Monday, July 31st, 2017

Manti, Utah

3rd operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 May 1888 

By: Lorenzo Snow

Rededicated: 14-16 June 1985 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

2 Nephi 10:25

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 32:3

And Ziba Peterson also shall go with them; and I myself will go with them and be in their midst; and I am their advocate with the Father, and nothing shall prevail against them.

Alma 43:15-26

*Why did the Lamanites withdraw their attacks even though they outnumbered the Nephites? (See verses 20-22).

*What can we learn from this event about defending ourselves against Satan's designs?

*Why did Moroni send messengers to talk with Alma? (see verses 23-24).

*What can Moroni's example teach us about how we can be prepared spiritually against the adversary? (Principle: If we seek and follow prophetic counsel, we will be better able to defend ourselves against the adversary.)

DC 107:1-20

1-6, There are two priesthoods: the Melchizedek and the Aaronic; 7-12, Those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood have power to officiate in all offices in the Church; 13-17, The bishopric presides over the Aaronic Priesthood, which administers in outward ordinances; 18-20, The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the keys of all spiritual blessings; the Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of the ministering of angels;

How is the priesthood greater than any of its offices?

* Bruce R. McConkie: "The priesthood is greater than any of its offices. No office adds any power, dignity, or authority to the priesthood. All offices derive their rights, prerogatives, graces, and powers from the priesthood. This principle may be diagrammed by dividing a circle into segments. The priesthood is the circle; the segments of the circle are the callings or offices in the priesthood. Anyone who serves in a segment of the circle must possess the power of the whole circle. No one can hold an office in the priesthood without first holding the priesthood."

General Conference

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

" In the 1830 printing of the Book of Mormon Joseph included a short preface and simply and clearly declared it was translated 'by the gift and power of God.'  What about the aids to translation - the Urim and Thummim, the seer stones? Were they essential, or were they like the training wheels on a bicycle until Joseph could exercise the faith necessary to receive more direct revelations?"

James is helping Brother Howard finish the roof on their bunkhouse this morning. They have a big open house this Saturday. Chuck and Brother Peeler were also helping with trimming trees, and setting up a horseshoe game.

I helped Kaeli, Alicia, and Stefani clean at the Freeman's today. They are moving to Taylor.  There are mouse droppings everywhere in this house. Stefani has a son on a mission in West Virginia, Tyler. He and his companion were heroes this week. There was flooding in the town where they are serving and they helped rescue people who were caught in their cars. Tyler was even interviewed on the local television station.

When I got home I made some mongolian beef and put it in the crockpot. I worked on my blog while James was outside working on putting up the greenhouse he bought a few months ago. 

I talked with my neighbor Kathy about her trip to the valley to help with the Curtis's sons funeral. She said she didn't know how we ever lived down in the valley in the heat. She did tell me that Brother Curtis was able to do his son's temple endowments before he was buried so he could be buried in his temple clothes. They had to get special permission from the temple presidency to do his endowments, but it gave them a great deal of comfort.

For FHE we listened to Brother Hale's conference talk, "Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ."

I finished my frog picture.

Used by Prisma colored pencils and permanent markers.

Other Photos:

James's work boots.

Snow or hiking boots.

Tennis shoes

Camo clogs.

Notice that none of these shoes were in a closet.

Rain storm as viewed in White Pocket at 

the Vermillion Cliffs.

Arizona elk

Castle World

Sunday, July 30th, 2017

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Rededicated: 13-15 March

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Alma 42:26-43:14

*How can we not become distracted by questions that do not need to be answered in this life and focus on repentance?

DC 106:1-8

1-3, Warren A. Cowdery is called as a local presiding officer; 4-5, The Second Coming will not overtake the children of light as a thief; 6-8, Great blessings follow faithful service in the Church.

vs. 6...Has there been a time when I felt there was joy in heaven because I made an eternal decision?

*Personally I believe when I feel joy, true joy, there is joy in heaven, and that happens when I bear my testimony, accept a call to serve, attend the temple, support my leaders, etc. In short, when I keep the commandments, repent often, and have a humble heart, I feel joy and heaven rejoices with me.

