Sunday, November 19, 2017

Friday, November 17th, 2017

Ascuncion, Paraguay
112th operating temple
Dedicated: 19 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Atonement
Zechariah 9:11
As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.
Book of Mormon
What are the characteristics of a true believer in Christ?
Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926-2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles says: "True believers are settled in their views of Christ. Despite their weaknesses, their spirituality is centered on the Savior. True believers gladly perform their duties in the kingdom. They include partaking worthily of the sacrament, rendering Christian service, studying the scriptures, praying, fasting, receiving ordinances, attending to family duties, paying tithes and offerings. ...True believers are humble. they are not easily offended. They do not resist counsel. True believers are willing to do what Christ wants. Are we willing to let the Lord lead us into further developmental experiences Or do we shrink back? The things which enlarge the soul inevitably involve stretching. True believers truly pray. Their prayers are sincere and heartfelt. True believers have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct. They are so secure in their relationship with the Lord that their goodness would continue even if nobody were watching. True believers rejoice in the success of others. They don't regard colleagues as competitors. True believers remember that forgetting is part of forgiving. They follow the Lord's example: 'I will remember their sins no more' (DC 58:42). true believers are innocent as to sin, but not naive. They are kind, but candid. They love other people. True believers are happy. They are serious about how they live life, but are also of good cheer" (True Believers, New Era, April 1994, 20-24).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 8:2-3
2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.
General Conference
Bearers of Heavenly Light
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
"Light allows us to discern between truth and error and between the vital and the trivial. When we are in the light, we can make righteous choices based on true principles. When we are in the light, we have a 'perfect brightness of hope' because we can see our mortal trials from an eternal perspective. We will find spiritual healing as we step away from the shadows of the world and into the everlasting Light of Christ."


Shaylyn got her mission call this week. She is going to the Indiana, Indianapolis mission and reports to the MTC February 7th.  She and Shelly are good friends and Shelly left for the MTC on Wednesday.

Shelly is going to the Baltimore, Maryland
mission.

James has insomnia. Normally when I get up at 5 a.m. he is still in bed. The last couple of mornings he has been getting up around 3-3:30. By afternoon he needs a nap, but that's pretty normal anyway. 

Today at 7 a.m. it was 55 degrees. Tomorrow, according to my weather app, it will be 25. Things are cooling down as they should, now if we could only get some rain, or snow!

My day today was pretty much like all other days that I spend at home. I blog, I study, I do some housework, and I watch Christmas movies and do my steps. Today at 4 p.m. we left for the temple.  I took a bath earlier and when James came in to take his shower there was no hot water left. Sorry honey.
It is our ward temple night and we signed up to do an endowment session which starts at 6 p.m. but we were told to be in the chapel by 5:15.

We gathered in the chapel at the temple, although they no longer do chapel sessions. President Reidhead came in and spoke to us a few minutes and then those who were doing baptisms were dismissed. They had over 200 baptisms to do thanks to Sister Thompson. I asked her if she does her own research and she said yes, "That's what I do all day." 

Brother Wilhelm did Tyler Tedder's name. Tyler was a young man in our ward who passed away a couple of years ago. He was a good friend with John's son Talon.

Brother Wilhelm, Sr., was the officiator at our session and Brother Peeler was the follower. Their wives were the two women followers. Brother Wilhelm asked us to be the witness couple and of course we said yes. It was a wonderful, spiritual session. Brother Patterson, someone I knew in high school was my receiver at the veil. The new name was the same one I had when I went through for my own endowments 49 years ago.

 Those attending from our ward: The Applegates, two Wilhelm couples, the Diewald's, the Thompsons, Sean and Stefani, Sister Allen, Bishop Miller, and Brother Romyak. Youth that I saw: Alice, Holly, Ashten, Talon and Jace but Talon and Jace were waiting in the foyer with dates. 

Alice totaled her new car while she was taking George somewhere. She was looking at George in the backseat and ran into a tree. Oh yes, George is her baby brother. I feel so bad for her.

On the way home we stopped at Burger King for burgers. Not so great. We also read from our book, "Once an Heiress." We really like it.

This morning's sunrise

Finally we are getting some attention
This is Porter Mountain in Lakeside.

Window Rock of Window Rock, Arizona

This is Shirley. She came last year to see me
but she hasn't been back this year.
I miss her.

A few years ago when we took Ruby 
to Disneyland. She was a delight!

I am dying to try this!

Christmas is coming!









