Friday, October 26th, 2018

Kansas City, Missouri

137th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 May 2012

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Davidic Descent of

1 Samuel 17:12

Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-Judah, whose name was Jesse; and he had eight sons: and the man went among men for an old man in the days of Saul.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 13:1-15

*Why is it so important to forgive our fellowman?

- "Forgiving ourselves and others is not easy. In fact, for most of us it requires a major change in our attitude and way of thinking - even a change of heart. But there is good news. This "mighty change" of heart is exactly what the gospel of Jesus Christ is designed to bring into our lives. How is it done? Through the love of God. When our hearts are filled with the love of God, something good and pure happens to us. The more we allow the love of God to govern our minds and emotions - the more we allow our love for our Heavenly Father to swell within our hearts - the easier it is to love others with the pure love of Christ. As we open our hearts to the glowing dawn of the love of God, the darkness and cold of animosity and envy will eventually fade. As always, Christ is our exemplar. In His teachings as in His life, He showed us the way. He forgave the wicked, the vulgar, and those who sought to hurt and to do Him harm. Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the century and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become "kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God for Christ's sake forgave ue. The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other."

Book of Mormon #2

Mosiah 1-2

Old Testament

Lamentations 1-3

General Conference

Taking upon Ourselves the Name of Jesus Christ

Elder Robert C. Gay

"May we faithfully take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ - by seeing as He sees, by serving as He served, and by trusting that His grace is sufficient."

I decided this morning while I was reading from the Book of Mormon that I should order Plan of Salvation bookmarks for all of the family. I just need to remember to take mine to the printers for copies.

James went out hunting this morning.

"Some young people are amusing themselves to death, spiritual death." - President Miles of the White Mountain, Arizona stake.

I have a lot of pain in my right hip today, making it difficult to walk. 

Jared is struggling today too. He thought he might have pneumonia but the doctor just thinks it is inflammation. Anyway he is pretty miserable and I am sorry he has to deal with this disease on top of everything else in his life.

I put a roast on this morning for dinner, made cookies for a funeral tomorrow, and started rolls for the temple potluck. Moving around was slow and painful but I did it. 

We are scheduled to feed the missionaries this evening but James says he won't be here. I left them a message to call me. Around 4 pm I still hadn't heard from them so I told them I would meet them at Stanford and by them dinner. They texted back at 4:30 saying they couldn't make it and would have to cancel. I must say it was a little bit of a relief since I was not feeling well.

James came home for lunch. He had to fix his own because I was feeling so miserable. After lunch he went outside to target practice before going out again to hunt for deer. One thing he has going for him is the gorgeous weather!

I worked on Textbook Money and found no profitable books. That's probably because this is not the season to buy textbooks. 

I struggled to get all of my steps today.

James was home after dark.

So sad.

 The girl likes to point!

Feeling better.

Scarlett is so cute!

Love this idea!

Thursday, October 25th, 2018

Quetzeltenango, Guatemala

136th operating temple

Dedicated: 11 Dec 2011

By: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Galatians 3:1

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should ot obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Book of Mormon 

3 Nephi 12:25-48

*What does it mean to you to be perfect?

- Moroni 10:32 says: "Come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is His grace sufficient for you, that by His grace ye may be perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God." President James E. Faust explained that we must seek for perfection now so as to be able to attain it in the next life: "Perfection is an eternal goal. While we cannot be perfect in mortality, striving for it is a commandment which ultimately, through the Atonement, we can keep." We have the perfect example in Jesus Christ.

Old Testament

Jeremiah 51-52

General Conference

The Father

Brian K. Ashton

"Each of us has the potential to become like the Father. To do so, we must worship the Father in the name of the Son."

James went out scouting for deer between Eagar and Big Lake. Not much luck but he went through Eagar and stopped at Aliberto's and brought me back a taco. Yum! I love their tacos.  Thanks honey!

I finally told the kids about the November 10th mini-Lambson reunion in Discovery Park. I said we weren't going because we had to work in the temple. Sheri said she would only come if we came so I told that to James. He said, "Then let's go." Now we have to find someone to trade temple shifts with someone.

