Sunday, June 11th, 2017

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011 by

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Alma 14:6-22

* Why did the Lord suffer these women and children to be burned?

* According to Alma, how would the women and children be blessed for their trust in the Lord? (see verse 11)

* When we trust in the Lord, He strengthens us during our trials.

* Elder Richard G. Scott: "This life is an experience in profound trust - trust in Jesus Christ....To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning. To produce fruit, your trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience."

DC 88:1-13

1-5, Faithful Saints receive that Comforter, which is the promise of eternal life; 6-13, All things are controlled and governed by the Light of Christ;

What does 'light' mean in these verses? 

* The light of Christ. (see DCSM p. 198). through the Light of Christ, God gives light and life to all His creations.

What is the other Comforter spoken of in verses 3-4?

* The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses....

"Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions - Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn." (Teachings, pp. 149-51.)

General Conference

Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Robert D. Hales

In 2 Peter and in DC 4, we learn that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation.  We measure our faith by what it leads us to do - by our obedience. "If ye will have faith in me," the Lord promised "ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." Faith is a catalyst. Without works, without virtuous living, our faith is without power to activate discipleship. Indeed, faith is dead.

My lesson in Primary today is entitled: "Joseph Smith is Tarred and Feathered."  The main gospel principle is the importance of forgiveness.  It was a pretty amazing story how Joseph was dragged from his home while he was caring for a sick child and tarred and feathered. The child died as a result of exposure to the cold night air. Joseph's friends spent most of the night taking the tar off of Joseph's body. The next day he preached the gospel to a group of Saints and some of the mob who had attacked him the night before were in the audience.  Today I had both my class and Sister Kuffer's. She had to leave Church to visit a friend in need. Those who attended today: Bailey, Zemira, Raya, and her brother Graham who are visitors, Curtis, Colter, Gracie, and Liana.  I gave them all fidget spinners.  

I hope I contributed to helping the

Savior feed His sheep today.

The DeWitt's reported on their mission to the Dominican Republic today in sacrament meeting. Brother DeWitt was an auditor for 11 missions.  The Dominican Republic includes 30 Caribbean islands and 3 South American countries.  In 1975 there were no members of the Church. In 1978 there were enough members to have missionaries.  In December 1978 the land was dedicated by Elder M. Russell Ballard and soon became the fasting growing area in the Church.  The missionaries were directed by the Spirit. There were 10 baptisms everyday for over 30 years. 

Brother DeWitt started out his talk with an auditor joke.  He said: "Auditors come after the battle is fought and bayonet the wounded. Nobody likes auditors."  He had 440 units to audit 2x a year, in 30 different countries.  Most are first generation members and have to be taught. Brother DeWitt said he started a journal and began keeping track of the names of people he met who went the second mile.  People who accept calling and have vision and do more than is expected of them.  He said "do more" became his motto.  He met and worked with a brother who was general council for the Church. This man was blind and deaf.  His name was Elder Gardener. He would teach others how to function without sight. His wife would sit with him in a meeting and tell him everyone who was present and where they were sitting.  When he spoke he would look right at you as if he could see you. He was an amazing individual. 

Another man was the janitor.  Once when Elder Renlund came to visit, Brother DeWitt noticed this janitor in a suit and tie on the stand. He was asked to play a piano solo. He had practiced the piano as a way to serve and make himself more useful.  He was willing to 'do more.'  It was an amazing meeting.

In the MTC. They were ready to leave for

the Caribbean in 3 days. This is May, 2015.

The DeWitt family. It was a sacrifice to leave all

of these people behind.

My sacrament commitment this week is to draw closer to the Lord so I can be a savior to my family, both the living and the dead. I need to be more patient with James. I want to "do more" to follow the Savior.

We came home from church and James grilled the chicken that has been marinating in the refrigerator since yesterday afternoon.  Afterwards I took a short nap. James arranged for Brother Allen to take Anthony to get his patriarchal blessing in Lakeside.  I am excited for Anthony.  

