OUR FAMILY

Monday, September 18, 2017

Sunday, September 10th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1990 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 1:18-34

When situations in your life get hard, what do you do to keep your faith alive?

I think of one of my favorite scriptures: "Be still and know that I am God." I calm my thoughts through prayer. I quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. I reunite my light with the Savior's light. I study my scriptures and listen to conference talks.

DC 132:18-28

Does marriage in the temple assure one of exaltation?

Only when the covenants are kept and the marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.

General Conference

Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson
"When you reach up for the Lord's power in your life with the same intensity that a drowning person has when grasping and gasping for air, power from Jesus Christ will be yours. When the Savior knows you truly want to reach up to Him - when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life - you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do. When you spiritually stretch beyond anything you have ever done before, then His power will flow into you."

I like this quote I found today while studying the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual. It is by Elder Bruce R. McConkie:

"It follows that the sins of the godfearing and the righteous are continually remitted because they repent and seek the Lord anew every day and every hour."

We attended the Stone Oak ward today with Jared, Kacey and Summer. It is a big ward and we end up sitting in the overflow.

Four people from the Wheeler family spoke in sacrament meeting.

This family has ten children, eight of them are adopted. Their two natural children, Braxton and Tristan were the youth speakers.

Braxton spoke on the responsibilities of families. He said:

"Although taught the gospel, children will sin. Alma the Younger is an example. The parents have the responsibility to teach the children, and the children have the responsibility to be obedient."

Tristan told us that many in their family have special needs. Recently she was diagnosed with a debilitating disease. She had to quit her job and was in a wheelchair for awhile. She is better now and says she would not have been able to make it without the support of her family.

Sister Wheeler told the history of their family. After having two children they were not able to biologically have any more. First they adopted Brother Wheeler's half brother and then became foster parents. Four children who were living in shelters were adopted. At the same time they were fostering 25 other children. At one point they had 11 kids under 9 in their home. Their FHE's included such topics as, how to not hurt your teacher, or how to use toilet paper correctly. "We love despite the behavior of our children. Patience isn't my gift, but it can be learned. Aiden came to us when he was four. He had been living in the woods by himself, no one knows how long. After a time of learning how to communicate, Sister Wheeler asked Aiden what would make him feel safe. He pointed to a picture of the Savior on the wall and said, 'that guy.' What do you know about Him? He helps kids that are hungry and cold.

Awhile later after having several root canals Aiden told Sister Wheeler that Jesus told him that he didn't need him any more because he had a mom.

Sister Wheeler quoted the scripture that got me through the most difficult time in my life: Phillipians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." She also said we teach rather than discipline. It reminded me of my mentor, Sue Kempton, and her style of parenting. "Be like the Savior and love like the Savior."

After Sister Wheeler's talk we sang "Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd." It was so appropriate after what she told us about Aiden.

Brother Wheeler was the final speaker. He is from Beaumont, Texas and his family was in the middle of Hurricane Harvey. He has been going down and taking supplies to those in need. This entire ward is making trips down to do cleanup in the Houston area. Brother Wheeler reminded us that some areas got 42" of rain in 24 hours. He talked about listening to the Spirit and then going forward and serving. He also talked about giving Priesthood blessings. He talked about the importance of Father's blessings and told of an experience giving one of his sons who was afraid of the dark a blessing. The son did not want the blessing and complained while it was being given. He had been having a difficult time sleeping and after the blessing slept all night. The next morning he came in and put his father's hands on his head and said: "I need another one of those blessings."

What an amazing family! I was so grateful we were able to listen to them speak. They reminded me of the book we read, "Lily of the Manor" where the couple had 11 adopted children.

Jared went to teach his Primary class and took his Doubletree Inn cookies with him. Kacey, James and I attended the Gospel Doctrine class taught by Brother Richards. When he found out we were from Arizona he asked lots of questions, such as, how close are we to Snowflake. He seemed to know the Show Low area quite well.

