Thursday, May 10th, 2018

Panama City, Panama

127th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Aug 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Book of Mormon
Mosiah 27:1-17
"Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father;" Do you have an experience where your prayers for a friend or family member were answered.
- Just this week I was praying for James at his work. He is doing some remodeling of golf cart path at Legacy Golf Course in Phoenix. He was having trouble with equipment and with workers showing up to work. I told him I would pray every 30 minutes for him, which I did. Later he called me and said that he and Bob were able to fix the skidsteer and Joseph Valecillo and two concrete finishers were coming to help with the job. I felt like my prayers were answered and he did too because he was calling to thank me.
Old Testament
1 Samuel 25-26
25 Samuel dies - Nabal rebuffs David and refuses to give him food - Abigail intercedes, saves Nabal, and gives David a present - David is pacified, Nabal dies, and David marries Abigail.
26 David again spares Saul's life - He again refuses to stretch forth his hand against the Lord's anointed - Saul and David separate.
General Conference

Teaching in the Home - A Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

"As parents, we introduce our children to Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. We help our children say their first prayer. We offer guidance and support as they enter the covenant path through baptism. We teach te to obey God's commandments. We educate them about His plan for His children, and we help them recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. We tell them stories of ancient prophets and encourage them to follow living ones. We pray for their triumphs and ache with them during their trials. We testify to our children of temple blessings, and we strive to prepare them well to serve full-time missions. We offer loving counsel as our children become parents themselves. But - even then - we never stop being their parents. We never stop being their teachers. We are never released from these eternal callings."

Rescuing Wayward Children,p.255, Gordon B. Hinckley:

"I leave my blessing upon you. May there be .. a sense of security and peace and love among your children, precious children every one of them, even those who may have strayed. I hope you don't lose patience with them; I hope you go on praying for them, and I don't hesitate to promise that if you do, the Lord will touch their hearts and bring them back to you with love and respect and appreciation."

Meridian Magazine,May 9, 2018, A Yearning Goodbye to the Boy Scouts by Maurine Proctor

As the LDS Church announces a new worldwide initiative for all LDS youth, it is not just Boy Scouts that is severed, but also Young Women's Personal Progress, Activity Days, Faith in God and Duty to God programs. 

The LDS Church only gave clues to what lies ahead: "For years, Church leaders have been preparing a new initiative to teach and provide leadership and development opportunities to all children and youth, to support families and to strengthen youth everywhere as they develop faith in the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This new approach is intended to help all girls and boys, young women and young men discover their eternal identity, build character and resilience, develop life skills and fulfill their divine roles as daughters and sons of God."

Worth the Wrestle, Sheri Dew, p. 12

" Asking inspired questions leads to knowledge. It leads to revelation. It leads to greater faith. And it leads to peace. Not asking questions on the other hand, closes off revelation, growth, learning, progression, and the ministering of the Holy Ghost."

Roots and Branches, Russell M. Nelson, 4/04, #43:

"Simpy summarized, life's greatest blessings will come to us if our love of Jesus Christ is rooted deeply in our hearts."

Melchizedek Priesthood, Dale G. Renlund, Chapter 9: Principle #1 - Governed by Righteousness

The Prophet Joseph Smith by Truman G. Madsen: Chapter 1:

The First Vision and It's Aftermath

Today was a day of service for me. I made chocolate chip muffins, rolls and chicken noodle soup. I left the house shortly after 3 and delivered a basket of muffins and rolls to my friend Jean. I was supposed to help her write a letter to her grandson Dustin but she said she wasn't quite ready. She said she didn't want to tell me she wasn't ready because she was afraid I wouldn't come over. I told her I would have come anyway. 

After we had only been visiting for a few minutes, the Brady's came to the door with their granddaughter Carmalynn. They were here to see Tom, Jean's husband. They sat and visited with us while they waited for Tom to come up from the barn. 

One of my old boyfriends is married to Brother Brady's sister so we talked about that for awhile. We talked about The Maxwell House and how it was the only nice restaurant in Show Low for a long time. The last thing Brother Brady said before I left was that Show Low is the meth capital of the nation. What? It's not big enough. I wonder where he got this information.

This is my friend Jean hold a picture of her

daughter Deana who is hold a picture of her 

daughter Dakota, who is holding a picture

of her daughter Berlin.

I told Jean that I work in the temple every other Saturday and she said she would like to go to the temple again sometime. This is great!

My next stop was at Laurann's house. She has three sick kids so I brought them some homemade chicken noodle soup, rolls, and muffins. Both Amaron and Charlie, Laurann's son and husband said it was the best chicken noodle soup they had ever had. I am so glad they liked it. I always worry when I make things for other people.

Amaron with his new mustache.

On my way home I left a basket of rolls and muffins at the Peeler's. Sister Peeler has experienced alot of back pain lately and Tamara asked me to check on her. I tried calling both phone numbers and got no response so I went by to see if they were home. They weren't so I left the covered basket by the front door.

