Saturday, March 25, 2017

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Jacob 5:73-77

The Millennium, the last great day of gathering.  Every Latter-day Saint should be actively engaged in the Gathering of Israel.  What does the Lord promise us as we labor with Him in His vineyard? (See verse 75.)

Alma 50

Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites - They build many new cities - Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations - Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum - Nephihah dies, and his son Pahoran fills the judgment seat. About 72-67 B.C.

DC 45:47-59

Christ will stand on the Mount of Olives, and the Jews will see the wounds in His hands and feet; 

What lessons do we learn from the parable of the ten virgins?

General Conference

Gratitude on the Sabbath Day

President Henry B. Eyring

"You could begin today with a private and family prayer of thanks for all God has done for you.  You could pray to know what the Lord would have you do to serve Him and others.  Particularly, you could pray to have the Holy Ghost tell you of someone who is lonely or in need to whom the Lord would have you go."

Lola found the candy stash in my desk.  After giving her some, she wanted some more.  I said, "You should go ask your mom."  To which she replied, "No, I'm asking you."  What was I to do.

I love castles, not as much as temples,

but I do love them.

These are some of the things the kids did this morning.  They rode the Razr down to Chocolate Lake and then up to the Village with Addy doing all the driving.  They played Apples to Apples and Zombies.  Ruby and I played the Match Game.  She beat me 24-10.

Addy was bragging about how Ruby once almost beat Alex.

While Ruby and I were playing the Match Game Darrel was trying to put the cartoon Beauty and the Beast into the BlueRay player.  When he couldn't get the disk out or get it to play he yelled.  Ruby made this comment to me: "He does that sometimes.  He yells at Netflix too."

James took the cookies I made to the church and helped set up chairs for the luncheon.  He said it was packed.  Ravenna was blind for 20 years but still led the music in sacrament meeting.  He memorized all of the hymns.

From what I have heard Ravenna Gillespie was an amazing

woman who impacted the lives of many people.

Trina made macaroni and cheese but wouldn't call the kids inside because she was so glad they were outside playing and figured they would come in to eat when they were hungry. 

The Falls are still running.  Both Darrel and James took kids up on the Razr and Trina drove her car.  I am glad that James loves to take pictures.

 Ruby on the go.

Crazy kids

On top.  I hope Evan doesn't slip in

those flipflops.

Love that smile

Rowan and Evan

Darrel and the girls

Trina makes me laugh!

There's a goblin in my house!

Oh, it's just Lola!

Emmy and Molly at the rodeo chasing a calf to get the ribbon

off it's tail.

Some more happenings of the day:  Lola and I played with bubbles and balloons.  Lola likes the purple Barbie suitcase and my pink Herrod's bag.  Darrel cooked hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner.

Afterwards I begin my fast for Kacey and Jared.  James started his before dinner.  

Trina and I watched the women's session of General Conference in the bedroom. There were four speakers:

1.  Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"We can center our lives on the Savior by coming to know Him,

and He will direct our paths."

2. The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven has provided for us all that is required

so that we can become holy as He is holy."

*This was my favorite talk.

3. Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"Certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His

atoning sacrifice."

4. "My Peace I Leave with You

President Henry B. Eyring

"The Lord promised peace to His disciples as He was 

about to leave the.  He has made the same 

promise to us."

This was my favorite talk.

Dianne and family

Friday, March 24, 2017

Durban, South Africa

To Be Completed in 2018

Jacob 5:52-72

The Lord's 4th Visit to His Vineyard. Israel's Final Gathering.

In verse 70 the servant brought forth other servants to strengthen the vineyard.  Who do you think these servants might be? (Missionaries.)

Lesson: "The influence of gospel covenants allows Heavenly Father's children to overcome sin and bring forth righteousness." (BM Seminary Teacher Manual, 161.)

Alma 48 - 49

48 Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites - Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians - He rejoices in liberty and freedom and is a mighty man of God. About 72 B.C.

49 The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah - Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni - Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church.

DC 45:36-46

39-47, Signs, wonders, and the Resurrection are to attend the Second Coming; 

44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.

45 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.

46 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.

These are the verses that spoke to me.

General Conference

The Righteous Judge

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To effectively teach a child is the very essence of good parenting, and to lovingly discipline is the very essence of being a righteous judge.  President George Albert Smith taught:

'unkind things are not usually said under the inspiration of the Lord. The spirit of the Lord is a spirit of kindness; it is a spirit of patience; it is a spirit of charity and love and forbearance and long suffering ... Kindness is the power that God has given us to unlock hard hearts and subdue stubborn souls.'"

James got home around 11 am.  He brought burros and my Tramadol with him.  We have to finish our book "The Governess" and "A Witness in the Dark" before next Tuesday when James goes back to the valley.  Cathi texted me and said her friend wants her daughter who will be down here for conference to take them back to Utah.  

