Sunday, May 28th, 2017

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 October 1994 by:

Howard W. Hunter

Alma 7:14-27

*Read Alma 7:14-16 to see what we need to do to follow the path leading to the kingdom of God.  Make a list.

*Read Alma 7:22-24. Make a list of what we have to be and do in order to follow the path from mortality to the kingdom of God.

Moroni 9-10

9 Both the Nephites and the Lamanites are depraved and degenerate; They torture and murder each other; Mormon prays that grace and goodness may rest upon Moroni forever.

10 A testimony of the Book of Mormon comes by the power of the Holy Ghost; The gifts of the Spirit are dispensed to the faithful; Spiritual gifts always accompany faith; Moroni's words speak from the dust; Come unto Christ, be perfected in Him, and sanctify your souls. About A.D. 421.

DC 82: 1-12

1-4, Where much is given, much is required; 5-7, Darkness reigns in the world; 8-13, The Lord is bound when we do what He says;

What does it mean in these verses that "darkness reigneth"?

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"As you heed promptings from the Holy Ghost-impressions most often quiet and still-you may be removed, without ever knowing, from spiritual and temporal danger."

It was difficult but I got up this morning, worked on my lesson and made it to church.  Kim and Brian sat with us during sacrament meeting and attended James's Sunday School class.  Jace A. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting.  He was pretty funny.  He likened sin to a spider and swatting it and getting rid of it because nobody likes spiders.  Nadine S. spoke on parenting and Bishop Miller finished up by talking about the Book of Mormon.  Our chapel was packed back into the cultural hall because this is a holiday weekend.  

I had seven extra kids in my class.  They were really good.  Colter wasn't here today.  They are in the valley visiting with Kaylynn who just had a baby boy.  His name is Branch.  

Cute little family, minus mom who is taking

the picture.

During sharing/singing time all of the teachers had teacher's council meeting.  I always enjoy the break.

After church James, Liana and I went to Lej's house to deliver his birthday present. As usual, his mother came to the door.  She took the gift and thanked us.  Someday maybe I will get to meet Lej.  I wouldn't know who he was if I saw him on the street.

When we got back to the cabin Brian had prepared a nice meal.  Bacon, sausage, and eggs with potatoes, etc.  It was nice to have something to eat when we got home and we didn't do anything!  We did clean up the kitchen afterwards before taking our naps.

Kim finished another puzzle today.  

So cute.

James went home teaching two times today.  First he went to the Peeler's and then came home while our home teacher's, Bishop Miller and Talon W. visited us.  They encouraged us to watch a Mormon Message video called "Lift", which we did.  As soon as they left James left for the Wilhelm's.  Brother Wilhelm told him not to prepare anything because the kids were doing something for him.  He came home with a paper for each child with their goals listed on it.  When he taught them last time he had told them to set goals.  It was so fun reading through everyone's goals.

Trenda got engaged today!

His name is Emery and he is a

returned missionary.

Fun Photos:

Engaged! What a great idea!

Mount Shasta

Kim's sunset

Lola cheering for Rowan at his

basketball game.

She is really in to it.

The Vernon chapel.

Vernon woodcutters.

Look at that load of wood!

Something smells funny in

this kitchen.

What a difference 4 years makes!

Saturday, May 27th, 2017

Oquirrh Mountain, Utah

130th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 August 2009 by

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 7:1-13

*What are some future events that you are excited about?

*According to Alma, what was the "one thing which was of more importance" than anything else that was to come?  Why do you think the coming of the Savior is the most important event of all time?

*Why do you think Alma would tell a people who already believed and had strong faith that they needed to repent?

*Elder Bruce C. Hafen: "The Atonement is not just for sinners."

*Based on what we have read in Alma 7:11-13, what do you think Elder Hafen meant when he said that "the Atonement is not just for sinners?"

*Jesus Christ suffered to save us from sin and death and to help us through the challenges of mortality.

*What will you do to rely on the Atonement as you face challenges?

Moroni 8

The baptism of little children is an evil abomination; Little children are alive in Christ because of the Atonement; Faith, repentance, meekness and lowliness of heart receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end lead to salvation. A.D. 401-21.

