Wednesday, May 10th, 2017

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000 by

Thomas S. Monson

Mosiah 27:1-17

*An angel calls Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah to repentance.

*What does verse 14 teach about how we can help others who are struggling?

Gospel Principle: The Lord responds to our faith prayers for others. (see James 5:16).

*When have you felt that your prayers have made a difference in someone's life?

Mormon 3

Mormon cries repentance unto the Nephites; They gain a great victory and glory in their own strength; Mormon refuses to lead them, and his prayers for them are without faith; The Book of Mormon invites the twelve tribes of Israel to believe the gospel. A.D. 360-62.

DC 71:1-11

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are sent forth to proclaim the gospel; Enemies of the Saints will be confounded.

Why does the Lord counsel us not to engage in debates and arguments?

* Almost always a debate entrenches each contestant and his sympathizers more firmly in the views already held. - BRMc

General Conference

Songs Song and Unsung

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"In those moments when the melody of joy falters below our power of expression, we may have to stand silent for a time and simply 

listen to others, drawing strength from the splendor of

the music around us.  Surely it follows that in singing the anthems of eternity, we should stand as close as humanly possible to the Savior and Redeemer of the world -

who has absolutely perfect pitch.

We then take courage from His ability to hear our silence and take hope from His melodious messianic intercession in our behalf.

Truly it is 'when the Lord is near' that the dove of peace sings

in my heart and the flow'rs of grace appear"

At 7:24 this morning I looked out the window and said: "I wish I could see some elk this morning."  Sure enough, there they were.  I love it when I am the first to see.  In all fairness it was a tie this morning because James went outside the bedroom window and saw 8 more, which added to my 5 makes 13 for this morning.  James thinks they are drinking water out of the tree wells.  They won't touch the trees because of the magic potion James's mom gave him.

I read Gospel Doctrine lesson 18 today entitled, "Establish...A House of God."  This was the directive the Lord gave the saints in Kirtland.  When they hesitated because of lack of funds, He chastised them.  He revealed to Joseph Smith what the temple should look like.  They needed a temple to be endowed from on high, even though temple ordinances were never done in this temple, the Savior, Moses, Elijah and Elias made visits to Joseph Smith and others.

James and I left for the valley this morning around 9:30, plenty of time for me to finish my gospel study.  We went in the truck because James has to pick up some tile and other materials for his job in Mesa.  Our first stop was to check the mail, none.  Next t was Arby's in Show Low because James said he needed to use the little boys room.  He brought back a brisket sandwich to snack on and a roast beef slider for me.  That out to hold us until we get to Burger House in Miami.  I read from "To Kill a Mockingbird" which I think we will finish today.

When we got to James's job, nothing had been done that was supposed to be done.  The drywall people made such a mess, James had to Bob's sister and her partner to clean.  It ended up costing $400 when he thought it would be $100.  This was because of the drywall mess.  Maybe he will hire a different company for the next job or ask this one to include cleanup in their bid.  

After checking on his job James takes me to Cathi and Terry's while he goes to do a job for Susan Jacobson.  I take a nap.  When he is finished at Susan's he comes back and works on his little trailer outside while I blog.  It is an absolutely gorgeous day here in Chandler with the high around 75.  I guess they had rain earlier in the week.  Bob said it was cold, but I doubt he really knows what cold is.

Around 6:00 this evening James and I headed for Deseret Book.  My friend Polly's son-in-law greets us at the door.  He is the manager.  James told me I could get a new set of scriptures for mother's day.  These are the ones I picked out.

The older you get, the bigger 

your scriptures are.

The first thing I am going to do is record everything the Savior said and did, just as President Nelson directed the young adults to do.

I can hardly wait to get started!

While at Deseret Book I bought Braxton's scriptures and had his name put on them.  After we finished at the bookstore, it was on to Costco which is just around the block.  We are here to get James's Alpine Valley bread that he loves, steaks for mother's day, and new jeans and a Sunday shirt for James.  If you aren't careful you can get really distracted at Costco and spend way too much money. This time we kept it under $100, $97.24 to be exact. 

We were hungry after shopping at Costco so we decided to have dinner at Olive Garden using the giftcards Kim gave me for mother's day.  James ate healthy, ordering the grilled salmon and steamed broccoli.  He also had one half a breadstick.  I order the steak gorgonza with alfredo noodles and had two breadsticks.  Oh dear.  After mother's day I am going to do better!

