Sunday, July 16th, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

Spencer W. Kimball

Alma 33:12-23

*What can the account of the Israelites and the brass serpent teach about what we must do to be healed spiritually?

*How does Alma 33:22-23 answer this question?

*How has your choice to believe in the Savior influenced your everyday life?

*How has personal scripture study, prayer, and worship strengthened your faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

*Belief in Jesus Christ is a choice we make. Alma 33:23 says: "And even all this can ye do if ye will."

*President Henry B. Eyring: "Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice."

DC 101:75-101

76-80, The Lord established the Constitution of the United States; 81-101, The Saints are to importune for the redress of grievances, according to the parable of the woman and the unjust judge.

How does the constitution benefit all men?

*In verses 77-80, the Lord repeatedly reminds us Who set up this constitution! He refers to Himself and then lets us know why He set it up. "That every man may act in doctrine and principle...according to the moral agency which I have given unto him" "...that every man may be accountable for his own sins..." (78). He prepared this land. He brought the explorers here to discover it! He set up, with a divine hand, the constitution. He carefully worded it so that all men who set foot on this soil could  "act in doctrine" and be "accountable" for themselves. Agency is important to the Lord. It is what the war in heaven was all about. Acting and not being acted upon is crucial for us to learn. How blessed we are to have this land. The history of the setting up of the constitution is replete with sacrifice of lives and inspired acts of giving their all. May we always be grateful and show gratitude to Him by using our agency to find Him in our daily worship and our everyday living.

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

" To return to is presence and to receive the eternal blessings that come from making and keeping covenants are the most important goals we can set. We return and receive by having 'unshaken faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, relying wholly upon' His merits, pressing 'forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men and women..., feasting upon the word of Christ and enduring to the end.'"

We attended the Galveston 3rd ward sacrament meeting this morning. We sat in the second row with Sheri and her boys.

April St. Onge was the youth speaker and Lynda and Ernie Cull were the main speakers. They all did a great job. I went up and spoke with Lynda afterwards. She says she has been working on getting her YW's Personal Progress and every time she does a value she reads the Book of Mormon cover to cover. I was her visiting teacher when she and Ernie got married around 20 years ago.

We also attended the Gospel Doctrine Sunday School class taught by Gerry P. (I was her visiting teacher when we lived here in 2015). We sat by Cathi and Terry. We participated by reading some assigned parts. The lesson was on the Kirtland missionaries. 

I went to the first part of Relief Society. Hillary J. came over and sat by Cathi and I. I was only there a few minutes when Sheri came and pulled me out for Max's ordination.

Max was ordained in the teacher's quorum. Brother Allen, and Brother Ellsworth were there along with James and Ben and the other boys in the teacher's quorum. Sheri, Evan and I were also there. Grandpa James did a great job with the ordination although there were times when I couldn't hear him.

After the ordination we didn't go back to our meetings. We went home a little early and had a snack and then took a nap. 

Around 3:30 or so we went down to Sheri and Ian's for dinner. It was Sheri's way of say thank you to dad for ordaining Max.

Sheri had a feast prepared: steak, salmon, shrimp, rice, potatoes, veggies, brownies and grape juice, and DP10, some of James's favorites! (And mine too!) Everything was delicious!

We packed up and left for home around 4:30. We got in to a very heavy rainstorm where it was almost impossible to see. Some people stopped along the side of the road. When we arrive home it looks like it has rained in Vernon. It is 64 degrees and you can smell the wet pine trees when we stop at the post office to pick up our mail. It is great to be home! 

We unload and unpack and watch an episode of "The Good Witch."

Kacey and Jared had a flood in their new home in the laundry room, but I guess it was too bad. Kacey sent this picture:

Jared the elf.

Other Random Photos:

Since we didn't get any pictures of Max and

Gpa James today I am posting pictures that have Max in them.

A couple of years ago at Darrel's and Trina's.

Kids around the table eating smores.

2016 1st day of school

Not sure what year this is but it looks like

another school picture.

2016 Greens Peak

2016

Love the hats!

Greer

This is where they like to sleep.

1/23/17

Happy Birthday Gpa!

Max and his snowman

January 2016

Game time. It looks like poker.

Ice skating with family.

Fun with Shayna

So handsome!

2016

Saturday, July 15th, 2017

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple 
Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015 by
Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Atonement

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, e humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Ama 33:1-11

Why did the Lord hear Zenos's prayer?

DC 101:63-74

63-75, The Saints are to continue gathering together;

Why should we always be prepared before we go on the Lord's errand?

* "Let all things be prepared before you." This same idea is repeated about three times in these verses. We've all heard the popular saying haste makes waste" and surely it does! On the other hand "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (DC38:30)

Being prepared for anything takes the anxiety and fear out of whatever we are asked to do. If we prepare ourselves spiritually, temporally, physically and mentally, we can go forward in the confidence of the Lord.