Kim, Brian, Joe, Sheri, Ian's family and Shayna, and Stacy, Paul, Michael, and Joshua are all vacationing in San Diego this week.
This is the first picture that was posted. I think it was before Shayna and Alex arrived.

Ask you can see by my mistake of leaving it on

the picture Stacy posted these. This is Old Town

San Diego, the mexican food restaurant.

Love Joe and Michael's smiles and Sheri peeking

her head around Ian.

This evening I started preparing for next week's Primary lesson which is: "The Latter-day Revelations are Published." One of my favorite gospel stories is about Mary Elizabeth and Caroline Rollins saving the manuscripts for part of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

Elder Ballard speaking at a devotional.

I had to share this amazing cake made

by James's sister Carmen.

She made this cake for Ruby's 3rd birthday.

Arches National Park.

(This reminds me of the picture of Tanner at

Six Flags with the world on his head.)

Saturday, June 10th, 2017

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972 by

Joseph Fielding Smith

(read by Harold B. Lee)

Alma 13:21-14:5

* Alma invites the people to hearken to the voice of the Lord and enter into His rest.

* The ancient prophets speak of 'entering into God's rest' (see Alma 12:34; DC 84:23-24); what does it mean?

"To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in His plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else" (Joseph F. Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church:Joseph F. Smith, 56).

* "True saints enter into the rest of the Lord while in this life, and by abiding in the truth, they continue in that blessed state until they rest with the Lord in heaven....The rest of the Lord, in eternity, is to inherit eternal life, to gain the fulness of the Lord's glory" (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 633).

* What words in Alma 13:27-29 show how Alma felt about the people and about his message?

* As we respond humbly to the invitation to repent, the Spirit will lead us into the 'rest of the Lord.'

DC 87:1-8

1-4, War is foretold between the Northern States and the Southern States; 5-8, Great calamities will fall upon all the inhabitants of the earth.

What is meant by "stand in holy places?"

* Stakes of Zion, how one lives more than where one lives. Live worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Our homes should be holy places.  A holy place is any place where a person enjoys the spirit and presence of divinity. The temple is such a place. (See p. 196, Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual).

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

Earlier this year, I asked the young adults of the Church to consecrate a portion of their time each week to study everything Jesus said and did as recorded in the standard works. I invited them to let the scriptural citations about Jesus Christ in the Topical Guide become their personal core curriculum. I gave that challenge because I had already accepted it myself. I read and underlines every verse cited about Jesus Christ, as listed under the main heading and the 57 subtitles in the Topical Guide. When I finished that exciting exercise, my wife asked me what impact it had on me. I told her, ""I am a different man!"

I accepted this challenge by President Nelson and it is the first

thing I do when I get up in the morning.  It makes me excited to get up and has set the tone for my prayers and scripture study.

When we drove up Friday evening there was one lone bull in our yard.  I guess someone drove the other cows away.  When we got up this morning Mr. Bull had one of his wives and a couple of his children here.  

I read something on Facebook that caught my attention today.  

A Christian women's soccer player refuses to wear gay pride jersey and withdraws from the U.S. National team. "Jalena Hinkle posted on her Twitter page: Colossians 3:32: 'And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.' If you live for people's acceptance, you will die from their rejection."

Today in the New Testament I read about the Savior instituting the sacrament.  In Teaching in the Savior's Way I studied the section, "Help Learners Liken the Scriptures to Themselves."

I just about have the first half of the Living Christ memorized.  

James is quite pleased with himself the morning. He was able to fix the auger.  He is getting to be a pretty good mechanic, including the greasy smell. 

Tonight we clean the temple.  I marinated some chicken for us to grill tomorrow.  I ironed James a white shirt, took a shower and did my basic daily clean of the house. I wrote down a quote from President Nelson's talk on growing closer to the Savior about the Savior's power.  I put it in my ponder journal so I can look at it every day.  

