Sunday, May 20th, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Birth of

1 Nephi 11:18

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

Alma 3:1-19

*Why is it important to keep records?

- So that the truth is kept correct. If there is something that should be preserved and saved for future generations then it should be recorded. Look how much the scriptures mean to us because someone took the time to record valuable truths. We know we don't have everything in the written word. Records have been lost, or translations have not always been 100% accurate, but we can 

count on the books of scripture we do have to help us on our journey. 

Old Testament

2 Samuel 13-14

13 Amnon desires Tamar, his sister, and forces her - He is slain by Absalom's command - Absalom flees to Geshur.

14 Joab arranges by artifice to bring Absalom home after three years - After two more years, Absalom sees the king, and they are reconciled.

General Conference

Pure Love:The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said: "The first great commandment of all eternity is to love God with all of our heart, might, mind, and strength - that's the first great commandment. But the first great truth of all eternity is that God loves us with all of His heart, might, mind, and strength. That love is the foundation stone of eternity,and it should be the foundation stone of our daily life."

Being the foundation stone of our daily life, pure love is a requirement for every true disciple of Jesus Christ.

I got up at 5 a.m. and ate some breakfast and then began working on my time. It's not long enough. I add two more stories and Stacy's letter from Mother's Day 2013. I only added Stacy's letter because James told me to. 

Brother Owen's from the stake high council was my speaking companion. He says his dad owns Owen's Mortuary. 

I had two people ask for a copy of my talk and several others tell me they liked it. James said it was the best talk he's ever heard in a sacrament meeting, but that's just him loving me and supporting me, which I do appreciate very much. Most of my stories came from the book, "Christlike Parenting."

I should have mentioned this in my talk.

Brother Scott taught Sunday School and Sister Grapp taught Relief Society. Her discussion/lesson was on Brother Durrant's talk, "Teaching in the Home - a Joyful and Sacred Responsibility." I could have used this talk for my talk today but I knew Cammy was teaching from it and I didn't want to steal her thunder. She did very well and got alot of discussion.

After the block James made us some green smoothies and we took a short nap before leaving for the valley for Ben's seminary graduation. Adam and his friends said they like my talk. Everyone went to sacrament meeting except Kaitlin. 

I wasn't even hesitant to leave Adam and company here because I knew them well enough to know they would be good and keep it clean, especially with Kaitlin in charge.

James drove his truck and I drove my car. We left around 2. I got tired and had to stop a couple of times. The worse part of the trip for me is what I call the Miami-Superior corridor. Lots of traffic, cliff on one side and a mountain on the other and lots of curves. I prefer Salt River Canyon.

We drove straight to Sheri's house and didn't get there until after 5. She said dinner was at 5 but didn't seem to upset that we were a little late. 

For dinner we had roast, potatoes, carrots, corn, and rolls. For dessert there were brownies and some of Sheri's lowfat, low calorie Halo ice cream. We indulged and didn't feel too guilty because we both lost weight this week. I lost 2 lbs. and James lost 2 1/2 lbs.

We got dressed and drove to the seminary graduation at the stake center. We left after Sheri and beat her there. The entire family came to support Ben, except for Alex who was at work. Kim and Brian also came and so did Stacy, Paul, and Joshua. 

Ben goes to Hamilton High School and he loves his seminary teacher, Brother Patterson. The Miner's and the Wanlass's were at the graduation because Ian and Kristen are both graduating too. 

We also saw some old friends from the Del Rio 2nd ward, the Menlove's, and Chipman's. Bishop Wilson's daughter Halle was there too. She looks so beautiful and grown up. I taught Kristen, and Halle in Primary several years ago.

I loved President Johansen's talk on the Holy Ghost. He told some great mission stories. One of the little boys that got baptized called him Elder Joe Handsome. Brother Johansen went to the Edmonton, Canada mission.

We did not stay for refreshments. We went back to Sheri's to get James's truck and then drove out to Darrel and Trina's to spend the night.

Lola wanted to sleep with us and of course we could not say no. She was very good but the bed was a little crowded.

Trina was excited because she lost 3 lbs. this week. Darrel has lost a total of 27 pounds and looks good!

My friend Pam posted this.

