Sunday, April 22nd, 2018

Lubbock, Texas

109th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 April 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 9

Book of Mormon references on prayer include 1 Ne. 18:3; Alma 34:17-28; Ether 2:14.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Luke 22:6

And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 13:5-35

How might this story of Abinadi give you courage when you face difficult tasks?

- It takes courage to respond to every situation the way the Savior would. Most of us will not have to die in order to bear testimony of Christ but we will be asked to show our loyalty and courage by living the gospel in an ever increasing world. How does the story of Abinadi give me courage when faced with difficulties? I like this quote by President Russell M. Nelson: "When we know who we are and what God expects of us - when his law is written in our hearts..we are spiritually protected." More than anything I desire to do what God expects of me. 

Old Testament

Judges 21

The people lament the desolation of Benjamin - The inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead are destroyed for not engaging in the war with Benjamin - Wives are provided for the remnant of Benjamin.

General Conference

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

President Russell M. Nelson

"In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."

We begin our "Chunky Monkey" challenge today. I have already lost 10 lbs. so I am ready for this.

James helped me cut these out at the last minute today for my lesson. Each figure represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel

The lesson was about Joseph's brothers selling him into Egypt.

Lots of cutting and folding.

We made a set for each child in my class

and a couple of extras.

James left for church before I did. I have a meeting afterwards so we took separate cars. I got there just before 9. James had already set the chairs up in my room and carried my stuff in for me.

Pam and Rick are here. Pam grabbed me to remind me of our lunch date on Tuesday. I am so happy they are here. Pam brought a friend. Her name is Jennifer.

Ty A. was the youth speaker. He spoke on family history work and using FamilySearch. "Power comes from doing family history. There will be more closeness in your family. We can be strengthened when we do family history work."

Brother Grapp spoke next. His topic was strengthening our testimony of living prophets. He quoted Article of Faith #9. He also said that Christ spoke and gave specific instructions to individuals as well as His apostles. DC 1:38-39. The Prophet speaks to the world and to us as individuals. The Holy Spirit tailors his message to each one of us. The prophets are speaking to us. Are we listening? The Family Proclamation is a good example. Prophets show us the joy that comes from living the gospel. "Decisions Determine Destiny." This was something President Monson said. 

Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles.

Brother Patrick was the closing speaker. His time was cut short. He spoke about the life and mission of Joseph Smith.

Brother Grapp and Brother Patrick both started their talks with Aloha! Brother Grapp served a mission in Hawaii and Brother Patrick was stationed there in the military. He was baptized in Hawaii on December 25th, 1968.

The Vernon ward choir sang the closing number: "Where Can I Turn for Peace?"

Today is my last week to teach Primary.  These are the children that attended: Liana, Andyn, Amaron, and Colter. I don't know where Jace and Gracie were.

James came in for the attention activity and explained to the class how a pearl is made inside of an oyster. It starts with an irritant, sand, and grows into something beautiful. The analogy is that even though bad things happen to us we can turn them around for good if we have the right attitude. This is what Joseph did after he was sold into Egypt.

Once we got through the lesson we celebrated Andyn's birthday, which is today, by letting her open her birthday gifts from me. I got her some little toys from Dollar General, a jewelry box with a butterfly on top, and a beautiful heart-shaped crystal necklace. 

I also gave her a card and told her how much I loved her and how proud I was of her for her knowledge of the scriptures.

Andyn: Such a sweetheart

I walked Amaron down to sharing time and gave him a hug. He loves to sit by me and he will probably miss me the most. 

Now, on to Relief Society. I have decided I like the new arrangement of sitting in a circle because you can see everyone. Pam was sitting by Millie. I guess her friend went home. Sister Curtis gave the lesson. It was about keeping the Sabbath day holy through worship and service. She did an excellent job and had good participation. 