DC 81:1-7

1-2, The keys of the kingdom are always held by the First Presidency; 3-7, If Frederick G. Williams is faithful in his ministry, he will have eternal life.

What have we been promised if we remain faithful unto the end?

* Eternal life in the mansions of the Father.

General Conference

The Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"In that moment, I knew it was not just the hearts of some of our missionaries that needed changing.  It was my heart as well.  The question no longer was 'How does a frustrated mission president get a struggling missionary to behave better?' Instead, the question was 'How can I be filled with Christlike love so a missionary can feel the love of God through me and desire to change?' How can I behold him or her in the same way the Lord beheld the rich young man, seeing them for who they really are and who they can become, rather than just for what they are doing or not doing? How can I be more like the Savior?"

We were without water for awhile this morning.  James forgot to turn the well back on and the 3,000 gallon tank emptied because he had been irrigating the lawn.  It didn't take long to get back to normal.  Although I think maybe we had Kim and Brian a little worried.

Brian made a delicious breakfast this morning; gluten-free pancakes and bacon.  James was gone to visit our new friends the Elkins but when he returned he had some bacon and eggs.  The Elkins bought 244 acres below us.  He visited with them about pouring a concrete pad and a metal building.  They are getting ready to dig a huge pond.  I think they are going to be good neighbors.  They told James he could borrow their backhoe any time he needed to and they even showed him where they hide their key.

James and I made another trip to town today.  We stopped at Cal-Ranch, Sonic, Walmart, Harbor Freight, and Book Barn.  James got some electric fence supplies.  A boy in my Primary class who never comes had a birthday yesterday.  I had his name put on a triple combination.  I also got a gift bag, and card and some fun little things to put in with the scriptures, including my fidget spinner.  My plan is to take one of the kids from my class with me tomorrow after the block to deliver the gift to Lej's house.

Kim and Brian left to go on a Razr ride around 6pm.  At 7:43pm I got this text from Kim.  "We were almost back to the cabin but the road is closed.  we have to go all the way back to Christmas tree trail and go backwards.  We won't be back for like 45 minutes."

Me: "Dad said to go through it.  If you are coming out it is ok."

Kim: "We can't. There are ambulances.  They wouldn't let us through. We are about a mile from home and this is closed too.  They are air vac-ing someone out."

Me: "Maybe when they are finished they will let you through.  Did you teel them you live right down the road?"

By this time they had returned.

You can't really see how much dirt was on their faces.

I teased them and told them we had not water again.

You should have seen Kim's face, and Brian's too!

Dirt you can see.  This was Trina last summer after a

ride with her kids.

I was not feeling well this evening. James cooked some pork chops for dinner and then I made my way to the bedroom.  I took some Nyquil and went to bed.  Hopefully I can get up early and finish preparing my Primary lesson.

Kim's "Puzzle of the Day."

A jolly sea lion.

Lightning across the water.

Molly loves babies.

Can you tell by the smile on her face?

Kacey and her beautiful children:

Summer, Autumn, and Tanner.

Some of my favorite people helping Denise celebrate her

birthday last year: Dennis, Denise, Monte, Tasha,

Harold and Vickie.

Friday, May 26th, 2017

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

95th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 July 2000 by

James E. Faust

Alma 5:53-6:8

*What is the fruit of the tree of life?

*What do we have to do to obtain it?

*What do you need to change in your life to be prepared to meet the Savior?

Moroni 6-7

6 Repentant persons are baptized and fellowshipped; Church members who repent are forgiven; Meetings are conducted by the power of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401-21.

7 An invitation is given to enter into the rest of the Lord; Pray with real intent; The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil; Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil; The prophets manifest the coming of Christ; By faith, miracles are wrought and angels minister; Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity.

DC 79-80

79 1-4, Jared Carter is called to preach the gospel by the Comforter.

80 1-5, Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith are called to preach in whatever place they choose.

Why should we not be afraid to share the gospel?

