Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 21:24

And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 19:7-24

*Have there been times in my life when I chose not to retaliate after a wrong was done to me? How did I feel?

Old Testament

Exodus 16-17

16 Israel murmurs for want of bread and lusts for the fleshpots of Egypt - The Lord rains bread from heaven and sends quail for meat - Israel is given manna each day, except the Sabbath, for forty years.

17 Israel murmurs for want of water - Moses smites a rock in Horeb, and water gushes forth - Aaron and Hur uphold Moses' hands so that Joshua prevails against Amalek.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Malachi 4:5-6

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

Quoting Elder Hales: 

"When we choose to have faith, we are prepared to stand in the presence of God....After the Saviors Crucifixion, He appeared only to those 'who had been faithful in the testimony of Him while they lived in mortality.' (DC 138:12)

Those 'who rejected the testimonies...of the...prophets could not behold the Savior's presence, nor look upon his face.' (DC 138:21)...Our faith prepares us to be in the presence of the Lord."

Did you know the number of names in Family Search has increased from about 2 million to 179 million in only six years. Wow!

Another Wow! moment: There were 20 elk in our yard this morning.!

James went to see the bishop at his new home this morning. He is helping build shelves, etc., in the closets and needs to know the layout. 

When James got home we left for Licano's in Show Low around 10:50. Elder Heyman arrived just as we were getting out of our car. He flies into the Show Low airport and then rents a car. He comes up once a month on Tuesdays to meet with the Board of Directors of Navapache Electric. He is their legal counsel.  Periodically he also holds council meetings with the stake presidents, mission presidents, and temple presidents in the area for training.

The guys both have the chicken taco special and I get a green chili burro.  I forgot how much fun Elder Heyman can be. Sheri says that next to dad, he was her favorite bishop. We told about what our kids our doing and he told us about his and Dianne. It was a very enjoyable visit. 

When we get home we both took a nap and then James returned to the Miller's to work. I visited a new sister on my visiting teaching beat, Catherine Halcomb. I really enjoyed getting to know her. 

After my visit with Catherine I went back in to town to do some grocery shopping. I am taking dinner to the Crane's tomorrow and I really didn't want to wait until the morning to go shopping.  

This evening James and I watched a new Hallmark winter movie starring Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson. I finished my steps and then we watched an episode of Heartland.

 Elder Heyman's flight home was delayed so
he bought Domino's Pizza for the airport crew.

Lola performing for us the last time we visited.

My brother Harold had a girl friend
in high school from Holbrook.
Her name was Londa Hubbell. I wonder
if this was her families business.

Ok, I know this isn't twenty elk but you have

to admit they are cute!

Monday, January 29th, 2018

Mexico City, Mexico

26th operating temple

Dedicated: 2-4 Dec 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 9:6

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:21-19:6

*How does Nephi remind me of Christ?

(Compare with Mark 4:34-39)

Old Testament

Exodus 14-15

14 Israel goes out of Egypt - Israel passes through the Red Sea on dry ground - The Lord overthrows the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

15 The children of Israel sing the song of Moses - They extol the Lord as a man of war and rejoice in their deliverance from Egypt - The waters of Marah are healed - The Lord promises to free Israel from the diseases of Egypt.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God?Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

General Conference

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

Elder Ian S. Arden

"The greater the light in our lives, the fewer the shadows. However, even in an abundance of light, we are exposed to people and comments that misrepresent our beliefs and try our faith. The Apostle James wrote that 'the trying of our faith worketh patience' (James 1:3). With this insight, Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, 'A patient disciple....will not be surprised nor undone when the Church is misrepresented."

Notes on an article in the January Ensign about counseling.

"Counseling invites revelation, increases unity, and brings power. 1. Focus - start with a specific, meaningful issue or need. 2. Prespectives - frame the issue or need as a question. 3. Power-seek revelation." 'The most important work happens between meetings.'-Jean B. Bingham. 'As we bind ourselves to act, the Lord will sanctify our efforts.' - Sharon Eubank. "Sit in council and promote righteous action." 

James left in his truck this morning to get supplies for the Howard job. I said to him: "But you don't have brakes. He says: "That's ok, I don't use them very much anyway." Yikes!

Sister Howard is much better today but still doesn't recognize people. 

