Wednesday, August 30th, 2017

Frieberg, Germany

33rd operating temple

Dedicated: 29-30 June 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 58:13-29

What was Helaman's strategy to regain possession of the city of Manti?

kdeford1: "To outlast and outsmart the enemy. He had his men continue when he knew the enemy would be resting and he knew the city was left with few guards and would be easily overtaken. Sometimes we are required to outlast and outsmart our enemy. With the help of the Lord this is possible."

DC 124:111-130

What is meant by "His (David Patten) priesthood no man taketh from him?"

David Patten, who had died, would always have His power. The power of the priesthood was given through ordination on this earth, and that power would break the bonds of death and be with him throughout the eternities.

General Conference

That Our Light May Be a Standard for the Nations

Elder Benjamin DeHoyos

"While there are many things we can do to be a light and an ensign to others, I would like to focus on the following three: observing the Sabbath day, hastening the work of salvation on both sides of the veil, and teaching in the Saviors way."

James had to go to the valley today to get the rest of his stuff out of Bill's yard because Bill has sold the property. I decided to go with him for two reasons: 1) To have lunch/visit teach my friend Jean. 2) To buy Molly's scriptures. I accomplished both goals.

On the way down James and I were both looking forward to stopping at Burger House. James called and called, but there was no answer. When we finally got there I noticed there was a sign in the window. I made James stop so I could go read it. It said: Closed until Septermber 5th. Cathi is going to be so disappointed!

We arrived at Terry and Cathi's at 9:30. James dropped me off and immediately left for Bill's. I took Terry's truck and headed for Target until I realized I had left my sunglasses in James's truck. I had to go over to "the yard" to pick them up, and then to Sonic and Target. I got some fruit for the basket I brought for Jean and some other incidentals.

I had some time before our lunch date so I headed to Deseret Book to get Molly's scriptures. I got the same ones for her that Ruby picked out for herself. I also got her a scripture carrier.

Maroon colored quad

I love the carrier!

After I was finished shopping at Deseret Book, I headed back to Chandler to Fresh Start on Chandler Heights and Alma School where I met Jean, her granddaughter Tara and Tara's 2 year old Taylor for lunch. I am sad that I didn't take a picture of the fruit basket I put together for Jean. 

Jean ordered a salad and Tara and I both ordered off the breakfast menu. I had the baconado omelet. It comes with bacon, avocado and cheese. I also had a side of fried potatoes. It was delicious!

Jean told me once that Tara was her favorite and I can see why.
We checked out separately and said our goodbyes. Jean took her fruit basket with the visiting teaching message attached.

I went back to Cathi and Terry's for a nap. James is still working out in the heat. I am sure he is miserable. I admire and appreciate him so much!  

When James gets back from Bill's he takes a shower and then goes shopping for a new box springs for the bed in his office. While he is gone I visit with Cathi while she sorts through her costume jewelry. She is gradually going through all of her things organizing, giving away, and putting away. We also have a good discussion about Heartland since we are both watching it. She is several seasons ahead of me. She keeps talking about Lou's husband and I am dying to know who it is!

James and I leave for home around 4 p.m. We stop in Irene's in Globe for dinner. James recognizes one of the girls that works at Burger House working at Irenes. We both ordered green chili burros. I also ordered a taco. The green chili burros were a little hot for my taste. I ate half of mine and took the rest in a to go box. 

When we got home it was very evident that it had rained pretty hard at our place. We were happy, but sad that we missed it. Kathy Crane called and asked if I would be willing to take dinner to the Scott's this coming Tuesday. I said yes. Millie has broken both her shoulders and is pretty miserable. We love the Scott's and will do anything we can to help them.

We watched the next episode of Heartland, "One Trick Pony."

Photos:

Buckeliew Springs a couple of years ago

My birthday present,

if I ever get around to ordering it

I couldn't resist another picture of

Evan and Link

Can you see the face?

Reese Witherspoon and her 18 year old

daughter

More photos of the flooding in Houston:

Yikes! A Whataburger

They have donated over 2 million dollars to

the flood victims

So sad

Strangers helping strangers

I wonder if those cars are floating

So scary

Tuesday, August 29th, 2017

Guatemala City, Guatemala
32nd operating temple
Dedicated: 14-16 Dec 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

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.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

1 Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Alma 58:1-12

When was a time you poured out your soul in prayer to God? How did it strengthen you?

