Tuesday, June 20th, 2017

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated 3 Sept 2006 by:

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 14

The Savior Appears to the Nephites

Jesus commands: Judge not; ask of God beware of false prophets - He promises salvation to those who do the will of the Father - Compare Matthew 7.

Alma 19:22-36

*In Alma 19:12-14 what truths had Lamoni learned during the previous two days?

*Lamoni, the queen, and Ammon were "overpowered with joy." When have you felt the influence of the Spirit in a powerful way?

(Before bearing my testimony in sacrament meeting a couple of months ago, when praying and studying the scriptures, especially when they testify of the Savior, and when I shook hands with President Kimball, and sang with a small group outside the tabernacle, "We Thnak Thee O God for a Prophet", to President McKay just to name a few.)

*When have I felt great joy? (At the birth of each of my children and grandchildren and when I was sealed in the temple to my sweetheart and seeing my children sealed to their sweethearts.)

*By sharing our testimonies and setting righteous examples, we can help others turn to the Lord.

DC 88:111-126

103-16, Angelic trumps proclaim the restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the Great God; 117-26, Seek learning, establish a house of God (a temple), and clothe yourselves with the bond of charity;

Has there ever been a time that you wanted to "run" and share the gospel with others?

General Conference

A Sin-Resistant Generation

Joy D. Jones

"Fortifying children to become sin-resistant is a task and a blessing for parents, grandparents, family members, teachers, and leaders. We each bear responsibility to help. However, the Lord has specifically instructed parents to teach their children 'to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.'"

James broke the auger and the Cat.  He is having such a difficult time digging the post holes for our fence because there are big rocks buried underground.  They got a little rain in Vernon today. Here in the valley it was 122 degrees.

I waited until Addy got up before going to the store. I went to Frys and got food and supplies and then stopped at Jack-in-the-Box for a breakfast Jack. I also took the girls some pancakes.  The ordered waffles and strawberries for breakfast.  They each ate a waffle and of course Ruby had to have some whipped cream with hers. Later we made strawberry shortcake. After breakfast we went swimming.

Or I should say the girls went swimming and I

sat and watched.

Ruby sits on the edge of the pool and watches Addy.

A little sister fun.

They need some pool toys and goggles

Ruby waving.

The water does look inviting.

After their morning swim they each got a smoothie and then we went back to the villa. (That is what they call them here.)  The girls got dressed and we went to Chik-fil-a for lunch. After ordering Ruby informs me she doesn't like their chicken but she eats her fries. Addy likes the chicken but not the fries. I could have ordered one meal and they could have shared it.

After Chik-fil-a we went to Walmart to find some tubes for them to play with in the water.  I ended up buying seven tubes because I knew Lola, Rowan, Max, Evan, and Joshua were all coming this week.  

The afternoon swim was much more fun with the tubes.

So much more relaxing!

This picture makes me laugh. It looks like

Ruby's feet are in Addy's tube!

So cute!

Ruby coming back from the hot tub.

We had just enough time to shower and eat some strawberry shortcake before leaving for Rowan's Cub Scout Arrow of Light Ceremony in east Mesa. I drove over 40 miles to Crismon and Guadalupe to their meetinghouse.  We got there just in time, and just a little before Trina and Darrel arrived.  

The meeting was quite long because others boys got awards and a retired Navy Aviator came and spoke. It was interesting. They saved Rowan for last. We are very proud of him for receiving the highest award you can receive in Cub Scouts.

Rowan's scout leader came over and asked me if I knew what

a great young man Rowan was. I said I did.

Darrel handing Rowan his award.

Rowan pinning on Trina

Rowan with his award and his arrow.

He wanted to bring the arrow with him to the resort but

I told him I didn't think it was a good idea.

Rowan and one of his friends

We are all very proud of him!

Addy is like Adam, she takes a book with her wherever she goes.

Lola watching Ruby lick the frosting off her cupcake.

And this is the result.

Lola planning her next move.

She had to make sure I saw her green tongue.