Thursday, November 16th, 2017

Campinas, Brazil
111th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement
Mosiah 14:6
All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquities of us all.
Book of Mormon
4 Nephi 1:1-22
What is the key to avoiding contention?
President Russell M. Nelson described the source of the great peace that was described in 4 Nephi: "Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: "There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people" (4 Ne.1:15). Love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, 'Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne. 12:9). Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Phillipians 4:7), be your, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come." 
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 6:37
Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
General Conference
Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family
Elder Richard J. Maynes
"Being a person of integrity simply means your intentions, as well as your actions, are pure and righteous in all aspects of your life, both in public and in private. With each decision we make, we either merit more of God's trust or diminish His trust. The principle is perhaps most clearly manifest in our divinely appointed responsibilities as parents." 


There were six bunnies outside on the grass this morning with their thick winter fur. The high today is going to be 68. 

James caught two more mice this morning. He is keeping track and says the is close to 100 for the year. 

I had 5,000 steps by 8:30 this morning. I have set a goal to break my record and get at least 17,000 steps for the day. I would have had this record by 8 a.m. but instead I read a chapter from "Once an Heiress" to James. 

James decides he needs to go to town and wants me to go too. I drop everything and go. He goes to Home Depot while I am at Walmart. My main focus was to get James some more shakes and some Christmas tags for my blanket packages. Jared called me while I was shopping in Walmart and we had a nice visit.

On the way home we stopped at Taco Bell. I got a taco salad which was quite tasty. I did not eat the shell which is where most of the calories are.

James put up the Christmas tree this evening as he promised he would. Three strings of lights are not working so we have that to deal with before we can decorate it. 

We sat down to watch our new season 3 of Heartland only to find out that all but four episodes were ones we had seen in season 2. What's going on?

I am so excited! I got 20,000 steps today the most ever!

Woohoo!

Love the Vernon skies!

Hard at work.

Congratulations to Jillie and her husband
Eloise Phoebe. They call her Ellie.


Grandma Cici with Cora and Graham.

Speaking of grandkids here are a couple 
of my cuties: Lola

Ruby

Ro, Evan, Josh 3 years ago

Gotta love those Russian architects

Cute kitty

Wednesday, November 15th, 2017

Monterrey, Mexico
110th operating temple
Dedicated: 28 April 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 29:1-30:2
Make a list of some of the Saviors characteristics you consider to be most important. 
Take a personal inventory of your own life with regard to these characteristics and formulate a plan to better fulfill His mandate to be "even as I am." (3 Nephi 27:27). ( See "Preach My Gospel" chapter 6, 'How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes,' p. 117).
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 6:34
Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail.
General Conference
The Truth of all Things
Elder David F. Evans
" My mo knew that I needed to study and pray and that I needed to develop greater patience as I sought answers from the Lord. Willingness to be patient is part of our search for truth and part of the Lords pattern of revealing truth. President Monson: 'If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimonies of others will carry you only so far.'"



It is 9 a.m. and James is already working outside. I don't think he will ever retire and if he does, he will never stop working.

At 10:30 James leaves for a meeting at the Torreon Golf Course in Show Low. This is a monthly networking meeting of businessmen in the White Mountain area. Usually Brother Applegate and Brother Howard would be there but James went anyway not knowing anyone. The group was started by our friend Brother Howard who is in the valley today. Brother Applegate, another friend, is taking his daughter to the MTC.

James returned around 2 p.m. and he brought me my favorite lunch, two tacos from Aliberto's. What a guy! He knows the way to my heart. 

Today I blogged, watched Christmas movies and walked. When I got tired I took a nap. What a life I have and it was all made possible because of my dear sweet husband.

My Christmas movies for the day: "What I Did for Love," "A Dream of Christmas," "December Bride," and "A Christmas to Remember."

Paul sent out a message on Facebook about Adam.
"Please pray for Adam, he has another severe infection at his catheter site. He is in the ER, they are likely going to open up his leg to clear the infection." 
Later this message was sent: "They excised Adam's wound and he is doing better. His pain has subsided and the infection seems to be reducing. Josh may have strep but he has a mild fever so we'll see how he is this morning and go from there. Thanks for your prayers."

I am thankful for social media because it allows us to keep in contact with those we love.

