Friday, March 23rd, 2018

Medford, Oregon

79th operating temple

Dedicated: 16 April 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 107:3

Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:35-48

*Jacob 5:41 says that the Lord wept for his wild trees after all of his work to help them grow. How can you relate?

Third Visit 29-60

29-32 - Zenos prophesies of Latter-day Restoration.

33-37 - The blood of Israel preserved through Apostasy.

38-46 - Universal Apostasy, all branches of Israel affected.

47-51 - Branches overcome Roots = Apostasy

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 11-12
11 Thou shalt love and obey the Lord thy God - If the children of Israel obey, they will be blessed with rain and harvests and will drive out mighty nations - Israel must learn God's laws and teach them - Blessings flow from obedience; cursings attend disobedience.
General Conference

"Lord, Wilt Thou Cause That My Eyes May Be Opened

Elder W. Craig Zwick

"I witness that through the power of Jesus Christ, we become able to look spiritually beyond what we see literally."

I read an article by Elder David A. Bednar today: "Quick to Observe" from the Dec 2006, Ensign. It was very good!

I felt the Spirit when I read the first sentence in Exodus 33:11. It says: "And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." Is the Savior my friend and will He speak to me face to face?  

I ironed two white shirts this morning and cleaned the mud and bird poop off the front porch. It isn't a pleasant job but needed to be done.

I made rolls and pork green chili today. I used the crockpot to make the chili. It came out shredded. James likes it better in chunks.

I took a nap, walked, worked on my budget and called a new sister I visit, Sister MacArthur. I found out she is Sister Umphress's sister and lives across the road from me. I made an appointment with her for next Tuesday.

Kim and Brian came in this afternoon from Albuquerque where they attended the Avett Brothers concert. They brought Doubletree Inn cookies with them. Yum!

James and I had to run to town to pick up the wax/acrylic remover I ordered, to get gas for the Razr, and propane for the grill. 

We had the pork chili for dinner and everyone decided it needed a little more kick. I bought some of this to put in it.

Spicy delicious!

I also bought a dozen eggs a piece for each of the 7 younger children that will be hunting for eggs on Saturday. Each person will receive their own color of eggs. I bought golden eggs for all the kids which will have money in them.

The basket is for Stacy. She is having surgery on her foot on Friday.

I enjoyed visiting with Kim while she did the Italy puzzle that Brian got her for Christmas. 

I worked on my blog and walked before going to bed. Tomorrow is our temple day. We wanted to go to bed at 9 but it was actually 10.

beautiful state in the nation!

The kids got a good start on my temple.

Can't we all just get along.

I love the Lamb cookies!

Talon from our ward.

Thursday, March 22nd, 2018

Fresno, California

78th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Apr 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 93:17

And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:19-34

*Share a time you chose to nourish a bad tree hoping that it would improve but it profited you nothing in the end.

Second Visit: 15-28

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 9-10

9 Other nations driven out of Canaan because of their wickedness - Moses rehearses rebellions of Israel, and tells how he mediated between them and the Lord - On two occasions he has gone without food and water for forty days.

10 Tables of stones containing Ten Commandments placed in ark - All that God requires is that Israel loves and serve him - How great and mighty is the Lord!

General Conference

Turn to the Lord

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

" Elder Richard G. Scott taught this eternal truth: 'True enduring happiness with the accompanying strength, courage, and capacity to overcome the most challenging difficulties comes from a life centered in Jesus Christ...There is no guarantee of overnight results, but there is absolute assurance that, in the Lord's time, solutions will come, peace will prevail, and emptiness will be filled."

I have a book called, "The Treasure of a Friend," by John C. Maxwell, (I wonder if we are related), and today I read the story of Abrecht Durer and his brother Hans. The story is called "Praying 

Hands":

As children, brothers Hans and Albrecht, the German-born sons of a Hungarian goldsmith, dreamt about becoming great artists. And they both began studying art at an early age. But times were difficult for their family in the late 1400s, and it soon became clear that their studies were a luxury the family could not afford. It looked like the brothers would have to return to their father's  shop

and become goldsmiths.

