Friday, October 5th, 2018

Redlands, California

116th operating temple

Dedicated: 14 Sept 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 15:7-16:18

*How can faith and repentance bring about a change of heart?

- When we experience a change of heart we are filled with the Savior's love. The Savior's power comes from His love. Would we suffer less if we loved the Savior more? We cannot pray away another's agency. One more thought today. It doesn't matter who is right, contention is of the devil. President Benson says we can stand "firm and steadfast" in the faith as we learn the doctrines taught in the Book of Mormon.

Old Testament

Isaiah 57-59

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear."

We left Darrel and Trina's around 9:15 this morning as Ruby and Lola stood in the doorway waving goodbye to us. Those little girls are so sweet!

I signed in at AARA and sat down by John Trezise in the waiting room. I was surprised to see him. I didn't know he came here. We had a nice little chat before he was called back. 

My infusion, 600 mg of Actemra, went off without a hitch and I was done in an hour. James picked me up and we headed for Texas Roadhouse to use the gift card Cathi and Terry gave us for our anniversary.

Their rolls are delicious served with honey butter. James thought they were too sweet so I had to eat most of them. Oh dear, not a good way to start. I had a delicious filet steak medium with baked potato with butter and sour cream and green beans. It was a super delicious meal. James had chicken but I can guarantee it was not as good as my steak. Thank you Cathi and Terry.

We are now on our way home through Globe and Salt River canyon. I always want to go through Payson but James talks me into going this way by saying it's shorter so I cave.  Actually it doesn't bother me nearly as much as it used to. This time I slept through the canyon.

We got our check from National Turf. James went back into town to deposit it and picked up some lumber for the Howard's job. 
I stayed home, put things away, washed sheets, and cleaned. 

When James got home he helped me put sheets on the two beds upstairs. He also replaced light bulbs, and fixed the curtains in my office. 

We went to bed at 10 or so and Adam and friends were not here. They came in after 11. We heard them even though they were very quiet.

It doesn't get any cuter than this.

Just as cute.

 Journal ideas

Feb 1966, My brother Dennis

is in the front, two stripes on his shirt.

My beautiful roses.

Thursday, October 4th, 2018

Brisbane, Australia

115th operating temple

Dedicated: 15 June 2003

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Book of Mormon

Helaman 14:20-15:6

* How does the principle of agency play into this chapter?

- We can choose our actions but not the consequences. What is God's divine love? The Lord loves all people but cannot tolerate sin. Athought Helaman 15:4 states that the Lord hated the Lamanites  because their deeds have been evil continually," Samuel is an example of the many Lamanites who were taught the gospel message and gained God's favor once they were converted.

President Russell M. Nelson addressed the subject of God's love for those who sin: "Does this mean the Lord doesn't love the sinner? Of course not. He hates the sin but loves the sinner. Divine love is infinite and universal. The Savior loves both saints and sinners. The Apostle John affirmed, 'We love Him, because He first loved us.' (1 John 4:19). And Nephi, upon seeing in vision the Lord's mortal ministry, declared: '...Yea, they spit upon Him, and He suffereth it, because of His loving kindness and His long-suffering towards the children of men (1 Nephi 19:9). We know the expansiveness of the Redeemer's love because He died that all who die might live again." ("Divine Love," Ensign, Feb. 2003, 24).

Old Testament

Isaiah 54-56

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work

Elder Steven R. Bangerter

"Lessons taught through the traditions we establish in our homes, though small and simple, are increasingly important in today's world."

We left for the valley at 6:30, about 30 minutes later than planned but I was still able to make it on time to my appointment at Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. Dr. Douglas is my dentist. 

I had x-rays and my teeth cleaned. Bad news. I need two new crowns. Cavities developing under the old ones. This is going to be very costly, $820 a piece. I guess I need dental insurance. 

While I was at the dentist James took the boys to breakfast at IHOP. They all ordered pancakes. Rowan of course ordered the chocolate pancakes. 

After taking the Chandler boys home, Max, Evan, and Joshua, James and Rowan came back and picked me up. We went across the street to Chandler Eyecare and traded cars, getting our Lexy back. 

We then took Rowan home. We beat Darrel home and had to wait for him to get back from the gym to open the door for us. 

We unpacked the car, and left to go to Sears to get the oil in Lexy changed. We went to the Sears by the Chandler mall and James dropped me off at the Carter store which sells baby clothes. Everything in the store was 50% off! 

After dropping the car off James joined me and we walked to Olive Garden across Chandler Blvd. Luckily it was not sweltering hot, it was only in the upper 80's but we were still warm when we reached the restaurant. 

The reason for Olive Garden other than it's one of my favorites, was that we have a gift card. I soon discovered that I had left the gift card in my other purse so we had to put the charge on our credit card.

Because I forgot to put my earrings in this morning I walked over to Claire's at the mall and bought a pair of earrings so my ears don't close up. James went to Sears, picked up the car, and then picked me up at the mall. I had him drop me off at the Carter store again so I could get some things for Scarlett.

Our next stop was Costco so James could get batteries for his hearing aid. He also got a watermelon to make up for the fact that they didn't have Alpine Valley bread. 

Met Stacy at the scrubs store. She starts at the National Laser Institute on the 15th.

Back at home Darrel was taking the kids to the park. Lola wanted me to go but I told her I had to go take a nap. It was just Darrel, Rowan, and Lola who went. Ruby was at a friends and Addy is at school. She is the only one who isn't out for fall break.

After our naps it was time to go visit Dawn and Lois for their birthdays. We stopped at Fry's on the way to get gas. I also got a plant to give to them. We had to wait until this evening to visit so we could see Dawn too. 

We took them the small desk, the cupboard with drawers, a basket with candles, body wash, and other good smelling things. I told them they could decide who gets what. We also gave them their two handmade cards. We had a nice visit. I showed them the patchwork table runner I bought so Lois showed me a quilt she was making and the bedspread she made for Dawn:

Designs are made on Lois's machine.

Each one is different.

We didn't take any photos but thank 
goodness Teresa did.

 Our friends Janet and Clint

 Looks like quite a fortress

Is there anything more precious?

I sure do love these boys!

He is always there for us.

Paul has lost 90 lbs!

Where's your credit card Mom?

Serving from the Vernon ward

Love Trenda and Emery!

 O be wise, what can I say more?

 Card craze

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