Tuesday, April 24th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil

111th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:41

And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 15:10-31
*How has the gospel of Jesus Christ brought you joy?
Talk: The Great Plan of Happiness By: Marcus B. Nash 10/06
- The gospel of Jesus Christ has brought me joy, it has given me a sense of hope, and a desire to minister. Every hour of every day I am blessed by His gospel. Every time I look at one of my children ( I include their spouses as my children), or one of my grandchildren, every time I go to the temple with James, and he holds my hand I feel the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These are the treasures I have in this life that let me know of my eternity. My eternal family brings me joy. I love His perfect gospel!
Old Testament
Ruth 2
Ruth gleans in the fields of Boaz, a near relative of Naomi - He treats Ruth kindly.
General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We will implement a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."

At 7:30, after my gospel study time, I made muffins to take to Sister MacArthur's house to share with her family and with Laurann, my companion.

After the muffins were done I made out a grocery list and menu plan, and then got ready to start out on my adventures for the day.

I met Laurann down by the Hunsaker's and drove her to Sister MacArthur's. Of course Laurann has her twin one year old boys and Chelsea has her 2 year old daughter Peyton and her nephew Cooper who belongs to the Umphresses. After handing out the muffins to Peyton and Cooper I asked Chelsea if I could take a picture of the mule deer mounted on her wall. I tried to tell James about it last time but I needed a picture.

Shot on Chelsea's parents ranch in Idaho.

I guess I should have taken a photo of the people, but I didn't.

We had a nice visit. Chelsea said she wanted to come and see our house and I told her just give me a warning text so I could make sure I was dressed and she could come any time. Laurann said she would like to come out and go for a walk sometime. Maybe we could walk down to "Chocolate Lake."

Just as I am getting ready to go Laurann asks me if I know Jeanne Wallen. At first she caught me off guard and then I explained how I knew her. She said her mom is best friends with Jeanne and Jeanne told her that I lived in Vernon and that I was very sweet. I told Laurann I could say the same thing about Jeanne.

I left a little after ten for my lunch appointment with my friend Pam at the Show Low hospital. Pam invited her friend and co-worker, Jennifer to join us for lunch. When I got to the checkout in the lunch line Pam swiped her badge before I had a chance to get my card out. That makes the fifth lunch in the past two weeks that I have not paid for. 

Jennifer's husband Ed had a bad accident not too long ago and has been without work. Pam got Jennifer hired at the hospital and now Ed has to have surgery and Jennifer will have insurance to cover it. Jennifer also has a 15 year old daughter that has a brain tumor. She needs good insurance! Pam is a saint. She also brought Jennifer to church on Sunday and Jennifer is very interested in the gospel.

I so much enjoyed my lunch with these two sweethearts, plus I got all three of my veggie servings!

Next stop, grocery shopping at Walmart, with my calculator because I am trying to stay within my budget of $200. I had to eliminate some of the things from my list, but my total was under $200 at $197.

When I got home James was putting shutters on the house. He had made them and painted them while I was gone. I'm glad I wasn't here to see him put them on the upstairs bathroom window. A picture is forthcoming when he finishes the ones for our bedroom.

I put the groceries away, rest a few minutes, and then blog and listen to President Nelson's talk from the October 1996 conference, "The Atonement." 

For dinner I bought a ready made kit made by Walmart. It had pulled pork, country style beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. It was delicious. I especially loved the beans. 

I finished the April Ensign today, read to James from "Stars Above Northumberland", and listened to Robert Millett's book, "The Atoning One," chapters 6 "On Calvary's Cross," and 7 "Infinite, Yet Intimate." I also walked a few steps.

Part of my gospel study today.

Eden and Winter

Here is the story as posted by their mom, Christina:

Evan and his "little brother," Oliver.

It's so nice that Oliver likes this.

What's he thinking here?

My friend Taylor looks beautiful

in her new glasses.

Those were the days!

Duddings were members of our ward.

It's changing hearts that makes a difference.

