Monday, October 16th, 2017

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

John 8:56

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 6:15-30

*Why is it so important to follow our leaders, especially in these latter days?

-Because these "men are inspired from heaven" (vs. 20). There was a great divide, in these years just before the coming of Christ, between the righteous and the wicked, just as there is a similar divide happening today before t he second coming of Christ. "Some were lifted up in pride and others were exceedingly humble." The parallels today are not by chance. Christ is coming again. Satan knows it so he is ramping up all his efforts again. The chasm between the wicked and the righteous is widening at an extremely fast pace, just as it did in this chapter. Who does this happen? By allowing Satan to stir up our hearts to do iniquity. We must decide whose side we are on, the Savior's or Satan's. There will be no middle ground. By following our church leaders we are choosing to follow the Savior.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 82:10

I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Even the deepest spiritual wounds - yes, even those that may appear to be incurable - can be healed. The healing power of Jesus Christ is not absent in our day. The Savior's healing touch can transform lives in our day just as it did in His. If we will but have faith, He can take our hands, fill our souls with heavenly light and healing, and speak to us the blessed words, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." 

The Lord Leads His Church
President Henry B. Eyring
It takes faith to believe that the resurrected Lord is watching over the daily details of His kingdom. It takes faith to believe that He calls imperfect people into positions of trust. It takes faith to believe that He knows the people He calls perfectly both their capacities and this potential, and so makes no mistakes in His calls."

I read an article in the Ensign today called, "Open the Heavens Through Temple and Family History Work," by President Russell M. Nelson and his wife Wendy. It was actually the talk they gave at the Roots Tech conference. As a result of a question in the talk about knowing your 8 great grandparents I started writing mine down and realized I know them all! Here they are: Archibald Hodge Maxwell, Lydia Ellen Mangum, Walter Robinson, Lena Miles, Alexander Allen Strickland, Mary E. Lewis, John Thomas Rutledge, and Artie Elizabeth Walker.  

At 8 a.m. James returned from his morning Razr ride. He can't understand why the elk aren't bugling. He says he saw three small bulls as he came down from Negra Knoll. He is doing a little scouting for Gail's friend Paul who is coming down on Friday to hunt.

We started our new book today, "Miss Leslie's Secret." We read the first chapter.

This one is about Scotland

I started walking early today, doing about 1,250 steps each hour beginning at 5 a.m. I also took my tramadol this morning and I got dizzy and nauseous. I had to lie down for about an hour. My friend Pam came by and brought us a peach pie. She also texted me and said there was a prescribed burn up on the mountain behind us. 

James poured part of the curb for the outside pavers on the patio today. He is mixing the concrete by hand to save money. 

I cleaned in the kitchen, dining room, hall, hall bath, laundry room, and entryway. I was finished with my 10,000 steps by the time I took my shower around one o'clock. This afternoon I blogged, paid tithing for September and paid 1/2 of our property taxes. James came in exhausted from hand mixing concrete. He had some lunch and laid down to rest. I made chili, cheese, and hotdogs for lunch. 

James went on another ride this evening on the Razr. His Pacer app, the one that counts his steps, counted his "bounces" on the Razr as steps. 

How was the Lord in the details of my life today? My friend Pam brought me a pie. I downloaded the 'Take a Name' App. It found 58 temple ordinances for me to do. I have been praying to find more ancestors who need ordinances. I was able to do over 13,000 steps without my knees hurting. James made the bed and washed the kitchen window for me.

For FHE we listened to President Eyring's priesthood session talk. James did some indexing.

Heartland: "Seismic Shift." Lou finally meets Peter, the man she is going to marry. He's a Hallmark actor and I like him!

Photos 

My favorite night on DWTS, 

Disney night!

Victoria and Val danced to

"Steamboat Willy"

Sasha was one of the mouseketeers.

Gleb and Sasha "The Little Mermaid",

Emma and Drew, "The Rainbow Connection"

from The Muppet movie.

Witney and Frankie, "Pirates of

the Carribean."

Lindsey and Jordan danced to Jordan's

song from the movie "Moana."

Tom Bergeron with the Disney gang

I don't know what to say about this castle.

Not sure if I like it or not.

I do like this tree.

White House ruins at Canyon de Chelly

I couldn't resist this picture.

A classic from 1980!

First day of school two or three years ago

in El Paso, Texas.

Lola was afraid to go down the stairs by herself

so Ruby is holding her hand.

Such a cute family!

Willis Jr. High Pom and Cheer

Kim is in orange and Stacy is in yellow

One of my all time favorite photos.

Such sweetness in Ben and Jared Ammon.

Another of my favorites. I love little James

in this picture. He wants his grandpa!

Christmas morning in the 80's

Molly's date with her dad and her cousins.

