Saturday, August 18th, 2018

Raleigh, North Carolina

68th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Dec 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Abraham 3:24

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;

Book of Mormon

Alma 52:1-18

*How did Moroni and Teancum work together to bring success to their army?

- In our stewardships, whether in families or in callings, we have a two-fold responsibility: 1) We need to 'be faithful in maintaining' the saints or family members that are under our care and 'fortify and strengthen..those which have not fallen into the hands of the devil.' We protect those in the fold. 2.) We need to find the lost sheep and 'seek every opportunity..., as much as in our power, that perhaps we might take again by stratagem these people which have been taken out of our hands.'"

Old Testament

Psalms 38-43

38 David sorrows for his sins - They rest as a disease upon him - He asks the Lord to be compassionate.

39 David seeks to control his tongue - Man is altogether vanity - He is a stranger and a sojourner on the earth.

40 A messianic psalm of David - The Messiah will come and preach righteousness - He will declare salvation - The righteous will say, The Lord be magnified. 

41 A messianic psalm of David - Blessed is he who considers the poor - The treachery of Judas is foretold.

42 The souls of the righteous thirst for God - The wicked say, Where is your God?

43 The righteous praise God and cry, Send out Thy light and Thy truth.

General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"There is a third important lesson in Ensign Blair's story. Could he have prayed with such calm assurance if he had not received guidance from the Spirit on previous occasions? The arrival of a typhoon is no time to dust off the gift of the Holy Ghost and figure out how to use it. This young man was clearly following a pattern he had used many times before, including as a full-time missionary. We need the Holy Spirit as our guide in calm waters so His voice will be unmistakable to us in the fiercest storm."

What is spiritual self-reliance? 

- Receiving inspiration for ones own life.

Besides listening to the Greatest Showman when I walk I have been listening to the following: Perfect by Ed Sheeran, I Cross My Heart by George Strait, Arms by Christina Perry, and Blue Bayou by Linda Ronstadt. James continues to listen to the Tabernacle Choir and his favorite Scottish singer with the last name of McDermott.

Darrel and Trina left before 8 o'clock headed for Horton Creek near Payson. There is an 8 mile hike there that they are doing. 

James went to Fry's this morning for some milk, water and toothbrushes. He was gone a very long time and came back with much more than the three items mentioned above. One of the items was a dry cleaning kit that works in the dryer. He said it was for me so I could fix the stains on his pants. I told him I had my day planned and that he needed to fix his pants. ( I said it in a nice way). He looked at me like this:

Enjoying breakfast

While James was attending to his pants I got ready and went to the Hobby Lobby on Southern which is just a few miles away. I was looking for Harry Potter wrapping paper for Addy's gifts but there was none. I looked on Amazon and found some. It looked like the Marauder's Map and cost $48 a roll plus shipping and handling. A little too pricey for wrapping paper. James wanted me to hurry back so I wasn't gone for long. I did look at the scrapbook supplies and bought some lifters for card making.

Would you pay $50 for this?

When I got back to pick up James he had finished with his pants and they looked pretty good. We got in Lexy and headed west. I suggested that since it was after 11 we have our lunch at Olive Garden before going to Cathi and Terry's. He said he wasn't hungry (he always says that), but he would go with me. 

James ordered salmon picata and I ordered soup, salad, and breadstick. The soup, Zuppa Toscana. We ordered a stuffed chicken marsala with breadsticks and salad to share for our dinner tonight. 

I dropped James off at Terry's and headed for the Barnes and Noble at the Chandler mall. It took awhile to find a parking spot which is to be expected on a Saturday. 

The reason for going to Barnes and Noble was to look at the dot journals. I was a little disappointed that they didn't have more. I ended up buying this, along with a small calendar, a history book for Darrel, and a small HP sorting hat that is supposed to talk for Addy.

