Monday, September 18th, 2017

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement 

Moses 6:54

Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation of the world.

Jesus Christ Antemortal Appearances

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

Helaman 6:1-14

The Lamanites become righteous and fight against the Gadianton robbers, while the Nephites increase in wickedness and support the Gadianton robbers.

*How do you remain firm and steady in your faith?

*How did the people of the Church respond to the conversion of the Lamanites?

-By doing the things everyday that I need to do to keep my testimony strong: prayer, scripture study and reading conference talks, preparing for my callings, and giving service.

-Sharing the gospel and fellowshipping with the Saints can bring great joy, even when we are surrounded by wickedness.

DC 135:1-7

*What testimony do I have of Joseph Smith?

-The Spirit has born witness to me that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Only Jesus has done more for the salvation of men than the Prophet Joseph Smith. He taught correct concepts about the nature of the Father and Son. He translated and published the Book of Mormon by the power of God. He was the means by which the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored. He organized the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth under the direction of the Savior. He revealed the true meaning of Zion...He received over 100 revelations and published them in the Doctrine and Covenants. He worked on the translation of the Bible,...the list goes on and one (See DCSM p. 349-50).

General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Too often we try to entertain our young men and relegate them 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."

What is that star I see outside in the sky every morning when I open the blinds and it's still dark outside? James says he thinks it is Venus. 

As I was studying this morning I heard a shot outside. I went in to tell James and he said it was him that he shot at a coyote. He thought he got it but when he went out to check he couldn't find it.

He went over to the Elkin's place to check on the progress of their pond. He promised he would do that.

I had a spiritual experience today as I read Bishop Causse's conference address. I struggled yesterday with one of the boys in my Primary class. This morning when I said my prayers I ask Heavenly Father to please let me know what I could do for this boy. As I was reading I came across this statement: "surround him with good people and give hi important things to do." 

I felt like this was an answer to my prayer!

Also as I was reading DC 135 about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith I came across this statement in the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual by Joseph Fielding Smith, grandson of Hyrum Smith:

" The sealing of the testimony through the shedding of blood would not have been complete in the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith alone; it required the death of Hyrum Smith who jointly held the keys of this dispensation. It was needful that these martyrs seal their testimony with the blood, that they 'might be honored and the wicked might be condemned.'" (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:218-19; see also DC 136:39; Hebrews 9:16-17).

My blogging of September 9th and 10th in San Antonio took a long time today. 

At about 4 p.m. James decided to go to Concho to look at some horse corral panels a lady posted for sale on Facebook and he wants me to go with him. It is about 35 miles away on the other side of Concho. It is a good deal, James says about half what he would pay for them in the store. We didn't bring any money but Holly says she will hold them for a week. They are $260.

We read from "Borrowed Light" going over and back.

I went on this trip with James instead of doing my meal planning for the week and some cleaning I was going to do. 

For F.H.E. we listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "The Greatest Among You" and read from Preach My Gospel. Afterwards we watched a Heartland episode: "Gift Horse."

Photos:

So proud of Braylin. He doesn't let anything

keep him from succeeding.

New York, New York

Interesting.

An Australian robin.

This little girl turned four and had a princess party

with her family. Her dad was the prince.

This is what she did on Saturday and Sunday:

This is James's sister's granddaughter.

Rebecca, the grandmother is an artist. It looks like

Eden might follow in her footsteps.

This is Mellie. The organization who makes these

goat carts is called Goats of Anarchy.

One of my favorite Vernon photos.

An awesome Vernon ward family

This photo was taken a year ago at one

of Rowan's basketball games. It was actually

a video and Lola is cheering Rowan on.

"Get that ball, Rowan."

An amazing tree

Sunday, September 17th, 2017

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 5:28-52

When the Lamanites were overshadowed by darkness, what did the voice urge them to do? (See Helaman 5:29,32.)

How does Helaman 5:30 describe the voice?

When have you felt or heard the whisperings of the "still voice of perfect mildness"?

What did Aminadab teach his brethren to do in order to disperse the darkness? (See Helaman 5:41.)