I have an appointment tomorrow with Catherine Halcomb, a new sister that I visit teach that I have not met yet. We also have lunch with Elder Heyman tomorrow. 

Today I cleaned floors, took over 10,000 steps, and paid tithing for December. 

We watched the last episode of Heartland season 5. Tim found Jack passed out in the snow during Georgie's birthday party and fireworks show. Georgie's brother buys Phoenix for her and lets her stay at Heartland.

I couldn't resist posting this again.

I would want this guy if he would stay this size.

I can dream can't I.

Good to remember.

Sunday, January 28th, 2018

Papeete, Tahiti

25th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-29 Oct 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Mark 1:22

And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 18:5-20

*When has Christ been a "ship" in my life, and kept me safe from life's storms?

*Why did the Liahona stop working for Lehi's family? How can we avoid this happening in our lives?

Old Testament

Exodus 13

The firstborn of man and of beasts are to be sanctified unto the Lord - The Feast of Unleavened Bread is to be kept in the land of Canaan - Moses takes Joseph's bones out of Egypt - The Lord attends Israel in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.

General Conference

Essential Truths - Our Need to Act

Adilson de Paula

"A Savior and Redeemer was needed to free us from death and sin. Under Heavenly Father's direction, Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered, died on the cross and was resurrected so that we too can be resurrected and, with sincere repentance and the making and keeping of sacred covenants be once again in the presence of God."

I lost my typed Primary lesson on the computer. Sometimes I just don't like technology. I decided to use the power point on my Ipad instead. 

I have made cookies 3x this week and the ones I made today are the very best. I put walnuts in some of them for James. James kept saying that I put Mrs. Fields to shame.

Today in sacrament meeting was Shaelyn's farewell before leaving for her mission. She reports on February 7th at the MTC in Provo.

Alice Wilhelm was the youth speaker, and Brother Greer from the high council was the final speaker. Brother Greer is a former mission president and he still keeps in contact with many of his former missionaries. Here are some notes from his talk.

"President Shumway has been given a special gift of love and his emphasis on the temple is divinely inspired. His other concern is self-reliance. There will be a self-reliance seminar on February 22nd. You might ask yourself, How can I feel the Saviors love in my life everyday? I say, read the Book of Mormon. We can do what the Lord has asked us to do and be immunized against the evils of our day.

President and Trisha Reidhead attended our sacrament meeting today. I was embarrassed because our ward was so noisy before sacrament meeting started. 

All six of my Primary kids were in class today. The boys, Colter, Jace, and Amaron were quite disruptive. The boys also have a problem looking up and reading scriptures. I need to do something different. Andyn and Liana got coloring books for bringing back their completed Valiant Newsletters from last week. 

During the third hour I attended part of the teachers council meeting. Sister Tice was concerned about her class. She thinks because they are 18 they should act like adults. Apparently that isn't always true. I had to leave early to go to the Beehive class. Sister Hunsaker asked me to share my story about how I have come to know Christ through the years. When I first got in the class Chuck Crane was setting apart Bailey Umphress as an officer in the Beehive class presidency. I am not sure what her calling is but Churck did a nice job. Those attending the Beehive class today: Maddie, Bailey, and Talena. Sister Hunsaker, Sister Deatherage, and Sister Ulmer were also there. 

I started out by telling the girls about my experience with finding a Book of Mormon at my grandma's house when I was 10 and thinking that someday I was going to read that book.

I felt good about sharing my testimony with these girls and sisters. I have spent years getting up early for gospel study and prayers and I believe this has helped me to come to know the Savior better.

We had stew for lunch and then it was nap time. 

When I got up from my Sunday afternoon nap it was gospel study time. While I was studying I got a text from Kaeli, the Relief Society president, that Sister Howard was having serious complications after her surgery. Since I am her visiting teacher and her friend, Kaeli wanted me to know. Kaeli was receiving texts from Sister Howard's daughter Deana. This is what she said: 

"They had to put a central line in because all the lines blew. Her potassium is way too low. She is as big as Shreck, she is normally very thin, and she is as stiff as a board and has infection all the way around her arm and her blood pressure is 243/220.

