Monday, June 26th, 2017

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 April 1993

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 17

Jesus directs the people to ponder His words and pray for understanding; He heals their sick; He prays for the people, using language that cannot be written; Angels minister to and fire encircles their little ones.

Alma 22:15-26

This is one of my favorite stories in the Book of Mormon because of this kind and what he was willing to give up to know God. He set a great example for his people.

*Search Alma 22:15 looking for what the father of King Lamoni was willing to give up in order to receive joy and eternal life.

* Although he was willing to give up all his possessions, Aaron taught him of a greater sacrifice that he needed to make. Alma 22:16.

* Read Alma 22:17-18, looking for the king's response to Aaron's instructions.

* What do you think it means to "give away" our sins? Why do you think it is necessary to repent of all of our sins, not just some of them? How long do you think it will take?

* What can we learn from King Lamoni's father about preparing for eternal life?

DC 93:1-18

1-5, All who are faithful will see the Lord; 6-18, John bore record that the Son of God went from grace to grace until He received a fulness of the glory of the Father;

How can we bear record of the Son?

*By emulating His example.

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

" Remember the Lord's promise: 

'I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your souls with joy.'

I love that assurance. Joy that fills our souls brings with it an eternal perspective in contrast to day-to-day living. That joy comes as peace amidst hardship or heartache. It provides comfort and courage, unfolds the truths of the gospel, and expands our love for the Lord and all of God's children. Although the need for such blessings is so great in many ways the world has forgotten and forsaken them."

To the Friends and the Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I realize now that I had expected to receive revelation without paying the price. Until then I had never truly spoken to God, and the idea of speaking to someone who wasn't present seemed foolish. I had to humble myself and do what I was being asked to do even if, in my worldly mind, it seemed silly."

It is 90 degrees but is overcast so it isn't too bad.  I had an appointment with Dr. Moffat this afternoon to get my thyroid prescription renewed.  Afterwards I got tacos at Aliberto's, and an ice cream cone and diet Coke at McDonald's.  

I cleaned the dining room and kitchen floor today with my Hoover Floormate.  It did a great job!

James pounded his Cat into submission today so he could work on the fence.

For FHE we listened to Elder Costa's talk and read from "The Lost Heiress."

Random Photos:

Somewhere in Arizona

The Rockband Boys

So funny!

I Love Lucy

This is Curtis Lambson's daughter Kyra when she was young woman.
She is now 32 years old and has 5 children. She was in Pinetop
with her children and ex-husband. Now she is missing.

Ivy and Lola asleep in the boat.

Sunday, June 25th, 2017

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005 by,

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 22:1-14

Aaron teaches the gospel to Lamoni's father, who believes and is born of God.

* Why did Aaron begin teaching the king by establishing his belief in God?

* Read Alma 22:7-14 and make a list of doctrines that Aaron taught to Lamoni's father. How do these doctrines answer the king's question in Alma 22:6?

DC 91:1-6-92:1-2

91:1-3, The Apocrypha is mostly translated correctly but contains many interpolations by the hands of men that are not true; 4-6, It benefits those enlightened by the Spirit.

92:1-2, The Lord gives a commandment relative to admission to the united order.

How can we become more "lively" members?

* We can work diligently for the advancement of the goals and principles of the group or movement to which we belong.

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"God motivates through persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned. God is on our side. He loves us, and when we stumble, He wants us to rise up, try again and become stronger. He is our mentor. He is our great and cherished hope. He desires to stimulate us with faith. He trusts us to learn from our missteps and make correct choices."

We checked out of rooms 1023 and 1024 at around 10 a.m. this morning.  James had already left in his truck for Chandler. Jared and Kacey helped me carry my stuff to the car.  We drove straight to the Chandler West stake center in Chandler on Dobson and Galveston. We are attending the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting with Sheri's family.  It was Alex Braddock's mission homecoming today and James really wanted to go.

I felt the Spirit when Elder Braddock spoke.  He was humble and you could tell he loved his mission and had been a good missionary.  He told some good stories about the people he met and served in Chile.

We did not stay for the entire block. After sacrament meeting we said our goodbyes to Sheri and to Kacey and Jared who are driving back to El Paso this afternoon.  They stopped by the Tucson temple on the way home.

It was over 115 degrees for these pictures

James and I pretty much stayed together on the way home.  I was so tired and hungry that I had to stop at McDonald's and get something to eat. This is the reason I don't like to travel on Sunday.

I also had to stop by the side of the road and take a short nap.  

We we arrived home it had been raining in Vernon and was 73 degrees.  

I helped James unload, unpacked, at a couple of waffles for dinner, read, and went to bed. It's always great to be home.

Kacey took this picture on their way to El Paso.

