Tuesday, August 7th, 2018

Bogota, Columbia

57th operating temple

Dedicated: 24 April 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 4:12

And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

Book of Mormon

Alma 46:29-41

*How did hoisting the title of liberty upon every tower in the land help the people maintain perspective? What "title" helps me maintain perspective in this world?

- The temple is my title of liberty. When I see a temple I feel comfort, and peace. I am reminded of my covenants and my eternal family.
Old Testament
Job 26-28
26 Job reproves Bildad's lack of empathy - He extols the power, greatness, and strength of the Lord.
27 Job asserts his righteousness - When the wicked are buried in death, terrors will take hold of them.
28 Wealth comes out of the earth - Wisdom cannot be purchased - The fear of the Lord is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.
General Conference

One More Day

Taylor G. Godoy

"The plan of redemption is possible thanks to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As He Himself described, the sacrifice 'caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink' (DC 19:18)."

The Sacrament is key to establishing ourselves on the Rock of our Redeemer.

James waited until I left today to go shopping before he turned the water off so he could fix the well. He actually ended up having to buy a new pump and a new pressure tank. It was very costly.

We still do not have water and I was not able to take a shower today.

When I arrived in town the first place I went was to Chase Bank to deposit the cash Brother Howard gave James to pay for his Home Depot supplies. Afterwards I drove to Aliberto's and got myself a beef taco. I saw one of the inactive sisters I used to visit teach. She got up from her lunch and came over to give me a hug. It made me feel good. Her name is Claire. Amy, her mom, is in our ward.

I got the following texts from my neighbor Kathy regarding our mutual friend and ward member Donna:

"Hi, Donna is at the Honor Hospital in Scottsdale off of Shea. They transported her by ambulance last night. They had taken an X-ray up here yesterday of her back and found a bone chip. They were concerned that this might cause bleeding. I will let you know as I get more information."

"Donna texted that the nurses say surgery will probably be today. Hasn't mentioned who the doctor will be."

James ministers to Donna and her husband Owen. We are very concerned about her. She fell a month or so ago and added a compression fracture to her already bulging disks in her back. She has been in a lot of pain. Recently she has fallen three more times. Her legs can't seem to support her.

Got my shopping done which included buying new sheets for our bed. They were pricey but our others were worn out. These are goo quality and should last a long time.

My goal is to get at least 15,000 steps every

week day this week.

My friend from Chandler who married a

Butler from Taylor. Wendell Butler's brother, Larry.
Wendell was my cousin Rita's steady in high school.

I wonder if James could build swings around

our fire pit.

 One of the reasons Dianne wanted to move to Oregon 

was so she could explore the beaches looking

for agates. I wonder what she would think

of this beach.

 Fortunately James has never asked me this question.

The one Addy would like the most is next
to the one she would hate. 

Monday, August 6th, 2018

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 March 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 26:23

For it is I that taketh upon me the sins of the world; for it is I that hath created them; and it is I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand.

Book of Mormon

Alma 46:11-28

*Who were the first people to call themselves Christians?

- And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come. Nephite civilization, about 73 B.C.

Old Testament

Job 23-25

23 Job seeks the Lord and asserts his own righteousness - He says, When the Lord has tried me, I will come forth as gold.

24 Murderers, adulterers, those who oppress the poor, and wicked people in general often go unpunished for a little while.

25 Bildad bemoans the lowly state of man and classifies him as a worm.

General Conference

The Prophet of God

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"Although we admire all of these noble qualities, why do we follow President Nelson? Why do we follow the prophet? Because the Lord Jesus Christ has called him and designated him as His watchman on the tower."

F.H.E.

Meek and Lowly of Heart

Elder David A. Bednar

"The Christlike quality of meekness often is misunderstood in our contemporary world. Meekness is strong, not weak; active, not passive; courageous, not timid; restrained, not excessive; modest, not self-aggrandizing; and gracious, not brash. A meek person is not easily provoked, pretentious, or overbearing and readily acknowledges the accomplishments of others."

James went into the well house this morning and realized the leak was worse than he thought. There was water on the floor and mold growing on the walls. Something needs to be done. Little did I know that the bath I took today would be the last for awhile.

I read an article in the Ensign this morning by Elder Kevin W. Pearson, "How to Survive Spiritually." Here is what he suggests we do in order to survive spiritually:
1. Love and obey God first.
2. Hold personal prayer and seek the Holy Ghost.
3. Seek learning even by study and also by faith.
4. Search the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon everyday.
5. Focus on the big picture.
6. Above all else, Trust in Jesus Christ.