Monday, April 23rd, 2018

Monterrey, Mexico

110th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:45

Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 14-15:9

* Why do we do things our "own way"?

- Sometimes we think our way is easier...or the right way. But we don't see the whole picture as God does. It's hard to let go of the wheel...it can be scary too!

Old Testament

Ruth 1

Elimelech and his family go to Moab because of famine - His sons marry - The father and sons die - Ruth, the Moabitess, her husband having died, remains constant to Naomi - They come to Bethlehem.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Elder Gerrit W. Gong

"This is Easter Sunday. I reverently witness and solemnly testify of the living Christ - He who 'died, was buried, and rose again the third day.'"

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

Elder Ulisses Soares

"Having prophets is a sign of God's love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ."

"Rescuing Wayward Children," 202: "The blessings given to Abraham flow to us by and through the Melchizedek Priesthood. What the ancients called entering into the order of the Son of God is today called entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood. This can only happen in the temple. Both worthy men and women enter into this highest order of the priesthood in the temple....We obtain the power to bring our children into the presence of God by going to the house of the Lord and entering into 'the order of the Son of God' by means of the ordinances, including eternal marriage when the opportunity arises."

Russell M. Nelson 4/96 #25: "Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Before Me" "Which way do you face? Our respect for the first commandment fashions our feelings for all the others."

Two people cancelled appointments with me today. I had an appointment to see Sister MacArthur at 9 this morning and just as I was about to open the muffin mix she called and said she was in town and could I come tomorrow. No problem.

I was going to take Sister Halcomb to have a minor surgery done on her arm and she texted me and said her daughter was home and she would take her. No problem.

James and I are really getting in to the "Kill the Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge. We both walked 45 minutes straight to get the 7 exercise points. 

I wrote a check for the last half of our property taxes. The check was around $1,400. 

James went to the post office today and there was a check there from Dianne Rico for $1,150. There was also a check from a life insurance company with the policy on me, for $118. The Lord really does answer prayers.

I started cleaning upstairs for our company on Thursday, Dave, Laura, Cathi, Terry, and Lady. It gets so dusty! James joined me. He moved the kingsized bed from my office to Sheri and Ian's room, their bed into his office, and the bed in his office into my office. 

He also started making shutters for the front windows today. It was a good day for him! He also did yard work and planted the iris's and hydrangea bush he bought the other day. 

We had boiled cabbage for dinner and then for FHE we listened to Brother Soares conference talk, "Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit."

This baby bunny couldn't reach inside the 

bowl for his feed so he solved the problem

by jumping in.

Hello world!

Garden State Tortoise

Dresden, Germany

I remember President Uchtdorf giving a

talk where he mentioned how Dresden was

destroyed during World War II and then

was rebuilt to be just as beautiful as it was before.

Buffalo St., Chandler, Arizona

This is the first building where we attended

church in Chandler. It was light green in

color when we were there and before it was

torn down.

Sunday, April 22nd, 2018

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 9

Book of Mormon references on prayer include 1 Ne. 18:3; Alma 34:17-28; Ether 2:14.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

How might this story of Abinadi give you courage when you face difficult tasks?

- It takes courage to respond to every situation the way the Savior would. Most of us will not have to die in order to bear testimony of Christ but we will be asked to show our loyalty and courage by living the gospel in an ever increasing world. How does the story of Abinadi give me courage when faced with difficulties? I like this quote by President Russell M. Nelson: "When we know who we are and what God expects of us - when his law is written in our hearts..we are spiritually protected." More than anything I desire to do what God expects of me. 

Old Testament

Judges 21

The people lament the desolation of Benjamin - The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead are destroyed for not engaging in the war with Benjamin - Wives are provided for the remnant of Benjamin.

General Conference

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

We begin our "Chunky Monkey" challenge today. I have already lost 10 lbs. so I am ready for this.

James helped me cut these out at the last minute today for my lesson. Each figure represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel

The lesson was about Joseph's brothers selling him into Egypt.

Lots of cutting and folding.

We made a set for each child in my class

and a couple of extras.

