OUR FAMILY

Thursday, August 3, 2017

Tuesday, July 25th, 2017

Villahermosa, Mexico

85th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 John 3:5

Jesus Christ, Advocate
Hebrews 7:25; 924; 1 John 2:1
Alma 39:1-19
*Why are some sins more serious than others?
*What was Alma's reason for teaching Corianton the seriousness of his sin?
*Elder D. Todd Christofferson:"The invitation to repent is an expression of love....If we do not invite others to change or if we do not demand repentance of ourselves, we fail in a fundamental duty we owe to one another and to ourselves. A permissive parent, an indulgent friend, a fearful Church leader are in reality more concerned about themselves than the welfare and happiness of those they could help. Yes, the call to repentance is at times regarded as intolerant or offensive and may even be resented, but guided by the Spirit, it is in reality an act of genuine caring" ("The Divine Gift of Repentance," Ensign, Nov. 2011, 39).
*When our sins affect others, what must we do as a part of our repentance?
*Why was the coming of Jesus Christ good news for Corianton?
DC 104:51-65
47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately; 54-66, The sacred treasury of the Lord is set up for the printing of the scriptures;
Do we have revelations today that are printed for us to learn from?
*Yes we do. A couple of examples are, "The Living Christ," and "The Family Proclamation."
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

" What we know of the nature of God the Father is mostly what we can learn from the ministry and teachings of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. One of the paramount purposes of Jesus's ministry was to reveal to mortals 'what God our Eternal Father is like,...to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven.' The Bible contains an apostolic witness that Jesus was 'the express image' of His Fathers person (Hebrews 1:3), which merely elaborates Jesus's own teaching that 'he that hath seen me hath seen the Father.' (John 14:9)."

I got up at 4 a.m. with James this morning. We had prayer and kisses before he left for the valley to finish the remodeling at the medical building at McKellips.

As I am studying at the dining room table I look outside and four bunnies are nibbling on our grass. I think this is the reason James planted it. He also loves feeding the hummingbirds.

There is no rain but there are cool breezes and huge dark clouds. There is so much to enjoy here but it's not nearly as enjoyable without someone to share it with.

I made a daily schedule but wasn't able to stay on it. I'm tired, unmotivated and distracted. What am I to do? I know, watch Christmas movies!

Here are a few in my que:
"I'm Not Ready for Christmas," "Christmas Melody," "Merry Matrimony," "My Christmas Dream," "Christmas List," "A Bride for Christmas," and "A Cookie Cutter Christmas."

Random Photos and Posts:

Back to school for these two cuties.

Rowan is in 5th grade and Ruby in 3rd.

Addy doesn't start until next week.

Lyman, Harold, Gary, Jack, and Ray.

I add some blueberries and Coolwhip...Delicious!

This is Christina and Winter.

Christina is Rebecca's only daughter.

The following is a story she told on Facebook.

Near Flagstaff. This reminds me of the flower

fields in Vernon.

I love cute animal photos!

Breakfast at Curtis's and Joie's

Adoption day for these three.

Curtis is probably taking the picture.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Monday, July 24th, 2017

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Nov 1997 by

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

1 John 2:2

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 59:5

Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.

Alma 38:1-15

*What can we learn fro Alma 38:2-3 about the effect that righteous children can have on their parents, and I might add, their grandparents?

*How has obedience to the commandments of God helped you?

*Alma and Shiblon both experienced the Savior's deliverance.

*What was Shiblon delivered from? (Alma 38:4-5)

*What was Alma delivered from? (Alma 38:6-8)

*What can we learn from their experiences?

*Why is it important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the only "way or means whereby we can be saved?"

*Examine Alma's counsel in Alma 38:10-12. Chose one that you would lie to improve in.

DC 104:31-50

19-46, The stewardships and blessings of various brethren are designated; 47-53, The united order in Kirtland and the order in Zion are to operate separately;

Why were the United Orders of Kirtland and Zion dissolved?

*The people, many of the, couldn't abide the law.

General Conference

Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It

Elder L. Whitney Clayton

" Some rewards of obedience do come quickly; others come only after we are tested. God will always bless us for our steadfast obedience to His gospel and loyalty to His Church, but He rarely shows us His timetable for doing so in advance. He doesn't show us the whole picture from the outset. That is where faith, hope, and trusting in the Lord come in. God asks us to bear with Him - to trust Him and to follow Him. He pleads with us to 'dispute not because ye see not.' He cautions us that we shouldn't expect easy answers or quick fixes from heaven."

James had a chiropractic appointment before 9 this morning. Before he left we read scriptures, said family prayer, and went outside and read from our book on the deck.

I have an visiting teaching appointment with Hailey and her kids at noon at Pizza Factory. She calls and asks me if we can postpone until Thursday. Her kids are doing a tie-dying class and will be finished by noon. That's fine with me.

When James gets home he wants me to read another chapter from "A Lady Unrivaled" outside on the deck. It rained hard off and on throughout the afternoon and evening. We went in to Pizza Hut to get pizza and desserts to take to the Howard's. It was raining like crazy when James went in to Pizza Hut.

