Tuesday, March 6th, 2018

Columbia, South Carolina

62nd operating temple

Dedicated: 16-17 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 1:18

I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:31-27:11

*How do you recognize the subtle flaxen cords around your neck before they become too strong?

Old Testament

Numbers 14-15

14 Israel murmurs and speaks of returning to Egypt - Joshua and Caleb give a good report of Canaan - Moses mediates between Israel and the Lord - The adults of Israel will not enter the promised land - The Lord slays the false spies by a plague - Some rebels try to go alone and are slain by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

15 Various sacrificial ordinances bring forgiveness to repentant Israel - Those who sin willfully are cut off from among the people - A man is stoned for gathering sticks on the Sabbath day - The Israelites are to look on the fringes of their garments and remember the commandments.

General Conference

The Plan and the Proclamation

" I testify that the proclamation on the family is a statement of eternal truth, the will of the Lord for His children who seek eternal life. It has been the basis of Church teaching and practice for the last 22 years and will continue so for the future. Consider it as such, teach it, live by it, and you will be blessed as you press forward toward eternal life."

Elder Renlund dedicates Barbados and visits Caribbean nations. 

James is outside feeding his rabbits. He is upset at the front rabbits for dragging the bowls in the culvert. 

It is 11 a.m. and I am so tired!

I made chicken enchiladas for lunch. They are not very healthy and they are high in calories, but oh, they are so delicious! James says: "We ate half of them." I said, "I had one helping."

Trina texted me a picture of how she spent her birthday money we gave her. Pinkalicious Nike tennis shoes.

James has been working upstairs in his office lately. Sometimes I get lonely and forget that he is here.

This afternoon I went into town to Walmart to do my grocery shopping. Even though I am out of DP10 I did not go to Safeway to get any. No more sodas!

I had no candy today but I had 3 cookies and an ice cream sandwich. I still have a long ways to go to really eat more healthy.

I walked today and blogged. My last blog was for February 27th. For the first time in a long time I am only a week behind. 

We saw 20 elk coming across our property. I think it is the same herd we have seen before. Mainly cows and a couple of spikes. They are probably looking for water. There isn't too much around.

James got 19,089 steps today, 1,000 of those were while he was talking on the phone to his mom. I got over 13,000.

We watched an episode of "Heartland". Amy is having flashbacks of her accident and is, for the first time in her life, afraid of horses.

Primary Treasure Chest

 My new best friend!

It's so nice to have a cordless charger

that actually works.

Jasmine's baby

Ginger Zee's baby.

For those of you who don't know who Ginger Zee is,

she does the weather on Good Morning

America. I got to know her when she 

danced with Val on "Dancing with the Stars."

I love babies!

Monday, March 5th 2018

Bismarck, North Dakota

61st operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of
Ether 3:14
Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In e shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 25:27-26:11
"Beware of Pride" Ezra Taft Benson, April 1989
What are some prideful actions I might get caught up in and not realize it's prideful?
Old Testament
Numbers 12-13
12 Aaron and Miriam complain against Moses, the most meek of all men - The Lord promises to speak to Moses mouth to mouth and to reveal to him the similitude of the Lord - Miriam becomes leprous for a week.
13 Moses sends twelve spies to search the land of Canaan - Ten of them bring an evil report, telling only of the strength of the inhabitants.
General Conference

A Yearning for Home

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" Discipleship requires our willingness to swim upstream when needed.

As we embrace the gospel in faith and deed, each day and every hour, we will draw a little closer to our God. Our lives will be better, and the Lord will use us in remarkable ways to bless those around us and bring about His eternal purposes."

I listened to President Benson's talk "Beware of Pride." It was read by President Hinckley. I also listened to Elder Bednar's talk from the April 2006 General Conference, "That We May Always Have His Spirit to be with Us."

For F.H.E. James and I listened to Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson's talk, "The Needs Before Us." Here is a quote from her talk:

"President Spencer W. Kimball taught: 

'God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.'"

My schedule for today has gone awry so I must readjust. I had on my schedule to go to the post office to mail Tanner's card and then come home and make chicken enchiladas. Instead James decided it would be fun to go to Springerville for lunch. I can never turn down a lunch date.

We end up at Booga Reds, the only place we have ever eaten in Springerville besides fast food. I ordered the carne asada tacos. They were dry and the refried beans and spanish rice were...meh.

James's chicken quesadilla wasn't that great either. The chips and salsa were decent. Because of a commitment I made to show the Lord that I love Him more than DP10, or any other carbonated drink, I ordered water with lemon. Today is my first day without a caffeinated drink in a long time.

