Saturday, November 4th, 2017

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th temple

Dedicated: 17 Sep 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of
John 14:28
Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 19:30-20:19
*What does the Savior promise those who partake of the sacrament? Why is this promise so significant?
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said: "Attendance at church each week provides the opportunity to partake of the sacrament, as the Lord has commanded us (see DC 59:9). If we act with the right preparation and attitude, partaking of the sacrament renews the cleansing effect of our baptism and qualifies us for the promise that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. A mission of that Spirt, the Holy Ghost, is to testify of the Father and the Son and to lead us into truth, (see John 14:26; 2 Nephi 31:18). Testimony and truth, which are essential to our personal conversion, are the choice harvest of this weekly renewing of our covenants.In the day to day decisions of my life and in my personal spiritual growth, I have enjoyed the fulfillment of that promise" (Ensign, May 2002, 34).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scripture
DC 1:32-33
32 Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.
General Conference

The Needs Before Us

Bonnie L. Oscarson

The Savior taught, "For whosoever will save his life shall lost it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it."

President Thomas S. Monson said of this scripture: "I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish-and in effect save their lives."

Happy Birthday Jared!

Kacey's post:

Had to see this one more closeup.

This one too.

James and I finally left for the temple at 5:45 this morning. On the way we read 3 Nephi 19:30-20:19 and Sister Oscarson's talk, "The Needs Before Us." James grabbed the wrong book, instead of our Regency romance novel he brought "Rescuing Wayward Children."

I started reading from it and we both enjoyed it so much the idea came up that maybe we should ask our kids to read with us. I think most all of them have a copy of the book. 

The new temple presidency is in effect. To our surprise our friends from high school, Stephen and Trisha Reidhead are in the presidency. They conducted the preparation meeting today. They have lived in the same house in Snowflake for 40 years. Stephen was the stake president when President Hinckley came to chose the Snowflake temple site. They have 3 daughters and 5 sons and all their sons live in Snowflake and help their dad run his logging business.  They have 25 grandchildren and 22 of them live in Snowflake. It is going to be great being able to work with them.

James was the assistant director in the baptistry all of our shift. He was extremely busy. There were several large groups coming in and he had to run the temple cards up to the recorders office several times. He got lots of steps today. He said this was his favorite day so far working in the temple.

I had a good day too. This is not our regular shift, we traded with the Nelson's but we have friends from Vernon who work on this shift, the Wilhelm's and the Diewald's. 

I got to do sealings today which is always a blessing. I did not do a session but I got to help in the baptistry with James. A sister from Lakeside asked if I spoke at the White Mountain Stake Women's Conference last spring. When I told her yes she told me how wonderful my talk was. Positive feedback always makes you feel good.

I had about 30 minutes of study time today. I think I know the first section of the initiatory ordinance. I still have a long ways to go though.

I had a nice chat with Sister Jones who is also a former high school acquaintance. She now lives in Joseph City. I heard one of the sisters from Joe City tell a joke. She said when the pioneers came down they stopped in Joe City and were going to camp there until the wind stopped blowing but wound up staying and building the city because the wind never stopped. 

There was a wedding today, the Solomon, Caldwell wedding, both local people so there was a huge crowd. Sixty people must have come out of that little sealing room. Sister Jones said there was standing room only. They were a loud bunch but thankfully they took their party outside.

We get off at one and since James didn't have a break he was pretty hungry. We stopped at El Cupido's for lunch because I couldn't stop thinking about the Big Jake burro I had last week and I wanted another one. I also got a drink.

On the way home we mailed a bill at the Show Low post office and stopped to get gas. Most of the smoke from yesterday's fire was gone from our area but we saw it in Shumway and Taylor.

This afternoon and evening we read, I blogged, James worked a little outside, we got our steps, watched some Christmas movies and then watched Heartland, "Starting Gate."

Evan's birthday lunch at his favorite

pizza place.

Arizona's Territorial Capital in Prescott

Evan in 2016 with his favorite Costco cake.

Eden and grandma Rebecca

Home from his mission in Argentina

Friday, November 3rd, 2017

Birmingham, Alabama

98th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 14:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 19:1-29

*What can you do to feel closer to the Savior?

