Saturday, May 26th, 2018

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

143rd operating temple

Dedicated: 4 May 2014

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 76:41

That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:53-6:8

How can we make the word of God available to all?

-Preach the gospel, and if necessary, use words.

Use social media to bear testimony, live the gospel, love the gospel, stand as a witness at all times and in all places.

Old Testament

1 Kings 1-2

1 Abishag cherishes David in his extreme age - Adonijah aspires to be king - Bathsheba and Nathan advise David of Adonijah's plotting - David names Solomon as king, and he is anointed by Zadok - Adonijah's cause fails.

2 David charges Solomon to keep the commandments and walk in the ways of the Lord - King David dies and Solomon reigns - Adonijah, Joab, and Shimei are put to death, and Abiathar is rejected as high priest - The kingdom is established with Solomon.

General Conference

Ministering

President Russell M. Nelson

"We constantly seek direction from the Lord on how we can help our members keep the commandments of God, especially those two great commandments to love God and our neighbors."

I was up at 4:24 a.m. I ate, and then got ready to go to the temple. 

We said a prayer before we left and then had scriptures and a general conference talk on the way. 

Sister Wenhardt and her daughter are gone to Hawaii so that leaves Sister Cochran in charge.

The Palmer's conducted the preparation meeting. We saw films on temple clothing. 

I have the same schedule that I have had for the past month which is ok with me. I start out in initiatory then go to the celestial room and then I have a break with James. 

During our break with visit with Sister Humphreys from St. Johns who knew Uncle Delbert and Sister LundrAfen whose husband is from Vernon. We tell them about our weight loss challenge and our "green" smoothies.

There is an own endowment couple in our session. I say our session because James led the prayer circle and gave one of the best prayers that I have ever heard given in the temple. 

After the endowment session the couple have their four month old baby girl sealed to them. Sister Bower got to be in the sealing and she told me all about it. She said that to her the sealing of a family is the culminating ordinance in the temple and I would certainly agree with her. 

After the session I went back to initiatory for 30 minutes, was the baptismal greeter and then last I was in charge of assigning lockers in the women's dressing room. 

Tyler, from our ward was here this week. He said he felt bad about missing last time but his phone was doing an update and his alarm didn't work. He said he came and did a session because he felt so guilty.

Our friends from Chandler, the Vance's were not here this week. We miss seeing them when they aren't here.

When we got home James took a quick nap and then went over to the Howard's to help Brother Howard clear trees. He was gone from about 4-6:30.

While James was gone I did some walking and then I went upstairs to find some things to put together for a family history display tomorrow. I am in charge of the displays at our ward activity on June 23rd. I was specifically looking for the picture of my "Nannie" in a big hat when she was about five years old. I found lots of other photos, but never did find the one I was looking for. I found plenty to make a display using old photos, an old sewing machine, some personal documents of my dad's and his Book of Remembrance. I found a family photo of myself as a baby with my mom and dad and a family photo of my dad with his parents, Aunt Gene, and Uncle Jerry. Uncle Jerry was not dad's brother he was my grandma Verdie's brother but she raised him as her own.

I called Charlotte this afternoon to see how she was doing. She got new glasses and she can see! She seemed pretty positive and said I could take her off of my worry list. This is great news!

I took a bath and went to bed quite early with the intention of getting up early and finishing up the lesson I am giving for Relief Society tomorrow.

Sunrise

Uncle Delbert at the 

Lambson Family Reunion

Aunt Luella and Uncle Delbert

One of my favorite pictures of Emmy

Addy and Emmy

Such cuties!

Anna

James Hayden

My mom and I

Ollie enjoying the 3-day weekend.

Friday, May 25th, 2018

 Gilbert, Arizona

142nd operating temple

Dedicated: 2 March 2014

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of

DC 20:1

The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April-

Book of Mormon

Alma 5:43-52

*How did Alma receive his knowledge of the gospel?

- verse 46 - By the Holy Spirit of God. I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by His Holy Spirit, and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.

Old Testament

2 Samuel 23-24

23 David speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost - Rulers must be just, ruling in the fear of God - David's mighty men are named and their deeds extolled.

24 David sins in numbering Israel and Judah - The men of war total 1,300,000 - The Lord destroys 70,000 men by pestilence - David sees an angel, offers sacrifice, and the plague is stayed.

General Conference

Prophets Speak by the Power of the Holy Spirit

"Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord?

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:11-12; see also verse 10).

  

Russel M. Nelson 4/09 #53. Lessons from the Lord's Prayer

" Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught us how to pray."

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 17, Principle #9 - A Priesthood Holder Fulfills His Duty

I invited Chelsea M. and Laurann over this morning for a tour of our house. Chelsea said she wanted to come the last time we visited her and Laurann is my companion so I invited her. Laurann didn't come because her husband, Charlie wanted to go to the lake instead. Chelsea came by herself. Her nieces Gracie and Bailey and babysitting her little girl Peyton. 

I gave Chelsea the grand tour. She has lived in Alaska and has always wanted a log home. She loved ours. James told her about climbing up to put the logs in and how no one else would do it.

When Chelsea got ready to leave I gave her a dozen chocolate chip muffins to give to the kids. Later she thanked me for the delicious muffins and the tour of our beautiful home.

I started some rolls to take to the temple tomorrow for potluck and James went to see Brother Howard. James offered to give Brother Howard his tractor and Cat and Brother Howard said no, he didn't want anything. He said it was an accident and didn't expect James to pay for it. James couldn't accept that. Brother Howard finally said that he would accept using the tractor and Cat but he would not take ownership. James was so grateful that he stopped on the way home and sent him a text. We are grateful to have such a wonderful friend.

This evening we were invited to have dinner with the Woods' and the missionaries. The Woods' are a retired couple about our age. As I was getting ready I realized that my curling iron was not working. After dinner I mentioned it to Pam and she insisted that I take hers home with me, which I did.

We had a healthy, delicious dinner. Salad, grilled chicken, broccoli, and corn. For dessert there was fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Pam and I did not have any dessert. Elder Macy and Elder Smith were the missionaries. They shared a message about family history and encouraged the Woods' to do their family history. I told James on the way home that he should offer to help them since he was/is their home teacher and also a family history consultant.

After the elders left we sat on the porch and talked for awhile. It was such a nice evening but we had to leave quite early because we have to leave for the temple in the morning at 5:30.

Back at home I finished walking and worked on my blog before going to bed.

We are a happy family...a least for awhile.

Me, as a baby.

High School

Honeymoon in Hawaii

 James in high school

College wrestling at ASU

Hawaii on our honeymoon

I had these photos on my phone in preparation for
our anniversary party on June 2nd.

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!