I walk down the main street while James pays our bill. I only got a quarter of a mile before James picked me up but that was okay with me because it was pretty darn cold even though it was sunny and there was no wind.

I accidentally brought "Rescuing Wayward Children," instead of "Life Everlasting." I enjoyed reading from it and I think James did to. 

When I got home I took a nap, went for a walk, watched Victoria and worked on my blog. James went outside to cut on the tree. We listened to Sister Oscarson's talk for F.H.E. I like this quote: "The essence of living the gospel is service." 

We had whole wheat pancakes for dinner and then watched an episode of "Heartland." 

 Such a mess!

Lots of kissing from these two.

My Easter centerpiece, I finally
put the Valentine one away.
The eggs are wooden.

Sunday, March 4th, 2018

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4-5 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

1Peter 1:20

Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 25:14-26

*How do you talk, rejoice, preach, and prophesy of Christ?

Old Testament

Numbers 10-11

10 Silver trumpets are used to call assemblies and to blow alarms - The cloud is taken from the tabernacle, and the children of Israel march forth in their prescribed order - The ark of the covenant goes before them in their journeyings.

11 Fire from the Lord consumes the rebels in Israel - Israel murmurs and lusts for meat instead of manna - Moses complains that he cannot bear the burden alone - He is commanded to choose seventy elders to assist him - The Lord promises meat until it becomes loathsome to the Israelites - The seventy elders are chosen, they prophesy, the Lord comes down, and Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp -Israel is provided with quail - The people lust, a great plague follows, and many die. 

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:12

Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

General Conference

Three Sisters

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" There may be many things about life that are beyond your control. But in the end, you have the power to choose both your destination and many of your experiences along the way. It is not so much your abilities but your choices that make the difference in life."

The following people bore their testimonies in our fast and testimony sacrament meeting this morning: Bishop Miller, Stefani H., Sister Miller, Sister Allen, Brother Allen, Sister Beard, Brother Scott, Brother Reynolds, Brother Secard, Jace A., Sister Goodman, Sister Crane, Brother Peeler, Jackson A., and children from Primary: Colter, Benson, Liana, unknown boy, Brooks, Chloe.

Attending my Primary class today: Colter, Liana, and Andyn. Missing: Amaron, Gracie who is sick, and Jace. My goal is to visit Jace this week and give him an assignment for next week.

Our lesson today was:"Jehovah makes Covenants with Abraham."

Colter said he read about Abraham and Isaac in his Old Testament Scripture Stories book so I let him tell the story although it is not included in our lesson today. 

Liana and Andyn both did their newsletters and got to choose a prize but they didn't want anything I have. Liana asked me to bring the old prizes I used to have in the bigger basket. I will and I will get some new ones when I go shopping at Walmart this week.

Colter really wants the Rubiks Cube but he does not want to do his paper. He wants me to give him the Rubis Cube and then he will do the paper. I told him it didn't work that way. 

Sister Skousen did singing time today. Sister Hall was not here. The first song we sang is a golden oldie, "Give Said the Little Stream."

We also sang, "I Am a Child of God," "My Heavenly Father Loves Me," and of course, "Once There Was a Snowman."  

During Sister Hunsaker's sharing time we sang, "Do As I'm Doing." Sister Analee chose the closing song, "Search, Ponder, and Pray."

We only had six children in sharing time. It is much less noisy but I miss the little children in junior Primary. Children in senior Primary: Zemira, Curtis, Christian who is Sister Skousen's grandson visiting from Lakeside, Colter, Andyn, and Liana.

Andyn and Liana help me carry my things to the car. Colter is still begging for the Rubiks Cube. I told him if he finished his paper at home he could call me and I would bring it to him. That did not happen.

It was so windy today. My hair was blowing straight up in the air. 

We broke our fast about 45 minutes early at my request. I had a cheese crisp, cereal and yogurt. James had a cheese crisp and Hormel chili with a hotdog. 

We took our naps and then I got up and got dressed because bishop is coming home teaching around 3. I listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "Three Sisters." I was working on my blog when the doorbell rang.

The bishop brought Andyn with him. We talked a little bit about our Primary lesson today so I asked her what three of the things were that we inherit from Abraham. She said, Priesthood, Promised Land, and Posterity. I love this girl!

The bishop read 2 Nephi 31:13 and we discussed what it means to be a hypocrite. We talked about the story Elder Holland told in his conference talk about the priest who wasn't living all that he believed. We decided we were all hypocrites in one way or another but what makes the difference is if we are repenting and trying to do better and how we feel in our hearts.

