Friday, May 19th, 2017

Nashville, Tennessee

84th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by

James E. Faust

Alma 2:19-38

* According to Alma 2:28, why did the Lord strengthen the Nephites?

* How can you follow Alma's example when you stand against wickedness?

* What is one way you can stand against wickedness now?

Ether 7-8

7 Orihah reigns in righteousness; Amid usurpation and strife, the rival kingdoms of Shule and Cohor are set up; Prophets condemn the wickedness and idolatry of the people, who then repent.

8 There is strife and contention over the kingdom; Akish forms an oath-bound secret combination to slay the king; Secret combinations are of the devil and result in the destruction of nations; Modern Gentiles are warned against the secret combination that will seek to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.

DC 76:38-49

Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation; all others gain some degree of salvation;

How can the sons of perdition "reign" in eternity?

* They will reign under laws of the kingdom of the Devil, and of which we have had numerous illustrations in human history during the dark ages of ignorance, superstition, tyranny, and iniquity.  Evil passions of human beings and evil spirits rage, unrestrained by the gospel in the Devil's kingdom.  

General Conference

Raising a Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones

"We honor children who strive to live pure and obedient lives.  I have witnessed the strength of many children throughout the world.  They stand resilient, "steadfast and immovable" in a variety of challenging circumstances and environments.  These children understand their divine identity, feel Heavenly Father's love for them, and seek to obey His will."

Today I read from "Dads Who Stay and Fight," the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which I am trying to memorize, my Primary lesson, and Jesus Christ in the topical guide. 

The trees were frosted when I got up this morning. 

James and I went to town today.  We left around 11.  I had a lunch date at 11:30 with my friend Pam at Persnikkity's.  She offered to buy my lunch but I told her no because I was ordering something for James.  Little did I know that tomorrow is her birthday and I should have bought her lunch.  I did give her a conference quote attached to a bottle of diet Seven-Up.  

We both ordered salads.  I had the chicken oriental salad and it was delicious.  Pam ordered the nuts and berries salad and said it was delicious too.  This really is my favorite place to eat in Show Low, unless I want mexican food of course, and then it's Licano's.

Mr. Bluebird outside of his home.

I did some grocery shopping at Walmart while James went to Home Depot to get some screws, etc., for the trailer he is remodeling.  When we got home we watched an episode of Victoria.  She begins to like Albert and finally asks him to marry her.  

I ordered a 125GB iPad on Amazon today.  Because of my Amazon Prime membership there was no shipping charges, I get 5% off, on an already discounted price.  I also had $52 to use from credit card points.  They won't deliver it to a PO number so I had it sent to Cathi's.  Brian and Kim can bring it up when they come next week.

I am so excited!  I also got a lavender case for it. 

James changed our ac filters today.  I think it's

been awhile.

I also ordered a years subscription to the Ensign for my friend Charlotte.  I had to call her and get her address.  I was happy to hear that her kids all sent her flowers for mother's day.

We got our income tax papers from the accountant today.  We don't owe any income tax but we owe the accountant over $700.

Joshua's report on Wyatt Earp.

Now all he has to do is grow a mustache!

Paris, France temple

Baptismal font

Chapel

Spiral staircase

Celestial room

I am sure the Savior is pleased

with this new temple.

Thursday, May 18th, 2017

Mt. Timpanogos, Utah
49th operating temple
Dedicated: 13-19 October 1996 by
Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 2:1-18

* Why do you think it is important to receive strength from God to stand against wickedness rather than having wicked influences removed completely from our lives?

James: "Trials help us grow and develop.  They not only can help us become stronger and more resistant, but they teach us valuable lessons and help us to recognize our reliance on God.  When we realize our reliance on God and exercise faith in Him, our love for Him and our savior increases and He is able to, through our faith perform miracles in our lives.  When we recognize the Lord's tender mercies we also receive a spiritual confirmation in our hearts that He knows us personally and loves us.  I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything!

