the Lord's help.'"

We attended the 8 o'clock session at the Snowflake temple this morning.  There are a few regulars in this session: Jerry Frost, and the little Filipino sister and her husband.  Also in this session Brother Peeler and Bishop Miller from our ward.  We did our regular after session selfie.

 A couple of oldies and the Angel Moroni.

I tried something at El Cupido's that I've never had before, a carna asada burrito.  I think it is my new favorite.  At Walmart we got some pork chops and walnuts, two staples at our house.  

Painting or photo?  You tell me.

After my nap this afternoon I spent some time doing my regular gospel study that I normally do in the morning.  I read from my book, "Contrite Spirit," and then from the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.  We listened to two conference talks on the way to the temple.  While I was working on my blog James came and ask me to go with him to see if we could find where Brother Slaughter lives.  James has been called to be his visiting teacher.  He doesn't have a phone number but we do have an address for him.  

James stopped at the place with his address but they had never heard of him.  There was no other possible place around that could have been his.  It was a little like the "Twilight Zone."  Did he just disappear?  James reported it to the ward membership clerk and he said he would send his records to Salt Lake.

This is a picture of Ben helping Adam celebrate 

his birthday.

It was a cold day here in Vernon so of course James built a fire.  I am tired of the dusty footprints so this is what I have devised until I can get some more rugs:

A trail to the fireplace

In our "Lady of the Lakes" book Walter Scott and Charlotte are falling in love.  It is starting to get good.  

We had pork chops and applesauce for dinner.  The applesauce is some that I canned at the cannery in Mesa in 2001 but it is still good.  

I was too tired to study my Primary lesson this evening so I decided I would get up at 4 a.m.  

Fun Photos and Starbucks

You're too expensive anyway!

Kim and Brian went to Tucson last night to

this concert.

A younger Evan at school.

Adam helping Gpa on his shed.

Visiting Teaching goodie basket.

Jared posted this last year.

Friday, February 24, 2017

Bogota, Colombia, 
57th operating temple.

2 Nephi 16:1-17:25

Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people He knew would reject the message?

Alma 5:1-40

To gain salvation, men must repent and keep the commandments, be born again, cleanse their garments through the blood of Christ, be humble and strip themselves from pride and envy, and do the works of righteousness, whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil.

DC 31:1-13

How can verse 2 bring us comfort if we have family members who have strayed?

Talk: "Followers of Christ"

By: Dallin H. Oaks

April 2013

GC:     "If Ye Had Known Me" by Elder David A. Bednar

'Pressing forward on the strait and narrow path is what He would have us do.  Tasting the fruit of the tree and becoming deeply "converted unto the Lord are the blessings He yearns for us to receive."  Hence, He beckons us 'Come follow me.'

Both exercising faith in and following Jesus Christ are necessary preparations for serving Him.'

"Preach My Gospel" - Using the Book of Mormon in missionary work.

James requested I read a couple of chapters from "Lady of the Lakes."  I also read from "Contrite Spirit," chapter 12 regarding 

Expectations.

My Primary lesson this month is on the witnesses of the gold plates.  To me it is interesting that the Lord provided 12 witnesses of the gold plates just as he provided 12 witnesses of the Savior.

Sedona

I worked on learning how to use Hope Chest on Family Search today but as of yet I have not actually used it.  After blogging, taking a shower, and a nap I cleaned in the family/living room.  I dusted, vacuumed, including the couch, and polished part of the floor where James walks from outside to the fireplace. 

After my inside cleaning I went outside and picked up pinecones just outside the living room.  We have a pine tree that loves to drop pine cones.  

I also paid some bills while James was upstairs working on taxes.  We did two things together today.  We read 3 chapters from "Lady of the Lakes," and watched the newest episode of "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."  This episode was about the aftermath of displaced people as a result of Hurricane Katrina.  This was the best episode yet!  Norman and Rita are engaged and Shane and Oliver kissed.

Photos and Information

 Happy Birthday Karen!

She turns 70 today.

Six of my beautiful grandchildren.

James loves to study in front of the fire.

Here he is pondering a gospel topic.

Lola helped Trina decorate Addy's room.

I am a little concerned about this.

Are some of our rights being taken away?

Thursday, February 23, 2017

Bern, Switzerland Temple #9

2 Nephi 15:1-30

In a world virtually overflowing with knowledge, how is there a famine of spiritual knowledge?

Alma 3-4

Men bring their own curses upon themselves.  Alma baptizes thousands of converts.  Iniquity enters the Church, and the Church's progress is hindered.  Nephihah is appointed chief judge.  Alma, as high priest, devotes himself to the ministry.

DC 30:1-11

How can we be more diligent in turning to the Lord and not give into fear or temptation?

Talk: "Fear Not; I Am With Thee"

By: Jean A. Stevens

April 2014

GC:  'Gratitude on the Sabbath Day' by President Henry B. Eyring

"And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Mosiah 24:13-15)

I read from "Teaching in the Savior's Way", Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I try to read one lesson a week from this manual and one from "Preach My Gospel" as well as the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons for the week.

My Primary lesson for the week is: "Witnesses See the Gold Plates."  I also did a little research on Family Search.  We are about to run out of names so I need to do some research to get more family names.  

My breakfast for the day. 

For lunch we had roasted veggies and they were quite delicious!

I had a healthy breakfast and lunch and then for dinner we had chili dogs.  Not very healthy, but tasty!

I know this is a little late, but I couldn't resist.

These were my handouts for visiting teaching this month.  The message was on the love of the Savior in our lives.

A heart box of chocolates under the scripture quote.

For Claire a Kombucha drink and some

organic blueberries.

Today I vacuumed all the wood shavings James brings in from the wood pile off the carpet in our bedroom.  He worked outside today and was careful not to track too many new ones in.  His allergies are really bothering him because he worked outside a couple of hours today.  

In the Superstition Mountains

This evening we read from "Lady of the Lakes" and watched "While You Were Dating."  I had already seen the movie but James hadn't.  

Fun Photos

Joshua at the Lego Expo

Jared and Emmy on their "date" reading scriptures.

2015

Three of my favorite people.

Sandra and Trenda,

a couple more of my favorites.