Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018

The Hague, Netherlands

114th operating temple

Dedicated: 8 Sept 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:1-19

*How can we always be preparing for the Second Coming of Christ?

- Through daily repentance and keeping the commandments. We should also prepare temporally with food, water, and shelter.

Old Testament

Isaiah 51-53

General Conference

Lift Up Your Head and Rejoice

Brother M. Joseph Brough

"As we face hard things in the Lord's way, may we lift up our heads and rejoice."

It rained during the night and early into the morning. We need the rain but not the mud.

After breakfast and scriptures I sent the boys upstairs to clean while I worked in the kitchen making honey-lime chicken enchiladas for Rowan. Earlier while the boys were still asleep and James was up getting ready for work, I made cookies for Alice. He dropped them off at the Wilhelm's on the way to work. Alice wasn't home so he gave them to George and Talon. The actual gift we got her hasn't come yet.

James came home just before lunch because it was too wet to work. I put him in charge of lunch. If the boys don't like the enchiladas they can have sandwiches or hot dogs. I left to pick up my ministering sister companion, Marie, and we went over to visit Jean at the Howard's.

I am helping Jean with her family history and gave her the cards for her grandpa's endowment and sealing to his wife. Jean brought out a box of old photographs and we had fun looking through them. 

One was a picture of her grandmother in front of a small wooden house back in the 30's or 40's leaning against an old model A or T. Jean said her grandmother built the house and all of the houses in the subdivision where this house was located in Johnstown, Colorado. She received several rewards for her efforts. I told Jean she should make a scrapbook and write down the story of her grandmother for her kids and grandchildren.

After our visit I took Marie home and drove into town to get my thyroid prescription. I drove home and low and behold, it was time for dinner preparations. James is going to have to be in charge again because I am going on visits with the Relief Society presidency. The plan is to grill hamburgers and hot dogs outside.

Tamara, Kerri, and I met at the church. Maxine didn't think she needed to come but actually we wanted to divide into twos and visit several people. As it turned out we couldn't visit two of the sisters we had scheduled so the three of us headed out together to visit Analee and Donna who live close to us. 

When we finished our visit with Analee we drove down to Donna's who lives in the same area. It was 8:20 and we were supposed to be there at 8. The lights were on but no one answered the door. Later we found out Donna had gone to bed and Owen was upstairs and didn't hear us. So in spite of all our grand plans to visit four people, we only visited 1.

When I got home the boys were outside with a bonfire. They had just finished making smores and seemed like they had had a great time. 

We never did get to go to Anthony's and try out his telescope first because of rain and second because of mud.

I spent an hour or so cleaning before going to bed. We will get home Friday afternoon and Adam and his group will be here Friday night.

 The new table runner I got at "Sweet Potato"

 My study books

 Reminds me of a photo of Stacy

in this same position.

Can you stand the cuteness?

 Wide eyes!

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018

Nauvoo, Illinois

113th operating temple

Dedicated: 27-30 June 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1 Corinithians 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:21-39

*How can we be more like Samuel, the Lamanite?

- Remember the Primary song, "Follow the Prophet," he knows the way. President M. Russell Ballard said that if we bring the teachings of the prophets and apostles into our homes our relationships with family members will increase and so will our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. As we draw close to the Lord we will be able to feel the Spirit and He will teach us and prompt us to know what to do to follow the counsel given that our testimonies might be strengthened and that we might have peace and joy.

Old Testament

Isaiah 48-50

General Conference

Deep and Lasting Conversion to Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Our purpose is to balance the Church and the home experiences in a way that will greatly increase faith and spirituality and deepen conversion."

The boys were up early this morning roaming around before breakfast. Breakfast, although there were many choices, was donuts.

James got up earlier and went for a walk. He called some elk and although he didn't see any, he had some answer him.

It was a relaxing morning for me. James went to work and the boys entertained themselves playing games and going outside. I was able to do two blog posts. Afterwards I made spaghetti and garlic bread for lunch. With the salad left over from last night we had a complete Italian meal. Joshua says spaghetti is one of his favorites.

At one point I looked up and he was walking around outside barefoot eating spaghetti.

