Monday, June 4th, 2018

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

152nd operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Sept 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Romans 9:5

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, Bod blessed for ever. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 11:1-25

*What did you learn from today's reading?

Talk: The Women of God

By: Neal A. Maxwell

April 1978

Old Testament

1 Kings 17-18

17 Elijah seals the heavens and is fed by the ravens - At his command the barrel of four and the jar of oil of the widow of Zarephath never become empty - He raises her son from death.

18 Elijah is sent to meet Ahab - Obadiah saves a hundred prophets and meets Elijah - Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven - They fail - He calls down fire slays the prophets of Baal, and opens the heavens for rain.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

" President Spencer W. Kimball explained:

'As one star sinks behind the horizon, another comes into the picture, and death spawns life. The work of the Lord is endless.

Even when a powerful leader dies, not for a single instant is the Church without leadership, thanks to the kind Providence who gave His kingdom continuity and perpetuity. As it already has happened... before in this dispensation, a people reverently

close a grave, dry their tears, and turn their faces to the future."

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

" While we are grateful for second chances following mistakes, or failures of the mind, we stand all amazed at the Savior's grace in giving us second chances in overcoming sin, or failures of the heart."

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"The selection of a prophet is made by the Lord Himself. There is no campaigning, no debates, no posturing for position, no dissension, distrust, confusion, or commotion. I too confirm that the power of heaven was with us in the upper room of the temple as we prayerfully encircled President Nelson and felt the undeniable approval of the Lord upon him."

Russell M. Nelson 4/12 #59. Thanks Be To God.

"How much better it would be if all could be more aware of God's providence and love and express that gratitude to Him."

Happy Birthday Emmy!
Finally a teenager. Since I don't have any recent photos,
I will have to post pre-teen pictures.

Molly, Tanner, Emmy, Summer

Tutu Emmy

After a Razr ride last summer.

James watered everything this morning. Bunnies, hummingbirds, trees, grass, and plants. 

James also fixed lunch. We had squash, cabbage and refried beans. I read to him from "Riders on the Orphan Train." 

After rest time James left to go to town to pick up a prescription. He came back with groceries and the mail. We received our new Church magazines which is always exciting. I also got my new pop socket, black with the outline of a heart on it, and pink Iface cover, but no blood pressure watch for James. A mixture of joy and sadness.

We seem to have lost the receipt and all of the paperwork for our new phones. I thought maybe we left it in the condo so I called. They said nothing had been turned in, which means the cleaning ladies probably threw them away. We have to send our old phones in, and we need shipping labels from the Verizon website to do that.
I tried finding them on the website by myself but I had no luck. There has to be some special instructions.

The Halcomb's came by for a visit today. Kerri wants to build a garage and had some questions to ask James. Catherine and I had a nice visit while James was talking to Kerri. 

James is going to do a material takeoff for Kerri.

A fire between Heber and Holbrook today on highway 377. They are calling it the 377 fire. It was started by a semitruck and trailer dragging a chain. He actually started several fires in a 24 mile stretch. Why are people so careless? The fire caused the sunset to be extra orange.

The yellow part almost looks like flames

After FHE I did my walk around the dining room and kitchen. I can't bend my right knee but I did get my 45 minutes. 

Watching Poldark on Amazon Prime on my phone.

It really is the last days.

Sunday, June 3rd, 2018

Sapporo, Japan

151st operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2016

By: Russell M. Nelson

Jesus Christ, Condescension 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

Alma 10:17-32
*How can money be a motive to distort ones view about the laws and commandments of God?
Talk: Them That Honour Me I Will Honour
By: James E. Faust
April 2001
Old Testament
1 Kings 15-16
15 Abijam reigns in wickedness and then Asa reigns in righteousness in Judah - Nadab and then Baasha reign in wickedness in Israel - Baasha destroys the house of Jeroboam.
16 Jehu prophesies evil upon Baasha and his house - Elah, Zimri, Omri, and Ahab reign in wickedness - Zimri destroys the house of Baasha - Ahab marries Jezebel, worships Baal, and provokes the Lord in anger.
General Conference

Even As Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye

Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk

" The Savior taught: 'For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 'But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.'

We can all receive unspeakable peace and partnering with our Savior as we learn to freely forgive those who have trespassed against us. This partnering brings the Savior's power into our lives in an unmistakable and never-to-be-forgotten way."

I lost 1.2 lbs. this week. Yea! James lost exactly the same as I did, which means he is  still ahead in the weight loss part of the contest. 

Only two more weeks to go!

I blogged this morning and had scriptures and prayers with James. We have to be checked out of our room by 10 am. James carried everything downstairs except my purse and one bag. He is such a champ!

As I began getting ready for church this morning I realized that I did not bring a Sunday outfit. I did bring my Sunday shoes and a day dress so I made the day dress do, with one of my blouses as a jacket. I am just glad that I am going to a ward where no one knows me except Darrel and Trina. 

We attended the Everton ward in the Eastmark Stake with Darrel's family. We sat in the back and Darrel's family joined us. During the sacrament Lola came over and sat on my lap and asked me to read, "Are You My Mother?" I remember this book from when our kids were little. Lola takes the book when I am finished and reads it back to me. I really do think she is ready to start learning to read. I must get busy with my program!

