Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

Oakland, California

13th operating temple

Dedicated: 17-19 Nov 1964

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ, Atonement through

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.

Book of Mormon

1Nephi 13:10-37

*Has there been a time in my life when I "prepared" in one way or another because I had the Spirit with me?

*In Nephi's dream he sees that the Gentiles prosper as they heed the Spirit of the Lord. How have you seen this to be true in your own life?

Old Testament

Genesis 37-38

37 Jacob loves and favors Joseph, who is hated by his brothers - Joseph dreams that his parents and brothers make obeisance to him - His brothers sell him into Egypt.

38 Judah has three sons by a Canaanite woman - Er and Onan are slain by the Lord - Tamar, disguised as a harlot, bears twins by Judah.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Joshua 24:15

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

General Conference

Earning the Trust of the Lord and Your Family

Elder Richard J. Maynes

"The first step in our quest to earn the Lord's trust is to place our trust in Him. The prophet Nephi exemplified this type of commitment when he prayed:'O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh.'

Nephi was fully committed to doing the Lord's will. In addition to saying he would 'do the things which the Lord hath commanded,' Nephi was unwavering in his commitment to accomplishing his assignments, as illustrated in this statement: 'As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commmanded us. Because Nephi first trusted in God, God put great trust in Nephi. The Lord blessed him with great outpourings of the Spirit that blessed his life, the lives of his family, and the lives of his people. Because Nephi presided in love and righteousness and provided for and protected his family and people, he records, 'We lived after the manner of happiness.'"

I was up at 3 a.m. with a knee that hurt so badly that I couldn't sleep. I went to get my phone where I charge it in the bathroom and it was still at 10% because my charger no longer works. I borrowed James's charger because his phone was charged and 'set up camp' on the recliner. James got me out the heating pad last night but I didn't think I would need it. I changed my mind this morning. 

Oh, by the way, I quit my low-carb diet. For breakfast this morning I had peanut butter toast and a shake so I could take 3 tramadol and 2 aspirin. I tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't, so I finished watching the Hallmark movie, "Reading, Writing, Romance." I am pretty miserable. I spent most of the morning on the recliner. 

At one o'clock this afternoon Bishop Miller and James visited Sister Dye. When bishop saw the conditions under which she lives, his heart softened. He told James to bring her some wood, which he did later in the day.

We made a trip to town. When I got to Walmart I could actually bend my knee and walk normally. It's probably because of the six Methotrexate tablets I took yesterday. This is the first time I have been able to walk normally since last Thursday.

On the way home we stopped at Taco Bell. I was anxious to try their crunchwrap but it was meh...not enough filling. I threw most of it away and just ate my taco. James also got me some hot and sour soup at the Chinese buffet. Yum!

James got a new fan for downstairs to replace the one he took up and installed in the family room which replaced the one with burnt out light fixtures.

I got home and put the stuff away that I bought at Walmart and tried out my new phone charger. It is nice to have one that actually works!

I took a nap while James returned photo albums we had out, he also made a meal for me, and earlier today he made the bed. 

James has had some interesting experiences lately. Many times he can't find something he needs. The other day he couldn't find his keys to his truck. He looked several places and didn't find them so he knelt down to pray. As he was praying he saw in his mind his keys sitting on the bookshelf in the bedroom. Sure enough, that's where they were. 

Another time he couldn't find a tool he needed. After looking he said a prayer and saw the tool up on the hill where he keeps his equipment. It was sitting on a piece of heavy equipment. 

I sent the last of the photos, or at least I thought, to Stacy. 

No more steps for me until after my next infusion on February 2nd.

Anna got her birthday card and thanked me.

James and I watched the press conference where the new First Presidency was announced. It was great.

One of my favorite things President Nelson said:

"When I get up in the morning I can't wait to see what adventures the day hold." President Nelson still skis with his grandchildren at 93 years old!

President Oaks said: "I've seen President Nelson take the stairs instead of the elevator and I've had a difficult time keeping up with him."

President Eyring: "The best is yet to come."

I sustain President Russell M. Nelson

I have met his wife Wendy, and I love her!

First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve(or the ten

right now).

He relates to people of all ages and nationalities.

James and Joshua watching the hummingbirds.

Stacy and James

Senior picture

Wounded by Terry

Monday, January 15th, 2018

London, England

12th operating temple

Dedicated: 7-9 Sept 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

Moses 5:7
And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
Book of Mormon
1 Nephi 12:11-13:9
*Why is it important to know that Satan organizes his forces to lead us away from God and His laws?
*How can we be made white by the blood of the Lamb?
Old Testament
Genesis 35-36
35 God sends Jacob to Bethel, where he builds an altar and the Lord appears to him - God renews the promise that Jacob will be a great nation and that his name will be Israel - Jacob sets up an altar and pours a drink offering - Rachel bears Benjamin, dies in childbirth, and is buried near Bethlehem - Reuben sins with Bilhah - Isaac dies and is buried by Jacob and Esau.
36 The descendants of Esau, who is Edom, are listed.
Old Testament Scripture Mastery
Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
General Conference

The Priesthood and the Savior's Atoning Power

Elder Dale G. Renlund

"Severe consequences result from breaking priesthood covenants and altogether turning from them. Being casual or apathetic in a priesthood calling is like introducing material fatigue into a rocket component. It jeopardizes the priesthood covenant because it can lead to mission failure. Disobedience to God's commandments breaks the covenant. For a perpetual, unrepentant covenant-breaker, the promised blessings are withdrawn."