I got Andyn a bag and told her to take some candy home to her family, which she did. 

Our Book of Mormon reading today was: 2 Nephi 25:14-26. Along with this reading I also read to James Elder Bruce R. McConkie's talk: "What Think Ye of Salvation by Grace." 

Sheri made arrangements for her boys to come home with James when he goes down on March 14th.

We read by the fire from "Life Everlasting". James is tired and hurts and wants to go to bed but I am trying to do my weekly planning. I finally cave. He won't go to bed without me.

Cathi embracing her short, curly hair.

One of those old houses I would love

to explore.

I would like to explore this castle but

I'm not sure how to get there. Do

you see a road?

What's left of our beautiful tree.

Saturday, March 3rd, 2018

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21-23 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 25:1-13*How would you explain our gospel in plainness to help a child or investigator understand our beliefs?
Old Testament
Numbers 9
Israel is again commanded to keep the Passover - A cloud rests upon the tabernacle by day and by night, plus a fire by night - When the cloud rests, Israel camps; when it lifts they journey.
General Conference

Value Beyond Measure

Joy D. Jones

" If the love we feel for the Savior and what He did for us is greater than the energy we give to weaknesses, self-doubts or bad habits, then He will help us overcome the things which cause suffering in our lives. He saves us from ourselves."

I ordered a book this morning: "A Reason for Faith: Navigating LDS Doctrine and Church History." It may help to answer some of the questions Alex and others have about the Church.

We started our fast today around 1:30. James wants us to fast for better health and less pain. 

It is very windy today. I feel like maybe we should be praying for more moisture again. 

I colored my hair today, something I haven't done for a long time. The reason I decided to was I got a good look at my hair in the mirror in Addy's bathroom and I realized it looks really washed out. I like how it turned out and so does James.

I also gave James a haircut. It is not perfect but it looks much better than it did.

I prepared my Primary lesson, "Jehovah Covenants with Abraham." The wicked priests are ready to sacrifice Abraham until an angel of the Lord comes to save him. The facsimile in the scriptures show the angel of the Lord as a bird. 

James and I watched the second episode of this year's "When Calls the Heart." He decided he was going to sleep on the recliner so he could sit up and hopefully breathe better. I slept in the bed by myself. Although it seemed to me that I had some night time visitors.

 Too bad I can't look this good.

The Chaffin's. I was her visiting teacher

until they moved to Deming.

Paul and Joshua take an early morning

hike up South Mountain.

My She shed. I wonder if James

will by it for me for my birthday.

Friday, March 2nd, 2018

Guayaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1-2 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Hebrews 8:1

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 24:1-32

*Why do you think it is dangerous for people to be 'at ease in Zion' thinking that no improvement is needed at this time?

Old Testament

Numbers 7-8
7 The princes of Israel make offerings for the tabernacle at its dedication - The Lord speaks to Moses from the mercy seat, between the cherubim, upon the ark.
8 The Levites are washed, consecrated and set apart by the laying on of hands - They are the Lord's in place of the firstborn of every family - They are a gift to Aaron and his sons to do the service of the tabernacle.
General Conference

Abiding in God and Repairing the Breach

Neill F. Marriott

"You probably want me to love her." Love her I prayed on, saying something like "How can I love her I don"t think I even like her. My heart is hard; my feelings are hurt. I can't do it."

Then, surely with help from the Spirit, I had a new thought as I said, "But you love her, Heavenly Father. Would You give me a portion of Your love for her - so I can love her too?" My hard feelings softened, my heart started to change, and I began to see this person differently. I began to sense her real value that Heavenly Father saw.

Addy stays home from school today. Ruby has choir photos today and forgot her shirt so Trina had to take it to her. Rowan took his planet and it's moons to school. Lola and Trina go to the gym. Darrel left for work earlier. 

Trina has another business with Lexy trying to sell t-shirts. She and Lexy are designing a shirt for mothers day. 

I had my infusion at 11 a.m. at the new building. I put the address in map quest and it took us right to the complex but not the exact building. I had to get out of the car and look at the map to find suite 129. While I was getting my infusion James went to Erik's and delivered Mabel's baptism gift, a crystal necklace.

After my infusion James and I went to lunch at Chili's using the gift card I got for Christmas from Darrel and Trina. I forgot how good their Caribbean salad is. I usually get it with chicken but this time i got shrimp. I had shrimp at Olive Garden yesterday and at Red Lobster last night although I left most of them for Darrel to eat. 

