Wednesday, August 16th, 2017

Seattle, Washington

19th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Atonement

Alma 34:8

And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 6:62

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

Alma 51:13-21

How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?

*We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and our decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger in Spirit and less prideful. (See President Benson's talk, "Beware of Pride")

DC 116-117:16

What is the purpose of the council at which Adam presides?

*At that time there will be a transfer of authority from Lucifer to Jesus Christ. All who have held keys will make report s and deliver stewardships. Our Lord will then assume the reigns of government. This is in preparation for the Second Coming and the Millennium.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood only by persuasion,...by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile."

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"After receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood and a call to serve, a young man can be armed with power through the covenants and ordinances of the holy temple. Going to the temple and having the spirit of the temple go through you precedes effective service as a full-time missionary. Personal worthiness is the single most important requirement for receiving the blessings of the temple. Your love for and understanding of temple ordinances will strengthen and bless you throughout your life."

James and I had a meeting this morning at 10 a.m. at the Snowflake temple with President Scott of the temple presidency. On the way over we listened to President Hinckley read President Benson's conference talk, "Beware of Pride." What an amazing talk!

We were greeted at the recommend desk by our old friend from Chandler, Brother Vance. President Scott caught us as we were getting in the elevator and told us he would be up in just a few minutes. We went to the upstairs foyer and waited until he ushered us in to the President's office. He said we had been recommended to serve in the temple and would we accept the calling. Yes, of course we will. James said that he was not fully retired and wasn't sure what his schedule would be in the upcoming months. President Scott suggested that we take a Saturday shift. The Saturday shifts work every other week instead of weekly. We told him we preferred mornings and he suggested we start August 26th. That will work. He said that prayer meeting starts at 7 a.m. and we should plan on being at the temple by 6:30. He told us that many miracles occur in the temple and what a privilege it is to be a temple worker. We thanked him and left. Of course, we had to do our selfie.

Do we look excited?

I think James (Dad) looks confused.

But at least he is confused on a higher level.

James took me to El Cupido's for lunch because I was starving!

I got a Big Jake burro and James got a ham and cheese omelet. We read from "Romancing Daphne" on the way home.  There were no clouds which always makes me sad.

I worked on my blog this afternoon and made a cherry cheesecake using Pillsbury crescent rolls as the crust. It was delicious!  

James puts in the larger equipment gate as part of our backyard fence. 

A sad news flash from Chandler: Evan ran a pencil into his foot. Ian almost passed out when he had to pull it out. They called the paramedics.  I am glad they have good insurance.  I hope he is okay. I told Sheri I would send him something. She suggested Lego Batman or another super hero Legos. I ordered a Spiderman set off Amazon. 

This is so sad.

The weather is amazing as we sit on our bedroom porch and read. It's one of our very favorite things to do. 

This evening we watched two episodes of Heartland season one. I think we are going to like the series. Thanks Cathi for recommending it. 

I ordered myself a purple tote from Amazon with the money Lois and Dawn gave me. 

More Photos:

Great Grandmother Lois with Kevin's girls.

Two of my favorite little people from a few

years ago. I can't believe they are now old

enough to be baptized!

Four Peaks

I love this Arizona landmark.

Our friends Naomi and Bill.

The first house James ever built was theirs.

Tucson temple

Tuesday, August 15th, 2017

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation 29 Sept 2017

Atonement

Alma 7:11

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Alma 51:1-12

What happens when people are divided?

*Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement He pled for unity: "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us." The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations. Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention (April 1978). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention:

"1.) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit. 2.) Learn to control your tongue. Think twice before you speak and three times before you act. 3.) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason together. 4.) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation. 5.) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice."

DC 114:1-115:19

If we build our homes after the pattern that the Lord has set forth, how can this help us keep our families safe?

*The Lord's standards are: 1) To unify and protect members 2) Members are to be standards of righteousness 3) They are to keep their covenants and 4) Create a refuge from the storm. (DC 115:6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"To return to His 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."

James went on a Razr ride today to place his wildlife camera for the Oregon hunters who are friends of Gail. I stayed home to study, and to make brownies and beans. 

Around 3:30 this afternoon we went to town. We stopped at LaCasita to get green chili burros, enchilada style. They are delicious!  I went to Walmart while James headed over the Cal-Ranch. We got gas and read three chapters from our book so it was a productive trip. 

