Tuesday, March 20th, 2018

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 20:24

And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

Book of Mormon

Jacob 4:1-18

*When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take His counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

*... for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not... How can this statement be of comfort to you?

Talk: "The Holy Ghost" By: Marion G. Romney, April 1974

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 5-6

5 Moses tells of covenant God made with Israel in Horeb - Ten Commandments reviewed - Sabbath observance commemorates also the deliverance from Egypt - God talks with man - Blessings flow from obedience.

General Conference

Has The Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

" Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle."

Today is the first day of spring and it is a beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona.

I woke up to a text from my friend Pam. It was wonderful and I texted her back and told her how much I appreciated her telling me her feelings.

I had a lunch appointment with my friend Jean but I got a call around 10 a.m. from her. She said her husband, Tom, is in the hospital. Jean went to the hospital with her son-in-law Jimmy. James and I got ready and went too. 

Tom started having chest pains last night so he came to the hospital. They said his heart was not damaged but he might have to have a stint. James and I took Jean to lunch in the hospital cafeteria and on the way we saw Denise. She told me again about Aunt Gene's party on the 31st. It's the same time as our potluck and egg hunt at Sheri's. We still haven't decided what to do.

After lunch James and Jimmy gave Tom a blessing and then we left. I made an appointment with Jean tomorrow at 2 to take her birthday presents to her.

I read to James on the way home and then took a nap. I finished my nap at home with James. 

While James went outside to work and walk I stayed inside to blog and walk. While I was working on my blog I called my friend Charlotte. She always seems so happy when I call and she says I am her bestest friend. I usually just let her talk. I think that is what she needs most, someone to listen to her.  I also watched an episode of "Little Men." I am loving this series!

James had a high priest group meeting this evening. I tried to stay busy while he was gone.

Listened to the song "Gethsemane" on children.lds.org

First Day of Spring:

Carmen in Pennsylvania

Phoenix, Saguaro Lake

Tucson

The look on my face when James rubs my back.

My favorite picture of the Savior

Monday, March 19th, 2018

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 19:24

I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do His will.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

*Why does Jacob choose to say 'awake' in this chapter instead of just repent or change? What do you visualize in Jacob 3:11?

* What is the relationship between the riches of the world and the riches of eternity?

Article: "Treasures of Eternal Value"

By: Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, April 2008

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 3-4

3 Israel destroys people of Bashan - Their lands, on east of Jordan, given to Reuben and Gad - Moses sees Canaan from Pisgah but is denied entrance thereto - He counsels and strengthens Joshua.

4 Moses exhorts Israel to keep commandments, to teach them to their children and to be exemplary before all nations - They are forbidden to make graven images or worship other gods - To witness that they had heard the voice of God - Israel shall be scattered among all nations when they worship other gods - They shall be gathered again in latter days when they seek the Lord their God - Moses extols mercy and goodness of God to Israel.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

That Your Joy Might Be Full

 Sister Jean B. Bingham

" As we learn more about Jesus Christ, we develop greater faith in Him and we naturally want to follow His example. Keeping His commandments becomes our greatest desire. Our hearts yearn to relieve others' suffering, as He did, and we want them to experience the peace and happiness we have found."

James is always so miserable when he gets up in the morning and today was no different. I sympathize with him but usually it just takes some time and, oh yes, some lemon juice.

The snow is all gone except for a few small patches here and there. Hopefully we will get some more. 

One of our ward members, I will call him Brother Scott, was assigned to clean the church this past week. No one else that was assigned was able to be there, including his wife who is quite ill. Brother Scott went down at 8:30 on Saturday to clean and at 4:00, after Charlie's baptism he was still there cleaning. Now that's dedication! I already loved this brother, but now I love him even more.

I am struggling with trying to give up sugar. It is much harder for me than giving up Dr. Pepper 10. I have not had any since the 4th of March.

James went upstairs to work on taxes and had a difficult time getting on our bank website. I finally had to go up and help him. It is usually him helping me so it's nice that I can help him once in awhile.

For lunch we had steak, baked potatoes, and a salad. Afterwards I had a nice nap. 

This afternoon I blogged, walked, and read to James. Somehow I missed cleaning. Around 4:30 we left for Show Low. James went to Home Depot to look for some wax remover for the wood floor. I went to Walmart to get a dessert for Sister Howard whom I am visiting tomorrow. Her birthday is on Thursday. Not only am I her visiting teacher, I consider her a good friend. 

Home Depot had no wax remover so on the way home I ordered some online from Walmart. 

James grilled me a cheeseburger for dinner. We had four hamburger patties left from when Max, Evan, and Joshua were here.

For FHE we listened to Sister Bingham's conference talk, "That Your Joy Might Be Full." I also showed James around the Family Search website.