I fixed a big lunch today. Pork chops with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables. I would have fixed a salad but the salad mix had gone bad even though it said it was good until August 9th.

"Love is the only thing that lasts." - Adam S. Miller, "An Early Resurrection."

James wrote and I typed, a letter to Jeff Omahen of National Turf regarding the work done at the Phoenician Golf Course. James asked for full payment in a timely fashion. After he wrote this letter he left for the Howard's. He was back after a short time because no one was home. The next thing he did was head for Stanford Store with two gas cans to get gas for my car. I don't think I could have made it if I drove there. I'm glad I didn't drive because Stanford was out of gas and James had to go all the way into Show Low.

Jared called this afternoon. We are trying to decide when James and I should come to Texas after the baby is born. Finally, after talking to James, we decided on Sept 18-24. That means we will need to get a sub to work for us in the temple on the 22nd.

This evening we watched the latest Hallmark Summer Nights movie starring Cameron Mathison and Catherine Bell.

 Bishop Tomlinson is an amazing guy!

Looks like the road we were on when 

I saw my herd of bachelor elk or I

should say elk royalty!

Sunday, August 5th, 2018

Colonia Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 5:15

Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Alma 45:15-46:10

*Why should we be wary of the "flatteries" of men?

- The Book of Mormon has taught and cautioned us many times about people who's only desire is to serve themselves, gain power and position over others, and whose motives, trends, and philosophies serve their own agendas. Christ used his words to build and uplift others, Satan and his followers use words and thoughts to destroy.

Old Testament

Job 20-22

20  Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked - He says: The triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment.

21 Job admits that the wicked sometimes prosper in this life - Then he testifies that their judgment shall be hereafter in the day of wrath and destruction. 

22 Eliphaz accuses Job of divers sins and exhorts him to repent.

General Conference

Until Seventy Times Seven

Elder Lynn G. Robbins

"To keep our hope resilient as we face life's trials, the Savior's grace is ever ready and ever present. His grace is a 'divine means of help or strength, ... an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.' His grace and His loving eye are upon us throughout our entire journey as He inspires, lightens burdens, strengthens, delivers, protects, heals, and otherwise 'succors his people,' even as they stumble along the strait and narrow path."

Left this morning around 5:30 a.m. for the valley. We arrived at the Galveston building in Chandler about ten minutes before sacrament meeting. We walked in and the first people we saw were Terry and Cathi. We sat by them. They have both lost weight. Cathi says they are on the beriatric diet with Laura. Laura is losing weight to qualify for a lung transplant. Dave and Laura are gone to Idaho this weekend. 

James, Evan, and Cathi bore their testimonies during fast and testimony meeting. 

James said Ben has been a light to our family and now he will be a light to the world. I loved that.

Cathi mentioned that she was grateful to be a part of the Lambson family.

Evan bore testimony about Joseph Smith and the Savior. He said Jesus will help us through our trials. (This is the first time I have heard Evan bear his testimony. It was definitely not your typical kid testimony).

Sunday School was taught by Brother Foster. It was the same lesson we had last week about Elijah passing the mantle of the prophet to Elisha. James and I sat by Cathi and Terry.   Brother Foster had prepared a power point presentation that was quite nice.

Relief Society here we come. Cathi refused to sit in the circle so we sat against the back wall with Dahlia D., Kate G. and her adorable baby Lorelei, Hillary J. and her mother-in-law Kathy, and Bunny M.

The topic for today was emotional and mental health. The sister leading the discussion had her smart phone hooked up to a TV monitor and she showed us how to find this topic on lds.org.

I want one of these!

We listened to individuals tell about dealing with depression and Elder Holland spoke from his conference address, "Like a Broken Vessel." The RS presidency in the ward did a survey and this was the number one topic the sisters wanted to discuss. Two sisters shared about their struggles with depression which cast a negative feeling. The discussion leader said she wanted us to remember the word hope and those people on the video talked about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ had helped them. Paula C. told how listening to music about the Savior helps her to feel peace. 

There really was no action plan. The discussion leader said we would all need to make our own. I though things would have ended more on a positive note if she would have shared some of the things on lds.org.  

"The world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save." -President Thomas S. Monson

We invite Church and community members alike to increase their compassion and support of those who are struggling and take an active role in caring for their own mental health. 

*Watch your words. Your language can change perceptions. Avoid potentially harmful or negative phrases, and choose words that are more descriptive of what you observe. Visit Time to Change or the American Psychiatric Association to learn more.