After the block Tamara, Laurann, Kerri and I sat around the table in the front of the Relief Society room and had our first presidency meeting. I gave the spiritual thought by quoting from Moroni 10:32. Laurann's boys played on the floor and we ate lunch and snacks while we discussed the business of Relief Society.

We  need a new teacher so Tamara is going to talk to the bishop and request Sister Skousen. We chose conference talks for the lessons this coming month. I will not have to teach until July. 

After our meeting I went home and took a short nap. Brother Westbrook is gone visiting his new granddaughter in Safford so James needs someone to go with him to visit the Woods.'

I was a little negative about going but quickly repented. The Wood's are about our age and they moved to Vernon for peace and quiet, like we did. They love to travel and went to Alaska last year. They will be going to BYU's graduation next week and taking one of their homemade quilts to a loved one, I think it's Sister Woods' daughter. She has 3 children by a previous marriage. Her first husband died. Brother Wood had two sons by a previous marriage.

We both enjoyed the visit and found we have a lot in common with them and things to admire that aren't common with us.

This evening we studied the gospel and read. I listened to President Nelson's conference address from October 1995, "Perfection Pending." 'Our adoration of Jesus is best expressed by our emulation of Jesus.'

Sister Heyman has a duck that nested in one

of her flower pots. Today some of the eggs

hatched. The ones that didn't hatch, sadly the

mamma duck left behind.

So cute! They should name one Petunia since

they were born in a petunia bed.

There she is, Petunia!

Everybody wants to see.

The following post was written by

Rebecca's daughter Christina:

I thought this was so beautiful that

I wanted to share it.

Lola looks a little stressed. Last year at the

resort she was afraid of the water. I wonder

how she will be this year.

Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Snowflake, Arizona

108th operating temple

Dedicated: 3 Mar 2002

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer", paragraph 8

there are many passages in the New Testament that teach the duty of prayer (Matt. 7:7; 26:41; Luke 18:1; 21:36; Eph. 6:18; Philip. 4:6; Col. 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:17, 25; 1 Tim. 2:1, 8). Christians are taught to pray in Christ's name (John 14:13-14; 15:7, 16; 16:23-24). We pray in Christ's name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ - when His words abide in us (John 15:7).We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ's name at all; they in no way represent His mind but spring out of the selfishness of man's heart.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Mark 14:11

And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:17-13:4

*How do you "apply your heart to understanding?"

- A great talk called "Learning with Our Hearts" by Elder Gonzalez gave great insight. Some would have you believe that all you need to know is found on the web. But good and bad information is not enough. God has given us another source. He can give us knowledge when we navigate the celestial web in our hearts and minds. We access the celestial source by reading scriptures, harkening to the living prophet, prayer, and taking time to be still. As we follow the celestial promptings (thru the gift of the Holy Ghost) we will feel and see things that cannot be learned with modern technology, but thru the mind and heart.

Old Testament

Judges 20

All Israel arises against the Benjamites, who refuse to deliver up the men of Gibeah - The Benjamites are smitten and destroyed.

General Conference

Small and Simple Things

President Dallin H. Oaks

" We need to be reminded that in total and over a significant period of time, seemingly small things bring to pass great things."

I took a photo of the snow this morning before it disappeared.

James's snow picture, a couple of hours 

after mine.

From the Ensign I read an article called, "The Myth of Invisible Motherhood." 

"Even when we think no one sees or appreciates what we do, God sees."

"As you press forward in faith, you testify to your children that Heavenly Father is a God of miracles. Those are the bricks that you lay daily in their temples."

"We never know what impact our everyday acts of kindness may have for others."

I also enjoyed listening to President Nelson's talk from April, 1995: "Children of the Covenant."

James and I had a lunch of leftovers today:

The bread is homemade by Sister Grapp

Trenda texted me this morning and said she was here if I would like to come over and see her mom's baby, Lanel Sheree. I quickly got dressed and grabbed James because I did not want to miss seeing Trenda since she was leaving at 2:30.

