Friday, May 5th, 2017

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 September 1984 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 23:21-29

An army of Lamanites and the wicked priests of Noah bring Alma and his people into bondage.

* "Testing...is needed even when you are living a worthy, righteous life and are obedient to God's commandments.  Just when all seems to be going right, challenges often come in multiple doses applied simultaneously" (Richard G. Scott, "Trust in the Lord," Ensign, Nov. 1995, 16).

* The Lord will try our patience and faith to help us increase our trust in Him.

* What trials are you currently experiencing?

* How can you exercise faith and trust in God during your times of trial?

* How can praying and following the counsel of a prophet help us during a trial?

3 Nephi 26-27

26:1-13 Christ continues to teach and minister to the multitude.

14-16 Mouths of Nephite children are open as they testify of marvelous things.

17-21 The Twelve Nephite Apostles minister to the Church.

27:1-12 Jesus instructs the Nephite Twelve.

13-22 Jesus teaches of His mission and Atonement and explains His gospel.

23-33 Out of the books shall men be judged.

One of my favorite scriptures is 3 Nephi 27:14-15.

DC 68:1-12

The words of the elders when moved upon by the Holy Ghost are scripture; Elders are to preach and baptize, and signs will follow true believers;

Why do the Lord and His prophets continually tell us to "be of good cheer?"

* Because the gospel of Jesus Christ is "good news."  We need to trust in the Lord and keep the companionship of the Spirit.  The Lord stands by His faithful servants who testify of Him in good cheer.

When the Lord's servants are moved upon by the Holy Ghost, their words will lead people to salvation.

General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Weatherford T. Clayton

"Before we were born, we lived with God, the Father

of our spirits.  All of us on earth are literally brothers and sisters in His family, and each of us is precious to Him.

We lived with Him for eons of time before our mortal birth - learning, choosing, and preparing."

In my study of the Doctrine and Covenants I learned that Orson Hyde and Samuel H. Smith in 1832 as missionaries for the Church in New England, traveled 2,000 miles on foot.  I wonder what would happen today if we expected our missionaries to do this.  After Elder Hyde was ordained an apostle he served a mission to England and then one to Jerusalem where he dedicated, on top of the Mount of Olives, Palestine for the gathering of the Jews.

I also studied this week's Gospel Doctrine lesson on tithing and fasting.  Some of the purposes of fasting are: To draw nearer to the Lord, receive guidance, increase our spiritual strength, humble ourselves, subject our bodily appetites to our spirits, overcome temptation or weakness, strengthen our testimonies, and to ask the Lord to bless others.

I left Cathi's a little after ten for my infusion and doctor's appointment in Mesa.  One the way over I called Dennis to wish him a happy birthday.  Just as I was arriving at my appointment on Dobson and Southern he was arriving at Mesa Community College across the street for the State Track Meet.  He came down with Monte and Harold.  Denise stayed at home.  

Dennis and Denise with Rachel at her wedding

in Dennis's backyard.

Madison is Monte's daughter.

This was her high school graduation last year.

I was supposed to see Dr. Caldron today but he never made it.  He sent his assistant instead and she was an hour late.  I guess he is just too busy to see someone who isn't really sick. I am thinking about asking for a new doctor.  It wasn't a total loss.  I did get my infusion and I also downloaded a Scrabble app on my phone and played to pass the time.

My son-in-law Brian sent me these flowers

for Mother's Day a couple of years ago.

On the way back to Chandler I stopped at Costco and picked up a gift card for Lois for mother's day.  I will have to send her card that Anna made next week.  I went from Costco to Firebird's so have lunch with my friend Karen S.  She was late so I ordered for both of us.  She had a salad and I had the coconut shrimp appetizer with mango habanero coleslaw.  When Karen arrived we had a nice visit.  She has cancer treatments twice a month.  She looks pretty good and thankfully has lost none of her hair.  She will not eat any sugar so while I ate my ice cream with chocolate sauce she had some berries.  I told our waiter that he reminded me of Maks from "Dancing with the Stars" and I think it made his day.