After lunch we headed for Phoenix to meet some concrete guys at the job James and Salvador are doing. When I say Phoenix I really mean east L.A. This place was on 197th Avenue and Thomas. There really isn't much out there.

It looks like a nice house but not a very 

nice neighborhood.

Since I found out about Victoria season one on Amazon Prime I have watched four episodes. I never thought I would watch a TV program or movie on my phone.

When we got back to Darrel & Trina's Trina and Addy were making Easter baskets with Trina's baby rattles in them to use for advertising. Ruby and Rowan were playing with friends, and Lola was asleep on the couch. 

We decided to go home. We packed up and left around five or so. Our first stop was at Panera to get two dozen cookies for Sister Wilhelm because today is her birthday and James is her home teacher. We stopped in Superior for gas and then at the McDonald's in Globe. We got burgers but they were disgusting. The meat was very dry and it tasted like they had been under a heat lamp all day.

We stopped at the bank in Show Low to get money for Tanner's birthday card and then we stopped at the Wilhelm's to deliver cookies. Thank goodness we are home again!

Only 7,029 steps for me. I spent too much time in the car and sitting in the doctor's office. 

Lola wearing one of the necklaces 

Trina made.

Brookelyn's baby boy

Jasmine's baby boy

Electrifying!

Thursday, March 1st, 2018

Bogota, Colombia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24-26 April 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Hebrews 7:24

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 23:1-22

*While we might be living in "Zion," do you still stream content from "Babylon," shop from their clothing line, or weave their teachings into "Zions'" gospel?

*How else might we have a foot in Babylon?

Old Testament

Numbers 6

The law of the Nazarite is explained, whereby the children of Israel may consecrate themselves to the Lord by a vow - They drink no wine nor strong drink and if defiled must shave their heads - The Lord reveals the blessing to be used by Aaron and his sons in blessing Israel.

General Conference

Turn On Your Light

Sister Sharon Eubanks

" The prophets are calling on us my sisters. Will you be righteous? Will you articulate your faith? Can you bear being distinct and different? Will your happiness in spite of your trials draw others who are good and noble and who need your friendship? Will you turn on your light? I testify the Lord Jesus Christ will go before us and be in our midst."

Happy Birthday Trenda. I know I posted her picture yesterday but today is her birthday and tomorrow is her mother's. I sure do love both of these lovely ladies.

James had an early appointment at Legacy Golf Course and then an appointment to discuss the results of his endoscopy proceedures. The doctor says his colon looks really good. But on the down side he said his throat was pre-cancerous. I am not sure how dangerous that is so I texted my experts, Darrel and Trina. Hopefully I will hear from them soon. Trina just got back from me she said it depends on the context and that we are all pre-cancerous. The doctor did give him more antacid pills to take. He was back by 10:30, he's a little early. I asked him to be back by 10:45 because I have to go to Deseret Book before my lunch date with Karen S. 

Trina was working on her baby rattles and he was helping her when I came downstairs. 

I got Karen two books, "The Infinite Atonement," by Tad R. Callister and a new one by John Bytheway, "Moroni's Answers to Life's Questions." I wanted to get "Life Everlasting" but it is out of print. I could probably get it on Amazon but I ran out of time.

Karen and I met at the Olive Garden on Gilbert Rd. instead of Firebirds which is our regular place for lunch because she didn't want to leave he new puppy at home alone too long. We had a nice visit. I ordered one of the lunch specials, rigatoni with pesto sauce and shrimp. Karen had gluten free pasta with pesto and shrimp.

She said she has stayed home most of the winter because she does not want to get sick. She still have a cancerous liver but the chemo was ruining her ammune system so they now have her on immune boosting drugs. 

On my way home I called Charlotte. I also stopped at McDonald's for an ice cream cone since I didn't get any dessert at Olive Garden.

James, Trina, Rowan, Lola and I walked to Trina and Darrel's dream house. We left Ruby and Darrel at home getting ready for their dinner and daddy daughter date at the school. 

It looks pretty ordinary on the outside, but

it is amazing!

I caught Lola in a private moment.

This house has it all, inside and outside, 

including a pool. I think Lola is picking her

nose in this picture.

Trina gives it one last look. The thing I loved

the most about this house was the pantry. 

It's almost like a second kitchen.

Darrel and his date, Ruby

Lola went to school this morning but she was home this afternoon when I got home. She wanted to fix my hair, which she did. And then I fixed hers.

I used all the accessories that she gave me.