The lesson was #35 "A Mission of Saving," regarding the rescue of the Willie and Martin Handcart Company. I have notes in my Sunday School journal. It is sad to hear about the experience of these handcart companies but what an inspiration to hear about those who were willing to sacrifice so much, some their lives, to rescue those in need. It also compares these rescues to how the Savior is there to rescue all of us. The last part of the lesson reminds us that we need to rescue those in need. How appropriate for this ward that is so involved in the rescuing of victims of Hurrican Harvey. One of my favorite stories from this lesson is that of Nellie Purcell who lost her legs up to her knees because of frostbite. She later married and raised six children all the while walking on her knees. Incredible!

Kacey and James left after Sunday School and I was left by myself to attend Relief Society. A Sister Greer came up to me and began talking about how her husband is from St. Johns and that when she dies she is looking forward to being buried in St. Johns. I thought it was a funny thing to say, but I appreciated her friendliness.

The lesson was from the President Hinckley manual and was entitled, "Continue in the Process of Learning." I had already read this lesson but enjoyed many of the comments that were made by the sisters in this ward. Sister Black gave the lesson. Here are some notes I took: *History can and should show the Lord's hand in things. * Designate a quiet area in the home for study and learning.

* Sister Greer told about President Nelson waking up the baby when he would get home from his work at the hospital and read scriptures to her. He said he wanted the language of the scriptures to be taught at an early age.*"Get all the education you can."(President Hinckley). *When we say "I can't" we are denying the Savior the power to help us change.

When we got home from church Jared baked us some of his famous cookies. Kacey had a Laurel class presidency meeting but before leaving she mixed up a meatloaf and put it in the oven and gave instructions to Jared as to how to finish preparing it. Jared made some mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls. When Kacey returned from her meeting we all sat down to eat together.

Sorry Summer is missing from the picture

After dinner Jared had a stake priesthood meeting. Summer did the dishes. I bonded with her when I found out that her favorite color is purple! I showed her a picture of my dream car.

The only car that will ever replace Lexy!

After the dishes were done we all sat down to watch the YSA Broadcast featuring Elder David A. Bednar. Kacey informed me that he is from Arkansas, just like her.

He spoke about family history and asked that no one be the weak link in their family chain. Here are some other notes:

*With the help of the Lord, you can do it.

*Create patterns of righteousness in your family

*We are not totally victims of circumstance

*It begins with you

*"Eternal family inks are only welded together through priesthood authority and personal righteousness."

Sister Bednar said: "Be a faithful link in the chain of generations."

She also said: "Your choices are not just about you...The choices you make for good or bad will extend across the generations."

After Jared returned home we had scriptures and then I said the family prayer. What a great Sabbath Day!

I guess it was not so great for some in Florida and the Carribean as Hurricane Irma hit.

Photos:

Jared's sealing cards. I took home 12 couples

for James and I to do.

I know I have posted this before but all of these boys

had a birthday this week and I just had to post this again.

Back home in Vernon Elder Hall reported on his

mission to Argentina. Sorry we missed it.

He was one of my favorites when he was in

young mens.'

Reunited and it feels so good.

Along with their Dad, they both served missions

in Argentina.

The next Elder Hall. Just a couple of more years.

The only missionary still out from the
Vernon ward.

Saturday, September 9th, 2017

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Dec 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 1:1-17

What causes anger and contention and how can we avoid it?

truijillofamilyjournal: "Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention, and so do hardness of heart. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing our dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ and patience is what we all should be striving for."

DC 132:1-17

How can we prepare our hearts to receive instruction?

melanieryerse:"We need to inquire or pray to God to prepare our hearts to receive instruction. That is what the Doctrine and Covenants is all about. We need to inquire, receive, and make needed changes."

General Conference

Brighter and Brighter Until the Perfect Day

President Boyd K Packer taught: "The Spirit of Christ is always there...The Light of Christ is as universal as sunlight itself. Wherever there is human life there is the Spirit of Christ."

James got up and went to help clean the church at 7:30 this morning with Jared, Kacey, and Summer. I stayed home ad read scriptures and worked on my blog.