When I heard this report I started to cry. It sounded to me like she wasn't going to live. I immediately texted Trina and she helped me to feel better. She said: "I don't really know her whole story. It's hard to say no or yes about surviving. I would say yes. All those things can be treated." After saying a prayer and hearing this from Trina I felt so much better.

I studied my patriarchal blessing this evening, read from "Life Everlasting" with James and had scriptures and prayer with James before going to bed.

 I am loving the music from this movie!

Brent and Rebecca

Jesus and the children

The new First Presidency

Saturday, January 27th, 2018

Santiago, Chile

24th operating temple

Dedicated: 15-17 Sept 1983

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

Book of Mormon

*When has the Lord asked me to do something and then given me the instructions rather than do the work for me?

*How can you build your life just like Nephi built the ship, not after the manner of men but "after the manner which the Lord has shown unto" you?

Old Testament

Exodus 11-12

11 The departing Israelites are authorized to ask for jewels and gold from their neighbors - The Lord promises to slay the firstborn in every Egyptian home - He puts a difference between the Egyptians and the Israelites.

12 The Lord institutes the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread - Lambs without blemish are slain - Israel is saved by their blood - The firstborn of all Egyptians are slain - Israel is thrust out of Egypt after 430 years - No bones of the paschal lambs are to be broken.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Daniel 2:44-45

44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.

General Conference

Do We Trust Him? Hard Is Good

Elder Stanley G. Ellis

" Hard is part of the gospel plan. One of the purposes of this life is for us to be proven (see Abraham 3:25). Few have suffered more undeservedly than the people of Alma. They fled from wicked King Noah, only to become slaves to the Lamanites! Through those trials the Lord taught them that He chastens His people and tries 'their patience and their faith' (Mosiah 23:21)."

We left this morning at 5:45 and James was stressed that we were going to be late but of course we weren't. Preparation meeting started at 7 a.m. with President and Sister Palmer presiding and Brother Coltrin conducting. We watched a video and the meeting was over by 7:30.

I was assigned to be the 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. session. I am the one at the door with the counter making sure everyone has their cards checked and all the previous ordinances have been done. 

Sister Crosby, who knows the Wilhelm's, was the 1st follower. Brother Neff was the officiator and Brother McHood led the prayer circle.

The temple film gives the creation a little different than it is found in Moses. I noticed because I just gave the lesson on the creation in my Primary class.

I was also the first greeter downstairs, keeping track of who comes in for the 11 session. I had my break with Sister Humphrey, Sister Thomas and Sister Larsen. Sister Humphrey asked Sister Larsen about the windmills in Holland and so we learned about all of the different kinds of windmills. She said one of her great-grandmothers was born in a windmill.

I had a break for about an hour where I was "on call" in the upstairs sitting room. I got to visit with Sister Lundgren and Sister Cochran. Sister Cochran told me all about her family and her son-in-law joining the Church. Chester Crandall, was her brother.

I worked in initiatory for an hour with Sister McHood, Sister Shelton, Sister McCleary, and Sister Cochran. We finished with patrons around 12:45 and Sister Wenhardt who is our co-ordinator, wanted to do some more names. Sister Bradshaw looked at her and said: "But I'm cleaning up." I told Sister Wenhardt that I had to come back and clean tonight so she excused me. I am not sure what happened after I left.

On the way home we stopped at El Cupido's for lunch. I had a Big Jake burro. When we get home we take a nap and I spent a little time working on preparing for my Sunday assignments, Primary, and speaking to the Young Women. We left again for Snowflae around 5:15.

We clean with the Show Low Creek ward and between our two wards we had 50 people come to clean! Those from our ward: Us, Reynolds', Grapps', Westbrooks, Applegates, Skousens, Diewalds, 5 Hunsakers, Brothers Cooper, Curtis, Scott, Peeler, and bishop and Brother Butler. James and I were done quite early. We vacuumed the two endowment rooms. We were home around 9 p.m. It was one of the easier nights since we have been cleaning and I rather enjoyed it.

This deer was bedded down in a yard a couple

of years ago. The third deer we had seen

in two days which is pretty unusual.

This woman had suffered for 12 years with

an issue of blood.

Evan writing in his journal before going 

to bed. I am so proud!

Rowan pulled up the couch and got cozy

to practice the piano.

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.