Thursday, February 22nd, 2018

St. Louis, Missouri
50th operating temple
Dedicated: 1-5 June 1997
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Acts 4:27

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 13:6-14:6

* Ezra Taft Benson explained that verse 12 is about Satan targeting the family. How do you see this verse coming to pass?

Old Testament

Leviticus 21-22

21 The priests are to be holy - The high priest is not to marry a widow, a divorced person, or a harlot - Descendants of Aaron with physical blemishes may not offer the bread of God upon the altar.

22 Those of the priests and their families who may eat of the holy things are described - Sacrificial animals are to be perfect and without blemish.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures 

Exodus 20:2-3

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

General Conference

Lord Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

" Our Savior frequently opened eyes of the physically and spiritually blind. Opening our eyes to divine truth, literally and figuratively, prepares us to be healed of mortal shortsightedness."

We had more snow this morning. James has to shovel the walks again but at least he is getting some steps and exercise. 

I forgot to mention something that happened to Trina and Lola on the 12th, Trina's birthday. They were traveling down the freeway to go to the gym when the car started wobbling and soon Trina saw her tire go spinning past. She immediately pulled over and stopped. Thank goodness the tire did not hit anyone and no one was hurt. Darrel had changed the tire a few days ago and didn't get the lug nuts back on tight enough. He felt so terrible. I would have teased him about it but I knew it wouldn't be a good idea.  Now that's a birthday Trina will never forget!

I cleaned the bedroom and bathroom in the basement this morning. Adam and his friends are coming late tonight and I know someone will want to stay down there. 

James is still working on the Memon, Muneer job, trying to get an estimate as to how much it is going to cost. 

I went visiting teaching after lunch today. I met my partner Laurann at Cammy's. Of course she brought her twins and all of Cammy's kids were there. I gave both of them my quotes on love and a box of candy. Here are the quotes:

I think I know which twin is Anakin and which is Thesen now. Anakin is the noisy one. Laurann stayed at Cammy's while I went to visit Catherine. Her son Amaron is getting baptized on Sunday and Cammy is helping her with the program. 

Catherine is so happy to see me. She is an 84 year old widow that lives with her daughter who is gone to work all day. She is new in the ward and doesn't know everyone yet and I think she is lonely. We had a good visit and she told me she was going to friend me on Facebook. She says she loves Facebook because that is how she stays in touch.

Her daughter works for Brother Allen. She was saying how much she loves it up here and we got to talking about the weather. She says she doesn't care for the wind and I told her about our big tree being toppled by the wind. She said that the Allen's roof blew off. 

That's all they need after his bad accident. I hope it wasn't too serious.

When I returned home I fixed some sandwiches and then went upstairs to clean. The first thing I did was clean the common area and reorganize the toys. I was still working at 8:30. It was around 10 when I finished. Everything looks really nice and the bathrooms are re-stocked. 

James and I watched an episode of Heartland where Amy was kicked in the head by a crazed horse and was air-vacced to the hospital. 

We went to bed before the kids got here. They stopped at Walmart so it was after midnight. There is Adam, Kaitlin, Chris, Kyle, Kristina and Kristofor.

  I did alot of climbing up and down stairs today.

Paul's sister Nicole as a flower girl

for the Chandler Service Club when

she was in high school.

The Heyman's baby, Taylor, turns 25.

Another Carmen cake. I think I am

recycling them. This one is from 2013.

Trina is the proud mama of this radish!

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Mt. Timpanogos

49th operating temple

Dedicated: 13-19 Oct 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 14:31

But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 12:1-13:5
*What are t hings I tend to idolize in our exciting day?
*What kind of idols did Isaiah see in verses 7 and 8?
- Silver, god, horses, chariots, idols that they make with their own hands.
Old Testament
Leviticus 19-20
19 Israel is commanded: Be holy, live righteously, love your neighbor, and keep the commandments - The Lord reveals and reaffirms sundry laws and commandments - Enchantments, wizardry, prostitution, and all evil practices are forbidden.
20 The death penalty is prescribed for sacrificing children to Molech, cursing father and mother, adultery, homosexual behavior, bestiality, spiritualism, and other abominations - Various laws and ordinances are listed.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:for all the earth is mine.
General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

" Like the ancient Israelites, we are also invited and encouraged to look to the Savior and live - for His yoke is easy and His burden is light, even when ours may be heavy. Alma the Younger taught this sacred truth when he said, 'I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.'"