San Tan Valley

I love the purples in this picture.

I blog, take a nap with James and then get up and make cookies for Ravenna Gillespie's funeral, and a green chili pork stew for dinner.  BTW, the stew was delicious.  James loved it!

We do lots more reading, then I go upstairs to make sure the place is company worthy.  It doesn't take long to get it that way and then it is back to reading.  Darrel, Trina, Addy, Kayla, Rowan, Evan, Ruby and Lola arrive around 9.  This is the first thing the four oldest kids do:

Playing Apples to Apples, Addy's favorite game.

In the background on the TV you can see that Darrel has

the NCAA basketball tournament on.

We are always grateful when our company arrives safely.

Fun Photos:

These two were fellow Primary teachers until Sadie got married and moved.  I miss her and I bet Rosa and her Primary class does too.

Rowan says he wants a dog just like Indy.

These four at science camp

May 2016

James making me a sling, like the one David killed Goliath with,

for my Primary class.

Grandpa and a couple of his sweeties.

I love it when LaVerne and Shirley come to visit.

Sounds good to me!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Draper, Utah
129th operating temple

Jacob 5:29-51

The Dark Ages. 29-32; Zenos prophesies of the latter-day Restoration. 33-37; The blood of Israel is preserved through the Apostasy. 38-46; Universal Apostasy: All branches of Israel are affected. 47-51; Cause of Apostasy: Branches overcome the Roots.  The Lord loves His children but allows us our agency.  Who is it that corrupts the Lord's Vineyard and why does the Lord allow this corruption?  

In verse 48 what do you think loftiness means?

Alma 47

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites - The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.

DC 45:24-35

24-38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land;

Even with all the promises coming to pass, why do people still harden their hearts?

*Verse 29 They turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.  People are so wrapped up in the ways of man that they don't have time for God.  Selfishness is the cause.  "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."  Many perceive not the light.

This section is similar to the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24-25.  Here are some notes I took after reading the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual:

There are four signs when the time of the Gentiles is over:

1. The Jews will be gathered back to the land of Jerusalem. (DC 45:25)

2. It will be in a time of great social turmoil. ( DC 45:26-27)

3. The Gentiles will for the most part reject the gospel. (DC 45:28-30)

4. Jerusalem will no longer be "trodden down of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24.)

May 15, 1948 Israel became an independent nation and declared Jerusalem to be her capital.

Six-day War in 1967 Jerusalem came completely under control of a Jewish government first time since 70 A.D.

General Conference

The Blessings of Worship

Bishop Dean M. Davies

"True worship transforms us into sincere and earnest disciples of our beloved Master and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We change and become more like Him.  We become more understanding and caring. More forgiving. More loving. We understand that it is impossible to say that we love God while at the same time hating, dismissing, or disregarding others around us. True worship leads to an unwavering determination to walk the path of discipleship.  And that leads inevitably to charity.  These too are necessary elements of worship."

It has been snowing for over an hour but nothing is sticking.  So disheartening. We did have some exciting family news today.  Paul got the job at Amazon! He starts on April 2017.  He and Stacy are so excited because he will be making a lot more money! 

Monument Valley

I changed our Verizon plan today.  We now have unlimited data and we are paying $18 a month less.  Hoorah!

More snow, but still not sticking.  I blogged and watched "My Gal Sunday" a pretty exciting Hallmark murder mystery.  Cameron Mathison and Jack Warner were both in it.

I got a call from John Wilhelm today.  He ask me to speak in sacrament meeting on April 9th.  He wants me to speak on the marriage class based on the new manual, "Strengthening Marriage."

I am happy to do it but it is a little stressful.  I have been ask to speak in April more times than I can count.  The last two were both in April stake conferences.

This boy can eat a dozen blueberry muffins without even

batting an eye.

I had a difficult time going to sleep tonight because I took some Tramadol a short while before going to bed.  Or maybe it was the anticipation of giving a talk.

Fun Photos:

A couple of years ago Max played the trombone.

Our four year old Primary class

Love this photo and this movie!

Dinner at Chili's after I spoke in the Saturday

night session of stake conference.

I loved how everyone supported me.

James had to give me a health blessing

because of an arthritis flare up.

Whispering secrets to baby Lola.

Sweet little Ruby

Jared Ammon, Dobus, toothless Joshua

My girl Trenda

She is amazing!

Indiana Jones

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Jacob 5:15-28

Second visit to the House of Israel in the Meridian of time.  Christ and His Apostles.  Roots of the tame olive tree are gospel covenants or promises.  Fruit - Works of men; Digging, pruning, fertilizing - The Lord's work for His children; Transplanting - scattering, restoring; Grafting - Spiritual rebirth and joined to the covenant; Decay-Apostasy;  Fire-Judgments of God.  Regarding verse 25, where do you think this might be?

