Tuesday, July 4th, 2017

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14-15 Dec 1985 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 23

Jesus approves the words of Isaiah; He commands the peole to search the prophets; The words of Samuel the Lamanite concerning the Resurrection are added to their records. About A.D. 34.

Alma 27:1-15

*If you were one of the Anti-Nephi-Lihies, how difficult might it be for you to keep your covenant (promise) and not go to battle to defend yourself and your loved ones?

*How do you think the Lord feels about those who keep their promises to Him?

*What did Ammon propose to do to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and help them keep their covenants?

*What instruction did Ammon receive from the Lord?

DC 97:11-28

10-17, A house is to be built in Zion in which the pure in heart will see God; 18-21, Zion is the pure in heart; 22-28, Zion will escape the Lord's scourge if she is faithful.

Josh and Adam arrived this morning.  We were happy to see them.  Joshua was so funny when we introduced him to Kacey. He said: "Oh Kacey, I've heard so much about you. You must be a really nice person."  When I told Stacy she said, "Oh, he's met her before."

I sent out Rowan's song, "Innocent Lives" to all the family today with a promise that I wouldn't tell them that he wrote it. I thought it was appropriate as we celebrate Independence Day.

"Innocent Lives"

Innocent lives were taken in Valley Forge.

Their guns were like spells ready to seal their death.

Please oh please, let no more

innocent lives be taken today.

The marching bands will play at the death of our veterans today.

We will honor the death or our heroes  today.

Please oh please, let no more

innocent lives be taken today.

Hope! We must have hope that we'll win this treacherous game.

It's a sad fate to have but it has a great reward.

Think about the lives you save as a veteran to your country.

Bombings are fatal, shootings are horrible.

Please, oh please, let no more 

innocent lives be taken today.

I was touched by the depth of feeling portrayed by one so young in these verses. This young man has a feeling of gratitude for the sacrifices made by others for him and pleads with us to stop the killing of the innocent.

I love his plea for no more innocent lives to be taken. I know that will happen when our Savior returns again and I look forward to that day. I also look forward to the day when our family can be together forever!

Please remember the sacrifices made for us to live in this great country, the Promised Land. And please remember the promise from the Book of Mormon: "If ye keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land."

May our family always prosper both temporally and spiritually is my prayer. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Last night we had a combined family scripture study and then Jared shared this amazing story that Elder Holland recently told at a new mission presidents' seminar and training. 

(Elder Holland share 'the missionary speech of all time'...

deseretnews.com)

We had a Top Shot and Sling Shot competition today. Evan won the sling shot and Tanner won the top shot.

I think making that face was the

secret to his success.

Two posers and a bomber

The sling shot competition attracted everyone.

Addy taking aim.

Loading the muzzle loader

Sharp shooter Tanner

Kacey hit an exploding target

The prize for the best shooters: candy. Tanner chose Reeses and Evan sour patch.

Thank goodness that the Razr is still drivable. I think Emmy and Addy rode it the most.  

Today is Lola's third birthday but since we are celebrating tomorrow when she gets here I am only posting one picture.

Celebrating her birthday and the 4th of July

Today for lunch I made cheese crisps, cheese and turkey sandwiches, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all for Darrel and Trina's kids and Sheri and Ian's.  

This evening Kacey, Jared, Anna, Summer, Molly, and Ruby all went to the fireworks show at the Show Low High School. I had volunteered to take whoever wanted to go. No one else wanted to go except Addy and since Emmy did not want to go, she stayed home with her.  Here are some of the things we did this evening:

Joshua, Evan, and Rowan wrote more songs.  James took the three of them on a Razr ride and Evan said it was the best ever. They saw turkey and elk and he took them on top of Negra Knoll.  

We played Five Crowns and the kids enjoyed playing outside in the good weather. After dark most of the kids went outside to play Germans and Gray Wolf. Don't ask me how to play because I am not sure. Tanner didn't want to play. He stayed inside and helped me do the dishes and then I put "Dennis the Menace Christmas" on for him to watch.

More Photos:

Ruby giving grandpa a hug.

Emmy and Addy teaching Kim how

to play the game of Life.

Jared taking a mid-morning nap.