When we got to the Howard's James went out with Brother Howard to talk about putting the roof on their bunkhouse. They are having an open house on August 5th. I visit with Sister Howard inside and give her the visiting teaching message. We love the Howards!

Home and because James has been helping me the last couple of hours I read to him again. He can't decide if he's going to leave for the valley tonight or in the morning. He decides on the morning. He has some more remodeling to do at the medical office on McKellips.

For F.H.E. we listen to Elder L. Whitney Clayton's talk, "Whatsoever He Saith Unto You, Do It." Afterwards we watch "Christmas Incorporated."

Random Photos:

Happy Pioneer Day

True Grit.

What an amazing example they were.

I know I posted this picture earlier but

since today is pioneer day I wanted to post it again.

She was an avid genealogist before the internet!

1st day of 5th grade for this boy.

Joshua starts 5th grade today too.

8th grade for Max.

Ben is a mighty Senior!

I'm just so amazed by this family.

Curtis and Joie are my new heroes.

A blast from the past and one

of my favorite photos of Michael.

He would come down to our house at 6 a.m.

in this outfit.

Sunday, July 23rd, 2017

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Alma 37:26-47

*What things does Alma ask Helaman to teach the people?

*Why are these things important?

DC 104:16-30

17-18, Gospel law governs the care of the poor;

How can we be sure that we are being wise stewards?

*If we are caring for the things the Lord has given us and if we are helping the poor and needy. If we are magnifying our callings and being kind to others.

General Conference

Let the Holy Spirit Guide

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" If we are casual or complacent in our worship, drawn off and desensitized by worldly pursuits, we find ourselves diminished in our ability to feel. Nephi said to Laman and Lemuel, 'Ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel the words.' We must recognize the Spirit when it comes."

Dustin Curtis passed away this morning in the Curtis home. The stake presidency had visited him earlier in the week and he was ordained an elder. In sacrament meeting today we gave him our sustaining vote.

Our new convert, Anthony, bore his testimony in sacrament meeting today. He is nervous in front of crowds but he did an awesome job. He has a wonderful testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I had the 10-11 year old class along with my Primary class today and a few visitors. Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Gracie were here from my class, Kacey and Zemira from the older class, and three visitors Xander Webb (Analee's grandson), and David and Kaylin brothers.

Our lesson was on the Saints being Expelled from the state of Missouri.

James had a visitor from Scotland today in his Sunday School class. She is friends with Chris N. sister who served her mission in Scotland. She came up to him after the lesson and in her best Scottish brogue told him how much she enjoyed the lesson.

During sharing time today we had teacher's council meeting led by Mel W. We discussed how we, as gospel teacher's, can support learning in the home. Those attending: Bishop and Anne, Judy H., Teresa and Wes S., Jimmy A., Darla F., Virgil C., Rosa W., Sean H., and James and I. It started raining during our meeting and Judy, who lives across the street went home to close the windows in her house.

Jean H., a sister I visit teach, split open her leg this afternoon at home after church. She had to have lots of stitches.

James drove Colter and I to Wyatt M.'s house to bring him a birthday gift and an invitation to attend Primary. He wasn't home but Colter hung the gift on their door. Colter is friends with Wyatt.

We also stopped by the Wilhelm's to drop off birthday gifts for Ruthie, Zemira, and Johnny.

I put this testimony inside the scriptures I

gave Wyatt.

James made meatloaf, potato patties for lunch. Quite tasty. Afterwards we took a nap.

At 3:30 we had an appointment with the bishop. He asked us if we would be temple workers. Of course we said yes.

When we got home I blogged for July 10th and 11th. Yes, I am still behind.

Random Photos:

Mary, one of my former young women,

got married last night. I totally missed it because

I thought it was next week. Thank goodness her

mom posted photos on Facebook.

Mary and Christopher

Siblings: Glenzo, Mary, Talena

Cutting the cake

Sheri posted this series of photos today.

After church fight for the front seat.

When you are the youngest, you don't have

much of a chance.

You have to admire Evan's grit.

Ah, the taste of victory.

Love this picture.

Sweet family 3 years ago

I love the Vernon skies this

time of year.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Saturday, July 22nd, 2017

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010 by:

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 John 1:7

Jesus Christ

Ether 3:14-20

Alma 37:11-25

*How do you stay diligent in keeping God's commandments?

Commandments, like everything else God gives us, are for our benefit. It's easier to be diligent when you see the commandments as loving gifts to guide us to where and how God lives.

DC 104:1-15

1-10, Saints who transgress against the united order will be cursed; 11-16, The Lord provides for His Saints in His own way;

What is the United Order?

*To enter the united order required that a man enter into a solemn covenant to accept the law of consecration. The law of consecration is the law of the celestial kingdom. Consecration and stewardship. Everything we have belongs to the Lord.

General Conference

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

" Dear brothers and sisters, it is not easy for us to recognize the love of Heavenly Father when we look around with our temporal eyes, because we see inconvenience, loss, burdens, or loneliness first. On the other hand, we can see the blessings beyond when we look up. The Lord has revealed, 'When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.' To al those who embark in any service of God, know that you are a solid connection for powerful blessings to those before you and to generations after you."

