Saturday, March 10th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-21 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 9:5

Yea, I know that ye know that in the body he shall show himself unto those at Jerusalem, from whence we came; for it is expedient that it should be among them; for it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 28:17-32

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

*What can we do to make sure we are building upon the Rock and are receiving with gladness?

Talk: "Upon This Rock"

By: Bruce R. McConkie, April 1981

Old Testament

Numbers 22-23

22 Balak offers money, cattle, and great honors to Balaam to curse Israel - The Lord forbids Balaam to do so - An angel opposes Balaam on the way.

23 The Lord commands Balaam to bless Israel - He does so, saying, Who can count the dust of Jacob? and, What hath God wrought!

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:15

Thou shalt not steal.

General Conference

Spiritual Eclipse

Gary E. Stevenson

" Eyewear designed to protect the sight of those in the zone of a total solar eclipse can prevent permanent damage and even blindness. Gospel glasses comprised of a knowledge and testimony of gospel principles and ordinances provide a gospel perspective that can similarly provide greater spiritual protection and clarity for someone exposed to the hazards of a spiritual eclipse. If you discover anything that seems to be blocking the light and joy of the gospel in your life, I invite you to place it in a gospel perspective. Look through a gospel lens and be vigilant not to allow insignificant and inconsequential matters in life to obscure your eternal view of the great plan of happiness. In short, don't let life's distractions eclipse heaven's light."

Happy Birthday Tanner!

"As we demonstrate our faith in Christ's delivering power, even to the point of getting our feet wet, the Lord will part the waters and bring about our redemption."

"The lid of the ark of the covenant was also called the mercy seat or seat of atonement. There was no more poignant symbol of Christ and His delivering power than the ark of the covenant."

(March 2018 Ensign, p. 50-51).

James and I arrived at the temple before 6:30 much to James's delight. We brought three dozen rolls along with butter and strawberry jam. 

President and Sister Palmer were our trainers today. We watched a video about patron names or temple family shared names. If a person comes in with only one name to do for initiatory they will no longer be able to also do the names the temple has. I am not sure why but that is the new rule. Temple names are now called family shared names.

My first assignment was in initiatory, clothing. Sister Shelton was our first patron. Soon a few more came. The assignment only last for 30 minutes and then I moved on to the locker room, which was very uneventful. Next I had a break along with Sister Elmer, Sister Humphrey, and Sister Gentry. 

Sister Gentry and I were the followers for the 9:30 session. I got to know her and I really like her. She lives in Show Low but used to be in the Pinetop-Lakeside stake. She was the stake Relief Society President and Sister Skousen from our ward was her counselor. They are very good friends.  There were 26 sisters in our session and 16 brothers. We found a name that had fallen on the floor from another session which made everyone happy. We had one sister with her apron on wrong side out, and one sister with her veil on wrong side out. We have been told not to embarrass people but let things go if they are not caught in a timely fashion.

James was a follower in the 11:00 session and offered the prayer. In his prayer he prayed for rain.

While I was a greeter downstairs there was a very noisy wedding party waiting for the bride and groom to come out. They were in the foyer and Sister Elmer went out to remind them that they were still in the temple. Soon they went outside and when the bride and groom came out the crowd let out a loud cheer. Sister Palmer, the temple matron said she could here it in her office upstairs.

I saw three people from high school, Kathy H., Kerry B., and Barry F. Barry is the one who pulled my car out of the mud at a party at Daggs Reservoir now known as White Mountain Lake.

It was raining when we walked to our car. James's prayer was answered.

We stopped at Walmart and Sonic. The green chili cheeseburger I got at Sonic was too hot and I didn't really enjoy it. 

I got up at 3:30 this morning so I had a long nap, but I got in my 10,000 steps. I worked on my Primary lesson this evening, "Abraham and Lot."

Looks delicious!

I ask James what this animal was,

thinking he wouldn't know, but 

of course he did. It's a Dik Dik.