General Conference

And This Is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"In our home we wanted our children to learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit. We believe that happened as we studied the Book of Mormon each day as a family. Our testimonies were strengthened as we talked about sacred truths. Scripture study becomes the channel for the Spirit to give each of us a customized tutorial. As you study the scriptures each day, alone, and with your family, you will learn to recognize the voice of the Spirit and will come to know God."

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin De Hoyos

"The light that we are talking about comes from the devotion that we give to Sabbath day observance, in the Church as well as in the home; it is the light that grows as we keep ourselves unspotted from the world; it is the light that comes from offering up our sacraments on His holy day and from paying our devotions to the Most High - all of which enable us to always have His Spirit with us...

As we keep the Sabbath day holy and partake of the sacrament, we are not only cleansed, but our light also grows brighter."

My Primary lesson today was on Zion Camps march to Missouri. The purpose was to help the children learn that trials and tests of faith can strengthen us if we are faithful and obedient. I showed a video of Zions Camp and the kids really enjoyed it. I felt the Spirit the most when I talked about Curtis and Zemira. They did not get to bed until 2 a.m. because they stayed to clean up after Trenda's reception. Instead of sleeping in this morning the entire family was at Church. I talked about their family being faithful and obedient in coming to Church even though it would have been so easy to sleep in.

Those attending my class: Colter, Curtis, Liana, Gracie, Zemira, and Bailey. We were missing: Taylor, Cameron, Braxton, Jace, Wyatt, and Lej.

Elder Hansen, a red-headed missionary from Utah was the first speaker in sacrament meeting. He spoke on seeking a testimony of Jesus Christ. A testimony is a witness of what we believe. Elder Hansen said he struggled to know if he wanted to go on a mission. He prayed, fasted, and attended the temple. While reading in Ether about the brother of Jared he felt God's presence come into his life. It was at that moment he knew he wanted to serve a mission. He said that Christ is at the center of his testimony. He bore witness to the youth in the congregation of how you mission will impact every decision in your life. He said it is his, "holy ground."

Our stake patriarch, Roger Toronto was the concluding speaker. He talked about patriarchal blessings and how Heavenly Father delights in blessing His people. Patriarchal blessings are unique and special and like our own personal Liahona. Patriarchal blessings chart the way to our heavenly home. They work according to our faith. Adam blessed his posterity to bring them back into the presence of God. Jacob blessed Ephraim with the birthright blessing. Joseph Smith, Sr. was the first patriarch in this dispensation. You should use our patriarchal blessings to help guide our lives and give us direction.

Since today is a 5th Sunday the bishopric did the third hour teaching. The two counselors spoke to the youth and Bishop Miller spoke to the adults. 

Bishop talked about fasting and prayer and that sacrificing is giving up something we want for something the Lord wants.

We need to be mindful of the law of the fast in our lives in order to bless not only ourselves but others also. Hunger could be eliminated if everyone lived the law of the fast. 

He then moved on to speak of family history work. We are the link to the past and the future. "Just keep plugging away." Sister Rut Wallace has done over 30,000 ordinances for extended family members. Many of our ancestors are waiting. Make a sacrifice of time to go to the temple more often. Don't wait, just go.

The bishops last topic was the Vernon ward youth. All the girls in our ward have been asked to have sex, all of the youth have seen porn. Many of the youth feel hopeless regarding this matter. They must see you go to the temple and you must also take them to the temple. Get them to do family history. The comes a spiritual change of heart when we do temple and family history work. Pornography is no respecter of persons or callings. "I am as tempted as the next person." We have to step it up! Relationships come through a sacrifice of time. Overcoming addictions takes a support team. The law of the Gospel is the first two great commandments, loving the Lord and loving our fellowman. If we are critical of others we aren't living these two commandments. We need less criticism and more compliments. Be more gentle, please be kind to one another.

Wow! Such a powerful message from our Bishop. You can tell how much he loves the youth and how concerned he is for them. He was in tears. He ask us to please fast and pray for them.

We had leftovers for lunch and then went outside and read while it rained. Rain is such a beautiful thing!

This is how the rest of my day went. I colored my frog picture from my calendar, worked on my blog read, and fixed blt's for dinner.

We went to bed by 9 p.m.  It was a beautiful Sabbath day!

More photos:

This picture was taken yesterday at Marisa's

baby shower. These are all people I know and love,

from left to right: Tammy, Adrian, Christy, Sheri, Marisa, and

Courtney.