Trenda and her husband Emery were both at Sandra's. They live in Flagstaff where Emery is going to school to be a civil engineer and Trenda is working at a doctor's office. I asked her where she was working and she said, Flagstaff Bone and Joint. That just so happens where James has an appointment this coming Friday!

His appointment is with Dr. Flint and Trenda assured him that he was a great doctor.

I got to hold the baby the entire time we were there. We gave Sandra a box of clothes, a blanket, etc. for the baby. George was fascinated with the box and taking things in and out of it. He is going to be three in August.

Lanel Sheree is named after a legend in Vernon,

Aunt Lannie. She is our Primary President,

Aunt Lannie that is, and the assistant superintendent

of schools in Navajo county.

When we returned home it was nap time, walk time, and blog time.

James had to make a trip to town. Something about parts for the tractor he is trying to fix before his job starts on May 1st. While he was gone I heard a couple of ATV's drive up and stop and then someone knock on the door. It was his good friend Owen. Owen said he was camped up on the mountain looking for antlers and James should come up and see him when he gets home. 

When James returned home I told him about Owen's visit and sure enough he went up to see him. Owen said they have been there for over a week and have not found any antlers but they did find several dead carcasses of deer and elk. This could be because of poachers or predators.

While James was gone 4 or 5 elk came onto our property to feed.

Sorry for the quality of the photos but that's

the best I can do with my phone.

When James got home he went outside and scared the elk away.

I worked on my Primary lesson this evening, the last one I will give. It is about Joseph being sold into Egypt by his brothers.

I had a hot bath after my walking and then James wanted me to watch a movie with him so we watched the next episode of "When Calls the Heart."

Mr. Fixit at work.

I love this!

Such a cute picture. I hope I look this good at 92.

What am I saying? I want to be in heaven

when I am 92!

People who complain about

Braylin is going to have a surgery on his arms that will

hopefully allow him to feed himself.

He really is an amazing boy!

My evening meal.

David Archuleta at the Austin, Tx

Aquarium. I'm not sure what that is

he's holding.

Friday, April 20th, 2018

Columbia River, Washington

107th operating temple

Dedicated: 18 Nov 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," paragraph 7

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:16

And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 12:1-16

*Why do you think King Noah and his priests chose not to listen to Abinadi's warnings?

- Don't we hear what we want to hear? Who wants to be told they are wrong and need to repent? When we start to veer off the path our sight becomes clouded. We don't see things in their true light. It's so easy to get confused. What is the cause? Pride, wickedness, and rationalization, just to name a few. When we don't have the Holy Ghost with us, and we do all the thinking we can go off the strait and narrow path quickly. When we think evil is good, and good is evil, and have no need to listen to the Lord's anointed, we can be sure we are in trouble spiritually. No one wants to believe Satan has a hold on their heart. But when we aren't following Christ and his appointed leaders, then aren't we followers of evil?

Old Testament

Judges 18-19

18 The Danites send men to seek an inheritance - They take Michah's images and priest, burn the city of Laish, and set up idolatry. 

19 A Levite's concubine returns to her father - Her husband takes her back, and they lodge overnight in Gibeah - The men of Gibeah abuse the concubine and she dies - The Levite husband cuts her into twelve pieces and sends them to the tribes of Israel.

General Conference

His Spirit To Be With You

President Henry B. Eyring

"I pray with all my heart that you will hear the voice of the Spirit, which is sent to you so generously."

I got up late this morning and then James told me we had to go to town to get our tire checked out at Discount Tire. 

We arrived at Discount Tire at 8:30. Our tire is ruined, probably because I drove on it for quite awhile before I noticed it was flat, but they will still honor our warranty. They don't have any new tires to fit our car but they gave us a used one and they will trade it for a brand new one when it comes in. They said it would take about an hour. I had some shopping to do at Walmart so that was perfect.