Cute dog, but he has sharp teeth

Taylor and her chicken

Taylor's baptism. We taught her as a 

five year old in Primary.

Royal Wedding at Windsor Castle

Saturday, May 19th, 2018

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Birth of

2 Nephi 25:19

For according to the words of the prophets, the Messiah cometh in six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem; and according to the words of the prophets, and also the word of the angel of God his name shall be Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:19-38

* What did the Nephites do to help them gain victory over the Amlicites?

- The war chapters teach us much about how to gain victory over our enemies. What can we learn about gaining victory over our enemies? Verse 21 Alma sent spies to know of the plans and plots of the Amlicites. We have the Holy Ghost that can warn us and prepare us to be ready for Satan's attacks. We can pray mightily as in vs. 28, and be strengthened by the Lord. In verse 30 we can be men and women of God, exercising our faith that no matter what we can be instruments in the Lord's hands. The Nephites were outnumbered by the Amlicites but God was on their side, which was the reason they gained victory!

Old Testament

2 Samuel 11-12

11 David lies with Bathsheba, and she conceives - He then arranges for the death in battle of her husband, Uriah.

12 Nathan tells David the parable of the ewe lamb - The Lord gave many wives to David, who is now cursed for taking Bathsheba - David fasts and prays for his son, but the Lord takes him - Solomon is born - David conquers the royal city of the Ammonites.

General Conference

With One Accord

Reyna I. Aburto

"Like the monarch butterflies, we are on a journey back to our heavenly home, where we will reunite with our Heavenly parents. Like the butterflies, we have been given divine attributes that allow us to navigate through life, in order to 'fill the measure of our creation.' Like them, if we knot our hearts together, the Lord will protect us 'as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings' and will make us into a beautiful kaleidoscope."

James's business credit card was due today. I had to transfer more money out of our line of credit to pay it. There is only $2,000 left in our line of credit.

The first thing James did this morning when he got up was feed the hummingbirds and the bunnies. 

After reading Alma 2:19-38 on the prayers of Alma, James tells me the result of my prayers for him this past week. When I prayed that he would have enough help workers showed up that he hadn't expected. He believes very strongly in my faith and prayers now.

Adam and his friends got up rather late to make breakfast. Kaitlin is recovering from being sick so she slept in even longer, and misses the guys big breakfast. They save her some. Mmmm nothing like leftover pancakes and bacon. 

James and I left to go to town and the guys, Chris, Kyle and Jacob,  went on a Razr ride. I guess they left Kaitlin a note. 

On the way into town I read from our current book, "Stars Over Northumberland" by Anita Stansfield.

We stopped for lunch at LaCasita. James got a chicken green chili enchilada and I got a plain green chili enchilada. His was better. I will know next time. I had to try it. The waitress brought me extra lettuce. Next time I need to ask for extra lettuce and tomato.

After lunch I ran in to Walgreen's to get me an eyebrow pencil because I can't find the one I bought yesterday. (I find it later, and now I have two). 

Next stop, Cal-Ranch for bunny food. I went in and took pictures of the baby chicks.

So cute when they are little.

When we get home I sit down to work on my talk on righteous parenting. I also did my walking outside. James is so tired from the hectic week he had that he lies down to take a nap. Adam and his friends are upstairs playing video games. They took the 4G wifi upstairs.

It is a beautiful evening to walk outside. The bunnies are eating, some in the grass, others out of the containers James has out for them. Since we don't have a dog or cat I guess you could say that these bunnies are our pets. 

I love the book, "Christlike Parenting," by Glenn I. Latham. Most of my talk is based on the principles in this book. 

Oh, did I mention, Adam has a beard and mustache but even better than that, one of the guys who came up with him has long hair, and a long beard. I call this group, Kaitlin and the guys. Adam told me that Jacob was in the pirate play with him and Kaitlin. I thought to myself that he's still playing the part of the pirate.

 Hatch's continue their temple tour.

This time they are in St. Louis, Missouri.

 Introducing the Duke and Duchess

of Sussex. The Royal Wedding 

was today.

Bunnies cutting the grass.

Beautiful sunset.

Friday, May 18th, 2018

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 19:8

And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem.