Molly and Ruby playing Uno.

James playing the piano.

James showing Tanner pictures of his

trip to the Northwest Territories.

Jared let Summer and Anna practice

their makeup skills on his face.

I love this!

Huntleigh and a friend at the 

Show Low parade.

Eden, Winter, Ander

Natalie and Guy

Lola arrived around 9 pm and we celebrate

her birthday with just this one gift:

"Bobolina."

We started out playing Five Crowns

and ended up watching videos

on Adam's phone.

Ben acting like a robot.

I think this is Adam getting the ball caught

in the tree.

Ruby and Molly enjoying some

refreshment before the fireworks start.

Still waiting for the show.

Kacey said Ruby loved the show!

Monday, July 3rd, 2017

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980 by
Spencer W. Kimball

3 Nehpi 22

In the last days, Zion and her stakes will be established, and Israel will be gathered in mercy and tenderness; They will triumph; Compare Isaiah 54. About A.D. 34.

Alma 26:17-37

*Read Alma 26:23-29. What are some of the obstacles Ammon and his brothers faced in their service to the Lord and the Lamanites?

*According to Alma 26:27, 30, what motivated Ammon and his fellow missionaries to continue to serve?

*Read Alma 26:31-34 looking for some of the results of the labors of the sons of Mosiah.

*After reading Alma 26:35-37 can you think of any reasons why you have to rejoice in the goodness of God?

DC 97:1-10
1-2, Many of the Saints in Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) are blessed fro their faithfulness; 3-5, Parley P. Pratt is commended for his labors in the school in Zion; 6-9, Those who observe their covenants are accepted by the Lord;
General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

"The multi-generational certain women I met in Hong Kong and Taiwan continue to bless the lives of their families, Church members, and communities by remaining centered in the Savior and willingly sacrificing to keep covenants. Similar certain women are found throughout the Church."

My Peace I Leave With You

President Henry B. Eyring

" Your power to do good will depend, to a great degree, on the unity and love that exist among you. This is another gift of peace that comes through the Holy Ghost"

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and bacon. I accidentally cooked Kim and Brian's thick bacon instead of ours. I discovered it after only four pieces were gone. Kim got rather upset. I felt bad. I certainly didn't do it on purpose. I hate thick bacon.

Kacey, Jared, James, Anna, Summer, and Molly all go to Walmart to get groceries. James and I go separately. Tanner and Emmy stay home and work. James and I stopped at the hospital to pick up the "horsey" I am giving Lola for her birthday. We tried it out in the car and it made us laugh. I was going to go in Walmart and get some things but it look way too busy. Kacey said it was insane.  We were also going to go to LaCasita for lunch before we realized that they are closed on Monday's.  We went to Sonic and so did Kacey and Jared. We both got ice. 

We stopped at the Vernon post office on the way home and Addy texted me and said she saw us there. She just arrived with Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Rowan and Ruby. They were all at the cabin when we returned.

I played Five Crowns with Max, Sheri, and Ben. Max ended up winning as he said he would. After the game Sheri made chocolate chip cookies and then told us she was heading home. She had considered staying the night but decided against it.

Addy and Emmy went on a Razr ride with Tanner and while Addy was driving under the direction of Tanner turned a corner and ripped the canvas top.  I told her it was ok and not to be concerned.

Sheri had given me some cash for her boys so I decided to go to Dollar General and get some things. James, Anna, and Summer went with me. As we were leaving the cabin Jared had just returned from the pit and was going back again with Emmy, Addy, and Tanner. We had already talked about not allowing anyone without a driver's license to drive the Razr except for around our place or down to Chocolate Lake or the Boy Scout village.  

While shopping I got a call from Jared. He had allowed Addy to drive down the pit and she rolled the Razr. Luckily no one was seriously hurt but Addy was pretty shook up. Just as soon as I hung up the phone with Jared Trina texted me and ask if Addy was there. I had to call and tell her what happened. Addy called her and ask her to come and get her because she wanted to go home.  When we got home we talked to Addy and calmed her down. She had a headache as did Tanner and Jared had a huge sore on his arm.

I made taco soup for diner. After dinner Evan and Rowan sang me some songs they had wrote, and then Evan Facetimed Sheri.