But that disturbed Hans. He saw that his brother had a great gift for artistry, and he didn't want that wonderful talent to be wasted. Thus, Hans gave himself to the family trade so that Albrecht could continue studying.

And study he dd. Apprenticing under painter and printer Michael Wolgemut, he blossomed into a profoundly talented artist. Many consider Albrecht Durer the greatest German artist of the Renaissance era. He went on to create world-famous prints, such as The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, The Passion of Christ, and The Last Supper.

Though not Durer's most dramatic or spectacular work, Study of Praying Hands is one of his most poignant pieces. It display the sinewy, callused hands of a laborer coming together in the contrite act of prayer. It embodies the humble dependence on God believers are to possess. Who was the model for Albrecht Durer's famous work? None other than his brother Hans, the man who made it possible for him to pursue his calling as an artist. For all time, this expression of Durer's faith also symbolizes the deep love, appreciation, and friendship of one brother for another."

I woke up at 4 and was going to go back to sleep until 5 but when I woke up it was 6 so I started an hour late.

As I was changing the vacuum cleaner bag today the handle of the vacuum fell to the floor and knocked the starter switch so James and I had to operate on it. The sad thing is we got it all fixed and the handle drop again and we had to start all over. We finally did get it fixed and I was able to finish my vacuuming. 

We had chicken, baked potato, and salad for lunch again today. Afterwards I had a short nap. After my nap I got ready to go to the temple. I have seven initiatory names that need to be done and I may not be able to get them done when I work on Saturday, so I am taking them today. It was almost 4 o'clock before I got in the initiatory line. There were several sisters a head of me, including Jane Finch, my new friend from Eager. She had been waiting almost 45 minutes when I got there. When had a nice visit. It is amazing how the gospel makes it so easy to make new friends. 

I also saw my friend and neighbor Kathy C. who works in the temple on Thursday afternoons. She was getting ready to go in to do sealings. 

These are the names I did today: Sarah M. McCroy, Mary Hannah, Sallie M. Lee, Anna Smith, and Sarah. Sarah was born in 1704.

I saw President and Sister Reidhead while I was there. 

On the way home I wanted to stop at McDonald's to get an ice cream cone but the drive-thru was closed and I didn't feel like going in. I stopped at Walmart and got the ingredient for green pork chili. I also got some mini powdered donuts to eat on the way home. I wish I didn't have such a sweet tooth.

James had a cheeseburger ready for me when I arrived home. After dinner to show my thanks I read to him from "Charity House Courtship," and then blogged. I walk until I get 400 calories burned which is over 13,000 steps. James walked over 30,000 steps today. That is a new record!

We went to bed at 10:30, almost an hour late. That's what happens when you start late.

My steps

James's steps

Kim and Brian were in Albuquerque

tonight seeing the Avett Brothers.

Baby news:

Baby Leo after open heart surgery.

 Winter is not having a 

good day.

Kyler is learning to smile.

Wednesday, March 21st, 2018

Palmyra, New York

77th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 April 2000

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 93:4

The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 5:1-18

*The branches are dependent on the nourishment from the trunk. What are some types of nourishment we can receive?

* What did you learn from these verses?

Talk: "The Lord Has Not Forgotten You"

By: Linda S. Reeves, October 2012 GC, women's session

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 7-8

7 Israel to destroy seven nations of Canaan - Marriages with them are forbidden lest apostasy result - Israel has a mission as a holy and chosen people - The Lord shows mercy unto those who love him and keep his commandments - He promises to remove sickness from Israel if they hearken.

8 The Lord tested Israel in wilderness for forty years - Eating manna taught them that man lives by word of God - Their raiment waxed not old - The Lord chastened them - If Israel shall serve other gods, they shall perish.