Back at Cathi and Terry's as James is putting our four fillets in the refrigerator he tells Cathi that two of the steaks are for them.  She thanks him.  Cathi, being raised on a cattle ranch, loves a good steak.  James goes over to talk to Terry and I sit down on the couch and visit with Cathi.  She tells me about her latest experience with Colin, their five year old grandson.  Cathi saw this trick on Facebook using sand, sugar, baking soda, and lighter fluid.  You pour the lighter fluid on the solids and a big snake like creature rises up.  She was excited to show it to Colin.  When he senses this is going to include fire, he runs over and gets the hose.  When Cathi lights the sand he says: "Don't you know this is not good for the ozone.  It's you old people that are destroying the ozone."  Cathi certainly didn't expect that reaction.  Later when she called Colin's dad, Brian, Brian said: "Yeah, I might have told him that."  Cathi says: "What's your next lesson about, how old people are stealing Social Security?"

As I predicted, we finished reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" this evening.  James is anxious to start the next book by Harper Lee. He is feeling so much better and can actually talk!  I guess it's the prednisone.

Photos:

Granny "Pods" are the new rage.  You set

one up in your backyard for granny to live in.

 This is James's cousin and good friend

Hayden.

Michael's before picture.

During the haircut

Stacy says it's even shorter

now!  Woohoo!

Look at this sweet kitty.

Looks can be deceiving!

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000 by

James E. Faust

Mosiah 26:15-39

*The Lord reveals to Alma how to hold members of the Church accountable for their sins and sets forth conditions of repentance.

*Why do you think the Lord requires us to forgive others?  How are repenting and forgiving others connected? (See 3 Nephi 13:14-15.)

*Gospel Principles: 1. Confession of sins leads to forgiveness.

2. The Lord will forgive those who repent in the sincerity of their hearts. 3. We must forgive others to receive the Lord's forgiveness.

Mormon 1-2 (Mormon means more good)

1:1-7 Ammaron prepares Mormon to receive the sacred record.

8-12 Bloodshed among the warring Nephites and Lamanites.

13-19 Spiritual darkness results from Nephite wickedness.

2:1-9 Mormon at 16 leads the Nephite armies.

10-16 The Nephites experience the sorrowing of the damned.

17-29 Mormon's anguish over the wickedness of his people.

DC 70:1-18

Stewards are appointed to publish the revelations; Those who labor in spiritual things are worthy of their hire; The Saints should be equal in temporal things.

What does it mean to be a steward?

*Stewardship is not ownership.  Stewardship is management with a responsibility to account to the owner or Master.

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

Keys for Avoiding Deception - Those Who Pervert the Ways of the Lord.

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

"A disciple is one who has been baptized and is willing to take upon him or her the name of the Savior and follow Him.  A disciple strives to become as He is by keeping His commandments in mortality, much the same as an apprentice seeks to become like his or her master....Genuine discipleship is a state of being.  Disciples live so that the characteristics of Christ are woven into the fiber of their beings, as into a spiritual tapestry."

My friend Pam got a note from Elder Southward, the visiting authority for our stake conference.  He visited with her and Rick in their home, but a note was totally unexpected.  Pam is over the moon with excitement!

I made two blog entries today, one for last Thursday and one for last Friday.  I hate getting behind!  For lunch I shared my leftovers from Panda with James.
We left to go to the temple around 1:45 to make it to the 3:00 session.  One of the first people we saw when entering the temple was an old friend from high school, Paul R.  If you would have asked me in high school if Paul would ever be interested in joining the Church, I would have said no.  I guess marrying a good Mormon girl from Snowflake can make all the difference in someone's life.  Paul was the officiator for the 3:00 session and asked us to be the witness couple.  Of course we said we would be happy to.  

As usual, it was windy in Snowflake.

Brother Peeler from our ward was in our session.  He and his wife work in the temple on Tuesday afternoons.  If they aren't too busy, he does a session.  Sister Peeler says he comes to the temple just about everyday that it is open.  

James let me choose where to eat, and of course I chose El Cupido's.  I ordered the carne asada burro and James ordered a chicken quesadilla.  I think he orders light because he knows he is going to end up getting half of mine.  I love the drinks here because they have rabbit pellet ice.

I read to James from "To Kill a Mockingbird" and he returned the favor when we got home by watching "Dancing with the Stars" with me.  It was trio week.  I don't like trio week, and Lynn was very rude to Bonner by telling him he couldn't understand how he had made it this far.  Maybe some people are inspired by his story Lynn.  Anyway, Bonner can't dance very well and he ended up going home.

Photos:

Jared seems a little puzzled, I guess he

just doesn't get the joke.

Keep your nose out of my business.

The caption says Mt. Baldy, but I don't think

it's the one in Arizona.

