Wednesday, January 16th, 2019

Spokane, Washington

59th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

 Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:10-27

* Has there been a time in my life when I "prospered" in one way or another because I had the Spirit with me?

* In Nephi's dream he sees that the Gentiles proper as they heed the Spirit of the Lord. How has this been true in my life?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 2:8-38; Matt 2:1-12; There are many witnesses of the birth of Christ.

General Conference

Parents and Children

President Dallin H. Oaks

"My first counsel concerns cell phones. A recent nationwide survey found that over half of teens in the United States said they spend too much time on their cell phones. More than 40 percent said they felt anxious when they were separated from their cell phones. This was more common among girls than boys. My young sisters - and adult women too - it will bless your lives if you limit your use of and dependence on cell phones."

Ensign: "Service - the Best Medicine." One of the ways we can face difficult challenges is to give heartfelt service to others. "Forget yourself and go to work." -Bryant S. Hinckley

James and I watched a bunny "face-off" outside our dining room window this morning. You could also call it a stare down. It was a buck after a doe. She did not take her eyes off him. When he went down to lick his paws, she took off running!

I had told James yesterday that I smelled propane but he just brushed it off. Today he came in from outside and announced that we were "out of propane." You can always smell it when you are running low. I wish he would have checked yesterday. The last time we received an order was in July. When he called Sierra Propane, the company that gives us the best deal on prices, they said they would be in Vernon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday because they have a lot of orders. They will try to get us by Friday. We use propane for hot water, cooking, and heating. Hopefully we will survive.

We had lunch at Native New Yorker in Show Low today with our friends the Howard's. Jean loves to eat here. We all ordered salads and Jean and I each ordered five wings. Everything was delicious. I ate as much of my salad as I wanted and then shared some with James. There was still some to take home. I also shared a couple of wings with him.

The Howard's want us to go to the temple with them the week after next. Tom said he went and was the slowest one getting dressed. Jean needs someone to be there to help her and we agreed to go with them. It will be our pleasure!

We stopped at Safeway to get some Dr. Pepper 10 because Walmart doesn't carry it anymore. I also got some vanilla wafer pie crusts for James's birthday pie. We also went through High Country carwash. All it did was make designs in the mud.

 We stopped at the post office and picked up two textbooks. Textbook season lasts until February 1st. The woman in the post office told James he must be a fast reader because he orders so many books. 

We stopped at the library and picked up 30 more books and spent $10. 

I home I took a short nap and then did my walking. This evening I had a SRS meeting, Self-reliance Stewardship, with Sister S. Wilhelm, President Grapp, and the rest of the RS presidency. Sister Wilhelm, under the direction of the bishop, wants names for a class she will be starting soon. Our ward members are interested in classes in personal finance, starting a small business, and furthering educational employment. 

After the SRS meeting we had a RS presidency meeting. The bishop wants ideas for this year's ward activities, names for the SRS class, and we need ideas for our RS activity in March. We also planned our Sunday lessons through the end of April. We talked about our ministering interviews and re-doing some partnerships at our next meeting. I love working with these sisters!

On the way home I saw a mouse running across my car hood. Suddenly he went down by the windshield and he's now going to be in my car!  I splattered mud all over my windshield and could barely see to drive home. A big animal ran in front of me but I'm not sure if it was an elk or a deer. I finally made it home safely!

 Kerri, the 1st counselor in Vernon RS.

I got this conductor's hat for her because

she was always conducting our meetings.

I think she has conducted more than her fair share.

 Congratulations to Monte's oldest son, Zachary!

 Looks like she woke up happy!

What an example of faithful ministers!

 I wish I could grab that sugar cookie

out of her hand. They are the best I've had!

 Anyone you know like this?

Kacey eyes and Jared face.

 Cuteness and personality!

 I want to pinch those cheeks!

I love this picture taken a few years ago of

Darrel reading to Ruby's class!

 A video of Charlie laughing and giggling

 So adorable!

Tuesday, January 15th, 2019

Guayaquil, Ecuador

58th operating temple

Dedicated: 1 Aug 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 12:11-13:9

*Why is it important to know that Satan organizes his forces to lead us away from God and His laws?

* How can we be made white by the blood of the Lamb?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 2:1-7 Jesus Christ was born in humble circumstances

General Conference

Women and Gospel Learning in the Home

President Henry B. Eyring

"In addition to prayer, serious study of the scriptures will be part of your growing power to nurture. Here is the promise: 'Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man.