*Be a friend. Listen patiently and without judgment when others share their concerns. Help them locate professional resources if they need additional support. Visit HelpGuide.org or Active Minds to learn more. 

*Practice self-care. The limitations of mortality may require us to slow down and restore our strength at certain times (see Mosiah 4:27). It is not selfish to take time for yourself. Visit Mind.org or watch a TED Talk on the importance of self-care to learn more.

Cathi told me later she would not be attending Relief Society on a regular basis. She came away feeling sad and like she had been in a therapy session.  She said thank goodness for Ben's ordination to restore the Spirit!

We had to wait for Isaac D.'s ordination. He has been called to serve a mission in Argentina. 

When the Dowdle's came out, the Lambson's went in to the high council room. We all sat around the high council table while Brother Price told Ben that he was an answer to his parents and grandparents prayers. 

James did the ordination with the following family members in the circle: Paul, Brian, Terry, and Adam. Bishop Wanlass and Brother Price were also there. James gave Ben a wonderful blessing. It was a very happy occasion for all who were there. The following family members attended: James, myself, Sheri, Max, Evan, Kim, Brian, Stacy, Paul, Adam, and Joshua.

Ben definitely has a glow about him.

After everyone gave Ben a hug Bishop Wanlass took him to his office for a temple recommend interview. Sheri asked if we could give him a ride home so she could go home and finish preparing dinner. We waited in the foyer and watched the young adults come in for the YSA ward.

I forgot to take a photo of James and Ben so this one Sheri took a while back will have to suffice.

Dinner at the Trezise's was delicious! We had roast, potatoes and carrots, rolls, broccoli, and ribs that Ian had made. For dessert there was brownies and vanilla ice cream. Our fast is broken.

After resting awhile and making friends with Ollie, we headed for home.

 We arrived around 6:30. It looked like it had rained at our place. I took this photo of a rainbow over Green's Peak. Our gas gauge says we could have gone another 12 miles. We did not want to stop and buy gas on Sunday! It was a great Sabbath!

Saturday, August 4th, 2018

Anchorage, Alaska
54th operating temple
Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Mosiah 3:8

And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:16-45:14

*What happens to those who sin against "so great light and knowledge"?

- They dwindle in unbelief. When people turn against God their lives lose their meaning and purpose as to God's plan for them. They become a light unto themselves and lose those blessings God has in store for them.

Old Testament

Job 17-19

17 Job speaks of the sorrow of death and of the grave in that day when the body returns to the dust.

18 Bildad tells of the damned state of the wicked who know not God.

19 Job tells of the ills that have befallen him and then testifies, I know that my Redeemer lives - Job prophesies that he will be resurrected and that in his flesh he will see God.

General Conference

The Heart of a Prophet

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"In this sacred memorable meeting, following a well-established precedent in unity and unanimity, the Brethren were seated by seniority in a semicircle of 13 chairs and raised their hands first to sustain the organization of a First Presidency and then to sustain President Russell Marion Nelson as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This sustaining was followed by the Quorum of the Twelve gathering in a circle and placing hands upon the head of President Nelson to ordain and set him apart, with the next most-senior Apostle acting as voice."

I made cookies today to help the Vernon park fundraiser. James returned Howard's truck and then he was supposed to come back and deliver my cookies to the park. He never made it back so I had to get dressed and deliver them myself. I was not happy.

After delivering the cookies to Paula I started looking for my friend Linda. I bought two squares for the cow pie bingo game from her and I needed to pay her for them. We sat down and talked for a few minutes. I asked her if she was on the park committee and she said yes. She said since they aren't serving a mission right now she felt like she needed to give more service. She also goes to the Vernon Book Club, the card making club, and the quilting club in an effort to get to know more people in Vernon. I was impressed. I think I am going to join the book club and maybe the card-making club.

After our lunch today James and I started our fast. We are fasting for grandchildren who had lost their testimonies of the gospel. We are praying that they will find their way back.

James worked at the Howard's this afternoon and Jean wanted me to come over. I was just too tired. I told her we would go to lunch sometime next week. 

I watched one of my favorite Christmas movies, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" starring Brook Burns and Henry Winkler. I always enjoy this movie no matter how many times I've seen it. 

I walked, blogged, and read from a couple of my new books, "Dragon Watch", which is a sequel to Fablehaven and one of Addy's favorites, and "The Way of Kings" by Brandon Sanderson who is Adam's favorite author. Sheri says this is Ben's favorite book and one of Ian's favorites. I also ordered the book for book club, "The Secret Keeper," by Kate Morton. I have alot of reading to do. I am also reading several church books. I love to read.

