Monday, June 19th 2017

Rome, Italy

Estimated completion date:

Mid 2018

John 17:19 

Atonement

3Nephi 13

Jesus teaches the Nephites the Lord's Prayer; They are to lay up treasures in heaven; The twelve disciples in their ministry are commanded to take no thought for temporal things.

Alma 19:1-11

King Lamoni and many of his people repent and are baptized.

*Ammon's missionary efforts caused a ripple effect: Ammon, King Lamoni, the queen, Lamoni's servants, Abish, and many other Lamanites.

*What can we learn about the queen in Alma 19:7-11?

DC 88:99-110

95-102, Angelic trumps call forth the dead in their order; 103-16, Angelic trumps proclaim the restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the great God;
What things will be revealed?
* All things will be revealed!
General Conference

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course; to put at defense the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every bond, to stand in the presence of God, to do all things according to His will, according to His command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from the foundation of the world." (Joseph Smith)

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today?

I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety."

James left for the Howard's around 6 a.m. to work. While he was gone I did my gospel study and then started to get ready to go to the valley. I am spending the week at our timeshare in Scottsdale.

Today I am picking up Darrel and Trina's girls to stay with me.

Before I left I made a green chili stew for James.  It is one of his favorite meals and I was going to fix it for him for Father's Day but James told me he would rather I didn't fix it on Sunday.  It was a good idea because he isn't coming down to the valley until Wednesday and now he will have something to eat in my absence.

I was able to say goodbye to James before I left at 1:45.  I stopped in Show Low at the McDonald's for an ice cream cone. I ended up getting a Happy Meal to go along with my cone because they were giving away Beanie Babies with their Happy Meals, or so I thought. Instead of a Beanie Baby I got a Smurf cup that I ended up throwing away.  What a waste and the food wasn't even that good.

I felt like I was falling asleep between Salt River Canyon and Globe so I stopped a few minutes to rest.  I also stopped in Globe to get gas and then at Walmart to get some earrings because I realize I forgot to wear any and if I don't put some in the holes in my ears will grow back together again. I get some earrings and put them in. I also got some cheese sticks and some cherries to eat on the way.  I do better about staying awake when I eat. This is why I should never drive on long trips.

I arrive at Darrel and Trina's around six. Rowan opens the door and gives me a big hug.  Trina is at work and Lola is asleep. Addy and Ruby are ready to go.

These headphones are her favorite birthday gift!

That's what I call a loaded backpack.

I wonder what's in there?

Addy's bag looks a little less full.

Our first stop was the Chandler mall where we had some

dinner and then took Ruby shopping. She must have spent an hour

in this store and came out with one fake pair of glasses!

Addy did a little decorating once we arrived at the timeshare.

Our timeshare is Sheraton Desert Oasis on

1770 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale. We were assigned

units 1023 and 1024 this stay. I was happy to get downstairs units!

Someone's sleeping in my bed!

Yikes! An alien in the bathroom!

Bambi's going to do a little reading.

Cream staring at his reflection.

I think Flower wants a drink.

Right by the front door to welcome us as we come in.

Now I know what Ruby had in her backpack!

Addy watched "Beauty and the Beast" while I went in to put Ruby to be.  Michael had slept in the bed she was sleeping in the night before and she wanted to know if there were any bedbugs.  I assured her there weren't but we had to check anyway.  We sang, "I Am a Child of God", "Nephi's Courage," and "You Are My Sunshine." You Are My Sunshine is Ruby's signature song.

Sunday, June 18th, 2017

Happy Father's Day!

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

expected completion date:

mid-2019

3 Nephi 12

Jesus calls and commissions the twelve disciples; He delivers to the Nephites a discourse similar to the Sermon on the Mount; He speaks the Beatitudes; His teachings transcend and take precedence over the law of Moses; Men are commanded to be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect; Compare Matthew 5.

Alma 18:12-43

As Ammon teaches the plan of redemption, Lamoni recognizes his need for the Savior.

*What are some things Ammon was able to do beyond his natural ability?

*Why do you think it is important to teach about the Creation and the Fall when we teach about the Atonement of Jesus Christ?

*As we understand our need for the Savior, we will desire to repent.

DC 88:87-98

86-94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord; 

How are men's hearts failing them today?

* Because of fear, poor health, and sin.

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

" To be effective Church leaders, we must learn this critical lesson: leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God. As Saints of the Most High God, we are to 'remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.'"

Happy 8th Birthday to Ruby!

Waffles with whipped cream,

two of her favorite things!

Ruby and cousin Kreed

2015, six years old

2012, 3 years old

Before church today James and I celebrated Father's Day.

Sorry to interrupt your studies Honey,

but it's Father's Day!

Two new ties, a white shirt, the shirt he is

wearing, a Harry's razor and aftershave,

and an . . .

