Friday, January 26th, 2018

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

23rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Alma 5:50

Yea, thus saith the Spirit: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, for the kingdom of heaven is sson at hand; yea the Son of God cometh in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. Yea, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, that the Spirit saith: Behold the glory of the King of all the earth; and also the King of heaven shall very soon shine forth among all the children of men.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 17:31-47

*What message do you think Nephi wanted Laman and Lemuel to get out of verses 17:36-43?

*What can we learn from the story of the Israelites being bitten by the serpents in the wilderness? Why did Nephi choose to share this story with his brothers?

Old Testament

Exodus 9-10

9 The Lord destroys the cattle of the Egyptians, but not of the Israelites - Boils and blains are sent upon the Egyptians - The Lord sends hail and fire upon the people of Pharaoh, but not upon the people of Israel.

10 The Lord sends a plague of locusts - This is followed by thick darkness in all Egypt for three days - Moses is cast out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Ezekiel 37:15-17

15 The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying,

16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it. For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand.

General Conference

Apart, But Still One

Elder Joni L. Koch

" We had seen families in our ward who had become weaker in the gospel and had stopped attending meetings because they could not be one with those who were leading. I myself also witnessed many of my friends from Primary not remaining faithful in their youth because their parents were always finding fault with those inside the Church."

James left this morning to buy paint and then went to work at the Howard's. He worked until about 3:30 this afternoon. I had a stew on the stove waiting for him when he got home. He went outside to take a 15 minute walk before eating.

I scheduled our timeshare today for May 27th-June 3rd so we will be down in the valley for Ben's  graduation and our anniversary.

Sister Hunsaker asked me if I would come in on Sunday and talk to the Beehives about what I have done in my life to know Christ. 

It is 4:40 p.m. and I still have to hem James's temple pants, and make cookies for the temple tomorrow. We leave our house at 5:30 tomorrow morning. We get home between 2:30 and 3 in the afternoon and then we have to be back and seated in the chapel by 6:15 p.m.

Ruby's face when she heard she gets to play the

planet Pluto in her school play about the

solar system.

James didn't like them.

My view tonight

Halloween in the 80's

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

Apia, Samoa

22nd operating temple

Dedicated: 5-6 Aug 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Zechariah 14:9

And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 17:17-30

*What are some worldly pleasures that might be hard to give up, only trusting that the Lord has something better in store?

*How do you maintain the faith that the Lord has something better in store when he asks you to give up worldly pleasures?

Old Testament

Exodus 7-8

7 Moses is appointed to give the word of the Lord to Pharaoh - The Lord will multiply signs and wonders in Egypt - Aaron's rod becomes a serpent - The river is turned into blood - The magicians imitate the miracles of Moses and Aaron.

8 The Lord sends plagues of frogs, lice, and flies upon Egypt - Pharaoh hardens his heart.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Jeremiah 16:16

Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.

General Conference

God's Compelling Witness:The Book of Mormon

Brother Tad R. Callister

"But even if we suppose that Joseph were a creative and theological genius with a photographic memory - these talents alone do not make him a skilled writer. To explain the Book of Mormon's existence, the critics must also make the claim that Joseph was a naturally gifted writer at age 23. Otherwise, how did he interweave scores of names, places, and events into a harmonious whole without inconsistencies? How did he pen detailed war strategies, compose eloquent sermons, and coin phrases that are highlighted, memorized, quoted, and placed on refrigerator doors by millions of people, phrases such as,'When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God' (Mosiah 2:17) or 'Men are, that they might have joy' (2 Nephi 2:25). These are messages with a heartbeat - messages that live and breathe and inspire. To suggest that Joseph Smith at age 23 possessed the skills necessary to write this monumental work in a single draft in approximately 65 working days is simply counter to the realities of life."

"I believe that the greatest lesson that can be learnedby the youth of Zion is to do the right thing because you love the Lord." - Hartman Rector, Jr. 

"Patriarchal blessings may be given by natural patriarchs, that is by fathers in Israel who enjoy the blessings of the patriarchal order, or they may be given by ordained patriarchs, specially selected brethren who are appointed to bless worthy church members." - Bruce R. McConkie

James is getting quite competitive with the  Pacer app. His username is PacerGuy48 and he is #1 in the 6,000 club. 

James worked at the Howard's today and got to spend some time with Nally.

Sister Howard is having neck and back surgery today. I talked to her husband and he said it lasted over five hours. 