Ether 5-6

5 Three witnesses and the work itself will stand as a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.

6 The Jaredite barges are driven by the winds to the promised land; 

The people praise the Lord for His goodness; Orihah is appointed king over them; Jared and his brother die.

DC 76:25-37

An angel of God fell and became the devil; Sons of perdition suffer eternal damnation;

What is the "second death" and who are affected by this?

* Bruce R. McConkie: "Spiritual death is the second death.  It is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit.  All are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have sinned unto death, (DC 64:7), or sons of perdition.

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"This morning I speak about the power of the Book of Mormon and the critical need we have as members of this Church to study, ponder, and apply its teachings in our lives.  The importance of having a firm and sure testimony of the Book of Mormon 

cannot be overstated."

There were patches of snow on the ground this morning when I got up.  Not enough to completely cover the ground, but still, it's May and there is snow.

I studied the old missionary discussions, Preach My Gospel, "Dad's Who Stay and Fight," Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide of the scriptures, and my Primary lesson.  I downloaded the book "Are Mormon's Christians" on my phone for James,  and tried to set up Deseret Bookshelf Plus on my tablet, but I got the message that they are not compatible.  It is an older and cheaper tablet and there probably are not enough gigabytes.  I see an iPad on the horizon.

We made a trip into town today to get the tire fixed on my car and to have the tires rotated.  Next week it will be an oil change and a new windshield.  James met me at Discount Tire and took care of all the business for me then we hopped in his truck and drove to Darbi's in Pinetop for lunch.  I had a patty melt and a coleslaw.  James had a tuna melt and potato salad.  After lunch I was going to go shopping but I just didn't feel like it.  I will be back in town tomorrow to go to lunch with my friend Pam and I will hit Walmart then.

I stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone and a diet coke. Their fountain drinks are the best!  James went to Safeway and then Kmart looking for Dr. Pepper 10 since Walmart is out.  He found some at Kmart.  I appreciate him being so thoughtful.

James worked on his trailer this afternoon and I paid bills, worked on my blog, and found a name to do ordinances for on Family Search.  The name is Clydia Strickland.  I recognize this name because this is my grandpa's sister.  I thought her work had been done, but I was wrong.  I even have her husband's name so she can be sealed to her spouse. James is a little jealous and wants me to work on his line.

I read a neat story about the Paris temple today.  Elder Andersen came to do an inspection and was concerned because there weren't enough flowers for the VIP tour which was to begin the next morning.  The gardener went to the nearest nursery and bought all of their flowers.  In the meantime he called a bishop and asked for volunteers to come and plant the flowers that evening.  40 people showed up, including children.  The flowers were all planted before the next morning and when Elder Andersen returned he said the grounds looked 100 percent better.  That is the magic of Mormonism!

We watched another two hours of Victoria today.  Tomorrow she will meet Prince Albert whom she is destined to marry.  On the way to bed I looked out the window and saw three elk.  James had a hard time seeing them, but finally his elk eyes came into focus.

Photos:

 I loved Elder Pace!

I wonder if any of this is edible.

I am a sucker for clouds, sunsets, and trees.

Windmills, not so much, but this one is great.

A burrowing owl looking into the camera lens.

Joshua telling Michael about Silver Surfer and

a scorpion.  So cute!

This temple has more stained glass art than any 

other temple.

A Christus outside on the grounds.

Not quite the same as the picture above you Dallin.

Scary!

Perfect attendance for Ruby the first quarter

of last year.

Love these two!!

This boy has the best 

sense humor!

An award for Rowan!

Wednesday, May 17th, 2017

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

86th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication: 22 Nov 2015 by

Henry B. Eyring

Alma 1:15-33

* According to Alma 1:16, what are the goals of people who practice priestcraft?

* What opportunities do you have to teach the gospel?

* Elder David A. Bednar: "Anything you or I do as instructors that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self - in the messages we present, in the methods we use, or in our personal demeanor - is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost."

* How can the example of the Nephite priests help us avoid priestcraft?

* When have you seen people tease, mock, or persecute those who keep the commandments of God?

