OUR FAMILY

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Monday, May 7th, 2018

Helsinki, Finland

124th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 Oct 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:16-25:14

*How can we lift our voices to praise God?

- amberadamson: "I think there are many ways to praise God...prayer, song, speaking kind words to others, etc. I think we can also do it by what we don't say... not complaining, not judging others, etc. The most important thing is to recognize and remember...recognize all that we have been blessed with and remember that everything we have is a gift from God, then we naturally praise Him in our thoughts, words, and actions."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 18-20

18 Jonathan loves David - Saul sets David over his armies - David is honored by the people, and Saul becomes jealous - David marries Michal, a daughter of Saul.

19 Saul seeks to kill David - Michal saves David by artifice - David joins Samuel and the company of prophets.

20 David and Jonathan make a covenant of friendship and peace - They take leave of each other.

General Conference

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

" Even though he had previously hardened his heart, Amulek obeyed the voice of an angel, received the prophet Alma in his home, and provided nourishment to him. He was spiritually awakened during Alma's visit and was called to preach the gospel. Amulek then forsook 'all his gold, and silver, and his precious things...for the word of God, and was rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred.'"

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"Personal sacrifice strengthens us and gives value to the things we sacrifice for."

James left for the valley after family prayer at 4:10 a.m. I love this guy so much. He sacrifices so much for me.

Here he is making a stone-throwing sling for

my Primary class. This was last year.

"To obey is better than sacrifice" says Samuel to Saul. 1 Sam. 15:22

I like this statement from the Old Testament Student Manual:

Many young people of today are great joiners. They attach themselves to this or that organization or group because they wish to make the world a better place. They need a purpose for living, a reason to be - they need a cause.

That cause should be The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love these words by David in 1 Samuel 17:45-47:

45 Then said david to the Phillistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands.

I watched the Church young adult fireside given by Elder and Sister Kearon last night, Elder Kearon:

"There is power in gathering. Am I focused on the wrong things?

Do I focus on my self or on serving others?

President Nelson is laying out a higher and holier way of serving."

Russell M. Nelson 10/02, #40 - Blessed Are The Peacemakers

"Peace is a prime priority that pleads for our pursuit."

I somehow missed this talk by President Nelson so went back and listened to it today. I am glad I did because in this talk he talks about and honors President Hinckley.

Russell M. Nelson 10/97, #30 - Spiritual Capacity

"We need an example - someone to show us how spiritual capacity can be developed. I have selected as a model ... President Gordon B. Hinckley."

Dale G. Renlund,Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 6, Oaths and Covenants.

My project for the day was to work on stripping the polish off the wood floor in the family room. I applied too much remover and it was difficult to work with. Next time I need to do a smaller application. I did not get as much done as I had wanted to. I am finding that is the case with much that I do at the tender age of 69 3/4's.

I may have had the television on while I was working, and I may have said, "If Mountie Jack is really dead on 'When Calls the Heart,' I'm through watching." We shall see.

At 7p.m. this evening James was still at work on the golf course. He is staying at Kim and Brian's tonight.

Stacy gave me a call today about the anniversary party concerns she has. She thought swimming at the condo and then going to the church for the program might be too much. I told her to have the kids bring their pillows and blankets to the church and they could lie on the floor. She liked that idea.

My friend Pam had this to say about her husband Ricky's surgery today:

"Surgery went good. Home, resting.

So unprofessional. I filed a Quantros while

he was still in pre op. Not happy about the experience.

My mind is blown.

Official complaint.

He was taken back by a person who never greeted him or asked

his name. She walked way ahead of him. gave him product to

clean himself, rattling off orders.

Coughs in her hand and then opens sterile materials.

Then a doctor at the deak says; 'We need more guinea

pigs to practice on, so they won't need to go to Flagstaff.'

Which sent his blood pressure 160/100. He was so upset.

The OR director came to talk with me. Then when he got back to recovery the first thing he told me was, a nurse dropped her glove, picked it up and put it on. I wanted to puke!"

These are the very reasons people go to Flagstaff or the valley when they need surgery or medical attention.

Happy 21st Birthday Autumn!

I need to make sure I look at my birthday calendar

at the beginning of each month. I moved it

from my bedroom to the main calendar in

the kitchen. Autumn, I am sorry that your

card and gift will be a little late. I hope you

had a wonderful day!

I went out and fed and watered the bunnies today. I think

they prefer nibbling on the patch of green grass in the back.