 Ollie got a haircut.

He looks like he's ready to jump.

Impressive!

Tasha labeled this picture, The Crew.

The Jones's baby boy Leo who was born Friday must have

open heart surgery this coming Tuesday.

One of his valves is too small to pump 

blood to his body.  Annie, his mom,

was my visiting teacher when she lived

in Arizona.  She and her family just

moved to Indiana where her husband

will go to graduate school.

Friday, March 9th, 2018

Regina, Saskatchewan

65th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Book of Mormon

*How do you balance gaining knowledge from man without believing the teachings that are contrary to the ways of the Lord?

*Vs. 12-15 - Mentioned pride 5x. Why is pride such a dangerous thing when teaching others about gospel principles?

Talk: "Beware of Pride", President Ezra Taft Benson, April 1989

Talk: "When Evil Appears Good and Good Appears Evil," Elder Quentin L. Coo, March 2018 Ensign, p. 30.

Old Testament

Numbers 20-21

20 Miriam dies - Moses smites a rock at Meribah and brings forth water - The king of Edom refuses to let Israel pass peacefully through his land - Aaron dies, and Eleazar becomes the high priest.

21 The children of Israel destroy those Canaanites who fight against them - The Israelites are plagued with fiery serpents - Moses lifts up a serpent of brass to save those who look thereon - Israel defeats the Amorites, destroys the people of Bashan, and occupies their lands.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:14

Thou shalt not commit adultery.

General Conference

Be Ye Therefore Perfect - Eventually

Jeffrey R. Holland

" I testify of that grand destiny, made available to us by the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself continued 'from grace to grace.' until in HIs immortality He received a perfect fulness of celestial glory. I testify that in this and every hour He is, with nail-scarred hands, extending to us that same grace, holding on to us and encouraging us, refusing to let us go until we are safely home in the embrace of Heavenly Parents."

I got up at 4:36. I read Elder Cook's article in this month's Ensign.

He likened the millions of children killed in the holocaust to abortion. 

I made the copycat recipe for Panera broccoli-cheese soup.  It turned out pretty good. I made rolls for us and rolls for the temple tomorrow.

Blogger was not working when I went to work on my blog so I emptied a box instead, finished walking, and scraped polish off the wood floor. I also tried to download a movie on my phone but my internet connection wasn't allowing it.

James broke his chainsaw trying to cut up the fallen tree. 

I went upstairs and began framing The Living Christ for each family to give for Easter. I got three done and then I went downstairs and worked on my blog. 

It's 7:15 and at 7:30 I have a date to watch an episode of "Heartland" with James. I am watching "New in Town" on my phone. Too much bad language in this movie.

Well I am on my date watching "Heartland." I am sitting on the couch in my regular spot and James is at the table eating a grapefruit. Some date.

Aaron's daughter Katy as the Lion King.

Bishop Miller and his youngest son.

This looks like a scene from

"Heartland."

Thursday, March 8th, 2018

Halifax, Nova Scotia

64th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 12:10

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 27:12-35

* How have you seen people draw near to the Lord with their lips?

How have I drawn near to the Lord with my lips?

Old Testament

Numbers 18-19

18 Aaron and his sons called to minister in priest's office - Levites called to minister in service of tabernacle - Levites receive no land inheritance, but are supported by tithes of people.

19 Directions given for sacrifice of red heifer - Water of separation used for purification from sin - Ceremonially unclean persons sprinkled with water of separation.

Old Testament Favorite Scriptures

Exodus 20:13

Thou shalt not kill.

General Conference

The Living Bread Which Came Down From Heaven

D. Todd Christofferson

" Partaking of the Savior's flesh and drinking His blood means to put out of our lives anything inconsistent with a Christlike character and to make His attributes our own. This is the larger meaning of repentance: not only a turning away from past sin but also 'a turning of the heart and will to God' going forward. As happened with my friend in his revelatory dream, God will show us our flaws and failings, but He will also help us turn weakness into strength. If we sincerely ask, What lack I yet?' He will not leave us to guess, but in love He will answer for the sake of our happiness. And He will give us hope."