* According to Alma 1:21-24, how did some members respond to persecution? What were the consequences for their actions

* According to Alma 1:25-31, how did other members of the Church live despite the persecution?  What blessing did they receive?

Gospel Principles: 

* Even when people around us are being disobedient, we can be steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments.

* When we live the gospel, we can have peace in our lives, even it we are persecuted.

Ether 4

Moroni is commanded to seal up the writings of the brother of Jared; They will not be revealed until men have faith even as the brother of Jared; Christ commands men to believe His words and those of His disciples; Men are commanded to repent, believe the gospel, and be saved.

DC 76:13-24

As we prayerfully study and ponder the scriptures, we prepare ourselves to receive understanding from the Lord through the Holy Ghost.

All will come forth in the resurrection of the just or the unjust; The inhabitants of many worlds are begotten sons and daughters unto God through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

What testimony would you leave your family regarding Jesus Christ?

* I know that my Savior lives and loves me.  Everything I am that is good is because of the gospel of Jesus Christ and my Savior Jesus Christ.  He enables me, strengthens me, comforts me, and brings me peace.  He helps me to heal and forgive others.  He is teaching me to love as He loves, without conditions.  Sometimes that love envelops me with a warmth I can feel.  Without Him I am empty and my life lacks meaning and purpose.  Because of Him I can be with my family forever.  Because of Him I can be forgiven of my sins.  Because of Him I will live forever.  I offer my whole souls as an offering unto Him.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

General Conference

"Walk with Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"The power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church - To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant."

James left this morning after our family prayer for the valley.  He may or may not spend the night.  His lesson on Sunday is about temple building.  I told him that the Paris temple will be dedicated the Sunday.  

I studied my patriarchal blessing, DC 84, the Atonement, Book of Mormon favorite scriptures, and 100 Verses to Bring You Closer to Christ.  Today I read this poem: "Prayer of an Unknown Confederate Soldier:

"I asked God for strength that I might achieve,

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey...

I asked for health, that I might do great things,

I was given infirmity that I might do better things...

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,

I was given life that I might enjoy all things...

I got nothing that I asked for - but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoiled prayers were answered.

I am among all men most richly blessed."

I studied Teach the Doctrine in the Teaching in the Savior's Way manual.  In am writing the old missionary discussions in my gospel study journal.  I love studying the gospel!

My "gospel study" desk.

Today was another catnap day because we went to bed too late last night.  I kept waking up, thinking there were people in our bedroom.

James decided not to spend the night in the valley.  He came home this evening and picked up my prescriptions and some ice.  He would have gotten Dr. Pepper 10 but they still don't have it at Walmart.  I must talk to the manager!

James is very tired when he gets home.  He takes a short nap and then wants to watch a movie.  We watch "I Married Who?"  starring Kellie Martin.  

I finished "Women and the Priesthood" today.  

They sent Terry home from the hospital and said they would do surgery later.  They did not get clearance from his cardiologist.  Terry was so happy to get home and have a nice dinner.

Fun Photos:

Vernon boys

Paul's post

Baby Ian, great grandma Helen holding him, 

his dad, and his dad's grandma Beebe.

Monument Valley

Tuesday, May 16th, 2017

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 17 Nov 2002

By: Gordon B Hinckley

Alma 1:1-24

* Despite the spread of priest craft and persecution, many stand fast in the faith.

* What are some dangers of seeking popularity?  What are some dangers of following people just because they are popular?

* Why is Nehor's teaching in Alma 1:4 dangerous?

