Thursday, February 15th, 2018

Las Vegas, Nevada

43rd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-18 Dec 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 8:29

And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me along; for I do always those things that please him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 8:1-25

*God will gather his saints and comfort Zion. 

*Why do you think so many people put so much trust in the things of men instead of trying to get close to the Lord?

- They feel like they have more control over the things of the world and they see the results quicker. Trusting in the Lord takes desire, dedication and lots of faith and patience. It is so worth it though.

Old Testament

Leviticus 8-9

8 Aaron and his sons are washed, anointed, clothed in their priesthood robes, and consecrated before all Israel - Moses and Aaron offer sacrifices to make reconciliation and atonement with the Lord.

9 Aaron makes an atonement by sacrifice for himself and all Israel - He and his sons offer sacrifices - The glory of the Lord appears to all - Fire from the Lord consumes the offerings on the altar.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 7:5

And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

General Conference

The Truth of All Things

Elder David F. Evans

" Patient covenant keeping brings the blessings of heaven into our lives. I have found great comfort in the Lord's promise that 'by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.' Without knowing everything, we can know the truth. We can now that the Book of Mormon is true. In fact, as President Russell M. Nelson taught this afternoon, we can 'feel, deep in the inmost part of our hearts that the Book of Mormon is unequivocally the word of God.' We can feel it so deeply that we would never want to live even one day without it."

I got up at 3 a.m. to bake sugar cookies and it was raining!  I am determined to get the cookies baked, frosted, and put in individual bags to distribute to family members as we go to the valley today. 

Thankfully James changed his meeting from 10:30 to 1:00 which means instead of leaving at 6:45 we are leaving at 9:15. I even had time to lie down for awhile on the couch and also to do some laundry. 

I am frosting cookies and watching it snow and I am loving it!

We left at 9:20. It was so hard to leaving while it was snowing. 

The road through Salt River Canyon were clear even so the electronic sign in Show Low said there would be rocks on the road.

We stopped at Burger House for two green chili burros. James said he didn't want one but I ordered him one anyway because I knew he would eat it, which he did. 

Our first stop was at an apartment complex at 3250 S. Arizona Avenue just south of Queen Creek Rd.  James is meeting with Dr. Memon's business partner. They met in the reception room. James was a little surprised when this man allowed his 3 year old daughter to drink coffee. 

While James was in his meeting I went shopping at Target. I got a Red Lobster gift card for Joe's birthday and a black placemat to put under my dining room table centerpiece. I was disappointed that they had nothing left in their Valentine's department. I wanted to pick up a couple of items. No notebooks that I liked either. I must say Target was a bit of a disappointment.

My next stop was to deliver cookies to the Gonzales's. I was lucky to find that Evan was there to so I left his family's cookies too. I guess today was a half day for he and Joshua. I quickly made a trip to the Walgreen's by Stacy's house to pick up a couple of Amazon gift cards for Sheri and Trina so Evan could also take Sheri's birthday card to her. 

I picked up James to take him to Salvador's in our old neighborhood just a couple of miles from where he had his meeting. He said the meeting went really well. Salvador is taking James to look at a job to bid in Glendale. After I dropped James off I should have gone to visit Ben who had his wisdom teeth out today but I had to hurry to deliver cookies and Joe's birthday card to Kim because she was waiting for me. She was on her way to the church to decorate for the Blue and Gold Banquet tonight when I called. 

In regards to Ben, Sheri says he is doing very well, much better than Alex did.

I gave Kim cookies for her, Brian and Joe, and Joe's birthday card. She gave me some cake bites from the Sweet Tooth Fairy and also gave me some for Trina. I noticed they had both cars parked at their house and Brian was waiting for her in the other car. I guess he is helping her decorate. 

Next I drove to the Fry's by Darrel and Trina's to pick up the ingredients I needed to make Trina's birthday cake. While I am working on Trina's cake Darrel, who is home from work to see Ruby's program tonight, picks up James at Sal's for me. Thank you Darrel!  

The cake finished just in time before we all had to leave for Ruby's play. We all went together in Trina's car, except for Addy who had a babysitting job. 