This is our "Max" a couple of years ago playing

the trombone in his band concert.

James and I dropped his truck off at Discount Tire and drove over to his mom's in Lexy.  Cathi and Terry were there with Colin.  They are having Dawn evaluate him.  His kindergarten teacher wants to keep him back a year and Terry really doesn't like the idea.  The evaluation went well and Dawn thinks Colin is totally ready for first grade.  I do think the teacher's concern was his social development and interacting with other children.

This is a picture of James making a sling

for my Primary class.  The lesson was on Ammon

protecting the King's flock. 

This picture was taken last year.

After giving Lois her gift card James and I left and headed for Darrel and Trina's.  Ruby and Rowan both have games tomorrow, Ruby plays baseball and Rowan plays basketball, but they are both scheduled for around 11 when I am supposed to go to lunch with Kim and Sheri for mother's day.  I wanted to at least see the kids and spend a little time with them.  

Sorry I didn't get pictures of Ruby or Addy.  They all did tricks on the trampoline for us.  Also Lola is being potty trained and she had to show us her Minnie Mouse panties.  Addy was concerned because she had left her backpack at Amazing Jake's.  Her mom called and they found it and will save it for her.  Ruby told me her favorite thing to do at school is to play with her friends.  Rowan is a very lovable boy.  On our way out he ran up behind me and gave me a big hug.  James was in a hurry to leave to pick up his truck before they closed.  Lola grabbed my hand and pulled me along saying: "Hurry gamma, gampa is gonna leave you." So fun.

I am exhausted when we get home.  I read to James most of the way home from "To Kill a Mockingbird."  When we get home all I want to do us put on my pj's and relax.  James wants some dinner so he goes to Fry's and gets some fried chicken and cranberry celebration.

Thursday, May 4th, 2017

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004 by

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 23:1-20

The Lord helps Alma and his people escape from the armies of King Noah and establish a righteous city.

* What do the phrases "caught in a snare" and "bound with the bands of iniquity" teach about the effects of sin?

* Why is it helpful for us to recognize the influences that have led us to sin in the past?

Gospel Principle:

When we repent and choose to live righteously, the Lord will bless us and free us from the bonds of sin.

3 Nephi 23-25

23:1-3 Great are the words of Isaiah - Isaiah is our checklist for the Second Coming of Christ.

4-13 Jesus commands the Nephites to add missing parts to their scripture records.  (Many Saints arose and ministered unto them, and the words of Samuel the Lamanite.)

24:1-18 Jesus quotes the Father's word to Malachi regarding tithing.

25:1-6 The coming of Elijah the Prophet.  The messenger is the gospel through Joseph Smith.  The wicked will burn as stubble.  Our hearts should be turned to our ancestors and our progenitors.

DC 67:1-14

The Lord hears the prayers of and watches over His elders; He challenges the wisest person to duplicate the least of His revelations; Faithful elders will be quickened by the Spirit and see the face of God.

Why is it important to teach by the Spirit?

*Because the Spirit testifies of truth.  Without the Spirit you preach and teach the philosophies of men.  The Spirit brings the message into the hearts of the people we teach.

General Conference

His Daily Guiding Hand

M. Joseph Brough

"Tolerating improper behavior without loving correction is false compassion and reinforces the common notion that wickedness might in fact be happiness."

I gave James some advice this morning when he was complaining about his laryngitis.  I told him to remember President Kimball after he had his throat surgery.  His raspy voice did not stop him from preaching the gospel.  

The banging on Cathi and Terry's roof started at 5:30 this morning instead of the scheduled 6:30.  It was fine for James and I because we were up early.  We had prayer before James left for work around 5:30.  I felt sorry for Cathi and Terry though.  They usually don't get up until 6:30 on days the go to the R.O.C.

