Sunday, August 20th, 2017

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983 By: Russell M. Nelson

Alma 53:1-17

How can we build a "fortified city" to protect us?

*President Henry B. Eyring said: "As the forces around us increase in intensity, whatever spiritual strength was once sufficient will not be enough. And whatever growth in spiritual strength we once thought was possible, greater growth will be made available to us. Both the need for spiritual strength and the opportunity to acquire it will increase at rates which we underestimate at our peril." 

How do we build fortifications? 

By keeping our covenants. They are the way to access the power God has promised to send us.

DC 121:21-33

Does God punish later generations for the sins of their parents?

*We are punished for our sins not what our parents do, but sometimes the choices/actions of our parents can cause pain and lead later generations to suffer and be led in the wrong direction. Elder Richard G. Scott said: "Every individual born on earth is given a detecting capability, a divinely appointed gift to distinguish truth from error. We call it our conscience. God calls it the Spirit of Christ. When we properly use the gift, we are naturally drawn to truth and repelled from error."

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"Because the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church on the earth, and the holy priesthood of God has been restored for the benefit and blessing of His children."

A Sin-Resistant Generation

Sister Joy D. Jones

"Our children don spiritual armor as they establish patterns of personal daily discipleship. Perhaps we underestimate the abilities of children to grasp the concept of daily discipleship. President Henry B. Eyring counseled us to 'start early and be steady.' So a third key to helping children become sin-resistant is to begin at very early ages to lovingly infuse them with basic gospel doctrines and principles - from the scriptures, the Articles of Faith, the For the Strength of Youth booklet, Primary songs, hymns, and our own personal testimonies - that will lead children to the Savior."

We had a pretty amazing sacrament meeting today. Madison Deatherage was the youth speaker. The other speakers were Sister Gillespie, and Brother Miles from the high council. Sister Gillespie's talk was pretty amazing and Brother Miles's was great too. 

Sister Gillespie's talk was based on Elder Holland's conference talk, "Songs Sung and Unsung." Here is a quote:

"Among the realities we face as children of God living in a fallen world is that some days are difficult, days when our faith and our fortitude are tested. When we can't sing, we need to stand close to the Savior, He will hear the songs we cannot sing."

A quote from Brother Miles's talk:

"We must know God in order to become like Him."

I got to see Trenda and Emery today. They were here to hear Sister Gillespie speak. She is Trenda's aunt. Trenda and Emery live in Flagstaff where he goes to school to become a civil engineer and Trenda is working.

Today my Primary class consisted of: Jace, Colter, Curtis, Gracie, and Liana. Sister Kuffer was here to teach her class. Our lesson today was on Adam-ondi-Ahman, the Second Coming and the Millennium.

Sharing time was about keeping the Sabbath day holy. Sister Husaker asked Bailey if it was okay to shop on Sunday. Bailey said: "Well if you need nail polish or stuff like that you shouldn't shop, but if you are out of eggs, or milk or bread I think it would be ok. Oh dear. We had just talked about not shopping on the Sabbath but evidently more teaching needs to take place.

I had my Panda chicken, noodles and rice for lunch and I shared with James. Afterwards I had a piece of my french vanilla birthday cake. 

James and I started a new book today. It's called "Lily of the Manor."

 This book is about a wealthy widow who has

adopted 11 orphans and is in need of hiring

a school teacher for them. I think I am going to

really like it.

James said that the Scott's are back but Millie has damaged both of her arms and a foot because of falls. Also, Donna Peeler is still sick. 

James had a High Priest Group meeting at the stake center at six this evening. He went with Brother Peeler and our neighbor Chuck. After the High Priest meeting there was a stake priesthood meeting for all Melchizedek priesthood holders, so it was after nine before James got home. 

Jared called me this evening and I went out on the front porch to talk to him. I realized right away that there was a herd of elk and I spooked them. They ran around to the side yard. It was so dark, I couldn't really tell where they went after that.

I watched two new Hallmark movies while James was gone, "Eat, Play, Love," and "Home in Mitford." I should have been working on my blog or doing some other Sabbath day activity. Shame on me.

Photos:

Trenda and Emery

I just can't help it.

I love Trenda!

Elk in our yard, but not the ones I saw tonight.

