Saturday, March 4, 2017

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

2 Nephi 25:14-26

The Jews will be restored when they believe in the Messiah - He will first come six hundred years after Lehi left Jerusalem - The Nephites keep the law of Moses and believe in Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel. About 559-545 B.C.

How do you talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?

Alma 16:11 - Alma 17

16 - Alma and Amulek and many others preach the word - They teach that after His Resurrection Christ will appear to the Nephites. 

17 - The sons of Mosiah have the spirit of prophecy and of revelation - They go their several ways to declare the word to the Lamanites - Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni - Ammon saves the king's flocks and slays his enemies at the water of Sebus. 77-91 B.C.

DC 38:11-20

13-22, He has reserved a land of promise for His Saints in time and in eternity; 

How can we be strong, fear not and always remember the covenant that the Lord has made with us?

Speech: Always

By: Henry B. Eyring

January 3, 1999

General Conference 

Fourth Floor, Last Door

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Faith means that we trust not only in God's wisdom but that

we trust also in His love.  It means trusting that God

loves us perfectly, that everything He does - every blessing

He gives and every blessing He, for a time, withholds - is

for our eternal happiness.  All things will work together for good

to them that love God."

We left Cathi and Terry's at 7:21 this morning thinking that the session at the Gilbert temple started at 8 am.  I looked at the schedule one more time to be sure and realized it actually started at 7:45.  We hurried but I had not hope that we would make that session, but we did.  We also were privileged to see our friend Martin K. who is a temple worker. There were 8 brothers and 12 sisters in our session.

After session selfie.  

When we get back to Cathi's Colin is happily playing in his gorilla shirt.  He seemed to be in a good mood.  Not so much last night. 

We pack up and get ready to go home but first we took Ben to Olive Garden for lunch.  I told him if I could send him the scripture reading assignments for each day and if he would read them, we would take him to lunch once a month and discuss the Book of Mormon. Ben is a great kid and we had a wonderful visit with him.  After he graduates he plans on serving a mission and when he returns he wants to either go to ASU or BYU and study architecture.  He showed us some of the scale models he has been working on in his architecture class. After taking Ben home we start our fast.  We are fasting for Michael.  Of course we go the Globe way and stop for burros so when we complete our fast tomorrow we will have something delicious to eat.  It was hard riding with those burros in the car and not taking a bite. 

James gets tired when he is driving so I read to him for awhile from "Seven Tipping Points." After I finished reading I slept most of the rest of the way home.  We arrived at home around 4 p.m. 

Speaking of Burger House:

#2.

and #4. on the list:

I am getting hungry.

After unloading, unpacking, and putting everything away, James works on his Sunday School lesson.  I make some cutout letters that spell: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, for an activity for my lesson tomorrow.  We were in bed by 9:30.

Here's what was happening in Mesa:

The Case family adults minus Lexy who is gone.

Sheri got Lexy's ticket.

Kim and Brian, and Aaron and Kari were there too.

I heard that Kari laughed until her jaws hurt.

Thank goodness for clean comedians like

Brian Regan and Jim Gaffigan.

Fun Photos:

Madison, Quentin, Kaytlynn, Zachary, Jeffrey, Colby

Show Low had a track meet in Chandler today and

all of the Harold and Vickie Maxwell grandkids

were there.  Monte is the head football and

track coach for Show Low.

Max with his faux hawk.

Dawn, Connie, Terry, Dave, James, Gail, Carmen, Rebecca

Joshua is always a winner!

IHOP breakfast for Evan's 8th birthday.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

140th operating temple

2 Nephi 25:1-13

Nephi glories in plainness - Isaiah's prophecies will be understood in the last days - The Jews will return from Babylon, crucify the Messiah, and be scattered and scourged.

How would you explain our gospel in plainness to help a child or investigator understand our beliefs?

Alma 14:13-16:11

14 - Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten - The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire - These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory - The prison walls are rent and fall - Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain.

15 - Alma and Amulek go to Sidom and establish a church - Alma heals Zeezrom, who joins the Church - Many are baptized, and the Church prospers - Alma and Almulek go to Zarahemla.

16 - The Lamanites destory the people of Ammonihah. About 81-77 B.C.

DC 38:1-10

1-6, Christ created all things; 7-8, He is in the midst of His Saints, who will soon see Him; 9-12, All flesh is corrupted before Him;

How can we take comfort in knowing that we have an advocate with the Father?  