I got up at 4:30 this morning. Today is Bishop Waddell day. Not only did I read his conference talk but I started reading an article in the Ensign about the Book of Mormon by him. The article in the Ensign was so good that I took notes and it is going to do me a few days to finish reading it.  

Preparing hearts should be a part of my prayers each day.

James went to the temple this morning. He has several names to do and he also is still observing the officiator because he knows he is going to get that assignment soon.

As I was walking today and went passed the kitchen window I noticed something different outside. I looked out and our big dead tree, the one that was James's favorite was lying on the ground. It must have blown over in the heavy winds we've had lately. 

James brought us back green chili burros from LaCasita for lunch. He also brought chips, salsa, and refried beans. It was a delicious surprise!

I left to go grocery shopping at 3:45 p.m. today. I've decided this is too late. Store was busy, shelves were bare and large bundles of items were waiting to be stocked. I wasn't home until 7 and by the time I put groceries away and ate, it was time for Heartland and bed. 

There was a threat at Joshua and Evan's school today. Stacy is contemplating whether she should home school Joshua.

James was pretty miserable today. His upper and lower back hurt so much that it is difficult for him to walk. 

In Olympic news, the U.S. Women's hockey team beats Canada for the Gold for the first time in 20 years. Go USA!

Rebecca's Tea Party

Rebecca sent invitations to her 4 oldest

grandchildren to come to a tea party.

They were so excited to get an invitation

in the mail.

This is Eden, Christina's oldest.

A serious moment

This is Ander, Eden's brother

The other two children are Jason's, Christina's

brother but I don't know their names.

Our friends the Westbrook's in their

younger years. 

Tuesday, February 20th, 2018

Hong Kong, China

48th operating temple

Dedicated: 26-27 May 1996

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 12:49

 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 10:18-11:8

*These verses show, quite simply, that we only have two sides to choose between: the Lord's side, or the Devil's. Why then is it so difficult for us to make the right choices when we're presented with what the devil wants?

Old Testament

Leviticus 17-18

17 Sacrifices are to be offered only to the Lord at the tabernacle of the congregation - Israel is forbidden to sacrifice to devils - All eating of blood is forbidden - Shedding of blood is required for an atonement for sins.

18 Israel shall not live as the Egyptians and the Canaanites - Marriages to many close relatives and others are forbidden - Homosexual behavior and other sexual perversions are an abomination - The land expels those nations that practice sexual abominations.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 18:19-21

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to Godward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

" Please not that the Sabbath day and the temple, respectively, are a sacred time and a sacred space specifically set apart for worshipping God and for receiving and remembering His exceeding great and precious promises to His children. As instituted by God, the principal purposes of these two divine sources of help are exactly the same: to powerfully and repeatedly focus our attention upon our Heavenly Father, His Only Begotten Son, the Holy Ghost and the promises associated with the ordinances and covenants of the Savior's restored gospel."

Happy Birthday Sheri!

Three years ago on Sheri's 40th birthday

when we tried to surprise her.

From 'Rescuing Wayward Children': "By living in a way that we always honor our baptismal covenants, we retain a remission of our sins, and the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart; and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost." (p. 25)

It's snowing and it's a winter wonderland outside, something I have been waiting for. We had four and a half inches of snow this morning but by afternoon much of it had melted. 

I wished Sheri a happy birthday and she thanked me for her birthday card and Amazon gift card.

I did pretty much all of the things on my schedule today. I blogged, cleaned the family and living room, washed our sheets, did some more laundry, walked over 12,000 steps, fixed lunch, and went with James to get gas in his truck at Stanford. I got sandwich stuff for dinner and come more candy to go with my visiting teaching handout. I also found a recipe for broccoli cheese soup.

Happy Anniversary to the Lamb's

59 years and counting!

Another Anniversary

Arizona Desert Beauty

Monday, February 19th, 2018

Bountiful, Utah

47th operating temple

Dedicated: 8-14 Jan 1995

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 10:18

No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:50-10:17

*What are  things you prioritize that won't "satisfy?" How does 9:51 affect where you spend your time, money, and work?