I met my visiting teaching companion, Sister Morrison, at Sister Grapp's today. Sister Morrison has twin 18 month old boys and Sister Grapp babysits for her so they are pretty good friends. Liana, who is in my Primary class, opened the gate for me. They have two big dogs who are very friendly, a little too friendly One of them is a party poodle, full sized. Party means she is multi-colored. Tildy cries or hides the entire time we are there. Benson was very friendly, he played the piano for me. I brought a goal handout for Sister G. and cookies for Sister G. and Sister M. Sister G. takes zucchini bread out of the over and covers it with butter for us. Yummy. When I ask what we can do for Sister G. Liana suggests babysitting. Great idea!

Liana and Benson take me down to see their two Welch ponies, Raisin who is black, and Rocky who belongs to Liana. Tildy follows us but she is not speaking to anyone.

This evening for dinner I made parmesan chicken with squash and zucchini. It was delilcious!

We watched the first episode of this seasons Victoria this evening.

I love this picture of Evan

Peek-a-boo Panda

My friend Gerry and her twin sister Kerry

taken when they were teenagers.

This makes me laugh

Jackson and his mom at senior day.

The Wilhelm's in the background.

I am sad this is blurry

Wednesday, January 24th, 2018

Atlanta, Georgia

21st operating temple

Dedicated: 1-4 June 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Dan 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 17:1-16

*Why did Nephi feel so blessed in spite of their suffering?

-Because he knew the Lord was watching over them as long as they were obedient. 

*How has the Lord been your light in the wilderness?

-The Lord has guided and directed my life since I was ten years old and saw my first Book of Mormon in my grandma and grandpa Maxwell's house. I wondered why I had never seen one before but I made a pledge then and there that I would read it. Since that day I have read it many times and it has been a guiding light in my life, just like the Liahona was for Lehi's family.

Old Testament

Exodus 5-6

5 Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to free Israel - Pharaoh responds, Who is the Lord? - He places greater burdens upon the children of Israel.

6 The Lord identifies Himself as Jehovah - The genealogies of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi are listed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

General Conference

The Trek Continues!

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"An official Church statement, issued one year ago, states:

"We urge Church members to be cautious about participating in any group that promises - in exchange for money - miraculous healings or that claims to have special methods for accessing healing power outside of properly ordained priesthood holders."

"Every bit of time we spend in the temple results in some personal increase." - Jean B. Bingham, General Relief Society President

"Parents should teach the importance of the temple from a child's earliest days." - President Russell M. Nelson

"There should be a picture of the temple in every child's bedroom."

- President Spencer W. Kimball

"The temple is the object of every activity, every lesson, every progressive step in the Church." - President Russell M. Nelson

"Sanctification comes by giving our hearts to God." - Elder Marion D. Hanks

James got a call from Anthony this morning. He said he was assaulted by a guy named D. Flake and T. Baker. They were angry at Anthony for getting water from a state-owned well. The Nicoll brothers have rights to the well and gave Anthony permission to get water. Tom Baker uses the well to water his cattle. An officer arrived on the scene and gave Tom a ticket. The saga of the Nicoll's brothers versus the Baker's continues. Range wars are still happening here in Vernon, Arizona.

James took some wood to Sister Dye and then he and I made a trip to town in the truck. James keeps telling me that the truck has no brakes, yet I went with him.  He needed to get lumber for the Howard job. While he was shopping at Home Depot I did my grocery shopping at Walmart. Afterwards we got some sandwiches at Firehouse Subs for dinner. I got the steak and cheese and it was great.

Tom Baker asked Anthony on Facebook if he was going to get his water from his home teachers now. Since James is his home teacher I responded: "Anthony is a great guy and anytime he needs water his home teachers will be glad to help."

As a result of this post, which caused some controversy, I became friends with Don Nicoll.  He thinks Anthony is a great guy too whereas the Baker's don't. Enough said, except for one more thing. Darrel knows the Baker's son and he doesn't speak to his parents.

James and I watched a new murder mystery series on Hallmark. A girl named Kiki was the murderer. I guessed it.

 Our friend Nally

One of my favorite photos of the cabin

The Jones's

Our first bishop in Chandler and my first

visiting teaching companion.

Jim and Clessene Heil

passed away on January 15th and 17th.

Old Chandler people in our ward.

The DeWitts in Taiwan.

Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Jordan River, Utah

20th operating temple

Dedicated: 16-20 Nov 1981

By: Marion G. Romney

Jesus Christ Authority of

Jeremiah 23:5
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 16:17-39
*What are some examples that prove "that by small means the Lord can bring about great things."
*How can we liken the scriptures unto the Liahona given to Lehi's family?
Old Testament
Genesis 50
Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of

divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes. Thus, on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indication of our love for Him."

Happy 70th Birthday James!

An amazing wrestler

A great fisherman

A great kisser

He is so strong

A great sense of humor

A great partner

He has great taste in cars

A great eternal companion

An awesome dad and family man!

I made my man a nice breakfast this morning. It is usually him that cooks in the mornings.

David told James that when he turned 70 he no longer has to pay for a hunting and fishing license. You are considered a "Pioneer" and it covers everything!  I guess sometimes it pays to get old! Of course we had to take a drive up to Pinetop to the Game and Fish department to pick one up. This brought back fond memories for James because this is where he worked a couple of summers when we were first married. He actually helped stock fish in the various streams and lakes in the White Mountain area. At the end of the day he reported back to this office.

We got to Darbi's after 2 o'clock and it was closed so we ate at LaCasita. Here's what James's late lunch looked like:

A green chili burro, enchilada style

We got gas and went through the carwash next to McDonald's as we were leaving we noticed that instead of cows in the Adams's field there was a huge flock of Canadian geese.  I am not sure where the cows were.

When we got home James had an Eagle Brand pie waiting for him. I doubled the filling so we were both anxious to try it. It was pretty delicious. This is the only thing he asked for, for his birthday. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of it.

James's mom called and asked when his party was...uh oh. I texted Sheri and she said she told her the date and time so now I don't feel so bad. She wasn't upset but said she had made a cheesecake for him and that she would put it in the freezer until we came by to pick it up. We will be down on the 1st and 2nd of February.

Sheri posted this on Facebook today.

Stacy's post:

I cut James's hair today and I must say that I did a good job.

This evening we watched an episode of "Heartland." The question is, will Georgie lose her horse, Phoenix?

It was a great day spent with the one I love the most.

Monday, January 22, 2018

Seattle, Washington
19th operating temple
Dedicated: 17-21 Nov 1980
By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 16:1-16

*Why do the "wicked take the truth to be hard?"

*How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Exodus 1-2
1 The children of Israel multiply-They are placed in bondage by the Egyptians-Pharaoh seeks to destroy the sons born to Hebrew women.
2 Moses is born to Levite parents, is raised by Pharaoh's daughter, slays an Egyptian in defense of an Israelite, flees to Midian, and Marries Zipporah-Israel in bondage cries to the Lord.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Isaiah 29:13-14
13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.
14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught: "healing blessings come in many ways, each suited to our individual needs, as known to Him who loves us best. Sometimes a 'healing' cures our illness or lifts our burden. But sometimes we are 'healed' by being given strength or understanding or patience to bear the burdens placed upon us."

We left for the Howard's house a little before ten this morning. It was 14 degrees last night and our kitchen faucet was frozen up.

When we got to the Howard's they had the same problem only they didn't have any water in their house. 

Jean and I are planning on going to lunch, but first she and Tom wanted to show James some work they need done on their house. Jean's closet rod with all of her clothes on it fell off the wall and she needs it fixed. Also they have some big cracks in their walls and across their floor. Jean designed the house and her cousin built it. They have had a couple of add-ons and that might be what the problem is. There is settling which is causing the cracks.

Jean gave me a tour while Tom and James were talking about the problems. The house is bigger than it looks, probably bigger or as big as ours, but it needs some work.

James and Tom gave Jean a blessing before we left for town. She is having another back and neck surgery on Thursday. 

James, Jean, and I headed into town after Jean's blessing.  Tom had to stay at home because Wayne Todd is coming out to shoe the horses.

We tried to stop for lunch at Persnikkity's but it was too crowded. Brother Applegate stuck his head out the door and waved at us as we left.

We went up to Darby's. Here is what we ordered: Jean had the chicken salad sandwich on ciabatta bread with sweet potato fries. James had the Reuben sandwich with a side of potato salad, and I had the roast beef sandwich with green chili and cheese with a side of sweet potato fries. Everything was delicious. Of course James finished his but both Jean and I took some of ours home.

We made a stop at Home Depot where James got a new hose for our hot water heater. Jean looked for a new latch for her front door but she wasn't sure what the brand was so she is going to have to come back. 

Tom met us at the bottom of their hill. We said our goodbyes and I promised Jean we would pray for her. 

