Monday, June 24th, 2019

Colonia Juarez, Mexico

55th operating temple

Dedicated: 6 Mar 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

2 Nephi 31:16

And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved.

Book of Mormon

Alma 21:1-23

What does it mean to be "zealous for keeping the commandments of God?"

New Testament "He Is Risen"

Matt 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10

General Conference

Come Follow Me

President Russell M. Nelson

"Jesus Christ teaches the way back to our eternal home. He understands our Heavenly Father's plan of eternal progression better than any of us. After all, He is the keystone of it all. He is our Redeemer, our Healer, and our Savior."

We sold three books today: "Dimensions of Human Behavior," "Leadership and Nursing Care Management," and "Arrhythmia Recognition." 

As I was thinking about my day yesterday I realized that in Relief Society I learned about the importance of repentance and then Sunday evening I watched two TV shows, one which was not Sabbath appropriate. I could say I was home alone and the TV keeps me company but that is a cop out. I need to do better. I should have read from my book about President Nelson.

On my way out of town this morning I stopped at the Vernon post office to speak with Debbie, the postmistress. (Is that right?)

I told her I would be gone out of town until Saturday and I was expecting quite a few books and asked her to please hold them for me. I had to sign a paper giving them permission to hold my mail. 

Debbie asked me where I was going and when I told her to our timeshare in the valley she said, "I'm going to be gone too, but I'm going somewhere better, Durango." Little does she know I don't ever leave my condo unless absolutely necessary and I crank the air conditioner down to wherever it feels good.

My trip was pretty uneventful until I got to Star Valley where I had to wait over 30 minutes for road construction. James is waiting to take me to lunch before he goes to work at Hatch's Dental so I had to tell him I would be 30 minutes later than expected.

After unpacking the car James and I headed for Pei Wei for lunch. He said he wasn't hungry so I suggested we order the lettuce wraps to share, which we did. I also ordered a salad with orange chicken.

My spicy chicken salad is no longer on the menu.

We finished the lettuce wraps in no time.

I saved half my salad to take home with me.

Not as good as the spicy chicken.

James takes a short nap and is off to work at Hatch's around 3 pm. I am "home alone." I work on my book business, I'm still trying to buy 10 books a day, watch the Foodnetwork, and walk from the table through the door to the bedroom and bath, back around to the table, it's a nice circle. 

Not much else happened in Palm Court Rm 1069 here at the Sheraton Desert Oasis.

 Scarlett's a little blurry because this 

is a video.

I need to remember to pray for the firefighters.

 The hospital where Jared had his appendix out.

 Worth the wrestle

Sunday, June 23rd, 2019

Anchorage, Alaska

54th operating temple

Dedicated: 9 Jan 1999

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

1 John 4:17

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:19-30

New Testament "It Is Finished"

Review: Matt 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19

General Conference

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Tad R. Callister

"The Savior overcame the four obstacles that can prevent our spiritual progress. 

1. Death. 'As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.'

2. Sin The Savior overcame sin and guilt for all those who repent.

3. Afflictions and Infirmities. Alma prophesied that Christ 'shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind.' Why? 'That his bowels may be filled with mercy, ... that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.'

4. Weaknesses and imperfections. Because of His Atonement, the Savior has enabling powers, sometimes referred to as grace, that can help us overcome our weaknesses and imperfections and thus assist us in our pursuit to become more like Him."

Brother Thompson read a letter from the First Presidency during sacrament meeting today regarding strengthening home and family especially during the month of July which is designated as family month.

Two young women spoke about their experiences at girls camp. The highlight of the week seemed to be the bishop's night and testimony meeting. Sister MacArthur and Sister Reynolds also spoke and Sister Reynolds said the testimony meeting was the most spiritual meeting she had ever been to.

 Sister Curtis taught Relief Society based on President Oaks's conference talk, "Cleansed by Repentance." These are some of the questions we were asked to consider: 

1. Why do we need to repent?

2. What doors do we need to open in order to feel the Atonement in our lives?

3. Are we teaching our posterity about true repentance?

Here are some notes I took: 

*Sin is like a stumbling block. We all fall short. Compassion for others is so important.

*Guilt can be a good thing if it causes us to overcome sin and weaknesses. We can't let guilt weigh us down.

*The purpose of the Final Judgment is to determine whether we have achieved what Alma described as a "mighty change of heart" where we have become new creatures, with "no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually."

*Some sins need to be reported to priesthood leaders. Being comfortable and at-one with the Savior is vital so we will feel comfortable with Him in the next life. 

*Repent daily, even minute by minute. 

Sister Finnell gave us some homemade salsa and a thank you note for taking cookies to her after she broke her arm. It was delicious and James and I went home and had chips with cheese and salsa for lunch.

I made brownies for James this afternoon for him to take with him to the valley along with his banana nut muffins. He left around 5:20 pm. and will check in at the timeshare. I will leave in the morning after going to the post office and asking them to hold my mail.

This evening I blogged, had pancakes for dinner and watched "The Good Witch" and the new "Mystery 101."

I love this sweet girl!

 Young women who read their Book of Mormon went to

our timeshare to swim and relax in the sun.

Kilee and Shelly are pictured here. We also had Trenda

and LeeAnn.

 Scottish highlander calf

Scarlett

 LeeAnn and Cody were married yesterday

by Bishop Miller.

No, this wasn't LeeAnn's wedding cake.