Saturday, June 24th, 2017

Salt Lake

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 April 1893 by

Wilford Woodruff

3 Nephi 16

Jesus will visit others of the lost sheep of Israel; In the latter days the gospel will go to the Gentiles and then to the house of Israel The Lord's people will see eye to eye when He brings again Zion.

Alma 21:1-23

Aaron and his brethren preach the gospel in spite of trials and imprisonment.

* One of the trials Aaron faced was opposition from the Amalekites as he taught them (see Alma 21:5-10). What can we do if someone wants to argue with us about religion or challenge our beliefs?

* If we faithfully persist through trials, the Lord will help us do His work. (Read Alma 21:16-17 to see how the Lord helped Aaron and his brethren do His work.)

DC 90:17-37

19-37, Various individuals are counseled by the Lord to walk uprightly and serve in His kingdom.

General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Any person that had seen the heavens opened knows that there are three personages in the heavens who hold the keys of power, and one presides over all..."... these personages ...are called God the first, the Creator; God the second, the Redeemer; and God the third, the Witness or Testator. It is the province of the Father to preside as the Chief of President, Jesus as the Mediator, and the Holy Ghost as Testator or Witness."

James made scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast for breakfast. Afterwards he and Kacey and Jared go to the Phoenix temple. Kacey wanted to go to a temple that she had never been to before.

I didn't go because of my cough.

Kacey and Jared at the Phoenix temple

Cute picture 

I wish they were holding hands.

Ian, Sheri, Ben, Max, and Evan came over to swim today. 

Ben's face says it all!

I'm not sure who won.

Patty cake, patty cake

There goes Evan!

After swimming they all came back inside our room.  Sheri, Max, and I played Five Crowns and then it was time to say goodbye.

Soon after the Trezise's left, James, Jared, and Kacey returned.  They changed clothes and I got dressed.  We all headed to the Olive Garden in Scottsdale to use the gift cards James got for father's day and the one I got for mother's day.  

After Olive Garden we went to Bass Pro Shop so James could get some ammo and exploding targets for his Top Shot competition at the cabin.  Kacey couldn't believe it was 120 degrees outside.

Thanks for smiling Kacey!

When we got back to the resort Kacey and Jared watched "Beauty and the Beast," I worked on my blog, and James took a nap.  

After the movie Kacey and Jared went to Sonic for drinks.  Of course I ordered one.  For dinner the guys grilled us hot dogs and hamburgers.  I fixed corn-on-the-cob and beans, and strawberry shortcake.

  

After dinner we played Five Crowns.

Friday, June 23rd, 2017

St. Paul, Minnesota,

69th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 20:19-30

*When Lamoni's father saw that Ammon could kill him, what did he offer Ammon? What did Ammon ask instead?

*How did Ammon's love for Lamoni influence Lamoni's father?

In what ways did the words of Ammon and Lamoni influence Lamoni's father?

Conclusion: As we show love and teach the truth, we can help others soften their hearts and become receptive to the gospel.

DC 90:1-16

1-5, The keys of the kingdom are committed to Joseph Smith and through him to the Church; 6-7, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams are to serve in the First Presidency; 8-11, The gospel is to be preached to the nations of Israel, to the Gent iles, and to the Jews, every man hearing in his own tongue; 12-18, Joseph Smith and his counselors are to set the Church in order;

How do these verses help us understand more fully the order and continuity of the Prophet and First Presidency?

* Counselors can do everything their presiding officer directs them to do, as if the president were personally acting; however, they have no power to act independent of the president.

General Conference

Whatsoever He Saith unto You, Do It

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

"Those who are deliberate about doing the "small and simple things" - obeying in seemingly little ways - are blessed with faith and strength that go far beyond the actual acts of obedience themselves and, in fact, may seem totally unrelated to them. It may seem hard to draw a connection between the basic daily acts of obedience and solutions to the big, complicated problems we face.

But they are related. In my experience getting the little daily habits of faith right is the single best way to fortify ourselves against the troubles of life, whatever they may be. Small acts of faith, even when they seem insignificant or entirely disconnected from the specific problems that vex us, bless us in all we do."

Another night of coughing.

James left a little after six for Chandler to take his truck to Cactus Muffler to get a new exhaust pipe.  His now almost touches the ground.  I leave around 6:40 to pick him up.  Thank goodness there was light traffic on the freeway.  

After picking up James from the muffler shop we went to Biscuits for breakfast.  This time we both order the Joe's Scramble. James gets biscuits as his side and I get pancakes, which were huge.  

The guy at the muffler shop informs James that he needs four new brakes.  This is a job for Erik, but he is out of town on vacation.  Before going back to Scottsdale we drive through Sonic to get drinks.  

After a short nap at the resort I take James back to pick up his truck.  He goes to the mattress shop to get a set of box springs for our king sized mattress and I do some shopping at the Fry's on Dobson and Ray.  