So you will take more time to pray, to ponder, and to meditate on spiritual matters. You will have knowledge of truth poured out upon you and grow in your power to nurture others in your family."

Ensign: "Developing the Faith to Reap" by Wilford W. Andersen

* "Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement is the faith to reap. It is faith in His power, not yours."

"Laman and Lemuel had the faith to try, Nephi had the faith to do and reap. We need sufficient faith to receive our blessings - a faith so strong it can convert our future promises into present realities. Align you will with God's will. Conforming ourdesires to God's will is a prerequisite to the faith to reap. The faith to reap does not require perfection, but it requires persistence."

A stay at home day. I read from "The Captain's Daughter." I am almost caught up on my blog. I would have been totally caught up but I was nauseous this evening and went to bed early. 

I got a call from Stacy today. She needed someone to talk to about all of her problems. She just found out she has another cyst in her uterus and will probably need surgery. She is having troubles with Jared Ammon drinking. He took her car the other day while he was drunk and now one of her floodlights is missing. 

Adam, according to her, almost died on Sunday. He slept until 12:45 in the afternoon without anything to eat. Michael and Paul saved him. Michael said to Stacy, "Why didn't you come in?" "He almost died." Stacy said, "I know, that's why I couldn't go in. I knew you and dad were taking care of him. I was in the hallway crying."

After all the discouraging news she had some fun news to share. Joshua went to a Disney talent tryout and did so well that they called him back twice. The talent scout said he was the best he had seen all day. The catch is it costs thousands of dollars to be a part of their program and Stacy and Paul don't have that kind of money. Joshua has never been interested in sports but he has found something that he loves...getting up in front of people and performing. Hopefully it is something he can pursue in the future.

James dusted all the logs on the ceiling and the ceiling fans. He also shoveled some snow. Grrrr

We watched season 3, episode 1 of "Victoria" this evening. It's just as good as I remembered it being although they leave you hanging at the end of every episode. The French king has been dethroned and seeks exile with Victoria and Albert. The "charts" the working class in England are rebelling and a mob attacks the castle. Someone throws a rock through the window where Victoria is standing. Albert insists they leave the castle and Victoria says, "We can't right now." When Albert asks why she says, "Because my water broke." The episode ends with the rebellion going on outside and Victoria having a baby inside.

Albert is my favorite character in the show.

He is such a kind and caring person.

He is a man for the people.

The following stained glass images are taken from the Rome temple as shared by

Elder Rasband on Instagram.

Sweethearts:

 Scarlett

Charlie

Summer

Monday, January 14th, 2019

Bogota, Columbia
57th operating temple
Dedicated: 24 April 1999
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

2 Nephi 19:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10

*Which part of Nephi's vision would I like to see for myself?

* What are the mists of darkness that I encounter in my life? How can I overcome them?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 2; Luke2; We Have Come to Worship Him

General Conference

Divine Discontent

Michelle D. Craig

" The world often uses a feeling of discontent as an excuse for self-absorption, for turning our thoughts inward and backward and dwelling individually on who I am, who I am not, and what I want. Divine discontent motivates us to follow the example of the Savior, 'who went about doing good.' As we walk the path of discipleship, we will receive spiritual nudges to reach out to others."

The Joy of Unselfish Service

Cristina B. Franco

"Sisters, are we giving our all to the Lord without reservation? Are we sacrificing of our time and talents so the rising generation can learn to love the Lord and keep His commandments? Are we ministering both to those around us and to those we are assigned with care and with diligence - sacrificing time and energy that could be used in other ways? Are we living the two great commandments - to love God and to love His children? Often that love is manifest as service."

Ensign: "John the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved" by Eric D. Huntsman.

$114.18 went in to my bank account from my credit card rewards program. I like that kind of service.

James went to the Vernon School this morning to look at a remodeling job that Sister Gardner told him about. She is the school administrator. It involves electrical and plumbing and he is required to have a licensed electrician and plumber so he may not do the job. Hunsaker Brothers are also bidding on it. 

We made a trip to town today to mail a box of books. While there we bought a few groceries at Walmart and then made a stop at Taco Bell for my two tacos. 

At the Vernon post office we picked up two copies of a book James ordered, "Noddy Bedtime Stories." When he ordered it Sheri was here and she thought he said, "Naughty Bedtime Stories."

It is sunny today and our roads are full of water and mud, so much for our clean car. 

