Thursday, March 16, 2017

Concepcion, Chili

temple to be completed in late 2018

Jacob 1:1-19

Jacob and Joseph seek to persuade men to believe in Christ and keep his commandments - Nephi dies - Wickedness prevails among the Nephites.

Why does it seem that societies often fall as a whole?  Why is it never just a few people?

Alma 35-36

35 - The preaching of the word destroys the craft of the Zoramites - They expel the converts, who then join the people of Ammon in Jershon - Alma sorrows because of the wickedness of the people.

36 - Alma testifies to Helaman of his conversion by an angel - He suffered the pains of a damned soul; he called upon the name of Jesus, and was then born of God - Sweet joy filled his soul - He saw concourses of angels praising God - His converts have tasted and seen as he did.
DC 42:79-93
74-93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.
Has there been a time when I have had to reconcile with someone?  What did I learn? - Yes.  Some people don't want to reconcile, but I felt more at peace.
General Conference

There Is Power in the Book

Elder LeGrand R. Curtis

"The Book of Mormon will prepare you for the great call of diligence to labor in the vineyards of the Lord.  You will be able to discern truth from error, and you will feel the assurance of the Holy Ghost reconfirming your testimony over and over again to read the  Book of Mormon throughout your life. 

President Romney's promise:

'The spirit of contention will depart.  Parents will counsel children in greater love and wisdom.  Children will be more submissive and responsive to the counsel of their parents.  Righteousness will increase.  Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing greater peace, joy, and happiness."

This was said about Lydia Knight in "The Contrite Spirit:"

"Enough grief had already touched her life that she knew how to fit joy into the corners."

I was ready to go to the valley around 11 a.m.  I stopped to get the mail.  My box was stuffed so full I could barely get it out.

All of this was shoved into my tiny little box.

After leaving the post office I picked up Amy at her house. When we left her four goats just stared at me as if to say: "Where are you taking our mommy?"  Amy says they follow her everywhere when she is outside.  From Amy's we went to the Splash and Dash in Show Low to get gas and to wash the car.  I had promised James, Cathi, and Terry burros so our next stop was in Miami at Burger House.  I had called in my order and went to the front of the line but the woman working behind the counter told me I had to go to the back of the line, which I did.  I felt bad because Claire has been waiting at the Phoenix airport since 9:30 this morning.

Devil's Bridge,  Sedona

I drove to the airport because Amy is not familiar with driving in the valley.  She is from northern California.  We picked up Claire on the northside of Terminal 4, because she flew on Southwest, somewhere between 4-4:30.  It is 97 degrees today.  Claire seemed to be in a good mood and told us about all the people she met while waiting in the airport.  Of course we got in rush hour traffic going in to Chandler.  It wasn't bad once we got on the 101 south of Baseline.  

When we got to Cathi's Claire and Amy helped me carry my suitcases in.  I introduced them to Cathi and Terry and offered each of them a glass of water.  We said our goodbyes and they left with Lexy.  Hopefully they won't have any problems.

Kacey posted this yesterday on Facebook.

I wanted to share it on here.

Cathi says she is feeling better except she does not have any energy.  She looks very pale to me.  James is very happy to see me.  I brought him the key to the medical building and now he has to go out and go to work.  He took me to get a drink at Sonic first.  He is pretty frustrated because no fully-formed company wants to do the countertop at the medical office.  

While James was gone I spent a couple of hours on my blog.  We were in bed by 10 p.m.  I got a text from Claire at 12:53 a.m. that they made it home safely.

Fun Photos:

Addy and Kayla in Rocky Point, Mexico

Stacy, pioneer woman.

Easier for men that women.

About three years ago

Carlsbad a few years ago

Dallin the year he graduated

from high school.

Adam just out of high school

Emmy and her soccer team, and

Molly

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

2 Nephi 33:1-15

Nephi's words are true - They testify of Christ - Those who believe in Christ will believe Nephi's words - They shall stand as a witness before the judgment bar.

When has the Lord asked you to do something and you follow through simply for the sake of obedience?

Alma 34

Amulek testifies that the word is in Christ unto salvation - Unless an atonement is made, all mankind must perish - The whole law of Moses points toward the sacrifice of the Son of God - The eternal plan of redemption is based on faith and repentance - Pray for temporal and spiritual blessings - This life is the time for men to prepare to meet God - Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

DC 42:66-78

61-69, Site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom shall be revealed; 70-73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support Church officers;

How can daily repentance bring us closer to Christ?

- "No matter what your current status, the very moment you voluntarily chose honest, joyful, daily repentance by striving to simply do and be your very best, the Savior's Atonement envelops and follows you, as it were, whenever you go. Living in this manner, you can truly 'always retain a remission of your sins' and thus be fully clean and acceptable before God all the time." - Elder Jorg Klebingat, October 2014.