James works on his new, bigger gate for the backyard so he can get his equipment inside the yard of he needs to. I polished the wood floor, put peppermints in my candy jars, and put the beans away. I also colored this evening and worked on my Primary lesson. 

We started watching "My Boyfriend's Dogs" but I had to stop. I had taken some Tramadol and evidently it didn't agree with me. I felt nauseous and had to go to bed earlier than I had planned. 

I sure hope North Korea doesn't strike the U.S. today.

Photos:

Sheri's post

I love Koalas'!

Creepy castle!

If I recently posted this, oh well,

here it is again. 2013 visit from

our Chandler friends.

Another gorgeous Vernon sunset!

Monday, August 14th, 2017

Sao Paulo, Brazil

17th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 Oct-2 Nov 1978

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Rededicated: 22 Feb 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 50:21-40

Why was there never a, happier time among the people of Nephi?"

*Because happiness comes from within, not from external circumstances. True joy comes from doing what's right. With personal righteousness and faithfulness comes peace, and blessings from God.

DC 113:1-10

What did I learn from these verses?

* The branch and the stem of Jesse are both Christ. These terms refer to Christ's being of the lineage of King David, the son of Jesse. The rod of Jesse is Joseph Smith , and so is the root. The explanation of Isaiah 11:10 given in DC 113 strongly implies that while Christ is the root of David, He is not the root of Jesse mentioned by Isaiah. There are two reasons for this conclusion. First, the Lord through the Prophet Joseph Smith in verse 2 identifies Christ as the stem of Jesse; he does not identify Christ as the root of Jesse. Second, verse 6 indicates that the root of Jesse is a servant of Christ to whom keys are given 'in the last days' to gather Christ's people.

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"The world is easily irritated, disinterested and demanding loving the cheers of the crowd, while overcoming the world brings humility, empathy, patience, and compassion for those different than yourself."

Because of all the rain we have had, everything is gorgeous and green here!  

In his desire to please me James did these errands this morning. He took off the garbage, including the old box springs that the kids broke. He also went to Safeway and got me two cases of Dr. Pepper 10, my favorite drink which is no longer carried by Walmart. He also uprooted the dead pine tree by the road that I have been complaining about. 

I spent the morning playing 'catch up' with my blog and my gospel study. 

It had a good chance to rain here, but the dark ominous clouds just floated away. James said it rained in Show Low for about 20 minutes. 

James and I both snacked on ice cream and chips today left from Rowans party. I promised him I would make him some beans tomorrow. For FHE we resolved to work on our will and "putting things in order," for Kim and Brian. We also watched a new episode of Garage Sale Mystery called "Text." We read on the deck. James loves Sarah Eden as an author so he really likes "Romancing Daphne."

Elise and Steve's son Kasmir got his mission call today. He is going to Tampa, Florida. 

We got the first season of Heartland that I ordered today. Life is good.

Photos:

Happy 11th Birthday Joshua!

Three years ago!

Time flies!

Now he's as tall as we are, almost.

Can you guess their age?

The Three Musketeers!

Five Years ago.

At Joshua's baptism

Family Photo at Joshua's baptism

Adam, Dallin, Michael, Joshua, Jared Ammon

E.J. home from his mission today!

Sunday, August 13th, 2017

Washington D.C.

16th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-22 Nov 1974

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Closed for renovation March 2018

Alma 50:1-20

What can you do to cut off your spiritual enemies from their strong-holds?

*Instagram-bofm365-marianawolfe: "It's important that even when we are under 'prosperous circumstances' (v.17) that we do not stop making preparations...to defend our people. There is a tendency for us to become at ease when things are going well. However, we can't let our guard down for one moment. We have to continually be building strong and high defenses against the adversary, preparing strongholds, ad securing...our people from the hands of the devil and evil forces. We can't ever stop preparing."

DC 112:17-34

Why should verses 23-24 cause us to seriously reflect upon our daily actions?

*stef_littlefield: "In verse 26 it reminds us that we need to really know the Lord, not just profess to know Him. It's truly in our daily choices that shows our true devotion to the Lord. We must be the 'light on the hill.' the beacon of hope in the dark and evil world through the way we live our lives, and love and serve others as Jesus Christ did.

General Conference

The Language of the Gospel 

Elder Valeri V. Cordon

" As families we need to avoid any tradition that will prevent us from keeping the Sabbath day holy or having daily scripture study and prayer at home. To combat the worldly traditions of our day, we need to use the scriptures and the voice of our modern prophets to teach our children about their divine identity, their purpose in life and the divine mission of Jesus Christ."