Bullet journal is the same as a dot journal

These are the Dot Journals I have:

The only one I bought at B&N is the purple one

and I bought it before I knew anything about

dot journaling.

I also bought this Tree of Life

journal for Ben.

Window shopping at B&N:

\

I wanted to buy Hedwig for Addy but he 

was $75.

I thought Stacy would probably like this puzzle.

Back over to pick up James at Terry and Cathi's I went in to say hello. I told Cathi about my card making class and she took me downstairs into her craft room which is filled with materials to make cards with. She showed me this card when I told her I wanted to make a sunflower birthday card:

It's perfect!

Cathi said when I come back in a couple of weeks for my infusion I can come over and make all of my 15 cards at her house. What a great friend! I am so excited!

Photos from Cathi's house

On the way back to Darrel and Trina's James and I stopped at the Hobby Lobby on Germann and Gilbert Rd. This was the first time James had ever been inside a HL and much to my surprise he said: "I could spend hours in here." I looked at embossing/die cut machines, wrapping paper, and scrapbooking supplies. He looked at pictures of horses he thought the Howard's would like for their bunkhouse.

 I like this die cut/embossing machine, but 

can't afford even the reduced price.

 I like this one the best

 This one is cool but I didn't like the 3D effect.

Reminds me of Bull.

We got home just a little while before Darrel and Trina. Their hike was a success but they got wet. Darrel said they almost had to pull over and stop on the way home because of the rain. 

Trina was telling us about an old song she discovered that she liked by Jay and the Americans, a sixties group, "Come a Little Bit Closer." I told her I had two songs by them on my phone, the other one being, "This Magic Moment." We got to talking about songs we liked and I started thinking about Glenn Yarborough. I had his album, "Baby the Rain Must Fall," as a teenager and I would play it when I went to bed. I downloaded the album and James and I listened to it on the way to Fry's. I absolutely love Glenn's unique voice. The songs were never popular. They are like folk songs but I still enjoy them.

 Darrel said this is done by Fry's so he heard all

about it at work.

 Showing us her shoes

Banner Mesa, not Trina's hospital

Friday, August 17th, 2018

Edmonton, Alberta
67th operating temple
Dedicated: 11 Dec 1999
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Moses 2:1

And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I reveal unto you concerning this heaven, and this earth; write the words which I speak. I am the Beginning and the End, the Almighty God; by mine Only Begotten I created these things yea, in the beginning I created the heaven, and the earth upon which thou standest.

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:22-37
*How did the personal preparedness of each of Teancum's soldiers turn the tides of Amalickiah's success?
- Mormon tells us of Teancum's courage and how he put his life on the line for the benefit of the cause...Today I will work on being more courageous in doing what the ord asks, even though it may seem hard.
A team is only as good as it's weakest player. We all have to do our best for the good of the team, ward, family, etc.
Old Testament

Psalms 33-37
33 Rejoice in the Lord - Sing unto Him a new song - He loves righteousness and judgment - Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
34 David blesses the Lord at all times - He counsels, Keep your tongue from evil; do good and seek peace - He says that not one of the Messiah's bones will be broken.
35 David complains of his enemies and their wrong dealings - He asks the Lord to judge him according to his righteousness.
36 David praises the Lord for His mercy, His righteousness, and His loving kindness - The fountain of life is with the Lord.
37 David counsels, Trust in the Lord and do good - Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him - Cease from anger and forsake wrath - The meek will inherit the earth - The Lord loves justice and does not forsake His Saints.

General Conference

Ministering with the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson
"Brethren, there are doors we can open, priesthood blessings we can give, hearts we can heal, burdens we can lift, testimonies we can strengthen, lives we can save, and joy we can bring into the homes of the Latter-day Saints - all because we hold the priesthood of God. We are the men who have been called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of our exceeding faith,' to do this work."

"Everything I do must be in Christ." 
-A.S. Miller

Alex got up early this morning and said he and his friends were going to Big Lake to go fishing today. We reminded him that we were leaving for the valley. Soon Alex got Carter, Shayna and Sky up and they left before I ever go to see them. 