One of the sisters who bore her testimony said that her aunt told her of a time they were meeting in the tri-stake center and they were fasting for rain. During their fast and testimony meeting they heard thunder and when they went out after the meeting it was raining.

That didn't happen to us today, although it is raining in Roswell, New Mexico today.

We stayed for Sunday School. Darrel had to go home to fix the kitchen faucet. We sat by a couple that used to live in Eagar. Their last name was Sitten.

Brother Foster, the Gospel Doctrine teacher, taught lesson #19 about the beginning of the reign of the judges. It is the same lesson taught in our ward by Brother Smith last week. I got something out of the lesson that I want to share with the family this week. Here is the illustration:

The rising generation did not accept the

teachings of their fathers. To keep that from 

happening today we must anchor them to these

four things when they are young.

We left after Sunday School because James was afraid that Darrel might need him and he left his phone here at the church. 

When we got to the house no one was there. Darrel came in a few minutes after we did. I guess someone caught him in the hallway and asked him to come into Ruby's class. There has to be two teachers in all the classes now. 

James and I broke our fast and I immediately had a chocolate chip cookie, a scotch krispy, and some of the cake from last night. Wow, it doesn't take long for 1000 calories to add up. I had sugar overload and had to eat some carrots to cut the sweetness.

James had to help Darrel a little with the faucet but Darrel did most of it. By the time Trina and the kids got home the new faucet was in and working. 

Trina had chicken in the crockpot and invited us to stay and eat with them, which we did. Chicken tacos with flour tortillas, avocados, tomato, cheese and hot sauce. Yummy!

We left for home around 3:30. Trina and Darrel were not happy that James was driving right after taking some Tramadol. Trina said if he got in an accident he could be arrested and put in jail. Yikes!

We arrived home around 6:30 and spent most of the rest of the evening unpacking and putting things away. We did stop to watch the youth fireside featuring President Nelson and his wife Wendy. 

President Nelson asked the youth to do five things to be a part of the youth batallion that will help with the gathering of Israel:

Saturday, June 2nd, 2018

Provo City Center, Utah

150th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Mar 2016

By: Dallin H. Oaks

Jesus Christ, Condenscension of

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Book of Mormon

Alma 10:1-16

* Have you encountered someone who has tried to contradict your testimony?
Talk: Perfect Love Casteth Out Fear

By: L. Tom Perry

Oct. 2011

Old Testament

1 Kings 13-14

13 Jeroboam is smitten and then healed by a prophet from Judah - The prophet delivers his message, is led astray by a prophet from Bethel, and is slain by a lion for his disobedience - Jeroboam continues false worship in Israel.

14 Ahijah foretells the ruin of Jeroboam's house, the death of his child, and the scattering of the Israelites because of their idolatry - Jeroboam dies and Nadab reigns - Judah, under Rehoboam, turns to wickedness - Shishak of Egypt takes treasures from the temple - Rehoboam dies and Abijam reigns.

General Conference

Am I A Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"Christ felt my pains, my sorrows, my guilt." Jen concludes. "I felt God's pure love and had never experienced anything so powerful! Knowing I am a child of God is the most powerful knowledge I possess!"

Russell M. Nelson 10/11 #58. Covenants.

Dale G. Renlund The Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 19, Principle 11: A Priesthood Holder Works Effectively in Councils

Today was Uncle Delbert's funeral. James was going to go and then turn around and come back in time for our anniversary party at 5 pm. this afternoon but he decided not to go. He said he wanted to spend the day with me instead. How sweet.

Uncle Delbert's four sons: Neal, Marshall, Delbert, and Curtis.

The first thing James did was go to the store and get the boys some donuts for breakfast. They also had ice cream and scrambled eggs. What a breakfast!

They just hung out in their room until Sheri came to pick them up around 11.  Sheri was going to give us money for her boys but we asked her to pick up James's dry cleaning instead, which cost $34.

We spent a relaxing day at the condo and James made us green smoothies before we start our fast. The entire state of Arizona has been asked to fast for moisture by the Area Seventies. 

At 4 o'clock this afternoon we left for Chandler. First we had to pick up James's prescription at CVS and then we went to get gas. When we got to the church on McQueen around 5 Kim and Stacy were there setting up and Sheri and her family had just arrived. 

Everyone brought their own food and ate before the actual party started. When the party starts, everyone is here except Joe and Jared Ammon, and of course, Jared's family. We had some extra people here too, Sarah with Dallin, Kaitlin with Adam, and Alexis with Michael.

Adam and Michael performed a Good Ole War song, "Not Quite Happiness."

The song should be called "Just Love."

After the song Stacy asked us to bring our chairs to the front, sit back to back, take our shoes off, and give the other person one of our shoes, so we have one of our shoes and one of their's.

She asked us questions and if the answer was Karen we held up my shoes, if it was James we held up his shoes. We couldn't see what the other person was answering.

Lola put the red nose on me.

