Thursday, February 28th, 2019

Porto Alegre, Brazil

102nd operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 45:52

Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of  God.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 21:1-22:6

* Ensigns are referred to often in scripture. What could an ensign symbolize for us?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 6:1-13; Why don't we recite the Lord's prayer?

"Lessons from the Lord's Prayer," Russell M. Nelson,  4/2009

General Conference

Becoming Exemplary Latter-day Saints

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now let's turn to the topic of temples. We know that our time in the temple is crucial to our salvation and exaltation and to that of our families. After we receive our own temple ordinances and make sacred covenants with God, each one of us needs the ongoing spiritual strengthening and tutoring that is possible only in the house of the Lord. And our ancestors need us to serve as proxy for them. Consider the great mercy and fairness of God, who, before the foundation of the world, provided a way to give temple blessings to those who died without a knowledge of the gospel. These sacred temple rites are ancient. To me that antiquity is thrilling and another evidence of their authenticity."

We sold another book. The Anatomy and Physiology book I got at the Vernon library for ten cents. It sold for $40.50, the fees were around $15.00 so we made about $25.00. This was the first day it was on the market. We need more books like this!

I walked 3,000 steps this morning before leaving for the valley at 7:15. 

We had prayer and we were on our way. We stopped in Show Low for gas and to go through the car wash. We also made a stop in Globe and then went straight to Dr. Douglas's in Chandler. James missed the exit to get on the 202. When I asked him why he said it was because I was on the phone with Stacy and he was distracted. Stacy had called to tell me that she has a job interview at a spa to do cool sculpting. She is very excited. 

Because we were still on the 60 we went to Arizona Avenue to get off and followed Arizona Avenue all the way down to Chandler Blvd. and over to Hartford where Dr. Douglas's office is. I made it there a little after 11. My appointment was at 11. I am just here to get my teeth cleaned but will need to come back to get two more teeth taken care of. 

Shelly is their new hygienest and she is who I saw today. Jackie was there and came over and said hi. I liked Shelly. 

After my appointment James and I went to Goodwill and picked up a few books. James then took me to Kim's and dropped me off. Kim and I are going to lunch and James has a meeting about the Chacon job. We decided to go to Olive Garden for lunch. 

I had a nice visit with Kim. We talked about Joseph and his future in the music industry. He has taught himself music theory and is so good on the guitar. Music is the one thing in life that he is passionate about. Joe is also writing some songs.

After lunch we went to Hobby Lobby where I bought some gift bags and tissue paper. When we got back to Kim's Brian was there for lunch. We felt bad that we didn't bring him anything.

James picked me up and we headed to Darrel and Trina's. James went straight upstairs to take a nap. I tried to take one but couldn't so I went back downstairs and played a game of Rummy with Ruby. She beat me but not by too far. 

While James was still resting I started looking up bookstores on my phone. I found one over on Power and Southern called Half Price Books. When James got up we headed over. It didn't take me long to realize that half price books are too expensive. 

James was hungry and since we have a $50 gift card to Cheesecake Factory we headed over to Superstition Springs mall for dinner.

We ordered crab cake appetizers, I ordered a chicken taquito appetizer for my meal (Not hungry) and James ordered the pot pie off the skinnylicious menu. I looked down at my watch and it was 6:30 and we still did not have our food. Addy's concert starts at 7. 

I told the waiter and he figured our bill and soon our food was here. I ate half of mine and got a box for the rest. James finished his and said it was delicious. 

It's a good thing that Trina's parents saved us seats because we were about five minutes late to the concert and the auditorium was packed. I don't think it's a good idea for them to do the junior high and high school concerts together. 

The concert was two hours long and Addy was toward's the end. These are the songs her group sang: 

Lift Thine Eyes to the Mountains

Oceans and Stars

Morokeni (Greeting Song)

Little David, Play on Your Harp

(This was the finale song and everyone

participated.)

Before the concert was over, but towards the end, a young man was walking up the aisle with 3 roses tied together. He stopped on our row and handed them to me. Now I have flowers to give to Addy. 

After the concert was over I had to use the little girls room. I gave the flowers to James and told him to give them to Addy. Ruby came up to me later and said: "You can imagine how special Addy felt when she found out where the flowers came from." I said, "Who told her?" Ruby just looked sheepish. Who knew she was so sarcastic.

Lola stayed home with Rowan so she missed the 7th and 8th grade boys sing "A Million Dreams" from "The Greatest Showman." She loves that song.

Trina's mom was a little irritated the the concert was so long. Trina wondered why they sang so many love songs. I do agree with it being too long and think they should separate the junior high and high school. I thought the singing was good but it would have been nice to have had more songs we knew.

Lola went for a five minute walk with us when we got back to the house. That's all she needed and she was happy. I knew if she didn't get to go she would be upset.

Moonlight in the Spring Concert

 Addy is fourth from the right with the

longer sleeves.

The finale. 

 Ruby doing her reading and snacking

after the concert.

 The flash was too strong I guess

 The temple is the connection between

heaven and earth.

