Friday, November 16th, 2018

Meridian, Idaho

158th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Nov, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

1 Samuel 16:1

And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.

Book of Mormon#1

4 Nephi 1:1-22

*What is the key to avoiding contention?

-President Russell M. Nelson described the source of the great peace that was described in 4 Nephi: "Personal peace is reached when one, in humble submissiveness, truly loves God. Heed carefully this scripture: 'There was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people'(4 Nephi 1:15). Love of God should be our aim. It is the first commandment - the foundation of faith. As we develop love of God and Christ, love of family and neighbor will naturally follow. Then will we eagerly emulate Jesus. He healed. He comforted. He taught, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God' (Matt. 5:9; 3 Ne.. 129). Shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (Phillipians 47), be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come."

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 25-26

Old Testament

Daniel 3-4

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

" Latter-day Saint women understand that being a mother is their highest priority, their ultimate joy. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: 'Women for the most part see their greatest fulfillment, their greatest happiness in home and family. God planted within women something divine that expresses itself in quiet strength, in refinement, in peace, in goodness, in virtue, in truth, in love. And all of these remarkable qualities find their truest and most satisfying expression in motherhood.'"

We left for the valley this morning around 5 a.m. after sleeping on the recliners all night. James dropped me off at Darrel and Trina's a little after 8, and I mean dropped my suitcase on the sidewalk and drove off to his appointment in Tempe at 8:30. 

Luckily Trina, Rowan, and Lola were still home. Ruby is on a fieldtrip to the Grand Canyon. Rowan greeted me at the door and helped me carry in my stuff. He told me I left a suitcase here last week. I told him that was my makeup bag and I thought he might want to use it. He came back with, "It's all gone."

Soon everyone was gone and I was home alone. I did some walking and put my books and computer in the shoe room. 

When James got home we went to Chili's for lunch. There is one close by on Baseline and Signal Butte. I got the Carribean salad with shrimp, one of my favorites. James got the salmon. 

I guess his surgery is still on. I thought maybe the doctor would postpone because of his ribs injury. 

After lunch James had a meeting with Mr. Quintana, the owner of the lots in Mesa on Bellview Street where James is putting in the waterlines. He promised me this meeting would be only 15 minutes and he was pretty much true to his word.

We arrived at Kim's and James stayed there while Kim and I went shopping in our car to Deseret Book and Costco. Kim lets Joe take her car to work on Friday evenings.

I used to buy many of my Christmas blankets at Sam's Club but I don't have a Sam's card anymore so Costco and Walmart will have to do. I found two really cool plaid blankets and one blanket for Scarlett and one for Charlie. Kim bought food for her Joe and his cousins dinner on Monday evening. I also bought Jean an electric blanket. She has so much metal in her body she is always cold, hence the electric blanket.

Costco has the most beautiful wrapping paper and ribbon. I had to buy 3 rolls of wrapping paper and three colors of ribbon. 

I also bought two towels to take with us when we stay at Darrel and Trina's. 

At Deseret Book we were looking for stuff to send Ben for Christmas. I also bought myself a new temple suitcase, the cheapest one I could find. I bought a tiny tree with scripture ornaments for Ben. We are coming back tomorrow when Sheri can come with us. 

James was walking down the sidewalk when we got back to Kim's. He hates to just sit around. When we got to Darrel and Trina's Trina was gone and Darrel was on the phone talking to someone about their new house. There were Levain Bakery chocolate chip cookies laying out on the counter. Trina had made them for her RS secret sister. Not only does she have sisters she ministers to, she also has a secret sister. Reminds me of girls camp.

James and I walked in the backyard. The weather is perfect, sunny and about 75 degrees. 

Trina brought home dinner. Someone in their wrd is doing a fundraiser for their daughter. They are caterer's and Trina brought us pulled pork, coleslaw, beans, and macaroni and cheese. It was all delicious!

Tomorrow morning Rowan and Addy are supposed to get up early and walk 12 miles to the temple. Rowan does not want to go for two reasons. #1 He has cross country practice everyday after school and by Saturday he is pretty tired. #2 He says he doesn't have any friends in the ward. Trina tried talking to him about going to things so he would have friends. He wanted to hang out with Max, Evan, and Joshua tomorrow afternoon and Darrel told him if he wanted to do that he would need to go on the walk to the temple, so Rowan said he would go. 

