Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999 

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman11:1-20

*In these verses the Nephites did begin "to remember the Lord their God." What blessings have you seen come in to your life when you choose to remember Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? How do you feel when you ponder what the Savior has done for you?

- James: "When I choose to remember by praying and attending my meetings in an attitude of gratitude and worship, I am reminded of the power of the Atonement which has helped me overcome so much of the natural man; which has changed my heart and helped me to overcome bad habits and redirected my focus from the world to things of eternity. Over time I have learned that it is not about me. I have a long way to go, but I have learned that the Atonement is about changing our lives and our focus."

-Karen: "I feel like going to church is like going to the hospital. We are all hurting or sick in some way. I feel healed as I partake of the sacrament and become one with the Savior. I know that as I repent and re-commit to keep the commandments the Savior forgives me and accepts of my offering and I feel of His love for me. I have the strength to face the challenges ahead of me for another week. During the week when I feel myself losing it, I offer a prayer to calm me down. I ask for peace, comfort, strength and love and to have the Spirit to be with me. I need Him every hour. I also try to repent immediately or at night during my prayers."

General Conference

How Does the Holy Ghost Help You?

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" The each, Fernando's family, testify that the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, bore witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, leading them to a desire to be baptized and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

I helped James send his accident photos via the internet this morning. 

While James worked outside on the patio, I stayed inside and ordered a book about Mother Teresa for Dawn for her birthday. 

I also watched last night's DWTS, which was latin night. Witney and Frankie were at the top of the liter board with 25 points. I was pretty upset that Alan and Debbie Gibson went home. Alan just makes pro and he's gone the second week. Debbie was better than Terrel Owens, Derek Fisher, or Nick Lachey. She has had lyme disease so she was dancing with pain, but did not complain and was doing a good job.

I started rolls early in the day to go with the minestrone soup I made this evening. James was going to go home teaching this evening and his partner was not able to go with him so I said I would go. We visited the Peeler's and took them some soup and rolls. Afterwards we went by the Scott's to pick up our dishes from last night. Brother and Sister Scott said they both loved the steak, gravy and potatoes we brought.

We got a teeny, tiny bit of rain today. It smells so fresh and clean outside. I really do love this time of year when the temperatures start to cool down. 

We read from "Mind Games" and watched an old Autumn Reeser movie, "I Do, I Do, I Do."  

James wrote a scathing letter to Habor Freight regarding his lousy greenhouse.

The wreath I bought at Hobby Lobby

yesterday.

Visit Arizona

Rowan got to get out of school early

to go to the D-Backs game.

They came behind to win.

James using the internet to change the oil and

other fluids in the Razr.

Paragon falcon on our backporch.

Shellie is one of the only girls I know who would

pick up a snake and hold it.

2015

Dallin doing what he does best.

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 10:1-19

*How did Nephi qualify for the great power? Can we have this same power? How are you an everyday missionary?

-My answer: The answer to the first question in found in verses 4 and 5. The last sentence in verse four says: 'Thou has not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments. The blessing is promised in verse five. Can we have this same power? If we are willing to put forth the effort to love and serve our fellowman as Nephi did, yes, if it is the Lord's will. I think apostles and prophets and worthy missionaries who are doing the Lord's work full time can certainly have great power as they serve and bless the lives of others. How am I an everyday missionary? By trying to live the gospel and serving. When I serve I don't want it to feel lie a burden or an interruption but like I am doing the Lord's will. When I serve I feel the Spirit. When I feel the Spirit it fills me with great power to love and care for others. As we live the gospel, people will notice. They will judge our religion based on our actions. 

James: "When I serve and feel I have blessed someone elses life, I feel that the Savior approves of my service because I have done what he would have done and I feel His love. I feel 'wrapped in the arms of my Savior's love.' I feel like rejoicing because He approves of my service.

General Conference

To the Friends and Investigators of the Church

Elder Joaquin E. Costa

"I testify to you that if you pay the price of revelation, humble yourself, read, pray, and repent, the heavens will open and you will know, as I know, that Jesus is the Christ. He is my Savior, and He is yours."

Then Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him

Elder S. Mark Palmer

"Love should never be withdrawn when a child, friend, or family member fails to live up to our expectations. Anytime you feel you are being asked to do something hard - give up a poor habit or an addiction, put aside worldly pursuits, sacrifice a favorite activity because it is the Sabbath, forgive someone who has wronged you - think of the Lord beholding you, loving you, and inviting you to let it go and follow Him. And thank Him for loving you enough to invite you to do more."

We were supposed to leave for the valley by 7:30 but it was 8:00 before we pulled out of the driveway. I am supposed to pick my friend Jean up for lunch in Chandler at 11:30 but I think it will be closer to noon.