The Truth of All Things

Elder David F. Evans

"Patiently keeping our covenants while we do what is necessary' to receive answers from the Lord is part of Gods pattern for learning truth. Especially when things are hard, we may be required to 'submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.'

Patient covenant keeping increases our humility, deepens our desire to know truth, and allows the Holy Ghost to 'guide us in wisdom's paths that we may be blessed, prospered, and preserved."

I had difficulty bending my right knee this morning so I took six methotrexates, the prescribed dosage. I spent the day looking for and texting photos to Stacy for the power point presentation she is preparing for James's party. 

I loved Kacey's post about Jared today on Facebook:

"I have to brag on my husband because well, he's the best. Thanks to my sweet little firsties, I was on the couch most of the weekend with strep. But this amazing husband of mine attended to my every need and want. All I had to do was mention that chicken tortilla soup sounded good and he was on it. Homemade deliciousness. He wouldn't let me do anything for myself and made sure I did nothing but rest, which is something I am not good at doing. I'm still in awe every day at how loving and amazing he truly is. I love him more every single day. I am most blessed."

The sale of Jared's practice in El Paso finally went through and he is back living in San Antonio. 

Kathy C., our neighbor, had back surgery in the valley this morning. Chuck, her husband, said it went well. She is home from the hospital and was able to walk into her daughter's home where she is staying for a week or so. She can do very little sitting.

For F.H.E. James and I listened to Elder Renlund's conference talk. We also read from our book, "Life Everlasting," and "Journey's End." Afterwards we watched Heartland.

I had a talk today about Pam with Kaeli, the Relief Society president. Pam has not answered any of my texts to her in the last couple of weeks.

Today is Martin Luther King Day

The Show Low wrestling team wins another

tournament.

Jackson is #1 again.

This was taken from our 50th high school

reunion memory book.

Wedding reception upstairs at

the Maxwell House.

The pictures are poor quality because they

were taken with a polaroid.

Nice cake.

 James has his eyes closed but this is the only 

picture that has my mom in it.

You can barely see my dad in this one.

On our way to our room.

James feeding Alex at the Pinedale cabin

with Joe sitting next to Alex.

Alex and James.

Best buddies.

Eeyore, Michael, and James

It looks like we are at Peter Piper Pizza

I love this picture.

Sunday, January 14th, 2018

Hamilton, New Zealand

11th operating temple

Dedicated: 20-22 Apr 1958

By: David O. McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 138:2

And reflecting upon the great atoning sacrifice that was made by the Son of God, for the redemption of the world;

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:31-12:10

*What are the mists of darkness you encounter in your life?

*How can you overcome them?

Old Testament

Genesis 31-34

31 The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly - Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace - Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

32 Jacob sees angels - He asks God to preserve him from Esau, for whom he prepares presents - He wrestles all night with a messenger of God - Jacob's name is changed to Israel - He sees God face to face.

33 Jacob and Esau meet and are reconciled - Esau receives Jacob's presents - Jacob settles in Canaan, where he builds an altar.

34  Shechem defiles Dinah - The Hivites seek to arrange marriages with Jacob's family - Many, having been circumcised, are slain bu Simeon and Levi - Jacob reproves his son.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

Deuteronomy 7:3-4

3 Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

4 For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.

General Conference

The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like Without It

President Russell M. Nelson

"The Book of Mormon both illuminates the teachings of the Master and exposes the tactics of the adversary. The Book of Mormon teaches true doctrine to dispel false religious traditions - such as the erroneous practice of performing infant baptisms. The Book of Mormon gives purpose to life by urging us to ponder the potential of eternal life and 'never-ending happiness.' The Book of Mormon shatters the false beliefs that happiness can be found in wickedness and that individual goodness is all the is required to return to the presence of God. It abolishes forever the false concepts that revelation ended with the Bible and that the heavens are sealed today."

I did this morning what I do early every Sunday morning, finish preparing for my Primary lesson. James helped me make smiley and frowny faces for an activity. 

It was 8:43 when we left. We haven't left this late since I started teaching Primary!

Tyler H. returned from his mission yesterday. His sister Holly was the youth speaker in sacrament meeting today. I suppose we will hear from Tyler next week.

Tina Allen, the Young Women's President was the next speaker. She spoke about the Mutual them as found in DC 19:23:

Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me.

They have shortened the theme to "Peace in Christ." 

John Wilhelm, the Young Men's President was the next speaker. 

I had three girls, Andyn, Gracie, and Liana in my Primary class today and no boys. As much as I love my boys, the class was much more quiet and peaceful with just the girls. We had a good discussion about agency.