"I am a walking prayer. I know that without Him, enduring life's everyday challenges would be impossible. I am strengthened through the peace that speaks to my soul giving me courage to press on. The gift of the Holy Ghost brings a great inward strength and peace that calms my heart in this troubled world of shifting values."

DC 124:91-110

What can we do to better understand our individual missions?

We can pray and ask. We can read and ponder the scriptures and our patriarchal blessing. We can look for the Lord's hand in our daily life and see how He is directing us and leading us to do His will.

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"It is vital to our physical and spiritual safety that we keep the gift of the Holy Ghost. We begin to do so by striving to keep the commandments, having individual land family prayer, reading the scriptures, and seeking loving and forgiving relationships with family and loved ones. We should keep our thoughts, actions, and language virtuous. We should worship our Heavenly Father in our homes, at Church, and in the holy temple. Stay close to the Spirit, and the Spirit will stay close to you."

And This is Life Eternal

Elder C. Scott Grow

"You and I do the will of the Father by honoring our covenants, keeping the commandments, and serving God and our fellowmen. As we seek to do God's will by faithfully serving Him and our fellowmen, we feel His approval and truly come to know Him."

I read this report today on the Houston temple. "The Cypress Creek became a river and the current is so strong that it has been dangerous to even try and approach the temple, said temple president Marshall Hayes. Cypress Creek rose by 20 feet. It appears water to the depth of four or five inches has gone inside the temple. That includes a baptistry, a marriage waiting room, dressing rooms, kitchen, and laundry."

I am reading Sister Sheri Dew's book, "Worth the Wrestle." In her book she says we need to ask the Lord to teach us the language of revelation.

James and I made a trip to town to get tacos and to get some things at the auto parts store. James had a shrimp taco at Aliberto's and he said it was delicious. I had my two shredded beef tacos and beans and rice.

The blinker on my car isn't working because some critter chewed the wires in two. James fixed the problem but now he can't roll the windows down in my car from the driver's side.

James and I read from our boo, "Lady in Disguise," and watched a new Hallmark movie, "Sand, Sun, Romance" starring Paul Campbell.

Photos:

Houston Heroes

Comic Relief

My puppy!

One of my favorite pictures of Ruby

This girl is a worker!

Kayla and Addy before they grew up

My friend Natalie

Clouds

More Clouds

Cabin

Monday, August 28th, 2017

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Nov 1984 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 29:1

Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I Am, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins;

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Alma 57:17-36

Why were the Nephites able to prevail against the Lamanites? (See Alma 57:19-22)

*Helaman said that his warriors "did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness" (Alma 57:21). 

President Russell M. Nelson said: "You will encounter people who pick which commandments they will keep and ignore others that they choose to break. I call this the cafeteria approach to obedience. This practice of picking and choosing will not work. It will lead to misery. To prepare to meet God,, one keeps all of His commandments. It takes faith to obey them, and keeping His commandments will strengthen that faith" ("Face the Future with Faith," Ensign, May 2011, 34).

DC 124:70-90

What special rights were bestowed upon Hyrum?

He was the Church Patriarch, after his father, and the 2nd elder of the Church.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"Every decision I have made in my life since then has been influenced by that moment when I humbled myself and prayed for forgiveness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ on my behalf became part of my life."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"No true teaching or learning will ever occur when done in frustration or anger, and hearts will not change where love is not present. Our homes should always be safe havens for our children."

Happy Birthday Addy

This girl became a teenager today.

She is Amazing Addy and she is

wearing a Miraculous Lady Bug T-shirt.

Owen and Donna Peeler will be taking our shift at the temple on September 9th, when we are gone to San Antonio.

I visited Hailey today as her visiting teacher and took her a basket of fruit. She and Huntleigh were the only ones at home. For the first time Huntleigh was very friendly to me. Hailey is packing. They sold their ranch and they are moving to Deming, New Mexico. The deal closes on November 1st. 

I also took Taylor, Hailey's daughter, a triple combination with my testimony in it. Taylor is in my Primary class but she does not attend. As I was driving to Hailey's I told myself the most important thing I could do was have prayer with her. Once I got there, I totally forgot. I am not a very good visiting teacher!