We stopped in Show Low for gas and to wash the car. Our next stop was in Miami at Burger House where we ordered several burros for Cathi and Terry and a couple for ourselves. 

Cathi and Terry surprised us by being home when we arrived. I guess the church is being cleaned and so they are working at home. 

James stayed there and will borrow Terry's truck to go to his doctors appointment and I left to pick up Jean. I had told her earlier that I was going to be a little late. Jean's house here in Chandler is up for sale. I had forgotten which one it was but when I saw the for sale sign and the vehicle from Tate's in Show Low I knew.

Jean had on a sweater and complained about being cold when we were in "Fresh Start." I wish we would have asked to sit on the patio. I had a Belgian waffle with fruit and Jean had a salad. We talked a little about her grandson Dustin who is now living with them since they bailed him out of jail. Jean seemed tired so we didn't stay long. After we said our goodbye's and I gave her the visiting teaching handout I drove her home. When I left I was thinking about how I could help her and I decided I need to ask her to be a part of our Book of Mormon reading group. I guess that is what I will do next month. She can't come back to Vernon because she has to stay with Dustin and the courts won't let him come to Show Low.

I went to Hobby Lobby and spent my 40% off coupon and then some. I bought some wooden pumpkins, a wreath, and some supplies to make Alice W. a sweet sixteen candy bouquet. 

I got back to Cathi and Terry's before James was finished with his doctor's appointment. Cathi and I had a visit. I guess her brother-in-law Paul is not doing very well. He has cancer. I have been praying for him. 

James's appointment was with a rheumatologist. He ordered bloodwork which James had done at the Sonoran lab where we used to go. The bloodwork will determine what he has that is causing his laryngitis. The doctor also wrote him a prescription for prednisone.

As soon as James walked in the door he was ready to head home. I wanted Chik-fil-a on the way home and told James there was one on Power Rd. I was reading and he missed the turnoff. We ended up going to the one at Superstition Springs mall. When James makes a mistake he does everything he can to make it right. I do appreciate that about him. 

We stopped at Fry's in Globe for bananas. I am making banana nut bread for Hailey, one of the other sisters I visit teach. James also got some cranberry celebration. We also stopped at the Safeway in Show Low because I didn't think he got enough bananas.

We got home around 7:30. We stopped at the post office and my box of Doctrine and Covenant Stories that I ordered for my Primary class arrived. We changed clothes and got into our relax mode.

We watched the last episode of Heartland, called "Showdown." It was a stressful one because Tim got shot in the chest. It was the last show of the season. Our new dvd won't be here until next Monday so we have to wait that long for the next episode.

We also watched one of the new Hallmark movies, "Falling for Vermont."

The girl winds up in a town in Vermont with

amnesia and falls for the local doctor.

Typical Hallmark plot.

I am attracted to cute puppies.

Here's another one.

I love fall.

I love my hardworking hubby!

Oh, it's Holly

9/26/15

The soccer stars!

9/26/15

Darrel's car after his crash

9/26/14

Monday, September 25th, 2017

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Deuteronomy 34:10

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

Helaman 9:18-41

As we prepare for General Conference let's remember that the words of prophets will be fulfilled. (See DC 1:37-38)

*It isn't always easy to stand up for what you believe. What do you do to stand strong and defend your beliefs?

-Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, General Young Women's President:

"Members live in such an atmosphere of avoiding offense, that we sometimes altogether avoid teaching correct principles. Of course we should use sensitivity, common sense and understanding of the plan, to be bold and straightforward, but if we don't teach true doctrine - and teach it clearly - the world will teach those we love Satan's lies."

DC 138:45-60

*How has your appreciation for temples grown since reading these verses?

- scripturestudy: "I love everything about the temple. The peace and joy I feel from being in the house of my Lord and that I can serve those who have passed on and they can receive of eternal blessings. I also believe that as I help those on the other side of the veil that they will help me and my family here. We are becoming one with our Savior and each other as we serve each other and do temple work and are sealed to each other eternally. I love everything about the temple. vs. 56 - 'Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.' I love this, that we knew each other in the premortal life and we were tutored and taught and were determined to do our part in mortality."

General Conference

Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Christ's perfect love overcomes temptations to harm, coerce, bully, or oppress. Christ's perfect love allows us to walk with humility, dignity, and a bold confidence as followers of our beloved Savior. Christ's perfect love gives us the confidence to press through our fears and place our complete trust in the power and goodness of our Heavenly Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ."

Instead of turning on the fan this morning when I got up, I turned up the space heater in the dining room.

After scriptures and prayer with James I read a chapter from "Mind Games" to him. I then prepared the steak for tonight's meal and put it in the crockpot. 