The Grapp kids and Amaron are coming over tonight so I got some stuff to fix hamburgers. I also got some frozen lemonade, limeade, grape juice, and fruit punch. 

While I was in Walmart James went to Home Depot for potting soil and a couple of irises and a hydrangea bush. 

When we got back to Discount, an hour since we left our car, it was just sitting in the work bay. I knew an hour sounded too good to be true. I talked James into going back to the hiking trail on Show Low Creek just this side of the Hampton Inn. We realized we could not only hike here but could take the kids fishing too. Sheri and I did this hike once sometime back but I did not remember about the fishing. 

We hiked for probably 45 minutes and turned back. We could have gone further but decided it was time to go back to check on Lexy.

My picture of James

His picture of me

Selfie because Jared and Kacey 

requested it. 

Beware of the livestock

This is place is right by the highway so it's

very convenient.

When we got back to Discount James went in to get the car and I was supposed to drive the truck home. Instead I sent a couple of texts so he ended up leaving before I did. I also stopped at Dollar General on the way home to get marshmallows and chocolate for Smores tonight for the Grapp kids. I got a little carried away. I found baby gifts for the Wilhelm baby, some fun stuff for Andyn's birthday, and a pair of pants for James. 

When I got home I fixed lunch and then took a short nap. 

I worked on my blog while James went outside to work. 

Stacy texted me about the date for our anniversary party. We finally settled on June 2nd, which is the Saturday we will be at the timeshare in Scottsdale. I have the assignment to see if there is a room available for us to use. 

Stacy mentioned the Arizona Teacher's Walkout schedule for this next Thursday. I guess if demands are not met for better wages the teachers will not be showing up for school.

I tried to get all of my steps in before 5 p.m., the time that the

Grapp's are supposed to show up. I made it!

The Grapp's arrived at 5 but Amaron's mom, Laurann got lost and I had to go pick him up down by the Hunsaker's. She has a Prius

and she bottomed out in a couple of places so she was going to go home. I told her I would come and get Amaron who was crying.

A storm is definitely on it's way. It looks like it is raining pretty hard towards Snowflake and Taylor.  It finally arrived here while the kids were eating only it wasn't rain, but snow. We had a white cover on the ground when it got dark. 

Benson and Tildy watched The Little Mermaid II in our room and Liana watched Beauty and the Beast in the family room after dinner. Emsley played upstairs and Amaron hung out in the kitchen asking for food. He had a smore and then some more chocolate and I sent him upstairs to play. Emsley never came down for a smore, she did come down once for a drink of water. 

We only had one altercation, Emsley hit Tildy with something and made her cry. Tildy went to Liana for comfort but didn't seem like she was hurt too badly. I went up to talk to Emsley and she was curled up in a ball on the couch with her hands in her face. I just told her that Tildy loved her and was sad that she hit her. I could tell she already felt bad so I didn't say too much. 

The Grapp's took Amaron home so Laurann didn't have to venture over here again.

I did listen to one of President Nelson's talks today. This one was from October 1994, "The Spirit of Elijah."  After our company left, they left after nine, James and I read from our books and then went to bed.

President and Sister Nelson in India

The fires have already begun.

Thursday, April 19th, 2018

Perth, Australia

106th operating temple

Dedicated: 20 May 2001

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

What should I pray for?

Bible Dictionary "Prayer" paragraph 6

Prayers were said at the Sanctuary (1 Sam. 1:9-12; 1 Kgs. 8; Ps. 42:2, 4) or looking toward the Sanctuary (1 Kgs. 8:44, 48; Ps. 5:7; Dan 6:10); on the housetop or in an upper chamber (Dan. 6:10; Acts 10:9). The Pharisees prayed publicly in the synagogues and at the corners of the streets (Matt. 6:5). The Lord prayed upon the tops of mountains (Matt. 14:23; Luke 9:28) or in solitary places (Mark 1:35).