We left a little after ten but we had to come back twice. Once for my phone charger and once for the fishing pole Joshua is borrowing for his first camping trip as a scout. It's a good thing we got an early start.

We stopped at the gas station/carwash in Show Low. While the car was being James went over to McDonald's and got us a couple of quarter pounders and me a diet Coke. We have slipped a little on our diet, especially when we are traveling. 

Something is stuck in our ac fan and when it's on high the steering wheel vibrates.  We read a little from "The Secret Keeper" but I can't read much on the windy Salt River Canyon route. 

This first place we went when we arrived in the valley was Stacy's. We got there around 3 o'clock just before she had to leave to pick up Joshua at school. As an added bonus Michael was there and I got to visit with him about his trip to California. 

We dropped off the fishing pole, a slip and temple dress and my slippers for Stacy. While I was inside, James was outside operating on the car. He cleaned out the ac fan so now we can use it on high. The fan is also working better too. I got to see Joshua for a minute too.

Next I dropped James off at Sheri's. He's Ben's escort and they have to be at the Gilbert temple by 5:30. 

On my own now. I entered the address Trina gave me for where they live and drove east to find 2706 Calderon in East Mesa. I could not find it. Google Maps kept taking me to the 3500 block and Map Quest the 3700 block. Finally I tested Trina and told her the problem. She said, "Oh, I gave you the wrong address," it's 3706." Success at last. Darrel, Addy, Ruby, and Lola were at home. If I'd have known that Darrel was home I could have contacted him but I thought he was at work. Trina and Rowan are at Main Event for Rowan's birthday party. Darrel carried my luggage in for me and then he and the girls left. They are spending the night at gramma Suzy's for the next two nights so Darrel and Trina can celebrate their anniversary. Suzy also has Bryce and Lexy's kids and Westley's and Lacey's, 12 kids in all with 6 of them 4 and under. She and Bob are brave grandparents!

I left for the temple around six for the seven o'clock session. I arrived at 6:30, the same time as Stacy. The parking lot was packed.

We got ready and went up to the waiting room which was already full with a line waiting outside. We asked if we could go to the front of the line and the temple worker said we could but we would have to get permission from those in line. We told them we were the grandmother and aunt of one of the young men going together for the first time. Another brother was the dad of one of the young women going through and Jeffrey D. was there with his wife. His brother Isaac is going through for the first time too. Luckily we were all able to get in the session. Sheri and Kim said they were worried we weren't going to make it. 

It was a great session. James and I went up for the prayer circle along with Sheri and Ben. In the celestial room there were several members of Sheri's ward; Adrienne and Mike E., Jason and Drea B., the Jensen's, Bishop Lewis and his family, and of course the Dowdles. There was such a good feeling and Ben looked so happy. He said he had the most spiritual experience of his life doing the initiatory ordinance.

Afterwards we tried to take pictures outside but it was a little dark. Ben is spending the rest of the evening with his friends. 

James was hungry so we stopped at Chik-fil-a before going home. 

James got a sandwich which he tried to eat while driving. He got grease on his light suit. He said he was going to go back to Trina's and wash it. I told him it was dry clean only. Now he's worried.

We visited with Darrel and Trina this evening before going to bed.

The kids are all at the Case's.

I only got 7,051 steps today.

Such a great experience!

I joined a fat quarters club. I will get a package of

six fat quarters a month. Woohoo!

This one looks a little less desirable.

Four Peaks

Vickie posted this. I am not sure if it's in Arizona.

Lightning near Tucson.

Thursday, August 16th, 2018

Billings, Montana

66th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

Moses 1:33
And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:13-21
*How can we refrain from pride, and be humbled?
-We can be humble and avoid pride by putting God first in our daily lives and decisions. Over time, through the Atonement, we can become stronger. "Beware of Pride" Ezra Taft Benson.