I quit watching "Upstairs, Downstairs" on my phone. It got to be too racy. Instead I am watching "Little Men" which is a TV series based on the book "Little Men" by Louisa May Alcott. The March sisters Jo, Amy and Meg are all in it, and so is Lauri.

I think I post this every year.

Our bishop and his buddy.

What is it about seals that I like?

Maybe it's the cute face.

Trina and the kids in Sedona.

Tomlinson's and their cousins in D.C.

Looks like an elephant to me, or a 

woolly mammoth.

Sunday, March 18th, 2018

Oaxaca, Mexico

74th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 1:6

 Behold, this is mine authority,and the authority of my servants, and my preface unto the book of my commandments, which I have given them to publish unto you, O inhabitants of the earth.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:17-35

*How is the love of money the root of all evil?

*What is the relationship between the riches of the world and the riches of eternity?

Article: "Treasures of Eternal Value

By: Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, April 2008

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 1-2

1 Moses begins recitation of all that befell Israel during forty years in wilderness - They are commanded to go in and possess Canaan - Judges and rulers chosen to assist Moses - Israel's spies bring evil report - Adults of Israel shall perish - Amorites defeat armies of Israel.

2 Israel presses forward to their promised land - They pass through lands of Esau and of Ammon in peace, but destroy Amorites.

General Conference

"Bearers of Heavenly Light"

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" As a bearer of God's priesthood and as a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are a bearer of light. Keep doing the things that will nurture His divine light. 'Hold up you light' and let it shine before men' - not so that they will see and admire you, but 'that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

I woke up this morning at 4:10. I went back to bed with the plan to get up at 4:30 but I slept in until 5:30. I spent the next two hours or so preparing my lesson. I feel ready! James is coming in to help me today. 

There was a whiteout blizzard when we left for church.

Maddie D., Sister Halcomb, and Sean H. were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. Sean said: "Pray everyday to be able to serve or help someone."

Catherine talked about how to be a better disciple of Jesus Christ and Sean spoke on Elder Holland's conference address.

Today my Primary class consisted of: Jace, Colter, Liana, and Andyn, and of course James and I.  Gracie has missed four weeks now so I talked to her mother. She is in Yuma this week with her grandmother. I gave her mother the note I wrote to her.

Our lesson was on Abraham and Isaac, and it went well. After the lesson we began trying to put the tents together and the glue was not holding very well so most of the kids ended up using double stick tape. Thank goodness James was there to help. 

Alicia taught about the resurrection in sharing time. It was good.

The wind was freezing cold as we went back to the car. The snow was mostly gone and the sun was shining. We went home and had lunch and took a nap and were back down at the church by 2:15 for an appointment with the bishop. James and I were both sure whatever calling he was going to issue would be for me. We still need a Relief Society president so I braced myself. Boy, were we surprised. James was called as a temple and family history consultant. What a relief for me.

We stayed at the church for Sister Gordon's baptism by her son Charles. Tildy sat on my lap through the entire baptism.

When we got home James asked me to turn on the Rootstech conference where President Oaks and his wife spoke on the TV upstairs. The bishop suggested he watch it. I went downstairs to work on my blog and watched the conference on my phone. James came downstairs quite upset. He said the recording would stop and start and it was very annoying.

James played the song "O Lord My Redeemer" by Jeff Goodrich on his phone. I forgot how much I love that song.

 Dallin and Michael

 Sometimes we don't realize how

fortunate we are.

 Barney Pfife did this one time on the

Andy Griffith Show.

 Picachio Peak and the Moon

 I love this quote!

The Heyman's in front of the Rome, Italy temple.

Saturday, March 17th, 2018

Albuquerque, New Mexico

73rd operating temple

Dedicated: 5 Mar 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 20:14

And the Father hath commanded me that I should give unto you this land, for your inheritance.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

*Why is it important to remember that all our blessings come from our Heavenly Father?

Old Testament

Numbers 35-36

35 Levites to possess their own cities - Cities of refuge established for those guilty of manslaughter - Murderers shall be executed by the revenger of blood.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Richard J. Maynes

" It is my prayer this evening that we might all first place our trust in the Lord, as Nephi exemplified, and then, through the integrity of our hearts, earn the trust of the Lord, as well as the trust of our wives and children. As we understand and apply this sacred principle of trust built on integrity, we will be true to our sacred covenants. We will also succeed in presiding in our families with love and righteousness, providing the necessities of life and protecting our families from the evils of the world. Of these truths I humbly testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

There were 20 or so elk in the yard this morning but I was the only one who saw them. Everyone else was still in bed. I tried to wake James but I guess he didn't hear me. 

Today is St. Patrick's day. I don't really have any green clothes to wear, so I wore a green CTR wristband. 

