OUR FAMILY

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Draper, Utah
129th operating temple

Jacob 5:29-51

The Dark Ages. 29-32; Zenos prophesies of the latter-day Restoration. 33-37; The blood of Israel is preserved through the Apostasy. 38-46; Universal Apostasy: All branches of Israel are affected. 47-51; Cause of Apostasy: Branches overcome the Roots. The Lord loves His children but allows us our agency. Who is it that corrupts the Lord's Vineyard and why does the Lord allow this corruption?

In verse 48 what do you think loftiness means?

Alma 47

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites - The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.

DC 45:24-35

24-38, The gospel will be restored, the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled, and a desolating sickness will cover the land;

Even with all the promises coming to pass, why do people still harden their hearts?

*Verse 29 They turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. People are so wrapped up in the ways of man that they don't have time for God. Selfishness is the cause. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." Many perceive not the light.

This section is similar to the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24-25. Here are some notes I took after reading the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual:

There are four signs when the time of the Gentiles is over:

1. The Jews will be gathered back to the land of Jerusalem. (DC 45:25)

2. It will be in a time of great social turmoil. ( DC 45:26-27)

3. The Gentiles will for the most part reject the gospel. (DC 45:28-30)

4. Jerusalem will no longer be "trodden down of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24.)

May 15, 1948 Israel became an independent nation and declared Jerusalem to be her capital.

Six-day War in 1967 Jerusalem came completely under control of a Jewish government first time since 70 A.D.

General Conference

The Blessings of Worship

Bishop Dean M. Davies

"True worship transforms us into sincere and earnest disciples of our beloved Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. We change and become more like Him. We become more understanding and caring. More forgiving. More loving. We understand that it is impossible to say that we love God while at the same time hating, dismissing, or disregarding others around us. True worship leads to an unwavering determination to walk the path of discipleship. And that leads inevitably to charity. These too are necessary elements of worship."

It has been snowing for over an hour but nothing is sticking. So disheartening. We did have some exciting family news today. Paul got the job at Amazon! He starts on April 2017. He and Stacy are so excited because he will be making a lot more money!

Monument Valley

I changed our Verizon plan today. We now have unlimited data and we are paying $18 a month less. Hoorah!

More snow, but still not sticking. I blogged and watched "My Gal Sunday" a pretty exciting Hallmark murder mystery. Cameron Mathison and Jack Warner were both in it.

I got a call from John Wilhelm today. He ask me to speak in sacrament meeting on April 9th. He wants me to speak on the marriage class based on the new manual, "Strengthening Marriage."

I am happy to do it but it is a little stressful. I have been ask to speak in April more times than I can count. The last two were both in April stake conferences.

This boy can eat a dozen blueberry muffins without even

batting an eye.

I had a difficult time going to sleep tonight because I took some Tramadol a short while before going to bed. Or maybe it was the anticipation of giving a talk.

Fun Photos:

A couple of years ago Max played the trombone.

Our four year old Primary class

Love this photo and this movie!

Dinner at Chili's after I spoke in the Saturday

night session of stake conference.

I loved how everyone supported me.

James had to give me a health blessing

because of an arthritis flare up.

Whispering secrets to baby Lola.

Sweet little Ruby

Jared Ammon, Dobus, toothless Joshua

My girl Trenda

She is amazing!

Indiana Jones

Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Detroit, Michigan

63rd operating temple

Jacob 5:15-28

Second visit to the House of Israel in the Meridian of time. Christ and His Apostles. Roots of the tame olive tree are gospel covenants or promises. Fruit - Works of men; Digging, pruning, fertilizing - The Lord's work for His children; Transplanting - scattering, restoring; Grafting - Spiritual rebirth and joined to the covenant; Decay-Apostasy; Fire-Judgments of God. Regarding verse 25, where do you think this might be?

Alma 45-46

45 Helaman believes the words of Alma - Alma prophesies the destruction of the Nephites - He blesses and curses the land - Alma may have been taken up by the Spirit, even as Moses - Dissension grows in the Church. About 73 B.C.

46 Amalickiah conspires to be king - Moroni raises the title of liberty - He rallies the people to defend their religion - True believers are called Christians - A remnant of Joseph will be preserved - Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi - Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death.

DC 45:12-23

11-15, Enoch and his brethren were received by the Lord unto Himself; 16-23, Christ revealed signs of His coming as given on the Mount of Olives;

What verses stood out to me today?

* Verses 16-17. Verse 16 is the beginning of the Olivet Discourse as given in Matthew 24-25. Joseph Smith's inspired corrections of the Olivet Discourse are so significant that they have been included in the Pearl of Great Price (see JS-Matthew).

General Conference

"To Whom Shall We Go? "

Elder M. Russell Ballard

"My heartfelt plea is that we will encourage, accept, understand, and love those who are struggling with their faith. We must never never neglect any of our brothers and sisters. We are all at different places on the path, and we need to minister to one another accordingly."

My visiting teacher's, Kailee and Deana came for a visit today. Deana is my friend Jean's daughter and today is Jean's birthday:

Deana says her mom is her super hero.

She is one of my heroes too.

I am so grateful for visiting teachers. They brought the Spirit into my home. Also, Deana told me of a new plan that Verizon has for unlimited data. She said they were on the 30 GB per month plan and she changed to unlimited for $15 a month less. I am calling tomorrow!

The rest of the day I watched Hallmark movies while working on my blog. I shared with the family scripture group Michael's answer to today's question. I got a response from Paul and Jared. We are all hoping that Michael will decide to serve a mission.

