Wednesday, September 12th, 2018

Veracruz, Mexico

93rd operating temple

Dedicated: 9 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 9:12

And he answered and told the, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 3:1-18

*How did the Nephites persevere despite their difficulties?

- Verse 3 - There were many contentions and dissensions so they departed and went to another land. (1) Walk away from contention.

Verse 7 - They went to work. They became expert in making cement and provided homes for their families (2) Go to work. Verse 9 - They were concerned about the future of others, so they were united about not cutting down trees until they grew tall. (3) Concern for others and the future Verse 13-16 - Record keeping was important. (4) Keep individual and family records.

Old Testament

Ecclesiastes 1-6

General Conference

The Elders Quorum

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

"The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presidency of the Seventy have considered these adjustments over an extended period of time. With much prayer, careful study of the scriptural foundations of priesthood quorums, and confirmation that this is the Lord's will, we are moving forward with unanimity in what is in reality one more step in the unfolding of the Restoration. The Lord's direction is manifest, and I rejoice in it, as I bear witness of Him, His priesthood, and your ordinations in that priesthood, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Some of my favorite verses from what I read in Ecclesiastes today:

"Let not thy mouth cause thy flesh to sin."

"All is vanity."

First thing when he got up around 6:30, James stood out on the porch and the balcony upstairs and bugled for elk. I asked if he saw or heard any. He said yes, on the hill across the road he saw a bull herding a herd of cows. Oh the joys of living in the country. I asked him why the elk no longer travel through our property. He said because they used to go down to the water and now that the spring is dried up they no longer go that way.

A little breeze blowing through the open window as I do some ironing feels so good!

James filed a lien against National Turd (oops I mean Turf) today.

This is an email Ben sent to Sheri and she sent to me:

I sent this to Sheri because I know she is struggling. 

"Sometimes we wonder if we can go on, but we can't stop. We move forward by relying on our Savior more than we did before, and eventually we realize the miracles that have surrounded us all along."

Listened to Chapter 11 from "The Healing Christ." It is called, The Judging Christ.

" We do not earn heaven, we co-create Heaven here on earth."

"The Lord's judgment is centered in love" 

I love this chapter! Judgement day is a day of mercy when all will be made right!

Finished my Debbie Gibson movie and read from the new LDS Living magazine. I read, "When Desire Drowns Out Revelation," and "Faith to Find Annie." Annie is Piano Guy John Schmidt's daughter who died in a hiking accident in Oregon.

From the Old Testament student manual regarding the book of Hosea: "The modern world entices people as it did in the day of Hosea to worship at the shrine of pleasure." So true. We are basically a hedonistic society. This is no way to prepare for the Second Coming. This is why missionary work is so important, so that people's hearts are turned from pleasure seeking to commandment keeping.

I made cupcakes for Tamara's birthday which is tomorrow. I also gave her one of my daisy cards and had Kerri and Maxine sign it. I tried to make a caligraphy copy of Phillipians 4:13 but it didn't turn out so I gave her a quote about ministering that I had framed. It was actually given to me by my friend Hailey. I have enjoyed it for several years and now I am passing it on. 

After our RS presidency meeting tonight we gave Tamara her gifts. 

Paula J. is our assistant secretary and she attended our meeting this evening. Paula does so much community service. She is president of the Vernon Park, runs the Vernon Food Bank, and is historian for the Vernon Fire Department. She shared an experience she had with a destitute man here in Vernon. He has no electricity, no water, and he can't hear. She took him a case of water and some food. She said he can talk perfectly but she had to write things down for him to read because he cannot hear. Trash was piled inside and outside his home because he has no transportation. She felt so compelled to help him more but wasn't sure how. She asked us if she should tell the bishop and we said yes, she should. He may have resources that we don't know about. 

When I got home James was reading from the Lambson Family History book. He wants to share some things with the kids this weekend about his family. I think I am going to share what I learned about William Bailey Maxwell. I also found my grandpa's sister, Ella Lee's life story and I can share some things from that. I actually knew Ella. We read a chapter from "The Secret Keeper" before going to bed.

Practicing her leg lifts

 Card for the day

Such a sweet photo!

Tuesday, September 11th, 2018

Merida, Mexico

92nd operating temple

Dedicated: 8 July 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 16:6

And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 2:1-14

*How do you avoid being deceived by the flattery of men?