It was overcast here but there was a cloud over Show Low most of the afternoon and that cloud was full of rain. We took the boys in to do the Show Low Bluff Trail hike. At first it was raining. James let me off at Sweet Potato to do some shopping and he took the boys to McDonald's to get ice cream. By the time they got back to pick me up the rain had let up so we all did the hike. Before we got back to the car it had started to rain again and we all got wet. 

The first thing the boys wanted to do when we got home was take showers. I told them not to all shower at once or there would't be enough water pressure, so they took turns. 

For dinner we had New York strip steak, baked potatoes, corn, beans, and salad. Max said the steak was delicious. It was his choice so I am glad that he liked it. He likes lots of salt just like James on most of his food. 

Evan wanted to do a load of laundry, his second since being here, so I showed him how to use the washer and dryer. He says he does the laundry and fold the clothes for his mom at home. 

Max has an online social studies class that he worked on while the other boys went outside to play. As soon as he was finished he joined them. 

James and I worked on a book trader business until we reached a glitch. I had to email and ask for help. Hopefully we will get our answer by tomorrow.

 My friend saw this ghostbusters car in

Phoenix yesterday, October 1st.

 Looking forward to Scarlett's 1st birthday party!

Dot Journal tracking

 Love the arms up in the air!

Good walking companion

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Ascuncion, Paraguay

112th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 May 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

1Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeds follishness;

Book of Mormon

Helaman 13:1-20

How can I be more like Samuel the Lamanite?

-I can become more like Samuel the Lamanite by following the counsel of the Lord, listening to the Spirit, and sharing the gospel with others. I also should not be afraid of others and their opinions.

General Conference

Opening Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson

"As Latter-day Saints, we have become accustomed to thinking of 'church' as something that happens in our meetinghouses, supported by what happens at home. We need an adjustment to this pattern. It is time for a home-centered Church, supported by what takes place inside our branch, ward, and stake buildings."

We had much needed rain most of the day today. I know it also rained and cooled down in the valley too. 

On our trip to Heber on Sunday we noticed all the dead pine trees along the way because of the dryness which causes bark beetles to attack the trees and kill them.

I learned some interesting things about the Creation during my personal gospel study this morning. Here is a quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"...the word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing; it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos - chaotic matter, which is element, and in which dwells all the glory. Element had an existence from the time He had. The pure principles of elemennt are principles which can never be destroyed; they may be organized and re-organized, but not destroyed. They had no beginning, and can have no end "(TPJS, p. 350-52; see also 28 Truths Taught by the Book of Mormon, p. 42).

I made pancakes for the boys this morning. They each ate one big one and they were done. I had planned on going shopping this morning but ended up paying bills instead. 

James came home because he couldn't work in the rain. The two of us went to town to get pizza and chicken for the boys. I let each boy choose a meal or two. Evan and Max wanted Pizza Hut pepperoni pizza, and Evan asked for fried chicken. Max doesn't like Walmart or KFC chicken so we went to Safeway for the chicken before picking up the pizzas. 

James said I shouldn't have gotten two large pizzas, that mediums would have been enough. Those pizzas were gone in five minutes time. 

After lunch and a nap I went back in to town to do some real grocery shopping. Joshua wants spaghetti and burgers, Max wants hot dogs and steak, and Rowan asked for honey lime chicken enchiladas like his mom makes. I bought a lot of groceries and spent double what I normally spend. I did by lots of snacks and plenty of steak and hamburger. 

Since we had pizza for lunch, we had the chicken for dinner. I also made macaroni and cheese, a salad, and some garlic bread and fresh pineapple.

For F.H.E. we watched the video about Robert Mason and Wilford Woodruff called, "A Search for Truth." 

After FHE the boys went outside to play with the laser guns.

We heard the news that President Ballard's wife Barbara passed away today. How sad to happen right before he speaks in General Conference.

James and I worked on our book business this evening. By working I mean we did some more training sessions. James said that the more he learns the more he is getting excited about doing this business. I got my Amazon Store Card approval for an extra 5% off of all purchases we make.

Huddled around Max's phone because we couldn't get the

FHE video to work on the computers.