Vernon ward young women.

There is something about those mountains!

(The Alps)

Arizona Highways: 

San Francisco Peaks in the background.

I have always loved koala bears.

I also like cute animal pictures.

  

Saturday, July 29th, 2017

St. George, Utah

1st operating temple

Dedicated: 6-8 April 1877 

By: Daniel H. Wells 

(Under the direction of Brigham Young)

Rededicated: 11-12 Nov 1975

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

2 Nephi 9:7

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 29:5

Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you te kingdom.

Alma 42:1-25

*If the demands of justice cannot be erased, then how can those who have sinned (each of us) ever have peace of conscience and be restored to the presence of God?

*According to Alma 42:15, how is it possible that mercy can ever be extended to us?

*What does it mean to you to know that the Savior would willingly suffer in your place so that you can have mercy extended to you?

DC 105:27-41

27-30, Lands in Jackson and adjoining counties should be purchased; 31-34, The elders are to receive an endowment in the house of the Lord in Kirtland; 35-37, Saints who are both called and chosen will be sanctified; 38-41, The Saints are to lift an ensign of peace to the world.

In such a tumultuous world, how can we lift up an ensign of peace?

* We lift up our ensign of peace by sharing the gospel with others through our actions and our words, remembering that we are constantly an example and represent Christ at all times. Also, an Ensign for peace is sweeping the nations as we continually build temples that dot the earth. They are a beacon and lighthouse in the storms of the life. Also, the Book of Mormon is an Ensign of peace.

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" The Holy Ghost testifies and bears witness of the Father and the Son and of all truth. The Lord, speaking to His disciples, said, 'But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father,...he shall testify of me..'"

James and I are getting back into our routine of going to the Snowflake temple on Saturday morning and attending the 8 a.m. session. An added bonus for me was when I was in the celestial room I saw Trenda and Emery waiting to be taken in to the sealing room. I got to give Trenda a hug!

Emery looks especially tall in this photo.

Young people at the temple.

Ole people at the temple.

Not our most flattering photo.

Of course we make a stop at El Cupido's for some refreshment. I am stuck on the bacon breakfast burrito's and James likes the chicken quesadilla's. We both love the ice so we have to get medium drinks we a free refill.

I had a lazy, or should I say relaxing, day at home. Trenda's reception started at 6 p.m. at the Show Low stake center. I forgot the pants I wanted to wear needed to be washed, so I did it at the last minute. We didn't get to the reception until almost 8 p.m. What a mistake. It was packed! There was no line. Trenda was dancing with her dad and then with Emery and there was no opportunity to talk with her. I'm never going late again. I did get to talk to two others of my young women, Shelley who is getting ready to go on a mission and Mary, who just got married last week. I didn't even have any refreshments. James had a piece of Texas sheet cake.

I need to be more focused and have greater self-discipline.

Oh, by the way, it rained during the reception and most of the way home.

According to Trenda's mom these two are 

equally yoked. That means Emery must be

a really great guy!

Random Photos:

While we were in Snowflake we drove past one

of the homes James lived in. This home had white plaster

on the outside similar to the color of the chimney.

It looks like someone is trying to restore it to it's

original state.

What a cool mom! These kids love 

JesterZ's!

American Southwest history

I am obsessed with sunflowers right now.

Friday, July 28th, 2017

Winter Quarters, Nebraska

104th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Apr 2001 by:

Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

2 Nephi 2:7

Jesus Christ, Advocate

Moroni 7:28

For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause f the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.

Alma 41:1-15

*Why is it important to have a correct understanding of what will happen to us after we die?

*Why were some of the people going astray? (To wrest the scriptures is to twist, distort, or change their meaning.)

*What words or phrases in Alma 41:6-7 suggest that we are responsible for what we receive in the resurrection?

*Why is it true that 'wickedness never was happiness?"

Elder Glenn L. Pace: "Activities always forbidden by the Lord and for many years frowned upon by society are now accepted and promoted by that same society. The media serves up these activities in such a fashion as to make them look desirable...Don't mistake Telestial pleasure for Celestial happiness and joy. Don't mistake lack of self-control for freedom. Complete freedom without appropriate restraint makes us slaves to our appetites. Don't envy a lesser and lower life....The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in Heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as the hereafter."