Book of Mormon

Alma 2:1-18
*Why did Amlici want to be king? What did he do when the majority of the people voted against him? (See Alma 2:7-10).
- Amlici's attempt to deprive the people of their religious rights and privileges was defeated by the voice of the people. Consider the result if righteous Nephites in Amlici's day had abstained from voting. In democratic nations of our day, every Latter-day Saint has a sacred obligation to vote and to influence his or her society for good by upholding honest, wise, good, and honorable leaders and laws. (See DC 98:10).
Old Testament
2 Samuel 9-10
9 David seeks to honor the house of Saul - He finds Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, to whom he restores all the land of Saul.
10 David's messengers are abused by the Ammonites - Israel defeats the Ammonites and Syrians.
General Conference

Take the Holy Spirit as Your Guide

Elder Larry Y. Wilson

"I believe, with the Apostle Paul, that just as God 'raised up Christ from the dead so shall He also quicken our mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in us.' To quicken means to make alive. Just as Christ brings our bodies back to life after physical death through the power of His Resurrection, so can He also quicken us, or make us alive, from spiritual death. In the book of Moses, we read of Adam undergoing this kind of quickening: 'Adam was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.'"

I see bunnies running for shelter under the shed as a hawk swoops down over the yard. A jacket rabbit just outside the fence stops, looks at the bunnies, looks up at the hawk as it flies away and takes off, loping in the opposite direction. Bunnies 1 - Hawk 0. This is better than the National Geographic channel!

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: What parents want our children to discover for themselves is that everything has spiritual underpinnings; (see DC 29:34). Therefore, all physical hungers can be traced to a corresponding spiritual need. If they can grasp and embrace that concept, they will experience one of the greatest discoveries of life: To be hungry and thirsty is ultimately designed to lead them to Christ, the Bread of Life and the Living Water.

Worth the Wrestle, p. 17: Questions are key to resolving conflict, to finding out what is really going on, to understanding the hearts and minds of others and engaging them in spirited discussion, to seeking answers through the Spirit, and to simply making fundamentally good decisions.

Russell M. Nelson 10/07 #50. Scriptural Witnesses

"Scriptures of the Restoration do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible."

Dale G. Renlund Melchizedek Priesthood, Chapter 15, Principle #7

A Priesthood Holder Must Be Willing To Be Presided Over

Truman G. Madsen The Prophet Joseph Smith, Lecture #7

Teacher, Speaker, Counselor

I left for town around 10:30 this morning. I stopped and got gas and washed my car and then met my friends Pam and Jenny at the hospital for lunch. Sunday is Pam's birthday so I came bearing gifts and I bought her lunch for her. Jenny had given her two gnomes for her courtyard. I gave her a book, a small fountain for their office, a small wall plaque, a glass with a top and built-in straw. The glass was pink and shaped like a bird, and two patriotic dishtowels.

It was a great lunch hour. These two are pretty funny. Some of their co-workers had dropped by some ice cream, a cinnamon roll, and a rose made out of a napkin for Pam's lunch.

Jenny's daughter is in the valley going to a doctor about her brain tumor. She is 15 years old. Her sister and dad went with her because Jenny couldn't get off work. She is taking off work next week when her husband has surgery. Pam says he thinks he's going to die. Pam tried to set up a meeting with the missionaries for Ed and Jenny but Ed said he would like it to be after his surgery. 

James was set to come home this afternoon and then he had a terrible dizzy spell and nausea. He went to Kim's to lie down and she was worried he was dehydrated or had heat stroke. When I told Stacy she said it could be his heart. Paul and Brian gave him a blessing and soon he felt like taking a shower and coming home. James thinks maybe he had a kidney stone. Kim was still distraught about him driving so I told her I would text her when he got home. He got here around 10 p.m. Adam and his friends got here around midnight.

 Dinner

So sad

A boy giving his favorite garbage man a

plate of cookies.

One twin comforts the other.

Healing the sick.

There are so many sick in our world today.

Thursday, May 17th, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

1 Nephi 10:4

Yes, even six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews - even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:15-33

*How did the church of God respond to the beliefs of others? How did they respond to persecutions from those of other beliefs?