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Overcoming the world is keeping our promises to God - our baptismal and temple covenants and our oath of faithfulness to our eternal companion. Overcoming the world leads us humbly to the sacrament table each week, asking for forgiveness and pledging to 'remember Him and keep His commandments that we may always have His Spirit to be with us.'"

Before going to Ruby's baptism this morning I had to make a trip to Walmart to find a necklace to wear. I didn't have much to choose from but ended up buying two cheapies. 

As I am getting ready to go, I knock over something on the bathroom counter and it lands on my glasses frames and the frame breaks.

I ended up wearing my sunglasses at the baptism

and at the luncheon afterwards at Darrel and Trina's.

Later this afternoon Sheri takes the to Chandler Eyecare

and she and Nancy put on a new set of frames for me.

This is the second time this dynamic duo have come to my rescue!

Ruby's baptism was very special because she is such a sweet and loving girl. 

I wish I would have gotten a picture of her 

and Darrel together.

I was worried the flowers in her hair would

come out when she went under the water but they didn't.

Holding her new scriptures.

The luncheon at Trina and Darrel's was attended by our family and Trina's. 

Trina's dad visiting with Darrel, Trina,

Lexy and Brice. He mentioned to us what

great friends these four are.

I had an enjoyable time visiting with Trina's mom. She really is an awesome grandma. She takes all of her grandkids school shopping before school starts and then out to dinner.  She says she has so many now that she does them by families.

Denise's daughter Rachel had her baby girl today. She was a couple of weeks early.

Evie Lynn Pfeil

Today is also Laura's birthday.

She is spending it in Boise, Idaho

with Jon's family.

Happy Birthday Laura!

When we get back to Cathi and Terry's it is time for a nap. The first thing Cathi does is apologize for how warm it is in their home. It is 83 degrees. The repairman can't come until Monday afternoon.

We have two fans going in our bedroom and it is tolerable.

James goes to Dickey's Barbeque for takeout. Michael work's there and they got to have a quick visit. I told him to take a picture but he forgot. 

He brought me back a pulled pork sandwich. It was delicious. We will definitely go back. 

A monsoon storm is brewing outside. A lot of wind blowing the dust around but no rain in our area. 

Terry and Cathi went shopping at Walmart and Terry bought James some cream for his hands called "Working Hands." How very thoughtful of him. 

I gave James a haircut this evening and a darn good one if I do say so myself. He has to look good when he ordains Max a teacher tomorrow.

James's cousin Curtis got married today to his fiance' Joie.

These two are my new heroes.

Not only are they adopting three boys,

the are also raising Curtis's five grandkids.

Pretty amazing.

They rented a cabin in Flagstaff and

were married in the backyard.

Joie's son walked her down the aisle.

He is living with them too.

Kyra's daughter

Today was a day filled with wonderful memories. I am truly grateful for my life and the many people who make it so special.

This made me laugh!

Friday, July 14th, 2017

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Ephesians 2:16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Alma 32:21-43

*How do we plant spiritual "seeds?"

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

DC 101:51-62

63-75, The Saints are to continue gathering together;

How can we stay stronger amid the chaos that is around us?

*"Peace, it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart." We can gain that peace by doing those things that make our soul happy...reading scriptures, praying, service, going to church, etc...When we are at peace, it doesn't matter what chaos is billowing all around us. We are grounded and strong because of our choices.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel

Valeri V. Cordon

" Verily, verily I say nto you, The Son can do nothig of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." -John 5:19

I had my infusion this morning at 9:30. 

Afterwards James and I went to lunch at Pei Wei. I have been craving their lettuce wraps and spicy chicken salad. Both were delicious!

When we got home we took a nap and then I had a date with Ruby. 

When I get to Darrel and Trina's I am bombarded with hugs and kisses from four sweet kids. Trina was at work and Darrel was with the kids. I should have taken some pictures.

Ruby and I headed to Deseret Book to get her some scriptures. Ruby is getting baptized tomorrow. We saw Cathi while we were shopping and Ruby invited her to her baptism. 

Ruby picked out the maroon leather quad. While we are waiting for her name to be imprinted We do a little more shopping and then as we leave I suggest that we go to Kneader's and get everyone some brownies. 

Ruby is so worried that I am going to spend too much money on her. I love that about her. We buy a dozen brownies and head back to take Ruby home. On the way Ruby says: "Oh grandma, these scriptures are so soft." Such a sweet girl. 

I called my friend Charlotte and talked with her while driving home. When I tell her I need to go she says a quick goodbye and hangs up. It makes me feel bad.

James painted his water trailer and is getting ready to sell it. I work on my blog for July 1st and 2nd. It is so hot, something is wrong with Cathi and Terry's air conditioner, they go to bed at 8.

James was hungry so I asked Cathi if he could have some ziti. Of course she said yes. 

Jared and Kacey got a house. They move in tomorrow.

Random Photos:

Lola enjoying her brownie.

She was asleep when we got home.

Darrel sent me this picture.