Kaeli, my visiting teacher came for a visit around 10 a.m. She brought her kids, Natalie and Guy with her. Guy is walking now and he did a little exploring. Natalie knows where the Barbie's are and went straight upstairs. At one point she wanted me to come up and help her put dresses on all of the Barbie's. We ran out of Barbie's before we ran out of dresses and this was a little upsetting to Natalie. Kaeli and I had a good visit. I enjoyed having them come and see me. 

After they left James and I had lunch and a rest time. I also worked on my blog before starting the mashed potatoes for tonight's meal. 

Around 5 p.m. James and I packed half the steak and gravy, mashed potaotes and corn up and took it to the Scott's. We visited with them a few minutes before leaving. Millie is able to use one of her arms and was in good spirits tonight. I always enjoy visiting with her. 

We came home and enjoyed our dinner. James took a Razr ride out to pick up his camera at Chocolate Lake and saw some elk.

For F.H.E. we listened to Elder Christofferson's conference talk about warning our neighbor. We then watched Heartland, "Summer's End."

Not sure what they are doing or where they are,

but I love these two!

lambsondallen

Grandma and Grandpa Maxwell in

their square dancing days.

Lindsey and Mark as butterflies

The entire country is upset with the NFL

players for disrespecting the American flag.

Max and Ollie

Oliver Trezise

Our little Minion 2015

What a face

Peppermint Patty residue

Joshua 2011

James, Aunt Gene, Denise

2015

Sunday, September 24th, 2017

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Helaman 9:1-7

*Some prophecies, like Nephi's in this chapter, are difficult to believe. How have you gained your testimony in President Monson and his teachings?

- My answer: "I loved reading President Monson's biography. He went back and forth to Germany for 30 years and gained the confidence of the German government. After 30 years he was able to receive permission to have a temple built behind the Iron Curtain. I loved the stories of his travels and how he would give his suit coat and shoes to those in need. I love the stories of him personally visiting the 80 widows in his ward when he was a 22 year old bishop. I love the stories of him receiving promptings to visit someone and going immediately. I have also gained a greater love for President Monson as I have tried to apply his teachings in my life. Not only is President Monson a true disciple of Jesus Christ, he is the prophet of God I know because the Spirit has borne witness of this to me.
DC 138:26-44
*How does knowing that the Lord never gives up on us bring us hope?
-"One of God's greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever need be final." - President Thomas S. Monson
General Conference

The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"Attaining what the apostle Paul described as 'the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ'(Eph. 4:13) requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it. In contrast to the institutions of the world, which teach us to know something, the plan of salvation and the gospel of Jesus Christ challenge us to becoming something."

We were not sure if it was fast Sunday today and we didn't fast. I ended up bearing my testimony anyway. 

In his testimony Brother Allen encouraged us to write down questions we would like to see answered in General Conference. James loved this idea and is going to share it with our kids and grandkids.

Jace, Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Liana, and a visitor, the Baker's granddaughter Paisley, were in my Primary class today. The lesson was on the Nauvoo temple and temple ordinances performed there.

I told how the temple was completely destroyed and then

rebuilt and rededicated in June of 2002 by

President Gordon B. Hinckley.

I did a "To Know You Is To Love You" for Liana for her birthday. The kids were much better this week than last week, especially Jace.

During the third hour we had our teachers council meeting. I shared several things including the inspiration I got when reading Bishop Causse's talk. It was a good meeting. Those attending: Brother and Sister M. Wilhelm, Sister Westbrook, Sister Kuffer, Brother S. Hunsaker, Brother and Sister Smith, Sister Tice, Brother and Sister Penrod, Brother Cooper, Brother Gordon, and Sister Wood, along with James and I.

Things we missed today. 

1. Sheri's talk on obedience. She sent it to us last night to read. It was excellent. James asked Cathi how she did and Cathi said it was well delivered and was an outstanding talk. Sheri said she cried but I told her that was okay.

2. Meeting Oliver James. He arrived at the Trezise home today.

You have to love those ears!

Max took him over to Cathi and Terry's

to meet his aunt and uncle and his

cousins Indee and Lady. They liked him!

3. Joshua's final Primary program. He was the narrator and did a great job. Here is what Stacy posted.

Sure wish we could have been there. Darrel and Trina's kids had their program today too.

This kid has charisma!

I love spending Sunday afternoons with my sweetheart. We nap, study, relax and enjoy each others company. I also blog. I got a text from Autumn thanking me for the Target gift card I sent for her baby shower. Little Scarlett Jane is due on October 12th! Jared is going to be a grandpa!

Stained glass in the Paris temple.

Sister Joy D. Jones

General Primary President

Trina told us about this last night.

Arizona's beauty

How about this dog Brian?

Vernon sunset.