Fun times last August with these two while their

parents and brothers hike to Havasupai.

While Max and Grampa played chess,

Evan read to me from his book.

These boys were amazingly good!

I am a sucker for a gorgeous sunset!

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Mosiah 25:14-26:14

*The organization of the Church ensures that all members can receive the truth.

*Why is it important to continually teach repentance and faith in God?

*As we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and live righteously, the Lord will pour out His Spirit upon us.

*What did the rising generation refuse to do because of their unbelief?

*To develop and maintain a testimony, we need to feast on the word of God, pray in faith, and obey the Lord's commandments.

*When Alma felt troubled about his duty to judge the transgressors, what did he do?

James: "Alma set the example for all of us.  When we don't have answers regarding our personal lives and or our stewardships, we need to do what the Lord admonishes us often to do in the scriptures;'ask and ye shall receive.' The asking must be in faith, expecting to receive.  Sometimes we don't receive a direct answer, but a feeling of peace and comfort with knowledge that the Lord loves us and that everything will work out for our good if we are patient."

Sheri: "I listened to a conference talk this morning where the speaker talked about praying for a year and not receiving anything.  Finally he went to the temple for the sole purpose of asking if Heavenly Father loved him.  While in the temple the temple president  (whom he knew) got up to greet everyone and looked him straight in the eye and greeted him.  He said at that moment he felt Heavenly Father's overwhelming love for him.  He said his answer to his prayer came later because answers come in Heavenly Father's time, not ours.  It was a powerful reminder to me that even if I don't get immediate answers to not give up and to continue keeping the faith and praying, even for a year, or more.

4 Nephi

The Nephites and the Lamanites are all converted unto the Lord; They have all things in common, work miracles, and prosper in the land; After two centuries, divisions, evils, false churches, and persecutions arise; After three hundred years, both the Nephites and the Lamanites are wicked; Ammaron hides up the sacred records. About A.D. 35-321.

DC 69:1-8

John Whitmer is to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri; He is also to preach and to collect, record, and write historical data.

What benefit are church records to future generations?

*They give knowledge that can strengthen testimonies, detailing doctrine, and bearing record of miracles.  They testify of prophets and apostles.  They can teach about how to overcome adversity just to name a few.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

"Supported by a wealth of studies, Professor Kim Cameron focused on three critical components of a successful workplace culture: compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude.  It makes perfect sense that as people turn towards the positive (light), the attributes perfectly exemplified by the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, are present!"

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.  And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross." -3 Nephi 27:13-14

I was so tired today because again I woke up at 2:30 and couldn't go back to sleep until 4:30 and then got up at 5:30.  I took little breaks and naps throughout the day.  

I called Dr. Moffat and got an appointment for James for 3:30 this afternoon.  I had planned on going into town with James when he went but when it came time, I was too tired.  I stayed home and worked on my blog. As I was about halfway through posting for last Wednesday everything disappeared and I had to start over.  By the time I got through Wednesday, I was too tired to do anymore.  

Wildflowers and San Francisco Peaks

near Flagstaff

When James returned from town he had two prescriptions, one for an antibiotic and one for prednisone.  I was surprised he didn't have any Symbicort.  He said he forgot to ask about it.  That seems to be his answer a lot lately.  Should I be worried?

James also brought me some dinner from Panda, orange chicken with half fried rice and half noodles.  After dinner we had F.H.E.  

We listened to President Nelson's conference address: "Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives."  As I heard it President Nelson made two requests of us in this talk.  1.) Study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works.  Let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become our personal core curriculum.  2.) Study The Living Christ, which I am already doing.  

James said the only request he heard was to study The Living Christ. Technically he is right.  The first request was something he challenged the young adults to do in a speech to them.  Because he mentioned it and because he did it himself and said he was a changed man, and because of the title of his talk, I felt that it was something he wanted us to do to and I have accepted the challenge.  I am already keeping a notebook of all the scriptures having to do with the Atonement so this will just add to it.  I want to get a set of scriptures just for this assignment.

We watched the latest episode of "The Good Witch" before going to bed.  We were a little disappointed with the story line.  

Photos:

This reminds me of someone.

There are days I wish I could do this.

2012 Brotherly Love

Sunday, May 7th, 2017

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000 by

James E. Faust

Mosiah 25:1-13

Those gathered in Zarahemla unite and become known as Nephites.

*How does it help you to hear examples of God's goodness and power in the lives of others?

*To what sources, other than the scriptures, can we turn to learn of others' experiences with the goodness of God? (Don't forget family stories and histories!).

