Sunday, March 11th, 2018

Edmonton, Alberta

67th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-12 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

2 Nephi 10:14
For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.
Book of Mormon
2 Nephi 29:1-14
* How have these verses increased my appreciation for the Book of Mormon?
Old Testament
Numbers 24
Balaam sees in vision and prophesies of the destiny of Israel - He prophesies of the Messiah: There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.
Old Testament Favorite Scriptures
Exodus 20:16
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
General Conference

Repentance is Always Positive

Stephen W. Owen

" I have a friend who grew up in a less-active Latter-day Saint family. When he was a young adult, he too 'came to himself' and decided to prepare for a mission. He became an excellent missionary. On his last day before returning home, the mission president interviewed him and asked him to bear his testimony. He did so, and after a tearful embrace, the president said, 'Elder, you could forget or deny everything you have just testified of in a matter of months if you do not continue to do the things that built your testimony in the first place.' My friend later tole me that he has prayed and read the scriptures daily since he returned from his mission. Being constantly 'nourished by the good word of God' has kept him 'in the right way.'"

I was up at 4:15 this morning. I had my prayers and continued working on my Primary lesson, "Abraham and Lot," The Circle of Love.

We left at 8:40 because I wrote personal notes to all the kids in my class.

Andy W. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today.  He spoke on his favorite scripture story which was Nephi getting the plates and what an example he was of overcoming trials.

Sister S. Wilhelm spoke on the Church's Self-Reliance program. 

Brother Goodman was the final speaker and what a wonderful talk he gave. He spoke about justice and mercy and how God wants all his children to enjoy all of His blessings. We open the vault to those blessings through our faith and obedience. As we live God's laws we find protection and are pointed toward Jesus Christ. Suffering for sins should help us to change. That is it's purpose.

We had two visitors in our Primary class, the Patrick's grandchildren Rhea and Graham. They are not members but they love coming to Primary. I also had Curtis from the older class, and Liana, Amaron, and Andyn from my class. I spoke with Sister Singleton about Jace and he is in Whiteriver visiting his birth mother. Gracie was not here today and I have written her a note as I did all of the children in my class. Colter was in the valley visiting his sister Brielle with his parents and LeeAnn and Hailey.

When I gave out the notes I wrote to the children in my class, Curtis ran out of the room. It was sometime before he returned.

Sister Hall's mother did singing time today. She was quite good. 

Sister Skousen did sharing time which involved all the children and was based on the scriptures. 

I spoke with Sister Skousen about Sister Gentry and she loves Sister Gentry as much as Sister Gentry loves her.

Liana and Andyn both got to pick two treasures for the two newsletters they turned in. Amaron wanted one too but I had to tell him no. I told him I would help him do the paper which isn't due until the next fast Sunday so he could pick a treasure. I can no longer do these papers every week, but now only once a month.

Andyn took the fishing hat and some colored pencils. Liana took some candy and a doll.

We went home and had lunch and before we knew it Darrel and Trina were here with all the kiddies.  

At 4 p.m. I went to a high priest group presidency meeting with James. They are planning a party for the older single sisters in the ward and they want the wives input. Sister Hunsaker was there too but Sister Curtis is still in St. David taking care of her father who has alzheimers.

The meeting was just an hour long and then we were back home with our company. James cut the chicken breasts in half and I made a honey mustard to marinate them in. I also took out the chicken tenders from the freezer and put them in some warm water and took some rolls out to rise. We had a very nice dinner: Chicken, grilled and fried tenders, green beans, corn, beans, a salad which Trina made, and rolls. It was quite delicious.

After dinner I played Apples to Apples with Ruby, Trina, and Addy.  Addy and Rowan worked on my Provo City Center, "Brick'em temple and then we watched Lindsay Lohan in "The Parent Trap." Of course Lola had to watch her favorite movie, "Brave" before we watched ours. It was after midnight before we went to bed.

Couldn't resist this one.

President Nelson and his wife Wendy

greet some young adults at the 

Nevada fireside.

The last of the Butler brothers.

Salt River Canyon

Such a lovely couple

Trina said it was like they were in a cloud.

Salt River Canyon

Courtesy of Darrel

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