DCSM, page 386 - overcoming Sin and Obtaining Forgiveness

"When we think of the great sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the suffering He endured for us, we would be ingrates if we did not appreciate it so far as our power made it possible.  He suffered and died for us, yet if we do not repent, all His anguish and pain on our account are futile." (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," p. 145.)

General Conference

Emissaries for the Church

Jeffrey R. Holland

"We are asking you as home teachers to be God's emissaries to His children to love and care and pray for the people you are assigned, as we love and care and pray for you."

This morning I worked on perfecting my hashbrowns in my cast iron skillet.  I still have a ways to go.

I found out today that Cathi has been very ill and even in the hospital.  They finally diagnosed her with cellulitis and got her on a powerful antibiotic.  James says she is pretty lethargic and has not energy.  She called and I told her about my experience with cellullitis in my face.  Hers is in her neck and shoulder.  

My friend Claire has been in Washington state visiting her daughter Marlie who is living with her dad.  She was going to bring her back here but her ex-husband made sure Marlie was not available.  Finally on Monday Claire went to Marlie's school and got to see her.  After counseling with her mom Claire decided to let Marlie stay until school is out and then will bring her back here to live with her.  Claire will be back in Phoenix tomorrow and needs a ride to Vernon.  I told her mom, Amy, I was going down tomorrow and she could bring my car back because I could come back with James in his truck.  Amy said Claire doesn't feel comfortable driving someone else's car but could she, Amy, go down with me tomorrow and bring Claire back.  I told her that was a great idea and I would pick her up around noon tomorrow.

Havasupai

I am reading a book called "The Contrite Spirit."  In this book the story of Lydia Knight, wife of Newell Knight, is told.  Newell died as they were getting ready to leave Nauvoo leaving her with 7 children.  I read a section called The Ravens Will Feed You.  Lydia experienced deprivation I can't even imagine but through it all she remained faithful and was willling to give all she had for the cause of Zion.  She is one of my new heroines. 

Spring Break Roadtrip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Lola went around sampling the herbs and then told Trina:

"I had a salad for lunch."

 Lola is doing her own thing.

James lost his phone today at the Sam's Club gas pumps.  Someone from the Mattress Pro store which is next door, found it.  James was so grateful he said he would by a mattress, or rather a box springs from him. 

The dog groomer came to Cathi's today to groom Indy and Lady.  James opened the door and was a little shocked.  Heather, the name of the groomer, had a low-cut tank top on with two skeletons with large teeth tatooed on her chest.  James was a little embarrassed and went in the bedroom.  They funny thing is that she is LDS and was just called as a young women's leader in her ward.

It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in Vernon.  Thank goodness the smoke is all gone and there is no wind.  James gave me a list of things to bring with me tomorrow that he forgot: His breathing machine, his phone charger, a key to the doctor's office he is working on, and his watch.

After paying bills, blogging and studying I watched a Hallmark movied called: "Perfect on Paper."

I read about baptism and confirmation in the Preach My Gospel manual.  

Jared texted me to tell me that I am going to be a great-grandmother.  Autumn is expecting a baby.  Congratulations are in order.  Jared, this also means you are going to be a grandpa.

He and Kacey are leaving for San Antonio today.  They are taking his kids to Six Flags on Friday.

Fun Photos:

Ronald and Veleda on their wedding day almost 68 years ago.

Veleda was my mom's best friend and Ronald played football with my dad.

The Trezise men and boys

This was when J.D. was still alive.

James's birdhouse

Jared playing a game with Molly while

Emmy and James look on.

Stop in Greer for ice cream.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Columbia, South Carolina,

62nd operating temple

2 Nephi 32:1-9

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost - Men must pray and gain knowledge for themselves from the Holy Ghost. About 559-545 B.C.

How do you feast upon the words of Christ?

Alma 32:13-33

Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true - Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children - Alma compares the word unto a seed - It must be planted and nourished - Then it grows into a tree from which the frut of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.

DC 42:53-65

53-60, The scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world; 61-69, The site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom will be revealed;

How can we always strive to be obedient so that we may always be ready for the Lord to teach us?

General Conference

Sharing the Restored Gospel

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"As Elder Ballard has taught, 'A most significant evidence of our conversion and of how we feel about the gospel in our own lives is our willingness to share it with others.'"

I had lunch with my friend Pam today at The House.  We both had chili.  We talked for quite awhile after we were finished eating.  Pan and her husband were active members of our ward but something happened and now they don't come anymore.  She told me a little bit of what happened and I am so very sorry.  I wanted to say: "Don't let someone else keep you from your eternal salvation."

