Thursday, August 2nd, 2018

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Alma 1:4

And he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:41-54

* What "better cause" inspires you to fight?

- My family, and my freedoms and liberties, especially my rights to defend myself and family, and my religious freedom and freedom of speech.

Old Testament

Job 11-13

11 Zophar asks, Canst thou by searching find out God? - Zophar says that the hope of the wicked will fade away as though it had died.

12 Job says, The souls of all things are in the hands of the Lord, with the ancient is wisdom, and the Lord governs in all things.

13 Job testifies of his confidence in the Lord and says, Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him,and He also will be my salvation.

General Conference

Am I a Child of God?

Elder Brian K. Taylor

"I invite each of us to seek God and His Beloved Son. 'Nowhere,' President Nelson directed, 'are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon.' Open its pages and learn to God does 'all things for our welfare and happiness', that He is 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness'; and that 'all are alike unto Him.' When you feel hurt, lost, scared, upset, sad, hungry, or hopelessly abandoned in life's extremities - open the Book of Mormon, and you will come to know that 'God will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character to do so."

I started a new audio book while making Rice Krispy Treats to take to the valley with me. The name is: "An Early Resurrection, Life in Christ Before You Die," by Adam S. Miller.

Along with Nephi, "we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ," (2 Nephi 25:26) but in all our talking and learning, have we learned how to live in Christ? What does a life in Christ look like - or feel like?

In this thought-provoking exploration of the writings of the Apostle Paul and Book of Mormon prophets, Adam Miller examines what life in Christ looks like. How can we let ourselves and our own desires die so we can be born again to a new life, a full life in Christ, here and now in the mortal life?

James went over this morning and left his truck at the Howard's and came back with their Chevy diesel truck and attached his trailer for Darrel and Trina and their new moving adventure.

We left for the valley somewhere between 11:30 and noon. We got a little ways down the road and I realized I forgot my water bottle so we went back. This truck rides pretty rough just like James's but it is in much better shape. 

We stopped at the Taco Bell in Globe for lunch. I was disappointed in my taco salad. James had a chicken quesadilla, and a Mexican pizza.

When we arrived at Darrel and Trina's Ruby and Addy came out to greet us. Ruby said: "Whose truck do you have?" Addy said: "Grandpa's." The truck is a similar color to James's. I was impressed that Ruby knew it wasn't grandpa's.  

Trina began almost immediately filling the trailer with their things. When it was filled James went with her to the rental to unload while I stayed at the house. Ruby left to go to a friends. Lola was at Bryce and Lexy's and Rowan was at football practice. Addy was home. Today was her first day of high school at Desert Ridge High School. She said it was pretty boring. The course of study this year for seminary is Church History. She said there are very few freshmen in her class.

When Lola and Ruby got home I gave them the coloring books and My Little Pony carrying bag I bought for them along with some markers, colored pencils, and crayons. Ruby's friend Chloe was with them and the three of them sat down to color. 

When Rowan got home from football practice I gave him the Rubiks cube and we asked him if he wanted to go on his birthday date. Of course he said yes but his mom had not told him we were taking him. I guess she has had other things on her mind, like moving.

Rowan, James and I left in the truck some between 6:30 and 7. As we were driving towards Chandler to pick up the other boys, we could see a huge wall of dust coming towards us. It hit us about the time we got off the freeway.

We almost had to pull over going out to Joshua's because the dust was so bad. After picking up Josh we went to pick up Max and Evan and to borrow Sheri's van.

Rowan and Josh made the decision, since this is their birthday date, to go to the Chandler mall. We entered on the foodcourt side and stayed there since everyone was hungry. Max and Evan went to Subway and I went to Villa Pizza with Rowan and Joshua. It had been raining when we came in so James dropped us off close and parked the car. When he came in he got the extra $20 I gave Max and Evan and went to Rubio's.

I didn't order anything but I did eat one of Joshua's garlic knots since he ordered 4 and a piece of pepperoni pizza. I also ate some of Rowan's macaroni and cheese. He also had cheese pizza. 

After dinner the boys wanted to go to the Lego Store just to

look around. I bought a couple of small Harry Potter action figures for Addy but no one else bought anything.

Because Harry Potter's birthday is July 31st, both the Lego Store and Barnes and Noble had out their Harry Potter stuff.

These come in little packages and you don't know

what you are getting I think Addy got Doby and

someone from Fantastic Beasts.

My favorite

Next it was on to Barnes and Noble

Rowan and I had a lot of fun here.

Taking pictures of all things Harry Potter for Addy.

Joshua joined in the fun

This is what I bought: Two HP things for Addy, a
book and a notebook for me and a Sea of Thieves
Journal for Joshua.

I ended up giving Joshua some money and Rowan all of his money because he didn't buy anything.

Wednesday, August 1st, 2018

Vernal, Utah

51st operating temple

Dedicated: 2 Nov 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Jacob 2:21

Do ye not suppose that such things are abominable unto him who created all flesh? And the one being is as precious in his sight as the other. And all flesh is of the dust; and for the self-same end hath he created them, that they should keep his commandments and glorify him forever.

Book of Mormon

Alma 43:27-40

* What strategies did Moroni use to succeed with his army?

- He sent spies and he also asked the Prophet Alma what he should do. He knew what the enemy was going to do so he divided his army and surrounded them.

Old Testament

Job 8-10

8 Bildad asks, Doth God pervert judgment? - Bildad says, Our days upon earth are a shadow, and God will not cast away a perfect man.