Psalms 26-32
26 David says that he has walked in integrity and obedience - He loves the Lord's house.
27 David says, The Lord is my light and my salvation - He desires to dwell in the house of the Lord forever - He counsels, Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.
28 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and grant his petitions - David prays, Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.
29 David counsels, Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness - David sets forth the wonder and power of the voice of the Lord.
30 David sings praises and gives thanks to the Lord - David pleads for mercy.
31 David trusts in the Lord and rejoices in His mercy - Speaking as the Messiah he says, Into Thine hand I commit my spirit - He counsels, O love the Lord, all ye His Saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful.
32 David says, Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputes not iniquity - David acknowledges his sin - He recommends that the righteous be glad in the Lord and rejoice.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks
"To fulfill this divine charge, we must be faithful in 'magnifying' our priesthood callings and responsibilities, President Harold B. Lee explained what it means to magnify the priesthood: 'When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his calling as though he were on the Lord's errand. That is what it means to magnify the priesthood.'"

I read the "Living Christ" this morning and want to share the last sentence of testimony:

"We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles - that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son."

I made banana nut muffins this morning. James took three of them to work with him but no one else ate any so I put them in the freezer. 

Alex and his friends went into town to play frisbee golf on the Show Low Creek course where we walk. They also went shopping at Walmart. Before they left Sky asked me if we needed anything at the store. I said no but I was impressed with her thoughtfulness.

I made a green chili stew today but didn't use any of the "hot" green chilies. James said he missed them.

We got lots of lightning, thunder and rain today. That didn't stop the kids from driving the Razr up to Green's Peak. They weren't even muddy when they returned.  

I had to pay the business credit card today and James says we need over $2,000 to pay for the repairs on the tractor. Yikes! We are having a cash crisis. Hopefully he will get paid for work done at the Phoenician very soon!

Jean Howard wants James to make a tree slab countertop, like the one she has in her bathroom at home, for the bunkhouse.

I like the sink and the faucet too. James found a 4 foot wide alligator juniper tree on our property if we could only find a saw big enough to cut the slab.

After leaving the Howard's James and I drove into town to get the oil changed in Lexy. Instead of going to Walmart where it takes anywhere from 1-3 hours we stopped at Jiffy Lube. We were in and out in 30 minutes. They really are jiffy! We enjoyed the overcast skies and walked to McDonald's where I got an ice cream cone. We walked down by President Beeler's gorgeous home and saw Show Low Creek and the green pastures with horses and cows. 

The attendant at Jiffy Lube told James the filter on the ac filter needs to be changed. He cleaned out a bunch of debri that looked like stuff a rat had drug in to make a nest. Yikes! A rat was inside my car? The filter and fan for the ac is behind the glove compartment. 

This evening I entered my ministering district in the computer. There are four sisters who visit each other that we will have to change.

The kids fixed frozen pizza for dinner and James told them about Pete the crow. 

Blast from the past.

Can you find Sheri?

Storm near Tucson

Joshua's baptism

Our bishop, his son, and his dad, all 

members of our ward.

Such a cute couple

Wednesday, August 15th, 2018

Regina, Saskatchewan
65th operating temple
Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999
By: Boyd K. Packer

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 117:6

For have I not the fowls of heaven, and also the fish of the sea, and the beasts of the mountains? Have I not made the earth? Do I not hold the destinies of all the armies of the nations of the earth?

Book of Mormon

Alma 51:1-12

*What happens when people are divided? 

- Abraham Lincoln said: "A house divided against itself cannot stand." Just before the Savior carried out the Atonement He pled for unity: 'That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. The Savior knows that contention divides and weakens marriages, families, friends, neighbors, wards, and nations. Marvin J. Ashton taught about the negative effects of contention in "No Time for Contention" (April 1978 GC). Elder Ashton shared these ideas for alleviating contention: '1) Pray to have the love of God in your heart. The Spirit of the Lord can soften hard feelings and mellow a callous spirit. 2) Learn to control your tongue. Think twice before you speak and three times before you act. 3) Don't allow emotions to take over, rather reason together. 4) Refuse to get embroiled in the same old patterns of argument and confrontation. 5) Practice speaking in a soft, calm voice."

