Monday, January 1st, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: Aug 13, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 34:8

And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoke it.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:1-15

*In what language characters did Nephi write?

Reformed Egyptian

Old Testament, PGP Scripture Mastery

Moses 1:39

For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Old Testament, PGP Reading

Genesis 1-2; Moses 1-2

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sharon Eubank

"The restored gospel is recognizably well defined. But we have to be distinct about how we follow it. Just as Jessica practiced swimming, we need to practice living the gospel before the emergency so that, unafraid, we will be strong enough to help when others are being swept away by the current."

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Neill F. Marriott

"Sacrifice of our personal agendas is required to make room for the eternal plans of God. The Savior, who speaks for the Father, pleads with us, 'Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.' Drawing near unto the Father can mean learning of His truth through the scriptures, following prophetic counsel, and striving to do His will more completely. Do we understand that Christ has the power to bring us into loving fellowship with the Father and with one another He, by the power of the Holy Ghost, can give us needed insight into relationships."

James made potato egg patties and biscuits for breakfast. He said everyone ate except Alexis. 

Michael and his friends were the first to leave. It was a little after noon.

These kids are great and we would love to have

them back anytime.

Charlie saying goodbye to Michael

Dallin, Sarah and Charlie left a few minutes

after Michael and friends.

By 1:30 this afternoon we were home along again. James fixed us some lunch and we finished watching "My One Christmas Wish" starring Amber Riley. I did a little cleaning and tried to keep the laundry going. I think every towel in the house was in the laundry room and a couple of sets of sheets.

I blogged for December 21st and 22nd and got my steps. I also started reading the Old Testament and the book of Moses.

There was a beautiful full moon tonight. There will be another one at the end of the month. 

This evening we watched a couple of old Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan movies, "Sleepless in Seattle," and "You've Got Mail."

Sunday, December 31st, 2017

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 7:11

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 10:8-34

*What blessings did Moroni teach would come to those who have faith, hope, and charity? 

What spiritual gifts should we seek?

Elder Gene R. Cook discussed the strength of discovering and using the spiritual gifts given to each person: 

"One of the greatest processes you go through in life is to discover yourself. to find those gifts and capacities God has given you. He has given you great talents, the smallest part of which you have just begun to utilize. Trust the Lord to assist you in unlocking the door to those gifts. Some of us have created imaginary limits in our minds. There is literally a genius locked up inside each of us. Don't ever let anyone convince you otherwise" (Trust in the Lord, In Hope, 1988, 90-91).

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:42

And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. Even so. Amen.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"I promise you that as you prepare your spirit and come with the anticipation that you will hear the voice of the Lord, thoughts and feelings will come into your mind that are customized especially for you. You have already felt them in this conference, or you will as you study the messages in the weeks ahead."

Happy Birthday Kim!

Kim and Brian were sick this year and not

able to come up to celebrate her birthday with us at the cabin.

We really missed them. We are so grateful for them and

there example of love and service.

Next year Kim, and there better be snow!!

Sheri, Ben, Max, Evan, Michael and Joshua all joined us at sacrament meeting this morning. The Applegate family spoke about the "Light the World" initiative. It was enjoyable. I especially liked Jimmy telling about how Shelly has been able to visit his brother, who is a non-member, on her mission. She asked her dad, Jimmy, to send him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it.

I had both classes today in Primary. The lesson was on tithing and testimony.  These are the kids who attended: Colter, Curtis, Chism, (Bishop Miller's nephew), Zemira, and Talena. 

James had a bad coughing spell during Sunday School and had to go outside so we went home after the second hour.  

When we got home Sheri was cooking bacon, and lots of it. I had some bacon and frozen waffles for "brunch."  After we ate James and I went in to take a nap. Sheri knocked on our door and said they were leaving so I got up to take a picture. Joshua was going to go with them but he wanted to stay and since he was feeling better I told him he could.

 Alex and Shayna left first.

James seems to be photo bombing this picture.

This one too. Max is hiding behind Ollie.

I made a chocolate bundt cake for Brother Wilhelm's birthday, which was yesterday but he was gone to Prescott to a wrestling match. James gave it to one of the kids because John and Sandra were still asleep.