James and I made a trip to Fry's. My crown keeps falling out so I had to get some Fixodent, the stuff people use when they have dentures. 

Ruby got home somewhere between 9:30 and 10. She went straight to bed because she has a volleyball at 8:45 in the morning.

Chandler and Highland played in the semi-final state football game tonight. Stacy and Paul went and Stacy said that this should have been the championship game. She admitted that Highland was just as good as Chandler. Chandler won in overtime 36-35 so they play Perry next week for the state championship.

Chandler is Darrel's alma mater and Highland is Trina's.

 Trina's got into the Christmas mood and 

made this display.

 My Chili's salad, one of my favorites

Lola's car that she loves to wash, that's where

the puddle in the corner came from.

Darrel and Trina's great backyard.

 Ruby's adorable smile.

 This baby girl loves to sleep.

Paradise lost

Love that smile.

 Scarlett at IHOP looking at the Grinch pancakes.

Of course she had to order a green pancake!

Thursday, November 15th, 2018

Tucson, Arizona

157th operating temple

Dedicated: Aug 13, 2017

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

DC 113:1-2

Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?

Verily thus saith the Lord: It is Christ.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 29-30

Make a list of some of the Savior's characteristics you consider to be most important. Take a personal inventory of your own life with regard to these characteristics and formulate a plan to better fulfill His mandate to be "even as I am." (3 Nephi 27:27). 

Some Christlike attributes I would like to develop: Charity, courage, patience and discernment.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 22-24

Old Testament

Daniel 1-2

General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"You might ask, 'How does that make faithful sisters a primary force to help the Lord pour out knowledge on His Saints?' The Lord gives the answer in 'The Family: A Proclamation to the World.' You remember the words, but you may see new meaning and recognize that the Lord foresaw these exciting changes, which are now occurring. In the proclamation, He gave sisters charge to be the principal gospel educators in the family in these words: 'Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.' This includes the nurture of gospel truth and knowledge."

James moved to the recliner during the night because he was in so much pain. I wake up at 3 a.m. and can't go back to sleep so I got up and said my prayers and began my gospel study. 

Nice to be up early. There were ten elk in the yard this morning. 

I had cookies and hot and sour soup for breakfast. We bought a quart of soup yesterday when we went to the China Buffet for lunch.

Here are some things I read this morning while I was studying:

"In spite of adversity Jeremiah was like an iron pillar."  "We should have the standard works on our hearts and in our souls." - BRM

I cut James's toenails and wrapped his ribs this morning in an ace bandage. 

I watched part of the "Nutcracker Christmas" this morning before deciding I needed a nap before going to work at the temple. 

We had lunch around 11. James cooked us some venison. Mine was very tender! James had his with eggs.

We picked up our neighbor, Kathy at 12:30. She works this shift at the temple every week. Our prayer meeting at 2 p.m. was presided over by President and Tricia Reidhead. I love how he calls his wife "his sweetheart."  Our instruction today was about the prayer circle. 

My first assignment was in the kitchen with Kathy. This shift makes food assignments and they have a menu. Today the menu was a baked potato bar. We brought bacon bits, two small bags cost $12. 

After working in the kitchen I was a greeter and then worked in initiatory. After initiatory I didn't even look at my schedule because I thought I had break. I was sitting at a table with Brother Van Deren eating when Sister Martineau came down and said I was supposed to be in charge of assigning lockers in the locker room. How embarrassing! I put my food in the frig and hurried upstairs. I guess it was meant to be because Ruth Gale, a dear friend from Chandler, came in. We hugged and exchanged phone numbers, something I have wanted to do with Ruth for a long time. 

After locker room I went back to the kitchen and finished my lunch. I visited and got to know Sister Martineau who is originally a single mom from Idaho. She has a son serving in the Idaho, Pocatello mission.

My other assignments were in the celestial room and then doing sealings. Brother Flake and Brother Owens were the sealers. Brother Owens is from Show Low and has known the Maxwell's for years. He said he used to go out to my dad's ranch with his boys to shoot coyotes. 