All of the lakes in the White Mountains

are full. Last year at this time this lake

was completely dried up. 

Praying and fasting for moisture works!

 Getting ready to crawl!

It's harder to get steps when you

are not home.

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

Recife, Brazil

101st operating temple

Dedicated: 15 Dec 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 11:28

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 20:12-34
How does learning of Christ's Second Coming affect how you live you life? 
New Testament "Come Follow Me"
Matt 6:25-34; What does it mean to use "vain repetitions" in prayer? "Priesthood and Personal Prayer" Henry B. Eyring 4/15

General Conference

Now Is The Time

Elder Jack N. Gerard

"President Joseph F. Smith proclaimed,'The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained."

"Shepherding Souls"

Elder Gary E. Stevenson

"As children of a loving Heavenly Father and as sheep in His flock, we enjoy the blessing of being individually ministered to by Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, we have a responsibility to provide ministering assistance to others around us as shepherds ourselves. We heed the words of the Lord to 'serve me and go forth in my name, and...gather together my sheep."

We sold another book, "The Love Dare." Woohoo!

This morning I did Monday's blog post, paid bills, and worked on a revised budget to include property taxes for the Deming property. 

I walked 10,000 steps and got ready for the temple. 

James went out and sprayed off the car for our trip to the temple with the Howard's. 

We left our house a little after 2 and met the Howard's at the church because Tom says their road is bad. I don't think it could be any worse than ours except there is a steep hill.

We stopped at the post office to check once more if James got the two books he ordered for trades. Nope. They were supposed to be here by the 23rd.

We got to the temple about 3:15 and ended up waiting in the foyer because the afternoon shift was having prayer meeting. We finally got in at 3:30 for the 4:00 session. 

I helped Jean zip up her dress and put her shoes on. She had to borrow a slip and a sash from the temple.  We got our names and sat in our seats. Jean says to me, "I forgot the new name already, is it _______, I nodded yes." It has been a while since she's been at the temple.

Jean did all right during the session. James said that Tom had some difficulty dressing and the guy helping him wasn't much help.

We all sat in the celestial room for a few minutes and then we left. On the way out I said hello to Marylou DeWitt. She was one of my mutual advisors  when I was growing up in Show Low. I also got a hug from Sister Bowers who works with me in the temple. She said they had been on a leave of absence and weren't sure if they were coming back. I told her it wouldn't be the same without her.

Tom invited us to stop at Eva's where he would buy us dinner. Eva's is the Mexican restaurant to go to in Snowflake. I had what I normally get, a chicken enchilada with red sauce and rice and beans. The enchilada was delicious but the beans were not as good as LaCasita's. Tom and James both had green chili burros. James said his wasn't as good as LaCasita's, but it was good. Jean was the only one ordering light. She had two shrimp tacos.

I am so glad we had this time in the temple with the Howard's. They have not been for several years. Jean was able to do her mom's name and Tom did Jean's grandfather, her mom's dad. 

I walked when I got home. I wanted to get 20,000 steps but stopped at 17 and watched an episode of "Victoria" with James.

A sister in our ward, Sister Campbell, found out that she has a rare form of breast cancer and will be starting treatments soon. So sad.

Baby Charlie is 6 months old today!

Charlie's favorite book is about a giraffee

 Kim will like this.

 Adam's baptism 21 years ago.

Tuesday, February 26th, 2019

Boston, Massachusetts
100th operating temple
Dedicated: 1 Oct 2000
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 10:57

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 19:1-20:11

*How do you combat the four evils Isaiah denounces -- pride, errant leaders, wickedness, and neglecting the poor and needy?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 6:14-24

"The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us To Pray" Juan A. Uceda 10/16

General Conference

Wilt Thou Be Made Whole

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter

President Boyd K. Packer stated: "Our spirits are damaged when we make mistakes and commit sins. But unlike the case of our mortal bodies, when the repentance process is complete, no scars remain because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The promised is: 'Behold, he who had repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more' DC 58:42"

Choose You This Day

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"We need to choose whom we will serve. The magnitude of our eternal happiness depends on choosing the living God and joining Him in His work. As we strive to 'do the next bit' on our own, we practice using our agency correctly. As two former Relief Society General Presidents said, we should not be 'babies that need petting and correction all the time. No, God wants us to become mature adults and govern ourselves."

Kathy Crane and I visited with the Robertson's this morning. Kathy was kind enough to offer to drive her four-wheel drive Suburban because the roads are still wet and muddy. 

Sister Robertson has been in the hospital. She had a bad case of pancreaitis and is at home recovering. Her husband Joel has been with her but he needs to go back to his job in Houston so Kathy and I are representing the Relief Society to see what we can do to help.

We had a nice visit and then I asked Marie what we could do to help. Would she like someone to come and stay with her? No. Would she like us to bring in food? Maybe a couple of times a week. Kathy offered to bring some chicken noodle soup and some Cafe Rio chicken and pork she already had made up because she had company this week. That sounded good and since she was bringing it tonight Joel would still be there to enjoy it.

Marie will be staying alone after Joel leaves except for her six dogs that keep her company. She is 75 years old. 