* What is priestcraft (See Alma 1:5)

Ether 2-3
2 The Jaredites prepare for their journey to a promised land; It is a choice land whereon men must serve Christ or be swept off; The Lord talks to the brother of Jared for three hours; The Jaredites build barges; The Lord asks the brother of Jared to propose how the barges will be lighted.
3 The brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord as He touches sixteen stones; Christ shows His spirit body to the brother of Jared; Those who have a perfect knowledge cannot be kept from within the veil; Interpreters are provided to bring the Jaredite record to light.
DC 76:1-12
The Lord is God; The mysteries of the kingdom will be revealed to all the faithful;
What great things are promised if we honor and serve the Lord in righteousness?
* Mercy and grace, all mysteries pertaining to the kingdom. Verse 10 - By my Spirit will I enlighten them, by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will - even things eye has not seen, nor ear hears, nor yet entered into the heart of man.  Eternal glory.
General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

'In God's kingdom, greatness and leadership means seeing others as they truly are - as God sees them - and then reaching out and ministering to them.  It means rejoicing with those who are happy, weeping with those who grieve, lifting up those in distress, and loving our neighbor as Christ loves us.  The Savior loves all of God's children regardless of their socioeconomic circumstance, race, religion, language, political orientation, nationality, or any other grouping.  And so should we!"

I also studied my Primary lesson on the law of consecration, the topical guide with reference to Jesus Christ and how to avoid deception in the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual.

Anthony, the new convert in our ward, is without transportation for awhile and the priesthood brethren have been making assignments for people to take him on his errands.  The other day Brother Curtis took him and was gone for seven hours.  Yesterday they called Brother Freeman from the elder's quorum and he said: "I will take him whenever and wherever he wants to go."  Wouldn't it be wonderful if more people had that attitude.

My mom's best friend in high school, Veleda, fell and broke her arm.  This is the picture her son posted saying: "Her first cast, but not Tumbleina's first fall."

She wears alot of black so she ask for a black

cast.  She is 87 years old.

Today was another weird weather day.  There were lots of clouds and some moisture.  One minute you would look out and it was coming down hard and fast, sleet, rain, and hail.  The next minute the sun was shining and there was no moisture coming down.  On our way to the temple this afternoon there were some ominous black clouds and wind, but no rain, at least not on us.

I worked on family history today.  I am looking for Lilia Walker daughter of James and Mary Walker.  Sometimes it's hard to find a missing deceased person.  

James went in to town this morning to get some plants but he came back with none.  He went to Cal-Ranch and saw an old friend from Heber who was the president of one of the banks where James did business.  They had a good visit.  Kerry says some days he sells 7 guns.  James also went to Home Depot.  It was so cold and their plants looked all wilted.  He decided he would come back another day and go to Christopher's Gardens to get plants.  

Terry is still in the hospital waiting for the doctor's to decide if they are going to take out his gall bladder.

Tricia posted Anna singing a solo for her choir concert.  Anna has a beautiful voice!

James decides we need to go to the temple an hour earlier than we had planned because he can't finish his sales taxes until we get some ink for the printer.  Instead of leaving at 3:45, we leave at 2:45.  I am a little disappointed I didn't get to do all the things I wanted to do this afternoon.  We had to stop in town to get air for my tire.  We made it to the sealing room around 4 p.m.   We are sealing nine brothers and four sisters to their parents.  Bill Hancock is our sealer.  I remember him as a bank president.  He knew James's cousin Neil.  He said Neil was in the first temple presidency for the Snowflake temple.  

Another windy day in Snowflake

We stopped at Walmart to get the printer ink and then at Taco Bell for dinner.  I ordered what I always order, a taco and a toastado.  For some reason they put chipotle sauce on the toastado.  It was gross.  They had Mountain Dew and you could spike it with prickly pear cactus juice.  It sounds a little weird to me.  

On the way home I read to James from our book, "Go Set a Watchman."  Scout is all grown up and lives in New York City.  She comes back to Maycomb for a visit and discovers the segregation and prejudice in the south that was felt in the 1950's and 60's.

When we got home James wanted to watch a movie so we watched "Sweet Surrender."  The movie was made in 2013 but we had never seen it.  It is about a guy who inherits his grandma's bed and breakfast called: Cupid's.  It was cute. 

Fun Photos:

Back off Buddy.

Map and directions for the Tucson temple

open house.

Wyatt Earp and John McCain

Wyatt Earp is back.

Wyatt shaved his mustache.