James was on the phone most of the day today. We had 11 people who signed up cancel on us today. We left for the temple at 5:15. This year we are doing a deep clean with the Show Low Creek ward so we only clean 3x a year and it is so much easier!  Brother Patterson is our stake co-ordinator along with his wife so he conducts the chapel session and gives out the cleaning assignments. He is very spiritual and always gives the sweetest messages.  James and I got an easy assignment.  We got to dust several rooms, including the celestial room.  That was wonderful.  

Even though we had 11 people cancel we had 18 people show up. I love the Vernon ward for this reason. They have never let us down when it comes to cleaning the temple. We had 3 Hunsaker's, 2 Peeler's, 2 Smith's, 1 Butler, 2 Wilhelm's, 2 Applegate's, 1Vaught, 2 Cranes, and 1 Gordon, plus ourselves.  Go Vernon!

We were invited by the Cranes to go with a group to dinner at Ava's mexican food but James was stressed about getting home to work on his lesson so we went to Taco Bell instead.  It was 10:30 by the time we went to bed.

It was 22 years ago today that Carly Elmer

drowned in our neighborhood pool.

Gone but not forgotten.

Rock climbing last summer

Where's Lola?

Last summer Max went with the Scouts

to San Diego.

Hunk alert

Now there is a real Hunk!

I remember Sheri bring these lemon creme almonds

to the resort last year.  I had to go right out to

Sprouts and get my own!

Friday, June 9th, 2017

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 March 2016 by

Dallin H. Oaks

Alma 13:10-20

* High priest, king, exercised mighty faith, preached repentance, established peace, prince of peace, reigned under his father.

Who is Alma describing?

* In Alma 13:17, what words describe Melchizedek's people? How were they similar to the people of Ammonihah?

* What did Melchizedek do as the leader of his people? How did his leadership influence the people? How was this influence different from the influence of those in Ammonihah who followed the teachings of Nehor? (See Alma 8:17; 10:27, 32.)

DC 86:1-11

1-7, The Lord gives the meaning of the parable of the wheat and tares; 8-11, He explains priesthood blessings to those who are lawful heirs according to the flesh.

What lessons are we to take away from the parable of the wheat and the tares?

* The parable of the wheat and tares teaches us that the righteous and wicked will grow together until the end of the world, when the righteous will be gathered and the wicked burned.

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter until the Perfect Day

Elder Mark A. Bragg

Preach My Gospel states:

"Through the light of the gospel, families can resolve misunderstandings, contentions and challenges.  Families torn by discord can be healed through repentance, forgiveness, and faith in the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Now more than ever, our families must be sources of great light to everyone around us. Families increase in light as they increase in love and kindness.  As we establish families of "faith...repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, and compassion," we will feel an increase in love towards the Savior and towards one another.  The family will grow stronger, and the light in each of us will grow brighter.

I always have a shake when I first get up before 5 a.m. so I can take my Tramadol.  Around 8 a.m. I am ready for a real breakfast.  Such was the case today.  James ask if I wanted to go to "Biscuits."  Of course I want to go to the place that has my favorite breakfast!

Just looking at this picture makes my mouth water!

James left in Lexy to run some errands.  I think he went somewhere in Phoenix.  Meantime I stayed behind and studied.  My infusion is at 10:30 in Mesa.  When James got back he drove Terry's truck to Sear's Automotive and parked it. I picked him up there and we drove to my infusion appointment in Mesa. He drove Lexy back to Sears for an oil change, and then took Terry's truck home.  It is so nice of Cathi and Terry to allow us to use their truck.  

When James picked me up around noon he was in Terry's truck.  I was hoping he wouldn't have to bring it to Mesa. 

When we got home to Cathi's, they were back from Colin's reading lesson with Dawn and were sitting down to lunch.  Colin chose corn-on-the-cob and bacon for lunch.  He has never had corn-on-the-cob before but by the way he was eating it I would say he really liked it.  I finished my Joe's Scramble from breakfast.  