Drop off at the Wilhelm's

I made Joshua some chicken noodle soup and a peanut butter sandwich with a glass of milk for dinner.  James and I just snacked.

We watched a new Hallmark movie this evening, "A Royal New Year's Eve" and then we said goodnight to everyone and went to bed.  Happy New Year!

An enjoyable hedgehog massage.

The Elmer Family

Jillie and her family had their baby blessed today.

They came from Houston to visit.

I wish I could remember the baby's name.

It is a girl.

Saturday, December 30th, 2017

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 14:10

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:20-10:7

*Moroni concludes his writings by discussing three important principles with his readers. The first focuses on the need to learn and have a witness of the truths found in this sacred record. The second is a charge to understand and acquire the spiritual gifts available to us. Finally, he pleads with each of us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

President Boyd K. Packer: "Do not be disappointed if you have read and reread and yet have not received a powerful witness. You may be somewhat like the disciples spoken of in the Book of Mormon who were filled with the power of God in great glory 'and they knew it not'(3 Nephi 9:20)." 

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:39

And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old.

General Conference

Love One Another As He Has Loved Us

Elder Jose L. Alonso

"Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of Gods love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Love for God and fellowman is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ."

James made steak, gravy and biscuits for breakfast this morning at Alex's request because it is his favorite. I helped by doing the dishes. 

Joshua got four lazer guns for Christmas and brought them up with him. The older boys had a lazer fight that started in the house until grandpa told them to take it outside.  They did, and then they went on a Razr ride. As they were coming back up towards the house it looked like a dog was sitting in the drivers seat. Michael was driving and the Crane's dog Anya was sitting in his lap. The Crane's left this morning for the valley to take their broken down car to be fixed. I guess she tried to follow them. James told her to go get in the kennel, which she did, for awhile. 

Joshua has a bit of a fever and is not feeling well so I gave him some children's Tylenol that Sheri brought. I also fixed him some lunch. He and Evan played some quiet games for awhile.

They love Uno

Dallin, Sarah and their dog Charlie arrived this afternoon. It's going to be a little tight tonight but Sheri's family will be going home tomorrow so there will be plenty of room after that.

Sheri loves the movie Moana. She made Shayna watch it with her today. 

Ian sanded and varnished the upstairs railings on the outside of his and Sheri's bedroom. He ran out of varnish or he would have finished. Thanks Ian for your help!

Alex went with James to take a load of wood to Sister Dye. The widow's woodpile is located over by the Hunsaker turnoff. Sister Dye has been in the hospital in the valley with pneumonia and the spanish flu.

Evan and I made a trip to Wallmart this afternoon. I needed to pick up some prescriptions and get something for Colter for his birthday. I kind of told Evan what I wanted for him and he picked it out. A Monster Jam car and a light sabre. Evan also pushed the cart around the store. Of course I had to reward him with a Sprite and Sour Patch Kids. I enjoyed his company. He told me about the colored pencils he got for Christmas called Prismacolor. They are just like mine only he has twice as many colors. He loves to draw and asked me to use a ruler to make the Star Wars logo.

Sheri and I made dinner for everyone tonight. We had ham, mashed potatoes, chili, broccoli, and rolls. Everyone complimented us on the food. Joshua seems to be feeling better.

Gathering for dinner.

While Evan and Josh were kicking back at the

cabin Rowan was climbing Camelback Mountain 

with his mom.  He would have come up to the cabin

but he's taking down Christmas lights at the Mesa

temple.

This picture was painted by James's sister Rebecca.

It hangs in the Mesa visitor's center.

Such a cutie!

Friday, December 29th, 2017

Star Valley, Wyoming

154th operating temple

Dedicated: 30 October 2016

By: David A. Bednar

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 13:28
And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 9:1-19

*Elder David E. Sorensen of the Presidency of the Seventy explained how a loss of love can happen in our homes: "In much of today's popular culture, the virtues of forgiveness and kindness are belittled, while ridicule, anger, and harsh criticism are encouraged. If we are not careful, we can fall prey to these habits within our own homes and families and soon find ourselves criticizing our spouse, our children, our extended family members. Let us not hurt the ones we love the most by selfish criticism! In our families, small arguments and petty criticisms, if allowed to go unchecked, can poison relationships and escalate into estrangement, even abuse and divorce. Instead, ... we must make full haste to reduce arguments, eliminate ridicule, do away with criticism, and remove resentment and anger. We cannot afford to let such dangerous passions ruminate, not even one day."

