Friday, July 20th, 2018

Buenos Aires, Argentina

39th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Jan 1986

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 93:9

The light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.

Book of Mormon

Alma 36:1-24

*In what ways do you relate to Alma's conversion story?

- Brian Horak: "I'm only going to say this; conversion is real, repentance is real, FORGIVENESS IS REAL!! None of us are past forgivenss and the joy of our Redeemer's embrace. All you have to do is want it. I testify that this is true."

Old Testament

Ezra 4-6

4 The Samaritans offer help, then hinder the work - The building of the temple and of the walls of Jerusalem ceases.

5 Haggai and Zechariah prophesy - Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple - The Samaritans challenge the Jews' right to continue their building work.

6 Darius renews the decree of Cyrus to build the temple - It is finished and dedicated, and sacrifices and feasts commence again.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure unto the End

"Attendance at sacrament meetings is one of the key ways we can evaluate our determination to serve Him, our spiritual fortitude, and the growth of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Partaking of the sacrament is the most important things we do on the Sabbath day. The Lord explained this ordinance to His Apostles just before He died. He did the same on the American continent. He tells us that if we participate in this ordinance, it will be a testimony to the Father that we always remember Him,and He promises that, accordingly, we will have His Spirit to be with us."

James worked at the Howard's again today. Brother Howard told him he planned on paying him for his work and to keep track of his hours. James thought he wouldn't be paid but his work would go toward's paying Brother Howard back for destroying his Cat. Now that our Cat is fixed James is going to give it to Brother Howard, along with the tractor which is worth about $16,000 the cost of the tractor that was destroyed.

This is a big week for the Wilhelm family and James is one of their ministering brothers. This evening we went to the temple when their oldest son took out his temple endowments. He doesn't leave for his mission until November 1st but nowadays they have young people work in the temple until it's time for them to leave on their missions.

On the way to the temple we stopped at the Book Barn and picked up the pink journal James picked out for Talon's younger sister Ruthie who is being baptized tomorrow on her birthday. 

We got to the temple a little early and so I read another chapter from "Abby's Crossing." This book is getting good. It takes place in the Utah territory around 1860.

These are the people who were at the temple for Talon:

His parents, his grandparents, his sister Trenda and her husband Emery, Bishop Miller, the Thompson's and the Crane's, Sister Tedder, a cousin and an aunt, and James and I. There may have been more, but those are the friends from our ward.

James spoke to Talon about working in the temple. He said he is going back to his uncle's in Washington to work and he asked if he could work in the temple up there. He was told only if he transferred his membership. He doesn't want to do that. He wants to leave from Vernon. 

It was a great session and a wonderful reunion in the Celestial room. I can hardly wait for Ben to go through the temple. Just two more days and Ben will open his call.

The July 24th celebration has begun in Snowflake and Taylor. There was something going on at the rodeo grounds in Taylor and they were letting off fireworks.

We stopped for pizza at Pizza Hut so it was quite late when we got home. We finished walking and went to bed at 10:30.

 The view from our backyard.

 He has grown a ton in 3 years!

 Freaky!

 I wonder how many castles 

Scotland has?

 Huntleigh is 3 and she already takes pig

showing very seriously!

 Such an awesome 3rd wheel!

 Oh my word!

Just like in my dreams!

Forget the body,

look at that face!

Thursday, July 19th, 2018

Lima, Peru

38th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Jan 1986

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Revelation 4:11

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Book of Mormon

Alma 35:1-16

*How are the people in Jershon an example of charity?

- They welcomed those who had been cast out from the Zoramites for believing. This chapter is a parallel of today! 

Millions are being killed or cast out or forced to leave their homes because of violence or differing beliefs. We need to be like those of Jershon. We have been given counsel to look for those refugees, or others, who need us to welcome all and to love and to minister to them.

Old Testament

Ezra 1-3

1 King Cyrus of Persia lets the Jews go back to Jerusalem to build the temple - Cyrus returns the vessels of the house of the Lord taken by Nebuchadnezzar.

2 The descendants of the Jews taken captive who return to Jerusalem and to Judah are listed - The children of priests whose genealogy is lost are denied the priesthood - Faithful people contribute to the building of the temple.