We pack up and get everything in the car for the trip home and say our goodbye's to Cathi, Terry, Colin, Lady, and Indy.  Around 1:15 or so we drove over to Sears Automotive to pick up Sheri, Shayna, and Alex so Sheri can have her car serviced before leaving for San Diego in the morning.  We drove to the new Carolina's mexican food place in Mesa on Country Club just north of the 60 on the west side. Carolina's has been in Phoenix for years and some people like it so much they drive that far quite often. James and Sheri and I have been there once.  The place was packed, but the service was good.  I got a shredded beef taco, and a flour tortilla.  I tasted Sheri's refried beans and I should have gotten some to dip my tortilla in.  They were delicious!  Again, I failed to take a picture.

We dropped Alex and Shayna off at Chandler Eyecare and then took Sheri home.  We told her to have a great time in San Diego. I think it is a much needed vacation for her. 

We are on our way home! First stop, Michael's in Gilbert for a couple of fidget spinners, black one and a purple one for me! Next I had to stop at the Target on Power Rd. and the 202 for a potty break. I knew I couldn't make it to Burger House. We both ordered green chili burros and I ordered a side of refried beans.  I only ate half my burro, maybe because I was still full from lunch.  The refried beans were very tasty.  A little runny just how I like them.

I read from "The Lost Heiress" on the way home.

  

We stopped in Show Low at CVS and James ran in and got me two more fidget spinners, all this because I am not sure the ones I ordered from Amazon will be here and I don't think my Primary class can last another day.  

When we stopped at the Vernon post office I had a package from Amazon with six red, white, and blue fidget spinners!  Now I have plenty!  

When we arrived home James unloaded the car while I changed into my comfy clothes and then we put everything away before sitting down to watch a movie.  We had one interruption before the movie started.  The moon!  It was huge and golden yellow.  We just can't get a picture to do it justice.  James says he needs some filters for the camera.

It was huge!

It looked like a big orange in the sky.

We watched the latest Aurora Teagarden mystery centered around a baby.  I forgot to look at the title so I am calling it: "Bundle of Joy."

I love Yannick Bisson, the actor who plays Aurora's boyfriend. I used to watch him in "Sue Thomas, FBI."

Good advice

Here is my purse. Nothing fancy, but it is my favorite

for two reasons:

1.  It's purple!

2.  It has lots of zippered compartments for 

all of my stuff and a long shoulder strap

so I can wear it over my shoulder when I

am shopping!

Sophia Emma was born today.

Congratulations Bishop and Anne!

Lots of babies coming!

This is Bailey Ann, Patrick and Heather's

wee one.

My fidget spinner.

My collection for my Primary class

I was going to order these, but I ordered

three glow in the dark ones instead.

The Vernon youth went to the Tucson temple open house

today and then to the wind tunnel in Eloy.

I guess they had a blast.

Thursday, June 8th, 2017

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7-10 June 1998 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 12:28-13:9

* How has knowing the purpose of life helped guide you?

* Alma spoke of priests after the order of the Son of God, which is the Melchizedek Priesthood.

* Elder Bruce R. McConkie: These Nephites, who were faithful and true in keeping the law of Moses, had the Melchizedek Priesthood, which means they had also the fulness of the gospel...Some of our best information about the Melchizedek Priesthood is found in Alma 13."

* What blessings have come into your life through the Melchizedek Priesthood?

DC 85:1-12

1-5, Inheritances in Zion are to be received through consecration; 6-12, One mighty and strong will give the Saints their inheritance in Zion.

Who is "One Mighty and Strong?" (DC 85:7-8.)

* At that time it was Bishop Edward Partridge because he was called to divide by lot the Saints their inheritances.

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, we will be strengthened, our burdens will be eased, and through Him we will overcome the world.

