Saturday, October 14, 2017

Monday, October 9th, 2017

Albuquerque, New Mexico
73rd operating temple
Dedicated: 5 Mar. 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal
Ether 3:13
And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 2:1-19
*Why do you think forgetting spiritual experiences can make us vulnerable to Satan?
*What can we do to ensure that we do not forget the spiritual experiences we have had?
-I record spiritual experiences I have so I will remember and never forget them. Keeping a journal/blog has blessed me many times!
I sometimes go back and look at it and reflect on the good times and spiritual experiences I've had, and all that God has blessed me with. I try to record when I have felt the Spirit on a daily basis. Keeping a journal helps me to see God's hand in my life. 
-Losing a testimony usually happens a little at a time Having the Spirit with us on a daily basis helps keep our testimonies alive. That is why we need to read the scriptures everyday and pray. When we take the sacrament each week, we eat and drink in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, we promise that we will always remember Him. Remembering is so important. When we feel close to Him we act differently. When we forget we gradually withdraw ourselves from Him and His Spirit.
-President Henry B. Eyring on keeping a journal: "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question:'Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?'
As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of our family members that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance - even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened" ("O Remember, Remember," Ensign Nov 2007, 67).
Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery
DC 58:26-27
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
General Conference
Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
"I believe that Jesus did not intend His Sermon on this subject to be a verbal hammer for battering us about our shortcomings. No, I believe He intended it to be a tribute to who and what God the Eternal Father is and what we can achieve with Him in eternity.

Spiritual Eclipse
Elder Gary E. Stevenson
"President Monson, mindful of those desiring to wish him happy birthday, described an ideal birthday gift. 'Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely and do something for them. That's all I would ask.'"

After breakfast Sheri and I took Max, Evan and Joshua for a ride to The Lollipop Shoppe in Alpine. Sheri and I wanted to see the changing colors of the leaves but neither one of us wanted to take our cars on the road to Greens Peak. I suggested Alpine and then maybe Hannigan Meadows because of my friend Sherry's post on Facebook. On the way through Nutrioso I suggested we stop at the house where my grandpa Maxwell was born and grew up. 
Sheri took a picture of the boys and I  and then later I realized I should have had Joshua take a picture of Sheri, the boys and I for 3 generations.

The Maxwell Homestead

Vickie said that grandpa told them he used to walk to school in Round Valley everyday and that's why he was such a fast runner.

Stopping here turned out to be the highlight of our trip. We spent a lot of money at the Lollipop Shoppe but it was quite disappointing. We didn't go on to Hannigan Meadows because Sheri was anxious to get back. On the way home we stopped at McDonald's and got drinks and french fries for the boys.

It was a little cold today, the high was 56. Too bad Kim and Brian aren't here. The rest of the week will be in the 60's and 70's. They are coming Friday evening.

James worked on the patio again today and then took Ian over to Dave's pond. 

Always working on the equipment

The boys love to play games. Here they are playing Uno. They also played Quelf, and Yahtzee.


Sheri loves Moana and I wanted to know why so I put it on this afternoon. The one time I watched it was with Lola and I was a little distracted. I love it too now, but Cinderella is still my favorite. 
This one is my favorite!

We had burgers, hotdogs, fries, and squash for dinner. After dinner we read scriptures and then Sheri told a story for F.H.E. It was the story of the human chain from Sister Eubank's conference talk. Being different is ok. Developing talents and using them to serve others is what Heavenly Father would like for us to do.

We also watched DWTS, most memorable year episode. My favorite dances were Lindsey and Mark's, Lindsay and Jordan's, and Val and Victoria. 

James went on a Razr ride this evening and saw 16 elk very close to our house.
Some things never change. This photo was taken in 2016 but
it could have been taken tonight.

I wonder if any of those 16 elk 
was this big.


Elder Hales and Jason, his "tie buddy"
Sister Hales gave Jason Elder Hale's tie
after his funeral.


Cousin fun in San Antonio

Lola thought her eyebrows needed to be
a little darker.

Montana mountains and pebbles
 Memories:
Supergirl!

Such a sweetie!

Post by Christina

McDowell Sonoran Reserve

lambsondallen

So beautiful!

Hogwarts wannabe

Yikes!

He works hard for no money

He works hard for the money


Missed him at conference but he was there in
spirit. So many speakers quoted him!

Addy waiting for the electric light parade.

Sheri and Ian's wedding party
1996





















Friday, October 13, 2017

Sunday, October 8th, 2017

Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
72nd operating temple
Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal
3 Nephi 1:12
And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
3 Nephi 1:15-30
What do you think some of the symbolism is in these verses?
What happened to many of the rising generation? Is this happening today?
-When the Savior was born into the world there was no darkness for the people on the American continent. When I have had Christ in my life there definitely has been 'no darkness.'  
-Many of the rising generation failed to believe. It is happening today.
Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery
DC 25:12
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
General Conference
"I Have a Work for Thee"
Elder John C. Pingree Jr.
President Spencer W. Kimball taught:
"Before we came t o earth, we were given certain assignments. ...While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to." What an ennobling truth!