Last FHE at 1527 S. 108th Way

2015

The big boys who came

Two angels

One of my favorite photos!

Look at that wallpaper, and my hairdo and

those sweet little boys.

I can't stand the cuteness!

Alex and Michael.

I wonder who cut Alex's hair.

Sunday, October 15th, 2017

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Genesis 18:22

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:20-6:14

*How do these verses exemplify the pride cycle? How can we avoid falling into the pride cycle?

-We can avoid falling into the pride cycle by being truly converted to the faith, and by being "firm, steadfast and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord." (verse 14). Are our minds and hearts anxiously engaged in good things? Do we just go through the motions or are we truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ? Is the seed of faith planted in our souls?

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 82:3

For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"Earning the Lord's trust is a blessing that comes through great effort on our part. Trust is a blessing based on obedience to God's laws. Earning the Lord's trust comes as a result of being true to the covenants we have made in the waters of baptism and in the holy temple. When we keep our promises to the Lord, His trust in us grows."

Brother Curtis and Brother Crane were asked to bear their testimonies in sacrament meeting today. Brother Curtis was the ward clerk that was just released. Here are some of the things Brother Curtis said: He said he was blessed to serve four years as the ward clerk. He said right now he is closer to the Savior than he has ever been in his life. The Savior will always come to my rescue. The priesthood is such a blessing as the Lord's tender mercies are administered.

Brother Crane: Grateful to serve in the bishopric. Chuck bore a powerful 4 point testimony. He forgot to mention Joseph Smith.

LeeAnn H. spoke about why she should listen to her parents. She used a talk by Elder M. Russell Ballard, "The Sacred Responsibilities of Parenthood." 

Brother Allen was the final speaker. He used Elder David E Sorenson's talk on temples from the October 2003 general conference. In 1998 there were 94 temple. Today there are 157. Temples stand as a symbol of the grace and goodness of God. The temple is a place of revelation, inspiration, meditation, and peace - a place to restore ourselves, to clear our minds, to find answers to our prayers, and to enjoy the satisfaction of worship and service. 

"When you are about the Lord's work, He will be about your work."

Brother DeWitt and James helped passed the sacrament today. I think Andy asks them because they are both short and the boys don't feel intimidated. 

During Primary we all stayed in the chapel for our program practice. I told my class if they were good that I would make them cookies. Colter and Jace were both very good, and of course Gracie and Liana are always good. Curtis was gone today. I can't remember him ever missing Primary before. Someone said he went to help his dad. Zemira, Ruthie and Johnny were gone for awhile but they all eventually showed up, but no Curtis. I missed him. 

When we got home Kim and Brian were packed up and ready to go home. We said our goodbye's and took a picture on the front porch.

After lunch and nap I studied and called my friend Charlotte and texted Pam. I also worked on my blog. James and I watched the finale of "Chesapeake Shores."

James saw some elk this evening, two herds. 

October 15, 2017

We need a watering trough.

Sunday morning puppy snuggles.

Goodbye to Kim and Brian.

Scarlett

Why do I mail my property taxes to

Houston, Texas?

This was posted on a friend's Facebook feed.

October 15, 2016

Anna and friend with Mike from

Monsters, Inc.

Ruby ready to rock and roll!

Last years new toy,

a log splitter

October 15, 2015

What a difference a couple of years makes.

Saturday, October 14th, 2017

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 April

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 7:4

And I saw the Lord; and he stood before my face, and he talked with me, even as a man talketh one with another, face to face; and he said unto me: Look, and I will show unto thee the world for the space of many generations.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 5:1-15

*What do these verses teach us about forgiveness?

-Forgiveness can be a healing balm for the person who has been offended. Usually those who have gone through the most in regards to trials are also those who have developed empathy and are good listeners and have developed Christlike love. When we forgive the person who did us wrong we will find liberty in letting go of the resentment which if not dealt with can turn into contention. Forgiveness is never easy but in the long run will bring peace and contentment.

Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery

DC 76:22-24

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father-

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

David F. Evans

"Through study, prayer, and keeping the commandments, I found that there are answers to all of my important questions. I also found that for some  questions, continuing faith, patience, and revelation are needed."

We left for the temple at 5:45 this morning. President Hancock, the temple president, and his wife conducted prayer meeting. This will be their last one on this shift. There is a new temple president's handbook. Brother Hatch from the recording office explained the new procedures in the baptistry. Patrons, except the baptizer and the one being baptized no longer have to change into whites. They can even wear their street shoes.

Here are some of the highlights of my day in the temple. I was the downstairs greeter when people began coming in for "the Martineau sealing." The Martineau's have 14 children, 10 of them are adopted. They live in Heber and Sister Martineau is also the Relief Society President.