-Through the inspiration of the Spirit. We must stay spiritually centered and remember what really matters. See Elder Lynn G. Robbins, "Which Way Do You Face," October 2014 General Conference.

Old Testament

Proverbs 27-31

General Conference

Introductory Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"These adjustments are inspired of the Lord. As we implement them, we will be even more effective than we have ever been previously. We are engaged in the work of Almighty God. Jesus is the Christ! We are His humble servants! God bless you, brethren, as we learn of and do our duty."

Our friend Bill from Chandler sold Rockin' R Ranch for 2.6 million

recently. I guess he can afford to loan us $16,000 to pay off our creditors from the Phoenician Golf Course job. We still have not been paid and I think they are stalling. James is about ready to file a lien.

We have two heroes gone from the American public eye. One was a real prisoner of war hero, John McCain, and one was a hero of the big screen decades ago, Burt Reynolds, most famous for the movies, "Smoky and the Bandit." 

As I was listening to Proverbs today I wrote down some of my favorites: 

"When the wicked rule, the people perish."

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."

"A virtuous woman is more precious than rubies."

I also read chapter ten from "The Christ that Heals," before going to my card class. 

These were the people in the class today besides myself:

Linda, Elizabeth, Judy (a new one), Marsha, Lorraine, Pam, Rosie, Diana, Pebble, and Deana. Diana started out by showing us some ideas on how to decorate our envelopes.

We did seven cards today, three Halloween by Lorraine, Diana, and Pam. A birthday by Pebble, a Ladybug card by Deana, a beautiful fall card by Elizabeth, and my Burlap Daisy. Here is a photo:

Elizabeth developed her own technique for the fall leaves.

I read a chapter from "Time and Again," watched part of the Debbie Gibson movie and walked and walked and walked. I sat all morning so I had to walk this afternoon and evening. 

I also read to James a chapter from "The Secret Keeper," and worked on my 2019 dot journal. I am putting in a calendar for each month and week of the year. It will take some time before I get to the fun part of the journal.

An idea I might use

James worked outside until after dark on the tree he is going to use for the Howard's counter top.

Scarlett looks like she is at the spa!

The last one of Charlie is her Daddy's favorite.

Monday, September 10th, 2018

Suva, Fiji

91st operating temple

Dedicated: 18 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 28:5

And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 1:18-34

*When situations in your life get hard what do you do to keep your faith alive?

- "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 

I also calm my thoughts through prayer. Quiet my thoughts and abide in the presence of God. Reunite my light with the Savior's light. Study my scriptures and listen to conference talks. Go to the temple and think of Him during the sacrament.

Old Testament

Proverbs 24-26

General Conference

Family History and Temple Work: Sealing and Healing

Elder Dale G. Renlund

President Russel M. Nelson cautioned:

"We can be inspired all day long about temple and family history experiences others have had. But we must do something to actually experience the joy ourselves." 

He continued, "I invite you to prayerfully consider what kind of sacrifice - preferably a sacrifice of time - you can make to do more temple and family history work." As you accept President Nelson's invitation, you will discover, gather, and connect your family. Additionally, blessings will flow to you and your family like the river spoken of by Ezekiel. You will find healing for that which needs healing.

FHE:  What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand

Douglas D. Holmes

"Aaronic Priesthood holders, we have the privilege and duty to be fellow servants with John the Baptist. John was sent as an authorized messenger to bear witness of Christ and invite all to repent and be baptized - that is, he exercised the Aaronic Priesthood keys we have discussed. John then declared, 'I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I...:he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire."

My first order of business for the day was to have James drive me into ADOT in Show Low so I could get my driver's license renewed. Of course the line was almost out the door but I persevered and eventually made it to the front. The worst part was getting my picture taken. I look like a scared rabbit.

After success at ADOT James and I celebrated by going to lunch at Aliberto's. LaCasita is closed on Mondays. We each had a toastado and a taco.

After lunch we went out separate ways, me to Walmart and James to Home Depot. As I was leaving the car James says, "Get me a watermelon, please." He knows I hate to pick them out, but of course I did. It turned out to be a good one!