Evan also played the ukulele

Rowan wrote a serious song about

war and soldiers called "Innocent  Lives."

Family Scripture Study

Beautiful Vernon sunset

I am a little upset  because alot of those new ping pong balls are lying smashed all over the floor. 

Sunday, July 2nd, 2017

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016 by

Russell M. Nelson

Alma 26:1-16

*How is it a blessing to be an instrument in the hands of God?

DC 96:1-9

1, The Kirtland Stake of Zion is to be made strong; 2-5, The bishop is to divide the inheritances for the Saints; 6-9, John Johnson is to be a member of the united order.

How can we make our home (stake) strong?

*As I read these scriptures I saw such words as Order, Prayer, wisdom, and keep my commandments...

We have an obligation to "bring forth my word" (vs-4,5) for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men for your good." Good homes produce good people, who in turn produce good works and bless the Church and its members. 

Doing things that invite the Spirit will help us do the most important work of all. We also must assist the Lord in bringing forth His word. (8)

General Conference

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

"Our Father in Heaven knows us. He loves us, and He has provided for us all that is required so that we can become holy as He is holy. Our hope for holiness is centered in Christ, in His mercy and His grace. With faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we may become clean, without spot, when we deny ourselves of ungodliness and sincerely repent. We are baptized by water for the remission of sins. Our souls are sanctified when we receive the Holy Ghost with open hearts. Weekly, we partake of the ordinance of the sacrament. In a spirit of repentance, wit sincere desires for righteousness, we covenant that we are willing to take upon us the name of Christ, remember Him, and keep His commandments so that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.

Over time, as we continually strive to become one with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we become partakers of Their divine nature. Most often it is the sacrifices we make to keep our covenants that sanctify us and make us holy."

We thought maybe we had a bat because we had seen evidence upstairs. James found him laying on the family room floor this morning and took him outside. Emmy and Molly thought he was so cool and Emmy took this picture.

It creeps me out to think that this critter was flying around my house. Later today Kacey mentioned that she thought a bird

was flying around in their room last night. I told her I didn't think it was a bird but I didn't think it would bother her tonight.

Today was our fast and testimony meeting. James and I are fasting for rain. I bore my testimony and bore my testimony of modern-day apostles and prophets. I also mentioned adding studying about the Savior's life to my scripture study because of President Nelson's talk. I enjoyed Bishop Millers, Brother Price's, and Brother Westbrook's testimonies. We had so many guests today that sacrament meeting was filled to the back of the second overflow.  

I had fifteen kids in my tiny Primary classroom. Sister Kuffer asked me to teach her class and there were lots of visitors.

Ashten and Kacey ducking their heads.

Couldn't get them all in one picture.

Molly made a friend in Primary today. He was a visitor and is four years old.

I can't remember his name, but 

I bet Molly does.

Back at home we fixed breakfast for lunch. James helped me by cooking the eggs.  It was quite delicious. I even had some cinnamon rolls for everyone.

Family time around the dining room table.

After lunch I took a nap. After my nap I got a call from Nadine Singleton. Two of her grandchildren who were visitors in my class today finished their homework papers and earned fidget spinners. Caden took the fast camoflage one and his sister Raylynn took my personal favorite, the purple. 

For dinner this evening we had burgers, steaks, beans, and corn-on-the cob.  Afterwards Jared and Kacey took their kids to Greenspeak. Some rode in the van and others rode on the Razr.

 Guess where these five rode.

Such a cute face!

We had FHE and scriptures together this evening. James told the story of how he was saved from the fire as a baby. 

I made popcorn and M&M's.

Emmy, Kacey, and Jared played Life. Molly watched The Incredibles. Earlier in the day Anna and Summer watched "The Help."  It was a good day.

Photos:

Christina and her baby Winter.

Winter was blessed today.

Cute little family.

I remember those days.

Congratulations!

Saturday, July 1st, 2017

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct - 2 Nov 1978 by

Spencer W. Kimball

Rededicated: 22 Feb 2004 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 25:1-17

*How were Abinadi's prophecies fulfilled?

The Lord sends His prophets to serve as His messengers and make His will known. Slometimes they predict future events. Alma 25 is the fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy from Mosiah 17:14-19.

