Tuesday, March 19th, 2019

Aba, Nigeria

121st operating temple

Dedicated: 7 Aug 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 46:13

To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

New Testament

BD, Parables

"The Soil and Roots of Testimony"

John K. Carmack

General Conference

Becoming a Shepherd

Bonnie H. Cordon

"Whether our sheep are strong or weak, rejoicing or in anguish, we can make certain that no one walks alone. We can love them wherever they are spiritually and offer support and encouragement for the next step forward. As we pray and seek to understand their hearts, I testify that Heavenly Father will direct us and His Spirit will go with us. We have the opportunity to be the 'angels round about' them as He goes before their face."

The weather is beginning to feel like spring although the first day isn't until tomorrow. It was around 60 degrees and in the 80's in the valley.

At 8 o'clock I listened to the Book Profits webinar Afterwards I sourced 18 books and ended up buying 3.

After my lunch, rest, and a walk I got ready and went to Safeway to buy croissants for tonight's Relief Society birthday celebration. I did not dilly dally and I was back home by 5. I was going to look for more books to buy but Stacy called and we talked for about 30 minutes. My friend Maxine needed a ride to the meeting tonight so I left a little early to pick her up.

I drive west to get Maxine and the sun is directly in my eyes. It's a good thing there wasn't much traffic on the road. Maxine and I make it back to the church at 6:30 right when the meeting is supposed to begin. 

There are several women already there and the food was set out ready to be served. Maxine helped me cut my croissants open and then we set them on the table. Kerri asked me to say the opening prayer and blessing on the food. While we were eating Kerri played the "Sisters to the Rescue" video. I sat by Kerri, and her mother Catherine and Tamara.

Sister Nichols is our RS activities chairman and she had prepared a most delicious chicken salad to go on the croissants. I told her I needed the recipe and she sent it to me.

X6 the recipe for our group

We had plenty and it was delicious!

There was also several fruit and veggie trays and a big Happy 177th Birthday Relief Society cake.

Picture 23 women sitting around these tables

eating, laughing, and talking and enjoying one

another's company.

After listening to a brief history of Relief Society Kerri asked the sisters some questions just for fun. Kaeli read "The Relief Society Declaration." I think you can say that a good time was had by all.

I may or may not have watched the Hallmark movies listed today.

 Palmer's dream house

 Autumn's dream house

I like this style of home so much!

"When Calls the Heart" set

 Carson and Faith from "WCTH"

He's the doctor and she's his nurse.

I believe romance is in store for them.

 The cast and crew of "Garage Sale Mysteries"

are out of work.

Monday, March 18th, 2019

San Antonio, Texas

120th operating temple

Dedicated: 22 May 2005

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 36:8

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:17-35

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matthew 131-23; Luke 8:1-15

"Parable of the Sower" by Dallin H. Oaks, April 2015

General Conference

"The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

President M. Russell Ballard

"On this special 100th anniversary, I invite you to thoroughly and thoughtfully read this revelation. As you do so, may the Lord bless you to more fully understand and appreciate God's love and His plan of salvation and happiness for His children."

 James left for the valley around 4:30 a.m. The Chacon job is finally starting! He has been waiting on the City of Mesa to approve all of the permits since December. It is almost too much to believe this job is actually going to happen. 

One of the first things I did this morning was to write an email to Ben. I also got an email back from him. 

 who we are. I love you! - Elder Trezise

I guess I am being punished for walking so much yesterday because today I have a bum right knee. It was a slow day for me but in spite of my bad knee I still got over 12,000 steps hobbling around the house.

James had problems on the job but he talked the inspector out of shutting down the job with his great reasoning skills. 

I'm reading Peter Valley's online Book Arbitrage book and I'm learning a little. 

I miss James.

 I miss this show too.

 Poor baby is still sick

Sunday, March 17th, 2019

Manhattan, New York

119th operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2004

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

DC 35:2

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God,even one n me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 2:1-16

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Review Matt 10-12; Mark 2; Luke 7; 11

"He Heals the Heavy Laden" Dallin H. Oaks, 10/2006

General Conference

Sisters Participation in the Gathering of Israel

President Russell M. Nelson

"My fourth invitation, for you who are of age, is to participate fully in Relief Society. I urge you to study the current Relief Society purpose statement. It is inspiring. It may guide you in developing your own purpose statement for you own life. I also entreat you to savor the truths in the Relief Society declaration published almost 20 years ago. A framed copy of this declaration hangs on the wall in the office of the First Presidency. I am thrilled every time I read it. It describes who you are and who the Lord needs you to be at this precise time as you do your part to help gather scattered Israel."

The Minnard's and Brother Wright from the stake were the speakers in sacrament meeting today. It was Brother Minnard's first time speaking in sacrament meeting and he did a good job speaking about family history and temple work.

Brother Wright told about his families conversion in 1965 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He said his father was inactive for years. The bishop asked him to come back to the ward because he was needed and six months later he was called as the new bishop. 
"The Atonement leads us back to Heavenly Father. All covenants we make are refreshed through the sacrament. We must remember and then go and do, led by our faith and the promptings we receive. Through repentance we can be made whole." Brother Wright's favorite scripture is Helaman 5:12, the same as Ben's.

The second hour I attended the teacher's council meeting led by Brother Allen. We talked about how to lead inspired discussions. One of the sisters asked a question about how you know that the Spirit is prompting you and that led the group into an inspired discussion. It fit right in to the topic for the day.

After the block James and I attended a family history coordinating meeting. We still do not have the list of members that the bishop wants us to work with so our meeting was cut short. We will meet again on March 31st.

I really wanted to do 10,000 steps today even though it is Sunday. Around 8,000 I felt extremely guilty and stopped. I am doing a challenge on Pacer. The challenge is to get as many 10,000 step days in the month of March as possible. This challenge almost caused me to lose sight of what is really important to me...keeping the commandments and keeping the Sabbath day holy.

No "When Calls the Heart." I am so sad. They are taking a creative hiatus after only the third episode of the season. It's because of the Lori Loughlin situation. They have to "get rid" of her character. How sad.

James and his partner Dave went out to visit Anthony today. Dave has a ranch in Luna, New Mexico. He said this year he lost 19 cows in a fire, and 40 calves who were eaten by wolves. He has decided he cannot make a living with this ranch. He is the same age we are and still, like us, needs to produce an income. He is going to Algeria to teach them how to ranch and hopefully they will be more successful than he has been. There is a need in that country for good sources of protein. If the government will give him $3 million for his program, OPEC will donate another $13 million. OPEC is the organization of companies that sell oil to the world. I guess he has connections to do this. He was in the military and served quite awhile in the Middle East so he has experience dealing with the people. I hope he is successful. 

 So cute!

 The most adorable picture!

 Jared and all of his kids