What happened when the Lamanites obeyed Aminadab's counsel and exercised faith in Christ? (See Helaman 5:43-44.)

From these verses what do you learn about repentance? 

*When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts with peace and joy.)

The Lamanites and Nephite dissenters who experienced this miracle went forth and ministered to the people, and "the more part of the Lamanites" converted to the gospel.

DC 134:1-12

Why is upholding our laws so important?

Law should uphold the agency of man. If a law is broken, a consequence should be expected. 

"Without beneficient laws, righteously administered, the foundations of civilization crumble, anarchy reigns, decay and dissolution follow." Anthony W. Ivins October 1928 GC.

We should obey, honor and sustain the law. (See AF 12). Abraham Lincoln once observed: 'Bad laws, if they exist, should be repealed as soon as possible; still, while they continue in force, they should be religiously observed.' This is the attitude of the Church in regard to law observance...

General Conference

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"As priesthood, temple and mission blessings are gathered, "together in one...in Christ" and synergistically interact in the heart, mind, and soul of a young missionary, he can qualify for the work. His capacity is increased to fulfill the responsibility to represent authoritatively the Lord Jesus Christ. The spiritually potent combination of honoring priesthood and temple covenants, receiving 'the power of godliness' through priesthood ordinances, serving selflessly and proclaiming the everlasting gospel to God's children enables a young man to become 'firm and steadfast in the faith' and 'rooted and built up in Christ.'"

I got up at 4:45 this morning. I said my prayers, took a shower, ate some breakfast and read from the Ensign before I started preparing for Primary. My lesson for today is: "Joseph Smith Teaches About Baptism for the Dead." I put my testimony in Cameron's scriptures. 

Jace, Colter, Curtis, Liana, and Jace's nonmember friend Frankie were in my class today. Gracie was at the Navajo county fair showing her pig with her sister Bailey. 

After the block James, Jace, Frankie, Colter and I visited Cameron's. He wasn't home but we delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner, some cookies, and a pedigree chart for him. We gave them to his mom. I told her how much I loved Cameron. She seemed pleased. After taking the boys home we stopped back at the church to meet with Brother Wilhelm and Brother Thompson. They asked us to speak in church on October 8th. I am to talk about conference and what I feel like was the theme. James is to use conference talks to talk about parenting. When we got ready to leave we noticed that Brother Seacard needed a ride home so we took him to the Banning Springs Rest Home where he lives. 

We finally got home, had some lunch and James went in to take a nap. Around 4 p.m. he left to go visit Anthony with Brother Westbrook. Anthony told them he has a girlfriend in the Concho ward so he will only be attending church half the time in Vernon.

This evening around 6:15 we rode to Chocolate Lake to release the rat James caught. As we drove up, a beautiful bull elk stood right in front of us for about five seconds before he ran off. That was well worth the ride! 

Sheri sent me the sweetest text today. I think I want to share it here.

"I thought about you so many times on the 13th and I'm sorry I didn't call or text. I love you so much and I loved grandma so much. Her greatest legacy is you! You are my idol and I hope someday people will say I am just like you.

I love you!"

I am grateful to have such a sweet and thoughtful daughter.

I also talked to Jared this evening about his kids. Things went much better this weekend, especially with James.

We read from Borrowed Light and watched an episode of Heartland: "Letting Go."

As we were heading to bed James grabbed his elk call and went on the deck and said: "Time to bugle." 

Photos:

San Diego beach bums

San Francisco Peaks

Flagstaff, Arizona

Love the eyes

Vernon sunset

Arizona wilderness

Yikes!

A couple of cuties

A couple of oldies

Saturday, September 16th, 2017

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Moses 5:7

And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal appearance of

Genesis 32:30

And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

JST, Exodus 33:20,23

20 And he said unto Moses, Thou canst not see my face at this time, lest mine anger be kindled against thee also, and I destroy thee, and thy people; for there shall no man among them see me at this time, and live, for they are exceeding sinful. And no sinful man hath at any time, neither shall there be any sinful man at any time, that shall see my face and live.

