Wednesday, November 13th, 2019

Taipei, Taiwan

31st operating temple

Dedicated: 17-18 Nov 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ
DC 84:32
And the sons of Moses and of Aaron shall be filled with the glory of the Lord, upon Mount Zion in the Lord's house whose sons are ye; and also many whom I have called and sent forth to build up my church.
Book of Mormon
3 Nephi 28:1-24
New Testament
Hebrews 10; 9:1-10:22 Ancient and modern ordinances point to Jesus Christ. SS: 10:34-38; 11 Faith requires trusting in God's promises.

10/19 General Conference

"Standing By Our Promises and Covenants"

Elder Ronald A. Rasband

"Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our great Exemplar when it comes to making and keeping promises and covenants. He came to earth promising to do the will of the Father. He taught gospel principles in word and in deed. He atoned for our sins that we might live again. He has honored every one of His promises."

I started a new Aunt Dimity book today. It's called "Aunt Dimity Goes West" and it's the same day that Jared, Kacey, and Charlie are coming out west to see us. I hope Charlie is okay on the plane.

James and I are reading, "Aunt Dimity Detective."

James went to the post office, the dump, and Dollar General today. 

I listened to the Scripture Study podcast. Jared, Kacey, and Charlie arrived in Mesa. Kacey sent me a picture of Charlie and Lola together.

Such cute girls!

James was on the roof working today. His ladder fell and he spilled stain all over the roof. Luckily he was not hurt. 

I worked on my book shipment today and got it all ready to mail. This time I am mailing 16 book and the box weighs 47 lbs. James lifted it and carried it out to the car when I wasn't looking. He's not supposed to be doing heavy lifting, although it has been 4 weeks since his surgery.

I listened to a podcast today featuring Sheri Dew. She told about having a "broken heart" when her fiance broke up with her when she was in her 30's. She said reading Brother Bruce C. Hafen's book, "A Broken Heart," really helped her. I like this question that Sheri Dew asks: "How much light and godly power do I want in my life and what am I willing to do to get it?

Day 3: Provision. Phillipians 4:19 - God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
There is an abundant storehouse of riches found in Jesus Christ. We don't have if we don't ask. Ask, Seek, Knock.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give Max the things he needs today and use me as an agent for thee. Please supply my needs as I try to supply his needs.

 Before and after pictures of the logs James 

is working on.

My heart goes out to Randy and

his family.

 More elk on our property

 Thru cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me!

Tuesday, November 12th, 2019

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Dedicated: 19-24 Oct 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 69:3

And also that he shall continue in writing and making a history of all the important things which he shall observe and know concerning my church;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 27:13-33

New Testament

Hebrews 8-9; I/F: 7:1-22 The Melchizedek Priesthood is the higher priesthood. SS: 8-10 Ancient and modern ordinances point to Jesus Christ.

10/19 General Conference

"After the Trial of Our Faith"

Elder Jorge M. Alvarado

"No matter the obstacles we face in life, we can trust that Jesus Christ will prepare a way forward as we walk with faith. God has promised that all who live according to the covenants they have made with Him will, in His time receive all His promised blessings. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, 'Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.'"

RWC:"Desire qualifies parents for the work of raising children. Also, faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence. Ask and ye shall receive; knock and it shall be opened unto you." (Parents, like new missionaries, are called to the work of salvation).

Day 2: Protection - Psalms 31:20

Father, please protect Max in the shelter of Thy presence and the presence of Thy Holy Spirit. Keep him safe from those who would conspire against him and from his own negative thoughts. Help me to do my part in keeping him safe - physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Give me strength to be his guardian, defender, and shepherd as I strive to become like Thee and Thy Son.

Today was a beautiful day. Autumn sent out a picture of Charlie looking pretty miserable and asked us to pray for her. She is coming with Jared and Kacey tomorrow on an airplane to visit us here in Arizona. Here is the picture Autumn posted.

This picture breaks my heart

She has an ear infection and a sinus infection and

is now on an antibiotic.

We had to sanitize Kim and Brian's sheets before putting them back on their bed to make sure they were clean because of dog hair.