I went home and had a Slimfast, a bell pepper and half a cucumber for dinner. While I was walking to my music, Sheri called and I talked to her for awhile. Evan, Joshua, and Addy all had concerts tonight. 

Addy looks so pretty and so grown up for

her choir concert.

She said her favorite song was Ubi

Caritas which means, where there is love 

and light, God is there.

Joshua playing the cornet.

Evan had a speaking part at his concert.

He also plays the viola.

My friend Braylin is growing up!

I'm so glad when Daddy gets home!

Castles of Scotland, Eileandonan Castle, or

"Lady of the Night"

I want one of these!

Imagine having to buy a shoe for that foot.

Wednesday, May 9th, 2018

Curitiba, Brazil

126th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judan, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose going forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 26:14-39

*Who are the Lord's sheep?

- sue_heugly: "The gospel of Jesus Christ is about people. It doesn't matter if you're a child, youth or an adult. We all need to feel loved, and we all need a leader to follow. Jesus liked to call us his sheep, and he was the shepherd. Everyone is part of his flock, wit him knowing each one of us personally. As a shepherd he goes after us one by one if we get lost."

Old Testament

1 Samuel 23-24

23 David smites the Philistines and saves Keilah - He continues to flee from Saul - Jonathan comforts him in Ziph.

24 David finds Saul in a cave and spares his life - Saul confesses that David is more righteous than he - David swears that he will not cut off the seed of Saul.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"The Lord told Abraham that through his seed and through the priesthood, all the families of the earth would be blessed 'with the blessings of the Gospel,...even of life eternal' (Abraham 2:ll; see also verses 2-10).

These promised blessings of the gospel and the priesthood were restored to the earth, and then, in 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith administered the endowment to a limited number of men and women. Mercy Fielding Thompson was one of them. The Prophet said to her, 'This endowment will bring you out of darkness into marvelous light."

Rescuing Wayward Children

As our children mature, we hope that their motivation for obeying the laws of family and of God will migrate from duty to understanding and finally to love.

Russell M. Nelson:10/03 #42: Personal Priesthood Responsibility

"When ordained to an office in the priesthood, you are granted authority. But power comes from exercising that authority in righteousness."

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood

Chapter 8 Commandments of the Melchizedek Priesthood Covenant

James is pouring concrete this morning at 6 a.m. and I am praying for him. 

I left at 9 a.m. to pick up my friend Catherine. She's 84 years old and she asked me if I could take her to the temple. Of course I said yes. We are going to the 10:30 session. Catherine has never been to the Snowflake temple before. She worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years though. 

Catherine is quite the seamstress. Not only did she make her temple dress but she also made her apron which was hand-stitched around every leaf. She said that her husband who passed away 8 years ago, had one just like it. I was impressed. 

Catherine did one of my family names so I felt like she was serving me as much as I was serving her.

Catherine is a delight, except that

she is hard of hearing. He deceased

husband was the football coach both

at Westwood High and Mountain View, at

different times, of course.

Oh yes, she, her husband and their

four children used to raise Siberian Huskies

for dogsled racing. It started when they lived in Denver.

She and her husband had four children, two boys and two girls: Kelly, Kerri, Kathy, and Kenny.

I was trying to take a selfie and one of the missionary elders who was in our session came over and offered to take a picture for us.

We had at least 20 missionaries who serve in Snowflake in our session.

I put some of our family names on the temple prayer roll, including Laura.

I got home, changed my clothes and began my 45 minute walk to the soundtrack from "The Greatest Showman." I walk around the dining room table and the kitchen island with the blinds open. Five bunnies were munching on the grass.

This is what I had for dinner: Asparagus, frozen blueberries, popcorn and sugar free chocolate pudding with whipped cream. 

It was 85 degrees today. I had to turn on the air conditioner.

I talked to Laurann today about Amaron coming over tomorrow after school. She says he has a counseling session at the park until 4:30 and that I could pick him up afterwards.

I got a little inspiration while I was in the temple. I came up for a name for our ward activity, "A Celebration of Family." I later shortened it to "Celebrating Family" which everyone liked.

Jasmine's baby Kyler is so cute.

He reminds me of Seth, Jasmine's brother.

A castle in Scotland, I didn't catch

the name. That critter needs a haircut or

a stylist.

One of my favorite photos of Lola and Gpa.

We are using a tree on the poster

we are making for our

"Celebrating Family"

ward activity.

I still don't have family photos for 

Stacy's family, Kim's, or Jared's.

This dog is a little spoiled.

I want a flower garden of purple flowers!

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 25:15-26:13

How do you gain understanding in times of doubt or struggles?

- sue_heugly: "Believing and having faith certainly isn't the popular thing in society, but is there anything noble about being cynical and skeptical? Anyone can do that. How many expect God to prove the truth to them? President Uchtdorf said that belief is available to everyone. There is no magic to belief. All we need to do is desire it. Belief is a choice. And once we choose it, the Lord does the rest. He can open our hearts, minds and eyes to thing that only bring joy and understanding." 