3 The altar is rebuilt - Regular sacrifices are reinstituted - The foundations of the temple are laid amid great rejoicing.

General Conference

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

Elder Massimo De Feo

"True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us. They know that the price He paid is an 'all-inclusive price.' Spiritual taxes, fees, commissions, and charges related to sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings are all covered. True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness."

I have been watching Hallmark Christmas movies all week. They make me feel good and I am definitely in the Christmas mood. 

I watched Sister Aburto's story on lds.org today. She is from Nicaragua and experienced an earthquake, the death of her brother, political unrest, and a divorce because of a husband addicted to drugs and alcohol. Her story bears out the truth that Heavenly Father knows and loves all of his children. 

Lately I have been having a difficult time in the mornings, not feeling well until a couple of hours after I take my Tramadol. 

I makes for a slow start. 

After scriptures and prayer James leaves for the Howard's. He hadn't left earlier because he knew that the Howard's came in late last night from their trip and he didn't want to wake them up but he got a text from Brother Howard asking if he was coming.

I stay home ll day, working on my blog and watching the clouds to see if it's going to rain. James comes home for lunch and has a couple of bowls of beans for lunch. He really could leave on beans.

While he is home the tractor repair guy shows up and so he has to deal with him. We both take a short nap and he was on his way back to the Howard's and I went back to my blog and Christmas movies. I also made a charm bracelet with charms, etc. I bought a Walmart.

The tractor repair guy was here until 5 p.m. That's going to cost a pretty penny. 

When James gets home he doesn't come in the house but goes immediately out back to work on his rabbit hutch. 

Our evening activities include walking, reading from our book "Abby's Crossing", and finishing up the Christmas movies for the day.

This is the rosebush James got me for our

anniversary. He put something on it so the bunnies

wouldn't eat the blooms.

Amaron and his twin brothers
that I babysat yesterday.

Thiessen and Anakin

Molly and her horsey "Butterscotch"

Sweet little Scarlett.

I can hardly wait to meet her!

Google Earth view of our house.

National Geographic photo of the year

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018

Seoul, Korea

37th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Dec 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

John 1:10

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:17-41

*What kind of things should we pray for?

-I think we should pray about everything. Big decisions, little decisions and everything in between. Heavenly Father loves us and wants to be a part of our lives.

*What counsel does Amulek give to the Zoramites regarding their salvation in verses 37-41. I found 12:

1. Work out your salvation with fear before God.

2. Deny no more the coming of Christ.

3. Contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but receive it.

4. Take upon you the name of Christ;

5. Humble yourselves to the dust and worship God wherever you may be in spirit and truth.

6. Live in thanksgiving daily for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

7. Be watchful unto prayer continually.

8. Don't be led into temptation by the devil.

9. Have patience.

10. Bear with all manner of afflictions.

11. Do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your poverty.

12. Bear with afflictions in a firm hope that ye shall one day rest from them.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 34-36

34 Josiah destroys idolatry in Judah - The people of Judah repair the house of the Lord - Hilkiah finds a book of the law - Huldah the prophetess reveals the desolations to come upon the people - Josiah and the people covenant to serve the Lord.

35 Josiah and all Judah keep a most solemn Passover - Josiah is mortally wounded by the Egyptians at Megiddo.

36 Various kings rule in Judah - Nebuchadnezzar overruns Judah and makes Zedekiah king - Zedekiah rebels, the people reject the prophets, and the Chaldeans burn the temple and destroy Jerusalem - Cyrus of Persia decrees the building of the temple.

General Conference

"With One Accord"

Reyna I. Aburto

"The Lord's followers were one in purpose, in love, and in works. They knew who they were, they knew what they had to do, and they did it with love for God and for each other. They were part of a magnificent kaleidoscope moving forward with one accord.

Some of the blessings they received were that they were filled with the Holy Ghost, miracles took place among them, the Church grew, there was no contention among the people, and the Lord blessed them in all things."

Stacy had gall bladder surgery this morning. She came through with no complications and hopefully she will have a speedy recovery.

