Sunday, January 7th, 2018

Salt Lake City, Utah

4th operating temple

Dedicated: 6-24 April 1893

By: Wilford Woodruff

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 18:11

For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 5:7-6:6

*Lehi was filled with the Spirit as he began to read the plates. Which scripture really teaches you and why?

*The Nephites understood the importance of their genealogy. How has doing your family history made a difference in your life?

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:5-6

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

Old Testament/P.G.P.

Genesis 13-14; Abraham 3

General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

Elder John C. Pingree

"Some of us wonder, 'Do I have any gifts?' Again, the answer is yes! 'To every man and woman is given a gift by the Spirit of God...that all may be profited thereby' (DC 46:11-12). A number of spiritual gifts are documented in scripture (see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, 31; Moroni 10:8-18; DC 46:8-26), but there are many others. Some might include having compassion, expressing hope, relating well with people, organizing effectively, speaking or writing persuasively, teaching clearly, and working hard.

So how do we come to know our gifts? We can reference our patriarchal blessing, ask those who know us best, and personally identify what we are naturally good at and enjoy. Most important, we can ask God. He knows our gifts since He gave them to us."

It rained in the wee hours of the morning and then quit before we went to church. It was nice to see the ground wet on a day we are fasting and praying for moisture.

Fast and testimony meeting today was a lot of reminiscing about President Monson. I bore my testimony and told how his daughter who cared for him while he was ill wondered what she could do to bring joy back in his life.  The thought came to her to take her father to visit old friends who were shut-ins. She did this and it made them and her father happy. 

These are the children in my Primary class this year: Jace, Colter, and Amaron are the boys. Gracie, Liana, and Andyn are the girls. I only have two new children. Everyone was here today. 

I sat by Amaron during sharing time and he was loaded with question. He asked me if I wore makeup, when I said yes, he said, "You are beautiful." I must say I do like him. 

"I Am a Child of God" was the only song we sang during sharing time. We are learning all four verses. During sharing time Lannie said that Heavenly Father knows us by name, just as he knew Joseph Smith by name. The bishop got up and made the same point. 

Sister Becky asked the children what it means to be reverent. Abby, from the six year old class raised her hand and said: "It means to be quiet and respectful." I thought that was a great answer to come from someone so young. I made a point to text her mom to tell her.

Liana usually comes back to my classroom and helps me cleanup and then helps me carry my things to the car. James was late. Just when I was about to text him he came running to the car and put his things in the backseat. He said he was going to go on a visit and he would see me at home.

In my readings regarding the Old Testament I came across this information. Between June 1830 and February 1831, the Prophet Joseph complete Genesis 1:1 through 6:13, which is now contained in the Pearl of Great Price as Moses 1-8.

The internet was not working very well this evening. I was trying to blog and James was doing indexing. Finally, we just gave up.

I did not watch any TV today. I spent the afternoon studying. I also made some assignments for James's party on the 20th. Stacy is doing a power point presentation and I asked if everyone could get their photos to her by Friday the 12th. We would also like everyone to share a memory and something they learned from dad. I am collecting those. 

Elder Heyman and two former missionaries he

ran into while visiting a stake conference.

A coatimundi killed by one of Jackson's friends.

(Sorry, this is not appropriate for the Sabbath.)

Interesting

Even more interesting!

I sure do love these two smiling faces!

Sunset

Saturday, January 6th, 2018

Manti, Utah 

3rd operating temple
Dedicated: 17, 21-23 May 1888W
Written By: Wilford Woodruff and read by:
Lorenzo Snow

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Moroni 10:33

And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:20-5:6

What can we learn from Zoram who, after learning about the Lord's will from Nephi, decided to leave Jerusalem and follow Lehi and his family?

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Exodus 20:3-4

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

Old Testament/Pearl of Great Price Reading

Genesis 11-2 and Abraham 2

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

"The gospel plan each family should follow to prepare for eternal life and exaltation is outlined in the Church's 1995 proclamation, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." Its declarations are, of course, visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live. In our day, the differences most evident are cohabitation without marriage, same-sex marriage, and the raising of children in such relationships. Those who do not believe in or aspire to exaltation and are most persuaded by the ways of the world consider this family proclamation as just a statement of policy that should be changed In contrast, Latter-day Saints affirm that the family proclamation defines the kind of family relationships where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.

Converted Latter-day Saints believe that the family proclamation, issued nearly a quarter century ago and now translated into scores of languages, is the Lord's reemphasis of the gospel truths we need to sustain us through current challenges to the family. Two examples are same-sex marriage and cohabitation without marriage."