I mean I like cabbage, but really?

I must keep a visual record that my roses

actually bloomed!

Dunalastair Castle

I wonder if the Maxwell clan had a castle.

Aunt Gene said when she was in Scotland a lady

in the court records office told her the

Maxwell's all fought and killed each other.

That is sad and if that's true, how did we get here?

Those are not happy faces!

I like to end on a positive note.

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Sunday, May 6th, 2018

Sacramento, California

123rd operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Sept 2006

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

2 Nephi 17:14

Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign - Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 24:1-15
*How has prayer helped ease your daily burdens?
- Prayer will strengthen us to carry our burdens. In vs. 15 "The Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease." When we pray for help we will receive strength, we then find hope in Christ. By submitting cheerfully the Lord will deliver us from our burdens.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 16-17
16 The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king - He is anointed by Samuel - Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.
17 Israel and the Philistines engage in war - Goliath of Gath, a giant, defies Israel and challenges any Israelite to personal combat - David goes against him in the name of the Lord - David slays Goliath with a sling and a stone - Israel defeats the Philistines.
General Conference

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In sustaining President Russell M. Nelson as the Lord's prophet and as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we were part of a divinely decreed solemn assembly - solemn because the events of this past hour have been anticipated in the heavens since before the world was. The Lord Jesus Christ, who directs His work, has today through President Eyring presented His prophet, His anointed leader, to us, His covenant people, allowing us publicly to manifest our willingness to sustain him and follow his counsel."

I got up at 4:30 this morning. Today is the day we weigh and report to Trina on how we did. I lost 2.2 lbs. James lost over 4. I am still happy though. Men always lose faster than women, especially in the beginning.

I prepared a few notes on ministering from the ministering.lds.org website to take with me to young women's when I talk to them today. I also really got in to the RS lesson on revelation. There are so many good things in President Nelson's conference talk.

We had a really good fast and testimony meeting today. One of my favorite testimonies was Brother Allen's. He said that Sister Brewer came to him last week and asked him what his favorite hymn was. She said because he has been through so much these past few weeks she wanted to do something for him. He said it was "I Stand All Amazed." This was our sacrament hymn today. Brother Allen told why it is favorite hymn. He said when he was 7 or 8 years old he was acting up. His grandfather, who was the stake president, took him by the hand and sat him down next to him on the piano bench. His grandfather began playing and singing "I Stand All Amazed." Brother Allen says he still remembers this incident every time he hears this hymn. He thanks his grandfather for taking the time to teach him and give him an opportunity to feel the Spirit.

Linda Price, a summer, part time member of our ward told about her grandson's sealing in the Salt Lake temple. President Dallin H. Oaks was the sealer and she got to give him a hug.

James got up and after bearing his testimony he began talking about me and how our 50th wedding anniversary is coming up. It was very sweet of him.

Because of James's testimony Linda Price, before Relief Society started showed me some photos of their 50th wedding anniversary celebration two years ago.

Our friends the Prices'

Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary!

7 Kids, 40 Grandkids, and 12 Great-Grandkids

Grandchildren, oldest to youngest

7 grandchildren missed the party because of

Missions, college and pregnancy.

Several of the people James and I have stewardship over are having problems today. Pam's husband Ricky is having hernia surgery in the morning. Sister Peeler is in the ER having tests done to see what is causing her pain. It turned out to be not too serious, but still a concern. Anthony, James's friend, has a severe toothache. James checked and he does have antibiotics. Some of the Grapp kids have pink eye and Jean Howard has flu symptons. Our ministering skills will be put to work this week.

I attended the gospel doctrine class for the first time since I was called to teach Primary 3 years ago. Brother Scott was the teacher. He is very knowledgeable but I was disappointed we didn't read any of the scriptures in the lesson except one verse.

I went in to speak to the young women about their upcoming ministering responsibilities. The only ones I knew were LeeAnn and Alice. Of course I know Hailey and Holly and Talena and Bailey but not like I know the older girls. I think it went quite well. Sister Allen only wanted me to take 5-10 minutes so I didn't say nearly as much as I had prepared.

Tamara gave the discussion on personal revelation in Relief Society and from what I heard it was very good. President Nelson's talk from conference on revelation was one of my favorites.

I forgot to mention our future missionary, Jackson Allen, was ordained an elder today after the block. I heard his mom talking about it and half the Allen family attended our ward today. He already has his mission papers in.

This is Jackson. He is quite the mountain man too.