I made brownies for James to take with him we he goes hunting tomorrow. I watched the new Halloween episode of "The Good Witch." I'm trying to clean things out of my DVR to make room for the Hallmark movies which start tomorrow.

I cleaned, walked, blogged and listened to "The Distant Hours" today. I also worked on our book business. I am finished with the training and ready to start making some money!

Cuteness Overload!

My Little Charlie

Target practice: Bullseye!

What a sweetie!

Wednesday, October 24th, 2018

San Salvador, El Salvador

135th operating temple

Dedicated: 21 Aug 2011

By: Henry B. Eyring

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a food, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Book of Mormon #1

3 Nephi 12:1-24

*How do you make sure you aren't putting your light under a bushel?

- The Savior's transcendant message in the Sermon on the Mount is of burning-bush importance to all of us. 'But seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish His righteousness' (JST, Matt. 6:38). This message needs to penetrate into our hearts and souls. As we accept this message, we are taking our personal stand in this life." (Ensign, May 2004, 67 - President James E. Faust)

Book of Mormon #2

Jarom-Omni

General Conference

Wounded

Elder Neil L. Andersen

"In the crucible of earthly trials, patiently move forward, and the Savior's healing power will bring you light, understanding, peace, and hope."

James went out early this morning scouting for deer. Sheri and I woke Kim up texting about "Dancing with the Stars."  Oops...

I picked my friend Catherine up at 9 am. and we headed for the Snowflake temple. My car wheel wells are filled with mud. While I was waiting for Catherine I found a stick and tried to dig some of it out but I wasn't very successful. 

It was beautiful and sunny when we left Vernon but halfway to Show Low it became very foggy as if we were in a cloud and pretty much stayed that was until we got to Snowflake.

We made it in time for the 10:30 session. It was as full as it can get with 54 patrons. The Gilbert temple is still closed and we met a sister from Gilbert. I wonder how many more were from the valley.

They showed my favorite film so I was happy. 

One the way home we stopped at Sonic. Catherine got a hotdog and tater tots and a diet cherry limeade. I got a corn dog, fries, and a small cherry limeade. Catherine shared that Sonic originated in Oklahoma where she is from. She talked about her childhood and being raised by her grandmother. She loves to talk and I love to listen.

Catherine told me some sad news just before we went in to our session. She said that Elder Allen, who just left for his mission in the Philippines in September is back home. He was diagnosed with ADHD. I wondered why he was posting pictures taken in Arizona on Instagram. She doesn't know what his plans are but both of us are concerned for him and his family. I couldn't stop thinking about him during the session.

I had a message on my phone that Jared Ammon broke his foot in three places. He had to have surgery and have plates put in. He is staying at his girlfriend's house. Poor guy.

I finally got an email from Ben. He had his P-day on Wednesday so he could go to the temple but he can only go four times on his mission so next week and from now on his P-day will be back on Mondays.

I am tired because lately I have been eating junk. I need to get back on a better diet or eating program. James came home hungry and I made him a couple of chicken quesadillas which he loved. I had a cheese crisp and a cinnamon sugar tortilla. (See what I mean about lousy eating.)

James went out to site in his gun for his hunt. I forgot and went outside on the deck to walk when I heard a loud BANG which scared me back inside. 

James went into town this evening to pick up supplies for Howard's job while I stayed home and worked on our book business. 

We are both very tired when he returns so we go to bed a little earlier than normal.

And there she goes!

That's the temple behind us.
I'm not very good at selfies.

 Ben loves the cold!

Such a handsome group!

 This girl likes to talk.

One happy baby except when you put

her in her car seat and in the car.

 Going out looking for deer.

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2018

Kiev, Ukraine

134th operating temple

Dedicated: 29 Aug 2010

By: Thomas S. Monson

Jesus Christ, Crucifixion

Deuteronomy 21:23

His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Book of Mormon 

3 Nephi 11:18-41

*What does the Savior teach about baptism and contention? What do modern prophets say?