Old Testament

Psalms 20-25

20 David prays that the Lord will hear in time of trouble - The Lord saves His anointed.

21 A messianic psalm of David - He tells of the glory of the great King - The King will triumph over all His enemies - Their evil designs will fail.

22 A messianic psalm of David - He foretells events in the Messiah's life - The Messiah will say, My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me? - They will pierce His hands and feet - He will yet govern among all nations.

23 David declares, The Lord is my shepherd.

24 David testifies, The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, he who has clean hands and a pure heart will ascend unto the hill of the Lord, and the Lord of Hosts is the King of Glory.

25 David pleads for truth and asks for pardon - Mercy and truth are for those who keep the commandments.

General Conference

Inspired Ministering

President Henry B. Eyring

"We know that charity is essential for us to be saved in the kingdom of God. Moroni wrote, 'Except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God' (Moroni 10:21; Ether 12:34).

I read this somewhere today: "The unthinkable can become the ordinary." The examples that were given were man flying and a computer in every home.

I cleaned upstairs today getting ready for Alex and friends. Stopped to fix lunch; honey teriyaki chicken, riced cauliflower, salad, and almond pecan sheetcake. 

It was good. I like eating cauliflower in this form instead of

big chunks.

I also paid personal bills, including tithing, and then went shopping. My first stop in town was at J.C. Penney's where I was looking for baseball caps for Andy, one of the boys James ministers to who is turning 15 today. There was nothing even like a baseball cap at Penney's so I didn't stay long. 

The first thing I did when I got to Walmart was stand in line to pick up my methotrexate and folic acid prescriptions. The tech said that my doctor had not yet approved either prescription. I immediately got on the phone and re-ordered. The person I spoke to said their fax machine had been broke down. I guess she could hear the frustration in my voice when I had told her these had been requested over a week ago. 

I bought two hats for Andy and a dump truck and glow football for his little brother George, whose birthday is Monday. James delivered the hats this evening. I asked if he thought Andy liked them and he said: "I don't know we were outside in the dark so I didn't get a reaction." 

Andy

What I know about Andy: He is a dedicated Aaronic Priesthood

holder. He is there every Sunday to prepare and pass the sacrament.

He loves to hunt. He wrestles.

I hurried home to get my groceries put away only to leave again for RS presidency meeting at the church. We talked about September council meeting and the suicide prevention letter we received from Church headquarters. Maxine is friends with Sister Tedder in our ward  whose grandson took his life four years ago at the age of 14.
Tamara said he and her son Jace were friends and Jace found out about it on his birthday, August 21st and now he won't celebrate his birthday on that day. I remember seeing Tyler, Sister Tedder's grandson, at church passing the sacrament. I also have a photo of him with two friends from the ward that I got from Facebook.

Kerri brought the ministering board she made and we finished making assignments. Each of us will go home and enter our districts on the computer and we will present to the bishop this week for approval. We will hand out assignments the last week of August.

I sure do love this girl and her board.

After my meeting I came home and read to James from, "The Secret Keeper," and read bout dot journals. 

We went to bed around 10 and Alex, Shayna, Carter, and Sky arrived around 11, or so they said.

Rain and rainbows.

My view on the way home from shopping. This rainbow went all the way across the sky. We did get some rain today.

I want to make a sunflower birthday card for card class. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

I wonder if my family will be disappointed in getting a homemade card and $20 next year for their birthdays.

Tuesday, August 14th, 2018

Halifax, Nova Scotia

64th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Nov 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Creator

DC 88:7

Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.