We had bacon and waffles for breakfast. Afterwards we read Jacob 2. 

I worked on cutting out Abraham's tents for each of the kids in my Primary class. 

Lot, Abraham and Sarah, and

baby Isaac.

I got a text from Kim today about a video she wants me to watch for Primary sharing time. It is 18 minutes long and she wants my opinion on whether she should use it tomorrow for her Primary sharing time assignment. I watched the video and loved it. It features three songs, The Miracle, Gethsemane, and I Know that My Redeemer Lives. I think the kids will really like it. Kim was worried that she was coping out by using a video. I said know, this one was special for Easter. The video is on youtube, "Laura Nielson Sharing Time."

I started rolls this morning and cooked two dozen in time for lunch. I made spaghetti for the boys. We are taking them later this afternoon to Heber to meet Sheri.

I watched "Upstairs/Downstairs" on my phone while I finished cutting out Abraham's tents. 

Michael had a track meet at UofA today and Paul posted these pictures.

He did really well until the last 300. He is really frustrated. He ran 4 seconds faster at his timed trial. That time would have gotten him 1st place.

The boys are upstairs and James is gone to Charles Gordon's baptism. I take a nap and work on Primary some more. 

When James gets home from the baptism we load up the car and get ready to take the boys to Heber to meet Sheri. 

Our timing was great, we got to the Circle K in Heber a couple of minutes after Sheri, at 5:30. We went inside and got some snacks before saying our goodbyes. I got hot chocolate and James got a Special Dark Hershey bar. Sheri paid for them both. 

Sheri and the boys head home to the valley and we head back to Vernon.

I am grateful James came because he did all the driving. I read some and then took a nap. 

We were back at home in time to watch the new Hallmark movie. Afterwards we went to bed.

Wilhelm wrestlers. Three first place medals.

Tomlinson's in D.C. for Spring Break.

Horseshoe Bend

Our dead tree before it fell over.

It wasn't dead when we bought this property.

In fact, James says this tree is one of the

reasons he bought the place.

Amazing!

So long, farewell!

Friday, March 16th, 2018

Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico

72nd operating temple

Dedicated: 27 Feb 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

3 Nephi 15:16

This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them:

Book of Mormon

*Why does it seem that societies often fall as a whole? Why is it never just a few people?

* How do we suffer the cross of Christ?

Article: "Carry Your Cross"

By: Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, April, 1988

Old Testament

Numbers 33-34

33 Review of Israel's journeys from Egypt to Canaan - They are commanded to drive out inhabitants of and - Any remaining inhabitants shall vex Israel.

34 Moses specifies borders of Israel's inheritance in Canaan, and names princes of tribes who shall divide the land.

General Conference

"The Truth of All Things"

Elder David F. Evans

" Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle." 

I got up at 5 a.m. I was back in bed at 6 a.m. It is one of those days when I need more rest. I got up the last time at 8 a.m. for a shower, prayer and a quick clean of the family room, dining room, and kitchen.  I made biscuits and ham for breakfast. 

After breakfast we had scriptures with the boys and family prayer. We read Jacob 1. I cleaned the kitchen, and finished my gospel study and worked on my blog. 

For lunch James and I made the boys sandwiches. Joshua wanted grilled cheese. Max wanted grilled cheese with ham and turkey, and Evan wanted plain turkey and ham, not grilled.

I finished my Pride and Prejudice movie and I am searching for something else to watch on my phone while I work on my blog.

I took a nap this afternoon and then cleaned getting ready for the Grapp children. When the kids got here they wanted to meet the boys so I took them upstairs and introduced them. Max was playing Zelda on the TV and Benson was asking him all kinds of questions. While Benson was watching Max the girls and I played Barbies.

After awhile the girls and I went downstairs. They hid the Easter eggs, and played Barbies. At Tildy's request I brought in the little trampoline, and put on the Tom and Jerry DVD for them to watch. 

James cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs outside on the grill while I prepared the sides in the kitchen. We had beans, broccoli, corn, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, and water or milk. 

Tildy in James's chair, to the left Liana, Max

Evan, Joshua, Benson, and Emsley.

The burgers were good.

James built a fire in the firepit so the kids could roast marmallows for s'mores. The Grapp kids wanted their marshmallows to be golden brown. I guess they learned that from their dad. 

After the S'mores the boys went upstairs and the Grapp kids watched "Brave" downstairs.

Tildy was in charge of the remote.

Brother and Sister Grapp got back after 9. They went to a company dinner at Molly Butler's in Greer. James visited with Brother Grapp and Sister Grapp watched the end of the movie with the kids and me. It was a wonderful evening and we are grateful that the Grapp's allow us to babysit their children.

Kyler, Gail's newest grandchild.

Rome, Italy with Elder Heyman

Hiking Arizona