Wednesday, June 28th, 2017

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 August 2011 by

Henry B. Eyring

3 Nephi 19

The twelve disciples minister unto the people and pray for the Holy Ghost; The disciples are baptized and receive the Holy Ghost and the ministering of angels; Jesus prays using words that cannot be written; He attests to the exceedingly great faith of these Nephites.

Alma 23:8-24:6

*How was the people's desire for a new name evidence that they had changed?

*How might those who are converted today be distinguished from others?

*According to Alma 23:18, the converted Lamanites began to be industrious and to be friendly with the Nephites. When a person is trying to repent or change his or her life, how might it be helpful for him or her to associate with other people who are converted?

*Conversion means changing and becoming a new person through the power of God.

DC 93:33-43

33-35, The elements are eternal, and man may receive a fulness of joy in the Resurrection; 36-37, The glory of God is intelligence; 38-40, Children are innocent before God because of the redemption of Christ; 

How can we defeat Satan when he tries to take away light and truth?

*Through obedience and righteous traditions establish in the home.

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" The Holy Ghost comforts. 'I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.' John 14:16."

Pam G. and I went to lunch at Persnikkity's today. I picked her up and paid for her for her birthday which I missed in May.  As we were sitting at our table waiting for our food she asked me if I knew C. Lambson. When I said yes, he was James's cousin, she proceeded to tell me that the police had found his daughter Kyra's boday behind the Burger King in Pinetop. She had been stabbed to death. I was shocked. I knew she was missing on Monday evening but I had not heard anything since then. Such a tragedy! She was 32 years old, a single mom with five children.

Happier times

Kyra's ex-husband, Christopher is a suspect

in this case.

It was hard for me to think of anything else except Kyra's family for the rest of the day. 

I had my Primary girls, Liana, Gracie, and Bailey over this afternoon to watch "Beauty and the Beast." Afterwards I took them to Liana's mother at the Vernon City Park on the Razr.  It was a nice diversion for this afternoon.

Smoke from the Goodwin fire near Prescott is now floating in to Navajo and Apache county.  The fire has burned 25,000 acres.

Downtown Mayer near Prescott

James had said earlier he did not want to go in to town today to get the headboard we ordered from Walmart. I changed in to my comfy clothes and was just starting to work on my blog when he came in and announced: "I am going to town. Will you go with me"?  I was a little frustrated but I said I would go.  It was a bad idea. I hate riding in his dirty, bouncy truck that has no brakes.  He went to pick up the headboard and my thyroid prescription. He also made a stop at Home Depot. The only good part of the trips was the tacos we got at Aliberto's.

I slept on the couch tonight. He says he came and slept by me and gave me a kiss.  When I woke up he wasn't there and I don't remember him coming in.

Random Photos:

Jared packing up and moving from El Paso to 

San Antonio. The bottom fell out of the first box.

Kacey said he had two cast iron skillets packed in

it and that might have been the reason.

I love Arizona waterfalls

Interesting. I need to remember this the next

time I have a cough.

I think I am going to like these 

Supreme Court judges.

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

San Jose, Costa Rica

87th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 June 2000 by

James E. Faust

3 Nephi 18

Jesus institutes the sacrament among the Nephites; They are commanded to pray always in His name; Those who eat His flesh and drink His blood unworthily are damned; The disciples are given power to confer the Holy Ghost.

Alma 22:27-23:7

Thousands of Lamanites are converted to the Lord.

*After the king of the Lamanites was converted, he sent a proclamation among the people declaring that they should allow Aaron and his brethren to preach the word of God throughout the land without obstruction and without being harmed. This proclamation made it possible for the missionaries to establish churches among the Lamanites. As a result, thousands of Lamanites were converted.

*Read Alma 23:6 and identify phrases that describe the Lamanites who believed the preaching of Ammon and his brethren. These Lamanites were "converted unto the Lord" not to the Church or to the missionaries who taught them. Their conversion was so powerful that they never did fall away.

*When we face difficult circumstances and adversity, why is it important that we be converted to the Lord rather than to other people or ideas?

DC 93:19-32

19-20, Faithful men, going from grace to grace, will also receive of His fulness; 21-22, Those who are begotten through Christ are the Church of the Firstborn; 23-28, Christ received a fulness of all truth, and man by obedience may do likewise; 29-32, Man was in the beginning with God;

In what ways do I worship the Lord?

*I reverence God's fulness of truth and grace. I desire to be like God by keeping His commandments. Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

" It is to walk in His paths, to be baptized as Christ was, to preach that gospel of the kingdom which fell from His lips, and to heal the sick and raise the dead as He did. 

"To worship the Lord is to put first in our lives the things of His kingdom, to live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God, to center our whole hearts upon Christ and that salvation which comes because of Him.

General Conference

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Because I love you, I care about who you become. So I invite you to change those things that are hard for you and become who the Lord wants you to be. I pray fr the gift of charity and that I can see each missionary (person),  as the Lord sees them."

I polished the wood floor in the living/family room this morning before my visiting teacher, Kaeli and her two kids got here.

Kaeli reads President Monson's message from General Conference regarding the Book of Mormon.  As she is reading I get the impression that this is what I sould share with Jared's kids when they are here.  Kaeli also said a prayer which was very sweet regarding my family that are coming.

Guy, Kaeli, Natalie

I love having Kaeli as my visiting teacher

After Kaeli left I fixed tuna sandwiches for lunch. I also had chips and milk.  We read several chapters from "The Lost Heiress."  I took a nap and worked on my blog.  I didn't do any more cleaning today.  I finally heard from Hailey regarding visiting teaching.  She said I could come for a visit on Thursday morning.  I am having lunch with Pam tomorrow.  

For dinner I fixed Omaha pork chops, fries, tarts, and broccoli. James is exhausted. He broke a hose, so he has no working Cat. 

We finished reading "The Lost Heiress" and I worked on my Primary journal, recording lesson five.

Random Photos

Dalmation horses!

Somewhere in Arizona

Love this picture of Elder Holland

I don't know who the other man is.

A beautiful Vernon sunset

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.