Christina, Rebecca's daughter, had oral surgery today. Here is her Facebook post:

Oral surgery this morning! After multiple surgeries for tooth extractions, implant, and bone grafting last year, we ended with a "failure to integrate." The implant didn't work, and has resulted in bone and tissue loss since. The surgeon we used wanted to do a second attempt, which would have been free, but his process required some things that would be a health risk for me, so after a lot of weighing of our options, we decided to go with a different surgeon and pay for the whole thing over again. Doing a bone and soft tissue graft and implant placement this morning. Any prayers would be appreciated! We need this to work!

We prayed for Christina too. She has three little children she needs to be a mother to.

James has rescheduled his back surgery. He will be having it on December 5th this year. 

James and I left for town around 11:30 this morning. He went over and got started at the Howard's and then left to wait for dry wall to dry. 

I read to James from "Abby's Crossing" on the way to town. Our first stop was at the Show Low post office to mail Summer's and Molly's birthday cards.  Next stop was at LaCasita's for green chili chicken enchiladas and for James also some of their delicious refried beans.

While I went shopping at Walmart James went to Home Depot to get some paint mixed for the Howard's. They are due home tonight.

When James picks me up at Walmart it is raining outside but by the time we drive a couple of miles it stops. We stop at the Book Barn and James picks out a journal to give to Ruthie for her baptism on Saturday. We left it there to get Ruthie's name engraved on it.

 I got a call from my friend Laurann who has the twins. She and her husband are trying to move furniture from their old house to the new and she needs someone to watch the boys. I said I would so we stopped and picked them up on the way home. The boys also included Amaron.

The twins were asleep when James unloaded them at home but they didn't stay asleep long. Amaron lets the twins out of their carseats and they just walk around the house and play with Amaron. 

I only had them a couple of hours when their parents came to pick them up. They really are too cute.

As soon as everyone went home I sat down for a short break and then got to work on the dining room and kitchen floor. I swept, mopped, and polished. I didn't quite finish when it was time to get ready for my RS presidency meeting. James finished for me.

At 6:45 a huge storm blew in and the downpour, lightening and thunder started. Kerri was the first to arrive for the meeting and just as she came in there was a loud clash of thunder very close. Nice entrance Kerri. Maxine was next and then Tamara who was a little late. She brought the ministering board for us to work on.

Tamara offered the opening prayer and then I gave the spiritual thought based on DC 18:10-16, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. 

We spent most of our time working on our ministering board. Our meeting lasted until after 9:30 but we got most all of the partnership's put together and most of the sisters assigned.

Our board now looks like this:

Looks a little unorganized but having the 

assignments on a board really helps.

Ruby and Molly got their ponies today. Molly Facetimed me

to thank me. 

I couldn't resist sending Ruby a pony the

same color as the pony she loves, Pepper.

Best friends.

Jackson is going to the Philippines and

Talon to Uganda.

He looks scared.

Parent Trap

Abbey Road 

Tuesday, July 17th, 2018

Johannesburg, South Africa

36th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Book of Mormon

Alma 34:1-16

*What must happen for teachings to become testimonies?

-A change of heart brought upon by the Spirit. Faith and obedience.

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 31-33

31 The faithful Israelites overthrow false worship among them - The people pay tithes and offerings - The Levites administer in temporal matters - Hezekiah serves faithfully.

32 Sennacherib invades Judah and besieges the cities - He rails against the Lord - Isaiah and Hezekiah pray, and an angel destroys the leaders of the Assyrian armies - Hezekiah reigns in righteousness despite some pride in his heart.

33 Manasseh reigns in wickedness and worships false gods - He is taken captive into Assyria - He repents and serves the Lord - Amon reigns in unrighteousness and is slain.

General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"Ensign Blair did not just ask the Lord to solve his problem. He asked what he could do to be part of the solution. Likewise we might ask, 'Lord, what do I need to do to be part of the solution?' Instead of just listing our problems in prayer and asking the Lord to solve them, we ought to be seeking more proactive ways of receiving the Lord's help and committing to act according to the Spirit's guidance."

It has rained 9 days in a row now and the meadows are starting to look green. I love it!

I have a budget, a schedule, and a food plan and I can't seem to sta on any of them.

James is at the Howard's again today. 

I listened to a talk that Wendy Watson gave in 1998 at the BYU Women's Conference. It was called: "Change: It's Always a Possibility." I think maybe I was there that year with my girls. 