3 Nephi 29-30

29:1-12 The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is a sign that the latter-day gathering has begun.

30:1-2 Latter-day Gentiles commanded to come unto Christ.

DC 68:25-35

Parents are commanded to teach the gospel to their children; The Saints are to observe the Sabbath, labor diligently, and pray.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Therefore, lift up you heads, and rejoice, and put your trust in God..." If ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart,...and serve Him will all diligence of mind,...He will , according to His own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage. Mosiah 7:19,33.

The faith of king Limhi's people was so profoundly affected by the words of Ammon that they made a covenant with God to serve Him and to keep His commandments, regardless of their difficult circumstances.  Because of their faith, they were able to devise a plan to escape from the hands of the Lamanites.

I had planned on getting up at 4:30 this morning to finish preparing my Primary lesson, but it was actually 5:30.  I got a call earlier in the week from the other teacher who teaches the same lessons as I do.  Her brother is very sick in the hospital in Flagstaff and she is going to see him and could I teach her class on Sunday.  I said I would be glad to.  I took down her brother's name and put it on the temple prayer roll.  

My lesson today is on the Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio.    There were two great stories in this lesson.  One was about Joseph Smith walking in to the Whitney store in Kirtland and saying to Newell K. Whitney: "Newell K. Whitney, thou art the man.  You prayed me here, now what do you want?"  Joseph had seen Brother Whitney in a vision praying for the opportunity to meet the prophet.  

The other was the story of Lucy Mack Smith leading a group of saints to Ohio and praying for the ice to break so they could cross Lake Erie.  What an amazing story!  These are the children who attended my class: Curtis, Colter, Jace and Lianna from my class.  Curtis brought enough money for us to buy a set of scriptures to give to one of our inactive members.  Since he donated all the money I told Curtis he could choose who we should give it to.  He chose his friend Braxton.  We will have a pizza party and during the party will deliver cookies and the scriptures to Braxton.  From the other class: Norma, Curtis's and Zemira's cousin who is visiting, Talena, Kacey, and Zemira.  Ashten wasn't here.  Her sister got married last night and maybe she stayed up too late celebrating.

James did not come to church today.  When I sat down in the chapel before Fast and Testimony meeting Judy told me she got a call last night a 8 o'clock asking her if she would teach gospel doctrine.  I guess Ed didn't make it back from the valley because of a track meet.  Everyone who bore their testimony today mentioned the Book of Mormon.  Our ward is scheduled to finish it by the end of May.  I was not planning on bearing my testimony but the Spirit told me otherwise.  I was the last adult to go up.

In singing time today we practiced three mother's day songs.  The Primary will be singing next week to the mothers.  It felt like Lianna, and Curtis and I were the only ones singing.  I was so grateful that in spite of his attitude, Curtis did sing!

Brother Wilhelm and Sister Skousen did a sharing time on repentance.  Curtis brought more money today to buy a set of scriptures for someone in our class who is not currently attending.  He wants the first set of scriptures to go to his friend Braxton.  Since he paid for them I said he could choose. 
Lianna, the only girl in my class who attends is my friend and helper.  She asked me today if Brother Lambson does anything for me for mother's day.  I said oh, yes, he always makes me a steak dinner.  Does he serve you breakfast in bed?  I said yes, he does.  She is so thoughtful and sweet!

I saw the Curtis's son who has cancer at sacrament meeting today.  My heart went out to him.  He is in his early thirties and is skin and bones.  I felt like crying.  I have never seen him at church before.

My friend Christy posted these tulips on the

Logan temple grounds.

James was feeling better when I got home from church.  Since it still was not time to break out fast we watched part of the first new episode of The Good Witch.  While we were watching the doorbell rang.  It was the missionaries and they wanted me to go with them to their next appointment to talk to the children about Primary.  I said I would be glad to go and I would meet them there.  I went in and got dressed again in my Sunday clothes and drove to #91 on the Crossroads.  The elders were already there.  This sister takes in foster chiildren every other weekend.  The children present were Isabell who is nine, Dominic who is 5, and Malia who is probably two.  I told them a little bit about Primary and told Isabell she would be in my class.  The elders showed a video featuring a Primary song and then went in to their message.  I did not say anything more.  Dominic came over and sat next to me in my chair. The elders spoke about Heavenly Father's plan but never issued a challenge.  I recognized this sister's name from a list of investigators the elders gave us back in 2014.  She has been on my prayer list for that long.  I will continue to pray for her and the children.  Two of her friends showed up during the lesson, Twila and her daughter Kelly.  