I met a sister from Kansas who came out to Arizona to tour the new temples. She is a worker in the Oklahoma City temple but it is being close for rennovation. Her husband didn't want to come so she came by herself. She stopped at the Lubbock, Texas temple on her way here. Next she is going to the valley and then on to Safford. I admired her for going on this littler adventure by herself. She is at least seventy years old.

I was in the 9:30 and was so tired that I fell asleep but thank goodness, I didn't snore!  

I had a nice visit with my friend Debbie from Chandler who is also a temple worker. We were both sitting in the back of the dressing room studying the initiatory ordinances.

James had a good day too. He got to be a veil worker. He also worked in the baptistry and a group from Chandler came in and he got to visit with Kaleena Thomas. He used to be her bishop and we also attended her baptism. While he was in the baptistry he visited with our friend Pete from high school who is also a temple worker.

James also met patrons from Germany and England. We both had "as assigned" in our last time slot and we were both able to leave a little early. We stopped at Arby's for turkey Reubens on the way home and arrived home around 2 p.m.

When we got home Kim and Brian were gone on a Razr ride to see the fall leaves. James went in to take a nap and I sat down to blog. We have to leave for the temple again at 5:15 to clean. 

When Kim and Brian got home their faces were covered with dirt!

They said there were lots of people on the mountain, some cutting wood, others turkey hunting and camping, and some just out having fun. Lots of people on top of Green's Peak looking at the leaves.

Chuck Crane came with us to the temple. Kathy was canning all day so she didn't come. He rode in our back seat and told us we needed new shocks. I will add it to my list of things to have done on my car.

Again we cleaned with the Show Low Creek ward with the Patterson's and the Brewer's in charge. We had 32 people attend with 17 being from our ward. Here is our list: Chuck C., Virgil C., Jerry S., Colin D., Blain C., Teresa and Wes S., John and Sandra, Amy R., the Thompson's, Grapp's, Brother Woodruff, and us. 

John and Sandra had the hardest job. They cleaned the baptismal font, including the oxen. 

I was touched by Brother Patterson's message. He talked about how each of us should take our particular cleaning tasks to heart and act as if we were cleaning for the Savior and that he will appreciate our efforts. He has a spiritual quality about him that is very touching.

We were home by 9 p.m. I ate and finished my steps. I ended up with 11,100. I had a wonderful day serving the Lord. Our selfie was not good so I will not be posting it.

October 14, 2017

So sweet.

Kim took this picture on their Razr ride.

From the top of Green's Peak.

October 14, 2016

Ruby and the donut puzzle.

Rowan helped grandpa chop and pile this 

wood all morning.

Subway at the Walmart in Payson where we

met Trina so the kids could go home with her.

Friday, October 13th, 2017

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Moses 1:2

And he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence.
Book of Mormon
 3 Nephi 4:15-33
*What do these verses teach about the importance of being prepared at all times, spiritually, physically, and provisionally?
-The Nephites knew that Zemnarihah and his men couldn't make it for long because they weren't prepared. Sometimes the battle is just being able to outlast the enemy.
Doctrine Covenants Scripture Mastery
DC 64:23
Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Because of His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind. To make His atoning power accessible, He has delegated a portion of His power and authority to men on earth. This delegated power and authority is called priesthood. It permits priesthood holders to help Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work - to bring about the salvation and exaltation of God's children. It does so because it provides His children the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Savior's atoning power."

Happy Birthday Kevin!

Such a nice kid.

Now he's 46.

Goodbye Roach Motel. We checked out this morning and James drove me to my infusion. I arrived at 10:20, early for my 10:45 appointment. They took me in early and I was out by 11:30. While I was waiting for James to pick me up I walked around outside under the fica trees. 

James had been at the MVD getting a one day permit to pull his water trailer home. He had to make a stop at Bingham Equipment and I walked around their parking lot while I was waiting for James. On the way home we stopped for lunch at the Sweet Tomatoes on Power Rd. It was great!

Kim and Brian are coming up but they are going the Payson way and left after we did. They asked us to stop at Burger House and get them some burros, which we did. 

Before going home to Vernon we stopped at the Safeway in Show Low. We unloaded our stuff at home and finished our book, "Petticoat Spy." I did one blog post and made sure I walked my 10,000 steps before going to bed. Kim and Brian got here and after eating their burros they sat down and watched "Far and away."

Kathy Crane asked us to work next Saturday for the Diewald's at the temple. They were supposed to do it but because of Chuck's new calling in the bishopric, he was released as a temple worker. 

I can't find my step ladder.

October 13, 2017

It's turkey season and these turkeys are heading for cover.

My friend Pam warned them to hide.

I wonder what year this was.

Pigs and a pug.

Up here it's 75.

October 2015 file:

The view from Green's Peak