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:24

And let every man esteem his brother as himself, and practice virtue and holiness before me.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Ardern

"Zeezrom's actions and words were 'a snare of the adversary, which he...laid to catch the people, that he might bring them into subjection unto him, that he might encircle them about with his chains' (Alma 12:6). Those same snares exist today, and unless we are spiritually vigilant and build a sure foundation on our Redeemer, we may find ourselves bound with Satan's chains and being led carefully down the forbidden paths spoken of in the Book of Mormon."

Sheri went out for a run this morning and it is obvious that Ollie misses her. We had cinnamon rolls and pumpkin bread for breakfast.

Sheri, Alex, Shayna and I went to the Walmart in Taylor this morning. Sheri always likes to go there because it is less crowded than the one in Show Low.  Afterwards we went to El Cupido so I could get a Big Jake burrito. While there we saw Ruth Gale, Shelly, Valeen and Valeen's husband and son. It was fun to visit with them. I had just mentioned to Sheri how I see Ruth quite often.

While we were gone shopping James paid a visit to Dr. Moffat who referred him to four specialists. It's obvious Dr. Moffat doesn't think he can help him anymore so he's turning James over to someone else.

Sheri and I played Five Crowns with Ben. It seems like every time we play with him he wins. That was true again today.

Alex and Shayna went on a Razr ride up to Green's Peak. They were gone three or four hours. Shayna has never been before. They came back looking like this:

I need to have a wall of shame for everyone

who comes back looking like this.

It was 64 degrees today. After the sun goes down it cools off. We built a fire in the firepit and roasted marshmallows and made Smores. Ian cooked us hotdogs and hamburgers for dinner. 

Michael, Alexis, Conner and Joshua arrived this afternoon. 

The Trezise family likes to watch Family Feud so it was on in the background most of the day. The boys also spent time upstairs playing video games.  

James and I watched the season 4 finale of Heartland. Lou had her baby and Tim finds out he has a son. The finales are always quite dramatic.

Sheri and her baby.

Fun around the firepit.

Thursday, December 28th, 2017

Fort Collins, Colorado

153rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Oct 2016

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 4:6

I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, ad his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body -

Book of Mormon

Moroni 8:1-30

*What do you think it means that "little children are alive in Christ?" What do we need to do to become alive in Christ?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 38:8

But the day soon cometh that ye shall see me, and know that I am; for the veil of darkness shall soon be rent, and he that is not purified shall not abide the day.

General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

"Hard makes us stronger, humbles us, and gives us a chance to prove ourselves. Our beloved handcart pioneers came to know God in their extremities. Why did it take two chapters for Nephi and his brothers to obtain the brass plates and only three verses to enlist Ishmael's family to join them in the wilderness? It seems the Lord wanted to strengthen Nephi through the struggle of obtaining the plates."

When I opened the blinds on the dining room window this morning there were eight bunnies eating grass outside. That is the most that I have ever seen.

James is asleep on the couch.  He slept util almost 10:30 at which time I fixed him hot lemon juice with honey, stevia, and cinnamon. I also gave him two aspirin and a Tramadol. 

I am beginning to wonder if we are ever going to get any snow. Not only is there no snow, but it is 60 degrees. 

Sheri's family is waiting to get a valve stem fixed on one of their tires and then they will be on their way up here.  Kim and Brian are not coming because they are both sick. Michael and his friends are coming tomorrow.

Sheri, Ian, Ben, Max, Evan, and Ollie arrived around 6:30 with Alex and Shayna a few minutes behind. I had just taken three loaves of pumpkin bread out of the oven. After eating KFC for dinner, Max and Sheri had some bread. 

Ollie ran around sniffing everything which makes Sheri a little nervous. She took him outside, just in case.

James and I watched the end of "Broadcasting Christmas."  

The boys turned on the Houston - Boston basketball game. Houston was ahead the whole time until right at the very end they won 99-98. Everyone was happy, at least here in Vernon.