9  Job acknowledges the justice and greatness of God and concludes that man cannot contend against Him.

10 Job is weary of life - He reasons with God about his afflictions - He asks, Why hast Thou brought me forth out of the womb?

General Conference

Precious Gifts from God

President M. Russell Ballard

" Elder George A. Smith remembered some advice the Prophet Joseph Smith gave to him: 'He told me I should never get discouraged, whatever difficulties might surround me. If I was sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia and all the Rocky Mountains piled on top of me, I ought not to be discouraged but hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage and I should come out on the top of the heap at last."

James left early this morning for the Howard's. He wants to finish their floor today because we are going to the valley tomorrow. We were going to go today but this takes precedence.

James came home for a quick lunch, grilled tuna sandwich with cheese, and tomato basil soup. He laid on the recliner for about 10 minutes and then headed back to work. 

I finished the book, "Finding You Path in Lehi's Dream," and my audio book, "Unforgettable" today. I also started listening to the August Ensign and I read to James from "Abby's Crossing."

I hung one more family photo in our Hall of Fame, did some cleaning, and tried to spray off the driveway but was not very successful. 

One of my favorites

It took some doing to get everyone in white.

All the water and mud goes to the low spot and

the drain is clogged with pine needles

Rain was all around us today and it rained here for about 3 minutes.

I got a call from my friend Jean while I was working outside. She does not think her house will be ready for the August 13th Relief Society women's luncheon. She said she told Sister Miller that I might be willing to have it at my house. She was giving me a warning that I might get a call. I told her that was fine. She says also that she just does not have the energy to do everything that needs to be done. James says the house is filled with furniture and needs alot of work.

When James got home around 7:40 I asked him how it went? He said they finished! That is great. He also said that Ty was a big help and a hard worker for a sixteen year old. Ty also thanked him afterward saying he appreciated the work and was glad that James thought of him. Good kid.

There is something wrong with the starter on James's truck. Half the time when he turns the key it won't start. Brother Howard said we could take his truck to the valley. In fact, he insisted saying he didn't want us stranded down there when he needed James's help on Saturday moving furniture.

After James's dinner and shower we sat down and finished watching, "Love on Safari." I also watched my Christmas movie today, "Love You Like Christmas."

Love this tree

Storm in Sedona

Another great-granddaughter for Lois

How good can they be?

First day of school in Vernon

Cher's elk

Tuesday, July 31st, 2018

St. Louis, Missouri

50th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 June 1997

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

2 Nephi 29:7

Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

Book of Mormon

* Why is it important to be prepared?

- Just like Moroni prepared his army against the coming of the Lamanites to battle, we can continually be preparing ourselves and our families against coming battles, spiritual or temporal. Victory is sure when our preparation is centered on the Savior and His prophets. "If ye are prepared ye shall not fear."

Old Testament

Job 5-7

5 Eliphaz counsels Job: Man is born unto trouble, seek unto God, and happy is the man whom God corrects.

6 Job bemoans his grief - He prays that God will grant his petitions - Those who are afflicted should be pitied - How forcible are right words!

7 Job asks, Is there an appointed time for man on earth? What is man that Thou shouldst magnify him? Why dost Thou not pardon my transgression?

General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President M. Russell Ballard

" Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God's children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life."

James worked all day, coming home for a short lunch break, at the Howard's putting down flooring. Ty A. was his assistant. He says that Ty is a good worker. I figured he would be. His sister Shelly could stack wood like nobody else when she was in Young Women's.

I put up photos in the hallway this morning. 

Good start, more to come

Five awesome kids

I also made the August-September centerpiece

for the dining room table

August is the month the sunflowers bloom!

This afternoon I went in to town to go shopping at Walmart. It never ceases to amaze me how much it costs to buy groceries and

other necessities!

On the way home I noticed it had rained in parts of Vernon. James said it rained at the Howard's for about 30 minutes. We didn't get any rain at our house.

My neighbor Kathy came over today to tell me she has chickens, 8 of them. in case I want fresh eggs. By the time I use them my eggs are never fresh. She had been to town and bought feed.

I am really enjoying the audio book I am reading on Deseret Bookshelf called, "Unforgettable." Here is a brief synopsis of what it is about:

Haley has always admired her strong-willed great-grandmother Grisa. The woman survived the disappearance of her husband and thrived after her immigration to America at the beginning of World War II. But when a shocking telephone call from a detective in Germany turns Haley's life upside down in an instant, she finds herself questioning everything she thought she knew about her heritage.

The body of Ulrich Krauss has been found, and the renowned toymaker and artist has a shocking connection to Haley: he is her great-grandfather - not missing, but murdered. Now, at the request of her ailing great-grandmother, Haley travels to Germany to seek answers. What she finds instead are more questions and a growing sense of danger dodging her every step. Protection appears in the form of Joshua, an attractive man from Haley's past who is in Germany on business. Together the pair embark on an emotional quest for the truth, only to discover that a generations-old plot is very much alive, and there are those as determined as ever to keep the facts surrounding Ulrich's death hidden - even if it means silencing his great-granddaughter for good.

James came home exhausted and very grubby. He walked and then took a shower. Kneeling down all day putting in flooring is tiring work. We began watching "Love on Safari." Now I want to go to South Africa.

I finished watching "The Magic Stocking," starring Victor Webster. I like him.

This is really weird

 Most of the squirrels in our yard are 

not this pretty.

Which do you prefer?

 White Texas Sheetcake with

almond flavoring and almonds

Chocolate Texas Sheetcake with

pecans.