We left Vernon around 7 a.m.  We have an appointment in Cathi and Terry's driveway to get our windshield replaced at 11 a.m. so we are cutting it a little close considering that we always stop at Burger House to pick up burros for Cathi and Terry.  We eat ours on the way because we love them hot and fresh!  

We drove up into the drive a minute before the guy from Camelback glass got there.  I love my new windshield but I can't wash my car or take the blue tape off for 24 hours.  

At 1 p.m. I had an appointment to get my teeth cleaned, and xrayed.  I tell Jackie, the hygienist, all about our plague of cows and how frustrated we are.  Well, I have a very tiny cavity starting on my bottom right back tooth.  Dr. Douglas said to keep it clean but since I don't have an upper tooth to match it she doesn't think we need to do anything, at least not right now.  The other cavity is where one of my front teeth got chipped.  I am having it taken care of on July 12th.  I tried to get it for the week I am down here at the condo but they were all booked up.  I went away from the dentist today with a commitment to give up eating candy.  I know it won't solve all my problems but it is a start. 

On the way back to Cathi's I stopped to get gas at Quick Trip and the police showed up because two women were arguing very loudly.  I also went next door to get drinks and corndogs for James and I.

I picked up James at Cathi's and dropped him off at the Gilbert temple so he could do initiatories for four men.  This is just in case Paul and Brian come with us to the temple tonight.  I have enough names for Trina, Stacy, and I, Kim has her own name. We are very grateful to Jared for doing all the family research so we could do our own family names.  

While James was at the temple I went over to Deseret Book and got bracelets for all of my daughters and daughters-in-law to keep their temple name on while they are doing an endowment session.  I even got one for Kacey and Sheri.  Sheri told me she would go tonight but when it came right down to it, she was just too stressed about leaving for California and dealing with family matters.

We picked up Stacy and drove to the Mesa temple in time for the last session of the day, the 7:30 session.  Kim wanted to drive her own car.  We thought it would be fun to go to the temple where we were all sealed and also Stacy needed to rent a dress.  We met Darrel and Trina at the rental desk and I gave them their names.  Paul and Brian did not make it.  

The sister did not tell me when I called to find out the last session of the day, to accommodate Paul and maybe Brian, that it was a spanish speaking session.  Everyone had to wear headphones except for Darrel.

It was not my most reverent session.  I helped Stacy with her clothing and then found my apron had slipped off and I was sitting on it.  Those rows and seats are so close together in the Mesa temple!  It was quite a large session too.  When we got to the celestial room I told Darrel and Trina I wanted to take some pictures and Darrel says, "I don't think we are allowed."  Of course I meant outside Darrel!  It was so wonderful to have our children with us in this session.  We are going to make this a family tradition.  Maybe Jared, Kacey, Sheri, Ian, Brian, and Paul can be with us next year. 

When we got back to Cathi's and Terry's it was 10:30.  Cathi and Collin were sleeping in the family room.  They call it camping.  Colin was watching a YouTube video on his iPad and Cathi was reading a book.  We finished the book she loaned us, The Shack, and returned it.  We liked the ending. We started the Lost Heiress.

 I saw this cute little buggy on the way home

from the dentist.

Parents:

Patrick and Heather Lambson

Siblings:

Hunter, Cameron, Raelynn

all adopted!

Last year's birthday date with Ruby

He loves sour but his face says otherwise!

Wednesday, June 7th, 2017

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 12:20-27

* What were the effects of the Fall?  Why were they necessary?

* How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ allow us to overcome the effects of the Fall?

* According to Alma 12:24, what did Alma teach is the purpose of life?

DC 84:103-120

103-10, Let every man stand in his own office and labor in his own calling; 111-120, The Lord's servants are to proclaim the abomination of desolation of the last days.

How can we be more aware of the "weak" around us so we may lift them up and help them become strong?