James Hayden

Birthday date with these three.

I am not sure where Rowan was.

Awesome Globe photo off Instagram.

Monday, May 15th, 2017

Montevideo, Uruguay

103rd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 March 2001 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

(Right now there are 155 operating temples, 3 being renovated, 13 under construction, and 14 announced.)

Mosiah 29:33-47

* How did Mosiah's new system of government affect the agency of the people?

Ether 1

Moroni abridges the writings of Ether; Ether's genealogy is set forth; The language of the Jaredites is not confounded at the Tower of Babel; The Lord promises to lead them to a choice land and make them a great nation.

DC 75:23-36

Families of missionaries are to receive help from the Church.

What did I learn from these verses?  

* Missionaries are called to the work.  The Lord does not like idleness.  Men are to provide for their families.  The Lord knows us by name.  The members of the Church were to help support families of missionaries.

General Conference

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"Wherefore, go ye and preach my gospel, whether to the north or to the south, to the east or to the west, it mattereth not for ye cannot go amiss." (DC 80:3)

As you ponder the words of this scripture and open your heart, I hope and pray you will invite the Holy Ghost to carry deep into your soul the understanding, the healing, and the restoring you may need."

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The service I rendered my teenage years helped me build my testimony and anchor my life in the gospel.  I was surrounded by good and compassionate men who were committed to using their priesthood to bless the lives of others.  I wanted to be like them.

In serving with them, much more than I realized at the time, I learned to be a leader in the Church and also in the world."

Today I also studied the gospel doctrine Sunday School lesson #19, The Plan of Salvation.  I worked on my topical guide study of the Savior, and started work on this weeks Primary lesson on The Law of Consecration.  I read from "Women and the Priesthood" and for F.H.E. we listened to President Uchtdorf's priesthood session conference talk.

James and I watched this week's episode of "The Good Witch."  I am disappointed in the series.  It is not nearly as good as the movies were.  

I tried my "Negg" today.  The Negg is an egg peeler.  One of the reasons I hate to make hard-boiled eggs is that I don't like to peel the eggs.  This worked like a charm!  I made egg salad sandwiches for our dinner.  James loved them and had more than one. 

Put 1/4 cup water and the egg inside.

Shake a few times and the peel slides off.

Vickie is coming home from the hospital today and Terry is having surgery.  Terry had a gall stone stuck in his bile duct.  He has been miserable since Saturday night around 10 p.m. 

I got tickets to the Tucson temple open house in June.  I wanted to get them on June 24th because that is when Jared and Kacey are going but there were none available.  I had to settle for Thursday, June 22nd.

Today was one of those wonderful serendipitous days when you are in the place you love the most, with the person you love the most.  James and I read from "Go Set a Watchman", watched "The Good Witch" and part of "Dancing with the Stars" together. We read scriptures and prayed.  We listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "The Greatest Among You", we watched the bunnies eat our grass, and noticed that the robins are back in the birdhouse James built for them.  

James got a phone call this evening from Anthony, a new convert he home teaches who lives by himself.  He was excited and wanted to bear his testimony to James regarding the truthfulness of the gospel and especially the Book of Mormon.  Anthony was baptized a few months ago and he says he has read the Book of Mormon 3x since his baptism.  It is so refreshing to see someone so excited about the gospel.

Tonight was the semifinals for Dancing with the Stars.  Simone Biles got a perfect score and then did not get enough votes to make it to the finals next week.  The finalists will be: David Ross, Rashad Jennings, and Normani ?.  I am hoping for Rashad and Emma to win.

Fun Photos:

One of the young men in our ward who is serving a mission in

West Virginia sent this photo.  He said he went to a place

called Hillbilly Hotdogs located in a junkyard.

The hotdogs were delicious.

The Perfect Pets

My friend Marci got this from her 8 year old

daughter for Mother's Day.

Beautiful Arizona

Joshua's baptism, almost

three years ago!

Joshua's buddies watching a movie with him.

One of my favorite pictures of 

Darrel and Trina.