Hallmark moon in Switzerland

I guess penguins are curious.

James says this is a baby otter

I showed this to Joshua and he said he didn't

believe in Santa. How sad.

Is Addy the favorite child?

Wednesday, December 27th, 2017

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152 operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sept 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Mosiah 3:16

and even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:35-48

*Why do you think meekness and lowliness of heart are necessary in order to have faith and hope in the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 35:24

Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound; and I will cause the heavens to shake for your good, and Satan shall tremble and Zion shall rejoice upon the hills and flourish;

General Conference

Apart, But Still One

Elder Joni L. Koch

"Brothers and sisters, we have no right to portray anybody, including from our Church circle, as a badly finished product! Rather, our words about our fellow beings should reflect our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and that, in Him and through Him, we can always change for the better!"

I am feeling a little better today. I still had some chills and achiness so I took a shower and some Tramadol and I feel better. 

Sheri and Ian's family isn't coming until tomorrow so I have one more day to re-cooperate. 

The Crane's Suburban broke down again on the way home from the valley. This time they may need a new engine. Chuck asked to borrow our trailer on Saturday to tow it down to the valley so their son-in-law can fix it again.

James is working on the Hatch bid today. We read from "A Touch of Scarlet". Elizabeth forgives her mom. I also caught up on my Doctrine and Covenants, General Conference talks, and other scripture goals. 

By 1:30 I only had 4,000 steps. I ended up with 14,005. 

It was 60 degrees today. If I didn't know better I would believe in global warming.

I am two weeks behind on my blog. That is not a good way to end the year. 

Today I watched: "Cancel Christmas," and "The Christmas Dance."  James and I also watched "Heartland."

The Luke's

The flu season is in full swing. The nurses

at Gilbert Mercy aren't taking any chances.

Joshua at the circus with his cousins.

Tuesday, December 26th, 2017

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Jacob 4:11

Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ, and be presented as the first-fruits of Christ unto God, having faith, and obtained a good hope of glory in him before he manifesteth himself in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Moroni 7:20-34

*What do these verses teach us about Christ?

Doctrine Covenants Favorite Scriptures

DC 35:13-14

13 Wherefore, I call upon the weak things of the world, those who are unlearned and despised, to thresh the nations by the power of my Spirit;

14 And their arm shall be my arm, and I will be their shield and their buckler; and I will gird up their loins, and they shall fight manfully for me; and their enemies shall be under their feet; and I will let fall the sword in their behalf, and by the fire of mine indignation will I preserve them.

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon

Brother Tad R. Callister

"How did Joseph produce a book that radiates with the Spirit, and where did he get such profound doctrine, much of which clarifies or contradicts the Christian beliefs of his time? For example, the Book of Mormon teaches, contrary to most Christian beliefs, that the Fall of Adam was a positive step forward. It reveals the covenants made at baptism, which are not addressed in the Bible."

Sheri says she can run a mile in 9 1/2 minutes. That is impressive!

Both James and I woke up sick this morning. I hurt in all my joints and I have a cough. James has a cough, a sinus infection, and achy joints.

I was down most of the day. I did do two blog entries. I am about two weeks behind right now. I will never catch up unless I can consistently do two entries a day. 

Here are the movies I watched: First, I am going to mention yesterday's. On Christmas night we watched the "When Call the Heart Christmas Special," and "Once Upon a Christmas."

Today I watched "Twice Upon a Christmas," "The Christmas Heart," and "Angels Sing," starring Harry Connick, Jr.

I got an interesting call from Stacy today. She asked me if dad chews tobacco. I thought it was a pretty outrageous question considering he is a temple worker and a high priest. I told her of course not and why would she think such a thing? She said Dallin told her. I guess one time when they were up here Michael and Alex found some chewing tobacco in one of the drawers. I couldn't figure out how it got there and then I remembered when James and I had our Ranger accident and I hit a rock and the side of my face swelled up that I asked James to buy some chewing tobacco so I could make a poultice to help the swelling go down. Wow! I'm glad we got that cleared up.

How did this happen?

Merry Christmas from the Geiger's

Last year's visitors. Looks like everyone has their

eyes closed except Kacey.

Quite an accomplishment when you are sick!