We went to bed rather early because we are leaving for the valley around 5:15 in the morning to attend Sheri's ward,  and so James can ordain Ben an elder after their block meetings.

Members of our ward headed to Vernon Days at the park

in Vernon.

A busy Saturday

 Mom's day for the Show Low football team.

Quentin and Zach playing for Show Low

Their dad, my nephew, Monte is their coach.

A little history

Friday, August 3rd, 2018

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Jacob 4:9

For behold, by the power of his word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the power of his word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of his hands upon the face of it, according to his will and pleasure?

Book of Mormon

Alma 44:1-15

* Why did Moroni offer Zerahemnah mercy?

- Because he did not desire bloodshed. He stops the fighting and bears testimony to Zerahemnah.

Old Testament

Job 14-16

14 Job testifies of the shortness of life, the certainty of death, and the guarantee of a resurrection - He asks, If a man die, will he live again? - Job answers that he will await the Lord's call to come forth from the grave.

15 Eliphaz sets forth the disquietude of wicked men - They do not believe they will return out of darkness and be resurrected.

16 Job speaks against the wicked who oppose him - Though even his friends corn him, he testifies that his witness is in heaven and his record is on high.

General Conference

Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye

Larry J. Echo Hawk

"Brothers and sisters, are there people in our lives who have hurt us?Do we harbor what seem like fully justified feelings of resentment and anger? Are we letting pride keep us from forgiving and letting go? I invite all of us to forgive completely and let healing occur from within. And even if forgiveness doesn't come today, know that as we desire it and work for it, it will come - just as it eventually did for me after my brother's death."

I got to see Ruby and Rowan before they went to school. Here is a picture of Ruby, who is in the fourth grade.

Last day in this house.

While James and Trina loaded furniture Lola and I bonded.

 Well we bonded except the one time she got caught 

on the stairs.

 I like the butterfly dress, Lola.

 Not sure why she's lying on the floor.

Maybe she thought someone would move the couch

out from under her.

Load ready to go to the rental.

After James and Trina took over this load James and I left for my infusion. He dropped me off at Vine and Baseline in Mesa while he went to wash the truck and get gas.

Interesting time in the infusion center. I went right back and there were very few patients this time as compared to last time when I had to wait for a chair. Later a woman came in fuming. She had been waiting for over an hour and a half. She used some bad language and said she was going to get that girl at the front desk fired.  It was a little tense for awhile until she calmed down, although I must say I knew how she felt because it happened to me once. I hope I wasn't quite so verbal and unforgiving.

James came to pick me up around 12:30 and we found a Jersey Mike's in Tempe for lunch before going to his mom's. 

Kim and Stacy both met us at Lois's. 

Lois has made a quilt for Kacey and Jared's baby and also a baby dress which she needs to put buttons on.

She also made 20 Christmas stockings for our family. Kim took one for Joe so I still have 19. Trina just made stockings for their family that match so these will go to everyone else.

I think there is even enough for Autumn, Palmer,

Scarlett, and baby girl Lambson!

We went back to Darrel and Trina's before going home so James could help Trina take over one more load. Trina's dad was there to help and her mom came just as we were leaving to go home.

This load is going to Bob's truck across the street.

The trailer is already full.

 Addy on her phone while it's charging. 

The TV is on the fritz, but no worries, we have

other electronic devises.

Ruby is at a friends this afternoon. Glad I saw here this morning.

We left for home after the last load. I got to pick Rowan up from the bus stop. Trina told me to be sure and have him call and tell her if he made the football team, which I did. He called and said he didn't make it and she was so sorry, and then he said, oh yeah, I did make it. She was a little miffed and I would have been too. Good work Rowan. Not many 6th graders made the team but Rowan did and so did some of his friends.

We had to go back to Lois's before going home because I forgot my purple purse. James was a good sport about it and a good sport about going home the Payson way until traffic got backed up. Not to self: "Don't go home through Payson on a Friday night in the summer." 

When we drove up to our place there was a herd of elk grazing, I would say about 20, all calves and young ones.

 I want my bedroom to look like this.

Maybe next year.

Scarlett is 10 months old.

Her mom describes her as as smart and happy.

Who could ask for anything more, oh yes and Adorable!!

 I had to stay up past my bedtime to accomplish this which I 

think made James a little sad.

Impressive! I wonder if Lexy can last that long!