I had a funny experience this morning.  We gave Cathi and Terry a gift card to Outback or Carrabbas for their anniversary.  We also had some giftcards I got as a result of the rewards program on my credit card.  We wanted to go to dinner together tonight.  Cathi told me that the Outback on Chandler Blvd.  had closed.  I knew there was one on Market St. in Gilbert.  When I looked on Map Quest it said to the side of all of the Outbacks and Carrabbas, Now closed in bright red letters.  I was beginning to get worried.  I tried Olive Garden and Cheesecake Factory and got the same message.  I began to panic and think there must be some kind of an epidemic going on.  Finally I realized when it said: "Closed now."  It meant closed at 7:30 in the morning!  We will be going to either the Outback or Carrabbas in Gilbert on Market St.

I had lunch today with my friend Jean from Vernon.  We always go to Fresh Start.  She loves the french toast with fresh fruit and I got a grilled ham and cheese sandwich which was very tasty.  Jean is an amazing woman.  She has had a lot of sad things happen to her in her life yet she remains faithful.  Right now her grandson, who she raised as her son, is in jail.  Her family is the family that started a business with their horses, taking people on trail rides.  I asked her if we could arrange a trail ride in July for some of my grandchildren and she said she was sure they could.  They have horses of all sizes, some mini's even for the little ones.

After lunch I was supposed to pick up my friend Charlotte and take her to the Apple Store to receive some lessons on how to use her Ipad.  When I called she said she was too tired.  She said what she really wants to do is read the scriptures with her daughter using the BofM365 program.  I went home and typed her a schedule to use through May and part of June.  When I dropped it off she seemed very grateful.

I don't want to be cremated, but I 

couldn't resist posting this.

I went home and had a nap and then Sheri picked me up around 4:45 to go with her to Max's track meet at Payne Jr. High out near the Santan Mountains.  Max was supposed to run the 400 and he told Sheri if she was there by 5:30 she would be in plenty of time for his race.  We got there at 5:15 and Max had already ran.  He decided to run the mile instead.  We told him next time to let his mom know ahead of time if he changes his plans.  He had his backpack with him that looked awfully heavy.  He said it weighs about 30 lbs.  They no longer have lockers at Bogle Jr. High so he has to carry around all of his books all day long.

This evening, James, Cathi, Terry and I decided to have dinner at Carrabbas because Cathi and Terry had never been there.  James told them that one of the best steaks he ever had was at Carrabbas.  Carrabbas is right next door to Outback.  The first people we saw inside the restaurant were the Ray's.  Their daughter Heather is married to Patrick.  We had a quick visit and then they left.  It looked like they had been to the temple.

Terry, Cathi, and I all ordered the same thing, medium fillets with asparagus.  James got the chicken Marsala.  He said he liked Olive Garden's a little better.  We got the Caprese for an appetizer.  Cathi and I loved it, small tomatoes with olive oil and herbs with soft mozarella cheese.  I could have made that my dinner with their warm bread.  We had enough gift cards to pay for our meal.  It is always fun to visit with Cathi and Terry.  

This evening I read to James from "To Kill a Mockingbird" before going to bed.

Fun Photos:

 My appreciation for cowboys has grown 

since moving to Vernon.

Evan got some new shoes.  He broke them in

running around the movie theater before the

show started.

I am always amazed at the variety of the

creations of Heavenly Father.

Meet Vader, Stacy and Paul's new puppy.

Stacy is not too happy about having

to be the one to potty train him.

Paul bought him without first consulting her.

Aunt Gene with some of her family when 

she was in the hospital last year.

Baby Lola

Joshua, Stacy, Paul out to dinner at

Xavier's Casa Reynoso in Mesa.

One of my most favorite views.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012 by

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

 Mosiah 21:23-22:16

31-32 The people make covenants with God.

35 The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized but no one had the authority.

Mosiah 22:1 - The people desire to be out of bondage.

3 Gideon has an idea!

9 The king likes Gideon's plan.

10 The people escape and return to Zarahemla.

T/S The temporal deliverance of the Lord's people is but a type, an illustration of the Holy One's role in delivering His chosen from the fiery darts of the evil one.