I invited Pam and Rick to watch conference with us.  She needed to know that no one else would be there and I assured her that they wouldn't.

I went to Walmart to pickup my Methotrexate and to get an ice cream cone at McDonald's.  James had to call and have the prescription transferred from Chandler.  For some reason Dr. Caldron's office keeps sending it down there. 

 Peralta Trail in the Superstition Mountains

James is pretty much my hero.  In the past six months he has caught about 40 mice in our garage.  Since he has been setting traps out there we haven't had any mice in our house.  

I worked on my blog a couple of hours this afternoon and James loaded up his tractor on the trailer in preparation for going to the valley tomorrow.

Buckelieu Springs

I missed going to the Relief Society activity this evening.  Kathy Crane brought by the most wonderful banana cream dessert afterwards.  It was delicious but I am sure very caloric.  James went to the door in his pajamas because he looks better in his than I do in mine.  We were watching the Hallmark movie, "Call to Duty."  When James opened the door to let Kathy in, we began to realize how terrible today's prescribed burn was.  The house filled with a smoky smell.  Later when he went outside for something he came right back in because the smoke was so bad. It should be against the law to put people's health in danger.  Around here the slogan seems to be: "Save the Trees, Kill the People."

While Sheri was running up here, these two

were running in the valley.

Fun Photos:

 Erik's family in the

Valley of the Goblins in Utah

Looks like a fun place

This formation reminds me of a dinosaur.

Camping in a yurt.

The slides I ordered for the microscope

Quite bizarre

Tricia posted this

James in Greer last May

Ruby

I love the glow in the dark bow

Molly and her sparkler

Getting ready for fireworks

Monday, March 13, 2017

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

2 Nephi 31:1-21

Nephi tells why Christ was baptized - Men must follow Christ, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end to be saved - Repentance and baptism are the gate to the strait and narrow path - Eternal life comes to those who keep the commandments after baptism. About 559-545 B.C.

Since we're saved by Christ's grace, why does it matter that we follow His example and endure to the end?

Alma 31-32:14

31- Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites - The Zoramites deny Christ, believe in a false concept of election, and worship with set prayers - The missionaries are filled with the Holy Spirit - Their afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. About 74 B.C.

32- Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them -

DC 42:40-52

40-42, Pride and idleness are condemned; 43-52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith;

Has there been a time when you sought a blessing for something specific, but had a different outcome?

General Conference

For Our Spiritual Development and Learning

Elder Mark E. Bassett

"As we acknowledge that we are the workmanship of a wise and devoted Father in Heaven, 'O then' why not allow Him to guide our spiritual development and learning 'according to His will and pleasure' rather than our own?"

Be Ambitious for Christ

Elder Kazuhiko Yamashita

"My dear brothers and sisters, we are ambitious for Christ when we serve faithfully, accept humbly, endure nobly, pray fervently, and partake worthily.  May we be ambitious for Christ as we accept ur difficulties and trials with patience and faith and find joy in our covenant path."

Before the Trezise's left for home today we fixed a brunch for them.  Blueberry muffins and banana nut muffins because Rowan doesn't like blueberry.  Freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade hashbrowns, scrambled eggs and bacon.  After breakfast Sheri, James and I watched, "The Love Letter."  Of course James and I have seen it but Sheri hasn't.  

Ian took the boys back up to the Falls.  When everyone was ready to go we went outside to take a picture.

This was the best picture we took.
We had so much fun with this family and will look forward to their next visit.

Ian made a design for our front planter:

I like it.

Ian took a picture of our dead tree and enhanced it:

After our company left, we took a nap and then James went to Stanford to get some diesel.  He came home and worked outside for awhile and then came in to prepare a FHE lesson for the Wilhelm's.  Brother Wilhelm ask him to do this as his home teaching assignment.  He is preparing a lesson on Talents and How We Can Serve Other People with our Talents.

My Arizona picture for the day

This evening I caught up on my gospel study, did some laundry, and baked cookies for the Wilhelm's. For FHE James and I caught up on our Book of Mormon reading.  I finished the cookies just in time, right before James had to leave.

Kacey is in San Antonio with Jared tonight.  Her kids are in Hallsville with their dad.  She and Jared are going to San Antonio on Wednesday to be with Jared's kids.

Fun Photos:

 I gave this handout to my Primary class yesterday.

I want them to learn how to bear a proper testimony.

Two years ago today I took these girls to see the movie

"Cinderella."

Lola, Molly, Emmy

Such a cutie

Such a handsome boy

Future missionaries

Sweet Ruby

Learning to drive, Grandpa style.