Thursday, February 7th, 2018

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Luke 8:28

When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 2:11-21

What are some insights about the Plan of Salvation in this chapter?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JST Matt 4:1 - instead of to be tempted of the devil; to be with God. (Much better!)

General Conference

Truth and the Plan

President Dallin H. Oaks

"We are a missionary people. We are sometimes asked why we send missionaries to so many nations, even among Christian populations. We receive the same question about why we give many millions of dollars of humanitarian aid to persons who are not members of our Church and why we do not like this aid to our missionary efforts. We do this because we esteem all mortals as children of God - our brothers and sisters - and we want to share our spiritual and temporal abundance with everyone."

It is 10 degrees outside. It will be sunny today and the high will be 30 degrees.

We sold book #6 today, "Homemade Flour." Another book, "Earth Science" is pending. Things are finally starting to happen.

I read an article on Meridian Magazine today about mountains, adversity, and becoming like God entitled, "When Life's Adversities Mount." The article was written by Sister Joni Hilton. I am going to use some of the information from this article in my email to Ben this week. Here is the part I want to send him:

"God allows bad things to happen to good people because earth life is where He makes us into more than we knew we could be. This wasn't supposed to be an amusement park with free-flowing ice cream; it's a learning laboratory, a place of transformation. As we draw closer to our Father in Heaven, as we involve Him in our lives and turn to Him with faith we break through the childish desire for instant gratification and self-indulgence. We find greater fulfillment in building the kingdom. We learn Godly traits as we endure setbacks and sorrows. We find deeper joy in serving and sometimes rescuing others. We overcome what looked like crushing obstacles, pressures beyond our imagination. But if we overcome, we BECOME and what we become are mountains."

James and I listened to Book Profits webinar today featuring John, Kris, Paul, and Nate of Mastermind. It was ok.

James and I made green chili venison stew today. It was delicious, especially with Sister Schuster's rolls. 

Today while working the book business I removed four books from our stranded inventory;  two Japan books, and two Abnormal Psychology books. I inventoried four more books to be merchant fulfilled. While working the business I had an old Hallmark movie on, "Cooking with Love." A good movie starring Ali Liebert and Brett Dalton. Ali plays Kelly and Brett play Chef Stephen. Kelly says to Chef Stephen: "Sometimes it's better to be kind than right."

 Do I really want to exercise?

 Ok, Here I go.

I feel so good about myself.

 Weird!

 Sweetie Pie!

 James enjoying the nice weather. 

Notice the snow in the background.

Wednesday, February 6th, 2019

Memphis, Tennessee

80th operating temple

Dedicated: 23 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Luke 4:41

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:30-2:10

How do you keep a balanced perspective on your dependence on God's grace and your desire to live righteously?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 4:33-44

"Trust in the Lord" Marion G. Romney; Oct 1977

General Conference

Gather Together in One All Things in Christ

Elder David A. Bednar

"Truth faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ - in Him as the divine and Only Begotten Son of the Father and on Him and the redemptive mission He fulfilled. 'For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men.' Exercising faith in Christ is trusting and placing our confidence in Him as our Savior, on His name, and in His promises."

We got up this morning to snow and fog. We had planned on going to the temple today but after looking outside I tried to talk James into going tomorrow instead. He said he really wanted to go today because he already had his mind set. I said okay.

We brought in wet wood to dry out on the hearth. We had scriptures and prayer and I worked on my blog for awhile before going in to get ready for the temple. 

We left for the temple a little after 9 for the 10:30 session. It was slow going to Show Low and when we got there we headed straight for the carwash. The roads to Taylor and Snowflake were pretty clear, not any snow. 

It was freezing cold and windy at the temple. James made a joke. He said the pioneers upon entering Snowflake said: "We will stay here until the wind stops." That's how the town was founded by Mr. Snow and Mr. Flake.

I gave Kathy, a friend from high school, a hug upon entering. Judy, a friend from Vernon was also near the entrance. She teaches the temple prep class in our ward and she said that a member of our ward, Paula, would be going through the temple on Friday to take out her endowments. This is exciting news! Paula is an amazing person who does lots of community service and is always helping someone. I am so happy for her. Judy asked me to please let Tamara know. I said I would.

James and I sat across from each other for the first part of the endowment session. I must say that I am quite happy with the changes that were made in the endowment session athough now it is slides instead of a video.

We discussed who's names we wanted to put on the prayer roll and we divided them up. I put Harold's, Max's, and some people from the ward. James wanted to put Alex's and Sister Peeler.

So much for the car being washed. By the time we got home it was covered with mud again. 

After resting and walking I worked on my blog this evening.

James is anxious to get back to working at the temple, especially after going today and seeing that he could make it through a session.

 Our view outside this morning

This face makes me happy

Tuesday, February 5th, 2019

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 Apr 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 15:39

And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:13-29

When have I been benefited by a blessing from either your father or another Priesthood holder?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Luke 4:14-32

"Drawing Closer to God" Terence M. Vinson, 10/13

General Conference

Be Not Troubled

Ronald A. Rasband

"Stand in holy places. When we stand in holy places - our righteous homes, our dedicated chapels, the consecrated temples - we feel the Spirit of the Lord with us. We find answers to questions that trouble us or the peace to simply set them aside. That is the Spirit in action. These sacred places in the kingdom of God on earth call for our reverence, our respect for others, our best selves in living the gospel, and our hopes to lay aside our fears and seek the healing power of Jesus Christ through His Atonement."

When I woke this morning it was windy and there was a powdered sugar layer of snow on the ground. 