It was too dark to get a picture of them.

Vernon Sunflowers

Lambson Sunflowers

Saturday, August 19th, 2017

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededicated: 4 Sept 2005 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of:

John 17:5

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Alma 52:19-40

How can working together allow us to overcome difficult tasks?

*We all have different strengths and talents which we are commanded to use to build up the kingdom. Working together is so much easier, and often more effective than working independently. I always learn when I work with others and feel strengthened. My love for others and the Savior increases.

DC 120-121:1-20

Do the enemies of the Church prosper?

*They shall not have right to the priesthood and shall be damned!

General Conference

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Walking with the Savior in priesthood service will change the way you look at others. He will teach you to see the through His eyes, which means seeing past an outward appearance and into the heart. This is how the Savior was able to see Simon not as an impulsive fisherman but as Peter, the rock-solid future leader of His Church. This is how He was able to see Zacchaeus not as the corrupt tax collector others saw but as an honest, upright son of Abraham. If you walk with the Savior long enough, you will learn to see everyone as a child of God with limitless potential, regardless of what his or her past may have been. And if you continue walking with the Savior, you will develop another gift He has - the ability to help people see that potential in themselves and so repent."

Happy Birthday!

To me!

James asked me what I wanted today. I said I wanted to take a picture of the sunflower field, get some orange chicken at Panda Express, and go to Book Barn to get scriptures for a couple of kids in my Primary class. We did all three. 

I got texts, phone calls, and over 80 Facebook happy birthday wishes today. I have a wonderful family and lots of great friends.

It almost rained today, but not quite. It was cloudy and overcast when we sat out on the porch to read.

This evening James made me a steak dinner which was quite delicious.  I worked on my Primary lesson "Adam-ondi-Ahman."

Vickie called me today and we had a nice visit. Rachel is struggling with her new baby. It's a hard adjustment for her. 

I got texts from Joe, Michael, Alex, Addy and Anna today, which was the best!

Photos:

One of the purses I bought with my birthday money

from Lois and Dawn.

The other purse I bought.

I looks better in person.

Birthday cards:

From Lois and Dawn, Analee, Pam, and James.

I started going through my pictures and sort

of went crazy. Horses and the best.

Maui and his mom.

Not a big fan of cows but these are

pretty darn cute.

Goatsofanarchy is the name of the organization.

The woman who runs it fits goats born with two legs

with carts so they can run. I love what she does.

I should know the names of these two, but I don't

Kim told me about this site on Instagram.

Another site on Instagram that Kim told me about

is blackjaguarwhitetiger. This guy 

rescues big cats who have been abused.

They grow to love him.

He also posts lots of other animals too.

I love quail.

One of my favorite photos.

After all the fuss about removing the

Robert E. Lee statue, someone

posted this on Facebook.

It made me laugh.

My sunflower field here in Vernon.

This is a photo of the former Elder Carraway.

He's the groom. He served his mission in Arizona

and came here to get married and have a reception.

He lives in Virginia. The older couple on the right

are our friends from Vernon who went to his reception

in Mesa. Brother Carraway has a chain of Domino

Pizza restaurants that he will inherit from his Mom.

Friday, August 18th, 2017

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication #1

14 Nov 1997 By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Rededication #2

1 May 2011 By: Thomas S. Monson

Atonement

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of:

John 16:28

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Alma 52:1-18

How did Moroni and Teancum work together to bring success to their army?

marianawolfe on Instagram:

"I am reminded in these verses that it is important to not 'run faster than we have strength' (Mosiah 4:29). In our stewardships, whether in families or in callings, we have a two-fold responsibility: 1) We need to 'be faithful in maintaining' the saints or family members that are under our care and fortify and strengthen...those which have not fallen into the hands of the devil.' We protect those in the fold. 2) We need to find the Lost Sheep and seek every opportunity..., as much as in our power, that perhaps we might take again by stratagem these people which have been taken out of our hands."

DC 119:1-7

What blessings have I seen in my life because I was faithful in paying tithing?

*The blessings of the temple and an eternal family. It has helped me to do all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There is nothing wrong with wanting to serve the Lord, but when we seek to gain influence in the Church for our own sake - in order to receive the praise and admiration of men - we have our reward. When we 'inhale' the praise of others, that praise will be our compensation. What is the most important calling in the Church? It is the one you currently have. No matter how humble or prominent it may seem to be, the calling you have right now is the one that will allow you not only to lift others but also to become the person of God you were created to be."