How hard do I labor to put myself in places where Jesus can show himself to me? How hard do I pray? What efforts do I put into attending the temple? What sacrifices do I make to have F.H.E., scripture study, family prayer? How often am I pondering and seeking the Spirit? How often and well do I serve? What am I doing with my time? What sacrifices am I making? Do I 'labor exceedingly that I might be in the place where Jesus can show himself to me? When we put forth effort, and we are doing the things that our Savior has asked, He will certainly 'bless us and His countenance will smile upon us, and shine upon us.' We will witness the Savior in our life. He will come to us as we come to Him!"

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:31

For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;

General Conference

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"I believe that every man, woman, and child has felt the call of heaven at some point in his or her life. Deep within us is a longing to somehow reach past the veil and embrace Heavenly Parents we once knew and cherished. Some might suppress this yearning and deaden their souls to its call. But those who do not quench this light within themselves can embark on an incredible journey - a wondrous migration toward heavenly climes."

Paul said he was coming over early this morning so I made two loaves of banana nut bread to give him. He left happy and reminded James to be sure and come fishing in Oregon next summer.

Kip and Colter, Colter is Kip's 9 year old son, delivered James's sand this morning and thank goodness I had a plate of chocolate chip cookies to give them. Colter knocked on the door and when I handed him the plate he had a huge grin on his face. He is in my Primary class so we are good friends already.

James went to town to get prices for the pavers he needs for the patio. He also brought me back two tacos from Aliberto's. No wonder I love him so much! He also washed my car this afternoon.

I am barely getting in my 10,000 steps and James is getting 15,000 a day. He works outside and checks his traps up on the hill and is just naturally more active than I am. 

This evening we watched Heartland, "Growing Pains."

GRRR We have smoke outside again!

James changing a lightbulb.

Mr. Handyman

I'm slow.

Memories:

Little Lola

The Three Musketeers

Evan's birthday date.

Joshua with glasses?

Pet Store 

The night Joshua finds Shipley.

Food Court fun

So fun!

Where's Emmy?

Oh yes!

Complete Rainbow

Cubs are Number 1

Love these two!

Thursday, November 2nd, 2017

Houston, Texas

97th operating temple

Dedicated: 26 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Ascension of

John 6:62

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 18:15-39

What do these verses teach us about the power of prayer?

Watch and pray always to overcome temptation. Pray in your families. Pray for others. Our relationship with Heavenly Father is imerative to our success. The Savior prayed all the time, every day. He sought God consistently, intently, and with sincere desire. Through prayer Christ learned, evolved, and was led to serve the greatest mission on earth. Prayer centered our Savior in every step of His life, even helping Him to overcome all temptation. Prayer was an integral part of the Atonement. He prayed for us and others and ask us to do the same. Our Savior knows what prayer can do. If Christ needed to pray always, and understood the power in it, how much more do we need to pray and follow His example. How can we make our prayers more meaningful? Pray to do His will. How can we be more sincere with our relationship with God? How can we utilize prayer more effectively like the Savior did "We should seek to emulate the Savior as much as we can." Elder Neal A. Maxwell.

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:21-23

21 That faith also might increase in the earth;

22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"We are responsible for our own discipleship, and it has little, if anything to do with the way others treat us."

I watched five Christmas movies today while I was catching up on my blog. These are the five: "When Angels Come to Town," "Sound of Christmas," "Annie Claus is Coming to Town," "Help for the Holidays," and "Mistletoe Over Manhattan."

I went into a baking frenzy this afternoon. My friend Pam and I were making a visit to Sister Carroll and I decided I wanted to take her family a treat. Oh yes, and James wanted me to make banana nut bread for Janelle and Paul. I made two loaves. James ate one and the other one we gave to Sister Peeler for her birthday. I made oatmeal scotchie cookies but then I remembered that I had stuff for rice crispy treats and that's what I ended up taking to the Carroll's.

Pam and I met around 4:30 at her house. This sign always makes me laugh:

This always makes me laugh.

The reason we are visiting Sister Carroll is because she seems overwhelmed. She is the mother of eight children and a little boy with autism. We wanted to do something just for her so she would feel pampered. The funny thing is Sister Carroll is my visiting teaching companion and we are supposed to visit Pam. I used to be frustrated but now that I know what she has on her plate I am a little more compassionate.

 This is the basket Pam made her:

Wow! Amazing!

Here is mine:

I decided to save my basket for another time.

Sister Carroll seemed very appreciative and I hope she knows that we want to be her friends.