James had some chili on the stove when I got home so I broke my fast.  We finished watching The Good Witch.  I sent out my family scripture text and did the rest of my gospel study.  Michael sent a wonderful text to James today thanking him for being a great example of what a father should be.  I guess his lesson in elder's quorum today was about fathers and it reminded him of his grandpa.  I think it made James's day.  James texted back to him that he was grateful for the example that Michael was to his brothers.

 Photos:

Chris

Chloe

Elder Hunsaker from our ward is serving

in West Virginia.

A giraffe and his tongue.

James de-miceing the wall.

Thank goodness for my sniffer.

Alex and his cadillac.

Rowan relaxing in the hammock his dad

brought back from Honduras.

Hang on Ruby!

Today's sunset.

Saturday, May 6th, 2017

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Private Dedication: 17 May 1888

Wilford Woodruff

Dedication: 21-23 May 1888

Lorenzo Snow

Rededication: 14-16 June 1985

James E. Faust

Mosiah 23:30-24:25

*What did the people of Alma do to receive help with their burdens?

*How can prayer help us when we have difficult burdens?

*What did the Lord promise to do for the people of Alma? How did this promise relate to the covenant they made at baptism? (Mosiah 18:8-10).

*What can we learn from the way Alma and his people responded to their trials?

*When we submit patiently to the will of the Lord, He will strengthen us and deliver us from our trials in His time.

3 Nephi 28

Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ's kingdom when they die; The Three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again; They are translated and see things not lawful to utter, and they are now ministering among men. About A.D. 34-35.

DC 68:13-24

The firstborn among the sons of Aaron may serve as the Presiding Bishop (that is, hold the keys of presidency as a bishop) under the direction of the First Presidency.

How has the Priesthood blessed me in my life and callings?

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"We get a glimpse into our Heavenly Father's character as we recognize the immense compassion He has for sinners and appreciate the distinction He makes between sin and those who sin.  this glimpse helps us have a more 'correct understanding of His character, perfections, and attributes' and is foundational to exercising faith in Him and in His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Savior's compassion in the face of our imperfections draws us toward Him and motivates us in our repeated struggles to repent and emulate Him.  As we become more like Him, we learn to treat others as He does, regardless of any outward characteristic or behavior."

I was awake from 2:30-4:30 this morning and finally got up around 5:30.  I said a prayer with James before he left for work.  I was going to go to the temple this morning but I was just too tired.  James said he would take me next week.  I got up and washed the sheets on our bed while I did my gospel study.

For breakfast I had James's leftover cranberry celebration, a strawberry Slimfast shake, and a muffin.  The pounding on the roof didn't begin until after 6:30 this morning.

This was taken a few years ago.  Notice

President Uchtdorf's hair.

James came with Kim, Sheri and I for my mother's day lunch at Cheesecake Factory.  He paid for himself.  Kim and Sheri paid for me.  I had crabcake bites, a greek salad and a piece of key lime cheesecake.  Everything was delicious!  I hate the fact that I forgot to take a picture.  Darn!  Sheri and Kim both gave me cards.  Kim also gave me a $50 giftcard to Olive Garden.  Sheri says the next time I come down we are going to get pedicures.  I really do appreciate them.

I went back to Cathi and Terry's for a short nap and then I was homeward bound. Cathi helped me load up my car.  James had carried my heavy "book bag" to the car earlier. 

 James went to check on his job in Mesa and we ended up leaving town at the same time. We met up in Globe to get gas and have some lunch.  I wanted some french fries and so we went to McDonald's even though James doesn't like it very well.  I really do think the Globe way is faster and shorter and Salt River Canyon doesn't bother me anymore.  Also, there seems to be less traffic.

 I love Arizona!

We started our fast this evening.  We are fasting for better health so we will be more prepared to do the Lord's work.

Unpacking and putting things away takes about an hour when we get home.  I need to relax, so we watch the last Good Witch, "The Good Witch's Wonder."  Now we can start watching the new season.  

James slept in the recliner tonight because he can't breath well.  We went to bed around 9:30.  Brother Miller has agreed to be prepared to teach for James tomorrow.  I wonder if he will be out of town and Sister Hunter will have to teach again. 

Fun Photos

My mom bought her gas at Blakely's.

In the 50's and 60's $10 worth of gas got you a

piece of decorative glassware.  Today those old juice glasses are

considered treasures at antique shops, thrift stores,

and garage sales.  I remember those glasses, my mom

had an entire set!

 Happy Mother's Day!

I love Joe's smile!

Jasmine and Addy

Trina and her nurse friend are

starting a business selling these

first aid kits.