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ views disease in His sheep as a condition that needs treatment, care, and compassion.  This shepherd, our Good Shepherd, finds joy in seeing His diseased sheep progress toward healing.  The Savior foretold that He would 'feed His flock like a shepherd,' 'seek out that which is lost,...bring again that which is driven away, ...bind up that which is broken, and strengthen that which is sick.'"

Just a few notes from my studies:

Something I want my grandchildren to know: "Know that God lives and Jesus is the Christ; To know the kingdom of God has been established; There is a reward for every commandment we keep."

What I want my children to know:

"The Forgotten Practice that Increases Personal Revelation" by Maurine Proctor, June 7, 2017, ldsmag.com

One night several years ago, we had an older teenaged daughter who did not arrive at her 12:00 a.m. curfew.  One o'clock came and she still wasn't there.  We did what any good parent would do.  We panicked. We prayed. We made those awkward middle-of-night calls to her friends. 2:00 a.m. Our imaginations were flying with the dangers she could be in.  We prayed harder. I cried with worry. The minutes seemed like hours. 2:30 a.m. 2:45 a.m. The world was asleep, but not us - two parents so concerned about their precious daughter.

At last, at 3:00 a.m., we heard the front door quietly open.  We had decided on a plan to divide and conquer.  My husband, Scot, stayed up in our bedroom and prayed for me while I went down to greet our daughter.  The conversation was just as you might expect.  I pounced on her-not literally, but there was an edge in my voice.  I reminded her of her curfew, told her of the dangers and temptations abroad in the late hours of the night, described our painful worry.

She was defensive. She asked if we didn't trust her. She told me she was too old for a curfew. The more she resisted my teaching, the more tension you could feel between us. I badly needed help to turn this divisive conversation into a sweet moment of love and teaching. Just then I felt the influence of my husband's prayers for me, and an impression came into my mind. I had been praying much for this daughter of ours whom I had been worried about, and just a few days earlier the Spirit had whispered something about her to me.

I stopped my lesson on curfews for a moment. I was still and knew that this was the moment to tell her that message. "Last week," I said, "the Spirit told me something about you." Her defensiveness began to fall from her. It was the first time she really yeard anything I said. "Tell me," she said with real eagerness. I answered, "The Spirit told me not to worry so much about your life because all things would work out for you, that everything would be OK."

"You heard that, Mom?" she asked eagerly. "What else did the Spirit tell you about me?" Listen to the faith in her questions.  She believed that God had heard my prayers and answered them. She believed that He knew her and loved her. When I saw her as a daughter pushing the limits by coming in late, He knew her heart and the faith that resided there that maybe she didn't even now. Our conversation became sweet as I told her of the confidence that God had in her and of his personal knowledge of her heart and goodness.

Before, she had been eager to escape my presence and lecture. Now, she was all ears and we talked until 4:00 a.m. I count it as a treasured hour in my mothering experience.

This experience demonstrates why we need revelation so much.

One more note from this article: "Serious reflection precedes revelation."

Happy 48th Anniversary to these two:

Two of my favorite people!

Cows may be dumb, but they are persistent!

James has some tangle problems

The Herd.

James went to town to get the part he ordered yesterday for his auger so he can start digging holes for corner posts.  He is so discouraged because the cows trampled his yard, a sprinkler head and the raspberry bush. He brought me home two fidget spinners from Cal-Ranch.

I have been reading about the law of consecration in the Doctrine and Covenants student manual and came across this quote by Joseph Smith: "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary to lead unto life and salvation." (Lectures on Faith, p. 58.)

James had laryngitis today and he got a call from Anthony. He needs a ride into town.  I called Brother Butler and arranged it for him.  

James worked all day and into the night to put up a makeshift fence so the cows couldn't get in our yard while we are gone to the valley tomorrow.  He was exhausted when he came in. 