The name of the third grade program at Ruby and Rowan's school was called "School House Rock" based on a children's educational television program. Ruby sang and danced and when it was time for her to say her part she did it loud and clear. This school auditorium was packed. Trina says the school is overcrowded. Here are some pictures of Ruby I took off a video that Trina made.

 The balls represent planets.

Notice the blue paper pinned to Ruby's dress.

It says: "I am Pluto." She was chosen to be Pluto

because she is the shortest in her class.

Dancing planets.

Saying her part:

"I am Pluto."

After the program James, Trina, Lola, Rowan and I left. We thought Darrel was going to get Ruby but he thought we had her. He was visiting with an old friend from Chandler high, Justin Porter. Thank goodness Trina's parents were there. They brought Ruby out with them. 

Back at home with have sugar cookies, and chocolate cake while Trina opens her birthday card. She says the Amazon card amount is too much and do I want some of it back. That's just Trina.

Addy spent the rest of the evening working on homework. She always has so much. I told her I would make a sign "Down with Homework" and picket her school if she wanted me to which made her laugh. Last time she was doing a paper on The Cold War. This time her paper was on Eisenhower and Kennedy. Darrel read the paper and was helping correct it for her. 

Trina puts Lola in her stroller and Darrel, Trina, Lola, Ruby, Rowan, James and I take a walk around the block. Ruby and Rowan were quite entertaining. They wanted to see how fast they could run so I was timing them with the stopwatch on my phone. 

Darrel comes home and watches the ASU vs. UofA basketball game. For the first time in a long time they are both in the top 25 college teams. Darrel was a little disappointed because UofA ended up winning.

Time for bed. Goodnight everyone.

I bonded with Rowan tonight. He showed me the fort he made in his room and the Goggle device he has where he can ask it to play a song and it does. He also is very excited about his upcoming oceanography trip to San Diego this week. Darrel is going with him.

I need to show this to Darrel. He

is all about getting your flu shot.

Maybe it's because he gets a bonus

for every shot he gives.

Four Peaks

So beautiful!

Wednesday, February 14th, 2018

Portland, Oregon

42nd operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 Aug 1989

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 7:29

But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 6:8-7:11

* How do the people of the Lord wait for Him?

The Hebrew translation of wait means "look to," "hope for," "anticipate," and "expect."

Old Testament

Leviticus 6-7

6 The people must first make restitution for sin, then offer a trespass offering, and thereby gain forgiveness through atonement made by the priests.

7 Laws governing various sacrifices are listed - The children of Israel are forbidden to eat fat or blood - They worship by sacrifice - Through sacrifice they gain forgiveness, make vows, consecrate their property, render thanks, and are reconciled to God.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 6:8

And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the Lord.

General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

" I have come to realize that the purpose of organizing a stake, or using the priesthood of God in any way, is to assist Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work - to provide the opportunity for redemption and exaltation to each of God's children. Like the rocket whose purpose is to deliver a payload, the priesthood delivers the gospel of Jesus Christ, enabling all to make covenants and receive the associated ordinances, 'The atoning blood of Christ.' can thereby be applied in our lives as we experience the sanctifying influence of the Holy Ghost and receive the blessings God promises."

Happy Valentines Day!

I got a hand-written letter and a beautiful necklace from James this morning. It was sitting out on the table when I got up at 5 a.m. How sweet!

The red is brighter than it looks here.

I had 5000 steps by 6 a.m., 10,000 steps by 8:30, and 15,000 by noon. 

There are clouds in the sky this morning and rain is predicted for later in the day!

I made a new recipe for dinner, it's called Italian soup. I think James will like it because it has beef and beans.  I turned it on low and went upstairs to make my Valentines for my Primary class. I can't believe I didn't take a picture. I put a cute face on a white bag, wrote Happy Valentine's Day and filled them with a small toy, a Rice Krispy treat, and a favorite candy. 

I began making deliveries around 5. First to Colter, Andyn, and then Jace who wasn't home so I gave his bag to Mary who is going to have a baby within the next week or so.