General Conference

Exceeding Great and Precious Promises

Elder David A. Bednar

" The gospel is so much more than a routine checklist of discrete tasks to be performed; rather, it is a magnificent tapestry of truth 'fitly framed' and woven together, designed to help us become like our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, even partakers of the divine nature. Truly, we are blinded 'by looking beyond the mark' when this overarching spiritual reality is over shadowed by the cares, concerns, and casualness of the world."

I felt the Spirit today as I read Elder Hale's testimony at the end of this month's Ensign. 

By 11:30 this morning I had 8,234 steps. By 1p.m. I had 10,000 steps. 

I watched the 5th episode of "Little Men" and refuse to watch anymore of "Upstairs/Downstairs.

James cooked the chicken thighs Darrel and Trina left after I marinated them in the sesame sauce I bought. They were so delicious. Chicken thighs are so much better than chicken breasts.

This afternoon James took me to see Jean. She was home alone and I gave her the small cake and bonsai tree I bought her, along with a birthday card. She said she always keeps my cards. I said I keep the cards I get too. And she said, "Oh, I don't keep all my cards, just the ones from people I really like."

Tom was gone to the doctor. I guess his heart problems are caused because of his lungs and his C.O.P.D. The doctor told him he should not live up here and that he needs to be on oxygen all the time. Getting old is so frustrating. I gave Jean a hug before I left and told her I loved her.

After leaving Jean's we went to the dump and I read to James from "Charity House Courtship."

It was a beautiful afternoon, no wind, with the high around 60.

I watched "Little Men" while I blogged. This evening I read from "Life Everlasting" and "A Reason for Faith."

James and I watched an episode of "Heartland," and then we 'walked the house' to get the rest of our steps. 

Stacy is having surgery on her other foot on Friday, March 30th. Also, the first one has to be re-done.

"Forgiven" by Greg Olsen

The beauty of Arizona

Tuesday, March 20th, 2018

Louisville, Kentucky

76th operating temple

Dedicated: 19 Mar 2000

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 20:24

And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father;

Book of Mormon

Jacob 4:1-18

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

*... for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not... How can this statement be of comfort to you?

Talk: "The Holy Ghost" By: Marion G. Romney, April 1974

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 5-6

5 Moses tells of covenant God made with Israel in Horeb - Ten Commandments reviewed - Sabbath observance commemorates also the deliverance from Egypt - God talks with man - Blessings flow from obedience.

General Conference

Has The Day of Miracles Ceased?

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom

" Today I testify of miracles. Being a child of God is a miracle. Receiving a body in His image and likeness is a miracle. The gift of a Savior is a miracle. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miracle. The potential for eternal life is a miracle."

Today is the first day of spring and it is a beautiful day here in Vernon, Arizona.

I woke up to a text from my friend Pam. It was wonderful and I texted her back and told her how much I appreciated her telling me her feelings.

I had a lunch appointment with my friend Jean but I got a call around 10 a.m. from her. She said her husband, Tom, is in the hospital. Jean went to the hospital with her son-in-law Jimmy. James and I got ready and went too. 

Tom started having chest pains last night so he came to the hospital. They said his heart was not damaged but he might have to have a stint. James and I took Jean to lunch in the hospital cafeteria and on the way we saw Denise. She told me again about Aunt Gene's party on the 31st. It's the same time as our potluck and egg hunt at Sheri's. We still haven't decided what to do.

After lunch James and Jimmy gave Tom a blessing and then we left. I made an appointment with Jean tomorrow at 2 to take her birthday presents to her.

I read to James on the way home and then took a nap. I finished my nap at home with James. 

While James went outside to work and walk I stayed inside to blog and walk. While I was working on my blog I called my friend Charlotte. She always seems so happy when I call and she says I am her bestest friend. I usually just let her talk. I think that is what she needs most, someone to listen to her.  I also watched an episode of "Little Men." I am loving this series!