I hit a rock pretty hard on Hailey's road. Luckily my tire didn't go flat. The ride home was pretty miserable because my knee hurt so badly. As soon as I got home I ate a tamale for lunch, the last one, and took two Tramadol and sat down to watch a Hallmark movie.

Eventually I started working on my blog and I also made a batch of brownies. Those two things go together well. I also like to watch Hallmark movies while I am blogging.

James is so frustrated with his tractor. He drove it to the front so he could load it on the trailer to take to the valley when we go on Wednesday. He wants to trade it in at Bingham Equipment. Today it wouldn't start and also the lights on James's trailer don't work after Chuck and Owen borrowed it. He is very discouraged.

For FHE he and Brother Westbrook went to meet the Wilhelm's at the new house they are building. James gave a lesson on the Word of Wisdom and took the brownies I made. It was a nice evening for everyone. I stayed home.

Photos:

This sounds about right.

Black Hawk helicopter rescue.
Te helicopters are made in Mesa, Arizona.

Having a little fun in the disaster

School starts in Texas

This is what we use when our lights go out

Lola and her mom love Home Depot

Who knew? 
I want this barn!

Shipley and Vader fighting on Stacy and Paul's bed.
I guess this is pretty much a daily occurrence.

Sunday, August 27th, 2017

Dallas, Texas
30th operating temple
Dedicated: 19 Oct 1984 by: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 19:16

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Alma 57:1-16

How do I fortify myself against the attacks of the adversary?

Our bishop gave a brief message today on obedience. He quoted President Benson: "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power."

I guess I would say then that I strive to be obedient in all things so I can be armed with God's power. I have a ways to go, but that is my desire. 

DC 124:50-69

What did I learn from these verses?

The Lord says that whenever He gives a commandment, no matter what it is about, to the children of man, and they go to with their might and endeavor to fulfill His commandment, and do that which is required of them, and they are prevented by their enemies, or any other means, from accomplishing it, He does not require any more at their hands. He accepts of their offering.

General Conference

The Voice of Warning

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"One observer noted, 'Jesus taught his followers to do as he did: to welcome everyone but also to teach about sin, since love demands warning people about what can hurt them.'"

Today the Umphresses spoke in sacrament meeting. There was a little time left at the end of the meeting so the bishop spoke to us about obedience. I am going to share again the quote he gave:

"When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." - Ezra Taft Benson

I found a talk today on obedience that I want to read. It is from the April 1998 General Conference by Elder Donald L. Staheli called, "Obedience - Life's Greatest Challenge."

My Primary class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Jace, Gracie, Bailey, and Ashten. Sister Kuffer's friend passed away and her funeral is on Tuesday. Sister Kuffer should be here next week to take her class. Bailey and Ashten are both in her class.

Houston is facing the worst flood disaster in U.S. History. They, and surrounding areas, have had around 50 inches of rain. I guess Kevin is surviving, and so is Jillie and her family.

The Houston temple had flooding on the first floor. Thank goodness that is all.

Thousands of homes are flooded with people trapped inside. The worst is yet to come. Residence heard conflicting stories as to whether to evacuate. Evacuation itself creates a nightmare. The news is urging people to stay at home. Millions are at risk. Airports are closed. 9 million people are under flash flood warning. I am grateful that our two Vernon boys and their wives got out. Kendall and his wife were at church today here in Vernon.

During sharing/singing time all of the teachers were in a teacher council meeting. Arizona and another little girl went out to go to the bathroom. Afterwards, Salena, the other girl who is staying at Nadine's ran home instead of going back in to Primary. I guess we are going to have to have hall monitors for Primary now.

I texted Sheri today and said we should go to the Carefree, Arizona tea room for her birthday. She agreed.

We spent a quiet, relaxing afternoon at home with no TV. We did go outside and read a couple of chapters from our book. We are still reading "A Lady in Disguise."

Photos, etc:

New stake presidency of the Pleasanton, California stake.

Brother Black, in the middle, the stake president,

is a former member of our ward in Chandler.

This is Brian and Stephanie 28 years ago on 

the windy wedding day.

Stephanie is Bruce R. McConkie's granddaughter.

She writes murder mysteries.

This is her latest.

I love how pink these piggies are.

Another castle to add to my collection.

This was taken a few years ago.

Trenda, Talon, Alice, Andy.

The Grand Canyon