Liana wasn't home either. She went with her dad to deliver a meal to the Allen's. When we went to Gracie's we also dropped off her birthday gift, a cute teddy bear, and a heart-shaped bank. It started to rain as we left Gracie's by the Y. 

When we got home we ate our Italian stew. James added a little salt and announced that he loved it. Before going to bed I mixed up two batches of sugar cookies to take to the valley tomorrow. 

James got 20,000 steps today and I got 18,500. 

A tragedy today in Florida. A mentally ill shooter killed 17 young people at a junior high. A 14 year old LDS girl was one of the tragedies. Another LDS girl was hospitalized. She was shot several times but is expected to live. It is a scary world we live in. What can we do to protect our schools?

Joshua and Paul saw a movie and 

then had a meal.

"Black Panther" was the name of the movie.

Congratulations!

Queen Joie and King Curtis

The Royal Court

Tuesday, February 13th 2018

Frankfurt, Germany

41st operating temple

Dedicated: 28-30 Aug 1987

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 7:16

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:26-6:7

* "Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out." - President Gordon B. Hinckley

*What are ways that you live after the manner of happiness?

-Keeping the commandments, attending my Sunday meetings and attending the temple and giving other service.

Old Testament

Leviticus 4-5

4 Sinners are forgiven through sin offerings of animals without blemish - Priests thereby make an atonement for the sins of the people.

5 The people are to confess and make amends for their sins - Forgiveness comes through a trespass offering - Priests thereby make an atonement for sin.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 6:6-7

6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:

7 And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

General Conference

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It?

President Russell M. Nelson

" When I think of the Book of Mormon, I think of the word power. The truths of the Book of Mormon have the power to heal, comfort, restore, succor, strengthen, console, and cheer our souls."

Autumn sent Jared a copy of the paper she wrote for her class on our marriage survey and Jared sent it to me. Here it is:

Marriage Interview

With Anonymous Interviewees, Mr. and Mrs. L

About Mr. and Mrs. L

The couple I conducted my interview with have been married for almost 50 years.  They are of the LDS faith, live in Arizona, and have five children together. I chose to interview Mr. and Mrs. L because they are very loving and kind towards one another and anyone they come in contact with. They have a good marriage and their children look up to them. My interviewees are my step-father's parents. Though I have only known them for a short time, Mr. and Mrs. L have made a great impact on me and the way I view marriage. When interviewing this couple, I could sense their love and loyalty for the other. They were happy to share their experiences with me, and answer my questions.

The couple met while in high school biology class. Though they were attracted to one another, they didn't talk until they attended a student council conference together the following summer. It was love at first sight for Mr L. "I was crazy about her the first time I saw her. It was on the first day of school when I was a sophomore in high school." One thing I noticed when talking to Mr. and Mrs. L about their experience in meeting was that they shared common interests. They were both interested in running for Student Council positions. "We were both running for student body offices and we both won our positions. I was elected president and she was elected treasurer," said Mr. L. It was through common interests that the couple were able to work together in their student offices and form a close relationship. They did many activities together. 

Mr. and Mrs. L continued dating through college. Mrs. L recalls, "We dated three years before we got married. In college we spent a lot of time at the zoo taking pictures of ducks and other animals. James was a wildlife biology major." They also went to the movies, dances, and college football games together. They had different activities going on a lot of the time but they kept in touch and spent time together when they could. I think spending both time together and time apart was good for the success of Mr. and Mrs. L's marriage. They dated seriously enough to get to know one another, but weren't spending every single minute together, and kept their own commitments. 

Wedding Bells

Mr. and Mrs L knew they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. "We shared many of the same goals and value,  said Mrs. L. Sharing goals is a huge part of determining marriage with someone. It is something that is essential to a successful marriage. Mr. L knew he wanted to marry Mrs. L. from the moment they met. "One time in high school she broke up with me because a girl I had worked with the summer before was writing to me from college. The next two weeks I went on as many dates as I could arrange, but I could only think about being with her." He was very happy when he went to talk to Mrs. L and she said she would date him again. Soon after, they began talking about marriage and looking at rings. Without his future wife's knowledge, Mr. L put a ring on layaway and paid it off before proposing.