James and I barely made it to the Tucson temple dedication broadcast held at the White Mountain stake center in Lakeside. As we walked up the sidewalk the usher who was holding the door told us we had 30 seconds before the doors would be closed. We sit in the very back row of the cultural hall. In front of us a few rows we see the Grapp's with Liana and Sister Vaught. About half way through the preliminaries, Brother Mayfield comes and sits by us.

Elder Stevenson conducted this morning session. Before the cornerstone celebration, he told of the significance of Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of the Church. 
President Uchtdorf presided over the cornerstone ceremony. He said: "As we seal this cornerstone let us seal our hearts to do the work of the Lord. The Church is a place to find harmony with heaven and earth. The temple is a place of unity and love."
The actual sealing of the cornerstone in these days is only symbolic. Church authorities and their wives took part in the sealing along with local leaders and the temple presidency. Children in the congregation were then invited to participate. President Uchtdorf invited two of his grandsons who are getting ready to serve missions up also. 
The choir sang, "We Thank Thee for Our Loving Savior."

Back inside the temple, Sister Moeller, the temple matron was the first speaker. She says that when the temple was announced cheers went up. While the temple was being prepared, we prepared for the temple. We must prepare o the outside and the inside, temporally and spiritually. The temple helps us have balance. We can live a godly life in a worldly world. We come to know our Savior as we serve in the temple. 
President Moeller - Spoke about the Mormon Battlion and how his great, great grandfather served in the battlion. He talked about the history of the Church in Tucson. He gave the Isaiah quote, the mountain of the Lord's house. The temple is the most sacred place on earth. Without the Savior, the temple would not exist. In the temple we will be able to bear every burden and withstand temptations.
W. Christopher Waddell of the presiding bishopric. Mentioned the restoration of keys in the Kirtland temple. Creation of eternal families. A place of revelation and learning. The temple takes us to the Promised Land, the Celestial Kingdom. The temple is an oasis in a spiritual desert. It provides strength and protection, a shield armed with power and prepared to overcome the challenges of life. President Howard W. Hunter quote about the temple.
Elder Lynn G. Robbins - Dying woman's wish to have her temple recommend renewed. What do we take with us to the next life? Our temple recommend is a celestial passport. "Pass your temple recommend under the door." Our temple recommend is a symbol of our worthiness to enter into the presence of God. The temple is the Lord's house. CTR - Current Temple Recommend. The Young Women's theme is like a pledge of allegiance to the temple. Please have a picture of the temple in your home. "You can't fatten the hog on the day of the fair."
Choir sang: "This is the Christ" (written by James E. Faust)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - "Recommit ourselves to the Lord. This is a new beginning. The temple connects our earthly existence to our Heavenly destiny. This is literally the House of the Lord. It is a constant reminder of the goodness of our Heavenly Father. Milo and Phoebe Webb of Snowflake traveled to St. George in 1893 to be sealed. Their 11 children, grand children, and great grandchildren are reaping the blessings of their sacrifice.

Dedicatory Prayer

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Hosanna Shout led by Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Hosanna Anthem" sung by the choir

"The Spirit of God"

Benediction - Sister Sharington

There are now six operating temples in Arizona. For years the only temple we had was in Mesa. It was dedicated on the 23-26 October 1927 by Heber J. Grant. The next temple was the Snowflake temple dedicated 3 March 2002 by Gordon B. Hinckley. The Gila Valley was dedicated 23 May 2010 by Thomas S. Monson. We had two temples dedicated in 2014. The Gilbert on 2 March and the Phoenix on 16 November. Both were dedicated by Thomas S. Monson although the dedication of the Gilbert temple was read by Henry B. Eyring. Now the Tucson temple on 13th August, 2017.

There are around 433,000 LDS in Arizona.

Tucson

157 operating temple

Phoenix

144th operating temple

Gilbert

142nd operating temple

Gila Valley

132nd operating temple

Snowflake

108th operating temple

Mesa

7th operating temple

(Will be closing in 2018 for renovation)

Darrel, Trina, Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Max, and Joshua attended the 12 o'clock dedication session at the Show Low stake center because it is closer than the one in Lakeside where we attended. James and I watched Lola who was too young, Kreed who didn't have a recommend, and Evan who wasn't feeling well. I fed the kids some lunch and then did some cleaning during the second session.