I ordered a gardening book online this morning. I think it will help get me in the mind frame to plant and as a result, to eat better. The only drawback is the fact that I used the credit card, something I don't want to do anymore.

I asked Sheri if she could get tickets to see President Nelson for Addy and Rowan. She called Dave who is in charge of the tickets in the stake and he said they were giving them away tonight at the stake center beginning at 7 p.m. Sheri went down and got two tickets. When she told Trina, Trina said Addy cried because she was so happy.

We listened to the Textbook Money webinar this morning and I actually like some of the things Luke said. "Price spread is important. When pricing books, look at other sellers, price your books based on the market. Price books to move and reprice when necessary. Check daily. You will sell. Buy based on profit, sell based on market. Amazon Prime is our only competitor. 

I made dinner for the Crane's today. Roast with carrots, celery, onions and fingerling potatoes. Rolls and brownies with walnuts. 

Kathy has experienced a great deal of pain. Recently she has been having muscle spasms in her back. Chuck had a bishopric training meeting at the stake center this evening so James took the dinner over at 5:00. Here is the text I got from Kathy:

"Oh my goodness! This looks wonderful. Thank you so very much.

This one from Chuck:

"Jim & Karen, thanks so very much for that wonderfully delicious meal you provided. It's so awesome to have such wonderful neighbors. We enjoyed this meal soooooo much. I actually stuffed myself. Thanks again!!!"

The Crane's are such good neighbors and do so much for us and others in the community and ward, I couldn't let this opportunity to do something for them pass us by.

Today I paid bills and worked on our yearly budget. It took me most of the day but I have a budget set up and a plan of how to implement it. It actually feels good to know I have a plan.

I went to bed thinking about money and how we need to make $2,000 a month in our book business so James can retire from Lambson Construction. 

Today we finished our book, "For a Lady's Favor" by Josi Kilpack and started an audio book, "Miss Snow", by Jennifer Moore.

 That's one way to get her to take a nap.

 Handling the carseat like a boss now.

Memories of Lola

2016 A day that Trina worked, Darrel took the kids

on an outing. 

 Hmmmm a black heart Valentine

 Nothing like pancakes on the patio for dinner.

I love her smile!

 This is the best picture of Maycee's puppy!

 Kate's quilt star

Monday, February 4th, 2019

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Mark 5:7

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 1:1-2

How have the American continents been kept sacred?

"We know that as long we keep the commandments and there are more righteous people than evil ones...our country will be a land of liberty, and kept sacred by allowing religious freedom. The question today on how have the American continents been kept sacred...brought another thought...vs-6'None shall come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of God.' The Lord has held others back from settling until the time was right. Then in vs-8 'it is wisdom that this land be kept from the knowledge of other nations ... for behold many nations would overrun the land, and there would be no place for an inheritance.' Gods in charge of everything ... even lands being discovered .. to keep them sacred until their purpose." (sue_heugly)

New Testament

Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

"To Draw Closer to God" Henry B. Eyring 4/91

General Conference

Laying the Foundation of a Great Work"

Steven R. Bangerter

"Every parent faces moments of frustration and varying levels of determination and strength while raising children. However, when parents exercise faith by teaching children candidly, lovingly and doing all they can to help them along the way, they receive greater hope that the seeds being sown will take root within the hearts and minds of their children."

When I got up this morning, Addy, Rowan, and Ruby were all asleep on the couch and the TV screen was lit up. I guess they fell asleep watching a movie. The night before Addy came down because the wind was howling so loudly she got scared.

Rowan was dying to find some elk this morning. Since the Razr has a flat tire, he took out on foot with Ruby. After they were gone for awhile, Darrel and Addy took off in big Bertha towards Elk Hill to look for them. They were gone for awhile. When they returned Darrel said: "When we found them Ruby was wearing Rowan's coat because she got cold." That is how Rowan is, always thinking of others. 

Rowan said they saw lots of elk "sign" but no elk.

Meanwhile back at home after breakfast Lola wanted to watch "The Greatest Showman" and look at pictures of Charlie on my phone. 

For lunch I made the seven layer dip I had planned on making yesterday. It turned out quite well and even James said it was good.

My favorite was Trina's guacamole layer

We finished off the second cheesecake except for one piece. I really like it and it is so easy to make because it is no-bake. 

While Rowan watched "Hunt for the Wilder People" Trina, Darrel, Addy and I played "Five Crowns." Trina and Darrel kept trading in an out. I actually won this time.

It has been so nice to have Darrel and Trina here this weekend. I only wish the weather would have been nice and that the Razr didn't have a flat tire. Here are some of the other games that were popular with the kids. Since we were stuck mostly inside there was an opportunity for lots of games. Uno, match game, Life, Clue, Apples to Apples and Settlers.

I asked Trina if there was a holiday today that I didn't know about and she said no, they were all just taking the day off.

One of the things that I was sad about was that they did not get tickets for Addy and Rowan to see the prophet next week in Phoenix. Darrel said their stake got 800 tickets and there was a long waiting list. Trina said they just weren't part of the "in" group, whatever that is. I told Addy not to give up, she really wants to go, and to keep praying she would be able to go.

Before leaving around 4 pm, we took a picture in front of the fireside because it was too cold outside.

This is the only photo of all that we took

where everyone was smiling.

So the rest of the day we spent at home just puttering, walking, blogging, working, and watching TV. For FHE we listened to President Eyring's talk, "To Draw Closer to God" from the April 1991 general conference.

This is Ben's answer to the email I sent him today:

Part of Ben's email to Sheri:

There is a strong bond between these two.

 Grandpa is so proud, she pinned the dragon.

Lola's Valentine's for Charlie