As we were leaving Joel showed us a picture of the actor Ed Asner. I guess he is a friend. He wrote Marie a nice letter when her son passed away. Joel also showed us the letter. 

I came home and made some ground beef tacos and a salad for lunch. After lunch it was rest time and a Hallmark movie. I walked and paid bills this afternoon and made a no-bake cheesecake. 

I made, or I should say warmed up,  some Sister Schuster rolls for Kathy to take over to the Robertson's this evening. When Kathy came to pick them up she had Cafe Rio burros for us and part of an apple pie. Thank you kind neighbor.

James and I watched an episode of "Victoria" this evening. I did not like this one. It featured the cholera epidemic and one of the main characters Nancy Skerret Francatelli died. It was too sad. This is why I like Hallmark movies, none of the main characters ever die and there is always a happy ending.

I inventoried several books this evening. The best was the Book of Mormon Reader. If it sells we will make $35.

James got us new car insurance today. National General was raising our policy by $50 a month because of a claim James had when he ran into a fence. We now have Liberty Mutual for both our house and my car.

Happy Birthday Adam and Joe!

 Those were the days!

Hallmark Movie

All dressed up for our 50th

This girl is sooo much fun!

Monday, February 25th, 2019

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

99th operating temple

Dedicated: 17 Sept 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 6:21

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.

Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 18:1-22

*Why would the Lord send a prophet to a people he knew would reject the message?

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 6:1-13

"Yielding Our Hearts to God" Sister Neill F. Marriott, 10/15

New Era

"Reaching out to Ken," "Unafraid to Share the Truth"

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"To become like the Father, we must develop His character traits. Heavenly Father's perfections and attributes include the following:

The Father is Endless and Eternal. He is perfectly just, merciful, kind, long-suffering, and wants only what is best for us. Heavenly Father is love. He keeps His covenants. He does not change. He cannot lie. The Father is no respecter of persons. He knows all things - past, present, and future - from the beginning. Heavenly Father is more intelligent than us all. The Father has all power and does all that He takes into His heart to do."

Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ

Elder Robert C. Gay

"I believe that to take upon ourselves His name, we must trust Him. At a meeting I attended one Sunday, a young woman asked something like the following: 'My boyfriend and I recently broke up, and he chose to leave the Church. He tells me he has never been happier. How can this be?'

The Savior answered this question when He said to the Nephites, 'But if your life is not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you you will have joy in your works for a season, and by and by the end cometh.' There simply is no enduring joy outside the gospel of Jesus Christ."

We sold two more books: "South Beach Diet" "The Keto Diet."

When the blinds are open and the sun is shining through I can see dust everywhere, on the piano, on the floor, and the dining room and family room table. Dusting is a full-time job around here. It's dust on the inside and mud on the outside. Fighting the elements is a way of life in Vernon, Arizona.

As I was walking and watching the new "Chronicle Mysteries: The Wrong Man," I cam across this quote: "Truth is justice in action." This simple phrase helped solve the case. 

I made an appointment to visit with the Robertson's tomorrow. Marie is better but her voice sounds very weak on the phone. I can never get Joel to answer my calls probably because he does not recognize my number.

Marilyn Tice, a member of our ward and a close friend of Marie's is concerned about her eating. She said to me: "Someone needs to be there to get her to eat."

I didn't hear from Ben today but James did. I sent him the email I wrote two weeks ago that he didn't get. I hope he got it. This is the letter he sent to Sheri:

For lunch today we had burgers someone left in our freezer with swiss cheese, canned chili and cooked cabbage. James thanked me for the cabbage. He ate everything but he specifically thanked me for the cabbage.

Our little adventure into town today included dropping off a box to Goodwill and then going around to the front and dropping off James to source books. I went to the UPS store and dropped off our three boxes of books we are sending to Amazon.

Walmart is remodeling right now and they are cutting the amount of clerk-check registers almost in half. All of the rest will be self-check and none of them are open right now.

As I was checking out I realized that James never showed up. The plan was he would walk from Goodwill to Walmart after he was done looking for books. I called him and he said he would be ready when I came by to pick him up, which he was, with two bags full of books, about nine total.

At home while I was putting the groceries away James got out the power sprayer and sprayed out the muddy garage and the muddy car. He is in full snow gear and when I went out to talk to him he had brown mud spots all over his glasses and face. He was a little stressed so I didn't laugh. He did this kind gesture for me because he knew I was going on a Relief Society visit in the morning.

The rest of the evening was spent walking, blogging, and watching Hallmark movies. 

For FHE we listened to a conference talk. We also listened to our new book, "Healing Hearts," in the car.

 Love this quilt and it's colors.

 Love this picture!

 Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper singing

"Shallow" from last night's Oscars.

I didn't watch but I know that Lady Gaga won

an Oscar.

 The song is from the movie "A Star is Born."

 There was more snow in 2006 and in

the storm of the century, 1967.

I experienced both storms.

 My friend Karen and her family.

I am having lunch with her on Friday.

Her birthday was yesterday.

 I can't stand the cuteness!