The couple did not receive pre-marital counseling, but did meet with their church leaders in preparation for marriage. Mrs. L. would recommend counseling from a church leader. I think talking to their church leaders was a very smart way to prepare for their marriage and agree with Mrs L. that pre-marital counseling from a church leader would be beneficial.

Marital Relationship

Getting married brought Mr. and Mrs. L. even closer than they were before. "For the first time in my life I learned to love and care for someone else more than myself," Mr. L. said. Mrs. L. had the same experience. She began thinking more about how Mr. L. felt, and how her choices influenced their life together. Even though marriage was something neither of them were used to, the L's used the experience to build their relationship and prepare for their future family.

The way the couple focused on one another's needs and put aside their own selfishness is a huge part of a successful marriage. When you care about someone more than yourself, a good foundation for a relationship is built. Both Mr. and Mrs. L. agree that their marital satisfaction is achieved by spending a lot of quality time with one another. They enjoy reading together, studying together, and attending church and the temple together. I think the fact that Mr. and Mrs. L. have the same religious beliefs contributes to their marital satisfaction. It goes along with having the same goals and values.

Raising a Family

Mr. and Mrs. L. had both egalitarian and traditional things they did in their chores and family functions. "We have traditional views on what should be a mans role and a woman's role, but we also believe in flexibility and listening to each other to determine our individual likes and dislikes. He likes to make the bed and I carry out the trash," Mrs. L. said.

Mr. L. was responsible for the care and maintenance of the family, and Mrs. L. did the budgeting and nurturing of the family. They also had their children participate in family chores. "Our home was clean and well-ordered and the children participated in that process," said Mr. L. I think having the children participate in family functions and chores is very important in order to teach them.

The couple did disagree on methods of discipline when their children came along. Mr. L. was prone to using the same techniques his parents used to discipline him..."We did not always agree on discipline. In the beginning his philosophy was, "spare the rod and spoil the child." After being married a few years I believe I convinced him that "a soft voice turneth away wrath," was a better philosophy." Mr. L. tried to adapt his ways to follow a more tolerant style of discipline once he saw his wife's point of view. Adapting and changing ourselves can be one of the toughest parts of marriage. I think the fact that the L.'s were willing and able to do this was a big factor in having marital success.

Struggles and Advice

Mr. and Mrs. L.'s marriage is not without struggle. They had difficulties with disciplining children in their younger days, as well as money and finance disagreements. Mrs. L. admits she could be better at budgeting, but says, "The gospel has helped us see eye to eye on the aspects of our lives." It is how they handle these stressors on their marriage that determine its success. Mr. L. said they have been able to work through it by remembering that "people are more important than money." They care for one another too much to let disagreements keep them apart.

Communication skills have been very important in Mr. and Mrs. L.'s marriage. "I like the direct approach. Sometimes I feel like we both need to listen a litte better," said Mrs. L. They both agree that llistening to one another's point of view and considering the other persons feelings is very important. "I need to lose the frustration in my voice because to her it sounds like anger. We need to speak with a voice of concern, no accusations. Sometimes hurt feelings are mistaken for bad feelings," Mr. L. said. I think the way this couple sees communication has really helped their marriage succeed. In a marriage you have to be non-accusing, willing to listen, and willing to adapt.

When giving marital advice, Mr. and Mrs. L. both suggest to put the other person before yourself, listen and act with patience and kindness. I think their advice was spot on. You must be selfless in order to have a happy marriage, and this couple is definitely selfless toward one another. I am grateful they agreed to let me have insight into their marriage. I think by following the tips they gave, anyone could have a successful marriage.

Concluding Thoughts

After interviewing Mr. and Mrs L. I can see that they possess real love. Real love is giving of yourself in order to make someone else happy. It is about sacrifice and change. Real love is forgetting about yourself. Both Mr. and Mrs. L. have exhibited this. I have learned so much from the things they told me about their marriage. The way they listen to one another and try to understand the others feelings is inspiring. I have learned many things from this couple. I hope I am able to have more patience as they do with each other, but the main thing I learned from them that I want to change in my own marriage is being a better listener and being non-accusing. I think this can really eliminate many arguments had by my husband and I. Thanks to the example of Mr. and Mrs. L., I know what I can do to work on being a better spouse.