Old Testament

Levitucus 15-16

15 Laws, rites, and sacrifices are revealed for cleansing those who have a discharge and other types of uncleanness.

16 How and when Aaron must enter the holy place is explained - Sacrifices are offered to reconcile Israel to God - The scapegoat carries away the sins of the people - The sins of all Israel are forgiven on the Day of Atonement.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 16:12

I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

General Conference

That Your Joy Might Be Full

Jean B. Bingham

" Faith in Jesus Christ brings even more gifts than healing and peace. As President Henry B. Eyring shared: 'I have been thankful for the many ways the Lord has visited me with the Comforter when I needed peace. Yet our Father in Heaven is concerned not just about our comfort but even more about our upward progress.'"

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

" A critical question to ponder is 'Where do we place our faith?' Is our faith focused on simply wanting to be relieved of pain and suffering, or is it firmly centered on God the Father and His holy plan and in Jesus the Christ and His Atonement? Faith in the Father and the Son allows us to understand and accept Their will as we prepare for eternity."

I woke up this morning to a howling wind and a promise of snow. A cold and blustery day with wind, rain, snow hail and even some sunshine. It was one of those days when you just want to curl up in front of the fire with a good book....which we did a couple of times.

We also watched a Hallmark movie and had some popcorn and homemade lemonade. 

"Religious freedom is the cornerstone of peace in a world with many competing philosophies. It gives us space to follow the truth God speaks to our hearts. We use our freedom of religion and belief to establish our core convictions." - Elder D. Todd Christofferson

February 2018 Ensign, 32.

James worked on a bid for Salvador and I paid the Amazon credit card, blogged, walked 12,000 steps and worked on posting expenses for December in order to "catchup" on my budget. 

James went home teaching to Sister Dye and the Wilhelm's with his partner Brother Westbrook. 

I watched the first episode of the new season of "When Calls the Heart." James and I finished reading "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor."

That last one doesn't seem real.

Ollie watching his family release the

balloons they got for Valentine's day.

My view out my window today.

Super Moon 

Sunday, February 18th, 2018

Orlando, Florida

46th operating temple

Dedicated: 9-11 Oct 1994

By: Howard W. Hunter

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 27:13

Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you - that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:31-49

* S.M.I.L.E. - "To be spiritually-minded is life eternal."

* What does it mean to be spiritually minded?

- As we make Christ the center of our lives and our thoughts turn to Him we become spiritually minded.

Old Testament

Leviticus 14

Laws, rites, and sacrifices are revealed for cleansing lepers, their garments, and leprous houses.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 16:4

Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove the, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" I try not to judge servants of the Lord or to speak of their apparent weaknesses. And I try to teach that be example to my children. President James E. Faust shared a credo that I am trying to make my own. I commend it to you:

'We...need to support and sustain our local leaders, because they ... have been called and chosen. Every member of this Church may receive counsel from a bishop or a branch president, a stake or a mission president, and the President of the Church and his associates. None of these brethren asked for his calling. None is perfect. Yet they are the servants of the Lord, called by Him through those entitled to inspiration. Those called, sustained, and set apart are entitled to our sustaining support.

...Disrespect for ecclesiastical leaders has caused man to suffer spiritual weakening and downfall. We should look past any perceived imperfections, warts, or spots of the men called to preside over us, and uphold the office which they hold."

I was up at 4 a.m. to finish preparing for Primary. My lesson is on "Enoch and the City of Zion." At the last minute I decided I wanted the kids to make the City of Zion going up to heaven.

I should have used something different than thread and I forgot to bring enough scissors. Thank goodness James was there to help me or it would have been a real disaster.

James also did the attention activity which involved a clean container of water inside a dirty one to demonstrate how even though we live in a dirty world we can be clean.

We picked up Kathy Crane this morning and I was embarrassed because our car was so muddy. 

I traded classrooms with the other Valiant class and I love it. It is bigger. I have more kids in my class than the older class so this just seems right. 

Grandma and grandpa Wilhelm spoke today in sacrament meeting. They spoke about the temple and the importance of uniting families. Addy Parker, a young woman I do not know, played a piano solo of "If you Could Hie to Kolob." It was beautiful.

My Primary class today: Liana and her friend Ashlin, Andyn and her cousin Maggie, Colter, Amaron, Gracie, Curtis, and Zemira. 

James was there to help but it was still pretty chaotic. 

