Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 10:4

Yes, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews - even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

*How did the church of God respond to the beliefs of others? How did they respond to persecutions from those of other beliefs?

-"...If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy. Who knows but that again in our day some of the saints, or even apostles, as in former days, may be required to give their lives in defense of the truth?? If that time should come, God grant that they would not fail!" - President Harold B. Lee

Alma 1:26-31. The affairs of the Church established. President James E. Faust: "In the first chapter of Alma we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord's Church is established...1. The doctrines are taught (vs. 26). 2. Members esteem each other as themselves (vs. 26). 3. They all labor; they work and earn that which they receive. (vs. 26). 4. They impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (vs. 27). 5. They discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (vs. 27). "This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord's way that their circumstances began to improve. This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere."

Old Testament

2 Samuel 7-8

7 David offers to build a house for the Lord - The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so - The Lord will establish David's house and kingdom forever - David offers a prayer of thanksgiving

8 David defeats and subjects many nations - The Lord is with him - He executes judgment and justice unto all his people.

General Conference

Ministering wit the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as thought they would rather satisfy thier own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children."

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.

Worth the Wrestle

Nephi attempted to teach his older brothers the pattern for receiving information through the Spirit: "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?" he asked. "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Nephi 15:11).
Russell M. Nelson 4/07, #49 Repentance and Conversion

"A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul."

Dale G. Renlund  Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter 14 Principle #6

Priesthood Power and Influence are Maintained Using Christlike Attributes

Truman G. Madsen  Lectures on the Prophet Joseph Smith  Lecture #5  Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Temple

I called the D.I. in Glendale, Arizona and asked what we needed to do to get a requisition order for two girls from our ward. I spoke with Dan Holme, the manager who was very kind. He said that the bishop needed to fill our a commodity form for clothing. If he doesn't have the form he can call and speak with Brother Holme. No one else can call for him, it must be the bishop. Tamara, our RS President was very appreciative that I found out what we needed to know to get clothes for the Burton girls.

I worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. It is such a slow, messy job. I wonder if I will ever finish. Yes I will!

I also made some muffins to take to Laurann's. I picked up Amaron from school and then drove him home. I took in muffins, candy, and my new Star Wars book and my Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Amaron carried in the four boxes I brought for Lauren to use for packing. They bought a house from the Grapp's and will be moving across the highway. I could tell that Lauren did not feel well so I didn't stay long. I read with Amaron and then had him read a little before I left. I am worried about Laurann's health.

Amaron walks me to the car. He likes to turn the car on, and look at the trunk, and then open and close the sky roof. He is fascinated with my car and would like to have it when I die.

We used to have elk in our backyard. Now we have bunnies, 8 of them this evening eating our grass.

James will be home tomorrow!

Five bunnies enjoying a feast

Throwback Thursday to the day

Scarlett was blessed.

The temple is closing on Friday for

2 1/2 years.

Christina's kids

Taylor was five years old when we

were her Primary teachers.

Braylin playing the drums

Hailey, his mom is grateful he and his sister have

been accepted at their new school in Deming.

Wisteria Tree

I wouldn't mind having one of these in

my backyard.

Ruby tells me sea turtles are becoming

extinct.

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

*Nehor used flattery and false doctrine to attract followers and attack the church of God. His teachings were popular because they excused sin in the name of religion. He encouraged wickedness, rationalizing that in the end all men should have eternal life regardless of their personal behavior. Elder L. Tom Perry:

"Nehor's words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right."

Verse 16 states that priestcraft was 'preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor.' Do we have people doing this today?

*The record states that Gideon "was an instrument in the hands of God" (Alma 1:8). When confronted by Nehor's false teachings, Gideon admonished Nehor "with the words of God (Alma 1:7). As a result, Gideon was slain for defending the faith. 

How do you defend your faith?

Old Testament

2 Samuel 5-6

5 All Israel anoints David king - He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord - He conquers the Philistines.

6 David takes the ark to the city of David - Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies - David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label. It is a divine power held in trust to use for the benefit of God's work for his children. We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not 'the priesthood.' It is not appropriate to refer to 'the priesthood and the women.' We should refer to 'the holders of the priesthood and the women.'"

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: 

We must teach our children that God's commandments 

are patterns for safe and happy living.

Worth the Wrestle, 14:

"The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; (Alma 12:11).

In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth - and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

-Sheri Dew

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood:

Chapter 13, Prinicple #5

A Priesthood Holder's Identity Becomes Christlike

Truman G. Madsen, The Prophet Joseph Smith

Lecture 5

Joseph and the Kirtland Temple

After my study time this morning I started dinner for the Scott's. 

I put out two dozen rolls to rise and made a stew and put it in the crockpot. Later on I made an Olive Garden salad.

My day is pretty predictable. I walked, rested, blogged, budgeted and took a whirpool bath. Before leaving for the Scott's a little after 5 I made a salad and a green smoothie for me to eat on the way to my delivery. 

Sister Hunter was at the Scott's visiting when I arrived. Brother Scott helped me carry the food in and he took the food out of my containers and put it in some of their's. He even completely washed the crockpot for me. They seemed very appreciative and Sister Scott said that I outdid myself. After saying goodbye I hurried down to the church for a meeting with Sister Applegate and Brother Reidhead to finalize our plans for the ward activity we are in charge of on June 23rd. Kerri is in the valley. She has a doctor's appointment and then she will be picking up the Burton's things in storage and bringing them back up here. Laurann is having some tests done because she has been having chest pains. We prayed for both of them.

My major assignment is to be in charge of the displays, Brother Reidhead is working with the missionaries and the family history consultants with the family history demonstration, Tamara is in charge of the food, and Kerri the children's activities.

It was a good meeting and Brother Reidhead went home to watch sick kids so his wife could come to Mutual.

Afterwards Tamara and I stayed for a presidency meeting. We planned the lessons for June and talked about ministering companionships for the young women. I need to ask Sister Thompson if she will teach Relief Society on June 10th. The lesson will be based on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Temple and Family History Work - Healing and Sealing."

I came home, took a shower so I could wash my hair, did some reading, talked to James on the phone, and went to bed.

James sent me this photo. Out with the old,

in with the new. Golf cart path that is.

Congratulations Cash for making it into

National Junior Honor Society!

These guys look like they could be

from Vernon.

"Dancing with the Stars"

I'm watching the Athletes season right now.

Salt and Pepper or

Blackie and Whitie,

my Grandpa Strickland, who we called Grandpa Al,  

would have called the white one

Pepper and the black one Salt.

That's what he did with his own cats.

Jeffrey at Disneyland when he was four.

Such a cutie!

The beautiful Gilbert temple

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018

Gila Valley, Arizona

132nd operating temple

Dedicated: 23 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Romans 1:3

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:33-47

*How did Mosiah's new system of government affect the agency of the people?

- It put more responsibility and accountability on the people's shoulders. They were used to Mosiah leading them and making sure they didn't get into trouble. Now they had to step up ad make more of those decisions on their own. It also gave them more freedom.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 3-4

3 The houses of David and Saul engage in a log war - David grows stronger - Abner joins David but is slain by Joab - David mourns for Abner.

4 Two of Saul's captains lsay Ishbosheth - They take his head to David, who has them slain for killing a righteous person.

General Conference

Inspired Ministering

President Henry B. Eyring

"As the Saints moved across the plains, their care for each other was organized in 'companies.' One of my paternal great-grandfathers was returning from his mission in what is now Oklahoma when he met a company on the trail. He was so weak with disease that he and his companion were on their backs in a little wagon.

The leader of the company sent two young women to help whoever might be in that forlorn wagon. One of them, a young sister who had been converted in Switzerland, took a look at one of the missionaries and felt compassion. He was saved by that company of Saints. He recovered enough to walk the rest of the way to te Salt Lake Valley with his young rescuer by his side. They fell in love and married. He became my great-grandfather Henry Eyring, and she my great-grandmother Maria Bommeli Eyring."

Rescuing Wayward Children, 268,

An endowment of power opens the way 

for an endowment of knowledge.

Russell M. Nelson, 4/06, #47.

"Marriages would be

happier if nurtured

more carefully."

Dale G. Renlund,Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 12 Principle #4

A Priesthood Holder Recognizes and Follows

Righteous Patterns

Truman G. Madsen, Lecture #4, 

Joseph Smith and Trials

I had a lunch date today with Harold, Vickie, Dennis and Denise at Darbi's in Pinetop for Dennis's birthday. Since we didn't do anything for Harold's birthday I considered it for his birthday too so I offered to buy. I paid the bill but Vickie came me $20 and Denise left $15 for the tip and gave me $15. 

I had a Chinese chicken salad and it was delicious. Dennis and Denise both loved their salads and Harold and Vickie loved their burgers. I can't believe that I failed to ask the waitress to take a picture of us!

After having lunch and saying our goodbyes, I went shopping at Walmart. I had to buy cards and gifts for my friend Pam, Zemira whose family James ministers to, and Ben for seminary and high school graduation. This is one of those weeks where you spend more money they you intended, especially since my calculator kept blanking out and I finally gave up on keeping track of how much I was spending.

I came home, put groceries away, rested for a little while and then headed out to visit the Burton family. I am taking them one of my "extra" crockpots and seeing what other needs they have. They are moving to St. Johns and will be living in one of Neal Lambson's homes. The parents are both handicapped and their are twin daughters Melanie and Tara who are 14. Sister Burton says the girls need clothes but she couldn't give me a size. They live in two small travel trailers you would use for camping so I am glad they are getting to move into a home. They need someone to pick up stuff they have in a storage unit in the valley. I shared this with the presidency and said we should pray to know who to ask. Kerri, the first counselor volunteered to do it and her mother who is 84, said she would go with her. I called them Superwoman and her assistant. Kerri was going down for a doctor's appointment on Thursday and will stay Friday to bring the Burton's things back. The Burton's are responsible to see that people are there to help load Kerri's trailer and truck. I told Kerri she was an answer to our prayers before we even prayed!

James reported in so we could get the point for speaking to our partners on the weight loss challenge. I prayed for him most of the day and he had a pretty good day on the golf course.

This evening I  walked, blogged, worked on my budget, and studied "Children Learning Reading." I finally got my notebook put together.

Brother Allen had surgery today on his shoulder. This injury is a result of the fall off the roof. First they attended to his broken pelvis and now they are doing his shoulder. I'm glad he got to see Jackson get his mission call before he had this surgery. Jackson is his youngest son. He and Sister Allen have 5 daughters and 2 sons.

He looks thrilled, doesn't he.

I wanted to find where Tyler, Texas was.

My friend Ann posted this. I thought

it was pretty amazing!

When I get skinny this is one of 

the dresses I want.

Lindsey from "DWTS" at her temple wedding.

It's nice to see her with clothes on!

I was 9 years old and remember

hearing about this. I also remember

the Sputnik gum, shaped like a

jaw breaker, blue with little spikes.

Ian's grandma was from Bisbee and

her last name was Beebe.

Weird and dumb

That is some big hail. I would

hate to get hit on the head with one of those.

Amazing!

"Peeping Tom"

Cats are so nosy!

People come from all over the world to see

the Red Rocks of Sedona. It is pretty but

looks a little barren to me.

Awesome photo!

Seven bunnies eating out grass.

Can you find them all?

Monday, May 14th, 2018

Vancouver, British Columbia

131st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 May 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

John 1:14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 29:16-32

*Why did Mosiah not select another king over the land?

- Mosiah knew that one wicked king could negatively influence an entire society. Wicked leaders destroy laws of a nation that are based on God's laws. They replace righteous laws with laws that support evil and wickedness. Sadly we can see this happening to the laws and legal systems of many nations today. Vs. 20 - "...he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in Him." Humility, prayer and trusting God can create miracles in our life.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 1-2

1 David learns of the death of Saul and Jonathan - He slays the Amalekite who claims to have killed Saul - David laments the passing of Saul and Jonathan with a song.

2 David is anointed king over the house of Judah - Ishbosheth becomes the king of Israel - David's followers defeat Abner and the men of Israel.

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The elders quorum includes all elders and prospective elders in the ward as well as high priests who are not currently serving in the bishopric, in the stake presidency, on the high council, or as functioning patriarchs. The high priests quorum in the stake will be composed of those high priests who are serving in the stake presidency, in bishoprics, on the high council, and as functioning patriarchs."

Russell M. Nelson, 10/05, #46. Jesus Christ - The Master Healer

"Faith, repentance, baptism, a testimony, and enduring conversion lead to the healing power of the Lord."

F.H.E. 

Behold! A Royal Army

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Everywhere my wife and I have gone, we have witnessed the hand of the Lord going before His servants, preparing the people and the way ahead so that all His children might be blessed according to their every need. Hasn't He promised that He 'will go before our face' and 'be on our right hand and on our left and that His 'Spirit shall be in our hearts, and His angels round about us'"?

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 11 Principle #3, A Calling in the Priesthood is a Calling to Serve.

Truman G. Madsen, Lecture #3, Joseph's Personality and Character. In this lecture Brother Madsen asks us to reach out the olive branch to Emma Smith. That is not difficult for me. I love and admire Emma Smith. I wish all of my children and grandchildren could listen to these lectures. If they could, their testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith would be strengthened.

Rescuing Wayward Children

If the scriptures teach us anything, they teach us that Israel's God will not let Israel go, despite her bouts of waywardness. The Lord is always reaching out to her. Robert L. Millet surmises rightly that "What is true of a nation is equally true of individuals. Few of us in this life will, through our sins, place ourselves beyond the pale of saving grace."

Meridian Magazine, The Lord's Formula for Receiving and Recognizing Revelation: by Mark A. Mathews

"What the Lord wants us to know is that revelation requires work. Rather than merely asking without effort, we must pay the price of our own diligent efforts to know the things we seek."

Here is the three step formula"

 Study it out in your mind, then ask the Lord if it is right.

(DC 9:8)

1. Study it out.

2. Make a decision.

3. Ask if it is right.

Sheri Dew, Worth the Wrestle, p. 12:

"A pattern of not seeking help from heaven blocks revelation and leaves a person coping alone with downward spiraling thoughts or seeking out like-minded thinkers or even doubters in the blogosphere, in the theater, between the covers of books - you name it. They can be found almost anywhere.

The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell" (Alma 12:11). In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

James went to pick up his tractor this morning. When he got back he decided to get himself some salad. The only problem was I had made the salad to take to a RS lunch at the Miller's. I had to stop him and ration his serving.

I said goodbye as I left for the luncheon and told James to call me when he arrived in the valley. 

The sisters luncheon was a lot of fun. I sat in the dead animal room with several other sisters. The Miller's used to live in Alaska and Ed is quite the hunter, trapper, and taxidermist. There was a stuffed bear, a bobcat, and lots of heads, some I knew, some I didn't. I told Debbie I needed James to come and see all of Ed's mounts.

I managed to stay on my weight-loss plan and passed up desert although it is one of my favorites. Chocolate or lemon filling with a pecan crust and Coolwhip on top.

Here is a list of the sisters who attended: Sister Singleton with Mary and her baby, Christopher, Sister Thompson, Sister Howard, Sister Halcomb, both, with a relative visiting from out of town, Penny. Sister Wood, Sister Smith, Sister Westbrook, Stefani, Jordyn, Sister Klug, Sister Gordon, Ellen K., and Tamara and myself.

I told my friend Jean I would take her home. She failed to tell her husband and when he saw us on the road he was not happy. Oops, I was just trying to help.

I finished off what was left of the Olive Garden copycat salad I made when I got home. 

I spent about three hours this afternoon stripping polish off the family/living room floor. It is a messy, back breaking job. When I finished I sat down and watched the latest episode of "The Good Witch." 

James finally called to tell me he made it safely. 

Jackson got his mission call and opened it today. He is going to the Philippines and leaves September 21st.

Such an amazing young man. He will be a

great missionary!

I can't believe that James is still in the lead!

Trina and a fellow worker. I think they are happy

that it's time to go home from work.

Paul posted this. James and I both

remember Coach Carlson.

Who knew?

I used to like tigers but now I'm not so sure.

I love this.