L., Mr. (2018, February 7) Online Interview

L., Mrs. (2018, February 7) Online Interview

Whew! That was long but I wanted to include this in my blog. I am grateful to Autumn for asking us to participate in her project. It helped me to re-evaluate some things I could do to make our marriage better.

Today I got 10,000 steps before 11 a.m. That is a record. 

I did a blog post for February 1st and while working on February 2nd the entire page went blank and I can't get it back. That's an hours worth of work gone. I just can't deal with this right now. I guess instead I will work on James's invoice for the Howard's job, and then get started on my Valentine's for my Primary class. 

I moved my Valentine project upstairs to my office because I can't stand the mess being downstairs in the dining room. I took a break at one point and watched, "Very, Very Valentine" starring Danika McKellar and Cameron Mathison. 

We had frozen pizza for dinner. After cleaning the kitchen I took a bath and got ready to go to the stake center for my temple recommend interview. 

President Shumway let us in the building and I thought we were the first ones until I got inside and saw the line outside the stake office door.

James was so sweet to drive me here and he sat and held my hand while I waited for my turn to be interviewed.

 My interview ended up being with President Beeler. We had a nice chat about his wife's family the Adams's. I told him I was a good friend of his wife's aunt, Beverly and how one of the most fun times I had as a youth was going to a slumber party and sleeping in their barn. 

On the way home we stopped at CVS where James spent $136 picking up a 3-month prescription of Nefedeprine. Dairy Queen is practically next door and since tomorrow is Valentine's day I talked him into going through the drive-thru and getting me a blizzard. I was going to go for Oreo but they had a special called the Dipped Strawberry Blizzard and that's what I got. We shared it on the way home. James loved the chunks of Giradelli dark chocolate. It was delicious!

We started a new book, "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor" by Anita Stansfield.

When we got home we watched the episode of "Victoria" about the Irish potato famine. I love that Victoria is portrayed as compassionate and caring.  

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

played by Jenna Coleman and Tom Hughes

Curtis and Joie and their adopted children.

They just got married in July. 

Elmer's in Chandler

James watching a little TV from 
the dining area.

Kim and Jim

Go Jackson!

  

Monday, February 12th, 2018

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-28 Oct 1986

By: Ezra Taft Benson

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:43

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 5:10-25

* Why is it important to me to have the light of the gospel in my life?

Old Testament

Leviticus 2-3

2 How offerings of flour with oil and incense are made.

3 Peace offerings are made with animals without blemish, whose blood is sprinkled on the altar - Israel is forbidden to eat fat or blood.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 6:2-3

2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the Lord:

3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

General Conference

By Divine Design

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

" The Lord loves to be with us. It is no coincidence that when you are feeling His Spirit and acting on first promptings that you feel Him as He promised: 'I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.'"

It is windy today. There is supposed to be rain on Wednesday. I hope that rain turns into snow. 

James is having problems changing the brakes on his truck. I went out to push on the brake while he watched to see if it was working.

I did 20 minutes of exercise this morning while listening to the songs from "The Greatest Showman" soundtrack. I like all the songs, probably the first one is my least favorite but Rowan says it is his favorite.

I got a message from Vickie and Harold's grandson Jeffrey today about family history. It is nice to know that he is still working on it.

I went into town with James to have his brake roter turned only to find out he had to buy a new one for $100 which also included new brake pads. He says it would have cost him $350 if he wasn't doing it himself. 

Next stop was Walmart for Gracie's birthday present and some more stuff for Valentines. 

Today is Trina's 36th birthday. We wished her a happy birthday this morning but will also take her a card and gift on Thursday. I got her an $50 Amazon card. 

Looks like Trina is a little disgusted waiting 

for the subway in New York.

Addy posted the rest of the Trina pictures under

the caption: "To the Best Mom in the World."

One of my very favorite couples

I love this family and I love this photo!