After our visit I made a trip to Dollar General to get some chocolate chips. Our friend Kip H. brought James some sand and gravel for his patio work. When James asked him what he owed him he said: I put the sand and gravel on your account and all you owe me is some cookies. Tomorrow I will be baking chocolate chip cookies and more banana nut bread for Paul and Janelle who are leaving tomorrow. Janelle got her deer today.

She passed up lots of shots for this one.

Paul and Janelle are such nice people. Paul brings us venison every time he comes. He gave James $50 which he would not take back. He is a guide on the Rogue River in Oregon and told James he better come fishing next summer. James is planning a trip in August with Alex and hopefully James. He spoke to Alex on Tuesday and he seemed very excited. James is not answering his texts so he doesn't know if he will want to come. 

I cleaned the messy kitchen while James delivered a birthday present, stuff from the basket I didn't use and a loaf of banana nut bread, to Sister Peeler. 

When he returned we watched Heartland, "Glory Days."

Driving his CAT

Two kissing CATS

Debbie and Randy 

Randy is my cousin, the one we saw at

Panda Express on Monday.

2016

Wednesday, November 1st, 2017

Caracas, Venezuela

96th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Aug 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ ascension of

John 3:13

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 18:1-14

How can we better focus on Christ while partaking of the sacrament each Sunday?

The Savior taught that the principal purpose for taking the sacrament is to remember Him. We have an opportunity to concentrate on the Son of God during the sacrament ordinance; we should not allow our thoughts to wander or be distracted. 

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland described several appropriate ways to remember the Lord while renewing our covenants through the sacrament: "We could remember the Savior's premortal life and all that we know Him to have done, the simple grandeur of His mortal birth to just a young woman, His miracles and His teachings, His healings and His help - We could remember that Jesus found special joy and happiness in children and said all of us should be more like them. We could remember that Christ called His disciples His friends. We could, and should, remember the wonderful things that have come to us in our lives and that all things which are good come of Christ.' (Moroni 7:24). On some days we will have cause to remember the unkind treatment He received, the rejection He experienced, and the injustice He endured. We can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 1:19-20

19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh -

20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"Let me point out the need to differentiate between two critical words: worth and worthiness. They are not the same. Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us, not as the world values us. Our worth was determined before we ever came to this earth. On the other hand, worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less!"

James and I took Lola and left Darrel and Trina's around 8 a.m. Darrel was at the doctor's, Ruby and Trina were getting ready to go on a fieldtrip to the planetarium, Rowan was getting ready for school and Addy had already left. We had family prayer before we left. 

On the way to Stacy's we stopped at the Fry's Marketplace on Ocotillo and Gilbert Rd. I did most of the shopping while James kept Lola entertained. He bought himself some cranberry celebration and Lola her favorite Lunchable. 

When we arrived at Stacy's the first thing I did was put the roasts in the crockpot and started the rolls. James left to do some errands. Lola loved the doggies and even wanted them to lick her in the face. Stacy took Vader upstairs with her and left Shipley with us. Shipley seemed nervous around Lola. She snapped at her and made Lola cry so we traded with Stacy and Vader came down with us. Vader and Lola were a good match. They played outside together and inside they played fetch. So cute.

So adorable!

Lola's new friend Vader.

Lola and I ate some strawberries for our snack. She also ate her Lunchable, saving some of her cookies for the doggies, and some Goldfish. James brought me back a chili dog from Sonic. 

Darrel picked up Lola in the early afternoon. I was sorry to see him Kim because I was really enjoying her company. She told me all about the My Little Pony TV show. 

Adam got home from work early today because he said he wasn''t feeling well.

I fixed the mashed potatoes while James picked up Joshua from choir practice at 4. When they returned dinner was mostly ready. James shredded the roast and riced the potatoes for me. We sat down and ate with Joshua and Stacy. James was anxious to get home so we left before Paul got home at 6:15. Stacy said he was so excited when he saw all the food. He even posted a picture on Facebook.

James drove us home safely and even stopped at the McDonald's for an ice cream for me. We read from our new book, "For Love or Honor" by Sarah Eden one of our favorite authors. 

The Jonquil family saga continues.

When we got home we unpacked, put things away and even though it was late we watched an episode of Heartland, "The Haunting of Hanley's Barn," a real thriller.

Memories:

Fun at Peter Piper Pizza

Cute couple!

2015

What's Halloween without a few bats

Logan, Jon, Lexy

I love fall photos.