*What has our prophet counseled us to do today?

DC 95:1-17

1-6, The Saints are chastened for their failure to build the house of the Lord; 7-10, The Lord desires to use His house to endow His people with power from on high; 11-17, The house is to be dedicated as a place of worship and for the school of the Apostles.

Which verse stood out to me?

*1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you whom I love, and whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance in all things out of temptation, and I have loved you-

8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;

11 Verily I say unto you, it is my will that you should build a house. If you keep my commandments you shall have power to build it.

13 Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord - let the house be built, not after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world;

14 Therefore, let it be built after the manner which I shall show unto three of you, whom ye shall appoint and ordain unto this power.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

" We must each ask: How do I keep centered and lean not unto mine own understanding? How do I recognize and follow the Savior's voice when the voices of the world are so compelling?

How do I cultivate trust in the Savior: May I suggest three ways to increase our knowledge of and trust in the Savior?

First, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we 'feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. Scriptures enlighten our minds, nourish our spirits, answer our questions, increase our trust in the Lord, and help us center our lives on Him.

Second, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him through prayer. As we make a habit of approaching Heavenly Father in prayer, we will come to know the Savior. We will come to trust Him. Our desires will become more like His. We will be able to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that Heavenly Father is ready to give if we will but ask in faith.

Third, we can come to know the Lord and trust Him as we sacrifice to serve others."

James and I made an early morning trip to town. Kim and Brian were still in bed so I left them a note. It was James's errand but I took advantage of it. I bought a mattress topper for the bed in James's office. I bought ping pong balls and paddles, and various and other sundry items. We stopped at Jack-in-the Box for breakfast and I had one of their yummy supreme croissants.  

Happy 14th Birthday Max!

This is one amazing kid. He seems tough on the outside but

on the inside he is a marshmallow.

Max absolutely loves Michael!

They are buddies, even if Michael did

knock his tooth out on the trampoline.

Such a handsome boy, and so talented!

His brothers and his cousins are his

best friends.

Such a smart boy, even at this age!

I love you Max!

We had smoke from the San Carlos Hilltop fire today. It got so bad that it was difficult to go outside. It kept Kim and Brian from going for a walk and a Razr ride. They even talked about going home. That's how bad it was. 

James went to Kyra's funeral in St. Johns. This is a picture of Kyra's dad Curtis, and his finance Joie. They are pretty amazing people. More to come about them at a later date.

Curtis is Uncle Delbert's youngest son.

Uncle Delbert was a prisoner of war in

World War II. He wrote a book about it.

He is 94 years old and he and Uncle Kay are the

only two of James's dad's siblings that are

still alive. He lives in St. Johns.

Kyra's kids and one of two of the

children that Joie and Curtis adopted.

I stayed home from the funeral to finish cleaning upstairs. Jared and Kacey and their kids will be arriving tonight. There were so many dead bugs in the bathtubs!  It was a chore, but I finished. The upstairs is ready for company.

Brian cooked me a cheeseburger for lunch. Thanks Brian.  I am so tired. When James got home he, Kim and I played a game of Five Crowns.

Jared, Kacey and the kids arrived around 9:30 after spending 15.5 hours in the car.  They were exhausted and went straight to bed.

Random Photos:

Molly met Kacey's friend Gloria and they were

instantly best friends!

Upper Black River

I love the diversity of scenery in Arizona!

Friday, June 30th, 2017

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 24:19-30
*How does this account influence your desire to keep your covenants?
*What can we do to strengthen our desire and ability to keep the covenants we have made with the Lord?
DC 94:1-17
1-9, The Lord gives a commandment relative to the erection of a house for the work of the Presidency; 10-12, A printing house is to be built; 13-17, Certain inheritances are assigned.
What are church buildings dedicated from the foundation?
General Conference

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"We concluded that my brothers decision on whether to serve a mission depended on 3 issues: (1.) Was Jesus Christ divine?

(2.) Was the Book of Mormon true? (3.) Was Joseph Smith the prophet of the Restoration?

I came to understand that almost every decision I would make for the rest of my life would be based on the answers to those three questions."