23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts, but my faces shall not be seen, as at other times; for I am angry with my people Israel.

Helaman 5:5-27

*I call this my WOW! chapter because so many amazing things happened as a result of the preaching of Nephi and Lehi.

As you read Helaman 5:5-12, look for the word remember.

How can remembering the righteous examples of others help you choose to "do that which is good?"

What do you do to remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

*If we build our foundation on Jesus Christ, Satan will have no power over us.

*President Spencer W. Kimball said: "When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember. Because all of you have made covenants - you know what to do and you know how to do it - our greatest need is to remember."

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

"Let us examine our lives and determine to follow the Savior's example by being kind, loving and charitable. And as we do so, we will be in a better position to call down the power of heaven for ourselves, for our families, and for our fellow travelers in this sometimes difficult journey back to our heavenly home."

James and I went out on the deck because it was a gorgeous day, and I gave him a haircut. It looks good from the front, but there are a couple of nicks in the back. Oops! I will do better next time.

James has so many frustrations right now. He can't fix one of the doors on the greenhouse and he just found out that Owen won't be coming up this weekend to help him fix his two pieces of diesel equipment that are broke down. That is frustrating for me too because I am tired of looking at them. Oh yes, there is another rats next in the Cat. 

He was feeling sad so I suggested that we make a trip to the dump and I would read to him. Neither one of us had any cash so we robbed his Snoopy bank. Later on in the day he thanked me and said it was just the distraction he needed.

I made ham and scalloped potatoes for dinner which also helped cheer him up. I also made chocolate chip cookies, the ones for Primary with no nuts, the ones for us with nuts.

I polished the family room and living room wood floor. It looks beautiful!

Worked on our lessons and then we went to bed.

Photos:

Peggy Butler passed away a week ago. 

Her funeral was today. My mom said she was

the best customer we ever had.

Saved by the nub

I love this picture!

They don't stay still for very long

Bishop Miller's mother, daughter Andyn,

and son Uriah. 2015

Before Lola

Arizona desert sunset

Friday, September 15th, 2017

Mount Timpanogos, Utah

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 October 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Abraham 2:6-11

Helaman 4:18-5:4

How does being slow to hearken to the voice of the prophet's effect the Nephites' lives?

kdeford1:"The Church began to dwindle, they had become weak, they no longer had the Spirit with them, the judgment seat was turned over to evil, they became stiff-necked and couldn't be governed by law or justice. Nephi gave up the judgment seat to preach to them because he was 'wearied by their iniquity.'"

DC 133:34-51

What is the significance of Christ coming in red?

"Like him that treadeth in the wine-vat."(DC 133:48), and 'his voice shall be heard: I have trodden in the wine-press alone.' (DC 133:50). He comes to take vengeance on the ungodly. (Isaiah 64:1-6).

General Conference

Return and Receive

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"I like to read and ponder the words found in the fifth chapter of Alma, wherein Alma asks: 'Have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received His image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?' Alma's questions are a reminder of what our goals and plans ought to include in order to return and receive."

Happy Birthday James Hayden!

This looks like a nice suit but it is really 

silk pajamas. This photo was taken last year on his birthday.

James and I left for the valley around 8:45 this morning. We stopped in Show Low at the post office to buy some stamps and to mail Kacey's birthday card. I read from our book "Borrowed Light" as we were driving. 

We stopped in Miami at Burger House and got each of us  a green chili burro and a mixed burro for James. We didn't get any for Cathi or Terry because we thought they were gone to a family history conference in Salt Lake. We felt bad when we found out they got home last night. Cathi just said: "There is always next time."

I dropped James off at Cathi and Terry's where he borrowed Terry's truck to do the little bit of cleanup he has left at Bill's. I went on to Mesa to have my Actemra infusion. 

I like coming in the afternoon for an infusion, it is not nearly as busy as the mornings. Frances called me back and Barb set me up, two of my favorite people here. Barb says her "real job" is taking care of her one and only grandchild Tommy. 