During my rest time I watched last night's episode of "Chesapeake Shores." I then did some walking and started hanging some more family photos in the hallway. James could see I was having some trouble pounding the nails into the wall, so he came over with bigger nails and did it for me. We put up four more family photos.

The rest of the afternoon I spent finishing up my card kits for tomorrow's card making class while watching a Debbie Gibson movie on Hallmark. James went for a Razr ride.

Thank goodness for Cathi and her card!

For F.H.E. we listened to Brother Holmes's talk about the Aaronic Priesthood and then wrote emails to Ben.

Heading straight for the Carolina's where Steve and Elise 

moved too. They expect Category 3 or 4.

So excited for Jackson!

Love those leg lifts!

Sunday, September 9th, 2018

Melbourne, Australia

90th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

John 19:16
Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.
Book of Mormon
Helaman 1:1-17
*What causes anger and contention and how can you avoid it?
- Pride and selfishness cause anger and contention. You can avoid anger and contention by having humility, realizing your dependence on the Lord and that no one is perfect. Striving to have charity, the pure love of Christ is what we all should be striving for.
Old Testament
Proverbs 21-23
General Conference

Teaching in the Home, a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility

Devin G. Durrant

Elder D. Todd Christofferson counsels: 

"We have may avenues for teaching the...rising generation, and we should devote our best thinking and effort to taking full advantage of them. Above all, we must continue to encourage and help parents be better and more consistent teachers...especially by example."

That's how the Savior teaches.

James and I left early for church today so we could go to the Bannion Springs rest home to pick up Brother Secard. 

Since I was at sacrament meeting early I was able to hand out most of the rest of my ministering assignments. I introduced myself to a sister I did not know who was sitting by herself and she ended up being Marie R., my ministering companion. I was glad that I spoke with her.

The Reynolds' spoke in sacrament meeting today. She spoke on service and he spoke on being careful with our words. The bishop said a few words and asked brother Umphress to come up and bear his testimony. It was a good meeting.

Brother Smith taught gospel doctrine. The lesson was on Joel and how important prophets are. I thought this was appropriate for President Nelson's birthday, as was the discussion in Relief Society led by Sister Smith. We studied Elder Stevenson's and Elder Andersen's conference talks on the prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

I sat by Sister Lundgren. I called her Debbie instead of Donna and later apologized.

After the block we took Brother Secard home. I mentioned to him that he looked like a detective in his trench coat. He said, "Did you say I looked defective?" He is quite the jokster for an older guy.

We had ribs and salad for lunch and then it was nap time. I wanted to get up at 3 but didn't make it until 4. James slept until after 5 so he didn't have much free time this evening. He left for the stake general priesthood meeting at 6:15. He came back saying that it was wonderful. All of the priesthood holders were asked to memorize these verses from DC 121 before stake conference in six weeks:

While James was gone I worked on my blog and watched the newest Hallmark movie starring Autumn Reeser. 

Jared texted everyone and invited them to Charlie's blessing on October 14th. He got quite the response. He heard from most everyone and I said we were coming and Darrel and Trina are coming and maybe Stacy and Paul. How exciting!

Charlie's first real bath

She likes having her head rubbed

Nice and clean! For a minute I thought that

was an earring glistening from her ear.

 Baby Sweetpea

Snuggles with Daddy

Saturday, September 8th, 2018

Adelaide, Australia

89th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Mark 15:15

And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Alma 63:1-17

*Just like the Nephites, we are continually marching to battle. How do I remain humble and refrain from pride?

-By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 18-20

General Conference

Young Women in the Work

Bonnie L. Oscarson

"One of the best ways to increase feelings of self-worth is to show, through our concern and service to others, that we have much of worth to contribute. I encourage you young women to raise your hands to volunteer and to put those hands to work when you see needs around you. As you fulfill your covenant responsibilities and participate in building the kingdom of God, blessings will flow into your life and you'll discover the deep and lasting joy of discipleship."

Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light

Elder Taniela B. Wakolo

"I invite each of us to ask ourselves, 'What ordinances, including the sacrament, do I need to receive, and what covenants do I need to make, keep, and honor?' I promise that participating in ordinances and honoring the associated covenants will bring you marvelous light and protection in this ever-darkening world."

We did our scriptures and conference talks on the way to the Snowflake temple this morning. 