Jesus Christ betrayal of

Matthew 26:2

Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.

Book of Mormon

Mosiah 11:16-29

*Why do you think false prophets and false teachers flourish among wicked people?

Talk: Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers

By: M. Russell Ballard

- False prophets and teachers flourish among the wicked because they appeal to the natural man. The church of the devil is easy..no rules. Are you materialistic? No problem, having wealth is encouraged, especially if you have to walk on a few people to get it. Maybe your challenge is with sexual immorality. Hey, the church of the devil with all his false teachings encourages free love, and experimentation, and broken covenants. You were made that way right? Let's not forget pride, the me, me attitude is accepted. False teachings are taught by false teachers who want followers. They want to be popular and well liked. They don't teach whole truths, but bits and pieces of truth mingled with natural man desires, and for some that is enough to want to convert to the church of the devil. Satan is the master of deception, the father of lies. False teachings draw us away from truth. Truth taught by those anointed can warn us of false teachers and prophets.

Old Testament

Judges 15-17

15 Samson burns the grain of the Philistines - They burn his wife and father-in-law - Samson slays a thousand Philistines at Lehi with the jawbone of an ass.

16 Samson carries away the doors of the gate of Gaze - He loves Delilah, who delivers him to the Philistines - He destroys a building, killing himself and 3,000 others.

17 Micah has a house of gods (images) and consecrates his own priests.

General Conference

He That Shall Endure to the End, the Same Shall Be Saved

Elder Claudio D. Zivic

" Let us be faithful to what we have believed and know."

We have a friend in the ward named Anthony. James is/was his home teacher. He lives way out in the wide open spaces where there is no water or electricity. The other day he saw a wolf stalking a small herd of antelope. He called James. James told him, "don't worry the antelope will get in a circle facing out and the wolf will leave." Sure enough that is what happened. Anthony had to call James back and tell him how smart he was. 

I listened to President Nelson's talk "Teach Us Tolerance and Love," from the April 1994 general conference.

For lunch today I cooked some cabbage and boiled some sausage tortellini. It went together well and was very tasty, James even said so. 

This afternoon Laurann and I went visiting. Our first stop was to see Catherine Halcomb. Laurann had all three of her kids. Amaron is out of school because he had pinkeye earlier in the week. Laurann grabs the twins carseats and loops one through each arm. I don't know how she can carry both of them.

We had a nice visit with Catherine and Amaron gave her one of the blueberry muffins I made. When we were getting ready to leave she said she was having a biopsy on her arm this coming Monday. I will have to check back and see how she is doing.

Our next stop was at the Grapp's. The entire family was home. Of course everyone wanted a muffin. I didn't stay too long but took Amaron home with me.

I supposed to be helping Amaron with his reading but I wasn't really prepared today. I had him do a couple of worksheets and then I read to him one of my favorite books, "Miss Suzy." We played with the dominoes and dice and of course he had to have a treat. He ate two cups of my mandarin oranges and took some Teddy Grahams home to his brothers. 

I got Amaron home just when the missionaries came to their house for dinner. I left and when I got out on the highway I realized that I had a flat tire. I stopped by the new tower on highway 60 and tried to call James. Of course I could not get through so I just kept sending texts. Finally he called me back. When he got here he took the tire off and we took it home where he tried to patch it. The first two attempts failed but on the third try he used Rubber Cement and it worked. Back to put it on Lexy. I drove her home and it was a very shaky ride but the air held in the tire. I was so happy to finally be home!

I only got 11,000 steps today. Instead of walking I watched an episode of "When Calls the Heart" with James.

Happy Anniversary to Sheri and Ian:

22 blissful years, 4 boys and 1 dog.

Jackson announced on fast Sunday

that he's going on a mission.

I know this is long and a little messed up

but I loved the part about how he was going

to announce six temples and the Lord told

him to announce the one in India.

Scarlett, Kacey posted this.

Hilarious!