Although by appointment was for 1:15 and it usually takes an hour, I was done by 2 p.m. because they started me early. I headed back for Chandler to say hi and goodbye to Cathi and Terry and the dogs and to pick up James. 

We stopped at the Target on Gilbert and Germann to get a Target card for Autumn for her baby. As we head out of town we forgot to get gas at Sam's Club so we stop at the Circle K on Val Vista and Pecos and then turn back around and get on the freeway. 

James loves me to read to him while he is driving, he says it makes time go by so much faster. I would tend to agree. We stopped in Globe for a potty break and to get some water and then before you know it we were in Show Low stopping at Arby's for dinner. James loves their turkey Reubens.  

When I got home I put my stuff away, blogged for awhile, and then James and I set down to watch an episode of Heartland: "Ghost Horse."

Favorite Photos:

President Eyring in Florida

One of the things we love about the San Antonio temple

are the stained glass windows. This is the Paris temple

which also has stained glass.

I just want to kiss those faces!

Arizona scenery

Vernon scenery

Cathedral in Barcelona, Spain

Somewhere in Africa there are at least two

white giraffes.

Where's the Fun Dip?

Lola 2015

Huntleigh with her pig.

Fires are still raging.

Thursday, September 14th, 2017

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 May 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

DC 76:69

These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.

Jesus Christ, Appearance, Antemortal

Genesis 18:1

And the lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

Helaman 4:1-17

Pride and wickedness separate us from the Spirit of the Lord and leave us to our own strength.

The Nephites were left to their own strength because of wickedness. Why is it so important for us to remain worthy to have the Holy Ghost at all times?

*kdeford1: "I need the peace that comes from living worthy to have the Holy Ghost with me. There is happiness, freedom and peace from just living the commandments - from not being physically enslaved to poor choices. There is an actual physical comfort that I feel when the Holy Ghost is with me."

DC 133:16-33

What stood out to me in these verses?

16 The Lord calleth upon all men to repent.

17 Prepare ye the way for the Lord for His hour is coming.

18 The Lamb will be on Mt. Zion with 144,000 Father's name on their forehead.

19 Prepare...go ye out to meet Him.

21 His voice shall be heard among all people.

23 Command the islands (earth) to be one land.

25 He will stand in the midst and rule over all flesh.

26 They in the north countries will come.

27 Highway cast up (see Isaiah 11:16).

28 Enemies shall become a prey unto them.

General Conference

Overcoming the World

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Overcoming the world means turning ourselves outward, remembering the second commandment: 'He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.' The happiness of our spouse is more important than our own pleasure. Helping our children to love God and keep His commandments is a primary priority. We willingly share our material blessings through tithing, fast offerings, and giving to those in need."

This morning, starting at 12 a.m. James had blood drawn, a CT scan, an EKG, and a stress test done. Finally around noon he was released to go home.

I was coming in to see him, so we met at LaCasita and had lunch.

Here is what mine looked like:

 That ought to do his heart some good!

When we got home we had a visit from Bishop Miller who just happens to be our home teacher. He came by to give James a blessing. Bishop blessed James with health, help with his personal problems, and that through him his family would be strengthened. It was a great blessing and I know it helped James to feel better, if not physically then spiritually.

We got a wee bit of rain today. Not enough to make much of a difference. The thing that worries me is that there is not any forecast in the next 15 days. 

I downloaded all my photos to my photo stick today, something I do at least once a month. There were 185 new photos. I also cleaned the wood floor in the family/living room, now I need to polish it. I guess I will have to wait until Saturday because tomorrow we will be gone to the valley.

We watched two Heartland episodes tonight:

"Rising From the Ashes," and "Coming Together."

Favorite Photos:

Last year's purchase, a log-splitter

Throwback Thursday to 1978

Rio Verde, Arizona

Somebody needs a bigger tree

Speaking of trees, I want this one

in my yard!

I call them mini-donks

Throwback Thursday:

Molly wants to be a cheerleader

Anna

Emmy: She looks so small!

Max and Emmy

One of my all-time favorite Evan photos!