James had a high priest group meeting this evening. I tried to stay busy while he was gone.

Listened to the song "Gethsemane" on children.lds.org

First Day of Spring:

Carmen in Pennsylvania

Phoenix, Saguaro Lake

Tucson

The look on my face when James rubs my back.

My favorite picture of the Savior

Monday, March 19th, 2018

Tuxtla, Gutierrez, Mexico

75th operating temple

Dedicated: 12 Mar 2000

By: James E. Faust

Jesus Christ Authority of

DC 19:24

I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do His will.

Book of Mormon

Jacob 3:1-14

*Why does Jacob choose to say 'awake' in this chapter instead of just repent or change? What do you visualize in Jacob 3:11?

* What is the relationship between the riches of the world and the riches of eternity?

Article: "Treasures of Eternal Value"

By: Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, April 2008

Old Testament

Deuteronomy 3-4

3 Israel destroys people of Bashan - Their lands, on east of Jordan, given to Reuben and Gad - Moses sees Canaan from Pisgah but is denied entrance thereto - He counsels and strengthens Joshua.

4 Moses exhorts Israel to keep commandments, to teach them to their children and to be exemplary before all nations - They are forbidden to make graven images or worship other gods - To witness that they had heard the voice of God - Israel shall be scattered among all nations when they worship other gods - They shall be gathered again in latter days when they seek the Lord their God - Moses extols mercy and goodness of God to Israel.

General Conference

The Lord Leads His Church

President Henry B. Eyring

" There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

That Your Joy Might Be Full

 Sister Jean B. Bingham

" As we learn more about Jesus Christ, we develop greater faith in Him and we naturally want to follow His example. Keeping His commandments becomes our greatest desire. Our hearts yearn to relieve others' suffering, as He did, and we want them to experience the peace and happiness we have found."

James is always so miserable when he gets up in the morning and today was no different. I sympathize with him but usually it just takes some time and, oh yes, some lemon juice.

The snow is all gone except for a few small patches here and there. Hopefully we will get some more. 

One of our ward members, I will call him Brother Scott, was assigned to clean the church this past week. No one else that was assigned was able to be there, including his wife who is quite ill. Brother Scott went down at 8:30 on Saturday to clean and at 4:00, after Charlie's baptism he was still there cleaning. Now that's dedication! I already loved this brother, but now I love him even more.

I am struggling with trying to give up sugar. It is much harder for me than giving up Dr. Pepper 10. I have not had any since the 4th of March.

James went upstairs to work on taxes and had a difficult time getting on our bank website. I finally had to go up and help him. It is usually him helping me so it's nice that I can help him once in awhile.

For lunch we had steak, baked potatoes, and a salad. Afterwards I had a nice nap. 

This afternoon I blogged, walked, and read to James. Somehow I missed cleaning. Around 4:30 we left for Show Low. James went to Home Depot to look for some wax remover for the wood floor. I went to Walmart to get a dessert for Sister Howard whom I am visiting tomorrow. Her birthday is on Thursday. Not only am I her visiting teacher, I consider her a good friend. 

Home Depot had no wax remover so on the way home I ordered some online from Walmart. 

James grilled me a cheeseburger for dinner. We had four hamburger patties left from when Max, Evan, and Joshua were here.

For FHE we listened to Sister Bingham's conference talk, "That Your Joy Might Be Full." I also showed James around the Family Search website.

I quit watching "Upstairs, Downstairs" on my phone. It got to be too racy. Instead I am watching "Little Men" which is a TV series based on the book "Little Men" by Louisa May Alcott. The March sisters Jo, Amy and Meg are all in it, and so is Lauri.

I think I post this every year.

Our bishop and his buddy.

What is it about seals that I like?

Maybe it's the cute face.

Trina and the kids in Sedona.

Tomlinson's and their cousins in D.C.

Looks like an elephant to me, or a 

woolly mammoth.