*Because we are sharing the truth that will allow us and others to return to live with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"So, from my first lesson, I say to you friends and investigators of the Church: once you meet the missionaries, please take them seriously; they are giving up important years of their lives for you."

James set 14 fence posts today before we left to go to the temple.  We decided to do the 4 o'clock afternoon session.  We left around 2:45, stopping at the post office to pick up the new Hoover Floor Mate that I ordered.  When we arrived at the temple I knew it was going to be a big session, I just didn't know how big. The line to get in was out the door.  Again at the front desk there was someone from our high school days.  Brother Patterson.  He was not a member of the Church in high school so I was pleasantly surprised to see him. 

Our session was packed to say the least.  Normally there are enough seats for 40 people.  This session had a fold up chair in every spare place.  There were 59 of us in this session, including our friend Brother Peeler from Vernon.  There were two newly called missionaries going through for their own endowments and of course there were lots of family and friends there with them.  The celestial room was packed so we didn't stay long.  

It was my turn to choose where to have dinner and of course I chose El Cupido's.  I got a taco and cheese enchilada plate and it was not that great.  I am going to choose somewhere else next time.

A sister from Pinetop took our picture for us.

Another windy day.

 Our temple names.

Grateful to Jared for doing the research.

The "Rock of our Salvation"

Another rock, Cathedral Rock in the

Santa Catalina mountains.

Hallstatt, Austria

Upkeep on the Razr.  Thank goodness for directions

you can get on your phone.

This sunset looks like Mount Montoso is

on fire!

Thursday, May 25th, 2017

Ogden, Utah

14th operating temple

Dedicated: 18-20 January 1972 by

Joseph Fielding Smith

Rededicated: 21 September 2014 by

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 5:43-52

*Is there a way to know or learn something without using your five senses?

*According to Alma 5:48, what did Alma know?

*What did Alma say was the source of his testimony? (See verse 46)

*Elder M. Russell Ballard: "Individual, personal testimony of gospel truth, particularly the divine life and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, is essential to our eternal life....In other words, life eternal is predicated upon our own individual, personal knowledge of our Father in Heaven and His Holy Son.  Simply knowing about them is not enough.  We must have personal, spiritual experiences to anchor us.  These come through seeking them in the same intense, singleminded way that a hungry person seeks food" (Feasting at the Lord's Table," Ensign, May 1996, 80).

Ether 15-Moroni 5

Ether 15  Millions of the Jaredites are slain in battle; Shiz and Coriantumr assemble all the people to mortal combat; The Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them; The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed; Only Coriantumr remains.

Moroni 1 Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites; The Nephites who will not deny Christ are put to death. A.D. 401-21,

Moroni 2 Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Moroni 3 Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands.

Moroni 4 How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained.

Moroni 5 The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth.

DC 78:1-22

1-4, The Saints should organize and establish a storehouse; 5-12, Wise use of their properties will lead to salvation; 13-14, The Church should be independent of earthly powers; 15-16, Michael (Adam) serves under the direction of the Holy One (Christ); 17-22, Blessed are the faithful, for they will inherit all things.

How will the Lord bless His faithful servants?

*With Eternal Life.

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"Far from being anxious to condemn, our Heavenly Father and our Savior seek our happiness and plead with us to repent, knowing full well that 'wickedness never was and never will be happiness.'

So Ezekiel and every prophet before and since, speaking the word of God out of a full heart, have warned all who will to turn away from Satan, the enemy of their souls, and 'choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men."

From "Dads Who Stay and Fight" at the beginning of the chapter 'Dads Who Build Forts': "In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock." - Thomas Jefferson

And from page 145 of the same book: "I believe that there is a direct correlation between a man who was firm in the faith of Christ as Moroni was, and a man who builds physical and spiritual forts for his family."

I downloaded the book "Christ and the New Covenant" on my phone and have started to listen to it.  I read it when it first came out but that was awhile ago.  

James and I had lunch at Persnikkity's today.  He had his favorite sandwich, the twisted Philly cheesesteak, and I had my favorite salad, the Chinese chicken.  They were both yummy.  You ask me how I know?  Because I tasted them both!