Article: Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Redeemer

By: Ezra Taft Benson

June 1990

General Conference

Rise Up in Strength, Sisters in Zion

Bonnie L Oscarson

"We will come to understand that through the ordinances of the temple, the power of godliness is manifest in our lives and because of temple ordinances, we can be armed with God's power, and His name will be upon us, His glory round about us, and His angels have charge over us."

Contrite Spirit

Bringing to the Altar a Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit

Teaching in the Savior's Way

Create an Environment That Invites the Spirit

James fixed me a bowl of oatmeal before I left for my infusion this morning. I arrived at 10:15 for my 10:45 appointment.  I guess it doesn't do any good to get here too early.  They came and got me at 10:50.  Frances wasn't here today so maybe that's  why they were so slow.  When I told the nurse I had a tooth extracted yesterday and I was on an antibiotic she went to talk to Dr. Caldron. Dr. Caldron said no to the actemra infusion because of the antibiotic.  When I finish it in seven days I can wait 24 hours and make another appointment.  Because I already have appointments set up for the next 3 months at 30 day intervals I am just going to take my chances.  Hopefully I won't regret it.

Picacho Peak State Park where there are 5 hiking trails

I had lunch with Jean, a sister who lives in Vernon but spends much of her time in the winter in the valley because of health issues.  I am her visiting teacher and we have become good friends.  We went where we always go, First Watch.  I had the lemon ricotta pancakes and Jean had the french toast with fresh fruit.  The lesson is on the Atonement and how it helps us in our lives.  I ask Jean if thinking about the Savior and His Atonement had helped her in the healing process with all of her surgeries and health issues.  She said that it most definitely did.  Jean was in a serious car accident several years ago when the car she was in was hit head-on by a semi-truck.  A few months later she was hit while walking across a parking lot.  Her back is broken in several places.  I admire her so much because she has great faith and very seldom do I hear her complain. I always enjoy the time we spend together.

I had a nice visit with Cathi with I got home and then took a nap.  After my nap James ask me to go out to Queen Creek to the doctor's office he is remodeling because he has an appointment with the painter.  I said I would go and boy was I surprised.  Queen Creek has become quite the city instead of the little farming community I remember.  The office James is remodeling is a pediatric office and Deryl L. is one of the doctor's.  We were in Deryl's ward when he was growing up.  On the way home we stopped at Chik-fil-a for dinner. 

This evening I went down to visit with Sheri.  We ended up going to Target with Evan, Rowan, and Joshua.  Ian, Alex, Ben, Kim, and Brian all went to a concert.  While I was at Sheri's Adam came to get his car contract and title.  I signed it over to him and it is up to him to get it notorized so it will no longer be in my name.

I loaned Michael money for a dorm deposit for next semester and in the process got him to commit to read his scriptures and say his prayers everyday.  He even ask me to send him scripture reminders and assignments each day.

Back in Vernon this happened:

Lorraine is in the Vernon ward.

Fun Photos:

It's always a fun day when you get

to see Lola.

In Chandler I always said my house was an office

and a daycare.  Now my house is also a repair shop.

Last year.  That's Alex in out of the boat.

I am not sure where this is.

Trina, Sheri, Lexy

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentine

39th operating temple

2 Nephi 24:1-32

Babylon will be destroyed.  What kinds of rest do you think Israel will experience in the millennium?

Alma 13-14:12

13- Men are called as high priests because of their exceeding faith and good works - They are to teach the commandments - Through righteousness they are sanctified and enter into the rest of the Lord - Melchizedek was one of these - Angels are declaring glad tidings throughout the land - They will declare the actual coming of Christ.

14 - Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and smitten - The believers and their holy scriptures are burned by fire - These martyrs are received by the Lord in glory - The Prison walls are rent and fall - Alma and Amulek are delivered, and their persecutors are slain.

DC 36-37:4

How has receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost helped me?

Talk: "The Holy Ghost As Your Companion

By: President Henry B. Eyring

October 2015

General Conference

The Master Healer

Carole M. Stephens

"Hope and healing are not found in the dark abyss of secrecy but in the light and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Complete healing will come through your faith in Jesus Christ and His power and capacity, through His Atonement, to heal the scars of that which is unjust and undeserved.  Rely on the endowment of power made available to each of us through ordinances and covenants.  Allow the healing power of the Savior and His Atonement into your life."

James made me oatmeal for breakfast and drove me to my appointment.  We stopped at Chandler Eyecare on the way.  Sheri fixed my glass frames for me and also ordered me some new lenses because she said the ones I am using are scratched.  