I met a sister who graduated with Dennis. I graduated with her brother George and she told me he died of colon cancer in 1994. How sad. George was an amazing guy, very smart and very spiritual. 

We got off an hour early thanks to Kathy and James. Kathy insisted James needed to leave early because of his injury. She arranged it and we left around 7 instead of 8. I think Kathy leaves early every week.

When we got home we walked and finished watching "Nutcracker Christmas." We slept on the recliners for James.

 Scarlett showing off her Christmas tree!

Joshua is in the front on the right.

 Did someone say carseat?

 Daddy seat instead!

Wednesday, November 14th, 2018

Paris, France

156th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 May 2017

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Revelations 22:16

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 28:25-40

* What do these verses teach us about the three Nephites and the work that they are doing on the earth before Christ's Second Coming? We are told, "And wo be unto him that will not hearken unto the words of Jesus, and also to them whom He hath chosen and sent among them; for whoso receiveth not the words of Jesus and the words of those whom He hath sent receive not Him; and therefore He will not receive the at the last day; For do ye suppose that ye can get rid of the justice of an offended God, who hath been trampled under feet of men, that thereby salvation might come?"(34-35). Are we among those who trample? Do we listen and obey the words of our Savior and His servants? Do we share them? Many are sent forth to spread the words of Christ. The Lord has an army of Saints, missionaries, leaders, families and individuals who are called to deliver the good news of our Savior. We are to go forth and proclaim the message of the gospel. We are to bear testimony. The Lord tells us that many are called but few are chosen (DC 121:33-40). Why are we not chosen? When we let the world get in the way; when we do not maintain our righteousness; or when we become prideful, then we lose our ability to influence. We are called to the work. Therefore, we have to follow the Spirit, heed promptings, and be humble servants to do it. 

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 20-21

Old Testament

Ezekiel 47-48

General Conference

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"We live in a selfish world where people constantly ask 'What's in it for me?' instead of asking, 'Whom can I help today?' or 'How can I better serve the Lord in my calling?' or 'Am I giving my all to the Lord?'"

Today I read in the Book of Mormon Student Manual that Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 re two of the most important chapters in all of scripture because the whole history of Israel is foreshadowed in them. Some of the major calamities of the human race are explained in the theology revealed in these two chapters. President Kimball referred often to Leviticus 26.

I got to read Elder Wilhelm's email today. It sounds like he is having a great time at the MTC in South Africa. 

James had a doctor's appointment with Dr. Moffat this morning at 11:15. We left for town at 10:30. I dropped James off and then went on down the road to Walmart. While I was shopping James called and asked me to come and pick him up and take him to Sonoran Quest to get bloodwork done. I parked my cart with my stuff still in it and headed out the door. He was in a hurry because the place closes for lunch at noon. I got him there about five minutes before 12 and then went back to my shopping at Walmart where I saw several people from our ward, the Crane's, Sister Vaught, Sister Wood, and the Wallace's. 

When we got home James went back to his work at the Howard's and I told him to stay off of any ladders!  I worked around the house until it was time for my Relief Society presidency meeting at 7 p.m. We met first with the Elder's Quorum presidency and I gave Brother Hunsaker Tyler and Kilee's wedding cards. I am sad I am going to miss Kilee's sealing on Friday morning. We have to be in the valley. 

When I came home from my meeting James was watching an old western movie starring Marlon Brando. He said it was called, "Appaloosa." I went in to the bedroom and finished my Hallmark Christmas movie before going to bed.

From my book, "The Clockmaker's Daughter:" 

After Grindel, her dog, the light of Mrs Mack's affection fell on Martin, her son. Martin, who was 10 years to my 7 when I came to live with them at their place on Little White Lion St. Martin was large for his age not merely tall, but imposing, his presence being of the sort whereby he seemed to occupy more space than was his due. He was a boy of little intelligence and even less kindness."

I wish I could be this descriptive and clever in my writing. 

Love this face and smile!

Five years ago these boys were our waiters at The Young

Women's in Excellence Dinner. Two are married, one is a dad and those same two are returned missionaries.

I thought nitric oxide was laughing gas.

 Congratulations Kendal & Rusty!

Tuesday, November 13th, 2018

Hartford, Connecticut

155th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 Nov 2016

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

Romans 15:12

And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 28:1-24

*Does anyone have any questions about these verses? Does everyone understand the difference between translated, and transfigured?