My hero!

So handsome, and it makes you look taller!

Put on your thinking hat.

Kacey posted this.

An amazing example of forgiveness and

fatherhood in the scriptures,

The Return of the Prodigal Son.

Ty A. was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. He spoke about the importance of keeping a journal. Amen!

Jackson A. was the next speaker, he is 18 and spoke on leadership. and example. He started off by saying that his parents are the best examples of leadership in his life. "My dad has always taken me to work. He has taught me to work hard. When I run my dad follows me in his truck." "As we follow the example of the Savior our light will shine for others. my family are great examples for me to follow." Jackson also looks to the young men in the ward for ideas of how to be better. "People are always watching you, so be a good example." "I am grateful for the example of my Savior and Church leaders like the Prophet Joseph Smith." We need to learn from others mistakes. All the young men in our ward have the goal to serve a mission.  My brother is a return missionary and has now been married in the temple. He is a great example to me.

David Clark Halls from the high council was the concluding speaker.  He spoke on the Holy Ghost and started out by saying that President Shumway ministers to others through the Holy Ghost.  He gave the example in Elder Rasband's talk about being a first responder of the Holy Ghost. "Learn to hear and understand the language of the Spirit. Sometimes it is just a thought.  Doubters will say that it is not reasonable that the Spirit would speak to us."  "Sometimes we 'coast' and lose the Spirit. It is those times that we need to get back on track. Matt 1:22 - "The very elect will be deceived." Keep close to the Spirit to keep from being deceived.

The Holy Ghost also comforts and guides us. Some of the fruits of the Spirit are joy, love, and peace. Mosiah 3:19 talks about the natural man being an enemy to God. If we are a "natural man or woman" the things of the Spirit don't make sense to us. The Holy Ghost can smooth off our rough edges. 3 Nephi 17 Christ blesses the sick and the children. We can always have the Spirit of Christ with us through the Holy Ghost. To now God we must learn to language of the Spirit. (I loved this talk!)

The Relief Society had a nice luncheon prepared for all the men in the ward. Colter was late for class because he went and got a cookie. Thank goodness I had cookies for the rest of my class.  My class today consisted of: Colter, Curtis, Gracie, Jace, Liana, and Jack a visitor. After Primary Curtis and I delivered scriptures, a fidget spinner and cookies to Braxton who wasn't home. We gave them to his dad.

We learned during singing time that Brother Hunsaker can wiggle his ears.  Brother Miller taught James's class today. Brother Cooper taught the high priests and went off on a tangent about the book Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.  I told James that was against Church policy and someone should speak to him about it.

For lunch we had grilled tuna and cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. I took a nap while James and his partner Brother Westbrook visited the Peeler's. James is getting his voice back thanks to his steroid prescription.

All of James's kids texted or called him today which made his day.  I made him some chocolate covered strawberries and we had them for dinner.  It was a wonderful Sabbath Day!

It was 96 degrees here in Vernon!

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Rexburg, Idaho

125th operating temple

Dedicated: 10 Feb 2008 by

Thomas S. Monson

John 17:4

Atonement

3 Nephi 11:18-41

The Savior sets forth the mode and manner of baptism; The spirit of contention is of the devil; Christ's doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

Alma 18:1-11

King Lamoni is impressed by Ammon's faithfulness.

*What ideas did the king and his servants have about Ammon's identity?

*According to Alma 18:2,4, what did Lamoni think Ammon's purpose was in coming?

*According to Alma 18:10, what impressed Lamoni besides the power Ammon demonstrated in defending the flocks?

*As we serve others faithfully,...

DC 88:78-86

74-80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom; 81-85, Every man who has been warned should warn his neighbor; 

What great things are promised in verses 78 and 80?

*78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;

*80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
Some thoughts on today's scriptures from the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual: As we teach one another diligently, the Lord will help us understand His truths more perfectly. By teaching one another, we can prepare to share the gospel with others.
Because we have been warned through the message of the gospel, the Lord expects us to warn our neighbors.

General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"The perfect model of the close relationship that exists between the two priesthoods is found in the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist. Can one possibly imagine John the Baptist without Jesus? What would the Savior's mission have been like without the preparatory work performed by John?"

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland took to Facebook to post one of the most beautiful messages of hope that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could wish for.

"What a terrific time to be alive!

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most certain, the most secure, the most reliable, and the most rewarding truth on earth and in heaven, in time and in eternity. Nothing - not anything, not anyone, not any influence - will keep this Church from fulfilling its mission and realizing its destiny declared from before the foundation of the world. Ours is that fail-safe, inexorable, indestructible dispensation of the fulness of the gospel. There is no need to be afraid or tentative about the future.

