Thursday, September 21st, 2017

Colonia Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated 6 March 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

John 19:30

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Numbers 12:8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Helaman 7:1-12

*How can we follow Nephi's example in these verses?

-Remember the righteousness of those who have gone before us.

-Joy in the righteousness of others.

-Sorrow because of wickedness.

-Be prayerful and seek guidance from Heavenly Father.

DC 137:1-10

*How can these verses bring us comfort when someone passes on?

-The Lord has provided the means for all who would have received the gospel with all their hearts if they had been permitted to tarry to enjoy a fulness of his blessings in the eternal world. (vs. 7) The true desire of an individuals heart is the key to his future. The means of salvation is provided for all of God's children. All children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. (vs. 10)

General Conference

Don't Look Around, Look Up!

Elder Yoon Hwan Choi

"It is never too late to look up to Jesus Christ. His arms are always open to you. There are generations before us and after us depending on us to follow Christ so that we can be an eternal family of God."

In the back of the Ensign this month there is an article about the Book of Mormon by President Benson. I believe it is because of him that our family began reading the Book of Mormon everyday. Thank you President!

We left to go to the temple today around 9. We are starting on the 17 couple sealing cards that Jared gave us to do. It is windy again today. We ended up sealing 8 couples. Brother Baldwin was our sealer. I also saw Rick Lauritzen. Hopefully there will be time on Saturday for us to do the rest of the sealings. Jared and Kacey finished the sealings they had to do. There were 60 cards left and they did them all. Including the 34 we did with them when we went on September 9th, that is a lot of sealing!  Thanks Jared and Kacey!

We didn't want to stop anywhere for lunch because we knew we had chicken enchiladas waiting for us at home. Yummy!  

This afternoon after my nap and blogging for the day I went upstairs to start unloading boxes. I did one today. I know it isn't much but if I do one a week at least I will be making progress.

I am anxious to do some scrapbooks for my personal history. I really need to get organized. I also need to find the exterior hard drive that has my mom's and dad's early history on it.

James brought a tall ladder up and put new lightbulbs in my office fan, which is very high.  

This evening I worked on the Primary booklets I am giving my kids at the end of the year and then we watched an episode of Heartland, "Holding Fast."

Talon went bow hunting and got his elk.

I know this is creeping Kim out, as it did me,

but I love his color.

All of Puerto Rico is without power.

People are leaving in droves. 

Where will they go?

It's going to be closed for two years for renovations.

The Estes women:

Sydney, Carmen, Sarah

This one was done by Hayden Lambson

Happy Birthday Denise!

Hope it's a good one spent with Evie.

One of my favorite pictures of Evan

2012

Six years old.

Love this!

Arizona

Instead of a castle

Lambsonart

by Dallen

It was windy at the Snowflake temple today

Vernon pre-sunrise

Desert sunset

Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Jesus Christ, Appearances, Antemortal

Exodus 33:20

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

Helaman 6:32-41

*What did the Lamanites gain by following the commandments of God?

-lisabear17:"The Lord poured out His Spirit upon them (36). Lamanites to Gadianton robbers: 'We are going to hunt you down and preach to you!'  Gadianton robbers who weren't converted: 'No! Anything but that! We're going to live with the wicked Nephites!'"

*What do these verses teach about what we can do to have the Spirit with us?

-As we believe in and obey the Lord's words, He will pour out His Spirit upon us.

DC 136:16-42

*What did I learn from these verses today?

vs. 18-27 Zion will be redeemed.

vs. 22 "The pioneer exodus has no parallel in the history of the world." President Anthony W. Ivins (DCSM 351-52

vs. 33 For my Spirit is sent forth into the world to enlighten the humble and contrite, and to the condemnation of the ungodly.

vs. 39 Many have marveled because of his death; but it was needful that he should seal his testimony with his blood(Joseph and Hyrum Smith), that he might be honored and the wicked might be condemned.

vs. 34-36 Has the U.S. Been vexed because of its' persecution of the Latter-day Saints?

*War with Mexico - Regiment from western Illinois was wiped out of existence.

*War of 1861-65, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars 1 and 2, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Depressions, natural disasters, and other calamities have plagued the nations. The prophetic promise is that if the people of this nation do not serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, they will be swept off. (See Ether 2:10)

General Conference

The Power of the Book of Mormon

President Thomas S. Monson

"If you do not have a firm testimony of these things, do that which is necessary to obtain one. It is essential for you to have your own testimony in these difficult times, for the testimony of others will carry you only so far. Once obtained a testimony needs to be kept vital and alive through continued obedience to the commandments of God and through daily prayer and scripture study. Prayerfully ponder and study the Book of Mormon each day. As you do so you will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heavens help in your life."

A Sin-Resistant Generation

Sister Joy D. Jones

"Helping children understand, make, and keep sacred covenants is another key in creating a sin-resistant generation."