James went over this morning to visit our new neighbor, Dave E.

He is going to do some construction work for Dave. Right now Dave is focusing on building a pond so it will be awhile before he is ready for any other construction.

I made cookies this morning and James made hasbrowns and eggs. The hashbrowns were yummy and so were the cookies. I'm not sure about the eggs because I didn't have any. The cookies are for my visiting teaching partner Mary and her family. Her kids have the chicken pox.

I picked up Pam G. for lunch and we went together to drop off the cookies at Mary's. As I was carrying the cookies in the front door I tripped and fell and the cookies went flying. Mary's husband hurried and picked them up and both he and Pam acted like they hadn't seen a thing. Talk about embarrassing!

Pam and I chatted with Mary and her husband for awhile and then we headed for Persnikkity's in Show Low for our monthly visiting teaching chat and our favorite salads. Pam and I have such a great time together! I really do love her! She gave me a beautiful scarf as a gift just because she said it reminded her of me. So sweet!

This turns out to be another gorgeous day with overcast skies and just enough rain to cool everything down.

I made James a meatloaf with baked potatoes and green beans for dinner. He loves meatloaf! After dinner we worked on our lessons and watched "The Perfect Christmas."

Random Photos:

Dallin and Kevin

Blonde beach babes.

Curtis and Joie were at Huntington Beach

today too!

This happened at the Taylor Rodeo.

Dan B. proposed to Karin G.

She said yes!

Karin is our friend from Chandler. Her husband passed away a yer

or so ago from brain cancer. She is an amazing person. I think

she and Dan met because they are both members of the

Mormon Millenial Choir in the valley.

This is Braylin. I think the pigs name is Roger.

Braylin is handicapped but he doesn't let that

stop him from enjoying life. He has a very

positive attitude and I have never ever heard

him complain or feel sorry for himself.

Braylin and Ronald. Ronald didn't feel

like doing anything today so he should stood there.

Braylin got third place overall.

I couldn't resist posting this Instagram photo.

This is what I imagine the ugly duckling

looked like.

2013

We always love it when friends come to

visit. The St.Onge family from Chandler.

James was their bishop.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Twin Falls, Idaho

128th operating temple

Dedicated: 24th Aug 2008 by

Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

1 Peter 3:18

Jesus Christ

Ether 2:12

Alma 36:25-37:10
*Can you think of some small and simple things that have made a big impact in your life?
*How has God delivered you from your trials?
God delivers me from my trials everyday. When I turn to Him and follow His ways my anxieties, doubts, and fears disappear. God is love, peace, and hope. God is everything good in my life. When I stop focusing on worldly things and focus on God, my life is happy.
DC 103:29-40
29-40, Various brethren are called to organize Zion's Camp and go to Zion; they are promised victory if they are faithful.
Why is it hard sometimes to do the Lord's will?
*Because often the Lord's plans are not what we believe to be our plans. To do the Lord's will, we have to exercise faith, knowing that He knows what is best. Often taking the first step is hard. Often times we are prideful or stubborn and just don't want to. Sometimes it takes us out of our comfort zone. Each day I pray for His help and the strength and courage to do it.
General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

" If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifests its truth to you. If it is true - and I solemnly testify that it is - then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ."

A Sin-Resistant Generation

Sister Joy D. Jones

"We must understand our - and their - divine identity and purpose before we can help our children see who they are and why they are here. We must help them know without question that they are sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and that He has divine expectations of them. Second, understanding the doctrine of repentance is essential for becoming resistant to sin. Being sin-resistant doesn't mean being sinless, but it does imply being continually repentant, vigilant, and valiant. Perhaps being sin-resistant comes as a blessing from repeatedly resisting sin. As James said, 'Resist the devil, and he will flee you.'"

I decided to go to the temple this morning to do initiatories. I left around 9 a.m. My first stop was at the Vernon post office where I mailed the package to Texas with Emmy and Anna's things that they left here. The post office girls, Debbie and her friend told me my box was too big and they could save me money by repackaging my stuff. Long story short, we repacked and saved me $14. I would never have gotten that service at a city post office. I also saw my neighbor Chuck and Owen before leaving the post office.

My next stop was the Book Barn where Brother Rhoton put names on scriptures for Wyatt and Marlie in my Primary class. I got a necklace for Ruthie W. because today is her birthday and James is her home teacher. I had to get gas and my car washed before going to the temple. By the time I got to Snowflake I was hungry and stopped at El Cupido's for a bacon breakfast burrito.

At the temple I did initiatories for three Ballentine relatives and a Rachel Allman Spoon. I had a nice visit with one of the temple workers. Her husband was good friends with James in high school. Also, Blaine C. was the greeter when I came in. He is in our ward in Vernon.

The rain arrives in Vernon around 2:45 this afternoon. I open the dining room windows and it feels like heaven.

James got home from the valley around 4 p.m. He brings me two burros, a bean and cheese and a green chili. We go out on the porch and read from "A Lady Unrivaled."