DC 105:14-26

14-19, The Lord will fight the battles of Zion; 20-26, The Saints are to be wise and not boast of mighty works as they gather;

What is an endowment?

*The direction that the first elders of the Church 'should receive their endowment from on high in my house...in Kirtland' (DC 105:33), referred to those keys and to the great outpouring of the Lord's Spirit and the manifestations that were to accompany the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. The Spirit that was poured out upon the Saints at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple was the same Spirit that was poured out on the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2). That endowment of power was promised to the latter-day elders (see DC 95:8). This was not as complete as the endowment later revealed. (DCSM, 259).

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

" That day I opened my heart to the Spirit, desired to repent, and wanted to be baptized! Before that moment, I had thought of repentance as something negative, associated only with sin and wrongdoing, but suddenly I saw it in a different light - as something positive that cleared the path to growth and happiness."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

" As we learn to see others as the Lord sees them rather than with our own eyes, our love for them will grow and so will our desire to help them. We will see potential within others they likely do not see in themselves. With Christlike love we will not be afraid to speak with boldness, for 'perfect love casteth out fear.' And we will never give up, remembering that those who are hardest to love need love the most."

Can I tell you how much I love Elder Palmer's conference address!

Here are some of the highlights for me:

"How can I be filled with Christlike love so others can feel the love of God through me and desire to change?

"How can I be more like the Savior?

"If I didn't love you, I wouldn't care about who you become. So I invite you to change those thiings that are hard for you and become who the Lord wants you to be

"Pray for the gift of charity.

"See others as the Savior sees them."

We seem to have a plague of moths. I flushed three down the toilet this morning. 

James put the new 'body' on the Razr today. He also washed the outside of my care. We were going to go to the temple, but decided to go in the morning instead.

We read on the deck while it rained. This is becoming somewhat of a ritual...but a good one!

I worked on my blog a couple of hours this afternoon and did two posts. I am very slow!

I made ground beef tacos for dinner. James ate six and I ate three. There was one left. I guess you could say they were a hit.

After dinner we watched "A Heavenly Christmas," starring Kirstin Davis and Eric McCormack, and Shirley Maclaine.

That is just about the end of the Christmas movies, until the end of October that is! That is when the new ones come out!

Random Photos:

This is what we watch while we are reading.

I counted 17, how about you?

James has this recipe for making their nectar.

He even heats up the sugar so it's nice and smooth.

He loves his little critters. Remember, he also planted 

grass for the bunnies. The only critters we have a problem with are

the squirrels who get in to our garbage if we leave the garage door open.

Mt. Montoso almost looks like an active volcano.

Sphinx moth on my front porch.

New York, New York. There is beauty wherever you go.

There is even beauty in Cibecue, Arizona.

Talk about beauty! 

Two of my favorite beauties!

Chandler boys from the 80's.

Mike, Aaron (Paul's brother), and another friend.

I love it when castles_world posts a picture!

Castles are one of my passions.

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Groundbreaking: 3 Dec 2016

Estimated completion date: mid-2019

Atonement

1 Nephi 11:33

Jesus Christ, Advocate

Mosiah 15:8

And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men.

Alma 40:15-26

*What happens between death and the resurrection? (see Alma 40:21.) But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works. 

*What do you think the definition of evil is?

DC 105:1-13

1-5, Zion will be built up by conformity to celestial law; 6-13, The redemption of Zion is deferred for a little season; 

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

" A crucial element of the parental duty to warn is to paint not oly the demoralizing consequences of sin but also the joy of walking in obedience to the commandments. Recall the words of Enos about what led him to seek God, receive a remission of sins, and become converted: 'Behold, I went to hunt beasts in the forests; and the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.'"

I had lunch with Hailey, Braylin, Taylor, and Huntleigh today at Pizza Factory. I am Hailey's visiting teacher and I invited her and her kids before school starts next week. I was Braylin's Primary teacher last year and this year I am Taylor's. I just love this little family. Their dad is a rancher and they live way out in the middle of nowhere yet Hailey brings her kids to and from school everyday. Here are a few pictures of the family. A few days ago I posted a picture of Braylin with his pigs. Now I have photos of Hailey, Taylor, and Huntleigh.

This is Huntleigh. She did this to herself on the way home with

a permanent marker. Hailey says it will come right off with

coconut oil.