While I was at Walmart James went shopping for fence posts for our new fence.  When we came home and he unloaded them he scared the elk away.

Before being scared away.

Just minding their own business before their rude interruption.

Sheri and Shayna loving the same glasses at work.

At first I thought this was real, and then I realized

after seeing the signature at the bottom, that it was a painting.

I left to go see Vickie before Rachel opened her gifts.

Elder Robert D. Hales and his wife Mary.
I loved his last conference talk on being a 
Disciple of Christ.

Me when I'm late for Church.

I love these three!

Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 March 2000

by James E. Faust

Alma 5:26-42

*How will experiencing a change of heart now help prepare you to receive a place i the kingdom of heaven?

*In what ways is the Savior the Good Shepherd?

*How are people like sheep in need of a shepherd?

*According to Alma 5:37-38, how does the Good Shepherd show His love and concern for the sheep?

*President Ezra Taft Benson: "When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed...Men and women changed for Christ will be captained by Christ....Their will is swallowed up in His will.  They do always those things that please the Lord. Not only would they die for the Lord but they want to live for Him. Enter their homes, and the pictures on their walls, the books on their shelves, the music in the air, their words and acts reveal them as Christians.  They stand was witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places.  They have Christ on their minds as they look unto Him in every thought.  They have Christ in their hearts as their affections are placed on Him forever."

Ether 14

The iniquity of the people brings a curse upon the land; Coriantumr engages in warfare against Gilead, the Lib, and then Shiz; Blood and carnage cover the land.

DC 77:1-15

1-4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5-7, This earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8-10, Various angels restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the 144,000; 12-14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.

What questions do I have about the book of Revelations?

*None right now.

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Fear rarely has the power to change our hearts, and it will never transform us into people who love what is right and who want to obey Heavenly Father."

The visiting teaching message for April was on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.  In it, there was a quote by Sister Linda K. Burton, who was then the General Relief Society President:
"I invite you to memorize the oath and covenant of the priesthood, which can be found in Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-44.  By doing so, I promise you that the Holy Ghost will expand your understanding of the priesthood and inspire and uplift you in wonderful ways."  I immediately began memorizing these verses and I am still working on them.  At the time, I did not realize that she gave this challenge in 2014.  I am grateful for the challenge because I learned something during my study of the Doctrine and Covenants that applies, I think to these scriptures.
DC 84:33 says:

For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

Whenever I have read this scripture, I have always thought of President Hinckley and how much energy he had in his old age.  Today while reading in the Doctrine and Covenant Student Manual for DC 77:15 I read this quote by Elder Orson Pratt which gave DC 84:33 an expanded meaning for me.  Elder Orson Pratt:

"When the temple is built in the New Jerusalem the sons of the two Priesthoods, Melchizedek and Aaronic, will enter into that temple.... and all of them who are pure in heart will behold the face of the Lord and that too before He comes in His glory in the clouds of heaven, for He will suddenly come to His temple, and He will purify the sons of Moses and of Aaron, until they shall be prepared to offer in that temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.  In doing this, He will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that temple an offering that shall be acceptable in the sight of the Lord.  In doing this, He will purify not only the minds of the Priesthood in that temple, but He will purify their bodies until they shall be quickened, and renewed and strengthened and they will be partially changed, not to immortality, but changed in part that they can be filled with the power of God, and they can stand in the presence of Jesus, and behold His face in the midst of that temple.

" This will prepare them for further ministrations among the nations of the earth, it will prepare them to go forth in the days of tribulation and vengeance upon the nations of the wicked, when God will smite t hem with pestilence, plague, ad earthquake, such as former generations never knew.  Then the servants of God wll need to be armed with the power of God, they will need to have that sealing blessing pronounced upon their foreheads that they can stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues and not be overcome by  them.  When John the Revelator describes this scene he says he saw four angels sent forth, ready to hold the four winds that should blow from the four quarters of heaven. Another angel ascended from the east and cried to the four angels, and said, 'Smite not the earth now, but wait a little while."
'How long?' 'Until the servants of our God are sealed in their foreheads.' What for To prepare the to stand forth in the midst of these desolations and plagues, and not be overcome.  When they are prepared, when they have received a renewal of their bodies in the Lord's temple, and have been filled with the Holy Ghost and purified as gold and silver in a furnace of fire, then they will be prepared to stand before the nations of the earth and preach glad tiding of salvation in the midst of judgments that are to come like a whirlwind upon the wicked." (In Journal of Discourses, 15:365-66.)