"A Search for Truth."

 Ben and his companion Elder Nelson from

Minnesota who is the zone leader.

Ben does all the driving. Grandpa will give some

pointers about driving in the snow.

Taylor Wanlass took this photo yesterday after

sacrament meeting. Ben is in his sister-in-laws ward.

Taylor's dad is the bishop of the Galveston 3rd ward

in Chandler.

Playing Apples to Apples. These boys get

along so well together!

The faces of Charlie. I have got to make 

a photo album!

Skittles misses Joshua. She broke out of her cage

to tell Stacy about it.

Sunday, September 30th, 2018

Campinas, Brazil
111th operating temple
Dedicated: 17 May 2002
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Acts 5:30

The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 12:14-26

*What do we learn about the principle of repentance in these verses?

- Repentance leads us to Christ's grace. The Bible Dictionary says that grace is a strengthening or enabling power. Divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ. Through the grace of the Lord, individuals, through faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts. (p. 279-80 BMSM)
Old Testament
Isaiah 43-45
General Conference

Let Us All Press On

President Russell M. Nelson

My dear brothers and sisters, construction of these temples may not change your life, but you time in the temple surely will. In that spirit, I bless you to identify those things you can set aside so you can spend more time in the temple. I bless you with greater harmony and love in you homes and a deeper desire to care for your eternal family relationships. I bless you with increased faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a greater ability to follow Him as His true disciples."

Fast and Testimony meeting - James passed the sacrament. Talon is back and he blessed along with Charlie G. Seems funny not to have Jackson here. He is at the MTC in the Philippines.

Chuck conducted and offered a five point testimony: Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Book of Mormon, and today's Prophet, Russell M. Nelson.

Elder Bernecker testified that we need to be brilliant in the basics. Brother Joe W. said that the Savior's sacrifice means everything to him. James/Dad bore a five point, powerful testimony. 

Brother Burkee says that the Spirit causes people to glow. Millie S. said that when she and Brother Scott went to sacrament meeting for the first time he turned to her and said: "Millie, the people are glowing."

Brother Wallace told of having a friend here and giving him a Book of Mormon with his testimony in it. He made the comment: "Don't ever run out of your Books of Mormon.

Macy W., a young woman talked about trials, trusting Heavenly Father and her parents. She said they have very little, but really, they have everything. It was great! To me, one of the most memorable testimonies born.

We sat by the Howard's. After sacrament meeting Jean asked if she could stay with me. I was supposed to go to teacher council meeting but I went to Brother Smith's Sunday School class with her instead. We talked about Isaiah.

There is a scripture that says that the Lord never wearies of us. Brother Smith asked how we felt about that and then asked if we could do the same for those in our lives.

He then related the phrase of Joseph Smith in the 131st section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "O God where are thou?" Have we ever asked this question? How did we handle the situation? 

We discussed relying on the Spirit and turning things over to the Lord. "All things work together for good to those that love God."

In Relief Society Sister S. Wilhelm led the discussion on allowing others to minister to us. She had this quote on the board:

"The many missions we have in life cannot be embarked upon successfully without the help of others." 

This afternoon we broke our fast and had lunch. I finished off the Big Jake burro I got yesterday at El Cupido's. James had some leftover stew and a roll. Afterwards we laid down for a nap. We got up a little before and hopped in the car to meet Sheri and Max, Evan, Joshua, and Rowan in Heber. The boys are coming up here for a few days since they are on fall break.

We drove Sheri's van back to our house and she took our car home. We are going down on Thursday for appointments and will get our car back.

Since Ben is in the mission field now his P-day has changed from Tuesday to Monday so James and I emailed him before going to bed. 

We had family prayer with the boys and James told them to be in bed by 11.

 Card

Dot Journal

 A storm is definitely coming!

 They better let him have some!

I never thought Hungary was 

beautiful until now.

 Michael and Alexis went to the
Cardinals vs. Seahawks game.

So much cuteness!

So sad

While the rest of the boys were downstairs

eating grilled cheese sandwiches, Evan

was upstairs and did this.

He said he bumped his head but wouldn't

explain how.