We have fat, jumping bunnies in our backyard. They are probably jumping because they are so happy that James has fed them and made them fat. 

We had the last of the chicken enchiladas for lunch today. James insisted that we eat outside on the patio because it was such a beautiful day. 

I listened to the talk President Hinckley gave in 1995 when he introduce A Proclamation to the World.

James went to a school board meeting this evening about property taxes and the Vernon School. 88% of our property taxes goes to the Vernon School. Our taxes are $2,800. When he returned home he said the next step for him, Chuck and Owen is to write to the attorney general. Owen is drafting the letter and then Chuck and James will sign it. 

Tanner's birthday is on March 10th. The only thing he wants from his mom and Jared is a picture painted and autographed by Hayden. Tanner went online and picked out the picture he wanted and Hayden said he would send it to him, free of charge. Here is the picture:

Joshua, Paul, Evan and Ian all left together for the science camp in Prescott. They will all be together in a cabin with 5-6 other boys.

James and I watched an episode of "Heartland" where Jack and Lisa go on a trip together and get lost.

Joshua and Evan at science camp 

Creatures in a tree

Where's Waldo

I am obsessed with the moon

Wednesday, March 7th, 2018

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Dedicated: 23-24 Oct 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

Revelations 5:12
Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 26:31-27:11
* What do you think it means, the books shall be read upon the house tops?
Old Testament
Numbers 16-17
16 Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and 250 leaders rebel and seek priestly offices - Earth swallows the three rebels and their families - Fire from the Lord consumes the 250 rebels - Israel murmurs against Moses and Aaron for slaying the people - The Lord sends a plague, from which 14,700 die.
17 As a test, a rod for each tribe is placed in the tabernacle of witness - Aaron's rod buds and blossoms and brings forth almonds - It is kept as a token against rebels.
General Conference

"I Have a Work for Thee"

John C. Pingree

" Sin is perhaps our greatest stumbling block, dulling our sensitivity to the Holy Ghost and restricting our access to spiritual power. To perform the work Heavenly Father has for us, we must strive to be clean. Are we living in such a way that God can work through us?"

Historian Richard Anderson said this about Joseph Smith: 

"The early Joseph is above all the Joseph of faith, of great humility, and of constant prayer."

I read this information today in the Old Testament Student Manual regarding the blooming of Aaron's rod blooming: 

" A man's rod was the sign of his position as ruler in the house and congregation. This showed that Aaron was not only qualified for his calling, but administered his office in the full power of the Spirit and bore the fruit expected of Him."

James and I left for the Snowflake temple at 9:20 for the 10:30 session. The session was packed. There were 33 sisters and 22 brothers. I was in the back row on the brothers side. I did a name for a Brother Masterson whom I met when I worked at the temple last time. I brought an addressed and stamped envelope with me and on the way home we mailed the card back to the name on the front, which is his wife's name. 

While I did some quick shopping at Walmart James got gas in the car and then went to Taco Bell to pick us up some lunch. He left the taco salad box in my seat and when I saw it, I thought it was a cake box. 

I bought a small bonsai tree in Walmart. The tag on it says it brings peace and harmony and I could use more of both in my life. 

This afternoon was naps and steps. This evening James had a High Priest Group leadership meeting while I stayed home alone. 

I found something this evening while I was home alone that we have been looking for a long time. I was cleaning the master bedroom and bath and pulled out the box under the bench at the end of our bed. Inside was James's blood pressure cuff and the exterior hard drive that we have been looking for since we moved. We both thought they were in a box upstairs, and here they were literally right under our feet.

When James got home we watched an episode from Heartland season 7.

My bonsai tree which is bound to bring 

peace and harmony.

 My wooden eggs

The Bogle's farm fresh eggs.

Two golden oldies at the temple

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.