Thursday, May 24th, 2018

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

141st operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Mar 2013

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

3 Nephi 1:19

And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born because of the sign which had been given.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:26-42

* How can you know if you have received a change of heart?

-frankorion0711: "The day I felt the Holy Ghost for the first time. Feeling God's love changed my attitude changed my priorities. Of course the feeling leaves but the memories fused my soul. Change of heart for me is striving to follow Christ. When I fail I have my memories of partaking of the 'fruit of the tree of life that keeps me pushing forward. Trying, striving and enduring in following Christ will bring hope, love and peace which changes my heart.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 21-22

21 The Lord sends a famine - David understands that the famine came because Saul smote the Gibeonites, contrary to the oath of Israel - David delivers up seven sins of Saul to be hanged by the Gibeonites - Israel and the Philistines continue their wars.

22 David praises the Lord is a psalm of thanksgiving - The Lord is his fortress and savior, He is mighty and powerful in deliverance, He rewards men according to their righteousness, He shows mercy to the merciful, His way is perfect, He lives, and blessed is He.

General Conference

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Gerrit W. Gong

"This Easter Sabbath, I joyfully sing, 'Alleluia.' The song of our risen Savior's redeeming love celebrates the harmony of covenants (that connect us to God and to each other) and the Atonement of Jesus Christ (that helps us put off the natural man and woman and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit)."

Russell M. Nelson, 10/08, #52. Celestial Marriage

"The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death. Fidelity to a temple marriage does that. It allows families to be together forever."

James made two trips to town today to buy parts for Brother Wallace's grapple, the fittings and hydraulic hoses kept breaking. He also got the mail and went to Dollar General for laundry detergent. When he got home he cut up the pork for the green chili pork stew. 

I was able to get the pork stew going quite early so it could simmer and the meat would be very tender, then I made the white sauce chicken enchiladas. 

The missionaries called. They want to change the time for dinner from 5 to 4:30. 

James also invited his friend Anthony to eat with us. Anthony was on time but the missionaries were a little late. 

We set the food out on the counter and created a buffet line like we normally do when we have company. We had green chili pork stew, chicken enchiladas, the best refried beans ever from LaCasita, spanish rice, and an Olive Garden salad. Oh yes, and chips and salsa. 

Elder Macy thought the green chili stew was a little hot but he ate all of his and so did Elder Burt. Elder Burt normally serves in the Aspen ward in Pinetop but they are doing splits tonight. Elder Macy is from Montana and Elder Burt is from Pennsylvania.

The missionaries had to leave before leaving a message because they had an appointment with Chris M. Chris is going to be baptized on June 2nd. His wife, Mary, was another one of my young women.

After the missionaries leave James and Anthony go to the Wallace's to deliver Brother Wallace's grapple which James finally got fixed. 
I'm left washing the three crockpots and the cast iron pot and all of the dishes, silverware, etc. It takes me over an hour to clean the kitchen.

When James and Anthony returned Anthony, who lives out in the middle of nowhere and does not have a shower, took a shower in our bathroom. He came out saying that he wants a shower just like that one. He says he is going to build it himself.

James and I started our new book this evening. It is the one that Dennis loaned to me and is called, "Riders on the Orphan Train." It is a novel about a little-known piece of American history. Between 1854 and 1929, over 250,000 orphans and 'surrendered' children were placed out across the country. They started their journey in New York and were given away in train stations in every state in the continental United States. This is the story of two children from very different backgrounds, Ezra Duval and Elizabeth Farrell; who find themselves on the same train heading West in 1918w. Their odyssey is a story of dislocation, loss, and the search for home that is at the heart of the American experience. Can you tell I got this information off the back cover of the book? I wonder why there were so many orphans?

Pat Tillman report

No, that's not a bald kid in the audience,

parents were invited to hear the reports.

Joshua was Wyatt Earp

Addy and friends

Alex and Michael's graduation party

Socks are serious business

Graduation 2016

Talon's graduation this year

Anakin at the lake. Wonder where 

his twin is.

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018

Calgary, Alberta

140th operating temple

Dedicated: 28 Oct 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of

Helaman 14:4

Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were on day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:1-25

*How do you "sufficiently retain in remembrance" the blessings you have received?