That is a lot to take in, but I find it very interesting.  I finished my book "100 Favorite Verses To Bring You Closer To Christ." After having family prayer and scripture study James went out to work on the well.  In less than two hours he fixed both the air leak and the water leak.  Pretty amazing.  I am grateful to have a husband who has skills.  At ten o'clock this morning he left to go get Anthony and take him to the cannery to fill a food order.   He was gone for five hours.  Anthony could not believe how much stuff they had at the cannery and how organized it was.  
One of my fidget spinners came today.  At first James thought it was lame but when he saw how well it worked he liked it.

The wheels on the bus go round and round.
Originally made for children with autism,
these handy little spinners are a big
hit with kids of all ages.

I still feel pretty lousy today.  I have a sore throat, and I am achy and tired.  

It was announced today that President 
Monson is no longer attending his
weekly meetings because of his failing health.
Let's all be sure and pray for him.

Congratulations to Addy and friends for
being Goldern Scholars at their school!
(Notice the photo bomber in the right hand corner).

In response to the tragedy in Manchester
last night.

Evan reporting on Pat Tillman.
Sheri did a video of his report which he had memorized.
It was pretty amazing!

Pat with his friend Wyatt Earp.

Joshua had his report on Wyatt Earp memorized too.
It was very entertaining!

East Fork of the Black River.  This picture was taken back
in the 1960's.

Kacey's new profile picture on Facebook.

Our friends the Howard's have a new colt.
For now, his name is Maui.

Lola painted her fingers and toes while Trina was in the shower.

Some of the elk who came to visit today.





  

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Oakland, California
13th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-19 November 1964
by David O. McKay

Alma 5:1-25

*How might it have helped Alma's people to hear the account of the bondage, deliverance, and conversion of Alma's father and those who followed him?

*Look at Alma 5:7.  According to this verse, what kind of change had occurred in the lives of Alma's father and his people?

* What do you think it means to experience a "change of heart"? (see Alma 5:7-9, 14.)

*What connection do you see between believing in the word of God and experiencing a change of heart?

*Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "You may ask, why doesn't this mighty change happen more quickly with me? ... For most of us, the changes are more gradual and occur over time.  Being born again. . Is more a process than an event.  And engaging in that process is the central purpose of mortality."

*What words and phrases did Alma use that describe the condition you would lie to be in when you stand before God to be judged? (see Alma 5:16, 19.)

Ether 13

Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem to be built in America by the seed of Joseph; He prophesies, is cast out, writes the Jaredite history, and foretells the destruction of the Jaredites; War rages over all the land.

DC 76:102-119

114-19 The faithful may see and understand the mysteries of Gods kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit.

How has the Holy Ghost helped me understand spiritual things better?

*He has testified to my spirit as I have tried to serve Him and keep His commandments.  He has comforted me and prompted me to do righteous things and He has brought me peace.

General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"In contrast to the belief that God is an incomprehensible and unknowable mystery is the truth that the nature of God and our relationship to Him is knowable and is the key to everything else in our doctrine."

I reviewed one of the earlier Primary lessons this year on Joseph Smith Preparing to Receive the Gold Plates.  Here is an excerpt from the lesson: Joseph Smith's mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote that after the first visits of Moroni, "Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he gave us a relation of the same. ...During our evening conversations, Joseph would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be imagined.  He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent their dress, mode of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their cities their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their religious worship  This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had spent his whole life among them (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp 82-83.)

Four years passed between the time Joseph first saw the gold pates and when he actually received them.  The angel Moroni was preparing Joseph for the work he had been called to do.  During these four years, Joseph also met with many other Nephite prophets, such as Nephi, Alma, Mormon, and the twelve disciples chosen by the Savior in America (see Church History in the Fulness of Times, p. 41).