We wanted to take Addy out to eat while we were here but she just wasn't feeling up to it so we took Rowan. We had $100 worth of gift cards at Red Lobster and Rowan said he had never had crab legs but he would like to try them, so off we went. 

Love that smile!

Of course g-pa had to help in the man vs 

crab battle.

I think maybe thought they were more work

than they were worth although he did eat

most of them himself.

James and I took a walk when we returned from 

Red Lobster. It was a beautiful night for a walk, 

with the full moon.

Wednesday, February 28th, 2018I

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-21 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Hebrew 5:10

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Book of Mormon

*What could an ensign symbolize for us?

-The temple is an ensign and it symbolizes eternal life.

Old Testament

Numbers 4-5

4 When the camps of Israel move, Aaron and his sons cover the holy things in the tabernacle - The Levites of the families of Kohath, Gershon, and Merari carry the burden of the tabernacle.

5 Lepers are put out of the camp - Sinners must confess and make restitution to gain forgiveness - Women believed to be immoral undergo a trial of jealousy before the priests.

General Conference

The Voice of the Lord

Elder Neil L. Andersen

" We should not be alarmed when the words of the Lord's servants run counter to the thinking of the world and at times, our own thinking. It has always been this way. I am on my knees in the temple with my Brethren. I attest to the goodness of their souls. Their greatest desire is to please the Lord and help God's children return to His presence."

I watched the first episode of season one of "Victoria" on my phone this morning via Amazon Prime. I was going to cancel my Prime membership but now I have changed my mind. Here are some of my favorite lines from this episode:

Lady Flora: "Does the queen deem me capable of betraying all that I hold dear?" (The queen suspected her of having an affair)

The queen demands an examination of Flora to see if she is "with child." When she finds out she is not, but has a tumor and is going to die, she goes in to apologize to Lady Flora. This is what Lady Flora says to her: "To be queen you must be more than a little girl with a crown. You have a responsibility to your subjects, you cannot play with them like dolls." Queen Victoria goes to her room and takes the doll out that she brought with her. She locks her up in a chest in the bottom of her dresser. The name of this episode: "The Doll."

Victoria and Albert

Albert: "A love like ours can burn down a city."

We have over 1 inch of snow on the ground this morning. This seems to always happen on a day we are leaving for the valley. 

I got some more good quotes in my reading this morning. This one is by Michael Crichton who is at the Rootstech Conference:

"If you don't know history you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know its' part of a tree,"

President Uchtdorf from the February Ensign, p, 80: " The pursuit, discovery, and application of truth are what we are on this earth to discover."

We left around 10 this morning. It really was hard to leave the snow. We saw snow and frosted trees for over 50 minutes on our drive towards Salt River Canyon. We stopped at Burger House for refreshment. 

Only Darrel and Lola were home when we arrived in East Mesa. James unloads me and our stuff and heads for his doctor's appointment in Glendale. Dr. Moffat requested he see an infectious disease doctor because of his re-occurring sinus infections. Long story short, he couldn't find the doctor's office and the battery went dead on his phone. He came home and made another appointment on the 14th of March. 

I spent the afternoon working on my blog at Darrel and Trina's kitchen table. Addy is not feeling well. She is having her next choir concert next week on March 8th. I hope I can come. 

Rowan has a school assignment to invent and display a planet. I forgot to take a picture of his display but it is orange with a yellow rings around it. James thought it was Saturn. Rowan says it is made of cheese and potatoes and its' name is "Munster." In describing parts of it he said that the Swiss hills are filled with caves. (The boy is clever!)

Ruby is playing with her friend. She came home for a minute and grabbed her tablet and asked Addy if she could borrow her old backpack. Of course Addy says yes. Pretty soon Ruby's friends mother calls Darrel to ask if the girls are at his house. He says no and goes out looking for them. He finds them at the park on their bikes. 

Ruby recently did a report on Abraham Lincoln. While we were out walking this evening she said: "Did you know Abraham Lincoln laughed at farts?" No Ruby, I didn't know that and I'm not sure why you do.

Lola loves to play and use her imagination. She talks to herself and plays and watches TV. She is a very happy little girl.

I know this photo is blurry but it shows Lola

watching TV and using her pillow as a horsey.

Trina got home early from work so she could go to New Beginnings with Addy but Addy does not feel like going. 

She stayed home while the rest of us went for a walk around the block a few times. I got 15,000 steps today.

Oops! 15,070 steps!

Happy Birthday Trenda! 

I think you are 20. Am I right?

I want one of these