* What have you learned from Mosiah 21-22 that would give encouragement to anyone who needed to experience the Lord's power to deliver us from sin?

* Repentance is essential to your happiness in this life and throughout eternity.  Repentance is much more than just acknowledging wrongdoings.  It is a change of mind and heart... It includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness.  It is motivated by love for God and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "The Lord will give relief with divine power when you seek deliverance in humility and faith in Jesus Christ.  Don't say, 'No one understands me; I can't sort it out or get the help I need.' Those comments are self-defeating.  No one can help you without faith and effort on your part.  Your personal growth requires that. Don't look for a life virtually free from discomfort, pain, pressure, challenge, or grief, for those are the tools a loving Father uses to stimulate our personal growth and understanding.  As the scriptures repeatedly affirm, you will be helped as you exercise faith in Jesus Christ....Faith in Christ means we trust Him; we trust His teachings.  That leads to hope, and hope bring charity, the pure love of Christ - that peaceful feeling that comes when we sense His concern, His love, and His capacity to cure us or to ease our burdens with His healing power."' ("To Be Healed," Ensign, May 1994, 8).

3 Nephi 21

1-7 The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon is a Sign of the Father's Work.

8-11 Joseph Smith and the Great and Marvelous Work.

12-21 The unrepentant Gentiles to be destroyed.

22-29 The Establishment of the New Jerusalem.

3 Nephi 22

1-17 The Savior Quotes Isaiah on the Gathering of Israel.

DC 65-66

65 Revelation on prayer given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 30, 1831.

The keys of the kingdom of God are committed to man on earth, and the gospel cause will triumph; The millennial kingdom of heaven will come and join the kingdom of God on earth.

66 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Hiram, Ohio, October 29, 1831. William E. McLellin had petitioned the Lord in secret to make known through the Prophet the answer to five questions, which were unknown to Joseph Smith.  At McLellin's request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this revelation.

The everlasting covenant is the fulness of the gospel; Elders are to preach, testify, and reason with the people; Faithful ministerial service ensures an inheritance of eternal life.

What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Heaven?

The kingdom of God is Christ's Church on the earth.  We are preparing for the kingdom of Heaven when Christ will come down from Heaven and lead His Church upon earth.

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"Our Father ordained a plan by which we would come to earth, in families, and have experiences that would prepare us to return to Him and live as He lives.  The cultural element of this plan was the promise that Jesus Christ would offer Himself as a sacrifice, to rescue us from sin and death.  Our task in that plan is to accept the Savior's sacrifice by obeying the laws and ordinances of the gospel."

Here are some gospel study notes I took: We are commanded to repent of all our sins.  The Lord will show us the things we need to repent of.  If we are faithful in doing the Lord's will, He will be with us and will bless us so we can accomplish what He requires of us.  The Lord wants us to forsake all things that cumber our spiritual progress.  The Lord knows our specific challenges and temptations.  If we continue faithfully to the end we will receive eternal life.  

After prayer and a few pages from "To Kill a Mockingbird," James left for the valley.  I won't be leaving until later this afternoon. He points out that the elk are here again this morning before he gives me a goodbye kiss.

Today after my gospel studies I paid bill, worked on my blog, Primary lesson, and family history.  I left for the valley around 3:30 and went through Salt River Canyon because of the sun and rush hour traffic.  After a couple of stops for gas and an ice cream, and a carwash at Sam's Club in Chandler to get the bugs off my grill and windshield, I arrived at Cathi's and Terry's around sundown.

They are having new tar paper put on their roof because of leaks, so all the tile pieces are taken off.  Cathi says they have been sick because they got the flu from James.  I feel so bad.  

James is hungry so we go to IHOP to get something to eat.  I got the Swedish crepes.  The were very good but I couldn't eat them all so now I have something to look forward to in the morning.

Yummy!

It is pretty late when we get back to Cathi and Terry's and since James will start early in the morning, we go straight to bed.

Fun Photos and Quotes:

A fun time while Addy and Trina were at

Science camp.