As we were getting ready to go to Molly's baptism, I asked Jared if he would like his dad to give him a father's blessing and he said yes. The Spirit was strong for me during that blessing. It was a sweet father - son moment.

The baptism was quite a ways away. Tricia and the kids are in a different stake than Jared and Kacey. We arrived a few minutes early and I was able to give Molly, Emmy, Anna, and James a hug.

I even said hello to Tricia and gave her a hug. I also gave James his birthday card and Anna the money I owed her for the last birthday cards she did. We also said hello to Tricia's parents, the Wallens'.

I took a picture of Molly and Jared.

Here is a copy of the program:

Molly was baptized by Jeremy Fernandes instead of Jared and Tricia's dad confirmed her. I don't think these were Molly's wishes. I am sure she had some coaxing from her mother. I know this was difficult for all of us but we should restraint.

James and Jared were the witnesses for Molly. James did a great job playing the piano. I gave the opening prayer. Another hurtful thing was the song by Jeremy, Anna, and Tricia Fernandes. I guess we can be grateful that the program said Molly Lambson. Oh yes, one more thing. Tricia was not the chorister, Emmy was. I think maybe she needed a little more coaching.

We took a picture with Molly before leaving. I gave her the scriptures and tote I bought for her and we left right after the photo, not staying for the refreshments. Jared did go in and said goodbye to his kids.

We attended another baptism five years ago on this day.

There is just something about a girl in a white dress.

James and I suggested that we all go to lunch at Olive Garden and use the gift cards I got from Kim and Brian, and Darrel and Trina, which we did.

I ordered the Braised Beef and Tortellini. It is my new favorite dish at Olive Garden! The beef was so tender. I sat by Summer and James and across from Kacey and Jared. Kacey ordered salmon and said it was a little dry. James got the stuffed marsala chicken. I can't remember what Jared got. Summer got the fetuccini and steak but didn't eat very much.

We dropped Summer off at home and then the four of us went to the San Antonio temple to do sealings. Jared had an amazing amount of sealing cards run off. Children to parents, and couples. I am grateful for the research he has done. He is definitely our family history specialist!

Doing sealings was a joyous experience

Also Jared told us we were going to Sonic

on the way home.

Back at home Jared and James quickly changed clothes and went to the Hursts (old friends of Darrel and Trina's), to pick up an entertainment center they are giving to Jared and Kacey. It was funny listening to James and Jared talk about how to set this entertainment center up. It looked very nice once it was all done. Wish I would have taken a picture. Maybe Jared will send me one.

Rest time and writing on my blog this afternoon while James took a nap.

There are lots of oaks in San Antonio. By oaks I mean trees and streets. There is Hardy Oak, Stone Oak, Enchanted Oak, Majestic Oak, Wilderness Oak, and Crescent Oak, just to name a few. The streets are windy and without a GPS I don't think I could ever find my way around.

This evening Jared and Kacey went shopping at the big grocery store near their home. It is called H.E.B. (H.E.B., not HEB) I guess the name is the initials of some famous Texan. They brought back dinner for us just as I had convinced James to go out and find a Taco Cabana. There was barbequed brisket, beans and potato salad, and a regular salad. Jared said there is a restaurant inside the store. Oh yes, and don't forget the Blue Bell ice cream. Our flavor of the evening is camo. The green in the camo was pistachio, the cream colored was cheesecake, and of course the brown was chocolate. It was quite delicious. A nice dinner and dessert. Thanks Jared and Kacey!

Kacey teaches first grade at a school about 45 minutes away. She was grading papers this evening and realized some of her kids need help with reading and spelling.

Summer went out with friends from the ward. One of her girlfriends had her 16th birthday party.

Here is what's going on in other parts of the country:

Montana and all over the Northwest.

Miami Beach before the 90mph winds of

Irma hit. I wonder if the tall skyscraper will survive.

A video Brian sent James of the rain in Vernon.

Kim said it rained most of the day until time

for their evening elk find on the Razr.