Here he says that you need to appreciate where you are from.

He loves the White Mountains. He is passing up wrestling

scholarships to serve a mission. He is quite the young man.

When James and I got home from church we broke our fast and had lunch. After lunch we shared a quart of Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. It was delicious!

I took an hour and a half nap and James was down for about 3-4 hours. He needs the rest because he is going to have a brutal week out in the sun beginning tomorrow.

It was a wonderful Sabbath day. We were in bed by 9:30 because of James's early schedule tomorrow.

Evan treats me like a baby 'cuz I'm the

younger brother.

Paul wrote this yesterday

on Facebook.

Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott.

Over 200 years old on the Tweed River.

If I ever go back to Europe it will be to

visit Scotland.

Baby Leo, who had open heart surgery when

he was just a few days old was blessed today

by his dad.

The Chunky Monkey Weightloss Challenge Stats:

If James loses any more weight he is

going to blow away. Boy he makes

me look like a chunky monkey.

I guess I shouldn't blame him, should I.

Woohoo!

Monday, May 7, 2018

Saturday, May 5th, 2018

Newport Beach, California

122nd operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, birth of

Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 23:16-39
*How do you remember to give thanks? Why is it an important thing to do?
- frankorion0711: "Sometimes when I pray I only give thanks for all the blessings and trials, or opportunities to grow, in my life. It really puts things in perspective.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 13-15
13 Saul offers a burnt offering - The Lord rejects him and chooses another captain over His people.
14 Jonathan smites the garrison of the Philistines - Saul instructs the people to eat no food until evening - Unaware of the oath, Jonathan eats, and Saul decrees his death - He is rescued by the people - Saul vexes his enemies on every hand.
15 Saul is commanded to smite and destroy the Amalekites and all that they have - He saves some animals to sacrifice - Saul is rejected as king and told that to obey is better than sacrifice - Samuel destroys Agag.
General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"Success," it has been said, "isn't the absence of failure, but going from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm."

Russell M. Nelson:4/02 How Firm a Foundation:

"The foundation of one's individual faith, if anchored firmly to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an eternal perspective."

Rescuing Wayward Children: p. 239-40:

Elder Bruce C. Hafen wrote:

" A covenant marriage in the highest sense will begin as a temple marriage. When the partners are then sufficiently righteous, the marriage will be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise (DC 132:7),

"which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true" (DC 76:53). Such a marriage will then be not only eternal in duration but also celestial in quality, for it will be a marriage that partakes of God's quality of life."

Elder Dale G. Renlund:The Melchizedek Priesthood: Chapter 4:

"The Priesthood Blesses the Priesthood Holder"

I am so grateful for my dear, sweet husband. He knew he was only going to be able to get things done for me today because tomorrow is the Sabbath and he leaves again for his job at Legacy Golf Course early Monday morning. Here is a list of the things he did this morning:

*Took the wet vacuum and blew out the dryer vent. I now have a working dryer!

*He went to the dump

*Washed the car because we are going to the temple this afternoon

*Took the shelves we got from Trina and put them upstairs where they belong.

He is the best!

He's handsome too!

When I was at Fry's yesterday I bought a boxed meal, Jerk chicken with stewed greens, with all the ingredients in the box. All you have to do is follow the directions for preparation and boom! your meals is ready.

The chicken was cooked perfectly but I didn't like the jerk seasoning very well. The stewed kale was good but my favorite was the mango salsa. James liked everything quite well too.

After lunch we started our fast. We are fasting for family concerns, our grandchildren who have gone away from the gospel, and what we can do to help them and their parents. We are also fasting that all of our children and their spouses will have family prayer, scripture study, and FHE. It is a good thing to be united together in fasting and prayer.

We left for Snowflake at 3:15 for the 4:30 temple session. I was fortunate to sit by a former temple matron's assistant during the session, Sister Miller. She says that all of the former temple presidency and their wives are temple workers. I knew we were in good company as temple workers!

James looks puzzled and I look like

I have a spider leg on my forehead.

We stopped at Walmart on the way home to pick up some ice cream. Tomorrow is the day we have our big treat for the week. We both love Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia so that's what I got, you know, one of those small containers. A 1/2 cup of this stuff has 260 calories!

I finished my 10,000 steps this evening and didn't even drink any water. I did have some sugarfree Icebreakers. I couldn't survive without my Icebreakers.