I said goodbye to the girls and Trina and Darrel and Rowan and I headed for Chandler to pick up Joshua, Evan, and Max.  I also stopped at Cathi's and picked up the Omaha frozen food that Jared purchased for James for Father's Day.  Lots of good stuff.  Cathi told me about Lois being sick and spending time with her in the hospital last night as she couldn't stop vomiting.  They thought she had eaten some bad potato salad but that proved to be wrong. For the rest of the week, Cathi, Dawn, and then Terry were vomiting and very sick. So sad.

Back at the resort these boys like to stick together.

This was supposed to be Evan and Joshua's bed but

they all ended up sleeping together.

Max and Evan said the resort, they call it the condo, was their favorite place in the world. Rowan and Joshua opted for the cabin.

Monday, June 19th 2017

Rome, Italy

Estimated completion date:

Mid 2018

John 17:19 

Atonement

3Nephi 13

Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord's Prayer; They are to lay up treasures in heaven; The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things.

Alma 19:1-11

King Lamoni and many of his people repent and are baptized.

*Ammon's missionary efforts caused a ripple effect: Ammon, King Lamoni, the queen, Lamoni's servants, Abish, and many other Lamanites.

*What can we learn about the queen in Alma 19:7-11?

DC 88:99-110

95-102, Angelic trumps call forth the dead in their order; 103-16, Angelic trumps proclaim the restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the great God;
What things will be revealed?
* All things will be revealed!
General Conference

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course; to put at defense the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every bond, to stand in the presence of God, to do all things according to His will, according to His command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from the foundation of the world." (Joseph Smith)

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today?

I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety."

James left for the Howard's around 6 a.m. to work. While he was gone I did my gospel study and then started to get ready to go to the valley. I am spending the week at our timeshare in Scottsdale.

Today I am picking up Darrel and Trina's girls to stay with me.

Before I left I made a green chili stew for James.  It is one of his favorite meals and I was going to fix it for him for Father's Day but James told me he would rather I didn't fix it on Sunday.  It was a good idea because he isn't coming down to the valley until Wednesday and now he will have something to eat in my absence.

I was able to say goodbye to James before I left at 1:45.  I stopped in Show Low at the McDonald's for an ice cream cone. I ended up getting a Happy Meal to go along with my cone because they were giving away Beanie Babies with their Happy Meals, or so I thought. Instead of a Beanie Baby I got a Smurf cup that I ended up throwing away.  What a waste and the food wasn't even that good.

I felt like I was falling asleep between Salt River Canyon and Globe so I stopped a few minutes to rest.  I also stopped in Globe to get gas and then at Walmart to get some earrings because I realize I forgot to wear any and if I don't put some in the holes in my ears will grow back together again. I get some earrings and put them in. I also got some cheese sticks and some cherries to eat on the way.  I do better about staying awake when I eat. This is why I should never drive on long trips.

I arrive at Darrel and Trina's around six. Rowan opens the door and gives me a big hug.  Trina is at work and Lola is asleep. Addy and Ruby are ready to go.

These headphones are her favorite birthday gift!

That's what I call a loaded backpack.

I wonder what's in there?

Addy's bag looks a little less full.

Our first stop was the Chandler mall where we had some

dinner and then took Ruby shopping. She must have spent an hour

in this store and came out with one fake pair of glasses!

Addy did a little decorating once we arrived at the timeshare.

Our timeshare is Sheraton Desert Oasis on

1770 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. We were assigned

units 1023 and 1024 this stay. I was happy to get downstairs units!

Someone's sleeping in my bed!

Yikes! An alien in the bathroom!

Bambi's going to do a little reading.

Cream staring at his reflection.

I think Flower wants a drink.

Right by the front door to welcome us as we come in.

Now I know what Ruby had in her backpack!

Addy watched "Beauty and the Beast" while I went in to put Ruby to be.  Michael had slept in the bed she was sleeping in the night before and she wanted to know if there were any bedbugs.  I assured her there weren't but we had to check anyway.  We sang, "I Am a Child of God", "Nephi's Courage," and "You Are My Sunshine." You Are My Sunshine is Ruby's signature song.