Well I guess the news of the day is that Darrel and Trina sold there house. It was only on the market for a day and a half. The only catch is that they have to be out by the first weekend in August and they won't be able to come to our couples retreat. I guess we will have to reschedule.

One more bit of new for the day was Talon opening his mission call. He just flew in from Washington today where he has been working for his uncle. The opening was at 9:30 this evening at President Beeler's in Show Low. We were already in bed when I remembered so I got up and turned on Facebook Live.

Talon is going to Uganda, Africa. Ethiopia and Rwanda are also part of his mission. Wow! Pretty exciting!

Curtis watching his brother.

Keeping hoping I will find the

Maxwell ancestral home.

One drawback to the rain

On their way to the family ranch in

Idaho. The Umphresses our friends of

ours here in Vernon.

Jesus with the 11 and Judas's shadow in the doorway

Monday, July 16th, 2018

Chicago, Illinois

35th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Aug 1985

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

John 1:3

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Book of Mormon

Alma 33:12-23

*Why is it important to know the scriptures?

- It's important to know the scriptures so we don't "dwindle in unbelief" as do so many when they no longer have or believe the words of Christ...

Old Testament

2 Chronicles 28-30

28 Ahaz reigns in wickedness and practices idolatry; his people are defeated by Israel - The captives are freed by the command of a prophet - The Edomites and Philistines attack Judah - Ahaz continues his idolatrous ways.

29 Hezekiah reigns in righteousness and restores the worship of Jehovah - The Levites cleanse and sanctify the house of the Lord - The priests offer sacrifices and make reconciliation and atonement for the people - Hezekiah and all the people worship the Lord and praise His name.

30 Hezekiah invites all Israel to a solemn Passover in Jerusalem - Some accept the call; others laugh him to scorn - The faithful Israelites worship the Lord in Jerusalem.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The most important principle for all priesthood holders is the principle taught by the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob. After he and his brother Joseph were consecrated priests and teachers of the people, he declared, 'And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence.'(Jacob 1:19),"

FHE:

Ministering with the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson
"A hallmark of the Lord's true and living Church will always be an organized, directed effort to minister to individual children of God and their families. Because it is His Church, we as His servants will minister to the one, just as He did. We will minister in His name, with His power and authority, and with His loving-kindness."

James went to work at the Howard's again this morning. 

I made blueberry muffins for the girls and insisted they each at least eat one before I would take them to Dollar General. It took awhile for Tildy, but they both ate a muffin and I put the rest in a basket to give to Brother Grapp when he came. 

We packed all of the girls stuff in the car and headed for Dollar General around 8:45. The girls and I did our shopping. I bought each of them a couple of toys. Emsley knew before she went in that she wanted high heels. Tildy wanted a tu-tu but they didn't have any. Emsley found her Cinderella high heels right away. She said she was going to be Cinderella for Halloween. She also found a tiara and a wand. Tildy settled for fake makeup and a phone. As we were leaving the store Brother Grapp drove up with Benson.

I gave each of the girls, and Benson a hug and I gave the muffins to Brother Grapp. He said: "You are the sweetest person." Well that made me feel good.

Today is Amazon Prime Day so I did some shopping.

 Jared said Molly likes stuffed horses so I bought one for her and sent it to Jared's address. I found a stuffed horse that looks like the horse Ruby loves, Pepper, so I ordered one and sent it to Ruby. Then I remembered Ruthie had a birthday this coming Saturday so I ordered one for her too. Three horses in one blow.

James has been asking me to make him some beans so I finally do so today. After getting the beans on I had corn for lunch. 

This afternoon the storm clouds began rolling in. The first ones just passed us by but later some more came rolling in and there was a downpour starting around 5:20. I love watching the clouds and seeing these storms!

Ben received his mission call. We are all so excited but he wants to wait until Sunday at 6 p.m. to open it when all of his friends will be in town. Sheri said he hid the envelope so no one would be tempted to steam it open and reseal it.

James and I read from Abby's Crossing this evening and then James tried to answer a post that Jared Ammon posted on Facebook. Here is the post.

This statement was made in 1954

Here are the comments that went with the post:

Thank you Jared Lambson for your response. It was heartfelt and right on. I appreciate you so much for doing this.