James left for church before I did. I have a meeting afterwards so we took separate cars. I got there just before 9. James had already set the chairs up in my room and carried my stuff in for me.

Pam and Rick are here. Pam grabbed me to remind me of our lunch date on Tuesday. I am so happy they are here. Pam brought a friend. Her name is Jennifer.

Ty A. was the youth speaker. He spoke on family history work and using FamilySearch. "Power comes from doing family history. There will be more closeness in your family. We can be strengthened when we do family history work."

Brother Grapp spoke next. His topic was strengthening our testimony of living prophets. He quoted Article of Faith #9. He also said that Christ spoke and gave specific instructions to individuals as well as His apostles. DC 1:38-39. The Prophet speaks to the world and to us as individuals. The Holy Spirit tailors his message to each one of us. The prophets are speaking to us. Are we listening? The Family Proclamation is a good example. Prophets show us the joy that comes from living the gospel. "Decisions Determine Destiny." This was something President Monson said. 

Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles.

Brother Patrick was the closing speaker. His time was cut short. He spoke about the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

Brother Grapp and Brother Patrick both started their talks with Aloha! Brother Grapp served a mission in Hawaii and Brother Patrick was stationed there in the military. He was baptized in Hawaii on December 25th, 1968.

The Vernon ward choir sang the closing number: "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"

Today is my last week to teach Primary.  These are the children that attended: Liana, Andyn, Amaron, and Colter. I don't know where Jace and Gracie were.

James came in for the attention activity and explained to the class how a pearl is made inside of an oyster. It starts with an irritant, sand, and grows into something beautiful. The analogy is that even though bad things happen to us we can turn them around for good if we have the right attitude. This is what Joseph did after he was sold into Egypt.

Once we got through the lesson we celebrated Andyn's birthday, which is today, by letting her open her birthday gifts from me. I got her some little toys from Dollar General, a jewelry box with a butterfly on top, and a beautiful heart-shaped crystal necklace. 

I also gave her a card and told her how much I loved her and how proud I was of her for her knowledge of the scriptures.

Andyn: Such a sweetheart

I walked Amaron down to sharing time and gave him a hug. He loves to sit by me and he will probably miss me the most. 

Now, on to Relief Society. I have decided I like the new arrangement of sitting in a circle because you can see everyone. Pam was sitting by Millie. I guess her friend went home. Sister Curtis gave the lesson. It was about keeping the Sabbath day holy through worship and service. She did an excellent job and had good participation. 

After the block Tamara, Laurann, Kerri and I sat around the table in the front of the Relief Society room and had our first presidency meeting. I gave the spiritual thought by quoting from Moroni 10:32. Laurann's boys played on the floor and we ate lunch and snacks while we discussed the business of Relief Society.

We  need a new teacher so Tamara is going to talk to the bishop and request Sister Skousen. We chose conference talks for the lessons this coming month. I will not have to teach until July. 

After our meeting I went home and took a short nap. Brother Westbrook is gone visiting his new granddaughter in Safford so James needs someone to go with him to visit the Woods.'

I was a little negative about going but quickly repented. The Wood's are about our age and they moved to Vernon for peace and quiet, like we did. They love to travel and went to Alaska last year. They will be going to BYU's graduation next week and taking one of their homemade quilts to a loved one, I think it's Sister Woods' daughter. She has 3 children by a previous marriage. Her first husband died. Brother Wood had two sons by a previous marriage.

We both enjoyed the visit and found we have a lot in common with them and things to admire that aren't common with us.

This evening we studied the gospel and read. I listened to President Nelson's conference address from October 1995, "Perfection Pending." 'Our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus.'

Sister Heyman has a duck that nested in one

of her flower pots. Today some of the eggs

hatched. The ones that didn't hatch, sadly the

mamma duck left behind.

So cute! They should name one Petunia since

they were born in a petunia bed.

There she is, Petunia!

Everybody wants to see.

The following post was written by

Rebecca's daughter Christina:

I thought this was so beautiful that

I wanted to share it.