This is the first Sunday that sharing time was divided and our class and the older class were the only ones in senior sharing time. It was a dream! 

We went home had some lunch, took a short nap, and then were back at the church before 2 for Benson's baptism. There were lots of people at the church and we noticed that everyone was moving from the back of the church to the front when we arrived.  I asked someone where the baptism was going to be and they said, "Maybe in the bishop's stock tank." What? I guess there are major plumbing problems and the font did not fill and the back of the church does not smell very good. 

We all gathered in the chapel where the bishop conducted the program. His daughter Andyn sat by us. Bishop said they called Concho, the downtown Show Low building and neither one of them had fonts so the called both stake centers where they were still having meetings so they decided that his stock tank was the closest body of water big enough for a baptism. 

After the program we all drove down ACR3144 following bishop to his property that he rents from John Bear. The stock tank was right by the fence. We were the second ones there after the bishop. Here are some photos I took:

Such a great smile!

He looks so sweet and innocent.

I love this song!

The stock tank turned baptismal font.

The crowd begins to gather while the horse

looks on. There were lots of people who came

from out of town.

Benson's dad testing the waters.

Talking about it. Benson's not sure.

But he is obedient to his dad and lies

flat in his arms so he only has to go

under once.

The horse thinks we were there for him.

He was very friendly.

Benson was immediately wrapped in several blankets and taken to the church where he was confirmed. Afterwards there were refreshments for everyone. James and I did not go back to the church, we went home. I can tell you that was the most memorable baptism that I have ever been to.

This evening I read from both of our books and fixed tuna sandwiches and baked apples for dinner. James made a fire. Since he is going to the Wilhelm's for FHE tomorrow, I helped him work on names he wanted to print from Take a Name. I showed him how to print them and he was happy. 

There is a storm coming tonight. The wind is blowing and we are expecting rain and snow tomorrow.

Saturday, February 17th, 2018

San Diego, California

45th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-30 April 1993

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 20:21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 9:15-30

* What is the difference between the knowledge in verse 28 compared to verse 29?

* How do we ensure our knowledge is of God?

- By being worthy, and prayerful and by acting upon it to see if it feels right.

Old Testament

Leviticus 12-13

12 The Lord reveals the law of purification of women after childbirth, including a sin offering.

13 Laws and tokens are revealed for discerning and controlling leprosy - Leprous garments are to be burnt.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 15:26

And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

General Conference

Bearers of Heavenly Light

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" Darkness is not an indication that there is no light. Most often, it simply means we're not in the right place to receive the light. During the recent solar eclipse, many made great efforts to get into the arrow band of a shadow created by the moon in the middle of a bright sunny day.

In a very similar way, spiritual light continually shines upon all of God's creation. Satan will make every effort to create a shadow or get us into a shadow of our own making. He will coerce us to create our own eclipse; he will push us into the darkness of his cavern.

Spiritual darkness can draw a veil of forgetfulness around even those who once walked in the light and rejoiced in the Lord. Nevertheless, even in moments of greatest darkness, God hears our humble petitions, as we pray, 'Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.'"

I was up by 7 a.m. but after breakfast, a conference talk and some Tramadol I laid down for awhile on the couch. When I got up I still felt lousy and was going to lay down again but I took a walk instead and felt better. 

I have eaten way too many unfrosted sugar cookies today and yesterday!

I read this today while studying Moses 8:1-11: "Noah was ordained to the higher priesthood when 10 years old by his grandfather Methuselah." (DC 107:52). Noah holds the keys of his dispensation and stands next to Adam in authority. 

The "spirit of prophecy" is the testimony of Jesus. (OTSM, 160).

I had set aside today for finishing up my Primary lesson...but I did not finish so I'm still left with getting up early in the morning to finish. It probably didn't help that I watched a Hallmark movie.

I guess I am recovering from the last couple of days because I was tired and hurt all day. James felt the same way but at least we did our steps!

Summer's dance team took first in state as they competed tonight.

Congratulations Summer!

Woohoo! 

Oh how I love a beautiful sunrise!

Lean on the Savior to receive a 

"Fullness of joy."

Sheriff visits a victim of the shooting at a

Florida School on February 14th.

The nearly completed Rome, Italy

LDS temple.