Sunday, June 18th, 2017

Happy Father's Day!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

expected completion date:

mid-2019

3 Nephi 12

Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples; He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount; He speaks the Beatitudes; His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses; Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect; Compare Matthew 5.

Alma 18:12-43

As Ammon teaches the plan of redemption, Lamoni recognizes his need for the Savior.

*What are some things Ammon was able to do beyond his natural ability?

*Why do you think it is important to teach about the Creation and the Fall when we teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

*As we understand our need for the Savior, we will desire to repent.

DC 88:87-98

86-94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord; 

How are men's hearts failing them today?

* Because of fear, poor health, and sin.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" To be effective Church leaders, we must learn this critical lesson: leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God. As Saints of the Most High God, we are to 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.'"

Happy 8th Birthday to Ruby!

Waffles with whipped cream,

two of her favorite things!

Ruby and cousin Kreed

2015, six years old

2012, 3 years old

Before church today James and I celebrated Father's Day.

Sorry to interrupt your studies Honey,

but it's Father's Day!

Two new ties, a white shirt, the shirt he is

wearing, a Harry's razor and aftershave,

and an . . .

My hero!

So handsome, and it makes you look taller!

Put on your thinking hat.

Kacey posted this.

An amazing example of forgiveness and

fatherhood in the scriptures,

The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Ty A. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. He spoke about the importance of keeping a journal. Amen!

Jackson A. was the next speaker, he is 18 and spoke on leadership. and example. He started off by saying that his parents are the best examples of leadership in his life. "My dad has always taken me to work. He has taught me to work hard. When I run my dad follows me in his truck." "As we follow the example of the Savior our light will shine for others. my family are great examples for me to follow." Jackson also looks to the young men in the ward for ideas of how to be better. "People are always watching you, so be a good example." "I am grateful for the example of my Savior and Church leaders like the Prophet Joseph Smith." We need to learn from others mistakes. All the young men in our ward have the goal to serve a mission.  My brother is a return missionary and has now been married in the temple. He is a great example to me.

David Clark Halls from the high council was the concluding speaker.  He spoke on the Holy Ghost and started out by saying that President Shumway ministers to others through the Holy Ghost.  He gave the example in Elder Rasband's talk about being a first responder of the Holy Ghost. "Learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit. Sometimes it is just a thought.  Doubters will say that it is not reasonable that the Spirit would speak to us."  "Sometimes we 'coast' and lose the Spirit. It is those times that we need to get back on track. Matt 1:22 - "The very elect will be deceived." Keep close to the Spirit to keep from being deceived.

The Holy Ghost also comforts and guides us. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are joy, love, and peace. Mosiah 3:19 talks about the natural man being an enemy to God. If we are a "natural man or woman" the things of the Spirit don't make sense to us. The Holy Ghost can smooth off our rough edges. 3 Nephi 17 Christ blesses the sick and the children. We can always have the Spirit of Christ with us through the Holy Ghost. To now God we must learn to language of the Spirit. (I loved this talk!)

The Relief Society had a nice luncheon prepared for all the men in the ward. Colter was late for class because he went and got a cookie. Thank goodness I had cookies for the rest of my class.  My class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Jace, Liana, and Jack a visitor. After Primary Curtis and I delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner and cookies to Braxton who wasn't home. We gave them to his dad.

We learned during singing time that Brother Hunsaker can wiggle his ears.  Brother Miller taught James's class today. Brother Cooper taught the high priests and went off on a tangent about the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  I told James that was against Church policy and someone should speak to him about it.

For lunch we had grilled tuna and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. I took a nap while James and his partner Brother Westbrook visited the Peeler's. James is getting his voice back thanks to his steroid prescription.

All of James's kids texted or called him today which made his day.  I made him some chocolate covered strawberries and we had them for dinner.  It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!

It was 96 degrees here in Vernon!