-"...If you stand firmly for the right despite the jeers of the crowd or even physical violence, you shall be crowned with the blessedness of eternal joy. Who knows but that again in our day some of the saints, or even apostles, as in former days, may be required to give their lives in defense of the truth?? If that time should come, God grant that they would not fail!" - President Harold B. Lee

Alma 1:26-31. The affairs of the Church established. President James E. Faust: "In the first chapter of Alma we find an instructive sequence of events outlining the way by which the Lord's Church is established...1. The doctrines are taught (vs. 26). 2. Members esteem each other as themselves (vs. 26). 3. They all labor; they work and earn that which they receive. (vs. 26). 4. They impart of their substance to the less fortunate; they serve one another (vs. 27). 5. They discipline their own appetites while at the same time caring appropriately for their own needs (vs. 27). "This mighty change happened, not because the people were given things, but rather because they were taught and began to help themselves and to care for those who were less fortunate. It was when they gave of themselves in the Lord's way that their circumstances began to improve. This process of establishing the Church can apply anywhere."

Old Testament

2 Samuel 7-8

7 David offers to build a house for the Lord - The Lord, through Nathan, says He has not asked David to do so - The Lord will establish David's house and kingdom forever - David offers a prayer of thanksgiving

8 David defeats and subjects many nations - The Lord is with him - He executes judgment and justice unto all his people.

General Conference

Ministering wit the Power and Authority of God

President Russell M. Nelson

"Now, may I voice a concern? It is this: Too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. They act as thought they would rather satisfy thier own selfish desires and appetites than use the power of God to bless His children."

Rescuing Wayward Children

As our children mature, we hope that their motivation for obeying the laws of family and of God will migrate from duty to understanding and finally to love.

Worth the Wrestle

Nephi attempted to teach his older brothers the pattern for receiving information through the Spirit: "Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?" he asked. "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you" (1 Nephi 15:11).
Russell M. Nelson 4/07, #49 Repentance and Conversion

"A repentant soul is a converted soul, and a converted soul is a repentant soul."

Dale G. Renlund  Melchizedek Priesthood Chapter 14 Principle #6

Priesthood Power and Influence are Maintained Using Christlike Attributes

Truman G. Madsen  Lectures on the Prophet Joseph Smith  Lecture #5  Doctrinal Development and the Nauvoo Temple

I called the D.I. in Glendale, Arizona and asked what we needed to do to get a requisition order for two girls from our ward. I spoke with Dan Holme, the manager who was very kind. He said that the bishop needed to fill our a commodity form for clothing. If he doesn't have the form he can call and speak with Brother Holme. No one else can call for him, it must be the bishop. Tamara, our RS President was very appreciative that I found out what we needed to know to get clothes for the Burton girls.

I worked on stripping the polish off the wood floor. It is such a slow, messy job. I wonder if I will ever finish. Yes I will!

I also made some muffins to take to Laurann's. I picked up Amaron from school and then drove him home. I took in muffins, candy, and my new Star Wars book and my Dr. Seuss book, "Oh, The Places You'll Go." Amaron carried in the four boxes I brought for Lauren to use for packing. They bought a house from the Grapp's and will be moving across the highway. I could tell that Lauren did not feel well so I didn't stay long. I read with Amaron and then had him read a little before I left. I am worried about Laurann's health.

Amaron walks me to the car. He likes to turn the car on, and look at the trunk, and then open and close the sky roof. He is fascinated with my car and would like to have it when I die.

We used to have elk in our backyard. Now we have bunnies, 8 of them this evening eating our grass.

James will be home tomorrow!

Five bunnies enjoying a feast

Throwback Thursday to the day

Scarlett was blessed.

The temple is closing on Friday for

2 1/2 years.

Christina's kids

Taylor was five years old when we

were her Primary teachers.

Braylin playing the drums

Hailey, his mom is grateful he and his sister have

been accepted at their new school in Deming.

Wisteria Tree

I wouldn't mind having one of these in

my backyard.

Ruby tells me sea turtles are becoming

extinct.

Wednesday, May 16th, 2018

Cebu City, Philippines

133rd operating temple

Dedicated: 13 June 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, birth of

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Book of Mormon

Alma 1:1-14

*Nehor used flattery and false doctrine to attract followers and attack the church of God. His teachings were popular because they excused sin in the name of religion. He encouraged wickedness, rationalizing that in the end all men should have eternal life regardless of their personal behavior. Elder L. Tom Perry:

"Nehor's words appealed to the people, but his doctrine, while popular to many, was incorrect. As we face the many decisions in life, the easy and popular messages of the world will not usually be the right ones to choose, and it will take much courage to choose the right."