This video doesn't play. Not sure why but somehow

in the transfer from James's phone to mine, I lost it.

Saturday, September 16, 2017

Friday, September 8th, 2017

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Aug 1989 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Alma 63:1-17

The Book of Mormon prophets were commanded to keep sacred records. Why is it still important for each of us to keep our own records today?

*They help us remember! We can see patterns in our lives as we go back and review our records kept in our journals, such as the receiving mercy of the Lord. I am hoping that my posterity will better understand me and my motives and my heart by the records I keep. Hopefully my testimony is being kept there. My story is unique. There have been times that I have been strengthened or taught by my own words as I remember all the Lord has done for me.

DC 131 1-8

What is meant by eternal increase?

*"Except a man and his wife enter into an everlasting covenant and be married for eternity, while in this probation, by the power and authority of the Holy Priesthood, they will cease to increase when they die; that is, they will not have any children after the resurrection. (History of the Church)

General Conference

Confide in God Unwaveringly

Elder Ulisses Soares

"If we are steadfast and do not waver in our faith, the Lord will increase our capacity to raise ourselves above the challenges of life. We will be enabled to subdue negative impulses, and we will develop the capacity to overcome even what appear to be overwhelming obstacles. This was what enabled King Limhi's people to make a spectacular escape from their Lamanite captivity."

We are on our way to San Antonio! We left Vernon at 5:30 a.m. Arizona time, praying in the car before we left. Because San Antonio is two hours ahead of us, we will lose two hours time on our trip. It will take us about 13 hours but it will be 15 hours on the clock. We are driving a silver 2017 Toyota Corolla. Sorry I didn't get a picture.

Although there are no fires in Arizona at this time, the sky is hazy from the fires all over the west coast and in Idaho and Montana.

Fire Map

Instead of going through Silver City and Deming, I talked James into going through Pie Town and Socorro to get to the I-10 Freeway in El Paso. I wanted to take a picture of Pie Town but I must have blinked and missed it. I only saw one little building which was probably where they sell their pies.

We read several chapters from our book, "The Heir of Brownlie Manor." We stopped and got gas at the Rudy's in El Paso. I never knew they were a gas station. After getting gas we found a Whataburger where we had lunch, and then it was on to Van Horn, Fort Stockton, and Ozona where we stopped again for gas.

We got in to San Antonio around 9 p.m. Texas time. Jared and Kacey waited up until we got there to eat their dinner. We had some yummy beef stroganoff. Summer was gone to the Ronald Reagan Rattlers football game. That is the name of her school and the Rattlers are their mascot.

We appreciate having a place to stay with family. We stayed in Tanner's room which is right next to Summer's. The bed was very comfy and we have our own bathroom.

Along with the fires and hurricanes, Mexico had an 8.1 earthquake hit yesterday. 2.5 million people are in need of aid and 96 people have been killed. Officials rush to get food and water to stricken communities in the poor south.

Photos:

Kristen turned 18! I remember when she

was in our Primary class!

The Chandler flood of 2014

This is unheard of!

This is what it looks like when it floods

in Vernon.

Paul's blended family, a few years ago.

Sweet and talented Carmen.

Elder Andersen and Dr. Crowe, President

of ASU. Look at Elder Andersen's tie.

Friday, September 15, 2017

Thursday, September 7th, 2017

Frankfurt, Germany
41st operating temple
Dedicated: 28 Aug 1987 by Ezra Taft Benson

Alma 62:34-52

What are some challenges that individuals and families might face after a time of war?

Just lie the Nephites, we are continually marching to battle. How does Sunday help you regain spiritual strength and courage to continue on?

*bofm365-maryagalli: "The Sabbath is our day to renew our spiritual strength through the Sacrament and reflect on what is truly important. The Sabbath also offers opportunities to serve and be strengthened by the friendship and service of others."

DC 130:1-23

What verses stood out to me today?