- There appears to have been some contention among the Nephites concerning the manner of baptism The Lord clarified how the ordinance should be performed. President Boyd K. Packer explained the significance of baptism and cautioned that we should not alter this sacred ordinance: "Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is the first ordinance. Baptism must be by immersion, for it is symbolic of both the coming forth from temporal death, from the grave, and the cleansing required for redemption from spiritual death...Under the plan, baptism is not just for entrance into the Church of Jesus Christ. It begins a spiritual rebirth that may eventually lead back into the presence of God. If we really understood what baptism signifies, we could never consider it trivial nor alter the form of this sacred ordinance....through the sacrament we renew the covenant." 

President Henry B. Eyring helps us understand that the Spirit of God will not lead people into contention: "Where people have that Spirit with them, we may expect harmony The Spirit puts the testimony of truth in our hearts, which unifies those who share that testimony. The Spirit of God never generates contention (see 3 Nephi 11:29). It never generates the feelings of distinctions between people which lead to strife. It leads to personal peace and a feeling of union with others. (Ensign, May 1998, 67).

Old Testament

Jeremiah 46-48

General Conference

The Correct Name of the Church

President Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus Christ directed us to call the Church by His name because it is His Church, filled with His power."

James and I left the house before 8 am to take my tire and rim into Discount Tire to be fixed. After dropping the tire off James said he needed to stop by Kay's Building Supply. I stayed in the truck and told James to leave the engine running. (Sometimes he has a hard time starting it). 

It is raining hard, even some hail, thunder and lightening. James is in the store for over 15 minutes. I am in the truck thinking of all the things I need to do and trying to be patient. I have already done my Book of Mormon, Old Testament, and General Conference. I guess I will listen to something from the New Era. I listened to a talk by Elder S. Gifford Nielsen: "My Quarterback Questions." We need to Ask God, Record Impressions, and Trust God.

From my reading in "The Distant Hours" by Kate Morton. This is the character, Percy Blythe, in reference to her family home, Mildehurst Castle: "A place is more than the sum of its physical parts, it is a repository of memories, a record and retainer of all that's happened within it's boundaries."  I love this! One more:"There is something deeply disquieting about a beloved place relieved of its rightful occupants."

After leaving Kay's we went to Safeway. I wish I would have brought my umbrella. Picked up some DP10 because I can't get it at Walmart. Next was Walmart to pick up my methotrexate and then over to Mountain Thai to pick up soup for Jean, Marie and myself. 

When we drove up the owner came out to talk to us. He told us that they had no electricity. I told him we only wanted soup and he said they could handle soup so I went inside. I was writing a check, in spite of the 'No Checks' sign on the wall, because the credit card machine is obviously electric. Just as I was finished with the check the electricity came back on. I tore up the check and used my credit card. I ordered soup for Jean, Marie and myself.

On the way home James and I listened to chapter 28 of "Saints."

Marie followed us up to the Howard's. The rain is almost over and the road was not too muddy. Marie brought spaghetti and brownies for Jean for this evening.

It was the perfect day for soup. Marie and I had vegetable noodle soup and Jean had clear bean vegetable with shrimp. I bought a bottle of sweet chili for Jean and she and I poured it into our soup. Marie was afraid it would be too hot for her. 

After lunch we said goodbye to Jean who will be in the valley the rest of the week and Marie and I met James at the post office. He said our road was too muddy for Marie to drive on.

Marie was going to go to the temple with Catherine and I tomorrow but she has a cough and a possible sinus infection. 

This evening I downloaded the software for our TextbookMoney business. Now I need to review how to start using the software.

 The Happiest Place on Earth

Lola made a new friend

This independent little girl is touring

the War Veterans Museum

 So funny!

Jean wants James to make her a

table like this.

 Laying a finger a side of her cheek....

 Uh oh

 Stacy at the National Laser Institute

Journal ideas

 This two share a birthday. I told

his mom that he has a great name.

How exciting for our friend Betty!