I found this in the Old Testament Student Manual, page 59:

"But when I am ready to say, 'Father, all that I have, myself included, is Thine; my time, my substance, everything that I possess is on the altar, to be used freely, agreeable to Thy holy will, and not my will, but Thine, be done,' then perhaps I will be prepared to go and help to redeem Zion." (Joseph F. Smith, in Millennial Star, 18 June 1894, p. 385-86.)

I love this quote and want to be able to say this myself.

James and I went to the church in Vernon to clean. The Cranes, Ashley Umphress, Amy Reynolds, Shaylyn Smith, Alicia and Colter Hunsaker, and Tina Allen were also there to help. 

Some of the sisters were there just to take down Christmas decorations. The Cranes, Alicia and Colter, Shaylyn and Tina stayed to help clean the rest of the church. It is our week to clean and the Allen's  were asked to help us.

After we were finished James and I went to town. We had lunch at Persnikkity's. James recommended the twisted philly cheesesteak sandwich so that's what I ordered with a side of sweet potato fries. It was delicious! I would order it again in a heartbeat. 

Our next stop was the Book Barn. I got Colter and Curtis's names on two of the Bibles I ordered from the Distribution Center. I also got a Gospel Doctrine Old Testament manual and a new Sunday journal for me with my name on it. 

While I shopped at Walmart James of course went to Home Depot. I bought a cashbox to stick cash in. 

When we got home I napped until 4pm and then started working on Plan of Salvation handouts for all of the kids in my Primary class. We are studying the Old Testament this year and this is the first lesson. 

This evening we watched one of the new winterfest Hallmark movies, "Love on the Slopes." I got this quote from the movie:

"Be a warrior not a worrier."

We did not have any dinner. We are fasting along with the rest of our stake and many in the White Mountains for moisture. 

Hopefully on Wednesday!

One of my favorites.

Yes, the fidget spinner is spinning!

From today's Relief Society lesson.

The Goodman's are new in our ward. Cathy Arnett

messaged me and said her uncle Pierce was moving

to Vernon. She said he was like on of the three Nephites.

I think that means she really likes him.

Friday, January 5th, 2018

Logan, Utah

2nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 May 1884

By: John Taylor

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Moroni 8:20

And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 4:1-19

*Have you ever been "led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which you should do?"

I don't think so, if so, I can't recall.

Old Testament Reading

Genesis 9-10, Abraham 1-2

Genesis 9

Noah and his sons are commanded to multiply and fill the earth-They are given dominion over all forms of life-The death penalty is decreed for murder-God will not again destroy the earth by a flood-Canaan is cursed; Shem and Japheth are blessed.

Genesis 10

The descendants of Noah are Japheth, whose descendants are Gentiles; Ham, whose descendants include the Caanaanites; and Shem of whom came Peleg (in whose days the earth was divided).

Abraham 1

Abraham seeks the blessings of the patriarchal order-He is persecuted by false priests in Chaldea-Jehovah saves him-The origins and government of Egypt are reviewed.

Abraham 2

Abraham leaves Ur to go to Cannaan-Jehovah appears to him at Haran-All gospel blessings are promised to his seed and through his seed to all-He goes to Canaan and on to Egypt.

O.T./P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Genesis 39:9

There is none greater in this house than I; either hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?

General Conference

The Needs Before Us 

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"Showing kindness and concern for your siblings and parents helps create an atmosphere of unity and invites the Spirit into the home. Changing the world begins with strengthening your own family."

I love this quote from "Rescuing Wayward Children": 

"The miracle of God's work is that weak things are divinely empowered to accomplish great things."

James worked outside today digging a waterline.

He's got big plans for our backyard.

We made a trip to town today. We got dinner at Taco Bell and also got two quarts of hot and sour soup at the Chinese buffet right by Taco Bell. 

We got the new Renee Ryan book in the mail today. It's called "Journey's End."

Woohoo! I think James was more excited

than I was.

This evening when we got home we watched an old "Garage Sale Mystery" and an episode of "Heartland."

Thursday, January 4th, 2018

St. George, Utah
1st operating temple
Dedicated: 6-8 Apr 1877
By: Daniel H. Wells

Jesus Christ Atonement through

3 Nephi 11:14

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormonn

1 Nephi 3:9-31

*Why do you think Sam willingly followed Nephi while Laman and Lemuel persecuted him?

Old Testament/P.G.P.

Genesis 7-8; Moses 7-8

O.T./P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Genesis 1:26-27

26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

General Conference

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"No, following the Savior will not remove all of your trials. However, it will remove the barriers between you and the help your Heavenly Father wants to give you. God will be with you. He will direct your steps. He will walk beside you and even carry you when your need is greatest."