I mopped the kitchen and dining area this morning while I was listening to the book webinar with Kathy and Kris. I am trying to figure out how to change the shipping settings for merchant fulfilled orders so the buyer pays for shipping. It should be easier than it is.

James picked up books at the post office and got someone else's loose mail. He is still working on the logs outside getting them ready for winter. 

I worked on books, blogged, walked, and went to a family history meeting in Lakeside at the stake center. I love one of the pictures in the high council room. It shows the Savior on a hill with a sheep in his arms looking down on a flock of sheep below. The lighting is beautiful. I would love to have this picture.

Books I received in the mail today

 Charlie sleeping after her doctor's appointment.

 Ruby and her cousin posing in their leos.

 Paul Weigel, our friend in Oregon

caught this fish on the Rogue River.

Monday, November 11th, 2019

Manila, Philippines

29th operating temple

Dedicated: 25-27 Sept 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 45:1

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 27:1-12

New Testament

Hebrews 7-13 "An High Priest of Good Things to Come"; Hebrews 7; 7:1-22 Living worthy of the covenants and blessings of the Melchizedek Priesthood leads to exaltation.

10/2019 General Conference

"Consistent and Resilient Trust

Elder L. Todd Budge

"Our son Dan got very sick on his mission in Africa and was taken to a medical facility with limited resources. As we read his first letter to us after his illness, we expected that he would be discouraged, but instead he wrote, 'Even as I lay in the emergency room, I felt peace. I have never been so consistently and resiliently happy in my life.'

As my wife and I read these words, we were overcome with emotion. Consistently and resiliently happy. We had never heard happiness described that way, but his words rang true. We knew that the happiness he described was not simply pleasure or an elevated mood but a peace and joy that come when we surrender ourselves to God and put our trust in Him in all things. We too had had those times in our lives when God spoke peace to our souls and caused us to have hope in Christ even when life was hard and uncertain."

RWC: "A successful parent is one who has loved, one who has sacrificed, and one who has cared for, taught, and ministered to the needs of a child." - President Howard W. Hunter

I sold a merchant fulfilled book, "City of Glass." It's one that Sheri gave to us when we were at her house last time. Someone in a detention center in Florida bought it.

James is working on the roof and under the eaves today. This always makes me a little nervous. 

After lunch James went to the post office to mail "A City of Glass" and to pick up the mail. We forgot it was the day the federal government is celebrating veterans day so there was no mail.

Sean Spicer was finally eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars." What a relief! I thought someone he can't dance was going to make it to the finale.

I am doing something I found on Instagram called "7 Scriptures to Pray for The Child in Your Life." Sheri is doing it with me and we are doing it for Max.

Today was Day 1: Salvation - Mark 10:15

The gospel is simple Jesus died to redeem lost people and He rose from the dead to save them. All children need to know the saving love of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

Prayer: "I pray the message of the gospel would be heard and understood by Max today. I pray for clarity and understanding of the message and that Max will come to know thee and thy Son. Thank you Heavenly Father, for thy offer of salvation and that everyone who follows thee can rest in thy forgiveness."

Beautiful weather while I stayed inside to blog, walk, and work on books and pay bills.

 The road to fall

 Please get well Charlie. We love you!

Sunday, November 10th, 2019

Sydney, Australia

28th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-23 Sep 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 43:15

Again I say, hearken ye elders of my church, whom I have appointed: Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 26:1-21

Are we ready to be judged of our works? In what way does the Savior want us to become as little children?

Young children are sweet, pure, innocent, lovable and teachable. I had an amazing experience with Ruby while she was staying with us a few years ago. As I watched her saying her prayers one evening, a powerful feeling came over me testifying to me of her purity and innocence. I truly felt that I was in the presence of greatness and someone who was more like the Savior than just about anyone else I knew. Tears come to my eyes when I think of it. We can truly be taught by children. 

How did the Nephites demonstrate their faith in Christ's words after He had departed from them? (v. 19-21). They did what Jesus taught them to do. They taught and served one another, and practiced the law of consecration. "They had all things in common among them every man dealing justly one with another." They were baptized in the name of Jesus And were called the Church of Christ.

