Friday, September 1st, 2017

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 60:1-13

What was Moroni's purpose in writing the epistle to Pahoran?

*"To get more assistance for his armies. Moroni is assuming Pahoran and the government don't have a good reason why they haven't sent help. However, Moroni didn't know the whole story. This teaches us the importance of not assuming things we don't know and not jumping to conclusions. Moroni was an incredible man but even he was not perfect. Team work and good communication is so important." (Trujillofamilyjournal)

DC 125:1-4 - 126:1-3

What can we learn from Brigham Young's sacrifice?

*He was loyal to, and took counsel from the prophet Joseph. He gave unselfish service to the Church wit no thought of personal gain. He assisted in financing the work with his own toil. Brigham Young was the living example of the spiritual principle taught by Joseph Smith: "A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation."

General Conference

Trust in the Lord and Lean Not

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon

"Jesus Christ has overcome the world. And because of Him, because of His infinite Atonement, we all have great cause to trust, knowing that ultimately all will be well."

James has an appointment at the hospital this morning around 9 a.m. to get an MRI on his throat. I went with him so I could do my grocery shopping while he was having his procedure done. 

I bought a few extra things besides grocery. Here are a few of them:

A mattress topper for the bed in James's office, a hand vacuum, a football and electric dartboard for Darrel's birthday. I also bought the ingredients to make him a homemade cake, no mix. 

When I was finished shopping I picked up James at the hospital. The doctor says he has an obstruction in his throat that causes his food to go in to his lungs and can cause pheumonia. Not good!

 James was starving because he couldn't eat before his procedure, so we went to Arby's for lunch. I got a regular roast beef sandwich and James got an Italian sub. 

I did most of my cleaning this afternoon with some help from James. I washed sheets and James put them back on the beds while I vacuumed, dusted and mopped. We finished up just as Kim and Brian arrived this evening. We had just sat down to watch the end of a Hallmark movie we had started earlier. 

It was after ten when Darrel, Trina and the kids arrived. We had already gone to bed. So sorry Darrel and Trina but we pretty fall asleep after ten.

Photos:

Sandra and John

Two of my favorite Vernon people

Their family

The only family photo of the Hatch's

Brother Hatch died shortly after this photo was taken

Pug and Pig

L.A. fire out Derek Hough's window

This looks serious

Lake Powell

Is this real?

Woolie mammoth or elephant?

(New Zealand)

Thursday, August 31st, 2017

Stockholm, Sweden

34th operating temple

Dedicated: 2 July 1985 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of

Mosiah 7:27

And because he said unto them that Christ was the God, the Father of all things, and said that he should take upon him the image of man, and it should be the image after which man was created in the beginning; or in other words, he said that man was created after the image of God, and that God should come down among the children of men, and take upon him flesh and blood, and go forth upon the face of the earth -

Alma 58:30-59:13

How did Helaman's young warriors show their faith in God, despite the "many wounds" they received? (Alma 58:38-40)

As you face challenges in life, how can you benefit from following the example of the sons of Helaman?

*"It is better to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent."

-President Ezra Taft Benson

*Sheri: I listened to a talk today where Elder Hales talked about this. He said: "Sometimes people ask, 'Why do I have to go to sacrament meeting?' or 'Why do I have to live the Word of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can't I have one foot in Babylon?' May I tell you why? Because spiritual pedaling takes both feet! Unless you are fully engaged in living the gospel--living it with all of your 'heart, might, mind and strength'--you cannot generate enough spiritual light to push back the darkness."

DC 124:131-145

What did I learn from this chapter?

*Verse 143: The above offices I have given unto you, and the keys thereof, for helps and for governments for the work of the ministry and the perfecting of my saints.

General Conference

Foundations of Faith

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Adversity should not be viewed as either disfavor from the Lord or a withdrawal of His blessings. Opposition in all things is part of the refiner's fire to prepare us for an eternal celestial destiny. Think of the Savior on the cross and the Prophet Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail."

I love this quote!

My car has a flat tire and we don't have the wheel lock to change it. When we got our oil changed and tires rotated at Sears last time, they kept the wheel lock. Thank goodness for Brian. He went to Lexus of Chandler and purchased a new wheel lock and will bring it up with him when he and Kim come tomorrow. 

We went to the Snowflake distribution center to pick up our temple clothes that we ordered. I got my shoes but the top I ordered was not available. I ordered another one in another size. After picking up our clothes we went to El Cupido's for something to eat. James and I both got their special, a taco and a toastado. They were both very tasty!  Next stop, Walmart. I bought another lamp for Kim and Brian's room downstairs. We picked up a few other things, but I will have to do my real shopping tomorrow. Home again, home again, jiggity jig.

I worked on my blog this afternoon. James is pretty discouraged because of the equipment situation around here and so am I. The tractor is still sitting where it was a week ago when James was going to load it on the trailer to take it to the valley. 

I put sheets on the bed downstairs in the basement for Kim and Brian, did some cleaning and put up the new lamp. Let there be light!

Tomorrow is going to be a busy day, shopping and cleaning!

Photos:

One of my favorite views

Our tractor we were going to take to the 

valley to trade in won't start

Look what we brought back from the valley...

more broken down equipment!

Braylin took Arnold the pig to school.

Arnold gave Braylin a kiss. I guess he likes school.

The Vernon ward elders quorum president

One of the two missionaries serving from Vernon

who comes home in a few days. Elder Hall.

A valley storm

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.