I couldn't resist posting another picture of Braylin.

He is such an amazing boy, with a winning personality!

Hailey and Taylor. Notice the Lone Star on the wall.

Hailey is a Texas girl. Taylor is such a hard worker. She helps

her dad around the ranch and I could tell today at Pizza Factory

how much her mom depends on her with Braylin being handicapped and Hunteigh only two years old. Taylor is

pretty amazing!

I love this family so much and I am a little sad that we don't see them at church anymore. Hopefully someday they will come back.

After saying goodbye to Hailey and the kids I headed to Walmart to do some shopping. It rained hard while I was inside but I was able to get my things in the car without getting wet. Then again it rained on the way home. I do love this weather!

After putting the groceries away I read to James from "A Lady Unrivaled" and worked on my blog.

More photos:

There are several reasons I like this photos.

The sheep look like they are posing in their parkas with

their little black faces sticking out.

I love seeing the clouds and the Matterhorn in the background.

I also love looking at the expressions on the faces of these

adorable sheep. Look at their feet, they look like they have boots on.

This picture reminds me of the sunflower field in

Vernon. I can hardly wait until they bloom.

I've never seen a cuter face!

I'm a sucker for these two!

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-22 Nov 1974 by:

Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement:

1 John 4:10

Jesus Christ, Advocate:

2 Nephi 2:9

Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved.

Alma 40:1-14

*What happens to our spirits after we die?

"When the physica body dies, the spirit continues to live. In the Spirit world, the spirits of the righteous 'are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow' (Alma 40:12). A place called Spirit prison is reserved for 'those who have died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets' (DC 138:32). The spirits in prison are 'taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel that are necessary for them to know' (DC 138:33-34). If they accept the principles of the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept ordinances performed in their behalf in temples, they will be welcomed into paradise" (True to the Faith:A Gospel Reference [2004], 46-47).

DC 104:66-86

67-77, The general treasury of the united order is to operate on the basis of common consent; 78-86, Those in the united order are to pay all their debts, and the Lord will deliver them from financial bondage.

80 And inasmuch as you are diligent and humble, and exercise the prayer of faith, behold, I will soften the hearts of those to whom you are in debt, until I shall send means unto you for your deliverance.

82 And inasmuch as ye are humble and faithful and call upon my name, behold, I will give you the victory.

83 I give unto you a promise, that you shall be delivered this once out of your bondage.

What has the Lord promised us in these verses?

*Pay debts and He will deliver us from financial bondage.

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" We are not ignorant of the challenges of the world, nor are we unaware of the difficulties of our times. But this does not mean that we should burden ourselves or others with constant fear Rather then dwelling on the immensity of our challenges, would it not be better to focus on the infinite greatness, goodness and absolute power of our God, trusting Him and preparing with a joyful heart for the return of Jesus the Christ?"

The first thing I saw this morning when I got up was elk in our back property. There were at least 20-30 but they didn't stay long. Somewhere between our place and the Crane's there was a baby elk crying and they all ran that way to help. I hope he didn't get attacked by a coyote.

Running to the rescue.

Every morning when I get up there are dead moths on the floor. Sometimes they aren't all the way dead because their wings flutter when I pick them up with a tissue and flush them down the toilet. Today there was also a beetle with a golden belly and legs, and a cricket.

Is anyone going to judge me if I tell you that I had a hotdog for breakfast? Oh yes, and I watched two Christmas movies, "12 Gifts of Christmas," and "Dashing Through the Snow."

I did also clean out my frig and in the process found some bread and butter pickles. They are my favorite!

James came home this afternoon and brought me food. A bean burro and green chili burro from Burger House and a shredded beef taco from Aliberto's!  Food delivery and I don't even have to tip!

We read from our book and waited for rain, but it didn't come so we watched "The Nutcracker Christmas."

Random Photos:

I sure would like to visit someday.

This brings back some fond memories!

2014

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.

This is totally me!

I ordered four purple goblets from a company called

Jet.com. When I emailed them and told them one

of my glasses was clear. They apologized and said

they would send another set free of charge.

Now that's a company I want to do business with!

Addy and friends from Mutual. Everyone is

smiling except the kid on the left.

I love this blast from the past.

Look how Lola is staring at Joshua!

Evie Lynn Pfeil