On the way to town to have lunch with my dear friend Pam I stopped at Safeway to get her some fruit for her fruit basket. It goes with the visiting teaching quote I have.

Pam and I met at Licano's. She had flowers, See's Candy, and a card for me. She also bought my lunch. I ordered the shredded beef taco plate. They were good, but not as good as Aliberto's. Pam and I always enjoy each others company and today was no exception. I am so grateful to have her for a friend. I am old enough to be her mother but we just love each other's company so much.

James got an antibiotic but Dr. Moffat would not give him any more steroids. He also wants him to go see a specialist. After his appointment James went to Walmart and got stuff for my birthday dinner. Steak, corn on the cob, and raspberries. 

I had hoped to go to Show Low High School's first football game tonight at Round Valley. But when it came time to go, I was just too tired.  They ended up losing the game 41-12. I feel bad for Monte. 

James and I spent a quiet evening at home. 

I woke up during the night with chills. I think this also has something to do with my messed up thyroid.

Photos:

Goodies from Pan

Castle

No castle can compare!

Posted by Brent on the way home from a

family camping trip.

Red Mountain

Summer fun with Jared's and Darrel's families.

Thursday, August 17th, 2017

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Closed for renovation, scheduled to be 

rededicated Sunday, May 20, 2018

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

John 8:58

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

Alma 51: 22-37

How did the personal preparedness of each of Teancum's soldiers turn the tides of Amalickiah's success?

* Answer I found Instagram:

"I verse 33 Mormon tells us of Teancum's courage and how he put his life on the line for the benefit of the cause...

"Today I will work on being more courageous in doing what the Lord asks, even though it may seem hard.

"A team is only as good as its' weakest player. We all have to do our best for the good of the team, ward, family, etc."

DC 118:1-6

How can we always be ready to ask, "Show us thy will, O Lord: and then do it?

* I think verse three is key:...in all lowliness of heart, meekness and humility, we must preach the gospel, keep our covenants, listen to the Spirit and obey.

General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

" Too often we try to entertain our young men and relegate the to a spectator role, when their faith and love for the gospel can be best developed by magnifying their priesthood. By actively participating in the work of salvation, they will be connected with heaven and they will gain awareness of their divine potential."

Other gospel study that I did: Read from Sheri Dew's book, "Worth the Wrestle," studied the Gospel Doctrine lesson on "Eternal Marriage," read an article in the Ensign by Elder Andersen, "Divine Standard of Honesty."

Here on some notes I took on the article about honesty.

*Honesty is at the very heart of spirituality.

*We should be in the world but not of the world.

*I need to elevate my commitment to personal honesty.

*My actions should be consistent with what I know is right and wrong.

*Keep my word.

*Be righteous in the dark.

This afternoon while James was taking a nap I was sitting at the dining room table working on something when I heard a funny noise outside. I went to the window and there was a whirlwind tearing apart our greenhouse with plastic panels flying everywhere.

I went in to wake up James and we both go outside to gather up the panels. I jump on the Razr and find six right away. One was caught in a tree that we couldn't reach and a few were still missing so we both got on the Razr to search for them. We ended up at our neighbors, the Elkin's place. They weren't there so James took me for the tour. I told him I felt uncomfortable so he said that he had promised Mr. Elkin he would keep an eye on his place. He also said they spent $10,000 on their road. Wow! He is also digging a pond.

We figured at the price he said he paid that he got this 240 acres of land for $108,000.

Oops. I felt so bad for James. He worked so

hard on putting this together.

Rosie, Dr. Caldron's assistant called me today with my thyroid blood report. She said my thyroid was at 0 and I needed to see my doctor right away. No wonder I have been so tired and my hair has been falling out like crazy. James has an appointment in the morning with Dr. Moffat. I told him to please tell the doctor about my thyroid and he said he would.

We watched another episode of "Heartland."

Photos:

Who says Arizona doesn't have waterfalls.

Joshua at his Arrow of Light ceremony.

Congratulations!

Evan doing his homework.

A castle in Germany.

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!