Thursday, January 17th, 2019

Columbus, Ohio

60th operating temple

Dedicated: 4 Sept 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 9:7

And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 13:28-39

* What is the number one reason I am thankful for the scriptures? 

- They testify of Christ and teach the Plan of Salvation.

* Why do the Gentiles in Nephi's dream stumble? When were the plain and precious things recovered?

- In the Book of Mormon.

New Testament "Come Follow Me" 

Worshipping and Witnessing: Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna

General Conference

Sisters' Participation in the Gathering of Israel

President Russell M. Nelson

" As you read the Book of Mormon I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen."

I got up late and missed reading my article from the Ensign. When I don't do the important things first somehow they fall by the wayside. I did read the Book of Mormon with James and we had prayer together.

At 9 this morning we tuned in to the Book webinar. Two successful members were featured, Kris and Kathy. This is one of the best help session we've had. They even answered a question I had posted.

Kathy talked about setting goals. She reminded us that having your goals set and looking at them everyday is important for success. She gave an example: If you want to make $75,000 a year and you can make $25 a book, you would have to sell 3,000 books a year. That's 250 books a month or 12 or so a day if you work five days a week.  This helped me to realize we really need to step our game up. 

Kathy told about a scanner she has connected to her phone that she uses when she goes to books sales and libraries. She scans the ISBN number and it tells the ranking and other information about the book. Luke and John recommend only selling books that are under 500,000 ranking. There was lots of good information but those are a couple of the highlights. Both Kathy and Kris said there favorite place to source books is in Book Arbitrage using the software. Kris said for buying set your limits at $5.00 maximum.

Kathy says "Under promise, over deliver."

The best way to source books. All of

the orange lines indicate books that fit

the filters.

I finished working on the current book shipment of 20 books and we dropped it off at the UPS store. James needed to price some items at Home Depot for his bid at the school so he dropped me off at Walmart. I really didn't have any shopping to do but I figured it was a good place to do some walking. While there I got a call from Stacy. She does have to have surgery for her cyst. She is in quite a bit of pain. She is upset at Michael because he ignored the court date he had for a traffic ticket and now they served him papers and suspended his license. He finally went in to the court and worked out a payment plan and they un-suspended his license. He has been driving for Lyft and needs his license.

On the way home we stopped at the new Goodwill store to look at books. We took picture of several books to come home and check their rankings. If we had the scanner they talked about this morning we could have scanned them in the store and found the information we needed. Most of the books were $3 which is a good price but not as good as the ones we get at the library. The only problem with the ones at the library is the library markings.

I was not going to go to town with James because I needed to stay home and clean for our guests who are coming tonight. James made a deal with me that if I came to town with him he would clean upstairs while I cleaned the kitchen, family, dining, and living area. He also wanted me to read from "The Captain's Daughter." I said it was a deal. We ended up finishing the book.

James did clean upstairs while I cleaned the ground level. I even had time to watch an old Hallmark movie I hadn't seen for awhile.

We went to bed after 10. Adam and friend won't be here for another couple of hours.

Happy 17th Birthday Anna!

Hunter Hayes concert

 Sleeping Beauty

I wonder if Addy would like these

Another sleeping beauty

 Sounds like something I would do.

 We need this.

Carmen's latest cake. This would be cute for

Charlie's first birthday, or maybe her second

because the animals came in twos.

 Love this outdoor patio

 Getting ready for the Rome temple

open house.

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