The night they came to the cabin in 

December they stopped here first. I am dying to go!

Trina says she doesn't like to run but

she does love the Turkey Trot.

As we leave Walmart we have salsa verde Doritos and Utah truffles for the ride home. We finished reading, "The Marshall Takes a Bride."

I take a nap when we get home and James finishes the brakes and walks over 18,000 steps.  I'm trying for 12,000.

We had a roast for dinner. 

There is snow in Flagstaff where these two newlyweds live. I'm happy for them but I wish we had some here.

Met in February and married in July.

Stacy called and said her ward would like to come up in April with the young women so they can go to the Snowflake temple. There will be 20 young women and 4 leaders.

I actually finished January on my blog. Now I'm only 12 days behind.  

For FHE we listened to Elder Haleck's talk "The Heart of the Widow" and then watched an episode of Heartland.

Sunday, February 11th, 2018

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

Jude 1:15

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi  4:28-5:9

*Nephi glories in the goodness of God. Why do you think some blessings we receive are conditional on praying and fasting and others are not?

Old Testament

Leviticus 1

Animals without blemish are sacrificed as an atonement for sins - Burnt offerings are a sweet savor unto the Lord.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 4:10-12

10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made mans mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

General Conference

The Eternal Everyday

Elder Quentin L. Cook

" For generations, the religious based virtue of humility and the civic virtues of modesty and understatement have been the predominant standard. In today's world, there is an increased emphasis on pride, self-aggrandizement, and so-called authenticity, which sometimes leads to a lack of true humility. Some suggest the moral values for happiness today include be real, be strong, be productive - and most important, don't rely on other people...because your fate is in your own hands.

The scriptures advocate a different approach. They suggest that we should be true disciples of Jesus Christ. This entails establishing a powerful feeling of accountability to God and a humble approach to life. King Benjamin taught that the natural man is an enemy to God and advocated that we need to yield ourselves to the enticings of the Holy Spirit. He explained, among other things, that this requires becoming submissive, meek, humble, patient, and full of love."

I got up at 5 a.m. to finish preparing for Primary. The lesson is on the commandments given to Adam and Eve. Marriage, work together, have children, pray, obey the commandments and teach your children were a few of the commandments the Lord gave to them. 

The talks in sacrament meeting were given by Layne Hall who talked about teaching by the Spirit. Sam Gordon discussed a talk given by Elder Oaks in 2007 called, "Good, Better, and Best."

The last speaker was Brother Goughler from the stake high council. He spoke about spiritual gifts and shared some wonderful examples and personal stories.

At the end of the meeting the bishop called Sister Nicoll up to bear her testimony. She is the Relief Society president that will be moving to the valley this week.

James came into my Primary class to help me today even though I only had Colter and Andyn attending. Here he is helping Colter with an assignment.

Commandments that the Lord gave to

Adam and Eve.

We played the match game in sharing time and Catherine shined. She was helping everyone. It reminded me of playing the match game with Ruby who always beats me. 

After the block, thanks to James, I had a temple recommend interview with Brother Thompson. I can go this Tuesday and have it signed by a member of the stake presidency.

James and Dave went home teaching to the Peeler's this afternoon. The took the left over chocolate chip cookies from my Primary class. For my lunch today I had the rest of my Big Jake burro from El Cupido's. James had some chicken enchiladas. We both took naps on the recliners. 

I took James to meet his partner later so they could go visit Anthony who lives out of town. I had to keep the car because Kathy Crane and I are going to the surprise potluck for Kaeli this afternoon at the church. 

Kaeli was surprised, she cried. She has been a great Relief Society president for the past four years. Those attending: Amy, Debbie, Tamara, Kathy and I, Anne, Jordyn, Linda, Paula, Catherine and Kerri, Stefani, Alicia, Analee, Donna, Judy, Rosa, Heather, Nadine, Talina, Lorraine V and Lorraine T., and Pam W. James came by after visiting Anthony and went home with Kathy and I.

When we got home I read to James from "Life Everlasting." Evil spirits can possess mortal bodies. I knew it, but it is scary to contemplate. 

We watched the new "Signed, Sealed, Delivered," before going to bed.