Back at the resort as I am carrying in groceries I lock myself out of the room.  I go to the front desk and the girl brings a key and follows me back to my room. She helps carry in my groceries and then asks to see my picture I.D.  

I am hot and sweaty. I turn down the air conditioner, put on my new house dress, and start washing the sheets on the other bed. Kacey and Jared are coming to stay with us a couple of nights.  

I also put the groceries away and clean up both rooms.  Afterwards I take a much deserved nap.  

After my nap I am doing my gospel study when James returns.  We cook crabcakes for dinner which we quite delicious. James bought them at the Signature Fry's here in Scottsdale. 

After dinner, studying, blogging, and reading from "The Lost Heiress", we go to bed around 10:30. We leave a key under the mat for Jared and Kacey.  They arrive around 11:30 in a new silver mini-van.

Photos and a Quote

 It is fire season in the southwest. This is the Boundary

fire on Kendrick mountain. It has burned 11, 540 acres and is still burning.

Young Women Kilee and Shelly.

On our way to Scottsdale three years ago to stay in our

timeshare with Sister Nicoll, LeeAnn and Trenda.

A reward for reading the Book of Mormon.

Bearing one another's burdens.

Thursday, June 22nd, 2017

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1-5 June 1997 by:

Gordon B. Hinckley

My scriptures about the Savior:

3 Nephi 15

Jesus announces that the law of Moses is fulfilled in Him; The Nephites are the other sheep of whom He spoke in Jerusalem; Because of iniquity, the Lord's people in Jerusalem do not know of the scattered sheep of Israel. About A.D. 34.

Alma 20:1-18

*Alma 20:8-13. What feelings would you have if you were in Ammon's position and someone accused your of being a liar and a robber?

*Alma 20:14-16. What lessons can we learn from Lamoni's response to his father?

*Conclusion:

We can bear our testimonies by word and example even when others try to persuade us to do what is wrong.

DC 89:1-21

The use of wine, strong drinks, tobacco, and hot drinks is proscribed; Herbs, fruits, flesh, and grain are ordained for the use of man and of animals; Obedience to gospel law, including the Word of Wisdom, brings temporal and spiritual blessings.

What evidence is there today of "evils and designs" in the hearts of conspiring men?

*In the advertising of tobacco, tea, coffee, liquors, beer and wine. Take a cigarette instead of a sweet to reduce weight are just a few examples.

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Remember the Lord's promise:

'I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.'

I love that assurance. Joy that fills our souls brings with it an eternal perspective in contrast to day-to-day living. That joy comes as peace amidst hardship or heartache. It provides comfort and courage, unfolds the truths of the gospel, and expands our love for the Lord and all of God's children. Although the need for such blessings s so great, in many ways the world has forgotten and forsaken them."

James went down to the pool with Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan just before Darrel arrived with Addy, Ruby, and Lola.  I sent Addy down with Ruby and Lola and I came shortly afterwards. 

This is where I found Lola when I arrived at the pool.

This is the hot tub. James is here with Addy and Max.

Addy is trying to coax Lola into the water.

Addy picks her up and takes her into the water.

Oh, there is Ruby with her new goggles.

Lola lasts a few minutes in the water but is scared to death

even with her floaties.

She would rather sit in the chair and watch.

Grandpa making sure she is ok.

Lola and I watched the other kids swim for awhile and then we went back to the room to watch "Moana."

She requested the peanut M&M's.

That takes care of that bag.

When everyone else gets back from the pool we load up in my car and grandpa's truck and head for Peter Piper Pizza. I made the mistake of calling James grandpa and Lola corrected me. She said:

"I call him grandpa, you call him James." 

The kids had a blast at Peter Piper. At least I think they did. We didn't even notice that Joshua wore no shoes.  Evidentally he left them at the pool and didn't bother to tell us. Stacy called me after everyone had left and asked me if I had found Joshua's shoes. I sent James to the pool and the front desk and a few minutes after he returned someone brought them to us. What kind of grandparents let their kids go out with no shoes in 120 degree weather.  Next time there will be a lineup to check for shoes!

Luckily it was not crowded and we pretty much

had the place to ourselves.

No Shoes Gonzo and friends.

Ruby with her "fake" glasses.

Proof of "no shoes."

Lola's favorite was shooting these ducks with the 

squirt gun.

She loves Max.

Back to the resort.  We just "hung out" the rest of the day until Trina picked everyone up a little before 9 p.m. She even took Max, Evan, and Joshua home. We are grateful!

Lola gets alot of attention from these boys.

The kids played "Uno" and finished watching "Moana."

Lola and I played hide and go seek in the park.

Her hair is about to come undone.

Grandpa had fidget spinner races with the boys.

The red one was the fastest.