When I got to Dr. Shah's office I asked for the nitrous oxide and the girl at the desk just added it to my bill.  Having this tooth extracted was one of the weirdest experiences of my life; pounding, pressure, and drilling and oh what a trip those drugs put me on for a few minutes.  Thank goodness that afterwards I did not experience alot of pain.  I thin the nitrous oxide gas helped to relax me.  On the way home we stopped at Boston Market and got me some soft foods.  Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and mashed sweet potatoes.  

James is really taking care of me.  After lunch he went shopping at Walmart and got me some Jello, and Dr. Pepper 10's.  He sacrifices so much to serve me and I am very grateful.

This afternoon James needed the car for something so Cathi took me to Hobby Lobby in her car.  She needed a Hobby Lobby fix too.

I bought this to put fruit in with my 40% off coupon

Cathi made shadow boxes for Christmas.  I think I want to do that next year for my kids so we went and looked at all the miniatures.  Here are some of the things I saw that I liked:

This one for Ruby to go with the one she already has.

This evening James and I talked with Cathi and Terry, mostly Cathi, about our will, who should be our executor, and burial and funeral insurance.  James and I have a lot of planning to do.

James and I went to Kneader's for some soup for me for dinner. 

Kilee came over to talk with Cathi so James and I went into the bedroom to read.

Fun Photos:

182 lb. wolf shot in Cook, New Mexico.

The Three Musketeers:

Evan, Rowan, Joshua 

Evan, Joshua, Rowan

Rowan, Evan, Joshua

What a growth spurt Evan had!

Joshua, Rowan, Evan

One of my all-time favorite pictures!

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

2 Nephi 23:1-22

While we might be living in "Zion" do you still stream content from "Babylon," shop from their clothing line, or weave their teachings into "Zion's" gospel?  How else might we have a foot in "Babylon"?

Alma 12

Alma speaks to Zeezrom - The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful - Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works - The wicked will suffer a spiritual death - This mortal life is a probationary state - The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins - The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son.

DC 35:13-27

13-16, The Lord's servants will thresh the nations by the power of the Spirit; 17-19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the mysteries; 20-21, The elect will abide the day of the Lord's coming; 22-27, Israel will be saved.

General Conference

I Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into My Home

Jean B. Bingham

"Our obligation and privilege is to embrace improvement in everyone as we strive to become more like our Savior,

Jesus Christ."

Contrite Spirit

Chapter 14 - "The Temple and the Natural Order of Marriage"

Preach My Gospel - My Purpose As a Missionary - Helping Others Make Commitments: The Door to Faith and Repentance

James and I left for the valley around 9:30 this morning.  Here are the stops we made: Vernon post office, Dr. Moffat's in Lakeside, gas, carwash, and Arby's in Show Low.  Of course we went the Globe way so we could stop at Burger House.  We ordered 17 burros before leaving Show Low and told them when we would be there.  I am so glad we ordered ahead because the line was out the door.  The reason we ordered so many burros was because we ordered four for Kim and Brian and two for Sheri and Ian.  The other 11 were for Terry, Cathi, James, and I.  Can you tell we really like them?

The Wave, Arizona

We made it to Dr. Allen's in Mesa on Power and Baseline right at my appointment time, 1:45.  My appointment was with Ruth Hoskins the PA.  Before she came in the girl who took my blood pressure and weighed me ask me some really weird questions: "Count from 20 backwards.  Count from December backwards and who is the President of the United States and what day is it.  It sounded like a psychological evaluation to me.  All this for thyroid and hormone pills?  Maybe they were checking for Alzheimer's since I'm an Oldtimer.

When I got to Cathi and Terry's I took a two hour nap.  They weren't home when we first got there because they had taken the dogs to see the vet.  Indy just had seven teeth pulled and it was time for a post op checkup.  

When Cathi got home she convinced me that I should ask for nitrous oxide gas tomorrow while they pull my tooth.  I told her I would.  I am a little worried about whether or not they will do my infusion on Friday since I will be on an antibiotic after the tooth extraction.  I would call the arthritis office but I would not be able to speak to a real person anyway so I will take my chances. 

This evening James and I went to visit with his mom and sister Dawn.  This was Lois's project for February:

Making Christmas stockings for Gail's grandkids.

These are just a few.  She made over 20.

One of my favorites because it is purple.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Speaking of Gail's family:

Gail on the right and Aaron's son Beckham on the left.