New Testament

Review Hebrews 1-6

Oct 2019 General Conference

"CFM - The Lord's Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan"

Brother Mark L. Pace

"I add my witness to those shared previously. I bear testimony of God, our Eternal Father. He lives and loves us and watches over us His plan of happiness provides the blessing of this mortal life and our eventual return to His presence.

I also bear testimony of Jesus Christ. He is God's Only Begotten Son. He saved us from death, and He redeems us from sin as we exercise faith in Him and repent. His infinite atoning sacrifice in our behalf brings the blessings of immortality and eternal life. Indeed, 'God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine son.'"

I attended ward council this morning at 7:15 a.m. to represent the Relief Society Tamara is in the valley visiting her father who recently had a stroke. I took notes and sent them to Tamara and Kerri only to have Brother Diewald send his notes. I guess I didn't really need to take notes, but of course being me, I did.

I had a pleasant surprise when I walked in to sacrament meeting today. Elder Ray Heyman was on the stand. I had to go up and give him a hug. James, Stacy, and Paul all did the same thing.

Elder Slater and Elder Sager were the first speakers in sacrament meeting today. They basically bore their testimonies. 

Rowdy Atkinson from the high council was the main speaker. 
Brother Atkinson started out by saying that a simple testimony can bring us great joy. He served a mission in the London South Mission in the ghettos where many African immigrants lived. He said they were poor but happy because they had found freedom and the gospel. He compared a caramel with an apple. With the caramel the joy is fleeting and there are no real nutrients. The apple brings joy and nutrients. He then compared this to the gospel which also brings lasting joy. He told the story of a brother and a sister who were out on their mission at the same time and while they were gone the rest of their family died. Although the circumstances were very sad, their focus was on Christ which brought them peace and joy. We can also do good while we are suffering.

Stacy attended Relief Society with me. I conducted and Diana Curtis gave the lesson. It was based on President M. Russell Ballard's conference talk, "Giving Our Spirits Control Over Our Bodies." It was a good lesson with lots of participation. Afterwards Stacy said she like the sisters in our ward because they seem so genuine and down to earth. Today was Lucretia Barton's 92nd birthday so we sang happy birthday to her. 

When we got home I made bacon, pancakes, and sausage for lunch. I realized that Joshua does not really care for pancakes with syrup. He does love to eat fresh strawberries, stems and all. 

Durings rest time Stacy turned on the movie, "Bye, Bye Birdie." She remembers doing songs from this movie during one of the roadshows when she was a youth. Paul was in the roadshow too. 

We said goodbye to Stacy and Paul. Right after they left we Face Timed with Kacey, Jared, and Charlie. 

I worked on my blog this evening and James and I listened to "Don't Miss This" with Dave and Emily, and "Teaching with Power." They both gave presentations for Hebrews 7-13, the "Come Follow Me" lesson for the week.

 Reminds me of the road to Whistler

from Vancouver.

Sweet Sabbath-ready girl!

 Fall in Whitehouse, Texas

 Thanks for coming!

Happy Birthday Lucretia!

Saturday, November 9th, 2019

Boise, Idaho

27th operating temple

Dedicated 25-30 May 1984

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Head of Church

DC 42:59

Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;

Book of Mormon

3 Nephi 24:1-25:6
What blessings are promised to those who pay their tithing?
Those who live the law of tithing show their faith in God. Obedience to this law bring the blessings stated in 3 Nephi 24:10-12. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland shared five reasons why every member of the Church, in any kind of circumstance, should obey the law of tithing: "I suggest five reasons why all of us, rich or poor, longtime member or newest convert, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings. First, do so for the sake of your children. Teach your children that many of the blessings of the Church are available to them because you and they give tithes and offerings to the Church. Second, pay your tithing to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so. Third, pay your tithing as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of your existence. Fourth, pay your tithes and offerings out of honesty and integrity because they are God's rightful due. This leads to a fifth reason to pay our tithing and offerings. We should pay the as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven. Through His grace, God has dealt bread to the hungry and clothing to the poor. At various times in our lives, that will include all of us, either temporally or spiritually." (Ensign, Nov. 2001, 33-35.)
New Testament
Hebrews 6; I/F: Hebrews 2:9-10; 5:1-5; SS: Jesus Christ knows what it's like to experience suffering; Scriptural examples of people comforted by Jesus.