Lola looks a little stressed. Last year at the

resort she was afraid of the water. I wonder

how she will be this year.

Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer", paragraph 8

there are many passages in the New Testament that teach the duty of prayer (Matt. 7:7; 26:41; Luke 18:1; 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Philip. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17, 25; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8). Christians are taught to pray in Christ's name (John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24). We pray in Christ's name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ - when His words abide in us (John 15:7).We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ's name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man's heart.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:11

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:17-13:4

*How do you "apply your heart to understanding?"

- A great talk called "Learning with Our Hearts" by Elder Gonzalez gave great insight. Some would have you believe that all you need to know is found on the web. But good and bad information is not enough. God has given us another source. He can give us knowledge when we navigate the celestial web in our hearts and minds. We access the celestial source by reading scriptures, harkening to the living prophet, prayer, and taking time to be still. As we follow the celestial promptings (thru the gift of the Holy Ghost) we will feel and see things that cannot be learned with modern technology, but thru the mind and heart.

Old Testament

Judges 20

All Israel arises against the Benjamites, who refuse to deliver up the men of Gibeah - The Benjamites are smitten and destroyed.

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

" We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, seemingly small things bring to pass great things."

I took a photo of the snow this morning before it disappeared.

James's snow picture, a couple of hours 

after mine.

From the Ensign I read an article called, "The Myth of Invisible Motherhood." 

"Even when we think no one sees or appreciates what we do, God sees."

"As you press forward in faith, you testify to your children that Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. Those are the bricks that you lay daily in their temples."

"We never know what impact our everyday acts of kindness may have for others."

I also enjoyed listening to President Nelson's talk from April, 1995: "Children of the Covenant."

James and I had a lunch of leftovers today:

The bread is homemade by Sister Grapp

Trenda texted me this morning and said she was here if I would like to come over and see her mom's baby, Lanel Sheree. I quickly got dressed and grabbed James because I did not want to miss seeing Trenda since she was leaving at 2:30.

Trenda and her husband Emery were both at Sandra's. They live in Flagstaff where Emery is going to school to be a civil engineer and Trenda is working at a doctor's office. I asked her where she was working and she said, Flagstaff Bone and Joint. That just so happens where James has an appointment this coming Friday!

His appointment is with Dr. Flint and Trenda assured him that he was a great doctor.

I got to hold the baby the entire time we were there. We gave Sandra a box of clothes, a blanket, etc. for the baby. George was fascinated with the box and taking things in and out of it. He is going to be three in August.

Lanel Sheree is named after a legend in Vernon,

Aunt Lannie. She is our Primary President,

Aunt Lannie that is, and the assistant superintendent

of schools in Navajo county.

When we returned home it was nap time, walk time, and blog time.

James had to make a trip to town. Something about parts for the tractor he is trying to fix before his job starts on May 1st. While he was gone I heard a couple of ATV's drive up and stop and then someone knock on the door. It was his good friend Owen. Owen said he was camped up on the mountain looking for antlers and James should come up and see him when he gets home. 

When James returned home I told him about Owen's visit and sure enough he went up to see him. Owen said they have been there for over a week and have not found any antlers but they did find several dead carcasses of deer and elk. This could be because of poachers or predators.

While James was gone 4 or 5 elk came onto our property to feed.

Sorry for the quality of the photos but that's

the best I can do with my phone.

When James got home he went outside and scared the elk away.

I worked on my Primary lesson this evening, the last one I will give. It is about Joseph being sold into Egypt by his brothers.

I had a hot bath after my walking and then James wanted me to watch a movie with him so we watched the next episode of "When Calls the Heart."

Mr. Fixit at work.

I love this!

Such a cute picture. I hope I look this good at 92.

What am I saying? I want to be in heaven

when I am 92!

People who complain about

Braylin is going to have a surgery on his arms that will

hopefully allow him to feed himself.

He really is an amazing boy!

My evening meal.

David Archuleta at the Austin, Tx

Aquarium. I'm not sure what that is

he's holding.