- `Matthew 16:27-17:12 - A Translated being is one who will never taste of death, has undergone a change in his body, is holy, one who shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality at the Second Coming, and shall inherit exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. Examples - John the Revelator and the Three Nephites.

Transfiguration is a special change in appearance and nature which is wrought upon a person or living thing by the power of God and is temporary. This divine transformation is from a lower to a higher state, it results in a more exalted and glorious condition. Examples - Peter, James, John, Moses, Joseph Smith, the brother of Jared.

Book of Mormon #2

Alma 22-24

Old Testament

Daniel 1-2

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

"Divine discontent comes when we compare 'what we are to what we have the power to become.' Each of us, if we are honest, feels a gap between where and who we are, and where and who we want to become. We yearn for greater personal capacity. We have these feelings because we are daughters and sons of God, born with the Light of Christ yet living in a fallen world. These feelings are God given and create an urgency to act."

I had cookies for breakfast. They were good. 

I asked myself today, "What are my spiritual gifts?" The Lord says everyone has at least one spiritual gift. President Nelson in his talk to the sisters said that sisters have a great capacity to love and that is why the Lord gave them the primary responsibility as nurturers in the home. I believe I have this capacity to love and have compassion for others. President Nelson goes on to say: "As daughters of God, you have an innate and great capacity to sense the needs of others and to love. That, in turn makes you more susceptible to the whisperings of the Spirit." 

If this is not one of my spiritual gifts, I want it to be. I was the Spirit to guide my thinking, what I say, and what I do to nurture people so the Lord may pour knowledge, truth and courage upon them. I also want to better develop the gift of being a good listener.

I attended the card making class at the Vernon Library this morning. I arrived the same time as Tamara, the Vernon Librarian. There was a line of women waiting to get in when we got there. I was happy to see Sister Gordon from our ward. She is a newbie. Also Sister Price, Sister Hunter, and Sister Vaught from our ward.

It is such a fun class and six women brought cards to share today. I certainly get much more from the class than I put in! Here are pictures of four of the cards. I left early so Sister Price picked up my last two cards and I have not got them from her yet.

 Cathy ran this scene through her copy machine.

We sprayed it with gold glitter. 

 Joy made a card with "Joy."

 Karen's card 

Judy said I could come over to her house and

she would show me how to make the snowflakes.

Here are my cards:

 I liked the blue one better but Karen was all out of blue

My favorite. My friend Linda put green around the

edge of her tree.

I left during the lunch break so I could pick up Sister Howard and take her to lunch. Linda P. is going to pick up my other two cards. I'm wondering if she's going to make them for me?

Jean says Mountain Thai is closed for the season. The couple who own the restaurant go to Thailand every winter. The wife who does all the cooking is from Thailand. She said she wanted to go to a restaurant that was past the turnoff to Lakeside. She kept directing me down the Deuce until we got to Native New Yorker. I've never been. 

It's freezing cold outside and Jean hates the cold. I think it bothers her because she has so many metal rods in her body. 

We each ordered the chicken salad with apples and strawberries and four honey hot wings. We also ordered some hot chocolate to warm us up. 

Jean is a dear friend but she really does not like her son-in-law. I'm wondering how I can help her. I know he lives at her house and he and Deana don't pay for anything but he seems like a nice guy. 

Lunch was on me because Jean paid the last time we went out. After I dropped her off at home I was driving down 3144 and looked to my right and saw what I thought was a field full of cows. They turned out to be elk. There were probably 100 and there were four bulls. I told James and he checked them out on his way home and so that's where I got those numbers.

I went by the post office and picked up the mail. Five books which James bought were waiting for me. He bought two Mediterranean cookbooks and they are huge!!  I've got to find out if I'm going to put them on Amazon, Merchant fulfilled or fulfilled by Amazon (FBA). Also I ordered a scale and some other shipping supplies. 

I watched some of Amazon's seller central videos about FBA. I really do need to get going on this business so James doesn't have to do physical labor. His cracked ribs are causing him a great deal of pain!

I watched Christmas movies while walking and doing chores.

 I just can't get enough of this sweetie pie!

Congratulations Rusty and Kendall!!