As a family we are going to the temple next Tuesday with Jared and Kacey for their anniversary. Trina is going to watch Charlie and will even take her for a car ride when she takes Lola to school.

While I am working on my blog James is on Amazon buying textbooks. I think this is something he enjoys doing even though he says he hates working on the computer. 

The last hour of my day was spent walking in order to get my steps and burn over 300 calories. It really is not a good idea to exercise before going to bed.

 Our friends built a snowman

 I love quilts with geometric shapes

 Ben has been very sick the past couple weeks with a cold 

and the flue. Sheri told him he better start

wearing his coat. He sent her this picture to prove that

he was.

 I love the tongue sticking out and the 

intense look on her face.

Rome, Italy

Sunday, January 13th, 2018

Madrid, Spain

56th operating temple

Dedicated:  19 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 11:12-30
*Who do I know that needs to read the Book of Mormon?
* Why didn't the angel just tell Nephi the meaning of the vision?
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
Luke 1:46-55 Mary's Magnificat
46 - My soul doth magnify the Lord,
47 - My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 - He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: ... henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
49 - He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.
50 - His mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
51 - He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 - He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
53 - He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
54 - He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
55 - As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
General Conference

For Him

Joy D. Jones

"Can you think back on a time when you lovingly reached out with sincere effort to help someone in need and felt that your efforts went unnoticed or perhaps were unappreciated or even unwanted? In that moment, did you question the value of your service? If so, may the words of King Benjamin replace your doubt and even your hurt: 'Ye are only in the service of your God.'

Rather than building resentment, we can build, through service, a more perfect relationship with our Heavenly Father. Our love for and devotion to Him preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow to and through us."

Ensign: "Mary, the Mother of Jesus" 

Gabriel appeared to Zacharias because he and Elisabeth had prayed for a miracle child, but he came to Mary ... not to fulfill a petition but to announce God's will for her. Calls of discipleship often require alterations to and personal life plans. 

It is another winter wonderland outside. It snowed during the night and we have another 6-8 inches. I love new snow, it makes the world look so beautiful and white. 

As I was studying Brother Bowen's talk, "The Role of the Book of Mormon in Conversion" for Relief Society I came across this statement:  "When I arrived in Chile, my mission president invited us to read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in the Joseph Smith-History every week. He taught us that a testimony of the First Vision would have a direct correlation to our own testimony of the gospel and our testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I believe this is true and I took the time today to read the First Vision. 

The bishop called James up out of the congregation during sacrament meeting to bear his testimony. I must say, he did a great job. I had several people tell me afterwards how much they enjoyed what he said. 

We didn't go to the Peeler's because Brother Peeler said his road was too bad but we found out later that Kathy and the Lauritzen's went so Donna did get the sacrament. 

Lorraine Vaught was not at church today so I called her to make sure she was okay. She said she had taken a fall yesterday and because of the snow she decided to stay home today. She thanked me for checking on her. Sister Halcomb, Kerri's mom, wasn't there either. Kerri said her hip was bothering her and she didn't want to take the chance of falling so she stayed home. 

I have today and tomorrow morning to finish my ministering interviews. I have 12 companionships and quarterly I am supposed to contact at least one person from each companionship. I was able to get 9 out of 12. I tried to contact the last three but they did not answer me.  Tamara got 10 out of 13 and Kerri 4 out of 13.

I quit taking my ibruprofen and hydrocodone because one of them was causing me to have shortness of breath. I went back to tramadol and it is causing me to itch like crazy!

President Nelson's 67 year old daughter passed away this week from cancer. She is the second daughter he has lost to cancer. He and Wendy were in Paradise, California today speaking to victims of the fire. 

A Prophet who has drawn from a hidden well of strength from the Lord.

James and I studied from the "Come Follow Me" lesson this evening. This week we are studying about worshipping the Savior in Luke 2 and Matthew 2.

I am excited that the new season of Victoria is on Masterpiece Theater beginning tonight. We did not watch it but I have it taped.

These two are a couple in real life. Maybe that is why they

are so believable.

 Getting ready for the Rome, Italy temple 

open house. The dedication is in March.

Brother and Sister Renlund spoke to

the young adults this evening.

 Trying out some cereal

 Not sure she likes it.

 Teething is the pits!

 Our little southern belle.

James writing in his journal.

From last week's lesson.

I love Walter Rane's artwork.