Verse 16 states that priestcraft was 'preaching false doctrines...for the sake of riches and honor.' Do we have people doing this today?

*The record states that Gideon "was an instrument in the hands of God" (Alma 1:8). When confronted by Nehor's false teachings, Gideon admonished Nehor "with the words of God (Alma 1:7). As a result, Gideon was slain for defending the faith. 

How do you defend your faith?

Old Testament

2 Samuel 5-6

5 All Israel anoints David king - He takes Jerusalem and is blessed of the Lord - He conquers the Philistines.

6 David takes the ark to the city of David - Uzzah is smitten for steadying the ark and dies - David dances before the Lord, causing a breach between him and Michal.

General Conference

The Powers of the Priesthood

President Dallin H. Oaks

"The Melchizedek Priesthood is not a status or a label. It is a divine power held in trust to use for the benefit of God's work for his children. We should always remember that men who hold the priesthood are not 'the priesthood.' It is not appropriate to refer to 'the priesthood and the women.' We should refer to 'the holders of the priesthood and the women.'"

Rescuing Wayward Children, 59: 

We must teach our children that God's commandments 

are patterns for safe and happy living.

Worth the Wrestle, 14:

"The Lord wants us to ask every probing question we can muster because not asking questions can be far more dangerous than asking them. Alma taught that those who harden their hearts receive less and less until they 'know nothing...; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led...down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; (Alma 12:11).

In other words, refusing to seek after truth makes you stupid. On the other hand, inspired questions asked in faith lead to truth - and 'light and truth forsake that evil one' (DC 93:37)."

-Sheri Dew

Dale G. Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood:

Chapter 13, Prinicple #5

A Priesthood Holder's Identity Becomes Christlike

Truman G. Madsen, The Prophet Joseph Smith

Lecture 5

Joseph and the Kirtland Temple

After my study time this morning I started dinner for the Scott's. 

I put out two dozen rolls to rise and made a stew and put it in the crockpot. Later on I made an Olive Garden salad.

My day is pretty predictable. I walked, rested, blogged, budgeted and took a whirpool bath. Before leaving for the Scott's a little after 5 I made a salad and a green smoothie for me to eat on the way to my delivery. 

Sister Hunter was at the Scott's visiting when I arrived. Brother Scott helped me carry the food in and he took the food out of my containers and put it in some of their's. He even completely washed the crockpot for me. They seemed very appreciative and Sister Scott said that I outdid myself. After saying goodbye I hurried down to the church for a meeting with Sister Applegate and Brother Reidhead to finalize our plans for the ward activity we are in charge of on June 23rd. Kerri is in the valley. She has a doctor's appointment and then she will be picking up the Burton's things in storage and bringing them back up here. Laurann is having some tests done because she has been having chest pains. We prayed for both of them.

My major assignment is to be in charge of the displays, Brother Reidhead is working with the missionaries and the family history consultants with the family history demonstration, Tamara is in charge of the food, and Kerri the children's activities.

It was a good meeting and Brother Reidhead went home to watch sick kids so his wife could come to Mutual.

Afterwards Tamara and I stayed for a presidency meeting. We planned the lessons for June and talked about ministering companionships for the young women. I need to ask Sister Thompson if she will teach Relief Society on June 10th. The lesson will be based on Elder Renlund's conference talk, "Temple and Family History Work - Healing and Sealing."

I came home, took a shower so I could wash my hair, did some reading, talked to James on the phone, and went to bed.

James sent me this photo. Out with the old,

in with the new. Golf cart path that is.

Congratulations Cash for making it into

National Junior Honor Society!

These guys look like they could be

from Vernon.

"Dancing with the Stars"

I'm watching the Athletes season right now.

Salt and Pepper or

Blackie and Whitie,

my Grandpa Strickland, who we called Grandpa Al,  

would have called the white one

Pepper and the black one Salt.

That's what he did with his own cats.

Jeffrey at Disneyland when he was four.

Such a cutie!

The beautiful Gilbert temple