I find this information both interesting and fascinating.  I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  I am grateful for his humility and desire to learn his duty in serving the Lord.

Today in the Topical Guide of the scriptures under Jesus Christ I read about the Savior choosing his 12 Apostles.  There is some discrepancy between Matthew, Mark, and Luke.  Matthew and Mark have the 11th apostle listed as Labbaeus Thaddeus and Luke has listed Judas, the brother of James. 

I left this morning for town to do the last of my visiting teaching.  Hailey, the sister I am visiting, said she was going to be at Whipple Ranch Elementary School helping her friend who is the reading resource person there move all of her stuff out.  She is going to a different school next year.  I offered to bring them a pizza and Hailey seemed to like that idea.  I picked up a pepperoni pizza at Dominoes and headed for the school, which is just down the street from where I lived in Show Low.  I got to see Hailey and Huntleigh.  Huntleigh will be two at the end of June and of course she is always with her mom.  She calls me "gma." I invited Hailey to be a part of my Book of Mormon text group and she said yes.  I also told her that President Monson has ask us to read the Book of Mormon.  Hailey and her family have not been to church for several months now.  Her daughter Taylor has not been baptized since she turned 8 last October.  She is supposed to be in my Primary class.  I am so excited that Hailey agreed to read the Book of Mormon with us.  I forgot to tell her we were already started and we are studying Alma 5 this week.  Oh well, I guess she will find out soon enough.  I took half,  (I ate the other half on the way home) to James for lunch.  

This afternoon I watched last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars."  Each of the three finalists will dance a redemption dance and a freestyle.  The redemption dance is a dance they performed earlier in the year.  They dance it again to see how much they have improved.  The freestyle is just what it sounds like; no rules apply, anything goes!  I want Rashad Jennings to win.  He and Emma got a perfect score for the night.  Rashad is a free agent in the NFL.  One the night he told his story he told about getting a college scholarship to play football when he got a phone call from his mother saying his father was very ill.  Rashad gave up the scholarship to go home and be with his family at this most difficult time.  He also practiced one hundred hours more than any other finalist.  His work ethic is amazing.  Also, I love his partner, Emma Slater, and would love for her to win with Rashad.

I didn't actually watch tonight's finale but I woke up in the middle of the night to see this:

They won!

I am so happy for them because they are both amazing people!

Emma has never had a good partner.  Last year she was stuck with Rick Perry and he was one of the first to go home.  She is always upbeat and kind to her partners and never complains about them.

She deserves this too! Besides, I love her British accent.

James is so discouraged.  He took the pump apart today trying to fix it but was not successful.  When I got home from town, he had tried putting it back together and could not get it to work.  We knelt down and said a prayer and he went out and tried one more time.  This time it worked!  He still has to figure out why we have a leaks; one water leak and one air leak.  Tomorrow is another day.  He has had enough stress for today.  

We watched an episode of "Victoria" to relax. Victoria is a Masterpiece Classic on the Public Broadcasting station.  Victoria is the story of queen Victoria of England who came to reign at the young age of 18. She marries her cousin, Albert from Germany.  He is trying to find a place in the government and takes on the issue of abolishing slavery.  His first speech in front of parliament is very well received.  He wants to be known as a man of principle. They are very much in love and everyone is waiting for them to produce an heir.  Oh dear.

 We also started reading a book that Cathi loaned us called "The Shack."

Cathi didn't tell us much about it but I believe it is based on a

true story.

I am also reading a book by Greg Trimble, who is LDS, called: "Dad's Who Stay and Fight."

The chapter I read today was called: "Dads and Technology."

"Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master."

-Christian Lauge

"I fear that we have yet to fully realize the severe emotional, spiritual, and physical consequences our youth will experience in coming years due to our overly digital age. 

- Brandon Stewart

Founding musical director for the Millennial Choirs

and Orchestras.

"Technology is active vegetation of your kids' minds."

-Greg Trimble