Alma 45-46

45 Helaman believes the words of Alma - Alma prophesies the destruction of the Nephites - He blesses and curses the land - Alma may have been taken up by the Spirit, even as Moses - Dissension grows in the Church. About 73 B.C.

46 Amalickiah conspires to be king - Moroni raises the title of liberty - He rallies the people to defend their religion - True believers are called Christians - A remnant of Joseph will be preserved - Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi - Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. 

DC 45:12-23

11-15, Enoch and his brethren were received by the Lord unto Himself; 16-23, Christ revealed signs of His coming as given on the Mount of Olives; 

What verses stood out to me today?

* Verses 16-17. Verse 16 is the beginning of the Olivet Discourse as given in Matthew 24-25.  Joseph Smith's inspired corrections of the Olivet Discourse are so significant that they have been included in the Pearl of Great Price (see JS-Matthew).

General Conference

"To Whom Shall We Go? "

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"My heartfelt plea is that we will encourage, accept, understand, and love those who are struggling with their faith.  We must never never neglect any of our brothers and sisters.  We are all at different places on the path, and we need to minister to one another accordingly."

My visiting teacher's, Kailee and Deana came for a visit today.  Deana is my friend Jean's daughter and today is Jean's birthday:

 Deana says her mom is her super hero.

She is one of my heroes too.

I am so grateful for visiting teachers.  They brought the Spirit into my home.  Also, Deana told me of a new plan that Verizon has for unlimited data.  She said they were on the 30 GB per month plan and she changed to unlimited for $15 a month less. I am calling tomorrow!

The rest of the day I watched Hallmark movies while working on my blog.  I shared with the family scripture group Michael's answer to today's question.  I got a response from Paul and Jared.  We are all hoping that Michael will decide to serve a mission.

One of the great couples in our ward,

Sean and Stefani.

James had problems digging Sal's sewer line today.  He broke an irrigation line.  After working all day digging and solving problems he went to the Queen Creek Primary Care and worked until 3 a.m. tearing down a wall.  I am grateful for Alex and Shana for coming to help him.  When I ask him what he thought of Shana he said: "She is very sweet and not afraid of hard work."

Fun Photos:

While the mom's away, the kids will play.

Dear sweet Addy

So true.

I know it's all over but I just had to post again.

He's always cold.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Jacob 5:1-14

The first visit of the Master (Savior), to His vineyard (the world). The Master sees the old tame olive tree (covenant Israel) is dying or going into apostasy. (vs. 3). Israel is to be scattered. (vs. 14.)

What is the wild olive tree which is grafted in? (The Gentiles - see Acts 10.)

Alma 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed - Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes - Moroni's armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74-73 B.C.

DC 45:1-11

1-5, Christ is our advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord; 

Why can darkness not comprehend light?

* Because darkness is the absence of light.  As soon as light appears, darkness is gone.

General Conference

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder David A. Bednar taught:

''The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually.  The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins.  But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us.  And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins."

James tried flying his drone today and ended up crashing it into the house.  He was quite frustrated and said he could only fly it about 100 feet when it is supposed to go a mile.  He spoke to David and David told him he had it in beginners mode.

The guy in control.  Or is he?

Here it comes!

James is leaving for the valley today.  When he got ready to leave I followed him in to town and we had lunch at Licano's.  James ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich that was heavy on the turkey with very little avocado.  He didn't eat much so I gave him my taco.  I had a chicken enchilada and some refried beans and rice.  I couldn't even eat all of it.  I was going to take the taco home but I donated it to a worthy cause.  

A group of old guys came in the restaurant while we were eating and I made the comment: "It looks like the motorcycle gang is here."  When we went outside we saw this:

I was right!

After lunch and saying goodbye to James I went to Walmart to pick up my folic acid and then went home.  

The first thing I did when I got home was watch the premier of Dancing with the Stars.  I am happy for Emma and Sasha.  Emma's partner is Rashad Jennings, an NFL player who is really good.  Sasha has Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast ever.  Sasha and Simone got the most points, 32, and Emma and Rashad got 31.  I am not sure why I am watching Charo, Mr. T, and Chris Kattan try to dance.

When James is gone I have a tendency to keep the TV on for company.  It isn't a complete waste of time because I work on my blog as I am watching television.  I watched the new Aurora Teagarten mystery and I also watched "Birthday Wishes" and "I Married Who"?  I have seen both of these last movies before.

I miss James.

Fun Photos:

   Monument Valley

 Addy's Harry Potter bobble head.

May 2016

Awesome pictures of Molly!

My Mother's Day dinner

May 2016

Dennis's birthday lunch minus Vickie who

was sick.  May 2016

Elder Rosenbaum (L) and

Elder Goodenough (R)

Kayla and Addy's Dance Recital 

May 2016