  

Happy Birthday Kacey!

We are so happy to have you as

part of our family!

We finished our book "Borrowed Light." It had a great ending!

We started our new book by our friend Sister Black. It is called "Mind Games" and is a murder mystery.

Afterwards James went outside to finish cleaning up the pieces of the greenhouse. 

James called the Peeler's and the Scott's today to check on both Sister Peeler and Sister Scott. 

After lunch he leaves to go to Concho to pick up the horse corral panels we bought. He is sad I am not going with him but I promised I would make him chicken enchiladas while he was gone, which I did. I tried a new recipe I got off Facebook. Instead of using Cream of Chicken soup it uses heavy cream. I bought a roasted chicken yesterday and shredded it for the meat. I can honestly say these were the best chicken enchiladas I have ever tasted!  James agreed.

I was happy to learn that Sheri and Kim went to the temple today. I wish I would have asked them to send me a picture.

James talked to Armando today. He is getting ready to go to Florida to do cleanup after the hurricane. He is going to be making $50-60,000 a month. Wow!

Before going to be we watched Heartland, "Corporate Cowgirls."

This in from LDS Newsroom: Church assesses damage in Mexico earthquakes. For the second time in two weeks, a serious earthquake has struck Mexico. Rescuers combed through rubble Tuesday after a powerful earthquake killed scores and collapsed building in Mexico City. 200 are dead.

Missionaries in Mexico City kneel in prayer

when they hear about the earthquake.

I couldn't resist. This is better than the Vernon field.

I guess I am advertising for Dallen Lambson

by posting his artwork on my blog.

Patrick and Heather finalized their adoption

of baby Bailey today.

Afterwards they went out to celebrate

with family.

Favorite couple on DWTS,

Lindsay and Mark.

Oh yes.

Mummy Cave Ruin which has nearly 70

rooms, is the largest Ancestral Puebloan structure at 

Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Closeup of a friendly looking dolphin.

This castle looks like it could be a motel.

I just had to post more pictures of Braylin and Arnold.

This boy is a sweetheart. I'm not sure about the pig.

James fixing one of his wildlife cameras.

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017

Monticello, Utah

53rd operating temple

Dedicated: 26 July 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement

Third Article of Faith

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

Jesus Christ, Antemortal Appearances of

Exodus 33:11

And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

Helaman 6:15-31

*What did the Nephites do that enabled Satan to take hold of their hearts? (See Helaman 6:17)

-They began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up on above another;

*What happens to our hearts if we set them upon the riches of the world?

-If our hearts are set upon the riches of the world then they probably aren't set upon the riches of heaven. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Setting our hearts upon the riches of the world also opens the door to Satan's influence. If we treasure eternal things our hearts will be open to Christ.

DC 136:1-15

*What is meant by "the saints must walk by covenant?"

-President Russell M. Nelson: "When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God, and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened."

General Conference

The Greatest Among You

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

"Let us follow the example of our Savior, who was meek and lowly, who sought not the praise of men but to do the will of His Father."

"Walk With Me"

President Henry B. Eyring

"Walking with the Savior in priesthood service will change the way you look at others. He will teach you to see them through His eyes, which means seeing past an outward appearance and into the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). This is how the Savior was able to see Simon not as an impulsive fisherman but as Peter, the rock-solid future leader of His Church (Luke 5:1-11). This is how he was able to see Zacchaeus not as the corrupt tax collector others saw but as an honest, upright son of Abraham (Luke 19:1-9). If you walk with the Savior long enough, you will learn to see everyone as a child of God with limitless potential, regardless of what his or her past may have been. And if you continue walking with the Savior, you will develop another gift He has - the ability to help people see that potential in themselves and so repent."

It was windy today. I looked outside to check on the greenhouse and this is what I saw:

$500's blown away

If we rebuild it won't be with this junky material.  James starts to dismantle it after lunch while I go in to town to run errands and do my grocery shopping. Oh yes, we had chili dogs for lunch, using the chili from our years supply. I now won't by anything except Hebrew National hotdogs. I agree with Max, they are the best.

My first stop in town was Safeway to get my Dr. Pepper 10. I got 3 12 packs for $12, which is a good deal. I also got an Amazon card  either to keep or to use as a birthday gift. Walmart doesn't carry them. Next stop is Chase bank to get some cash out of the ATM to pay for our horse corral panels. Then it is on to the Book Barn where I got Liana, a little girl in my Primary class, a Jesus journal with her name imprinted on it. I also bought "Mind Games" by Sister Black, our friend who used to live in Chandler. At the Dollar Tree I picked up some white hand towels to use for my Primary lesson. I also got some fun things to put in Liana's birthday bag. I finally made it to Walmart where I spent too much money but got everything I need for the week. Well, I least I think I did. I saw Sister Hunter who is in our ward. She works at the temple on Wednesdays. She was buying cookies to take for potluck.  My last stop was to get gas and then it was back home to haul groceries in and put them away. 