Random thoughts:

I made a tomato, cucumber, onion salad to go with our meatloaf leftovers.  I worked on getting all the birthday cards ready to go tomorrow: Ian, Brian, Dallin, and Ruby.  My knees are so bad from chasing cows yesterday with a sling shot that I ended up taking six tramadol. I typed the story of James being saved from a fire when he was 8 months old.  I am starting a blog about his life story, and mine too.  I am going to make them a series of stories.  Both Stacy and Charlotte called today.  It was fine because I just sit at the computer and work on my blog while talking to them.

I ordered these things this week:

Sheets from MobStub for #32.95.  An Indiana Jones hat from Amazon for James for father's day, I also placed two orders of fidget spinners, one from Amazon and one from MobStub.

We leave in the morning around 7.

Summer fun at Water Wheel.

Two bathing blondies

James took this picture while he was working

at the Howard's.

Tuesday, June 6th, 2017

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 August 1989 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 12:1-19

* When has the Holy Ghost helped you recognize and avoid temptation?

* Elder David A. Bednar: "Spiritual understanding...simply cannot be given to us.  The tuition of diligence and of learning by study and also by faith must be paid to obtain and personally 'own' such knowledge.  Only in this way can what is known in the mind also be felt in the heart."

* The Lord reveals spiritual truths to us according to the heed and diligence we give to His words.

* What is the relationship between the condition of our hearts and our ability to receive spiritual truth?

* We will be held accountable before God for our thoughts, words, and actions.

DC 84:89-102

92-97, Plagues and cursings await those who reject the gospel; 98-102, The new song of the redemption of Zion is given; 

What shall be the song that we sing?

* A new song concerning the redemption of Zion and the restoration of Israel.

General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton

"In a grand premortal council, Our Father told us about His plan.  When we understood it, we were so happy that we shouted for joy, and 'the morning stars sang together.' That plan is built upon three grand pillars: the pillars of eternity.  The first pillar is the Creation of the earth, the setting for our mortal journey.  The second pillar is the Fall of our first earthly parents.  The third pillar is the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement."

I added a new dimension to my scripture study as a result of President Nelson's conference address.  I am studying all of the scriptures under Jesus Christ and the 57 subheadings under his name in the topical guide. Today I studied the scriptures in Matthew, Mark, and Luke regarding the Savior's transfiguration.  I am also making a notebook with scriptures referring to the Atonement to contemplate during the Sacrament.

The herd was here this morning when we got up.  Our grass is trampled.  James is so sad.

We went to town to get a part for the tractor and to get the oil changed in my car.  James had to order a part and it won't be here until tomorrow.  I went grocery shopping but we didn't get the oil changed because they said it would take 2 1/2 hours.  

We had lunch at Aliberto's.  My shredded beef taco was yummy!  I bought alot of extra's today during my shopping trip.  Three $50 gift cards for birthdays, goggles for the Razr, a sling shot to shoot cows with and a facial hair remover gadget, and the new Beauty and the Beast movie.  Oh, by the way, James loves his Harry's razor that I ordered for him.  

We came home and watched the most recent episode of "The Good Witch" and then James went to try out the sling shot.  

James worked outside on the fence until 4 p.m. He stopped and went over to the Howard's to work for awhile.  I chased away cows two times while he was gone. While I am sitting at the dining room table working on my blog and watching Beauty and the Beast, I look outside and see a calf rubbing up against one of James's fruit trees.  I grab my sling shot and go.  I am a lousy shot so I don't think she has anything to worry about.  I yell at her and she stares at me a few seconds and then turns and runs.  This plague of cows is really tiresome.

This evening I read a chapter about Solomon Mack from the Joseph Smith History by His Mother.  James works outside on the fence until 9:30.  He knows we are leaving for the valley in a couple of days and will not leave his trees and grass unprotected from the cows. 

My view while riding in the Razr trying to drive

the cows away.  They look scared, don't they.

The Mountain Elk Burger at

Karen's Country Bakery.

(Maybe I should show this picture to the cows and say:

"This could be you!")

I love the Beast!

Especially when he sings

"Evermore."

June 4, 2015

Our Chandler home remodeled kitchen.