Thursday, August 9th, 2018

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Ether 3:16

Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:20-36

*Why did prior knowledge of the Lord cause the dissenters to harden their hearts?

- Those who fell away from the gospel most likely also lost the influence of the Spirit. They sought after others who were in the same situation and as often happens they pulled each other down.

When you intentionally reject the gospel you set yourself up to drift here and there.

Old Testament

Job 32-34

32 Elihu, n anger, answers Job and his three friends - He says: There is a spirit in man, and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding; also, Great men are not always wise. 

33 Elihu says: God is greater than man - He speaks to man in dreams and visions - He ransoms those cast into the pit - He delivers their souls and gives them life.

34 Elihu teaches, God cannot be unjust, commit iniquity, pervert judgment, or respect persons - Man should bear chastisement and do iniquity no more.

General Conference

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela Wakolo

"The many distractions and temptations of life are like 'ravening wolves' (Matt 7:15). It is the true shepherd who will prepare, protect, and warn the sheep and the flock when these wolves are approaching. As undershepherds who seek to emulate the perfect life of the Good Shepherd, aren't we shepherds of our own soul as well as of others? With the counsel of prophets, seers, and revelators, whom we just sustained, and with the power and gift of the Holy Ghost, we can see the wolves coming if we are watchful and prepared. In contrast, when we are casual shepherds of our own soul and others' souls, casualties are likely. Casualness leads to casualties. I invite each of us to be a faithful shepherd."

James called the pump company this morning and was told how to fix the problem with the pump. Woohoo! I got to take a shower and wash my hair before going to the temple this morning.

I left the house around 9:20 to pick up my friend Catherine. She is 83 but seems younger. She did one of my family names, Laura Lewis, and I did Georgia Ruthledge.

Catherine worked in the Mesa temple for 12 years. She happened to run into a friend from her days in Mesa and they had a great visit before and after the session.

The session was pretty full with a row of sisters on the brothers side. President Jensen, formerly of our stake presidency and his wife were in the session, and our stake patriarch, Brother Toronto was the officiator. Catherine and I took a selfie afterwards.

Sorry for the goofy looking face by "Yours truly."

When I got home this afternoon I phoned a new sisters in the ward whom we haven't seen because she has been sick. She is from Woodland, Texas and her name is Marie. She said she had bronchitis but is much better. She is living here alone right now with her six dogs. Her husband will be in Texas for another year. She is 74 years old and it sounds like we could be friends.

We had a beautiful unexpected rain this evening, something I always enjoy. I also walked over 20,000 steps and then James and I watched the newest episode of the Garage Sale Mysteries, "Pandora's Box." A murder mystery, Hallmark style.

I sure do love this boy!

 Is Cierci an alpaca or a llama?

 Two boys in Phoenix were struck by lightning too.

How sad.

 Huntleigh the brave!

Wednesday, August 8th, 2018

Guayquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Alma 5:15

Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raise in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

Book of Mormon

Alma 47:1-19

*How can the interaction between Amalickiah and Lehonti be symbolic of our interaction with temptations?

- Amalickiah never gave up even though Lehonti refused him several times. Eventually Lehonti gave in just like we often do to Satan.

Old Testament

Job 29-31

29 Job recalls his former prosperity and greatness - He was blessed because of his righteousness, his charity, and his good deeds

30 Job is derided by the children of vile and base men - In his afflicted state, he cries to the Lord - Job says that he wept for those in trouble.

31 Job invites judgment so that God may know his integrity - If he has done ill, Job welcomes the penalties for so doing.

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"As we consider the roles that our young women will be expected to assume in the near future we might ask ourselves what kind of experiences we could provide for them now that will help with their preparation to be missionaries, gospel scholars, leaders in the Church auxiliaries temple workers, wives, mothers, mentors, examples, and friends. They can actually begin now to fill many of those roles. Youth are often asked to hep teach lessons on Sunday in their classes. Opportunities are now available for our young women to perform service in the temple previously completed by ordinance workers or volunteers when they attend with their youth groups to perform baptisms for the dead. Our primary -age girls are now invited to attend Temple and Priesthood Preparation meetings, which will help them understand that they too are important participants in priesthood-directed work. They are learning that men, women, youth, and children are all recipients of priesthood blessings and all can take an active role in moving forward the Lord's work."

Happy 9th Birthday Molly!

I love this girl's zest for life and her smile!

I enjoy listening to articles from the Ensign while I am ironing. Today I listened to: "Parents, Help Them to Prepare," and "My Scar Story."

James made three trips to town today to get parts for the pump on the well and it's still not working right. I have had no shower since Monday and James is quite discouraged. In the morning he will be calling the manufacturer of the pump.

My friend Jean and I went to lunch today. We went to Mountain Thai because that is one of her favorite restaurants up here on the mountain. James and I went there once and we did not like what we ordered. Jean says she gets the soup. I ordered the same thing she did, the vegetable soup with shrimp except I ordered egg noddles and she ordered clear noodles. When we asked the waitress what the difference was she said the clear noodles are better for you but the egg noodles have a better flavor. I said I would go for the flavor. Jean reminded the waitress to bring over the bottle of sweet chili and then she ordered sticky rice and mangoes for her daughter Deana, and one order for us to share.

When our soup came it tasted pretty bland until we poured in the sweet chili sauce. Delicious!  Neither one of us finished so we got take home boxes. I love when I can get two meals out of an order!

We may have been too full to finish off our soup but we weren't too full to eat all of the fresh mangoes and sticky rice. This is the best dessert I have had in a long time! Jean insisted that she pay for my lunch even though I protested and told her it was my turn. She said I always pick her up and she wanted to treat me. I told her I was so glad we came here and I would come back and bring James with me. She said the four of us should come back together.

On the way home we stopped at Dr. Hall's dentist office. Hunter, Jean's granddaughter works here. Hunter's mom Deana was waiting for us to pick her up. First we loaded Dean's groceries into my car and then we followed Deana to her mother-in-laws home where she took Hunter's car. Jimmy will pick it up there and take it to get new tires. Deana then got in and we drove home. I told her I was sure glad she ordered the mangoes and sticky rice otherwise I wouldn't have known what I was missing. Deana is Jean's daughter and she has some health issues as do both her mom and dad. She was on oxygen. Deana I think is probably around 50 years old.

I went home, took a short rest on my recliner in front of the TV and then worked on getting my 20,000 steps today, inspite of not being able to take a shower. 

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that the check engine light is no on in my car. The maintenance required light has been on for quite some time. I am beginning to get concerned. Don't fail me now Lexy!

Donna update from Kathy: 

"Doctor Francis saw the fracture on the MRI and said nothing to panic about and she shouldn't have been sent down. No surgery with that fracture. They are going to do an MRI today on her upper back and neck."  -10:13 AM

"Just got a call from Owen. Donna has been in a lot of pain today and elevated blood pressure. They took another MRI and have decided to do surgery tomorrow. She will have a rod put in to keep her back straight to try and help it to heal." - 7:37 PM

Happy 15th Anniversary to these two!

Interesting!

I wonder what she wanted.

Always on the look out.

Gilbert temple after a rain storm.

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