By this time I am exhausted and don't feel like finishing my blog or doing anything else for that matter. I sat down and watched last nights Season 25 Premier of Dancing with the Stars. James and I both like Mark and Lindsay Stirling. We also watched an episode of Heartland, "Dancing in the Dark." This show is a hoot. James loves it. I like it too, especially the scenery and the horses.

Photos:

Trina's emoticon for figuring out Common Core.

Miss Phoebe

Vernon skies

The Wilhelm's lost four puppies that look

like these.

Havasupai

IHOP

September 19, 2015

Adam working for G-pa moving stuff

out of the basement.

James looking puzzled as he meets with our

realtor Jen in 2015.

The E and J Zoo

Monday, September 18th, 2017

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998 by Gordon B. Hinckley

Atonement 

Moses 6:54

Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation of the world.

Jesus Christ Antemortal Appearances

Exodus 24:10

And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.

Helaman 6:1-14

The Lamanites become righteous and fight against the Gadianton robbers, while the Nephites increase in wickedness and support the Gadianton robbers.

*How do you remain firm and steady in your faith?

*How did the people of the Church respond to the conversion of the Lamanites?

-By doing the things everyday that I need to do to keep my testimony strong: prayer, scripture study and reading conference talks, preparing for my callings, and giving service.

-Sharing the gospel and fellowshipping with the Saints can bring great joy, even when we are surrounded by wickedness.

DC 135:1-7

*What testimony do I have of Joseph Smith?

-The Spirit has born witness to me that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Only Jesus has done more for the salvation of men than the Prophet Joseph Smith. He taught correct concepts about the nature of the Father and Son. He translated and published the Book of Mormon by the power of God. He was the means by which the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods were restored. He organized the Church of Jesus Christ again on the earth under the direction of the Savior. He revealed the true meaning of Zion...He received over 100 revelations and published them in the Doctrine and Covenants. He worked on the translation of the Bible,...the list goes on and one (See DCSM p. 349-50).

General Conference

Prepare the Way

Bishop Gerald Causse

"Too often we try to entertain our young men and relegate them to a spectator role, when their faith and love for the gospel can be best developed by magnifying their priesthood. By actively participating in the work of salvation, they will be connected with heaven and they will gain awareness of their divine potential."

What is that star I see outside in the sky every morning when I open the blinds and it's still dark outside? James says he thinks it is Venus. 

As I was studying this morning I heard a shot outside. I went in to tell James and he said it was him that he shot at a coyote. He thought he got it but when he went out to check he couldn't find it.

He went over to the Elkin's place to check on the progress of their pond. He promised he would do that.

I had a spiritual experience today as I read Bishop Causse's conference address. I struggled yesterday with one of the boys in my Primary class. This morning when I said my prayers I ask Heavenly Father to please let me know what I could do for this boy. As I was reading I came across this statement: "surround him with good people and give hi important things to do." 

I felt like this was an answer to my prayer!

Also as I was reading DC 135 about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith I came across this statement in the Doctrine Covenants Student Manual by Joseph Fielding Smith, grandson of Hyrum Smith:

" The sealing of the testimony through the shedding of blood would not have been complete in the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith alone; it required the death of Hyrum Smith who jointly held the keys of this dispensation. It was needful that these martyrs seal their testimony with the blood, that they 'might be honored and the wicked might be condemned.'" (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:218-19; see also DC 136:39; Hebrews 9:16-17).

My blogging of September 9th and 10th in San Antonio took a long time today. 

At about 4 p.m. James decided to go to Concho to look at some horse corral panels a lady posted for sale on Facebook and he wants me to go with him. It is about 35 miles away on the other side of Concho. It is a good deal, James says about half what he would pay for them in the store. We didn't bring any money but Holly says she will hold them for a week. They are $260.

We read from "Borrowed Light" going over and back.

I went on this trip with James instead of doing my meal planning for the week and some cleaning I was going to do. 

For F.H.E. we listened to President Uchtdorf's conference talk, "The Greatest Among You" and read from Preach My Gospel. Afterwards we watched a Heartland episode: "Gift Horse."

Photos:

So proud of Braylin. He doesn't let anything

keep him from succeeding.

New York, New York

Interesting.

An Australian robin.

This little girl turned four and had a princess party

with her family. Her dad was the prince.

This is what she did on Saturday and Sunday:

This is James's sister's granddaughter.

Rebecca, the grandmother is an artist. It looks like

Eden might follow in her footsteps.

This is Mellie. The organization who makes these

goat carts is called Goats of Anarchy.

One of my favorite Vernon photos.

An awesome Vernon ward family

This photo was taken a year ago at one

of Rowan's basketball games. It was actually

a video and Lola is cheering Rowan on.

"Get that ball, Rowan."

An amazing tree