Tea Party 2015?

 I couldn't agree more.

2015

Jared and Emmy having scriptures together.

Emmy's date.

I'm a sucker for a beautiful sunset.

Thursday, July 13th, 2017

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 March 2013 by

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Alma 32:1-20

*What do you think it means to be "poor in heart?"

*What do these verses teach about receiving and strengthening a testimony?

*Why is humility essential in the process of receiving and strengthening a testimony?

*What do you think it means to humble yourself "because of the word?"

*What false idea did many people have about obtaining a testimony?

DC 101:39-50

43-62, The parable of the nobleman and the olive trees signifies the troubles and eventual redemption of Zion;

Why do we always need to be watchful and have faith?

*We never know when the enemy, (Satan), will strike.

General Conference

Stand Up Inside and Be All In

Gary B. Sabin

" Standing up inside in spite of difficulties is possible because of a clear conscience, the strengthening and comforting assurance from the Holy Ghost, and an eternal perspective which surpasses mortal understanding."

James had a meeting this morning with Zaki. Zaki and his wife want to build a new home, a smaller one, in either Cave Creek or Queen Creek. Zaki's wife thinks their house is too big. He then goes to a meeting with Crissy and then one at Desert Highland Golf Course. 

Cathi and Terry leave for the center and I am left home alone with the pets. I had wanted to go to the temple, but it didn't happen.

James is gone all morning and doesn't bring back any food. He stopped at Elmer's but they were closed for remodeling. I am pretty grouchy and hungry until I remember I have a Jersey Mike's sandwich in the frig. James is working on a concrete bid for Paul's sister Michelle. They are building a big house in Queen Creek.

Terry and Cathi's grandson Colin is here to spend the night. Cathi made baked ziti for all of us for dinner. It was delicious! Colin didn't like it because it didn't have chicken in it. I have never heard of ziti with chicken.

Random photos:

A friend posted this on Facebook.

The fugitive was later shot down and killed.

He started several fires in the Forest Lakes area and then

shot at rangers and officers.

Trina's nephew Kreed jumping off Fossil Springs falls.

He is pretty brave for an 8 year old.

Alex's post.

I love the expression on this koala's face and the

fact that he has his paw on this person's arm.

Wednesday, July 12th, 2017

Tampico, Mexico
83rd operating temple
Dedicated: 20 May 2000 by
Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

2 Corinthians 5:18

Jesus Christ

Philippians 2:10-11; 2 Timothy 2:8

Alma 31:24-38

*What was the focus of the Zoramites' prayer?

*What was the focus of Alma's prayer?

*What elements of Alma's prayer would you like to incorporate into your personal prayers?

*How has the Lord given you strength to bear your infirmities?

DC 101:25-38

22-31, The nature of life during the Millennium is set forth; 

32-42, The Saints will be blessed and rewarded then;

How can we better take care of our souls?

* By coming unto Christ, repenting of our sins, being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end in obedience and righteousness.

General Conference

Songs Sung and Unsung

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

"The declarations of heaven cry out to us that the only way complex societal issues can ever be satisfactorily resolved is by loving God and keeping His commandments, thus opening the door to the one lasting, salvific way to love each other as neighbors. The prophet Ether taught that we should hope for a better world."

Our friend Grady E. from Chandler got his mission call. He is going to Quito, Equador. He leaves in October. We are excited for him. We had Grady in our Primary class a few years back.

James worked on finishing the fence this morning while I got ready to go to the valley. We left at 10:50. I read three chapters of "The Reluctant Duchess" before we stopped at the Taco Bell in Payson. 

I made it to my appointment at Dr. Douglas's at 2:30 a few minutes early. Sheri got James an appointment with Dr. Carpenter at 3 so I dropped him off there before going to my appointment.  It did not take Dr. Douglas long to fill my tooth. I was out in 30 minutes. James was still waiting to see Dr. Carpenter so I decided to go to Target and get some Dr. Pepper 10. 

It was a quick shopping spree but I bought four small notebooks, four DP10's, four bathtub scrubber refills, and a few more items before James was ready for me to come and get him. I grabbed a mini pizza at the snack bar and shared it with James. 

At Cathi and Terry's James unloads the car while I tell Cathi about our cousins reunion, and all of our kids visiting. 

I hang out in the bedroom most of the evening. James got me an In-n-Out Burger and a Jersey Mike's. I am saving the Jersey Mike's for tomorrow. We read another chapter from "The Reluctant Duchess" before going to bed.

Random Photos

Today marks 27 years from when Mario, a friend of ours from Chandler,  died in a tragic airplane accident. Brennan, his oldest, was only 15 but he and his mom and brothers keep Mario's memory very much alive in their family by sharing the memories of him. This is all of Papa Mario's grandchildren except Adam and Gabby.

38 years of marital bliss for these two.

Ray and Dianne.

This is my dear friend Analee.

I would have never recognized her from this photo

as it was taken several decades ago.

I need to show this to James.