"Unlike every other era before us, this dispensation will not experience an institutional apostasy; it will not see a loss of priesthood keys; it will not suffer a cessation of revelation from the voice of Almighty God. Individuals will apostatize or turn a deaf ear to heaven, but never again will the dispensation collectively do so. What a secure thought! What a day in which to live!

"If there are some bumps along the way while waiting to see every promise kept and every prophecy fulfilled, so be it. If you haven't noticed, I am bullish about the latter days. In nothing could I have more faith than I have in God the Eternal Father, in Jesus Christ His Son, in Their redeeming gospel, and in their divinely-guided Church. Believe. Rise up. Be faithful. And make the most of the remarkable day in which we live!"

I am not sure who Elder Holland is with in this
picture, but I love the fact that they are laughing.

I recorded in my testimony journal Alma's testimony as recorded in Alma 5.  It is so powerful!

For the first time in a long time Jared has all of his kids this weekend.  It says it is a little hard as he and Kacey try to blend their two families.  His kids no longer go to the LDS church. Tricia takes them to a different church so they complain about having to go for 3 hours.  I know Jared and Kacey are doing the right thing by trying to set a good example for their kids and I know the Lord is aware of their situation and will bless them.

I did a little research today on Neil Gorsuch, Trump's pick for the Supreme Court.  Here are some things I found out.

Neil Gorsuch

1. Attended Catholic schools.

2. Has supported religious groups against U.S. government.

3. Opposes euthanasia and assisted suicide, two positions that coincide with the views of a majority of Christian denominations.

4. Has not ruled in an abortion related case. He wrote this:

"All human beings are intrinsically valuable and the intentional taking of human life by private persons is always wrong.

The law doesn't just apply to protect popular religious beliefs: it does perhaps its' most important work in protecting unpopular religious beliefs, vindicating this nations long-held aspiration to serve as a refuge of religious tolerance."

5. Gorsuch reminds some, rightly or wrongly, of Scalia, who was a conservative and an originalist and who spoke often of his Catholic faith.

University of Denver law professor Justin Marcean told the Denver Post that Gorsuch would be Scalia's "intellectual equal and almost certainly his equal on conservative jurisprudential approaches to criminal justice and social justice issues that are bound to keep coming up in the country." (deseretnews.com.)

Here are a list of the U.S. Supreme Court Judges in 2017:

1. Chief John G. Roberts appointed by George W. Bush, Sept. 29, 2005. (62 years old)

2. Anthony M. Kennedy appointed by Ronald Reagan in 1987 with a 97-0 vote. (80 years old)

3. Clarence Thomas appointed by George Bush in 1991. Senate approval 52-48. (68 years old)

4. Ruth Bader Ginsburg appointed by Bill Clinton. Confirmed vote 96-3. Worked as ACLU's General Council. (84 years old)

5. Stephen G. Breyer appointed by Bill Clinton in 1994. 87-9 vote. (78 years old)

6. Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. Appointed by George W. Bush in 2005. 58-42 vote. (67 years old)

7. Sonia Sotomayor appointed by Barack Obama in 2009, 68-31 vote. (62 years old)

8. Elena Kagan appointed by Barack Obama in 2010. Confirmed by a 63-37 vote. (57 years old)

9. Neil Gorsuchl appointed by Donald Trump in 2017. In order to get Gorsuch confirmed, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell changed senate rules to end debate on Supreme Court nominees with a simple majority of 52 votes instead of the regular 60. (49 years old)

James worked at the Howard's all morning long.  The was a reminder of the Frank Bates Lambson and Annie Laurie Mangum reunion on June 30-July 1 in Ramah, New Mexico.  Sorry, we are having our own reunion here in Vernon!

I did some blogging today after my 5 hours of gospel study and then went to town with James.  He went to Home Depot to get some trees and some Zep floor polish.  I went to Walmart and spent $145 and did not buy one thing to eat. I got some father's day gifts, jumper cables, a tool box for the kitchen, a magnetic board, and other various and sundry items.

We went home and got ready to go to Makenzi's and Tyler's wedding reception.  We got home after dark and James went out and planted his trees anyway.  I put things away, folded laundry and prepared for my Primary lesson tomorrow.  

Makenzi's and Tyler's Reception

Tyler is a return missionary and an active member of

the Church. They were married yesterday in the Gilbert temple.

He is from Roswell, New Mexico and that is where they will live.

Such a cute couple!

Makenzi and her dad.

Grandma Annalee dancing with a great grandson.

Two sisters at the reception,

Nadine and Lorraine.

A gorgeous night in Vernon to have an outside reception.

Some of the crowd

Friday, June 16th, 2017

Reno, Nevada

81st operating temple

Dedicated: 23 April 2000
Thomas S. Monson

3 Nephi 11:1-17

Jesus Christ appears to the Nephites.

The father testifies of His Beloved Son; Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement; The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side; They cry Hosanna; He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism; The spirit of contention is of the devil; Christ's doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.

