Friday, August 4th, 2017

Mesa, Arizona

7th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-26 Oct 1927

By: Heber J. Grant

Rededicated: 15-16 Apr 1975

By: Spencer W. Kimball

(Scheduled to close in 2018 for renovations.)

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 38:4

I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom; and verily, I say, even as many as have believed in my name, for I am Christ, and in mine own name, by the virtue of the blood which I have spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for them.

Alma 44:16-45:14

*Why do you think it was so important to Moroni to have the Lamanites make a covenant of peace?

*What happens to those who sin against "so great light and knowledge"?

*The Nephites were at war with the Lamanites when Ala and Helaman had this conversation. How do you think Helaman's faith may have helped him during the war and throughout his ministry?

*How has your faith helped you?

DC 107:76-100

77-84, The First Presidency and the Twelve constitute the highest court in the Church; 85-100, Priesthood presidents govern their respective quorums.

Why is it important to The Lord that we teach one another in love?

*Because that is how the gospel is spread.

General Conference

"My Peace I Leave with You"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Alma pleaded with his people 'that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and love one towards another' (Mosiah 18:21). Unity is necessary for us to have the Spirit in our class and in our family. Such loving unity is hard to maintain. It takes having the Holy Ghost as a companion to open our eyes and temper our feelings."

James came in from working outside today after taking some Tramadol. He said he felt like he had ant bites on his back. It makes me itch, but I have never felt like ants were biting me. 

Most of our hummingbirds are gone. It is probably because of that bully Rufus or because there are so many flowers in bloom the birds don't need James's special nectar.

James worked on the greenhouse all day. He was having one problem with a connection. He even called the company but they weren't much help. He finally figured it out on his own. 

I worked on a family birthday calendar adding Kacey, Autumn, Palmar, Summer, and Tanner.  

Kim and Brian arrived this evening. I was sad to tell them we had no rain today. 

The Chandler National Little League team made it to the Western Regionals in California. 

James and I had a discussion about Tramadol and how it gives us a sense of well-being. James said this in spite of the ant bite episode.

Random Photos:

A seventeen year old cottonwood tree bit the dust

during the storm last night.

The Phoenix Zoo was closed today to clean up

after the storm last night.

Water running off Camelback Mountain.

Aunt Gene with former Arizona governor

Rose Mofford.

How exciting!

Flowers in our front planter.

Another gorgeous Vernon sunset.

Thursday, August 3rd, 2017

Cardston, Alberta

6th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-29 Aug 1923

By: Heber J. Grant

Rededicated: 2 July 1962 (addition only)

By: Harold B. Lee

Rededicated: 22-24 June 1991

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 110:4

I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am e who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father.

Alma 44:1-15

In what ways did Moroni show courage to Zerahenah?

*He stops the fighting and begins bearing his testimony to Zerahemnah.

DC 107:58-75

58-67, The Twelve are to set the officers of the Church in order;

68-76, Bishops serve as common judges in Israel;

How is the Bishop a judge in Israel?

*Judges his ward members as to their standing in the Church as well as their standing in the Church as well as their temporal needs if they have claim on the Church. He succors the poor. He works closely with the youth and judges their worthiness. "Makes decisions for his people which affect their progress and development. He holds the key to the temple. He is entitled to divine guidance." - President Kimball

General Conference

Certain Women

Linda K. Burton

" Jenny, a RS president with leukemia, testified: 'Not only are we here to save others but to save ourselves. And that salvation comes from partnering with Jesus Christ, from understanding His grace and His Atonement and His feeling of love for the members of the Church. That happens with things as simple as brushing someone's hair; sending a note with an inspired, clear, revelatory message of hope and grace; or allowing others to serve us."

As I was working on the computer in the bedroom and James was taking a nap, the doorbell rang. It was Brother Price selling raffle tickets for the cow pie bingo game at the Vernon Days event at the park on Saturday. James wrote him a check for $20. Brother Price stayed for awhile talking to James about his back and how he thinks he can help him. He is a chiropractor. James was impressed with his knowledge. 

After Brother Price left it started to rain so we went outside on the deck to read. We actually finished our book and we don't have another to read. I will have to order one soon. 

While James worked outside on the greenhouse I worked on a budget, got the Curtis's card ready to mail, and then went downstairs to put sheets on Kim and Brian's bed. I also put on a new bedspread, actually a quilt. I decided I need to buy a lamp for the bedroom because it is a little dark. Maybe after the temple on Saturday.

A monsoon storm hit the valley this evening.

The tower at Sky Harbor Airport

Bogle Jr. High Open House

Betty and Bob's wedding

castles_world

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2017

Laie, Hawaii

5th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 Nov 1919

By: Heber J. Grant

Rededicated: 13-15 June 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

Jacob 4:ll

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 62:l

Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how t succor them who are tempted.

Alma 43:41-54

*What "better causes" do you find worth fighting for?

The gospel, my family and freedoms.

DC 107:41-57

39-52, The patriarchal order is established from Adam to Noah; 53-57, Ancient Saints assembled at Adam-ondi-Ahman, and the Lord appeared to them;

What do these verses teach us?

* A history of Adam's posterity and their ordination to the priesthood. Adam and the Lord meet with Adam's righteous posterity in Adam-ondi-Ahman and Adam gave them his last blessing. All of this is recorded in the book of Enoch. The patriarchal priesthood is passed by ordination from father to son. The Lord comforted Adam (verse 55.)

