Saturday, August 5th, 2017

Idaho Falls, Idaho

8th operating temple

Dedicated: 23-25 Sept 1945

By: George Albert Smith

Rededicated: 4 June 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Alma 45:15-46:10

How do these verses compare to our day?

*Pride and economic position are factors that lead men away in modern times as well as in Nephi's time. The cycle of pride. It is sad to see how quickly the Nephites descended spiritually after their victory over the Lamanites. The natural man is prone to take credit for the talents, protection and strength God gives us. 

DC 108:1-8

How can dwelling on past sins prevent us from hearing the Spirit in the present?

*Dwelling on our past sins can become a major stumbling block for any kind of progress. If we have repented, one of the most important parts of that process is forgiving ourselves. That means we do not dwell on our mistakes any more. The Lord forgives and forgets and so should we. Otherwise how can we ever feeWe worthy to receive any kind of personal revelation from our loving Heavenly Father? He takes that weight off our shoulders and we are able to move forward with our focus on God and our Savior, and their will for us. 

General Conference

Gathering the Family of God

President Henry B. Eyring

"We do not know what marvels God will inspire people to create to help in His work of gathering His family But whatever marvelous inventions may come, their use will require the Spirit working in people like you and me. This should not surprise us. After all, these are beloved sons and daughters of God. He will send whatever inspiration is needed to give them the opportunity to return to Him."

We attended the 8 a.m. session at the Snowflake temple.  Kim and Brian were still sleeping when we left. I saw two people from our ward, Sister Diewald, and Brother Wilhelm. Of course we took a selfie after our session.

Next stop, El Cupidos for a bacon breakfast burrito for me and a chicken quesadilla for James. We stopped at Walmart and each of us took a different list so we could divide and conquer. I got a lamp for Brian and Kim's room because it seems a little dark down there. We got a little bit of rain on the way home. Kim said they also got a little in Vernon while we were gone. 

There is a lot going on today. Vernon Days at the park, and Brother Street's baptism and the Howard's open house at Wolf Mountain Ranch. James went to the baptism and the open house while I stayed home with Kim and Brian. Kim, Brian and I played Five Crowns and Brian won. It is so nice to play with a new deck of cards. 

When James got home he began working on the greenhouse. He needed Brian's help for something and I'm grateful he was here to help. 

It's starting to look like a house!

James and I took a nap and then started our fast. We are fasting that our grandchildren will be able to withstand the buffetings of Satan. 

Kim and Brian went on a Razr ride and then came back and made nachos for dinner. They smelled so good!  Brian watched the D-Backs game and Kim went out and mowed our lawn.

 Thanks Kim!

Kim, of course, did a puzzle while she was here.  This is a new one and was alot of fun.

Bizarre Bookstore with lots of little quirks.

I blogged this afternoon, worked on my Primary lesson and texted with Jenifer who said she saw Jared today at the distribution center near the San Antonio temple. 

I made a green chili stew for tomorrow at James's request. I think it is his favorite meal. 

Stacy called and was very upset. I tried to help.

Random Photos:

Huntleigh is two. She wants to be like her

brother and sister.

She loves these orange boots.

Summer and Kacey, a couple of cuties.

I love the look on Ian's face.

Three years ago they spent a week with me.

Such a cute baby!

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.