- maureenfraserwatt: "Last Saturday St. George's chapel in Windsor Castle was privy to an entirely new phenomenon, Bishop Michael Curry of Chicago. Bishop Curry's address on love was powerful. Love he said could stop wars, feed the hungry and make the world into a family. A Church of England sermon is not known for it's fire or passion, so Bishop Curry's sermon was a wake up call. Why do I write in praise of an episcapalian minister? Because his enthusiasm, love of God and mankind was written all over his 

face. Alma asks in chapter 5:14 'And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenance? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?' Does this mean we go about all day with a giant sized grin on our face? Maybe, but I think it is more about having an aura of peace and contentment, enthusiasm and love of the gospel that shines from our faces, which is so palpable people are drawn to us, almost the way we are drawn to a blazing fire on a cold winter's evening. When you meet someone who is Christlike you 'feel something'. It's not just the smile, or the look in their eye, it is as if they are wrapped around in a cloak of spiritual virtue and purity. Their actions are different. They are more gentle, more compassionate and more patient. They also exude a love for life that is catching. As I wrote that a picture of Elder Uchtdorf came to mind. I dare anyone to watch that man for five minutes and not both feel happier, but have a smile on their face. Life is all about love, when you know you are loved, you feel its effects. We know that Heavenly Father loves us. It is mind blowing that He who is all powerful all knowing all wise, who controls the heavens and earths without numbers loves you and me! That is so amazing!"

Old Testament

2 Samuel 19-20

19 Joab rebukes David for favoring his enemies instead of his friends - David replaces Joab with Amasa - Shimei, who cursed David, is pardoned -Mephibosheth  pledges allegiance to David - The men of Judah take David back to Jerusalem.

20 Sheba leads the tribes of Israel away from David - Joab slays Amasa and pursues Sheba - A wise woman intercedes - The death of Sheba ends the insurrection.

General Conference

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"Without our Redeemer's infinite Atonement, not one of us would have hope of ever returning to our Heavenly Father. Without His Resurrection, death would be the end. Our Savior's Atonement made eternal life a possibility and immortality a reality for all."

Russell M. Nelson 4/08-#51. Salvation and Exaltation

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 16, Principle #8
A Priesthood Holder Serves Where Called.

I finished the book "Rescuing Wayward Children" for  the second time. I loved it as much the second time as I did the first. I also  love the book, "Christlike Parenting" and will be reading it again.

James and I each wrote an email to Governor Ducey of Arizona today. We oppose state funding of abortion and we wanted to let him know why we oppose it. 

James and I went to town today. He needed to go and wanted me to go with him. I went and bought the food for tomorrow's missionary dinner. James went to LaCasita to pick up rice and beans and I bought the stuff for green chili pork stew. I also bought two pies, a banana cream and a chocolate cream. 

On the way out of town we picked up a limping woman out by Maverick. Her name was Windy Wallace and she said she was starving so we stopped at Maverick and I went in and got her some lunch. On the way back to the car Windy was coming in to the store. I asked what she wanted and then I heard her say something about a cigarette. I just ignored that request. She said her mother lives in Vernon but she did not want to go to her house. She wanted us to drop her off at the Stanford Store. I gave Windy $10 as she was going in to the store and then I realized she would probably just buy cigarettes with it.  Oh well, that is her choice.

Windy asked me to call the Show Low Police Department and tell them where she was, which I did. 

I rested a while when we got home. and then went for a walk. Stacy called and told me that she got a call from Joshua's teacher today.
She told how Michael befriended a boy in his class that has no friends. Joshua went over to the boy's desk where he was sitting with his head down and asked to talk to him. He told the boy he wanted to be his friend and he didn't want him to be unhappy. Joshua's teacher said in all her years of teaching she had never seen anything like this! That boy makes me proud!

In the afternoon the sun comes through the windows at such an angle that I can see every speck of dust on the floor. I get out the old dust mop and try to get every speck of dust but I never can get all of them. 

James made $11,000 on the Legacy Golf Course remodel which is good, but  it is going to cost $16,000 to fix Brother Howard's tractor.

James asking Windy if she would like a ride.

 Paul getting ready for knee surgery.

One of my former young women became

a mother today.

Madison, Quentin, Kaytlynn

3 of Monte and Tasha's kids

Lola graduated from preschool

I love that face!

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.