General Conference

The Beauty of Holiness

Carol F. McConkie

" if we will keep the associated covenants, the sacred priesthood ordinances will change us, sanctify us, and prepare us to enter the presence of the Lord. So we bear one another's burdens; we strengthen one another. We retain a remission of sins when we give temporal and spiritual relief to the poor, the hungry, the naked, and the sick. We keep ourselves unspotted from the world when we keep the Sabbath day and worthily receive the sacrament on the Lord's holy day. We bless our families and make our homes holy places. We bridle our passions so that we may be filled with pure and lasting love. We reach out to others in kindness, with compassion, and stand as witnesses of God. We become a Zion people. of one heart and one mind, a pure people who dwell together in unity and righteousness. For Zion must increase in beauty and in holiness. Sisters, come to the temple. If we are to be a holy people prepared to receive the Savior at His coming, we must arise and put on our beautiful garments. In strength and honor, we forsake the ways of the world and keep our covenants, that we may be "clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness."

I finished Elder Holland's book, "Christ and the New Covenant." It was just as good the second time as it was the first.

I love the quiet of the early morning.

When James gets up I ask how he is doing. This was his comment:

"I am sick and in a lot of pain. I have no voice and bronchitis."

The gospel is so amazing! I read about the Patriarchal Priesthood, the Law of Consecration, and Captain Moroni and the title of Liberty, just to name a few. The icing on the cake was Sister McConkie's "The Beauty of Holiness."  What a way to start the day!

I left before 8 a.m. to do errands with James. It is not what I had planned for today, but it became the priority. James's first stop was Home Depot. Afterwards he went to Aliberto's across the street and bought me a breakfast burrito, my reward for coming with him. 

Yummy!

Next stop was Kay's Building Supplies and then on to Taylor. In Taylor James bought the lost metal pole he needed for his fence. 

When we get home I need a nap. Getting up at 3:30 this morning takes its toll. James works outside leveling the ground to get ready to put up the greenhouse. When I finally get up from my nap I work on my blog and then I clean our bedroom and bathroom. 

For dinner James had chicken, broccoli and brownies. After dinner we watched the move "Dater's Handbook." I also worked on my Primary journal before going to bed. 

James and I both take Zzzquil before going to bed.

Photos:

Beautiful on the inside and outside.

Addy starts 8th grade today at a new school.

 Our friend Brooklyn

Yikes! There's a pony in the house at

Wolf Mountain Ranch.

I wonder if they ever get their antlers tangled.

I love it when they make improvements at the park!

Vernon sunsets are the bomb.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017

Salt Lake, Utah

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 April 1893

By: Wilford Woodruff

Atonement

2 Nephi 11:5

Jesus Christ, Advocate

DC 45:3

Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him-

Alma 43:27-40

Moroni acted on the knowledge he received from the prophet

*What did you notice about the Lamanites' reasons for fighting? (29-30)

*What were the Nephites' reasons for fighting?

*What can we learn from the examples of Moroni and his army to help us in our battles against the adversary?

Principles:

1. As we pray for help in accomplishing our righteous plans and desires, God will help us accomplish them.

2. We are inspired by a better cause than those who oppose the truth.

3. The Lord will help us fulfill our duty to defend our families, our liberty, and our religion.

DC 107:21-40

21-38, The First Presidency, the Twelve, ad the Seventy constitute the presiding quorums, whose decisions are to be made in unity and righteousness;

What attributes must be present in the quorums for them to make righteous decisions?

*"Every decision made by either of these quorums must be made by the unanimous voice." (27). When unity is present among individuals, peace and love are felt for those present and for those whom we serve. Families and marriages should be the same. Unity with the Lord is critical for our success.

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Bonnie H. Cordon

" Service," Amy testifies, "saved my life. Where I ultimately found my strength to keep moving forward was the happiness I discovered in trying to relieve the suffering of those around me. (Amy has a very serious cancer.) I looked forward to our service projects with great joy and anticipation. You would think that someone who was bald, poisened, and fighting for her life was justified in thinking that 'right now it is all about me.' However, when I thought about myself, my situation, my suffering and pain, the world became very dark and depressing. When my focus turned to others, there was light, hope, strength, courage, and joy. I know that this is possible because of the sustaining, healing, and enabling power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."

Today I spent some time on Family Search. I am trying to find a wedding date for William Walker and Sarah. The problem is the only information I have on Sarah is her name. My next step is to look for a marriage record in the early 1880's in Georgia.

We got a call from President Miller at the Snowflake temple today. We scheduled Wednesday, August 16th at 10 a.m. to meet with a member of the temple presidency about James and I becoming temple workers.

I left for town late morning with the intention of getting bloodwork done at Sonoran Lab for Dr. Moffat. When I got into town I discovered that the lab is closed from noon until one and it was about 12:15. I decided that next week when I get my infusion I will have them send lab results to Dr. Mofford. I went to Aliberto's and got my two tacos with rice and beans. I am saving the rice and beans for later. It was raining when I finished my lunch and headed for Walmart. 

I did some shopping and picked up five prescriptions at Walmart. I talked to the pharmacist who knew Darrel. His name is Brett B. He is also a bishop in Show Low.

When I got home it was raining so James wanted to read on the deck. After reading I worked on my blog and cleaned the family and living room floors and dusted. 

James spent the morning at the Howard's again. He came home exhausted. He also said that Brother Howard fell off the ladder and hit a tree. 

Trina called today and said the only thing Rowan wanted for his birthday was to come to the cabin next weekend. I told her we would love that!  

James and I watched "The Nanny Express" on the Hallmark channel this evening. 

Photos:

Kacey posted this video. Summer teaching Jared a

dance move and laughing when he succeeds.

Pretty cute!

Arizona waterfalls are the best!

2013. I love Joshua's toothless smile.

They rode the Razr after this.

Tasha and her boys, Zack and Quinton.

Emery and Trenda honeymoon in Colorado.

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.