Book of Mormon

Alma 50:21-40

*Why was there never a, "happier time among the people of Nephi"?

-Because happiness come from within, not from external circumstances. True joy comes from doing what's right. With personal righteousness and faithfulness comes peace, and blessings from God.

Old Testament

Psalms 15-19

15 David asks, Who will dwell in the Lord's holy hill? - He answers, The righteous, the upright, and those with integrity.

16 A messianic psalm of David - He rejoices in the Saints who are on the earth, in his own future redemption from hell, in the fact that God will not suffer His Holy One (the Messiah) to see corruption, and in the fulness of joy that is found in the Lord's presence.

17 David pleads with the Lord to hear his voice and to preserve him from men of the world - David hopes to behold the Lord's face in righteousness.

18 David praises the Lord for His greatness and preserving care - The Lord's way is perfect - The Lord has given marvelous blessings - David testifies, The Lord lives, and blessed be my Rock.

19 David testifies, The heavens declare the glory of God, the law of the Lord is perfect, and the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

General Conference

Behold! A Royal Army

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"I testify that as we move forward with this inspired quorum restructuring in our wards and stakes, we will see a multitude of blessings. Let me cite just a few examples.

Under the direction of the bishop, more priesthood resources may assist with the work of salvation. This would include the gathering of Israel through temple and family history work, working with families and individuals in need, and helping the missionaries to bring souls to Jesus Christ.

As previous presiding leaders return to share their experience with the quorum of elders, a stronger quorum membership will result.

There will be a greater diversity of gifts and capacities within the quorum."

"A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stirreth up anger." - Proverbs

"Avoid creating an appetite for that which creates an appetite for itself."

Happy 12th Birthday Joshua

 Joshua bears his testimony every month in sacrament meeting.

He is very knowledgeable about WW II as we discovered on

his recent birthday date.

He is very thoughtful and kind to others and I call him

"Mr. Personality"!

Getting ready to blow!

I attended a card making class at the Vernon library this morning with my friends, Linda, Catherine, Judy and Lorraine. There were 15 women in all, but I only knew the above mentioned. 

The class started out with 3 guest speakers from the District Library Board: Sue Ann, Jamie, and Dolly. Dolly also serves on the Apache County Historical Society of Arizona.

These three women shared their enthusiasm for journaling, dot journaling to be specific. Funny that this is the first time I have heard the term dot journaling yet recently when I was at Barne & Noble I bought a dot journal. I guess I was inspired because I am super excited about this concept. I came home and downloaded the book, for free I might add, "Dot Journaling, A Practical Guide," by Rachel Wilkerson Miller.

A dot journal is a place to keep all calendars, tasks, and future to do's and events. You gear it totally to your needs. It is also a place to express creativity. Dotty loves to draw birds so her journal had a picture of an eagle she had drawn. Jamie's birthday calender for the year was a balloon for each month with birthday's for that month written inside. Sue Ann is not artistic so she uses stickers and clip art to express her creativity. I am so excited to convert my planner into a dot journal!

After Jamie, Sue Ann, and Dotty left we ate our lunch and began our card making. There were five presenters: Linda, Judy, Elizabeth, Dianne, and the Mickey Mouse lady, I can't remember her name but she loves Mickey Mouse.

Each of these women had made card kits for each of us. Each month several other women will do the same. Here are the cards we made today:

The mermaid card was my favorite

It was after 2 when I got home and the class had started at 10. I was beat. I rested, did my steps, and read with James. 

When James got home from the Howard's he showered and headed to the Morrison's to assess the water damage in their new home. Not really new, but new to them.

Sore knees, I can't keep this up.

 One of the places I went while in London

 Chandler LDS Royalty

Kacey has been having contractions.

Inducement scheduled for 8/27 but she may

have the baby on my birthday!

 Lightning near Wilcox, Az

Addy, Rowan, Ruby, Lola at the

Natural Bridge near Payson