After sharing time, Becky Skousen, the Primary President, told me I was the best Primary teacher ever. She made me feel good.

I am still trying to eat low-carb. James fixes lunch. He made cheeseburgers with cheese, onion, green chili and tomatoes with no bun. They were great. My knee is still hurting so I let him do the cooking.

James went home teaching most of the afternoon. I rested.

For dinner I made some bacon and cooked some spinach in the grease. I added some vinegar and it was delicious. 

While James scanned photos and sent them to Stacy, I watched the new Hallmark move, "Frozen in Love."  

This past week my right knee hurt worse than I can ever remember it hurting before. I think it's a combination of me not having my infusion and trying to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  No more walking for awhile.

Welcome Home!

The resurrected Christ

Sheri and Ian's new couch.

Soccer game throwback photo

The DeWitt's in front of the Taipei, Taiwan

temple where they are serving a mission.

Photo memories

Four Brothers

Four Brothers again

Saturday, January 13th, 2018

Los Angeles, California

10th operating temple

Dedicated: 11-14 Mar 1956

By: David O'McKay

Jesus Christ Atonement through

DC 76:69

These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.

Book of Mormon

1 Nephi 11:12-30

*Who do I know that needs to read the Book of Mormon?

*Why didn't the angel just tell Nephi the meaning of the vision?

Old Testament

Genesis 29-31

29 Jacob meets Rachel at the well - He serves Laban seven years for her - Laban gives to Jacob first Leah then Rachel in marriage - Jacob serves another seven years - Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.

30 Jacob marries Bilhah, and she bears Dan and Naphtali - He marries Zilpah, and she bears Gad and Asher - Leah bears Issachar and Zebulun and a daughter, Dinah - Then Rachel conceives and bears Joseph - Jacob works for Laban for wages of cattle and sheep.

31 The Lord commands Jacob to return to Canaan, and Jacob departs secretly - Laban pursues him; they resolve their differences and make a covenant of peace - Laban blesses his descendants, and he and Jacob part company.

Old Testament Scripture Mastery

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.

General Conference

The Heart of the Widow

Elder O. Vincent Haleck

" Knowing each family and their circumstances, I felt a deep and abiding sense of awe, respect, and humility. These were, in every way, modern-day widow's mites given freely from their "want," with a joy in the promised blessing of the construction of a holy temple of the Lord in Samoa. These families had consecrated all that they could to the Lord, with the faith that they would not be left wanting."

Our first time back working at the temple since November. Brother Coltrin is back too. He has been out for awhile with a broken hip. He says his time wasn't wasted because he gave away 8 Books of Mormon to various caregivers. 

President Reidhead and his wife trained from the handbook during preparation meeting. I am glad to see Shaylyn Smith is working on our shift. She leaves for her mission to Indiana on February 7th. 

My first assignment of the day is to be 2nd follower in the 8 a.m. session. I stand at the door and count the sisters as they come in and check the cards to make sure all previous ordinances have been done and that they have a check mark by the endowment slot.

My friend Debbie from Chandler was supposed to be the 1st follower but she isn't here today so Leslie Johnson, whose husband is a sealer and a former counselor in the temple presidency, was my partner. 

I did fine at the veil, Leslie Wenhardt told me so. 

During break I get to visit with Sister Brimhall who is one of my favorite people that we work with. Her husband used to work for James and his dad did alot of construction work for my grandpa Arlee. The Brimhall's are leaving to serve a spanish speaking mission in Kansas. This is there last time serving in the temple. I am really going to miss Sister Brimhall.

Also during break Sister Larsen told about growing up in Europe after the war. She said it cost $5 to buy one egg. 

My next assignment was to be first greeter in the entry foyer. There are many people here for the Penengill and Singleton wedding. The Singleton is Sister Singleton's daughter. Sister Singleton says her daughter is over six feet tall. I did not get to see her.

Next I went to the celestial room. No one was there except one other worker and I fell asleep. 

I spent the rest of the time in initiatory with Sister Bower, Sister McCleary, and Sister Shelton. Sister Shelton was doing names. Clea Adams was also doing names. Clea is the mom of my friend from high school, Beverly.  I don't think she recognized me.

I had another break upstairs and visited with Sister Wenhardt and she told me about her trip recently to New York City.

On the way home James stopped at Sonic and I ordered a green chili cheeseburger and a drink. I ate the cheeseburger without the bun and it was delicious.  

At home I took a nap and then worked on my Primary lesson about the Savior and agency.  

James fixed us pork chops and cauliflower for dinner. He also scans some more pictures so he can send them to Stacy.

Christmas 1976

Pinewood Derby

Celestial Family

Family Pumpkin Carving

1990-91

Not sure what award Jared got.

I had to put this in.

Ian, Sheri, James, Darrel

Adam, Dallin, Joe, Grandma, Michael, Ben,

Alex, Jared Ammon, Grandpa

Grandpa and Joe

James at Harold and Vickie's

Oran, James, James Hayden and Jared.

Four generations

Grandpa James and Baby James

Grandpa and James in Pinedale