I did some early morning blogging along with my gospel study. James had an appointment with Dr. Moffat at 8:30 and I went with him and did my shopping at Walmart.  I bought food for Jared and Kacey's family because they are arriving late Saturday night and don't want to shop on Sunday.  After our shopping we got tacos at Aliberto's. There are two Aliberto's in Show Low. We got out tacos on the one by the old Porter House. They guy there says his brother runs the other Aliberto's out by Walmart.

Back at home after putting the groceries away James and I sat down to watch a movie on the Hallmark Movies and Mysteries channel. We watched the one about Emma Fielding which turns out to be a murder mystery.

This afternoon we put the king sized bed in my office and the one in my office went into James's office.  

I worked upstairs cleaning my office and James's and the common area until about 7:30. Kim and Brian texted me when they got to Show Low and I ran in and took a shower before they got here.

Kim and Brian were delayed by the fire near Payson. I have a friend who tried to come up the Payson way later and had to turn around and go back because it was bumper to bumper traffic. 

We watched one of Hallmark's new June movies "My Favorite Wedding," starring Paul Green and Maggie Lawson.  We all agreed that it was a good one.

Random Photos:

Happy Anniversary!

Paul posted this on Facebook.

Bryce Canyon

One of my favorite "I Love Lucy"

episodes!

'Kenzi and Colter

Colter is in my Primary class.

Painting by Hayden Lambson

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug-8 Sept.1983 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 12 March 2006 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

3 Nephi 20

Jesus provides bread and wine miraculously and again administers the sacrament unto the people; The remnant of Jacob will come to the knowledge of the Lord their God and will inherit the Americas; Jesus is the prophet like unto Moses, and the Nephites are children of the propehts; Others of the Lord's people will be gathered to Jerusalem. About A.D. 34.

Alma 24:7-18

*What are you willing to "bury" to repent and follow the savior and keep your testimony "bright"?

DC 93:44-53

41-53, The leading brethren are commanded to set their families in order.

How has prayer helped me in my life? (See Elder Grow's quote below.)

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

" When you pray with faith, you will feel God's love as His Spirit speaks to your soul. No matter how alone or uncertain you may feel at times, you are not alone in this world. God knows you, personally. As you pray, you will come to know Him."

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos

" The continual holding of general conference is one of the greatest testimonies to the fact that we as Latter-day Saints 'believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.' (AofF9).

I testify that by learning 'line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little' and by hearkening to our leaders' counsel, we will have oil for our lamps that will enable us to give light unto others as the Lord commanded us."

I had an appointment with Hailey C. today for visiting teaching. She cancelled because Huntleigh was sick and she was taking her to the doctor. I prayed and asked Heavenly Father what I could do for her and the thought came, "make her cookies."  I ask if I could meet her at the Dollar General and bring her a treat. She said yes. I made two dozen chocolate chip cookies for her and met her in the parking lot with the cookies and a quote from the lesson about the priesthood.  I hoped I could say hi to Taylor and Braylin but they are in California on a vacation with grandma Virginia. They went to Harry Potter World, the aquarium, and the beach. Sounds like fun.

We picked up a bed frame for our kingsized be at Denver Mattress today. It even fit in my car! Now we just need to go home and put the bed, bed frame, box springs, and headboard all together.

La Casita re-opened!  We had dinner there. James got a green chili burro enchilada style. I got a chicken enchilada with red sauce and a beef taco. I hate to say it La Casita but I like Aliberto's tacos better.

When I get back home I know I should be cleaning somewhere but I am just too tired. I work on my blog instead.

Random Photos:

Goodbye El Paso. 

Today was Jared's last day at this practice.

Alex and his friend Carter are off to Europe.

Trina and her mom were taking the kids to

Fossil Springs when Trina blew a tire. These

guys came to the rescue. Addy said they got to

spend $10 at Walmart instead of Fossil Springs

thanks to Grandma Suzie.

Patrick and Heather have an open adoption with all of their kids.

This is Bailey and her birth mother.

Lola helping Max count his soldiers at

Peter Piper Pizza last week.

A few years back we took these kids to the

Go-Karts in Lakeside. Addy was upset because

Grandpa and Rowan's car was the fastest.

She got stuck with slow grandma.