Trina had a questionnaire for everyone to fill out regarding answers I had given and James had given. Everyone got to choose if they were on my team or James's team and the right answer would be whatever each of us had said. Team James took James's answers and Team Karen took my answers as the right one.

Kim decorated a bulletin board and we stood in front of it, twice.

We look alike!

Ruby dressed us. She said grandpa had to be

the girl and I had to be the boy.

We had lots of goodies. Sheri brought two cakes and Trina made

chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch rice krispy treats, and brownies.

This cake was like strawberry shortcake and

was delicious!

James seems to like it

Setting up for the party

Dinner time

Not much to eat on this table.

Ahh, Chik-fil-a

 Rowan can be very entertaining

Ruby trying to put a headband on Evan

Love these boys!

Kaitlin playing with Lola

Miss Lola

Such a cutie

Playtime

Michael got us these roses, one

for every ten years.

The rest of the evening we watched videos and looked at photos and read statements by loved ones. It was a great celebration. We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful family both here and in Texas.

Friday, June 1st, 2018

Tijuana, Mexico

149th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 Dec 2015

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Condescension of

Psalms 113:6

Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:19-34

*Why does the Lord always use two or more witnesses to testify of the truth of His gospel?

Talk: The Many Witnesses of Jesus Christ and His Work

By: James M. Paramore

Oct. 1990

Old Testament

1 Kings 11-12

11 Solomon marries non-Israelite woe, and his wives turn his heart to the worship of false gods - The Lord stirs up adversaries against him, including Jeroboam, the son of Nebat - Ahijah promises Jeroboam that he will be the King of the ten tribes - Solomon dies and Rehoboam reigns in his stead.

12 Rehoboam seeks to impose greater burdens upon the people - The ten tribes revolt and turn to Jeroboam - Jeroboam turns to idolatry and worships false gods.

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

M. Russell Ballard

"After Jesus's Resurrection, an event we celebrate this glorious Easter weekend, He appeared to His disciples and said, 'Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.' Notice a twofold action - God sends His Son. The Son sends His servants - mortal men and women - to accomplish Their work."

Russell M. Nelson 4/11 #57. Face the Future with Faith.

Happy Anniversary!

50 Years 

We look so young!

Jared, Kacey, and Stacy all posted about us on Facebook. We feel loved. James and I celebrated this morning by me cutting his hair. He looks so handsome!

Jared reminded us that this is our Family Birthday! We used to celebrate by buying the kids gifts.

Stacy's post.

I bet he couldn't do this now.

I look like I am blind.

So sweet. Thank you Jared.

The day started out with gospel study and blogging and family prayer with the boys,  then at 10 o'clock I left for my infusion at Arizona Arthritis and Rheumatology in Mesa. 

The nurse who sets up my infusion asked me if I had lost weight. Yes I said, and to myself, thank you for noticing. 

When I returned to the resort in Scottsdale James had taken the boys swimming and fed them lunch from the Splash Grill. 

James and I were both hungry so we headed to a nearby Outback to use up our last restaurant gift card. I had a 6 ounce Victoria steak with a salad and baked potato soup. I shared my soup with James. He got salmon and broccoli and he said it was delicious. I had no desire for a bite of his food. 

James had a doctor's appointment this afternoon with an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat) specialist in Scottsdale. The doctor told him he needs two surgeries. One for his adnoids which have grown back, and another for the hernia in his stomach. The doctor is convinced that these two things are what is causing James's laryngitis.

I think he needs to have these surgeries as soon as possible. This is coming from me who hates the thought of surgery.

Rowan and Joshua came into our room this afternoon and watched "Peter Rabbit", and ate cantaloupe and ice cream. Joshua loves mint chocolate chip ice cream as does Max, Rowan loves Rocky Road, and Evan likes vanilla.

Soon Evan joined them and he ate some vanilla ice cream while they watched the movie, "Coco." Joshua says that he and his dad love this movie! Max is still sleeping in the other room. I think that's because they have been going to be so late.

This evening the boys wanted to order NYPD pizza. Evan says that it is a condo tradition. I ordered them a large pepperoni pizza and 12 garlic knots. They ate every bite and then waited a little while before going night swimming. James and I had our green smoothies.

We had family prayer again and then everyone went down to the pool, except James, around 8 pm. James came down and joined us a little later. 

I read from "Riders of the Orphan Train" to James while the boys swam with their one "donut" tube. I kept taking breaks to walk around the pool.

After the boys went in James and I took a 30 minute walk around the resort. 

The real celebration for our anniversary is tomorrow night.

Watching a movie. Notice how Rowan is

laying in the tube.

Eating pizza and garlic knots.

Flowers from James

More flowers from James.

Summer fun for Ruby, roller blading

in her swimsuit. I hope she doesn't

fall and skin her knees.

Ollie saving a spot for Sheri.

Today was also National Donut Day.

This is Kyra Lambson's 
ex-husband. The family he is
threatening is Kyra's family.
Kyra's father, Curtis has her children and 
recently they had to move from their home in
Flagstaff to an undisclosed location.
Delbert's funeral is tomorrow in St. Johns.
Delbert is Kyra's grandfather.
This man has a history of violence.