I called the arthritis infusion center and cancelled my appointment for tomorrow. I still have a cough and I am exhausted and just don't want to make a trip to the valley. James was a little leary but I am glad I did it.

I set a date, time and place for James's birthday party with the kids. It is going to be on Saturday, January 20th, at 3 p.m. at Darrel and Trina's. 

This evening James and I took a little drive. We picked up a box at the post office which was c-pap supplies for James. We also got a picture and family letter from the Dowdle's. We drove on to the Standford store where we got Schwan's Passion Punch and Tangerine sherbet. We've had it before so we know we like it. It puts a smile on our faces. 

We drove home and I read from "Life Everlasting," we are still waiting for our next Renee Ryan novel. 

For dinner we had sherbet, grilled ribeye steak, mashed potatoes (leftover from last week), and broccoli, in that order. Life is short, eat dessert first.

We watched "A Christmas Visitor," starring William Devane, and  

Meredith Baxter. We also watched an episode of Heartland called "The Natural." Mallory is jealous of Georgie.

I read in the local newspaper today that Round Valley is asking everyone in their community to fast and pray for moisture. That's the same thing our stake president asked us to do in the White Mountain Stake.

Our beloved sherbet

One last photo of our tree.

I love it!

Think Snow!

New York, New York

Savannah, Georgia got 1.2" this week.

There is even snow on the Superstition Mountain,

although this photo wasn't taken this year.

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Cedar City, Utah

159th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Dec 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Helaman 5:9

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atonig blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 2:16-3:8

*How do I find the faith and courage to do what the Lord asks of me?

Through prayer, scripture study, and reading the words of the living prophets.

Old Testament/PGP Reading

Genesis 5-6; Moses 5-6

Old Testament/PGP Scripture Mastery

Abraham 3:22-23

22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;

23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chose before thou wast born.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"The third sister represents the authentic disciple of Jesus Christ. She did something that is extremely hard to do: she trusted God even in the face of ridicule and hardship. Somehow she maintained her faith and hope, despite the scorn and cynicism around her. She lived joyfully not because her circumstances were joyful but because she was joyful."

I woke up to the news this morning that President Monson passed away last night in his home surrounded by family around 10 p.m.

The first thing I did was run in to tell James, who was still in bed.

August 21, 1927-January 2, 2018

Today is Cathi's 69th birthday and I hope it's a happy one. She is one of my very favorite people!

I spent the day working on my blog and studying. I also managed to mop the kitchen floor. James made a trip to the dump. We had lots of bags of garbage due to our company. It cost him a whopping $5 instead of the usual $3.

This afternoon while blogging I watched the movie "The American President" starring Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. It was made in 1995 so it's been awhile since I've seen it. I must say that I miss my cheesy and squeaky clean Hallmark movies. 

James had a High Priests Group Leadership meeting this evening. We watched an episode of Heartland when he got home.

I hope they wait for the wee one.

I can hardly wait for next Wednesday!

Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: Nov 19, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Alma 42:23

But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 1:16-2:15

*What do you admire most about Lehi and his family?

Their sacrifice of their worldly possessions to obey the Lord.

Old Testament/P.G.P. Scripture Mastery

Moses 7:18

And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.

Old Testament/P.G.P Reading

Genesis 3-4; Moses 3-4.

General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. We can stop comparing our worst to someone else's best."

James got a call from Cody Birch this morning. Cody wants James to build him a house. The problem is he doesn't even have a lot yet. 

Cody is an anethesiologist and he says he makes alot more money now that he works for himself.

I started reading about The Sheperd's Diet today. It focuses on healthy fats and proteins, and low carbs.

We made a trip to town this morning. James got an xray done at the hospital and then went to Sonoran lab to get bloodwork done. Before he did those two things we took Lexy to Walmart to get the oil changed. They said it would take about an hour and a half but it was actually over two hours. I shopped and then when I was finished I went to McDonald's and got a diet coke and an ice cream cone. I also opened the Dorito Salsa Verde chips I bought. Michael had some when he was up here and I became addicted.

James joined me and ordered a couple of burgers because they were on sale 2/$5. I ate part of one and then gave the rest to him.

We were excited when we stopped at the post office to see that our order of Heartland season 5 had arrived. We watched two episodes this evening. 

On the way home from town the check engine light and several other lights came on. James thinks it's nothing to worry about that they just messed something up when they were changing the oil.

James and I both still have a lingering cough, and no energy.

Cute picture of Shayna

I think she left her boots her. She's the only

one that could fit in these tiny boots.

Love those eyes!

Our place a couple of years ago.

Mrs. Snow and her two little ones

I miss the snow!