Alma 17:18-39

Ammon becomes a servant to King Lamoni and preserves the king's flocks.

*What do you think is significant about Ammon telling the king "I will be thy servant?"

*When have you seen service lead to opportunities to share the gospel?

*President Thomas S. Monson:

"To young men of the Aaronic Priesthood and to you young men who are elders: I repeat what prophets have long taught - that every worthy, able young man should prepare to serve a mission. Missionary service is a priesthood duty - an obligation the Lord expects of us who have been given so very much. Young men, I admonish you to prepare for service as a missionary. Keep yourselves clean and pure and worthy to represent the Lord. Maintain your health an strength. Study the scriptures and pray. Where such is available, participate in seminary and institute. Familiarize yourself with the missionary handbook, "Preach My Gospel.""

DC 88:66-77

62-73, Draw near unto the Lord, and ye will see His face; 74-80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the doctrines of the kingdom;

67 If my eye is single to God's glory, then I will be filled with light.

68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see Him; for He will unveil His face unto you, and it shall be in His own time, and in His own way, and according to His own will.

74 Purify your hearts, cleanse your hands and feet.

76 ...continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth...

Why is it important that we sanctify ourselves?

*So that we are able to see the Savior and enjoy His presence. What does sanctification mean? *Our minds become single to God. Doing God's will is our only desire.

General Conference

Kindness, Charity, and Love

President Thomas S. Monson

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked....Wherefore my beloved brethren, f ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." (Moroni 7:44-47.)

Called to the Work

Elder David A. Bednar

"The spiritual gifts of prophecy and revelation attend all mission calls and assignments."

I had lunch with Jean and her granddaughter Hunter today. We went to the White Mountain Donut Shop Cafe and then afterwards went to the donut shop.  I had the oriental salad which was good but not nearly as good as the one at Persnikkity's. 

The lesson was on priesthood power.

I tried to download a handout on Sugardoodle.net but

I am having problems with my password and it was taking them forever, three days to be exact, to send me a new one.

My friend Marci C. did this handout.

While I was at lunch, James was at Dr. Moffat's.  The doctor filled his prednisone prescription and another antibiotic but he wants to do some tests.  He thinks James might have Sjorgens disease.  James talked with Jared about it and he says one of the symptoms is dry eyes, which James has had.  It will be interesting to see if James actually has it.

When we got home we were talking and James told me about two accidents he had this week.  A piece of metal hit him close to his eye and then a saw cut through his shirt but not his garments or skin.  Sometimes I wish he wouldn't tell me about these "accidents" because it just makes me worry more.

I worked on my blog for awhile this afternoon and then took a nap before going to the Snowflake temple by myself.  James can't speak.  On the way out of Vernon I dropped two loaves of garlic bread off at the church where there is a ward party and dinner.  The theme of the party is the Book of Mormon. My friend Kaeli was in charge and I heard it was pretty amazing.  She had an iron rod leading to a light up tree of life that everyone was talking about afterwards.  I didn't want to go to the party by myself, I would rather go to the temple.  

When I stepped outside of the temple after my session I could see the smoke from the fire by Payson.  June is the worst month for fires up here.  That is why we pray for rain.

No selfie by myself.

I stopped at CVS on the way home and picked up James's prescriptions and then went through Sonic to get a corndog.  I also stopped at the Vernon post office. It's a little scary there in the dark.

It was late when I got home so we went to bed.

I wanted to mention that I read an article in the New Era today, "Why Religious Freedom Matters, What's At Risk."

There is a lot at stake, and this is just a sampling:

*You could lose your job or leadership positions for expressing religious beliefs - even outside of work.

*You might be required to hide your religion or perform tasks at work that go against your beliefs.

*You may be required to work on the Sabbath or religious holidays.

* Youth in public schools may be required to learn about sexual and gender theories that contradict basic Church teachings.

*You might not be able to create faith-based clubs on college campuses without being required to let people become club members or even officers, who oppose the club's religious beliefs.

*Churches may be forced to employ people who disagree with or refuse to live core values of their faith.

*Churches could lost their tax exempt status.

 *Housing units, such as dorms, at religious colleges could be forced to abandon moral standards that protect privacy, modesty, and morality.

 *Religious schools that maintain honor codes may lose their accreditation and be denied research funds and even federal student loans and grants.

Photos:

2015

Before Mission

After Mission

A Chilean cowboy
2017

A foot poppin' kiss

Makenzi, Tyler and
Khalie waiting for them in her purple dress.

I love this family!
Colter is in my Primary class!

Jenifer's daughter Amanda graduated
from high school this year.

I can hardly wait until it starts raining so the 
sunflowers come in to bloom.

A birdbath in Show Low isn't just
for the birds.

Lower Salt River