Friday, May 31st, 2019

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17-18 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 11:38

Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?

Book of Mormon

Alma 9:7-18

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

JS-Matthew 1:1-21; Luke 21:5-24

General Conference

Closing Remarks

President Russell M. Nelson
"Topics were not assigned to the speakers in this conference. They each prayed for personal revelation in preparing their messages. To me, it is remarkable how those themes seem to fit so well with each other. As you study them, seek to learn what the Lord is trying to teach you through His servants."

I like this comment by Bruce R. McConkie on JS-Matt 1:37:

"It is not sufficient merely to know what the scripture says. One must treasure it up, meaning take it into his possession so affirmatively that it becomes a part of his very being; as a consequence,...one actually receives the companionship of the Spirit."

I watched an episode of "Chopped" today, while walking,  where one of the candidates was from Phoenix. Not only did she own a restaurant but she has a charity to feed shut-ins called "Joy's Bus." She takes food to people in need and there is no charge. I really wanted here to win, and she did! The last guy to go down, as he was walking away, said: "I don't care, I'm better than all these chefs here today!" That made it even more sweet.

We were supposed to get propane yesterday because we are almost out. Instead of natural gas, up here, we have to order propane. James called them this morning and told them we had to have it today. Finally they came out this afternoon and delivered. We're good for about six months and it only cost $1,200! (#Toomuch)

I think James is starting our anniversary celebration a little early. He did so many things for me today. First, he took my car into town and got two new tires. He also got the car washed and put gas in it, bought groceries, mailed my books, picked up more books, and brought me lunch from LaCasita. What more could a girl ask for!

It was a great day spent in Vernon, enjoying the nice weather and my beautiful home, and my relationship with my sweetheart. 

A dogs life

In case I run out of idea

Nice to know Gail was here. This is
Kristofer and Kristine's baby.

I think they could do something other than burn.
People with breathing problems has a difficult 
time with the smoke.

Is that Strickland one of my relatives?

Summer graduates from High School

 So sweet and innocent


You've come a long way baby

Baby sister Charlie

Summer and her mom, Kacey

Scarlett waiting for graduation and Summer

Summer and her siblings, Autumn, and Tanner

 Happy Birthday Teresa, my Vernon friend.

These two love Jared!

Thursday, May 30th, 2019

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-24 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Helaman 8:14

Yea did he not bear record that the Son of God should come? And as he lifted up the brazen serpent in the wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:18-9:6

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Mark 12:18-27

General Conference

Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Go ye unto your homes, and ponder" is the next step in taking to heart the words of prophets and Church leaders spoken in this sacred setting. Christ-centered hoes are fortresses for the kingdom of God on earth in a day when, as prophesied, the devil "rages in the hearts of the children of men, and stirs them up to anger against that which is good."

As I opened the blinds this morning I noticed LaVerne walking across the back field by herself. You of course remember our two antelopes, LaVerne and Shirley who came a few days to stay last year. James says it is their time to be alone to have their babies. I couldn't tell for sure if LaVerne was pregnant but she was walking pretty slowly. I'm not sure which direction she went. She was probably headed somewhere for a little privacy, away from my prying eyes.

I heard this quote today: "Where much is given, much is expected." It's a good reminder of how much I have been given and how grateful I am and how much I owe to my Savior and Heavenly Father.

I paid down my credit card today and also paid my tithing. I am grateful we have the funds to do both of those things. We got back over $600 from our book business this month. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it's a start. We have now sold 88 books. In the webinar this morning Jim reminded us that: "We spend money to make money." Buying books is expensive but well worth it when they sell.

I had 15,000 steps by 5 this afternoon. This is my new goal. I finished watching the Iron Chef Challenge between Iron Chef Mike Symon and cake baker, Duff. It was close but Mike won. Jane Seymour was one of the judges. I wonder what qualifications she has?

I prepared shipments of books to be sent out tomorrow. Fourteen books total in three different shipments. I wish Amazon would just let them all go to one place.

He just got back from a tour,

I hope he takes a break before going again!

Wish I lived here. Reminds me of 

the book "Heidi" from when I was a girl.

 Glad my days at camp are over.

The Ray family. Adam graduated 

from Chandler high, the 4th generation to do so.

 Clouds

 Six years ago at Dallin's graduation party at

our home in Chandler. 

Ben in the back, Michael, Alex, Dallin, Joe, Jared Ammon.

 It's official, he's got the diploma

Scarlett enjoying her tacos!

 Wow!

 Jen Lilley of Hallmark movie fame. She is holding a baby that

she fosters. She also fosters his older brother and wants to adopt them both. She is pregnant with her own child, a girl.

She is an amazing woman!

 In honor of our anniversary I am sure!

 Brian and Cher. Colby posted this and said:

"My parents are cooler than your parents."

Three years ago.

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Divine Sonship

Alma 33:17

And now, my brethren, ye see that a second prophet of old has testified of the Son of God, and because the people would not understand his words they stoned him to death.

Book of Mormon

Alma 8:1-17

New Testament "Come Follow Me"

Matt 25:31-46; Mark 12:28-40

General Conference

The Immediate Goodness of God

Elder Kyle S. McKay

"The immediate goodness of God comes to all who call upon Him with real intent and full purpose of heart. This includes those who cry out in earnest desperation, when deliverance seems so distant and suffering seems prolonged, even intensified."

Sold another book, this one a novel priced at $9.97 which means we probably made a dollar. We also had two books returned, one because of a faulty address and the other because of rough treatment at Amazon. A little frustrating.

I read to James this morning after scriptures from our book, "To Win a Lady's Heart." It's a good one.

I bought all of the books on my "Done For You" list except one, which was gated. I love these lists and think they are going to be worth the money.

James worked outside this afternoon. He mowed and edged our grass. It looks really nice. 

I worked on finances and paid our tithing, which always feels good.

It was a good day. I love doing this book business! Just wished we could invest in more books. My mentor, Kathy hit a milestone in her business and shared it on our Facebook group.

Will I ever get there?

 Clouds, mountains, sunset, three of my favorites!

 We were Halle's Primary teachers

and look at her now, on her way to Italy to

preach the gospel.

Charlie loves to read and make messes!

  

Evan and Joshua both graduated from Hancock Elementary and 

will be moving on to junior high next year. I think it will be the first time that they have not gone to the same schools.

Our friends the Hatch's

I think Scarlett likes to wear hats!

Look, no car seat!