James took a nap this afternoon, did some work outside, and then came in to get ready for his High Priest Group leadership meeting at 6:30. He is a busy man this week. I paid tithing and updated our checkbooks. I also looked at an email sent by Paula Johnson. Here it is: Vernon residents: Apparently complaining does work! Mike Maher forwarded this email to me.
Good afternoon: FYI...
I wanted to update you that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has placed a temporary air quality monitor in Vernon. This station monitors for PM2.5 (the smallest particles in the air). the date can be viewed online via this Web Link:
https://www.phoenixvis.net/PPMmain.aspx
(for data from the temporary Vernon monitor, click "Vernon" in the box on the bottom-left of the page.)
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Byron James
Community Liaison

Finally! Someone is noticing how bad the air quality has been with all of the prescribed burns they have been having.

Must move more!

My favorite photo with James

My sweet, hard-working husband

Gorgeous fall!

The Pope kids.
I love these boys and their parents!

We are having two Thanksgivings this year.
On Thanksgiving we are going to the buffet
at the Hondah casino. On Friday we will be
fixing Thanksgiving with Kim and Brian.

My second home and my favorite temple.
I love being here.














Friday, November 17, 2017

Tuesday, November 14th, 2017

Lubbock, Texas
109th operating temple
Dedicated: 21 Apr 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ's Atonement
Leviticus 17:11
For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 28:25-40
*What do these verses teach us about the Three Nephites and the work that they are doing on the earth before Christ's Second Coming?
We are told, "And wo unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom He hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receives not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom He hath sent receive not Him; and therefore He will not receive the at the last day; For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been tramped under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?" (v. 34-35)
*Are we among those who trample? Do we listen and obey the words of our Savior and His servants? Do we share the them? Many are sent forth to share the words of Christ.
Sister Shelly Applegate, from our ward, left today for her mission. Her desire is to let people know how much the Lord loves the because she has felt the Lord's love for her and it has made all the difference in her life. The Lord has an army of Saints, missionaries, leaders, families, and individuals who are called to deliver the good news of our Savior. We are to go forth and proclaim the message of the gospel. We are to bear testimony. The Lord tells us that many are called but few are chosen (DC 121:33-40). Why are we not chosen? When we let the world get in the way; when we do not maintain our righteousness; or when we become prideful, then we lost our ability to influence. We are called to the work. Therefore, we have to follow the Spirit, heed promptings, and be humble servants.
Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures
DC 6:23
Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
General Conference
The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power
Elder Dale G. Renlund
" The atoning power of Jesus Christ is essential because none of us can return to our heavenly home without help. In mortality we invariably make mistakes and violate God's laws. We become stained by sin and cannot be allowed back to live in God's presence. We need the Savior's atoning power so that we can be reconciled to Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ broke the bands of physical death , allowing resurrection for all. He offers forgiveness of sins, conditioned on obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel. Through Him, exaltation is offered. The opportunity to benefit from the Savior's atoning power is creations most important payload."


This is James's morning schedule. He gets up and studies his lesson, reads from his book, and then we have scriptures, prayer and breakfast. He asks me to read him a chapter from our book, and then he checks his traps and goes out to work on the patio.

This morning until of going out to work on the patio he left in his truck with Chuck to go help the Carroll's move their stuff out of the house that they have been living in. They didn't get home until 4 p.m. and then they both were at the school board meeting at 5.

It seems apparent that going to the school board is not the answer to getting anything done about our taxes. It all goes back to the county. Dr. Barrados the superintendent was the only one who did anything to help. She is going to call Doyle Shamley the supervisor of district 3 and arrange a meeting. She also called the county to speak to them but they have not returned her call yet.

While James was gone I made a batch of cookies, not a good idea when you are trying to lose weight. 

Today's Christmas movies: "The Christmas Card," "The Nine Lives of Christmas," "On The Twelfth Day of Christmas," "Best Christmas Party Ever."

No Heartland. We finished season 2 and season 3 hasn't arrived yet.

2014 Young Women's in Exellence steak dinner.
The young men were the servers. They did a great job!

Hayden's artwork

Montezuma's castle

I am grateful for pickles.

Love this little ducky. I am all about
cute animals!

Looks like Dan and Karin are enjoying
their honeymoon.

Whew, barely made my goal!

Elder Ballard and his wife Barbara, then and now.
He spoke at BYU today:


Christmas with the Horak's a couple of years ago.

Memories

That guitar is big Addy

Rowan doing some studying

Cute at any age

Baby Lola
She looks a little different today

Cabin days

It's goodbye to Kim and Brian

It seems like there is always dishes to do or
a meal to prepare.