The Savior said, "Be not afraid, only believe." That says it all.

Old Testament

1 Samuel 21-22

21 David gets help from Ahimelech the priest - He eats the shewbread - He goes to Gath, where he pretends madness.

22 David gains followers - He goes from one place to another, fleeing from Saul - Saul slays the priests who showed kindness to David.

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"As I talk about the young women of the Church, who are equally needed and essential in accomplishing the work of the Lord in their families ad in His Church."

 Rescuing Wayward Children:

"The restored gospel provides us power that we can draw upon to fulfill our divine parent charge."

President James E. Faust acknowledge that,

"Satan's pervasive snares are increasing, and raising children is becoming harder," but the Brethren have also made it clear that the Lord has restored priesthood keys that are available to each worthy parent - keys to gather together the family for the purpose of administering the gospel blessings, and keys to have those blessings sealed upon their heads for time and eternity. (See Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 539).

Russell M. Nelson, 4/03 #41. Sweet Power of Prayer

"We should pray in accord with the will of our Heavenly Father. He wants to test us, to strengthen us, and to help us achieve our full potential."

Mosiah 26:1-4 The Rising Generation

President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency emphasized the need to teach the youth of the Church to believe in God:

" No charge in the kingdom is more important than to build faith in youth. Each child in each generation chooses faith or disbelief. Faith is not an inheritance; it is a choice. Those who believed King Benjamin learned that. Many of their children chose later not to believe. The scriptures give as a reason, 'for they would not call upon the Lord their God' (Mosiah 26:4)."

James asked me to pray for him today. I said that I would do better than that, I would pray for him every 30 minutes. When Terry had his heart attack and we didn't know if he was going to make it, I talked to my friend Carol Ray and told her about the situation. She said her Aunt Brooke Peterson, (Elder H. Burke Peterson's wife), told her when there is a critical need that praying every thirty minutes is a good idea. That way the thoughts and intents of your heart are in tune with the Lord to a greater degree.

After praying for a couple of hours, he called me and said: "You aren't going to believe what happened. Joseph Vallecillo, one of my best workers, showed up, and I got two concrete finishers from Labor Force." Prayer really does work.

Dale G. Renlund:The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 7

"The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood"

I went outside and fed the bunnies today. I didn't really need to water them because their water containers were full, except for the one by the woodpile. 

I listened to a talk today by President Nelson that was given in 1993 at the Parliament of the World's Religions. It was soooo good and I filed it under "missionary work" in my gospel file. He explains the basic tenets of the gospel so well. The name of the talk is:

Combating Spiritual Drift - Our Global Pandemic

"It is ironic that as affluence and physical comforts increase, spiritual strength declines. Human nature cannot be change by reforming public policy."

This afternoon I did my weekly shopping. My first stop was at the J.C. Penney's store to get some thigh high hose. (TMI) This is my first time in the store and I was pretty impressed. They were having a big sale and I bought a blouse that does not quite fit me yet, but it will in a month or so. I ran into our RS Pres, Tamara. We chatted for awhile and when I told her this was my first time in the store, she made the comment that she comes in all the time.

Leaving Penney's I went to Walgreen's to get Amazon gift cards for Lois and Autumn. Lois for mother's day and Autumn for her birthday. As soon as I got to Walmart I walked over to the mailbox and mailed both cards. It makes me a little nervous to send giftcards in the mail. Hopefully they will arrive at their desired destinations intact.

When I got into Walmart I realized I had left my revised list in the car. I still had the list on my phone and I did manage to get most of the things on my list. I also caluculated my expenses, only spending $101. That is a new record low for me. James would be so proud!

Well, it's for real. Mountie Jack on "When Calls the Heart" is officially dead. Daniel Lissing, the guy who plays Jack, had his contract come up for review and he did not want to renew because of personal reasons. Maybe his wife didn't like him being married to Elizabeth on the show. Anyway now Elizabeth is a widow like many/most of the women in Hope Valley. They offer her some very good advice and the last thing we learn is that she is expecting a baby. Now we have something to look forward to in the next season.

James finally called me around 10 p.m. when he got home from work. Kim and Brian were having game night. Kaitlin gave him a big hug and he got to see Joe, Ben, and Adam.

Brian gave me these roses for 
Mother's Day three years ago
in Chandler.

I made chicken tacos for 

Taco Tuesday

I bet this guys 100. I wonder if he

lives in Japan.

Kason, Kaitlin, Joe, Adam, Ben
during game night at Kim's.

Fish taco Tuesday

Gorgeous!

At the aquarium last Friday

I think Lola's in heaven!

January 1968, Credence Clearwater Revival
eating lunch at a Taco Bell in Burbank.

I wonder if a cat would do this?

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.