1 The Savior shall appear...as a man...resurrected and glorified.

2 We shall enjoy sociality coupled with eternal glory.

8 The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim.

10 Revelations 2:17. All in the celestial kingdom will receive a white stone.

12 Bloodshed will begin in South Carolina.

13 It will arise because of the slavery question.

18 Our intelligence will rise with us in the resurrection.

General Conference

Our Good Shepherd

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"A repenting sinner draws closer to God than does the self-righteous person who condemns that sinner. We must not be guilty of persecuting anyone inside or outside the Church.

As His disciples, let us fully mirror He love and love one another so openly and completely that no one feels abandoned, alone, or hopeless."

Elder Scott is deep

DC 130:4-7 says:

4 In answer to the question - Is not the reckoning of God's time, angel's time, prophet's time, and man's time, according to the planet on which they reside?

5 I answer, Yes (JS). But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.

6 The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;

7 But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.

The Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual had plenty to say about the relativity of time, mentioning Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. Just a few notes from this section because I find it fascinating: "Men are victims of their own limited perceptions."

Lael Woodbury, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University: ..."Equally complete now is each of our lives before the Lord We explore them sequentially because we are time-blind. But the Lord, perceiving time as space, sees us as we are, not as we are becoming. We are, for Him, beings without time. We are continually before Him - the totality of our psyches, personalities, bodies, choices, and behaviors."

I went to visit Rachel, Evie and Dennis today. I got to hold Evie and enjoyed visiting with Rachel, and of course Dennis too. Rachel seems to be doing much better and will be going home on Monday.

Evie slept the entire time of my visit.

Rachel took this picture and

sent it to me.

I guess she got tired from all

of the laughing.

This is Dennis's weeping willow

tree in his back yard. This is

where Racel and Thor got married.

It is only 10 years old and it is beautiful!

Plenty of branches to sit on.

And lots of shade for sitting under.

James and I want one!

It rained for harder than it has for a long time while we were outside reading from our book.

We love the rain!

This evening James and I watched an episode of Heartland: Born to Run. We love this series!

Photos:

Before Aaron married Kari he came up to

the cabin to celebrate his birthday and

Darrel's birthday which are a day apart.

This is the crew that celebrated with them

Looks like the wicked queen's castle to me.

Wednesday, September 6th, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Existence of:

DC 76:13-14

13 Evan those things which were from the beginning before the world was, which were ordained of the Father, through his Only Begotten Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, even from the beginning;

14 Of whom we bear record; and the record which we bear is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision.

Alma 62:19-33

Has the Lord ever relieved you from a great burden? How did it feel to no longer carry that weight?

kdeford1:

"Some burdens are relived just by being over. But some become strengths to us.

the_hueys:

"Some burdens aren't lifted quickly but the Lord is mindful of us and knows what we need to carry them longer."

DC 129:1-9

What is the difference between an angel and a spirit?

Verse 1: "Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones." Verse 3: "The spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory."

General Conference

Our Father's Glorious Plan

Elder Weatherford T. Clayton

"I invite all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to each day, 'Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness,...that through the shedding of the blood of Christ,...ye may become holy, without spot.'"

I failed to post the pictures from Autumn's baby shower on Saturday. Here are the photos that Kacey sent me:

Autumn and Kacey

Autumn

The baby is due October 18th

James went to the dump today. He went on Monday but it was closed. He came back soon after he left and said there were 12 cars ahead of him and he would go back later, which he did.

DWTS Stars were announced today. I will name the pro first and then the star.

Gleb and Sasha Pieterse, Lindsay and Jordan Fisher, Artem and Nikki Bella, Peta and Nick Lachey, Mark and Lindsey Stirling, Keo and Barbara Coccoran, Witney and Frankie Muniz, Emma and Drew Scott, Cheryl and Terrell Owens, Allen and Debbie Gibson, Sharna and Derek Fisher, Maks and Vanessa Lachey, and Val and Victoria Arlen.

I cleaned the tile and travertine floors today in the kitchen, dining room, hall, and entryway. James is getting really close to finishing cleaning out the garage.

This evening we watched an episode of Heartland: "A Ghost From the Past."

Photos: