Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

Brigham City, Utah

139th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Sept 2012

By: Boyd K. Packer

(This is Pres. Packer's hometown)

Jesus Christ, Birth of

Alma 7:10

And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 4:5-20

*Why did Alma step down as chief judge?

- There were members of the Church who were proud and materialistic, and who were persecuting others. The contentions were taking a toll on new members. Alma stepped down so he could spend his time preaching the word of God and bearing testimony to the people to help them remember their blessings, and to build up their spirituality. 

Old Testament

2 Samuel 17-18

17 Ahithophel's counsel is overthrown by Hushai's - David is warned and flees over the Jordan - Ahithophel hands himself - The people prepare for war.

18 The Israelites are smitten in the woods of Ephraim - Joab slays Absalom - Tidings of his death are taken to David, who mourns for his son.

General Conference

His Spirit to be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"My brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you on the Lord's Sabbath, in the general conference of His Church, at this Easter season. I thank our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Beloved Son, who came voluntarily to earth to be our Redeemer. I am grateful to know that He atoned for our sins and rose in the Resurrection. Every day I am blessed to know that, because of His Atonement, I may someday be resurrected to live forever in a loving family."

FHE:

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

"I am grateful to speak to this audience on Easter Sunday. Today we join other Christians in celebrating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the literal Resurrection of Jesus Christ is a pillar of our faith."

James went to unload his truck this morning and re-load it because he said the load was unbalanced. It took him a couple of hours. I stayed at Darrel and Trina's and ate minestrone soup and a breadstick for breakfast. 

When James returned we loaded up my car and headed for home. 

Well actually we headed for Fry's. James got gas in his truck and I went inside to get kale, spinach, frozen pineapple chunks and bananas and salted caramel Larabar bites. James left before I was finished shopping and I never caught up with him, but that's ok. 

Oh I forgot that I also got some Booma Chika Popcorn and ate it most all of the way home. I stopped at the Walmart in Globe to look for a 4x4 Rubik's cube for Zemira. It's his birthday today. No luck. 

I got home around noon, of course James was already home. I put things away and noticed the stove was dirty, and so I cleaned it. The dishwasher was full so I emptied it. It was filled with my Christmas dishes. Why didn't Adam and his friends use the clear plates in the slates? Where did they get the Christmas plates from. I think they were downstairs in the years supply room. 

This is the after picture of the grill

I should have taken a before.

When I finished unloading the dishwasher I went into the laundry room. I opened the dryer and there were three big quilts stuffed inside. None of them were dry and the dryer was sitting cockeyed on top the washer. I am not sure why Adam and his friends thought they had to wash the quilts. 

When I walk through the living-family room I notice big dusty footprints all over the floor. When I go upstairs two of the fans are on. In spite of all this I am glad Adam and his friends came. They left us the sweetest note. That makes everything worthwhile.

James sat down to figure out how much money he was going to make on the job he just finished. He came up with the figure of $11,000 which is great except for the fact that we have to fix the Howard's Cat and the lowest bid so far is $16,000. 

I walked outside this evening and there were ten bunnies on the lawn. It's so nice in the evenings this time of year. 

Zemira's birthday present came. It's a 3x3 Megaminx Speed Cube.

I also got him a regular Rubik's cube and ordered a 4x4 if he wants to trade.

James went to deliver the gift this evening but he didn't get to see Zemira because he was playing raquetball in Show Low with his dad and Talon. Later Zemira called and thanked us for his gifts.

While James was there Johnny, Zemira's five year old brother, went out and showed James their two baby ravens they caught. Johnny has heard the stories about Pete the Crow. James said to him that they looked like crows to him and Johnny says: "No they are ravens. My grandpa is a biologist and he says they are ravens." 

Well how can you argue with that. Of course James is a biologist too. 

When James got home we read from "The Stars Over Northumberland."

Summer and her date.

An old photo of downtown Chandler.

Happened to me once at the Chandler IHOP

when the station was playing Annette's

Pineapple Princess. Not even a popular song

but I had the album because I was a huge

Annette fan.

Most fires start on Memorial Day weekend.

Strips from Elmer's.

This temple will be closed for 2 1/2 years

Monday, May 21st, 2018

Manaus, Brazil

138th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 June 2012

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, birth of

2 Nephi 26:3

And after the Messiah shall come there shall be signs given unto my people of his birth, and also of his death and resurrection; and great and terrible shall that day be unto the wicked, for they shall perish; and they perish because they cast out the prophets, and the saints, and stone them, and slay them; wherefore the cry of the blood of the saints shall ascend up to God from the ground against them.

Book of Mormon

Alma 3:20:-4:4

*What changed in the land as a result of the wars with the Amlicites and Lamanites?

- Their food source was gone due to the crops being trampled and herds were missing or slaughtered. On top of that so many were killed or wounded, even Alma was wounded. The survivors had to start over in every part of their lives. The minute they had time to think "they were awakened to a remembrance of their duty, and they began to establish the Church more fully;" The words more fully means they did it with full purpose of heart.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 15-16

15 Absalom conspires against David and gains the support of the people.

16 Mephibosheth is alleged to be seeking to be king - Shimei, of the house of Saul, curses David - Ahithophel counsels Absalom, and Absalom takes his father's concubines.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure to the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

"Jesus Christ assured us that 'he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.' To endure means to remain firm in a commitment to be true to the commandments of God despite temptation, opposition, and adversity."

James left for Legacy golf course early this morning. He has some cleanup to do and he is submitting the invoice for payment to the owners. 

Lola and I left around 7:45 to take Evan and Max to school. We took Evan first but before we left Lola went in and gave Ollie a piece of cheese for a treat. At Evan's school a little girl with glasses got out of the car in front of us. Lola wanted to know why she was smaller than Evan. I had to explain to her that not all children are the same size and Evan's school included children lots of different ages.

We went back to Sheri's and waited with Max and Ollie until it was time to take Max to school. Max gave Ollie some treats but first he made him sit up and roll over. Lola thought that was so funny she asked Max to do it again, which he did.

I guess we wore him out.

When we got to Bogle Jr. High, where Max goes to school, I told Lola this was where her dad went to school. Max asked if his mom went there too and I said no. Your mom and Jared went to Andersen Jr. High, and Stacy and Kim went to Willis.

After dropping Max off we drove over to Stacy's. I needed to give her some pictures and Lola was anxious to see Shipley and Vader.

Shipley was on her best behavior but Stacy had to hold Vader most of the time because he was so excited to see us and was a little overzealous. 

Next stop was the Target in south Chandler. Lola said that her Target did not have red doors and the big balls out front were smaller. I started to tell her that all Targets have red doors but I decided not to. 

We spent a good deal of time in the bathroom for Lola. The first time someone took our cart so the next time I stood guard at the door, watching our cart. Lola kept asking if our cart was ok. Once I went to check on her and she said, "Don't look at me grandma." I apologized and said I would give her a private moment.

We shopped in Bulleye's corner where Lola got a zippered plastic container with stickers, a pen and pencil and a pad of paper. She also got some sunglasses. Next we went to the back of the store where the books are. 

Lola picked out a Peppa Pig coloring book with paints, and I got her a Princess book with 5 minute Princess stories in it.  I also bought myself a couple of children books. 

I bought a few groceries and then we checked out. The lady at the checkout stand said Lola looked like a movie star with her glasses and I said, yes, and she even has a movie star name. Her name is Lola.

Before going home we stopped at Olive Garden for lunch. Our waiter was very kind and very cute. He paid special attention to Lola. She ordered mac and cheese, with mashed potatoes and a Sprite to drink. He also brought her some grapes. I had soup, salad, and breadsticks. Those breadsticks are just too good. Lola had two before her lunch came and then she  just had a couple of bites of mac and cheese and some grapes.

She drank all of her Sprite.

Feeling the burn.

Those mashed potatoes were totally ignored.

Lola fell asleep on the way home. I thought she was being awfully quite so I said something to her and she didn't answer so I looked in my mirror and saw that she was asleep. When we got home I layed her down on Rowan's bed. I guess getting up at 6 o'clock with me was just to early for her.

Sleeping Beauty

Worn out from our big day.

When Trina got home from getting her hair done Lola and I were still laying down but we were both awake. Trina said she missed her little girl who usually goes everywhere with her. I said that today she was my special angel, and she was. 

When James got home he took a nap and then I ordered him some dinner from Olive Garden, stuffed Marsala chicken and we went to pick it up and then got lost trying to find Rowan's flag football game. When we finally arrived Rowan's team was ahead in this championship game, 13-2. The final score was 19-14 with Rowan's team winning. 

 Rowan caught a long pass and ran in

for a touchdown but they called it back

because of a penalty of some sort.

Darrel said Rowan made 3 touchdowns in

his game on Saturday.

Darrel was at work today so he didn't make it to this game and 

Trina was at Ruby's concert. We went to the game and she went to the concert.

Cute little Ruby in the front row. She said her favorite song

was "I've Been Workin' on the Railroad."

I told her that I liked that song and wished I could have been

there to here her sing it.

After the game Rowan went with us to visit Lois and Dawn. Of course Lois fed us. She was watching the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" and I asked her to leave it on. Our favorite couple won!

Adam, the Olympian ice skater, and pro, Jenna

Lois had a nice collection of flowers for Mother's day:

 This one was from Dave and Laura.

Very interesting.

I think this bouquet was from Connie.

Those dark purple leaves are real which

Dawn is pointing out.

Orchids and philadendron

Not sure who they are from.

James parked his truck at the church. He said he caught a bunny for Lola so of course all the kids had to go over and see if they could find the bunny locked in grandpa's truck. They never did find him and the only thing he could figure out was the bunny must have gotten out when he opened the truck and he didn't see him.

This is what Lola had to say: "Grandpa, you should have taken better care of my bunny."

This evening James and I went for a walk and we checked on the truck. I didn't get a ton of steps, but I got over 10,000.

 Delbert is hold a bear that he carved out of a stump and telling his funny bear story. This photo was taken last July at his grand-daughter Kyra's funeral. Jaelyn is Kyra's sister.

Uncle Delbert was the last survivor of his generation

in the Frank Bates - Annie Laurie Mangum

Family.

When I first met Delbert it was at the State Fair

in Phoenix sitting in front of the Apache county

exhibit which he created. He almost always

won first place for his exhibit.

His funeral is June 2nd in St. Johns, the

same day as our anniversary celebration in Chandler.

I think James is going to go and then hurry back for

our celebration.

Sunday, May 20th, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of

1 Nephi 11:18

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

Alma 3:1-19

*Why is it important to keep records?

- So that the truth is kept correct. If there is something that should be preserved and saved for future generations then it should be recorded. Look how much the scriptures mean to us because someone took the time to record valuable truths. We know we don't have everything in the written word. Records have been lost, or translations have not always been 100% accurate, but we can 

count on the books of scripture we do have to help us on our journey. 

Old Testament

2 Samuel 13-14

13 Amnon desires Tamar, his sister, and forces her - He is slain by Absalom's command - Absalom flees to Geshur.

14 Joab arranges by artifice to bring Absalom home after three years - After two more years, Absalom sees the king, and they are reconciled.

General Conference

Pure Love:The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: "The first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength - that's the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity,and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life."

Being the foundation stone of our daily life, pure love is a requirement for every true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I got up at 5 a.m. and ate some breakfast and then began working on my time. It's not long enough. I add two more stories and Stacy's letter from Mother's Day 2013. I only added Stacy's letter because James told me to. 

Brother Owen's from the stake high council was my speaking companion. He says his dad owns Owen's Mortuary. 

I had two people ask for a copy of my talk and several others tell me they liked it. James said it was the best talk he's ever heard in a sacrament meeting, but that's just him loving me and supporting me, which I do appreciate very much. Most of my stories came from the book, "Christlike Parenting."

I should have mentioned this in my talk.

Brother Scott taught Sunday School and Sister Grapp taught Relief Society. Her discussion/lesson was on Brother Durrant's talk, "Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility." I could have used this talk for my talk today but I knew Cammy was teaching from it and I didn't want to steal her thunder. She did very well and got alot of discussion.

After the block James made us some green smoothies and we took a short nap before leaving for the valley for Ben's seminary graduation. Adam and his friends said they like my talk. Everyone went to sacrament meeting except Kaitlin. 

I wasn't even hesitant to leave Adam and company here because I knew them well enough to know they would be good and keep it clean, especially with Kaitlin in charge.

James drove his truck and I drove my car. We left around 2. I got tired and had to stop a couple of times. The worse part of the trip for me is what I call the Miami-Superior corridor. Lots of traffic, cliff on one side and a mountain on the other and lots of curves. I prefer Salt River Canyon.

We drove straight to Sheri's house and didn't get there until after 5. She said dinner was at 5 but didn't seem to upset that we were a little late. 

For dinner we had roast, potatoes, carrots, corn, and rolls. For dessert there were brownies and some of Sheri's lowfat, low calorie Halo ice cream. We indulged and didn't feel too guilty because we both lost weight this week. I lost 2 lbs. and James lost 2 1/2 lbs.

We got dressed and drove to the seminary graduation at the stake center. We left after Sheri and beat her there. The entire family came to support Ben, except for Alex who was at work. Kim and Brian also came and so did Stacy, Paul, and Joshua. 

Ben goes to Hamilton High School and he loves his seminary teacher, Brother Patterson. The Miner's and the Wanlass's were at the graduation because Ian and Kristen are both graduating too. 

We also saw some old friends from the Del Rio 2nd ward, the Menlove's, and Chipman's. Bishop Wilson's daughter Halle was there too. She looks so beautiful and grown up. I taught Kristen, and Halle in Primary several years ago.

I loved President Johansen's talk on the Holy Ghost. He told some great mission stories. One of the little boys that got baptized called him Elder Joe Handsome. Brother Johansen went to the Edmonton, Canada mission.

We did not stay for refreshments. We went back to Sheri's to get James's truck and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's to spend the night.

Lola wanted to sleep with us and of course we could not say no. She was very good but the bed was a little crowded.

Trina was excited because she lost 3 lbs. this week. Darrel has lost a total of 27 pounds and looks good!

My friend Pam posted this.

Cute dog, but he has sharp teeth

Taylor and her chicken

Taylor's baptism. We taught her as a 

five year old in Primary.

Royal Wedding at Windsor Castle

Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

2 Nephi 25:19

For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God his name shall be Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:19-38

* What did the Nephites do to help them gain victory over the Amlicites?

- The war chapters teach us much about how to gain victory over our enemies. What can we learn about gaining victory over our enemies? Verse 21 Alma sent spies to know of the plans and plots of the Amlicites. We have the Holy Ghost that can warn us and prepare us to be ready for Satan's attacks. We can pray mightily as in vs. 28, and be strengthened by the Lord. In verse 30 we can be men and women of God, exercising our faith that no matter what we can be instruments in the Lord's hands. The Nephites were outnumbered by the Amlicites but God was on their side, which was the reason they gained victory!

Old Testament

2 Samuel 11-12

11 David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives - He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

12 Nathan tells David the parable of the ewe lamb - The Lord gave many wives to David, who is now cursed for taking Bathsheba - David fasts and prays for his son, but the Lord takes him - Solomon is born - David conquers the royal city of the Ammonites.

General Conference

With One Accord

Reyna I. Aburto

"Like the monarch butterflies, we are on a journey back to our heavenly home, where we will reunite with our Heavenly parents. Like the butterflies, we have been given divine attributes that allow us to navigate through life, in order to 'fill the measure of our creation.' Like them, if we knot our hearts together, the Lord will protect us 'as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings' and will make us into a beautiful kaleidoscope."

James's business credit card was due today. I had to transfer more money out of our line of credit to pay it. There is only $2,000 left in our line of credit.

The first thing James did this morning when he got up was feed the hummingbirds and the bunnies. 

After reading Alma 2:19-38 on the prayers of Alma, James tells me the result of my prayers for him this past week. When I prayed that he would have enough help workers showed up that he hadn't expected. He believes very strongly in my faith and prayers now.

Adam and his friends got up rather late to make breakfast. Kaitlin is recovering from being sick so she slept in even longer, and misses the guys big breakfast. They save her some. Mmmm nothing like leftover pancakes and bacon. 

James and I left to go to town and the guys, Chris, Kyle and Jacob,  went on a Razr ride. I guess they left Kaitlin a note. 

On the way into town I read from our current book, "Stars Over Northumberland" by Anita Stansfield.

We stopped for lunch at LaCasita. James got a chicken green chili enchilada and I got a plain green chili enchilada. His was better. I will know next time. I had to try it. The waitress brought me extra lettuce. Next time I need to ask for extra lettuce and tomato.

After lunch I ran in to Walgreen's to get me an eyebrow pencil because I can't find the one I bought yesterday. (I find it later, and now I have two). 

Next stop, Cal-Ranch for bunny food. I went in and took pictures of the baby chicks.

So cute when they are little.

When we get home I sit down to work on my talk on righteous parenting. I also did my walking outside. James is so tired from the hectic week he had that he lies down to take a nap. Adam and his friends are upstairs playing video games. They took the 4G wifi upstairs.

It is a beautiful evening to walk outside. The bunnies are eating, some in the grass, others out of the containers James has out for them. Since we don't have a dog or cat I guess you could say that these bunnies are our pets. 

I love the book, "Christlike Parenting," by Glenn I. Latham. Most of my talk is based on the principles in this book. 

Oh, did I mention, Adam has a beard and mustache but even better than that, one of the guys who came up with him has long hair, and a long beard. I call this group, Kaitlin and the guys. Adam told me that Jacob was in the pirate play with him and Kaitlin. I thought to myself that he's still playing the part of the pirate.

 Hatch's continue their temple tour.

This time they are in St. Louis, Missouri.

 Introducing the Duke and Duchess

of Sussex. The Royal Wedding 

was today.

Bunnies cutting the grass.

Beautiful sunset.

Friday, May 18th, 2018

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 19:8

And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18
*Why did Amlici want to be king? What did he do when the majority of the people voted against him? (See Alma 2:7-10).
- Amlici's attempt to deprive the people of their religious rights and privileges was defeated by the voice of the people. Consider the result if righteous Nephites in Amlici's day had abstained from voting. In democratic nations of our day, every Latter-day Saint has a sacred obligation to vote and to influence his or her society for good by upholding honest, wise, good, and honorable leaders and laws. (See DC 98:10).
Old Testament
2 Samuel 9-10
9 David seeks to honor the house of Saul - He finds Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, to whom he restores all the land of Saul.
10 David's messengers are abused by the Ammonites - Israel defeats the Ammonites and Syrians.
General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"I believe, with the Apostle Paul, that just as God 'raised up Christ from the dead so shall He also quicken our mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us.' To quicken means to make alive. Just as Christ brings our bodies back to life after physical death through the power of His Resurrection, so can He also quicken us, or make us alive, from spiritual death. In the book of Moses, we read of Adam undergoing this kind of quickening: 'Adam was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.'"

I see bunnies running for shelter under the shed as a hawk swoops down over the yard. A jacket rabbit just outside the fence stops, looks at the bunnies, looks up at the hawk as it flies away and takes off, loping in the opposite direction. Bunnies 1 - Hawk 0. This is better than the National Geographic channel!

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: What parents want our children to discover for themselves is that everything has spiritual underpinnings; (see DC 29:34). Therefore, all physical hungers can be traced to a corresponding spiritual need. If they can grasp and embrace that concept, they will experience one of the greatest discoveries of life: To be hungry and thirsty is ultimately designed to lead them to Christ, the Bread of Life and the Living Water.

Worth the Wrestle, p. 17: Questions are key to resolving conflict, to finding out what is really going on, to understanding the hearts and minds of others and engaging them in spirited discussion, to seeking answers through the Spirit, and to simply making fundamentally good decisions.

Russell M. Nelson 10/07 #50. Scriptural Witnesses

"Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible."

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 15, Principle #7

A Priesthood Holder Must Be Willing To Be Presided Over

Truman G. Madsen The Prophet Joseph Smith, Lecture #7

Teacher, Speaker, Counselor

I left for town around 10:30 this morning. I stopped and got gas and washed my car and then met my friends Pam and Jenny at the hospital for lunch. Sunday is Pam's birthday so I came bearing gifts and I bought her lunch for her. Jenny had given her two gnomes for her courtyard. I gave her a book, a small fountain for their office, a small wall plaque, a glass with a top and built-in straw. The glass was pink and shaped like a bird, and two patriotic dishtowels.

It was a great lunch hour. These two are pretty funny. Some of their co-workers had dropped by some ice cream, a cinnamon roll, and a rose made out of a napkin for Pam's lunch.

Jenny's daughter is in the valley going to a doctor about her brain tumor. She is 15 years old. Her sister and dad went with her because Jenny couldn't get off work. She is taking off work next week when her husband has surgery. Pam says he thinks he's going to die. Pam tried to set up a meeting with the missionaries for Ed and Jenny but Ed said he would like it to be after his surgery. 

James was set to come home this afternoon and then he had a terrible dizzy spell and nausea. He went to Kim's to lie down and she was worried he was dehydrated or had heat stroke. When I told Stacy she said it could be his heart. Paul and Brian gave him a blessing and soon he felt like taking a shower and coming home. James thinks maybe he had a kidney stone. Kim was still distraught about him driving so I told her I would text her when he got home. He got here around 10 p.m. Adam and his friends got here around midnight.

 Dinner

So sad

A boy giving his favorite garbage man a

plate of cookies.

One twin comforts the other.

Healing the sick.

There are so many sick in our world today.