One of the great couples in our ward,

Sean and Stefani.

James had problems digging Sal's sewer line today. He broke an irrigation line. After working all day digging and solving problems he went to the Queen Creek Primary Care and worked until 3 a.m. tearing down a wall. I am grateful for Alex and Shana for coming to help him. When I ask him what he thought of Shana he said: "She is very sweet and not afraid of hard work."

Fun Photos:

While the mom's away, the kids will play.

Dear sweet Addy

So true.

I know it's all over but I just had to post again.

He's always cold.

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Denver, Colorado

40th operating temple

Jacob 5:1-14

The first visit of the Master (Savior), to His vineyard (the world). The Master sees the old tame olive tree (covenant Israel) is dying or going into apostasy. (vs. 3). Israel is to be scattered. (vs. 14.)

What is the wild olive tree which is grafted in? (The Gentiles - see Acts 10.)

Alma 44

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed - Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes - Moroni's armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74-73 B.C.

DC 45:1-11

1-5, Christ is our advocate with the Father; 6-10, The gospel is a messenger to prepare the way before the Lord;

Why can darkness not comprehend light?

* Because darkness is the absence of light. As soon as light appears, darkness is gone.

General Conference

The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy

Elder Peter F. Meurs

Elder David A. Bednar taught:

''The ordinance of the sacrament is a holy and repeated invitation to repent sincerely and to be renewed spiritually. The act of partaking of the sacrament, in and of itself, does not remit sins. But as we prepare conscientiously and participate in this holy ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then the promise is that we may always have the Spirit of the Lord to be with us. And by the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost as our constant companion, we can always retain a remission of our sins."

James tried flying his drone today and ended up crashing it into the house. He was quite frustrated and said he could only fly it about 100 feet when it is supposed to go a mile. He spoke to David and David told him he had it in beginners mode.

The guy in control. Or is he?

Here it comes!

James is leaving for the valley today. When he got ready to leave I followed him in to town and we had lunch at Licano's. James ordered a turkey and avocado sandwich that was heavy on the turkey with very little avocado. He didn't eat much so I gave him my taco. I had a chicken enchilada and some refried beans and rice. I couldn't even eat all of it. I was going to take the taco home but I donated it to a worthy cause.

A group of old guys came in the restaurant while we were eating and I made the comment: "It looks like the motorcycle gang is here." When we went outside we saw this:

I was right!

After lunch and saying goodbye to James I went to Walmart to pick up my folic acid and then went home.

The first thing I did when I got home was watch the premier of Dancing with the Stars. I am happy for Emma and Sasha. Emma's partner is Rashad Jennings, an NFL player who is really good. Sasha has Simone Biles, the most decorated Olympic gymnast ever. Sasha and Simone got the most points, 32, and Emma and Rashad got 31. I am not sure why I am watching Charo, Mr. T, and Chris Kattan try to dance.

When James is gone I have a tendency to keep the TV on for company. It isn't a complete waste of time because I work on my blog as I am watching television. I watched the new Aurora Teagarten mystery and I also watched "Birthday Wishes" and "I Married Who"? I have seen both of these last movies before.

I miss James.

Fun Photos:

Monument Valley

Addy's Harry Potter bobble head.

May 2016

Awesome pictures of Molly!

My Mother's Day dinner

May 2016

Dennis's birthday lunch minus Vickie who

was sick. May 2016

Elder Rosenbaum (L) and

Elder Goodenough (R)

Kayla and Addy's Dance Recital

May 2016

Monday, March 20, 2017

Dallas, Texas

30th operating temple

Jacob 4:1-18

All the prophets worshiped the Father in the name of Christ - Abraham's offering of Isaac was in similitude of God and His Only Begotten - Men should reconcile themselves to God through the Atonement - The Jews will reject the foundation stone. About 544-421 B.C.

When asking the Lord for something in prayer, how do you make sure to still take He counsel and not attempt to sway Him?

Alma 43

Alma and his sons preach the word - The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites - The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war - Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor - The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites - The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion - The aries of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

DC 44:1-6

Elders are to assemble in conference; The are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.

How can we better listen to the Spirit so that we can help people in various circumstances?

General Conference

Joy and Spiritual Survival

President Russell M. Nelson

"He taught us how to have joy When we choose Heavenly Father to be our God and when we can feel the Savior's Atonement working in our lives, we will be filled with joy. Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, every time we forgive someone or ask for forgiveness, we can feel joy."

I like a quote I read in The Contrite Spirit:

"If we keep our covenants with Him, He will keep us spiritually safe."

At 10:15 James and I left for Hailey's to deliver her desk, some cookies, and the visiting teaching message. Hailey has a new car. She traded in her Jeep for a Toyota 4-Runner.

After we left Hailey's we went to Persnikkity's for lunch. I had the green chili chicken sandwich and sweet potato fries. James had the Phillly cheesesteak sandwich and broccoli, cheese soup. Next stop was the Book Barn to get Jeron and Jace's names put on their scriptures. I texted Hailey and told her they had the "Dragonwatch" book at Book Barn. Braylin, her son, is a big Fablehaven fan.

This is the book I got for Addy.

When I was in Walmart doing a little shopping I saw my cousin Rita and her husband Bill.

Rita said her mom was doing quite well except for her back.

She is going to have a proceedure done at the Arizona Pain Center in Show Low.

This afternoon I worked on my blog and did some filing. James and I watched the movie "Unleashing Mr. Darcy" and then had FHE. We listened to the conference talk, "The Great Plan of Redemption" by Linda S. Reeves. We went to bed around 8:30.

Fun Photos