James worked on loading his truck for work on Monday and I worked on studying for tomorrow's RS lesson on Revelation and what I am going to say to the Young Women about ministering. Sister Allen asked one of us to come in and explain to the girls what the Laurels and Mia Maids responsibilities will be in their ministering assignments.

Today is my brother Dennis's Birthday.

Happy birthday Dennis!

Let's do lunch.

Looking a little tired at the state track meet

in Mesa. It was over 100 degrees.

Well, after all, he is 64!

Today is also my dear sweet friend

Betty Bogle's birthday. Here she is with

9 of her 10 children. Her oldest, Bobby,

was killed in an airplane crash several

years ago.

Congratulations Zachary!

As a sophmore he got 3rd in state in the

shot put. Throwing a distance of 49' 8".

Royal children, Princess Charlotte kissing

her brother Prince Louis.

Friday, May 4th, 2018

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, betrayal of

DC 45:53

And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 22:10-23:15

*How is this story of Limhi's people similar to our own escape from this world into the arms of the Savior?

aliciamil4: "I can see the Savior's hand in everything, the good and the hard as He gives me the choice to choose Him or the ways of the world. He blesses me, he prepares me and he teaches me to move forward.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 11-12

11 The Ammonites encamp against the Israelites of Jabesh-gilead - Saul rescues them and defeats the Ammonites - His kingship is renewed in Gilgal.

12 Samuel testifies of his own just dealings in Israel - He reproves the people for their ingratitude - He exhorts them to keep the commandments lest the Lord consume them and their king.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" As I sought guidance to know the topic the Lord would have me address today, my mind was directed to a recent conversation with the newly called First Presidency. In this discussion, one of the counselors shared words to this effect: 'I deeply hope that the membership of the Church can comprehend the magnitude of what has taken place with the calling of our new prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, and the significance and sacredness of the solemn assembly that will take place at general conference.' He further observed, 'It has been 10 years, and many, especially the youth of the Church, do not remember or have not experienced this before.'"

Russell M. Nelson-10/01: "Set in Order Thy House"

'Our family is the focus of our greatest work and joy in this life; so it will be throughout eternity.'

Rescuing Wayward Children:"Afflictions can push parents apart, when in actuality afflictions are designed to weld us together" (p. 227) "Oneness brings deliverance." Charity has 3 meanings: Love from Christ, Love for Christ, Love like Christ. (p.233)

James went on an early morning walk while I went downstairs to work on my blog. I was there when Addy got up and left, Ruby, Darrel, Rowan, and Lola.

Trina and Darrel have a green shake for breakfast in the mornings. It's made from kale, spinach, frozen pineapple, a banana, and sometimes an orange if they have one. Trina let us taste her shake this morning and I must say, it was very tasty. She also introduced me to My Fitness Pal which she uses for her food diary. I love it!

Thanks Trina!

Trina told us a funny story about Lola this morning. She said they saw a woman with black hair and Lola said: "Is that Jo"? Trina asked her who Jo was and she said: "You know that girl who builds houses and her husbands name is Chip."

We said our goodbyes as everyone left for school or work. Ruby's class is going on a fieldtrip to the aquarium and Lola and Trina are going to meet them there.

James and I loaded up and left for Fry's around 9:00 or so. We were looking for Grape Nut Flakes, for James. We didn't find any but we found the Larabar date balls that Trina introduced us to so we bought two flavors, brownie and salt caramel. A tasty little bite without having to count as a sweet.

James dropped me off at AARA for my infusion at 10:15. I had an appointment with Rana, Dr. Caldron's PA, and then I had my infusion. I lost about 10 lbs since last month which makes me happy and which also means I get less Actemra.

James took the car to get the new headlight put in, took our cast-offs to D.I., and got gas. For lunch we shared a salad I made up at Fry's salad bar. Since we have been on this diet we have actually craved more healthy food.

Our next stop was in Scottsdale where James is seeing an allergy specialist. I dropped him off and then went to the Fry's Marketplace on Shea Blvd. just to look around. Just to look around cost me over $150. I ended up doing much of my grocery shopping. It was so fun. Much different from Walmart.

I bought James some fried chicken from Fry's because he loves it. He was pretty excited when I picked him up. He said this doctor helped him more than any other doctor. He told him to cut way down on meat, no spicy foods, milk products, or acidic foods. No water within an hour of going to bed. He also wrote him a prescription that he said would help with acid reflex more than the prescription that he is on.

From Scottsdale we went home through Payson.

I got my new crockpot!