When everyone returned we had a relaxing afternoon watching TV, playing games, and reading. James cooked everyone some burgers before they left. We should have had prayer and scripture study with them! Rowan was quite sad, and shed a few tears before leaving. Darrel promised they would come up Labor Day weekend to celebrate Darrel's birthday. They left around 5:30 with Kreed and Ruby riding with Darrel in his car and everyone else in with Trina.

Lola loves her grandpa

Lola and grandpa out for a Sunday drive

Trina won our Five Crowns game so she got the prize.

Those big orange marshmallow peanuts.

She is the only one who would even eat them.

I love this dress, and the girl in it!

After everyone was gone James and I went out on the porch to enjoy the weather, and to study and read. 

When we went to bed around 9 there was a thunder and rainstorm and the electricity went off for about 40 minutes. 

I couldn't go to sleep until I knew that everyone made it home safely.

Saturday, August 12th, 2017

Provo, Utah

15th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Feb 1972

By: Joseph Fielding Smith

(Read by: Harold B. Lee)

Alma 49:9-30

Why is it important to be aware of our weaknesses?

 Instagram-bofm365-kdeford1:

Knowing our weaknesses keeps us humble, helps us grow and rely on the Lord. Something that stood out to me was verse 11 where Moroni 'altered the management of affairs among the Nephites.' He knew Amalickiah's intent and arranged his army so that their weak areas were no longer weak. I think its important to be aware of our weak areas so we can 'alter the management of our affairs' and strengthen ourselves against Satan's attacks. It is critical to have the Spirit with us to both know our weaknesses and know how to improve.

DC 112:1-16

What does "take up your cross and follow me" mean to me?

*To cast your burdens on the Lord. To deny ourselves of all ungodliness and follow the Lord. Take yourself the way you are and lift yourself in the direction of the better.

General Conference

Stand Up Inside and Be All In

Elder Gary B. Sabin

" We might need to study more intently, pray more earnestly, or just let some things go so we can hang on to those things that really matter. We may need to let go of the world so we can hang on to eternity."

James took Addy and Ruby on a two hour Razr ride. They saw some wildlife and when I mentioned that might be too long a ride for them Addy said, "Oh no Grandma, it wasn't, we had a great time!"

They had donuts earlier but when they got back from their ride they were starving so I made some pancakes for them. Ruby and I played a couple of games of Who's Who in the Book of Mormon and then she wanted to watch the "Minions" short movies she found.

Trina was here with the rest of the kids a little afternoon. When I say the rest of the kids I mean, Lola, Rowan, Joshua, Evan, Max, and Kreed. The boys were all very glad to be out of the car!

 Darrel arrived a few minutes later with the groceries. I played a game of Five Crowns with Darrel, Trina, and Addy. Everyone had some of the pizza that Darrel bought at Safeway.

James and I made a run to Dollar General for some buns, chips, and candy. When we returned Darrel and Trina decided they needed some things from Dollar General too. 

Lola stayed with us in the cabin and the rest of the kids were outside playing under the "lounge" tree. It started raining pretty hard and the kids came running. 

You can barely see the outline of Lola in

this picture. She's watching the kids.

Kreed looks like he's a little cold.

While James and I read on the porch Lola loves to come out and sit with us. We love to have her.

Darrel made some marinated bbq chicken for dinner. Trina made up the boxed mashed potatoes he bought, and we had rolls, corn, and Bush beans. After dinner we had cake and ice cream and sang happy birthday to Rowan. We only had five candles, but Rowan didn't seem to care.

On the left everyone looks a little tired.

The right have Lola to entertain them.

 Ruby the photo bomber.

Rowan is back there somewhere.

The candles are burning Rowan,

make a wish!

Evan had a sore throat and Trina kept giving him Tylenol. Kreed was always hungry. Ruby and Kreed played a little chess.

I kept hearing Kreed say: "Ruby, you can't do that."

I'm not sure who won.

Lola came into our room and watched a Hallmark movies with us while Addy, Trina, and Darrel played Settlers. In our movie, which was about wine making, the actress tastes the wine she is aging in a barrel. A few minutes later a guy comes in and takes some wine from the barrel. Lola says: "Oh, she's gonna be mad at him!"

Darrel put on the movie "Private Eyes". James and I went to bed.

Protestors in Charlottesville, Virginia tonight over a Robert E. Lee statue.

Random Photos:

Lola taking a rest.

These two got married today.

James had done lots of handyman work for Susan.

Show Low 1945.

I lived here when I was born in 1948.

Castles_World