Oct 2019 General Conference

"Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood quorums and Young Women classes"

Russell M. Nelson

" Dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to be with you again in general conference. Earlier this week, announcements were made to members of the Church about changes in policy regarding who may serve as witnesses to baptism and sealing ordinances. I would like to highlight these three points. 

1 A proxy baptism for a deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend, including a limited-use recommend.

2. Any endowed member with a current temple recommend may serve as a witness to sealing ordinances, living and proxy.

3. Any baptized member of the Church may serve as a witness of the baptism of a living person. This change pertains to all baptisms outside the temple."

"Adjustments to Strengthen Youth"

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"Our youth live in an exciting but also challenging time. The choices available have never been more dramatic. One example: the modern smartphone provides access to incredibly important and uplifting information, including family history and the holy scriptures. On the other hand, it contains foolishness, immorality, and evil not readily available in the past. To help our youth navigate this maze of choices, the Church has prepared three profound and comprehensive initiatives. First, curriculum has been strengthened and expanded to the home. Second, a children and youth program that includes exciting activities and personal development was presented just last Sunday by President Russell M. Nelson, President M. Russell Ballard, and the General Officers A third initiative is organizational changes to make youth a more significant focus of our bishops and other leaders. This focus must be spiritually powerful and help our youth become the youth battalion President Nelson has asked them to become."

We worked at the temple today. The buzz in the break room was the 32 Spanish speaking members coming for the 11 o'clock session from the valley. We have enough brother and sister workers to cover the session in Spanish. There is also an own endowee who is Spanish speaking. Sister Cureton served a Spanish speaking mission in Argentina from 1968-70. She was confident she could communicate with this sister who speaks very little English. She said that whatever she didn't remember, the Lord would help her with.

I was in initiatory three times today. I think Sister Elmer, the coordinator, is determined that I am going to learn the initiatory ordinances by heart.  I had my break with Sister Bradshaw who has been gone the past couple of weeks. She brought sausage gravy and biscuits. I got my plate and followed her over to the food was. I told her I was going to eat whatever she ate because I wanted to look exactly like her. She has had 11 kids and she looks great.

The bus with the Spanish speaking members from the valley was late. The 11:00 session didn't start until 11:23. 

I got to visit a little with my friend Debbie Vance who is Rex Bergstrom's mother-in-law. Rex and Jamie are coming to Arizona for Thanksgiving but they won't be coming up here. Most of the family is in the valley so Debbie and Jim will go down there to see them.

I was at the sealing desk today for 30 minutes and helped one couple. The rest of the time I read the chapter headings for Genesis and Exodus.

James and I both got out early today which was great since Paul is at home waiting to help James split wood. We stopped at McDonald's and Walmart before going home. 

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua went for a ride over to Greer this morning. They were disappointed that the ice cream shop is no longer there. They did see a big herd of elk, spotted by Stacy. She said she learned how to look for elk from dad.

James hurried and got ready to split wood. He and Paul went out and Joshua was upstairs playing online video games. Stacy asked him if he would please go outside and help, which he did. I took him out a pair of gloves. At one point he wanted to go in and Paul said. "See that man over there? He is older than the both of us put together. We don't quit until he does."

Stacy did a puzzle and she and I watched some highlights of "Dancing with the Stars." She doesn't watch the show and there were a couple of things I wanted her to see. 

James made venison gravy and I made biscuits for dinner. Stacy and Paul were so happy. Joshua, not so much.

Stacy, Paul, and Joshua watched "The Wilder People." 

On the road to Greer

Joshua and grandpa. Paul must be taking the picture.

The elk that was in our yard on Monday.

 How fun!

 A friend from high school passed away yesterday.

Carl Cosper. He worked in my dad's store and we went

out for awhile. He came to ASU when I was going with James

and told me he wanted to go with me again. It was too late because I was already engaged. He was a nice guy.