The Palmer's were our instructor's and officiator's. We watched a couple of films on the new name and the first name of the individual on the card. 

My first assignment was at the top of the stairs to greet people as they came in for the 8 am session. Next I was greeter 3 behind the recommend desk. A new wooden handmade vase was on top of the credenza and Sister Sauwen and Brother Farr and I were admiring it and wondering how it was made. The brother who made it is a temple worker here in Snowflake. His name is Brother Rowell.

I worked in initiatory and then had my break with Sister Bowers. I found out that she is from east Texas and she has a daughter named Samantha Cumoux who lives in Tyler, Texas. It's a small world.

I was assistant sealing director under the stairs for an hour, working with Sister Flake in the sealing room, helping prepare people's names that they want to seal today. I helped the Lofgreen's, the Fish's, and a Sister Fulton.

I was greeter 1 and 3, did initiatory again and my last assignment was in the Celestial room. 

For potluck we took the loaf of whole wheat bread Sister Grapp made us along with some cream cheese, butter, and Sister Crane's jalapeno jelly. The Bradshaw's loved the jelly and Sister Bradshaw begged James to get the recipe for her. I'm not sure Kathy will give it out since she sells the jelly.

We spent a quiet afternoon and evening at home after stopping at El Cupido's for lunch. My Big Jake burrito will last me at least 24 hours. I put a rack of baby back ribs in the crockpot to cook. Tomorrow I will put them on the grill or under the broiler to finish them off. They won't be smoked but they will be good.

 Family Search sent me this information on my

great, great grandfather. When I looked him up,

someone had also posted his life story.

I am grateful to know I have a Nauvoo pioneer in

my ancestry.

 Time passes so quickly! This was Addy's

baptism day.

Charlie Mae:

Dressed and ready to go

Friday, September 7th, 2018

Fukuoka, Japan

11 June 2000

88th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 June 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Matthew 27:35

And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

Book of Mormon

Alma 62:34-52

*Just like the Nephites we are continually marching to battle. How do you remain humble and refrain from pride?

- By remembering all the Lord has done for me and how much I need Him. By repenting and striving to do His will, and putting Him first in my life.

Old Testament

Proverbs 15-17

General Conference

One More Day

Elder Taylor G. Godoy

"It is my prayer that we follow Him, that we believe Him, that we love Him, and that we feel the love demonstrated by His sacrifice every time we have the opportunity to live one more day."

What a day! As James and I were leaving Darrel and Trina's we did something to trigger the alarm and it started blaring both outside and inside. Everyone else was already gone. I called Trina to ask her what the code was but she didn't know. She had to call her cousin the landlord. She left the gym early to come home. Her cousin had already turned it off and gave her the code in case it happens again. I'm glad she ran six miles this morning because she didn't get to workout at the gym. 

James and I just left the alarm blaring because we were running a little late for grandparents day at Joshua's school. We made it just in time.

Joshua is in the sixth grad and I wasn't sure he would

want his grandparents to come, but he was

happy to see us!

Joshua and some of his friends asked us questions. I am glad we went. It was fun. Joshua went home and told his mom that my nickname was the blonde bomber and that grandpa talked about Pete the crow.

James took me to Hobby Lobby again and then drove me to the AARA infusion center before he headed to Ruby's school for grandparents day.

James went to lunch with Ruby although he didn't eat,

and played tetherball with her on the playground.

They went to the book fair and James bought her

a Lemony Snickets book and a squishy unicorn.

I finished my infusion and appointment with Dr. Caldron before James returned so I walked across the street to Freddie's. I got a chocolate/vanilla custard cone and a drink. I loved the custard!

After James picked me up we went to Red Lobster to use our gift card. We had a nice lunch and then left for home. 

It always takes time to unpack and put things away. We went to bed fairly early because we have to leave for the temple by 5:45 a.m.

Charlie Mae is out and about

Ty A. participated in a Crossfit competition.

Here he is pulling 90 lbs.

Raised in Chandler

Old Photos:

Chandler Hospital where Jared had his

appendix out.

Rocket slide at Arrowhead Park.

The old Valley National Bank where we used 

to bank.

The Bayless store at Ray and Arizona

Avenue in North Park Plaza.

Those were the days!