When we got home I took a nap and then blogged and did some walking. We listened to a conference talk for FHE and then watched the new Hallmark movie, "One Winter Weekend" starring Taylor Cole, James's favorite because she is gorgeous and Jack Turner.

They look so sad.

They look so happy.

Tyler H., on the left, and friends.

I plead guilty

White Tank Mountains,

somewhere in Arizona.

This is the little dog we met and fell in love

with at the Howard's. It belongs to their daughter

Deana. She is half blue heeler and half corgi,

and she doesn't bark. Her name is Nally.

Our dear friends Martin and Sue Kempton.

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Tokyo, Japan

18th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1980

By: Spencer W. Kimball

Jesus Christ Authority of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 15:19-36

*What does it mean when it says "whoso will hearken unto the word of God, and will hold fast unto it, they will never perish"?

* How does Nephi show patience and understanding to his brothers?

Old Testament

Genesis 50

Jacob's body is embalmed - Joseph buries him in Canaan - Joseph comforts his brothers - The children of Israel multiply - Joseph promises that God will bring Israel out of Egypt into Canaan - Joseph dies in Egypt and is embalmed.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Isaiah 1:18

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Sabbath day and the holy temple are two specific sources of divine help instituted by God to assist us in rising above the level and corruption of the world. We initially may think that the overarching purposes of keeping the Sabbath day holy and attending the temple are related but distinctive. I believe, however, that those two purposes are precisely the same and work together to strengthen us spiritually as individuals and in our homes.

Thus on the Sabbath we worship the Father in the name of the Son by participating in ordinances and learning about, receiving, remembering, and renewing covenants. On His holy day, our thoughts, actions, and demeanor are signs we give to God and an indicator of our love for Him."

I got up at 4:30 this morning and got ready for church. We left for home around 5:15. The roads were fine until Timber Camp where there was ice and snow. We hit ice and snow again as we were coming into Show Low. There is more snow at our house than there is in the actual town of Vernon. We probably got 2-3 inches.

Photos taken from the car.

Rowan asked me to send him pictures of snow.

When we got to Vernon we were going to go straight to the church but we had enough time to go home and make some toast and then head back to the church.

Tyler H. spoke about his mission. It is so good to have him back and he is a changed man! He definitely went away a boy and came back a man with a powerful testimony and confidence in expressing himself. Bishop Miller also spoke.

All six of my children, Andyn, Amaron, Colter, Gracie, Jace, and Liana were in class today. Our lesson was on The Creation. Jace gave some good answers. During sharing/singing time I sat by Amaron. The Primary presidency had given himm a CTR ring and he was so proud of it. He asked Lannie where The Tree of Life was during her sharing time presentation. He told me he was sorry I had arthritis as he looked at the bumps on my hands. 

After sharing time Liana came back to the classroom and helped me clean up and carry my stuff back to the car. 

Back at home we had leftover enchiladas and rice for lunch then we took a nap and started getting ready for the fireside at our house tonight. I cleaned the kitchen floor and countertops. James shines the stainless steel and cleans the snow off the front steps and lights a fire. 

Two recently returned missionaries, Tyler and Weston H., were the featured speakers. They were amazing! Here are some of the notes I took:

Weston - DC 82:10 and 1Nephi 3:7 and his two favorite scriptures. There is always a way to keep the commandments. The Lord will always bless you when you keep the commandments. He bore his testimony in spanish.

Tyler - The Spirit has its' own language. The gospel is not very convenient. It wasn't convenient for the Savior. DC....the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. The Father's plan is in place. Whatever can be done for us has already been done. The burdens that we carry, really carry us. In our spiritual backpack sins are loaded on us every day, every week. We can unload our sins each week as we partake of the sacrament. You cannot convert someone passed your own conversion. Don't tell people you are a latter-day saint, show them. Ways to prepare for a mission. 1) Create a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father. 2) Have a strong testimony of the Book of Mormon.

Joy is the motivating factor in our quest for eternal life.

These are the people who attended the fireside: Weston, Tyler, Bishop, Anne, and baby Sophia, Gary T. and Maxine's cookies, Jimmy, Tamara, Jace, Ty A., Sean, Stefani, Holly, Kilee, LeeAnn, Hailey, Kip, Colter H., Ashley R., Amy, Kelly R., 3 new kids in the ward, John, Sandra, Talon, Alice, Andy W. Ashten and Madison came with Weston, and James and I. It was a great evening and the cookies were delicious.