Hannigan Meadows

Molly in El Paso, playing in the snow.

Indy's lookalike getting her teeth brushed.

A 1,500 year old tree in South Carolina

A stalking leopard.

We have some real cowboys around here.

Havasupai

Havasupai

Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 March, 1999 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

We had 7 elk in the yard this morning.

It's hard to get them all in a picture together.

Mosiah 21:1-22

After Limhi's people revolt against the Lamanites and are beaten three times, they humble themselves before the Lord and begin to prosper.  

* How did the people change after their third defeat?

* Even though the people were not immediately delivered from captivity, how did the Lord bless them as they began to repent?

* What are you doing to seek the Lords power of deliverance from your sins?

* In what ways have you been "prospered by degrees" when you have sought the Lord's help?

Gospel Principle:

When we humble ourselves, call upon the Lord, and repent of our sins, He will hear our prayers and ease the burden of our sins in His own time.

3 Nephi 20 - The beginning of the Covenant People Discourse

1-9 Jesus miraculously provides the sacramental elements

10-22 The Fulfillment of God's Covenant with Israel

23-24 Jesus Testifies of Himself

25-46 The Gathering of Israel fulfills the Abrahamic Covenant: Priesthood, Property, Posterity, and Prosperity

DC 64:26-43

The Saints are warned against debt; The rebellious will be cut off out of Zion; The Church will judge the nations; Zion will flourish.

What great things have I seen when I have been doing service for others?

Hearts softened, love increasing, I feel closer to the Savior.  "Out of small things proceedeth that which is great." My trials seem less important.

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"We learn from these New Testament sisters that certain women are disciples centered in the Savior Jesus Christ and have hope through the promise of His atoning sacrifice."

"My Peace I Leave With You"

President Henry B. Eyring

Ether 12:27...for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

"These words can be a comfort to us.  Those who do not see their weaknesses do not progress.  Your awareness of your weaknesses is a blessing as it helps you remain humble and keeps you turning to the Savior.  The Spirit not only comforts you, but He is also the agent by which the Atonement works a change in your very nature.

Then weak things become strong."

I went on the website northstarlds.org today to learn a little more about gender dysphoria.  Here are some things I learned:

"As we interact with those who have gender dysphoria it is important that we have heartfelt compassion, unfeigned love, emotional sensitivity, open-mindedness with an uncompromising devotion to eternal principles and to our eternal identities and potential as His sons and daughters."  

"For those who experience gender dysphoria, we know that it is possible to live your life in harmony with the gospel as you manage your dysphoria.  It is not a sin to have this condition."

These things helped me feel better but I still have alot of questions and alot to learn.  Chloe's mother said that every LDS counselor she went to, and she went to more than one, said this is not something that will change or go away.  

There is lots of smoke today because of a prescribed burn.  It makes me angry that the Forest Service doesn't care how their smoke affects people with health issues like James and Sister Hunter in our ward.  It makes it difficult to even go outside.

The elk were back again this evening.

It's like we have our own private herd.

I made banana nut muffins for dinner.  I also read to him from "To Kill a Mockingbird."  We also watched a couple of Good Witch movies, "The Good Witch's Charm," and "The Good Witch's Destiny."  The messages: Things don't always appear as they are, and we create our own destiny.

Fun Photos:

Trina says:  Don't let the boots fool you.  I

carried her the entire way.  She was so relaxed

and comfortable she took a nap.

Antelope Canyon

I wonder how it got it's name.

I miss Holly.

She had a great life.

Heavenly Father is so creative.

The Tucson temple open house starts June 1st I believe.

Monday, May 1st, 2017

Lubbock, Texas
109th operating temple
Dedicated 21 April 2002
by Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 20:12-26

* What do prophets and apostles teach that will help bring us peace and happiness and help us return to God's presence?

Elder Robert D. Hales: "Our spiritual safety lies in turning to the clear voice of our living prophet. If we listen to his voice and obey his counsel, we will be able to live as Christ would have us live and endure to the end so that one day we, along with our families, will return to the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ."