Jared and Kacey announced that they are having a baby, due September 5th, which is Darrel's birthday. Congratulations! I can hardly wait!

Debbie, Kaeli, Amy, Tamara

Relief Society presidency

Uncle Kay's funeral posted by

Laurie Lambson Thomas in black

in the back row.

Saturday, February 10th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10-12 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 5:27

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 4:1-27

* Lehi counsels and blesses his family. If you had to say your final goodbyes to your family which things would be the most important to mention to your loved ones?

Old Testament
Exodus 39-40
39 Holy garments are made for Aaron and the priests - The breastplate is made - The tabernacles of the congregation is finished - Moses blesses the people.
40 The tabernacle is reared - Aaron and his sons are washed and anointed and given an everlasting priesthood - The glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle - A cloud covers the tabernacle by day, and fire rests on it by night.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
General Conference

Repentance is Always Positive

Stephen W. Owen

"We often associate repentance with grievous sins that require a mighty change. But repentance is for everyone. Repentance both puts us on the right path and keeps us on the right path. It is for those who are just beginning to believe, those who have believed all along, and those who need to begin again to believe. As Elder David A. Bednar taught: 'Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints - for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and...striving to become better.'"

We left for the temple at 5:30 this morning. James was so happy that we are leaving on time. We brought our chocolate chip cookies to share. 

I have the same schedule as last time as does just about everyone else. I found out that we are supposed to hand in our schedules at the end of the day or if we take them home we are supposed to shred them. I didn't know this. 

President and Sister Brimhall presided over preparation meeting. We have more changes from Salt Lake. 

My first assignment is the 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. endowment session. Sister Vance, my friend from Chandler, is the first follower. She didn't think there was going to be very many sisters in this session so Sister Wenhardt asked if I wanted to be a patron. I did because I have several names to do so I ran downstairs to get my packet and name. I felt a little guilty because it looked like there were at least 12 sisters in this session, one was getting her own endowment and another had her arm in a sling and needed help. Debbie had to help everyone on her own. 

During my break I spoke with Sister Bradshaw and asked why her husband wasn't here. She said he was doing a service project using a log splitter and cut the tips of two of his fingers off. Ouch! James told her about how Brother Curtis almost cut his finger off but it was saved by his titanium wedding band that his wife had just bought him. 

I also sat by Sister Henderson from Taylor and visited with her until I had to leave for my next post, first greeter behind the recommend desk. I have to count everyone coming in for the 11 endowment session. Most people were coming in to do baptisms or initiatories. James was supposed to be the follower in this session but because it was so small, he was a patron and got to do one of his names just like I did.

Sister Lundgren, whose husband is from Vernon, is a good friend and she has worked in the temple for awhile so she helps me when I have a question. I have one free hour in the upstairs gathering room and Debbie and I discuss this mornings session and how she needed my help. 

For the rest of the day I worked in initiatory and was also an initiatory patron. One of the patrons was Sandy's sister Connie who is a Shumway. Her husband is probably from Snowflake. Sister Bower is in charge of initiatory and she dismissed me about 20 minutes early. 

James and I get out at the same time, a little before one. After getting lunch at El Cupido's we head to Walmart for a gift for Gracie for her birthday. I wanted a red heart necklace but couldn't find one. I decided to wait and go to the Show Low Walmart on Monday or Tuesday. Her birthday isn't until Wednesday, on Valentine's day. 

I spent most of the evening getting ready for Primary tomorrow.

Today was Uncle Kay's funeral in Utah.

Laurie in the back row in black posted this.

A tribute from Uncle Kay's daughter Lori.

Darrel and Trina went to see Jerry

Seinfeld this evening as part of Trina's

birthday celebration. Her birthday

is the 12th.

Jackson is the state wrestling champ in

the 170 lb weight. He beat a guy in

overtime from Marcos de Niza who

was undefeated. He's holding up four fingers

because this is his fourth year in a row of

being state champion.

One of the nicest boys you will ever meet.

Jack hugging his dad.

Allen family fan club

Talon got second in state.

Congratulations to our Vernon boys!