The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven
Elder D. Todd Christofferson
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world."


I was up at 5:15 this morning to finish my talk. When James got up I read it to him and he liked it! It is only 11 minutes long. Whew!
Now I can finish preparing for my Primary lesson on the Articles of Faith. I also get the stuff together for Jace's birthday. 

James leaves early in his truck because he has a lot to write on the chalkboard for his lesson. I didn't leave until 8:30. When I get to the church, James is in my room and he helps me set up. When we finish and walk into the chapel, the entire stake presidency is there. 
Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, Joshua, and Evan come in and sit in the front. It is fairly crowded today and the overflow is open. 

The stake presidency sits by us on the stand. John Wilhelm is released and so is Brother Curtis. Chuck is the new member of the bishopric and Brother Diewald is the new ward clerk.

I spoke on general conference and James spoke on parenting. After church people came up and said they enjoyed our talks. I am just grateful they are over. 

Gracie, Liana, Colter, Curtis, and Jace were in Primary today. Lej, Wyatt, Cameron, Taylor and Braxton were not. We talked about how we got the Articles of Faith, we played an game, and then we did our newsletters. It was one of my better classes. The kids were fairly good during sharing/singing time too. 

When we returned home James and I had chicken enchiladas for lunch. For dinner Sheri cooked a roast and I made mashed potatoes, rolls, and corn. Everything was delicious. Joshua said this about the mashed potatoes: "I would rather die than not eat mashed potatoes."
We had scriptures and prayers together. Sheri played Uno with Evan and Joshua. That game last forever! 

Joshua won!

Football and games

The Ollie Obsession continues.
Photos:

Fall

Chocolate mice

Creepy castle, it looks like a prison.

One of my favorite talks from April conference




Harold making a piece of furniture



One of Harold's creations. My piano bench
I love it!

Memories:

Molly and her dad

Lola

Lola posing


Chess experts

Gathering in the hall

Love these two and looking at Evan's 
feet.









Thursday, October 12, 2017

Saturday, October 7th, 2017

Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
71st operating temple
Dedicated: 26 Feb 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal
Alma 19:13
For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.
3 Nephi 1:1-14
*What does it mean to you to "lift up your head and be of good cheer?"
-"To not despair in spite of your circumstances Literally lift up your head, look to Him and His Atonement. Be optimistic and exercise faith and remember what President Hinckley: 'Things will work out.'"
Scripture Mastery
DC 19:16-19
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
General Conference
The Plan and the Proclamation
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
"In a parable, Jesus described those who hear the word but become unfruitful when that word is choked by the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches. In His final teachings in mortality, He told His Apostles, 'If ye were of the world, the world would love His own: but because ye are not of the world, ... the world hateth you'(John 15:19). "
"Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy to God" (James 4:4).


I read my talk to James this morning and basically what it was, was a quote from every conference talk. He told me it was good at first but then he got confused because I changed subjects so often and it was hard to follow. Back to the drawing board, but first I have to finish cleaning upstairs because Sheri, Ian, and the boys are coming and will be here around 1.

I cleaned upstairs until noon, even polishing the wood floor. I took a shower and started to re-write my talk. The Trezise's and Joshua got here around 1:30. I will have to finish my talk later. Ollie is adorable and much smaller than I thought he would be. Sheri is definitely his mom and main caregiver. 

After unloading and taking Ollie potty, Sheri and I get in my car and go to Walmart. I picked up my alternate thyroid prescription ( Levothyroxin) and some groceries: 3 Halo ice creams, potatoes, Dayquil for James, corn, grapes, strawberries, and hot dog buns.
She got spaghetti and meatballs to make for the boys. I told her I was going to make her and Ian chicken enchiladas, which I did. they both loved them. 

There is definitely an Ollie obsession going on in the Trezise clan. Sheri went to bed at 8, after scriptures and prayers because she plans on getting up with Ollie at 3 am. The boys and Ian watch Ollie until they go to bed, then they take him and put him in his kennel.

I re-wrote my talk, hopefully for the last time. I was in bed by 11. This time I spoke about my experiences with last April's conference and how they affected me. It was more from the heart.

What an amazing family!

Grandpa Jared and Scarlett

I love this time of year.

Twinkie 'stashed minions
2014

Fond memories

Temple memories

I can identify

The day Addy faced her fears and went on 
Tower of Terror
2015

2015 the Trezise boys and their mom
helped Grandmother with yard work.