As I was listening to Sister Cordon's talk in the women's session of General Conference this morning she poses these questions:

* How do I keep centered on the Savior and lean not unto my own understanding?

* How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?

* How do I cultivate trust in the Savior? 

3 Nephi 18

1-14 The Sacrament of the Lord's supper is instituted and explained.

15-21 Watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation.

22-25 The Church is to meet together often and invite all to come unto Christ.

26-39 The Twelve are instructed to judge worthiness to partake of the Sacrament and empowered to confer the Holy Ghost

3 Nephi 19

1-8 The Twelve prepare the multitude for continued teaching from Jesus.

9-15 Nephite apostles are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost.

16-34 The Savior's prayer cannot be written or uttered by man.

DC 64:14-25

The unrepentant are to be brought before the Church;

He that is tithed will not be burned at the Lord's coming;

"....may not be tempted above that which he is able to bear...."

What does this phrase mean to me?

It is possible to overcome trials and temptations only when we are obedient and have the Lord's help and assistance.  "Let your commitment be stronger than your mood."

(See also Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1990.)

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"I see the beauty of holiness in sisters whose hearts

are centered on all that is good, who want to become

more like the Savior.  They offer their whole soul,

heart, might, mind and strength to the Lord in the

very way they live every life everyday."

As I said my prayers this morning I asked the Lord to help me feel peace and to understand gender dysphoria and what it means in relation to the gospel, for the person who has it.  I just keep thinking of the line from the Family Proclomation: "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."  Why would someone have a condition that makes him/her feel the opposite of what gender they were born with?

When I read Sister Cordon's talk this morning I realized that I needed to trust the Lord, and find out all I could about this condition, gender dysphoria, so as to understand it better.  From Sister McConkie's talk: "Sit at the feet of the Holy One of Israel.  take time to be holy, be submissive, meek, humble, full of love, and realize my utter dependence upon the Lord."

James and I made a trip to town today for something he needed to repair the sprinklers.  Our first stop was at Firehouse Subs for lunch.  I got the Hook and Ladder and he got the Smoker.  I gave James half of mine.  Next time I need to order the small.  While James went to Home Depot,  I went to Walmart.  On the way out of the parking lot James gave a woman $5.  One of his goals is to always have cash on hand to give to people.  It's something he and another brother discussed after a lesson last year in Gospel Doctrine on giving to the poor.  We read from "To Kill a Mockingbird" on the way home.

When I arrived home and checked my emails I realized I had one from the mother of Chloe.  It was a letter she had sent to her mother about Chloe and was very insightful and heartwarming.  It also included a website regarding gender dysphoria.  The website is: northstarlds.org.  I was so grateful to receive this email and sent a reply of how much I appreciated her example of Christlike love.

This evening James and I listened to Sister Cordon's talk together.  In this talk she tells of a sister with cancer who has only about one good day a month.  To forget about herself and her struggles she goes out and serves others.  She says that service has saved her life.

We made cabbage with onions, garlic and ham for dinner.  The onions got a little burnt.  James liked it but I think I prefer steamed cabbage by itself.

We also watched an episode of the Good Witch called: "The Good Witch's Family."  Cassie, the Good Witch, discovers she has a cousin named Abigail. Abigail decides to come for a visit.  Abigail is jealous of Cassie and tries every way she can to cause disunity in her family.  Cassie always looks for the good in others and tries to understand why they do what they do.  Cassie forgives Abigail.  She understands her need for acceptance and love.  Because Abigail feels Cassie's love she changes her feelings of resentment and jealousy for feelings of love.  Cassie also helps Martha who is push and demanding to feel wanted and needed.  I love the show because it helps me want to be a better person.  Now I not only say "What would Jesus do," but what would the Good Witch do?

Fun Photos

I sent this one to Ann because she

loves puns.

Last summer at Havasupai

Havasupai

Trina showing her courage

Ian in an amazing photo!

Alex

Ben taking it easy