Dawn gave me a real microscope she bought for $10 at a store for teacher's.  She also gave me some slides and then showed me some slides I could order.  Thank you Dawn!

We had a nice visit and even called Gail to see if he would be coming down anytime soon.  It sounds like he is too busy.  Lois wants to plan a time for all of her children and their spouses to go out to dinner.  For refreshments we had some delicious brownies.  

When we got back to Terry and Cathi's I had a burro and then before going to bed I read to James from The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World.

Fun Photos

My Hero!

Sheri's Hero!

My favorite is the self-portrait Evan drew on

the lower right.

I LOVE this baby picture of Molly!!

I almost missed seeing the green chick by her legs.

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Brigham City, Utah

139th Operating Temple

2 Nephi 21:1-22:6

What could an ensign symbolize for us?

21-The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness-The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium-The Lord will raise an ensign and gather Israel-Compare Isaiah 11.

The stem of Jesse is Jesus Christ.  The root of Jesse is Joseph Smith.  Chapter 21 begins as a testimony of Jesus Christ.  It also prophesies of modern prophets and modern events. 

Chapter 22 speaks of the Savior and the Millennium.  Where would we be without the Savior? (see 2 Nephi 9:8-10)

Alma 10:15-Alma 11

10- Lehi descended from Manasseh-Amulek recounts the angelic command that he care for Alma-The prayers of the righteous cause the people to be spared-Unrighteous lawyers and judges lay the foundation of the destruction of the people.

11- The Nephite monetary system is set forth - Amulek contends with Zeezrom - Christ will not save people in their sins - Only those who inherit the kingdom of heaven are saved - All men will rise in immortality - There is no death after the Resurrection.

DC 35:1-12

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 7, 1830.  At this time, the Prophet was engaged almost daily in making a translation of the Bible.

1-2, How men may become the sons of God 3-7, Sidney Rigdon is called to baptize and to confer the Holy Ghost; 8-12, Signs and miracles are wrought by faith.

Have there been miracles brought about in my life because of my faith? Yes there have!!

Talk: "By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled" by Marcus B. Nash

October 2012

General Conference

Repentance: A Joyful Choice

By Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Instead of making excuses, let us choose repentance.  When we understand how our sins can affect our eternal happiness, we not only become truly penitent but we also strive to become better."

My first breakfast, during my early morning gospel study, consisted of a tortilla and some hot cider.  

I read from "Contrite Spirit" today about Marriage, At-One-Ment, and the Temple.  There has been a massive cultural shift in our society regarding the importance of marriage since the 1960's when no fault divorce became legal.  The hearts of the people are, for the most part, turning against marriage.

It is snowing and blowing outside today.  It snowed all morning and then in the afternoon the sun was shining.  Crazy weather I tell you.

Everything was covered in white and then the sun came out and melted all the snow, then it would snow again.  In the end the sun won because at the end of the day there was no snow left.

By the end of the day all the snow was gone.

An elk walking down the highway near Show Low.

I got a serious craving today for a waffle.  I told James and to my surprise he said, "Well then go make one."  So I did.  I made two. The second one looked better than this one but I only got one picture.

So delicious!

James and I started a new book today.  We finished
"Lady of the Lakes" yesterday.  It was a good love story.

Today we started a book that I started last year but never finished.  It's called "The Seven Tipping Points That Saved the World" by Chris and Ted Stewart.  It is history along with a little historical fiction in the way of personal stories.  I think James is going to like it.

James keeps a fire going and our home is nice and cozy despite the weather outside.  He also has been researching new insurance for my car.  He found some with National General that is $45 cheaper than I was paying with Nationwide.  Thank you honey!

This evening President Trump gave a speech to the joint sessions of congress.  Chris Wallace had this to say about it:

"It was the best speech I have heard Donald Trump give.  I feel like tonight Donald Trump became the President of the United States."

We watched a movie on the "Up" channel this evening called "Accidental Engagement."  It was a cute movie but the Up channel is not in HD.

Fun Photos

Lola has changed quite a bit in the last two years.

Dallin and his band.

Addy in 2013

James stuck in the snow on April 20, 2016

On Christmas Tree Trail.

Molly and Emmy in the ER after their rollover accident

on Thanksgiving day a couple of years ago.

What year was this Jared?

Three handsome guys joined us for Thanksgiving dinner

the year of the rollover accident. 

Anna and Jared had to go rescue Tricia, Emmy, and Molly and missed out on Thanksgiving dinner.