She made her own with the help of

Sister Scott.

Saturday, June 22nd, 2019

Monticello, Utah
53rd operating temple
Dedicated: 26 July 1998
By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Book of Mormon

Alma 20:1-18

New Testament "It Is Finished"

Matt 27:57-66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

General Conference

Preparing for the Lord's Return

D. Todd Christofferson

"So ye, let us do all we can to relieve suffering and sorrow now, and let us devote ourselves more diligently to the preparations needed for the day when pain and evil are ended altogether, when 'Christ shall reign personally upon the earth; and ... the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.' It will be a day of redemption and judgment."

Sold the Book of Mormon, a Reader's Edition to someone in Salt Lake City. 

I slept in until 5. On most mornings that would be fine but not on the morning that we work in the temple. The things that woke me up was James turning the overhead lights on. I thought, why is he turning the lights on in the middle of the night?

Since I didn't take a shower last night I had to jump into the shower before getting dressed. I was ready to go by 5:40. Although James was stressed when we left, we made it to the temple in plenty of time. 

The Reidhead's and Brother Hatch did the training. President Reidhead quoted a scripture that I needed to hear today: "Be not afraid and only believe." 

As Sister Reidhead and I were looking at the daily ordinance schedule I realized that Delbert Allen Lambson, James's 76 year old cousin was going through to get his endowments today. His brother Neal was his escort. I wanted to tell James but then I realized he probably already knew because he was in doing initiatory. Oh, by the way, today is James's brother Gail's birthday.

I saw someone I used to know in Chandler at the temple today, Joanna Owens. She now lives in Seligman and it was her ward's temple day. She and her husband returned from serving a mission in South Africa in March.

Last time we were here I asked Sister Bradshaw about the pickles she brought for the potluck. She said they were from Fry's and they were Kroger brand. I got some the last time I was in the valley but they were bread and butter sugar free. When I asked if her pickles were sugar free she said, "No!" I didn't even get the bread and butter right, hers were hot and sweet. I guess I will try again while I'm in the valley.

One of my young women, LeeAnn got married at the Vernon chapel this afternoon. He husband has only been a member for four months but I am quite sure this couple will be sealed in the temple.

Sheri and Ian found a letter from Ben's mission president when they returned from San Diego. They should be so proud of Ben!

So grateful for Ben and his love of the Lord and his fellowman.

James went to visit our neighbors, the Elkins'. They just completed a fence around their property and across one side of our property. I believe James went to thank them. He came back and told me that they spent $25,000 on the side of the fence that borders our property. 

While James was gone I finished my walking while watching "Chopped Jr." When James got home we watched the latest Hallmark wedding movie, "The Last Bridesmaid" starring Paul Campbell and Rachel Boston. Paul is one of my favorites because he is usually pretty funny. Rachel overacts a little which makes her kind of annoying. This movie surprised me. Paul was serious and Rachel toned it down and I actually enjoyed her in this movie.

 Showing us her front teeth

 Joshua and the San Diego temple

He said the temple was leaking and they were

working on it while it was still open.

Nice picture of Stacy and Paul

 They left for home today but will always have

their memories.

 Sheri and Ian's boys in mosiac.

I think everyone missed Ben this year.

 Woodbury fire.

Being a little lazy this week.

Friday, June 21st, 2019

Preston, England

52nd operating temple

Dedicated: 7 June 1998

By: Gordon B. Hinckley

Jesus Christ, Exemplar

Hebrews 5:8

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Book of Mormon

Alma 19:22-36

New Testament "It Is Finished"

Matthew 27:51-56; Mark 15:39-41; Luke 23:47-49; John 19:31-37

General Conference

Great Love for Our Father's Children

Elder Quentin L. Cook

"As General Authorities assigned to work on 'Preach My Gospel' 15 years ago, we concluded that the attribute of love was essential to missionary work in our day, just as it has always been. Chapter 6, on Christlike attributes, including charity and love, has consistently been the most popular chapter among missionaries.

As emissaries of the Savior, most missionaries feel this kind of love, and when they do, their efforts are blessed. When members gain a vision of this kind of love, which is essential in assisting the Lord in His purpose, the Lord's work will be accomplished."

Sold "Lehningers Principles of Biochemistry" today. 

I spent most of the day buying books. My goal is to buy 10 a day for five days until textbook season which starts around the end of August, first of September. 

I promised James I would make banana nut bread with the four over ripe bananas we have. So I did, only instead of bread I made muffins. I accidentally poured in too much cinnamon at the end but it certainly didn't ruin the flavor. I also took the three loaves of frozen Rhodes bread dough and made rolls for the temple tomorrow.  For dinner I made homemade chicken noodle soup. It was quite delicious. James doesn't usually like chicken noodle soup but he likes mine.

While I was inside cooking James was outside washing the cars and the driveway, garage, and Razr. I think my job was easier and less messy. I always appreciate it when he washes our car before we go to the temple.

I watched "chopped" while walking this afternoon. Stacy, Paul, and Joshua joined family on the beach in San Diego today. Evan was excited to have his friend with him. 

Rowan is up here for scout camp this week but we didn't get to see him.

 So sweet!

 Miss Personality

 Ruby at Ruby Tuesday's

 I couldn't resist posting this card

Begging for food

San Diego: Relaxing, enjoying the 

scenery and the good food and entertainment.

 Looks like she has a buzz on one side.

 Shana, Alex, Michael

 Evan and Joshua