Friday, February 16th, 2018

Toronto, Ontario

44th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Aug 1990

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

John 17:18

As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 9:1-14
*What's your favorite title for Jesus Christ and why?
-Savior. He loves me and saves me from all doubt, pain, or anything else that can get in my way. He gives me strength when I need it. He is my salvation.
Old Testament
Leviticus 10-11
10 Nadab and Abihu perform unauthorized sacrifices and are slain by a fire from the Lord - Aaron and his other sons are forbidden to mourn for them - Aaron and his other sons are forbidden to mourn for them - Aaron and his sons are to abstain from wine and strong drink - They are to teach all that the Lord revealed to Moses.
11 The Lord reveals which living things may and may not be eaten, and which things are clean and unclean - He commands Israel: Be holy, for I am holy.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 15:2
The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

" In order to represent a woman's perspective on this subject, I asked my two married daughters to help me. I asked if they would provide a sentence or two on how they viewed the importance of trust as it affects their marriage and family life. Here are the thoughts of Lara Harris and Christina Hansen.

First, Lara 'One of the most important things to me is knowing that as my husband goes about his day, he is making choices that show respect and love toward me. When we can trust each other in this way, it brings peace to our home, where we can enjoy raising our family together.' 

Now Christina's thoughts: 'Having trust in someone is similar to having faith in someone. Without that trust and faith, there's fear and doubt. For me, one of the greatest blessings that come from being able to fully trust my husband is peace - peace of mind knowing that he actually does what he says he will do. Trust brings peace, love, and an environment where that love can grow.'

As illustrated by my daughters' examples, the principle of trust plays an extremely important role in the development of a Christ-centered home."

I said goodbye to Ruby, Lola, and Trina before we left this morning.

I did see Rowan on the stairs reading from the Old Testament Scripture Stories I gave to him but I failed to say goodbye. Darrel and Addy were gone before I got up. 

We stopped at IHOP around 9:30 but there were too many snowbirds, we knew they were snowbirds because we looked at all the out of state license plates when we went in, waiting to be seated. We stopped at Burger King and got bacon croissants for breakfast. 

James made a deal with me. If I would let him stop at Bass Pro Shop and get some shoes with his gift cards, he would go home the Payson way. Deal! 

While James went shopping I stayed outside and circled the building 5x. I picked up trash along the way. When we left I had 7,500 steps. 

In Payson we stopped at DQ to get me a blizzard. James went in and saw his temple shift co-ordinator, Brother Coltrin. He got me the chocolate dipped strawberry blizzard and he got a plain vanilla cone. 

When we get home and put things away I did some steps. I ended up with over 18,000. We are babysitting the Grapp children tonight so their parents can go to the stake dinner and dance. 

It was cold, windy, and rainy when I went to pick up a pizza at Stanford. After getting the pizza I met the Grapps' at the Crossroads and the three younger kids, Benson, Tildy, and Emsley got in the car with me. Sister Umphress was also there and she picked up Liana so she could go to Gracie's birthday party.

Benson said he could hardly wait to get to our house so they could watch a movie. I suggested we eat pizza first, which we did. I should have gotten plain cheese because the pepperoni was a little spicy. Emsley had two tiny bites taken out of her pizza slice and that was it.

These are the movies we ended up watching: "Alvin and the Chipmunks in "Chipwrecked," and "Thumbelina Barbie." We made valentines and ate popcorn and M&M's. The girls went upstairs to play Barbie's and I opened up the new Barbie's that Lois gave me so they could play with them too. Benson played with a light sabre. 

We were watching cartoons on TV when the rest of the family came to pick up the kids. Tildy did not want to leave her Barbie. Emsley was asleep and Benson told his mom he wanted a light sabre. He said that I said every boy should have one. She said she was afraid he would hit the girls with it but he promised he wouldn't.

Liana said they went to a gymnastics center for Gracie's party and it was one of the most fun parties she had ever been to. 

Cammy said they served ribs at the stake party and it was the first time she had ever had them. 

They are naming their baby Leland, after Leland Nikolaus. I told Cammy I loved him when I was growing up in Show Low too, just like she did.

After everyone goes home I read a chapter from "Love and Loss at Whitmore Manor." It is almost midnight when we finally get to bed.

Stacy says this must be Shipley's long lost brother.

Much cheaper than the dentist, these

teeth can be purchased at Walmart for $23.79.

Nice photo of Alex in glasses.

I love this photo of the Savior.